I Won’t Let the Execution Battalion Die, ~Even If the Empire Falls, We Want to Survive~ - Chapter 58: Voice of the Nightingale ⑤*

I was having an awkward tea party with Polhartoi, Second Lieutenant Crimine’s older brother and heir to the wealthy Dines family.

Many servants surrounded us providing service, but even that felt intimidating.

However, Polhartoi, who had features similar to Second Lieutenant Crimine, had been smiling gently the whole time.

“Where do you work, Roxon-san?”

“Fifth Army Division, Second Infantry Battalion headquarters. Since I’m internal medicine, the soldiers complain ‘don’t come here’—quite unpopular.”

“Is surgery more popular?”

To Polhartoi’s interested expression, I grimaced and nodded.

“Well, internal medicine can’t treat wounded soldiers. However, barracks are environments where diseases spread easily—they come for medicine immediately when feverish. Apparently planning to sell leftovers. Because of that, many fake illnesses too.”

Talkative about work but poor on other topics—that was the internal medicine doctor “Roxon Boltaren.”

So even when topics of sweets or tea sets arose, I didn’t make conversation-expanding remarks, playing a work-obsessed boring man. Dr. Buho had strictly ordered this.

[You’re not like a military doctor. Being so personable with such a lovely smile is more like nobles’ private physicians. Pleasing patrons is part of their job.’]

[I’m just being normal…]

[Since you’re unaware, there’s no way to fix it. Just be modest.]

After such exchanges, I carefully continued acting.

According to surgeon Dr. Boho, this world’s internal medicine doctors were “boring, stiff, frustrated types.”

In our Empire, “doctor” meant internal medicine doctor, with surgeons treated like assistants—but don’t involve me in internal medicine-surgery conflicts.

Polhartoi nodded thoughtfully.

“Our family also has private internal medicine doctors—are you Kacor school or Ninette school, Roxon-san?”

Ah, apparently there were doctor factions…

“My mentor was part of Ninette school, but actually a surviving member of the older Coshperanza school. The medical arts I learned also mixed Coshperanza school methods.”

Since completely impersonating a professional was impossible anyway, I’d include a defunct old school. This created room for excuses.

“Well, medicine advances daily. Even with different schools, we’ll jump on effective treatments discovered, so differences between schools will gradually disappear. There’s no point letting patients die from adherence to school methods.”

Incidentally, all schools were still groping stage, with no words yet equivalent to “bacteria” or “immunity.” Naturally, “sterilization” and “disinfection” didn’t exist, so no such procedures either. This other world was too scary.

The medical books I’d borrowed from Dr. Buho were full of errors too, but having to memorize wrong information was quite painful.

“I see, is that so?”

While perfectly maintaining an interested listening posture, Polhartoi nodded. Admirably showing not a trace of boredom.

Then he picked up a medicine bottle placed on the table.

“With advanced medicine, I’d like to maintain my health too. Excuse me briefly.”

“Oh, what’s that?”

Since I was set as an internal medicine doctor, I couldn’t ignore it and asked tentatively.

Then while opening the bottle cap, he said with a smile:

“Heart medicine. Father recommended it would strengthen my heart.”

“Is it physician-prescribed?”

“No, I made it myself.”

I hastily pressed down his hand.

“Wait. I mean, please wait.”

Since Polhartoi looked surprised, I asked urgently:

“Could this possibly be digitalis or oleander heart medicine?”

“Yes, that’s right. Digitalis. It happened to be growing in the back garden.”

Digitalis was common as heart medicine material in this world too.

The something-or-other contained in digitalis and oleander was also highly toxic. What was it called? I forgot.

Actually, Company Commander Yugi was quite the digitalis enthusiast—when we poisoned Lord Grien, she’d earnestly recommended “I have good digitalis and oleander, won’t you use them?”

What was that about? Thanks to it, I became knowledgeable though.

“Crude drugs vary greatly in potency depending on habitat and season. Especially digitalis crude drugs can easily cause death if amounts are wrong. First consult your primary physician.”

While explaining this, I understood this was dangerous. The conversation flow had been unnatural. He was testing whether I was really a doctor.

Polhartoi’s expression showed genuine surprise—he hadn’t expected my reaction.

Right. This world hadn’t yet clarified how digitalis components affected the heart. They only knew that giving it to people with weak hearts was effective.

