When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 30

Episode 30

A dire report arrived from the fortress city of Bastiona. As the details were rapidly conveyed, the atmosphere in the headquarters of the 8th Legion became tumultuous. Princess René, who had been quietly listening to the reports, suddenly stood up.

Slowly, she scanned the assembled officers in the headquarters without saying a word. When they felt her overwhelming determination and resolve, the high-ranking officers fell silent, and René nodded once before speaking.

“In the name of René Tashman, the third princess of the Tashman Kingdom, I hereby declare the activation of Royal Order 11.”

Upon hearing Princess René’s declaration, all the officers stood up from their seats and promptly kneeled before the third princess, René Tashman.

From this point on, her words were not those of the commander of the 7th Legion, but rather those of a member of the royal family, someone who bore the burden of the kingdom.

During peacetime, the commanders of the 1st – 10th Legions were independent equals. Therefore, René’s treatment had been merely as one of the legion commanders, on par with Finn Morgan, the commander of the 8th Legion.

However, everything changed with the activation of Royal Order 11 declared by René earlier. This was a privilege granted only to adult royals serving as legion commanders.

As a result, all command authority was unified under the royal family members serving as legion commanders. Originally, this privilege was reserved for the 1st Legion, traditionally led by the crown prince, but when René became the commander of the 7th Legion, the legal basis for this was also established.

While this was an overwhelming privilege, there were, of course, constraints. The activation of Royal Order 11 could be made at the discretion of those on the ground, primarily to swiftly respond to emergencies.

However, after the emergency had passed, as a customary practice, within six months of declaring Royal Order 11, it was obligatory to demonstrate the legitimacy of that declaration through a direct report to the king and attendance before the Kingdom Parliament, the king’s advisory body.

Therefore, Royal Order 11 was not declared lightly. Even the current king had only declared it once during his time as crown prince. Of course, this was René’s first time as well.

Confirming the willingness of the assembled officers to come under her command, René Tashman instructed, “Please, everyone, take your seats. And, secretary, from this point on, all my statements will be forwarded to the Kingdom Parliament for review. Record them carefully.”

Later, the secretary Luna Wilkins, who recorded this statement, would recall, “I witnessed the moment when the princess became the king.”

Having declared Royal Order 11, René continued to issue instructions without pause.

“First, we must depart for the direction of Bastiona as soon as possible. We will reorganize our current forces.”

The secretary and the staff of the headquarters, along with the civilian officials of the Graysian Political Agency, meticulously recorded every word of the princess’s statement.

“Continuing, the First Regiment of the 8th Legion and the Second Regiment of the 7th Legion will be reorganized into the newly established 78th Composite Legion for wartime. I will personally take command of this legion.”

Upon hearing these words, Erin and Oscar, like Finn, responded with the highest salute.

“The first wave of the 78th Composite Legion will consist of only cavalry and chariots, with 1,000 riders. The second wave will consist of 2,000 infantry, with the cavalry leading. The command of the cavalry will be entrusted to Jamil Al-Faz. And for the infantry, 2,000, it will be Oscar Bailey. I’m counting on you.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jamil, momentarily surprised, and Oscar, feeling honored by the princess’s nomination, each responded with the highest salute.

“And the deputy commander of the 78th Composite Legion will be Jez Norman. I would like to rely on you.”

The headquarters buzzed with excitement upon hearing the princess’ announcement. René, who quelled the commotion with her hands, continued.

“Jez Norman, or should I say Lord Norman. I have directly heard about your circumstances from Gerald Norman, the commander of the 2nd Legion, and your former immediate superior at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Eva Robbins.”

Upon hearing the sudden mention of these two prominent figures, some were surprised, while others nodded in understanding.

“I understand your position and the circumstances of the Norman family. But, unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of time. I need your strength.”

The members of the headquarters looked surprised at René’s elegant posture as she bowed her head. When René raised her head again and surveyed her surroundings, they were taken aback.

“As you all have seen, Lord Norman here has slain the Orc King in yesterday’s battle. Furthermore, he has achieved significant military results by discovering and destroying the tunnels prior to that. Additionally, he contributed to logistical management yesterday.”

Upon hearing René’s explanation, those who had been skeptical nodded in agreement. Then, as if to drive the point home, René continued, “In this battle as well, as you’ve just heard, achievements like these have been made. But did you all know about the nickname ‘Northern War Devil’? Well, the man behind that alias is none other than Lord Norman here. Honestly, he’s such a carefree man, even wearing his official attire. At first, I couldn’t believe his face and name matched at all.”

With the mention of the name of the “Northern War Devil,” which had become somewhat of an urban legend, even the most skeptical among them had no choice but to nod by the end.

“In addition to these accomplishments, we need a breakthrough type of force to take down the Emperor-class in this battle. Furthermore, we will need to gradually add three legions: the remaining troops of the 9th Legion, the Second Regiment of the 7th Legion, and the reinforcement from the 10th Legion, all under my command.”

The Second Regiment of the 7th Legion, which should already be heading towards Bastiona, and the Tenth Legion, which should be arriving in Kohane as reinforcements, must surely be mobilizing from Kohane under these circumstances.

“The 8th Legion, together with these, forms a large-scale force of four legions, all of which are improvised units for wartime. To make these gathered forces function as a military force, a very high level of coordination is required. As far as I know, Lord Norman is the only one here who possesses both high levels of military and diplomatic skills, both in warfare and politics.”

Sensing the change in the atmosphere, René posed another question.

“So, Lord Norman, I need you. Will you accept?”

With the gaze of the entire headquarters fixed on him, Jez took a breath, stood up silently, and walked to René’s side. Along the way, he borrowed a sword from Jamil and proceeded to kneel before René, offering the sword.

“I, Jez Norman, swear to Princess René Tashman, the third princess, with this sword. As long as my strength, my courage, and my life endure, I will protect the peace of the kingdom and fulfill your wishes. I will live up to your trust and always act for the realization of justice and sincerity. I will stand by your side at all times, break through any obstacles, and fight alongside you until the end. Princess René, I dedicate my oath and my lifelong pride to you.”

Thus, the contract was sealed.