Volume 4, Chapter 1: Under the Banner of the Lion
Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
Ⅰ
Royal Capital Fizz, Letizia Castle
The birds that landed on the balcony pecked at each other’s beaks as if to confirm each other’s presence. In the lively woods, squirrels hung from their tails with their cheeks stuffed with the seeds of fairy peach.
It was noon, and the fragrance of tender leaves spread into the conference room with a gentle breeze.
Inside the room, the Generals commanding the various armies sat around the long table in the center of the room.
「Thank you everyone for taking the time to attend.」
With the host Cornelius Wym Curling chairing the meeting, gathered here were Deputy Commander of the First Army, General Lambert von Garcia, Commander of the Second Army, Lieutenant General Brad Enfield, Commander of the Sixth Army Lieutenant General Sara San Sivier, Commander of the Seventh Army General Paul von Balza, and Brigadier General Neinhart Blanche who would just be listening in, a total of six people.
After the greetings and salutations, everyone got into their seats.
Brad looked around the table and threw out a topic.
「Compared to the start of the war, this place is now less crowded…」
General Ladz Smythe of the Third Army.
General Linz Barth of the Fourth Army.
General Belmar Wim Heightnez of the Fifth Army.
The three generals who were present in this room before the war started had passed on. From what Neinhart heard, General Ladz and Linz were old friends of Brad since their Military Academy days. Neinhart also lost his best friend General Florentz during the battle of Arschmitz too.
That was why Brad’s tone sounded heavy.
「That’s true. Old men like me are still here, while the young ones passed on first… That’s war, an unreasonable thing.」
Paul sighed deeply and the air in the room turned heavy.
The one who broke the silence was Brad again.
「Lord Paul, you are still young and don’t look a day over 60.」
「Hah… Your flattery has not improved at all since your Military Academy days.」
Paul glanced at him coldly and Brad shriveled like a child who got scolded.
They might be a Generals leading an army now, but they were instructor and cadet during their time at the Academy. Their many exploits were still being passed down in the school, and Neinhart heard about them when he was a cadet.
「Hahah! Even Lightning Brad can’t lift his head before Paul.」
Lambert laughed heartily, and Brad’s embarrassment over that queer nickname made Lambert even happier.
「Speaking of which, Field Marshal Cornelius Sir, what’s the agenda for today’s meeting? You are not thinking about catching up on old times while the war is still ongoing, right?」
Sara forcefully changed the topic, and Cornelius nodded with an awkward face.
「Let’s start with the conclusion of this urgent summons— I’m thinking about setting up an Eighth Army, and just want to give you a heads up.」
— A new Eighth Army.
Not just Neinhart, everyone showed a troubled face. With the Third, Fourth and Fifth Army decimated, setting up a new army is to be expected. What they didn’t understand was his reason for gathering everyone during such trying times.
Cornelius was the Field Marshal in charge of the entire Royal Military, and Alphonse had officially granted him complete authority over military affairs. That meant Cornelius could mobilize the military at will. There was no need for him to notify the generals of his orders in advance.
「Did you need to run that by us in the first place?」
Paul asked Cornelius on behalf of the group.
「You can say that. Especially you, Paul, this involves you directly.」
Everyone’s eyes were on Paul now. Paul who was named wavered his eyes a little, then thought with his hand on his chin.
He thought of something and opened his eyes wide.
「Could it be, you want Major Olivia to command the Eighth Army?!」
「Your observation is as keen as always.」
When he locked eyes with the smiling Cornelius, Lambert spit out the tea in his mouth.
「Cough cough! — No, hold up, you want Major Olivia to command the Eighth Army? Isn’t that inadequate?」
Paying no mind to his uniform stained by the tea, Lambert shouted with his eyes wide open. He was already loud when he spoke, so it was only natural for Sara beside him to frown when he shouted.
「What’s so inconvenient with Major Olivia commanding the Eighth Army?」
Cornelius added some sugar into his tea cup and stirred it with a spoon. Movement and stillness— Brad watched the clear contrast between the two with interest.
「It’s not a matter of convenience. I admit that she is exceptionally strong in a fight, but leading a small unit is different from commanding an army, you understand that right, Field Marshal Sir? And she is just… teen...…」
「Sixteen.」
Paul said without any inflection in his voice.
「Right, like Paul said, she is just sixteen. In the entire history of the Kingdom, there had never been a sixteen year old army general. I strongly object.」
With that, Lambert lowered his gaze. He finally noticed his uniform was drenched, and started wiping himself down with a handkerchief from his pocket.
