Chapter 14 6th Special Battalion, Deployment
After receiving a direct summons from Lieutenant Colonel Althea, I found myself at a complete loss for words.
"Our brigade isn't in fighting condition yet, Your Excellency. We haven't been able to secure any firearms."
But in this world, complaints from a mere Staff Officer don't change much.
As expected, Lieutenant Colonel Althea slowly shook her head.
"Deployment is unavoidable. There are 'political reasons' involved—you probably won't like them."
Political reasons, huh? Then there's no point in arguing. I'll have to find another way.
"Understood. I'll see to it that we procure shoes and proper clothing."
Shoes directly affect marching speed. And as for trousers and undergarments—those have been persistent requests from the female soldiers. Since they're putting their lives on the line, they deserve at least a standard of dress that won't hinder them.
"As always, you're surprisingly compliant. Speaking of which... I heard the prototype for the new Cavalry Rifle just arrived?"
"It's under inspection, but we've already identified some defects. During barrel processing, too much stress was applied, so faulty units are inevitable."
Even if it's a black-market workshop, the lack of consistency is frustrating. I appreciate that they rushed production without a lathe, but our deployment plans might need serious revision.
I handed her a list I had prepared in advance.
"Based on results from the shooting drills, I've selected sharpshooters from each squad. I plan to have them fire first."
"You're thorough."
"It's necessary."
Having snipers embedded in each squad adds a lot of tactical flexibility. If deployed well, they can suppress enemy movement.
"Still, it's only a trial run. We can't expect dramatic results. And if things go badly, we may have to scrap the design altogether."
"I won't deny that we're underprepared. But if perfect preparation were always possible, war wouldn't be so difficult."
"Exactly."
The core principle of warfare is to deny the enemy time to prepare. That's why battles usually happen under chaotic, rushed circumstances.
Lieutenant Colonel Althea folded her hands, her eyes fixed firmly on me.
"We'll deploy two of our brigade's three squads. The remaining one will be held in reserve. I'd like to hear your thoughts as a Staff Officer."
She paused briefly, then posed the real question.
"Our objective is to push the Brugge Dukedom's mountain troops back across the border. Their numbers and intentions are unknown. But if everything goes smoothly, what do you estimate will be the maximum number of casualties on our side?"
That's... not an easy question.
"The Fifth Division I served in before was focused on the Agan front, so I'm not familiar with the Brugge forces. However, since we're line infantry, you should expect significant losses."
Our training is incomplete. Our equipment is far from ideal. Worse still, we're heading into terrain the enemy is familiar with.
"If we fight a standard field battle, there's even a chance we'll be wiped out. There's no reliable method to guarantee minimal casualties."
"Hey, now..."
Althea sighed in frustration, but I continued, unfazed.
"Still, casualties on our side don't have to be the Sixth Special Task Brigade's burden alone."
"...What?"
Lieutenant Colonel Althea blinked, then narrowed her eyes at me.
"Wait... are you from the Third Division?"
"The Brugge border is supposed to be the Third Division's responsibility. They're the ones who should be paying the price."
"You're a real piece of work, you know that?"
To be honest, I do feel sorry for the soldiers in the Third Division. And for the Brugge troops as well.
In this world, hundreds of lives are spent just to nudge a border line forward a few hundred meters. And then, hundreds more are sacrificed to push it back. What kind of war is this?
But there's no point in mourning it. Not from where I stand—as a mere Second Lieutenant. My role is to safeguard what I can. That means protecting the Sixth Special Task Brigade... even if that means sacrificing our allies in the Third Division.
In my past life, I often complained about bureaucratic infighting and organizational silos. And yet, here I am in this one, doing something far worse.
"Of course, it does sting. A little."
"...Really?"
It's the truth.
But the sting dulls more with each passing day. Eventually, I probably won't feel anything at all. That's what frightens me the most.
"For my own sanity, I've decided to be decisive about these things."
"I can't believe how calmly you say that."
Althea propped her chin on her hand and let out a long sigh. Then she smiled faintly.
"But that's exactly why you're my Staff Officer. I expect great things."
"Leave it to me."
And just like that, I started feeling more like the villain in someone else's story.
* * *
I summoned First Platoon Leader Corporal Hannah, Second Platoon Leader Corporal Midona, and Third Platoon Leader Corporal Rosell for a meeting. Midona and Rosell were former servants of the Medelin household and had known Lieutenant Colonel Althea for some time.
I laid out the map in front of them.
"Our mission is to reinforce a fortress near the border. Several subsidiary castles surround it. We'll be deployed to one of them—Zephyr Fort."
"What exactly is a 'subsidiary castle'?"
Midona raised her hand, her tone hesitant. I smiled and nodded.
"It's a secondary fortress, meant to prevent the main stronghold from being surrounded. Picture this—"
I placed a cup on the table, then surrounded it with copper coins.
"This is the main fortress. When the enemy tries to encircle it, forces in these subsidiary castles attack the enemy from the outside. It's like forming a pincer from within the encirclement."
