I Was Sent to an All-Female Frontline Unit to Get Rid of Some of the Trouble, but the Most Beautiful Girls Who Are Rumored to Hate Men Love Me So Much That I Have a Hard Time at Night - Chapter 45: Seizing Military Funds (1)

Chapter 45: Seizing Military Funds (1)

“By the frontline unit themselves, you mean?”

It was the first time the purple-haired woman spoke since the topic was brought up, as if to confirm it.

Deandre responded to her words, nodding to show there was no mistake.

“Yes. No matter how much they hate men, that doesn’t mean they hate money. An eye for an eye, the right person for the right job. It’s something all capable people, like myself, naturally possess. If they hate men, then we just need to use money. That way, we can turn their power into our own.”

“So you mean, the best thing to offer them is money?”

“Of course. Or do you, someone who was once in the same frontline unit as them even though you’ve stepped away for a bit, have another idea?”

The purple-haired woman acted as if she was thinking for a moment.

Then she opened her mouth and said,

“No. I think it’s a very good idea for us.”

“I see.”

Deandre looked even more confident after hearing her answer.

Among everyone present, she was the person who knew the frontline members best.

Since a member of that unit called it a good idea, it was only natural for his confidence to grow.

“In that case, I believe we should go with the proposal I just presented. What do you think?”

He asked a well-dressed man with a short beard on his chin.

“Yes, that should be fine.”

Then he looked toward a fat man, who responded in a flustered manner.

“O-of course, I have no objection to that… However, I am a bit concerned about the report that the people we sent before to confirm Finn Teraward’s death were turned away at the gate.”

Even if they planned to give them money, it wouldn’t matter if they wouldn’t listen in the first place.

That was his point.

Deandre nodded as if he had expected that concern.

“Naturally, I’ve already considered that. Like I said earlier, they only hate men. They don’t hate money. So, if we lead with the money offer, they’ll definitely bite. Just in case, we’ll send some upfront payment too.”

“Ohh…”

A voice of admiration rose, impressed by how far Deandre had thought it through.

Then the purple-haired woman, who didn’t often speak, joined in the meeting again.

“From what I heard, I also think it’s a good idea, but the important part about upfront payment is, of course, the amount.”

If the amount wasn’t satisfactory, the chances of the frontline unit accepting the assassination order for Finn would be close to zero.

“I’m also struggling with that point… They’re nobles by birth and have achieved many accomplishments on the battlefield. They probably aren’t short on money right now.”

Then he turned toward the purple-haired woman and continued.

“That’s why, I want to ask your opinion as a frontline unit member.”

“You’re asking me…?”

“Yes. From your perspective, how much money do you think it would take to move them?”

“Let me see…”

She fell silent for a moment.

“But let me say this: you don’t need to hold back on the amount.”

Taking her pause as hesitation, Deandre continued.

“The Luvankrum Empire’s military is the fortress protecting this nation. Many nobles are funding us, and recently, thanks to the frontline unit’s performance, expenses have been significantly reduced.”

You could say they had more than enough funds.

Then Deandre added a word of thanks to the bearded man, who was among the top contributors financially. The man responded with satisfaction, pushing his hands forward as if waving it off.

The purple-haired woman had been watching the exchange with a somewhat cold expression, but before they noticed, she stopped. As Deandre turned back to her, she opened her mouth and said,

“Then, without holding back… If you want to move them, I believe you’ll need an amount large enough to run a small country for a month.”

“Wha…!?”

The fat man said in shock.

“A-a small country? You’re saying we need an amount that could run a country for a month? A-are you serious?”

“Yes. Of course, I understand it’s a large amount, but if we want to be fully prepared, I think that’s what it would take.”

She responded without hesitation.

Even Deandre knew that wasn’t a small amount.

“If Finn Teraward remains alive, things could get even worse than they are now.”

Even now, young women constantly come to their base to see Finn.

There are even rumors of a group worshipping him, calling him “Lord Finn.”

They absolutely couldn’t allow a commoner like Finn to gain any more attention from both commoners and nobles alike.

“If we can eliminate Finn Teraward with full certainty, then I agree with her opinion.”

“If Lord Deandre says so…”

“Yes… If that’s the way to prevent us nobles from being shaken by the existence of a mere commoner, then I have no choice but to contribute funds as well.”

“Thank you. Then, assuming we go with her suggestion, let’s decide the dispatch route next.”

The higher-ups wanted Finn eliminated as soon as possible.

So of course, it would be better if the dispatch unit delivering this plan could arrive quickly.

But if they were carrying an amount large enough to run a small country for a month, they couldn’t afford to make flashy moves.

They had to choose a route that was both fast and discreet.

“First, the basic premise is—”

From there, Deandre continued to lead the discussion.

Using the map spread out before them, they began determining the best route to dispatch the unit to the frontline base.

“……”

The purple-haired woman participated in the conversation when necessary, studying the map closely and memorizing the route.

◆◇◆

The sunlight pouring through the stylishly shaped window woke me, and I slowly sat up.

Then I recalled yesterday.

The way my bond with everyone grew even stronger yesterday filled my heart with warmth as I stepped outside the room.

“Ah! Good morning, Finn-kun!”

Standing in front of my room was Elena-san.

“Good morning! Elena-san!”

“Finn-kun’s smile first thing in the morning…!”

Elena-san murmured something, and I asked her,

“Were you waiting for me again today?”

“Yeah! I thought it would be nice to walk to the living room together… and also…”

“And also…?”

It sounded like she had more to say, so I asked again.

Then Elena-san, looking slightly shy, said,

“…Just for a moment, can I come into your room?”

“Eh? Y-Yes!”

I was expecting her to continue the previous conversation, so I was a little confused by the sudden change in topic.

But if Elena-san wanted to come into my room, I had no reason to refuse.

After we both entered, I faced her.

“The reason I was waiting outside Finn-kun’s room again today wasn’t just because I wanted to walk to the living room with you—”

Then she brought her face close to mine—and kissed me on the right cheek.

“…!”

Even though it was the third time, of course I hadn’t gotten used to it.

It happened so suddenly, my face flushed with heat.

Elena-san, blushing as well, spoke shyly.

“That’s… what I wanted to do.”

“E-Elena-san…”

Nervous.

Embarrassed.

Lovely.

So many feelings stirred inside me.

But I didn’t dislike it at all.

As we shared that strangely comfortable silence again, Elena-san changed the mood by saying,

“Th-Then! Let’s go to the living room together today too!”

“W-Wait, please!”

I stopped Elena-san just as she was about to start walking.

“W-What is it?”

Still looking shy, she turned to me.

And I told her exactly what I was thinking.

“Um… if I did something like what Elena-san just did to me… would you… would you feel happy, Elena-san…?”