A month had passed since the 4th Company switched to Nandal’s trading house, and the situation had dramatically changed. Other companies soon followed suit, moving away from Cabadao Trading Company. This shift occurred because Heisen broke the unspoken agreement, prompting others to seek better service and quality. The difference was most noticeable in the food.

Food was the soldiers' greatest pleasure, and the 4th Company’s meals had become significantly tastier. Additionally, since the food was cheaper, they could procure larger quantities. Frequent, smaller deliveries meant they received fresh supplies. Yang even purchased extra and shared the surplus with other companies, highlighting the quality difference. It didn’t take long for other lieutenants to start criticizing their own supplies.

Not only did the soldiers appreciate the new supplies, but the cooks also found them easier to work with, allowing for a more varied menu. The head cook of the 4th Company, Gazi (recently promoted), proudly boasted about this to other companies. Eventually, Nandal’s food supplies completely replaced those of Captain Lorenzo’s 2nd Battalion.

“Next month, it’s the 1st Battalion’s food supplies,” Nandal said, showing signs of exhaustion.

“Are you okay? You seem to be pushing yourself quite hard.”

“Thanks for your concern. But if we don’t seize this opportunity now, when will we? Opportunities like this don’t come often.”

“Good attitude. Keep it up.”

“The fresh Gomanu meat is particularly popular,” Nandal noted.

In winter, dried meat was typically the mainstay, but the Cumon tribe's territory had many Gomanu beasts active even in winter. Thanks to Heisen’s magic staff, they were able to capture more beasts than usual, creating a surplus.

“This was a pleasant surprise,” Heisen remarked.

“However, we’re seriously understaffed now.”

“Then hire the children from the orphanage.”

“Children…?”

“It’s all about how you use them. For simple tasks, children will suffice.”

Prospering towns would boost the local economy, which in turn would benefit Nandal’s trading house. Additionally, they could scout talented children from the orphanage for future employment. A virtuous cycle was developing in the region. Nandal, understanding Heisen’s intentions, nodded eagerly.

“Yes, some of the children trained by Yang seem capable. I’ll consider which tasks they can handle. However, we also need a few experienced merchants.”

“Hiring external, ready-made employees is risky. They could be spies from Cabadao Trading Company. Oh, right. Yang!”

Heisen called out to the black-haired girl buried in books.

“What is it?”

“Help Nandal. You can stay in the fortress, but you need to assist with administrative work.”

“What? I’m overwhelmed with assignments from Master Su!”

“No excuses. Just do it.”

“Argh! It’s not an excuse!” Yang protested, but Heisen ignored her.

“Leave all bookkeeping to Yang. Nandal; focus solely on negotiations with trading partners.”

“That would be helpful. But can Yang handle it alone?”

“This girl can manage the work of ten people. She’s been cramming knowledge, so her data processing skills have skyrocketed.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Exactly! I can’t do it. Absolutely not.”

“I’m not asking if you can. You will.”

Nandal responded to Yang’s disbelieving expression by continuing the conversation.

“Regarding security, can you recommend a good guard?”

Nandal likely meant that Cabadao Trading Company might send assassins. It wasn’t far-fetched to think they might target Nandal soon.

Stolen story; please report.

“A guard, huh? I have an idea.”

“What is it?”

“Can’t we hire the Cumon tribe?”

“I see. But don’t we want to keep the alliance with the Cumon tribe secret from other countries?”

“As long as they operate only in the mountainous regions, it should be fine. For the plains, how about Kakuzu? Can you handle it?”

“That’s fine, but what about Yang?”

“Yang will assist Edal First Class Private on his missions as a translator. Kakuzu can escort her. Their schedules can be aligned.”

If Yang acted as a translator for Edal (promoted to first-class private), it would be natural for Kakuzu to accompany her. The plains would pose fewer ambush risks, making Kakuzu adequate.

“And for bringing supplies to the fortress, I’ll share the military route with our traders.”

Heisen presented Nandal with a schedule.

“What’s this?”

“The 4th Company’s training schedule. Align your supply deliveries with this schedule, and you can swiftly counter any attacks.”

“Thank you for everything.”

“Of course, it’s not free. Kakuzu is expensive. He’s one of my key assets.”

“I’ll prepare the equivalent of one or two companies’ worth of rewards. And food too.”

“Of course. We’ll provide the best meals in abundance,” Nandal replied, making Kakuzu leap with joy. He must have been surviving on dried meat alone.

“Now, we just have to see how the factions and Cabadao Trading Company respond.”

“I’ve set traps everywhere. Let’s hope they fall for them.”

“I’m really glad we’re not on opposing sides,” Nandal said with a smile.

