"Well, I'll see you later."
"Yeah, I'll be waiting."
I parted ways with Lieutenant Gavel and the others just before reaching General Staff Headquarters.
Since they didn't have permission, they couldn't enter.
"…"
The General Staff Headquarters is an old-fashioned building lined with marble sculptures.
It's located at the deepest part of the base, with soldiers patrolling around it.
Several officers were gathered around the entrance with documents in their hands.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"…Thank you."
To enter, you need to present identification and an entry permit at the reception desk
Because the building contains many classified documents, only a select few officers are allowed inside.
Even as Chief of Staff, I can't enter without going through security.
Officers have to wait at the reception desk as the authenticity of these documents is checked one by one.
"Iris-sama, please go ahead."
"…Thank you."
When I lined up at reception, the other officers kindly let me go ahead.
Grateful for their courtesy, I stepped forward to the reception.
"Good day, Iris-sama. What brings you here today?"
"I have an appointment to meet with Major Curley."
"Understood, let me proceed with the paperwork."
After showing my ID, I was quickly granted permission to enter.
I bowed slightly to the receptionist and walked further into the General Staff Headquarters.
"..."
The officers waiting at reception watched me with indescribable expressions.
"Are they seriously going to appoint Iris Valou as Chief of Staff?"
I was quite out of place at the General Staff Headquarters.
That's because I had been appointed as Chief of Staff despite lacking the necessary capabilities for the role.
Many people had raised objections to this personnel decision.
"Even if she is Bern Valou's sister, she's still an amateur."
"She might be an excellent field commander, but…"
"The roles of a field commander and a staff officer are completely different."
I had apparently been highly regarded by the staff officers as a field commander for quite some time.
In fact, the achievements I'd made on the front lines, including the Battle of Argalia, were among the best in all of Austin.
They seemed to view me as an "Ace" who truly excelled in retreat and defense operations.
However, there was no one who evaluated me as a competent staff officer.
After all, although I had worked at Headquarters for about a year, I hadn't done much in the way of planning operations; I pretty much only did paperwork.
If it's just about doing administrative tasks, hiring a secretary would have been far more useful.
The general consensus among the staff was that, "Touri Lowe would be better suited on the front lines."
"Do you really think she can act as our coordinator?"
"Major Curley idolizes Bern Valou too much."
So, when it was decided that I would succeed as Chief of Staff, a lot of concerns were raised.
Even though I am Bern Valou's sister, there were doubts about whether I could truly serve as Chief of Staff.
"Rest assured, I am merely a figurehead."
"A figurehead?"
"What's important is that I hold the position of Chief of Staff in the eyes of the soldiers. If they believe that the hero Bern Valou has returned, that's enough."
I went around bowing my head to each of the staff officers.
"Major Curley will retain the real power as Chief of Staff. In Bern's last strategy, it is crucial that 'Iris Valou' be the one to take the title."
"Hmm?"
"Even if it's just symbolic, please pretend to comply."
In reality, my abilities as a staff officer are not very high.
That's why I emphasized that Major Curley held the real power.
"What's the outline of this strategy?"
"Major Curley will explain later. I haven't been informed of everything myself."
"Hmm…"
"Major Curley is following the final instructions left by Bern Valou. My appointment as Chief of Staff was also at his direction."
"Hmm, I see."
I was just a figurehead. Everything was according to Bern's instructions.
When I framed it that way, the staff officers were convinced.
That's how weighty the words "Bern Valou's final strategy" were.
"If it's Bern's will, then I guess there's no other way."
"…If it's something he said, I can believe it."
Bern had earned the absolute trust of the staff officers.
In fact, there probably hasn't been a staff officer as brilliant as him in all of Austin's history.
Although he failed in capturing the Flamer capital, it was his talent that enabled Austin's army to rally together after it had been forced into a corner during the Sylph Offensive.
"If you really are Bern's sister, just don't hold us back."
"Please just follow Bern's instructions and act accordingly."
"Yes, of course."
***
…And so, I took on the name "Iris Valou" and assumed my post as the figurehead Chief of Staff.
However, they did not recognize me as the head of the General Staff.
I was not regarded as a staff officer at all; I was treated like a complete mascot.
"Well then, let's move on to the first topic. We can roughly predict three patterns for the enemy's invasion route. Please take a look at the documents in front of you."
"Hmm, hmm."
As a figurehead, I was not allowed to express my personal opinions.
I was merely an announcer, proceeding with the meeting according to the script prepared by Major Curley.
"It seems the most likely route includes a long detour around the southern mountains. We will consider the deployment for that. First, Captain Racho…"
"Yes, Iris-sama."
When the agenda was presented, the staff officers began to speak and debate among themselves.
My main job was to organize the order of their statements and guide the discussion.
"If we advance in a roundabout way, we can surprise the enemy's relay point."
"What do you think about the logistics?"
"I have a great idea for that as well. Let's bring along live sheep and roast them at the expedition site."
