"Thank you for everything, Major Touri."
"Fighting under your command is the pride of my life."
After the commissioning ceremony, I returned to the camp with everyone.
There, I exchanged farewell greetings with my comrades while packing my belongings.
"Ugh, I can't believe I have to part ways with Major Touri."
"It's such a rare comfort… There aren't many female soldiers like her."
"What about the puku puku one?"
"…Does she count as comforting? That?"
I shook hands with everyone in the unit for the last time.
I prayed for their safety and good fortune.
"Major, let's all take a group photo before you go!"
"Touri Company is eternal!"
Everyone here is very nice.
They supported me warmly, who has a slightly shy personality.
They are important people to me.
"…Well then, Lieutenant Gavel. I will leave this company in your hands from now on."
"Yeah, take care and be well."
After saying heartfelt goodbyes to such irreplaceable comrades,
I gathered my belongings and headed to the headquarters within Engei.
***
"…Major Touri Lowe reporting in. I have come to Headquarters as requested."
"Please come in."
Headquarters was housed in a facility that had been requisitioned from Engei's former city hall.
It was a building with a stern atmosphere, adorned with Flamer sculptures.
"It's been a while, Touri. How was your leave?"
"It was very enjoyable."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Welcoming me at the entrance of the building with a troubled smile was Verdi.
"Lieutenant Colonel Verdi, how are you doing?"
"Well, not too bad."
…He looked even more haggard than before, his facial structure resembling a skeleton.
Honestly, I was shocked.
"I never thought the day would come where I'd be discussing work with Touri at Headquarters."
"…Neither did I."
I was led to Verdi's private office within Engei's Headquarters.
The room was simply furnished with a bed and a desk, out of place for someone of his status.
"Were you surprised to be suddenly promoted to Major?"
"I feel that this is a rank that is beyond my ability."
"Beyond your ability, huh?"
Verdi chuckled lightly, as if amused.
I gave him a puzzled look, wondering what was so funny.
"If we're talking about military achievements alone, there's no other major who has achieved more than you."
"…"
"No officer could oppose your promotion after hearing about your achievements in Argalia."
Verdi said this with a mischievous smile.
…Perhaps due to the influence of propaganda, my achievements had been exaggerated.
"Even so, isn't this too much? …I was first in command of infantry just a few months ago and haven't even attended a military academy."
"Well, I sympathize with you there. I will support you as much as I can."
Verdi sighed deeply.
"There has been strong pressure from the Austin government. They strongly requested that you be kept away from the front lines."
"Eh?"
"Prime Minister Fogman Jr. would be troubled if you were to be killed in battle. To avoid that, you were appointed to a non-combatant rank… Major."
He explained with a troubled expression.
"Touri, did something happen with Prime Minister Fogman Jr.?"
"Um, well… he asked me to lend him my name."
"Then that must be it. He's probably using your name for something politically motivated. I wish they wouldn't involve military personnel in political affairs."
Verdi muttered in exasperation.
"We military personnel cannot go against politicians because the government controls our budget."
"…Prime Minister Fogman Jr.."
I recalled the meaningful grin on Prime Minister Fogman Jr.'s face when I last saw him in Winn.
He did say to expect great things from my rank but… I never expected that such an unreasonable personnel change would go through.
"I was against it. I don't think this job suits you."
"Yes, I think so too."
"Touri, you are an exceptional commander with outstanding situational judgment and skill at overcoming crises. I don't want to put you in danger, but… no matter how you look at it, you are a person suited for the front lines."
Verdi sipped his tea while gazing steadily at me.
An oppressive silence filled the room.
"I have mixed feelings. Part of me feels relieved that I can keep you away from the front lines."
"Do you believe I'm suited for the front lines, Verdi?"
"…Honestly, yes. Uncle was keen on using you as an ace and was fully prepared to use you to the fullest."
"I would prefer to avoid that as well."
