I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 33 Oh dear, you're making me make a mistake!

Oh no, I'm probably doomed this time.

The guy in front of me is a complete beast who doesn't take the laws of war seriously!
Upon hearing John's words, Dick's back was covered in cold sweat, but he still stammered an explanation:
"Sir, sir, please don't joke with me. We are really just an ordinary caravan, not spies for the Allied forces! This must be a misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding, sir!"

Of course I know there's a misunderstanding.

Because this is a complete frame-up and slander against you guys.

Of course, considering that you have voluntarily delivered so much gold to the wise and mighty Warrant Officer John, the merciful Warrant Officer John may spare your lives.

After all, I'm not some kind of demon!

John was secretly pleased with himself, but outwardly remained expressionless as he reprimanded the terrified Dick:

"Misunderstanding? Do you think I'm an idiot? What ordinary caravan would carry such a large amount of gold when traveling? I think you're clearly spies planted in Walden by the Allied forces!"

"This, this, I..."

Upon hearing this, Dick's face turned deathly pale, and he couldn't help but feel regret.

If he had known he would be intercepted by the Imperial Army on the way, he would never have converted all his wealth into gold, even if it meant being killed.

Now the Hardman family line is likely to end completely!
It's all dead anyway.

Or should we fight these Imperial soldiers to the death?
Dick's eyes flickered, but looking at the dark gun barrels around him and the terrifying magic soldiers flying in the sky, his original will to fight to the death vanished instantly.

Instead, there was an unprecedented despair.

How to spell it?
If these old, weak, sick, and disabled people were to fight back, they would probably all be shot dead in less than a second.

Moreover, the Imperial Army is notoriously cruel. If someone were to truly resist and be confirmed as a spy, they would likely face endless interrogations.

That was a hell ten thousand times more painful than death.

In comparison, he would have been better off being shot dead.

It's over!
Father, I have ultimately failed to fulfill your wishes!
Dick felt a bitter taste in his mouth, then closed his eyes in despair, waiting for the demonic imperial army in front of him to give him a quick death.

Why is that idiot businessman closing his eyes?
Did I scare you so much you're paralyzed?

Are people from another world all so mentally unstable?
John was speechless as he watched Dick, who had inexplicably closed his eyes and seemed to be standing still waiting to die.

But considering that he had already been ruthless enough by robbing them of their assets, it would be too beastly of him not to leave these victims any way out.

So John thought for a moment and then tentatively spoke to the aggrieved man before him:

"Of course, this is just my guess. It's also possible that you know how hard the Empire is fighting, so you've voluntarily sold your assets to pay funds to the Empire in order to support it. Don't you agree, sir?"

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Dick slowly opened his eyes, staring in astonishment at the Imperial Dog in front of him.

Seemingly unable to believe his ears, he stood frozen in place.

After a long while, she finally snapped out of her daze under John's impatient gaze, and almost wept with joy as she spoke:

"Yes, yes, sir, we are here to support the Empire. That's right, it is to reward the great Imperial Army that we have brought so much gold to present to you. Please understand, sir!"

After saying that, as if afraid that the imperial dog in front of him would smear him again, Dick immediately knelt down before John, and at the same time showed an unprecedentedly obsequious attitude on his face.

Although we have no idea what this imperial dog is up to.

However, if I'm not mistaken, it seems they can save their lives for now.

As for gold, it's just an external possession; it's nothing compared to one's life!
As long as I'm alive, I won't say anything about those damned imperial dogs wanting gold.

I'd even kneel down and lick the soles of his shoes for him!
Dick pondered to himself, while anxiously watching John in front of him, fearing that the other man might change his mind and have him executed.

You only realized you needed to change your tune after I, the warrant officer, had to remind you? You're even dumber than Wendy.

"How did you become a businessman with an IQ like that? You'd probably lose money no matter what you did." John curled his lip in disdain as he looked at the dim-witted businessman in front of him.

However, he could also tell that these natives from another world were probably all incredibly timid.

He casually mentioned the spy, and the idiot was so scared he almost wet his pants on the spot.

If he were to use the interrogation techniques he learned from crime dramas in his past life, combined with his rambling and utterly nonsensical rhetoric, and employ a few threats and inducements, this idiot in front of him would probably be scared to death on the spot.

