[Truce]
Captain Lorenzo couldn’t hide his surprise. Even children from noble families only began learning to read and write at the age of 6. Commoner children, on the other hand, just mastered their native language and started assisting in their family businesses.
So, when Hazen suggested that a 6-year-old could serve as an interpreter between two different languages, Captain Lorenzo couldn’t help but exclaim, “Are you kidding?”
“She’s not like other children. Her name is Yan, and she is incredibly intelligent. Apparently, she has conducted business with the Cumins,” Hazen explained.
“That’s… hard to believe.”
“Yan is also well-versed in their customs and etiquette. According to her, Cumin law states that harming children, even if they are imperial-born, results in the culprit’s expulsion. That’s why she dared to approach them.”
“…Even if that’s true, the Cumins look quite different from typical imperial citizens. She must have a will of steel to get close to them.”
Hazen nodded in agreement. He was relieved that Captain Lorenzo seemed receptive to the idea. Honestly, He had anticipated that explaining Yan’s capabilities would be the most challenging part of their discussion.
Captain Lorenzo seemed to be open-minded. Normally, people would have mocked and dismissed such an idea.
“I would like your permission to keep Yan by my side as an interpreter.”
“Why? If she’s only needed for interpretation, she doesn’t have to stay within the fortress, does she?”
“I want to learn the Cumins’ language and culture. The most efficient way to do that is to learn directly from her by living with her.”
“…Okay. Now, tell me your plan in detail.”
“First, Yan will attend to the Cumin captive. Once she establishes a rapport with him, we can leverage her trade connections to reach the Cumin village and propose a truce with their leader.”
“You’re making it sound too easy.”
“I believe trying something unconventional might be our best shot. Even if we fail and strain our relationship further, it won’t differ much from our current situation.”
“…But if the negotiation fails, you and the girl might end up dead.”
“They will spare Yan due to her age, but I might not be so fortunate,” Hazen admitted.
Naturally, Hazen wouldn’t just accept his fate; he would defend himself if necessary. By expressing his willingness to risk his life, he hoped to convey his determination to Captain Lorenzo. Such a statement demanded serious consideration.
“…There’s a chance of success, correct?”
“Yes. I’m not reckless. I won’t stake my life on a hopeless endeavor.”
“Very well. I’ll present this to the higher-ups myself.”
“C-Captain Lorenzo! Are you sure? This a plan devised by a lowly second lieutenant. If it fails…” Lieutenant Mospizza hastily interjected.
“Don’t worry, Lieutenant Mospizza. I won’t mention your name. I’ll support Hazen’s idea solely under my own.”
“…It’s not that I’m concerned about that, but I understand.”
“…”
Offering a feeble excuse, Lieutenant Mospizza backed down quickly. It was clear that he didn’t want to shoulder the blame if the plan failed.
What a scum, Hazen thought to himself.
“Anyway, if we manage to broker a truce with the Cumin tribe, it will be a significant achievement. Second Lieutenant Hazen, you might just earn yourself the Special Meritorious Service Award.”
The Special Meritorious Service Award was a prestigious accolade granted to individuals who had accomplished remarkable feats. Recipients were rewarded with gold and silver treasures, along with promotions.
Typically, it took about six years for a second lieutenant to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant. However, with this award, Hazen could be promoted within the year. Captain Lorenzo’s words left Lieutenant Mospizza visibly pale. “W-would The Special Meritorious Service Award be given to Second Lieutenant Hazen alone?”
“Well, naturally. He’s the mastermind behind this plan and will be carrying it out,” Captain Lorenzo responded.
“But, Captain Lorenzo, Second Lieutenant Hazen can only proceed with this daring plan if superiors like yourself approve it. It requires tremendous courage. I believe the credit shouldn’t rest solely on his shoulders,” Lieutenant Mospizza emphasized the word ‘superiors,’ clearly angling for a share of the recognition. Captain Lorenzo regarded him with a mix of surprise and disbelief.
“If the Special Meritorious Service Award were granted solely based on approval, someone would claim it every year.”
“But a second lieutenant holding such a monumental achievement solely doesn’t seem right. He should at least be a lieutenant to represent the military adequately. Otherwise, people won’t accept it.”
“A lieutenant? Are you suggesting you should receive it in his place?” Captain Lorenzo asked in disbelief.
“Well, based on tradition, that’s how it usually works. Subordinates’ accomplishments are often attributed to and rewarded through their immediate superiors.”
“…”
Captain Lorenzo stared at Lieutenant Mospizza in disbelief, his jaw hanging open. Mospizza’s words held a grain of truth. The last time the Special Meritorious Service Award had been given was eight years ago, to one of the military’s top leaders, the Four Counts, Mi’sir, when she successfully raided a city in the United Kingdom of Zeord. At that time, she was still a lieutenant, sparking controversy with people questioning, “Shouldn’t the award go to her captain, her superior?”
“However, Lieutenant Mospizza, do you genuinely believe you deserve the Special Meritorious Service Award?”
“It might sound presumptuous, but yes, I do. I have dedicated my life to the Empire. I am confident that my passion for the Empire is unmatched. I also possess years of experience as a lieutenant. I believe I am much more qualified than someone who has only been a second lieutenant for less than a month.”
“…Are you being serious?”
“Absolutely,” Mospizza replied without hesitation. Hazen, who had been observing the conversation in silence, suddenly smiled. “Well, there’s no guarantee I will be granted the Special Meritorious Service Award. I simply want to give my all to ensure the success of this plan.”
“I apologize, Second Lieutenant Hazen. Lieutenant Mospizza means no harm; he simply has a deep passion for the Empire, which can lead him to be rather zealous at times.”
“Indeed, my love for the Empire knows no bounds, and am willing to lay down my life for it. Hazen, you are merely a second lieutenant who has barely begun his duty. Know your place.”
“…”
“In any case, we’ve discussed the matter concerning the Cumin tribe. Is there anything else you’d like to address, Lieutenant Hazen?”
When asked that question, the black-haired young man thought for a moment and then spoke.
“Well, it’s nothing important, but there’s a fun fact I’d like to share with you.”
“…A fun fact?” Captain Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical.
“Captain, have you heard of the tactician named Jilsas Zara?” Hazen questioned.
“…He was a hero who made his mark back when the Empire was still a small country, right? I’m not well-versed in history; I only know bits and pieces from what others have told me.”
“I admire his brilliant military strategies and ideas. He classified soldiers into four types.”
“Four types?”
Hazen nodded. “First, those who are both motivated and capable. These are typically commanders who lead from the frontlines. Second, those who possess capability but lack motivation. This often applies to tacticians who operate from the rear.”
“Interesting.”
“Third, those who lack both motivation and competence, usually soldiers on the frontlines who are useless and need to be coerced into fighting.”
“Haha, that’s true.”
“…And fourth, the last type: those who are motivated but incompetent.”
“Well, what about them?” Captain Lorenzo inquired.
Hazen turned his gaze towards Mospizza and gave him a cold stare. Then, he uttered, “Sir Jilsas Zara said: Kill them.”
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Zky Translates 
Now that’s curve ball there lol
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hohoho ominous!
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