“I could hire you as my own bodyguard. You’d have a much better life than serving on that harsh, low-paying frontline.”
” …… “
Dometa eyed Lei Fa’s body hungrily.
Hazen then stepped forward with a troubled expression.
“Dometa, could you please not bother my friends so much?”
“What did you say?”
“Even though you have the great advantage of being from a prestigious noble family, they’ve judged you as not worth their time, and chosen a mere commoner like me as their friend. Do you understand the significance of that?”
Hazen smiled brightly, tilting his head.
“Tch…”
“If I were in your shoes, and had feelings for Emma, I would be so embarrassed that I would want to kill myself on the spot. But then again, you’re the kind of person who boasts about becoming an imperial general despite having grades that are among the absolute lowest, thanks to your family’s noble lineage and connections. So I suppose you wouldn’t be too bothered by it. Your sturdy, round build is almost enviable in a way.”
“…Ugh.”
The dark-haired youth flashed a carefree, disturbingly beautiful smile.
“And to add to that, I don’t think Lei Fa has even a shred of interest in you either.”
“H-how dare you say that!?”
Domei’s face flushed bright red, his veins pulsing as if they might burst.
“It’s obvious just by looking at her well-toned, beautiful body. If she was the type who liked chubby cheeks and a flabby belly like yours, it wouldn’t have turned out this way.”
“…Ugh.”
“In any case, you should go make friends with those poor saps who share your pathetic sense of identity as nobility, or find a lazy, three-chinned lover to have fun with. And if possible, I’d be delighted if you never, ever, in this lifetime or the next, had anything to do with me again. Well then, good day to you.”
Hazen left with a smile, and the two people behind him had faces as pale as death.
“Wh-What…?”
It was a scene that Hazen had witnessed many times during his school days. Regardless of who the target was, he showed no mercy. The moment he deemed someone an enemy, he would ruthlessly crush them. Hazen led such a strong-willed life, and as a result, he was overwhelmingly disliked by those around him. Of course, he had no friends other than the two people, but he didn’t care in the slightest.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“H-How could you say such things…you, you…”
“It’s the truth.”
“But there are some things you just shouldn’t say!”
“Why do you have to make more enemies!? Someday, you’ll be beaten up by everyone!”
“Haha.”
“…Ugh.”
Hazen completely ignored the two, who were pleading with tears in their eyes. He had already immersed himself in other thoughts.
“However, it’s worse than I imagined.”
The trunk of the Empire was undoubtedly thick and massive. But as a nation, it was too mature. It was clearly in a state of rot. Especially in the central Imperial Palace, he felt like he had glimpsed the depth of its darkness. He hoped that such things were not happening in the provinces.
“Well, my course of action remains the same. I’ll just do what I need to do.”
“But you should be careful in the Northern Garna District. That region has the Argeid Fortress, the pride of the Diode Duchy.”
“I see. So, if I were to capture that Argeid Fortress, that would be the solution, right?”
“But you can’t do that, obviously.”
Emma let out a deep sigh. After all, the fortress had remained impregnable for more than a decade. And she had heard that the Diode Duchy’s army was composed of formidable elite troops.
“…But I have to capture that place if I want to carve out the Diode Duchy’s territory, don’t I?”
“It’s not that simple. The most we can do is seize the territory of the Kumin tribe, who control the mountainous regions of the Northern Garna District.”
The Kumin tribe was a foreign ethnic group that dominated the mountainous areas of the Northern Garna District. They were enemies of both the Empire and the Diode Duchy, and fierce battles were reportedly being fought there day and night.
“I don’t deny the importance of subjugating foreign tribes, but I don’t find it particularly appealing. After all, the Empire is focusing more on expanding its flatlands than its mountain regions. Capturing the Diode Duchy’s territory would have greater strategic value.”
“That’s why I’m saying it’s impossible. Besides, that’s the domain of the higher-ups, isn’t it? A newly appointed officer like you would mostly just be doing menial tasks, anyway…”
“Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to make it work somehow.”
“…I’m starting to pity the Imperial officers, enemies, and everyone you’ll be facing in the Northern Garna District”
Hearing Emma’s words, Hazen smiled mischievously.
*
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
After leaving the capital, it took Hazen about 20 days by horse to reach the Northern Garna District. Normally, people would also transport their household belongings by carriage, but Hazen had extremely few possessions, so he arrived much earlier than the average nobleman.