「— Yes, I understand Lambert’s opinion now, what about the rest? Don’t hold back, let me know how you really feel.」
Cornelius looked around the table.
The first to speak was Sara.
「I concur with Field Marshal Cornelius’s proposal. She might just be 16, which might seem too young— but compared to an empty figurehead like me, I believe she can utilize her army better. The best proof is her excellent strategy to rescue the Sixth Army.」
She ironically referred to herself as just a flower vase, and everyone smiled awkwardly. Her abilities might not be up to par, but no one present had any intention to criticize the Fourth Princess who stood in the frontlines as a representative of the Royal family.
On the other hand, Neinhart heard about the entire battle of Fort Peshita. Infiltrating the enemy base alone and capturing the enemy commander to lead her in— This was a tactic that only Olivia could pull off. The latter half of Sara’s words weren’t sarcastic at all, and she was serious about that.
「Yes, Lieutenant General Sara concurs… What about you, Lieutenant General Brad?」
「I’m of the same mind as the Princess. Her individual prowess is already confirmed, and as a strategist, that little girl— Major Olivia, is outstanding. If not for her timely aid, I won’t be sitting here today.」
Brad smiled with self mockery.
「Oh, it’s an honour for Lightning Brad to share the same opinion as me.」
「Your Highness…」
Sara smiled at Brad who was scratching his head. Lambert watched them quietly and let out a long sigh.
「I understand that Your Highness owes Major Olivia a favour during the battle of Fort Peshita, but this is a different matter. The same goes for you, Brad.」
「It’s true that I owe her a favour, but I’m speaking about the two matters separately. This is my judgement based on her incredible exploits thus far.」
「Maybe you are getting senile.」
Sara smiled at Brad again, who showed an awkward face in return. After that Brad and Lambert kept arguing about 「A severe lack of experience」 「Experience can be supplemented by talent」.
In the end, Brad concluded as he scratched his head.
「I’m still the commander of the Second Army. I only saw that girl’s action in the Central War Theatre, but I can see she is capable of taking up this post. We won a few battles recently, but we barely pulled through by the skin of our teeth, we can’t spare the effort to complain about age or precedence. That’s my humble opinion.」
「Ughh…」
Lambert crossed his arms with a bitter expression.
(By the skin of our teeth… It is as Lieutenant General Brad says. One false move and we would have sunk under the ice with no chance of floating up.)
They won in the end, but the Second and Seventh Army suffered heavy casualties. The First Army also exposed it’s low combat readiness during the battle with the Sun Knights, which wasn’t something to be taken lightly. In a word, the Royal Army was in tatters. Considering the intense battles that lie ahead of them, Lambert fell silent.
Which meant he understood Brad’s opinion to some extent.
Neinhart held the same opinions as Sara and Brad, and doesn't see age and precedent as the reason to reject this proposal. The girl’s accomplishment as a mere commander of a sub unit was too great. If this went unaddressed, it would upset the balance within the military.
「Well then, what do you intend to do about her rank, Field Marshal Sir? No one would accept a mere Major commanding an Army, right? That’s not a problem of precedence anymore.」
The lowest rank needed to command an Army was Brigadier General, so it’s only natural for Lambert to raise this point. They would become laughingstocks if others learned that a Major was commanding an Army.
Everyone waited intently for Cornelius’ response. The subject in question took a sip of tea and said slowly.
「Of course I know that. As for the issue of her rank, we will be promoting her for her accomplishments in a few days. Based on her achievement, I intend to promote Olivia Valedstorm to the rank of Major General.」
Brad gasped in awe and Sara showed a face of approval.
Lambert who was staring at the ceiling gave a long sigh.
「She’s fast tracked to a Major General, huh… it will be fine if she’s a Major General. Field Marshal Sir, as you already know, Neinhart here is just a Brigadier General?」
He said with a glance at Neinhart. Sensing that Lambert was urging him to speak, Neinhart smiled wryly in his heart.
(It’s troubling for me to speak up here…)
An Army was a world of meritocracy, except for some exceptions. If you earn war merits, you will get promoted. A subordinate suddenly becoming a superior was not uncommon in this world.
Neinhart admitted there had never been a five grade skip promotion before, but when Olivia was involved, anything was possible.
