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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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-All operations are top secret. Correspondence will be strictly through mail. Major Lannister stated. He added that he was currently staying near the base, disguised as someone involved in the follow-up of the Belgorod Fortress incident. In short, frequent visits to the 3rd Battalion could arouse suspicion from the forces behind the attack.
-But shouldn’t we inform the platoon members?
-Maintain absolute secrecy. Thoroughly educate them to ensure no leaks.
-Understood.
The reason my platoon and I were included in this investigation was due to our isolation, he explained.
Being considered a useless platoon, we were practically invisible within the battalion, minimizing the risk of contact with personnel from other units.
Indeed, even when Belle and I visited Chernoe City, although we encountered some soldiers, no one seemed to recognize us.
It was a bittersweet realization that our anonymity as a useless platoon made covert operations easier.
-So, what should our platoon be doing in the meantime?
-For now, I’d like you to look around Chernoe City and investigate the merchant guilds.
Major Lannister’s first request was to investigate the merchants.
The problematic cargo – the artifact stolen from Fort Belgorod – was transported to the fortress through merchants in Chernoe City.
It had been stored discreetly, even from the 18th Infantry Regiment managing the fortress. The investigation order stemmed from the reasonable assumption that if information was leaked, it could be traced to the merchants’ records.
-I heard from Battalion Commander Lockhart that you’re renovating the barracks. It would be a good idea to contact the merchant guilds while purchasing furniture and materials.
Right. The barracks renovation. Come to think of it, our living quarters were completely isolated from the main building.
We could discuss operational matters within our quarters, ensuring maximum security.
-That’s all for now. I look forward to working with you.
The meeting with Major Lannister concluded, and I returned to the barracks with the military police badge he gave me.
The badge was essentially a token of authority. A trump card I could subtly reveal to silence any pressure from guards or personnel from other units.
…But wasn’t this basically a license to turn everything upside down? In any case, the Military Police requesting cooperation from my platoon was a definite career boost.
Plus, it was a ‘meaningful’ task – catching a spy.
“I’m back.”
As I returned to the barracks, Belle Meyer greeted me, as if she’d been waiting.
“What happened!? I heard the Military Police Commander called you! Was it about that Rex bastard?”
“No, not that, but…”
“Then why did he call you?! Ah!! Or was it about the follow-up to the Belgorod Fortress incident? A commendation or a certificate of appreciation?! Gasp!”
Belle Meyer bombarded me with questions and speculations. I walked past her and entered the common lounge, where Lumia was already seated on the sofa.
“Platoon Leader?”
“Lumia, gather all the platoon members. I have something to tell you.”
“What is it…?”
“It’s important for all of you. Aren’t you tired of being treated like this?”
I looked at Belle Meyer and Lumia.
“A golden opportunity has arrived to raise our platoon’s value.”
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“No way. T-that’s absurd.”
Lumia asked, her face incredulous. But what could I do? It was the truth.
“Right? Why would the military police request cooperation from our platoon?”
“Sergeant Belle, I don’t think such self-deprecating remarks are appropriate.”
“It’s true, there’s no denying it.”
Even Sergeant Claude surprisingly agreed with Belle. It would have been nice if he hadn’t phrased it that way.
“Since Sergeant Lumia and I were the ones who actually engaged in combat, they probably concluded we weren’t suspects.”
“That makes sense. If they suspect the entire Northern Army Corps, it would be better to recruit at least those who are clearly ruled out…”
Belle crossed her arms, lost in thought. Her ample bosom was emphasized as it lifted.
“They even gave me this badge.”
I pulled out the military police badge. A silver insignia with the emblem of a large-antlered reindeer. The symbol of the National Guard.
To soldiers, it was a symbol of an entity even more fearsome than internal affairs. In the real military, the arrival of the military police usually caused chaos.
It was the reason Major Lannister, despite being a rank lower than Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart, received such respect. Even in the modern era, the military police held significant power, let alone in times like these.
“So, what do we have to do?”
I shrugged at Sergeant Lumia’s question.
“For now, the priority is to continue with our daily routine. However, the Battalion Commander has given our platoon permission for ‘city outings for barracks renovations’…”
“City outings?”
Claude, who had been indifferent until now, showed interest. He was drawn to the keyword ‘outing.’
“Claude, you’re not thinking of using this as an excuse to drink legally during duty hours, are you?”
“What I do is none of your business.”
Belle frowned at the Sergeant’s curt reply and sighed deeply.
“Haa. The military police are useless. They should have taken him away too.”
“Speak of the devil.”
“Do you want to get hit with a magic spell for that?”
“I’ve been hit enough, suppressing your rampages all the time.”
“You… just you wait…!!”
“Both of you, stop it!!”
As expected, Lumia stepped in to separate the two as they started bickering again.
“That’s not what’s important right now. Sergeant, this time, make sure to report to the Platoon Leader before you do anything!”
At Lumia’s sharp words, even Claude had no choice but to surrender.
“…Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.”
While his relationship with Belle wasn’t good, he acknowledged that Lumia was the one holding the platoon together. Even before I arrived, Lumia had been managing Claude and handling most of the platoon’s affairs.
She was essentially the acting platoon leader and deputy platoon leader. No matter how much of a mess Claude was, he wasn’t heartless enough to abandon his junior, who had always taken care of him.
Perhaps because of that, Claude was particularly lenient when Lumia was involved.
‘She’s a definite control factor.’
“Anyway, getting back to the main point. We’ll continue renovating the barracks. And we’ll be making a few trips to Chernoe City.”
“That’s good news. So, we have free time as long as we finish our tasks?”
“Yes, as long as you’re back by the designated time.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
A faint smile played on Claude’s lips. It seemed the rumors of him being unable to live without alcohol were true. He was already looking forward to spending his time in the city’s taverns.
“Platoon Leader! You can’t do this! He’ll take advantage of any leniency you give him!”
Belle Meyer interjected, as always. Sergeant Claude, what kind of life have you lived?
“Who do you think I am, a kid?” Claude glared at Belle, his voice cold.
His aura was intimidating, but Belle Meyer wasn’t one to back down.
“Your actions say otherwise, don’t they?”
“That’s enough, Sergeant. You’re playing with fire.”
“My life is meaningless anyway. Go ahead and try to kill me.”
“Stop it, both of you!!!”
-Bam!
Lumia slammed her hand against the wall, silencing them.
“What are you two doing?! Like I said, this is a unique opportunity; do you want to throw it away?”
Lumia pointed at me and added, “Platoon Leader hasn’t fully recovered; you shouldn’t act like this! You’re not being helpful at all!”
“Fine, I get it. Do whatever you want. I’ll just follow orders.”
Claude waved his hand dismissively and left the lounge. An awkward silence followed. In the suddenly frosty atmosphere, I could only sigh.
‘Didn’t… this start with good news…?’
Was this the power of the useless platoon? It was a truly impressive performance.
I suddenly craved a cigarette.
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