The fact that we won the Battle of Argalia greatly changed Austin's fate.
If Argalia had fallen, the capital, Winn, would have been occupied within the year.
In that sense, it was not unreasonable for us to be celebrated.
The Battle of Argalia was reported in the newspapers, and word of Touri Company's exploits spread throughout Austin.
That victory was a product of chance.
I believe it was a miracle born from a combination of various factors, including the determination of my comrades, the Aerys Army's lack of understanding of modern warfare, and the terrain of Argalia.
However, only the result was highlighted, and I was praised as if I were a "genius commander."
"War goddess," "princess," "angel," and other mischievous, flowery phrases were thrown around.
I was showered with so much praise that it made me tired of being humble.
Reactions from Austinites who read the paper were mixed.
On one hand, there were some people who believed what was written in the article and went wild praising us.
On the other hand, many people were skeptical, saying it was exaggerated or propaganda.
In reality, if the results of the battle were to be embellished any further, it would lose its credibility.
Apparently, the Winn newspaper, which usually tends to exaggerate the results of battles, reported only the facts this time.
However, there is something we must not forget.
Bern Valou's failure to capture the capital significantly turned the tide of the war against us.
The expedition had drained Austin's savings.
Given our inferior production capacity, we would be at a disadvantage in a prolonged war.
We can't compete with the production capacity of Flamel and Aerys even with the aid of the Sabbath.
A short decisive battle was our only path to victory.
However, with Bern's retreat, Austin's chance of victory was lost.
From now on, the more we continue the war, the more we will be cornered, bringing us close to a "checkmate" situation.
At this point, the government changed its policy to "peace" and began to seek conditions for ending the war.
All that's on Austin's horizon is a draw or a loss.
…It was a desperate situation.
"The brave warriors gathered here today are the pride of Austin."
However, the "miracle" of only 150 men driving back 20,000 enemies was enough to mask that.
"Lieutenant Touri. You demonstrated excellent command in Argalia and were instrumental in this victory. We commend your achievements here."
"It is an honor, your Majesty."
When our Touri Company arrived in the capital, we were summoned by His Majesty the Emperor and presented with medals.
Amidst a large crowd, His Majesty personally offered words of encouragement.
"Victory is certain with soldiers like you. It is reassuring."
"Those words are beyond me."
No soldier would want to participate in a war with no chance of winning.
'If we just try a little harder, we can win, and if we win, we can live a rich life.'
Until now, people have been deceived by words as sweet as honey and headed out to the battlefield.
"This concludes the award ceremony. I ask each and every member to continue to serve Austin."
"We humbly accept, Your Majesty."
The Austin Army, depleted of supplies, has no future.
Austin currently relies on the Sabbath for assistance with food and weapons production.
In other words, we can continue the war as long as the Sabbath's support continues.
Flamel and Aerys still have plenty of resources.
They just need to have a few more casualties.
Austin aims to inflict enough damage on them to make them unable to wage war for decades.
It seems they are prepared to engage in delicate diplomacy and make peace at a moderate level.
Around this time, the Austin Army shifted its tactical objective from "securing territory" to "annihilating enemy soldiers."
They prioritized enemy damage over territory, killing as many Flamers as they can, even if they are civilians.
That is Austin's path to survival.
Therefore, we stopped conducting assault operations and focused solely on defending strongholds.
From here, we will create a bloody hellscape on the battlefield.
…The war is finally entering its final phase.
***
"Thank you for your hard work at the award ceremony, Lieutenant Touri."
"Yes, thank you for your concern."
And then, after the medal award ceremony.
We were invited to the Prime Minister's residence and had dinner with Prime Minister Fogman Jr..
"You have a dignified attitude despite being so young. It's admirable. I'd like to have you as one of my subordinates."
"I'm honored by your words."
The prime minister was a muscular, youthful, and hairy man.
I wouldn't be surprised even if someone said he was in his thirties.
Surprisingly, he is said to be one year younger than Verdi, just twenty years old.
The fact that he is managing Austin's domestic affairs at such an age is a testament to his exceptional talent.
"Forgive me for saying this, but I find it hard to believe you achieved such success."
"It's all thanks to the efforts of my comrades."
"That's what I'm talking about. I can't believe you can command subordinates at your age. Politicians don't take me seriously and obey me."
Fogman Jr. was a man of "confidence."
He was the type who firmly believed in his own ideas and executed them forcefully.
"How do you get your subordinates to obey you? Are you not looked down upon for your appearance?"
