Elite Instructor at a Third-Rate Academy

45 – Final Sacrifice☆

He didn’t expect any hospitality.

Warren had been sarcastic towards Kenneth since they faced each other. He told him not to come to the sports festival, so there’s no way he would be welcoming.

“Did you call me ‘Ochia’?”

In the uncomfortable silence that filled the room, a familiar female student called out.

“Yes… um… Colonel.”

“There’s something I need to discuss with the major.”

“Oh, I will make tea. Please wait a moment.”

It meant for her to leave, but it seemed like she didn’t understand that. Since Kenneth didn’t say anything, Warren also stayed silent and waited. The female student called Ochia behaved as if she was a senior’s wife, sitting on edge for a moment before going out.

– Surprisingly, they suit each other well.

He considered Tetradia, who was similar in terms of not revealing their true selves to people they know, almost colorless. However, maybe due to that monotony, he also looked fine with the strong-colored woman from earlier. It felt like a complementary relationship, neutralizing each other, just like complementary colors.

“The Northern Army seems to be in trouble.”

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Kenneth spoke first.

“I need the help of a senior.”

– I don’t need any more explanations, right?

“I am a tutor at Lailand Academy.”

“The Duke of Panathi is also in a difficult situation.”

“If that’s the case, you shouldn’t have dismissed him from his position.”

“Goldeen has defected. They won’t negotiate unless it’s with a senior, so do I need to explain more?”

Warren was not someone who would understand why the snake-scorpion-like strategist with his back to the north called the previous operations chief for an unknown reason. Goldeen would confirm the life and death of the previous operations chief and revive the contract they had. Who will be sacrificed this time? The ultimate responsible person for all this, who can neither escape nor survive, is the Emperor and the Marquis.

– So, please, Senior, step forward.

Warren understood Raven as an Emperor, a superior, and a comrade, but he always sacrificed someone to get what he wanted. Even though it could be excused as something unavoidable, Kenneth, who achieved the same result, tried not to sacrifice anyone. As a result, everything was delayed, and the process became even more dangerous. However, Warren preferred and respected his way.

“Warren.”

“I will do whatever you want, instead of asking the senior.”

“Not long ago, I was a strategist for the Northern Army.”

– I’m sorry.

With Kenneth’s calm voice, Warren listened in silence.

“I had comrades who I fought alongside for a long time.”

“I have nothing to say.”

“Now, under the emperor’s orders, my identity has been eliminated and I’m working as a instructor in Lailand.”

“You can always return to your former position.”

“As instructed, I am fully dedicated to my duties as if I were dead, so I don’t understand why this is happening again.”

In Kenneth’s words, there was Hillnan’s question of whether Rotelon, who was presumed dead, could come back. This is why Warren didn’t like Raven’s methods. They would use their sharp minds to select the best strategies, but ultimately end up hurting and turning away someone. They should have ended it with Rotelon’s death. Did they really have to eliminate Evaracus’ family as well?

– Senpai, sorry for saying this, but we’re both dealing with stubborn negotiators.

Warren whispered inwardly and clenched his lips.

“Not long ago, there was a meeting in the Rada family’s court. It was held twice in a row, but no conclusion was reached.”

This time, Kenneth listened silently.

“The agenda was whether Beesalle could become the head of the family, but I’m sorry to say, senpai, she doesn’t have the capability to do that.”

Although he didn’t say anything, he shook his head to indicate disagreement. The senpai knew, pretending not to and yet despising his sister. Looking back, they loved the same woman in different ways.

“The next one will be the last, and if we don’t receive support from the branch representatives this time, it will be difficult.”

As Kenneth’s complexion changed, Warren became alert.

“I will propose it to His Majesty.”

He presented the document containing his delegated powers and made a promise.

“I will ask Beesalle to be given power from the imperial family.”

As the eldest son, Luis had been designated successor from an early age and had received the support of both the main and branch families. Although there were concerns about his character, he had a clear foundation. Similarly, as the second son, Kenneth gained the trust of the court through his exceptional abilities and was able to build a close relationship even with the military.

But Beesalle wasn’t like them. She was just the daughter of a concubine, completely excluded from the succession plan. She couldn’t even find someone to assist her, let alone build her own support. If things continued like this, she wouldn’t even become the head of the family, and even if she did, she wouldn’t be able to lead on her own, leading to a catastrophic fate. If no one helped her, she would be crushed by a destiny beyond her abilities.

– Senpai, you must be aware of that too, right?

As the two men fell into silence, Ochia entered without any warning. She quietly placed a tray with tea on the table and kneeled next to Kenneth, starting to fidget. It felt strange, as if she was a woman with a hidden motive. Warren wavered between telling her to leave and leaving her be, and his senpai, who had returned as Temeulic Steind, agreed to let her stay.

“I heard there’s another flood?”

Warren countered with a playful smile.

“Lieutenant, we don’t have any experienced measurement technicians, so we need some help.”

[#45 – Sacrifice]

Kenneth left Lailand without saying goodbye to his students. It was because Warren had said he would handle things. Moreover, when he read the message Barus had sent, it stated that there was only enough food for ten days. Even if they procured locally, they wouldn’t be able to sustain themselves for more than twenty days.

– If only it wasn’t Beesalle.

In his heart, he never spoke it aloud, but he knew that it was a self-deception. No one in the Northern Army, including Georg, wishes for death. If Galdin decides to resist and fight, Barus will order a full-scale attack. Leading the 1st and 2nd divisions means that more than 30% of the forces will perish once the siege begins.

