Upon Returning Home As A Military Major General, I Was Told To Attend School, Even Though It’s Quite Late Now - Chapter 127

Chapter 127. I Cannot Accept That Discharge Request

“Let’s celebrate!”

I don’t understand the Haoti dialect, but that’s probably what the commander, Kobako, said, marking the start of the lively revelry.

The celebration was held around a bonfire, with a toast honoring our victory over the enemy, gratitude for our family’s safety, and in tribute to our fallen comrades resting in the ground.

I wish I could drink a freezing cold cola, but unfortunately, there are no such luxuries here at the Junker Fortress.

And of course, at the banquet…

“Not you again…”

The traditional green soup, Haoti, makes its appearance.

“Ah, but somehow it tastes better than at lunch.”

“Yeah, maybe sweating so much in this jungle heat makes its salty taste more appealing.”

Local cuisine aligns with the region’s climate and provides the necessary nutrition, making sense on a practical level.

Still, I doubt I’ll ever get used to that pungent smell.

“Thank you so much. Please, have a drink.”

Commander Kobako stood holding a bottle and a cup. Since she mentioned a toast, it was likely alcohol.

“Oh, Misuzu and I are underage.”

“But Hayami enjoys alcohol.”

“This is delicious! So fruity!”

Before I could ask her to drink on my behalf, Hayami had already emptied the cup she’d been served.

“You’ve got a taste for alcohol, Lieutenant Hayami. This is homemade liquor, brewed from coconuts grown in the residential camp. Every household’s batch has a slightly different flavor.”

As Hayami continued drinking enthusiastically, more Haoti soldiers came to pour her more liquor.

Offering homemade alcohol is the highest form of hospitality, showing their gratitude to us for driving away the enemy forces.

“I’m glad they no longer react awkwardly to seeing Misuzu.”

“They saw her fight on the front lines, helping us repel the Eastern Allied Forces.”

Misuzu, who was once feared by the Haoti as the “Assault Girl,” is now recognized by everyone at Junker Fortress as one of their allies.

“Sara, are you drinking?”

“Don’t worry, Naran. I just pretended to sip during the toast.”

I overheard Vice Commander Naran and Commander Kobako whispering to each other.

Hmm? She’s calling the commander by her first name? Is this just because it’s a banquet?

Oh, right. Naran also called her “Sara” back when the residential camp was under attack.

Rather than reprimanding her for drinking, Naran’s tone seems more like he’s concerned for her well-being.

Could it be…?

One by one, the pieces fall into place in my mind.

And then, an idea strikes me.

“So, Captain Kobako, about the discharge request…”

“Ah, right. I completely forgot with all the combat chaotic. Here’s the signed form.”

Since I referred to her by her formal rank in the Japanese military instead of “Commander,” she immediately understood my intentions.

Though slightly crumpled, she handed me the signed discharge papers.

“Are you really staying here, sis?”

“Yeah. I’ve made up my mind to stay and see this through. I can’t just build a fortress and then abandon it to return to Japan.”

“Figured you’d say that.”

“Sorry, Toshi-niiaki.”

Though he looked a bit sad, Toshi-nii seemed to understand, having seen how things were here. Kobako smiled warmly at him, like an older sister would.

And that’s when I dropped the bombshell.

“Unfortunately, I can no longer accept this discharge request.”

“What!?”

It wasn’t just Captain Kobako, but also Naran and Toshi-nii who were shocked by my words.

“……”

“There’s something you’ve been hiding from us, right, Captain?”

Kobako didn’t flinch. As expected from a soldier trained in special forces, she remained composed, already calculating various scenarios in her mind.

Toshi-nii looked confused, while Naran glared at Kobako, clearly having figured it out.

Then, with a soft sigh, Kobako’s expression relaxed.

“Sharp observation, for someone so young.”

“I was taught that good officers anticipate the unspoken needs of their subordinates. I barely remember the rest of my officer training, but that part stuck.”

Captain Kobako smiled at my humble response and shoved the discharge papers into her pocket.

“Pardon my interruption, Major Kamiya. May I ask a question?”

“Captain Kobako, permission granted.”

Following military protocol, Toshi-nii formally inquired, and I responded in kind.

“Why are you refusing my sister’s discharge?”

I glanced at Captain Kobako for permission to speak, and she gave me a nod.

“Because Captain Kobako is pregnant.”

“Huh!?”

Toshi-nii’s bewildered response was priceless.

I should’ve recorded it.

“What!? Captain Kobako, congratulations! Who’s the lucky partner?”

Already drunk, Hayami blurted out her questions without hesitation.

“This explains it.”

With that, Captain Kobako leaned into Naran, who gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“How romantic! Love between an officer and her subordinate, blossoming on the battlefield!”

Hayami squealed with excitement, while Toshi-nii still looked stunned, trying to process the situation.

“You’ll be an uncle soon, Toshi-nii. Isn’t that great?”

“But what does her pregnancy have to do with rejecting her discharge?”

Toshi-nii finally rebooted, though he still seemed a bit off due to the unexpected news.

“You just don’t get it, Toshi-nii. The military offers maternity and parental leave. It’s smarter to take advantage of those benefits before resigning.”

“That’s exploiting the system!”

“Soldiers are workers too. There’s no shame in exercising your rights. Especially after all the tough missions she’s been through, she deserves to prioritize herself for once.”

I dismissed Toshi-nii’s concerns with a grin.

“Besides, the Japanese military will need to send someone to fill in during her leave. But since they won’t assign someone at the captain level to Junker Fortress, here’s my proposal.”

I turned to Misuzu.

“We’ll send some of Misuzu’s units here on a rotating basis. How about that?”

This is the beauty of being an officer—pushing the boundaries within the rules.

With this arrangement, we could keep deploying Misuzu’s units here without raising suspicions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the personnel office might complain, but after everything we’ve endured, they can cut us some slack.

“That would be perfect for us.”

“I’ve been worried about future attacks. The Eastern Alliance might try again once things settle down.”

It seems both sides are in agreement.

“Alright, I’ll bring the leave paperwork later. Now, let’s enjoy the party!”

“Woohoo! Pour me a drink for Captain Kobako!”

“Hayami, don’t drink too much. We don’t want you getting a hangover before teleporting tomorrow.”

The tension that briefly filled the air dissipated, replaced by laughter and joy. With Captain Kobako staying, and Misuzu’s units continuing their support, the party reached new heights.

“Can I get a drink too?”

“You sure, Toshi-nii? This stuff’s pretty strong.”

Judging by Hayami’s state, the homemade Haoti liquor was as potent as Okinawan awamori.

“I feel like getting drunk tonight. I mean, I’m going to be an uncle.”

Toshi-nii said wistfully, raising his cup.

“You’re just sad Naran stole your sister, aren’t you?”

“Shut up!”

“Don’t worry. Even without your sister, you still have me. No matter how much of a hopeless siscon you are, I’ll never abandon you as a little brother.”

“I am not a siscon!”

Laughter, bonfire smoke, and the distinct aroma of Haotiti filled the air as the noisy banquet continued late into the night.