Chapter 96

Anyway, two infantry officers have come to the Sixth Special Operations Regiment. With this, I can entrust two companies to them.

The first company, which has many experienced soldiers, will be commanded by Lieutenant Fulton. Lieutenant Lane has no combat experience, so he probably can't command a company.

Fortunately, Lieutenant Fulton was well-received by the female soldiers. Here are the opinions I heard from them:

"He seems relaxed and surprisingly not bad. I thought he'd be a perverted old man, but he's actually quite gentlemanly."

"He's a good storyteller. He's very approachable. It's like having an uncle in the neighborhood."

"He reminds me of my dad. He used to tell silly jokes when he was drunk, but he was a serious and skilled craftsman. He passed away, though."

Overall, he seems to be evaluated as a "likeable old man," which was somewhat unexpected. While I anticipated that he would handle the troops well, dealing with women can be tricky.

The fact that he managed this smoothly suggests he is indeed capable. It was a good purchase.

As for Lieutenant Lane, who looks like a beauty, he is also well-received.

"He's kind, handsome, and the best! Please don't change our company commander!"

"I could look at his face all day. He's the first superior officer I've wanted to hear more from."

"Adviser, look! The old war wound from the Kionis campaign is hidden by makeup! Lieutenant Lane taught me how to do it!"

While there are various things I could say, being well-liked by the soldiers is an absolute requirement for a frontline commander.

But you guys, a company commander isn't an idol or a fashion leader.

Oh well.

Under the new company commanders, six non-commissioned officers will lead the platoons.

"The rifles for the first company have been loaded onto the wagons!"

"Count them to make sure nothing is missing! Two of you!"

"Excuse me, the boots I sent for repair haven't come back yet!?"

"State your foot size. We'll issue you a new pair from the company's supplies."

Wagons are being loaded one after another, and the cargo is being secured. The soldiers are being issued any missing items like backpacks and boots, and the Sixth Special Operations Regiment is ready for combat as scheduled.

"Colonel Chrombartz, are you really not going to arm the soldiers with rifles?"

When Captain Fulton scratched his head and asked, I nodded.

"We're marching through friendly territory this time, so all heavy equipment will be transported by wagon. I want to minimize the soldiers' fatigue. Only the platoon snipers will carry rifles for security."

"I'm impressed by your kindness, Adviser. You must be quite popular."

Captain Fulton smiled slyly. Is he being sarcastic?

It's not worth arguing over small things, so I smiled back awkwardly.

"I'm not as popular as you. If there's any unrest along the way, you can order the soldiers to arm themselves. In that case, please also advise Captain Lane."

"Understood! As you command!"

He saluted sharply and left. He does his job well.

As I watched him go, Captain Lane came running up, flustered.

"Ah, Colonel! I'm sorry, what's 'the Fish Road'! I couldn't follow the conversation among the company members..."

"You don't know, Captain Lane?"

To Captain Lane, who is from a remote border area, I explained as concisely as possible.

"It's a well-maintained road that runs from the imperial direct-controlled port to the capital. It's said to be named after the road used to transport fresh fish to the imperial family. In reality, it's a transport route for wealth gained from trade and also a military road."

I'm sorry, that wasn't very concise. I tend to talk about everything I know because I'm a bit of a nerd.

I was worried that my explanation was too long, but Captain Lane was impressed and blushing.

"I see, that's why there are so many wagons. If the road is well-maintained, we can go straight to the battlefield."

"That's right. If there were steep mountain paths, we'd have to abandon the wagons, but the road is paved with stone, making it comfortable for wagons."

Comfortable, but still bumpy. Not having to carry rifles is a relief, though. They're heavy.

Captain Lane nodded in understanding and saluted me.

"Thank you for the explanation! As an adviser, you really know everything, don't you?"

Basic geography should be covered in officer school, but maybe the curriculum was different for Lieutenant Lane? The empire's talent development system is quite worn out and not very reliable.

"May I ask you a question, Lieutenant Lane?"

"Of course, Colonel?"

"How long did you attend officer school?"

"Just the first year. It ended with an overview of military studies and tabletop exercises."

As expected. The basic education for noble officers is often left to their families, so a fallen noble like Lieutenant Lane might not have received adequate training.

On the other hand, the attrition rate for commoner officers trained at the officer school is high, so our army has structural issues. No wonder we can't win.

"Is something wrong, Colonel?"

"No, nothing. Try your best, Lieutenant Lane."

"Yes, sir!"

Captain Lane saluted, blushing. She looks like a delicate young girl, but her inexperience is a bit worrying.

I'll have to get the experienced Lieutenant Fulton to support her. I'm a bit concerned, but Lieutenant Fulton is necessary.

After Captain Lane returned to her post with a light step, I took off my cap and leaned against the wall.

A ragtag group of soldiers, insufficient equipment, and officers I can't fully trust.

