"If the fortress is taken by the enemy, we'll be exposed to intense bombardment. Are you still saying we should defend this place?" Lieutenant Colonel Althea crossed her arms, looking up at me from where she sat.
"Your proposal is difficult to understand sometimes. Please explain," she said.
"Yes," I replied calmly, though I could never say the real reason out loud. Well, thanks to being reincarnated, I've awakened my precognitive ability? Yeah, even if my mouth split open, I'd never let that slip.
Afterward, I wandered the fortress with a chair in my arms. Eventually, I set it down and sat, thinking seriously: Should I start working here from today?
If this spot was a place where I could die from artillery fire, then even the Grim Reaper's scythe would probably say something about it.
...Well, I'd never used it like this before, so I couldn't be sure how accurate it was, but either way, the Grim Reaper's scythe remained silent. Apparently, no matter where I stood within the fortress, I wouldn't die just from that. Was it really true?
Still, I came to a vague conclusion: I'll probably be fine. It was such a careless thought that I almost laughed at myself. But at least, it didn't seem like Zephyr Fort would be blown to pieces by enemy cannon fire.
I gave Althea a summary of my reasoning, based on what the Grim Reaper's scythe suggested.
"The enemy is composed of mountain troops. As you know, they're essentially hunters. While they're solid as infantry, they're amateurs when it comes to artillery."
Althea, an imperial noble educated in military science, wasn't someone I could fool easily.
"The Brugge army doesn't have a dedicated artillery division. Their cannons are operated by regular infantry, not specialized units like the Schwider artillery. They probably haven't received formal training, so I doubt they'll hit anything."
She stared at me for a moment, then said, "In our world, saying 'there's no way we can lose' is forbidden. 'There's no way they'll hit us' is basically the same, isn't it?"
"You're absolutely right," I admitted. This was bad. I was teetering on the edge of a logical beatdown.
But I wasn't without tricks. I smiled like a sly merchant and spoke in a tone that could've sold fake potions in back alleys.
"In short, it's about which risk you're willing to accept. Will you retreat and provoke Duke Litreille and Captain Dumble, or will you stand your ground and risk bombardment?"
I continued without giving her a chance to cut in.
"Even if we retreat, the nearest location is the Third Division's garrison. I don't believe they'll assist the 6th Special Task Brigade if we abandon Zephyr Fort."
Even if it was an old relic, Zephyr Fort still had the strength to repel infantry. Musket soldiers only truly showed their value when they had cover. If they were caught retreating in the open, the losses would be far greater.
Althea rested her chin on one hand, silent for a while. Then, she spoke.
"So what you're saying is... it's better to stay and take artillery fire than to flee poorly?"
I almost flinched. Don't look at me like that. You're too beautiful—when you glare, it's terrifying.
Hiding my unease, I kept my face calm.
"There's no more to consider. Even if I escape, all I gain is a slim chance at surviving—and even that's uncertain. If an ambush or cavalry pursuit follows, my brigade—made up almost entirely of new recruits—would be wiped out."
"...That's true," Althea murmured.
"On the other hand, if we hold until reinforcements arrive, the 6th Special Task Brigade becomes heroes. No one will laugh at us."
If reinforcements make it in time. But the Grim Reaper's scythe did suggest it was possible.
Althea stared into my face.
"You're betting your own life and your superior officer's, yet you stay calm. Are you some fearless gambler? A fool chasing death? Or perhaps..."
Then she chuckled.
"A legendary Staff Officer, maybe?"
Probably none of the above. I was just someone with a little foresight—someone who had been reincarnated.
Eventually, Althea nodded to herself.
"Fine. If someone of common origin can show such resolve, I can't say no. You may use my life as your stake."
"Then I won't hold back," I replied.
Why does this feel so villainous? Am I turning into some twisted mastermind? Honestly, I was more worried about my reputation than the outcome of the battle.
Even now, the Grim Reaper's scythe remained silent about Zephyr Fort. No matter where I moved inside, the result was the same. For now, the whole fortress felt like a safe zone.
Of course, there was still the possibility of a sudden warning—"It's dangerous, get out!"—so I knew it was still a gamble.
But then again, there's no such thing as absolute safety in war—or in life.
I smiled to steady myself.
"This is an investment for the future. No need to march or charge this time. We just have to sit tight and win."
...That made me sound like a scam artist.
After this conversation, rumors started floating among the female infantry.
"I heard Staff Officer made Lady Althea say, 'You may use my life as your stake.'"
"As expected of the 'Grim Reaper Staff Officer'..."
Wait. Is my character development going in a weird direction?
As if to distract me, the sound of cannon fire continued—but then, it stopped.
"Has the fortress fallen?" Althea asked.
I checked through my telescope and replied, "The Imperial flag is still up. I can hear faint gunfire. Let's stay quiet and pretend the fortress is empty."
"Why?"
"Once they're sure the fort is falling, the enemy will send scouts. They might come here next. If we stay silent, they may approach carelessly."
I glanced at the long, narrow package beside me.
"Seems like a good time to test fire that."
"I see. Nothing you do is ever wasteful," she said.
