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Her mother was a commoner, and she was chased out of the palace for this.
Despite being just fourteen, she was appointed the commander of a border
regiment because of her status as a royal… She didn’t lament her fate
resolving herself to change the Empire for the sake of the oppressed people.
Regis didn’t have any confidence in himself, but he still promised to be her
strategist.
At the same time, the Varden Archduchy attacked Fort Volks as if they were
working in concert, but the assault was crushed in just a single night.
Following this, they aided the Seventh Army in their retreat from the 《Battle
of Lafressange》.
He then annihilated the supply unit led by the Mercenary King Gilbert,
making the decisive move to cement the Empire’s victory.
At the same time— The Second Prince Latreille witnessed the Emperor
indulging in lavish pleasures even though the Empire was on the brink. He
could no longer hold back his rage, and swung his 《Arme Victoire Volonte》.
During the battle to liberate the fortress city Grebauvar, Latreille saw Regis’
extraordinary command abilities, and decided to assassinate him judging him
to be a great threat.
However, Regis managed to return to the capital with the aid of the
Mercenary Band 《Renard Pendu》, and laid out political chess pieces in the
dark. With the help of the book shop owner Carol, news reporter Claude,
activist Bourgine and the Third Prince Bastian, a report on Prince Latreille
committing regicide was published in the Weekly Quarry newspaper.
On the other hand, Altina couldn’t accept the obituary of Regis’ demise, and
led her army to the capital.
The First Army renowned for being the strongest in the Empire, and the most
decorated unit in the war that just ended, the Fourth Army. These two sides
faced off against each other tensely on the outskirts of the capital.
Latreille was coronated as the Emperor, and bestowed the Staff of the
Généralissime to Altina. He ordered her to send reinforcements to the
southern war front that was going poorly.
After purging the generals who were more retarded and incompetent than
With the help of the Grand Noble Eleanor, they managed to send Elise back
to High Brittania to take her rightful place as the new Queen, Elizabeth
Victoria.
On the other hand, the curtains had been opened for a new battle for Altina.
Emperor Latreille ordered her to invade the Hispania Empire. That nation had
been disguising their navy as pirates attacking the merchant ships from the
surrounding countries. Regis was against hegemony, but he couldn’t ignore
such criminal deeds either.
In order to bring them down, the 40,000 troops of the Fourth and Thirteenth
Armies crossed the borders.
On a certain hill, they clashed with the 30,000 soldiers from Hispania.
The soldiers spread out into small groups using boulders and trees as cover.
However, Regis used the new cannons to blow away all obstacles destroying
all the enemy’s hiding places. The surprised and now unprotected enemy was
routed in the face of the new rifles of the Belgaria Empire.
Prologue: Dominance
Altina’s Fourth Army was the first unit to train with rifles in the Empire.
They could maintain formation in live battle, reload quickly and shot with
【Fire!!】
【Charge!】
【Charge!】
【Charge!】
Altina frowned on her horse karakara. Her side had the upper hand, but she
still hated seeing people dying.
Regis who was standing beside her surveyed the same battlefield. But he
couldn’t ride a horse, and was standing.
【… Given how spread out the troops are, it’s hard to relay the commander’s
orders to everyone.】
【It seems that they never expect things to turn out this way.】
【… That’s right.】
After all, if the field of vision was poor, the new rifle wouldn’t be able to
make full use of its advantage of range and firepower.
The Belgaria army’s new cannons, the 200 《40 Allen cannon》 pulverised all
the covers on the battlefield leading to the Hispania soldiers reckless charge
in this open and completely different battlefield.
Most of them didn’t even notice the flaw in their tactics, and got shot down
by the rifles.
【… I think they already did. But the distance is too far, and the sound got
drowned out by the nonstop gunshots.】
Although Regis was the one who ordered the Belgaria army to keep firing
without any breaks in between.
【So our forces wouldn’t be able to hear the command from the bugles?】
Their unit fought a battle with the rifles firing in unison before.
But they didn’t have any issue with the orders being relayed through bugles.
【Oh, I see.】
【Because I never thought that the sound of the gunshots would muffle the
bugles, I thought we just needed to increase the number of buglers
proportionately to the increase in our soldiers.】
It was a one-sided affair, but ammunition and stamina of the troops were still
being depleted. It was almost time to switch out the front ranks.
