It seems we've won the battle. The enemy's main force has been scattered, with some taken prisoner and the rest fleeing.
That aside, Stein returned in high spirits. He was in an extremely good mood, telling stories about crushing the enemy detachment that attacked our headquarters, but apparently at the end he boasted to Lord Schwartz, saying something like "you were saved thanks to me."
I held my head in my hands. I'll need to apologize for this. How should I apologize?
"You idiot," I struck Stein on the head. "Ouch! What are you doing? Even if you're Han, I won't forgive this!" Then Yan silently punched Stein too.
"What's going on? Even Yan? Did I do something wrong?" "Helping the main force was commendable, but the problem was afterward—you strutted around proudly and boasted to Lord Schwartz, 'You were saved thanks to me,' didn't you?" Yan nodded vigorously beside me as I spoke. Ryu looked at Stein with an exasperated expression.
"That's exactly what happened!" Stein sulked. "That's what was disrespectful, you fool. Come with me to apologize." "Eh, I don't want to..." "Shut up and come along."
I headed toward Lord Schwartz's headquarters with Stein, Yan, and Ryu.
The headquarters was crowded with unit commanders gathered together. "Han reporting, sir. Stein has been disrespectful, and I sincerely apologize." I bowed my head along with Stein—though I had to force him to bow.
Contrary to what I expected, Lord Schwartz was in a good mood. "Oh, so you're Stein? Thanks to you, we were saved. I express my gratitude." "Heh-heh, there was nothing to worry about after all. I really am amazing." Immediately, Stein puffed himself up with pride.
"He's this kind of person, I'm truly sorry." "It's fine. Young men should have that much energy. Your attack on the enemy's blind spot with that charge was magnificent. I'll be counting on you from now on." "Leave it to me!" He was ecstatic. "W-well then, excuse us," I said apologetically as I dragged Stein back.
"Is everyone here? This battle has been a great victory for our army. Let us raise a victory cry!" We all chanted "Ei-ei-oh!" together. It felt good.
"Rewards for meritorious service will be given later in the royal capital. For now, let us rejoice in our victory!"
Everyone let out shouts of joy. "The enemy's main force of three thousand has been annihilated. About a thousand corpses were left behind. We have around five hundred prisoners. The body of the enemy commander, Earl Richard, has also been confirmed. It appears to be a complete victory," Lord Schwartz's adjutant reported matter-of-factly.
"Tonight, I permit alcohol. Let's feast!" This brought the loudest cheer of the day.
Thanks to that idiot, I thought something terrible would happen, but it seems everything is fine. Lord Schwartz was in an extremely good mood. Perhaps he likes fools like that. I recognized Stein's abilities when I recruited him, but I thought his mischievousness was a problem. Maybe he finds it endearing, like I do. Well, he's not a bad person, and he's incredibly strong. It's true that having only sensible people like Ryu wouldn't be interesting. And Yan is too quiet. Well, it's good to have variety among people. Afterward, the feast began.
Stein was talking about his achievements to anyone who would listen, earning their disdain. Ryu stuck by him, trying to restrain him appropriately. As expected of him.
Ah, Stein finally started bothering Baron Edel. Yan tried to stop him but couldn't make it in time. He got slapped hard. Serves him right. Yan was drinking silently.
That Kroitz has been looking at me with gloomy eyes for a while now. I accomplished my mission, while you messed up, but that's not my concern. You should reflect on that. Don't look at me like that.
Lord Schwartz approached Viscount Kroitz . "Kroitz, you also did well this time. At the end, the enemy was fighting desperately, so some things couldn't be helped. Don't worry too much. Have some drinks today and forget about it." "Yes, thank you. I wasn't able to perform as expected this time, but I intend to dedicate myself even more to military duties in the future." "That's good."
As expected of Lord Schwartz. He skillfully encouraged the dejected man. That's how a leader should be. Afterward, Lord Schwartz came over to me.
"Viscount Han, you performed admirably this time." I was honored that Lord Schwartz praised me. "Thank you very much, but it was Stein and Yan who excelled in battle. I'm embarrassed to say I hardly fought at all." "Having capable subordinates is proof of a capable commander. There's nothing to be ashamed of." "Thank you."
"More importantly, I want to implement that winter equipment. I want to quickly introduce the tents, winter uniforms, and kitchen carts to the entire army. Of course, I'll cover the costs. What do you think? Can it be done by next autumn?" "If you order it, I'll make it happen, but there are hardly any winter battles. Is it necessary?" "One of the reasons for our victory this time was that equipment. The enemy had almost no winter gear, which led to a stream of injured and sick soldiers, and those who remained were weakened. There's a reason why our victory was so easy."
"I see." "Next, we'll use this to annihilate the enemy. I have a strategy. The next battle will be quite interesting, I want you to prepare for it." "I understand. I'll do my utmost." "I'm counting on you," said Lord Schwartz as he walked away.
What was that about? When I get back, I'll need to prepare to gather winter equipment. It's going to be busy. Well, it should be profitable, so that's fine.