I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 63
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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 63
“Can you really entrust me with something that determines the Empire’s fate?”
“When did I say I was entrusting it to you alone, Captain? There are already over ten agents active. You’ll just be one of them.”
“Ahem.”
I turned my head slightly in embarrassment.
“I can’t deny it’s dangerous, but the situation is more serious than expected, so please do your best.”
“Phew, understood.”
Has my body adapted from constantly taking on dangerous tasks?
Now, honestly, I only refuse verbally out of habit – I don’t really think much of it anymore.
‘My mind is definitely breaking down.’
I’m quite afraid that I’ll become someone like Derick at this rate.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ve assigned you someone who ranked first in the entrance exam.”
“There’s such an exam?”
“Isn’t that obvious? You were a bit special, Captain. Normally, to enter Intelligence Agency, you have to train for three months while taking exams.”
“Oh…”
Just hearing about it, I could clearly picture what a terrible time that would be.
“What’s the acceptance rate?”
“About 170 people applied this time, and 3 were selected as trainee agents, so you can do the math yourself.”
Almost a 50-to-1 competition rate.
Unfortunately, it was much more relaxed than the competition rate for entering major corporations in South Korea.
‘To think there are 170 people who want to enter such a dangerous place. The Empire is really a tough place to make a living.’
I’m truly grateful to have been born a noble.
“You’ll hear the detailed story from the person in charge. I’m a bit tired from moving around since morning.”
Eden closed his eyes while leaning his head against the wall.
“Please rest.”
I was also extremely tired, so after looking at the reports a little more, I fell asleep just like him.
* * *
“Seto Count, do you know that there’s quite an uproar these days? Talking as if you’d definitely win, then suffering such a crushing defeat.”
Paraon, the capital of the Adits Empire.
In the Imperial Palace built at its center, the great nobles who lead the Empire – Barion Seto and Serendia Abiel – were glaring at each other.
“I believe I already submitted a report on that matter, so I don’t understand why you’re bringing it up again.”
Seto Count frowned and showed his displeasure at the clearly aggressive remark.
“The confirmed casualties alone exceed 10,000 by far – is this something to end with just a report? I didn’t think so, but you really have no sense of responsibility.”
She sneered while twirling her long purple hair with her finger.
“Enough.”
As Seto Count’s expression grew increasingly menacing, Emperor Simon Adits, who had been listening from above, spoke up.
“As I said before, there were no major problems with the tactics. I’ve already issued a demotion, so stop this wasteful talk, Abiel.”
No matter how poor the internal discipline was, a defeat was still a defeat.
Baren Seto was demoted one rank from Lieutenant Colonel to Major.
As for the other key commanders including General Krem… they all resigned in disgrace.
“I only mentioned it because I’m worried that even Belzium Castle might fall into enemy hands at this rate.”
“Didn’t we send troops regarding that matter?”
“It’s truly pitiful to see soldiers suffering because of someone’s foolish actions.”
Trembling.
Seto Count’s fist shook at the cleverly continuous attacks.
“That’s enough.”
“Yes, understood.”
Abiel, having already achieved sufficient results, smiled and bowed her head.
The reason for such backstabbing despite being nobles of the same Empire is simple.
The Adits Empire has very powerful nobles, and the two families at the center want to gain even a slight advantage over each other.
“We’re too busy with internal discipline to make any sense of this mess. And we haven’t gained anything either.”
The cause of defeat was identified as an internal spy, and a search is currently underway through Reconnaissance Command.
Various methods including torture were employed in the process, but unfortunately, they couldn’t find the source of the leak.
“The enemy’s Intelligence Command has been moving very secretly and cleverly lately, so we need countermeasures.”
At Seto Count’s words, Abiel openly sneered and spoke.
“What’s the point of making countermeasures? Winter is approaching, and with insufficient resources due to an unbearable defeat, we can’t engage in any more battles.”
Abiel graciously placed the responsibility on his shoulders once again.
Since it wasn’t wrong, the Emperor also closed his mouth after trying to say something.
“Winter always ends eventually. How do you plan to achieve great things with such a short-sighted view?”
He counterattacked, but it didn’t even scratch Abiel.
“I suppose the Count doesn’t see the Empire’s people suffering and dying during that time. How heartless.”
Words hard to believe came from the mouth of someone called cold-blooded.
He wanted to refute immediately, but it was all too clear that opening his mouth wouldn’t even break even.
‘Damn woman.’
This was probably the most humiliating day of his entire life.
“One must not be swayed by emotions.”
“That’s only when you have foolish methods. Your Majesty, shouldn’t we regain the initiative before winter ends?”
Abiel stepped forward and spoke.
“Do you have some method?”
“The monster control magic device our family has been researching for the past few years has finally shown results.”
“Is that really true?”
The Emperor was greatly surprised by Abiel’s words.
Rightfully so, because if they could control monsters, even conquering the continent wouldn’t be a dream.
“Yes, the efficiency is poor, but it’s definitely possible. As proof, aren’t monsters descending from the Gork Mountains right now despite not being in territorial war?”
