Illusion Sword Master

＜ Inspector’s Surveillance (3) ﹥

The news that the inspector would conduct a surprise inspection of the legion’s units spread quickly among the 6th Legion’s commanders.

The purpose of the inspection was to establish military discipline, but it wasn’t just a simple matter of boosting morale through speeches or security education.

Establishing military discipline meant eliminating impurities, which could lead to bloody conflicts depending on the situation.

However, that was in the past.

After the Emperor’s downfall, the Imperial Inspector’s power was no longer the same. Their explicitly stated authority was limited to theory, and they couldn’t wield absolute power like before. Nowadays, inspectors needed to present significant evidence of corruption to impose severe penalties on high-ranking officers.

“Tsk, what a pointless ceremony. It’s just a hassle.”

So, 12th Battalion Commander Lucas didn’t take the inspector’s visit too seriously.

He was a moderately corrupt commander who took care of his own interests. “I’m working hard for the Empire, so I deserve this much.”

It wasn’t unusual for him to treat the unit’s supplies as his own personal belongings.

Moreover, he was a decent commander. “I’m stuck with incompetent subordinates, but if I had capable soldiers, I would have become a war hero by now.”

What’s more, Lucas’s family was a military noble family that had produced many high-ranking officers in the Imperial Army. He himself had graduated from the Imperial Military Academy’s Military Department. He had many influential friends, seniors, relatives, and acquaintances within the Imperial Army.

“I’ll just smooth things over and that’s it.”

However, the inspector who came to the 6th Legion was different from before.

“Is it true that you killed the commander of the Punishment Battalion and his men? You even killed the commander of the 1st Battalion?”

The young inspector, who had already killed the orc tribe leader Grola during his cadet days and received the Medal of Valor, had become a war hero after achieving a miraculous victory on the western front.

“What’s going on? Is the legion commander crazy? Are we going to give power to this inspector who came to inspect our legion? Are we going to hand over an entire battalion to him?”

Moreover, he had even established a special inspector task force, something that hadn’t been done in over a decade.

“Why, why did it have to be here?!”

The first target of the newly established inspector task force was, of all places, the 12th Battalion led by Lucas.

The inspector and his entourage arrived at the battalion commander’s office. The half-elf boy, who was leading the inspector’s unit in black uniforms, stared at Lucas without blinking.

“How dare you! You’re being too arrogant!”

Lucas wanted to shout, but he barely managed to suppress his anger. He couldn’t afford to provoke the inspector. For now, he had to endure.

“If I make a mistake here, I’ll be in big trouble.”

The inspector’s imposing figure, with his war hero title, was intimidating at first glance.

Even with the thick coat covering him, the well-trained body’s contours were visible. The scars that told the story of his years of living. The numerous swords tied to his waist and back.

“‘You just graduated from university? Did I hear that wrong?'”

This was like a lifetime of torment in hell.

“Hmm… Welcome, Inspection Special Task Force members.”

Lucas tried to maintain his composure, not showing any tension.

Despite trying to make a good impression with the utmost politeness, the inspector’s response was dry.

“Thank you for the welcome, Commander.”

Then he immediately gave orders to his subordinates.

“Belam, conduct the inspection. The commander is welcoming us, so don’t be burdened. Let’s meet again in 30 minutes.”

“Yes, Inspector. I’ll strip down to my underwear and come back. For the glory of the Empire!”

The half-elf and the subordinates swiftly exited the commander’s office.

“No, wait a minute…”

Lucas was taken aback.

Isn’t there a usual procedure for this?

He might have discovered something that could become his weakness while rummaging through the unit.

“Don’t worry. This is just a formal procedure, and we can take it easy like it’s teatime. Isn’t it better to finish the troublesome tasks quickly?”

“Ah… Yes. That, that… Ah, yes!”

Lucas, who was about to agree with the inspector’s smooth words, was startled.

[The inspector went to the 13th unit and executed the commander in under 30 minutes, beheading him.]

The word “quickly” reminded him of the inspector’s brutal information.

Come to think of it, the time he told the inspection team was also 30 minutes.

“Let’s sit down. You don’t look well.”

Ethan sat down naturally, and Lucas sat down across from him, feeling awkward.

“Inspector? Would you like a cup of tea?”

“It’s okay, Commander. We’ll serve the tea. Olec, please.”

“Yes, Inspector.”

The inspector’s adjutant, who was standing still beside him, carried out the order.

‘Damn. He’s not going to accept even a cup of tea?’

The inspector’s refusal of even a small favor was a firm expression of not receiving any hospitality from the person being inspected.

While waiting for the tea, the inspector remained silent, creating an awkward atmosphere.

“The tea is ready.”

The adjutant soon brought out the tea. The inspector, as if he had been waiting, picked up the steaming cup and brought it to his mouth.

“Ah, I unintentionally committed a faux pas. Thanks to the adjutant’s excellent skills, I’ve become particular about tea. Please forgive me with your broad generosity.”

“Hahaha… Is there anything to forgive?”

“I appreciate your understanding. Commander, please have some too. It tastes very good.”

“Yes, then I won’t decline…”

Lucas, who was holding the teacup, hesitated for a moment.

The adjutant’s gaze was unusual.

‘Ho, maybe, did he put something in this tea?’

The man with an impregnable aura was watching him with a tense face, making Lucas feel uneasy.

In the end, Lucas only pretended to drink the tea and put it down.

“Commander, are you not pleased?”

The inspector pointed this out with an eerie gaze.

“Ah, no! It’s not that…”.

“Hahaha. Why are you acting so surprised?”

After that, another uncomfortable period of time passed.

