Reset Life – Chapter 152

Chapter 152: I Expect Generous Treatment (2)

“All 160 million aren’t military personnel. However, they’re fully prepared to receive systematic training. A chain of command for orders, rules and regulations for group living, numerous combat experiences, and so on. If we create a suitable system and train them for just a month, we can organize the strongest army.”

Probably in the eyes of a training officer, the Guard would look like reserve soldiers with the best qualities. That’s how they appear to me too. It’s not that I’m not tempted to use them, but I can’t.

I explained the reason.

“Even if I’m the Duke of Grenoian, recognized by them, I can’t drag these people, who have been isolated from the outside world, into an external war. Since it’s a war that broke out outside, it should be resolved outside.”

“That’s true. What’s the use of creating unrelated victims?”

“And there’s another important issue.”

“Huh? What is it?”

“When our commander shouts ‘Charge!’, they might fiercely retreat.”

“Hahaha! Right! We can’t communicate, can we?”

Lucy laughed loudly and agreed with me. The languages of Orknesia and Grenoian are completely different. It would take at least three generations to bridge that gap.

Another problem I can’t mention is that if I try to end this war using the easy method of the Guard, the clown somewhere in the Imperial Capital might think it’s boring.

I guarantee, if I create an army of one million, Artshever will come up with something to match it, and I’ll have to rack my brains to deal with it.

And from the beginning, I have no intention of entrusting the fight that’s happening in the outside world to the Guard, who were born with the fate of fighting.

I’m thinking of selecting some of them to be the local defense force, but I won’t unleash their full power on the world. Firstly, because I won’t be able to control them.

Aila blinked her golden eyes at me and grinned. She would understand what I’m thinking.

“I roughly understand. In the end, you’re not going to call the Guard, are you?”

“It won’t be more than 30,000 at most. And that’s for defense, not offense.”

“Yeah. I thought so. You became the Duke of Grenoian because you wanted to prevent someone from using the power of that land, right?”

“First come, first served. As it happens, the opponent asked me to take it. And if the conclusion is that I can withdraw the troops from the Barrier, they won’t say I lack troops.”

“The military command will be furious if they find out. Well, I’m curious if you’ll just scoff at them.”

I shrugged in response.

People think there are only monsters in Grenoian, and they know that I became the Duke of Grenoian because I’m harboring an ambitious plan to cultivate the land after the war.

It’s not a wrong idea. Because I plan to focus on ruling that place after the war ends.

Once we reached a conclusion, no one objected. Lucy raised her teacup and brought up a different topic.

“By the way, Risel. Tomorrow is your promotion day, right? Did you finish organizing the legion?”

“Well, that’s the problem. I’d rather run through the battlefield than command from headquarters, but the General Headquarters won’t allow that. If possible, I’d like to roam the battlefield with just one Cheonbyeongdae under my direct command. I can’t do that if I become a general.”

After the Atzuma defense operation, the General Headquarters unanimously decided on my promotion. Along with a one-rank promotion, I was given command of a legion.

I became General Arisein of the Herduke Kingdom Army.

But the reason I can’t be happy about this news is, firstly, there’s a bit of a problem with my aptitude. My intention to command a legion someday hasn’t changed, but for now, being a field commander suits me better.

I’d like to continue operating the five Cheonbyeongdae that are finally starting to listen to me, but the General Headquarters concluded that they can’t use me for such a ‘small task’.

For reference, the Commander-in-Chief of the Herduke Kingdom Army is Marquis Ventailican Ma Lorand. He’s my maternal grandfather, and his rank is Grand General.

“What? Then that means you haven’t even finished organizing the legion yet? Is there a general without his own legion? Don’t tell me you’re a logistics general?”

“Aila, don’t underestimate the logistics department. Among the soldiers, the relative status of the supply officer is higher than the king.”

Logistics general is slang for a general who oversees logistics. Although they’re often disregarded because they’re not in the combat department, generally, soldiers know well who keeps them fed.

Aila waved her hand and smiled brightly.

“Hey, I know that. But what’s your legion number? It can’t be in the 3000s. Since you’re royalty, it must be a single or double digit, right?”

“8th Legion. I’ll be officially appointed tomorrow, but I’m the commander of the 8th Legion. I’m given the authority to command 20,000 men. Even now, Grayman Chodo is busy accepting volunteers.”

“Well, that’s true. Risel is quite famous. Many independent divisions and Cheonbyeongdae will volunteer to join. Then, will you take your old five Cheonbyeongdae with you?”

