Chapter 4: From Today Onward, I Am Sergeant Lelouch

A few minutes later, Colonel Lister was led by Andrei through a maze of corridors to the telegraph room in the cellar.

Lelouch was still wearing headphones, fully focused on sending and receiving messages. The constant beeping went on uninterrupted, as if he hadn’t noticed anyone entering.

His fingers moved at lightning speed, almost leaving afterimages. The rapid switching of the relay contacts produced faint electric arcs, filling the room with a distinct burnt smell.

The air around the relay contacts was repeatedly ionized, generating ozone and nitrogen oxides, which, combined with oxidized copper dust from the friction of the contacts, created that characteristic electrical spark odor.

Lister, having been a regiment commander for many years and often dealing with the regimental radio station, could tell from the intensity of the smell that this telegraph operator was highly skilled and had been working relentlessly for a prolonged period.

He stood silently observing for a few seconds. Andrei wanted to step forward and call out a salute to Lelouch but was held back by Lister.

“Don’t rush. Let him finish sending,” Lister said.

But Andrei had no time to waste. The 16th Regiment had just completed a forced march and was out of breath, unable to immediately engage in combat. For now, they still had to rely on Andrei’s troops to hold out a little longer.

He pragmatically lowered his voice, “Please take your time. I’ll go take command of the battle.”

Lister nodded.

About two minutes later, Lelouch finished sending the last warning message. Rubbing his wrist, he was finally interrupted loudly by Lister:

“No need for more warnings. The flood has already reached everywhere.”

Only then did Lelouch realize someone was at the door. He quickly stood up, confirmed they were friendly, and then relaxed, saluting respectfully.

“Sorry, sir. The gunfire was too loud; I didn’t hear you come in.”

Lister stepped up, patting the collar of Lelouch’s uniform.

“Lelouch Hunter? A corporal? How old are you? How long have you served?”

Lelouch tapped the heel of his polished boot and replied, “Born in ’92. I just graduated from university this July. I’ve been in the army for three and a half months.”

He briefly recounted his background again while Lister curiously sized him up from head to toe.

So young — it was hard to imagine someone fresh out of college could make such decisive and effective tactical adjustments.

After listening, Lister readily praised him, “You were classified as a technical non-commissioned officer upon enlistment — a waste of talent. But that’s in the past. You saved my regiment; I’ll report this to higher-ups.”

“I heard your platoon leader was killed? From now on, you can temporarily command that communications platoon with the rank of sergeant major.”

Lelouch wasn’t familiar with promotion rules and was surprised, “Just a few words from you verbally… can promote me?”

Lister clapped his shoulder jokingly. “New recruits are new recruits. Haven’t even memorized the Empire’s promotion regulations?”

“Non-commissioned officer promotions are decided by the regimental command; junior officer promotions by division command; senior officer promotions by army group command; and general promotions are submitted by the high command to His Majesty the Emperor for final judgment.”

“If you were a regimental NCO, I wouldn’t even need to report it — I could decide on the spot. But since you’re not, some paperwork still needs to be done.”

As he spoke, the colonel discreetly watched Lelouch’s expression.

Unfortunately, he saw no trace of elation or excitement.

“Promotion... what good is a mere sergeant major? Still trapped inside the encirclement. But at least after promotion, I won’t have to act as infantry anymore. That’s better than nothing and improves my survival odds,” Lelouch thought silently.

Noticing this, the colonel admired him even more, appreciating his calm and unflappable demeanor. He seemed like someone destined for great things.

The colonel even felt a bit embarrassed, thinking he hadn’t given enough to match Lelouch’s saving of the entire regiment.

To alleviate his awkwardness, he casually changed the subject and naturally asked Lelouch in more detail than Andrei had earlier about how he spotted the Belgians preparing to blow the levee.

Lelouch had already rehearsed the answer many times in his mind and had recently reviewed it with Clovis, so he was unafraid.

He carefully explained once more, even pulling Clovis to testify: “He was the one who first alerted me. His eyesight is sharper than mine. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him again.”

Lister, though still slightly puzzled by Lelouch’s insight, accepted the result since the man had saved his regiment. He didn’t bother to question further.

Moreover, even Lister himself didn’t know why, but when he saw Lelouch’s left eye, bloodshot from tear gas poisoning, and especially the sincere look in that eye, he couldn’t help but believe he was telling the truth.

“I see... sounds like a bit of luck was involved, but war needs luck,” Lister said, patting Clovis’s shoulder.

“You were observant, soldier. I’ll promote you to corporal. While Sergeant Major Lelouch acts as platoon leader, you’ll take over his original post.”

Clovis beamed with joy, standing at attention and taking a deep breath, trying to puff out his chest as he sharply saluted.

“Yes, sir!”

His heart pounded wildly: Listening to the old squad leader really paid off! He just got promoted to platoon leader, and now I’m taking his place! From now on, I’ll do whatever Commander Lelouch tells me!

The colonel was satisfied with this arrangement. Limited by his authority, he could only promote Lelouch to sergeant major. Adding a corporal promotion for one of his old subordinates balanced the favor.

...

After settling the rewards, Lister rested briefly, ate a few bites of dry rations, drank his water, and prepared to relieve Andrei in commanding the battle.

He also planned to deploy the troops he brought to reinforce the defensive line.

