[Return]
With the successful completion of the agreement signing, Hazen’s group made their way back to the imperial fortress. The Cumins, who loved alcohol, had tried to invite them to a feast, but they had politely and firmly declined.
In front of the gate, the group found the members of the faction led by Lieutenant Colonel Kenneck waiting. Upon spotting Colonel Jilva, they put on the best smiles they could and rushed towards him.
“Welcome back, Colonel Jilva! Your defense of the fortress against all odds was truly eye-opening. Your strategic exchange of territory with the Cumins for the Algeid Fortress they captured was insightful, and handling the negotiation yourself? Amazing, simply amazing!”
Colonel Jilva was showered with flattery. Hazen sighed and bowed to Colonel Jilva. “I will head on first.”
“H-hmm.”
Under Jilva’s gaze—who was desperately trying to hide his terror—Hazen casually proceeded to his quarters. Yan followed, giving Lieutenant Colonel Kenneck a shocked look and sighing.
“They’re really trying their best to butter up to Colonel Jilva.”
“Well, they did flee in the face of the enemy. Normally, they’d face decapitation, but I’ll let the geezer decide their fate,” Hazen replied disinterestedly. The geezer was now under his control; he just needed to show proper respect in official situations.
“Yan, remember this: never insult someone in public. People never forget public humiliation, so be careful when insulting someone.”
“…I don’t make a hobby of insulting people, so your advice is practically useless to me. Also, if my memory serves me correctly, you publicly humiliated Major Simant.”
“Yeah, I wanted him so humiliated he’d never dare to lift his head ever again, so it’s okay.”
“Y-your personality is anything but okay, though.”
As Yan directed an amazed look at Hazen, they came across Captain Lorenzo in the hallway.
“How did the negotiation go?”
“Well, I’d say the results are acceptable for the Empire.”
“I see… So where’s Colonel Jilva?”
“He’s getting a warm welcome from Lieutenant Colonel Kenneck. Given his penchant for working his men hard, I think he’s going to put Lieutenant Colonel Kenneck through the wringer.”
“Haha… the stress you’re putting on him is going to make it worse.”
“True, the colonel seems good at venting out his anger.”
“Hey, despite everything, he used to be a brave soldier.”
“…But he no longer is.” Hazen muttered.
“Well, everyone grows old.”
“That’s not the issue; it’s getting used to comfort. It’s like a drug. Once you get used to it, you can’t escape. I don’t want to end up like that.”
“……”
“If I were given two paths I must choose, I’d want to choose the one that’s true to my beliefs, even if it’s thorny. That’s how I want to live my life.”
“…Aren’t there only very few people who can do that?”
“That’s why we need alternation of generations. If you’re only obsessed with your position, obsessed with getting to the top, you’ll lose yourself. That’s what I’m always reminded of when watching people like him.”
“……”
There was silence for a while. As Captain Lorenzo gazed straight into Hazen’s eyes, his expression eventually softened.
“Second Lieutenant Hazen. You promised the other day you would accept my decision, regardless of what it is right?”
“Yes.”
“I’m transferring you. I won’t be able to sleep peacefully and will die overwork if I have to keep watching you.”
“I accept. A general officer is fated not to stay in one place, either way.”
“…Additionally, in light of your achievements and violation of military regulations, both unprecedented in history, I will ask the headquarters to promote you to lieutenant.”
“Just lieutenant? I thought I would get the rank of captain, at the very least.”
“If at all possible, I would absolutely send you back to the academy and have you relearn some moral sense.”
“W-wow. I did use to sleep through moral classes.”
“…Thought so. Anyway, jokes aside. You’ll surpass a regular officer like me sooner or later. I only hope you remember to see things from the perspective of those in lower positions.”
“That’s a good advice. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“…As always, I can’t quite figure out your honest thoughts.”
“Really? But I’m just a simple man.”
“Huh…” Captain Lorenzo, again, managed a tired smile.
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Zky Translates 
I rushed all the chapters so fast. Thank you for all!
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