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"I said, can't I just have some peace and quiet when I finally get a break?"
"Sure, but you'd better look behind you first."
Turning around, he suddenly saw a major leading a group of soldiers, staring at him with a serious expression.
"Hey everyone? So, is there some kind of reward for me?"
“Captain Griffin, here is an arrest warrant approved by Lieutenant General Wood.” The major, dressed in ordinary military uniform, solemnly delivered this devastating news. “We have received a complaint from Captain Giger Johnson of the 22nd Division and his men alleging that you engaged in conduct that seriously damaged the image of Britannian soldiers during previous operations. For the next period of time, we will have to restrict your personal freedom until your investigation is completed. We apologize.”
"What?!" The major snapped his fingers, and two soldiers handcuffed the captain's hands and pushed him away, leaving the young ladies with a message: "I'm sorry, but you also need to be investigated by us during this time. It's a pity you can't attend the captain's jury hearing."
……
A few days later in court, Griffin stood fearfully in the dock, looking at Captain Giger, whose face was covered in bandages, and another of his men—one of whom was blind and the other was said to have had his vision greatly impaired.
"Captain Griffin, is it true that you attacked his aircraft while piloting the KMF?" General Windsor, presiding over the trial, questioned.
"It is true...it is true."
What is your motivation for doing this?
"At the time, one of my men, Warrant Officer Lilizia Lütjens, was engaged in hand-to-hand combat with several soldiers on the Soviet lines. I repeatedly urged Captain Giger to immediately lead his troops into the positions, but he insisted that Lieutenant Claude join him in conducting indiscriminate long-range attacks on the positions, citing the high risks involved. Lieutenant Claude and I tried to stop him, but he called in a Canterbury artillery unit for fire support, and then I lost control and attacked him."
"When Captain Giger was preparing to attack, did you confirm that Warrant Officer Lilizia and the rest of the soldiers were still alive and fighting in the Soviet positions?"
"Sure, sure! My landline has a recording! But I didn't send it to him."
"Okay, then Captain Giger, what was your reason for insisting on indiscriminate attacks even after you verbally learned that there were indeed survivors on your side?"
“My reasoning is simple, General.” The captain’s expression was calm. “No one here can contact the warrant officer anymore, and this position is a critical point for the retreating Soviet troops who are nearby. If we can take control in time and then immediately call in more troops to consolidate it, we can achieve a great victory.”
"Lieutenant Claude," the general turned to another witness, "was Captain Griffin's account accurate? And what happened afterward around that position?"
"Yes, I kept trying to persuade Captain Giger, and later, after the artillery barrage, I led my men to the position and called for multiple squadrons to ambush. The result of the battle was that we lost 2 KMFs, but eliminated about 30 Soviet soldiers and destroyed 3 trucks. At the same time, I called for a medical team to treat our survivors. During this time, Captain Griffin was with us to provide first aid to the wounded. However, shortly before the ambush began, the captain called his men to drive away the nearby enemy aircraft and then left in an ambulance with Warrant Officer Lilizia."
"Is this accusation true, Captain Griffin? Why would you do this?"
“It’s true…” Griffin was a little indignant. “General, my thinking is very simple. Whether I oppose indiscriminate attacks or voluntarily take the warrant officer away, she is my subordinate. I must be responsible for her life and death. Shouldn’t a soldier’s life be respected?”
"Very well, so do you think that sacrificing the lives of a few soldiers to achieve a victory that kills dozens of enemy soldiers is in accordance with your beliefs?"
“I don’t think so, General. Before this battle, my squad and I, and indeed the entire Knights of Agincourt, were tasked with rescuing troops besieged by the Soviets on the southern front. I gave everyone around me only one order: Come back alive, everyone! Every soldier in the Expeditionary Force is a sharp blade to cut down the enemy, let alone Captain Giger’s disregard for the lives of his comrades!”
“Very well, then I’d like to ask a few questions.” The general then turned the conversation to another person in the plaintiff’s seat, “Sergeant Syndra, as Captain Giger’s subordinate, did you support the captain’s actions? And what did you do after Captain Griffin attacked your captain?”
