I Won’t Let the Execution Battalion Die, ~Even If the Empire Falls, We Want to Survive~

Fighting had broken out inside Penderltaine Fortress, the last bastion holding back northern rebel forces.

The capital overflowed with mysterious crowds shouting loyalty to the Imperial Household.

“Company Commander, what should we do about this?”

Even Second Lieutenant Crimine seemed anxious, turning pleading eyes toward me.

I wanted to ask someone too.

But at times like this, officers couldn’t show anxious faces. Showing uncertainty would disrupt command.

So I smiled:

“Considering headquarters rather than the palace as our final defense line, crowds are already packed very nearby. Penderltaine Fortress is farther than our final defense line. Nothing will happen immediately.”

However, there were problems.

If the fortress fell, ‘prairie fire’ would be unleashed on the capital. ‘Nightingales’ would act before that, so remaining time was certainly limited. I was also concerned about Dr.Buho and Company Commander Goffel’s safety.

But since I could do nothing about any of this, I encouraged Second Lieutenant Crimine:

“Getting upset won’t improve the war situation. If anti-imperial faction or rioters just want to rampage surge here, we’re finished. Before that, we must complete document burning and evacuation preparations. What we must do hasn’t changed, Second Lieutenant.”

“Y-yes. Then I’ll help with document burning.”

Second Lieutenant Crimine saluted and ran off with a tense expression. Protecting her was also my job. The Dines family probably wanted that from me too.

Then a Third Company NCO rushed in:

“Company Commander! People at the front gate!”

“They came after all. I’ll go immediately.”

I straightened my cap, left the musket pistol behind and went outside with only my saber.

“Let us through! You’re imprisoning citizens! Release them immediately!”

“Emperor’s dogs!”

“Planning to shoot us?”

There they were. As expected, the worst development.

Apparently today was definitely revolution day. Good thing we’d burned documents early.

While feeling relieved, I confirmed the situation.

Hundreds of unarmed citizens had gathered before the Imperial Ceremonial Battalion headquarters’ front gate. Unable to break through the iron gate, they were just shouting. No one was trying to climb the walls or gate, but it was probably a matter of time.

Our fifty line infantry were deployed in two-rank formation, positioned to meet them head-on.

“Ah, Company Commander!?”

The Third Company second lieutenants looked at me with obvious relief. They were happy to dump field responsibility on me.

I patted their shoulders with my black leather gloves:

“Good work. Go back inside and get the battalion commander’s instructions.”

“Yes sir! Please be careful too, Company Commander!”

What nice things to say. Maybe I was gaining some popularity?

I then smiled at the line infantry:

“You don’t need to do anything. No, don’t do anything. Instead, don’t retreat one step from here. This is an order. Stake your pride as line infantry on defending the formation.”

“Yes sir!”

Though a unit full of old soldiers and invalids, they were experienced. They seemed to understand my instructions.

The two most important jobs for line infantry were running and maintaining formation. This time the latter was required. The military academy taught that shooting was the third or fourth priority.

With preparations complete, I stepped forward to the gate:

“I am Captain Fonkt, Third Company Commander of the Imperial Ceremonial Battalion. State your business.”

They apparently hadn’t expected an officer to come alone, and the people momentarily exchanged “What should we do?” glances.

But angry shouts immediately poured down like a sudden shower:

“Open this place!”

“Emperor’s assassins!”

“We heard you’re executing innocent people based on denunciations!”

“Release everyone immediately!”

Everyone showed slight fear. They were probably scared of us with our “execution battalion” reputation. They weren’t taking hostile actions like stone-throwing because they didn’t know what would happen to the first person who did.

Their speech lacked regional dialects, and they wore wooden shoes and thin cloth shoes—equipment for walking the capital’s stone pavement. They seemed like real citizens.

Of course, there was a high possibility of agitators among them, but such people would probably use our response mistakes as triggers for agitation.

Evidence of this was that no agitating shouts could be heard. Perhaps they feared being spotted by me.

“First let me correct a misunderstanding. Our battalion carries out executions by imperial edict. Denunciations are investigation targets, but ultimately the Imperial Household’s judgment determines executions. Also…”

“Shut up!”

A pebble flew at my feet. Literally laying groundwork for stone-throwing attacks?

I immediately grasped my saber’s scabbard with my left hand:

“Whoever just threw that stone! Don’t you know attacking Imperial soldiers is punishable without exception! Are you rioters disturbing the capital’s peace, or proud people with spirits of justice and mercy—which is it!”

I had to respond firmly to rule violations. Yielding here would bring rioters surging in.

It was a desperate gamble, but the people seemed to regain some composure. No more stones were thrown.

The Ceremonial Battalion was apparently frightening.

I immediately pressed the advantage:

“Currently there are no prisoners at headquarters! Because no executions are scheduled tomorrow! Those to be executed the day after tomorrow and beyond should be imprisoned at guard posts!”

“Liar!”

“Then go check the plaza announcements! It’s written that no executions are scheduled tomorrow!”

Since this was true, I could be completely aggressive. Lucky.

Having silenced them for now, I cleared my throat:

“But some still won’t believe it. I’ll use my authority to guide three people inside headquarters. Decide who’s going right now.”

To avoid giving them time to think, I urged the people.

“Hey, what should we do?”

“What do you mean what…”

“You go. You were saying you couldn’t trust the Ceremonial Battalion, right?”

“Don’t say that so loud! That guy’s glaring!”

I wasn’t glaring.

Since capital residents were generally obedient, three representatives were decided after a while.

“Those three. The Ceremonial Battalion welcomes citizens who uphold law and order. We are your allies. Come in.”

Two anxious-looking infantrymen opened the gate.

If the crowd had surged in here, it would have been over, but only three citizens timidly entered the grounds.

The gate was immediately closed.

“Um…”

Since the isolated three were clearly frightened, I smiled while recalling my previous life’s sales smile:

“Nothing to worry about. As long as you don’t resort to violence or destruction, I’ll guide you to any room in headquarters. Of course, I promise to bring you back here.”

This would buy some time.

After saluting the three, I commanded the line infantry:

“Spread left and right in double file! Present arms!”

Infantry lined up on both sides of the path to headquarters, presenting arms to welcome the three citizens.

“Eek…”

I smiled at the three who were completely intimidated:

“Welcome to Imperial Ceremonial Battalion headquarters.”

I’ll guide you anywhere.