Youjo Senki - Volume 12 - Chapter 3.3

THE SAME DAY, AT THE SALAMANDER KAMPFGRUPPE IN THE IMPERIAL VANGUARD

When problems occur, it’s almost always out in the field. However, the root of the problem may lie elsewhere. In fact, those out in the field are oftentimes innocent victims. Major Weiss wrestles with this strange sentiment in real time when he hears the dreadful news. And how does he receive said news? Well, his expression alone is worth a thousand words—the major’s agape mouth is the picture of disbelief.

“What?! He’s coming to…rally the troops…?!”

“That’s right,” I say with a nod. I’ve never seen Major Weiss this thrown off by anything before. Evidently, he’s having a hard time accepting this is happening. His reaction makes sense, since it really is unbelievable. I’ll have to lay it out for him as clearly as possible.

“General Zettour wishes to inspect our forces. Here, with us.”

“Wh-why here?! We’re as far forward as you can get?!”

The first officer’s doubts are legitimate. The Kampfguppe has continued to advance to stay close to the Ildoan troops, poised to attack whenever the orders arrive.

We’re standing in the eye of the storm. A bad place to be for a certain someone who is trying to come at a time like this. If only this were a scene out of a novel. It’s almost difficult for me to maintain my composure as this disaster is about to befall Tanya and her troops.

“Calm yourself, Major Weiss. I’m well aware that this isn’t some military parade back at the capital.”

“Then you need to change his mind! If anyone can convince him, it’s you!”

“I won’t be able to.”

My first officer isn’t going to give up easily, but a wave of my hand is all it takes to let the major know resistance is futile.

“You must remember this, Major. General Zettour is a completely different species.”

“You make it sound like he’s an animal… Either way, coming to the front lines is far too dangerous.”

“You’re not wrong about that. Scouts are a daily occurrence where we are. A sniper would cry tears of joy if they caught a glimpse of the general.” I cross my arms and sigh. “But tell me, do you think that means anything to the man? Do you honestly believe he’d change his mind over something so glaringly obvious?”

It’s easy for me to picture the general dancing his way to the front lines fully aware of this fact. General Zettour is an intelligent and understanding man. On top of that, he’s always given Tanya a fair shake. This makes him a superior who’s hard to come by.

He has but one fault—and a critical one at that—in the form of his overbearing love. He loves his nation, the fatherland, and other imagined communities far too much. From my perspective, this isn’t rational by any means. Which is why, on occasion, it is difficult for me to understand General Zettour’s motives. Being unable to discern my superior’s thoughts is a point of distress. There are times when she just can’t come to an agreement with his actions.

“We must accept the fact that there are people out there willing to dive even deeper into the front line than us if deemed necessary.”

The general is, in effect, a warmonger. In fact, he may well have morphed into something even more severe by now. Honestly speaking, I’ve always thought of General Zettour as an intellectual associate on a personal level… Has the stress finally gotten to him? This is yet another testament to the cruelty of war. Be that as it may, Major Weiss disparaging the top of their organization is disrespectful, even if he is Tanya’s number two. Realizing that there isn’t much use in trying to pull the wool over his eyes, I take on a tone that won’t sound too severe.

“I, too, have a hard time believing a man of his intellect would ever do this… Something tells me he wants to see live combat as opposed to a conventional inspection.”

“I just can’t believe it. Does he think he can leisurely walk into the front line like this?”

“Remember the eastern front. There’s a chance he’ll happily pick up a gun.”

“It’s scary, but I think you’re right.”

I nod, fully in agreement.

“It’s the general we’re dealing with here. If there’s a stage and a podium, there’s a good chance he’ll take it.”

Major Weiss winces. He looks like he has something more to say but swallows it. Perhaps he’s finally facing reality. With that, my first officer and I silently accept our predetermined fates and mobilize to get things done.

First things first. We hold a meeting with the officers who share the responsibility of hosting the general. This much should be obvious, but none of the officers are elated to hear the worst news of the day—that General Zettour will be inspecting the front line. Captain Ahrens gazes up at the sky in disbelief while Captain Meybert keeps himself propped up on a cannon. First Lieutenant Tospan distracts himself from reality with meticulous plans to fortify the current positions. Perhaps each of them represents their branch of the army with their different reactions, but regardless, they’re still soldiers. Knowing the inevitable gives them the chance to steel their nerves, at the very least.

