Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 7

Invitation

Not long after Frein-sama has left, a messenger entered the headquarter

“Frein-sama has successfully taken control of the mine.”

“Good. Any casualty?”

“No, sir.”

“Has the mastermind been caught?”

“Yes, we have caught a man that seems to be connected to the Gorber Kingdom.”

“I understand. Thank you for your hard work. You may leave.”

The messenger bowed and left. Then, Rays-sama looked at Grantz-sama.

“Grantz. Now that we knew it certain that the Gorber Kingdom was involved in this, the Gorber Kingdom might have deployed an army nearby. Take half of the soldiers, and remain in the mine until the people of the 4th Division arrive.”

“Yes, sir. Please leave it to me.”

“Alright, I’ll be counting on you. Well then, we will return to the palace. Lapilia.”

“I will make the preparation to leave.”

Then, both Lapilia-sama and Grantz-sama left the headquarter leaving me only with Rays-sama.

I looked silently at Rays-sama. This was kinda awkward.

“What do you think of your first expedition?” Rays-sama asked me.

“I do not know what to say since my first expedition ended without any proper battle.”

“That is exactly why I could say you are talented. Winning war with no casualty is what anyone strives for and your strategy is able to do so. To be honest, I never thought that everything would go this smoothly…if the new mineral vein is really found, then it will be as if you can see the future.”

My heart jumped after hearing Rays-sama’s words. He was right. I did know the future.

I stopped the words, ‘actually’ that were already in my throat. Even if I told anyone that I came from the future, how many people would actually believe me? Most likely none. People might even get suspicious instead, so it would be better to keep my mouth shut.

“You don’t need to be that nervous. I was only joking.” (Rays)

Perhaps misunderstanding my nervous face as being nervous because of my first military expedition, Rays-sama didn’t pursue it any further.

“Understood…”I replied, and Rays-sama let out a wry smile.

A moment later, his expression suddenly turned serious.

“Let’s stop the joke here and talk about the future.”

“Future, sir?”

“I’ll be direct. Roa, will you join the 10th Division?”

“Huh??? Me?? why??”

“Why, huh. That’s a unique response. Everyone whom I have invited always either seems delighted or moved…”

“Ah! My apologies!”

I mean, wasn’t it strange for a civil official like me to suddenly join the 10th Division, which was filled with the cream of the top military personnel?

When I was about to answer, Lapilia-sama and Grantz-sama entered the headquarters while laughing. For a moment, the possibility that Rays-sama was joking around crossed my mind, but I immediately crossed off that possibility. I didn’t think Rays-sama was the type of person who would joke over something like this.

“So, what’s your answer? Of course, joining the 10th Division mean you will face many dangers, but you will also receive a far higher salary than your current one. I don’t think it’s a bad offer.”

It was definitely a very good offer. Joining the 10th Division was essentially a smooth ride to a high position. No one would actually refuse it. But…

“May I ask a question?”

“Sure.”

“Why me? I am just a civil official. I might have a good memory, but that is exactly why the desk job of a civil official suits me. I do not think I am a good fit to be a member of the 10th Division.”

“I see, so you seem to have low self-esteem. I guess that is the reason you remain unknown even with that ability…” Rays-sama muttered

“But well, I don’t care about your own evaluation over your ability. You see, I’ve been searching for someone to assist me in making a strategy for battle and I was thinking you will be perfect for that role. Today is supposed to be your test, and you passed it with a flying color.”

“An assistant…like an assistant strategist? You have excellent people such as Lapilia-sama and Grantz-sama, why do you not just appoint them?”

“Assistant strategist… that name sounds strange, but you are right. I was looking for someone like that. Both Granz and Lapilia are excellent military personnel. It’s true that their ability to lead the soldiers is one of the best in our country. But Roa, you of all people should know the difference between leading only a unit of soldiers and controlling the entire battlefield, right?”

“…Yes.”

Right. The countless battle records I’ve read clearly showed the difference between the two.

“Now that I have answered your question, can you give me your answer? Do know that I have no intention of forcing you. To bring someone forcefully to the battlefield would only lead to disaster.”

In order to change history and save people who were precious to me…I only have one choice.

To be honest, I didn’t know what I could do in 10th Division. But at least in the 10th Division, I could work toward a better future with comrades, not alone.

“Then, I would like to take upon your offer,” I said while bowing deeply toward Rays-sama.

***

Even on my way back to the palace, I was still under the protection of Frein’s unit.

“So? What is your answer?” (Frein)

Judging from his tone, it seems like Rays-sama has already told the captains about his intention to invite me to 10th Division even before today’s talk. Well, I guess that made sense. Otherwise, I doubt the captains would listen and follow my strategy.

“I decided to accept the invitation. I look forward to working alongside you, Frein-sama.”

I bowed to Frein-sama from the horseback. By the way, I couldn’t ride a horse by myself so I was riding the horse with one of Frein-sama’s assistants.

“I see,” Frein-sama replied, then he fell silent.

“…Stop with -sama,” Frein-sama said suddenly.

“Pardon?”

“Although you haven’t been appointed officially, we are now both members of the 10th Division, so stop with ‘sama’ and ‘sir’!”

“But….”

“No but. Also stop using polite speech! Since you will be Rays-sama’s assistant, your position is actually higher than mine. Plus I am younger than you.”

(T/N: Roa has been speaking with polite Japanese)

“Still…”

Even if he said that, to suddenly switch to casual speech was a bit…

“How about this, then? I’ll also use casual speech with you even though your position is higher than mine. That should be fair, right?”

“..I got it, Frein.”

Frein smiled brightly at my answer. Ah, he looks more like his age like this.

“Welcome to the 10th Division!” Frein said