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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Angel Dust]
[Proofreader - Prototype]
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Side Story 8
When war breaks out, it's the citizens of the Empire who bear the greatest burden.
Some are conscripted as soldiers and sent to the front lines, while others transport military supplies or dedicate themselves to various tasks in support of the war effort.
Even the women and children are not spared.
They spend sleepless nights praying and shedding tears, hoping for the safe return of their sons, husbands, and fathers.
That's why the nobles of the Empire always did their best when war broke out.
They knew that if they made any missteps and incurred public resentment, their positions would be in jeopardy.
Fulfilling their duties as nobles was not only a matter of honor but also a survival strategy.
"Most of the junior officers have expressed their desire to be deployed to the front lines."
"I hear they're already gaining combat experience in the South."
"What about the Lasker and Avileshti front? If you're short on warhorses, let me know. Our family still has some in reserve."
"If you're considering a naval route, we can provide warships."
"Our family has secured a large quantity of magic stones for large-scale magic. We can provide them immediately if needed."
Some might see this as a purely political move, a calculated action driven by self-interest.
They might view it as an attempt to use the war as an opportunity to showcase loyalty and climb the ladder of power.
But if someone were to ask if that's necessarily a bad thing,
"It's fine."
"Things are going well."
"Aren't they offering more?"
"They will."
Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim.
These four would retort with a smirk, 'On the contrary, it's a brilliant opportunity!
"First, we should separate this portion and send it to the reservists who followed Karl."
"Will this be enough? Shouldn't we give them more?"
"Let's see how it goes. We're a bit tight on funds after putting a significant amount into military expenses."
While selfless acts are noble, they often lack the power to motivate people as effectively as actions driven by self-interest.
People are naturally drawn to things that offer rewards, rather than those that offer no compensation.
Just look at the pension fund they've established.
It started with pure and good intentions.
But as more noble families joined, it gradually changed.
The compensation for veterans is substantial, and no one dares to touch those funds.
However, some families use it as an opportunity to promote their names.
And those who contribute to the same fund form a kind of group.
"This war won't last long. After all, Karl is directly involved."
"I heard the Church has already gathered volunteers and sent them to the South."
"The Healing Priests have also formed a group and reached the vicinity of the Great Forest."
"Ugh, we still need to support them, so it'll cost more money."
The four didn't try to stop it. As long as the methods and results were beneficial, it was enough.
They gained honor, and the soldiers received compensation for their sacrifices.
As long as this cycle continued, they could turn a blind eye to such things.
After another meeting about the pension fund, they leaned back in their chairs with a cup of tea each, taking a short break.
"How are things going? Heard anything?"
"Someone from the Ministry of War said the South is almost over."
"Don't get too complacent. We're dealing with elves."
"Karl said it, didn't he? ‘Never underestimate Luzernes elves,’ so we can't let our guard down."
Living with Karl, the word ‘elf’ had naturally become part of their vocabulary.
There were elves in the Empire, and officially, they were allied with Hyzens.
They had been careful until now, but with the recent turn of events, there was no need to hold back.
Of course, in official settings, they clearly distinguished between Hyzens and Luzernes.
"I'm more worried about Lasker."
"Oh, be specific, Wilhelm. Are you worried about Lasker, or are you worried about your sister-in-law, Lefia?"
"The latter, obviously. This is a sensitive issue for Karl too."
"I wonder if she'll be okay. She's still a Lasker citizen, after all."
She wouldn't be openly monitored because of her connection to Karl.
But just in case, there would be at least a few people keeping an eye on her.
It made sense, considering Lasker's history of wars with the Empire.
Hopefully, Karl wouldn't be offended when he hears about this later.
That guy, he's usually kind, but when he gets angry, he really loses it.
"Oh, right. Speaking of that guy, what about the academy?"
"He said he took care of it."
Alexander shared the news.
Since he joined as a reservist, there shouldn't be any further disadvantages due to his reserve activities.
So, they would fill in his missing grades with the average scores of other students.
"...I don't know if that's good or bad."
"Well, that's for him to deal with. We can't do anything about that."
