Chapter 95

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【War Makeup】

"It's been a while, Mr. Ricochet. Please, have a seat. It's a bit messy, though."

Lieutenant Char Lane offered Ricochet a chair.

Ricochet, who served as General Altsar's secretary, smiled gently.

"You haven't changed, Lady Lane. No, you've become even more beautiful. Your eyeliner is getting better."

"I don't really need to be beautiful, but I can feel my makeup skills improving. It's all thanks to your guidance, Mr. Ricochet."

Ricochet laughed awkwardly.

"I never thought I'd be teaching makeup to a gentleman, but since it's war makeup, I couldn't refuse. My mother said it's quite rare these days."

Before becoming the double for the former Duke of Litroy, Minshiana, Ricochet had been a hairdresser in his family. Makeup was his specialty.

Char scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

"My father is busy with farming, so I learned the mindset of a knight from my grandmother and mother. War makeup is different from women's makeup, but no one really knew how to do it..."

"I've heard it's a custom that has largely fallen out of use. I only learned about it from my mother."

Char smiled happily.

"When you die in battle, your face shouldn't look pale. Our family has always fought the knights of Agan near the border, so we never skip war makeup."

At the time, Ricochet, who was acting as Minshiana's double, had heard rumors about an unusual noble officer in the Fifth Division. He was said to wear makeup like a woman.

But upon meeting him, Ricochet was convinced that this handsome lieutenant was a true warrior at heart.

Ricochet immediately thought of recommending him to Minshiana.

Minshiana hated everything paternal, so she despised military men in her heart. In this regard, the beautiful Char was a perfect fit. He was a solid, traditional military man on the inside, but he looked feminine and had a gentle personality.

However, when Ricochet approached him with the recommendation, Char firmly declined.

Char, who disliked getting involved in power struggles and conspiracies, did not want to become Minshiana's confidant and advance through the ranks.

Ricochet grew even more respectful of Char and became personally close to him. Eventually, Char became not just a pawn of the Duke of Litroy but also an understanding friend to Ricochet.

Char was not the only one who became close to Ricochet. Many others who befriended him were actually allies of Ricochet, not Minshiana.

After Minshiana's execution, the Fifth Division purged the officers loyal to her. Char, who had kept his distance from the Minshiana faction, avoided being discharged or demoted.

Ricochet bowed deeply.

"I'm glad to see you again, but I'm sorry for involving you in my troubles, Lady Lane."

"No, it's thanks to you that I've become close to Mr. Ricochet. I'm happy to be of service."

His smile was refreshing and free of any malice, reflecting his good upbringing. His handsome features only added to the impression.

But the next moment, his expression became serious.

"Lieutenant Fulton, who joined us at the same time, seems to be carrying a secret mission."

"Of course. The current master has few loyal followers, and the pool of capable people is limited."

Ricochet, who had been involved in various conspiracies as Minshiana's agent, was suspicious of the dispatched Lieutenant Fulton.

People like him, who have talent but a flawed record, are often used as pawns by the powerful.

Since Char was also scheduled to be dispatched at the same time, Ricochet had asked him to keep an eye on Fulton discreetly.

Char took a sip of tea and looked worried.

"Major Crombert seems to trust him, but it might be wise to be cautious. Lieutenant Fulton is probably more capable than people think. I can't match him."

Ricochet nodded.

"Thank you. I'll pass that on. But I don't think you need to worry."

"Why not?"

Ricochet smiled at the puzzled Char.

"Major Crombert, who won the plot against Minshiana, won't lose to the master who was defeated by Minshiana."

"True."

* * *

"Something about those two just doesn't sit right with me..."

As I scratched my head, General Altsar tapped my head.

"What, can't even recognize something like this, my chief of staff?"

Did he just emphasize "my" just now? It was like he used bold Gothic type.

General Altsar, while petting his horse, said:

"Lieutenant Lane is an acquaintance of Secretary Ricochet. You don't need to worry."

"Is that so?"

You could have told me sooner.

"Secretary Ricochet built his own network during his time as a double. Minshiana mistakenly thought it was her own network."

She was hateful when alive, but now, she seems pitiful. All the power she had was borrowed; she had nothing of her own.

"Ricochet was worried that Lieutenant Lane, whom he hadn't seen in a while, might be someone else's pawn. He checked discreetly and said it was fine. That's why I told you."

"I understand the situation, but it would be better to share information sooner."

"I'm sorry, I've been busy lately."

General Altsar nimbly jumped onto his horse... or rather, he couldn't, so I had to push him onto it.

The general turned to me with a sharp expression, but I pretended not to notice. Without my help, he'd have to keep jumping forever.

The general blushed and cleared his throat.

"According to Lieutenant Lane's report, Lieutenant Fulton seems to be carrying a secret mission from the Duke of Litroy. It might be best to send him back to his original unit with a suitable excuse."

But I shook my head.

"He is a seasoned front-line commander, and we need every officer we can get. If he's capable, it doesn't matter if he's a traitor."

"Hey, hey..."

The general looked exasperated, but I was serious.

"Commanders of squadrons and platoons are directly responsible for the survival of their units. I doubt Lieutenant Fulton would betray us in combat. He received his secret mission from the Duke of Litroy, not the Duke of Bruges, so he can't communicate with the enemy."

The general thought about it seriously.

"You have a point. If you supervise him, it should be fine."

"Well... I'll manage."

I feel like I'm becoming a middle manager. Serving as both a staff officer and a battalion commander is too much. I want to file a complaint with the labor standards office.

"What, you sound unhappy."

"Let me make it clear, I'm doing this for you, General."

"I understand."

The general nodded and beckoned me with a mischievous smile.

"What?"

Reluctantly, I approached, and the general said with a playful grin:

"Thank you, Yui. I have nothing to worry about as long as you're here. If I can die with you, the battlefield or the execution ground would be enjoyable."

"Are you serious?"

"Indeed."

The general nodded matter-of-factly. This guy can be scary sometimes. Noble warriors are too determined.

But to show my resolve and respect for such a general, I also nodded matter-of-factly.

"Me too."

"Ahaha!"

Laughing like a child, the general straightened his back on the horse.

"So, this vast world is full of joy. It's good, Yui. You are blessed in this life."

"That's not entirely untrue."

The general laughed and waved at me.

"I'm going to encourage the troops. Are you coming?"

"If I don't, you'll pout, won't you?"

I mounted my horse and decided to catch up with this adorable superior.