「Sir Lambert, I heard the founding King Julius Zu Farnesse prioritized martial prowess above all else. If King Julius was here, he would agree without any hesitation. And of course, I have no objections either.」
Neinhart used the Founding King as his example, clearly expressing his unwillingness to comment further.
「— That might be so, but Major Olivia has enlisted less than two years, correct? If it’s Neinhart who has outstanding accomplishments and connections, then I will agree readily.」
However, the discussion didn’t develop in the direction Neinhart hoped for. Lambert even bluntly recommended Neinhart. I wish he will stop— Neinhart thought in his heart.
「Sir Lambert, it’s fine if the subject himself agrees, correct? And talking about accomplishments, I don’t know any other person who can achieve so much in so short a time.」
Neinhart nodded to thank Sara for her support, and Sara blinked in reply. Her actions were not very Royal-like, but that was what made her popular with the soldiers.
「Pardon me, but Your Highness might not understand the pride of a man. Furthermore, we are talking about Neinhart here.」
「The pride of a man, huh…?」
It was just as Lambert says, Sara tilted her head puzzlingly.
「That’s right, a man’s pride.」
Lambert raised his chest proudly. And the subject in question, Neinhart, thought to himself 『So I had that sort of pride, huh.』
Lambert seemed to have noticed that Neinhart wasn’t aware of a man’s pride. Neinhart was grateful that he had a kind superior, but he had to stop Lambert before he said any more strange things.
Neinhart coughed and sat up straight.
「I’m honored that the revered Sir Lambert regards me highly. But if we think about who the Empire considers to be a bigger threat, Major Olivia or me, then we will reach an answer— I’m still not capable enough.」
There was no question that Death God Olivia struck fear into the Imperial Army. Right now, the Royal Army didn’t need a mere mortal like him, but an up and coming hero with overwhelming martial prowess like Olivia.
「… Well, if Neinhart has no objections, then it’s fine…」
Lambert reluctantly averted his face. He seemed unhappy with the conversation and his eyes were filled with disappointment.
Cornelius who was listening quietly turned to Paul who held his hands together before him in silence.
「You haven’t said anything so far. What’s your take on this, Paul?」
Everyone looked at Paul again.
「… To be honest, I’m against this.」
Paul’s reaction was within expectations to Neinhart. Unlike Lambert who nodded with a 「Paul knows his stuff」, Neinhart knew Paul wasn’t willing to let Olivia go because of his attitude towards her.
Cornelius stroked his beard and said.
「Hmm, so you are against this, Paul…」
「To avoid any misunderstandings, let me say this first. I’m not objecting for the reasons Lambert stated.」
Lambert shot Paul with a sharp gaze. A normal person would shut up just from that gaze, but Paul wasn’t fazed.
「I’m just worried about the Seventh Army weakening. Major Olivia and her autonomous cavalry is indispensable to the Seventh Army now.」
「That can’t be helped.」
Cornelius nodded.
「If I can be wilful, I want to keep her by my side. She’s as cute as my own granddaughter after all.」
After saying that, Paul lowered his gaze a little sullenly. Brad stared with his eyes wide open at Paul. The better someone knew Paul, the greater the impact would be. After all, Paul was the furthest thing from his internationally renowned nickname of 『Demon God』.
「Lieutenant General Brad, what’s the matter…?」
As a Royal, Sara was unaware of the relationship between Paul and Brad, so she was surprised. But Lambert's reaction was also unexpected as he sighed with a shake of his head.
On the other hand, Cornelius stared right at Paul. It was clear that he was shocked too, but it wasn’t as obvious as Brad.
Neinhart thought that Paul and Brad had a better relationship than it seems.
「That Instructor Paul actually showed such a face, am I in a nightmare? Ladz and Linz in the underworld might get scared into the world of the living from this…」
Paul stared coldly at Brad.
「… I see, I know how you think of me now. Looks like I have to take some time out to have a word with you.」
「P-Please spare me from that.」
Brad shrinked his neck back like a turtle, and Paul snorted coldly.
After that, Lambert’s face remained sour, but by the time the room was dyed red by the setting sun, it was officially decided that Olivia would be appointed as the founding commander of the Eighth Army.
They also decided on their next plan.
「—— Well then, let’s sound the horn for the Imperial Army’s counterattack with this.」
With Cornelius’s declaration, everyone stood and saluted.
The plan was named—— Dawn of the Lion Pride.
The first mission of the Eighth Army—— Invading the Imperial capital Orsted.
Ⅱ
Three days after the war conference in Leticia.