Tanya von Degurechaff is a being from another world. She has a second set of values that she can compare and contrast with the Empire’s militarism. A set of values constructed in a peaceful, civilized society, with exceedingly unremarkable norms. This set of values is what allows her to be certain that if she has to choose between going to war and placating her superior, then ten out of ten times, she will choose her superior. That isn’t to say that it is ever enjoyable to have your work schedule thrown for a spin, but she understands that freedom isn’t something a person who is part of an organization can enjoy forever.

Everything comes with a price. For the army during a time of war, the sad fact is that freedom is far too extravagant to afford. When it comes down to the two options of combat and entertaining a superior, it isn’t a difficult choice; of course Tanya chooses her superior. Who wouldn’t? Entertaining a boss is ten billion times easier than assaulting an enemy base.

This is why I have a smile on my face when it’s my turn to see the general. My people and I stand up as straight as we can to welcome him. It isn’t too big of a deal for an upstanding member of society to line up with my subordinates to welcome guests.

This is what I tell myself as the general and his entourage appear, traveling surprisingly light. There aren’t even that many of them to start. His security detail consists of nothing more than a few military police on bikes. As for the bike the general is riding, it appears to be a civilian vehicle. It isn’t difficult for me to imagine the gastrointestinal pain his entourage collectively feels. I can almost feel it just looking at them.

The scariest part, however, is the general’s expression as he dismounts the bike. With a smile on his face that is comparable only to the bright Ildoan sun shining down on us, General Zettour appears to be as happy as can be.

“Why, hello there, Colonel. I couldn’t be happier to see you on this fine day.”

He offers a wave with the same friendly smile. What’s more, he practically skips right up to me. Something about it all feels like an act. I can hear an alarm going off in the back of my mind. It’s the same level of danger I feel when an air control operator suddenly changes his tone and calls for an emergency scramble to respond to the highest threat level.

“How have you been? It feels like a nice spring day, despite it being winter.”

“Why hello, General!” With every cell in my body on high alert, I answer in the most diplomatic way possible. “It must be this amazing weather, but you look so vibrant. It makes me so happy that you’re here to see us!”

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. A smile needs to be met with an even bigger smile, and empty, flowery words will be met with more over-the-top gestures.

“Well, that sure is nice of you to say. How have things been lately?”

“We have a lot to worry about due to this incessant sunshine. The unfortunate lack of clouds makes for great artillery weather.”

General Zettour quietly listens and acknowledges Tanya’s concerns.

“I suppose even good weather comes with its disadvantages. Though, you must admit that it is beautiful here, is it not?”

“What do you mean?”

“This is the prettiest time of year, just before the flower petals begin to fall.”

This comment is so jarring that it becomes incredibly difficult to maintain my smile. What an ominous thing to say. There certainly is an elegance to the falling of beautiful flowers, but it’s a bit strange coming from the man wielding a chainsaw in Ildoa’s proverbial garden.

“The flowers we’re here to pluck? It makes me sad to see them go.”

“So sentimental. You’re an elegant little flower petal on the battlefield yourself.”

The only way I can respond to the light teasing is to act dejected.

“I’m nothing compared to you, sir…”

“Why do you say that? I’m trying to pay you a compliment.”

“And it is an honor! But I’m merely one more soldier. A cog in the machine, loyal to my nation’s will. I’m nothing in your presence.”

I bear no responsibility for this! I’m simply following my legal orders! Anyone who’s studied law knows these words hold little water in a court. Anyone who’s studied a bit of law history, however, benefits from knowing how the laws changed over time.

For example, the phrase “I was only following orders.” This was used by both sides of the First World War as a justification by various people on trial for war crimes. It was used so much, in fact, that it created the need for a court where such an excuse wasn’t enough. A court that wouldn’t be established…until the next major war. Which is why I, currently mired in the first of said wars, am not too worried about it. My use of this phrase is perfect. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

While I mull over all this as a form of escapism, General Zettour ruthlessly forces me to face reality.

“I’m glad it’s an honor for you. This may be the last beautiful flower season Ildoa sees for a while, but that’s none of our business. I want you to really rough them up.”

The gaze he shoots me makes it clear there’s no way to worm my way out of this one.

Yes is the only acceptable answer. Keeping this insight to myself, I maintain my dignified posture, standing at attention exactly the way it’s shown in military textbooks.

“Just give the command, sir.”

“And so I shall. The orders should be on their way now. Our priority is to devastate our enemies.”

