I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 199

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 199

“If only it weren’t a merchant family, there would be no need for such concerns. What a pity.”

If Paran Oclo’s family had been like the Rahila Comital Family, the Emperor would have granted him a marquis title.

However, Paran’s family is the Oclo Comital Family, which is based on a guild.

If he were to grant a marquis title to a family that already wields great influence in the economic sector, the market order could collapse.

“It’s both regrettable and surprising. That such talent emerged from a merchant family.”

“Geniuses can appear anywhere. Come to think of it, is there no problem with the Oclo Family?”

A family whose value has been rising steeply recently.

It’s only natural for the Emperor to keep watch over them.

“Yes, there are no problems. However, they are securing all the profitable businesses by leveraging Lieutenant Paran’s reputation.”

“That’s what merchants are like. Keep monitoring whether there are any problematic aspects. We must suppress what needs to be suppressed, separate from Lieutenant Paran.”

“Understood.”

Rosen bowed his head in response, and now it was time to return to the main topic.

“A reward, a reward…”

The Emperor pondered while tapping the desk with his finger.

Fortunately, it didn’t take long for him to think of something suitable.

If there was one concern.

“We can somehow get by this time, but I don’t know what to give next time.”

“It’s a pleasant concern.”

“This is more of a headache than I thought. It would be really nice if there was a way to just capture and use him instead of this.”

The easiest way would be to engage him to the Princess and make him part of the Imperial Court, but there are far too many obstacles.

First, as with the previous reason, the Oclo Family’s power would become too formidable, and the front lines are always fraught with the danger of death.

“Haha, rewards are great motivation, so he’ll bring results proportional to Your Majesty’s attention.”

“That’s right. He always has. Go in and rest now.”

“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

After Rosen offered his farewell, he left the office.

And the very next day, an imperial decree containing news of Belzium Castle’s capture was distributed throughout the Empire.

* * *

First-Class Merit – Lieutenant Paran Oclo

Second-Class Merit – Colonel Schultz, Lieutenant Hanna…

Third-Class Merit – Colonel Siris, Colonel Paolo… Lieutenant Cult, Lieutenant Siel… Captain Larsen…

.

.

“Huh.”

Something seems a bit strange.

“Is this a printing error?”

Otherwise, what kind of attention-seeker would have only one person’s name listed under First-Class Merit?

‘Maybe I’m seeing things because I’m tired in the morning.’

I took a sip of water to clear my head and looked again, but unfortunately, the content was the same.

“Shit.”

Well, First-Class Merit.

Honestly speaking, I expected it.

If not me, then who would receive it?

But being alone was something I never expected even in my dreams.

“What battle in the world has a single First-Class Merit recipient?”

It’s not like I fought 1 against 30,000, so how does this make sense?

‘Usually there are at least 3 people, why is this happening again?’

My head is really throbbing.

“Battalion Commander! Truly congratulations!”

“Congratulations!!! A sole First-Class Merit recipient, you’re truly amazing!”

The battalion members who confirmed the news at the same time as me all rushed over to offer their congratulations.

“Th…thanks, it’s all thanks to you guys.”

Though I’m rotting inside, since it has good meaning anyway, I answered with as much of a smile as possible.

“Congratulations in advance on your promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.”

“Promotion… right, I’ll be promoted. Thanks.”

I haven’t been a Lieutenant for very long, so I wonder if promotion is possible.

But if they gave me sole First-Class Merit, it’s definitely certain.

‘Lieutenant Colonel… that’s too high.’

It’s a rank where I’ll get altitude sickness and suffocate to death.

“How about we give you a victory toss…”

“Whoa, whoa, calm down. That’s absolutely not happening.”

I quickly stopped Captain Larsen who was about to do something impulsive.

After that, an endless stream of congratulations continued.

There were quite a few unfamiliar faces, but since good things are good things, I accepted all the greetings one by one.

As time passed into lunch, a problem arose.

“Lieutenant Paran, pack your things. We need to depart for the capital this afternoon.”

“Excuse me…?”

When I was receiving a hamburger from the supply wagon and eating it deliciously.

Colonel Schultz came looking for me and brought up something I never expected.

“Is there some problem?”

“No, it’s not that. But why am I going to the capital?”

“Isn’t it natural for a First-Class Merit recipient to go see His Majesty the Emperor?”

‘That’s… true.’

I knew I would go too, but not today.

“What about the battalion…”

“For various reasons, it’s been decided that this expedition will end here. Except for essential personnel, everyone will return to their positions soon.”

In a way, these were the words I had waited for and wanted most.

I should definitely be happy, but there were quite a few concerns.

“Then I need to say goodbye and such, couldn’t I depart separately tomorrow?”

Can’t you see what this is right now?

They’re telling me to join the Crown Prince’s procession.

‘This is really shit.’

At least 2 weeks to the capital, just imagine how it will be.

‘He’ll come bother me every time.’

I’m already trembling with fear.

“Where would there be a case of departing separately for such reasons? Don’t say strange things, and since there are still about two hours left, prepare accordingly.”

I expected it, but as expected, it didn’t work at all.

‘Damn, where did the consideration for a First-Class Merit recipient go?’

This barbaric military doesn’t even have the basic concept of respect.

“Sigh, understood.”

After bowing my head in response, I packed my almost non-existent belongings.

