"Requesting permission to enter."
"Come in."
Thanks to Arunoma's quick thinking, I was able to successfully deepen my relationship with my subordinates.
The day after, I was called by a certain someone first thing in the morning.
"Chief Medic Touri Noel, reporting in."
"Ah, thank you for coming."
That person is my direct superior during this expedition.
"It's been a while, Lieutenant Aria."
"Yea, it's been a while. By the way, I'm a Captain now."
"I apologize for the mistake, Captain Aria."
It was Captain Aria, Major Renvel's daughter and the woman who assisted me in treatment in Marshdale.
"I've been assigned to lead a battalion for this expedition."
"Congratulations, Captain Aria."
"Thank you."
Aria had risen to the rank of Captain and became a battalion commander.
When 5 to 10 platoons are combined, they form a company. If several companies are merged, it becomes a battalion.
The total number of soldiers is close to 1,000. In this world, 1,000 is an enormous number of soldiers.
"Your medical platoon will also be incorporated into my battalion. From now on, you will follow my command."
"Understood."
I heard that Captain Aria's rapid promotion was due to a shortage of personnel after most of the senior officers were killed during the Sylph Offensive.
"Well, I guess it's just my father's usual bias towards his family. I've told him to stop, but…"
"…No, I think it's a well-deserved promotion."
"Haha, thank you."
Captain Aria seemed to have reservations about her current rank. She must be attracting a lot of jealousy.
She previously made comments that suggested she's aware of all the gossip regarding her.
I guess getting promoted through connections comes with its complications.
"Major Renvel intends to personally lead his battalion on the front lines. We will follow him and move accordingly."
"That's very brave of him."
"My Aria Battalion will be stationed at the very back of this expeditionary force. You will be placed in my battalion because we are in the safest position."
"I see."
"Your protection will also be taken care of by my battalion. You just need to focus on treating the wounded without worrying about your surroundings."
"Thank you for that."
Captain Aria has been placed in a fairly safe position thanks to Major Renvel's arrangement.
And my own medical platoon will be escorted by the Aria Battalion, which is in that safe location.
The medical department is the lifeline of the military. I'm sure they want to take good care of it.
"Oh, and regarding the guard duties for your platoon. I'm going to leave it to Verdi Company. I figured it'd best to have familiar faces around."
"Verdi?"
"Yes. Lieutenant Verdi has been given command of an infantry company. You will be working alongside his infantry company."
I had heard that Verdi had stepped back from the front line to become a commander, but he's been promoted to a company commander.
It's reassuring to be around someone I'm familiar with.
"Tomorrow, I will introduce Lieutenant Verdi to your unit. Please assemble your entire unit and present yourself to me at 7 a.m.."
"Understood."
"After that, your platoon will receive training under Lieutenant Verdi's instructions. That's all. Are there any questions?"
"No, nothing."
"Alright."
Hearing Captain Aria's explanation, I began to understand the position of the Touri Medical Platoon.
Our job will be similar to what we did in Marshdale, setting up field medical units at various locations during the expedition.
All we had to do was focus on treatment in the rear as usual.
"Touri. From now on, I will speak to you not as a soldier, but as your acquaintance. I apologize for suddenly making you shoulder such a heavy responsibility."
"No, not at all."
"It's insane to assign the role of platoon leader to a soldier your age… I wish there was at least one more survivor from the frontline medical department."
As I was about to leave the room, Captain Aria dropped her formal tone and apologized awkwardly.
It's certainly strange that someone as young as me was suddenly appointed platoon leader.
"Once we are able to join up with the Southern Army, I'll try to arrange for more experienced medics to be assigned. Although it will only be a short time until then, please do your best as platoon leader."
"Really?"
As long as we can just join up with the Southern Army, I will be relieved of my duties as a platoon leader.
I'm so relieved to hear that.
"You've got quite a relieved look on your face."
"To be honest, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Almost everyone in the platoon is older than me, so I wasn't sure how to lead them."
"I can imagine."
If a situation like yesterday had arisen in which soldiers were on the verge of fighting, what would have happened if Platoon Leader Garback had been in command?
Elma probably would have felt too intimidated to bring up such a topic.
