In Saga of Tanya the Evil, Lieutenant Colonel Rerugen is always wary of Tanya and is the only soldier who understands her true nature. Why is he so wary and unable to accept her like the other soldiers? Let's explore the fateful relationship between Rerugen and Tanya.
Tanya and Rerugen's Encounter
At the military academy, he happens to be present when Tanya is about to stab a disobedient subordinate with a bayonet. Unlike Tanya, Rerugen has a superior humanity and immediately intervenes.
It was at this point that Rerugen realized the strangeness of Tanya's personality. Disobeying orders on the battlefield is one thing, but stabbing a subordinate with a bayonet for disobeying orders at the military academy is completely outrageous.
Rerugen reports on Tanya's behavior at the military academy
At a meeting held at the Operations Bureau of the Imperial Army General Staff, Tanya's superiors, who were amazed by her achievements, were advised that her personality was unusual and dangerous. However, after stating that Rerugen was an excellent soldier and that they would respect his opinion as much as possible, they made it clear that Tanya's fate had already been decided. Ultimately, the superiors did not listen to her. Perhaps this is the norm in an Empire that values results and meritocracy.
As a result, he ended up creating an opportunity for Tanya to demonstrate her abilities to the General Staff, sparking their interest in her.
Rerugen felt something was off just reading Tanya's paper
Even though he had never seen Tanya's name, Rerugen felt something was off about the content of Tanya's paper on World War II. Because they are both talented, they read the paper and agree that it is flawlessly logical.
Did Tanya grow up at a military academy?
When Rerugen learned that Tanya had been appointed commander of the Rapid Response Mage Battalion, he could not hide his impatience, knowing that human nature is not easily changed.
Rerugen pondered, then immediately realized that Tanya had written the paper and threw it to the ground. Perhaps Rerugen had misgivings about Tanya's character and was trying to somehow remove her from an important role. His plan failed.
Rerugen and Tanya's First Meeting
After returning from inspecting the regional army, Tanya congratulated Tanya on her promotion and informed her of a new strategy. As if to say it was their first conversation, Tanya said, "I've known your name for a long time," suggesting that Rerugen might be the only one she's aware of.
Tanya correctly guesses the landing operation, and Rerugen is surprised.
Tanya's map-based plan for the current situation was a strategy known only to a select few officers, and Rerugen panicked when she guessed it. This made Rerugen unable to hide his surprise at Tanya's tactical abilities.
Rerugen Reflects on Tanya's Report on Legalizing Urban Warfare
The plan was to legalize urban warfare itself by finding a loophole in international law to remove restrictions on urban bombardment. Naturally, it was Tanya who came up with it. Because it was an extremely cruel plan, Rerugen proposed it to Zettour, but he had already become captivated by Tanya's abilities. Zettour told him that he intended to entrust Tanya with the important task of ending the war. Rerugen must have learned firsthand that it's not those who have a strong sense of morality who are superior, but those who achieve results in war who are superior.
After the War
Tanya visited Zettour, but the General Staff was basking in the sweet wine of victory. As Tanya was heading home after a fruitless trip, Rerugen stopped her and decided to have coffee with her.
After continuing to deny her, Rerugen finally acknowledged Tanya and praised her achievements. He also told her to come forward with any suggestions she might have.
Even if you know how to win, it seems you don't know how to use victory.
As he hurled a barrage of insults at the General Staff, intoxicated by the sweet taste of temporary victory, Rerugen reaffirmed that human nature is not so easily changed. However, Tanya, despite her sincere proposals to end the war, came across to Rerugen as a war maniac. Perhaps the recognition that Tanya was a monster clouded Rerugen's view.
Rerugen Summary
Although Rerugen found Tanya's personality different, he acknowledged her abilities and tried to approach her. However, he was unable to understand Tanya as a person.
If he had been able to forget his past and understand Tanya, The war may have been gathering.