Lelouch still felt uneasy. Seeing the colonel about to leave, he couldn’t help asking one last question.

“Sir, Captain Andrei held out almost the entire day with just one company. Now that your entire regiment has arrived, with over ten times the manpower, holding out until the end should be no problem, right? I heard in previous defensive battles, the Empire’s elite could hold off twenty times their number of enemies without issue? Is that true?”

Lelouch’s question was half earnest, half seeking reassurance.

Having crossed over only four hours ago, he still lacked a clear understanding of how brutal the fighting was or what troop ratios were necessary. He wanted to hear an authoritative opinion.

Lister’s expression remained serious. “Of course, I’ll defend with all my might, but we cannot underestimate the enemy. Since we get along, I’ll share some military intelligence with you.

“The forces encircled are the Belgian 1st, 4th, and 6th Divisions. At the war’s start, they had six standing divisions plus some hastily mobilized reserve divisions. In the battles of Liège fortress and Antwerp, the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th divisions and all reserve divisions were annihilated by the Empire.

“Now the Belgian 1st Division is holding Ostend, commanded by Lieutenant General Alfred Bastion. He’s responsible for covering the rear and delaying the pursuit by our 6th Army’s 2nd Baria Division. The Belgian king, cabinet, and general staff are all in Ostend city.

“Today, the troops Andrei fought were mainly the vanguard of the 4th Division, led by Major General Henry De Gisel.

“There’s also Major General Victor Björbeck’s 6th Division, which previously defended the southern flank along the Yser River. But the levee was blown up, turning the south into a vast swamp, so it no longer needs defending. I estimate he’ll arrive here by late tonight to join the 4th Division in attacking us.”

Lister’s understanding of the entire battle was far more detailed than Lelouch’s, and after a brief explanation, Lelouch understood.

In other words, today during the day, our side was actually fighting only the enemy’s one or two regiments of vanguard troops.

Only by the first half of tonight will the entire 4th Division be pressing forward. By late night, the 6th Division will also gradually arrive at the front.

If the enemy still cannot break through Neopold by then, the 1st Division, responsible for rear-guard delaying, might even send some regiments over to desperately break out.

The tough battles ahead remain arduous. All the auxiliary tactics Lelouch had been imagining can only be employed if the frontline remains firm enough.

...

After finishing the briefing, Lister donned his cap and turned to open the cellar door.

At that moment, a soldier outside seemed to rush over, attempting to push the door. Pushing too hard, he missed the handle and fell flat on his face.

“Careless!” The colonel frowned naturally.

The soldier, ignoring the pain, quickly got up, adjusted his helmet, and saluted briskly.

“Sorry, Colonel! Captain Andrei is wounded! The enemy’s latest assault is fierce. Lieutenant Balk, the deputy platoon leader, ordered me to report immediately, hoping our forces can be deployed to the front line at once.”

Just as the soldier finished speaking, a stretcher was carried into the cellar, with Captain Andrei lying on it.

His left arm was freshly bandaged, blood seeping through the layers. The wound seemed long, likely caused by shrapnel.

Though still conscious, upon seeing the colonel, he weakly grabbed him with his uninjured right arm and said with difficulty, “Enemy reinforcements have arrived. This time they have Schneider 75mm rapid-fire guns on both east and west flanks! My previous defense isn’t suitable for facing such direct heavy fire—be careful...”

Andrei’s head drooped before he could finish, and he fainted from blood loss.

Previously, Andrei faced only light weapons—at most grenades, heavy machine guns, or ultra-light improvised mortars—mainly relying on human waves. That’s how he managed to hold out through most of the night and almost the entire day with just one company.

Though the enemy’s movements were sluggish, the battle had lasted nearly sixteen hours before the first light artillery finally reached the front.

Andrei was caught off guard and failed to adjust defenses in time, leading to his injury.

Fortunately, he had already provided valuable information before losing consciousness. Colonel Lister, a battle-hardened veteran, knew how to conduct counter-battery operations.

“Don’t panic! Our regiment also brought 77mm field guns! Although not as good as the French’s, as long as we conceal them well and don’t expose them prematurely, we can definitely counter-kill their artillery. Everyone, follow my orders immediately and adjust deployment!”

“Lelouch, you know the situation. Come with me to take a look. Don’t worry, it’s safe by my side.”

As a communications officer, Lelouch wasn’t normally required to personally observe enemy movements or adjust deployments.

But since the colonel was new and unfamiliar with the rest of the garrison officers, and because he trusted Lelouch, he had no choice but to bring him along to relay orders.

Although a little afraid of the artillery barrage, Lelouch had no grounds to refuse. Gritting his teeth, he followed the colonel out.

Without the cellar’s soundproofing, the artillery fire sounded even louder—almost unbearable to his ears. He kept his mouth slightly open, afraid his hearing would be damaged, and trailed closely behind.

Colonel Lister, however, appeared calm and accustomed to it.

Surrounded by seven or eight guards, he took only a few dozen steps and, before reaching the observation post, judged the situation by ear alone.

“East side has at least four, west side roughly the same—Schneider 75mm rapid-fire guns. Hmm, no wonder when our troops first arrived, the enemy’s assault seemed almost stalled. Turns out they were gathering strength, coordinating anI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.