Later that night…
"Is this okay? About promising to let that girl retire?"
"Yeah, it's fine. Once we've dealt with the Workers' Council, I'll have her retire peacefully to the mainland."
Sylph Nova's recruitment of a foreign medic had gone well, and she was speaking to one of her confidants, Elijah, with a pleased look on her face.
"That woman is too dangerous to use against Austin."
"Dangerous, you say?"
"She might betray us in ways beyond my imagination. I wouldn't put it past her."
Sylph was thrilled to have gained such an excellent subordinate.
Touri Lowe had exceeded expectations on the battlefield, delivering results beyond anticipation.
The young commander couldn't contain her excitement about how to utilize her.
"But if she's up against the Workers' Council, who she despises, she should give it her all."
"I agree."
"I'd like to have Gorski learn from her too. That girl's broad perspective on the battlefield is an invaluable asset for a frontline commander."
Touri Lowe clearly hates war.
Given her personality, once she has enough funds to raise that child in a safe place, it's highly likely that she will stay in the Sabbath permanently rather than returning to Austin.
"Right now, I am deeply resented by her… That is why I wanted to hear that girl say that she would follow me from her own mouth."
"Is that why you recruited her so forcefully?"
"Yes. From now on, I just need to build a good relationship with her."
As long as she stays in the Sabbath, that formidable girl won't turn against us.
If we maintain a good relationship with her, she might even feel obliged to stay in the Sabbath even if the East-West war resumes.
"Elijah, provide Touri with as much convenience as possible. It's okay if it stirs some jealousy among those around her."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"She's from Austin. There's no way she'll fit in the Sabbatian Army. So, we should be her allies."
At this time, Sylph had a rather wicked look on her face.
"That girl is younger than me. With the stress of raising a child and the harsh camp environment, she surely won't be able to endure being isolated in the unit."
"…"
"We'll pamper her to the fullest and be her emotional support. We'll make her dependent on us so that she won't betray us."
"This is why your subordinates don't follow you, Sylph-sama."
"Oh, shut it, it's necessary… Otherwise, the hatred in her eyes won't disappear."
Slyph had never had friends who stood on equal footing with her since her days at the military academy.
She had only ever built relationships where she used her grades and abilities to dominate and control others.
"No matter what anyone says, I'll spoil Touri to the fullest."
"Yes."
"And eventually…"
This was the first time I have met a talented soldier of the same generation.
Despite the enmity between us, I believe she might be the first person who could become my "best friend."
"Alright, there's no more work. Let's go to Touri, Elijah."
"Understood."
"Touri was supposed to reintroduce herself to Gorski's platoon. Is that still going on?"
"They're probably still in the middle of it."
"Alright then."
Touri must feel out of place in Gorski's platoon.
Even though Gorski was keeping a close eye on her, it wouldn't be surprising if she was bullied.
As the commander, it's better if I visit Gorski's platoon and keep things in check.
"Gorski Platoon is up ahead."
"Oh, there's Touri."
can find an excuse to take her away if she looks gloomy.
I still have some untouched high-end cookies in my room. I can use them to invite her for tea.
With that thought, Sylph Nova, accompanied by Elijah, quickly headed towards Gorski Platoon.
"There she is."
Just as Elijah had said, Touri was in the middle of her introductions.
She stood alone on a platform surrounded by burly men.
Sylph hurried to approach the foreign medic, wanting to call out to her.
"That's all for now."
"Wow, that was amazing!"
"Hey, you're pretty amusing for an Aust!
My eyes met with Touri Lowe, who looked a little smug as she stood in the center of the platoon receiving applause.
"She's fitting in perfectly!"
"Oh, Captain Sylph."
***
"Is this Aust medic really going to join us?"
"She was the one who kept suggesting those incomprehensible advances in the last battle."
"…"
The proverb "Skill will help you in times of need" comes from my previous life in Japan.
Even in this world with different cultures and languages, the saying proved true.
"You bastards, don't be so intimidating. Touri, introduce yourself."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Touri Rowe. As a medic, I'll be taking care of everyone's health."
"Can this little kid really handle it?"
Following Sylph's orders, I was assigned to the Gorski Platoon.
