Chapter 113: Colonel Kernel

Come to think of it, why was General Newsbeck involved in selecting an ambassador?

She was the commander-in-chief of the western front, a military officer through and through. Choosing the ambassador to Wa could be considered beyond her authority. She was plainly taking on too much.

“Please excuse me. I’m Colonel Ryuk Kernel of House Kernel. I’ve come in response to General Newsbeck’s summons.”

“Thank you. Please take a seat.”

“Excuse me.”

While thinking about that, I sat to one side and watched the meeting between General Newsbeck and Colonel Kernel.

“Do you know why you were called here today?”

“Yes. I’ve been told that I’ve had the honor of being named a candidate for ambassador to Wa.”

“That’s correct. Brigadier General Willard recommended you for the position. I reviewed your record after receiving his recommendation, found no problems, and summoned you here today.”

“It’s an honor.”

Colonel Kernel nodded at General Newsbeck’s words.

“You’re one of the capable field-grade officers on the western front. You may have strong reservations about suddenly leaving the battlefield for an unfamiliar country. If you don’t want the position, you may refuse honestly. I assure you that your answer won’t affect your evaluation. Do you object to being sent to Wa as ambassador?”

“No. I have no objection. I’m unmarried, so there’s no one waiting for me in this country.”

“Good. Brigadier General Willard is the only person in our country who understands the language of Wa, so you’ll have to learn it from him. You must therefore be able to work well with him. Will that be a problem?”

“Not at all. I’m already acquainted with Brigadier General Willard, and I’m confident that we can work together.”

It was a little embarrassing to hear that while sitting in the same room. Still, I was a brigadier general and couldn’t bow and scrape before a colonel, so I merely smiled when Colonel Kernel looked my way.

“Excellent. That’s what I wanted to hear. One more question—and this is important. Wa is a distant island nation in the Far East. Do you have any reluctance to go there, or any prejudice against its people?”

“None. This war has completely changed my values. I’m prepared to work with anyone and do whatever is necessary for our country to win.”

“Another excellent answer. I place great trust in Brigadier General Willard and intend to trust the man he recommends. I have no other strong candidates, so I would like to appoint you now. Do you object?”

General Newsbeck was expecting far too much from me.

“I have no objection.”

“Very well. Documents concerning your terms of appointment will be sent to you later. That’s all for today. You may leave.”

“Thank you. Please excuse me.”

“Until next time.”

The matter was settled quickly on the strength of my opinion. With a faint sense of resignation, I watched the ambassador to Wa being chosen before my eyes.