Unconditional surrender.
One of the most humiliating conclusions to a war.
After the Sylph Offensive broke through the Western Front, the Sabbath Federation invaded Austin, committing massacres while plundering the country.
During this time, our government was desperately trying to negotiate a ceasefire with the Sabbath to no avail.
And today, faced with the fall of Marshdale, the Austin government finally decided to surrender unconditionally.
"I see…"
By that evening, the news of the government's declaration of unconditional surrender had spread among the allied soldiers.
With this, we will likely be treated as little more than a colony of the Sabbath.
Even so…
"Is it finally over…?"
Not all the soldiers' reactions were filled with grief.
Many soldiers looked dazed, as if a weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
***
"…The final issue is how long it will take for news of our unconditional surrender to reach Sabbath's front lines."
The day after the government issued its statement of unconditional surrender, I was summoned again by Major Renvel along with Platoon Leader Garback.
According to a report from a soldier who had scouted Marshdale, Sabbatian forces are still burning villages in the area and preparing to pursue us.
It seems the enemy is fully intent on continuing their invasion.
"Does this mean the fighting isn't over yet?"
"Yes, this is our final task."
That said, this situation was somewhat expected.
Unlike my previous life, most communication devices in this world are magical. Their effective range is said to be only a few kilometers at most.
It's unlikely they've fully established a functioning communication network given the speed they've been marching through our lands.
There will inevitably be some delay before the declaration from our government reaches Sabbatian officials and a ceasefire order can be relayed to the front lines.
"Even if we shout that we're surrendering unconditionally, it might look like a ploy to make them retreat."
"Until the ceasefire order comes through their higher-ups, we'll remain in a state of combat?"
"That's right. At the earliest, the surrender document will be delivered by midday today. I don't know the state of the enemy's communications network, but the complete end of the war will likely be sometime tomorrow or later. In the worst case, it could take a few days."
Major Renvel said with a sigh.
All we've done so far is loudly declare our unconditional surrender. We haven't even handed over the official document.
At this stage, the enemy's front-line commanders likely won't accept unconditional surrender at face value, and would likely suspect it's false information intended to make them retreat.
Our battle will continue until the ceasefire order is issued from Sabbath's higher-ups.
"In that case, what do you intend to do?"
"We'll continue scouting the advancing enemy forces and retreat accordingly."
"…Shouldn't we quicken our pace and get as far away as possible?"
"If we retreat too hastily, it will only lead to increased damage to the nearby villages. It's better to withdraw at a pace that keeps the enemy somewhat wary of us."
"Besides, there's no point in fighting anymore," the Major added with a weary smile.
"The enemy also sustained significant losses. They're unlikely to pursue us immediately after taking Marshdale. They'll likely regroup and then pursue us."
"I think so too."
"So there's no need to panic and run away with our tails between our legs. In fact, we need to keep the enemy on guard and prevent them from killing more civilians, it would be bad if we weren't within the enemy's line of sight."
This will be our final job.
We're Austin soldiers. Even after declaring unconditional surrender, we must act for the people's sake.
It's a somewhat dangerous task, but that's likely Major Renvel's way of maintaining his pride as a soldier.
"Garback, I'll leave you in charge of the rearguard. I don't think it'll happen, but if you do come into contact with the enemy, make sure you handle it properly."
"Understood, Major."
"And whatever happens, do not kill the enemy. It'll be trouble if they question our intentions to surrender."
"…That's a tall order."
It seemed the Major had summoned us specifically to give this order.
Garback Platoon is the only elite unit left under Major Renvel's command. Naturally, we're assigned to the most dangerous position.
"Also, Medic First Class Touri, you should start thinking about what you're going to do after the war."
"What I'm going to do?"
At the end, the Major gave me this advice as if he'd just remembered.
"The military will surely disband after the war. And when that happens, you, who have lost your family and home, will be left completely alone."
"…"
"The fate of a woman with no one to support her is grim. If you don't get someone to protect you, you might end up kidnapped by desperate people and sold to the Sabbath as a slave."