Therefore, seeing that the other person started to follow his lead, he stopped threatening them and instead gave them a look that said, "You're teachable," before nodding in satisfaction.
"I see. I have sensed your loyalty to the Empire. However, although your intentions are good, it is a pity that our Imperial Army has always maintained a close relationship with the people. In theory, we cannot accept this. Therefore, your act of privately supplying gold to the Imperial Army puts me in a difficult position!"

John sighed, feigning difficulty, and then gave the aggrieved man before him a meaningful look.

He felt that he had made his point very clear.

If this idiot had any intelligence, he would probably understand what he meant by what he said.

"Then, shall we take this batch of gold back with us?"

Dick asked tentatively, somewhat doubtfully.

Lead you my foot! I was just being polite with you for a bit, and you actually took it seriously?
The natives of that other world are so heartless and inhumane!
Sure enough, I was guilty of overestimating this idiot's intelligence.

It seems that I have to speak very bluntly for these people to understand what I mean!
John's face darkened. He wanted to accuse the guy of something even more serious, but seeing the guy's trembling legs, he knew that if he continued to scare him, the guy might actually wet his pants.

So he suppressed his anger and instead spoke with a forced smile:

"Of course, theory is theory and reality is reality. The two cannot be confused. A decision must be made based on the specific circumstances."

"You know, our brave imperial soldiers are constantly shedding blood and sweat on the front lines to protect the safety of the people, and they are also in dire need of help!"

"As for these respectable soldiers, if someone insists on 'forcing' and 'voluntarily' compensating the brave soldiers of the Empire, then even if it may violate some regulations, this warrant officer is willing to take some risks to fight for the soldiers' rights."

Damn, to put it bluntly, it still comes down to money, doesn't it?
Why do they have to come up with so many fancy tricks? They're just imperial dogs!
Your hypocrisy disgusts me!
Now, Dick finally understood what this imperial dog in front of him really meant, and a hint of disdain crept into his eyes as he looked at the other man.

However, he didn't dare to be negligent on the surface, and quickly handed the cigarette to the other person, while saying in a fawning tone:
“Of course, the soldiers of the Empire work very hard and deserve to be rewarded. Today, I, Reddick Deman, am willing to personally offer all of this gold to your unit, Warrant Officer, without asking for anything in return!”

"What are you doing! What are you doing! I already said this is against the rules, oh dear, you, you, you're making me make a mistake, Mr. Reddick!"

"No, this is my sentiment towards the Empire, it represents my loyalty. Please accept it, otherwise, I will die right now!"

"Well, well, since you are so loyal to the Empire, Mr. Reddick, it would be too disheartening to refuse any longer. So, I will accept this batch of gold on behalf of all the soldiers of the Empire. Even if I am punished by the inspection forces afterward, I will bear the consequences myself!"

"How can that be? Your act of showing compassion for your subordinates is merciful. How can you be punished? Here's what I'll do: I'll write you a letter of voluntariness, stating my personal stance. As a citizen loyal to the Empire, I absolutely cannot stand by and watch a righteous official like you be slandered by villains!"

Dick became more and more immersed in his role, as if he had transformed from a victim into a loyal imperial lackey. He immediately spoke with righteous indignation and then took out a piece of paper and quickly wrote a certificate of voluntary donation.

Having obtained the proof of ownership and realizing that he could now rightfully obtain the gold, John smiled sincerely and patted Dick on the shoulder with satisfaction, saying:
"Your Excellency is simply the most loyal citizen of the Empire I have ever met. If all citizens of the Empire were as loyal as you, then we would have even more motivation to fight."

Loyalty my ass, you dog, that's enough! If it weren't for the fact that you brought so many magic soldiers, would I have obediently handed over my family's wealth?

I'd be lucky if I didn't shoot you twice!
Dick cursed inwardly, but outwardly he stood tall and responded with a loyal expression:
“Money is nothing to me. My loyalty to the empire is as clear as the sun and moon and as proof as heaven and earth.”

After a slight pause, seeing John happily clutching the certificate with obvious delight, Dick, feeling the time was right, probed again:
"However, sir, do you think we can..."

"Ah, no problem. You have moved me with your sincere loyalty and proven the innocence of your caravan. Therefore, you are now innocent!"

Having received the certificate, John didn't make things difficult for the aggrieved party any further, but instead nodded with a smile.

Just as he was about to signal to Wendy to let the person leave,

Wendy's questioning voice reached his ears again:

"But Captain, I still think these people are a bit suspicious. I think it would be better if we followed the rules and sent them to the interrogation department, right?"

……

(End of this chapter)