Bjorn Yandel the Barbarian

Episode 605: Corps Commander (2)

There is always a reason for the silence that arises in a place where many people gather.

Everyone is concentrating on something.

Something sad happened and there was an atmosphere of mourning.

Either that or I was so shocked that I couldn’t speak.

“…!”

“…!”

In the case of this political opponent, it was the latter.

It was noticeable that all the leaders who were present were embarrassed by my actions and words.

However, they did not say anything hastily and just looked at one place.

“….”

Gyllan Evost.

The deputy commander of our exploration force who is legally qualified to take over command in the absence of the commander.

Actually, I think highly of this man.

Even though the wrong monster entered the body of Commander Jerome St. Red, this expeditionary force went well.

He was the lubricant and engine that drove this exploration group.

‘I guess they were planning to announce the succession as soon as my story was over at this meeting.’

Most likely, the plan would have proceeded smoothly without any opposition.

If it weren’t for me who suddenly intervened.

“….”

Everyone was waiting for his reaction, but the deputy commander remained silent.

It looks like he’s calmly organizing his thoughts…

‘I guess there’s no need to give him too much time.’

I looked at the second-in-command and opened my mouth again.

“Are you sure you still don’t know what it means?”

When I spoke in a slightly provocative voice, the second-in-command eventually opened his mouth and answered.

“Not really. “I understood exactly what the Baron meant by sitting there, and I was thinking about what words I should use to convince him.”

“I understand… It sounds like you don’t approve of me sitting here?”

All the leaders widened their eyes at the question, which was more provocative than before.

‘Are you saying that? ‘You savage?’

I want to scream like that, but it seems like I can’t say it because of my title or reputation.

Unfortunately, this was also the case for my colleagues.

“….”

Even Amelia, who I thought was my right-hand woman, thought, ‘Is this guy really crazy?’ Standing far away with those eyes.

“Of course.”

At that time, the deputy commander answered my question.

“Baron, you are not qualified to be the commander of this exploration force.”

“Why?”

“Because the Baron is the temporary leader of Team 4.”

A temporary group 4 leader, not an officially recognized group leader.

“According to the military law established by the royal family, if the highest ranking person dies or is unable to properly perform his/her duties, the next highest ranking person will take his/her place.”

Soon, the second-in-command speaks of military law and even puts the name of the royal family on his back.

Are you afraid that I didn’t even know that?

“Then there is no problem? “After the earl, the person with the highest rank would be me, the baron.”

Although it was an exploration group made up of various elites, the only ones with titles were the Count and I.

Why would a titled noble come down to the labyrinth and to the first basement level where the proper exploration has not yet been completed?

The original Count of St. Red had no choice but to be brought in because he needed someone to act as general commander.

“…I think you should first understand the difference between title and title, Baron.”

The second-in-command looked at me and sighed.

It was a much more calm reaction than expected.

If it were me, I would have raised the hammer first, saying I have no intention of tuning in to bullshit.

“Whether it’s a title or a title, isn’t it ultimately about status? “Among these, I am the one with the highest status after the count.”

When I tried to persuade him once more, the deputy commander explained calmly, just like before.

He talked about the difference between positions and titles, and also talked about mercenary skills. He also discussed the political problems that my force would cause and even talked about military law for a long time as if lecturing.

But…

“So?”

“…yes?”

“So why not?”

Any wise man who reads a sutra to his ears is bound to feel a sense of self-destruction.

“….”

In the end, the second-in-command, who had been persuading for a long time, kept his mouth shut. I realized that no words could convince me.

“Jillan Evost.”

I said, looking at the appropriate timing.

Although it’s a bit funny that a barbarian who has just started a baronial family would say something like this.

“I have no intention of listening to orders from someone who has no title.”

Gradually, we finished getting to know the second-in-command.

This method will work better for him.

“And in the first place.”

I said.

“Can you give me instructions?”

“….”

“Can you really treat me like you treat your other subordinates?”

The second-in-command did not answer.

It could be said with empty words. The straightforwardness and honesty of not giving an answer were quite impressive, but such aspects did not suit a person who wanted to take on the role of commander.

Maybe it’s an aide.

“….”

“….”

The second-in-command’s silence continued.

Only then did I take my eyes off him and look around.

Surprisingly, there was no anxiety or worry on their faces.

I just hold my breath and wonder how this will end.

‘I guess it doesn’t matter who sits in the commander’s seat.’

In the first place, it was a far-fetched justification from the deputy commander’s point of view, but it would not have felt that far-fetched from their point of view.

