Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Castors Marine Diary

It was winter, but on this morning, the skies were clear and the temperature was warm. Aboard a single cruiser stopped in the military port at Lagoon City, someone was singing off-tune.

Im a sea hardy dragonewt. Instead of flying, the sea is my route. Keep her steady! Keep her steady! Lai-la-la-lai-lai-lai.

The voice belonged to the former General of the Air Force, Castor, who was currently in the custody of Excel Walter after having taken part in Georgs rebellion. He was in the middle of swabbing the deck while singing a song that he was making up as he went along.

D-Duke Vargas, what are you doing? A middle-aged human man ran over to Castor. He was the second-in-command on this cruiser.

Huh? Castor shouldered his mop, and looked at the man sideways. Cant you tell? Im swabbing the deck.

Thats a job for the young marines. If a former duke like you does it, it will make the lower officers feel tense and the higher-ranked officers feel awkward.

Castor responded with a somewhat self-mocking smirk, Im a fresh recruit now. Hasnt Duchess Walter told you to treat me like one, too?

Um... Is money tight? the soldier asked.

No, she gives me a good amount for someone being kept in custody. I dont have any living expenses living in the Walter mansion, either... But still.

Is there something that dissatisfies you?

This is Duchess Walter were talking about, Castor said. She holds it over me. If I dont take my training as a marine seriously, and I dont learn how the Navy operates from her, theres no telling what shell say to me. Shed start needling me with a smile on her face, Im sure.

...I understand.

The second-in-command sympathized with Castors situation.

Incidentally, the place the second-in-command introduced Castor to was the sort where you enjoy talking to pretty ladies while you drink, and this lead to some troubles later, but Castor couldnt have known that yet at this time.