Southwest of Orlais. Silves city.

As I stepped into the grand lobby of Silves castle, I noticed Gretel de Montfort standing there, her figure poised as if anticipating someone's arrival. Gretel, the cherished offspring of Marquis Cyril de Montfort, the lord of this land, was known for her grace and elegance. The air was thick with tension as our region was engulfed in a fierce civil war, and I yearned for a leisurely stroll through the city to witness our soldiers' rigorous training.

To my surprise, Gretel's eyes lit up with joy as they met mine. Could it be that she was eagerly awaiting my presence? "Master Hiro!" she called out, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and relief.

"Good morning, Gretel."

"Good morning, Master Hiro," Gretel replied, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. She adjusted the folds of her dress, her fingers momentarily trembling before she composed herself. "I apologize for my anxious demeanor. The current state of affairs in our land has left me on edge."

I nodded understandingly, aware of the unrest that plagued our region. "I can sense the tension in the air, Gretel. It's a difficult time for all of us."

Gretel's eyes wandered for a moment before she refocused her gaze on me. "I must admit, Master Hiro, I was hoping for your presence today. I find solace in your company amidst these troubling times."

Her words took me by surprise, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in my chest. "I am honored, Gretel. Your father, Marquis Cyril, is a respected lord, and I'm but a humble observer in these lands. It warms my heart to know that my presence brings you some comfort."

A faint blush colored Gretel's cheeks, adding to her allure. "You underestimate the impact you have, Master Hiro. Your insights and wisdom have been a guiding light for many in our faction, including myself. Your support means more to me than you can imagine."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility weighing upon me. The turmoil of the civil war demanded attention and action, and yet, here stood a young woman who sought solace and reassurance. "Gretel, I appreciate your kind words. In times of strife, it is important to find moments of respite and strength. Perhaps a stroll through the city would do us both good."

A spark of excitement ignited in Gretel's eyes as she nodded eagerly. "Yes, that sounds wonderful, Master Hiro. To witness the training of our soldiers and remind ourselves of the resilience within our walls would be a welcome respite indeed."

As we stepped out of the grand lobby of Silves castle, our worries momentarily set aside, we embarked on a journey through the bustling streets.

"Look. Isn’t that Young Mistress and the foreign guest?"

"I’m envious of how lovey-dovey they are."

"You too are still so young. How nice."

Gretel turned red when she heard the comments of the spectators.

"No. We’re going to do the training inspection today!" Gretel struggled to explain to the onlookers.

"The first thing we’re checking are the soldiers, right? Will we go outside the walls?" She asked.

"No, the inspection will just be in Silves."

I bought a small fruit at a street stand in the central plaza.

Gretel was reluctant as the heiress to consume the product right after it was bought, although her sour face turned into a smile after she took one bite.

As Gretel took a bite of the fruit, her initial hesitation transformed into delight. The tangy flavor seemed to invigorate her, and she savored each mouthful with evident pleasure. I couldn't help but smile at her reaction, glad that the small indulgence brought her some joy amidst the challenges we faced.

"Delicious, isn't it?" I remarked, observing Gretel's expression.

Gretel nodded enthusiastically, a sparkle in her eyes. "It truly is. Thank you for suggesting this, Master Hiro. Sometimes, it's the simplest pleasures that can brighten our spirits."

I offered her a warm smile. "Indeed, Gretel. In the midst of chaos, it's important to find moments of happiness and hold onto them tightly."

As we continued our stroll through the streets of Silves, the sounds of training exercises reached our ears. Soldiers clad in armor were engaged in drills and sparring, their dedication evident in their movements. Gretel's gaze was drawn to their display of discipline and determination.

"It's remarkable," she mused, her voice filled with admiration. "Our soldiers, despite the turmoil, are unwavering in their commitment to protect our land."

I nodded in agreement. "Their loyalty and bravery are commendable. They are the backbone of our faction and give us hope for a brighter future."

Gretel's gaze shifted to me, a mixture of curiosity and admiration in her eyes. "And what about you, Master Hiro? What gives you hope amidst these challenging times?"

I paused for a moment, contemplating her question. "For me, it's the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the face of adversity, people have the capacity to come together, to support one another, and to fight for a better tomorrow. It is in these acts of unity and compassion that I find hope."

