Chapter 128: Evil Military Reorganization

“Well then, I’ll convey our future policies.”

　In the operations room on the first floor of the headquarters in Dagrom Fortress City. Siegfried scans the faces of the gathered executives one by one.

　This gathering of executives was timed for when the entire army had settled down after relocating the base and publicly executing those who violated military regulations.

“The situation will shift dramatically before long. However… that’s still a bit further ahead. With that in mind, what we’ll tackle starting now is the reorganization of the Eastern Front Army. First off—Leon.”

　Siegfried directs his gaze toward the young man with tanned skin.

“I’m assigning you the role of infantry battalion commander for the Eastern Front Army.”

“…Battalion commander out of nowhere, huh? I was just a student at the officers’ academy not long ago, you know? And from commoner roots, at that. You sure it’s okay to hand me a big unit like this?”

“It’s precisely because it’s you.”

　Siegfried’s eyes pierce straight through Leon.

“You’re from commoner stock. And yet, you took down Grantzile Dorm in the dorm battles. To the commoners, you’re something of a hero.”

　The rumor that Siegfried, Leon, and Dominik had defeated Grantzile Dorm in the dorm battles was already starting to spread within the Eastern Front Army.

“…You were the one who actually fought, right? I didn’t do much of anything.”

“The facts don’t matter. What’s important is that you can become an icon of ‘a commoner who won’t bow to the nobility system.’ For commanding the infantry, made up almost entirely of commoner-born soldiers—there’s no one more suited than you.”

　Siegfried didn’t say it out loud, but Leon’s caring personality would also make him someone the young soldiers could look up to.

　On the other hand, for the battle-hardened veterans, his earnest efforts would make him someone they’d want to support and push forward.

　And in terms of ability, Leon was beyond reproach.

　His sturdy physique, an unbreakable spirit in the face of adversity, and his intuitive judgment on the battlefield—Siegfried held all those qualities in high regard.

“If you’re the Princess Princess, then show me you can handle being an infantry battalion commander.”

“I keep telling you, I’m not the Princess Princess… And besides, now that I’m engaged to a real princess, cut it out with that nickname already.”

“Is that so? In that case… from here on, aim to be an icon for the commoner-born soldiers. The perfect, ultimate idol—got it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

　He lets out a sigh, but from the moment Siegfried appointed him, his mind was already made up.

“…I’ll do it. Not like saying no would make a difference anyway.”

　With that, he grabs the shoulder of Dominik sitting next to him with a firm grip.

“—So yeah, let’s give it our all together. Mr. Infantry Battalion Deputy Commander.”

“Huh? I’d rather have a position where I can take it easy…”

“No way I’m letting you slack off alone.”

　Ignoring their exchange, Siegfried shifts his gaze next to Fen.

“Fen. I’m planning to bolster your subordinates as well.”

“My unit too? But honestly, even if you assign me human subordinates… I’m not confident I can handle them well.”

　Fen responds with a dissatisfied twitch of her ears.

“Just to be clear, it’s not because I hate humans or anything, okay? The issue is that beastfolk like us have different physical abilities from humans.”

　Generally speaking, beastfolk possess superior physical capabilities compared to humans.

　In battles on flat ground during the day, the difference isn’t that pronounced, but at night or in terrain like forests or valleys, it’s stark.

“My unit’s role is to use our good night vision and ability to traverse rough terrain to launch surprise attacks, right? That’s why my unit exists—to leverage the strengths unique to beastfolk. If you add humans to that… I think it’d negate those advantages.”

“Oh…?”

　A faint smile curls at the corners of Siegfried’s mouth.

“You’ve thought it through enough to speak up like this. …Alright, as a reward, when we get back to the mansion, I’ll ask Fine to bake a cake just for you.”

“…Hey, don’t treat me like a kid. I’m the chieftain of the Gray Wolves, you know.”

“Is that right? So no cake, then.”

“No… I want it.”

“There won’t be any issues with the subordinates I’m assigning to you. I’ve already considered that.”

“Really? …Well, alright then.”

　With that, Fen shows a look of tentative acceptance.

　Siegfried’s gaze moves next—to the red-haired knight, Beatrice.

“And Beatrice. The knight order you lead is the strongest force in the Eastern Front Army.”

　Originally, she was the knight order commander for the Kreving family, in a position to command both knights and soldiers.

　However, Siegfried had separated the soldiers from her command, and now she held the position of captain for an elite unit composed solely of pure knights.

　The knights, of course, ride horses and wear full plate armor that protects their entire bodies.

　They’re equipped with superior weapons as well, excelling in both mobility and breakthrough power.

“But currently, their numbers are absolutely insufficient. Therefore, I’ll select from among the commoner-born and supplement your knight order with cavalry worthy of it.”

“…Is that really okay?”

　The one who voices doubt is Dominik.

“So, you’re treating commoners as knights, basically? Is that fine? I mean, I’m cool with it, but won’t some people get upset?”

　In principle, only those of knight rank or higher nobility are permitted to fight on horseback.

　Of course, there are exceptions. For instance, graduates of the officers’ academy or unit commanders are allowed to ride even if they’re commoners.

　Also, among soldiers on reconnaissance or messenger duties, there are plenty of commoner-born who ride horses.

　But—fighting as cavalry in actual combat is still considered the exclusive prerogative of the knight class.

　The reason riding is permitted for commanders, scouts, and messengers is strictly limited to roles like support or command.

　Wielding a blade in battle from horseback is a privilege granted only to knights—that’s the tradition in the Kirchhen Kingdom.

“How absurd.”

　Siegfried dismisses that outdated custom without a second thought.

“Place capable people in positions befitting their abilities. That’s all there is to it. And most of those who’d complain are the ones clinging to their knight seats based on family name alone, despite lacking skill. Why should I care about their convenience?”

　Naturally, the ones most likely to resist this personnel change are the mediocre knights whose only asset is their lineage.

　To them, having commoners selected on merit stand as equals would be nothing short of a threat.

“Of course, this is merely a military measure. I’m not formally elevating commoners to knight status. But—if this proceeds, it’ll likely lead to the collapse of the existing class system itself.”