“Are you saying House of Abiel did that?”
At Seto Count’s question, who was as surprised as the Emperor, Abiel smiled.
“Isn’t that obvious?”
“You’ve been conducting such dangerous research in secret all this time. Don’t you have other intentions?”
“It’s just funny hearing that from Seto Count, who only talks about budget cuts whenever something comes up. If I had revealed it, would you have helped from the sidelines?”
“That and this are now…”
“Don’t raise pointless objections, Count.”
The Emperor stopped Seto Count just as his voice was about to rise.
He was already completely absorbed in the news Abiel had brought.
“Continue speaking.”
“Currently, trolls are the limit, but even this alone should be able to inflict sufficient damage.”
“Since you said the efficiency is poor, we’ll need a budget to cause meaningful damage after all.”
Though he’s evaluated as inferior to the Raikhan Empire’s emperor, that doesn’t make him a fool.
“That’s correct. We’re trying our best to minimize it, but a considerable amount of mana stones are needed for production.”
As soon as they got to the main point and heard about money, Seto Count shook his head.
“Your Majesty, this is too excessive. Abiel, are you seriously suggesting this?”
“Isn’t this better than dropping our allies into hell like someone did?”
“Even if successful, the financial loss is too great. The method is good, but after researching a bit more to improve efficiency…”
Though Seto Count’s words grew long, the Emperor had already made up his mind.
“Proceed. Let’s settle this before this winter ends.”
“I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s wise decision.”
Abiel bowed her head, and a budget that could determine the Empire’s fate was invested in the ducal family.
* * *
“Is this the place?”
A very ordinary and small village near the Gork Mountains.
A carriage stopped in front of a small tavern there.
“That’s right. I’m exhausted from taking care of my inadequate junior. Hurry up and go inside.”
Lieutenant Eden turned his shoulder and got off the carriage.
Since it wasn’t wrong, I had nothing particular to say.
‘Who would have known he could cook so well.’
We camped for about two days, and after eating the food I made, he felt nauseous and made the food himself.
The taste was… surprisingly excellent, comparable to a restaurant.
‘Why is he good at cooking when everything he makes looks like it would be burnt to a crisp.’
I hate to admit it, but he’s really a monster who can’t do anything poorly.
Creak.
When I opened the tightly closed door of the bar, an extremely unpleasant sound pierced my ears.
‘Ugh, don’t they maintain this place.’
It was comparable to scratching fingernails on a chalkboard – customers would be innocent if they tried to enter and then ran away.
“Since it’s not mealtime yet, there aren’t many customers.”
As Eden said, there were only about two groups of customers in the store.
‘This kind of place is a secret base? Hmm.’
No matter how I looked at it, this place seemed to have no connection whatsoever to the Intelligence Agency.
“Welcome, customers.”
After sitting at an empty table and waiting briefly, an employee came over and placed cups of water in front of me and Eden while greeting us.
“Show me the lunch menu.”
“Here it is.”
The employee handed Eden a menu that had been prepared in advance from her pocket.
“Hmm, give us two B sets. For drinks, I’m tired so please make it tea.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare it right away.”
The employee who took the order went into the kitchen, and Eden took off his coat and hung it on the chair.
‘What’s this, was that order just now some kind of password exchange.’
After all, there has to be a security process for entering a secret base.
‘Movie-like stuff is kind of cool.’
I shouldn’t get carried away by this kind of thing, but I’m a man so I can’t help it.
“I’ll bring up the first dish.”
The employee gently placed pre-meal bread and butter on the table.
“By the way, this is my treat to celebrate your promotion, so eat it gratefully.”
“Yes, I’ll eat it very gratefully.”
Even though the costs would definitely be processed if this is a dining hall at an Intelligence Agency base, showing off like this is no different from being a con artist.
‘Let’s just eat.’
Since it had been a long time since I had a leisurely meal at a proper restaurant, I spread butter on the bread and took a bite.
‘The warmth isn’t bad.’
Sometimes there are places that serve bread cold, but this place seems to have the basics down.
The following food was a very simple course consisting of light pasta, lamb, and finally dessert.
“Does it suit your taste?”
“Yes, it’s very delicious.”
Especially the doneness of the lamb was excellent for a restaurant in a village.
“If it suits even a noble young master’s palate, then this place has succeeded.”
“That kind of palate disappeared long ago.”
I never had it to begin with, and even if I had, it would have greatly deteriorated from eating all sorts of tasteless things during military life.
“That’s somewhat unfortunate. Get up if you’re done eating.”
We finished our meal and stood up just 30 minutes after entering the store.
‘Are we going now.’
I followed behind Eden toward the counter, feeling somewhat nervous.
“That’s 50 silver.”
“Here it is.”
Eden took out five 10-silver coins from his pocket and handed them over.
“Thank you for visiting. Please go in safely.”
“Good work.”
Eden bowed to the employee who was bowing and left the store…
‘Huh? Where is this guy going.’
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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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