After enlisting, new soldiers undergo training at the military academy.
The lecture begins with an explanation of military regulations, and then goes on to a lengthy speech by a person dressed in formal attire.
He gives a long lecture on the importance of the chain of command in military operations, bonuses and allowances, how to handle military regulations and equipment, and so on.
Finally, veterans give specific details about their own experiences about what it is like to spend your days on the battlefield.
The training is long and tedious, and since falling asleep means getting whacked with a wooden sword, they must bear with it and continue listening. This is the first test for new recruits.
This training is conducted by the academy's instructors, so we're not directly involved… or so we thought.
"In other words, recruits, you don't need brains. I'll decide everything you have to do. You're not to do anything until I give you permission!"
"Yes, Platoon Leader Allen!"
Active military personnel will be able to tell the new recruits more about their experiences during the war.
As it happens, we're currently stationed at the academy.
As part of the training for the new recruits and to introduce themselves to the platoon leaders, a briefing was held in which each platoon leader gathered the soldiers who were to be transferred to their platoons.
"Hey you! Tell me your name and rank!"
"I am Private Second Class Reita, Platoon Leader Allen."
"Good. Why did you volunteer to join this vanguard unit?"
"My brother was killed by a Sabbatian soldier. I volunteered to join the vanguard to avenge him."
"I see, very good! As long as you follow my commands, you'll get your chance."
"I'm counting on you, sir."
The platoon leaders delivered their instructions with confidence.
Watching the recruits nervously introduce themselves was like seeing myself from six months ago.
I still remember being punched in the face by Platoon Leader Garback after explaining to him that I couldn't use healing magic.
"…"
Now then. It's time for my own…
Time to introduce the members of the Touri Medical Platoon, which is led by a 15-year-old girl.
"Uh… I mean, well, about back then? I'm, uh, really sorry about it. Seriously."
"…Apologies aren't necessary. If possible, I'd rather never see your face again. That's all."
It seems that Cale and one of the nurses had history.
As soon as we gathered, the atmosphere grew incredibly tense.
"Umm, do you two know each other?"
"…I wouldn't say we're on friendly terms."
"W-Well, let's leave it at that, Elma. I'll listen to all your complaints later."
"No thanks. I don't see why I need to exchange words with you."
"I understand what you're trying to say. What happened back then was entirely my fault. I'm sorry…"
Once the members were gathered and roll was called, a heated argument broke out between Cale and Elma, the head nurse of the platoon.
Or rather, Cale was pale and apologizing profusely, while Elma was giving him an icy glare.
"…"
For now, I would like to give some instructions like the other platoon leaders, but…
What's up with this mood?
Lakya and Arunoma looked uncomfortable and averted their gaze.
The nurses under Elma had a similar reaction.
Right. It feels like I have to do something about this.
"Ahem. Might I have everyone's attention?"
"Oh, uh, yes, Little Boss. Hey, calm down, Elma. The Platoon Leader's about to speak."
"…Fine. Yes, understood."
I cautiously stepped in to interrupt their argument.
I'm not going to press them for details about what happened. That probably won't end well.
For now, I will do my best to leave the trouble between the two of you alone.
"I will be taking command of everyone here. I am Platoon Leader Touri Noel. I ask for your support."
"…"
"Oh, and when a superior speaks, a response is mandatory. Right now, you should be answering, 'Yes, Platoon Leader,' in a loud voice."
"Yes, Platoon Leader!"
"Good, that's more like it."
Since the tension in the air made it so no one replied at first, I gently pointed it out.
But let's not take things as far as "You bastards, can't you even reply?" followed by a punch.
After all, I'm aiming to be a leader that people want to follow.
"I imagine many of you were surprised by my appearance, seeing a young person like me as your platoon leader. You might think it's unreliable to have someone this young in charge."
"Yes, Platoon Leader!"
…Looks like they really do think that.
Well, I guess it's natural to think I'm not very reliable.