The inspector, who had been savoring the tea with a peaceful expression, suddenly pulled out his sword and began to clean it.

As Lucas sat on the edge of his seat, he couldn’t help but observe the inspector’s expression, hoping that he would say something, anything.

‘What is he doing all of a sudden? Does he already know something?’

What had I done wrong?

Was it the reckless operation that resulted in the deaths of soldiers in the name of fame?

Or was it diverting some of the supplies to the merchant group run by my wife’s family?

Wasn’t that a crime punishable by death? Would he suddenly behead me with that sword?

The 13th Commander was executed for some crime, wasn’t he?

Lucas’s mind was flooded with the crimes he might have committed.

“Olek, how much time has passed?”

The inspector, who was cleaning his sword, opened his mouth.

“Five minutes are left until thirty minutes are up.”

“I see.”

The inspector, with a twisted expression, looked at Lucas.

“As an inspector, I must perform my duties. To establish military discipline, I will give you a brief lecture, Commander. This is also a formal procedure, so you can just listen.”

“Ah, no! I’ll listen carefully.”

“A commander who leads the army…”.

The inspector began to spout off about the Imperial Army’s norms and the mentality of a commander, and so on.

Finally, he added one more thing.

“Honesty is a virtue. Although you can’t cover up all your misdeeds, you can still show remorse.”

And then, he asked his adjutant again.

“Olek, what’s the time?”

“Yes. It’s exactly thirty minutes now.”

“I see. Well done.”

The inspector stopped cleaning his sword and held it up.

“Inspector! I’ll tell you the truth!”

Lucas, who was shocked, confessed all his crimes, trembling with fear.

At least it was better than getting beheaded here.

“That’s the right choice. Since you’ve recognized your mistakes and confessed, I’ll make sure to give you a lighter sentence.”

#

With a determined mind, the inspection work proceeded smoothly.

We were able to dismantle three regiments and seven independent battalions in just two days.

It was a remarkably satisfying result.

Especially since all the procedures went peacefully.

I made sure not to put direct pressure on the commanders. There was no need to, anyway.

The achievements I’ve accomplished have been exaggerated and distorted, spreading like wildfire, making the commanders I meet tremble as if I were some kind of wizard.

Thanks to that, I was able to take a thirty-minute break, enjoying a cup of tea and sharpening my sword, all while achieving my goals.

Next, I headed towards the 8th Regiment, my next inspection target.

“I’ve done a great job following the inspector’s orders! Seeing the higher-ups getting all flustered, I feel like I’ve finally gotten my revenge.”

Bellam said with a bright smile.

“It’s great that you feel a sense of accomplishment. However, it seems like your luggage has gotten heavier.”

When we set out, his bag was almost empty, but now it was barely closing.

“Ah, did you notice?”

Bellam chuckled and opened his bag, revealing officer-grade cigarettes, handmade liquor, and indecent books inside.

“What’s going on?”

“I, uh, confiscated these items as part of my inspection duties…”

“Which means you stole them, right?”

“Haha… Why, didn’t I say that we’re like legendary thieves? We’re not stealing; we’re just relocating items to a more suitable location!”

Bellam exclaimed confidently, glancing at me.

“…”

I stared at him for a moment.

“Aww, Inspector. If we didn’t have some fun, how would we survive military life? Can’t you just let it slide this once?”

“Special Sergeant Bellam.”

I called out in a low voice, and Bellam straightened up, erasing his playful demeanor.

“Yes, Inspector!”

“By the inspector’s orders, from now on, if you see a fancy sword, confiscate it secretly… I mean, relocate it to a more suitable location.”

“I will follow your orders!”

Instead of suppressing my subordinate’s unique skills, I offered a better path. Isn’t that what a good superior should do?

#

When we arrived at the 8th Regiment, the commander was waiting for us.

“Welcome to the 8th Regiment. It’s an honor to meet the legendary inspector.”

He greeted me with a mix of respect and awkwardness. I noticed his subtle discomfort and said,

“What’s wrong? You don’t have to be so formal. Please, relax.”

“No, no. How can I relax? You’re the hero of the Western Front, the Empire’s success myth, the Orc Slayer! How can I treat you casually? And you’re here to inspect me, no less.”

The 8th Regiment’s commander exaggerated his words, hand gestures, and tone, making it hard to tell if he was being sincere or mocking me.

This guy just wanted to tease me, I thought.

“Commander, do you have any issues?”

“Ah, Inspector, you’re still speaking formally, even though you’re on a roll. Am I just a commander in your eyes?”

Olek bristled at the commander’s attitude, which was far from suitable when dealing with an inspector.

“How dare you be so rude to the inspector! The inspector represents the imperial authority and is here in person. Show some respect!”

I patted my loyal subordinate’s shoulder, calming him down.

“Thanks for worrying about my face, but it’s okay. The 8th Regiment’s commander is an old acquaintance of mine.”

“Ah, Ethan. You’ve really made it big, haven’t you? I wish I had a friend like that under me too.”

His name was Belmont.

He was the commander of the 7th Independent Regiment, where I spent my early days in the Empire’s army, and we fought together against the Orcs during our cadet days on the Western Front.

And.

“If you know about other commanders’ corruption, report them all. Then, I’ll take care of it here.”

“Ethan, are you telling me to sell out my colleagues and seniors?”

“Hey, what’s the big deal? In the high-ranking officers’ circle, family background means nothing, and they get ostracized anyway.”

“…Then, just add this to what’s already going on here, and give a good report to the commander-in-chief.”

My inspector duties became easier and more peaceful with his help.

＜The Inspector Watches Over (3)﹥ End