Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Under the Lion Banner - (4)

Letizia Castle, Field Office of Marshal Cornelius.

「I'm sorry for holding you back for so long.」

「No, you are too good.」

When Claudia first entered Cornelius' office, she let out a slight sigh in her heart. Room decor is perfect for a Field Marshal, and everything is classy. In addition to daily needs, armor and weapons are also displayed neatly.

The most outstanding of all was the sword hanging on the left wall. There was a bluish-white luster on the sword that was shorter than usual. Its golden handle was carved with the symbol of the Kingdom of Lemuria - a two-headed snake.

(So this is one of the legendary swords, Lemuria, yes. Justjust wonderful.)

Cornelius' voice made Claudia aware of his delusion.

「You can admire it as much as you want later. Please sit down for now. 」

Claudia turned around and saw Cornelius and Olivia were already sitting down. Realizing that he was acting impolite, his face reddened.

「M-Excuse my negligence!」

Claudia quickly looked down apologetically and sat down beside Olivia. As she adjusted her sitting posture and looked towards Olivia, she saw Olivia had already placed her hands on the snack. Claudia felt dizzy when she saw him.

「Major! How can you snack carelessly!?」

「Ehhh? But I got permission, Mr. Cornelius said that I could.」

(As per the note gw in the previous chapter, I tempelin the corresponding illustration according to gw.)

Olivia did not stop her hand while talking to Claudia. Olivia looked very happy while chewing the snack.

「Field Marshal Sir, allow me to apologize again!」

Claudia almost banged her head against the table as she leaned over. Even if he was given permission, he should not eat in such a brash manner. This is Field Marshal's office, not a place to relax. If Otto knew this, he wouldn't let the matter go.

His stopped sweat started to roll his back again.

「Letnan Claudia, lift your head.」

「Ya sir!」

After timidly raising her head, what Claudia saw was the smiling face of Cornelius. Field Marshal didn't seem angry, and it was a relief for Claudia. Looking closer, Cornelius' eyes were soft, as if he was looking at his sweet grandson.

「Mayor Olivia, is the snack good?」

「Ya, super cute!」

「Please use formal tone!」

She was stressed enough to suffer from heartburn, but Claudia still did her job to advise Olivia in her choice of words.

「-Ahem, this is really fun.」

Olivia ignores Claudia's worries and starts swinging her legs with a happy smile - Claudia actually feels like running away from the room.

「That's great, right? I thought so too, because my old lady is famous for her cakes. When I told her about Major Olivia, she got up early to make a lot of snacks. My old lady will be happy to know that you love that snack. Lieutenant Claudia, don't hold back, try some.」

Cornelius offered a silver tray with a smile. Claudia gulped as she looked at the tray full of cakes.

(So it was handmade by the great man ..).

Speaking of Cornelius' wife, Sabrina Wym Curling, she had long been in power in high social circles, and was full of majesty and generosity. A great woman by the nickname 『Empress』.

(Empress: Empress, Female Emperor, Emperor's Wife.)

There's a good story about him.

The Lunar Calendar Year 960. In order to keep Cornelius and his subordinates away from his realm, Galbera attempted a rebellion. Sabrina wore her armor gracefully and attacked with a small garrison unit in the shade of the night. Galbera was careless and she destroyed her basecamp. Sabrina fought on the front lines and killed Galbera very well.

When he found out about the rebellion, Cornelius rushed back and found the blood that soaked Sabrina with a smile

『Junk trying to rebel in our region has failed.』

Therefore, Sabrina remains very influential despite having retired from the upper class. Even the fearsome Lambert would be kind before him.

If her mother, Elisabeth, found out that Claudia was not tasting the cake that the person had made herself, she would instantly faint.

Claudia convinced herself with that and timidly took one part. He put it in his mouth, and a gentle sweetness slowly spread out.

(Well, this is delicious, but ..).

However, Claudia just wanted to swallow it quickly and did not have the heart to enjoy it. In order to escape this interrogation-like situation, he straightened his back and went straight into business.

「Field Marshal Sir, about today's call ....」

「Hmm?- Oh, that's right. I almost forgot about the main agenda, the age was getting closer to me. 」

Cornelius said as he took out a neatly folded piece of paper to Olivia. Olivia sees him and quickly loses interest, giving it to Claudia.

After nodding at the two of them, Claudia checked the contents of the paper. It was mentioned that the new Eighth Army would be formed with Olivia appointed as its first commander, as well as his promotion to Major General.

(This ..... far beyond my expectations, I didn't expect them to go this far..).

If Claudia remembered correctly, there had never been a Major General who was under 20 years old. Especially for a commander.

Even a member of the royal family, Lieutenant General Sara of the Sixth Army, was appointed Major General when he was 20 years old. That is, this is another achievement in the history of Olivia's heroic exploits.

Before the excited Claudia could speak, Cornelius said:

「The details will be given at a later date, and this is the agenda of this meeting. Any objections so far? 」

When asked, there was a flash of light in Olivia's dark eyes when she thought of something.

「A Major General has a higher rank than a Senior Colonel, right?」

「Hmm? I don't understand what your question means, but it's true.」

Olivia sneered and told Cornelius that she understood. Claudia knows more than anyone that Olivia is not interested in becoming famous. That was why Claudia let out a deep sigh as she realized the reason why Olivia had resigned herself to him so easily.

「Ahem. At this time, Olivia Valedstorm was promoted to the rank of Major General, and was appointed as the first commander of the Eighth Army.」

「Ya sir! Major General Olivia hereby accepted the post as the first commander of the Eighth Army! 」

Olivia stood up quickly from the sofa and gave an official salute. The only drawback was the crumbs of his uniform falling. Cornelius nodded in satisfaction and turned his gaze towards Claudia.

「As for you, Lieutenant Colonel Claudia, please continue to assist Major General Olivia as his adjutant.」

「Ya sir! ... I'm sorry, Marshal Sir. 」

「Iya?」

「Am I a ...... Lieutenant Colonel?」

Suspecting that her ears were wrong, Claudia could not help but ask Cornelius. Putting aside exceptions like Olivia, she understood that bigger-than-normal promotions would be given to boost morale during difficult situations. Even so, triple promotions are still rare. From what Claudia remembered, no one from the academy's force had succeeded- More precisely, Liz had yet to achieve that.

Cornelius looked at the troubled Claudia with a wry smile.

「Disgranted to be Lieutenant Colonel?」

「T-No Sir! I will continue to do my best as Major General Olivia's aide! 」

There was no way he was unhappy, his parents would be so happy to know that. Claudia straightened her back and saluted with great respect.

「I understand, I will expect great things from you guys.」

「Ya sir!」

After chatting idly for a while, the two left the room. Cornelius sat at his desk, pulled the drawer at the top right and took out a fine letter with a faint perfume smell.

(Then, what should I do about this ...).

It originated from a small country to the west of the continent of Dodedirica.

Cornelius focused on letters sent from the Holy Nation of Mekia.

(Formerly the Holy State of Mekia.)

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

...To Be Continue's...