Gretel's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch my arm. "Thank you for reminding me of the strength within us, Master Hiro. Your wisdom and unwavering spirit inspire me."

I smiled gratefully, appreciating her gesture. "And you, Gretel, inspire me with your beauty. Together, we can weather any storm."

Gretel's cheeks flushed crimson, and she lowered her gaze, a shy smile playing at her lips. The moment hung in the air, charged with unspoken emotions. 

"Master Hiro," Gretel whispered, her voice barely audible. "Your presence brings me strength, and your words touch my heart. In this chaotic world, you are my anchor."

I gently took her hand in mine, offering reassurance and support. "And you, Gretel, are the beacon of hope that guides me through these troubled waters. Together, we shall find our way."

When we arrived at the training grounds, Myla and the others come over to meet us. Although not completely recovered, Myla was still able to walk.

"They’re able to get into formation more smoothly now. Many new soldiers were recruited lately so I have to continue working hard to raise the overall skill level."

With her excellent commanding ability, Myla mainly looked to improve the soldiers’ ability to create formations and their ability to cooperate although these men were local while Myla was a foreigner like me.

"Wah, they’re lined so neatly."

Gretel also seemed to be pleased with the orderly ranks.

Naturally, she was not very knowledgeable or interested in the military, but she did like the ceremonial marching of soldiers.

As an aside, there have been times when Myla was giving out instructions beside me that I had circled my arm behind her and fingered her holes.

Myla desperately endured so the soldiers wouldn’t find out, however her voice gradually became more erotic-sounding and lots of soldiers ended up with a boner.

Of course, she got angry later and pinched my arm as hard as she could.

"That’s where you charge in!"

"But won’t the defense formation detour around?"

"The spears are still scattered like zawaah! Until you get them tight like bssh, a horse can go whoosh and breakthrough like dokan!"

"R-right."

Irijina, who was proficient in individual combat, was focusing on improving the soldiers’ battle capability in smaller scale fights.

She’s responsible for training small squads on how to charge and polishing the individual technique of the soldiers.

"Kyaa! ……it feels like the horses will crash into me, it’s scary."

Gretel did not seem fond of the charge training.

She watched regardless because we’re doing an inspection, hiding behind me most of the time.

As an aside, I’d have rough sex with Irijina during her breaks.

Since she couldn’t wash her body, I would fuck her while she’s sweaty, and often times we ended up on the floor of the tents.

Almost always, soldiers would come running because of how near we got to the time limit, except we never stopped, which resulted in more than a few soldiers watching.

Irijina was worried that she would be made fun of, however being able to endure the rough sex ended up making the soldiers respect her instead.

Still, she got angry and stole my meat during dinner time.

"Turn to the right."

"From behind…… there!"

Gheyna belonged exclusively to the bow division.

The bow cavalry, composed only of the 50 men from Dalish tribe with their superior archery and riding skills, had gotten quite familiar with the rest of the archery unit, although still have their own characteristic way of shooting and charging so it’s impossible to train them unless you know their particular way of doing things.

Her handling of horses was also outstanding and average commanders couldn’t keep up.

Meanwhile, Gretel seemed annoyed as I kept rubbing Myla's ass.

Gretel still looked like she had something to say, then suddenly she realized something and hid behind me.

It’s the appearance of sourface.

"The current state of progress is about 70%. The first stage is expected to be complete before the next year, although there is clear lag. Beginning next year, large scale training will be conducted to remedy the issue."

Leonhardt Strauch reported without any hint of emotion.

"Is that so."

Gretel gave a curt reply of disinterest and looked up.

It’s a little funny to see her struggle to deal with this man from Redcliffe, Leonhardt Strauch.

Leonhardt Strauch was doing all the important work from organizing the squads, recruiting soldiers, provisioning weapons and supplies, and formulating training regimens. He reported directly to Cass Brankovic, my chief strategist who was now in Redcliffe.

He would give out instructions that Myla, Irijina, Gheyna, Mithra and Demia followed. 

Orlais-Fanoss Union was a new nation born from the unification of the Orlais federation, Principality of Fanoss and Florence port state. 