"That's… unsettling."
He's right.
A young girl like me living alone and with no relatives would make an easy target for kidnappers.
"But I don't have anyone I can rely on…"
"Well, I suggest you rely on someone like Takuma. He's a respected healer, and will likely have some influence even after the war. Alternatively, relying on someone from your platoon might be a good idea."
"I see."
"Honestly, I'd be glad to take you in myself, as a repayment for saving my life… but that might be a bit difficult.
The Major patted my head and continued speaking as if he were doting on a grandchild.
"I suppose I'll be held responsible for this."
────Yes. The Major in front of me will likely receive considerable punishment from the enemy country after the war.
Major Renvel is a front-line commander with a wide area of influence, and was responsible for the deaths of many Sabbatian soldiers. It's likely he won't survive this.
"…Won't you try to escape, Major?"
"I'd love to. That's why I've been asking Garback to take over as Major since yesterday."
"I'm unfit for such a position."
"But he just keeps insisting like this. He really doesn't have enough respect for his superior."
Major Renvel chuckled, unable to hold back his laughter.
"Well, think about it carefully. I'm sure you still have a long life ahead of you."
"Major…"
"That's all. Don't waste the life you've fought desperately for."
With that, the old veteran smiled gently as he saw me off.
***
"Looks like the enemy's finally making a move on us."
"Guess they've waited for supplies to attack in full force."
On the second day of watching the Sabat soldiers stationed at Marshdale, the enemy finally began their march, headed toward our camp on the outskirts.
We're surely more of a priority than raiding nearby villages, probably because we're in plain sight.
"Orders are to retreat. Let's fall back without letting them close the distance."
"Understood."
As expected, it the news of our surrender hadn't reached them.
The Sabbatian soldiers are eager, preparing long-range firearms and magical attacks against us.
"I wonder if we'll be running non-stop today."
"Don't know, ask the enemy."
Fortunately, Gomuji was quickly transported to the capital yesterday as a wounded soldier.
That was a close call. I'd lose my mind if I had to run all day with that guy on my back spewing complaints.
"It'd be stupid to die here. Run as if your life depended on it."
The battle that day was a dull one. The Sabbatian soldiers fired from a long distance as Austin's troops desperately fled from the effective range of the artillery.
The Sabbatian Army pursued us as we desperately tried to flee.
The Sabbatian soldiers, well-supplied and with high morale, advanced at a fair speed, but the Major had positioned us with a considerable margin of safety so that the enemy artillery fire didn't reach.
In the end, we were able to put some distance between them before sunset, where they had to halt their advance.
"Now that I think of it, don't we have our own mage unit?"
"The Major ordered them to retreat first. Said we're out of magic stones."
"There were plenty in Marshdale, though."
"Hah, I bet the Major just wanted to keep his daughter safe."
While we were retreating, I suddenly thought it would be easier if our friendly forces could fire warning shots at the enemy using magic.
The Major has already ordered the mage unit led by Lieutenant Aria to retreat.
…He's surprisingly lenient with his family.
"Is that true? Isn't it a problem for a commander to mix public and private matters, Platoon Leader?"
"Don't think about unnecessary things. Favoritism or not, orders are orders."
Platoon Leader Garback spat out, clearly annoyed.
Major Renvel seems kind, but on the other hand, he certainly seems to have a lot of favoritism toward his own people."
I guess everyone has some flaws, after all.
"Maybe there's a deeper reason behind it."
"There's not. He's always been like that."
"Do you dislike Major Renvel, Platoon Leader Garback?"
"And what would answering that accomplish?"
"No, it's nothing."
I realized too late I had asked something unnecessary and got a glare from the Platoon Leader.
I'd thought as much, but there's definitely tension between Major Renvel and Platoon Leader Garback.
"Well, I really can't stand him. That's all."
"Really?"
"He might seem nice to you, but back in the day, he was a brutal tyrant. Just remembering it leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
Platoon Leader Garback's tone turned scornful, his expression souring.