Algeid’s fortress in the Duchy of Diodor was renowned for being impregnable. A magical barrier protected it, rendering arrows and other projectiles useless. Additionally, a corps of fully armored soldiers called the “Kyo-Gai Soldiers” guarded the fortress gates, preventing a frontal assault. The metal used in their armor was Madoma steel, mined only in the Duchy of Diodor. It was the continent’s 10th-lightest and 15th-strongest metal.

“It’s perfect for defense,” murmured General Gizar of the Duchy of Diodor, yawning out of boredom as he ruffled his blonde, scruffy hair in his quarters.

“Please don’t suggest confronting the Empire,” cautioned Landbull, the captain of the guards, who was about ten years older than the 28-year-old Gizar and fixed him with a sharp gaze.

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t be here.”

“We can’t do anything about your demotion.”

“I know. But that incompetent minister made me so angry.”

When the time was right to take action, a certain minister intervened, attempting to negotiate an agreement. In his frustration, Gizar lashed out, resulting in his current position.

“Ugh. It’s so dull here. I wish the Empire would just attack.”

“Don’t say such ominous things.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“General Gizar, we’ve received a message that an Imperial lieutenant wishes to meet with you in private.”

The moment he heard this, the young blond general stood up immediately.

“A defection?”

“It could be a trap.”

“Let’s meet them.”

“You want to go yourself?”

“I’ll go stir-crazy if I stay here.”

The captain of the guards smiled wryly at such an explanation.

“Where are they now?”

“At Cabadao Trading Company’s trading house.”

“Isn’t that a military contract for the Empire?”

“Indeed. If it’s a trap, it’s a rather careless one.”

Gizar stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Something’s happening internally... Let’s go.”

“Wait a moment. I’ll prepare a few guards in addition to myself.”

“Is there anyone in that fortress who can beat me?”

“Well… no.”

General Gizar was renowned for his exceptional strength within the Duchy of Diodor. Despite his current lack of military achievements, Landbull believed he would soon receive a promotion to general. As the captain of the guards, this was reassuring, but it also meant he often had to deal with various unreasonable demands, making his job no easier.

Half a day later, they arrived at Cabadao Trading Company’s trading house. Given the covert nature of the operation, Gizar's only companions were Landbull and a few guards.

“Thank you for waiting. My name is Uday.” A round-faced merchant led them to a room where a nervous-looking military officer sat.

“I’m Lieutenant Mospizza from the 4th Company of the 2nd Battalion.”

“I’m General Gizar. I won’t stay long. Let’s get to the point.”

“In one month, Lord Mi-Sil’s forces will gather at the northern Karina Fortress to attack Algeid Fortress.”

Gizar scrutinized Mospizza, assessing his credibility. If the information was true, it was a significant issue, but if it was false, it could lead them into a trap of misinformation.

“Do you have proof?”

“Here are copies of the letters exchanged.” Mospizza handed over detailed internal communications and the names of those involved.

“I understand. I’ll compare this with our intelligence. But why would a lieutenant betray the Empire?”

The Empire currently holds the dominant position in terms of national power, prestige, and military strength, far surpassing the Duchy of Diodor.

The nervous-looking man, unusually bald and biting his nails, mumbled as if in a trance, “I lost everything because of a new lieutenant named Heisen Heim. This Cabadao Trading Company also suffered significant losses because of him.”

“A lieutenant?” Gizar frowned. Could a mere lieutenant wield such influence over the military?

“He’s no ordinary lieutenant. He negotiated a ceasefire with the Cumon tribe and usurped my position.”

Gizar and Landbull exchanged glances. They examined documents like the ceasefire agreement and other crucial papers that a mere lieutenant wouldn’t normally have access to.

“Lieutenant Mospizza, who’s pulling the strings behind you?”

This man wasn’t acting alone; a larger force was behind him.

“I can’t reveal their names. But both I and Cabadao Trading Company cannot tolerate his existence.”

Gizar nodded, realizing that this was likely a factional conflict. It wasn’t uncommon for factions within a country to conspire with foreign officials to eliminate rivals.

While it was distasteful to witness, verifying the authenticity of these documents shouldn’t take too long.

“If the information is true, I’ll attack the Empire’s fortress. What’s in it for me?”

“Nothing. Just eliminate Captain Lorenzo and Ensign Heisen. Especially Ensign Heisen.”

“Understood.”

Gizar suspected that Lord Mi-Sil planned to reclaim the fortress after deploying his forces. However, he had no intention of simply letting them take back the territory.

“Then it’s a deal.”

“Indeed,” replied Lieutenant Mospizza with a grin.

Gizar returned the grin, satisfied with the arrangement.