LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Agreement
As the damaged tanks were towed away, Pravda and St. Gloriana exchanged a few words. Despite their defeat, the British crews maintained their distinguished composure, while Katyusha still strutted proudly, receiving the attention of her teammates.
As I walked among the vehicles, I felt someone's gaze on me. I turned slightly and found Nonna watching me with her usual serene expression, though her eyes seemed to be silently evaluating something.
Nonna: "Good job, Commander," she finally said, her tone as controlled as ever.
Erik: "Thanks," I replied, crossing my arms. "St. Gloriana fought with honor, but our coordination gave us the advantage."
Nonna nodded, but her gaze briefly drifted toward Katyusha, who was still celebrating loudly.
Nonna: "Katyusha is pleased. That is what matters."
I noticed the subtle hint of pride in her voice. For Nonna, Katyusha's happiness always came above anything else. It was admirable... and, in a way, it made me curious to understand more about what lay behind her devotion.
Mika: "Erik."
Mika's voice came through the radio again.
Mika: "Looks like the rain won't be stopping anytime soon."
I noticed something slightly suggestive in her tone, so I voiced my thoughts.
Erik: "Then why don't we take them in our tanks? That way, we can get back to a sheltered place and relax there. What do you think?"
Mika was silent for a moment after my proposal, but soon replied with her usual laid-back tone.
Mika: "Sounds like a good plan. I guess a tank is as good a shelter as any."
From the other side, Darjeeling also seemed to consider the idea.
Darjeeling: "I must admit, I've never been transported in a tank that didn't belong to St. Gloriana. But... there's always a first time."
I noticed Katyusha was about to protest, probably to claim her right to ride in the same tank as me, but Nonna whispered something in her ear, and the small commander simply puffed out her cheeks before shrugging.
Minutes later, both Mika and Darjeeling boarded the Strv 103. Astrid and Gudrun made some space in the cabin, allowing the two guests to settle as best as they could in the somewhat cramped interior of the Swedish tank.
Darjeeling, with her usual elegance, sat with a straight back, evaluating the space with a faint smile.
Darjeeling: "Curious design. I didn't expect to be... this close to the crew."
Mika, on the other hand, slumped back with complete relaxation, even resting an arm on her kantele as if it were an improvised pillow.
Mika: "It's cozy, in a way," she commented with a carefree smile. "Though I'm not sure my crew could get used to something like this."
Erik: "It's not for everyone," I admitted, powering up the controls. "But it has its charm."
As the tank began to move, the sound of rain hitting the armor created a peaceful atmosphere. Darjeeling and Mika exchanged glances, and I couldn't help but notice the contrast in their expressions: the British girl analyzed every detail with elegance, while the Finnish one simply enjoyed the moment without worrying too much.
Darjeeling: "I didn't expect to share a tank with you, Mika," she remarked after a few seconds of silence.
Mika smiled slightly.
Mika: "Neither did I. But life is full of surprises, don't you think?"
Darjeeling: "Certainly."
She took a breath, as if considering her next words.
Darjeeling: "So, Erik, tell me... how did you feel during this battle?"
Her question took on a more personal tone, and I noticed that both of them were waiting for my answer. Two strategic minds, each with their own approach... now sharing this space with me in the tank.
Erik: "Honestly, I had to rack my brain a lot since my school's doctrine and Pravda's are very different. But I enjoyed thinking at this level, even if it gave me headaches, because it shows me what my mind is capable of. As for fighting against you two, it was great—you both have that synergy based on patience. I have to say, you were formidable opponents."
Mika nodded slowly, as if my words had given her something to think about.
Mika: "That's what makes Sensha-dō interesting. It's not just about who has the biggest tanks or the best shots, but who can adapt better to the board."
She gently plucked the strings of her kantele, producing a soft melody.
Mika: "I like the way you see it, Erik."
Darjeeling, meanwhile, maintained a serene smile.
Darjeeling: "I must admit, your strategies were a real challenge for us. Not many academies manage to put us on the ropes like that… and yet, here we are, under your hospitality in this tank."
She closed her eyes for a moment, as if savoring a fine tea.
Mika: "Patience is a virtue, but adaptability is the key to survival. I suppose both were tested today."
