Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 32

“Wickharlt-sama was dismissed from his post!?” 

“He resigned, not dismissed.” 

After hearing Rays-sama’s explanation, the soldiers of the 10th Division who were gathered in the dining room expressed their disbelief. 

General Wickharlt resigned, while Scuderia-san and the others who planned the risky surprise attack were all demoted. 

The King would decide on the new commander of the 6th Division later and it would be someone outside of the 6th Division. After the new commander was selected, the new assignment for the 6th Division would then be decided. 

“The punishment was harsher than I had anticipated…” Someone in the crowd mumbled, and I have to agree. 

I figured the worst-case scenario would be a salary reduction, house arrest, or being assigned a mission that other knights didn’t want to do. 

After all, we won. The public could get suspicious if the victorious General of the 6th Division was suddenly dismissed from his position. 

“I’ll repeat. Wickharlt resigned from his post, not dismissed.”

Rays-sama stated firmly. 

Of course, if Wickharlt-sama resigned out of his volition, then the impact would be small but… 

A somber atmosphere filled the dining room. 

“As for what will happen to Wickharlt…come in.”

A man entered the dining room with a slightly embarrassed expression. Wickharlt-sama!? 

He then took a step forward and looked us in the eyes. 

“My name is Wickharlt! I will become a member of the 10th Division as of today. It is a pleasure to meet you all!” 

While deeply bowing his head, he spoke. 

“Wickharlt will be directly under me.” 

“Some of you may have heard of me, but from now on, I’m going to start from the ground up. Please address me as Wickharlt, no honorifics,” Wickharlt-sama stated. 

“Exactly as he said. For the time being, I’ll prohibit the use of honorifics while addressing Wickharlt. Understood?” 

We could only freeze in shock at the unexpected news. 

?

Rays-sama summoned me to his office following the unexpected revelation in the dining room. It was ideal timing because I had a lot of questions for Rays-sama. 

In addition to the regular group, there were Luzel and Wickharlt-sama…I mean, Wickharlt at the office.

“You’re here. I owe you and Luzel an explanation, so I called you both here,” Rays-sama explained.

“Does Wickharlt-sa….Wickharlt really resigned?” Luzel asked

“It’s true,” Rays-sama said simply, as Wickharlt stood beside him with a sheepish smile.

Rays-sama then began to explain the details to us. 

The King was reluctant to demote Wickharlt. Demoting a winning general wouldn’t sound good to the people, and the King also didn’t want to lose a talent who had earned the nickname Blue Bow. 

The side that advocated for Wickharlt’s dismissal, on the other hand, was led by Lucifal, the Commander of the 1st Division. 

“It’s outrageous for a general to be carried away by the words of his subordinates! We should dismiss him and lock him up for a while! Even if he rejoins the military, we should grant him only the rank of a captain!” 

That was Lucifal’s claim. What he said sounded logical, but since it came from the person who would betray the kingdom in the future, I suspect he might have a hidden agenda.

The opinions of the lenient punishment faction and the severe punishment faction clashed fiercely in the court. But there was an issue with punishing Wickharlt severely. What would the people say if the victorious general received a heavy penalty rather than a reward? This was precisely what the King was concerned about. 

Wickharlt has only been in charge of the 6th Division for two years. It would be inappropriate if the knight commander selected by the King changed regularly. Not to mention that this commander actually won. If Wickharlt was punished severely despite his victory, rumors that the story of victory was fake or that Wickharlt was demoted because he incurred the King’s displeasure might spread.

That was why the argument between the two sides raged on. 

Rays only said one thing in the midst of the heated dispute.

“How about we ask for Wickharlt’s opinion?” 

“… And Wickharlt said he wanted to resign?” Luzel inquired, his gaze fixed on Wickharlt. 

Wickharlt began to talk after meeting Luzel’s gaze. 

“I realized that I was not cut out to be the person who stood above others. Because of my indecisiveness, I endangered the lives of countless soldiers. Regardless of what others said, I should have stood with the decision I made. The worst error a general can do is to launch a reckless surprise attack based on his emotions. Despite knowing this, I’m aware that I will not be able to disregard my emotions in the future. I believe I am better suited to be an aide.”

Luzel, who was listening intently to Wickharlt’s confession, said, “I understand. I will respect your decision.” 

“Well, then, Roa, I’ve got a question for you.”

The attention of the conversation shifted to me because of Rays-sama’s words.

“Yes?” 

“Why did Wickharlt, who resigned as a Knight Commander, end up working under me?” 

I paused for a moment. 

“Because…His Majesty wants the Blue Bow.” 

“Correct. Continue.” 

“Simply dismissing him will cause the public to question the King’s decision, but making him the King’s aide is a promotion rather than a punishment. Wickharlt is skilled enough to be given the title of Blue Bow at that age, so the King wanted him. However, because making Wickharlt the King’s aide is impossible… Wickhalrt got assigned to the 10th Division, which was directly under the King. This, I believe, satisfies everyone. This decision, however, may be seen as the King’s selfishness.”

Rays-sama narrowed his eyes in satisfaction at my response. 

“80 points. Wickharlt.” 

“Yes, sir.”

Wickharlt, as Rays-sama called him, approached me and immediately kneeled in front of me. 

“W… What are you doing!?” 

“I, Wickharlt, offer my humble bow. I pledge to be your faithful arrow. Please grant me the honor of doing so.” 

“Huh? Huh???.. Wh…What!?”

I was flustered, and Luzel beside me was frozen stiff. The rest of the people in the room, on the other hand, appeared to be calm. They definitely knew that this would happen. 

“This is an extremely sacred ceremony, Roa. If you accept, say, I will be counting on you. ” 

I appreciated your explanation, but Rays-sama, that wasn’t the issue here! 

“Why me? Isn’t this something you usually do to someone like Rays-sama?”

“I wanted to support you, Roa-dono. That is why I requested Rays-sama to join the 10th Division. Will you please grant me the honor if my presence did not bother you?” 

“Why?” 

“I heard it was your first battle in Hakusha Plain. Despite this, you showed decisiveness and courage that is unusual for someone in their first battle. You also devised a meticulous strategy that was rare for an amateur. Roa-dono, I admire you. You also predicted that the river would flood, right?”

Rather than predicting it…I simply knew the future.

“I believe you will make an impact in the world in the future. However, I apologize for having to say to you that your combat capability is inferior to that of a new recruit. Then I will become your arrow, and I will destroy the danger that has approached you.”

What should I do…

“Roa, if it’s not too much trouble, accept it. I once took the same oath to Rays-sama. This is also a matter of pride for both sides.”

Grantz-sama advised me since I was having difficulty making a decision. 

Wickharlt then opened his mouth again. 

“I want to do everything I can for this country. This is for Raimaru’s sake as well. I’ve spent the last two months pondering what I, who was unsuited to be a general, could accomplish. I spoke with Rays-sama and decided to support you, who has saved my life.” 

It wasn’t fair to mention Raimaru-san’s name here. 

I no longer have any reason to refuse. 

“I understand your resolve, Wickharlt. Yes, then. I will be counting on you.” 

With that, I got my first aide.

?

T/N: You should see me jumping in excitement and grinning ear to ear when I first read this chapter…I love what the author decided to do with Wickharlt.

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