“Aila, I told you. I’m more comfortable as a field commander. I’m not ready to be a commander yet.”

“Hmm. Really?”

Aila gave a meaningful smile. It was a smile enough to pique Lucy’s interest.

“Oh? Aila, do you have any interesting news?”

“Of course, I do. This pretender is acting like she’s not doing anything, but there’s something she’s working on.”

“Oh, what is it?”

“Let’s hear it from him himself. Risel, confess honestly.”

Aila spoke in a coaxing tone, and I raised my hands. Surrender. Damn it. Is there no way to avoid Aila’s eyes?

“Sigh, alright. Since I can’t refuse this promotion anyway, and it’s a given that I have to command a legion under me, I’m thinking of doing it properly since I’m doing it anyway. If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it.”

“Ooh, how are you planning to enjoy it?”

“I called these people.”

I took out a dagger and held it in front of Lucy’s eyes. A magic dagger that I’ve been using effectively since I received it by chance. It’s an Iperfect dagger.

Lucy’s eyes widened.

“Really? You hired the Iperfect School?”

“To be precise, only a few of them. They said they’re developing a technology for mass production of basic imbuement magic? Anyway, I told them to come since I’ll support them well. Once the technology development is complete, I plan to trial deploy weapons reinforced with magic to the 8th Legion.”

Weapons like swords, spears, and armor quickly deteriorate in quality when war breaks out. Because unavoidable cost reduction starts in order to produce them in large quantities.

If the technology of the Iperfect School is added to that, a legion armed with weapons that don’t break or bend easily will emerge.

A soldier’s combat power prioritizes training and experience, but the superiority of weapons can’t be ignored in immediate combat.

Isn’t there an example in ancient war history where those who produced iron a step ahead beat those who had bronze weapons to a pulp?

Lucy grinned and stroked his chin.

“Oh, that’s a good idea. The Iperfect School doesn’t have any aversion to this kind of cooperation. Which branches will you focus on arming?”

“Heavy cavalry and heavy infantry. Giving light and sturdy equipment to those who can’t move quickly because they’re heavy. The opponent will have to make discarding preconceived notions their main combat action.”

“What? You were thinking about it properly, but you were showing your displeasure so clearly?”

“It’s not that I’m not, it really doesn’t suit my personality. Being a field commander is perfect for me.”

“Do you fight wars based on your preferences?”

Lucy chuckled and said casually. At his words, I smiled bitterly and leaned back on the sofa.

“I mean, if I’m going to do it anyway, I want to do it according to my preference.”

My real preference is for a war not to happen at all, but since it’s happening anyway, it’s my nature to do it thoroughly. You can’t become an adult if you don’t do what you don’t want to do.

I took a sip of tea and thought about what was to come.

Narvilt and Restart. If I can somehow resolve those two places, all that remains is the central part of the Empire.

In terms of military power, we’re currently at a similar level. Even considering various other factors, there’s no reason for the Herduke Kingdom to lose to the Empire.

Since it’s a situation where we’re equal, Artshever will probably show himself soon.

I don’t know which direction I’ll go, but the place where he is is where I need to be. Also, I anticipate that his colleagues will start moving in earnest.

In the end, last year’s war was just a warm-up for this year.

“Let’s check what we need to do next. So……”

The real war starts now.

My war with Artshever too.

March 28, 377 of the Imperial Calendar.

“Haaat-!”

I parry the sword thrusting straight at me and block the knee digging into my side with my left elbow. At the same time, I raise my sword and point it at the opponent’s neck.

And I’m surprised.

“Huh?”

“Ah……”

Wait, is something wrong right now? Don’t tell me the opponent used absurdity as a weapon? Huh?

I asked Levidian.

“Um…… Did I win?”

“I, I think so.”

Levidian had a perplexed expression. I also looked at her with a bewildered expression, then back at my sword, then back at her face. Her expression wasn’t very comfortable with a sword pointed at her neck.

Wow! I won! I won against Levidian!

How many years has it been since this happened!

I was about to let out a shout of joy as I should. But right before that, I heard someone’s scream of frustration.

“T-This can’t be-!”

And instead of me, I heard a joyful shout.

“Wow! I won! I won against Unni! Yahoo!”

It was the moment when Lucy and Aila’s joy and sorrow crossed paths. Hmm, it feels a bit strange.