‘I’ll have to ask them to send the things at Rimircastle.’

I came out with one bag on my back and headed toward the battalion members who were waiting after hearing the news.

“I’ll see you again next time.”

“Yeah, thanks to you we had it easy. See you again next time.”

First, I shook hands with Captain Larsen, and this guy really seems like someone I’ll see again, not just empty words.

‘Very capable.’

From administrative abilities to combat skills.

He could be considered a hexagonal talent.

“Thank you.”

“Thanks for everything, take care.”

“Thanks to you, I can return safely. Thank you.”

“I didn’t really do anything special. Take care.”

Handshakes with each person one by one.

Before I knew it, I found myself holding Captain Aisa’s hand.

“When you go to the capital, don’t wander around too much. I heard public safety isn’t good these days.”

“The capital too?”

“Yes, I heard it’s very serious.”

“I see. I guess I should just stay home then.”

“That’s a good idea.”

For some reason, her expression looked very pleased.

“Stay healthy, and let’s meet again next time. If we can see each other in the capital.”

Probably when the situation wraps up, leave will be granted, and if the timing works out, our periods in the capital might overlap.

‘Wait, did I just commit an abuse of power?’

A senior asking to meet during leave.

Thinking about it again, it’s beyond terrible – it’s disgusting.

“No. You’ll be busy when you’re in the capital, so let’s meet later when we’re assigned to the same post.”

As someone who strives to be a good senior, I quickly recognized my mistake and changed my words.

‘Really, why am I so exemplary as a person.’

Almost like a textbook example…

“What? How do you know when our posts will overlap? Contact me during leave and come out. Do you not want to see me?”

“That’s not it, but personal time should also be respected…”

Squeeze!

“Ugh.”

Where on earth did that anger come from?

Aisa gripped my hand so tightly that her tendons bulged out.

‘No, why are you doing this?’

Even when I try to be considerate, she complains. It’s so unfair I can’t even speak.

“Al…alright, I’ll come out if you contact me.”

“Yes, you absolutely must. Be careful on your way.”

Only after I said with my own mouth that I would commit an abuse of power could she let go of my hand.

“Next is… Lieutenant Barus, you’ve worked hard. Is your leg okay?”

Lieutenant Barus with a long splint on his right leg.

I heard he fell from his horse while dodging enemy attacks.

And that’s how his bone got broken.

“Yes! It’s uncomfortable, but they say if I wait, I should be able to walk. Though running might be difficult due to aftereffects.”

“Oh my, but that’s still fortunate. I heard the situation was quite dangerous.”

“Yes, so I’m satisfied just being alive.”

Looking at his expression, it was 100% pure sincerity.

‘He’s positive.’

That’s really something I should learn from.

“With an injury like this, you’ll probably be assigned to administrative work, so work hard there too.”

“Ah, about that. I think I’ll be discharged once the situation is sorted out.”

“Huh…? Dis…discharge?”

What is this about now?

My mind went blank for a moment and my lips trembled.

“The medical battalion wrote in their report that the treatment period would be long and there would be aftereffects, so discharge would be appropriate, and submitted it to higher command. The approval came through this morning.”

“Oh… I see, that’s how it is.”

How should I respond to this?

Normally I should say ‘get well’ or ‘you’ve worked hard.’

But I just couldn’t open my mouth.

The reason was…

‘Shit, this is too enviable.’

It’s not just ordinarily enviable.

‘Why him and not me.’

Something is seriously wrong here.

But how could I express that in front of an injured person?

“You’ve… you’ve really… worked so hard. Go and… *sigh*, go and rest. Yeah, that’s right.”

I struggled to get out each word and patted Lieutenant Barus on the shoulder.

“Yes! Thank you! I’ll always cheer for you, Battalion Commander, even from afar.”

‘You could cheer from nearby too. Am I being too much of a scumbag right now?’

But what can I do?

I’m insanely envious.

“Thanks. Take care.”

Since it was too hard to keep looking at his face, I turned away.

Now what remained were the soldiers.

Due to time constraints, I couldn’t greet everyone, so I only shook hands with those who came to me.

“Thank you so much. And thank you for granting my request.”

Private Chandler was the first to approach.

He still had bandages wrapped around his body, but he looked better than when I saw him last time.

“That’s hardly worth calling a request. It was something that had to be done. Get your treatment properly. If they seem to be doing something strange, go to a civilian hospital – I’ll cover the costs.”

“No, the people here are taking good care of me too.”

“That’s fortunate then. Don’t go getting hurt again somewhere else – once is enough.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

I would have liked to talk more, but the soldiers crowding around made that impossible.

“From now on, whenever I need to buy anything, I’ll only use the Oclo Trading Guild.”

“That’s a really good idea. I heard they give military discounts too, so make good use of it.”

“Haha! Understood! Live long and prosper!”

“I really hope so.”

I cast off the heavy mask of being a battalion commander and mixed in some jokes as we talked.

And so, right before truly leaving.

I turned around to face the soldiers and put strength in my voice.

“Don’t die before I do! You’ve all worked hard!”

“Loyalty!!!”

Salutes that followed as if rehearsed.

It wasn’t a long time, but maybe because these were people I’d fought alongside, risking our lives together.

I felt a bit moved.

“Loyalty.”

Since it was the last time, I responded with a salute as well, then headed toward the North Gate, our meeting place.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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