...Even though I was just going with the flow. I didn't plan this. Not really.
Right then, a report came from a sentry. Something was moving outside the fortress.
I moved quickly to a nearby gun port.
"Staff Officer, over there," Althea said, pointing to the mountain path connecting Zephyr Fort to Godo Fort. "I saw a flash in the bush—probably a telescope lens."
Not bad. I checked through my own telescope and spotted the blue Brugge uniforms hidden in the brush. Uniforms from this era really stood out.
"Well done. You've earned credit for this."
The female soldier gave a curt nod. "I'm honored. What should we do?"
This stoic woman was Lyra Nash, a sniper from the first platoon. I'd heard she was a hunter's daughter, and that explained her top-tier shooting skills. Her judgment wasn't bad, either.
I handed her the Cavalry Rifle I had brought.
"Want to try it?"
Lyra shook her head. "I'm not used to it."
The rifle had only arrived just before deployment. It hadn't even been test-fired. No one had trained with it yet.
As expected of someone with hunting experience—she was cautious.
"Then should I shoot?"
If I waited, they might escape. I loaded the rifle. Packed in the ignition powder, poured the main charge into the barrel, tamped it all down with the ramrod and the bullet.
"You're skilled, Staff Officer."
"Don't flatter me. It's just basic soldier work," I said lightly.
Not that I'd admit to my past—poaching in a noble's private forest. I got used to loading quietly and fast back then.
This was a world without scopes, and the distance was nearly a hundred meters. The target hadn't noticed me, but only the upper body was exposed.
Besides, I was a reincarnated guy with only a few years of rifled gun experience since arriving in this world.
Still, might as well try.
I didn't even understand this rifle's quirks, and there wouldn't be a second chance. I braced the gun, aimed through the sight, and pulled the trigger without overthinking.
The flint sparked, and a moment later, the shot rang out.
Missed.
The bullet grazed the soldier and rustled the bushes. The Brugge soldier ducked immediately. Not bad reaction speed.
I smiled awkwardly at Lyra. "That's the best I can do."
Just as I said that, another Brugge soldier, soaked in blood, rolled out of the bush. Another one had been hiding.
The fallen soldier collapsed face-first and stopped moving.
I'd been aiming for the guy next to him. I felt... oddly guilty.
"Heh..." Lyra let out a small sound of surprise.
No, wait, don't get the wrong idea. I could already tell by her look—she was definitely misunderstanding something.
I quickly raised my telescope, trying to hide my awkwardness.
Yep. Clearly a Brugge soldier. Blood-stained uniform and all. Thank goodness it wasn't a civilian.
"Staff Officer, you're quite something," Lyra said, eyes sparkling.
No, that's not it. Stop that. Don't look at me like that.
"It was just the Grim Reaper's whim. I doubt I could do it again," I muttered, handing her the Cavalry Rifle and pulling my cap low.
Her gaze felt like it was drilling into me.
"You'd probably do better than me. Try using it with the other designated marksmen."
"Yes, Staff Officer," she replied firmly.
Unable to bear her glittering gaze any longer, I turned and walked away.
Told you—it was just a lucky shot.
Notes:
• Althea - Colonel Althea Medelin. Female. Brigade Commander of the 6th Special Task Brigade. Young woman in her twenties with long black hair. Noble from the Medelin family, a rival to the Litreille clan. Professional and disciplined, yet approachable. Holds a high rank despite her age, indicating exceptional ability. Relationship: Superior to Euner Krombelts, welcomes him to the brigade.
• Zephyr Fort - A rear outlying castle located in the border region. It is part of a network of fortresses designed to prevent enemy encirclement. The brigade is deployed here to reinforce its defenses. Securing a 'hotel' for accommodation was a significant achievement, given the challenges of field camping.
• Schwider - The country where the story takes place. It is ruled by nobility, with the 'Five Royal Families' holding the highest status. The language and culture are distinct, with a strong emphasis on class and accent.
• Brugge - A neighboring territory with mountain troops that pose a threat to the border. The enemy's strength and intentions are unknown, but they are the primary target of the brigade's deployment. The border with Brugge is a contested area where hundreds of lives are lost for minor territorial gains.
• Duke Litreille - Female. Politician from the Litreille family, not a soldier. Beautiful woman around 20, wearing military uniform with a family crest. Described as suspicious and of high caution. Relationship: Rival noble family to the Medelin clan, encountered by Euner on his journey.
• Dumble - Male. Garrison commander of Zephyr Fortress. Experienced and cautious. Wears standard officer attire. Initially skeptical of the 6th Special Task Brigade but is persuaded by Euner's demonstration. Becomes more cooperative afterward.
• Godo Fort - A stronghold located on a mountain peak, west of Zephyr Fort. It serves as a border guard base and has the capability to provide fierce bombardment in case of an attack. Located in the Empire.
• Lyra - Female. Sniper from the first platoon. Appearance: Expressionless, with sharp eyes and a hunter's demeanor. Relationship: Skilled marksman and daughter of a hunter. Admires the protagonist's unexpected abilities, though the protagonist feels awkward about her intense gaze.