Even if she had brought it up, she would have been given an equal iron fistful of punishment, with that guy saying, "Is that related to the war? Do you really think you can waste time talking this stupid shit?" and she would never bring up the subject again.
When I think about it… leading with violence is actually quite easy.
It's no wonder many soldiers try to control their subordinates this way.
"All you have to do is show that you are trying your best. Then, I'm sure the people around you will lend you their support."
"Yes. Although I am still inexperienced, I will give it my all and do my best."
"You can talk to me if you're having issues."
However, I have no intention of using violence on my subordinates to control them.
Also, I just can't do it physically.
Therefore, from now on, I will have to behave with honesty so that my subordinates will trust and follow me when the time comes.
If I do that, I'm sure everyone will lend me their support.
***
────Yes, that's what I thought.
"Umm… I believe I ordered everyone to wake up at 6 a.m. and gather at the ground."
"They're not coming."
The night before, I had announced to my squad that we would gather on the grounds at 6 a.m. to meet with the company commander who would be responsible for our protection.
Once we embark on the expedition, we'll need to wake up before 5 a.m. for briefings.
I set this time as a warm-up, but…
"Let's take roll call. Cale, Arunoma, Elma, Odie, Bucciarati…"
Of the 11 members of the Touri Medical Platoon, only six showed up.
It was an abnormal situation in which half of my platoon was late.
"What are the others doing?"
"Sorry, but I thought they were awake when I saw you."
"…Elma, please go and check on the late ladies. Cale, could you go and check on the men?"
"Got it, Little Boss."
Is this what it's like for people who have never served in the military?
No, the older people, such as Arunoma and Cale, arrived on time.
Maybe people with some life experience tend to keep to their schedules.
However, the members assigned to our Touri Platoon are mostly young people in their teens, including 15-year-old Lakya, and the nurses as well.
These younger members are the ones who are late.
"Also, Arunoma…"
"What is it?"
It's not just the delay that's the problem.
"Why are you wearing makeup?"
"Well, it's to look good of course."
For Arunoma, the stage actor, it was good that he got up early and arrived on time.
But for some reason, he showed up wearing heavy makeup, as if he was going to be on stage.
"Umm, makeup is not necessary for military service, so please refrain from wearing it."
"Why? There's nothing wrong with it."
"When treating a patient, it…"
"I'm sure patients would prefer to be looked after by someone with a beautiful face. Makeup is like my battle gear. I'm always on time, so I hope you'll forgive me for this."
When I tried to gently reprimand Arunoma, he retorted as if to say, "What's wrong with this?"
It doesn't look like he's going to listen to what I have to say.
"Platoon Leader, maybe you should start learning makeup too. I'm sure your patients would be happier with it."
"…"
"Or is it against military regulations? I didn't see anything about it in the documents I received yesterday."
…True, there's nothing about makeup in the military regulations.
However, powder and other makeup products might fall off during treatment and could accidentally land on a patient's wound, which could be a huge issue.
That's why I'd prefer if no one wore makeup, but…
"…"
As long as it is not written in the military regulations, he's right in saying that I can't prohibit him from wearing it.
In fact, some military personnel are currently researching the use of makeup for forest camouflage.
I'll just gently ask him about it later to avoid unnecessary conflict.
"Sorry, we're late!"
"We're so sorry!"
After waiting for about 10 minutes, the nurses and Lakya who had not shown up appeared at the meeting place.
"Ugh…"
Lakya was rubbing her sleepy eyes and was still in her pajamas.
It seems she's not a morning person.
"Did we miss the time?"
"We're really sorry…"
Meanwhile, the other nurses had their eyes open and were in uniform.
"Why are the nurses also wearing heavy makeup…?"
"Eh? Well…"
"If you have time to put on makeup, you should use that time to make sure you're on time."
"No, but Lakya was asleep, so I thought it would be fine. In the first place, we're being called in at 7 o'clock, right?"
Every one of them had perfectly done their makeup.
Why did they prioritize makeup over being on time…?
"Umm, Head Nurse Elma. Is it permitted to wear flashy makeup in hospitals in the capital?"