A smoke signal had been raised behind the enemy; they realized that the
bugles wouldn’t reach, and used a different method.
The order to retreat was late, but it was better than never.
However, the enemy was running in scattered groups without any semblance
of formation.
【What a tragedy.】
【That’s right.】
【… In the past, most casualties in battle were only wounded, and could return
to their homes with their lives.】
【… Yes.】
He had fought several battles and braced himself, but it was still heart
wrenching.
【… Yes, that’s right. No matter how great our ideals are, it would just be
wishful-thinking if we don’t win the battle in front of us.】
Altina nodded.
In this era, armies had already started fixing bayonets to the front of their
rifles to fight in battles.
However, the bayonets were jammed into the muzzles of the rifles, so they
couldn’t be fired.
The rifles were also too short, so the fourth army prepared pikes for them
instead.
It was no longer a battle, but since the enemy was fleeing instead of
surrendering, they couldn’t let them off so easily.
An officer, a woman around 20 years of age with a fair face and shoulder-
length brown hair, entered his abode with a textbook perfect salute.
【Oh, hello… Sorry for summoning you to the headquarters, there’s just too
much data.】
【It’s fine.】
Regis’ personal tent was filled with detailed documents of the surrounding
areas, and the units.
She was from the Seventh Army at the eastern war front. After the frontline
there had stabilized, she was reassigned.
As she was just posted here, she still wasn’t used to Altina’s style of doing
things.
Normal commanders wouldn’t conduct night sword practice when there was
a battle in the day.
【… This is already the era of rifles. I hope the Généralissime won’t rush onto
the frontlines again.】
【You are right. But… my grandfather often said “No matter what era it is,
you can’t neglect training with the spear.” “A commander who isn’t
confident in their own abilities would hesitate during crucial moments.”】
In contrast, Regis would even hit his own knee when he wielded a sword, so
his confidence was really low.
In the end, he could only watch helplessly as his political enemy, Prince
Latreille, became Emperor.
【… How unpleasant.】
【… It’s fine, that does sound like something Lieutenant General Barguesonne
would say.】
There was one thing that needed to be corrected— Altina didn’t practice her
sword to build her mental strength and confidence. She believe
wholeheartedly that she could win with a sword even if her enemies used a
rifle.
【… Well then, this would be the security zone for the Thirteenth Army
tonight.】
【Yes.】
It was a plan for the unit to roster some of their men to watch over a
designated area.
【Our high performance rifles and cannons are not effective at night after all.】
【I see… There are new countermeasures against new weapons… And a new
plan would again be needed to deal with such.】
【… Yes, you are correct. The new rifles changed the way wars are fought,
and we need to devise new tactics to go with this trend.】
The movement chart on the map looped back on itself several times.
【……】
【No, it’s fine, I’m just wondering what 《Perishia War Chronicles》 is…? I’m
ashamed to say that I’m ignorant about that.】
【I see— It’s a niche book after all, and wouldn’t be sold at the borders. But
it’s interesting, so do give it a read. It should be available for retail in the
capital.】
【……Huh?】
【Ah, but don’t look down on it. The author Mr Boisset worked as an army
clerk for a long period of time, so the research is well done.】
【But, it’s an entertainment novel… Ah, are you cracking a joke, Sir
Strategist?】
【I’m not!】
Regis did his best to explain how great that book was.
He couldn’t stop himself once he started talking about books. If the set up of
the security network was delayed because of this, Regis would have no
excuses if he lost his head over this.
It was a woman with light colored hair, snow white skin and slender limbs.
Just like a fairy from fairy tales.
As she was wearing a one piece dress that showed quite a bit of skin, it felt
out of place on the battlefield. Even if this was an army camp, it was hard to
imagine her being a mercenary.
She was Jessica, the deputy leader of the mercenary band 《Renard Pendu》.
Her duties weren’t fighting on the frontlines, but strategizing and negotiating.
Regis answered.
Now that she mentioned it, they had never met yet, Regis thought.
《Renard Pendu》 was famous, but they weren’t a part of the Fourth Army, and
numbered less than a thousand.
