The Tribal Wars

It's understandable why Captain Lorenzo would be surprised. Six years old is an age when, even for a noble, a child is just beginning to learn to read and write. This is when commoners start helping with the family business, but they're still learning their native language. A six-year-old who can act as an interpreter for another ethnic group is unheard of.

"Are you joking?"

"She's not just any child. Her name is Yang, and she's exceptionally intelligent. She is already trading with the Cumon tribe."

"It's hard to believe."

"Yang is also well-versed in their customs and etiquette. She applied the Cumon tribe's rule: 'Even an imperial child will face exile if they behave violently.'"

"Even if that's true, to infiltrate a group with such a distinct appearance... she's a courageous girl."

Heisen nodded, relieved that Lorenzo seemed to understand. Frankly, explaining Yang was the hardest part. Captain Lorenzo seemed quite open-minded. Normally, people would laugh off or dismiss this kind of story outright.

"So, you want to use Yang as an interpreter for my command?"

"Why? Only an interpreter is needed; she doesn't need to be at the fortress."

"To some extent, I need to learn about the Cumon tribe's language and culture. It's most efficient to live with her."

"Tell me the specific plan."

"First, I'll have Yang take care of the Cumon tribe prisoners. Once we've built enough trust, we'll negotiate a ceasefire through trade connections."

"You make it sound so simple."

"It's best to try things we haven't done before. Even if we fail and worsen the relationship, it won't be much different from the current state. So, the risk is low."

"However, failure could result in the death of both you and Yang, the girl."

"Yang is a child, so she'll probably escape. But they would torture me to death."

Of course, I have no intention of dying, even if we fail. However, stating this publicly underscores my unwavering resolve. Everyone takes a plea involving one's life seriously.

"Do you have a chance of success?"

"Yes. I'm not suicidal. I won't gamble my life recklessly."

"Alright. I'll take responsibility and propose this."

"Captain Lorenzo! Are you sure? If it fails—"

Lieutenant Mospizza interjected hurriedly.

"Don't worry. I won't mention your name. I'll present it as my own decision."

"That's not what I'm concerned about, but I understood."

Despite his excuses, Lieutenant Mospizza quickly backed down. In short, he doesn't want to take responsibility for himself. Heisen concluded that this man was a coward.

"But achieving a ceasefire with the Cumon tribe would be a significant achievement." Lieutenant Heisen, you may receive a special honor."

Those who achieve great accomplishments receive a special honor as a reward. It includes not only gold and silver treasures but also promotions. Normally, a promotion from lieutenant to captain takes about six years, but this could happen within the year. Upon hearing this, Lieutenant Mospizza's face stiffened.

"So, Lieutenant Heisen himself will receive the special honor?"

"Of course. He's the one planning and executing the operation."

"But isn't it also due to Captain Lorenzo's broad-mindedness to approve such a reckless proposal? It shouldn't be considered his personal achievement."

Lieutenant Mospizza emphasized "also," implying he should get credit too. Even Captain Lorenzo looked exasperated.

"If approvals alone were enough for special honors, someone would receive them every year."

"But we must respect ranks. As a representative of the organization, at least a captain should receive it. Otherwise, it sets a negative example."

"Are you saying you should receive it?"

"Well, traditionally, yes. A superior officer receives credit for a subordinate's achievements."

Captain Lorenzo was speechless. Indeed, eight years ago, Mi-Sil, now ranked fourth among the upper nobility and a top military officer, received the last special honor for a surprise attack on the Zeorudo Union. At the time, she was a captain, and there was debate about whether her superior, a major, should have received it.

"Lieutenant Mospizza, do you believe you deserve the special honor?"

"I believe so. I've dedicated my life to the Empire. My passion for the Empire is unmatched, and with my long experience as a captain, I'm more qualified than someone who has been a lieutenant for less than a month."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

Lieutenant Mospizza answered without hesitation. Heisen, who had been observing him, smiled slightly.

"Well, there's no guarantee we'll receive the special honor. I just want to focus on succeeding."

"I'm sorry, Ensign Heisen. Lieutenant Mospizza means no harm. His passion for the Empire sometimes makes him overzealous."

"I understand. I am devoted to the Empire and will do my utmost. Heisen, you should know your place as a new lieutenant."

"Understood."

"Anyway, I understand about the Cumon tribe. Anything else, Lieutenant Heisen?"

After thinking for a moment, the black-haired young man spoke.

"Just a little small talk."

"Small talk?"

Captain Lorenzo looked puzzled.

"Do you know the strategist, Jilsas Zara?"

"He was a hero when the Empire was still a small nation. I'm not well versed in history, but I've heard of him."

"I admire his brilliant strategies and philosophies. He once decided to classify people into four types for military purposes."

"Four types?"

Heisen nodded.

"First, we need those who are motivated and capable. They are suited for front-line command. Secondly, those who possess the necessary skills but lack motivation excel. They function best as strategists behind the scenes."

"Interesting."

"Third, those who lack both motivation and capability should be compelled to fight on the front lines. They should be foot soldiers, forced to fight on the front lines."

"Indeed."

"And lastly, those who are motivated but incapable."

Captain Lorenzo inquired:

"What kind of person is that?"

Heisen looked at Mospizza.

He murmured with a cold gaze.

"He said, 'Kill me now.'"