Chapter: 858
The requests from military old-timers vying for teaching positions at the military academy were expected to ignite a flood of communication, but it turned out to be half right and half wrong.
First off, the communication channels were indeed glowing like a light bulb. I was worried they might burn out from all that brightness! This buzz indicates that a decent number of the military’s seasoned veterans, or rather, some rotting corpses of retired officers, are genuinely invested in the academy. On the bright side, it also reflects the military’s favorable view of the Vice Commander’s ambitions.
However, it wasn’t just the communication channels that were ablaze.
“Heh heh, long time no see.”
When others opted for a call, the bold Commander from the Central Sector decided to strut right into my mansion. He figured if he was going to ask for favors, he might as well do it face-to-face.
Baron Florence Rotid of Helron paid a visit to the mansion.
“Please, speak comfortably. I may have become a minister, but let’s not compromise our casual chat like old times.”
As I handed a teacup to Baron Florence—Central Sector Commander—I began.
Comparing the protocol, a Minister has a slight edge over a mere Commander of the Imperial army. In theory, the Imperial army falls under the Minister of War, so an ordinary Commander can’t be ranked above a Minister.
But that’s only when rigid protocol is in play at formal events; in private gatherings, the hierarchy can shift easily.
After all, the Central Sector Commander was a talented individual who had established himself long before I even became a civil servant. Plus, he’s a close friend of the Minister of Finance. So, it’s frankly out of character to treat him like he’s superior just because of my recent promotion.
“Come on, I’m here asking for a favor, so I should speak politely.”
“In that case, wouldn’t it be more effective to approach me as Florence rather than as a Commander asking for a favor?”
“Really? Well, if that’s how it has to be.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sudden shift in the Commander’s demeanor. He wasn’t being seriously respectful but was joking around, a surprisingly light approach from someone whose position holds weight.
Of course, it’s much more pleasant than dealing with someone excessively serious. Plus, after two years in the Great Hunt War together, we had built some camaraderie.
“By the way. I didn’t want to show up empty-handed, so I brought a gift. It’s a bunch of dolls for the kids, hope that’s alright?”
Saying that, the Commander handed over a massive bag, which had me wondering what on earth was inside.
Peeking inside, I was greeted by an overwhelming number of dolls—enough to fill a room to the brim, if I’m exaggerating just a little.
“Whoa, did you really bring this many? It seems like it was a hassle in this heat.”
“Well, with so many kids, we need a lot of dolls! Besides, I’ve got two arms now, so it was a breeze!”
The Commander lifted his arms as if to showcase them and let out a chuckle.
It was a cringe-worthy joke, but at least it wasn’t one saying “I’ve only got one arm, so I’m light on my feet!” This humor, coming from someone who had been handicapped but has now recovered, allows both the teller and the listener to share a laugh.
“Thank goodness for that.”
It truly is a relief. In a world where magic and sacred arts are prevalent, permanent wounds lingering from injuries is a catastrophic misfortune. Thus, the Commander’s former life as a one-armed man saddened many.
However, this former Commander was known for making outrageous jokes about his permanent disability. Now that his condition is treated and the one-arm jokes have vanished, it’s a blessing not just for the Empire but for the Commander himself.
How ironic that this fortune came about due to the “Eternal Blue Sky.”
“If you think about it, this wound sort of came from the Eternal Blue Sky,” I recalled, having received an irreparable scar from Kagan. Like the Commander, many veterans bore injuries that were permanently disabling. Not to mention, Kagan didn’t just attack with sheer strength; he wielded divine power! Many returned home riddled with injuries.
But after borrowing the fairy’s power and seizing that divine strength, things changed.
“As the power from the Eternal Blue Sky gradually recovered, so too did the situation.”
I can gather the power that stuck to my wounds, which allowed for healing.
Healing from a divine-inflicted permanent injury with divine power? It feels like a bad joke, but it’s the only certain way out.
“You can heal? That’s great! I’ve gotten used to living without an arm for years, and now I have a medal for taking down that bastard Kagan! So let’s keep it this way!”
Yet when I first suggested healing to the Commander, he surprisingly declined due to unexpected reasons.
“Is that healing still an option?”
“Of course!”
Days passed, and his answer changed. Having adapted to living with the injury but suddenly finding a chance for treatment felt like his resolution and detachment were shaken.
Awkwardly, I couldn’t blame him. His resolve had helped him cope and continue, but if he could escape injury, that resolve would lose all meaning.
“Instead, if I healed up, people might think I advanced due to sympathy, and poof—my arm returns! Should I step down now?”
“No way!”