Hence, their deputy band leader wouldn’t be summoned to take part in a war
conference in the first place.
【… What?】
【I-I didn’t think that far! I-I just saw your attire that didn’t fit the battlefield
and… and…】
Jessica intentionally flicked her hair. Her beautiful hair and pale nape looked
really alluring.
【Ara… is that what you think… Looks like I have to claim the payment that I
deserve from Lord Auric.】
【Hey…?!】
That was true, but the way she put it made it really easy to misunderstand.
【… Leaving jerks like the Black Knight aside… to think that even the
Strategist called pretty girls to the battlefield.】
【Fufu… She just had such an interesting expression when she saw me.】
Jessica who was usually elegant acted very provocative today for some
reason. She said with a faint smile:
【I’m the deputy leader of the 《Renard Pendu》 mercenary band, Jessica
Schweinzeberg. As an officer, it’s better for you to not judge a book by its
cover.】
【… Erm, Second Grade Combat Officer Marion, I will leave the command of
the security perimeter to you. Ms Jessica, how can I help you?】
Marion finally remembered she had work to do, and said with a salute:
【I will take my leave then! I will make haste and complete my assignment!】
Jessica was actually a heavy book addict, a fellow book lover like Regis.
She wouldn’t recommend books to the people around her, but she would still
simmer in anger if anyone disparaged a book she liked.
【How dare she belittle the masterpiece of Boisset without even reading it.】
【Like I said, Lord Auric, boorish people like her won’t understand, so there’s
【… Alright. I’m not reading for the sake of earning people’s respect. I might
get belittled, but since I mentioned it, she might read that book someday.】
【… Are you here to discuss books with me? I would be happy to oblige.】
【On the night just after a battle concluded? What mercenaries are interested
in would be information of the big picture.】
【That’s true. Although it’s a pity, I just read a book I wanted to talk about.】
【Huh? Well, if I’d tell Altina about it, she would only fall asleep halfway. It’s
about religion, so the content is a little difficult to understand.】
After ushering Jessica into the tent, Regis took out two cups and poured
water into them from a jug.
【The Hispania Army went back to their stronghold, the Bassetti fort. They
have around 15,000 men left.】
After all, the Belgaria Empire’s Fourth Army and Thirteenth Army that
numbered 20,000 each didn’t suffer any significant losses yet.
She was sitting in the only chair in the room, so Regis had to sit on the bed.
【…Hispania is a naval nation. They only share a border with the Belgaria
Empire, so their army isn’t strong.】
【… One of the reason is their alliance with the Etruria Theocracy, which
made it hard for the Empire to invade them. The unrest of the southern nobles
is also another factor.】
The southern nobles were originally the vassals of a small Kingdom. As they
surrendered without a fight with the Empire, they were bestowed with
peerage titles and continued their rule over their land.
And Lieutenant General Dorval of the Sixth Army took half a year to quash
the rebellion.
They only invaded the land to the south to feed their ever growing
population.
And if the small southern Kingdom didn’t submit to the Belgaria Empire,
they would be subjugated by the Etruria Theocracy and the Hispania Empire.
Jessica nodded.
【… You said that the mercenary band is like your family, right? In a war,
there would always be casualties. If it becomes peaceful, you won’t lose your
family members, and everyone can find better work.】
【… They are healthy enough to fight a war, so they definitely can learn
another trade.】
She shrugged.
Jessica was dubious on the accuracy of his words, but she didn’t brush it off
either. She still had some hope about it.
【… Firstly, the enemy is defending the fort stubbornly with 15,000 troops, so
we need to seize this Bassetti fort.】
【… They didn’t need to guard against other nations, so they could muster all
their forces for a single battle. Another reason is that they could gather the
forces spread out in the other cities quickly with their ships.】
Most of the ships in Hispania were small sail ships, but they were really
convenient for travel near the shoreline. Faster than traveling by wagons.
The downside was the difficulty in sailing in them further from the shoreline
due to their substandard seaworthiness.
【……Fort Bassetti is located near the ocean. However, the battles we have
fought so far happened in away from the sea.】
Regis went out to the sea before, but the unit only had experience fighting on
land.
【Even for small sail ships, we can still hit them at this range.】
【Yes. We have the new cannons on our side… However, we could only
transport the mid sized cannons through the mountain range at the borders.