When it’s put as clearly as that, the boots on the ground aren’t left with much of a choice. I prepare to accept the unavoidable orders.

“Understood. Well then, General, I must go command the vanguard.”

Now, if you excuse… Before I can say goodbye, the Empire’s highest-ranking general appears to hold his left hand out toward me with a smile.

I stare at the extended empty hand, and Zettour grins.

“Before you leave, there’s something I want from you.”

I don’t even have time to get a huh out.

“I need bodyguards, Colonel Degurechaff. For my security detail… I understand it’s a bit unreasonable to insist on something so difficult, so I’ll make do with a single mage company. Please make the necessary arrangements.”

Bodyguards.

An entire company’s worth.

At a time like this.

The words appear in my brain with a size and intensity that’s equal to the shock I’m feeling. This is an earth-shattering request.

“What was that officer’s name…? Ah, Grantz. Lend me the first lieutenant. It should be easier for me to work with him as he understands my temperament.”

“General, if I may… I’ve only just received orders from you to attack the enemy. You made it clear that their destruction takes priority over all else, correct?”

I object… Even if there’s only of a fraction of a chance of him changing his mind…I need to take it. I’ll do everything in my power to resist this. Such is the nature I’ve acquired resisting with all my might in a futile war.

“That’s correct. I need you to accomplish both orders.”

I let out a sigh. I know how these things work. These are orders, and he is Tanya’s superior. This explains why he came here without much of a security detail. He planned on acquiring one at his destination, which is why he brought the bare minimum for the trip here, and it falls on Tanya to provide it for him, as per direct orders.

In the Imperial Army, General Zettour’s orders are law. Thus, there is only one thing a middle manager in Tanya’s position can do, and that is deliver promptly without question.

It only takes a glance up at the general to realize that, in contrast to the big smile on his face, there isn’t a hint of a smile in his eyes.

This isn’t an environment where she can cry out, “Nein!”1

As much as a headache this is for her, she must comply.

“Bring Lieutenant Grantz to me! General Zettour is calling for him!”

Lieutenant Grantz, who’d been studying the war map, was suddenly overcome by a hard-to-describe chill that caused him to let out a strange cry.

“Whoa!”

The first lieutenant felt the chill creep down his spine. Even if this was Ildoa, it was still almost winter. While the time of year could have explained the strange feeling, there nevertheless was something ominous about the sensation as he took his eyes off the map and reached for a warm drink.

“Lieutenant Grantz…? Are you all right?”

“Ah, yeah. I felt strange for a second there. I’m fine, though.”

Grantz waved off First Lieutenant Tospan’s concerned look while he drank the warm tea.

“It was just a shake. The sun may be warm, but the air’s still cold outside.”

“Maybe you should see the doctor.”

“It’s just a random shiver. If I went to see the doctor every time I felt cold, I’d be stuck in the medical tent.”

“Nothing wrong with spending a cold winter in bed now, is there?”

“The only real winter threat is the Kampfgruppe leader.”

“Good one!”

Ha-ha-ha. The two first lieutenants shared a brief laugh before focusing on the map once more. It was important for them to keep the map as updated as possible since the battlefield continued to change by the minute. It was their duty to keep the freshest version of the map memorized at all times. It took quite a bit of focus to do this, which the two maintained by sipping the cheap tea that came with their rations, making sure to load it with sugar while they scanned the map. This time, however, it didn’t seem like there were any major changes since they last did this sugar-charged ritual. They didn’t expect the enemy to move anytime soon.

Once they finished updating the map, they would have some time to themselves. They could enjoy some of the snacks they’d purchased with their own money to go with the tea rations, and maybe even play some cards if they could find enough people. In this way, their job was easy. Once they were finished with the map, only Captain Meybert and Captain Ahrens would need to bring it to the headquarters.

The first lieutenants had a bit more leeway in their schedules, which was nice as they could take some time to relax.

This, of course, was bearing in mind that General Zettour was visiting the Salamander Kampfgruppe—there was a unique tension spread throughout the camp. Grantz, who had no aspirations to rise through the ranks, was resigned to letting the higher-ups deal with the general, though.

The majors, colonels, and generals would be in charge of tending to the general, while Grantz and Tospan hung back and handled the rank and file. They had no business mingling with the nobility, save for the off moments at military parades. Even then, they would only see them from the parade lines.

There was no need to go out of his way to see the general unless he was particularly keen on brown-nosing.

