Chapter: 351
On the last day of the first semester, I found myself in a meeting with the Principal bright and early, even before the vacation ceremony had begun.
“It’s just a few days until the departure ceremony,” the Principal said, his tone as dull as dishwater.
“Yes, we’re just waiting for the Emperor’s order now.”
Nodding to his nonchalant remarks, I responded.
The Northern Regional Troops had gathered except for the minimum number of soldiers needed to maintain order, and three legions from the Western Regional Troops had already arrived in the Hablem Duchy. With the units from the Central Regional Troops and private soldiers assembled at the Emperor’s designated gathering place, all that was left was to officially set off.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re going back to war before we’ve even healed from the wounds of the last one.”
Letting out a small sigh, the Principal’s bittersweet expression was unmistakable.
He might be insistent on staying in the Academy, but given his background as a grand mage and educator of countless students, it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t feel uneasy knowing his juniors would be going into battle.
“I’d rather return to the military. If this old man takes action, maybe at least one young person will survive.”
In fact, just after the summons for mobilization was sounded, the Principal had submitted his resignation to the Minister of Education, saying that it would be better for the younger folks if an old man like him stepped up.
Naturally, I heard his resignation was rejected. Sending someone who has already devoted their youth to the Empire, now nurturing its future, off to war just didn’t sit right. Moreover, having an old guy who had already retired from the military going off to battle would be a blow to the Empire’s reputation.
“There are plenty of seasoned generals to lead the young soldiers in the military. Many of them have experienced the last war. I understand your concerns, but try not to hold onto them too tightly.”
I offered some appropriate words of consolation to the Principal. I could feel his heart heavy from the losses he had endured during the last major hunt, but his role is as an educator. Attempting to step outside that role would only create fatigue and headaches for both of us.
“Yes, that’s true. You’re right, Chief of the Information Department.”
The Principal nodded in agreement, possibly out of exasperation at feeling helpless. In a situation where his resignation had been rejected, what could he do other than vent?
He could only hope that the connections forged over so many years wouldn’t go to waste.
“Please take care of yourself as well, Chief of the Information Department. It’s hard to imagine you getting hurt, but war can bring the unexpected.”
“Thank you for your advice.”
I replied with a slight smile at the Principal’s words. Among the connections the Principal has made, I’m included too. After spending a year and a half at work together, it’s no small bond.
However, I had some unpleasant news to share with the Principal, feeling a bit guilty about it.
“Speaking of which, I received a call from the Ministry of Finance yesterday. If the war drags on or if something happens to me, the Section Chief will be coming in my stead to act as a supervisor.”
I could see the Principal’s eyes widen in surprise at that. Having someone new coming in to replace a supervisor he had just gotten accustomed to was concerning, especially if that someone happened to be the Chief Advisor. For the Principal, it must have felt disorienting.
But what could I do? To fill my absence, it had to be another section chief or minister, and that was just impossible. Hence, the Chief Advisor, who has some connection with my lover and the club members, was stepping in.
“With an Academy graduate coming in as a supervisor, it’ll be quite the unique experience.”
“Haha, that’s true.”
For a moment, I imagined the Principal recalling the Section Chief’s student days flash through his mind, but I didn’t bother to dwell on it.
“I’ll have a word with the Section Chief once they come in as a supervisor. Even during the war, communication should still be possible.”
Of course, the ideal scenario would be for the war to end during the vacation, but the last one dragged on for two years, so I can’t guarantee anything. I didn’t want to get the Principal’s hopes up for no reason, so let’s treat the appointment of the Section Chief as a given.
*
As soon as the vacation ceremony ended, I found myself surrounded.
“Carl, you have to take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it, make sure you eat on time… what else is there?”
“Make sure you get enough sleep too.”
“Oh, right. Sleep is important.”
Now my lover and club members were about to head home. In contrast, I was the one headed for the battlefield, and they were showering me with worries and encouragement.
But somehow, their words felt odd. Isn’t this the kind of thing a worried mother would say about her child?
“Don’t worry about me. I value my life too.”
Regardless, since they meant well, I replied as cheerfully as I could. I wouldn’t see them again until after the war, so there’s no need to make them worry with a gloomy expression—
“Then what about that wound you’re sporting?”
“We agreed not to bring that up anymore…”
I nearly lost my words thanks to Irina’s powerful jab aimed at my solar plexus. That was a low blow to pull at a time like this.
Seeing Irina’s eyes glistening with tears instinctively made me lower my head. Honestly, the one who broke the agreement wasn’t Irina for mentioning my wounds, but rather me for actually having those wounds in the first place. Time for some self-reflection.
“… There’s nothing I can do about the wounds I already have, but I can’t come back with new ones. Got it?”
“Of course.”
So, I fervently nodded at Irina’s slightly misty-eyed words.
The only reason I had those darn wounds in the first place was because of Kagan; under normal circumstances, that wouldn’t have happened. Saying this feels like I’m jinxing myself, but in all seriousness, can you expect another punk like Kagan to appear in the same era?
I’m confident I’ll return safely this time. This isn’t a matter of jinxing, it’s just common sense.
“I hope we can meet again by the end of this year at the latest. Wishing you good fortune, Chief Advisor.”
“Thanks.”
In the midst of it all, I was genuinely touched to hear a normal and healthy parting message from Rutis. I shouldn’t let myself get caught up in sentimental feelings over something trivial.
“I’ll say my goodbyes at the territory beforehand.”
And when Erich told me to come to the territory before I set out, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
I was already planning to go, but hearing something like that makes it a must.
*
After arriving at the Capital with the Marquis, I headed straight to the Information Department. With the deployment looming, I had to take essential measures as a department head, and it was possible intelligence regarding the expeditionary force had come in while I was absent.
‘Ah, just arrived.’
And as expected, information about the expeditionary force had come in. Fresh and hot off the press, having arrived just this morning.
[ Confirmation of the Northern Expeditionary Army
– Central Regional Troops: 2nd Legion, 3rd Legion, 5th Legion.
– Western Regional Troops: 8th Legion, 11th Legion, 12th Legion.
– Northern Regional Troops: 7th Legion, 15th Legion, 17th Legion, 23rd Legion, 24th Legion, 26th Legion.
In total, 12 legions from the central troops will participate.
Furthermore, approximately 100,000 local troops led by the major lords from the Central, Western, and Northern regions will join.
The expeditionary force will be led by the Empire’s deputy commander and Grand Marshal, Richter Nuren of Hablem.
The commander of the Northern Regional Troops, Baltaras Winter, will command the legions affiliated with the Northern Regional Troops.
The commander of the 2nd Legion, Raman Morgens of Nüdriel Viscounty, will oversee the legions under the Central Regional Troops.
The commander of the 8th Legion, Ebert Bonatra, will lead the legions from the Western Regional Troops.
Additionally, Wilhelm Krasius of Tileglehen Countship will command half of the Central local troops.
Georg Hiden will command the other half of the Central local troops.
Patricia Kylon of Sapri Countship will be in charge of the Northern local troops.
Malamanto Digo of Lavirje Marquisate will lead the Western local troops.
… ]
‘Wow.’
Seeing the fully confirmed expeditionary army, I couldn’t help but admire it. Given the Emperor had put on quite the performance during the summons, I suspected, but he really has mobilized forces at a level similar to the last war.
Moreover, with the Army’s Deputy Commander, the Grand Marshal leading the way, there are seven individuals, or those of equal rank.
‘He’s dead serious.’
At this point, that marquis seal in my pocket feels almost weightless.
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