Chapter 80

"The work of the professional engineers is meticulous."

I looked down at the white torrent sliding down the steep slope, folding my arms in admiration. That old man, as always, has a knack for gathering skilled workers. His eye for people is truly reliable.

The other mountain rangers were probably also carefully selected. It was the right decision not to engage in a proper battle.

"Adviser, Brigadier General is calling for you."

The messenger who had climbed up to this point saluted while panting. I returned the salute.

"I'll be right there. Thank you for the trouble."

"It's, it's fine. The General said to call you immediately... it's already..."

She said, out of breath, and I smiled wryly.

"Take a little rest. Come down with everyone else."

When I descended about a hundred meters and returned to the mountain path, Brigadier General Altsa was waiting.

"It's a relief that everyone is safe. There doesn't seem to be any pursuit from above, does there?"

"Yes, that's right. There's a cliff along the way, so it's impossible to bypass from the summit. We can assume there won't be any pursuit."

Perhaps a mountaineer from my previous life might have tackled it with the right equipment and skills, but the climbing gear in this world is all amateur-made. Besides, the rangers are carrying heavy guns and ammunition.

When I asked the mountain-born Laila and the others, they all replied succinctly, "It's impossible. We'd die." I decided to believe them.

"Well, from here we'll temporarily cross into the Eobenia territory and then return to the Empire. We've been coordinating with the Fourth Division beforehand to receive supplies upon our return. ...Is that alright?"

"Don't worry about that. Who do you think I am?"

A member of the Medilen family, which commands the Fourth Division, and the current lord's aunt.

The Brigadier General mounted his horse, swept back his cloak, and called out to the group.

"Thanks to all of your efforts, we've escaped the dire situation without losing a single soldier! But we haven't reached our destination yet! To return to a life where we can sleep in beds, we must continue our march for a while longer!"

Everyone admires the Brigadier General, and their expressions tightened with determination.

Good, just as I expected from my Brigadier General.

The Brigadier General, after looking around the soldiers with satisfaction, suddenly looked puzzled at me.

"Why do you look so happy?"

"Do I look happy?"

"You look like a father watching his daughter grow. Don't look at me with that kind of expression."

What can I say to that...

* * *

Thus, we briefly trespassed into the Eobenia territory and, the next day, safely entered the Empire. There were some minor troubles in the Eobenia territory, but from here on, we no longer need to be on guard against enemy attacks.

After receiving supplies in a border village, we marched leisurely along the road and finally arrived at the fortified city of Pajje in the Medilen territory.

And now, I was facing the greatest challenge of my life again.

"Are you Lieutenant Colonel Chrombertz? I hear you have supported my aunt well."

In the conference room of the Pajje fortress, the head of the Medilen family, one of the Five Royal Houses, was looking at me.

He is in his mid-forties, naturally wearing jewelry and formal attire, and compared to the Duke of Zihitberg or the younger brother of the Duke of Mildor, he is more fashionable.

He must be profiting from maritime trade. He gives the impression of a capable businessman rather than a warrior, and his demeanor is gentle.

However, he exudes a mysterious aura. He is indeed the head of one of the Five Royal Houses.

"Excuse me, I should introduce myself first. I am Haffen Shaha Montso Yoon Portrity Augren Zetszreich Medilen. ...No, wait, something is missing."

The oppressive aura disappeared instantly, and he became just another middle-aged man. He is quite approachable.

"Never mind. Such a long name must sound ridiculous to you. You can call me Haffen, the 'Ring Finger'."

"I appreciate your consideration. This is the first time I have received a formal introduction. It is a great honor."

The nobility's names get longer the more prestigious they are, as they indicate lineage and status.

Of course, they are too long to be convenient, so formal introductions are only done at ceremonies like succession to the family head.

In other words, this approachable middle-aged man has shown me the same level of formality as a ceremony.

So, I should thank him.

The Duke of Medilen smiled.

"Indeed, you understand the subtleties. You are the man my aunt recognized."

Brigadier General Altsa, sitting next to the Duke, looked displeased.

"I would prefer if you didn't call her 'aunt', Duke Haffen?"

"Why not? My children also call her 'great-aunt'."

"Schwright is older than me, and Marrie and Merk are not much different from me."

It seems they have a close family relationship. I felt warm.

But did he subtly test me with that introduction? That is very noble-like. However, since I was praised, I don't feel bad.

After the exchange with his younger aunt, the Duke of Medilen turned to me.

"I am well aware of your loyalty and abilities. At least, no one in the Five Royal Houses is unaware."

That much.

"By bringing my aunt back safely from enemy territory, you have earned my debt. Normally, I would have to ask the Mildor family to take custody of you, but you have returned triumphantly with your entire regiment. You are truly remarkable."

It feels embarrassing to be praised like that.

I was slightly relaxed, but the Duke of Medilen narrowed his eyes.

"Is that because you are a reincarnated person?"

Oh...

