“Haaaaah! What depth of magnanimity. As expected, Colonel, you look at the whole picture. Despite it being your own territory, what generous words.”
 
“Hmph…… more importantly, I want to know how much other Imperial territory will be carved out.”
 
“What they proposed was Manayata, Lahakat, and Gordia.”
 
“What. That’s quite few. In that case, an immediate decision?”
 
“No. Since Lahakat is land held by Colonel Gedol’s uncle, Lord Banueda, I managed to defend it to the death.”
 
“Hoh…… then, the only ones taken are Manayata and Gordia?”
 
“That is correct. Both are lands of … Read the rest

“Ah, that’s right. Master, do you have a geography book in your room?”
 
“……I do, but you aren’t going to say ‘Lend it to me?’, are you?”
 
“Why not? It’s not like it will wear out.”
 
“Sigh… I am astounded. To win against me, you ask me for help?”
 
“I’m not expecting help. I’m just saying it’s fine to lend it, aren’t I?”
 
There shouldn’t be any problem with the Contract Magic, either. After all, her goal here isn’t to defeat Hazen, but to help Major Simanto.
 
“Sigh… looking at your audacity reminds me … Read the rest

“You do not need to translate this.”
 
Prefacing with that, Vashia opened her thin lips on her beautiful face.
 
“If, by any chance, the negotiations break down, I will dispose of this [Rotten Offal] so that no shape remains, so please be prepared for that.”
 
“……!”
 
What a unique expression of contempt, Yan thought.
 
After that, Queen Vashia spread out a map and explained while circling areas in red frames. Yan conveyed it to Major Simanto word for word, exactly as spoken.
 
“What we wish to present are five regions. Koryaote, Nasefuyu, Manayata, Lahakat, … Read the rest

Chapter 2: Territory Exchange

The next day, the trio of Yan, Major Simanto, and Leifa arrived at the Argeid Fortress. Looking around, the scars of a fierce battle were visible everywhere. Both sides must have suffered considerable casualties. As they gazed at the scene, a familiar face approached them from the other side, wearing a smile.
 
“Yan, I’m glad you came.”
 
“Kosak. It’s been a while.”
 
She exchanged a hug with the young Kumin man she had befriended back when she was a prisoner of war.
 
“Hey… even if you are children, a man and a … Read the rest

“I said I’ll pay! Lieutenant Hazen! Is it your head, your ears, or your personality that is bad!?”
 
Major Simanto screamed, even while lying on his back unable to move.
 
“……I cannot understand. You are saying you will pay an amount exceeding the lifetime wages you can earn?”
 
“It’s not about money! It’s not about money……”
 
How much hardship had he been forced to endure to reach this rank of Major? As the second son, he was always treated with contempt by his family. But the military is a meritocracy. Even for high-ranking nobility, the rank … Read the rest

“Guh…… Do you not even know the principle of obeying orders, you bastardddddd!”
 
“Whether I obey or not, it will be capital punishment anyway, right?”
 
“Th-That is not true. If you do the job properly, I might not not grant you some favors.”
 
“I don’t believe a mere Major like you has that kind of authority. You’re just trailing behind Colonel Gedol like a piece of goldfish poop, aren’t you?”
 
“Guh…… Don’t screw with me.”
 
“I am not screwing with you. I don’t trust you, either. You plan to use me as much as you … Read the rest

What a stubborn man, Major Simanto spat poison in his heart again. Without thinking things through, he immediately raises the white flag saying “It’s no good” or “It’s impossible.” In short, he lacks the spirit to bite into difficulties. There’s no way someone like that can get promoted.
 
Honestly, young people these days, Major Simanto thought.
 
“However, could you tell me the business first? Even if you kindly get the suspension lifted, if I cannot actually be of use, it can’t be helped.”
 
“Th-That is…”
 
Major Simanto reluctantly began his explanation. Captain Lorenzo listened silently, … Read the rest

“Pathetic! To not be able to do something this simple, what good are you!”
 
“Then, please show us how it’s done, Major Simanto!”
 
Another Lieutenant raised his voice.
 
“Y-You bastard! Do you not understand that I said I am on the side that gives orders!?”
 
“Isn’t the one who doesn’t understand you, Major Simanto!”
 
Yet another Lieutenant raised his voice. Then, everyone’s expression changed all at once. Glaring at Major Simanto, as if the dam had broken, they began to rattle off complaints one after another.
 

“Just because you can’t do it yourself, … Read the rest

“Hmph, incompetent! It’s because you’re like that, that you get looked down on by the likes of Hazen. Colonel Gedol! If you leave everything to me, I will arrange the territory exchange negotiation with those barbarian dogs.”

“……How many days can you do it in?”

“Give me three days, and without fail.”

Major Simanto answered confidently.

“Understood. I leave it all to you. Make absolutely sure not to use him or anyone under his influence.”

“Understood! Without fail.”

“Sorry about this. If this matter succeeds, I will recommend you for the next Lieutenant Colonel position.”

“R-Really!?”

“Of course. For the … Read the rest

Chapter 1: House Arrest

“Lieutenant Hazen-Heim… You are hereby placed under house arrest on suspicion of lèse-majesté!”

Colonel Gedol, the top authority in the Northern Garna District, spat the words out triumphantly.

“Understood, sir.”

On the other hand, Hazen replied flatly, without changing his expression in the slightest.

Two days prior. In the midst of wartime, Hazen had hurled words at his superior, Major Simanto, that constituted a textbook case of lèse-majesté: [If you want me to forgive you, bring the Emperor here.]

As a result, he was summoned to the War Room, and his immediate fate was decided.

“Kukuku… … Read the rest