Right now, Olivia—— was spending everyday playing with kids until dusk. But relax, that didn’t mean she was slacking off her military duties.
After finding out the reason for the Valedstorm house’s demise, she was about to return to Windsam Castle, the base of the Seventh Army, when Cornelius ordered her to stay in the Capital.
As the festive atmosphere in the city died down, the gentle sunlight basked the land on this spring day——
「One more time!」
Olivia’s energetic voice echoed in the plaza.
「Enough already! Olivia onee-san will use that 『Fleet Footed Rush』 thing right? Didn’t I tell you that’s too sly!?」
The girl with a large red ribbon on her light brown hair lightly hit Olivia’s stomach. Her name was Patty Sullivan, the only daughter of Akagi and Anne, owners of the 『Grey Crow Pavilion』 where Olivia was lodging.
「Ahaha, sorry, I used it without realizing~」
Patty looked right at Olivia who was scratching her cheeks.
「Muu—— Olivia onee-san, are you the type who can’t take a loss?」
「Well, I don’t think so.」
Olivia said as she thought back to the only time she almost lost to Ashton in Military Chess. When Ashton was smiling confidently, Olivia suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed onto the board.
And of course, the game was ruined. She could still clearly remember Ashton’s face, who looked as if he saw the end of the world. She even kindly advised Ashton 『The most dangerous moment is when you are sure of victory』. He threw a chess piece at her with the face of a demon.
「During times like this, you should let the kids win.」
「Why do I have to let kids win?」
If this was war, there were times when you should feign defeat to catch the opponent off guard. But this was just hide and go seek, so Olivia didn’t understand the rationale of giving up the win.
She tilted her head quizzingly, and Patty haughtily lifted a finger.
「This is the condition for being a mature and good woman.」
「Mature and good woman?」
「That’s right. Since Olivia onee-san is an outstanding maiden, you have to remember this well.」
Patty acted like an all-knowing instructor and taught Olivia. Even though she was called an outstanding maiden, Olivia didn’t understand what that meant and just fudged through it with a laugh. At this moment, Patty’s playmate Griffin Noah suddenly showed himself from the bushes.
「Oh, I found Griffin!」
Olivia pointed with gusto.
「You didn’t find me, I came out myself.」
「Why did you come out by yourself?」
Griffin with his trademark green scarf around his neck sighed tiredly.
「Because I waited so long, and Olivia Onee-san didn’t seem to be looking for me—— So, Olivia Onee-san used 『Fleet Footed Rush』 again?」
「That’s right, you tell Olivia Onee-san off too, Griffin.」
On Patty’s urging, Griffin stood before Olivia. Olivia’s gaze on Griffin made him blush, and he said softly.
「B-Be careful next time.」
「Yes, got it!」
「Hey Griffin! Why do you always, always, always, blush before Olivia Onee-san!?」
Patty stamped her feet as she approached Griffin. But Griffin turned his head away to feign innocence.
To Olivia, Griffin’s face had obviously turned red. For some reason, when Olivia stared at him, Griffin would turn red like a cooked octopus. Not just Griffin, Ashton and the other men were the same too.
In the beginning, Olivia suspected that they contacted Red pancreatic disease—— a type of disease that was spread by bugs. The face of those infected would turn red, followed by the onset of a high fever. In the worst case scenario, it could be fatal, it was a fearsome disease.
Olivia forced the reluctant Ashton to drink the medicine she brewed, but his face would still turn red. She tried making the other men drink the medicine too, but to no avail. It didn’t work, but there weren’t symptoms of high fever either, so Olivia concluded that men were just that sort of creature.
By the way, Ellis who was a woman also blushed frequently. Evansin said 『My sister got a unique illness that even the doctors can’t cure. Please pay it no mind, Major Olivia』. He even apologized, so that was an exception.
「Muu, Griffin is going to be Patty’s groom in the future! It’s already decided that we will inherit the 『Grey Crow Pavilion』! So you must never be unfaithful!」
「G-Got it.」
Griffin, who was intimidated by the fierce Patty, answered in a mosquito-level volume, then stole a glance at Olivia. When Olivia smiled, his face turned even redder. Patty wasn’t going to let this go.
They were just like how Akagi and Anne acted when they quarreled, she was like a carbon copy of Anne.
「So you are here, Major…」
Claudia who appeared around the corner of the plaza sighed in relief after finding Olivia. She flicked her golden locks back out of habit and quickened her pace.