On the other hand, the enemy’s vessels are outfitted with the large old type
cannons.】
【… Maybe.】
However, it was very likely that they would suffer great casualties.
【Yes, vessel one has been dismantled for research, while vessel two is still
operational.】
【Can it be deployed? If we can win in the sea, then the terrain would be
advantageous to us instead. We can even force them to surrender without a
fight.】
【… I think so too. However, the captured vessels are under the jurisdiction of
the Ministry of Military Affairs, and is now owned by the First Army.
Researching the steamship and training on its usage are both dependent on it,
if the Imperial Navy loses this ship, and we would be twenty years behind in
terms of technology. Emperor Latreille would probably not agree to this.】
Jessica smirked:
【How unexpectedly timid… Stowing things away so carefully and never ever
utilizing items happen quite often too.】
【Well, it can’t be helped. Let’s look forward to the ships built by the
Empire.】
【I heard it is already being tested in the water. As they are mechanized sail
ships built by modifying an Athena Class ship, it could be deployed if it
could move.】
【Haha… Well, I already submitted a request, but they didn’t reply to me.】
Most of the Navy was under the control of the First Army.
If they had to fight against Latreille in the future, this might become an
They had to avoid their communication with High Brittania from being cut
off.
Jessica asked:
【Well, I understand the situation with the Hispania Empire. Have you
thought up any tactics to deal with the enemy’s naval bombardment?】
【I see.】
【Speaking of which…】
Regis thought.
From her appearance, she was probably about his age, maybe a little older.
【… Let’s drop the discussion about a woman’s age. That book is so old that
it’s hard to purchase a copy.】
【That’s true. Maybe thirty years old books like that can be found in the
Military Library?】
【What?!】
The two of them talked about books as they exchanged military opinions.
【… Ah, yes.】
【… Well, I was discussing the coming war plans, and giving her the
assignment of supply team escorts.】
【I see.】
【She is the strategist of a Mercenary band that had been through countless
【So that’s how it is. I thought you two would definitely be talking
passionately about books.】
【… You overheard?】
【My apologies. So for Sir Regis and Ms Jessica, it’s a secret… I see.】
【Don’t!】
Regis knew she was just teasing, but it was still nerve wrecking.
There wasn’t any unsightly relationship between him and Jessica, but he
didn’t want Altina to know that they were talking about books.
Clarice added:
【Last night… The Princess was waiting for Regis to come the entire time.】
It wasn’t urgent, and she probably just wants to chat with Regis.
Regis nodded:
【… Our forces didn’t suffer much losses, but we still finished a battle.】
That was probably why Regis spoke with Jessica for so long.
<TL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady-in-waiting>
They couldn’t afford to bring court ladies with her for a strolling and
chatting.
【Sir Regis has a special place in the Princess’ heart. No one can replace you,
not even me.】
【… Is that so?】
【You don’t need to be with her all the time, but it would be great if you can
set aside some time to talk to her. And not just official matters either.】
【… I see.】
It sound strange, but there was still a need to make idle chatter.
Regis nodded:
【Is that so. Can I look forward to you returning the favor then?】
【You can’t?】
【Huh?】
【… No.】
Jessica was a beauty, and had the same hobby of reading like him. Regis
should be able to get along with her for a long time.
From her looks and personality, there might be some soldiers who had fallen
heads over heels for her…
【Is that so? Even if she don’t reciprocate the love shown to her, it won’t
affect the burning passion in one’s heart.】
【… Well, that’s true. A book that I can never buy will still be precious to
me.】
【Or rather, you yearn for it even more because it is out of your reach.】
【… I know she is a charming lady, but I don’t feel any urge to say I like her.
Now that you mentioned it, I had never considered anything related to my
love life.】
Regis slid down his chair because of the unexpected question, and quickly
adjusted his posture.
Afternoon.
A knight in dark red armour came to the headquarters tent and saluted:
Altina was already seated at the deepest end of the rectangular table.
【They are a little tired from the long journey, but the morale is high and
everyone thirst to achieve war merits. After all, the riflemen has completely
【Some even mock themselves as the transportation knight corps… They are
really eager to take part in battles other than pursuing routed enemies.】
All the key officers of the Fourth Army attended today’s meeting.