Click—
As if on cue, the four of them placed their cups on the table simultaneously.
Their break was over.
It was time to return to their respective duties.
"I hope he comes back safe and sound."
"Don't worry, why would Karl get hurt?"
"There's always a chance, Wilhelm."
"If he gets hurt, Selena and the other sisters-in-law will go crazy..."
At Joachim's last words, the other three nodded vigorously.
* * *
KABOOM!―
"Gah!"
"Sergeant Karl!"
A magic bomb exploded nearby. Its power was several times stronger than what they had faced a few years ago.
Sergeant Casey rushed to check on Karl, who had been thrown back.
"Are you alright?"
"Damn it, my whole body aches."
"Sergeant Karl!"
"I'm fine, so stop looking at me like I'm a corpse."
He was covered in dust and dirt with minor cuts, but thankfully, his limbs were intact.
It seemed that the Goddess was indeed watching over him. If it were anyone else, they might have been killed instantly.
"The elves are putting up quite a fight."
"I never imagined they would focus all their efforts on Hyzens instead of the Imperial Army."
"When things get tough, the allies who turn on you are always more hateful than the enemy."
Driven to the brink, Luzernes mobilized all their forces in a desperate attempt to break through the front lines.
No, it wasn't even a breakthrough, it was more like a suicide charge.
They were throwing their troops into a hopeless situation.
However, they weren't completely mindless, as they avoided the Imperial Army.
Instead, they attacked the relatively weaker Hyzens defense lines.
As a result, Karl and his reserve regiment were once again caught in the crossfire.
"Hold the line! If we get pushed back here, we’ll be in trouble!"
"Just hold on a little longer! Our juniors are steadily taking care of them from behind!"
Arrows and bullets flew back and forth, and magic spells exploded all around.
It reminded him of the old days, but it wasn't a sight he missed or wanted to see again.
It was...hell. A hellscape he had desperately hoped to never witness again.
"Sergeant Karl! Hyzens is asking us to fall back!"
"What nonsense are they spouting? Can they hold out if we retreat?"
"They say it's their duty to defend this place, and we don't need to sacrifice ourselves any further..."
They seem to have plenty of time to spare, spouting such nonsense.
Karl ignored the messenger and reloaded his rifle with gunpowder and bullets.
"Go tell them that we have never abandoned a comrade on the battlefield."
"B-But, Sergeant!"
"Damn those elves! Tell them to fight instead of worrying about their pride!"
At Karl's fierce shout, the messenger yelled, ‘Yes, sir!’ and ran off.
Those guys always did this when they needed help.
Karl shook his head and started reloading again, but he didn't fire the gun.
"Here, take it."
Karl had been diligently reloading. Unfortunately, his shooting skills were still the same.
* * *
"Ugh!"
"Casey!!"
Casey, who had been fighting valiantly, suddenly staggered and collapsed.
His comrades nearby quickly grabbed him by the shoulders and dragged him into the trench.
"Hey, hey! Where are you hit? Find it!"
"Hold on tight! Stop the bleeding! Hold it tight, damn it!"
"Shit, Casey! Wake up! Hey!!"
Despite his comrades' calls, Casey didn't open his eyes.
Crimson blood seeped into his uniform, staining it with a growing warmth.
"Damn it, damn it! Hey! You fucking bastard!"
One of his closest comrades desperately called out Casey's name.
"Don't die, don't die! Damn it! Don't make me carry your coffin in front of your wife and kid!!"
It was unclear whether it was anger or sorrow, a shout or a plea.
But Casey didn't respond. His body seemed to be growing colder.
"Hey, hey, Casey."
"..."
"Please, man. How am I supposed to face your wife and kid? Please..."
"Get your foot off me."
Startled by the low voice, the man gasped and grabbed Casey's hand.
"Are you... are you awake?"
"I was just lying still because it hurt. So stop stomping on my arm, would you?"
"Oh, uh, right."
Only then did the man realize he had been stepping hard on Casey's arm.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Angel Dust]
[Proofreader - Prototype]
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