「What a coincidence, Claudia. You here to play hide and go seek too—— Hmm? What’s wrong, Griffin?」
She realized Griffin who was being questioned by Patty was behind Olivia before she knew it and tugged her sleeve. Moving behind me without being detected, his sneakiness could rival Z—— Olivia sighed in awe. With training, he might make a great swordsman.
「Is that pretty Onee-san one of Olivia Onee-san’s friend?」
Griffin was very curious as he peeked at Claudia through her sleeve. When Claudia looked his way, he would hide behind Olivia. He was acting the same he did when Patty introduced him to Olivia.
「Oh right, this is the first time you are meeting her, Griffin. This is my comrade and friend, Claudia.」
Olivia pushed Griffin to Claudia. Griffin was hesitant at first, but——
「N-Nice to meet you. I’m Griffin Noah, five years old.」
He opened his hands bashfully and waved in greeting. Claudia had a fluffy smile that Olivia had never seen before.
「You can greet others properly even though you are so young, that’s wonderful. I’m Claudia Jung.」
「Ehehe… Claudia Onee-san, want to play hide and go seek?」
Griffin invited Claudia a little bashfully. Claudia squatted down and looked Griffin in the eyes.
「Sorry, I have military duties—— I still have work to do with Olivia Onee-san in the castle, so I can’t play.」
「I see…」
Seeing Griffin turn sullen, Claudia smiled troublingly and patted his blonde hair.
「Can you let me join next time?」
「Yes, got it, I will invite you next time.」
Griffin nodded his head like a bobble head doll sold at the street side stalls. Patty who was watching showed a scary expression for a five years old child. She grabbed Griffin by the collar and dragged him to a corner of the plaza.
When Olivia saw this scene, she thought about the scary imp featured in the drawing book 《Unlimited Chef Works》. I hope Griffin doesn't get tossed into a pot and get cooked alive— she worried for him.
Waving goodbye to Griffin who was sending SOS signals with his eyes, Olivia turned to Claudia who was looking at Griffin with a similar worried face.
「They sent a message?」
「Yes, Field Marshal Cornelius wants to speak to you directly.」
「He really made me wait so long. Do you know what’s that about, Claudia?」
「They didn’t say, but it’s probably related to promotions.」
Claudia was smiling brilliantly, she really likes promotions. Olivia decided to leave the plaza before she made any speeches.
Olivia turned back, and in her pupils was the reflection of Griffin sitting in seiza getting smaller as she moved further away.
Ⅲ
Letizia Castle, Field Marshal Cornelius’s Office.
「My apologies for keeping you for so long.」
「No, you are too kind.」
When Claudia first entered Cornelius’ office, she sighed a little in her heart. The room’s decor was befitting of a Field Marshal, and were all top class. Aside from daily necessities, armours and weapons were displayed neatly.
The most prominent of all is the sword hanging on the left wall. There was an icy bluish white gleam on the sword that was shorter than the norm. The golden hilt was engraved with the symbol of the Lemuria Kingdom —— a double headed snake
(So this is the one of a kind legendary sword, Lemuria, huh. Amazing.)
Cornelius's voice snapped Claudia out of her trance.
「You can admire it as much as you like later. Do take a seat for now.」
Claudia turned and saw that Cornelius and Olivia had already sat down. Realizing that she was acting impolitely, her face flushed red.
「P-Pardon my impudence!」
Claudia quickly lowered her head in apology and sat down beside Olivia. As she adjusted her sitting posture and looked Olivia's way, she saw Olivia had already laid her hands on the snacks. Claudia felt dizzy at the sight of that.
「Major! How could you snack wantonly!?」
「Ehhh? But I got permission, Lord Cornelius said that I could.」
Olivia didn't stop her hands while speaking to Claudia. Olivia looked absolutely blissed as she munched on the snacks.
「Field Marshal Sir, allow me to apologize again!」
Claudia almost banged her head on the table when she bowed. Even if she was granted permission, she shouldn't eat in such an insolent manner. This was the Field Marshal's office, not a place to relax. If Otto learned of this, he wouldn't let the matter rest so easily.
Her sweating that stopped had started rolling down her back again.
「Lieutenant Claudia, raise your head.」
「Yes Sir!」
After timidly lifting her head, what Claudia saw was Cornelius' smiling face. The Field Marshal didn't seem to be mad, which was a relief for Claudia. On closer look, Cornelius's eyes were gentle, as if he was looking at his adorable grandchild.