I can accept the evaluation that I'm suited for the front lines.
In fact, I am catastrophically unsuited for intellectual tasks.
"I'm sorry, but you will have to learn the work at Headquarters, Touri. This is a decision beyond my control."
"Understood. Though I lack talent, I will do my best to serve my country."
"Thank you, Major Touri."
"…If possible, it would be helpful if someone could assist me with my work."
"Of course, I will make arrangements. I will assign you my secretary; they should be able to handle the work for a while."
As a soldier, I must follow orders from my superiors.
Even if it's something I can't do, I have no choice but to comply.
"…But to be called an ace."
"Yeah."
Hearing that I was being treated as an ace made me feel sad.
…It's true that I have achieved success as a front-line commander.
This is probably because when I find myself in a difficult situation and begin to panic, my personality switches, and I become "calm."
Just looking at this one point, I think I have a rare talent.
"I wonder what Platoon Leader Garback would say if he heard this."
"He'd probably burst out laughing."
"I also feel he might yell that it's a hundred years too early."
However, when I heard the word "Ace," I was reminded of Platoon Leader Garback.
He is a true ace. I have not yet reached his level.
…Being treated as an ace is a reflection of Austin's current state.
"By the way, what will my duties be as Major?"
"Touri will be the regiment commander of the district I was in charge of. I've prepared the handover materials, so please review them."
"…Understood."
"I've left two excellent officers in the area. You shouldn't have any issues if you leave the front lines to them."
My new title was Regiment Commander.
Until now, I had been a Company Commander with a unit of around 150 people…
When multiple companies join together they become a battalion, and when multiple battalions join together they become a regiment.
In other words, the size of the force I would command had increased by two levels.
"Could you tell me the size of the regiment?"
"Currently, it has 1986 members. It's a relatively small regiment."
"Thank you."
The number of soldiers under my command would be about 2000.
It's a number so large that I can't really wrap my head around it.
"I've also prepared copies of their military records for you, so please review them."
"Understood."
"Also, I've arranged a room for you. It's a private room."
With that, Verdi handed me a large stack of documents with a smile.
It felt heavier than the medical department's supply backpack.
"When you say I'm taking over from you, does that mean you'll be doing other work?"
"Yes. From now on, I will be in charge of the overall command of the Austin Army."
"Eh?"
"I won't be able to handle the tasks I've been doing. I needed a successor, so this worked out well."
Verdi nonchalantly said something astonishing.
"Um, well. What exactly does that mean?"
"Well… Uncle suddenly said, 'I've grown senile, I'll leave it to the younger generation,' and handed over command to me."
He said this, trembling slightly.
…It seems he's been thrust into a position a hundred times more important than my own.
"'He even said, 'I'll take responsibility, so let Verdi do as he pleases.' …Every day I have stomach pains and feel like I'm going to throw up. I have constant headaches."
"…My condolences."
"And our reliable Bern Valou has no prospects of returning to the front lines. What am I supposed to do?'"
Verdi's words were filled with strong curses.
That position must be extremely stressful for a young officer who is only 21 years old.
"Also, Touri. Are you good with paperwork?"
"Honestly, I'm not very good at it. Until recently, Lieutenant Gavel was helping me."
"I see."
Seeing the mountain of paperwork made my cheeks twitch.
Verdi smiled with a ghostly expression and said:
"You'll have to become good at it from now on."
"…"
He said it with a hint of humor.
***
"In terms of the defense of Engei, the Touri Regiment is responsible for the eastern defense zones from B5 to B21…"
The documents handed over to me by Verdi were chock full of confidential information about the Austin military.
Removal of documents from the room is strictly prohibited; they must be secured in the safe when leaving the room.
"They're currently entrenched in the southeast part of Engei and engaging with the Allied forces every few days."
While they were celebrating their triumphant return to the capital, 20,000 reinforcements from Aerys had arrived.