"However, while I have only been in the military for six months longer than you, those six months are much heavier than you think."
"…"
"It is said that about 80% of new assault soldiers die within six months of taking up their posts. I was lucky to avoid becoming part of that 80%. It was because of this that I, the youngest person here, was appointed as platoon leader."
Well, even though I survived for half a year, I hardly engaged in any fighting before the Sylph Offensive.
If they think I'm unreliable, there's a chance they won't listen to my orders when the time comes.
Here, I need to assert some authority. Not necessarily fear, but enough to make them think it's wise to follow me.
"I'm not asking that you need to act bravely and fight the enemy to the death. I just want you to do your best to survive."
Members of the medical platoon generally don't participate in combat.
But that doesn't mean they'll always be in safe places either.
"Let me make it clear: I believe you will face life-or-death situations many times in the future. There is no battlefield in this world that is guaranteed to be safe."
"…"
"I'm good at surviving. I even have experience returning safely after being left alone in the middle of the enemy during the Marshdale retreat. So, if you're ever in such a predicament, please trust my judgment and follow my instructions."
"Yes, Platoon Leader!"
And that should cover the main points of my speech.
Now that I've conveyed the essentials, I'll go on to teach them the finer points of military conduct.
"Alright, does anyone have any questions?"
"I have one, Platoon Leader Touri. In the future… is there a possibility that, for example, someone here potentially be promoted to replace you as Platoon Leader in the future?"
"Oh, are you not satisfied with me?"
The first question came from Elma. She's asking whether someone else might be promoted to Platoon Leader in my place.
I guess she's unhappy about having to follow a child.
"No, it's not about dissatisfaction with you. It's just that, well… there's someone in this platoon I'd rather not take orders from."
"…"
Ah, I see. Is she worried about Cale becoming Platoon Leader?
Well, considering his abilities, it wouldn't be surprising at all for Cale to be appointed Platoon Leader instead of me.
"Elma, personal feelings have no place in the military. To answer your question, yes, anyone here could potentially be promoted to Platoon Leader."
"I see…"
"Yes. For example, if I were to die in the line of duty, Cale would assume command immediately."
I hope everyone's paying attention to this.
Cale is the platoon's second-in-command, so if someone openly states they won't follow his orders, I'll have to address it.
I'll need to emphasize that following orders is essential.
"If you have an issue with following someone's orders, I advise you to leave now. If there's any disruption in the chain of command during an emergency, it puts the entire unit at risk."
"…"
"Orders from those in command are absolute. No one, including myself, should disobey orders from above, regardless of how absurd they seem. If you have any complaints about an order, be sure to tell your superior. If it is rejected, obediently go along with it."
"…Even if the order seems clearly wrong?"
"Yes. It is not a subordinate's job to judge whether an order is wrong or not."
When I said this, Elma looked extremely displeased.
Was I too harsh? But it would be a problem if my orders are ignored in an emergency.
…I cannot allow someone to lose their life like Salsa did because of a lack of understanding of orders from a superior officer.
"If it's a well-reasoned opinion, I'm open to suggestions from subordinates. But please, Elma, accept this for now."
"…Understood."
It seemed she caught on, so she didn't pursue the matter further.
However, from her expression, she still looked uneasy about following Cale's orders.
This isn't something that can easily be dealt with.
"Any other questions?"
"…"
"If there are no more, I thought we could hold a dinner party to deepen our bond between platoon members. I reserved a restaurant in the capital, so would you all be so kind as to accompany me?"
I managed to put on a smile and decided to head to the restaurant I made a reservation at.
***
The venue we booked was a spacious pub located right next to the military academy.
Since the prices here are manageable, I can cover the cost for everyone in the unit.
"…"
To be honest, I wanted the dinner party to be held in a more harmonious atmosphere.
Along the way, no one showed any signs of starting a conversation.
The nurses were visibly tense, walking nervously, while Lakya and Arunoma followed quietly behind Cale without saying a word.