That sudden jab took my breath away.
I was reminiscing about his heartwarming healing process when he threw out that bombshell. It made it sound like I was scheming to oust the Commander.
Moreover, how is it even okay to brush off the transformation from being a handicapped individual back to being whole with the line, “and poof, my arm’s back”? I’m not the one living through this, so it’s hard to say.
“… Your abilities and achievements are recognized by all. You didn’t get promoted just because you’re missing an arm; you earned your rank through your dedication. Now that you’ve got your arm back, shouldn’t you use it to serve in an even greater position?”
“Ggreater position? I’m already the Central Sector Commander; how much higher do I need to climb?”
“Well, there’s always the Vice Commander—”
“And that’s why I’m trying to escape the military!”
The Commander shook his head vehemently as if telling me to shut up.
“Damn it. To hear even an outsider like you mention the Vice Commander… Looks like people are seeing me as a successor with visible expectations.”
His voice, filled with confusion and bitterness, left me at a loss.
That expression, that tone, all signs of someone who’s desperately avoiding advancement. It’s a familiar sight, and I understood well.
“Do you not want to become Vice Commander?”
I cautiously broke the silence, needing to clarify whether my assumptions were right.
“Not really. I’ve stepped into the military now, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have ambitions of becoming Vice Commander. Wanting to be promoted is just a natural desire, isn’t it?”
With that, I fell silent again.
His words held a ring of truth; a few around me might be odd, but seeking promotion is a common ambition.
“But I really don’t want to be next in line after the Vice Commander. No matter how you look at it, the position after him feels like a fiery hell.”
“I see.”
I immediately grasped where he was coming from.
That too was a fair point. The rank of Vice Commander isn’t something to take lightly, and to follow a giant like the Vice Commander? What a nightmare.
“… I’ll speak with the Vice Commander. With your standing and reputation, you could very well aim for the Principal position.”
“Honestly, I don’t care if it’s a Principal position or a security guard. Just sign my name on something!”
His earnestness left me nodding silently.
It seems I’ve found another reason to persuade the Vice Commander against retirement.
*
One head alone isn’t better than many together.
“Regarding the site for the military academy… or rather, the academy itself, I propose an area near the Imperial Academy. Do you agree?”
“Yes, I agree. That’s the only ideal location for an educational institution.”
Seeing the Minister of Education nod in agreement with the Minister of War sparked a warm feeling in my chest.
“However, I do worry about the discomfort the Academy students might feel and the sense of deprivation among the military academy students if they’re too close together. It’s likely their training will involve strict control, contrasting with the freedom the Imperial Academy students experience.”
“Hmm…”
The Minister of War stroked his chin in thought at the Education Minister’s concern.
I briefly shared that worry too. Although the Imperial Academy students would be facing newcomers, the military academy students would be just next door to see their more自由生活.
It’d be odd if they weren’t swayed by what they saw.
Yet, if we can’t eliminate that discomfort, we might as well incorporate it into the educational experience.
“The path of a soldier is never easy. If one were to waver and turn away over minor issues, it’s better to filter them out during their academy days. It would ultimately be the better path for both the Empire and those students.”
“Surely, you’re right.”
“Your insight is truly commendable, Your Excellency.”
The Minister of War and the Minister of Education lightly bowed their heads in response to my words.
“Then, what do you think about the admission criteria for the military academy?”
“The admission criteria?”
“Well, I’m inclined to make it similar to the Imperial Academy, where social status isn’t a barrier. Even commoners can serve the Empire and show loyalty toward the Emperor; strong physical abilities are sufficient for military eligibility.”
Starting with that obvious point, the Minister of Education hesitated for a moment before carefully continuing.
“The military academy will remain open for imperial citizens, but shouldn’t we set stricter conditions for foreigners?”
“Naturally, we must bar foreign nationals! The academy is the future of the Imperial Army and will embody the knowledge we’ve built! There’s no room for outsiders here!”
“I understand well. But considering that the Imperial Academy is open to all the continent’s citizens, I was wondering if we might take a similar path with this academy.”
In response to the Education Minister’s vehement opposition, the Minister of War hastily waved his hands.
“However, if foreigners graduate from the Imperial Academy, aren’t they more likely to establish pro-Empire factions within their own militaries? They’d live in the Empire for years, learn its values, and build connections with local students. While the benefits may not be immediate, they could yield fruit in 10 or 20 years!”
“That’s—”
“That’s not a decision to make right now. We will discuss it further later.”
My mediation led the two ministers to bow their heads once more.
With numerous heads in the room, we seem to have plenty to discuss!
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.