I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 89

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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 89

“Company Commander, we expanded our business to support the soldiers because we thought monsters would come down from the Gork Mountains all year round until His Majesty the Emperor said otherwise.”

“Yes…?”

Jeffrey suddenly raising his voice.

The atmosphere of the conversation changed in an instant.

“But at this rate, won’t we have to go back to our previous scale?”

“That would be the case. Since we’re at war.”

Once it’s confirmed to be completely stabilized, personnel transfers will begin.

“Oh my! Company Commander, at this rate our entire village will be ruined. Please save us.”

Grip!

The old man grabbing my hand while speaking as if lamenting.

It’s a bewildering situation I never expected.

‘What am I supposed to do about this.’

So let me organize this once.

First, they made a fortune because the number of soldiers increased.

Second, they expanded their business thinking this would continue permanently.

Third, but as the situation normalized, things went back to how they were before.

‘So they’re about to go bankrupt and want the military to help.’

Hmm, what kind of insane nonsense is this supposed to be.

‘So to summarize, they took a leveraged short position and went bankrupt, so now they’re coming to the government asking them to take responsibility.’

Not even a long position but a short one, and doing this – it’s hard to grasp what they want me to do about it.

“If all the soldiers leave like this, our revenue will be cut by more than half. Then we won’t be able to make a living.”

“It’s not like demand is disappearing, it’s just going back to normal. Isn’t that too much of an exaggeration.”

I spoke within the bounds of common sense, but they weren’t people who operated on common sense.

“As the president of the Merchant’s Association, I think it’s unacceptable that we receive no support like this when we’ve sacrificed and worked so hard for the soldiers all this time.”

Hobbs speaks as if he’s made some kind of resolution, but it’s just bullshit.

‘No, you guys were doing business. It’s not like you were doing volunteer work.’

Doing the most profitable soldier business in the world and then acting like they deserve credit – they’re definitely insane.

“Phew.”

I suppressed the anger that was starting to rise with the heavy weight of being acting battalion commander.

“So what kind of support do you want? You must have come prepared.”

“Yes, first we’d like you to maintain the current number of soldiers at least until next year.”

‘Shit.’

As soon as I heard the first sentence, a strong headache hit me.

But their bullshit didn’t end there.

“And we think our role in supporting the military base definitely contributed to stopping the Adits Empire’s schemes this time. So we think we should receive compensation as well.”

“Hmm…”

“Lastly, the road between the base and village is very deteriorated. This also urgently needs repair.”

‘At least there’s one normal thing.’

If even the last thing had been nonsense, I might have mistaken this for a ghost story.

“There are other things we’d like to say, but we’ve picked out only the most important and realistic ones, so please consider our request.”

That confident expression, as if it would definitely work out.

For a moment I doubted whether I was the one who was wrong.

‘This is really annoying.’

Military bases and nearby villages have a symbiotic relationship.

Civilians provide stress relief for soldiers that the base can’t provide, and the village makes money from it.

So if it turns into a hostile relationship, it becomes quite a headache.

“From what I can see, except for the last road improvement, it doesn’t seem feasible.”

“Why not.”

“First, troops are being concentrated on the Western Front. In this situation, it’s impossible to keep them here because of your wallet situation, isn’t it.”

I explained the reasons as calmly and logically as possible.

But logic and principles weren’t necessary for them.

“Weren’t monsters pouring out until just recently? Since we don’t know when such a situation might happen again, couldn’t we maintain troops for about a year for that reason?”

‘Ah, this is tiring.’

I’ve met many people like this in the military, so I know – no matter what you say, there’s no answer.

“Well, it’s not something I can decide. I’ll mention it when the Battalion Commander comes.”

Doing this and then just notifying them of rejection later is the most perfect way to deal with troublemakers.

“The fate of our village depends on this. Please, we beg you.”

“We’re counting on you.”

Jeffrey and Hobbs made expressions as if they were pitiful people, and their acting was quite impressive.

“There’s nothing I can do. But since I’ve heard your story, please go back for today.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ll come visit later with a gift prepared by the Merchant’s Association.”

The two men even bowed to me as a final greeting and left the room.

“Deputy Company Commander.”

“Yes, Company Commander.”

I called Lieutenant Aisa who was about to escort the two men outside.

“Hand over escorting those people to the Administrative Officer and come to the Battalion Commander’s Office.”

“Uh…? Yes, understood.”

As I sat waiting in the Battalion Commander’s Office, Lieutenant Aisa came in shortly after.

“Did the discussion go well?”

“No, not at all. They were just insane.”

Honestly, calling them insane is putting it very mildly.

“What? What on earth did they talk about?”

“What did they talk about – I can’t even figure out where to start.”

There are so many ridiculous stories that choosing is also work.

