My Platoon is F**king Hopeless

“Ting─.”

“Welcome~!”

The rough wooden door rang out with a clear sound as the bell attached to it chimed. The owner, who was as big as a bear, glanced at the door and then greeted the guests indifferently.

A woman in a fur coat entered the store. Despite her thick clothing, her figure was still noticeable.

She turned her head back and forth, examining the interior, and smiled widely when she saw someone waving from a corner with pink hair.

“Lumina!”

“It’s been a while, Bella.”

“How long has it been? Several months?”

This tavern was located on a street in the capital city, Kaeyef. It was an unforgettable place for the members of the now-defunct 8th Rapid Assault Magic Infantry Battalion.

It was perfect for everyone to gather after nearly three months.

Usually, the owner would know the regulars, but this indifferent owner who ignored regular customers was the hallmark of this tavern.

“Where is Lumina?”

“She had some urgent additional work and said she’d be about half an hour late.”

“Poor thing…”

She had always volunteered to be Enok Revendale’s adjutant since he served in the Northern Army Corps’ Magic Battalion.

Unfortunately, due to Enok Revendale’s rapid promotion, she couldn’t continue as his adjutant this time.

Instead, she was assigned to the position of Commander of the Magic Training Battalion under the direct command of the Army Education Command.

Frankly speaking, in terms of career, there was no one more impressive among the magic soldiers than her.

She was the closest aide to Enok Revendale, a living legend in the Army who was now considered a First-Class Red Mage.

Of course, she participated in the Quernen War and provided significant assistance in the planning of actual operations.

She became the battalion commander thanks to the strong recommendation of the newly appointed Magic Battalion Commander, Sony Chepelin.

Although she complained that the commander wasn’t suitable for her, she was actually quite popular among trainees.

She was not only beautiful but also talented in teaching.

In any case, another battalion commander was born, joining forces with Major Claude Rain of the Special Operations Command.

Of course, Lumina possessed the necessary capabilities.

It was only natural.

“By the way, aren’t you busy these days, Major Roxanna Elrim?”

“Oh, again. It’s winter, so there are fewer missions. They’re trying to save fuel.”

Roxanna found the title of major awkward and played with her extended pink hair with her fingers.

Due to the national defense reform plan promoted by the Ministry of War where Enok Revendale belonged, the newly established aviation companies in each army corps were consolidated under a new organization called the “Okhraine Army Aviation.”

Previously controlled by the army corps, they would now have to perform several independent missions in future battlefields.

Moreover, airships like Diabolus were gradually becoming obsolete.

Given that airships were previously used only for ground support and logistics, assigning different roles to each army corps, such as the Manfred Combat Aircraft, was impractical.

Thus, a new Army Aviation was established directly under the Army Headquarters.

As one of the few officers in the aviation company, Roxanna Elrim naturally took up a position.

She became the first commander of the 1st Combat Air Regiment under the Army Aviation.

Since it seemed inappropriate for a major to hold a general’s rank, she ended up being a major, one rank higher than Lumina Blue and Bella Meyer.

“In fact, I still haven’t adapted. When I ask them to be casual, they get upset because it’s disrespectful to address a major like that.”

“That position comes with responsibilities. Being respected is natural.”

“Bella, you’re also a hospital director.”

During the Quernen War and coup, Orlando I showed great interest in converting blue mages into non-combat units.

There was a stark difference in casualties between places with mandatory basic training and those without.

However, given that blue mages were already in high demand across various units, it was impossible to create an entirely new medical command by just taking a few blue mages.

Therefore, they first established an Army Medical Base in the capital Kaeyef and built a hospital exclusively for military personnel.

Given that Bella Meyer, already well-supported by frontline troops as the “angel in white” or “Florence Nightingale,” was the most fitting candidate for the hospital director position, she too was given an ‘initial’ role.

“…Everyone has grown incredibly.”

“You’re right.”

Indeed, including the members of the 8th Rapid Assault Magic Infantry Battalion, they were all experiencing rapid promotions.