I slid the coins aside, demonstrating the break in formation.
"Thanks to that pressure, the enemy can't focus solely on besieging the main fortress. That's why they must first take down the surrounding subsidiary castles. And because these outposts coordinate with one another, it's not easy."
"I see..."
The three of them nodded, visibly impressed.
I continued.
"We'll be stationed at Zephyr Fort, which is part of this defense network. Thanks to the Brigade Commander's arrangements, we've secured proper lodging."
Having someone like Lieutenant Colonel Althea—so close to one of the Five Great Noble Families—really shows its value at times like this. I, on the other hand, hold no sway whatsoever.
Our unit includes a large number of female soldiers. Whether they can endure harsh field conditions is still uncertain. Having actual shelter makes a huge difference.
"However, if we're too slow, other units might take the castle. There's limited space. We need to move quickly."
"Yes, sir!"
"Understood!"
The Platoon Leaders saluted sharply.
It's like leading a hundred-person school field trip... except we're armed and heading straight for danger. I need to lead them well.
* * *
Two days later, I departed brigade headquarters with a hundred soldiers—mainly from the first and second squads. About ten from the third squad joined us as replacements for those who were unwell.
"This feels more like a jack-of-all-trades job than a Staff Officer's..."
I sighed, riding my military horse while the girls walked. Guilt pricked at me.
"I can hear you, Second Lieutenant."
Lieutenant Colonel Althea glanced over her shoulder, a wry smile on her face. I urged my horse forward to match her pace.
"My apologies. I'm not great at multitasking."
She didn't scold me. Instead, she looked at me with something close to sympathy.
"I know we're short on officers. I'll see that the numbers increase. Just don't die before then."
"I'll do my best."
I wondered if it would be fine to die after more officers are added...
But there was something I needed to ask.
"Your Excellency... isn't this operation a bit larger than we were told?"
Althea gave me a sidelong glance.
"What makes you say that?"
"Zephyr Fort is a rear-line outpost. Sending reinforcements there implies similar moves for the frontline forts as well."
Reinforcing the rear without strengthening the front is tactically unsound. If this is happening across the network, it points to a large-scale operation.
But I had no way of knowing the full picture. That's why I asked her—our Brigade Commander.
After scanning the area, Althea lowered her voice.
"It seems Duke Litreille is plotting something. But I haven't been told anything."
"I see..."
So she doesn't know either. I had hoped for some grand revelation, but no such luck.
"By the way, Second Lieutenant—how's the pace?"
I checked the standard-issue pocket watch.
"No issues. The pace is steady, and no one appears fatigued. Our marching drills are paying off."
"So your training regimen was correct after all."
"For now, at least."
It would be a disaster if we were already exhausted before even reaching the battlefield. Whether we can actually fight once we get there... well, that's another story.
My unease lingered. But there was nothing more I could do now.
I just hope—truly hope—we all return safely along this road.
But deep down, I know better. In war, someone always dies.
Notes:
• Althea - Colonel Althea Medelin. Female. Brigade Commander of the 6th Special Task Brigade. Young woman in her twenties with long black hair. Noble from the Medelin family, a rival to the Litreille clan. Professional and disciplined, yet approachable. Holds a high rank despite her age, indicating exceptional ability. Relationship: Superior to Euner Krombelts, welcomes him to the brigade.
• Brugge - A neighboring territory with mountain troops that pose a threat to the border. The enemy's strength and intentions are unknown, but they are the primary target of the brigade's deployment. The border with Brugge is a contested area where hundreds of lives are lost for minor territorial gains.
• Hannah - Hannah Heiden. Female. A Corporal in the 6th Special Task Brigade. Her appearance is tall with broad shoulders and a reverse triangle athletic build. She has a confident and assertive demeanor. Her relationship with Second Lieutenant Krombelts is initially formal but becomes more respectful after recognizing his rank. She is strong and capable, easily carrying heavy luggage.
• Midona - Female. A platoon leader and former servant of the Medelin Family. Her appearance is modest, with a quiet and observant demeanor. She has a history with Althea, which adds a layer of familiarity to their interactions. She is curious and eager to learn, as shown by her questions during the briefing.
• Rosel - Female. A platoon leader and former servant of the Medelin Family. Her appearance is similar to Midona's, with a calm and collected attitude. She is experienced and reliable, contributing to the brigade's cohesion. Her relationship with the Staff Officer is professional, and she respects his leadership.
• Zephyr Fort - A rear outlying castle located in the border region. It is part of a network of fortresses designed to prevent enemy encirclement. The brigade is deployed here to reinforce its defenses. Securing a 'hotel' for accommodation was a significant achievement, given the challenges of field camping.
• Duke Litreille - Female. Politician from the Litreille family, not a soldier. Beautiful woman around 20, wearing military uniform with a family crest. Described as suspicious and of high caution. Relationship: Rival noble family to the Medelin clan, encountered by Euner on his journey.
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