"…"
Sigh, how did things end up like this?
I'll have to get a full explanation from Cale later.
"…Hey, Little Platoon Leader."
"Oh, what is it, Arunoma?"
'Well, there's a little something I'd like to request when the dinner starts.'
Amidst the heavy atmosphere, a handsome man with a strikingly defined face lightly tapped my shoulder just before we entered the establishment."
"Laaaara!! Fortissimo!!"
Arunoma, the renowned stage actor in our Touri Platoon.
To my surprise, the moment the meal began, he volunteered by saying, "Please let me, as the newcomer, perform something for everyone."
I was well aware that new recruits often get treated this way, but I didn't expect him to suggest it himself.
"Extrreeeeeme!!"
"O-Oh! What a voice!"
"So…so cool…"
He really is a great stage actor, a pro among pros. Someone who's spent half his life in the entertainment industry and is able to liven up any venue.
He noticed that the mood in the platoon and immediately volunteered for this role.
"…Elma, let's clap along for him."
"Huh? Oh, right, of course."
This is supposed to be my role.
It is the duty of the superior officer to maintain a good atmosphere in the unit.
It was as if Arunoma had taken over the responsibilities that I should have been doing.
Soon after I took up my post, I found myself in a great debt to him.
"W-Wow, that's amazing… As expected of an actor. Who could possibly follow that?"
"Anyone who feels up to it, but no need to force yourself. Besides, it's quite common in many units to let newcomers showcase their talents—it's a tradition in many divisions. I've been put through it myself."
"That's right. The hospital and the military are the same in that regard."
Judging from the way she spoke, it seems like there were similar occurrences at the hospital as well.
Arunoma's act was simple, just singing and dancing, but the level of performance was so impressive that I was overwhelmed.
It even attracted the attention of the other customers and staff.
I guess this is the skill of someone who's built their life on entertaining others.
"Phew. How was my impromptu performance?"
"That was excellent, Arunoma. You've certainly earned the highest honors in our unit today."
"I'm overjoyed to hear that."
Arunoma responded to my compliment with a smile.
Well, handsome people look good no matter what they do.
It's hard to imagine that someone so devoted to lifting our spirits could be a spy.
"Now, is there anyone who'd like to follow my act?"
"Ahahaha, well, I'm not feeling too well today!"
The newer members shook their heads nervously, clearly feeling the pressure of following an act like his.
Hmm…
"In that case, allow me, the Platoon Leader, to take the stage next."
"Wait, Little Boss, you can perform too?"
"Yes. I just bought a doll the other day."
At this point, I'll have to step up to keep the atmosphere lively.
I'd like to bridge the gap between me and the rest of the platoon.
"A doll?"
"It's a fox doll. See, isn't it cute?"
"Eh? Well, if you say it's cute, I guess I can kinda see it."
Despite how I look, I had plans to make a living as a traveling entertainer before I joined the military.
My ventriloquist puppet shows often enthralled the younger children at the orphanage.
Due to my skill in handling dolls, which was praised as "if they were alive," I was once even referred to as the "Puppet Master."
"Here we go… 'Ack-ack! It's Mr. Fox!'"
"Oh?"
"Ack-ack! Ack-ack!"
"Wow, you're good at this, Little Boss."
"Ack Ack (meow), Ack Ack (meow)"
"Whoa! It's harmonizing!"
Performing a musical rendition of a fairytale with my puppet, I watched the others' jaws drop in amazement.
Ventriloquism with harmonizing always gets a good reaction.
I'm happy that it was well-received.
"Fufu. I never thought Little Platoon Leader would be this good."
"What's the matter, Arunoma?"
"I'll admit it, Little Platoon Leader. You're a worthy rival."
"No, I'm your superior officer."
After my performance ended, Arunoma developed a sense of rivalry towards me for some reason.
As someone involved in the theater, perhaps he felt something in my performance.
If that's the case, it's a great honor.