While Enok Revendale’s promotion from lieutenant to colonel was almost instantaneous, the women’s promotions from non-commissioned officer to commissioned officer were extraordinary.

“Come on, let’s have a toast. The beer must be getting cold.”

“Alright.”

Clang.

Roxanna chuckled, and Bella Meyer raised her beer glass for a toast.

“Speaking of which, did Colonel Enok Revendale come today?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure… I haven’t seen him much lately.”

“After all, he’s been traveling between the Northern Armament Complex, Western Armament Complex, Southern Naval Arsenal, and not just within the country but also in the Walter Tri-Countries, Rhinehardt Empire, and Polania Republic.”

His movements were as famous as those of Orlando I and Sony Chepelin.

People holding key positions in Okhraine were all calling for Enok Revendale.

Sometimes, Roxanna Elrim missed the early days of the 8th Rapid Assault Magic Infantry Battalion.

Back then, they didn’t go a day without seeing each other.

“…I miss him.”

Roxanna was startled when she realized she had blurted out her thoughts.

Looking at Bella Meyer, who was sipping her beer with a forlorn expression, she closed her mouth.

Yes, many people loved Enok Revendale.

All three women gathered here were looking at the same man.

So, Roxanna responded to Bella’s words.

“Me too.”

“What? You’re finally admitting it?”

“You know how picky my senior sisters are. If you don’t actively show your feelings, they won’t even look at you.”

“That’s true.”

“Bella said to take what you can if you have the chance.”

“Yeah, that’s right. You can’t achieve anything by hiding your feelings.”

Enok Revendale wasn’t oblivious.

He just carried a burden heavier than anyone could imagine.

They hadn’t been in a relationship for very long.

As Roxanna recalled that memory, Bella Meyer suddenly stiffened.

For a moment, something strange passed through her mind.

“Wait, Roxanna.”

“Yes?”

“Look me in the eye.”

Bella put down her beer glass and looked straight at Roxanna.

Roxanna, surprised by her sister’s sudden change in demeanor, replied but Bella just stared at her.

“Why, why are you doing this?”

“Did you… No, no… What? Really?”

Confusion clouded her red eyes.

“Really? No… I thought it couldn’t be true, but he’s even worse…?”

Clang.

Bella stood up, grabbing Roxanna’s hand.

She was completely close to Roxanna. Her intense gaze made Roxanna feel like she was being drawn in.

Roxanna couldn’t understand why Bella suddenly acted this way.

But when she heard Bella whisper, every hair on her body stood on end.

“Did you, did you do it with Colonel Enok Revendale?”

It was clear what she meant.

When Roxanna froze in response, Bella sighed.

Her reaction was practically an admission.

“I never thought he would involve Roxanna too.”

“Just a moment. Involve… Does this mean he involved others besides me… Ah.”

Roxanna’s emerald eyes flickered.

“Bella?”

She remained silent and poured beer into her empty glass.

“Roxanna, let’s make a promise. Even though I know this might seem hypocritical…”

“What kind of promise?”

“We’ll never tell Lumina about this.”

There was no need to think about it. Roxanna nodded.

They both unintentionally trampled on the pure love of their dear sister and beloved friend.

“Here, take this.”

Foam bubbled up quickly in her empty glass.

“Oh─ sorry! I’ve kept you waiting! The regiment commander suddenly called me, so I was late.”

Just as they fell into silence and started gulping down their beer,

Ting, the wooden door opened, and a silver-haired officer rushed in, breathing heavily.

“Aha… You came?”

“Yes, yes, come in!”

“What’s with the atmosphere? Why does it feel so awkward?”

“They haven’t seen each other in a long time! That must be why.”

“Right, Bella~! Oh, you’ve gotten even prettier! Come, sit down!”

Lumina Blue tilted her head at the sight of the two stuttering.

—

After all, Enok Revendale was indeed a terrible person.

And they, who were trapped by such a person, were victims.

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