Grantz took another look at the map, committing each and every geographical feature to memory… As bland a job as it may be, he found comfort in it.

In a word, it was tranquil. In more words, he was a man who liked structure, and he couldn’t ask for anything more predictable than a post like this! The good soldier that he was, Grantz was even able to find a sense of fulfillment in this position. Which was only natural, as this comfortable job was his and he made sure to do it well.

Being able to mess around with Tospan over some card afterward was just a bonus. After finishing up, the two of them set out to find the other soldiers to join them in a game, but they ended up being stopped by a single soldier, who came right over to them. For Grantz, who motioned to invite the soldier to their card game, what came out of the soldier’s mouth was like a bolt from the blue.

The soldier came with orders for Grantz to report to the Kampfgruppe HQ. Orders like these were usually given over the radio if they were urgent. The fact that a soldier relayed the message verbally usually meant that it wasn’t too high priority. What was strange was that the soldier came on a bike with a sidecar to bring Grantz back with him.

“Did something happen to the colonel?”

He asked the driver of the bike, but he was informed that it was the colonel who called for his presence. Being the experienced officer he was, this was enough for Grantz to know that either new enemy troops had arrived in their area of operations or there was a change in strategy. There was also a chance their battalion was volunteering to participate in a major offensive.

Whichever the case may be, there was a reason the wise Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff chose not to use the radio to contact him. Something big was happening. This much was certain. Whatever that may be, Grantz’s experience allowed him to predict that he would need to be ready for it.

His long-sought peaceful sabbath would have to wait. Grantz could feel that an intense job was coming on the horizon, and being the impressive soldier he was, he wouldn’t retreat from his duty. He took a deep breath. This was all it took for him to steel his nerves. No matter what the task was, he refused to falter. It was his way of preparing himself for battle; nothing could shatter his mental armor now.

Ready for whatever trials and tribulations awaited him and his companions, he entered the tent only to be immediately met by a wall of tension that could be cut with a knife. What shocked him the most was the stiff expression the commander showed, as if she had an intense decision to make. This was enough to terrify Grantz.

What could possibly make Colonel Degurechaff look like this?!

It was only her and her first officer, Major Weiss, in the room. It must be something highly classified. And yet, while these thoughts ran through his head, a new question tugged at his mind.

If this was the case, why had someone like him been called here? Why not Captains Meybert or Ahrens, or any of the other first lieutenants?

Just as the confusion was setting in, his superior turned to him with a smile.

“First Lieutenant Grantz. Congratulations.”

“What?”

“You’ve been selected by my superior… He’s taken a liking to you.”

Grantz stared blankly at his own superior when he felt a hand clapping onto his shoulder. Startled, he turned to find the face of an older gentleman. He must’ve completely hidden his presence, because Grantz didn’t realize there was anybody behind him until that very moment…which only added to his confusion, but this was when he realized he recognized this face.

And before his brain could even fully manifest an answer, it instinctually shifted to reject whatever reality this was in an instant.

Sadly for him, soldiers are a part of an organization with strict standards. He averted his gaze, only for his eyes to fall on the gentleman’s lapel, which clearly showed the rank insignia that decorated it.

With the general insignia triggering his instincts, Grantz stood at attention. This conditioning was likely a product of Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff’s training.

He turned his entire person around on his heel, standing up straight in attention. This much done all on autopilot, Grantz’s consciousness itself finally caught up to who exactly the gentleman was.

“Hello there, Lieutenant. I haven’t seen you since the eastern front. How have you been?”

General Hans von Zettour addressed Grantz with a smile, which would be a blessing for anyone with aspirations to climb the ranks.

Aspirations First Lieutenant Grantz didn’t have.

“Ah, I, uh…”

Perhaps having pity on her subordinate, who was clearly at a loss for words, or maybe as a friend, Degurechaff jumped in to take the focus off Grantz.

“General, please try not to bully Lieutenant Grantz.”

“I’m simply greeting an acquaintance of mine. You know, there aren’t that many pleasantries left for a man my age to enjoy. I have to keep my nerves sharp somehow, don’t I?”

“As I am still young, I tend to sympathize with the trials of the younger soldiers.”

Grantz had seen his superior’s heroism on the battlefield many a time, but seeing her fight like this in an official capacity was deeply moving. Watching her provide cover fire like this made her seem like a shining beacon of light—her back imposing and powerful despite her small frame.

“You’ve got me there. Well, let us get to the thick of things.”

