To Save My Favourite Character, I Decided To Destroy the Game’s Plot

On the day of the joint training, we were outside the outside wall that protects the fortress city of Ausstadt.

　Our destination was a plain that was expected to become an actual battlefield.

We were to be trained on the ground in a full-scale exercise that would simulate a real battle.

"Hey, captain."

"What's up?"

　On the way to the plain, Doyle, walking beside me, calls out to me.

"We haven't done any training on coordination yet, have you thought about that?"

"I'm sorry about ------. This is going to sound like an excuse, but recently I've been dealing with other things that have taken precedence over this. I've been putting it off."

"Huh. Then say so. The subordinates can't move on their own without orders from the higher-ups.

"I'm sorry."

"Here you go."

　Suddenly, Doyle handed me a piece of parchment. I checked it out and found that it contained information on how to communicate with other members of the unit and on basic coordination.

"What's this?"

"I put together a list of common coordination methods in Arcadia and shared it with everyone while you were gone. That's it, so you should check it out. I asked permission from Vassel before I shared it with you."

"I'm sorry. I really appreciate your help."

"Don't apologize to the captain"

"I'm sorry. I understand."

I know it's true that I neglected my own ten-man unit because of the Argiano and O'Brien investigations, but it was a difficult situation for me.

 

　　　　It was a very difficult situation for me, but still, this would not be possible.　　

　　I must never repeat the same mistake in the future. This time, Doyle only pointed out my mistake, but the next time, I might lose someone's life in the process.

From now on, I must keep a better distance with the Ten Person Squad.

　After making up my mind to do so, I stopped walking. Then, I looked back at the members of the group that followed me.

　Doyle, Frankel, Kaine, Kaine's grandfather, and five other young men. Vasel is not here now, as he and Schneizel and the others had already left for the plain.

"All of you here are my subordinates."

"Everyone, I'm sorry."

"What is it? Is there something wrong?"

　I suddenly bowed my head, and the ones who raised their voices in question were Grandpa and Kaine. Frankel's eyes narrowed as if he was examining me.

It's been a while since I became your captain, and I don't think we've had a chance to meet properly in all that time.

"I see. I guess you're right."

　The old man nodded in agreement. Frankel and Kaine's attitude remained the same, and the other five young men were still frustrated with me.

"I'm only eight years old, and I'm not even old enough to be in the army. I only have this unit because of Schneizel's support and connections. I'm really sorry that I neglected to get involved with all of you, who are so vital to me, even though I didn't gain anything by my own strength."

" You're right, you're just an eight year old kid. I'll do my part to cover up for you."

　Frankel was the one who said this. I wondered how I looked in the eyes of the ideal leader Haian.

"Is it okay?"

"Yes, it's okay. I'm not going to give you a special exemption if you don't have anything to offer. I don't give exceptions to people who don't have anything. So you are not really powerless. Don't be so humble."

"And, sir?"

"People treat you special because they recognize your power, right? If that's the case, at least be proud of it. Until you can provide for yourself, it will support you."

"I understand. I'll keep that in mind."

"Anybody else have any complaints?"

"I don't have any."

　Doyle answers bluntly.

"I don't have any complaints. I'd appreciate it if you could explain the situation to me a little more."

"That's as Kaine-chann said."

"Frankel-san. Please don't call me "chan."

"That's fine."

"I don't like it!"

Kaine raised voice with anger in his neutral beauty, not certain if he was a man or a woman.

Could it be a guy? I still can't tell--- Doyle seems to be glancing at Kaine as if that's what's bothering him.

". I'm sorry."

What's with that random reply?

"I'm usually pretty reasonable about that. I leave the final touches to the bosses and Sigurum. Didn't you know?"

"Of course I didn't know!"

　Kaine's voice is filled with anger. Frankel, who unknowingly stepped on a landmine of hers, shakes his head in annoyance. Then he ignored Kaine and turned to Grandpa.

'Oh well. So, how about you, Grandpa? If you have something to say to Norwin, say it now."

"I'm fine as long as you're all right with it, have no request.'

"Yes. What about you? It's easier to complain and complain at the same time than to divide them up."

Frankel was asking for opinions from the others with this in mind. His last question was directed at the remaining five, but they shut their mouths without saying anything to me.

　Well, okay.

　I am only eight years old, and from their point of view, it is probably difficult for them to express their opinions due to the age difference.

　In addition, if they heard about my treatment and the rumors surrounding me, they would probably feel the shadow of Schneizel and Galdias in the background, even if they didn't want to.

　Yes, I would. If I were in their shoes, I would never talk back to or give my opinion.

　I would be afraid of losing my head if I said something bad.

　The reason Frankel and the others spoke up to me was because they knew about my situation, including my relationships with them. Also, because they had been involved with me for a long time.

　Yes. It will take time, but I think it's important to eliminate the differences in temperature within the unit.

It may take some time, but since the members will be with us on the battlefield for a long time, let's make sure it's done right.

Captain, we're getting close to it."

　Doyle, who calls me "captain," points forward with his chin.

　I looked in that direction and saw a vast plain that seemed to extend all the way to the end of the horizon.

　On the front side of the plain, there were, at a rough estimate, about 1,000 people. I could see the regular soldiers of the Ausstadt army lined up without the slightest deviation.

　At the front of the army is a slender old man with stroked gray hair.

Looking only at the silhouette of his body, he looks too frail to be someone who would appear on the battlefield, but he is the commander of this army --- O'Brien.

Right behind O'Brien were a group of aged soldiers who must have been his close associates.

Unlike him, these men were well-trained.

　They must be over sixty years old, but their muscular bodies show no sign of decline.

　It's amazing. Each member of the entourage wears a considerable atmosphere. And they are all absolutely loyal to O'Brien.

　---It's strange.

　Can they pledge such loyalty to O'Brien just for such a thin reason, like they can receive the benefits of his power if they stay by his side?

　I don't know. I guess he used to be, or maybe still is, a great person to them.

　I don't know, I just have a bad impression of O'Brien, so I can't imagine him that way.

　O'Brien notices us and comes up to us. With a smile on his face, as usual

"Oh, Norwin-dono. You have come at last."

　Even I, a mere eight years old, was greeted with an overly respectful bow.

"I thought we were on time, but it seems we were the last to arrive. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

". We are the ones who proposed the joint training. Then, let's get started right away, shall we? Oh, yes, that's right. Mister Schneizel is over there."

"Thank you."

　What is he thinking behind his smile?

I still don't know what he's planning behind his smile, but we started our joint training.