However, my first interaction with his subordinates wasn't great.
Despite fighting alongside them before, there's still significant resistance to accepting someone from an enemy country.
"Alright. Now, let me introduce myself through a song."
"Huh?"
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Mr. Gorski organized a welcome party for me.
Gorski Platoon was awarded for their achievements in the last battle, and the soldiers received alcohol and other luxuries as rewards.
Using those leftovers, they held a small party in a corner of the training grounds.
"We don't want to hear any Aust songs."
"Then I'll sing a song I heard from a Flamer friend."
I decided to give my best and sing a song.
At that time, everyone's eyes on me were filled with hostility.
I thought that if I didn't do something to foster camaraderie, I might get "accidentally" shot during an operation.
A Flamer song wouldn't stir up as much animosity.
"Wow, what's with her voice?"
"Self-chorus? That's amazing."
Closing my eyes, I began to sing a song taught to me by Arunoma.
After long practice, I learned to sing in two voices simultaneously.
At the orphanage, this talent earned me the nickname "Lonely Echo" and always brought applause.
If not for being conscripted, I was confident enough to make a living as a performer.
"How was the first song, Flamer's Red Evening Clouds?"
"That's great, you're amazing, Aust!"
This art of harmonizing and solo chorusing was well-received by the Sabbatian soldiers.
Normally, I'd use a puppet to perform ventriloquism while singing, but even dual singing alone was enough to satisfy them.
The soldiers, who initially looked displeased, gradually began to smile.
"You've got many talents. Are you really a medic?"
"Right now, I'm a wandering entertainer."
"Really? Do you have any other tricks?"
With the Vok affecting them, they started making more and more requests.
I'm grateful to Mr. Gorski for providing me with this opportunity.
"Well, I can do some simple juggling."
"Alright, then try it with these empty bottles."
The party was in high spirits as the soldiers threw empty bottles of vodka while I sang the Sabbatian songs I recently learned.
Drinking together really is the best way to get closer to people.
The soldiers who initially looked at me with hostility began to smile and pat my head cheerfully.
Seeing this, Mr. Gorski smiled with satisfaction.
Good, it looks like I can get along well in this unit─
"…You've really blended in!"
"Oh, Captain Sylph."
As I was bonding with the soldiers, Sylph Nova loudly interrupted.
***
"Oh, it's Sylph. What brings you here?"
"Gorski. I came to check on Touri."
"Do you need something from me?"
I looked and saw Sylph coming into the Gorski Platoon banquet hall (in a corner of the training grounds) accompanied by a troubled-looking Elijah.
Though Sylph is a Captain, she has some free time.
"I wanted to continue getting along with Touri and invite her for some tea."
"Well, that's perfect. This is her welcome party right now."
"Looks like it. I was worried about her being isolated, but it looks like she's fitting in."
She was apparently worried about me and came to check on me.
She did say that she would protect me even though I was from Austin when she recruited me.
Maybe she made time to come here to keep that promise.
"Do you have some free time, Sylph?"
"Yes, but Gorski, use proper language with me as long as you're in the military."
"Unfortunately, this is an informal gathering. What bad timing, Sylph."
"Tsk."
Sylph made a face and sat beside Mr. Gorski.
She pulled a small bottle from her pocket and began drinking from it.
"Mind if I join you? Don't hold back, it's an informal gathering."
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
"No need to be so stiff."
The soldiers, who had been full of excitement in front of Mr. Gorski, stiffened in front of Sylph.
She is known for her short temper and being strict with her subordinates.
No wonder things got awkward.
"Sylph, your arrival has killed the mood."
"Huh? What's the matter, Gorski? Are you telling me to leave?"
"No, it's just that the soldiers are nervous because they don't know you well. Why don't you introduce yourself properly?"
"Introducing myself? Is there anyone in my unit who doesn't know me?"
"No, that's not what I mean."
Mr. Gorski, quick to sense the change in mood, patted Sylph on the shoulder.
To be honest, I also have a hard time dealing with Sylph, so I can understand how the soldiers feel.
How should I put it, she's overbearing and a little scary.
"If you're joining the party, you need to let them get to know you. So─"
***
Ten seconds later, Sylph is standing on the stage in the middle of the party where I had been singing earlier.
