Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Under the Lion Banner - (2)

They won in the end, but the Second and Seventh Armies suffered heavy casualties. The First Army also revealed its low combat readiness during the battle with the Sun Knight, and it was not something to be taken lightly. In short, the Royal Army was in tatters. Considering the fierce battle before them, Lambert fell silent.

Which means he understands Brad's opinion to some extent.

Neinhart shares the same opinion as Sara and Brad, and does not see age and precedent as reasons to reject this proposal. The achievements of that girl who was only as the commander of a sub unit were already too great. If this is not addressed, it will upset the balance within the military.

(Precedent: something that has never happened before that can be taken as an example.)

「Alright, what do you want to do about his rank, Commander-in-Chief? No one would accept a Major leading an Army, right? It's not a matter of priority anymore.」

The lowest rank required to lead the Army was Brigadier General, so it was only natural that Lambert raised this point. They would be a laughingstock if others found out that a Major was leading an Army.

Everyone waited carefully for Cornelius' reply. The person in question took a sip of tea and said slowly.

「Of course I know that. As for the matter of his rank, we will promote his achievements in a few days. Based on her achievements, I intend to promote Olivia Valedstorm to the rank of Major General. 」

Brad gasped in admiration and Sara showed a face of approval.

Lambert who was staring at the ceiling let out a long sigh.

「He jumped quickly to Major General, yes ..it's okay if he's a Major General. Sir Commander-in-Chief, as you already know, even Neinhart here is only a Brigadier General?」

He said while looking at Neinhart. Feeling that Lambert was urging him to speak, Neinhart smiled wryly in her heart.

(It's hard for me to talk here.).

The army is a world of meritocracy, except for a few exceptions. If you get war merit, you will be promoted. A subordinate suddenly becoming a superior was a common thing in this world.

(Meritocracy comes from the word merit or benefit,

According to the KBBI, meritocracy is a system that gives an opportunity to lead based on ability or achievement, not wealth, seniority, and so on. Sc Wikis.)

Neinhart admits there have never been five rank passes before, but when Olivia is involved, anything is possible.

(Five grade skipped. According to gw, 5 powers passed means stop at the 6th power. Promotion up 6 ranks.)

「Sir Lambert, I heard founding King Julius Zu Farnesse prioritized martial prowess above all else. If King Julius was here, he would have agreed without hesitation. And of course, I don't mind either. 」

Neinhart used the Founding King as an example, clearly expressing her unwillingness to comment further.

「-Maybe so, but Major Olivia just signed up for less than two years, right? If Neinhart had outstanding achievements and connections, then I would immediately agree. 」

However, the discussion did not develop in the direction Neinhart expected. Lambert even bluntly recommended Neinhart. I hope he stops— Neinhart thought in her heart.

「Mr Lambert, it's okay if the person himself agrees, right? And speaking of accomplishments, I had no idea anyone else could achieve so much in such a short period of time. 」

Neinhart nodded to thank Sara for her support, and Sara blinked in response. His actions were not very noble-like, but that was what made him popular among the army.

「I'm sorry, but Your Majesty may not understand a man's pride. Besides, we're talking about Neinhart here. 」

「The pride of a man, is it.?」

As Lambert said, Sara tilted her head in confusion.

「True, a man's pride.」

Lambert raised his chest proudly. And the person in question, Neinhart, thought to herself 『So I have such pride, yes.』

(Neinhart asw's.. Ngakka jir's.)

Lambert seemed to realize that Neinhart was unaware of a man's self-worth. Neinhart was grateful she had a good boss, but she had to stop Lambert before he said any more strange things.

Neinhart coughed and sat up straight.

「I am honored that the venerable Sir Lambert has great respect for me. But if we think about who the Empire regards as a greater threat, Major Olivia or I, then we will reach the conclusion that my— is still not quite capable. 」

There was no doubt that the Death God Olivia frightened the Imperial Army. Right now, the Royal Army does not need an ordinary human like him, but an upcoming hero with incredible martial power like Olivia.

Lambert reluctantly turned his face away. He looked unhappy with the conversation and his eyes were filled with disappointment.

Cornelius who was listening quietly turned to Paul who clenched his hands before him in silence.

「You haven't said anything so far. What do you think of this, Paul? 」

Everyone looked at Paul again.

「... To be honest, I am against this.」

Paul's reaction was as expected by Neinhart. Unlike Lambert who nodded with 「Paul knew his person」, Neinhart knew Paul was unwilling to let go of Olivia because of her attitude towards Olivia.

Cornelius stroked his beard and said.

「Hmm, so you're against this, Paul..」.

「To avoid misunderstandings, let me say this first. I don't mind the reason Lambert stated. 」

Lambert shot Paul with a sharp look. A normal person would be silent just because of that gaze, but Paul was not bothered.

「I am only worried about the weakening of the Seventh Army. Major Olivia and her autonomous cavalry were indispensable to the Seventh Army now. 」

「It can't help.」

Cornelius nodded.

「If I can be intentional, I want to keep it by my side. She is just as cute as my own granddaughter. 」

After saying that, Paul lowered his gaze with a slight frown. Brad stared wide-open at Paul. The better someone gets to know Paul, the bigger the impact. After all, Paul is the closest person to his internationally famous nickname 『Dewa Devil』.

「Lieutenant General Brad, what's up ..?」

As a royal, Sara was unaware of the relationship between Paul and Brad, so she was shocked. But Lambert's reaction was also unexpected as he sighed with a head shake.

On the other hand, Cornelius stared right at Paul. It's clear that he was also surprised, but not as clear as Brad.

Neinhart thinks that Paul and Brad have a better relationship than they seem.

「That Paul structure really showed such a face, am I in a nightmare? Ladz and Linz in the underworld may be frightened in the world of the living because of this. 」.

Paul looked coldly at Brad.

「... I understand, I know how you think of me now. Looks like I should take the time to talk to you. 」

「T-Please save me from it.」

Brad shrank his neck backwards like a turtle, and Paul snorted coldly.

After that, Lambert's face remained sour, but by the time the room was dyed red by sunset, it was officially decided that Olivia would be appointed as the founding commander of the Eighth Army.

They also decided on their next plan.

「—— Alright, let's ring the bell for the Royal Army counterattack with this.」

With Cornelius' statement, everyone stood up and saluted.

It's called—— Dawn of the Lion Pride.

First mission of the Eighth—— Army Attacking the Imperial Capital of Orsted.

...****************...

...To Be Continue's...