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As some of the Axis troops redeployed from the Central Front and arrived in the south, Waitress's reinforcements also arrived at Cheshire Field.
Cheshire Fields, as its name suggests, was a vast granary boasting vast plains. It was also one of the main objectives of the Frances Fuhrer in starting this war.
But the moment they saw the Allied forces appearing on the plains, the Frances High Command had to admit that their expectations had been significantly off the mark.
The young commander-in-chief of Padania is a damn smart guy.
Padania, which was expected to surrender after the mainland air raid, launched a massive counterattack and even recaptured Huntingham, causing enemy morale to hit rock bottom.
Moreover, the enemy forces were moving inland in Padania, increasing their distance from the mainland and their supply bases. This meant they were experiencing significant supply difficulties.
Nevertheless, the Axis troops had to continue advancing toward Cheshire Fields because their Fuhrer wanted the land.
Riding this momentum, the Allied forces launched a fierce attack, pushing back the front line by approximately two kilometers. This all happened in just one day. The initial momentum of the battle quickly shifted in one direction.
As the situation became more dire, desertions from the enemy began to multiply. Upon hearing of this, Frances Fuhrer issued a stern order.
"There will be no surrender. Take Cheshire Fields, no matter what. Kill any deserters."
The capture or execution of deserters was originally stipulated by military law. However, orders issued directly from the Fuhrer carried even greater weight.
The infamous Frances militia began to strictly control deserters, not hesitating to punish them. The soldiers, gripped by fear, advanced as if driven from their positions.
The Fuhrer's order was effective. The front, which had been pushed back helplessly, reached a stalemate.
And at the Allied Forces Headquarters located in the rear of this front, meetings were held every day from morning until dawn.
"We need to be as consistent as possible here. If one division advances too far, it's obvious they'll be isolated among the enemy."
"However, both wings are currently unable to advance. Please consider slightly adjusting the force allocation."
“Then, the power that can be deployed right now is...”
Suddenly, with a loud bang, the door opened. The eyes of the high-ranking officers, including the Commander-in-Chief, were drawn to one place.
The soldier who had barged into the conference room was breathing heavily. One of Heiner's eyebrows rose.
Finally, the soldier shouted in a trembling voice.
"It's a Balihen air raid! It seems the command center's approximate location has been compromised! We must evacuate!"
Newspapers widely reported the Allied successes at Cheshire Field, aimed at boosting morale after the air raids on the home front.
But apart from the favorable situation in Cheshire Fields, Padania was groaning under the protracted war.
Countless soldiers, shouldering the mission of serving their country, went to the front lines and perished. The land was devastated, and war orphans emerged in droves.
Still, the seasons passed steadily. The beginning of summer was approaching.
And around that time, Annette prepared to leave Sinsier.
Knock knock.
Brunner knocked and pushed open the slightly open door. Annette, who was sorting out her clothes, looked up.
“Are you packing your bags?”
“Yes. I’ve moved around so much, I think I’ve become a packing expert.”
“Did you only improve your packing skills by becoming a nurse?”
Brunner came into the room laughing out loud.
“Are you going to Santa Molino in the end?”
“Yeah, well... that’s what happened.”
Santa Molino was a small southern town bordering the coast. Annette was planning to move there.
She had originally been looking for a place in another rural area. But three days ago, Heiner's lawyer suddenly came to see her. He wanted to talk about the alimony that had not yet been paid.
The lawyer showed her documents showing tangible assets owned by Heiner Valdemar—and now due to be paid to her—because she had not yet received any of the alimony.
Unpaid alimony? This was the first time Annette had heard of it.
Annette felt she had missed something. After all, it was safe to say she knew nothing about alimony.
It was only natural. She had received the payment documents late, leaving everything else at the official residence. She hadn't even bothered to listen to the lawyer's story.
Annette reviewed the documents, but being completely ignorant of these matters, she found it difficult to discern anything. The lawyer's elegant and logical rhetoric also played a role.
As expected, Brunner was noticeably pleased with her decision.