She played a relaxing tune on her kantele.
Erik: "That's a good hobby and a fine skill you have."
Mika: "Thanks."
After taking them to the tent to take shelter from the rain, I proceeded to prepare some tea and hot chocolate—of course, the chocolate for Katyusha.
As I placed the kettle over a small burner and started heating the water, Darjeeling watched with an approving expression.
Darjeeling: "Oh, preparing tea under these conditions… It's a charming gesture. I'm intrigued to see what kind of tea you've chosen."
I smiled slightly as I pulled out some black tea bags.
Erik: "Nothing too extravagant, but I think it serves its purpose."
Mika, sitting comfortably on one of the chairs in the tent, softly played her kantele, filling the space with a relaxing melody while watching the rain fall.
Mika: "What matters isn't how expensive the tea is, but the company you drink it with."
Darjeeling nodded approvingly.
Darjeeling: "A philosophy worthy of respect."
When the water was ready, I poured the tea into metal cups, handing them to Darjeeling and Mika. Then, I took another cup and prepared the hot chocolate for Katyusha.
Erik: "Alright, tea for you two… and chocolate for our little commander."
Katyusha, who had been sitting with her arms crossed and a slight pout due to the rain, perked up as soon as I mentioned her drink.
Katyusha: "Hmph! I knew you had a good eye, Erik!" she said proudly as she took the cup and gently blew on the chocolate to cool it down.
Oh, so now she's calling me by my name? I suppose that's progress. I'm glad.
Nonna, standing by her side, watched the scene with her usual calm, but I didn't miss the faint smile on her lips...
As we all drank our hot beverages, the conversation began to flow more naturally. Darjeeling and Mika exchanged impressions about the battle, Katyusha boasted about Pravda's superiority, and the atmosphere became much cozier despite the storm outside.
Then, Mika, with her calm and mysterious tone, decided to shift the topic slightly.
Mika: Erik… —her slow, deliberate voice made everyone turn to look at her—. If your academy didn't have to rely on ambush and camouflage tactics, what kind of doctrine would you follow?
It was an interesting question. And not only that, but it also caught the attention of Darjeeling, Katyusha, and Nonna. They seemed eager to understand more about my way of thinking.
Erik: Let's see, it depends on the tanks I have at my disposal. Since Swedish tanks are fast and small but lack firepower, that's why I preferred to use them in that way.
I paused briefly, glancing at their expressions.
Erik: If I had heavy and medium tanks, I would probably adopt a doctrine similar to a mix of Pravda and St. Gloriana. If I had more medium tanks, I would try to use numbers to my advantage. But, as Darwin's evolutionary rule states, within a population, individuals with traits that best adapt to their environment are more likely to survive. So I guess the shortest answer would be: it depends on the tanks I have at my disposal.
I gave a small clap, as if concluding my answer.
Erik: In summary, I will adapt depending on what I have at hand.
Mika nodded slowly, as if savoring my response just like the tea in her cup.
Mika: Interesting. A pragmatic approach, shaped by the tools at your disposal.
Darjeeling smiled slightly, that elegant air never leaving her face.
Darjeeling: A response worthy of someone seeking strategic excellence. Adaptability is crucial, though some of us prefer to refine a doctrine rather than constantly change it.
And they are right, but I prefer to adapt to the situation based on what I have. I suppose that's where we differ. Though in reality, I do agree with them—because even with heavy and more medium tanks, I still enjoy using ambush tactics, flanking, and long-range fire.
After that, we continued chatting for a while. From time to time, I noticed glances coming from Mika and Darjeeling's direction—curious, perhaps even intrigued by my responses.
Then, the topic came up from Katyusha herself.
Katyusha: You've been a good ally, and I want to reward you. —She said while ordering another cup of hot chocolate—. I'll let you carry me on your shoulders. —She spoke with a self-assured tone.
A normal person wouldn't think much of that or might even find it silly, but as someone who knows her from the anime and manga, I understood that this meant I had earned her trust. And that simple gesture made me happy.
Erik: It will be a great honor, Commander Katyusha. —I said with a smile, my happiness completely evident.
Katyusha paused for a moment, her cup of hot chocolate halfway to her lips. She stared at me, as if analyzing every nuance of my expression. Then, a satisfied smile formed on her face—one that reflected pride, but also a hint of surprise.
