YEAR: 1724. JUNE 22TH. LOCATION: FORT KESPARE IN SHIENA KINGDOM.

Two weeks have passed since the Iron Thrust was made. I, who was carried by Captain Deryk himself, was in the infirmary where medics were tending my wounds.

New recruits had come one week ago along with a bunch of supplies from the kingdom. With new reinforcements, 9th Corp was stronger than ever.

Lieutenant General Cedric, who was promoted to General for his action, had ordered to retake the captured fort now the Imperials didn’t have any power for themselves.

Almost all the forts were retaken without resistance as they were empty. However, Fort Estonal, the fort connecting the Northern and Eastern Line, was left out. The defenses would spread too thin if the 9th Corp captured the fort and the survivors from Major General Ayas army were there to fight to the last breath.

I had all heard the information through the medic who was talking loudly with him to fight his boredom. It was strange that a medic could hold so much information, but the victory had loosened everyone up, making everybody get information easily.

After two weeks of staying, I was discharged only to be called into General Cedric’s office. I tried to refuse, saying I was unworthy of meeting the commander of 9th Corp, but the cold eye from Brigadier General Devon didn't leave me with a choice.

The thing I was worried about was that I would offend Cedric somehow and be punished. I was already freed from my collar, but I didn’t know what would happen.

Soon, I found myself in front of the door that led to Cedric’s office. Thankfully, I was well dressed compared to when I was a slave due to the clothing left by Devon who had handed them out. Though freedom was a big factor playing as I was freed from achieving great achievements.

Devon knocked the door before entering, prompting me to follow. Inside the office sat the commander of the 9th Corp, General Cedric. He was working on some paperwork before putting them down and smiling at us.

“Welcome to my office, Aaron, but I already know that you have visited here?” Surprised, I was about to open his mouth, Cedric cut in. “I already know that you were the one who was responsible for giving me this letter.”

I couldn’t help but stare at him. How did he figure it out? However, Cedric kept talking as if nothing was wrong.

“Anyway, I get it, you are uncomfortable to be here. So I will cut to my chase.” Cedric brought out a medal with a slight grin. “Congratulations, you have been promoted to Sergeant for your deeds.”

There was a silence as I was trying to proceed with what I had just heard. I had been planning to leave the fort, only to be promoted to Sergeant all of a sudden? I wasn’t even enlisted in the army. Naturally, I was too surprised and confused to even speak.

Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one who was surprised by the sudden statement.

“Lord Cedric, you said you will have this boy as a soldier, but a Sergeant when he isn’t even enlisted?” Devon said in disbelief, “Pardon me, but I would have to disagree with your choice. It will affect our reputation badly when everybody hears we hired a slave boy to be a Sergeant.”

“But he did plan the operation Iron Thrust no?” Cedric said in an amused tone. “We need soldiers, wherever they are young or old. We have reinforcements, but the Imperials will likely send more, and this time, in a serious manner.”

Devon didn’t say anymore as he also knew. The Imperials will send troops to the Northern Line to crush the 9th Corp. The Northern Line was important to the Emavia Empire as they had access to both the Eastern Line and capital directly. The Emavia Empire was huge, and they would have many soldiers to spare even with the other war going on.

Though this has nothing to do with me. Trying to speak at the right time, I said in my bravest manner possible.

“Excuse me.” I said, butting in as my voice slightly shook from the atmosphere in the room. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember anything about agreeing to be a Sergeant. I just want to be free.”

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“Well, we won’t force you of course.” Cedric suddenly changed his tone, more kindness in his voice.

Devon and I had our mouths both agape as we both thought. ‘If you said that, what was the point in arguing over whether we need soldiers?’

“Though it must be hard to live in a society when you were formerly a slave? I mean, there isn’t any guarantee that slave traders wouldn’t just catch you again and sell you.” Cedric smiled dangerously. “However, here you are safe except for battles. You could earn money, sleep safely, and eat all you want.”

“Basically, you are threatening me to stay here.” I summarized it briefly. “Because I will have a hard time living my life with my former life being a slave.”

“Exactly.” Cedirc didn’t deny the explanation, instead fully accepting it. “So what do you say?”

I thought about his choice. Much to my frustration, everything General Cedric had said was true. No place would hire a former slave as their worker. After all, the slaves had nothing left to lose and could run away with the money without caring for a bit.

On top of that, there was a chance the slave traders would catch me again. Although slavery was illegal, the war between the Emavia Empire had loosened up the security. Just a child by themselves would make an easy target for slavers.

Thinking about my chances, there wasn’t really a choice but to join the army. Sure, there wasn’t a difference between a slave and a soldier, but it would at least save me from being sold as a slave again. Being a slave was the least I wanted.

“I will accept it.” I finally said, sighing as I put my hand on the forehead. “Though I have one notice you might be surprised.”

“Oh, what is it?” Cedric asked with a smile.

“I am a girl, not a boy.”

Both Devon and Cedric’s expression froze as they stared at me. It was a long time before they spoke again.

[(0)]

I hadn’t fully understood it, but I was somehow a girl even though I was a boy in my previous lives. Since I wanted to keep my life as a boy, I decided to hide myself as a girl.

However, after growing for a while, it was becoming harder to hide the fact I was a girl. The reason was simple; my chest was getting too big to hide. I was able to hide them through tightening my clothing, but it didn’t show any signs of stopping Thus, I thought this might be the best chance of revealing myself as a girl as it would cause problems if I didn’t reveal the fact.

[(0)]

I lied on my new bed and I stared at the ceiling. After my sudden promotion, I had gotten into a room that was empty. Usually, officers were the only ones who got a room for themselves, but I was a special case.

For one thing, I was a female and there weren't exactly a lot of female soldiers who held the rank of Sergeant right now, with all of the female soldiers being new recruits or in higher ranking. Thus, I was given a private room.

Other than the room, I got basic necessities such as two sets of military uniforms, one set of normal clothing, military boots, undergarment, outwear, sword, and backpack. This was all given to me for free.

On top of that, General Cedric was kind enough to give me my first payment as a Sergeant. I thought it wasn’t bad considering I never held money in my life in this world.

In this world, there was this thing called coins which was the currency of this world. The coins were bronze coins, silver coins, and finally, gold coins. Ten bronze coins equal one silver coin while ten silver coins equal one gold coin.

There was also paper currency which was the same as the coin except that there were yellow, green, and blue instead of being bronze, silver and gold. They held the same value as the coins and were called crests.

One bronze coin or one yellow crest was enough to buy bread. One silver coin or one green crest was enough for an average inn. Thus, one bronze coin or one yellow crest was almost the same as $1 on Earth.

Anyway, my training would start tomorrow but I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. The training would be more harsh back on Earth considering we were in a war and there was no telling when the Imperials would attack. We needed to prepare anyway we could.

I guess I should stay here until I am strong enough to protect myself and have enough savings to live without worrying about money. I thought as I planned my future. I don’t want to die in a nation where my parents literally sold me.

Feeling tired, I quietly closed my eyes as I fell asleep. However, I made sure I set up the alarm clock so I wouldn’t wake up late.