"I got it, really. Why were you sitting around worrying about it? You should get it right away."
“Still... It’s a bit much to just accept it without thinking.”
"Well, that's a bit much. Katrine already said Annette's problem was that you weren't greedy. You need a little greed to survive."
Annette just smiled without answering.
It's not that she wasn't originally greedy. She'd just been castrated over the years.
The revolution had taken away her entire past. She couldn't desire anything, not even the smallest happiness. She had long since resigned herself to it and become accustomed to it.
“Don’t pretend you don’t know me because I moved far away. Come visit often.”
"Of course. Katrine and Brunner are my benefactors. I also have to watch Olivia grow up."
"What about a benefactor? Enough with the awkward talk. Take this."
Brunner held out the envelope he was holding. Annette took it, wondering if it was a farewell letter or something. "Why give it to me so soon when I'm not leaving yet?"
“Can I open it now?”
“Open it now.”
Annette carefully opened the envelope. Inside was not a letter, but bank documents.
The account holder was Annette. Her expression hardened as she read a few lines of the document.
Brunner said in a flat tone.
“I want to give it back to Annette.”
“...Bruner, this is what I gave you.”
The night before leaving, the full amount of the check Annette had given Katrine was in the account.
Annette tried to put the documents in an envelope and hand them back to him, but Brunner shook his head and refused.
“I kept it the whole time, intending to give it back to Annette.”
“I gave it to Katrine. She also received it.”
“Annette, it was her will to return it to you.”
“...A will, you say?”
"The reason Katrine received this back then was because she judged you, who had to leave immediately, to be incapable of handling or managing it. She only told me, just before she died, that she had received this from Annette. I guess she was afraid I would become greedy if she found out."
Brunner laughed lightly, as if making a joke.
“If she leaves it as a will... She knows I have no choice but to keep it.”
“...”
“It’s a shame. If it weren’t for the will, I would have just taken it.”
But Annette didn't laugh. She couldn't laugh. The end of the paper bag crumpled slightly in her hand.
She once told Heiner that if there was a set amount of happiness for a person, he would have already enjoyed it all.
“... Brunner. If there is a set amount of luck for a person.”
Annette spoke in a hoarse voice.
“I would have spent it all meeting you and Katrine.”
Brunner's eyes widened in surprise at those words. He twitched his lips as if about to say something, then let out a sigh.
Brunner's gaze was fixed on Annette, but he wasn't looking at her. His eyes were fixed on something distant and longing beyond.
Brunner, who had been silent for a moment, smiled and asked.
“...Was it worth it?”
Annette answered without hesitation.
“Overflowing.”
An emergency evacuation order was issued. It was a massive air raid by the Balinese Air Force targeting the officers' barracks.
Heiner put a letter in his inside pocket first. It was the one he had received at the military post office just yesterday.
After that, he grabbed his rifle and ammunition and loaded it. A heavy click sounded from the rifle.
Given his position, it had been quite some time since he had personally wielded a weapon in combat. However, he handled the rifle as if it were his own.
After a brief moment of deliberation, Heiner holstered a pistol and left the barracks. Outside, the scene was already semi-pandemic.
A heavy noise rang out overhead. Heiner frowned and looked up at the sky.
Two enemy fighters were flying side by side across the sky. Watching them, Heiner asked his staff.
“Didn’t you say it wasn’t on radar?”
"It's difficult to intercept. It appears they sprayed aluminum fragments into the air to evade radar."
“Muster all the anti-aircraft guns you have and shoot them down on land.”
Anti-aircraft guns, firearms designed to attack aerial targets, were still in the development phase and were far from perfect. However, for now, this was the only option.
Bang!
Boom!
Bombs fell on the bare ground, kicking up a huge cloud of dust. Heiner ran to his military vehicle, his rifle strapped to his chest. Bombing continued everywhere.
"Your Excellency!"
Suddenly, the men behind him shouted urgently. Heiner turned around. At that moment, a loud noise erupted nearby.
Beep─
At the same time, a sharp ringing rang in his ears. He staggered, covering one ear.