Katyusha: Hmph! I knew you would appreciate it! —She declared confidently, but her slight blush betrayed the fact that she hadn't expected my reaction to be so genuine—. Alright, then get ready! I don't let just anyone do this, you know?
Nonna, standing beside her, let out a small sigh, though there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. Mika and Darjeeling exchanged a quick glance, as if analyzing the situation.
Carefully, I crouched down and let Katyusha settle onto my shoulders. She held on securely, striking a dignified pose—like a commander surveying her domain from above.
Katyusha: Ha-ha! This is how it should be! Look, Nonna, everything looks even better from up here!
I suppose she says that because I'm taller than Nonna. If I remember correctly, she is about 176 cm tall, while I'm 183 cm. And considering my age, I'll probably grow even taller.
Nonna: Yes, Katyusha. —Nonna replied in her usual tone, though with a small smile.
Mika and Darjeeling seemed amused by the scene. Mika even let out a soft chuckle as she plucked a few notes on her kantele.
Mika: Maybe we should start calling you "Katyusha's steed" now, Erik. —She said teasingly.
Darjeeling took a sip of her tea and added, with her usual elegance:
Darjeeling: Or perhaps her loyal knight. After all, a commander needs a strong support.
Katyusha puffed out her chest proudly.
Katyusha: Exactly! And you, Erik, are a good ally! So don't forget that.
I simply smiled, holding her firmly. Even though it seemed like a simple gesture, I knew what it truly meant. I had earned her trust, and that was an important step toward getting closer to her.
To be honest, in my eyes, Katyusha is very adorable, so having her on my shoulders fills me with happiness because of the meaning behind it.
Some time passed with casual chatter, and eventually, we reached an important topic.
Darjeeling: You say that if you had a greater variety of tanks, your tactics would also be more diverse. —She said while taking a sip of her tea.
I swallowed, anticipating what she was about to say.
Darjeeling: Then, how about we lend you some tanks to see if that's true?
Darjeeling's proposal took everyone in the tent by surprise. Mika paused her kantele playing for a moment, Katyusha raised an eyebrow, and Nonna observed with her usual calm, though there was a faint glimmer of interest in her eyes.
As for me, I blinked a couple of times before fully processing her words.
Erik: You mean… lend me tanks from St. Gloriana? —I asked, making sure there was no misunderstanding.
Darjeeling nodded with her usual elegance, setting her cup down on its saucer with a soft clink.
Darjeeling: That's right. It's always interesting to see how a strategist adapts to new circumstances. And since you have proven yourself to be a resourceful commander, I would like to see how you would utilize our armored vehicles in combat.
Erik: Hoh… —I exhaled, crossing my arms as I considered it.
The idea was certainly appealing. St. Gloriana's tanks were reliable, well-maintained, and had great synergy in battle. But… what was the true intention behind this offer?
Mika smiled curiously, resting her chin on one hand.
Mika: Not every day does someone like Darjeeling offer a tank loan. You must have impressed her more than we thought, Erik.
Katyusha, still sitting on my shoulders, clicked her tongue.
Katyusha: Tch! Why do the St. Gloriana girls always get ahead? We could lend you tanks too, Erik! —she said, crossing her arms with a competitive expression—. Our IS-2s are more powerful than any of their Churchills!
Darjeeling simply smiled calmly.
Darjeeling: It's not about power, but how it's used.
The air grew slightly more tense between the two commanders, but I decided to intervene before it turned into a battle of insinuations.
Erik: Well… I like the idea. Being able to test new tactics with tanks that aren't just Swedish light tanks would be an invaluable opportunity. But there's something I need to ask.
My eyes met Darjeeling's with a serious expression and a piercing gaze to evaluate her intentions.
Erik: What's the price?
She tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes reflecting a hint of amusement.
Darjeeling: Clever. You didn't think I'd do it for free, did you?
I shook my head.
Erik: No. But I want to know what you want in return.
Darjeeling took another sip of her tea before responding with an enigmatic smile.
Darjeeling: Let's just say… when the time comes, I'll ask you for a favor. And I promise it won't be anything unreasonable.