"Thank you, General. To be honest, as a soldier, I must be prepared to sacrifice myself on the battlefield. I don't know if Captain Griffin is immature or has other motives, but the laws of war in District 45 clearly tell us that if we don't eliminate the enemy, the enemy will eliminate us, and if we don't pay the price, we can't eliminate the enemy either. If I can stain a victory flag with my own blood, I will rest in peace in heaven. Even if we suffer greater losses than our opponents today, I believe this will bring us even greater victories in the future..."
"As for Captain Griffin, I'm sorry, but I absolutely cannot condone his overly concerned-with-life-and-death behavior." The sergeant paused. "Every life is equal. In this case, the Soviet soldier's side is clearly more valuable. What is the point of Lieutenant Lizzia's life or death? How can a life hanging by a thread be compared to a victory? Does her existence bring any pride to her knightly order?"
"Say that again if you dare!!" Griffin roared in fury. "That's my subordinate!"
"You only have two arms and two eyes, what are you to have hurt Captain Giger!"
"Silence!" General Windsor slammed his gavel. "Alright, Sergeant, one last question: What were your thoughts on Captain Griffin after Captain Giger was attacked?"
“He was piloting Vincent, and his skills were better than mine. I didn’t have the guts to attack him. Of course, if I could turn back time, I’m not sure I could resist the urge to kill him again.”
"What do you mean?"
"Anyone who dares to deliberately target the lives of me and my comrades will be my enemy!"
……
The following day, a judgment was posted on the bulletin board of the Knights of Agincourt.
"...In this incident, Captain Giger Johnson, unable to confirm whether any of our soldiers remained in the enemy position, insisted on indiscriminately attacking the position, promptly eliminating the stubborn enemy and successfully ambushing the retreating enemy forces in the subsequent battle. Considering that Captain Giger Johnson did not intentionally attack any of our soldiers, including Lilizia Lütjens, due to communication problems, it has been decided that he and his subordinates will only be given verbal guidance, and his attack on friendly forces will not be pursued further."
"Captain Griffin Garvin Zelil, having failed to promptly and accurately inform Captain Giger of the surviving friendly soldier after learning of his unilateral actions, and having intentionally attacked the latter, seriously violated military regulations and failed to demonstrate initiative in subsequent operations. In light of the current situation of the expeditionary force, Captain Griffin is hereby sentenced to 15 days imprisonment, his Knight's Cross of Britannia is confiscated, all other medals and ribbons are temporarily suspended, and he is deprived of eligibility for normal rank promotion for three months and eligibility for commendation applications for six months."
"The above judgment will be revised based on subsequent developments. This is hereby announced."
[Note: Due to aesthetic reasons, the author has changed Griffin's last name; this will be his name from now on.]
Chapter 243, Section 323: All Will Pass
One judgment after another was delivered to the Knights of Agincourt in the past few days like daily reports. Some soldiers were puzzled and some were surprised when they received the news. The word "unbelievable" was like a star in the daytime, adorning everyone's head.
"Is this Her Highness Elizabeth's wish? What are her reasons for doing so?"
Two days after Griffin's verdict, Juliet was discharged from the hospital with a bandage wrapped around her forehead. The rest of the team stayed by her side, their bewildered and calm eyes no longer able to contain the astonishment she felt at all the changes around her during her long period of treatment.
“There’s good news. The captain isn’t the only one who’s been treated this way.” Angelie had just returned, handing over a stack of photocopies.
……
"...Investigated Person No. 14: Baron Jimmy Habers, Acting Commander of the 6th Louisiana Regiment; Accuser: Captain Clyde Rothwell of the 6th Louisiana Regiment; Accusation: Extorting so-called 'hush money' from several soldiers of his unit during the Berlin breakout... Investigation Results: True; to be decided by Her Highness Elizabeth..."
