Chapter 4: Postwar Cleanup is Tough (Part 1)

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Author: Hyougetsu Original Source: Syosetu
Translator: Mab English Source: Re:Library
Project Necro is an official initiative by Re:Library.
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The invasion of Lüenheit was successfully completed in less than an hour—but the postwar cleanup was a real headache.
The first unexpected issue was the number of casualties from the battle. Though not from our werewolf troops—but from the Lüenheit city guards.
Our werewolves had held back considerably, but even so, seven guards were killed in action.
There were over a hundred injured. If we hadn’t gone easy on them, the city guard would’ve been wiped out entirely.
I treated them using my rather basic healing magic. It wasn’t much better than a hospital visit in my previous life, but the medical standards in this world are abysmally low. I couldn’t afford to let them die from infections or poor recovery, so this should improve their chances significantly.

“Is that everyone?”

I had returned to my human form, my robe billowing around me.
In this world, mages are even more elite than doctors or lawyers were in my previous life.
Lüenheit is a decent-sized regional city, but there isn’t a single mage here who matches my level. Humans just aren’t as adept at magic as demons are.
So even my modest healing magic looked like a terrifying secret art to the city guards. Despite their wounds being healed, their expressions remained tense.

I addressed the guards:

“Few dare face werewolves without fear. Fewer still survive such a battle. Even though we held back, you all fought bravely—you are warriors worthy of respect.”

Sure, being praised for surviving a fight where the enemy went easy on you doesn’t feel great. But it was important to show the difference in strength.
At the same time, I had to preserve their pride with some words of praise. It’s a delicate balance.

“As for the seven who died in battle, they will be honored in the name of Governor Aylia. They were the bravest and most formidable of warriors.”

In truth, they were the unlucky ones who died even with us pulling our punches. But no one wants to hear their fallen comrades insulted. Best to honor them.
With a bow to the guards, I left the barracks.
Still feels awkward…

I had a mountain of tasks to handle.
I debated whether or not to let the dogfolk troops into the city, and eventually decided to have them camp around the city gates.
Dogfolk are small and weak. If matched in numbers and equipment, they’d lose to a regular farmer.
If they were inside the city and a large-scale revolt broke out, I’d have to send the werewolves to protect them—which wouldn’t be realistic.
Instead, I ordered them to inspect the city walls. As silverwork artisans, they’re better suited as engineers than warriors. If anything’s wrong, they’ll spot it right away.

The dogfolk bring their own food and eat very little, so they’re fine for now. But that’s not the case for the werewolves—they eat like professional wrestlers. So do I.
Thankfully, since our numbers are small, we’re feeding them with the governor’s personal funds. As long as they have meat, the werewolves stay cooperative.
For safety, I split their lodgings into two groups: one stationed at the governor’s mansion with me, and the other assigned to guard the dogfolk.
Now the issue was picking a leader for the group assigned to the city gate. Who should I appoint?

The Garne brothers were out of the question. Those two need to stay under my supervision or they’ll cause trouble. They’re idiots, after all.
I could ask one of the older werewolves, but when they’re in human form, their physical strength is just average for their age.
They’d fought hard today. I wanted them to rest.

As I was still deciding, a woman slightly older than me approached. It was Fern—my childhood neighbor.
She was also my first love in this world. I remember when I was around five, I asked her, “Will you marry me?” and she smiled and said, “Sure.”

“Veit, can you appoint me to lead the detached unit?”
“Are you sure, big si…I mean, Fern?”

Oops. I slipped into my childhood tone without thinking and quickly corrected myself.
Fern giggled and nodded.

“You want us to guard the dogfolk and the city gate, right? I get along well with them—leave it to me.”

Oh right, she’s a huge dog lover. She was constantly fussing over them during the march.

Big Sis Fern is both capable and trustworthy. In fact, without using magic, I still can’t beat her in a fight. She’s that strong.
She was the perfect choice, so I decided immediately.

“Then I appoint you as sub-unit commander. Here’s the member list—you can change it if you need to.”
“Let’s see… yeah, looks good. Leave it to me.”

Fern gave me a wink—and my heart skipped a beat.
Still, I maintained a composed expression and nodded solemnly.

“I’m counting on you, Fern.”
“Understood, Vice Commander.”

She gave me a graceful bow with a smile and walked off holding the list.
Maybe I should ask her to marry me one more time?



 

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