But who am I, after all.

A member of Intelligence Command who investigates and compiles information.

I should be able to do at least this much.

“First, they want us not to reduce the number of soldiers because they need to make money.”

“What?”

“And…”

The demands that those who just left had made and the fact that they had taken short positions.

Over about 5 minutes, I informed Lieutenant Aisa, and her reaction wasn’t much different from mine.

“Aren’t they insane?”

“Right? I’m not the weird one, am I?”

Honestly, like when I saw those trashy noble brothers at the Training Camp before, I briefly wondered if I was the one who was wrong.

But fortunately, it seems I’m normal this time too.

“From asking to tie up troops here instead of the front lines to fill their own wallets, to trying to tarnish the Company Commander’s achievements – it’s unforgivable.”

The more she spoke, the more I could feel her emotions intensifying.

‘She’s even getting angry…?’

This was the first time I’d seen her this furious.

“But if we don’t grant their demands, they’ll do something too, won’t they? Honestly, I don’t care. The problem is the soldiers.”

I’m not particularly interested in entertainment, and I’m busy with work so I only go down to the village briefly when there’s official business.

But just because I live a righteous life doesn’t mean I can demand the same from soldiers – that would be clear injustice.

“If they suddenly raise prices or go on strike, that would cause problems.”

“Exactly.”

Actually, a strike is almost impossible.

The problem is raising prices.

‘From a market economy logic, it would be right to just leave it alone. But wait.’

An idea that seemed like it could solve the current situation suddenly popped into my head.

“But do we really need to go to the village?”

“Pardon?”

“I mean, going to the village is just about eating and drinking anyway.”

Do you know why soldiers go out on leave in the South Korean military?

It’s simply because there are no PC cafes in the military base.

‘If there were PC cafes inside the base, the frequency of going out would be reduced to one-tenth, right?’

It’s the same here.

‘If we provide delicious food inside the base and properly secure space for soldiers to have fun, there’s no real reason to go out.’

I think I’m kind of a genius.

“We’ll create a space inside the battalion where soldiers can have fun. Bring in pool tables and various other things.”

“Hmm.”

“We’ll also build a barbecue area inside the battalion where they can grill and eat meat. How about it?”

You might ask what kind of barbecue area would be in a military base, but surprisingly, there are quite a few in larger bases in South Korea.

The problem is that only officers can use them.

“Then certainly… there wouldn’t be much reason to go out on leave.”

Aisa’s reaction wasn’t bad either.

“Good. Do some research on what soldiers do when they go out on leave.”

“Understood.”

I didn’t know at this point.

That the soldiers’ outings were beyond what I had imagined.

*    *    *

“So, you’re Lieutenant Robin who escaped with Major Gobel?”

“That’s correct. It’s an honor to meet you like this, Your Grace Duke Abiel.”

Robin, dressed neatly unlike when he was in the punitive force, stood before Serendia Abiel.

“Despite being of commoner origin, you seem familiar with etiquette. Did you learn this during your time at Reconnaissance Command?”

“It’s the result of training to appear natural in any environment and situation.”

“Come to think of it, I think I heard there was such training.”

Duke Abiel smiled with amusement and picked up the quill pen in her hand.

“I’ll be direct. Lieutenant Robin, I’m quite taken with you.”

To Duke Abiel, who was more interested in collecting talent than anyone else, Robin was a gem.

“Abandoning what needs to be abandoned in urgent situations while achieving results – that’s what Reconnaissance Command should be like.”

“Thank you for recognizing that.”

An answer devoid of any humility.

Rather, the Duke liked that aspect even more.

“Tell me your dream. I’ll make it come true, so become my person.”

A sweet proposal from her, the highest authority in the Adits Empire.

There would be few people across the continent who wouldn’t be swayed by this.

“I…”

Robin hesitated for a moment as if thinking, then opened his mouth with difficulty.

“I want to create a better empire. With my own hands.”

“A better empire. That’s the most difficult request I’ve heard so far.”

“Your Grace doesn’t necessarily need to make it happen for me. And I’m already Your Grace’s person.”

Saying this, Robin knelt before Duke Abiel.

“Yes. If you follow me, everything the Lieutenant desires will be at the end of that path. So dedicate everything to me.”

“Yes! Your Grace.”

Duke Abiel smiled at Robin’s unwavering response.

“The first thing to do is to overhaul the Reconnaissance Command that abandoned you. How about it? Doesn’t that sound fun?”

“Reconnaissance Command, you say? How could I…”

“Reconnaissance Command has already lost His Majesty the Emperor’s trust. There will soon be a major reorganization, and in that process, build your own power base.”

“Understood.”

Though it’s not an easy order, compared to what he’d been doing in the punitive force, it’s nothing.

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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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