"...Investigated Person No. 20: Lord Libadi Heyers, Commander of the 22nd Caribbean Brigade; accused by Major Weston Hall, Logistics Chief of the 7th Alaskan Regiment; accusation: during the attack on the northern coast of Germany, he instigated his subordinates to illegally seize a large amount of military supplies from the accused, including ammunition, flight wings, and tank parts... Investigation Results: True. Disciplinary Action: 'Remove Lord Heyers from all military positions in District 45 and strip his family of all rights.'" The investigation concludes with Her Highness Elizabeth's signature and the seal representing her right of succession to the throne.
"...Investigation No. 46: Viscount Sidran Smith, staff officer of the Knights of the Jade, accused by Captain Grant Marceau of the 24th Hokkaido Regiment. Accusations: During the Berlin breakout, while heading west of the Elbe River, he ordered his men to seize the latter's transportation routes, resulting in injuries to several soldiers in the ensuing struggle. He is also suspected of embezzling construction resources in recent times with Baron Jaeger, the 37th investigator in charge of the Berlin Underground Project...An investigation is underway..."
……
“OK, Captain Griffin is number 28.” Xixi’an finally turned to the page she was looking for. “I think I understand now. It seems that Her Highness is going to pick out all the sand hidden in the gun barrels? Many of the heads of noble birth still follow the habits they had before they came to District 45: giving their relatives and friends a hard time, taking advantage of any job they get; eating for free, passing the buck, and being particularly adept at bullying the weak and fearing the strong.”
“That’s a bit much…” Juliet looked uneasy. “Does Her Highness Elizabeth really intend to do this?”
“Something has to be done.” Angelie pouted. “If it was like that before we fought the Soviets, and it’s still like that after we fight, then the American and Soviet forces have fought for nothing.”
"No, no, no!" Ypel snatched the stack of papers. "How could the captain be a parasite? Doesn't he always stay in the front lines even with minor injuries?"
“He has only himself to blame.” Angelie shook her head helplessly. “He was the one who was always in the spotlight in our Knights Order. He was arrogant and had no self-control. Then he beat a disgruntled captain so badly that half the army group knew about it because of the other party’s big tongue. A not-so-big thing was blown up. Then, with the need to clean up the atmosphere in District 45, we naturally had to find a way to quell the public opinion… What Her Highness the Princess told me in secret was that Griffin’s crime and punishment were actually the lightest among all the names in this book.”
"If Lily knew about this... the captain's image would probably be completely ruined."
"So what should we do now?" Ipel asked anxiously. "Will our knightly order have to disband?"
“It’s not that serious. It seems Her Highness the Princess’s purpose is quite clear.” Xi Xi’an continued to flip through the list. “The names on this list include all the behaviors that have affected the atmosphere within the expeditionary force. Officials who have made mistakes in the rear have also been included. Didn’t we hear that some newly appointed officials are going to set up a separate administrative department in Berlin, not reporting directly to Her Highness Elizabeth? The notices of the punishment have been posted all over Berlin. I guess she’s trying to make an example of them.”
"Heh, are we going to fight both flies and tigers?"
"Don't worry, I'm sure Captain Griffin will be fine. By the way, I wanted to ask you something." Xixi'an stood up, pulled Angelie away, and said, "Julie, you two go and get used to the KMF equipment first. Call us if you need anything."
"What...what are you going to do?" Angelie was a little flustered. Her tone just now was exactly the same as when the princess pushed her into the room alone.
“Relax, I’m not going to steal you into a dark room.” Xixi’an bent down, put her arms around her shoulders, and led her to a busy street. “I want to know something about Captain Griffin’s past.”
"Oh? I hope you're here to check your medical records."
……
Two years ago, at a recruit arrival station in California, a few people at the table were looking rather bored.
"Tsk tsk, I'd say these young men who've been joining the army lately all seem rather unremarkable."
"They're all obedient once they're in the army, that's fine, it'll be easier to give them instructions later."
"To intimidate them? Hahaha, well, most of those who come to report to us are powerless and have no influence, so it's impossible to curry favor with them properly."