"…I can't say much about the capital since I'm from Marshdale, but it was allowed as long as it wasn't excessive in my hospital."
"Is that so?"
"Though, the makeup they're wearing looks a bit over the top."
"Well, there are no rules here, unlike in hospitals."
The nurses who were late didn't seem to show much remorse.
Should I get angry about this?
Even though I'm aiming to be a platoon leader who's liked by my unit, things will turn into chaos if I don't show that I'm serious about military discipline.
…Though I might be disliked, I should set up some penalties for those who are late.
"To be honest, I would like to ban makeup as well, but since it's not written in the military regulations, I'll let it go for now."
"Yay!"
"However, the five people who were late today will have to skip breakfast and lunch. The military is strict on punctuality. Please be careful not to let something like this happen again in the future."
"Ugh!!"
When I declared the punishment of skipping meals for those who were late, several of them looked extremely dissatisfied.
Their expressions were saying, "You're going to go that far?"
Since there was no corporal punishment, the punishment is much lighter than that of a certain other person…
But since they were late, I hope they'll accept it.
"Skipping meals!? Seriously?"
"This… Is it really just for being a bit late!?"
"No, the meeting time is important. Make sure not to be late again tomorrow."
"Ugh, but it's too early in the morning."
…So this is what it's like to deal with new recruits.
I don't want to criticize them too much, but their mindset is so different from mine.
They don't care about being late, but they won't tolerate even a little punishment from their superiors.
These people do not have the common military knowledge that, "The orders of superiors are absolute."
"Lakya, please hurry up and get changed. Are you planning on meeting the Captain in your pajamas?"
"Okay…"
How can I change this mindset?
Even during peacetime, I can't get my subordinates to listen to me properly. I can't imagine controlling them when things get tough.
It looks like I'm lacking in authority and charisma.
…Ahh. I want to join the Southern Army as soon as possible and retire from my duties as a platoon leader.
While waiting for Rakya to return after being sent to change, I started to feel a bit discouraged.
"Um, has Lakya not returned yet?"
"She suddenly got a stomachache and locked herself in the bathroom."
"…"
Without food, Medic Second Class Lakya was in despair and didn't come out of the bathroom.
…Surely this isn't a silent protest or anything?
"Um, Lakya. We need to start moving soon, otherwise things will get bad."
"Sorry, I really have a stomach ache."
"…"
It was just before 7 o'clock when she came out of the bathroom clutching her stomach.
Even if I ran to Captain Aria's room, I would barely wouldn't make it in time.
"Uh, I'm sorry, Platoon Leader Touri! I'm fine now."
"…"
Ah…
So this is my current leadership ability.
Only half of the unit makes it to the meeting point on time.
My request to stop wearing makeup is rejected.
When I issue a punishment, my subordinate locks herself in the bathroom and refuses to come out.
…Being a platoon leader is too heavy a responsibility for me after all.
***
"You idiot!!!"
In the end, we were late for the meeting time with Captain Aria.
7:02. That's the time the Touri Medical Platoon gathered at Captain Aria's office.
It was a two-minute delay.
"Chief Medic Touri. What have you learned over the past six months on the Western Front?"
"Yes, Captain Aria. I didn't learn anything."
The sound of intense slapping echoed through the Captain's office.
Seeing us walk in late, Captain Aria slapped my cheek with an enraged expression.
"Have you never learned what it means for the medical unit to be late?"
"I am very sorry."
"Two minutes is all it takes for a person to die. Someone could have died because of you!"
Come to think of it, the late Platoon Commander Garback used to say that Major Renvel was known for his violent teaching methods.
Captain Aria, Major Renvel's daughter, also seems to be quite the violent type.
"Pull yourself together, Touri. We're not done yet!"
"Yes, Captain."
The members who had followed me into the room were staring wide-eyed at the scene of violent discipline happening before them.
I'm used to it, but this is what the military is like.
Take a good look, everyone.
"First, one of the medics you brought with you. You with the black hair and blank look on your face!"
"Y-Yes?!"
Captain Aria turned to Lakya with a questioning look, and Lakya responded with teary eyes.
Maybe she thought she was going to be hit as well. Her shoulders were hunched and she was trembling violently.