Cheshire Fields, as its name suggests, was a vast granary boasting vast plains. It was also one of the main objectives of the Frances Fuhrer in starting this war.
But the moment they saw the Allied forces appearing on the plains, the Frances High Command had to admit that their expectations had been significantly off the mark.
The young commander-in-chief of Padania is a damn smart guy.
Padania, which was expected to surrender after the mainland air raid, launched a massive counterattack and even recaptured Huntingham, causing enemy morale to hit rock bottom.
Moreover, the enemy forces were moving inland in Padania, increasing their distance from the mainland and their supply bases. This meant they were experiencing significant supply difficulties.
Nevertheless, the Axis troops had to continue advancing toward Cheshire Fields because their Fuhrer wanted the land.
Riding this momentum, the Allied forces launched a fierce attack, pushing back the front line by approximately two kilometers. This all happened in just one day. The initial momentum of the battle quickly shifted in one direction.
As the situation became more dire, desertions from the enemy began to multiply. Upon hearing of this, Frances Fuhrer issued a stern order.
"There will be no surrender. Take Cheshire Fields, no matter what. Kill any deserters."
The capture or execution of deserters was originally stipulated by military law. However, orders issued directly from the Fuhrer carried even greater weight.
The infamous Frances militia began to strictly control deserters, not hesitating to punish them. The soldiers, gripped by fear, advanced as if driven from their positions.
The Fuhrer's order was effective. The front, which had been pushed back helplessly, reached a stalemate.
And at the Allied Forces Headquarters located in the rear of this front, meetings were held every day from morning until dawn.
"We need to be as consistent as possible here. If one division advances too far, it's obvious they'll be isolated among the enemy."
"However, both wings are currently unable to advance. Please consider slightly adjusting the force allocation."
“Then, the power that can be deployed right now is...”
Suddenly, with a loud bang, the door opened. The eyes of the high-ranking officers, including the Commander-in-Chief, were drawn to one place.
The soldier who had barged into the conference room was breathing heavily. One of Heiner's eyebrows rose.
Finally, the soldier shouted in a trembling voice.
"It's a Balihen air raid! It seems the command center's approximate location has been compromised! We must evacuate!"
***
Newspapers widely reported the Allied successes at Cheshire Field, aimed at boosting morale after the air raids on the home front.
But apart from the favorable situation in Cheshire Fields, Padania was groaning under the protracted war.
Countless soldiers, shouldering the mission of serving their country, went to the front lines and perished. The land was devastated, and war orphans emerged in droves.
Still, the seasons passed steadily. The beginning of summer was approaching.
And around that time, Annette prepared to leave Sinsier.
Knock knock.
Brunner knocked and pushed open the slightly open door. Annette, who was sorting out her clothes, looked up.
“Are you packing your bags?”
“Yes. I’ve moved around so much, I think I’ve become a packing expert.”
“Did you only improve your packing skills by becoming a nurse?”
Brunner came into the room laughing out loud.
“Are you going to Santa Molino in the end?”
“Yeah, well... that’s what happened.”
Santa Molino was a small southern town bordering the coast. Annette was planning to move there.
She had originally been looking for a place in another rural area. But three days ago, Heiner's lawyer suddenly came to see her. He wanted to talk about the alimony that had not yet been paid.
The lawyer showed her documents showing tangible assets owned by Heiner Valdemar—and now due to be paid to her—because she had not yet received any of the alimony.
Unpaid alimony? This was the first time Annette had heard of it.
Annette felt she had missed something. After all, it was safe to say she knew nothing about alimony.
It was only natural. She had received the payment documents late, leaving everything else at the official residence. She hadn't even bothered to listen to the lawyer's story.
Annette reviewed the documents, but being completely ignorant of these matters, she found it difficult to discern anything. The lawyer's elegant and logical rhetoric also played a role.
After agonizing over it for two days, she finally stamped the document. Part of it was due to Brunner's nagging—what was she waiting for, not jumping at the chance that had rolled right to her doorstep?