"What do you want? There are already many civilians who want to change their fate by joining the army. If someone whose relative is our superior wants to come in, do we need to tell them? They would have been picked up in a car long ago... Next."
After calling for a long time without any response, the two conscription officers found it a bit strange.
"Hey, what happened?" When he came out, he saw two soldiers standing guard at the gate staring intently at the tall boy in front of him. The boy had a nonchalant expression, a hint of arrogance, and a bit of a loss. It seemed that he had just done something to offend the soldiers and had even forgotten to let him pass.
"What are you doing?" He pushed aside the soldier and questioned the boy, "Young man, are you trying to be a hooligan in the army?"
"Sir, this guy was really asking for a beating just now. I asked him for a cigarette, and he pointed to his penis."
“I don’t think I’m wrong, officer.” The boy began to argue with a smirk. “Army guns and cannons aren’t for firing smoke bombs. If you force me to buy cigarettes today, are you going to drag me to pick up soap tomorrow?”
"Oh, so you're really here to join the army? You don't watch your tone when talking to your superiors, and you're even picking up soap? Those who don't know their place really do have to deal with soap all day long. Now, want to know how many rooms in the barracks need cleaning?"
"Well... sorry, I'll take my leave."
"Get back here!" The guard grabbed the boy and made him stand in front of the table. "I have a very bad impression of you now."
"So we don't need to fill out this form?" The boy raised an eyebrow.
"Then I'll assume your actions just now were a purely intentional attack on a soldier, and I'll send you to jail!"
"Alright, alright, relax, young man. You fill out your form. I'll ask you a few questions to ease the tension." The officer crossed his legs, looking at the young man who had no chair to sit on and could only bend over to write. "Where are you from?"
“California, local.”
Which city will you live in?
"It's not decided yet... I'm currently traveling back and forth between San Francisco and Sacramento with my dad, and occasionally I also go to Los Angeles." The young man looked quite proud.
"Oh? Hahahaha." The officer laughed. "It sounds like you two, father and son, are always on the road, like, truck drivers? That's a proud job. What about your mother? She's not wandering around with you guys either, is she? Wahaha?"
The boy fell silent and didn't speak for a long time.
"Then, let me know which great driver has such a great son?"
"My name? Zellier."
"Hahaha, Zeli..." The two officers stopped abruptly, "You... say it again?"
“My name is Griffin G. Zelil.”
The officer jumped up, turned around, and pulled out an opened letter from a drawer in the cabinet behind him.
“Hello, sir conscription officer sitting here, I have a favor to ask of you: I've been very busy lately and haven't had time to take my only son, who is about to report to the army, to register for service. So, he will be coming to your conscription office alone in the next couple of days. He's not spoiled, just a bit of a playboy. I hope you can be understanding. He'll behave himself after he's been tempered in the army. —Jarvan Zelil, Zelil Mechanical Research and Trading Company.”
“OK, kid…” The officer’s hand holding the cigarette trembled violently. “What’s your middle name, G?”
“Gavin, my father’s first name.”
"Oh, Your Majesty, Lord Zellir's son?!" The guards who had been watching the commotion at the door turned pale and grabbed a chair, pushing it behind Griffin.
"Ouch, that hurts!" Griffin fell on his bottom with a thud. "Oh, this really isn't a recruitment site. Are they planning to push me to a retirement home?"
"OK, relax, please relax, sir." The officer immediately adopted a respectful expression, and took the boy's registration form. "Tell me the rest, I'll fill it out for you. Could you please help me with what happened earlier... Do you usually smoke cigars?"
"No, no, no, I can't stand Dad's cigarette smell. I'm just a little thirsty..."
As soon as he finished speaking, the officer turned around, grabbed a bottle of unopened whiskey from his drawer, and placed it in front of Griffin.
“Oh my god… how do you have this limited edition of wine, officer?”
……
And so began a legendary tale in the military camp.
Of course, since Lord Griffin still wanted to keep his only son's personality in check, Griffin was initially just like any other soldier, running in formation, climbing hills and slopes, etc. However, while the new recruit instructors were all stern-faced with everyone else, Griffin was the only one who smiled like a doorman.