Can we win?

＊＊＊

【At the Campsite】

"To think I'd end up under the command of a girl..."

"Come now, Colonel Bizer. This is a matter of national importance."

"Indeed. Moreover, the Medilen family is now the last hope of the empire. Having Lady Altsa as a direct superior is an honor for a soldier."

The other battalion commanders tried to console Colonel Bizer, who stroked his white goatee and sighed.

"An honor? Lady Altsa is the same age as my eldest grandson. My foolish son laughed when he heard that."

"Hahaha!"

The battalion commanders all respected General Altsa's military achievements. Her skills are genuine.

However, she looks like a child and is indeed young. The noble officers, who care about appearances, couldn't be as straightforward as Colonel Chrombartz.

Colonel Bizer, who had fled with his unit and family from the First Division, smiled with a weary expression.

"Well, let's consider it an honor to support the young lady of the Medilen family."

"That's right. Without our strength, even General Altsa couldn't fight the Duke of Bruges."

"True. Apart from Colonel Chrombartz, who is known as the 'right arm,' there are hardly any officers who can be called staff."

At that moment, Colonel Chrombartz entered the tent.

Looking around at the relaxed officers, the young commoner colonel frowned.

"Excuse me. The regimental commander ordered us to start moving without waiting for the other units."

The battalion commanders exchanged glances, and the eldest, Colonel Bizer, spoke.

"I understand, but I wanted to greet the commander. We'll depart early tomorrow morning. That should be enough, right?"

"That's too late."

Colonel Bizer frowned.

"You don't understand tactics, despite being an adviser. If we move too far ahead, communication will be delayed, and command will be difficult."

"That's not a concern."

Colonel Chrombartz chose his words carefully.

"The commander's direct unit moves quickly, so if the other battalions don't move ahead, they'll be overtaken."

"But your unit is all women, right?"

The other battalion commanders agreed with Colonel Bizer.

"Women can't walk as fast as men."

"Are you calling our soldiers slower than women?"

"That's disrespectful, Colonel Chrombartz."

However, Colonel Chrombartz shook his head.

"I've led male soldiers before, and the women in the Sixth Special Operations Regiment move faster. You can ignore my opinion, but please follow the regimental commander's orders."

The battalion commanders, being seasoned soldiers, knew they had to obey their direct superior. However, they were reluctant to follow a young commoner, so they reluctantly agreed.

"Fine, fine. If you insist, I'll teach you what marching is all about."

"You won't understand, young adviser."

"Just try to keep up from the back."

Colonel Chrombartz remained unperturbed by the insults and responded seriously.

"Thank you. The commander said a three-day delay is acceptable."

"Damn you!"

Colonel Bizer, feeling insulted by a younger commoner, turned red but refrained from reprimanding the colonel. He might have shouted at a lieutenant.

But to remain silent would be a matter of honor for a noble. He glared at the young adviser.

"Then we'll arrive three days ahead. Tell the commander, 'We'll be waiting for you on the battlefield.'"

"Understood. I'll pass that on."

Colonel Chrombartz smiled as if it didn't bother him.

＊＊＊

We began our march toward the capital, Lotsmer, but as expected, the other battalions were slow, and I felt disheartened.

"Colonel Bizer's battalion is half a day behind, and the others are nearly a day behind. This is unacceptable."

"They talk big but can't deliver. The delay is gradually increasing."

General Altsa sighed on horseback and continued.

"We still have a long way to go. Are their battalions marching while dancing?"

Our general has a sharp tongue.

I smiled wryly and explained to the general as we rode side by side.

"The other battalions make the infantry carry all the supplies. They get tired quickly and can't march for long. Plus, their boots and equipment are of poor quality, making them slower than merchants and pilgrims."

"Is the difference really that significant?"

"Yes. As I've said before, the marching speed is determined by the slowest person. The more people there are, the slower it gets. It's normal for battalions to fail to maintain the prescribed marching speed."

"Our regiment, on the other hand, marches lightly."

"We're lightly equipped, and our boots and pants are comfortable for walking. Those who can't keep up are put on wagons."

"I'm always impressed by your thoroughness, sir."

Of course, when you're asking people to risk their lives, you have to put in the effort. In my previous life, I was a low-ranking officer, so I understand the feelings of those on the ground.

Plus, with all female soldiers, I can't help but be considerate.

"In a regiment of women, it's common to have members who are not feeling well."

"That's true. Women's bodies are inconvenient. I envy you, sir."

I mostly agree, but I'll add a small point.

"You're right, but men's bodies have their inconveniences too."

"That's true. I apologize for envying you without knowing."

General Altsa smiled wryly and then tilted her head.

Then she stared at a particular point.

"Indeed, sitting must be inconvenient..."

"Please don't stare."

For women, it might be a matter of human anatomy, but being stared at in the crotch area is unsettling.