The general nodded nonchalantly—his easygoing attitude suggested this whole exchange was well practiced…which quickly brought Grantz back to his initial question.

Why had he been called here? He had an inkling…and if he was anywhere close to the mark, then Grantz would have to pray that his worst fears wouldn’t come true.

This short-lived hope that this was in any way possible was ruthlessly shattered by his benevolent superior.

“Even among my battalion, First Lieutenant Grantz is one of my most capable mages. That being said, he leaves much to be desired in terms of attentiveness and organization. He is not fit to be an attendant or first officer, in my opinion, which is why you should perhaps reconsider…”

“Are you recommending against using a hunting dog as a sheepdog?”

“This particular hound is a bit too finicky to be a sheepdog.”

“Oh? It sounds like you wish to say…that Lieutenant Grantz isn’t fit to be my personal guard?”

Grantz, who couldn’t flat out say he didn’t want to do it, could only stare hopefully at Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff, who was evidently willing to go up against the nobility for the sake of her subordinates.

“I do question whether or not he is suitable for the role. The mages who make up my battalion are more like the tips of spears. Even when it comes to defense, they use not a shield but their honed points.”

“That’s fine by me.”

“Different mages have different aptitudes, is all I wish to say.”

The proud commander of the Salamander Kampfgruppe made a heroic display of resistance. First Lieutenant Grantz’s adoring eyes watched her as she stated her case. Her bravery made her back seem much larger than any child could possibly possess.

“He is a necessary part of my battalion, General. He is most useful to our nation on the vanguard. I only wish to have the right soldiers in the right posts.”

“So you’re against lending him to me.”

“I am unable to fully agree with your allocation of our resources.”

It took immense bravery for a field officer to say words like this to a general—to disagree, object, and resist. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff proceeded to do everything in her power to defend Grantz as he watched from the rear. The gratitude he felt knew no bounds.

He knew she was a superior who wanted the best for her subordinates, but never had he imagined she’d go this far!

He was immensely moved by the whole scene, and her efforts would prove successful…in helping him accept his inevitable demise.

“Colonel Degurechaff. I’ll make note of your advice for the record. Now, is there anything else?”

The general’s authority gave him an overwhelming advantage.

“General, as the commander of the General Staff’s mage battalion, it is our duty to serve the Empire and our nation, and not—”

“I’ll bear in mind that you were down a single company when reviewing your performance during this campaign. That said, I somehow doubt missing a single company will have that large of an impact on your battalion’s results.”

“Every single man counts, General.”

“Sadly, this is a war. We must make the most of what we have.”

“And I believe it is my job to do my best to maintain what I have.”

General Zettour gave Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff a stern glare, but she continued to fight for Grantz nevertheless. Honestly, she was up against the general. With there being nothing Grantz could say or do at all, he was expecting her to give up much sooner than she did. The grave reality, however, continued to loom over them as this exchange went on. Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff was a lieutenant colonel, and General Zettour was a general. One was the subordinate, and one was the superior.

“Do you have any other concerns? I apologize, but I’d like for you to understand that this has already been decided.”

The lieutenant colonel fell silent. She gave Grantz a glance, her eyes filled with pity, which made the situation all too clear—there were no reinforcements coming. For the first time in his military career, Grantz was cut off and alone.

As if to announce the results of the negotiation to the dumbfounded lieutenant, the old gentleman with glittering stars lining his jacket turned his attention to him with a glaringly forced smile.

“Well, Colonel. It seems all that’s left is getting the lieutenant’s consent.”

“Yes… You are correct.”

Grantz’s superior gave a reluctant but clear nod. His last and only line of defense had fallen, and no reinforcements were coming. Standing before Grantz was an eerily smiling general. He beamed at him from the pinnacle of his organization, the army. The gaze with which he waited for Grantz to speak was like a sharp blade wrapped in cloth. He knew from experience that this was it. That resistance was futile… It was time for him to raise his white flag.

“I—I look forward to being able to accompany you again and help in any way I can!”

“That’s the spirit, Lieutenant Grantz. I expected nothing less from a man such as yourself. I’m glad you’re willing to volunteer yourself for the important task.”

He had no recollection of volunteering for this, and he was overcome by amazement. The general’s hand felt heavy on his slumped shoulders.

“Let’s try to enjoy ourselves, Lieutenant. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Do I look worried?”

“I intend to add to your achievements with this assignment, not leave a black mark on your career.”