SWNOVELXO Chapter 38 - They Don't Entrust Tasks to Company-Grade Officers
Chapter 38
They Don’t Entrust Tasks to Company-Grade Officers
『 Translator – Divinity 』
Following Daniel’s orders, Lieutenant McCael and the soldiers captured the enemy commanders and soldiers.
Some officers gritted their teeth with displeasure during the capture, but no incidents occurred.
This was because Daniel had given the order beforehand to “kill anyone who resists.”
These were the people who had joined the evacuation, prioritizing their own lives over those of their soldiers.
With their lives on the line, they had no choice but to act docile.
After capturing all the Kingdom Army commanders and soldiers, Lieutenant McCael ordered the radio operator to inform the Imperial Army Division Headquarters.
The radio operator did so, and the division headquarters replied in the affirmative.
They added that they would immediately send an escort unit to their location if they provided their coordinates.
Lieutenant McCael chuckled at how ridiculously easy everything was going.
‘Now…’
The division headquarters would spread the news of the capture of the Ironclad Division Commander to both the Imperial Army and the Kingdom Army.
This would boost the morale of the Imperial Army and drastically lower the morale of the enemy.
Some enemy soldiers, unaware that their Division Commander had fled, would try to confirm the truth of the Imperial Army’s claims, and in the process, chaos and fear would inevitably ensue.
It was like putting an end to a battle that was already in the Empire’s favor.
‘And the one who led this battle from beginning to end…’
…was Captain Daniel Steiner, standing alone on the pier, gazing at the coastline.
‘When I first saw him, I thought he was just a desk jockey from the General Staff Headquarters.’
But now, he was a genius strategist with a terrifyingly sharp mind.
As Lieutenant McCael looked at Daniel with admiration, Sergeant Glendy approached.
“Isn’t it amazing? Not only did he discover the enemy’s supply route and suggest using it against them, but now he’s even captured the enemy commanders? Honestly, I still can’t believe it.”
Lieutenant McCael chuckled and nodded in agreement.
“I feel the same way. How many people would believe that all these operations came from a single person’s mind? In that sense, we might be witnessing history in the making.”
“…History, sir?”
“Yes. Think about it. Isn’t the Battle of Nordia, which we just experienced, worthy of being recorded in history books? I don’t know about ordinary officers like us, but the Company Commander’s name will definitely be included.”
Indeed, the name of someone who had achieved so many merits couldn’t be omitted from the history books.
Sergeant Glendy chuckled and said,
“Thinking about it makes me feel excited. We served under someone who might be praised as a hero of the Empire in the future! There’s no better story to tell over drinks.”
A hero of the Empire. It seemed like an exaggeration, but he did think that the future Daniel might be worthy of such a title.
“There’s a more fitting title than ‘hero of the Empire.'”
Just then, Frienne stepped between Sergeant Glendy and Lieutenant McCael.
Startled by her sudden appearance, they watched as Frienne spoke,
“In my opinion, Captain Daniel is a saint sent by God to protect the Empire, which has been endangered by the attacks of the bestial Allied Nations.”
Frienne narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at Daniel and gave a faint smile.
“Captain Daniel will surely show those Allied beasts the fires of hell. And then, only the people of the Empire and those who follow them will remain on this land.”
McCael and Glendy couldn’t help but sweat at Frienne’s radical ideology.
Although they also longed for the destruction of the Allied Nations and the victory of the Empire, they didn’t believe in punishing everyone except the people of the Empire.
They had sensed it since the battle with the supply battalion, but there was a hint of madness in this woman’s eyes.
However, they couldn’t criticize the loyalty Frienne displayed.
Glendy, sensing the tension, cleared his throat to lighten the mood.
“By the way, what are you thinking about while looking at the sea, Company Commander?”
At Glendy’s question, Lieutenant McCael turned his gaze to Daniel.
He had achieved the merit of capturing the enemy commanders, so he should be happy, but Daniel was simply staring at the sea with a somewhat gloomy expression.
He was truly an enigmatic figure.
“How could ordinary people like us possibly understand the thoughts of a genius? But if I may speculate, he’s probably thinking about the various matters that need to be handled after the war.”
“Indeed. It’s highly likely that the Company Commander is doing just that.”
As Glendy and McCael watched with admiration, Daniel, who was staring blankly at the seagulls flying over the sea, sighed inwardly.
‘I want to go home…’
Daniel simply wished for idyllic peace.
***
As the news that their leadership had been captured while trying to escape spread throughout the battlefield, the Ironclad Division lost morale and surrendered one after another.
Thanks to the demoralized enemy, the Imperial Army easily entered Nordia, occupied the main buildings, and replaced the Kingdom’s flag with the Empire’s.