Eric who was Altina’s escort officer also stood behind her.
His hair was completely white and he was as old as Evrard, but if anyone
dare call him old, he would beat them off in a training match so thoroughly
that they wouldn’t be able to stand steadily. That was how stubborn he was,
although it was a little childish too.
【The knight corps don’t have it that bad. When the heavy infantry step into
the battlefield, there’s just the enemy’s corpses left.】
The officers around him looked troubled when they heard the old soldier’s
grumbles. And amongst them—
【Pardon me, I only linked up with the main unit recently. I’m the commander
of the Black Knights, Third Grade Combat Officer Holger Orjes.】
He was an ex-mercenary that joined the Fourth Army after the fall of Fort
Volks. He used to be a noble, and was capable of commanding a unit.
But an old guard like him had a strong obsession towards the Black Knights.
【For the troops in Belgaria Empire, honour is gained by defeating the enemy
in combat. What’s the point of marching upon a mountain of corpses?】
【Honour… Honour huh. It’s very important. That’s what I use to think.】
【Ughh...】
After hearing Holger’s words, not just Balasko, the others also started to
frown.
The one who came up with that strategy was no other than their strategist.
The old guards still remember how the enemies died to Regis’ tactics.
Sensing all their eyes were on him, Regis scratched his head:
【… I will try my best to not let everyone fall into a terrible situation like that.
The enemy would put the utmost care to think up their strategies too, so I had
to handle them cautiously.】
It was from a book— before he could say his cliche line, Altina changed the
topic.
The officer who should be attending this war conference didn’t show even
though the scheduled time has passed.
【My apologies. As the Thirteenth Army is newly formed, there are many
issues to attend to.】
【That can’t be helped… But that guy will get mad if others are late—】
【Even though he is the first one to eat whenever there’s a celebration feast.】
【I thought he was looking down on me in the past, but he just does whatever
he wants.】
He wasn’t an enemy, but she couldn’t stop talking when he comes to mind.
Regis started by shifting the pieces from the capital to the east and north.
【… After Emperor Latreille reorganized the military, he sent them to the east
and north. And also, our forces southward invasion.】
The piece that represented Altina’s army was placed inside the Hispania
Empire, which was their current location.
【… As for the west, as the Navy is still rebuilding, there isn’t any offensive
in that direction. Even so, the Empire is fighting on three fronts.】
Fighting on two fronts was already a taboo, and yet they were fighting on
three fronts.
【Can we win?】
【… Well, the Langobalt army already lost their top generals and elite knight
corps.】
【…There are many small nations to the east, and they formed an alliance
centered around the Estaburg Kingdom in defiance of the Belgaria Empire.】
Shortly before this, there was a brief moment of peace when the late Emperor
took his Sixth consort Johaprecia Octovia from the east.
【… As their First Prince died in an earlier battle, and the aged King is
confined to bed, the Second Prince is running the show now. However, they
are already negotiating the terms of surrender.】
【May I ask something? Did our strategist destroy the formidable Estaburg
main forces without even stepping into the eastern front?】
【Huh? No… the battle is won by the combined effort of the Seventh Army
and the Fourth Army detachment.】
【No no, your group are the one who chose the most effective strategy from
the few I suggested… Or rather, the one who put it into action deserves more
credit than the one who merely suggested the idea.】
【… Yes. Erm… Regarding the eastern front, shortly after the battle at the
Estaburg Kingdom concluded, the Seven Nation Army and a part of the
Fourth Army… which was actually a mixture of the former Second Army,
the Black Knights and new recruits formed the Thirteenth Army and came to
the southern war front.】
His angry roar blew the peaceful atmosphere away, making the place as
tensed as a battlefield.
【How many times do you want me to say this!? Troops that don’t eat meat
won’t have the strength to fight. It’s pointless no matter how many trash you
send to the battlefield, if they didn’t eat meat!】
It was mean to call them trash— but the truth was, the quality of the troops
were substandard.
The Black Knights might be elites, but the others were either remnants of
defeated regiments or fresh recruits. And they just finished a long march to
get here.
Compared to losses from casualties, they lost more people to illness and
desertion.