…He must have quite a few unpleasant memories involving the Major.
"In your opinion, what kind of person is the Major?"
"Major Renvel was an undisputed ace of the era when we fought with swords. He was cocky, a heavy drinker, violent, and yet damn strong."
"…"
"Because his military achievements were undeniable, no one around him was able to stop him. He was a tyrant on the battlefield."
Reminds me of a certain someone…
"When he was younger, he was infamous for 'training' his subordinates by beating them up. He'd show blatant favoritism and drink on duty. Did whatever he wanted."
"Th-That's…"
"He's mellowed out somewhat since he moved to the rear. But even now, the sight of his face makes my stomach churn."
It was as if a dam had burst. Platoon Leader Garback began complaining vigorously about Major Renvel.
I see. Now I kind of understand their relationship.
And for the first time in my life, I felt a bit of kinship with the Platoon Leader…
"Could it be that you, as Platoon Leader, instruct us the same way that Major Renvel instructed you?"
"Huh? Why the hell would I do that?"
"Oh… I didn't mean anything by that."
"Now I can't just let that slide. When have I ever unfairly punished anyone before, huh, Touri?"
"Oh, uh, I'm sorry…"
The Platoon Leader was quite angry at what I had mistakenly blurted out.
What should I do? Should I just say it clearly?
That Platoon Leader Garback tends to be a little more violent than other platoon leaders…
"Platoon Leader, how exactly was Major Renvel unreasonable?"
"Yeah, listen to this, Allen. The Major once said, 'I was about to yawn but then I saw your face,' and punched me in the face."
"That's worse than I imagined."
I thought he a kind man. Was Major Renvel really like that?
"I don't remember how many times that guy punched me for no reason. When the Major was drinking, he would punch me no matter what I did. It makes me angry just thinking about it."
"My condolences…"
I could sense resentment in every word that Platoon Leader Garback spoke.
It's possible that Platoon Leader Garback's violent discipline was inherited from Major Renvel.
Perhaps because of his own experiences, he mistakenly believes that severe violence is normal.
"But… even with such an absurd personality, the one thing he never did was lose."
"…"
"He was a superior with a messed up head and personality, but I never saw him lose a fight, not once. That's the one thing I respected about him."
With that, Platoon Leader Garback muttered a little sadly.
"Boldly showing himself before the enemy, taking hits, and nearly dying… He must have a few screws loose up there."
The Platoon Leader fell silent after complaining like this.
"…"
Amidst the Platoon Leader's complaints, I faintly felt a sense of trust towards Major Renvel's abilities.
***
The second day after the unconditional surrender.
"Hey, the Sabbatian troops are attacking again today."
"I thought we'd get a ceasefire order if we just waited."
"Are those guys even carrying communication devices with them?"
The next day, the Sabbatian forces pursued us full of vigor as they marched towards the capital.
From what the reports said, there was no sign of them halting their looting either.
"What's up with their communication tech? Maybe the Sabbath still uses carrier pigeons or something?"
"So we lost to an army that uses carrier pigeons. What a joke."
We continued to evade the relentless Sabbatian Army, feeling increasingly weary and frustrated with their refusal to cease fighting.
With even basic communication equipment, orders from the General Staff should reach the front lines within a day. At least, that's the level of technology we have in Austin.
So why was there such a long time lag?
As it turns out, the Sabbath forces we were facing were led by their front-line commander, who had personally come to oversee the operations.
This commander held enough authority to advance independently, so after occupying Marshdale, he set out before receiving any orders from Headquarters about the "unconditional surrender" and to "cease advancing."
Unfortunately, because he was chasing us at full speed, he had exceeded the Sabbath's communication distance limit.
Thus, with no news of the unconditional surrender reaching the front line…
"Hey… isn't it bad if they get past this point?"
The Sabbatian Army now faced the final barrier leading to the capital, Winn.
If they broke through here, they would have a direct path to Winn. They were now closing in on Fort Muson.