Major General Feldelahm, having secured the Empire’s occupation of Nordia, ordered the connection of supply lines and had the key figures of the Ironclad Division transported back to the capital.
During this process, I also spent busy days dealing with post-war matters.
Feldelahm, who had come to trust me completely, entrusted me with tasks related to selecting defense points in certain areas, maintaining public order, and protecting classified information.
After about half a month had passed, Heinrich suddenly summoned me to City Hall.
Although I felt uneasy, I couldn’t disobey the order and headed to City Hall.
Of course, despite its name, it was currently functioning as the headquarters building where the garrison commander carried out his duties.
Imperial soldiers were stationed everywhere, and I had to verify my identity to enter.
Feeling a somewhat chilly atmosphere, I climbed the stairs of the building, and the soldiers guarding the entrance saluted.
“Captain Daniel Steiner, is it? It’s an honor to meet you. You may pass.”
I nodded and entered the building, going up to the third floor.
Passing through the Gothic-style hallway, I arrived at the garrison commander’s office and knocked.
The reply came soon after.
“Come in.”
After receiving permission, I opened the door and entered, seeing Heinrich and his adjutant, Philip, standing inside.
I walked into the office and saluted.
“Brigadier General, I heard you summoned me.”
A smile appeared on Heinrich’s lips as he returned the salute.
“Indeed. I haven’t had a chance to see you due to the post-war matters. I was feeling guilty that I was neglecting you despite the great merit you achieved.”
I shifted to the at-ease position and said, as if it was nothing,
“A soldier simply follows orders and shouldn’t expect rewards for achievements.”
“That’s an admirable mindset. I wish other soldiers would learn from your humility. However, the Empire’s founding principle is reward and punishment, so I can’t just overlook it.”
Heinrich continued with a smile.
“As you know, the Division Commander and I will be leaving this place soon to join the northern front lines. Since the occupation is complete, we have no further business in Nordia. This means the position of garrison commander will be vacant. Are you aware of this?”
“…Yes, I am. But why are you telling me this?”
“There’s only one reason, isn’t there? I’m telling you this because I’d like you to fill the vacant position of garrison commander. As the acting garrison commander.”
A cold sweat ran down my back.
“Sir? I’m in command of a unit directly under the General Staff Headquarters.”
I emphasized that I was merely a Captain following the orders of the General Staff Headquarters, but Heinrich simply nodded calmly.
“Why wouldn’t I know that? Naturally, the General Staff Headquarters has also given their permission. They said you should fill the vacancy until they appoint a new garrison commander.”
No, what? Trying to gather my scattered thoughts, I forced a smile and said,
“Thank you for the offer, but realistically, it’s impossible. Even if it’s a temporary position, to fulfill the role of garrison commander, one must be able to command at least a battalion-sized unit.”
“And?”
“As a company-grade officer, I can’t command a battalion-sized unit. The authority to manage a garrison can’t be given to a mere Captain like myself. So please reconsider.”
I meant it sincerely, but Heinrich’s lips curled into a playful smile.
“Of course, we wouldn’t entrust the position of garrison commander to a company-grade officer.”
What? Was it a bad joke?
Relieved, I regained my composure.
“I’m glad to hear that. Then I’ll prepare to return to the General Staff Headquarters—”
“Adjutant.”
At Heinrich’s words, Captain Philip approached me with a box.
It was a small box wrapped in the silk flag of the Empire.
Huh? A box?
“Congratulations.”
Captain Philip? Why are you speaking formally?
Just as my anxiety peaked, Captain Philip unfolded the flag and opened the box.
Inside were a gleaming Major’s badge and epaulets.
As I stared in disbelief, Heinrich burst into hearty laughter.
“Congratulations on your promotion, Major Daniel Steiner! I’m so happy to witness the birth of the Empire’s youngest Major! Ah, right. I’d like to attach it myself, if you don’t mind.”
Major? Me? In my bewildered state, I managed to nod.
Heinrich took the Major’s badge from the box.
“Consider it an honor. I heard from the capital that His Majesty himself has taken an interest in you.”
Saying that, Heinrich removed my Captain’s badge and attached the Major’s badge to my uniform.
Staring blankly at his actions, I couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
Operations Staff Officer at the General Staff Headquarters.
Holder of the 2nd Class Order of National Defense, the Gugseon Medal.
A bloodthirsty wolf, according to the 7th Magic Armored Division Commander.
The first-class contributor to the Nordia invasion operation.
The youngest Major in the Empire.
Acting Garrison Commander of the occupied territory.
Thinking back on all of this, the corners of my mouth twitched.
‘Wait a minute, this…’
No matter how I looked at it, I was now a “key member of the Imperial military leadership,” perfect for being sentenced to death at a war crimes tribunal.