"Hey, hey, you've become quite the big shot, Major Verdi! You've left me behind!"
"Please spare me, Cousin Zieve."
"I am merely a subordinate of Major Verdi, after all. No need for formalities, Major!"
"It was just by chance. I just followed what my subordinate said…"
"I'm kidding, just kidding. Paperwork is a hassle anyway, so I'm really lucky. Don't worry about it, don't worry about it."
***
"That's the kind of person Cousin Zieve is."
"Is that so?"
When I asked Verdi why he suddenly started laughing,
He said Captain Zieve is normally a very friendly person, but he was apparently extremely nervous, which was uncharacteristic of him.
"The truth is, Cousin Zieve is very bad with women."
"Bad with women?"
"He was raised by a predominately male family from an early age, graduated from a male-dominated military academy, and never used brothels, instead focusing solely on his military career. He's bad with women because he's had almost no opportunities to interact with them."
From what I've heard, Captain Zieve has always been a serious man and has never been one to play around with women.
The number of female soldiers in the military has recently increased, but the military has traditionally been a male-dominated field.
It's not surprising that some people in that environment are bad with women.
"His behavior is so different from usual that I couldn't help but burst out laughing."
"Is it really that different?"
"I've never seen him this nervous before… It was so amusing that I just couldn't help it."
Captain Zieve was aware of his own weaknesses with women.
So much so that he even requested to keep women, including female communication officers, away from him.
I am a soldier; I don't have time to be distracted by women.
Having a woman would dull my resolve to die when the time comes.
That's why I choose to remain alone as a soldier.
He kept saying things like that, and although Renvel tried to arrange matches for him many times, he turned them down all the time.
…He's quite an interesting person.
"Cousin Zieve is extremely competent. I also don't think he'll look at Touri in a weird way so I appointed him as the vice-commander… I'd like him to get used to it a bit."
"I see."
"I never expected him to become like a borrowed cat to this extent… Are you really that bad with women?"
Verdi laughed a little and spoke to Captain Zieve.
I heard him mutter under his breath, "I'll remember this, Verdi."
"I couldn't leave out my cousin, as he was the one supporting Major Touri, who has little practical experience. This is a national emergency, and it's about time he got used to working with a female officer."
"But… but, Verdi."
"Ah, as you can see, I'm just a young girl. Please don't be nervous, just treat me like a man."
"Touri is an easy person to talk to. Cousin, why don't you take this opportunity to get over it?"
"…Whatever."
When I spoke to him, Captain Zieve averted his eyes and fell silent.
It wasn't that he disliked me; he was just nervous.
"Well, I hope you get used to it gradually. I look forward to working with you, Captain Zieve."
"Understood."
"Pfft… 'Understood'… It's the first time I've heard that from you."
"…"
As if he had found something funny, Verdi began to hold back his laughter again.
"Well then, I will excuse myself now."
"…Ouch."
As Captain Zieve was leaving, he gave Verdi a light tap on the head before exiting.
The two of them are quite close.
***
Thus, I left the front lines and started working at Headquarters.
Headquarters is located in the city of Engei, which is considered to be a relatively safe rear area, but…
The distance between Engei and the front-line trenches is only about 10 kilometers.
We will all be killed in one fell swoop if the trenches are breached.
Our lives are still on the line, just as it always has been.
"It's time. Let's start the briefing."
"Good morning, Colonel Renvel."
Work at Engei's Headquarters begins with a morning briefing.
This is where each commander shares information.
"First, an announcement. As of today, Major Touri Lowe has been assigned to the command staff. She is a talented but young woman, so please lend her a hand."
"I'm Touri Lowe. Pleased to meet you."
In the headquarters conference room, about twenty officers were sitting in a circle, with Renvel at the center.
There were both elderly and young officers present.
These people are the backbone supporting the Austin Army.
"There is a report from the reconnaissance unit that they have confirmed the movement of enemy artillery units. An enemy offensive is likely to occur in the near future around Northern Area D."
"According to the logistics transport unit, a group of about 100 bandits have been reported near Dokupori. The military has received a request to suppress them."
"This is Deputy Chief of Staff Kreel. Here is an update on the firearms theft incident that occurred in the East Area A17. A person suspected to be the culprit has been apprehended in Rereeti Village. The description matches that of Private Mavis, who had previously fled…"
The meeting was moderated by Renvel, with officers giving their reports one after the other.
As a rookie major, I had a hard time just keeping up with the conversation.
"This month, the casualty rate in Area B has been rather high. Verdi, what do you think is the reason for the increase in casualties?"
"Yes, Colonel Renvel. I suspect it is due to the appearance of an enemy ace in Area B about three weeks ago."
