I Became a Genius Commander at the Academy

Chapter 33: Peter Yaeger, Soaring High (3)

The drum sound announcing the end of the mock battle resonated first, followed by another drum sound signaling both our battalion and the opponent to reorganize and return to their original positions.

The officer in the role of a referee raised the flag symbolizing the Yaeger battalion and shouted,

“Yaeger battalion wins!”

It was a very simple and clear statement, but nothing could represent the result of this battle more aptly.

Our battalion only suffered minor injuries and bruises on their arms and legs due to the arrows or spears. However, the Pommel battalion, including their battalion commander, had been beaten with cudgels and spears until their bodies were bruised, leaving some unable to rise and moaning on the ground.

No one could dispute our victory. When I defeated Johann in the mock battle for the student platoon leader selection in Raintlant, many had questioned,

‘How can an orphan defeat a noble?’

But maybe due to the heroic deeds and the favor of the Crown Prince I received in Raintlant, pure admiration accompanied the claps.

“I see, so that is the command of the man called the guardian deity of the Raintlant front?”

“I now understand why His Highness the Crown Prince recruited him. To defeat a battalion commander who has served the empire for at least 15 more years so effortlessly…”

“If he were my son-in-law, I wouldn’t mind giving him my daughter! Such a marvelous young man. Isn’t that right, Lieutenant Richte?”

Before the exams to become a student platoon leader or before proving my worth as a commander in Raintlant, I never imagined receiving such compliments from nobles, and it made my heart flutter. Meanwhile, the officers of the Pommel battalion, possibly contemplating the end of their careers, returned dejectedly.

In manga or novels, usually, after such a battle, both parties would exchange courtesies, handshakes, or hugs to reconcile, but I wasn’t as righteous or merciful as those protagonists in stories. I decided to turn the table by complimenting the losing party.

I approached Lieutenant Pommel and said,

“I learned a lot through this mock battle. Thank you, Lieutenant.”

Usually, it was a polite, empty phrase, but I meant it. Lieutenant Pommel’s tactics were commonly used, and having defeated Pommel’s battalion, I gained confidence. Such a generous loser was rare, but Lieutenant Pommel, filled with hatred, replied resentfully about the weapon I used, admitting defeat begrudgingly.

I calmly replied,

“Facing such an experienced and reputed officer, we had to prepare meticulously, even creating new weapons, so please don’t be upset.”

A few exchanges later, the referee officer ordered us to leave. Pommel’s battalion, which was in order during the entrance, now returns in disarray.

“Yaeger Battalion, turn left! Forward march! One, two, one, two.”

We returned in a disciplined manner to the standby area.

With our organized return, the spectators began leaving the mock battle venue. Soon, the area was deserted. I, as the commander, thought of celebrating our victory and returned to our place to find various delicacies on large tables and a lady standing in front of them.

With long silver hair, a slim yet sturdy figure, fair and translucent skin, and deep, intelligent red eyes that one wouldn’t easily forget.

Yes.

She was the one I saw once at the academy, near the noticeboard where the Raintlant student platoon leader selection was posted. Her words, tone, and appearance were memorable. She was Laura von Benner, the daughter of Count Benner, a central figure of the faction of the Crown Prince to which I belonged, and a significant female character in this novel.

I didn’t expect to meet her again in this manner…

Nevertheless, unaware of my perplexed state, she greeted me with that cool and beautiful voice that I had briefly heard before.

“Nice to meet you, Lieutenant Yaeger. I’m Laura von Benner, studying in the Knight Department.”

“I’m Captain Peter Yaeger. What brings you here?”

“My father, Count Benner, prepared a place where you and your subordinates can relieve your fatigue as a present after watching the mock battle. I came to inform you, and I also had some personal inquiries for you.”

Sensing a long conversation, I pointed to a nearby table and said,

“I’m quite hungry. If you have the time, would you like to join me for a meal while we talk?”

Laura, perhaps expecting me to ask her to return tomorrow, gave a relieved smile and agreed to my proposition. I then raised a glass,

“A toast to Count Benner, who arranged this, and to the overwhelming victory of the Yaeger Battalion!”

The battalion members raised their glasses in response, thanking Count Benner and cheering for the future of the Yaeger Battalion. I then walked around, encouraging the officers. About 30 minutes later, I returned to where Laura was sitting.

Then she asked me with sparkling eyes.

“In the mock battle, the Pommel battalion’s spear formation broke instantly against the Yaeger battalion. It seemed to be due to a sudden flurry of arrows from the crossbowmen just before contact. Can you explain what happened in detail?”

In the novel, she enjoyed acquiring various military knowledge, but experiencing this in reality was somewhat startling.

“Very simple. Soldiers can quickly fill the gaps created when infantry with spears get injured or killed by arrows. But a hole in the spear wall does exist momentarily. That’s when the infantry formation is weakest. By timing the release of arrows with crossbows, you can create an opening in the spear wall right before the infantry clash.”

“…I see. But why did you use that weapon?”

“The spear is indeed a convenient and threatening weapon, and a group of spear soldiers is like a stone wall. But once enemies collide, gaps are created, and a soldier with a spear can disrupt enemy formation.”

Using simple weapons like spears due to my soldiers’ lack of proficiency wasn’t originally the intention. But, as long as it could break the enemy’s pots, it was all good. Perhaps it was even better than two-handed swords against mounted knights. So Laura and I, eating the food prepared by Count Benner, continued to discuss military studies.

She asked me about the Raintlant front and why I made those choices. I answered each of Laura’s unexpected questions so she could understand and enjoy the broad and tense conversation.

And that evening, with a serious expression as if she had decided something, Laura von Benner went to her father and said,

“There is something I want to ask you, Father.”