A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (5.9)
"In other words, Major General, you are saying that military helmets are dangerous?"
"Yes. Nowadays, even ordinary soldiers wear military helmets, but those worn by officers and above are excessively ornate. On top of that, they carry sabers."
The gleam of helmets and saber scabbards seen during the first day of the exercises in the daytime.
—If it were me, I would undoubtedly shoot.
"... Alright. Let's abolish military helmets. All soldiers shall wear field caps when mobilized. Have them wrap the scabbards of their sabers with cloth or something."
The Orcsen National Army originally allowed both military helmets, treated as service caps, and field caps for daily use.
The reason why they—especially the soldiers—wore military helmets so frequently was not only due to appearance, pride, and dress regulations but also because felt field caps could be stored in their knapsacks, whereas rigid leather and metal military helmets were most conveniently carried by wearing them.
The budgetary burden on the military was minimal, and this issue could be immediately addressed—
"My King! My King!?"
"Schwerin. Do you object?"
"Of course!"
If targeting commanders was cowardly—
For a commander standing on the front lines, the very idea of hiding or fleeing also felt cowardly. It was even an act of disloyalty to the noble duty owed to the nation—
This sentiment was likely one that any officer in any military around the world would nod in agreement with, at least outwardly.
"Modern warfare is complex and unpredictable. If a commander falls, their subordinates will die needlessly. Consider this a measure to prevent that. Schwerin."
"... However—"
"Do you not accept it? Even field caps—those for soldiers have no visors, but those for officers have them, do they not? It is merely a matter of degree."
"Ah... Yes."
Fortunately or unfortunately, this would also make maneuvering on the battlefield easier. Military helmets were uncomfortably rigid to wear.
"Hmm. Today has been truly fruitful. If there is nothing else, let us move on to our meal."
"Major General Andariel, are you returning tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, my King."
That night, instead of standard rations, a grand dinner was served.
At eight in the evening, they dispersed.
Feeling thoroughly satisfied, Dineluth was on her way back to the training ground's dormitory with her subordinates when Gustav stopped her. He was accompanied by the Great Wolf, Advin.
The meal had been superb.
Especially the southern Orcsen-style beef stew, which was exceptional.
A large pot of vegetable broth was prepared, in which quality cuts of beef were simmered whole, with careful skimming of scum before slicing them thin. It was served with three types of sauces—wine vinegar, horseradish, and curry sauce—a truly exquisite dish.
The deep, rich barley soup, made using the same broth, was also excellent.
Conversations inside the tent were lively, and Dineluth had become well acquainted with the other officers. It had been an invaluable opportunity for her to observe the exercises.
—Including the chance to witness the King's magic.
"You certainly work hard."
"My subordinates are waiting for me."
"... I see. There is something I want you to see."
"Yes...?"
"We cannot keep calling it the provisional 'Dark Elf Brigade' forever. It is not suitable for official military documents either."
Saying this, Gustav pulled out the notebook he had been frequently scribbling in throughout the exercises.
Flipping through the pages, he held it up for her to see.
The words were large and clearly written, circled twice for emphasis—perfectly legible to Dineluth, whose eyes were sharp even at night.
[Anfaughlia Brigade]Anfaughlia.
An ancient Arlbic word meaning "Great Maw."
It could also be translated as "Bloody Jaws."
The name of a colossal progenitor of the Great Wolf species that appeared in Elfynd mythology.
According to legend, it was far larger than any of the Great Wolves today.
Possessing razor-sharp fangs.
And—
—The mythical wolf that devoured the Queen of the Light Elves.
"What do you think?"
Dark Elf Brigade Combat Unit, Anfaughlia.
—Magnificent. Absolutely magnificent!
Dineluth was overjoyed.
What a splendid name.
It was truly befitting of them.
Gustav had clearly spent much of his free time during these exercises deliberating over this.
Knowing him, he must have sifted through an immense catalog of knowledge, carefully selecting and refining his choice.
"I humbly accept!"
"Good, good."
Dineluth accepted the new name in a knightly, almost theatrical tone rather than simply using formal speech.
However—
Something caught her attention. She turned to look at Advin, standing beside the King.
To them—
It was the name of their species' progenitor.
For the Dark Elves, who had once hunted them, to use that name—
"... There is no need for hesitation, not in the slightest."
Advin, after staring at Dineluth for a moment, spoke.
It was the first time she had ever heard the Great Wolf address her directly.
"You are proud and strong. We, of all races, know this best. You are at least our equals. And now, you share the same fate as us."
"......"
"Use our ancestor’s name freely. And the Light Elves—"
"......"
"Crush them with those jaws."
"... With all due respect."
With solemn sincerity, Dineluth knelt on one knee and bowed her head.
"Hahaha. My, my. Even I have never received such grand gesture."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Indeed, this exercise—
For her and her people—
Had yielded tremendous results.
What do you think about this chapter?
