Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Battle of Iris - (3)

This was the face of an affectionate grandfather who was boasting of his granddaughter. Even the soldiers around them had complicated faces.

(Paul, who used to be called a demon, is now like this, huh.).

Lambert calmed his neighing horse and let out a heavy sigh.

*******

A week earlier a joint force led by Paul and Lambert departed from Fort Gallia.

To avoid reconnaissance from the Imperial Army, soldiers were sent at platoon level towards Fort Lamburg, until 5,000 of them were gathered. Olivia then led her detachment of 3,000 cavalry into the Ark forest secretly.

Right now, Olivia was riding a dark horse and was moving in the forest leisurely. Beside her is Olivia's newly appointed deputy, Claudia. He watched his surroundings carefully, and kept his guard up.

"Claudia, you don't need to be overly vigilant with a scary face. It was wasting your pretty face, you know? "

Olivia patted Claudia on the back while laughing.

"I'm sorry for being outspoken, but being praised by Second Lieutenant Olivia on the appearance, I feel insinuated."

"Ehh? Wh why? But I'm not insinuating, you know? "

Olivia tilted her head in confusion. Claudia sighed, worse because Olivia did not know the reason.

"Please look in the mirror and see for yourself... In addition, the mission assigned to us will greatly affect the war. We can't be careless before we flank into the back of the Imperial Army. "

The battle plan was designed for a surprise attack. Olivia's group will travel through the Ark forest, and go behind the Imperial Army stationed on the plains of Iris. They would then launch an attack on the headquarters of the Imperial Army along with the assault of the main unit, and defeat the enemy at once, an extremely daring plan.

Olivia's mission is to kill the enemy commander quickly. Claudia's job is to bring Olivia within range of the attack. The timing of this important attack would be left to their discretion.

Claudia who was burdened by her heavy responsibilities looked at Olivia beside her. Olivia's reckless attitude was not wrong for the detachment commander. This will make the troops feel comfortable. On the other hand, his role as a representative was to maintain his vigilance, and this balance was just right.

"By the way, Second Lieutenant Olivia, your horsemanship is amazing. I heard that dark horse is grumpy. "

The black horse was tougher than the other horses, and also faster. In theory, this type of horse is perfect for being a war horse, but is rarely seen in combat. It was due to the ferocious temperament of the dark horse, which made it difficult to ride it.

From what Claudia knew, riders who could ride dark horses were extremely rare. Even so, this dark horse was completely submissive towards Olivia. It will neigh from time to time like a child who wants attention. Her unexpected behavior makes Claudia wonder if the black color is a dye.

Olivia rubbed the black horse's mane gently and said:

"Ehh ~ is that. I thought this horse was so tame. When I was a kid, I rode on the back of a one horned beast, and he went straight on a rampage, making a fuss. "

"-Huh ...? With, one horned beast, you mean 《Danger Animals Type 2》? "

"I don't know what a Type 2 Danger Beast is, but it is a beast with one white horn on its head. And the meat is not good. "

Olivia placed her hand on her forehead with her index finger pointing out, and mimicked the cry of One horned beast with "rawr". She looks so adorable. Moreover, Claudia was stunned by Olivia's sudden words. There are no children in this world who ride one of the horned animals. Even adults would not do that. They will be eaten before that happens.

(Did Second Lieutenant Olivia tease me?)

Claudia looked into Olivia's eyes with that thought, but she could not see any 'color' that suggested that Olivia was lying. As Claudia looked at him in surprise, Olivia gently stroked the dark horse's neck, then nimbly stood on the back of her horse.

As Claudia looked at him in surprise, Olivia gently stroked the dark horse's neck, then nimbly stood on the back of her horse.

"Hey, the horse is very tame, right?"

"A-A-What are you doing !?"

"Your physical abilities are amazing, but please don't do this. We are on an important mission, and please be aware that you are the commander of 3,000 soldiers. "

Claudia warned coldly. Olivia replied: "Okay ~. Ehehe, I made Claudia angry. " He then stuck out his tongue. The soldiers around them smiled and said: "Captain did it again, yes." The warm scene dispelled Claudia's displeasure. It seems some soldiers know Olivia.

"Did you know Second Lieutenant Olivia before this?"

"Yes Mdm, we accompanied Platoon Leader Olivia to reclaim Fort Lamburg."

A black-haired young man named Guile answered proudly.

"Oh ~ is that way."

"Yes Mdm. But we just stood shaking with our boots, and it didn't help ... But thanks to the Captain's training, we became stronger. We will be useful this time. "

Guile said with his head held high, and all of his comrades nodded confidently.

(Too naive. It's not that easy to get stronger. They do not understand that it requires constant effort over a long period of time.)

Claudia's swordsmanship was an effort of many years of hard training. Thanks to that, he understood the steep path of martial prowess. But, he would not discourage the soldiers who had decided on their own. Saying unnecessary things right before the battle would demoralize, and have no benefit.

"Hmm ~ Guile, you haven't gotten stronger yet. Or rather, everyone is too weak, be careful and don't die, okay? "

But Olivia poured cold water over him without a second thought. Claudia could not help but calm herself down. Morals are going down now - But, the soldiers just smiled awkwardly. They don't look depressed and seem to get used to this.

Olivia's not done yet.

"Especially Ashton, you won't do it at all. If I had to use an analogy, it would be like you would die if you were to daze a little. "

"- !? W-What do you mean !? I work hard too !! "

Ashton protested angrily, and Olivia chuckled at the sight of his reaction. Claudia looked at Ashton. So the mysterious person who is often called Olivia from time to time is a new member.

"You know how else, people are suited to a variety of things. If I had to say, I think Ashton has a knack for being a strategist. When we played chess in the castle, you performed pretty well. "

"so-so? Being a strategist suits me?"

Ashton asked happily, and Olivia added: "But you lost all the games against me." He then held his stomach and laughed out loud. The others smiled looking at their interactions, and Ashton had a complicated expression on his face.

"Are you talking about your time at Fort Lamburg?"

"Yes. Everyone asked me to train them there. We were immediately sent off, so there were not many results. "

Despite what Olivia said, Claudia disagreed. He noticed that the steps of these soldiers were firm and steady. They also kept their eyes open and looked around as they chatted.

It's a kid's game for Claudia, but obviously it's not the standard she'd expect from a new recruit.

(I heard the soldiers who participated in the operation to retake Fort Lamburg were new inexperienced recruits. Did they improve greatly thanks to Second Lieutenant supervision...? Where did it come from?)

As Claudia was perplexed, Olivia said in a hopeful tone: "I wonder what reward Lieutenant General Paul will give for completing this mission?"

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...To Be Continue's...