Western Front Turmoil (III)

"Why have the Greenskins across the river been shouting nonstop since this morning?"

Ben Lier, now promoted to general, demanded loudly.

But no one could answer that question, nor could anyone answer the next.

"Why does our intelligence department have no explanation for this? Is anyone even looking into it?"

The senior commanders of the Sikasen River front shifted uneasily.

Ben Lier had summoned them to the largest conference hall in the palace, while they cautiously avoided drawing attention to his displeasure.

Ever since replacing the disgraced Gret as the New California Republic's supreme frontline commander, this man had become infamous for his violent temper.

At the same time, he was equally famous for his glorious achievements in the previous campaign.

The Citrus Town Victory, the only bright spot of Great Thunderstorm Operation—according to the official account, Ben Lier and his soldiers had fought valiantly, wiping out an unknown Ork "legion" in its entirety and making that Greenskin tyrant "weep for three days." (Readers who have forgotten can go back to Chapter 398.)

By comparison, the defensive battle at Sunflower Ridge had merely been an ordinary battle, and not a successful one at that.

Thus, after the war, Ben Lier had leapt to prominence as the New California Republic's national hero. Alongside Duke Yushikin of the eastern Benedict Empire, who had been awarded honors after the war, he was hailed as one of the "Twin Pillars of Humanity," one of Guk's "most feared enemies."

But now, such achievements appeared to be hanging by a thread.

To emphasize his heroic image, Ben Lier had to carefully apply makeup whenever he appeared in public, making his pale skin shine as though it might reflect light.

Over his dark blue uniform, he wore a down coat. His black riding boots bore ornate spurs,