Chapter 75 - The Moon Walking in the Wake of the Sun
After Founding Declaration Day, Ernest secretly sent a letter to Haires, quietly asking for his father's thoughts on the Emperor's intentions.
He thought that, if anyone had picked up on something, it would be Haires.
However, although Haires had most certainly grasped the hidden meaning within Ernest's letter, he didn't offer any opinion on the matter.
This meant either that Haires himself hadn't figured out the Emperor's intentions, or that he simply didn't see any need to share that information with Ernest.
In any case, there was no reason for Ernest to press Haires further.
Time flowed on, and now the wind and rain grew so relentless that everything was being swallowed up. It became nearly impossible even to step outside.
Even in this weather, the distinguished figures of the Imperial Military Academy often had to leave the campus, and, conversely, important visitors would come from elsewhere.
Since these honored guests couldn't be allowed to get their shoulders soaked in the downpour, the academy's Baltrachers would rush out, frantically using the Balt Shield to fend off the rude, battering rain.
Truthfully, venturing out in this weather didn't simply mean wet shoulders—it made it hard just to stand upright.
Shielding them from the elements was the least one could do.
As was expected for this season, the torrential rains swept through Grimman and the rest of the Empire's Central Region.
Sheltered by the downpour, the cadets could, for a while, hide from Thomas's brutal training.
There was no way they could have training in weather like this. Even last year, the Mock Battle Training only took place after the rain had eased up.
"When this rain ends, everything will be over."
Robert was absolutely convinced that goddamned Captain Thomas Kohler would not only make them do Mock Battle Training as soon as the rain stopped, but also force them through that damned Rainy Night March.
He couldn't help but wish this wretched storm would just go on forever without end.
When the rain stopped, the cadets of the Imperial Military Academy would be finished.
Thomas would hurl them down to the very Bottom of Hell and cackle gleefully.
All they could do then was flail desperately in the depths of the Abyss, entertaining Thomas in their struggle to survive
"No!"
At that moment, Ernest suddenly jumped to his feet and, unusually for him, shouted out in a strong, spirited voice.
"It's not the end—it's just beginning! The Silver Horseshoe Tournament is coming!"
Despite the gloomy outlook for the future, a spark of hope shone in Ernest's dark eyes.
As soon as the rain ends, the Silver Horseshoe Tournament will be held!
This year, Robert, who is just as passionate about the Silver Horseshoe Tournament as Ernest, had already written to his father and arranged in advance for a horse to run in the Obstacle Course.
Barring unexpected accidents like those that happened in last year's final race, Ernest was practically guaranteed victory!
"Drek and Bereter are both ready for this. This year, I'm going to win for sure."
Both Drek, clever and gentle, and Bereter, clever and wild, had their eyes on winning.
Their motivations were different—Drek wanted to win for Ernest, while Bereter wanted to win for himself—but either way, both were highly cooperative.
Ernest needed to win not only for himself and for his father, but for the two horses as well.
If Ernest failed to win again, Drek would be deeply saddened.
Those big eyes might fill with tears of disappointment and sorrow.
Sweet, kind, and beloved Drek…
And as for Bereter, he might blame Ernest for not winning—since Ernest was the one on his back—and could even try to kill him out of spite.
That horse was out of his mind.
It would be one thing if he were just ill-tempered, but he was so frighteningly clever that it was downright terrifying.
If someone claimed that a horse kept in the stables had already killed several people without anyone noticing, hiding the evidence in some unbelievable way, it wouldn't be unreasonable to take the accusation seriously.
"Yeah! For the next three years until we graduate, we'll keep winning and set a new record in the history of the Imperial Military Academy—on top of our grades in Military Science!"
Robert, now revived, sprang to his feet and shouted out cheerfully. It's in the darkest moments that hope shines the brightest.
Or perhaps, all they were really doing was looking for a way to escape before they lost their minds—courtesy of Thomas's training, which could barely be called discipline or outright torture.
"And in the meantime, now that you've lent me your horse, are you also going to use the opportunity to promote your father's trading company?"
"Of course! Why miss the chance!"
Well, that's how it was. The Silver Horseshoe Tournament was drawing near.
"The schedule has changed. Arm yourselves and pack your gear immediately, then get on the transport vehicle."
"..."
Captain Thomas Kohler, Senior Instructor at the Imperial Military Academy, watched the young boys' faces twist in agony, savoring it with a gentle smile none of them had ever seen before.
"I know you've all been worrying that we couldn't train because of the rain. But don't worry. There are plenty of drills you can do in the rain. I've thought of everything."