"Huh?"
"Do something entertaining, Sylph. You're said to be the best mind in the Sabbath, so it should be no problem."
Mr. Gorski, showing no mercy, grinned as he opened another bottle of Vok.
Is he a demon?
"The Aust just now… No, Touri, managed to win over all the soldiers brilliantly in this situation."
"Of course! Welcome, little comrade!"
"Don't worry, we'll protect you with our lives."
"Th-thank you."
"Why do you always fit in so well!"
The members of Gorski Platoon were in a good mood. They began to put their arms around my shoulders as if we were old friends, even though they saw me as an enemy just a moment ago.
This might be a provocation towards Sylph.
"E-Elijah…"
"Well, do your best."
It seems Mr. Gorski is helping Sylph in his own way.
She is infamous for being disliked by her subordinates.
That's why he put her in a difficult situation in order to make her look more approachable.
Mr. Gorski is quite skilled at handling human relations.
"If you don't have any tricks, why not sing a lullaby your mother taught you, Captain Sylph?"
"Stop it, what if our dear captain falls asleep?"
"What? Who said that? I'll execute you!"
"It's just an informal gathering, Sylph. Or are you saying you can't overcome this challenge with your brilliant mind?"
"What?!"
Sylph, having declared it an informal gathering, found herself being mercilessly teased.
The soldiers also had a lot of pent-up frustrations towards her, and they began to teasing her without any hesitation.
Maybe they're so bold because they're drunk?
"Oh, there's someone's bag here."
"Wait, you bastard! Don't go through my belongings!"
"Platoon Leader! I found Captain Sylph's hat! With this…"
"That is… I didn't think it actually existed."
This party is turning into a disaster.
Everyone's rationality is already gone and things are becoming a mess.
I decided to quietly move next to Elijah to avoid getting caught up in the chaos.
"Do you know what that is, Platoon Leader Gorski?"
"That's the Vok Iron Hat… It's a legendary test of courage passed down in the Gold Blast assault team. You turn the helmet upside down, fill it with Vok, and drink it in one gulp."
"Wait a second!"
Poor Sylph was in the middle of the drinking party, surrounded by soldiers with no way to escape.
She was being pushed into drinking what looked like about two liters of Vok all in one go.
"Elijah, is this normal in the Sabbath?"
"Yes. Embarrassingly enough, it is said that the third leading cause of death among Sabbatian soldiers is acute alcohol poisoning."
"…How did Austin almost lose to such a military?"
I wondered about this country's culture regarding alcohol. Shouldn't there be laws against this?
While thinking about such things, I sat next to Elijah, who was looking at Sylph with a flustered and worried look on her face, and had a little drink.
I watched the provoked Sylph wondering, "How will she, who boasts the greatest mind in the Sabbath, overcome this difficult situation?"
"Hmm, you're just a child after all. It's okay, we get it."
"What a useless woman."
"What did you say?!"
It seems Sylph has no tolerance for teasing.
"We'll forgive you if you apologize for ruining the mood."
"Disappointing, Sylph is still just Sylph after all."
"That's it! You bastards, just watch me!"
"Wow!"
Pushed to her limit by the ridicule, Sylph grabbed the Vok-filled hat.
"Gulp, gulp, gulp"
"Good going, Captain!"
"Captain Sylph's face is turning red!"
Encouraged by those around her, she ended up drinking it all in one go.
Vok is a distilled alcohol that is meant to be sipped slowly. There's no way that she, being so clever, wouldn't know what would happen if she drank it like that.
"…Ugh."
"Oh no, Sylph has collapsed."
"Medic, medic!"
"Ah, Sylph-sama?!"
As expected, Sylph passed out and was carried away by Elijah.
Mr. Gorski watched the whole scene with a satisfied smile on his face.
"See, she's surprisingly amusing. Don't be too harsh on her, everyone."
"Mr. Gorski. Acute alcohol poisoning is dangerous, so as a medic, I advise banning the Vok Iron Hat."
"Huh…?"
As I began to feel a bit tipsy, I lectured Mr. Gorski on the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
Geez, what would you do if someone chokes? If acute alcohol poisoning is the third leading cause of death, it should be properly regulated.