「Major Olivia, are the snacks tasty?」
「Yes, super delish!」
「Please use a formal tone!」
She was stressed enough to get stomach ulcers, but Claudia still did her duty to advise Olivia in her choice of words. freeweb novel. com
「——Ahem, it is absolutely delightful.」
Olivia paid no heed to Claudia's worries and started swaying her legs with a happy smile—— Claudia really felt like running away from the room.
「It's good, huh? I think so too, since my old lady is famous for her pastries. When I told her about Major Olivia, she got up early to make plenty of snacks. My old lady will be happy to know that you like them. Lieutenant Claudia, don't hold back, try one.」
Cornelius offered her a silver tray with a smile. Claudia gulped at the sight of the tray full of pastries.
(So it's handmade by that great person……)
Speaking of Cornelius' wife Sabrina Wym Curling, she long reigned over the high social circles, and was full of majesty and magnanimity. A great woman with the nickname 『Empress』.
There was a great story about her.
Lunar Calendar Year 960. Aiming for the gap when Cornelius and his subordinates were away from his territory, Galbera attempted a revolt. Sabrina put on her armour majestically and attacked with the small garrison unit under the cover of night. Galbera was careless and she crushed his basecamp. Sabrina fought in the frontlines and splendidly killed Galbera.
When he learned of the revolt, Cornelius rushed back and found the blood soaked Sabrina saying with a smile——
『The scum who attempted a revolt in our territory has failed.』
Hence, Sabrina was still very influential even though she retired from high society. Even the fearsome Lambert would behave himself in her presence.
If her mother Elisabeth learned that Claudia didn't sample the pastry made personally by that person, she would faint on the spot.
(Can't be helped, just think of this as part of my military duties.)
Claudia convinced herself with that and timidly took a piece. She put it in her mouth, and a gentle sweetness slowly spread.
(Well, it is delicious, but……)
However, Claudia just wanted to swallow it quickly and didn't have the heart to savour the taste. To escape from this interrogation-like situation, she straightened her back and got right into business.
「Field Marshal Sir, regarding today's summon……」
「Hmm?—— Oh, that's right. I almost forgot about the main agenda, age is getting to me.」
Cornelius said as he pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper to Olivia. Olivia browsed it and quickly lost interest, passing it off to Claudia.
After nodding to the two of them, Claudia checked the contents of the paper. It stated the new Eighth Army would be formed with Olivia appointed as its inaugural commander, and also her promotion to Major General.
(This…… is way beyond my expectations, I didn't expect them to go this far……)
If Claudia remembered correctly, there had never been a Major General under the age of 20. Even more so for the commander of an army.
Even the member of the Royal family, Lieutenant General Sara of the Sixth Army, was appointed as a Major General when she was 20 years old. Which means this is another accomplishment in Olivia's history of heroic exploits.
Before the excited Claudia could speak, Cornelius said:
「The details will be given at a later date, and this is the agenda for this meeting. Any objections so far?」
When asked, there was a gleam in Olivia's dark eyes as she thought of something.
「A Major General ranks higher than a Senior Colonel, right?」
「Hmm? I don't quite get the point of your question, but that is correct.」
Olivia snickered and told Cornelius she understood. Claudia knew better than anyone else that Olivia wasn’t interested in making it big. That was why Claudia sighed deeply in her heart as she realized the reason why Olivia accepted this so readily.
「Ahem. As of this moment, Olivia Valedstorm is promoted to the rank of Major General, and appointed as the inaugural commander of the Eighth Army.」
「Yes Sir! Major General Olivia hereby accept the post as the inaugural commander of the Eighth Army!」
Olivia stood up swiftly from the couch and gave a formal salute. The only flaw would be the crumbs on her uniform falling off. Cornelius nodded with satisfaction and turned his gaze towards Claudia.
「As for you, Lieutenant Colonel Claudia, please continue to assist Major General Olivia as her adjutant.」
「Yes Sir! … Pardon me, Field Marshal Sir.」
「Yes?」
「Am I a…… Lieutenant Colonel?」
Suspecting that her ears were wrong, Claudia couldn’t help asking Cornelius. Putting exceptions like Olivia aside, she understood that bigger than normal promotions would be given to raise morale during tough situations. Even so, a triple promotion was still rare. From what Claudia remembered, no one from her academy batch managed that—— More accurately speaking, Liz had not achieved that yet.
Cornelius looked at the troubled Claudia with a wry smile.
