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 186

Episode 186

Two days had passed since Jez and his group arrived in the northern core city of Foresval. During this time, 200 soldiers from the 2nd Legion were led by Gerald in response to Jez’s request. They had been incorporated into the 11th Legion. Additionally, a full regiment of 1,300 soldiers from the 2nd Legion had been dispatched ahead to the western border.

Simultaneously, reports to the capital city Nevarista were progressing. Preparations for sending an expeditionary force to the Divina Papal State were steadily advancing throughout the Tashman Kingdom.

Among the 11th Legion, two companies of 100 soldiers each had been incorporated from the 2nd Legion. These companies were led by Ida Niemi and Ole Halvorsen, promising talents who would play key roles on the northern front and were former classmates of Jez.

Furthermore, as a gesture of goodwill from Gerald, several members of the 2nd Legion were also added to the staff. Linnea Haugen was appointed to head the staff.

Thus, Jez’s unit, which had performed with remarkable prowess during the Northern Great Upheaval five years ago, was naturally reformed.

Reviewing the composition of the 11th Legion, it consisted of a powerful and fresh team, with key figures in their late 20s:

• • • • Legion Commander: Jez Norman (26 years old)

• • • • Chief of Staff: Cynthia Clark (22 years old)

• • • • Staff Adjuster: Linnea Haugen (26 years old)

• • • • First Company Commander: Jamil Al-Faz (27 years old)

• • • • Company Commander: Ida Niemi (26 years old)

• • • • Company Commander: Ole Halvorsen (26 years old)

• • • • Guest Commander: Saint Lucretia Alma (16 years old)

• • • • Guest Commander: Archbishop Edelmar Solennis (53 years old)

• • • • Guest Commander: Holy Knight Captain Alexia Gray (34 years old)

• • • • Special Technical Officer/Captain: Victor Alchemis (26 years old)

Jamil Al-Faz, Ida Niemi, and Ole Halvorsen were all renowned young officers seen as future regimental or even legion commanders. Despite being a hastily assembled small-scale force, the 11th Legion was filled with capable and experienced field commanders.

These individuals formed the core of the 500-strong expeditionary force of the 11th Legion. While many were reassured by the list of competent young leaders, some raised eyebrows at the largely unknown Chief of Staff, Cynthia Clark.

It was likely that Cynthia’s famous efficiency and rapid rise from Jez’s logistical demands, including organizing supplies and coordinating with foreign and domestic officials. It contributed to the rumor that the Minister of Internal Affairs Eva Robbins’ secretaries were all monsters—an understandable claim given Cynthia’s remarkable achievements.

・　・　・

As preparations for the expedition proceeded smoothly, Ida and Ole’s companies, newly incorporated into the 11th Legion, were undergoing intense training to adapt to the Ark Mandjet/Mesektet.

To fully utilize the Mandjet/Mesektet, which fundamentally overturned previous concepts of marching and tactics, not only the commanders but every soldier needed to understand its characteristics. Essentially, this ship was akin to a modern aircraft carrier that also functioned as an amphibious assault craft and a strategic bomber.

It was a highly convenient asset, capable of operating with air superiority control.

Jez and Victor had initially thought the expedition would be a breeze, but the mock battles with the 2nd Legion and Gerald reminded them to remain vigilant. Despite the short duration of the exercises, there was even a possibility that the ship could have been sunk.

While the opponent was indeed the strongest human, there was no denying that there had been a sense of complacency. Even in the Divina Papal State, the adversary might possess unique conceptual armaments or divine tools. 

Although the ship was extremely powerful, the world also harbored many strong individuals and armaments. Recognizing this fact through the mock battles with Gerald’s forces made the exercises worthwhile.

In fact, after the mock battles, Victor’s eyes were sparkling with excitement. He was seen mumbling to himself as he repaired and modified various parts of the ship.

Everyone recognized their roles, fulfilled their duties, and prepared for the upcoming events. Meanwhile, René, Erin, and Lilly, who had relatively more free time, spent it cooking and enjoying tea with Felicia, Jez’s mother.

“…By the way, Jez hasn’t come back yet, has he?”

On the evening of the second day, Erin casually asked Felicia.

“Oh? Didn’t I mention? That child went off on a mountain retreat with Gerald.”

・　・　・

A few hours away from the northern core city of Foresval, in the vast mountainous area owned by the Norman family.

“Woooooaaaaahhhhhhh!?”

“Come on, come on, come on! Jez! What’s wrong, what’s wrong! You’re too rusty!”

A shirtless father and son were joyfully running around the mountains, reveling in their rare bonding time (one-sidedly).