"Get them to obey me…?"
I felt that he could be either a poison or a medicine.
As long as Fogman Jr.'s thoughts were correct, he would be a reliable leader.
But if his thoughts went in a strange direction, he might become a fool.
"I don't feel the pressure to make people obey me, so I behave in a way that makes people want to follow me. That's why I strive to be sincere and earnest."
"I see, acting in a way that makes people want to follow. You're quite the cunning one."
Hearing my answer, Fogman Jr. burst into laughter.
…Perhaps he thought I was being sly.
"I actually had someone look into your background a bit. You have quite a tough past."
"A tough past?"
"Don't worry. I won't bring it up if you don't want me to."
Fogman Jr. continued speaking with a sly smile.
Meanwhile, I was left with question marks in my head.
There were too many things that came to mind, and I honestly couldn't figure it out.
"I have good news. Starting next year, we plan to start reconstruction aid. Your hometown Noel is included in that."
"Oh, thank you very much."
"We need to put effort into domestic affairs from now on. Rebuilding Noel Orphanage must be expedited."
Fogman Jr. smiled at me as if to say, "You should be grateful."
I see. The "tough past" seems to refer to the time Noel was burned.
"And here's the thing. Ah, it's a pathetic matter, but some fools oppose this policy."
"I see."
"They claim that it's more important to keep the military industry running than to focus on reconstruction aid. They're probably taking bribes."
"…"
"Sure, bullets are important. But the efficiency of the industry will surely drop if we don't put effort into reconstruction!"
Fogman Jr. angrily slammed the table with a bang.
I was startled for a moment.
"They're so blinded by the war that they don't understand the balance needed. Stabilizing domestic industries requires maintaining public order and securing labor. Why don't they understand that building orphanages and engaging those orphans in state-run projects is better?"
"Y-Yes, that's true."
"I don't need to be told that bullets are important! But the lives and infrastructure of the citizens who make those bullets are crucial─"
The prime minister roared ferociously in front of me in his anger.
I was simply stunned by his sudden behavior.
"Sorry, I got a bit too heated."
"N-No, it's fine."
"Right now, there is a dispute over the budget resolution. Ultimately, it will be up to His Majesty the Emperor to decide, but… it will be bad if the reconstruction budget is not approved."
Fogman Jr. sighed and covered his eyes, then sat back down at the desk.
While I was thinking of what to say to him, he suddenly stood up and grabbed my hand.
"That's where I need your help! Lieutenant Touri."
"Huh?"
"Would you donate to the reconstruction budget?"
The shift in conversation made me blink in surprise.
…Me, a soldier, making a donation?
Of course, I'd help with the orphanage's reconstruction, but my personal wealth is rather limited.
"Oh, you won't need to spend your own money. What matters is the fact that a hero like you made the donation."
"I-I see."
"We'll prepare the funds. I just need to use your name as the donor."
Fogman Jr. was discussing something quite complicated.
His tone felt somewhat shady… but…
"Is my name really worth that much?"
"Yes, with your help, we can save many people. Please, I beg you."
Somehow, I felt he was genuinely trying to rebuild the orphanage.
…My hometown, Noel Orphanage.
"I understand. Please take care of the orphanage's reconstruction."
"Ah, thank you for your decision, Lieutenant Touri. I'll take care of the rest."
With the orphanage being used as leverage, I had no choice but to cooperate.
I would be glad to be used a little if it would help orphans suffering from poverty.
"I'm glad to see that you're understanding, Lieutenant Touri. I look forward to working with you in the future."
"Th-Thank you."
Even though I felt a bit deceived, I shook Fogman Jr.'s outstretched hand.
As long as I have enough to live modestly with Sedol, I'm fine.
I've taken many lives in this war.
If you gain wealth through murder, you will be punished if you don't use it for good.
"As a token of appreciation, Lieutenant Touri."
"Yes?"
"Expect your rank to be appropriately and fairly evaluated based on your achievements."
It was concerning that Fogman Jr., who was shaking my hand back, had such an insidious smile.
After that, I learned my name was heavily used for money laundering.
On paper, I was paid an eye-popping bonus from the military budget, and it was as if I donated the entire amount to the reconstruction fund.
Fogman Jr. secured the budget from military funds under the guise of my personal donation since the reconstruction budget seemed unlikely to pass.
Since I grew up in an orphanage myself, it wouldn't have been unusual for me to donate my reward money to an orphanage.
…Prime Minister Fogman Jr. is forceful, but is he actually quite capable?