「Dissatisfied with being a mere Lieutenant Colonel?」
「N-No Sir! I will continue to do my best as Major General Olivia’s adjutant!」
There was no way she was unhappy, her parents would be overjoyed to learn that. Claudia straightened her back and saluted with utmost respect.
「I see, I will be expecting great things from you.」
「Yes Sir!」
After chatting idly for a while more, the two left the room. Cornelius sat down at his desk, pulled the drawer at the top right and took out a delicate letter with the faint smell of perfume.
(Well then, what should I do about this……)
It came from a small nation to the west of the Dubedirica continent.
Cornelius focused on the letter sent from the Holy Nation of Mekia.
Ⅳ
After leaving Cornelius’s office, the two of them walked along the passageway in the courtyard. Claudia suddenly stopped.
「What’s wrong?」
Olivia looked back and saw Claudia’s face was more serious than usual.
「Your Excellency, I will take my leave first.」
「Ehh? It’s noon, let’s eat together in the Mess Hall.」
Olivia took out a silver pocket watch and showed Claudia that both hands were pointed to the top. She ate quite a bit of snacks, but that was different from a meal. If she didn’t eat a proper meal, the orchestra in her stomach would start to play.
「My apologies. I want to accompany you, Madam, but with the founding of the Eighth Army, there is much work to do. I don’t even want to waste time on lunch.」
Claudia’s words made Olivia tilt her head, she couldn’t fathom how setting up the Eighth Army was more important than food. Both the books and Olivia herself firmly believed that an army couldn’t fight on an empty stomach.
As she was thinking about that, Claudia who was alternating her gaze between Olivia’s brand new Major General insignia on her collar and Olivia’s face laughed happily.
—— Scary.
That was Olivia’s honest feelings.
「I-I see. I will go to the Mess Hall alone then.」
Judging that she shouldn’t stay, Olivia promptly left. Claudia saluted with a serious expression—— maybe it was just a psychological effect, but her back seemed straighter than usual.
「Yes Mdm! Please enjoy your lunch. I will bid my leave now, Your Excellency.」
「Y-Yes. See you later.」
Olivia sent Claudia with a stiff wave. Claudia muttered 「it’s going to get busy」, and left with a spring in her steps.
After watching Claudia go with a fearful face, Olivia obediently headed to the Senior Officer Mess Hall. She visited several times already, so she didn’t get lost.
(Hmm… Speaking of which, she was emphasizing on the ‘Excellency’ term. Claudia always called me by my rank, so it doesn’t feel too out of place… Excellency, huh… Should I put on airs? General Paul and Lord Cornelius are friendly, but the others are haughty…)
Noticing her reflection on the window, Olivia crossed her arms in a dignified posture. She didn’t pay much attention to her uniform, but felt the dark green uniform suited her and meshed well with her silver hair.
Unfortunately, she didn’t look dignified at all. The troubled Olivia tried different poses, but they all lacked something.
(Putting on air doesn’t suit me after all. Anyway, I don’t know how to do that in the first place… But I still want to try it once!)
With random thoughts in her head, Olivia stepped forth once again. At this moment, a man with a serious face and walking with precise steps that seemed to be carefully calculated appeared—— an old acquaintance of Olivia, Otto.
(Aha! The rank of Major General gets to be useful immediately. This must be the guidance of the Goddess Citresia!)
Flicking the golden rank insignia on her collar happily, Olivia made a pretentious cough. She held her hands behind her to act like a big shot.
Otto who noticed Olivia swiftly stepped aside to the wall and saluted.
(Uwah! Uwah! Adjutant Otto is saluting me! This is big news!)
Olivia tried to stifle her smile amidst her surprise. It seems that news of her promotion had reached Otto’s ears.
「Ara ara! Adjutant Otto, it’s been a while.」
Going off on her whim, Olivia used a very pretentious tone. She took reference from the traitor Dominique she met in Fort Glacise, since he was the most pretentious person she ever met.
But Otto wasn’t fazed.
「Yes, it’s been a long time since our last meeting, Major General Olivia.」
He used formal speech too.
「Pfft!」
「…… Did I say something amusing, Your Excellency?」
Otto looked at Olivia who couldn’t contain her laughter in surprise. She had gotten used to it now, but she still hated formal speech—— but to Olivia right now, it sounded as pleasant as the chirping of the birds.
「No, don’t mind me. It has really been a while, you seem to be doing well.」
Olivia, who was getting cocky, tried patting Otto’s shoulder. Normally, he would lash out at her. If there was a table nearby, he would slam it loudly. Since Otto loved to slam tables.