"The one mentioned in the reports? Provide detailed information on this enemy ace."
"Yes. They likely belong to the Flamer Army. He's a large, muscular soldier who charges with a metal shield. He also uses [Shield] magic, and it has been reported that he cannot be taken down with guns or grenades. On the front lines, he is known as the 'Great Shield', and is a formidable threat."
"Have you devised a countermeasure?"
"We plan to lure him into an unmanned trench and then encircle and bombard him."
"I see. I leave that matter to you, Verdi."
Verdi sat close to Renvel and responded smoothly whenever spoken to.
…I once again realized how competent Verdi is.
"Well then, this concludes the briefing. Everyone, proceed to your duties."
"Understood."
The briefing lasted about an hour, during which we absorbed all the critical information.
Each officer then returned to their private quarters to start their work.
I did the same, heading back to my quarters to complete the paperwork I had been given.
"Major Touri, there are no problems with the expenditures in the report. Please confirm."
"Yes."
First, my secretary reviewed the reports from Zieve Battalion and Kennel Battalion, checking for any errors in the ammunition counts and other details.
I then reviewed and approved the battle records, unit attrition rates, and equipment information.
"We have received applications for replacements from five platoons in the Kennel Battalion, totaling 11 members."
"Break up the devastated Robert Platoon and reassign the soldiers."
"Are you sure about reducing the number of platoons? We have received a list of soldiers from the Dalor Guerrilla Company currently in training who are ready for front-line duty."
"…That company was formed in June, right? With only three months of training, those rookie soldiers are useless."
This paperwork is quite challenging, so I'm doing my best with the help of my secretary.
Reports from just a few kilometers away are presented in written form and processed in the warmth of a private room.
There was a feeling of unease that is hard to describe.
"Regarding the topic of this morning's briefing, about Lieutenant Colonel Verdi's plan to encircle the enemy ace. There is a part of the operational proposal that needs revision."
"Yes."
We are at war now.
Soldiers in the trenches are trembling with fear on the front lines, covered in blood, mud, and sweat.
I have seen it and know it well.
"────Battle report. Currently, the Flamer army is launching a battalion-scale offensive in Area B20."
"What is the situation?"
"Captain Zieve initial report states, 'We can handle it with our current forces; no reinforcements needed.'"
"Alright, I'll leave it to him."
On this day, the Flamer Army launched an offensive at exactly noon.
The fearless Flamer soldiers stormed into the trenches held by the Austin Army.
"Is there any follow-up from Captain Zieve?"
"Only regular updates. Would you like a report on the current situation?"
"No… I'm sure he's busy."
While soldiers on the front lines are risking their lives firing at each other, there is nothing I can do.
All I have to do is continue to deal with the paperwork in front of me.
"Major Touri. We have a report from Captain Zieve stating, 'The battle is over, and the enemy has been repelled successfully.'"
"I understand. Thanks for your help"
The battle that day lasted about five hours.
In the end, the Flamer forces failed to capture any of our trenches and retreated.
It was a complete victory for the Austin Army.
"Captain Zieve has sent the detailed battle report. Please review it."
"Thank you."
That evening, after I had finished my work and was having dinner, the "Battle Report" was sent to me.
This is a battle report that describes what happened in the battle.
"Report by: Captain Zieve. Estimated enemy casualties: approximately 400. Allied casualties: 48 dead, 188 wounded, 51 missing. Estimated ammunition expenditure: 1600 rounds─"
On that day, 48 soldiers of the Touri Regiment under my command lost their lives.
I searched through the stack of military records in the corner of the room to find the ones belonging to the fallen soldiers.
And then, I had to create the death notices to be sent to the families of the 48 soldiers.
"…Fought very bravely, defending a trench from an attacking Flamer Army on… year… day, and lost his life after a fierce battle. We are deeply saddened and saddened by the loss of such a brave warrior…"
Most of the death notices were prepared by my secretary.
There was a template for the text, and they mechanically and matter-of-factly prepared the documents.
As their commanding officer, all I had to do was sign the notifications.
"They are so young…"
"Yes, it's mostly young soldiers who die."
Male, 15 years old. Conscripted just three weeks ago.
A photo of a boy saluting with a nervous look on his face was attached to the dead soldier's military registration card.
"Major Touri, please give instructions on allocating replacement personnel."
"…"
"You were hesitant earlier, but the Dalor Guerrilla Company has been training for three months. It should be more than capable of being put to practical use."
The secretary handed me a list of the soldiers in the company.
…Most of them are in their teens and younger than me.
"Captain Zieve's battalion lost 50 healthy, fit soldiers. If you include the missing and wounded, the number comes to 400."
