Chapter 2 Grim Reaper Strategist
Some time after the skirmish at the pass, I found myself standing before the high-ranking officers of the Fifth Division at their headquarters. The person in front of me felt almost like a figure from the clouds, so I saluted nervously.
"Lieutenant Euner Krombelts, reporting as summoned by the call to arms."
The meaning of ranks here differed slightly from what I knew before, but a lieutenant was still the entry point for officers. Being forced to serve as a platoon leader while still a low-ranking commander was nothing unusual. Some of my peers from officer school had already been promoted to lieutenants, but since I came from a commoner family, I hadn't moved up at all. If I could reach captain before retirement, I'd consider that a success.
I thought about this, but it seemed the officer before me was about to address a different matter.
"It appears your platoon suffered catastrophic losses in the recent engagement with the Agan army."
"Yes. It was the result of completing our mission."
That wasn't a lie. The battalion commander had sent just one platoon to secure an objective in a narrow pass. If he had ordered a flanking platoon to support us, the outcome would have been very different.
The commander had reinforced the main force to block the enemy's main body, but in doing so, he neglected the detachments. Officer school taught me that skimping on troop strength leads to heavy casualties. The battalion commander's tactics were simply flawed.
"I have read the report. The battalion commander commended you for accomplishing a difficult mission."
Well, thanks for that. Thirty men died because of his poor judgment. A useless noble. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, the officer let out a faint sigh.
"Your third platoon will be disbanded and its members reassigned to fill vacancies in the first and second platoons. You will be relieved of your duties as platoon leader. Your achievements in battle are undeniable, but some gossipers have started calling you 'Grim Reaper.'"
"I am aware of that."
That's why this wasn't my fault.
The officer's tone softened into something almost sympathetic, his face serious.
"It must be difficult to be relieved despite your accomplishments. I would like to promote you, at least, but I cannot simply make you a captain all at once."
This wasn't a game for kids. I didn't expect any promotions either.
There were only a few ranks in the military, and if everyone earned a promotion after minor skirmishes, generals would be everywhere. Or, rather, in the Schweidel Empire, there were no distinct officer ranks beyond 'general,' which lumped together all the higher commands.
Usually, after such a battle, a medal would be the reward and that would be the end of it. But if that was all, they wouldn't have summoned me here. The atmosphere was changing.
"By the way, you appear to have a strong talent for operational planning."
What? I'm just a frontline commander who knows how to charge! Still, I've learned that in moments like this, the best option is to agree quietly. This old man was clearly hinting at something.
"Yes! I am confident in my operational planning abilities!"
"Good. You also have ample practical experience and leadership skills. Your ability to train your subordinates is exceptional. Isn't that right?"
"Yes, that's correct!"
Ugh, this is why I hate the military.
If I hadn't been reincarnated into a poor family, I wouldn't have to take orders from such a brutal system.
As I thought this, the senior officer nodded approvingly.
"Very well. Then I will appoint you as an advisor. How does that sound?"
How does that sound? That's not a question — it's an order. I know better than to argue.
"Yes, sir! I humbly accept the appointment!"
"Excellent. From today, you are Second Lieutenant Chromberts, appointed as an advisor. I will present you with the advisor's insignia."
"Yes, sir! I will dedicate myself fully to my duties!"
Yay... I'm an advisor. Guess I'm happy.
...Well, not really. But at least I can stop smashing enemies' heads with the command sword.
The only problem is that being an advisor isn't an independent role.
Most senior officers in the Schweidel Empire come from noble families. Their education is excellent, but not all have the ability to lead troops effectively. That's why advisors exist — they help translate unreasonable orders from above into practical plans. Since it's just a "proposal" role, it doesn't carry much prestige.
So whose advisor would I be?
In the Fifth Division, advisory positions were tightly controlled by the Retreuil faction. A commoner like me was not welcome here. Would I be transferred to another division? But every division's headquarters was just as much a noble's den.
Then the senior officer seemed to settle the matter for me.
"You will be transferred to the Sixth Special Brigade as advisor directly under the brigade commander. It is unquestionably a promotion."
A promotion, huh?
Brigades in our empire are smaller than divisions and often temporary formations. They usually have irregular setups. The word "special" sounded impressive, but I sensed something was off.
The officer didn't explain further and handed me a stack of documents.
"You'll understand when you arrive."
I didn't know what to expect, but being an advisor to a brigade was significant.
Fine. I'll show the appointment order and get a ride on the transport wagon.
As I packed my things in a room at the official residence, the duty soldier suddenly rushed in, out of breath.
"Lieutenant, the carriage has arrived to pick you up."
"A carriage? To pick me up?"
I hadn't requested anything like that.
Notes:
• Euner Krombelts - The protagonist. A military officer with a commoner background. His appearance is that of a disciplined soldier with a stern expression. He is pragmatic and resentful of the nobility's influence in the military. He is reassigned as an advisor to the Sixth Special Brigade, a position he views with skepticism. His combat style is frontline-focused, but he possesses strong operational planning skills.
• Schweidel Empire - A once-powerful empire that has lost much of its territory after more than a century of war. It is located in a continent where absolute monarchies are at their peak, and colonies are being established. The empire is currently fighting to restore its lost lands. It is surrounded by neighboring countries that are heretics and long-time enemies, despite being different sects of the same religion.
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