"In this— this downpour..."
"Don't worry about that, either."
Someone tried to protest with a trembling voice, but Thomas simply shook his head gently, still wearing that kindly smile.
"We're heading straight to the 2nd Corps to carry out the Field Training that was scheduled for the summer. The Empire's Northwest doesn't get this much rain, so it'll be fine."
Camping outdoors in this kind of downpour was nothing short of madness, but for soldiers, it was an essential rite of passage.
If you hadn't done this, you couldn't claim to have lived the life of a soldier.
In reality, thanks to some crazy bastard's—no, your commanding officer's—orders during an operation, you'd inevitably have to go through such lunacy at least once.
Better to experience it before going into actual combat.
Rumble! Whoooosh!
"Hahahaha."
"..."
Lightning split the stormy sky outside, and rain hammered the windows.
Standing in front of this dramatic scene, Thomas grinned, surrounded by a warmth only he could feel in the otherwise frigid room, delightedly watching the stunned silence of the Second Year cadets.
He was determined to let these greenhorn bastards taste hell.
He pictured them crawling through the mud, trying desperately to cling to tents swept away by the floodwaters—finally collapsing, wailing in defeat.
Just imagining it gave Thomas the energy to keep going for another year.
This was why he loved being an instructor.
There was nothing better.
It really was electrifying, as if struck by lightning.
Of course, watching Thomas smile sent chills down the cadets' spines, as if insects were crawling all over their bodies—they could barely even breathe.
"This is all your fault, Ernest."
"What now...?"
And just as the furious Wilfried said, this was indeed caused by Ernest, who had set the stage for Thomas to go wild by leading the Alliance Army's tactics to defeat the Third Years without a single loss.
Or maybe not.
Either way, someone was to blame.
The Silver Horseshoe Tournament ended up being postponed.
Instead, the Field Training originally scheduled for summer would begin early—and in a torrential downpour, no less.
Starting right now!
Whoooosh! Thud!
"..."
"..."
In the brief moment as they got into the transport vehicle, water streamed off their rain-soaked raincoats and pooled on the floor.
The transport was as silent as a moving coffin.
Given their deathly expressions, calling it a moving coffin wasn't far off.
"So, this is..."
In this funeral-like atmosphere, the only one able to open his mouth was Robert, whose jaws would probably still bob above the water even if you tied rocks to his limbs and threw him into the sea.
"So this is all Ernest's fault, right?"
"No."
"Yes."
At Robert's question, Ernest flatly denied it, while Wilfried agreed with a smirk.
"How is any of this my fault? Did I change the schedule? Did I make the training plans?"
"We crushed the Third Years, which gave Instructor Kohler all the justification he needed to put this whole mess into motion. And that victory was only possible because you spent the past year tormenting us all in the forest."
"That's a good thing! We even had a party to celebrate the win together."
Ernest insisted, a little desperately.
He was the key player in that victory, after all.
"Right. It was a glorious victory, and we had a great time."
"So then why—"
"Ernest, don't take it too personally. I just need someone to complain at right now, and I picked you. It's unfair and makes no sense, but just accept it."
"...."
Because Wilfried so readily admitted that his complaint was unfair and unreasonable, Ernest found himself, rather awkwardly, unable to defend himself any further.
"So what do we do now?"
Robert, thoroughly soaked to the skin even under his raincoat so that his cadet uniform clung unpleasantly to his body, pulled at his clothes to peel them off his skin and asked the question. It was something everyone was wondering, united in their confusion, but unfortunately, no one had an answer.
"Alright, alright. Then first things first...."
Robert carefully stood up, steadying himself with a hand on the roof of the transport vehicle as it jostled along the rainy road. Then he bowed his head very politely to the cadet sitting next to Ernest, asking to switch seats. The cadet, having no idea why, gave up his spot, and Robert sat down beside Ernest with a grin.
"Teacher Ernest, I'm counting on you."
"...."
"Let me make one thing absolutely clear: you'd better not get some fool idea about leaving me behind. There's not a chance I'm sleeping in any tent except yours. Got it? I have no intention, not even for a second, of waking up screaming in a tent flooded with rain."
Robert declared this in a low, firm voice.
"Ernest. Don't forget. Remember who you're sharing a tent with. If you ditch me here, I'll make sure you regret it until graduation. I'll do whatever you say, so just take me with you, alright? You're responsible for making sure I stay at the Military Academy, got it."
