Chapter 17 The Flames Of War
Since the day after I was assigned to Zephyr Fortress, I had been patrolling outside its walls. It was dangerous to go out alone, so Corporal Hannah and the fortress's defense troops accompanied me.
"There aren't any trees around the fortress, huh?" I asked.
"Yes. The defense captain ordered us to cut them down regularly," the woman soldier replied promptly. I smiled at the quick answer.
"As expected from the elite Third Division."
"I-I'm honored," the soldier said, blushing. I only meant it as a compliment, but their embarrassment was kind of cute.
Hannah looked curious. "Staff Officer, why do we cut down the trees? Wouldn't having them help against artillery fire?"
"Of course, that's part of it," I explained. "But if the trees block our view, our artillery can't target the enemy either. Sometimes enemy infantry manage to get close to the walls unnoticed, and if a forest fire breaks out, it could cause serious trouble."
Hannah has excellent leadership, patience, and charisma. It's no wonder Lieutenant Colonel Althea chose her. The Lieutenant Colonel plans to promote her to a senior officer eventually, so I've been teaching her many things.
"If enemy artillery can reach Zephyr Fortress, the fortress will already have fallen. Either way, it's doomed. This fortress is meant to protect the rear communication line of Godo Fortress."
"I see."
There are several fortresses between here and Godo Fortress, and I've heard reinforcements have arrived there too. Hopefully, they can drive off the Brugges army's mountain troops.
I thought about the situation, but the battle seemed to be taking a strange turn.
"Staff Officer! Staff Officer!" My girls rushed into my tent, like students running to the staff room.
I had been recording the battalion members' work attitudes—not exactly report cards, but notes—then put down my pen and stood.
"What is it?"
"We hear cannon-like sounds far away!"
"Really?"
Listening carefully, I could indeed hear distant booms, like fireworks but sharper—no, not fireworks. The sound of war. I hadn't noticed because I was focused on my notes.
The girls fidgeted, glancing at my belongings inside the tent.
"With your telescope, can't we see it?"
"I'm not sure. Either way, I'm going too." The sounds seemed to come from the other side of the mountain.
From Zephyr Fortress's walls, I could see the towering Godo Fortress atop the mountain peak. I looked through the issued telescope, but couldn't confirm any artillery fire. Still, smoke or something similar rose in the distance.
"They're firing from the fortress beyond the mountain."
"Could the fortress be under attack!?"
"War...?"
"Sir Staff Officer, I'm scared!"
"You all..." I sighed. "But anyone would be like this on their first battlefield. I was terrified too."
"We're soldiers; this is our job. You fight for your salary."
"I understand, but I'm scared!"
"Sir Staff Officer, you're a demon! A devil! The Grim Reaper!"
"I'm already the Grim Reaper. But you're not crying or fainting. You're steadier than some rookies. The way you're fussing around shows you're actually relaxed. Your stress resistance is better than I thought. That makes me a bit relieved."
I explained calmly to the gathered girls.
"The fortress is definitely shelling, but we can't confirm if it's burning. Probably a forward outpost is under attack, and the fortress is firing to support it."
I gave the order for everyone to disperse.
"From here, it's the Brigade Commander's and my responsibility. You all just carry on as usual."
Still, something felt off...
* * *
The next day, they got weirder.
"One of the outposts was taken, you say?" Lieutenant Colonel Althea asked, frowning at Captain Dumble's report.
"I heard the Third Division is moving to 'teach the Bruges guys a lesson,'" Dumble muttered.
"My apologies. I'm shaken too," I admitted.
"I understand. No, I'm the one who should apologize," the Lieutenant Colonel replied.
She raised her hand in a small gesture and continued, "The fact that the attackers are now being attacked means the plan is starting to fall apart. Second Lieutenant, analyze the situation."
"You're throwing this at me now?" I said with a bitter smile.
"Well, I can't help it," she replied. "I feel bad for Captain Dumble, but this is our job."
"The situation is bad," I said. "We need to prepare for the possibility that the fortress might fall."
"What!?" Captain Dumble's eyes widened.
"Second Lieutenant, watch your words," he snapped. "Godo Fortress is a key stronghold of the Third Division!"
"With respect," I said calmly, "precisely because it's important, it's a worthwhile target. The enemy came prepared. They've already taken outposts."
"If we lose Godo Fortress, this entire area will fall into Bruges Dukedom's hands. This territory belongs to the Mildor family—one of the Five Royal Families. The Mildor faction in the Third Division would lose all face."
"That's why Captain Dumble won't accept the idea of losing," I added.
"That's impossible," he said firmly. "Godo Fortress is one of the most fortified castles in the empire. It has a strategic location and is defended by the best of the Third Division. There's no way mountain raiders like Blue-Jourge could take it."
He didn't seem incompetent, but the pressure of the situation was clearly wearing on him. Even he couldn't hide how vital Godo Fortress truly was.
Lieutenant Colonel Althea cut in smoothly. "Captain, please stay calm. In our line of work, saying 'we can't lose' is a forbidden phrase. Understand?"
"Y-Yes, ma'am. I apologize," he said, regaining his composure.
Captain Dumble wiped sweat from his brow and spoke again. "The fortress command has ordered us to strengthen the defenses of Zephyr Fortress."
The Lieutenant Colonel raised an eyebrow. "So, not reinforcements—just 'strengthen the defenses'?"
"Yes. Besides, the 6th Special Task Brigade isn't under fortress command."
"That's true... but it's concerning," she said, then turned to me. "What do you think, Second Lieutenant?"
Why do you keep asking me? Is this a test or something?
"I agree, Your Excellency," I answered. "Unless the Brugge army plans a full siege, there's no reason to attack Zephyr Fortress behind the mountain. If they're reinforcing here, then that must mean..."
The Lieutenant Colonel brushed her bangs aside and let out a small laugh. "'The fortress falling.' That's what you're thinking, right?"
"Yes," I replied. They had hit the core issue. I didn't like it, but they were right.
She turned to Captain Dumble with a gentler tone. "We can't see it from here, but beyond the mountain, something unusual must be unfolding. The fortress personnel can see it—but they don't want us to."
"Hm... I see..." Captain Dumble's face darkened. Unlike us, he was stationed here. He couldn't run. If he tried, he'd be shot.
Then he straightened up, as if he'd made a decision. "It can't be helped. I'll carry out my orders to the very end."
As expected of a veteran captain. He had resolve when it mattered. He truly was suited for command.
The Lieutenant Colonel gave a slight nod. "Don't worry. Our brigade won't abandon your men—even if others call us 'empty-headed' or 'just for show.'"
Apparently, the rumors had spread.
Watching Captain Dumble go pale, then ghost white, the Lieutenant Colonel chuckled.
"We'll show your troops just how useful we are. Please look forward to it."
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" he shouted stiffly.
Poor guy.
Not long after, the sound of distant artillery began to rumble again.
This is bad...
Notes:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Godo Fort - A stronghold located on a mountain peak, west of Zephyr Fort. It serves as a border guard base and has the capability to provide fierce bombardment in case of an attack. Located in the Empire.
• 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.
• Dumble - Male. Garrison commander of Zephyr Fortress. Experienced and cautious. Wears standard officer attire. Initially skeptical of the 6th Special Task Brigade but is persuaded by Euner's demonstration. Becomes more cooperative afterward.
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