"Captain Racho, that plan isn't realistic. We're dealing with mountainous terrain."
"No, it should be possible. It will be a tough march, but theoretically…"
"Major Iris, what do you think as a field commander?"
"If there's a wagon carrying fodder and water for the sheep, it would be more efficient to load rations instead."
"Is it really that difficult?"
Occasionally, I was asked for my opinion as a field commander.
The staff officers would propose any plan as long as it was "theoretically possible."
That's why even though some strategies are unrealistic, they are often proposed.
"If we circle around here, we can ambush the invading enemy. A surprise attack on the scale of three battalions should be appropriate."
"Hey, won't that route also hinder logistics?"
"There must be something edible lying around. The survival of the nation is at stake; a few days without food isn't a big deal."
"If the soldiers can't eat, their performance will significantly decline."
"That's why we'll just motivate them for the decisive battle."
"The decline in performance due to hunger is quite significant. And even if the ambush succeeds, they will likely retreat."
Some staff officers knew the situation on the ground well, while others would propose whatever was possible based on logic.
Such people gathered together and engaged in a noisy debate.
That was what the General Staff Headquarters was like.
***
After finishing the reception, I headed straight to Major Curley's office.
As Deputy Chief of Staff, Major Curley has an office next to mine.
"Thank you for coming, Iris-sama."
"Thank you for your hard work, Major Curley."
When I entered the room, he had a cup of warm dandelion tea waiting for me.
…Major Curley now enjoys drinking the tea that Bern once favored.
It may be the same reason why I buy the liquor Platoon Leader Garback used to drink.
"Now, Iris-sama, regarding today's agenda…"
"Yes."
I quietly sipped the tea I received and exhaled.
We sat at the large circular table, spreading out a map of the surrounding area of Winn.
"I believe we have sufficiently covered the patterns of invasion from the south. However, we haven't thoroughly examined the possibility of a main assault from the north."
"Yes, Iris-sama."
"I think we should discuss the situation where the enemy's main force is detouring to the northeast again."
Major Curley is a nervous-looking man older than Bern Valou.
He had thin cheeks and a slim body; he looked like a true strategist.
"On the deployment diagram… Shall we use this model today?"
"The Crow model?"
"Yes, it's quite realistic, isn't it?"
When planning battle formations, Major Cruelly had a habit of placing models instead of friendly units.
His room was filled with various models of animals, insects, trains, houses, and even firearms.
He even displayed a diorama that recreated the main street of Winn.
"I'm fond of collecting models. I work best when I'm surrounded by them."
"I see."
While stroking the models, Major Curley appeared to be deeply contemplating the operation plan.
Apparently, he got permission from Bern to do this if it helped with his efficiency.
"Here's the crow, and here's the cat. The enemy is a wolf…"
"Yes."
"Isn't this cat model rather cute, Iris-sama?"
"Y-Yes, I suppose it is cute."
"Meow, meow."
"…"
Major Cruelly appeared much more animated than during the staff meetings.
I heard that having a relaxed mind boosts his cognitive abilities, and it appears to be quite efficient.
"Bern-sama really liked this vulture model."
"Oh, it looks strong."
"No, no. He said, 'It's wonderful to hunt weak prey; that's how a staff officer should be.'"
"…"
He has accomplished a great deal as Bern Valou's confidant.
Now that Bern is gone, he is demonstrating his talents as Deputy Chief of Staff, and it is said that it was largely due to his skills that the army was able to retreat while still maintaining its structure when the infiltration tactics were launched.
"Here, we'll arrange the units like this…"
"You're placing the units quite far apart. What's the reasoning behind that?"
"I thought Sylph would definitely have soldiers lying in wait here."
I discussed the upcoming decisive battle with him in his room filled with models.
…I was devising plans while having them examined by Major Curley.
"Sylph Nova sounds like a staff officer that takes gambles."
"Indeed."
In the staff meetings, no one agrees with my operational plans.
Thus, I had Major Curley propose them instead.
"Sylph specializes in efficiency. She prefers strategies with high expected value, even if there are risks involved."
"Oh."
"A surprise attack that ends things in one blow is her forte."
I conveyed to Major Curley my predictions on how Sylph will approach the situation.
I probably know more about Sylph Nova than anyone else in this army.
I am the only one with actual combat experience under her command.
And I am also the only one she has instructed on "how to conduct war."
"To prepare for this surprise attack, should we set up our formation like this…?"
"Yes, that seems appropriate."
Therefore, I am the only staff officer in the Austin Army who has the potential to "strike" Sylph.
…My "instinct" will be the knife that stabs her.
Sylph is a true genius. Now that Bern is gone, there is no one left in the world who can match her.
Austin's only way to survive is to carry out Bern's final strategy.
"By the way, Major Curley, how is the matter of the Sabbatian reinforcements coming along?"
"Oh, that matter?"
As long as the opponent is Sylph, I can become a better staff officer than anyone else.
Sylph is a commander specialized in outsmarting opponents who have studied military science and in conducting surprise attacks.