The one reigning over all of it was― Selena Saxon, the former countess of the Saxon family.

While Florence was like Venetian, that was a small state located on the shore along Thedas sea, Fanoss and Orlais were large countries.

"By the way, I don’t see Suzy anywhere." Myla looked around while furrowing her pretty yellow eyebrows.

Oh yeah, now that you mentioned it.

All the officer level personnel should have gathered.

Just when I thought it was strange not seeing her, I found a nearby unmotivated…… ‘woman’ who was even more pathetic than the ordinary rank-and-file soldier. Her saving grace qas her beauty.

"Gosh, sorry about that. I had some important work."

Suzy Huber, the big breast girl, appeared calm and without a care in the world.

My initial thoughts were that she went to the toilet, but that was apparently not the case.

"……you know it’s past noon, right?"

Gretel asked coldly.

Myla's eyes also narrowed.

One side of her shirt collar was raised, her buttons were misaligned, her hair was unkempt―― it’s clear as day she was napping somewhere until now and rushed out to greet us.

"Hiro-samaaaa――!!"

Ohh, we’re finally here.

Mirai, the ninja girl jumped off her horse in front of me and made a pretty spin before landing.

"I didn’t want to show Hiro-sama anything unsightly so I did my best!"

Mirai didn’t have a fixed role so she showed up in places she deemed necessary.

Reina, the thief girl also arrived. She handled the reconnaissance matter.

She would look at all the squads and reported the weaknesses to me in an easily understandable way.

"Thanks for everything. If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t be able to interpret Leonheard's difficult explanations."

"No, people have things they are good at and things they are bad at! Hiro-sama isn’t suited to tasks which use the mind so I will support you!"

"By the way Hiro-sama, can’t you do anything about that woman?"

Mirai stared off to one point―― specifically at Sekrit.

"Kuku."

Sekrit answered her glare with a sneer.

"Maybe it’s better to just ignore it."

Sekrit had been showing up to military training lately.

Apparently, she’d commenting about every little thing.

Obviously Myla, Mirai, and the other officers were angry, and with Sekrit not knowing how to control herself, the situation became quite explosive.

And so, orders were issued to “not lay hands on that woman” and “pay no attention to her since she has no authority”.

She didn’t listen regardless.

Well, it didn’t seem any real damage was done so I wanted to ignore it. I wondered if she’s bored.

"Get into anti-cavalry formation――!"

"Kuku, what a relaxed formation change. That might work if the enemy rides on donkeys."

"Circle around from the right! Get into a semi-circle quickly!"

"That’s the left, stupid. See if you can do it while arrows rain down, redo it starting from the privates."

She’s unleashing a barrage of poison while seated with her legs crossed.

I didn’t blame the soldiers for hating her.

She had some guts to act so laid back despite all the hostile intent being directed at her.

It must have something to do with her being a former general of a grand fleet.

"Shit, that damn woman…… she knows I can’t lay hands on her……"

"Saying whatever she wants just because the commander likes her……"

"I want to fuck her until she screams!"

Sekrit responded to the soldiers’ complaints.

"That’s right. I have the looks, the body and pussy that he enjoys. If you’re so unhappy, would you like to try having a go at me? I’m sure with dozens of you, you can hold me down and stick it in. It just comes down to whether you have the courage."

Sekrit spread her legs to the grumbling soldiers. They could probably see her underwear.

"No, that’s……"

"I’ll be killed by the commander……"

"L-let’s get back to training."

"Hmph, cowards."

I should give her some work to do.

When she qasn’t occupied, she’s the type to do bad things.

"That woman―― Hiro-sama! Please give her some harsh punishment!"

"Yeah, I know."

Sekrit loved being tormented and tormenting others so anything I did won’t be very effective.

I couldn’t actually injure her either. What a dilemma.

A girl with light brown hair ran towards us. She passed a bottle of beer to Sekrit. She was Lucy, teh former refugee who now became Myla's personal assistant.

Oh right, Lucy had been here the whole time as our assistant.

Apparently she had been continuously requesting for an extended stay, refusing to accompany Mirellia Melromarc and Hilma Cygnaeus to Redcliffe.

Apparently all my women who participated in my undercover mission were with me in Silves city now.