"When called upon, state your name and rank!"
"Yes, I'm Medic Second Class Lakya!"
"Okay, Lakya. Why is the hem of your uniform flipped up?! Can you not even wear your uniform properly?!"
"Y-Yes, I'm so sorry!!!"
Captain Aria was furious at Lakya for her messy uniform.
I guess she was in a hurry coming out of the bathroom and didn't get dressed properly.
"Grit your teeth!"
She yelled at Lakya and, without any hesitation, slapped her across the cheek.
Ah, so it looks like the discipline is coming.
"Your lack of leadership is the problem. If you're going to be a platoon leader, you should at least make sure they wear their uniforms properly."
"Yes, I am sorry."
…I had no idea that Captain Aria was such a strict person when dealing with her subordinates.
The soldier who was her lover must have really been brave to fall for her.
Maybe he had that sort of hobby.
"Next up is you bastards. What is with all that heavy makeup you're wearing?!"
"Y-Yes."
"Are you all going to the battlefield to flirt with men? Do you intend to waste our precious military funds on giving the Sabbatian soldiers sex slaves?!"
Apparently bored with slapping my cheeks, Captain Aria switched to punching my stomach.
The punch to the stomach made me double over in pain.
Ah, this sensation brings back memories.
After punching my solar plexus, Platoon Leader Garback would kick me in the shin the moment I crouched down.
Considering that, Captain Aria is very merciful compared to him.
"Touri, have you seen any of the other medics wearing makeup? Can't you even tell your subordinates something like that!?"
"Yes, I am sorry."
"If you have the time to carry makeup boxes, carry more bandages! You're medics, even if you're rookies!"
Captain Aria's discipline continues.
Behind me, Arunoma and the nurses were looking down at me as I was being beaten with pale faces.
Meanwhile, Verdi… He was watching the situation with a timid look on his face.
…Ah, I think I get it now.
"I'm very sorry. It's all my fault for not supervising them properly. From now on, I will make sure to instruct them thoroughly."
"Hmph, do it from the beginning before you're told to."
I managed to squeeze out an apology, and eventually, Captain Aria sat down in a chair.
She then turned to face Verdi and huffed.
"Now, to the main topic. Lieutenant Verdi over there is my cousin. He is the commander of the unit that will be working with your medical platoon."
"Y-Yeah, nice to meet you all."
"I will now have Lieutenant Verdi guide you to join the rest of the company. There, the medical platoon will receive various training under Verdi."
"Y-Yes! Captain!"
"Then dismissed, get out!"
Captain Aria gave the order with a demonic look on her face.
All the members of the medical platoon saluted with tense looks on their faces and noisily exited the room.
"Next time, don't be late, Touri."
"Yes, Captain."
With those final words exchanged, Captain Aria and I parted ways.
"…"
I didn't sense much anger in Captain Aria's last words.
In fact, I think there was a little bit of care mixed in.
"Wh-What's with that female soldier… She's scary."
"That woman is our superior…"
…Come to think of it, she said before that those in charge are supposed to be feared.
After being subjected to Captain Aria's scolding, the platoon members were all nervous and fearful.
"…"
Perhaps the severe punishment she just gave me was for my own good.
Seeing me struggle to reprimand older subordinates, she might have deliberately taken on a harsh teaching role.
For the kind people of the medical platoon, the sight of a younger girl being brutally beaten must be unbearable to watch.
It would be especially true if the punishment comes from something that's their own fault.
That means Captain Aria took it upon herself to scare them into obedience on my behalf.
"Ugh, I've ended up in a crazy place."
As was the case with Platoon Leader Garback, superiors are generally disliked.
It must be tough for her, always being gossiped about behind her back, and yet she took on that role to help me.
I am so grateful to her for taking on such a role for someone as inexperienced as me.
"I-I'm sorry, Little Platoon Leader. I'll listen to you properly from now on."
"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Platoon Leader! It's because I was late…"
"No, please don't worry about it."
With the influence of Captain Aria, my subordinates started to listen to me.
The sight of a younger girl being beaten because of them seemed to be more than they could bear.
This was most likely part of Captain Aria's plan.