"I got it, really. Why were you sitting around worrying about it? You should get it right away."
“Still... It’s a bit much to just accept it without thinking.”
"Well, that's a bit much. Katrine already said Annette's problem was that you weren't greedy. You need a little greed to survive."
Annette just smiled without answering.
It's not that she wasn't originally greedy. She'd just been castrated over the years.
The revolution had taken away her entire past. She couldn't desire anything, not even the smallest happiness. She had long since resigned herself to it and become accustomed to it.
“Don’t pretend you don’t know me because I moved far away. Come visit often.”
"Of course. Katrine and Brunner are my benefactors. I also have to watch Olivia grow up."
"What about a benefactor? Enough with the awkward talk. Take this."
Brunner held out the envelope he was holding. Annette took it, wondering if it was a farewell letter or something. "Why give it to me so soon when I'm not leaving yet?"
“Can I open it now?”
“Open it now.”
Annette carefully opened the envelope. Inside was not a letter, but bank documents.
The account holder was Annette. Her expression hardened as she read a few lines of the document.
Brunner said in a flat tone.
“I want to give it back to Annette.”
“...Bruner, this is what I gave you.”
The night before leaving, the full amount of the check Annette had given Katrine was in the account.
Annette tried to put the documents in an envelope and hand them back to him, but Brunner shook his head and refused.
“I kept it the whole time, intending to give it back to Annette.”
“I gave it to Katrine. She also received it.”
“Annette, it was her will to return it to you.”
“...A will, you say?”
"The reason Katrine received this back then was because she judged you, who had to leave immediately, to be incapable of handling or managing it. She only told me, just before she died, that she had received this from Annette. I guess she was afraid I would become greedy if she found out."
Brunner laughed lightly, as if making a joke.
“If she leaves it as a will... She knows I have no choice but to keep it.”
“...”
“It’s a shame. If it weren’t for the will, I would have just taken it.”
But Annette didn't laugh. She couldn't laugh. The end of the paper bag crumpled slightly in her hand.
She once told Heiner that if there was a set amount of happiness for a person, he would have already enjoyed it all.
“... Brunner. If there is a set amount of luck for a person.”
Annette spoke in a hoarse voice.
“I would have spent it all meeting you and Katrine.”
Brunner's eyes widened in surprise at those words. He twitched his lips as if about to say something, then let out a sigh.
Brunner's gaze was fixed on Annette, but he wasn't looking at her. His eyes were fixed on something distant and longing beyond.
Brunner, who had been silent for a moment, smiled and asked.
“...Was it worth it?”
Annette answered without hesitation.
“Overflowing.”
***
An emergency evacuation order was issued. It was a massive air raid by the Balinese Air Force targeting the officers' barracks.
Heiner put a letter in his inside pocket first. It was the one he had received at the military post office just yesterday.
After that, he grabbed his rifle and ammunition and loaded it. A heavy click sounded from the rifle.
Given his position, it had been quite some time since he had personally wielded a weapon in combat. However, he handled the rifle as if it were his own.
After a brief moment of deliberation, Heiner holstered a pistol and left the barracks. Outside, the scene was already semi-pandemic.
A heavy noise rang out overhead. Heiner frowned and looked up at the sky.
Two enemy fighters were flying side by side across the sky. Watching them, Heiner asked his staff.
“Didn’t you say it wasn’t on radar?”
"It's difficult to intercept. It appears they sprayed aluminum fragments into the air to evade radar."
“Muster all the anti-aircraft guns you have and shoot them down on land.”
Anti-aircraft guns, firearms designed to attack aerial targets, were still in the development phase and were far from perfect. However, for now, this was the only option.
Bang!
Boom!
Bombs fell on the bare ground, kicking up a huge cloud of dust. Heiner ran to his military vehicle, his rifle strapped to his chest. Bombing continued everywhere.
"Your Excellency!"
Suddenly, the men behind him shouted urgently. Heiner turned around. At that moment, a loud noise erupted nearby.
Beep─
At the same time, a sharp ringing rang in his ears. He staggered, covering one ear.
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