As expected of the region guarding the narrow border with the Diode Duchy, the fortress looked exceptionally sturdy. Massive walls stood along the boundary separating the two countries’ territories.
Hazen immediately entered the fortress. There were no lavish decorations like those in the Imperial Palace; the construction was simple and efficiency-focused. He arrived at the military command room, knocked on the door, and entered, where several other military officers were standing.
“I am Hazen Heim, newly assigned here. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He saluted and introduced himself, but no one responded, and he received only cold stares. However, an elderly man sitting in a chair smiled and answered.
“So you’re the commoner-born officer. It’s been about 10 years since we’ve had one. I am Colonel Gedol Magno, the one in charge here. I’m counting on you.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You were assigned here from the rank of lieutenant, were you not? Then I’ll be placing you in the 8th platoon. There just happened to be an opening.”
“Understood.”
The Empire had both noble titles and military ranks. Noble titles were privileged positions granted to the aristocracy, while military ranks were assigned to officers. Obviously, as a commoner, Hazen did not have a noble title, but as a candidate for the officer corps, he would be in a position to command the junior officers, sergeants, corporals, privates, and soldiers.
“We’ll introduce the others to you gradually. Right now, we have an important matter to discuss. Until the summons is issued, please have the 8th platoon continue their training.”
“Understood.”
“Do you have any questions?”
“No.”
“I see…Then, be careful.”
“Yes.”
After giving his response, he left. A few seconds later, he placed his head against the door, and a voice could be heard from the military command room.
“What a surly fellow. For a commoner, that is. Oh well, he’ll be dead soon anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”
“But colonel is such not a good person. You has assigned him to the 8th squad, a group of ruffians. I doubt they will obediently follow the instructions of a new junior officer”
“It’s fine. Central Command must have dispatched him specifically for this purpose. A common officer as a general is unwanted by anyone. Especially an exceptional general…”
“……”
After hearing the mocking laughter, Hazen began walking down the hallway. It seems he is not very welcome. But throwing someone straight into a deadly situation is very military-like and direct – which actually suits Hazen’s personality better.
When he reached his room, Lei Fa, the guard, was standing there, looking rather sleepy from standing still for so long.
Hazen entered the room, holding a fang-like wand in his hand. This is called a magic wand, a tool used by mages to cast spells. The shape varies by type. The fang-like wand had a slender, flexible form, like a whip.
He arrived at the training grounds. It was a vast, open plain with no obstructions or buildings. The members of the 8th platoon were conducting their training there. There were about 40 people, with 5 military personnel supervising. It was likely martial arts training, but each person moved in a disorganized manner, and their coordination was lacking.
Hazen approached one of the supervisors, a middle-aged, chubby man with a stern expression.
“Is the lieutenant here?”
“Huh? Who are you?”
“I’m Hazen Heim, the new second lieutenant of the 8th platoon.”
“Ah, I see.”
The chubby middle-aged man gave a contemptuous smile.
“What’s your name?”
“I’m Chomo, the sergeant here. Well, you don’t need to remember it.”
“Why is that?”
When Hazen asked, Sergeant Chomo leaned in with a faint smile.
“It’s curious, you know. The lieutenants and second lieutenants who come here never last long.”
“I see. I understand what you’re implying. There is no lieutenant, and you sergeants are in charge of the commanding, is that right? Then, Sergeant Chomo, please gather everyone.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Don’t you understand? It’s a superior officer’s order.”
“You’re the new guy, so just stay quiet.”
Sergeant Chomo replied with a mocking chuckle.
“…Restrain him.”
At Hazen’s instruction, Lei Fa quickly moved behind the sergeant and held his arms.
“Gah… Damn woman! What are you doing? Let me go!”
Sergeant Chomo struggled desperately, but he was firmly held, unable to move.
“It’s useless. Her physical strength and skills far surpass yours.”
“Tch… You’ve got to be kidding me! Let go! Let go!”
“You have committed a crime. First, disobeying my order as your superior officer. Second, not immediately understanding the meaning of what I said. And lastly, giving orders to me, your superior officer. For these three offenses, I sentence you to a wand punishment.”
Hazen moved behind Sergeant Chomo and forcefully struck him with the magic wand.
“Aaaaargh!”
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