I withdrew my sword and stepped back, and Levidian sighed softly and adjusted her clothes. Then, she sheathed her sword with a prim expression.

“Hmph, hmph. Well done. Now I feel like my teachings have paid off.”

“Haha, thank you. Wow, how many years has it been? It’s the first time since we first met, right?”

“Yes, it is. I thought you were getting stronger, and I’m glad to see the results.”

Levidian erased her uncomfortable expression and smiled brightly. She’s happy about my growth as a teacher. And Aila jumped up and down, cheering.

“I won! I won-! Risel won! Yahoo! Lucy-ssi, give me the money, money!”

“T-This can’t be. I should have known from the moment Aila suggested the bet……!”

“I said I had a good feeling today. Wahaha!”

Lucy, with a sour expression, took out his money pouch and gave it to Aila. Hmm. To bet on the outcome of someone else’s duel. How very outrageous.

The bulky mage grimaced and suddenly shouted towards us.

“Levidian-ssi, why did you lose! You didn’t win like you usually do! Ugh, to lose to someone like Risel, the name of the Sword King……!”

“The name, what?”

Levidian’s expression, which had been trying to maintain a good mood, crumbled in an instant. Lucy seemed to have finally understood who he had provoked. The world has gained another fool.

“Ah, no, um, well. I’m glad as a friend that Risel has grown. Umhahaha!”

“Right? You’re glad, right? Yes, good. Keep that expression.”

Lucy’s smiling expression froze. I told you, you should be careful who you provoke. Heh heh.

Levidian nodded and said to me.

“From next time, I’ll face you with all my strength from beginning to end. The training sessions are over as of today.”

“Wasn’t it a real fight?”

“We should use real swords in a real fight. I’ll use a real sword from tomorrow, so be prepared. I don’t know how long it will take until you win next time. If you don’t die before then……”

She said so with a refreshingly bright smile. And I was once again reminded of her personality.

You’re a villainess.

“What’s with that expression?”

“It’s the expression of a prospective groom who can only make bleak predictions about his future.”

“Don’t pretend to be depressed. We haven’t even set a date.”

Aila, who was counting gold coins with a bright smile, retorted sharply. And Lucy, who was still maintaining a smiling expression, backed her up.

“You haven’t even introduced him to your parents, have you?”

“I just haven’t said it, but everyone seems to know. Otherwise, I would have been bombarded with countless marriage proposals by now. I’m quite popular, you know.”

“Unni, are you going to just watch such arrogance?”

“It’s okay. Sispa said that I’m the object of envy for female soldiers, but even if they all come at me, I’ll win.”

Levidian’s gaze, which she said as if it was okay, was fixed on me the whole time. I had to turn my head slightly at her gaze, which felt like a spear about to pierce me.

No, well, I’m being talked about like a hero among the soldiers, so strictly speaking, I’m the object of envy for all soldiers. It’s only natural that there are female soldiers among them.

“Sometimes when I see Risel, I think he must be happy and unhappy as a man.”

“Lucy.”

“Huh?”

“I hope you don’t point out things that I already know. And be mindful of who’s present before you speak.”

I nonchalantly pointed at Levidian, and Lucy made a surprised expression. I told you, my friend, you should always watch your words.

She put her hands on her hips and quietly looked at Lucy. She seemed a bit sulky. Lucy quickly turned his head and pretended to be preoccupied.

Levidian sighed softly and said to him.

“Am I that overbearing?”

“Ah, no. That’s not it!”

“Then why do you keep saying things like that?”

“Well…… how should I say it, uh…… that’s, um……”

“Because you’re easy to tease.”

“Right! Yes! That’s it! You’re easy to tease. Because the more upright someone is, the more rewarding it is to tease them…… Hey, you! Risel!”

“Oh, rewarding to tease, what was that again?”

She smiled like a flower in full bloom. Lucy was completely flustered, and I whistled, pretending to be preoccupied. Levidian looked disapprovingly at the two men and shook her head.

“What can I do? I have to endure it. But there’s a limit. You understand, right?”

“Yes. I understand.”

Fortunately, it seems she hasn’t reached her limit today. Lucy perfectly depicted the expression of a sacrificial offering that was almost thrown into a volcano.

“Well, let’s end the discussion about my qualifications as a bride here. Anyway, congratulations, Risel. You’ve become stronger.”

“Thank you.”

I’d like to add that Levidian’s patience has also greatly increased. It’s truly commendable. You’ve become stronger. Hmm.