“Then we’ll likely face enemy invasion as well.”

This was a result of a simple calculation that didn’t even require logic. If the 1st and 2nd divisions weaken, the enemies near the border will undoubtedly launch a full-scale attack on the Northern Army. While the 3rd and 4th divisions might be able to hold them off, there’s a risk of losing 50% of the entire force.

What happens next? Even if they manage to repel this, the frontline officers and elite soldiers consumed in battle won’t return, and there’s no way to fill the manpower gap. The Northern Army has become so massive that it paradoxically possesses a peculiar army incapable of waging war.

“Barus is a soldier who doesn’t look back.”

He will exact vengeance, no matter the sacrifice. If so, the territory of the Engelar family must be valuable enough.

Galdin’s land is on the dry side, more suitable for cultivating cotton than crops. Since they already have an abundance of cotton, attacking there would yield minimal gains and only expand the border geographically. There’s nothing to gain. It was a problem that everyone involved had considered, and the Emperor’s expectations were clear.

─ Decide who to sacrifice?

However, Kennes would not do that. It’s an immoral way; it’s not his way. Investigating the Galdin and Engelar clans was difficult, but now that he understands their tendencies and has formed relationships, it’s not a difficult matter. Negotiation is not needed now when the intentions of the interested parties are clear; all that’s needed is the selection and handling of the ultimate decision-maker.

“Lieutenant, wait.”

After three days and nights on the carriage, Kennes finally arrived where Barus was.

“Speak freely, Commander.”

Now he was nothing more than a drill instructor, he said, and Barus laughed.

“Very well, let’s start with a salute.”

Kennes snapped his legs together and saluted gracefully. Barus received it with an even more polished gesture.

“Go on.”

Finally, the two soldiers’ meeting took place. Kennes respected Barus as a military ideal, and Barus respected him as a negotiation expert. Knowing each other’s abilities, they mutually respected each other and did not engage in petty disputes. Once inside the commander’s tent, Kennes, the 2nd division commander, briefed on the current situation and took questions.

“Nothing, sir.”

Kennes simply said.

“I’ll assign guards, so don’t worry.”

“It’s unnecessary.”

Kennes declined Barus’s favor. It would only raise suspicions if he moved with a large number of soldiers. Even if he were surrounded, Galdin wouldn’t hold him hostage. He had dealt with this northern pit for a long time. Always seeming submissive and foolish, he was a crafty subordinate adept at calculations and strategy.

“Go today.”

“Take a day off. The night is clear.”

He had to follow orders, but there was no time for that luxury.

“You can eat and sleep in Galdin’s territory.”

“Do you have confidence in receiving an extraordinary reception?”

“Yes, I’m not particularly worried about what kind of reception.”

Barus had once been a formidable enemy to Kennes. Unlike himself, who fought as if to die on the front lines, earning numerous scars and building military achievements, Barus had comfortably climbed the ladder to success.

Since Tuareg had no reason to be pushed aside by Radha in the context of a family, he believed that Kennes had succeeded because of his connection to the imperial family. But now, with a promotion to colonel and soon to become a general, he understood.

“Humble and sincere.

This person does not boast of his own achievements and prioritizes work in any situation. From where I stand, it seems clear why they trust him and have put him in such a position of authority.

“Please come in.”

Kenneth saluted and turned around. The fortified walls of Golden, built on betrayal, came into view.

“You came alone?”

As they reached the location where the guards were stationed, they questioned suspiciously, as if asking if it made sense. Without making excuses, Kenneth opened his arms wide and shouted loudly enough for his voice to reach the distant castle walls. Goldin was clearly waiting for these words.

“Father, I have arrived!”

Before long, the drawbridge was lowered. Surrounded on all sides, it seemed impossible to cross the barrier. As they entered, Goldin’s confidants and members of the Engelar clan came out to greet them. Judging by the circular shape, it was clear that they had been sent to confirm his identity. They greeted each other warmly, and the lord showed a cunning smile, saying that he had been anticipating their arrival.

“A clan that has forgotten morals.

But because they lost their ethics, the people of this place have been able to maintain their position until now.

To truly understand others, one must first examine the prism within oneself. The inner spectroscope must be properly carved in order to refract light correctly and display all seven colors. If one tries to understand Engelar using words such as right or wrong, they cannot interpret them correctly.

They have been living in a territory unsuitable for farming and in a location disadvantageous for defense for generations. Naturally, they became engrossed in extreme individualism and became increasingly self-centered as the generations went on. They can be blamed for forgetting morals and losing ethics, but the reason why they became that way must be taken into consideration.

“Half-blood!”

As they entered a grand hall that the clan used as a reception room, Goldin finally dashed over. The large chandelier was lit, and there were candles on the dining table. Seeing his face, which he recognized, Kenneth shed tears of joy and held his hands tightly. Kenneth also greeted him respectfully and looked around as if he were overjoyed, making his eyes moist.

“Who could not be moved by this play?”

In the distance, the face of the son-in-law who got married in Ban Kliff was the color of earth. With this, Kenneth, Goldin, the emperor, and the Engelar clan reached a consensus on who would be the sacrificial lamb. He spoke in a loud voice that everyone could hear.

“There is no way someone as wise as you, Father, would make such a mistake, so who is responsible for the flawed food supply in this war contribution contract?”

Silence fell heavy like a chandelier about to fall.