It was Marion.
【It’s all because you didn’t come back even when it’s time for the war
conference…!!】
She only remembered she was in the presence of the Généralissime after
yelling that. Marion said with her head low:
【Ku, are you mocking me now that you are the Généralissime? Want to test if
my skills have deteriorated?】
Regis mediated:
Jerome grunted:
【Hmmp… You had gotten a little smarter. When the Princess and I stared at
each other in the past, your face look so green that I thought you would
faint.】
【… That’s true.】
【You have more guts now. But just a little bit more.】
Is he praising me?
Regis shook his head nostalgically, and places the pieces on the map.
【His Majesty’s edict is “repel the enemy with the forces you have on hand”】
The young knight relaying the message bowed his head low.
Freij cursed in his heart, but didn’t let it show on his face.
But in this nation, one’s conviction would greatly affect his reputation in
society.
It didn’t matter how perfect one acted, if there was any question of his loyalty
to the Monarch or his faith in God, he would lose his current standing in an
instant.
Freij replied:
【Yes Sir!】
【His Majesty deemed that our forces are sufficient to defeat the Belgaria
Empire.】
【That’s right.】
【I understand. I give thanks for the trust His Majesty placed on me. May God
bless our army.】
The young knight put his hands together before his chest.
Hah, Freij sighed. He pulled open the curtain partition in the room, and
looked inside.
There was a small table and chair inside, and a young girl moved a piece on a
chessboard.
【……】
Her left hand held a piece as she wrote with a pen in her right hand on a
paper.
<Sidenote, Louis is the family name of her father, and Jiménez is the family
name of her mother. That is the naming convention in the Hispania Empire.>
She was born from a distinguished military family, and was beautiful. By
right, she should undergo bridal training and marry early.
Those who couldn’t sing the holy scriptures were considered ominous. If she
was a commoner, she would have been abandoned as a baby.
However, she was the first child Freij had, and he was getting old, so she
wasn’t abandoned.
In the end, Mariam spent most of her time with her grandfather, a retired
soldier.
Her grandfather was a famous general known as the modern 《War God》. He
was a man who only talked about military subjects, but to Mariam, he was
the world. She stayed with him until he died of old age.
Mariam wrote:
As she learned to write from her grandfather, her handwriting resembled his.
Freij even wondered at times if his daughter was possessed by the spirit of
her grandfather.
【Even if he fears the steamships, if Fort Bassetti falls, then Belgaria can
attack the capital directly!】
『That’s right, and that’s when our opponent will show their weakness.
Belgaria had to consider the situation in the future too. So they would want to
take down the fort with minimal losses, and restrain themselves when
attacking.』
『The north and southern roads are within range of our navy. They wouldn’t
want to engage our navy in a shootout. The east is the sea, and the west is a
dense forest.』
Freij concluded.
『That’s what everyone will think, but the Belgaria commander won’t do
that.』
【I never thought that the Belgaria new cannons are that powerful. That’s
beyond my imagination.】
『When the enemy saw our deployment on the battlefield, they didn’t change
their formation or execute any countermeasures. It’s obvious they already had
a plan.』
Her action resembled her grandfather, which made Freij feel complicated.
If he brought his daughter onto the battlefield, he could have avoided that
complete failure.
However, Mariam was mute and lack stamina. She wasn’t trained as a soldier
and couldn’t ride a horse. She could ride in a carriage when traveling on a
road, it would be difficult for her to enter the forest.
【Enough about yesterday. What are your thoughts on today? Will they come
from the west?】
『They won’t.』
【Hmm…】
Freij wasn’t retarded, he knew that the only route left was the main road.
【Guards!】
【Sir!】
【It’s a night raid. Belgaria will definitely attack under the cover of darkness.】
He could see the soldier looking relieved, but Freij didn’t admonish him.
No matter what Mariam said, he was the one who issued the orders.
【Quickly! Light more torches, assign more night watchers to guard against
night raids. Tell the navy admiral to be more vigilant.】
【Yes Sir!】
Freij also has his pride, and was unhappy about the nickname of being the
“Message pigeon of the God child”.
However, the fort had 15,000 men, while the invading Belgaria army
numbered 40,000.
The cloud was so dense that the moonlight couldn’t shine through.