The way she said it sent a chill down my spine. I didn't like leaving loose ends, but I couldn't refuse such a tempting offer either.
Before answering, I looked at Mika and Katyusha. Both watched me with interest, waiting to see what I would decide.
Erik: Understood. If you need anything from us, we'll do our best to fulfill it.
I spoke in plural, making it clear that I was speaking as the commander of a school and representing my academy.
I extended my hand to her for a handshake, maintaining my polite demeanor.Darjeeling observed my gesture with a glint of approval in her eyes. Her gloved hand, carrying the elegance characteristic of St. Gloriana, slid smoothly to meet mine in a firm yet refined handshake.
Darjeeling: It's a pleasure doing business with you, Erik —she said with a slight smile—. I'm sure this will be an enriching experience for both of us.Her tone maintained that aristocratic calm, but I could sense something else in her gaze. A genuine interest in seeing how far Carolus Rex tactics could go with new resources.
I released her hand with a slight nod, and as soon as the deal was sealed, Katyusha lightly hit my head with her tiny fist.
Katyusha: Hmph! Well, since that's the case, Pravda can lend you tanks too! I won't let those Brits take all the glory!
Nonna sighed softly but didn't deny her commander's statement.
Nonna: In that case, which Pravda tank would you be interested in testing? —she asked in her usual calm tone.
The atmosphere in the tent became even more intriguing. Not only was St. Gloriana willing to lend me vehicles, but Pravda was too, allowing me to experiment with different tactics. This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
My eyes scanned each of the commanders with a satisfied smile.
Erik: It looks like our doctrine will expand more than I imagined.
After spending some time negotiating, we reached an agreement where St. Gloriana would lend us some Centurions. I really only needed those since they were equivalent to the Strv 81.
Meanwhile, with Pravda, we agreed that they would lend me PT-76s and some T-34-85s.If I remember correctly, in War Thunder, PT-76s had the capability of being used as scout tanks with access to different types of ammunition, and they could also function in water as amphibious vehicles.
Then, Mika offered to lend us a BT-42 they had in reserve so we could build our own, which I obviously accepted since it was one of my favorite tanks, both in the anime and in War Thunder.
After that, each of the commanders returned to their respective academies, leaving me alone with my crew and the other members of Carolus Rex.
The atmosphere inside the tent remained calm for a few seconds after the departure of the St. Gloriana, Pravda, and Jatkosota commanders. Then, a mix of surprise and excitement began to spread among the Carolus Rex team.
Astrid, the driver of the Strv 103, was the first to react.
Astrid: Wait, wait… did you get Centurions? —she said with an incredulous smile—. Now we finally have some real firepower!
Gudrun, the radio operator, adjusted her glasses with a finger while quickly reviewing her notebook.
Gudrun: This changes a lot of things —she murmured—. The Centurions have better armor and more powerful guns than any of our current tanks. We'll be able to withstand much more fire in battle.
Freya, the commander of the Lago I, crossed her arms with a thoughtful expression.
Freya: Not only that, but we also got PT-76s and T-34-85s… that expands our strategies.Astrid let out a whistle.
Astrid: That's true… this isn't something just any academy can pull off.
Erik: And best of all —I interrupted with a smile—, we'll have our very own BT-42!Astrid burst into laughter.
Astrid: Seriously?! That's a self-propelled cannon on wheels!
Erik: Yes, but it has great mobility and can deliver devastating blows —I replied, crossing my arms—. And besides… it's one of my favorites.
Freya raised an eyebrow.
Freya: So it's a personal whim.
Gudrun sighed but gave a small smile.
Gudrun: Well, if our commander wants it, I guess it's our job to make it work.
The rest of the Carolus Rex girls exchanged glances before nodding. Enthusiasm and curiosity were evident on their faces.
Astrid: This is definitely going to change the way we fight —she said with an excited grin—. I can't wait to test those tanks in real combat!
I nodded, feeling satisfied. This agreement had not only given us access to new tanks but also strengthened our ties with other academies.
Now, there was only one thing left to do.
Erik: Alright —I said, looking at everyone with determination—, it's time to get ready. We're going to prove that Carolus Rex can adapt to any battlefield.
The girls nodded energetically, ready for the challenges ahead.