Robert was a quick-witted boy who knew exactly where to align himself to survive extreme situations like these. Using the fact that he shared a tent with Ernest as leverage, he presented himself as the most resourceful and appealing companion.
"Krieger, we're friends, right? Aren't we? I've even been to your home. I met your father, too."
Jonas, sprawled out with a face like a corpse and wallowing in despair, immediately picked up on the situation. He sprang up in the jostling transport vehicle and rushed over to Ernest, desperately starting to plead.
"Krieger! Remember during the last Mock Battle Training, we moved together! You haven't forgotten the bond of the Ranger Unit, right? Right?"
"Get out of my way! You cowards, you snakes! Don't just act like Ernest's friend when you only need something from him! I've been friends with Ernest since before we even entered the Academy!"
"If anyone's the most cowardly, sneaky, and calculating when they need something, Robert, it's you…"
"Oh, come on, how can you say that, Teacher Ernest? You know I've always deeply respected you. Isn't that right? Please?"
"Somebody get that damn suck-up out of here now!"
"Aaaagh!"
Robert was grabbed by countless hands and shoved helplessly into the corner of the transport vehicle. Whoever ended up sharing a tent with Ernest was still up in the air, but for now, it was definitely a good idea to get Robert out of the running. That secured at least one spot.
"Hey, you know…"
"Yeah, Krieger. Go ahead. I'm listening."
"…First off, we don't even know how many people will be in each tent. And we might not even camp at all, we could be staying in the barracks."
"So, have you ever camped in weather like this before?"
"I've camped plenty of times on rainy days, but in weather like this…"
"At least you've done it before! I've never even been camping!"
"Krieger, have I ever mentioned how much I admire you as the top student of our year?"
Ernest couldn't think straight, overwhelmed by the mass of cadets crowding around him and shouting. It was honestly the kind of scene he feared would show up in his nightmares.
"You're regretting it now, aren't you? Right? Aren't you?"
"…Be quiet."
Robert, who'd been shoved into the corner, slunk over to where Wilfried was quietly sitting and started teasing him. Wilfried, still convinced he couldn't possibly share a tent with Ernest after giving him such a hard time, couldn't do much except tell Robert to keep it down.
This just proved how important environment is. Even if you're the Duke's son, a single word from you could sway dozens or even hundreds in noble society—in a situation like this, you're nothing more than useless dead weight. On the other hand, Ernest's survival skills, something often looked down on as low-class in noble circles, shone brighter than gold in this situation. Everyone naturally wanted him on their side.
"What are they doing over there?"
"No clue."
Drivers in the transport vehicle right behind could only tilt their heads in confusion as they glimpsed the wild commotion and shouting coming from the cadets inside the vehicle ahead, barely visible through the wind and rain. Were they actually about to start a riot because they were fed up with Thomas? Were some cadets opposing the orders, leading to internal conflicts and fights?
"I've camped in the rain before, but this is my first time camping in weather like this."
"Ugh..."
"How about the rest of you?"
"I have some experience too, but I don't think it'll be much help. Sorry."
"There's no need to apologize."
Meanwhile, in another transport vehicle, Ferdinand was calmly sharing information with the other cadets and trying to figure out how best to assign those with experience.
"But Hartmann, the schedule changed so suddenly—have you heard anything?"
Ferdinand felt a surge of irritation at the question, having heard it constantly since the graduation ceremony last spring. However, instead of snapping like a child, he took a moment to let the annoyance pass and answered calmly.
"I haven't heard anything, either. My grandfather is the Corps Chief of Staff of the 2nd Corps, but I'm just an Officer Cadet. Even if I do find anything out, it'll be long after the decisions have already been made."
"…Sorry."
"It's fine. Next time... huh..."
"Next time I find anything out, I'll let you know first, so please, stop asking me."
With a sigh, Ferdinand rubbed his face. He wasn't exaggerating—over the spring, he'd probably been asked the same question at least two hundred times. Not just his peers, but cadets from other years would approach him whenever anything happened and throw questions his way.
"We need to figure out who's in the other transport vehicles and learn how the training will be conducted if we want to assign people properly."
Suddenly exhausted, Ferdinand's voice lost a bit of its usual strength.
"For now, let's just get some rest. It's not like we'll be arriving overnight, anyway."
Field Training was set to take place out at the front. Even riding Balt Automobiles, it would take at least four days to get there—and with the roads a mess and poor visibility due to the heavy rain, it could take six days or more. They definitely wouldn't be holed up in the transport vehicles the entire time. They'd likely stop in towns along the way to rest, and during those times, it would be best to gather everyone and discuss things then.