Did anyone else have complaints? Of course, the instructors initially only made casual remarks about Griffin's slow running pace, without any harsh reprimands or scolding. As time went on, it was assumed his status as a lord's son would be exposed—obviously, his father's company was renowned throughout the empire; who wouldn't want to curry favor?
But soon, no one could believe the speed of this guy's progress—not in terms of behavioral discipline, which had always been just barely passing. First, his exceptional physical abilities were quickly unearthed, and then, during the first batch of new recruits' KMF training, he was like a leopard unleashed, completely stunning the KMF pilots in charge of training…
"Put a cockpit on his back and roller skates on his feet, and he can cosplay Gloucester." This kind of praise and joke, bearing the name of the most advanced Britannian army at the time, the KMF, was thus bestowed upon him.
Of course, many things happened during this period. He had hoped to live a peaceful life in the army, but his frivolous and arrogant attitude led to him being chased down and beaten by those who couldn't stand him. And what happened? All those who tried to attack him were easily subdued by the KMF techniques personally taught by his instructors. Then came a major turning point in his life: the Knights of Agincourt took notice of him and specially approved his inclusion in this elite unit.
Now that's great. He's capable, good-looking, and although he's frivolous and arrogant, he doesn't have the domineering and tyrannical style of some other men. Teasing young ladies is a daily habit for him, so he naturally became the darling of the spotlight, the vanguard of the Knights of Agincourt in their conquest of Africa, and also the object of their daily challenges.
……
"In Chinese terms, this is called 'the momentum of a flying dragon in the sky,' which is very difficult to stop."
Back in reality, Xixi'an listened to Angelie's rambling with great interest.
"So, is that why you fell for him?"
"It's all my bad luck." Angelie covered her face, looking extremely regretful. "I should have kept my usual cold face towards him in the Knights. But because I couldn't help but smile that one time, my superiors appointed me as his vice-captain because of it... He wasn't so bad at first, a talented young man like him isn't so bad, but I only realized what he was like after getting to know him better..."
"And then love blossomed during the war? Hahahaha!" Xixi'an pursed her lips. "By the way, did he tell you why he's so adept at KMF?"
"His physical condition is excellent, you should understand. As for the recruiter joking about his mother, didn't he say anything? ...His mother was also an excellent KMF pilot, the kind who could last ten rounds against the Knights of the Round Table. Unfortunately, she passed away from an acute illness when he was very young. Later, while sorting through his belongings, Griffin accidentally found a KMF operation manual that she had written herself. Being naughty and undisciplined, he hid it himself and then took it with him when he went to the military camp."
“It’s a bit of a coincidence. My father wanted to keep his son in check through the military, and also because of my mother’s passing, the family lost someone who was very close to the Army. If his son could make something of himself, he could do a better job in business. Look.” Angelie bent down and picked up a few discarded circuit boards, one of which had Lizzie’s name on it.
……
"So here's a question... Have Griffin and his father, or you, ever thought about this day? A day that will be different from any other."
"No, they came looking for us on their own initiative that day." Angelina continued walking indifferently. "Our blood flows on the land of District 45, like ink falling into a spring, staining the distant, winding river black..."
"There will be no more arrogant recruiters, no more parasites in the military who climb the ranks, no more reckless brutes, and certainly no more heroes who can take on a thousand men... Griffin must secretly miss the old days, without the entourage of comrades, without the groups of young ladies constantly looking for him, and not even anyone bothering him anymore..."
"They have all become cold tombstones outside Berlin. The invincible captain, who should have been the center of attention, is now only despised and insulted by this chaotic and shattered world. Even the 'precious book' that instructed him to sweep away thousands of troops in the future is just a stack of waste paper. This world has changed all the laws of the past."
"Hahahaha." Xixi'an laughed inappropriately. "Didn't you say that Griffin is an unstoppable 'dragon soaring in the sky'? There shouldn't be a dragon that can be killed by the army."