A title granted by the royal family.

That fact meant so much to the city of Lapdonia.

Well, there may be a real reason for such a reaction.

“Everyone listen.”

I thought now was the right time, so I dropped my playful tone and told everyone.

“Now we are at a crossroads.”

The crossroads are not about which side you choose as commander.

“We can carry out the mission given by the royal family and return to the city in style, or we can be trapped here for the rest of our lives and never be able to escape.”

The longer you spend here, the more you’ve probably thought about it at least once, but didn’t vote for it.

After making everyone aware of it, continue talking.

“But if you trust me and follow me.”

There was no need for long words.

“I will definitely send you back home.”

So far, I have already shown it through my actions.

In the Crystal Cave where the Lord of the Abyss appeared, in the Goblin Forest, and in the Ice Rock expedition.

The same goes for this basement level.

I was the one who fought the fiercest against a level 1 monster on Library Island.

I was the one who broke through all the guardian statues, opened the crack, and entered the crack myself.

What did the deputy commander do in the process?

Although the internal strength of the exploration force was being refined well, that was all.

so that.

‘How long do I have to be trapped here?’

It is clear which one the members who are beginning to feel such anxiety will see as the ‘reliable commander’.

“Everyone, including me, knows that the Baron is a smart man. What do you want, Baron? “What should we do to convince you?”

The second-in-command asked me straight, and I answered with a grin.

“Let’s get all the members together and vote.”

Democratic institutions are always right.

***

Vote.

A democratic process that is in no way compatible with the military, which has a vertical hierarchy.

However, surprisingly, the second-in-command easily allowed this.

‘I guess they decided there was no way to stop my coercion other than voting.’

Oh, of course, he must have been confident in his own way.

Although he did not have a title, he was also a member of a noble family and a respected superior to the knights.

‘Is it half and half….’

All of his subordinates will vote for him.

On the other hand, all of our temporary Group 4 members will vote for me.

Since both have similar numbers, there is no major distinction between them.

Therefore, what was important was the overall public sentiment of the exploration team members…

“The results are in.”

The results of the vote for all members of the exploration group were released.

“It was close.”

I was elected with slightly more than a majority of votes.

I guess everyone deep down thought that a strong leader was needed to escape this class…

It was fortunate for me and the second-in-command.

Now that I don’t have to come up with a plan B in case I lose.

“Okay then, the results are out…”

I naturally sat down in the commander’s chair and gave the first order.

“Gillen Evost, you are the second-in-command. “The work you do will be the same as before, so you can do it well, right?”

“Yes.”

A formal instruction to show everyone the ranking.

After that, I led the meeting without any awkwardness.

“It just so happens that we’re finally talking about the crack.”

Only then did he tell me what had happened within the crack.

I didn’t talk about the details, but mainly focused on the final moments of the ‘Archbishop’ that everyone was curious about.

“He… Are you really saying he became a priest of Karui…!”

“Wait a minute, so the reason the Count died in battle was because of the Archbishop…?”

Religious people who participated in the leadership meeting could not hide their agitation.

The archbishop’s death was also the last, but it was because the evil beast that killed the commander was the archbishop.

But…

“Don’t worry. I will not hold the Trinity Church responsible for this incident. It was a natural disaster. “It was such a dangerous mission, and the archbishop was killed in the process.”

I alleviated their anxiety about whether a spark might fall.

“Besides, I don’t know if Count St. Red is really dead, but isn’t that true? “Even when I go back, I won’t face any disadvantages because of this.”

“If that’s the case, I’m glad… ”

These people are not usually religious people.

They are all religious figures who have reached a prominent position within the Three Theism Churches.

So, even though they are religious, they are all a bit self-interested.

“Anyway, let’s start the meeting in earnest now. “Has the investigation into the room beyond the deputy commander’s stone door been completed?”

“Not yet about the statue.”

“It sounds like you found out about the portal.”

“We need to look into it more, but there are many opinions that it is a portal to get outside.”

“Right.”

“But it still seems wise to postpone taking the portal for a bit.”

“Why?”

“It must be raining hard outside.”

I haven’t calculated the time, but it looks like it’s already time for the rainy season to arrive once again outside.

“Then I guess we can just stay here and do some research until the rainy season ends.”

With those words, today’s meeting ends.

“I’m hungry, everyone, go out.”

Soon, everyone leaves the barracks, just as the tide goes out, as soon as they say the lines they’ve wanted to say at least once in their lives.

