Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 16 — An Unexpected Reunion at the Frontlines
After finishing our inspection of Waynesvale City, we left the city without any further trouble.
There were no additional approaches from the Marquis either, so it seemed we’d managed to slip through that tight spot cleanly.
However, ever since I rejected the marquis’s proposal, Arisa had become even more forward with her affection.
Arm-in-arm was one thing, but every inn we stayed at brought new attempts to share a room.
Even when I managed to persuade her into taking another room, she would simply slip into mine on her own.
I chased her out each time, but she refused to give up and repeated the process again and again.
Even so, our inspection tour progressed smoothly. Unlike Waynesvale City, we didn’t make any dramatic discoveries, but we did gain insight into the local crops and cultures of every region we visited.
That experience and knowledge would surely prove useful as I continued to expand my business.
As the journey neared its end, we finally arrived at the planned military inspection site — the front line against the Demon King’s army.
Once this inspection was over, we would head back to the capital.
“It’d be nice if we discover something interesting.”
“Yes, it would.”
Walking beside Arisa, I headed toward the military camp, hoping to gain something worthwhile.
Entry into the camp went smoothly thanks to the letter of introduction Lady Marceline had provided.
In fact, because the request came directly from the Knight Commander of the capital, the soldiers received us with a degree of politeness hard to imagine from front-line troops.
After being welcomed by a sergeant from the logistics division — the department responsible for maintaining the camp’s equipment and supplies — we were taken to meet the colonel who commanded the entire base.
“Thanks to the High-Frequency Blade developed by you, Otsugi-dono, we can now defeat monsters with overwhelming stat disparities.
…
As a result, our defensive losses have dropped. With fewer casualties, we’ve been able to reallocate the budget toward supplies.
…
The soldiers’ meals have improved, and with recent victories added on top, morale is considerably higher.”
“I see. That’s good to hear.”
As we walked, the sergeant continued sharing the High-Frequency Blade’s reputation on the front lines.
“Regarding usability, the main complaint is the fragility of the blade. The need to replace it mid-battle causes frustration. When a blade snaps during a melee, the user is forced to pull back.
…
Because of that, units equipped with the blades are deployed in small squads and used only to eliminate monsters normal troops cannot handle.
…
For many soldiers, it feels like our offensive strength hasn’t risen as much as expected.”
As suspected, the blade’s fragility was the main issue.
I had suggested forming tight formations to support blade-users, but that didn’t seem to be working in practice.
If there was to be a High-Frequency Blade Mk.II, that would be the area to improve.
Either a sturdier blade, or a mechanism allowing even faster replacements — several approaches came to mind.
It was a problem to consider moving forward.
After a few minutes of discussion, we reached the large tent where the colonel was stationed.
“Colonel Gavein! I’ve brought Otsugi Yuuichi-dono!”
“Enter.”
At the colonel’s voice from within, Arisa and I stepped inside with the sergeant.
And there — to my complete surprise — we found unexpected company.
“Ah, Otsugi-san?”
The voice belonged to Keiichi Kanehama, one of the summoned heroes and bearer of the [Hero] title.
And beside him was another familiar face.
“What a coincidence. It’s been a while, Otsugi-san.”
The [Saint], Saori Mimori.
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E/N:
Next demon soon? What dicoveries Ossan will make? Stay tuned!
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