Otto looked at his right shoulder without saying anything special.
「Yes, thank you for your concern. I’m glad to see Major General Olivia is as lively as ever.」
By the way, I heard when a subordinate suddenly becomes a superior, the former superior will show a sour face—— Olivia thought as she looked at Otto’s emotionless face.
Olivia was completely unconcerned with hierarchies, and is just happy to minimize the use of formal speech. But that wasn’t the only reason she accepted this promotion.
Olivia couldn’t tell what Otto actually felt, but he didn’t look unhappy at all, as if Olivia had always been his superior. As expected of the 『Iron Mask』.
「Yes, I’m always lively—— I mean, I have always been in good health. Are your wife and kids doing well? If I recall correctly—— they resides in the capital, correct?」
「… Yes, they are residents of the capital as you say, they are healthy and well.」
Otto frowned at that, probably feeling something was weird. Olivia did ask that, but not because she was interested in his Otto. Or rather, who would be interested in people they didn’t even know the name and faces of? She was just just mimicking the chatter about family she heard from a bureaucrat before.
「Hmm, that’s wonderful. You haven’t seen your family for a while, adjutant Otto, that must make you happy, right?」
「… Yes, that is true.」
Olivia nodded exaggeratedly.
「And of course, I want to meet Z again too. Well then, work hard on your duties then.」
When the giggly Olivia was about to leave, 「Major General, a moment please?」—— these words that could freeze her blood stopped her. Olivia turned her head back like a swivel on rusty gears.
「W-What is it?」
A Major General is higher than a Senior Colonel, a Major General is higher than a Senior Colonel—— she kept repeating in her heart.
「… Your rank insignia is crooked. Your uniform is a little unkempt, an untidy attire will ruffle one’s heart too. As a commander, you need to be a role model to the troops. Even more so for the commander of an army. Please keep that in mind.」
Otto reached out to Olivia’s collar and quickly straightened her rank insignia.
「Thank you very much.」
Olivia said in a formal tone, and it was too late when she covered her mouth in a panic. Otto’s expression turned stern as he stared at Olivia.
「… That won’t do, a superior mustn’t use formal speech to their subordinates.」
「My deepest apology.」
She used formal speech again with a polite bow.
Even though she hated formal speech, it came out naturally. Is this a curse Otto put on me? Olivia groaned in her mind——
「Oh? Right after I gave my humble opinion, Your Excellency spoke formally again? This is troubling, Major General Mdm, you need be more firm in your attitude in order to issue orders to your subordinates.」
Otto started his absolutely merciless lecture. He kept droning on about the 「importance of self discipline」 「Value your subordinates more than before」 with no signs of stopping. This was no different from before, and the reason for her promotion to Major General was becoming murky.
As he went on, Otto even touched on the cleanliness of her room. No no no, that has nothing to do with this—— Olivia wanted to protest loudly, but that would definitely invite an even more terrible fate, so she gave up on it.
(How much longer will he go…)
Otto seemed to have forgotten how to shut his mouth. Even though Olivia would cast pleading gazes at the officers walking past the corridor, they didn’t do anything else except saluting—— at best, they just looked at her with pity and sympathy.
(Why isn’t anyone helping me? If Ashton is here… No, Ashton isn’t good with adjutant Otto either. Claudia, Claudia will definitely save me…)
I should have forcefully dragged Claudia to the Mess Hall—— Olivia regretted, her good mood completely ruined.
However, this was her own doing, so she didn’t have the right to complain to anyone… People shouldn’t attempt things they couldn’t do—— Olivia thought to herself.
「Like I said——」
A sudden 「Pomf」 drew Otto’s eyes away from Olivia. Someone had dropped a bundle of documents on the passageway, and was frantically picking them up.
(I don’t know who you are, but that’s a big help! This is a great chance!)
Seizing the momentary gap in Otto’s words, Olivia immediately conveyed her thanks. If she continued listening, her mind would become a mess.
「… Thank you for listening to my humble advice. It’s a little late, but allow me to congratulate you on your promotion to Major General, and your appointment as the commander of the Eighth Army.」
「Y-Yes. Farewell then.」
Otto smiled wryly at Olivia who was speaking nonsense, then saluted again. In order to escape quickly, Olivia saluted as she walked off. A voice behind her said 「Please walk slowly in the corridors!」.
Olivia fled with all her might.
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