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[Translator - Tangrine ]
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Chapter 6 - Hurdles in Military Life (1)
It had already been about a month since Clyden was assigned to the platoon.
He had grown fairly close to his subordinates.
One day, as he was following his usual routine work, an emergency alert was issued in the garrison.
"Ah, come on… What kind of mess is this in the morning?"
Clyden was fully suited in the armor for the first time.
A longsword strapped to his waist with the helmet on his head.
Leaning against the fortress wall, he listlessly watched people come and go.
Last night, a brutal clash had erupted in Rotain Square, over the control of its underworld operations.
In the chaos, a city guard had been fatally stabbed.
Furious over the murder, Chief Inspector Roxtein of the Capital Security Bureau launched a sweeping crackdown on the underground organizations.
A directive was also issued, ordering stricter inspections at the city gates to prevent the suspect from escaping the capital.
Normally, Clyden would have just done the bare minimum until the day was over.
But this time, even the notoriously sluggish Capital Knights had mobilized.
They increased patrols throughout the city.
With those uptight knights around, there was no way he could slack off.
Whether he liked it or not, he had to endure the heavy armor, the cumbersome helmet, and the longsword while on duty.
"Seriously… How long do I have to keep this up?"
With security tightened, the usual bribes were out of the question.
Clyden sighed when he saw the long line.
Workers were desperate to enter the capital for their morning jobs.
Spotting Rex among the soldiers conducting inspections, Clyden called out.
"Hey, Rex! Just let the familiar faces through!"
"But sir, if we get caught—"
"Forget about the people coming in, just focus on those going out! Leave two guys at the entrance and move the rest to the exit!"
"Understood!"
Thanks to Clyden’s orders, the chaotic scene at the city gate finally started to move.
Workers passing through bowed their heads as a token of gratitude.
Clyden responded with a casual smile while nodding.
Rex’s expression darkened.
"Platoon Leader, knights are coming here."
Clyden turned to see three armored knights approaching the gate.
His little adjustment to the inspection process was the perfect excuse for them to start trouble.
Still, he put on his best military face and approached them.
"Sir! Thank you for your hard work. No irregularities to report."
The knights completely ignored his greeting and frowned while looking around.
"Sergeant, are you conducting your duties properly?"
"Ah, yes. Since the waiting line was getting too long, I reassigned more personnel to the exit and kept only a few at the entrance for quick ID checks."
"Do you think that’s acceptable? The security protocol clearly states that a full squad must be stationed at both the entrance and the exit for inspections!"
“Well, that’s up to the platoon leader’s discretion…”
“Hah! What discretion? You’re just a lowly platoon leader! Follow the regulations, now!”
“Come on, loosen up a little. Show some flexibility, will you?”
Clyden dropped his polite tone and leaned back lazily.
The knights looked at him with bewildered expressions.
“What the hell, Sergeant? Is that how you speak to a superior officer?!”
“Sheesh, you knights sure are stiff. No need to get all worked up. We’re all soldiers here, aren’t we?”
“Y-you…! Are you committing insubordination?!”
The knights’ faces twisted in anger.
Their hands instinctively move toward the hilts of their swords as if ready to draw.
However, Clyden crossed his arms and shook his head in exaggerated disappointment.
“Wow, what a fine display you’re putting on for everyone first thing in the morning.”
At his words, the knights glanced around and finally noticed the eyes of the onlookers.
Those waiting to enter and exit the city were glaring at them with barely concealed hostility.
Faced with the silent scrutiny of the crowd, the knights hesitated.
They glared at Clyden and gnashed their teeth before shouting.
“Sergeant! You won’t get away with this. Be prepared.”
“Yes, sir! Carrying on with my duties as usual.”
Clyden gave them a mockingly cheerful salute as they stormed off.
The soldiers around him looked at him with admiration and respect.
“Hey! What are you all standing around for? Get back to work!”
At Clyden’s sharp command, the soldiers quickly resumed their inspections.
He leaned back against the fortress wall, watching the passing crowds with a bored expression.
Hamilton approached with a grin.
“Hehe! Platoon Leader, I respect you.”
Clyden eyed him suspiciously.
“What’s with the sudden admiration?”
“I never thought I’d see a platoon leader stand up to the knights like that in my military life.”
“You think I’d pull a stunt like that without a backup plan?”
“Backup plan?”
Clyden smirked.
“People naturally side with those who look out for them.”
“Huh?”
“If I had strictly followed the regulations, or if I had just argued with the knights, no one would’ve cared. But because I let them through quickly, they saw me as someone on their side.”
“The same logic applies to you guys. If I cracked down on you for taking bribes, then turned around and picked a fight with the knights, I’d just look like an idiot. It’s a problem if it’s too strict, but it’s also a problem if it’s too loose. That’s why flexibility is key. ”
Hamilton chuckled.
“Sir. You really know how to handle people.”
“Tch, enough with the flattery. Why are you here, shouldn’t you be slacking off in the barracks?”
“Eh, I was bored. Even a soon-to-be veteran should help out when things get busy.”
“Bullshit. Helping out for you means staying out of the way.”
Hamilton burst into laughter.
“Hah! Sir, you really understand your soldiers too well, if you have time, swing by The Deer’s Eye in Rotain Square. Drinks are on me.”
“And what kind of place is that?”
“A nice spot to grab a drink… and enjoy some female company while you’re at it.”
“Oh? Even a second-round option?”
“Heh, well, if you play your cards right… I’ll be managing the place soon, so rest assured, the ladies there will be top-tier.”
“Oh-ho! You’ve been busy outside.”
“Well, My Older brother owns the place.”
“Hmm… wasn’t Rotain Square where the whole incident went down? Are you involved?”
At Clyden’s question, Hamilton’s face clouded with concern.
“Tch… that’s what’s worrying me. Looks like some of my boys might’ve been involved…”
Clyden’s gaze sharpened.
“One of our men was killed. Was it your guys?”
Hamilton shook his head firmly.
“We settle things with our fists, never with weapons. They’re definitely the Kellux gang.”
“Who the hell are they?”
“The scum running the northern district of the capital. Murder, robbery—you name it, they’ve done it. They’ll do anything to expand their turf. A real pain in the ass.”
“And your brother, who is he?”
Hamilton hesitated for a moment before answering cautiously.
“Carpenter.”
“Oh? Carpenter… Ahh! Right, the guy who just got a bounty on his head for murder.”
“That’s a damn lie! The boss would never kill anyone!”
“So, you’re saying he was framed?”
“Yes! No doubt about it!”
“Let me guess—your brother is falsely accused of murder charge, goes into hiding, and in the meantime, someone else takes over his turf? Sounds like a crime novel.”
“No! It’s not like that!”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. ‘Never killed anyone… but everything else is fair game,’ right?”
“That’s not it!”
Clyden smirked.
“Relax, no need to get so worked up.”
The two continued chatting to pass the time.
Most of the conversation revolved around Hamilton bragging about Carpenter.
How he looked after Hamilton since they were kids.
How he always went out of his way to help those in need.
How he once dreamed of becoming a knight.
But gave it all up to protect people from corrupt crime syndicates.
It was all glowing praise.
Clyden half-listened, occasionally nodding along.
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[Translator - Tangrine ]
[Proofreader - Seeker ]
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