If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 71

“Commander Rossmann!”

Henry, who recognized him first, stiffened his posture and saluted.

Reluctantly, Locke let go of Kyle’s collar and assumed the same stance as Henry.

Rossmann looked at the furious Locke, uncharacteristic of him, and Kyle, who had been thrown to the floor, before speaking.

“Captain Rivern, I understand your situation, but we can’t afford internal bloodshed with an important task ahead. Let’s settle this matter after it’s over.”

Rossmann, who had grasped the situation, was aware that Kyle’s actions were not insignificant. However, he had no choice but to stop Locke for now. With a decisive battle imminent, every bit of strength was needed, even if it meant borrowing the hands of a cat.

Though Locke’s ingenuity had brought them advantageous intelligence for the independence army, the vast disparity in numbers meant they couldn’t afford to relax. Internal conflicts, for any reason, were unacceptable at this moment.

Despite Rossmann’s intervention, Locke responded coldly, “Because of him, an innocent woman has become a wanted fugitive. She is still being pursued.”

“That’s not entirely my fault. Wasn’t it your decision, Captain, to involve a civilian in place of Juliana?”

“……”

“Kyle Basker, shut your mouth.”

Henry, answering for Locke, whose self-reproach left him speechless, directed a sharp retort at Kyle.

“You approached her with the intent to use her from the beginning. Don’t pretend to care about her now. Isn’t it just a case of belated attachment?”

Though Kyle’s words were unpleasant, they held truth. Even if Kyle hadn’t provided false information, the situation would still have been dangerous. It didn’t change the fact that Georgiana had been deceived by not being informed during the operation, exposing her to significant danger.

Locke closed his eyes tightly, Kyle’s words feeling like those Georgiana might have said to him. His already pale face grew even more ashen.

“Unforeseen incidents happen during operations. At the time, it must have seemed like the best choice, so don’t torment yourself over it. Lieutenant Kyle Basker, just because you’re not held accountable now doesn’t mean your wrongdoing disappears. Watch your words.”

Rossmann warned Kyle sternly while looking down at him with subdued eyes.

Although cold and logical, Locke was someone who always tried to minimize civilian harm. It was clear, even without witnessing it firsthand, how much agony he must have endured to make such a decision.

However, Rossmann couldn’t let the confrontation continue and decided to change the subject.

“That aside, your injuries haven’t healed yet. What brings you here?”

His complexion, pale and sickly, suggested he hadn’t fully recovered from his rib injuries, though outwardly he seemed fine. Locke’s presence at headquarters, despite being shot and needing at least a month of bed rest, was unexpected.

“I’ve come to request permission for a one-month personal operation. I need to search for the civilian woman caught up in this matter. If left unchecked, she’ll likely be captured and suffer at the hands of the Imperial Army. I plan to go with only Lieutenant Marker, without additional support.”

Rossmann noted the urgency on Locke’s face, as if he were ready to bolt at any moment. It struck him how much more human Locke had become recently. He had heard of a woman with whom Locke had spent over a month aboard a ship under the guise of a married couple. Could it be that he had developed feelings for her?

The seasoned veteran’s intuition rarely failed.

“Is Major Rian your direct superior?”

Since Major James, who had been between them, had died in the last operation, Rian had been handling both her own duties and those of the vacant position, making her Locke’s temporary superior.

“Yes.”

“I’ll speak to him directly, so proceed as you see fit. You’ve already done more than enough, bringing us valuable intelligence and severely wounding Edmund. You have fulfilled your duty, Captain Rivern.”

“Thank you.”

Locke bowed with a relieved expression.

“However, you must return before the Imperial fleet arrives….”

“Commander!”

Before Rossmann could finish, a courier hurriedly climbed the stairs and shouted.

“A large Imperial force is advancing toward the Rudelly region. They’ll likely clash with our troops there within half a day.”

“What?”

Rudelly was a full day’s journey from headquarters. Unlike the Northwest, known for trade ports and passenger ships, it was a key military region frequented by warships. They had planned to launch a surprise attack there in a few weeks when Imperial reinforcements were expected. But now the enemy had struck first.

Whether their information had been leaked or it was simply part of their strategy, an imminent battle seemed inevitable.

“Summon the officers immediately. I’ll head to the conference room.”

Rossmann hurriedly left the scene.

Locke remained where he stood, lost in thought. Headquarters was in chaos. With the clash starting today, there was no telling when the war would end. Under such circumstances, his intention to leave and rescue a civilian would never be approved. Disobeying orders would amount to insubordination, leaving him no choice but to resign if he wanted to save Georgiana. But abandoning her wasn’t an option either.

How could he claim to protect a country when he couldn’t even protect the woman he loved?

His mind made up, he pulled out the identification papers from his pocket. Unlike soldiers in uniform, those handling external operations carried these documents to prove their allegiance to the independence army. Returning them meant forfeiting his military status.

As he marched determinedly toward his superior’s office, Henry intercepted him.

“I’ve always supported your decision to resign, Captain, but doing so now could tarnish your name after independence is achieved. It could be a lifelong disgrace.”

“I can’t leave Georgiana like this,” Locke replied firmly, shaking his head.

“I’ll go look for her. It’ll be less conspicuous for me to move around since my face isn’t well known, and the montage doesn’t depict me in detail. I’ll bring back good news from Norfolk.”

Henry’s words were reasonable. Leaving before the battle began would look like cowardice. Even if Locke managed to save Georgiana, he’d have to live with the disgrace of desertion. While he didn’t care about his own honor, he couldn’t let her bear such a label.

But could Henry handle it alone?

Locke hesitated, wondering if staying behind was the right choice.

“Searching for someone is the same whether one or two people go. I’ll find her and ensure she’s safely placed somewhere before returning.”

Finally, Locke nodded, moved by Henry’s earnest gaze.

“If I can leave this work behind, I’ll follow as soon as I can. Go ahead.”

“Yes, sir. Don’t worry and leave it to me.”

“Thank you.”

“Hearing you thank me gives me the creeps and makes me more anxious. Just act like you normally do.”

Locke smiled faintly at Henry’s exaggerated shudder.

“Do it properly. If you fail, don’t bother coming back.”

“Now that’s the Captain I know. People shouldn’t do things they’re not used to.”

“Enough nonsense.”

Locke chuckled at Henry’s antics.

“I’ll be back soon, so take care of yourself. And please, stay in the rear. You’ve got an excuse with your injury. If I hear you’ve taken the lead again like last time, I won’t tell you her location even if I find out.”

“Alright.”

“Lieutenant Henry Marker, I’ll carry out Captain Locke Rivern’s orders with my life.”

With a playful salute, Henry left headquarters.

Locke, his face heavy with worry, headed straight for Major Rian’s office.

***

“Miss Leona, I heard you left your identification at the inn.”

Raymond’s secretary, Evan, glared sharply through his glasses.

Even the way he flipped through the contract radiated meticulousness.

He was entirely different in temperament from Raymond.

Having been away for a few days, he had returned to find a sudden contract between Georgiana and Raymond and promptly summoned her. Concerned that his boss might have made yet another foolish decision, he examined the contract but found it legitimate. The issue was Georgiana’s unverifiable identity.

“Yes. I left in a hurry and forgot it. Should I retrieve it now?” Georgiana replied in a calm voice, hiding her nervousness.