Probably only understanding “good for the body, so drinking more makes you healthier.”

But I knew. Digitalis had similar amounts for medicinal and toxic effects. Taking one sip casually could result in death.

Whatever the reason, I didn’t want Second Lieutenant Crimine’s family to die.

When I appealed with serious eyes, Polhartoi nodded and capped the bottle.

“Understood. I’ll do as you say.”

“Also, there’s no medicine effective for everyone. Medicine requires careful measurement according to physique and symptoms. Don’t carelessly consume medicinal herbs not used as food ingredients.”

I didn’t care what happened later, but I’d warned him as a human. Absolutely don’t drink it.

When I sat back down, Polhartoi stared at me intently.

“Amazing. You look exactly like a real doctor.”

“Because I am a real doctor.”

Ah, this was exposed… Glancing at Second Lieutenant Crimine, her expression was indeed tense.

“Nii-sama, you’re being rude to Roxon-san.”

“You’re right, Gabadeli.”

“Don’t call me by that name.”

“Sorry, sister.”

After clearing his throat, Polhartoi said to me:

“Lieutenant Fonkt of the Imperial Ceremonial Battalion, correct?”

At that moment, the servants who’d been waiting on us all turned toward me simultaneously. In flowing motions, they silently drew short clubs from pockets and sleeves.

Blackjacks—concealed weapons of sturdy leather bags filled with sand. Could knock someone out without external injury. Quite skilled bunch.

We were unarmed. No chance of winning.

Second Lieutenant Crimine in her dress stood up.

“Nii-sama!?”

“Sit down. I heard from father that you’re in the Imperial Ceremonial Battalion. I was surprised.”

Everything was already exposed.

“What is this about? I am Roxon Boltaren.”

“I apologize. But I thought you’d understand if I mentioned ‘nightingale.'”

I see, Yuo’s doing.

Probably Yuo had read Second Lieutenant Crimine’s family from the escort carriage then. Then used her specialty persuasion work to win over the Dines family.

We’d flown into the enemy’s trap ourselves.

There was a possibility Polhartoi was just bluffing, but with even my name exposed, it was probably hopeless.

Well, I had no obligation to answer honestly.

“I don’t understand.”

When I answered thus, Polhartoi’s expression darkened.

“Honestly, you looked exactly like a real internal medicine doctor to me. The digitalis medicine earlier was made up too. You realized you were being tested, but still upheld your duty as a physician.”

“Hmm, being cautious is very good. However, testing people isn’t good.”

I only stated the correct principles to avoid showing my tail. Polhartoi looked pained.

“I’m ordered to detain you and bring you to Nevilnel-sama. From my sister’s expression too, I could tell she was hiding something.”

Second Lieutenant Crimine’s expressions were hard to read, but family could apparently interpret them.

“Either way, my judgment can’t change anything. But you’re my sister’s fiancé, someone who might become my brother-in-law. If something happened…”

I was starting to feel sorry for him.

Second Lieutenant Crimine clung tightly to my arm and appealed with her eyes. You think so too?

Then I’d reveal it.

“Polhartoi-san, please don’t worry. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

I removed my glasses and crossed my legs while surrounded by armed servants.

“I am Lieutenant Fonkt, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Ceremonial Battalion’s Third Company. Due to official duties, I couldn’t reveal my affiliation externally, so I used a public face. Please forgive me.”

Since I’d readily revealed my identity, Polhartoi was dumbfounded. Good expression.

“But I’ve told no other lies. I am Gabadeli’s… ow, I get it, stop pinching my arm. I’m Riesha Crimine’s fiancé.”

“A-are you really lovers? Really!?”

That’s right. We’d become lovers.

I smiled brightly and took a sip of cold tea.

“Look at your sister’s expression.”

Second Lieutenant Crimine now had the face of a fighting maiden. The face of someone risking their life to fight for a loved one.

“How… oh, what have I done. Sorry, Gabadeli…”

Ignoring the speechless Polhartoi, I smiled at Second Lieutenant Crimine.

“This time I seem to be the captive. But don’t resent your brother. Be a good girl.”

“Lieutenant!”

I touched Second Lieutenant Crimine’s cheek and whispered while pretending to kiss her ear:

“Use the second box.”