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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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“Pardon?”
“It’s nothing, really. Among those we rescued in this operation, wasn’t there a member of Count Pedro’s family?”
“Yes, there was…”
Belle Meyer nodded. She had checked on the captives, so she knew Yekaterina Pedro’s condition.
“The Count is holding a celebratory banquet as thanks, and I’ve been asked to attend as a representative.”
“That’s wonderful! But with Lieutenant Colonel Sonya Zeppelin and Chief of Staff Josef Levandowski here, why me…?”
The Count’s daughter and household had returned safely, unharmed, from being kidnapped. That alone deserved commendation. But Belle hadn’t done anything particularly outstanding. Of course, she’d participated in the attack and helped with first aid, but it was Claude Lane’s 1st Platoon and Captain Enoch Levandal who had rescued Yekaterina Pedro.
“Well, that’s just how nobles are~.”
“Lieutenant Colonel?”
“I came to check on the wounded and didn’t expect to find you two having a secret rendezvous.”
Hair reflected in the moonlight shimmered violet. Sonya Zeppelin approached them, smiling.
“Are you sure it’s alright for me to go?”
“You can go precisely because you’re Platoon Leader Belle. I recommended you to the Captain.”
“There was no need for you and the Chief of Staff to give up such an opportunity on my behalf…”
“No, no, no, think of it as maintaining appearances.”
The Lieutenant Colonel snapped her fingers.
“Even if it’s a thank-you banquet, it’s still the Count’s family. We need to send someone of appropriate standing. Platoon Leader Belle, you’re familiar with noble culture, aren’t you?”
It was a valid point. She was from a family that had once held power. Noble culture and etiquette, ingrained from childhood, weren’t easily forgotten.
Moreover, Belle Meyer knew firsthand the extent of the nobles’ prejudice. They were people who didn’t even acknowledge wealthy merchants or skilled technicians – the bourgeoisie. Sending just any officer could be a grave insult to those who valued honor and tradition.
“I’m busy preparing for the next operation. Infiltrating the imperial border is on a different scale and difficulty level. I don’t have time for parties.”
“Th-Then, what about Chief of Staff Josef…?”
“He’s busy too, same reason. That’s why we decided to send the Captain, the next highest-ranking officer. And apparently, it’s customary for two people to attend.”
“That’s right.”
“Lieutenant Enoch Levandal was personally promoted by the Duke, and he rescued Lady Pedro, so he’s fine, but I’m not sure how the other company commanders would be received.”
Noble society was complicated. Stripped of their power, all they had left was honor. As attached as they were to their former lands, they placed immense importance on the intangible value of honor. No matter a soldier’s rank or achievements, if they came from a lower class, they wouldn’t be treated well.
“Ah, so that’s why I…”
“And it just so happens that the highest-ranking person in our battalion, status-wise, is you, Platoon Leader Belle.”
Even though the Meyer Baron family’s power had waned, they had once been influential, and the current head was an administrator near the capital. They might be considered on par with a count from a remote territory. Bell Meyer could no longer refuse.
As she reluctantly accepted, Sonya Zeppelin, as if waiting for this moment, said with a bright smile,
“I picked out some banquet dresses. Want to take a look?”
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Bialystok, the northernmost region of the Ukrainian Duchy, was mostly mountainous, with a smaller population and less developed infrastructure than the other eight regions.
However, thanks to its proximity to the third nation of Valter to the northwest, it had a couple of trading cities. Among them, Suwaki City was much larger and more prosperous than Cherno City in the northeast, which had a similar atmosphere. The banquet hall of the Pedro family, honorary lords of Bialystok, was located here.
“I heard the young lady kidnapped by those mountain bandits has been rescued.”
“Fortunately, it seems nothing happened.”
“Why court trouble like that? Tsk tsk…”
The nobles gathered at the Pedro family’s banquet hall murmured. It was a celebration of Yekaterina Pedro’s safe return, but they couldn’t understand her actions.
“Count Pedro must have been quite worried.”
“It’s a shame he has no sons. That’s always the problem with families of daughters.”
“But… wouldn’t it be fine to find a suitable son-in-law? That would maintain the family line.”
“Hah, even then, it’ll be just a soldier or some merchant.”
“Perhaps he’ll adopt.”
Nobles were always concerned with successors and prosperity. Though their authority was diminished, they still had better prospects than commoners.
“I hear those who rescued the lady were also invited. We could build connections if they’re worthy.”
“If they’re field officers, they’re quite promising. I heard they’re mages too.”
As the guests chatted, clinking glasses, the doors opened.
“Members of the Special Operations Brigade have arrived!”
A man and woman entered. He was in military dress uniform; she wore an elegant black dress matching her hair. They weren’t field officers, but all eyes were on them.
Despite the two diamonds on his epaulets, his appearance was seasoned and dignified. His sharp jawline accentuated his masculine features, and his jade-green eyes were cool and aloof.
The young noblewomen gasped. Were the men any different? Their gazes were fixed on the woman, their reactions mirroring the ladies’. Her curves were accentuated by her dress, her figure captivating; no one would guess she was a soldier.
They approached Count Jacques Pedro, who looked equally surprised, and greeted him with old noble etiquette.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Count Jacques Pedro. I am Lieutenant Enoch Levandal of the Special Operations Brigade. It is an honor.”
Lieutenant Enoch Levandal. That name sent a ripple of tension through the relaxed noble society.
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“So you’re the famed new officer─! I knew it!!”
“I’m so impressed by your dedication and honor in serving our country!”
“Would you be willing to… give me your address? No, not like that!! I mean, for… socializing…”
Whoa, hold your horses, ladies.
I was instantly surrounded by women in dresses. I’d felt their intense gazes while talking with Count Pedro. So it was them. Belle Meyer was in a similar situation. Unlike me, a commoner, she was a true noble. The Meyer name still carried weight in Bialystok, with several men vying for her attention.
As the banquet progressed…
When the guests began to leave, and the sun had fully set, I finally escaped outside.
“Whew—! I almost suffocated.”
As I sighed in relief, someone on the terrace chuckled.
“Pfft.”
“…Platoon Leader Belle?”
“Looks like you had fun.”
Belle Meyer swirled the wine in her glass.
“Don’t even ask. I understand why they flocked to the Platoon Leader, she’s from a famous family, but… why me? I didn’t even get to speak with the Count properly.”
“Are you seriously asking? Or are you just messing with me?”
“I really don’t know.”
“…Sigh, seeing this, I think what you said before wasn’t a lie.”
She moved aside, offering me a spot on the terrace.
“Where would you find a perfect man like you, Captain? Recognized by the Duke, rescuing the Count’s daughter from bandits… I’d believe it if you said you were a prince from a fairy tale.”
“My background isn’t like that.”
“Background doesn’t matter when all they have is honor. You’re like a winning lottery ticket to them.”
“I-Is that so…?”
I couldn’t comprehend it, but I nodded and stood next to Belle Meyer.
The nightscape of Suwaki City unfolded. Even a regional city, if it was a trading hub, bustled with activity even after sunset. As I was staring at the scene…
“Captain.”
“Yes?”
“…Thank you so much.”
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