Chapter 91

I, busy with the training plans for new recruits and the reorganization of units, was summoned by Duke Medilen.

If it's about the completion of the rifle cannon's practical deployment test, I have no choice but to go, no matter how busy I am.

Duke Medilen Hafven was in a good mood.

"Colonel Chrombertz, we have annihilated the Agan Kingdom's main fleet."

"…Is it about the rifle cannon's practical deployment test?"

What is this old man up to?

I was exasperated, but the details I heard afterward were terrifying.

The Medilen family's special fleet, composed solely of fast ships, lay in wait for the Agan Navy's main fleet off the coast of the Ritrayu territory. It was natural that they would move out once they heard that the Emperor of Schwader was missing.

The enemy fleet consisted of 63 ships, all large battleships, truly mobile fortresses on the sea.

The Medilen fleet had 37 ships, all medium-sized battleships, with a significant difference in firepower.

Moreover, the production of the new rifle cannons had not caught up, and each ship could only be equipped with one.

But this is where the Medilen fleet's terrifying aspect came in.

The Medilen fleet was commanded by the newly appointed Admiral Vilgent, a young and unimpressive officer who usually led a small fleet for route patrols.

This Admiral Vilgent did not equip each ship with one rifle cannon but loaded three on a third of the fleet, all on the port side.

The reason was clear.

"Equipping 37 ships with one cannon each would not allow for corrections until the reload is complete. The strategy is to hit with the first cannon and aim with the second and third."

"Ah, you understand."

I'm not from the artillery corps, but I have some experience with this from shooting games in my previous life.

"Also, if the ships are lined up at a certain interval, the density of firepower would be thin with just one cannon per ship."

"Yes. …Well, I was convinced after hearing the explanation."

Duke Medilen nodded proudly but was subtly honest.

Thus, the Medilen fleet, with sufficient firepower density, still lacked the firepower to engage the enemy fleet head-on.

So they concentrated their fire on the enemy flagship to disrupt the command system.

This turned out to be more successful than expected, and the flagship was easily sunk. The Agan fleet's admiral was killed in action before he could transfer to another ship.

The reason was clear.

"The penetration and low trajectory of the rifle cannon are the cause. Unlike traditional cannons that draw a large parabola, rifle cannon shells hit the enemy ship from the side. Hitting near the waterline would cause flooding and water resistance, reducing speed and immobilizing the ship."

"Yes. …You know too much, making it hard to explain anything to you."

Duke Medilen, who seemed to have studied a lot, looked bored. I'm sorry, I didn't read the room.

This strategy of targeting the waterline and immobilizing the enemy was a huge success.

The Medilen fleet, being fast, had the speed to maintain distance and bombard from long range.

The Agan side, with their admiral dead, had a disrupted command system and could not determine which Medilen ships were equipped with the new cannons.

Thanks to Admiral Vilgent's skillful command, the old-style cannons were used as decoys and shields to protect the new cannons. The fleet's maneuvering ensured that the enemy could not get close or escape, rendering them unable to navigate.

"Finally, the immobilized enemy fleet surrendered. We only captured the ships in good condition and sank the rest. When the fleet of 37 ships returned with over 50, I was genuinely surprised."

It's surprising that the fleet grew after a battle.

The enemy prisoners were detained without giving them any unnecessary information and would eventually be exchanged. Some sailors would be employed in the Medilen fleet.

Naval sailors are technically civilian employees treated as military personnel. Many Agan sailors are from Schwader, and many Imperial sailors are from Agan or Eobenia. That's how it is.

I cleared my throat in relief.

"At least the secrets of the rifle cannon haven't been leaked to the Agan side for now. So, who is the naval officer over there?"

There's a guy who looks like a pirate captain staring at me, making me uncomfortable.

He stood up energetically.

"Me?! I'm Navy Lieutenant Colonel Vilgent! Nice to meet you!"

You're the one who annihilated the Agan fleet? You're not what I imagined at all.

"Your Chrombertz cannon, which you developed, is incredibly powerful! I like it!"

His voice is loud. This isn't a ship.

What should I do? He's the type I'm not good with.

Duke Medilen looked pleased.

"Vilgent is my distant relative. The Navy only has ranks up to colonel, and it's been difficult to promote him. Thanks to this battle, I can promote him to major."

"So, I'll be outranking you soon! Use proper language!"

Duke Medilen smiled wryly at the boastful Admiral Vilgent.

"No, I'll be promoting Colonel Chrombertz at the same time. He has the merit of developing the rifle cannon."

From the conversation, it seems Duke Medilen hasn't told Admiral Vilgent that I'm a reincarnated person. That's a relief, but I didn't develop it; someone from my previous life did.

But if I'm found out as a reincarnated person, I'll be subject to heresy trials, so let's keep it a secret.

Admiral Vilgent is arguing with Duke Medilen.

"Uncle, that's not right! Ignore the Army! This guy is a staff officer, right? He's never even been on a battlefield…"

"There was only one unit that returned unscathed from the Jarakud battle during the Kionis expedition. Chrombertz was the staff officer of that unit."

"Wh-What!?"

Admiral Vilgent's reaction is amusing.

But I need to add one more thing.

"Not unscathed, Duke Medilen. I lost four important subordinates in that battle."

Admiral Vilgent's expression changed again.

"Wow… You're an interesting guy."

Duke Medilen continued.

"Furthermore, this man stopped the rebellion of Duke Ritrayu Minsiana and defeated the rebel army. His military achievements far surpass yours. Show respect."

"Ugh… Grr…"

Admiral Vilgent is stammering. He's really amusing.

But I can't just find him amusing.

Vilgent, a mere lieutenant colonel who usually only patrols routes, was chosen for the practical deployment test because the other admirals were against it. The more experienced they are, the more they resist new things.

I need to give this man more military achievements.

As I thought this, Admiral Vilgent clenched his teeth and growled.

"In that case, I'll cause even more chaos… Just watch, 'Death Staff Officer'! If you're the Grim Reaper, I'm a shark… no, a storm… yes, 'Shark Storm'! I'm 'Shark Storm' Vilgent!"

He must have just thought of that ridiculous nickname, like something from a shark movie.

Admiral Vilgent clenched his fists with the eyes of a middle school boy on summer break.

"Since I killed the Agan 'Dual-Headed Shark' Admiral Rujal, I'm an even greater shark!"

I don't think we need to compete with sharks. How much does he love sharks?

"Oops, I shouldn't mention the dead without proper respect… Rest in peace, Rujal. You were a good admiral…"

He was oddly ethical at times.

In any case, thanks to this guy annihilating the Agan main fleet, the Fifth Division responsible for border security should have an easier time. It will be easier to redeploy surplus forces.

Let's see him keep up the good work.

"Let's work together, Admiral Vilgent."

"Sure, Staff Officer Chrombertz!"

While being shaken by Vilgent's overly strong handshake, I started thinking about what to do next.