***
"We're here! Everyone out!"
"Move it! Hurry up!"
Despite driving through the rain for a long time, they still hadn't left the Central Region of the Empire. In fact, they were still in the Central Area. The empire was vast, of course, but the real problem was the weather.
The cadets, following their instructor's lead, ran into the city hall located in the center of the Inner District. Their raincoats, which had only just managed to dry during the ride, were soaked through again in an instant. Water trickled down their necks, leaving their chests damp.
"Ugh..."
"Good grief..."
After sitting all day in a vehicle plowing through the downpour, some of the cadets suffered from terrible motion sickness.
Even for those who weren't queasy, the uncomfortable ride had left everyone's backs and hips aching.
Still, stepping into the city hall felt like a lifesaver. For one thing, it was wonderful to finally be somewhere solid, where the ground didn't sway beneath their feet.
"Tonight, as a courtesy, you'll be allowed to stay in some of the better rooms at the city hall."
Thomas, looking at the cadets who could barely stand, spoke as though he were showing them extraordinary mercy.
At those words, everyone's expressions darkened.
Tonight?
So what about tomorrow?
"If you stayed in nice rooms every night, it wouldn't be proper training, would it? Tomorrow, we'll be sleeping in a different city. And there, you'll be staying in the barracks where real soldiers live."
"W-where the soldiers...?"
The Officer Cadets, many of whom came from Noble Families, were horrified at the thought of sharing quarters with common foot soldiers.
But showing that kind of reaction would only make Thomas happier.
"And after that," Thomas went on, "unfortunately, there won't be anywhere big enough to house all of you, so we'll have to spend a night in a small, rural, and rather rundown village."
Thomas spoke with a beaming smile that showed not even a hint of genuine regret.
"By then, we should be out of the Central Region. The rain should let up a bit, too."
"Oh, no…"
Crushing voices filled with despair, Thomas declared,
"From that point on, until we return to the Military Academy, it'll be camping every single night. As officer cadets, you'll have a truly rewarding experience—so be sure to enjoy it to the fullest."
Judging from the sour looks on the other instructors' faces, it seemed they, too, would be pitching tents and joining the outdoor life. In other words, the only person genuinely pleased by Thomas's words was Thomas himself.
"Now this is real training. Absolutely, no doubt about it."
No one had ever imagined this coldhearted man could show so much enthusiasm.
"Instructor Kohler."
In the heavy silence, a boy boldly raised his hand and called out to Thomas. The great and esteemed Chief Instructor Thomas seemed to appreciate the boy's courage; he made eye contact with Officer Cadet Robert Jimman and nodded, granting him permission to speak.
"First of all, I want to thank you for planning such a wonderful and impressive training experience."
Robert spoke with admirable composure. Everyone was bewildered—after all, Robert was not the type to make such respectable remarks.
"But my heart aches at the thought that we're the only ones who get to benefit from this remarkable training, Instructor Kohler. Please, not just us Second Years, but let the other classes also gain valuable experience through the training Instructor Kohler has planned."
Since things had already gone this far, Robert felt he wouldn't be able to sleep soundly unless the other classes got tossed into the same hell.
"Jimman, I'm truly touched by your concern."
Thomas nodded with a gentle smile, looking genuinely moved.
"But you needn't worry. While only the Second Years have been scheduled in advance to train with the 2nd Corps, the other classes will also be conducting exercises near Grimman. It'll be once the storm starts to pass, but their turn will come."
Captain Thomas Kohler, a model soldier who left no room for error, had meticulously made sure not just the Second Years, but every class would be properly put through the wringer.
While the Second Years' training would last longer, since they had to travel all the way to the Empire's Northwest where the 2nd Corps was based, the intensity of the drills near Grimman would be even more punishing.
The Empire's Northwest might be outside the Wild Gale's Domain, but Grimman sat at its very heart.
"Ah… That's a relief, Instructor Kohler."
With a satisfied smile, Robert let out a genuine sigh of relief.
Rarely, the cheerful Robert and the cold, sadistic Thomas wore the exact same pleased expression.
"Well, at least we're not the only ones suffering, so I feel a bit better."
"Seriously."
Before long, the other cadets, too, were warming up to the atmosphere.
Once again, Robert's natural gifts shone through, smoothly lightening up the previously frigid mood.
Humans are such weak and petty creatures; just the thought of someone having it rougher than oneself is enough to lift the heart.
If I'm going down, I'm not going down alone.