For the Filnia Church's Rest Day faction, reincarnation is a denial of faith. Only the Reincarnation faction recognizes it, and they are in constant conflict over this issue.

If I declared myself a reincarnated person in public, I would be sent straight to the Inquisition, but this is a private meeting.

Moreover, the only person who knows I am a reincarnated person is Brigadier General Altsa. She must have told the Duke of Medilen.

Since she wouldn't betray me, it's safe to admit it.

"Yes."

At that moment, the Duke of Medilen's expression changed.

"Hmm... You acknowledge being a reincarnated person?"

"You must have heard it from Brigadier General. There's no need to hide it. It would be a waste of time."

The Duke of Medilen smiled wryly.

"You're right, but your quick judgment and courage are impressive. You are a true veteran. The Fifth Division, which had you as a platoon leader, must have had a keen eye."

Then, the Duke of Medilen turned to Brigadier General Altsa.

"This man is incredibly capable. Does reincarnation alone make a person so powerful?"

"In his case, I believe he was capable even before reincarnation. He would never admit it, though."

To correct a misunderstanding:

"In my previous life, a commoner's child could dedicate over ten years to education almost free of charge. That's the difference."

"An envious world. But leading such intelligent commoners must be challenging. I lack the confidence."

The Duke of Medilen smiled wryly again.

"Very well. Your abilities and knowledge from your past life are undoubtedly genuine. Come to the Fourth Division with your regiment. I will provide you with a force appropriate for your regiment and treatment befitting a staff lieutenant colonel."

Is it okay to accept?

I glanced at Brigadier General Altsa, who looked slightly exasperated.

"Yuin, why are you hesitating? Accept it quickly. Is this a more significant decision than acknowledging you are a reincarnated person?"

"For me, it is. I don't want to leave the General's side."

The General's face turned red.

"Don't worry, I won't let you go. I wouldn't send you to the division headquarters. What a ridiculous thing to say."

She spoke so fast.

Well, as long as I can stay with the General and everyone, I'll go anywhere.

"Serving the General is my wish. If I can achieve that, I am willing to do anything."

"You are a man of resolve. No wonder the young lord of Zihitberg was impressed. Very well, transfer to the Fourth Division and support the Medilen family."

"Hai!"

The Medilen family is the General's family, so I will do my best to support them.

* * *

We were placed under the protection of the Medilen family, but while we were resting in Pajje, the situation became strange.

An envoy from the Emperor arrived.

And he came to me.

"This is a direct invitation from His Majesty the Emperor. Not to the Imperial Guard Division, but to the Imperial Household Staff, a position to advise the Emperor on national-scale strategies. You know, the treatment is equivalent to that of a general."

The noble who served as the herald, with the emblem of his rank, looked at me with an expression that said, "Isn't this great?"

Indeed, it is great, and my former self would have accepted it joyfully. After all, the Imperial Household Staff does not need to lead troops into battle.

As a position to directly advise the Emperor, it comes with a high status, and is treated on par with generals in formal settings.

For a commoner, it is the highest position.

So, I politely replied to the herald.

"It is a great honor. However, I have already been assigned to the Fourth Division. I cannot accept it."

"The Fourth Division...?"

The herald tilted his head.

"His Majesty highly values you. Are you going to reject this and go to the Fourth Division?"

"I am not capable of such a position. Please understand."

I declined firmly and politely. I want to work with Brigadier General Altsa. I don't want to do reckless invasions of other countries or other crappy jobs. I want a better job.

The herald stared at me with a troubled expression.

"This is an imperial command. If you cannot comply, I must hear the true reason for your refusal."

I smiled lightly.

"If I answer, I will be charged with disrespect."

The herald's expression became even more troubled.

He is not stupid. He is a trusted person, appointed as an imperial envoy.

He already understands that I do not hold the Emperor in high regard and do not find the position of Imperial Household Staff appealing.

The herald was silent for a while, then sighed deeply.

"Well... then, let's stick to the formalities. I would like to hear a reason that does not cause any trouble."

"I understand. I feel indebted to Brigadier General Altsa, and it would tarnish my honor as a warrior if I do not support her through this crisis. By the time the crisis is over, the Empire will probably have fallen."

The herald put his hand on his forehead and sighed.

"I will not acknowledge the last part, but I will only convey the first half. You are too honest, which is unnecessary."

"I agree. I remained a lieutenant for a long time until I was recognized by the General, probably for that reason."

I smiled, and the herald also smiled wryly.

"Oh well, you are too honest to hate. I don't know what His Majesty will say, but I wish you good luck personally. If the Empire falls, please consider working for us."

"Thank you. I will convey that to the Duke of Medilen."

What a conversation.

But from this, it seems that even an imperial envoy of the Imperial Household feels the unease of the Empire's potential fall, given the confidential information they handle.

The Empire is indeed in a precarious state. I need to think about my next move.

I called out to the herald, who was about to leave.

"Considering the future, I have a small request."

"Sure, what is it?"

* * *