Oh, except for one person.

“Do you have anything to say to me, Deputy Commander?”

To be exact, it means that if you have any complaints, speak up quickly.

However, the second-in-command laughed when he heard those words.

“Do you know, Baron? “I am one of those who feel truly fortunate to have the Baron as commander.”

“…what?”

At first glance, it was not the flattery of someone who wanted to become a parasite to a new person in power.

“Actually… “I also voted for the Baron.”

“…Why?”

“Because I know my subject. “A position where I have to be responsible for hundreds of people is not suitable for me.”

“But I guess you were the one who opposed it the most?”

“Well, shouldn’t I have an excuse too? “Unless you go back to the city and be socially ostracized.”

Soon the second-in-command looked at me and saluted politely.

“So please take care of me in the future. “The better the Baron leads the exploration force, the less responsibility I have to take on, right?”

The second-in-command left the barracks, leaving a bag of beef jerky in front of me.

“Oh, because you’re hungry.”

Although I felt like something had happened to me, I put the beef jerky that the second-in-command had given me into my mouth and chewed it.

‘It’s delicious.’

Now this exploration group is mine.

***

(Jin) The barbarian corps commander mode was very comfortable.

To be honest, it wasn’t that much of a hassle to give orders through the village chief, who was the owner of the pants.

Now, that process has disappeared altogether.

No, where is that?

“Are you saying you’re going to reorganize the organization chart?”

“okay. “Even just looking at the arm, it is inefficient to divide the team into four groups and have each team leader take care of it.”

He can freely give unconventional instructions that a village chief who had to imitate the Count of St. Red would never have been able to give.

“Inefficiency… I mean.”

“Ah, please know that I will also touch on the members participating in the leadership meeting.”

“Yes…”

Still, the second-in-command was a very useful person.

Should I say that no matter what instructions I give, I first think about how to carry them out without complaint?

Of course, if you think about it, it was also a disadvantage.

Because I never say anything harsh to my superiors.

“You really… took the commander’s position.”

“Why do you regret not being able to become second-in-command?”

“…I won’t give it to you. “That kind of thing.”

Amelia, I think it would be nice if you said something sweet to her.

“Be careful. “There won’t be any problems here, but when I return to the city in the future, I don’t know what kind of trouble the royal family will find out about this matter.”

He has a habit of criticizing anything I say.

Well, that’s why it’s good.

“Is there anything you would like to have? “I can give you anything by command of the commander—.”

“Then I’ll just go.”

“Ah, on the way out, find Raven and call her!”

“….”

After hearing my request, Amelia left the barracks without giving any answer. But not long after that, Raven came into the barracks.

“You called me, Commander?”

“What are you doing, Commander? “Just sit down.”

Raven looked at me as I sat in the commander’s chair and looked at me as if she still couldn’t believe it, then quickly walked over to me and sat down next to me.

“So what did you call me for? “Because of the investigation?”

“No, I’m curious about that too… but I have one favor to ask you this time.”

“Can I just go back like this?”

“It can’t happen. “This is an order from the commander.”

“Ugh… I should have written Sir Evost’s name and put it in the box.”

It was too late to regret it later.

This exploration group is already mine.

“Tell me. “What do you want me to ask you?”

Looking at Raven’s resignation, I took out the item I had secretly been keeping.

“corolla…? What is this?”

“I do not know either. But this came out when the village chief killed the archbishop.”

“It’s not from a monster?”

“Yes, that makes it even more suspicious and special.”

Soon, Raven picked up the corolla and examined it with curious eyes.

“The number item… is not. I’ve never heard of a corolla like this. Can I take this? “You called me to investigate this item anyway. ”

“Oh, that’s true… but don’t tell anyone about that flower crown. “I do my research alone.”

“Yes? why?”

“It’s secret research that needs to be done without anyone knowing. “Only you know about that flower crown.”

I’m telling you this especially because I trust you.

He said it deliberately, giving off a nuance that Raven especially liked.

But…

“You’re saying I’m the only one who knows…?”

Unfortunately, Raven was highly intelligent and quick-witted.

“This… is embezzlement!!”

Raven is scared as she quickly removes her hand from the corolla, fearing that she might be accused of being an accomplice.

Of course, there was no big problem.

“It is the commander’s judgment that it is embezzlement.”

“That’s not even funny!”

“So you’re not going to do it? It’s an unknown treasure obtained from a crack on the first basement floor?”

“…I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it.”

Raven, who was quickly looking around, threw the corolla into subspace at lightning speed.