"Yes."
"If we don't replenish our troops, the battlefields will become more unfavorable and our losses will only increase. We need to replenish at least 100 men, including those killed and missing."
"…Yes."
"Let's reorganize the Dalor Guerrilla Company and replenish the personnel. Major Touri, please make the decision."
"I understand."
The Dalor Guerrilla Company is in the same position as the Touri Guerrilla Company from a while back.
A unit that trains while carrying out transport missions and other such tasks meant to develop frontline soldiers.
"Let the 1st, 2nd and 4th platoons go to the front lines. The 3rd and 5th platoons are not yet fully trained, so—"
"…"
I looked at the list of young soldiers who had recently been drafted.
I then compiled a list of those to be sent to the front lines based on the "soldier scores" assigned by Lieutenant Dalor.
"I will arrange for approximately 100 new recruits to be supplied from the Dalor Company. Please sign this document."
"Yes."
"Dalor Company will be temporarily frozen, and new recruits will be assigned immediately. If we are still short on personnel, we should disband the Braudy Company next."
"Alright…"
***
After becoming a major, 48 of my subordinates died in just one day.
In the Battle of Argalia, 40 soldiers were sacrificed on the first day.
Today's fighting resulted in more deaths than that battle.
"…I need to compile the battle report by tomorrow's briefing."
It doesn't feel real.
Even though so many young people were sacrificed today, it doesn't really hit home.
Despite the paper saying that 48 people died, it doesn't feel real.
Most of their death notices were prepared by my secretary, so I just signed them.
Surely, It must have been tough on the front lines today.
They say that in a single battle, about 2–3 soldiers die in a platoon.
With 48 dead today, it is estimated that 20–30 platoons were involved in the fighting.
Meanwhile, I was just in the safety of Headquarters, staring at documents.
"…"
When a battle occurs in my assigned sector, I have to report it during the briefing.
According to Captain Zieve's report, the causes of death were as follows: 29 from artillery magic, 9 from gunfire, 8 from grenades and other explosive weapons, and 2 from execution for deserting in the face of the enemy.
"The damage caused by guns is less than I thought."
Since the Austin Army started using machine guns, they have gained an advantage in gunfights.
As a result, gunfire deaths have somewhat decreased, and currently, artillery magic and grenades are the main causes of death.
The biggest threat is artillery magic, but at present it seems that there is "no way to defend against it."
Its power is too strong to be completely blocked by [Shield] magic, and it is also difficult to predict where it will land, so it cannot be avoided.
All you can do is pray that it misses.
On the other hand, there are countermeasures against grenades, such as the deployment of wind guns and thorough anti-grenade training.
If you can get down and protect your head before the explosion, the mortality rate will be greatly reduced.
My job is to think of ways to reduce casualties among soldiers, even if it's just by one.
For that, I will do anything within my power.
"…Shall I go to bed now?"
After checking the casualty report and considering solutions in my own way…
I lay down on the warm bed, wrapped in clean sheets, and slept soundly.
***
The smell of the battlefield fills the air.
Cold, damp earth clings to my uniform and seeps in.
In the depths of the trench where many of my comrades were lying, I woke up in a daze as the noise around me grew louder.
"Good morning, Touri."
"…Good morning, Senior Grey."
After making sure there weren't any bodily fluids on the ground, I put my hands on my ground and lifted my head.
I yawned as I got up and wiped my face with the towel I had in my bag.
"What time is it now…?"
"It's 4:50 a.m.. The briefing will start soon."
"What?! Thank you."
The time Senior Gray told me was 10 minutes before the briefing.
I hurriedly began checking my belongings.
I'd get punched until my face swelled if I didn't make it to the briefing on time.
"Good morning, Rodri."
"Oh, Shorty. You slept in today."
Thank goodness medics didn't have to carry guns.
I definitely wouldn't make it in 10 minutes If I had to check a gun.
"Inspection complete!"
"They're all gathered, come here Touri."
I barely finished my preparations in time.
I then strapped on a large backpack and gathered in front of the platoon leader's tent.
"…All right, it's time. Let's begin roll call!"
"Yes, sir!!"
The platoon members were already gathered in front of the tent.
Platoon Leader Garback was sitting cross-legged on the ground in the center with a grim face.
"Allen Squad, with five members, ready."
"Murrue Squad, with four members, ready."
"Medic First Class Touri, ready─"
After each of us completed the roll call.
Platoon Leader Garback flashed a bold, defiant grin.
"We're heading out today. You guys, have you finished checking your equipment?"
"Yes, Platoon Leader."
"Our destination is 11 kilometers from here. Start moving!"
