Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Punitive Force: Tyr and Others (2)
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After returning from the command center to the unit, Tyr called for Mia. Mia was expected to play the role of company commander in this battle. Since Mia had better communication with the other adventurers than Tyr, who had rarely interacted with them, she was more suited to lead them. Tyr decided to issue orders to Mia, who would then relay them to the adventurers.
“The rebel force is holed up in a castle about 40 kilometers south of here. It’s the first castle in the region they’ve taken control of. The punitive force’s primary goal is to bring down this castle.” (Tyr)
“I see! So, we just need to stick close to the subjugation force as they assault the castle, and provide them with food and supplies, right? After all, carriages loaded with food and heavy weapons tend to move slowly and fall behind the main army. An isolated supply unit is like a herd of pigs without a watchdog. They become easy targets for not just the rebels, but also for bandits and vagrants. It’s crucial to keep up with the main force as much as possible during the march.” (Mia)
Mia, who had set up a folding chair she had made herself, responded cheerfully while sitting in it. Although it was highly disrespectful for Mia to sit while her superior stood. It was a major breach of etiquette for a military man like Tyr, but he decided not to scold her, as he did not fully understand the customs of adventurers. Besides, Mia’s confident demeanor made him feel as if he might be the one in the wrong.
As Tyr focused on the content of the conversation, he found himself nodding in agreement with what Mia was saying. Despite her various quirks, her abilities seemed to be quite impressive.
“Mia, you’re absolutely right. This reminds me of my time in the military when…” (Tyr)
But once again, Tyr’s words were cut off by Mia.
“Oh, that’s right! Tyr, you’re a former soldier of the kingdom, aren’t you? I mistakenly assumed you were a merchant like your brother, Arc. It was foolish of me to offer advice to a seasoned soldier like yourself. I apologize for the presumption!” (Mia)
“…No. There’s no need to apologize.” (Tyr)
Tyr was completely thrown off balance. Mia spoke continuously, and just when he was about to respond, she interrupted him to speak again. The mischievous smile of his older sister, Yanna, who had sent Mia to him, flashed in his mind. His opinion of Mia had been fluctuating wildly since their conversation began.
Just then, Urt, who had been gathering information outside, entered.
“Tyr-sama. The nobles’ punitive force is about to depart. Please prepare.” (Urt)
“Alright. Everyone, prepare to move out!” (Tyr)
Tyr pulled himself together and ordered the waiting adventurers to get ready for departure.
As usual, Tyr sent Urt, who was a member of the Sheeb Order, ahead to scout. Tyr and Hal would take the lead, with Mia covering the rear. Initially, Tyr had placed Mia at the front, but her constant chatter nearly made his head explode, so he swapped her with Hal.
As they moved, Tyr had a rare moment of conversation alone with Hal. Although it had only been a few days since they had last talked due to the preparations, it felt longer.
“How far did you get in military school, Hal?” (Tyr)
“I barely covered any tactical training. I only mastered swordsmanship and spearmanship.” (Hal)
Hal had followed Tyr during his time at the academy. As a result, Hal missed out on learning some of the things that an elite military graduate would know. Tyr had scolded Hal for following him without permission and sent him back to the capital. However, during that time, the old Warden territory was attacked by Marquis Ivan.
Since then, Hal had quietly followed Tyr even to Mikanda. Normally, Tyr should have sent Hal back to complete his studies, but due to the severe shortage of capable personnel in the House of Baron Warden, Tyr found himself relying on Hal’s loyalty.
“Then you’ll have to learn how to be a commander through actual combat.” (Tyr)
“I won’t fight unless I’m with you, Tyr-sama. I’m fine with staying as your adjutant.” (Hal)
“The adjutant needs to be able to take command if something happens to the commander, so you need those leadership skills too.” (Tyr)
But Hal, still facing forward, shook her head in dissatisfaction.
“If something happens to you, Tyr-sama, I’ll just follow you.” (Hal)
Tyr couldn’t help but glance at Hal. The ribbon tied to her short hair swayed gently in the wind, almost like an ornament. Her profile, stern and dignified, was the kind of face that had reportedly made her quite popular with the girls back in military school. But the statement that just came out of her mouth was astonishing. Tyr sighed and said,
“You’re heavy, you know that? If I ever get engaged, you’d probably stab my fiancée.” (Tyr)
“I don’t think of you that way.” (Hal)
“Oh, I see.” (Tyr)
Tyr could only nod at Hal’s quick response, though his mind was swirling in a storm of emotions.
Wait, really? I always thought that the way she chased after me, even quitting school, meant she had feelings for me. Sure, she never said she liked me directly, but wouldn’t her actions normally indicate that? Am I just some pathetic guy who read too much into it?
As Tyr was lost in thought, stewing in his own self-doubt, Hal turned to look at him with a serious expression and said,
“I’m kidding.” (Hal)
“…You little—” (Tyr)
Tyr was left speechless. Since when did she learn to toy with a man’s heart like this? She got me good. Tyr, who had little experience being teased by women especially those younger than him, found himself flustered and embarrassed. He clicked his tongue, trying to cover up his discomfort. He decided to retaliate by targeting Hal’s one known weak spot.
“You don’t have any boobs, so don’t talk like a girl.” (Tyr)
Before Tyr could finish his sentence, he felt a sharp kick to his back.
She managed to kick him while still on horseback. It was quite a feat of skill.
—
TLN: Hal is a woman. There was no indication of that when she first appeared in Chapter 44. I have amended accordingly.
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