I Won’t Let the Execution Battalion Die, ~Even If the Empire Falls, We Want to Survive~ - Chapter 50: Ghost Hunt ④

Yuo, the anti-imperial faction agitator, was now in a predicament.

“You are Second Lieutenant Riesha Crimine of the Imperial Ceremonial Battalion, correct?”

“Yes.”

Before her was a 3rd Division infantry lieutenant. Beside him was what seemed to be an adjutant second lieutenant, and behind them were about ten escorts including NCOs and line infantry.

But none were her supporters. They were “ordinary” officers and men who pledged loyalty to the Imperial Household.

(I wasn’t told they’d be patrolling in a place like this!)

Yuo’s direct superior should hold a reasonable position, but didn’t have complete control over the 3rd Division. Besides, they probably couldn’t grasp individual officers’ spontaneous actions.

“Hmm.”

The lieutenant who seemed to be a company commander stroked his beard while looking at Yuo with appraising eyes.

“I don’t know much about the Ceremonial Battalion, but independent officer action is unusual. And a woman at that.”

“That’s right.”

If she said anything unnecessary, she’d be exposed immediately. Yuo didn’t understand military matters well.

However, she was skilled at false identity. When suspected, it was best to maintain dignity with an attitude of “I don’t understand what I’m being suspected of.”

“I’d like to explain the circumstances, but I can’t say anything since I’m on duty.”

“Well, I suppose so.”

Yuo felt relieved that he seemed convinced.

However, the 3rd Division lieutenant continued:

“I heard there’s a Ceremonial Battalion officer nearby, so I’ll make an inquiry. Sorry, but please remain here.”

(That’s troublesome!)

She wanted to protest, but Yuo knew from experience that making a fuss at times like this would only increase suspicion.

So she nodded obediently.

“Understood. That would make things faster.”

“Sorry about this. This is also our duty. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”

Though his tone was gentle, the lieutenant’s eyes weren’t smiling. She was clearly being watched with suspicion.

(I might have shown my agitation when I unexpectedly encountered the patrolling officer)

Unluckily she’d been eating at a roadside restaurant so couldn’t escape, and ended up surrounded.

And now here she was.

As she desperately thought, the second lieutenant who seemed to be the company adjutant called out:

“By the way, Second Lieutenant Crimine, where is your horse?”

“I’m on foot.”

“On foot? Is there some reason?”

“I’m sorry, that’s also related to my mission.”

(That response was bad…)

She’d deflected, but hadn’t provided any substantial information. Such conversations only increased distrust. She understood that herself.

As expected, the company adjutant didn’t look convinced.

“I see… You have our gratitude for your service.”

“Thank you.”

Each time she was questioned, each time she spoke, she felt the false facade slowly peeling away.

(I’m buying time, but this won’t last. Eventually I’ll be detained)

There was one more thing that bothered her.

The enlisted men’s gazes weren’t very favorable. Those weren’t eyes looking at a superior officer, but at a young woman.

(This is bad… I’m being appraised)

Having faced dangerous situations many times before, Yuo steeled herself for the final method to escape this situation.

But just then, the restaurant door opened forcefully.

“Imperial Ceremonial Battalion. I heard one of our battalion’s officers is here. Excuse the interruption.”

The man who entered saying this was the same one she’d secretly met last night.

(Lieutenant Fonkt!?)

The person warned against by anti-imperial factions as “poison user,” “ghost killer,” “Imperial Household’s hunting dog,” “death god,” and other names. The most dangerous man in the Ceremonial Battalion.

But on the other hand, those around him assessed him as gentle and the epitome of cleanliness.

That’s exactly why Yuo had taken the risk to meet him. She’d wanted to gauge him.

Behind that dangerous figure was a young female officer. That was probably the “real” Second Lieutenant Crimine. Armed soldiers and NCOs followed behind her.

(It’s over…)

With this encounter with the real one, impersonation was no longer possible. Her escape route was completely cut off, and she had no allies.

(At least I must make a dignified finale to help the next ‘Yuo Nevilnel’)

If she showed disgrace, everything she’d built up would crumble. As an anti-imperial faction activist, she wanted a fitting end.

She quickly considered suicide, reaching for the hidden knife.

But the moment she saw Lieutenant Fonkt’s face, that resolve vanished.

Because he was smiling at her.

“Um…”

“Second Lieutenant Crimine, so you were in a place like this. I was looking for you.”

With the real Second Lieutenant Crimine following behind him, Lieutenant Fonkt smiled wryly. He even gave a meaningful wink.

“Eh? Ah? I-I’m sorry.”

Not understanding what was happening at all, Yuo still stood and saluted. The “real one” behind Lieutenant Fonkt had an extremely grumpy expression. She looked dissatisfied.

(I don’t understand what’s going on either!?)

She wanted to make excuses, but this wasn’t the time.

Lieutenant Fonkt turned to face the patrol unit’s lieutenant.

“Sorry that our Second Lieutenant Crimine caused trouble. Hey, you enlisted men there, unfortunately that’s how it is. Don’t do anything stupid.”

When Lieutenant Fonkt glared at the soldiers, they disappointedly looked away. What they’d been expecting was obvious.

The patrol unit’s lieutenant showed a sarcastic smile.

“Well well, finally someone to pick up the lost child? Hardly seems like the glorious Imperial Army.”

“Absolutely, this is why young women are troublesome.”

Lieutenant Fonkt smiled wryly but replied while keeping his smile:

“But when attending executions of noble ladies, such female officers are preferred over stern men. It also avoids strange suspicions from bereaved families. There are many shameless men in this world who immediately try to lay hands on any woman they see.”

Unlike his mouth, Lieutenant Fonkt’s eyes weren’t smiling.

“So, did our second lieutenant cause any problems?”

“No, she seemed troubled so I was just keeping her company for a bit. You should be grateful.”

Though both were lieutenants, the patrol unit’s lieutenant was company commander rank. He had more subordinates. He came on strong.

However, Lieutenant Fonkt sighed.

“Well thanks, I appreciate the cooperation. By the way, we’re currently searching for anti-imperial faction informants. We can detain suspicious people regardless of rank. Officers who abandon important duties for abuse of authority are suspicious.”

“Right, better be careful. Such people would shoot allies without hesitation.”

The patrol unit’s lieutenant said this with intimidating laughter, but the next moment he shouted at his subordinates:

“You bastards! We’re currently on a mission searching for political criminals! If you’re acting slack, I’ll throw you into a punishment unit!”

“Yes sir!”

After glaring at all the soldiers who saluted at attention, that lieutenant turned back to Lieutenant Fonkt.

“You should put a bell on precious kittens.”

“I’ll do that.”

After exchanging unfriendly looks, the patrol unit’s lieutenant began walking with clattering military boots.

“Follow me! Resume patrol!”

“E-end of break! All hands, two-column formation! Forward march!”

When the NCO hastily called orders, everyone filed out of the restaurant.

(I was saved… I think?)

As she stood there dazed without understanding, Lieutenant Fonkt called out:

“That was close. But this is a broken promise. I’ll have to lecture you a bit.”

Behind him, the real Second Lieutenant Crimine was puffing out her cheeks.

Seeing that, Yuo hung her head.

“…Yes.”