Unfortunately, today was the day of an assault operation.
With the orders given, the soldiers must risk their lives to run between the trenches.
"Alright, let's do this."
Rodri and I trudged through the narrow trench.
The trenches made for movement aren't wide, so we generally advanced in a single file.
"…Hmm? Artillery fire."
"It's close. The assault zone should be a little further ahead."
We had been walking for about 10 minutes, led by Platoon Leader Garback.
An unpleasant explosive sound could be heard all around.
"This is strange. Confirm the planned assault zone and halt the march."
"I hear artillery fire just ahead."
If an offensive is planned, preparatory bombardment is carried out.
So I thought for sure that this was the sound of allied artillery magic…
"Platoon Leader Garback, it appears the enemy has launched an offensive too. We have spotted artillery magic firing from the Sabbatian camp three kilometers south of here."
"It looks like it. I'll await the Major's orders. Hold position."
It turned out this artillery fire was from the enemy.
Platoon Leader Garback asked Major Renvel for instructions.
"The assault operation has been called off. We're heading to support the defense forces. Fall back!"
"Aye!"
"Damn, what a nuisance."
Platoon Leader Garback glared at the Sabbatian Army's positions with a bitter look on his face.
He probably wanted to launch an offensive.
"This area seems to be within artillery range. Stay alert."
"Roger. …Incoming shell! Get down!"
Suddenly, Senior Allen shouted to get down.
"Ahhhh!"
We hurriedly dropped to the ground, and immediately, a red blood spray rose from the trench ahead.
With the violent explosion, human blood and flesh were blown away.
…It must have been a direct hit by artillery magic.
"Incoming shells! Incoming shells!!"
"Squad Leader! Shit, who's the next commander?!"
"Help meeeeeee!"
An explosion was heard nearby, along with a loud, shriek-like voice.
At the same time, there is a loud clap of thunder and the sound of gunfire.
"Platoon Leader Garback! I hear gunfire coming from the trenches up ahead!"
"The Sabbatian forces are closing in! It's not just artillery, stay on guard!"
Peeking out from the trench, I saw a soldier who had lost his leg reaching out to me for help.
I could also see Sabbatian soldiers crawling out of the trenches further ahead.
"The enemy is already closing in on us!"
"This is too fast, what's going on?"
"…It's okay, Touri─"
As I was drawn back into the trench by the sight of the injured soldier reaching out to me…
"You're raising your head too much, Gray!!"
"Ah."
Senior Gray, who had been peering at me with a worried look in front of me, had his face blown away.
Splashes of scarlet flesh flew everywhere, and spurting arterial blood splashed onto my cheek.
"Oi! What are those guys doing in the trench up ahead? Have they been breached yet?!"
"A Sabbatian soldier with a golden spear is charging with incredible force!"
Paralyzed and unable to move, I stared at Senior Gray, whose head had turned into a pomegranate.
Platoon Leader Garback roared ferociously and jumped out of the trench.
"That guy's the Lightning Spear Demon. Allen! I'll go out, you guys cover me!"
"Roger!"
The enemy ace who killed Senior Gray wielded a golden spear.
He was roaring and unleashing lightning at Platoon Leader Garback.
────The Sabbatian ace, Lightning Spear Demon Kamikiri.
"The lightning is too blinding, I can't see ahead…"
"Sabbatian soldiers are charging under the cover of that light! Stay alert!"
Platoon Leader Garback's sword deflected the spear of the Lightning Spear Demon.
In the midst of intense heat and blinding light, the two aces clashed fiercely.
I was so captivated by its intensity that I couldn't help but stare.
"…Hey, it's a grenade! Get out of the way, Shorty!"
"Huh?"
With my vision impaired by the light and distracted by the aces' clash…
I foolishly failed to notice a grenade thrown nearby.
"Shit, there's no other way, damn it…!"
"R-Rodri?!"
Immediately afterwards, Rodri hugged me tightly.
"Gaaaaahh."
Rodri threw himself over me to protect me from the blast.
In an instant, the explosion engulfed Rodri in flames right before my eyes.
***
"…What a dream."
The next morning.
I woke up just before 5 a.m., just in time for Garback Platoon's briefing.
"…"
With a pounding headache, I got up and looked at my desk.
The battle report was left there just as it had been the day before.
────Report by: Captain Zieve. Estimated enemy casualties: approximately 400. Allied casualties: 48 dead, 188 wounded, 51 missing. Estimated ammunition expenditure: 1600 rounds.
────The breakdown of causes of death is as follows: 29 from artillery magic, 9 from gunfire, 8 from grenades and other explosive weapons, and 2 from execution for deserting in the face of the enemy.