The NTR Knight Commander has Decided to Desert

Chapter 6

The morning after surrendering to the rebels.

I ended up attending the meeting at the suggestion—though really, the order—of General Franklin.

And there I faced the leadership currently commanding the 700 or so rebel troops stationed here at Stanwick fortress.

Since the total number of troops wasn't that large, General Franklin was the only general present, and the rest were five officers each in charge of managing 100 to 200 soldiers.

In terms of scale alone, it was smaller than the morning knight meetings I used to attend in the Imperial Army.

But regardless of that fact,

I quietly stayed in my seat and listened to their discussions.

"Then, let us now reassess our current situation."

A briefing on the situation here led by Franklin.

To summarize, the main rebel force was currently en route to this location, and in order to survive, we had to hold out here no matter what until they arrived.

Fortunately, we had ample food supplies, and drinking water was also accessible through a well inside the fortress.

The real problem, of course, was the Imperial Army stationed outside.

With more than five times our numbers and vastly superior training, it would be a difficult battle even with the advantage of the fortress—everyone agreed on that.

And as someone who had already cleared this quest in the original game, I had known all of this from the start.

'Not to mention, I already know that the defense of the fortress ultimately ends in failure...'

Though they managed to hold out for a day, the rebels eventually collapsed before the second day was over.

During that collapse, Franklin also fought to the bitter end, only to be killed by Cromwell's hand.

But even then, she showed the spirit of a true warrior, saying she was glad to die by my hand in the end.

In any case, that was all from the game's perspective.

In reality, unlike in the game, I was now in a position where I had to defend this place until reinforcements arrived, no matter what.

And in relation to that,

Thanks to my abilities and the experience I'd honed through the game, various ideas were already coming to mind.

However,

'Honestly, even if it's not easy, there are plenty of ways to steamroll those guys... but actually carrying them out is practically impossible, right?'

Unfortunately, I didn't have troops I could command at will like I did during my Imperial Army days.

Even though I had surrendered and joined their side, I still didn't have the authority to speak freely or give orders to anyone.

In fact, I was now a subordinate under General Franklin's command, so acting on my own was a risky move.

'Still, with my basic experience, I should be able to manage somehow... but honestly, this part is a bit frustrating.'

As I was thinking that there was no helping this unfortunate situation...

"Now then, since the general explanation is over, I'd like to hear from you, Cromwell."

"...Huh? Who?... Me?"

General Franklin suddenly singled me out.

Her abrupt comment left me momentarily flustered.

And to me, General Franklin calmly said in an utterly composed voice,

"Why are you so surprised? You're the only one here who clearly knows the Imperial Army's movements. On top of that, you were a fairly renowned commander in the Empire, so surely something must come to mind. Go on, share what you're thinking."

"Ah... Yes. Understood..."

Despite her stern demeanor, General Franklin approached things with a surprisingly rational mindset.

Noting this impressive trait of hers, I carefully began to share the ideas I had in mind.

While large armies are certainly powerful, their massive size also makes them sluggish and exposes many exploitable weaknesses.

Based on that logic, I laid out all my thoughts.

But to be honest, I didn't think there was much chance of my plan being accepted as-is.

'They might adapt parts of it... but there's no way they'd take my word at face value.'

After all, it hadn't even been 24 hours since I joined them, and I was a former Imperial knight commander to boot—no way they'd just trust me.

Sure, I had been accepted as an ally after sharing my earnest story, but just like the quest description indicated, their stance was likely still one of cautious observation.

And because of that, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed even as I spoke.

'Trying to aim for something beyond mere survival in this situation... is probably too much to ask, huh?'

With that thought, I wrapped up my explanation and decided to wait and see how they would respond.

But then...

"Understood. Then let's proceed exactly as you suggested."

"...What?"

"I said we'll fully adopt your plan and act on it."

"..."

"G-General?"

General Franklin made her decision so boldly and decisively.

At that, I couldn't help but stare blankly in disbelief.

And then...

"A-Are you serious? That's far too reckless of a decision!"

"Even if he's surrendered, how can you trust him and decide so easily like this?"

"Yes, he's been through a tragic ordeal, but it's still dangerous to trust Cromwell completely."

As if voicing the concerns in my own heart, the other officers began speaking up with deep worry and doubt.

However.

In response to their objections, General Franklin spoke in a firm and utterly cold voice.

"That possibility certainly exists. But let me ask you this—if we don't follow his plan, do we have any other options?"

"...What?"

"Th-That's..."

Her words made the officers hesitate, and seeing their reactions, Franklin continued in a voice full of icy clarity.

"As was reported earlier, our current situation is utterly hopeless. The enemy's massive force could strike as soon as tomorrow, and we'll be lucky to last half a day—maybe a full day at most. With annihilation all but certain, isn't it better to cling to even the slimmest chance of survival?"

"Hmm..."

"That may be true, but..."

"Anyone with objections may remain here. But if there's even a slight chance to save our soldiers and hold this place, I'm willing to join hands with the devil himself."

"..."

Basing her decision on the hopelessness of the situation, General Franklin chose to fully accept my plan, at least because it showed some promise.

Seeing that side of her,

I once again found myself admiring her—realizing that she was a cold-blooded strategist who didn't let emotions ruin her judgment.

'She really is something. No wonder she was one of the final bosses in the last chapter.'

And so, unlike that wretched General Neto, I felt a quiet joy at having someone so capable as my superior.

General Franklin then gave me an order in her usual cool tone.

"Now, go over the details again. Each officer is to fully understand the plan and proceed accordingly."

"Yes, General."

"Understood."

*

Cromwell explained the details of the plan before our eyes.

Watching him, Franklin struggled to suppress the smile of anticipation and excitement twitching at the corners of her lips.

'As expected, Commander Cromwell is amazing...! To come up with such a bold plan even in this situation—there's nothing to fear now! We can defeat the Imperial Army or whatever else comes our way!'

What she had said earlier to convince the soldiers was true, but aside from that, Franklin would've followed Cromwell's words wholeheartedly even without such a desperate situation.

It wasn't out of vague affection,

But because she had already seen and heard enough of Cromwell's achievements and the qualities he had shown in the process.

A man who never betrayed the expectations of those who believed in him.

Even if he was an enemy, he possessed the noble character to show what loyalty meant on a blood-soaked battlefield.

That was a major reason why, despite being enemies, she had come to respect and admire this man.

And because this plan was based on Cromwell's intimate knowledge of the Imperial Army, Franklin was already fully convinced it would succeed.

And shortly after.

Once Cromwell's operation briefing—though it was more like an actual mission assignment—had concluded.

Franklin rose from her seat and, wearing a steely expression, spoke again.

"Then let us commence the operation immediately. Remember, this is our only path to survival. Execute it without a single error."

"Yes, General."

"Understood."

And with that, the officers stood and began to disperse.

Then, looking straight at Cromwell before her, she spoke in a calm tone.

"I've placed all my trust in you. Please don't let me down."

"Yes, General. I swear on my honor—I will not fail your expectations."

Cromwell answered, his handsome face set with firm resolve.

Watching him, a single thought floated through Franklin's mind.

'Heuuung...'