Being someone who does not know established strategies and can intuitively sense "danger," I could become Sylph's "natural enemy."
"I have heard that the Sabbatian reinforcement's advance has been delayed. They would like us to buy about a month's worth of time."
"That seems to be the case. What a troublesome situation."
"…Do you have any strategies in mind?"
"I'm planning to buy time through diplomacy via the government."
When I brought up the topic of Sabbatian reinforcements, Major Curley said apologetically:
"Are you referring to the diplomatic strategy left by Bern-sama?"
"Yes. I will ask the government diplomats to initiate peace negotiations."
Currently, Prime Minister Fogman Jr. is maintaining his hard-line stance.
But if we want to buy time through peace negotiations, we need to present conditions that the other side will accept.
If we were to present conditions that were not even worth considering, we would just get kicked out of the way at the front door and that would be the end of it.
"It depends on how far the government is willing to go."
"…Is Prime Minister Fogman Jr. still opposed after all?"
"Yes. He's still quite young."
Buying time through diplomacy means making peace negotiations worth considering.
Peace would not be impossible if Austin were to agree to sufficient territorial cessions, reparations, and a declaration of defeat.
However, Fogman Jr. is firmly opposed to peace negotiations. And it's not just the Prime Minister; many nobles are also against peace.
The reason is that Flamel has occupied the grain-producing area in southern Austin, and if peace were to be made, we would have to surrender that territory.
If Austin were to accept these conditions, its national power would fall to the same level as the smaller countries surrounding it.
If that happens, even after making peace, the difference in national power would mean that Flamel and Aerys would be able to attack and destroy Austin at any time they wanted.
If we want to ensure Austin's safety, we need to make peace without significant territorial loss.
"Do you think they would accept a ceasefire?"
"…If we present proper conditions, I believe they would be willing to accept a ceasefire for negotiation purposes."
"I hope so."
"I'm sure they don't want to fight anymore either. After all, there's no point in taking devastated Austin territory."
…Meanwhile, Austin's water sources and soil are polluted, and the land is in ruins.
In that sense, if we conduct realistic negotiations, there is a possibility they would accept a ceasefire and negotiations.
However, ending the war the things are now isn't ideal. We need conditions that are "troubling and just barely unacceptable."
"But if the Prime Minister doesn't agree… I'd like to ask for your assistance, Iris-sama."
"Me?"
"There is no one else more capable of effectively buying time than you."
Major Curley said while scratching his head.
"According to Bern-sama, you are just a decoration in the rear guard, but a shining trump card on the front lines."
"Trump card…"
"…The best thing we can do is buy some time through diplomatic tactics."
That man seems to have quite a high opinion of me.
"Prime Minister Fogman Jr. will probably not compromise on the terms. They will likely be ridiculous conditions."
"…Do you think that diplomat will make it back safely?"
"Worst case, he might be killed. It's a losing gamble."
"Killed, huh?"
As I listened to Major Curley's words, I was considering when to propose my plan.
"…Major Curley, I have a proposal."
"Please, go ahead."
"It's about that diplomatic strategy."
The chips I'm betting are my life.
If it goes well, the war will end without a fight.
"As Chief of Staff, I will attempt to negotiate with Prime Minister Fogman Jr."
"Oh? How do you plan to negotiate?"
Even if it doesn't go well, I can significantly increase the success rate of Bern's final strategy.
This is also done with utmost malice in order to defeat Sylph.
"I will accompany the peace negotiations."
I briefly considered visiting Sylph to see her face.
When I shared my thoughts with Major Curley, he looked at me with astonishment.
…He looked to be in disbelief.
"…Why you?"
"It's not uncommon for someone with military discretion to be present at diplomatic negotiations."
Occasionally, military personnel with negotiation authority participate in peace talks.
Because they can exercise discretion on the spot, discussions can proceed smoothly.
"I oppose it. If you were to be killed like the former Prime Minister, what would become of Bern-sama's final strategy?"
"It's okay. If I go, I'm sure 'she' will take the bait."
Major Cruelly must be worried that the situation might turn out like when Prime Minister Fogman (the father) was shot.
However, I am confident that she won't have me shot on sight after hearing my name without meeting me face to face.
"────I am an old acquaintance of Sylph Nova."
I suppressed the rising hatred and tried to remain as calm as possible as I mentioned her name.
Surely, Sylph must feel something similar toward me.
…That's why this plan can only be executed by me.
"Please let me go."
"…"
"This must also be within 'his' expectations. Think about what would happen if I were killed."
"…Hmm. Well, that's true."
Bern must have undoubtedly anticipated this development.
If I have the intention, then he dares me to try.
"My goodness…"
"If I can persuade the Prime Minister, can I go?"
"…Yes. If you can persuade him."
"Thank you."
And this is likely my last opportunity in life.
"Please take care of things after my death."
"Understood, Iris-sama."
This is my chance to speak with my sworn enemy, Sylph Nova.