The Allied forces are estimated to number over 100,000, putting us at a significant disadvantage in terms of military strength.
"We are being pushed back due to the numerical disadvantage, and the front lines have slightly retreated…"
Judging from the battle records, Austin's forces appeared to be under pressure.
In just a few months, the front lines have retreated nearly a kilometer.
However, Headquarters does not seem to view this as a major problem.
"General Staff's plan is to prolong the war as much as possible to deplete the enemy's resources."
Since capturing the capital is no longer the goal, there is no point in pushing the front lines forward.
The aim is to drag out the war and exhaust the Allied forces.
"…So, my role is to maintain this hell?"
Flamel's production capacity has also declined due to the Bern Offensive.
Currently, the Austin Army is just under 40,000, which should be cheaper to maintain compared to the Allied forces, who are mobilizing over 100,000.
After depleting the Allied forces' resources, Austin's path towards survival is to negotiate peace at an appropriate time.
To achieve this, it is my duty to throw the lives of young soldiers with promising futures into the trenches.
"…"
There's no way that kind of behavior could be right, but…
I don't know what the right course of action is.
Austin's future will be lost if we don't buy time here by sacrificing our young soldiers.
That would include Sedol too.
"I was supposed to be a sacrifice as well, you know."
Surrounded by numerous documents, my heavy eyelids began to droop.
I lay down on the warm bed in the dimly lit room.
…From today, this is my place of work.
My job is to issue orders for young soldiers to die in the middle of a city far from the front lines.
"Good night…"
Feeling uneasy about being able to sleep in bed during wartime.
As soon as I lay down, I lost consciousness.
***
"Major Touri. Captain Kennel is requesting to see you."
"Okay. Please show him in."
The next day.
Shortly after sunrise, a male officer came to visit my room.
"I request entry."
"Permission granted. Please come in."
I had heard Captain Kennel's name from Verdi.
He is an officer who will be handling front-line operations as a battalion commander.
I heard that he is a 48-year-old man with extensive experience, known for his sharp mind and adept at cunning tactics.
The fact that this wasn't said in a praising tone made me a bit uneasy…
"…"
"Excuse me. This is the first time we've met. I'm Captain Kennel."
"Y-Yes, nice to meet you."
The man who entered the room had quite a strong personality.
He has a very fat belly, which is unusual in Austin given the current food shortage.
His pale skin was shining brightly, his eyes were narrow, droopy and sharp, and his hairline was receding.
He had stubble on his chin and appeared greasy.
"Phew, I'm tired after walking all the way here. May I borrow a chair?"
"Please do."
"Excuse me, here I go…"
Captain Kennel also had a peculiar way of speaking.
His speech had a unique intonation with rising inflections at the end of sentences.
…He's quite a character.
"Nice to meet you, Captain Kennel. I am Major Touri Lowe. I have received your command authority from Lieutenant Colonel Verdi."
"I've heard. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
When I bowed my head, Captain Kennel bowed back.
Although I am higher in rank than him, he is a veteran officer who has been serving since before the war.
I should treat him with respect.
"Yes, I had heard the story, but Major Touri looks even younger when I see you up close. The rejuvenation of Headquarters has accelerated."
"…Indeed."
"I'm so lucky to have such a cute superior officer."
The man smiled widely, rubbing his hands together.
His words were amiable, but his eyes weren't smiling at all.
"Are you worried about me being young?"
"Oh, you noticed? I'm sorry. I guess I can't hide anything from you, Major."
"I see…"
"What keen insight, you have good eyes. Ahaha."
It seems Captain Kennel's previous statements were meant to be sarcastic.
He's jumping straight into things even though it's our first meeting.
"With only a few years of combat experience and barely any military academy education, I'm sure you can understand why I'm uneasy with someone like that as my superior."
"Yes, it is as you say. I am still inexperienced, so please lend me your strength."
"Hoh? Even after achieving such great results, you say you're still inexperienced? How humble of you."
"Those results were a product of chance. Even if I were asked to do the same thing again, I don't think I could do it."
"Hmm…?"
"And Captain Kennel, you think the same, don't you?"
"…"
I understand Captain Kennel's perspective.
For someone who has lived as a soldier all their life, it's understandable to feel uneasy about following a young woman like me.
It's easier to deal with someone who openly expresses their concerns.
"Major, are you really eighteen?"
"Yes. Do I look younger?"
"No, it's just, I'm a bit surprised."
When I responded calmly, Captain Kennel's expression became complicated.
…Perhaps he was expecting a different reaction.
"Well, as long as you're not becoming arrogant, that's fine. My previous remarks were a bit out of line; I apologize."
"Ah."
"Alright, let's get along from now on. If you have any problems, please consult with me."
After staring at me for a few seconds, he stood up with a broad smile.
As usual, his eyes weren't smiling at all.
"Leaving already?"
"Yes, my comrades are waiting for me on the front lines."
"I see. …Well then, take care."
"Yes. Please have a pleasant day, Major."
He saluted grandly and bowed.
Just like that, he left the room with a smile on his face.
After the greeting, he immediately returned to the field to resume his work.
As a soldier, it's the right thing to do.
"…I had prepared some snacks just in case."
Offering tea and sweets to a front-line commander may be considered inappropriate.
Perhaps I shouldn't offer them to the other battalion commander arriving later?
I'm not sure about the nuances of that.
***
"Major Touri has a visitor request. It's from Captain Zieve."
"Please show him in."
Around lunchtime, another aide-de-camp came to visit.
This one was a male officer in his 30s, a member of Renvel's family.
I heard that he was the most promising young talent until Verdi rose to prominence.
He was reportedly quick to secure an escape route during the Sylph Offensive and escorted Colonel Renvel to Marshdale.
"Nice to meet you, Major Touri. I'm Captain Zieve."
"Nice to meet you too. I am Touri Lowe."
…My first impression of Captain Zieve is that he is a quiet, capable man.
He had a sharp, penetrating gaze.
"…Please, have some tea and snacks."
"Thank you."
Since I had prepared them, I quickly served the cookies and tea.
They were cookies and tea from Engei.
"…"
"…"
We each took a cookie and ate it in silence, staring at each other.
Is this how face-to-face meetings are supposed to go?
"Umm, Captain Zieve."
"Yes?"
"As your new superior officer, is there anything you'd like to ask me?"
"Nothing in particular."
"I see."
Since the silence was unsettling, I tried to initiate conversation, but his response was curt.
…What does this mean? Does it mean that he dislikes me?
"…"
Considering Captain Zieve's background, it's understandable that he might be dissatisfied following a young girl like me.
He could have been in Verdi's position if circumstances had been different.
In reality, he is a high-ranking officer whose position would normally make it presumptuous for me to speak to him.
"Well then, Captain Zieve. I look forward to working with you."
"Likewise."
He's probably bottling up a lot of frustration.
In that case, I should be polite and build our relationship with care.
I want to maintain the best possible relationship with my subordinates.
"Well then, it's about time for me to…"
"Major Touri, this is Verdi. May I come in?"
"Lieutenant Colonel Verdi?"
After finishing his sweets, Captain Zieve was about to stand up from his chair.
"Captain Zieve is here, and─"
"I know, I have business with him. I'm ashamed to say that I forgot to give him the documents."
"Oh, I see. Please come in."
Verdi, wearing glasses, came in carrying several documents.
Captain Zieve had been talking to Verdi before greeting me, and he had accidentally forgotten to hand over the documents to him.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, Major Touri, Captain Zieve."
"No, it's fine. The conversation has already finished."
Verdi scratched his head in embarrassment as handed over the documents.
After looking between me and Captain Zieve…
"K-Ku…"
"…?"
He suddenly burst into laughter.