The forest was pitch dark, and you couldn’t even see your own hand.
Belgaria soldiers suppressed their breathing. They were here since day time,
and didn’t move at all.
There was a sudden bang. It was the cannon boom that the Belgaria army
used to signal the start of an operation.
【It’s time.】
Their primal fear had been eased, but they were afraid because of their
rational logic.
However, this was in the forest, and not the road, so they were out of cannon
range.
And of course, the guards in Fort Bassetti would notice too. It was outside
cannon range, but what if they charge out of the fort?
There were less than ten people in the forest, not even one platoon.
At the same time, a few soldiers rowing a boat was thinking the exact same
thing.
Silently.
They rowed out into the dark sea in a river boat, into the waters where the
Hispania Empire’s fleet was.
As the ships’ position could be seen, their team could just avoid them…
However, there was no telling if a sharp eyed lookout would spot them, or the
moonlight would shine through the gaps of the clouds.
There might even be keen eared sailors who could hear the oars.
The back of the troops on the boat were drenched in cold sweat.
The bright light illuminated the area around it, as if they were on guard
against night raid.
However, they did account for the possibility of a long war, and didn’t light
any excess torches.
The strategist Regis d'Auric was seated at the very fore of the boat.
When he heard what the strategist said, the squad leader gave the order to
【Stop.】
The soldiers couldn’t see the hand signals, and using whistles would be too
loud and might draw the attention of the enemy vessel.
So the order to 【Stop】 was passed down the rowers one by one.
His escort noted down the numbers he read. However, it wasn’t clear if he
could read his words given how dark it was.
【There’s light.】
After that, there were lights on the roads too. They were soldiers holding
torches charging towards Fort Bassetti.
The soldier who shouted unwittingly were beaten up by others around him
until he fell silent.
They were smaller than the Belgaria warships, but their cannons still pack
quite a punch.
【But that’s better than being bombarded by the ships’ cannons, right?】
【… Regrettably… if the fort shoots fire arrows, the naval fleet will know the
Belgaria army’s position. Even if we forcefully attack in darkness, we will
still be bombarded by the warships.】
The assault force would be bombarded one sidedly by the fleet before they
even draw near, and suffer heavy losses.
And didn’t understand why they went out to sea in a small boat.
The squad leader ordered 【turned right】 to convey his instructions faster.
The soldiers onboard weren’t sailors, so they didn’t know the professional
term like full right rudder.
They quickly sailed out of the waters filled with enemy vessels.
If they didn’t put their faith in this, it would turn into a grudge.
They were off the mark in the beginning, but the shots were slowly getting
closer.
Normally, no matter how ferocious the shelling they faced, the attackers had
to assault with even more numbers to take the fort. They had to charge with
more people than the defenders could kill.
They wondered if there was any strategies, but before they even shot one
arrow at the fort, the retreat bugle was sounded.
【……】
His daughter was looking sleepily out the window. She was still sitting on her
bed.
On the table at the side was breakfast that was placed there two hours ago.
<TL:
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%81%E3%83%A5%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B9>
【Mmmh, mmhh.】
【……】
Mariam slowly got off the bed with the churro in her mouth.
She was wearing a pyjamas common in the Hispania Empire, a one piece
dress that was thin and loose. It was worn by men and women by putting it
over their heads, but there were no pants. The collar and sleeves could be
adjusted in accordance to the change in temperature.
Hence, when she acted crudely without any shame befitting a maiden her age,
her father felt uneasy about her future.
She then started taking off her pyjamas. It was troubling that she didn’t think
of her father as a member of the opposite gender, and didn’t she feel any
shame at all?
Mariam reached for her blouse unhappily. She prefer clothes without buttons,
the type she could just pull over her head.
【……】
She took pen, ink and paper from the side of the bed:
【You are a woman! And you are already old enough for marriage.】
【You are the one who lacks common sense! Enough, put on your clothes!
You want to spend the day naked?!】
【Huh?!】
She still had some shame in her, and turned around to cover her breasts like a
bashful mimosa.
Freij wasn’t interested in watching his daughter change, and cast his gaze out
the window.
After putting on her blouse, Mariam started writing with one hand.
『I’m mute, but I’m not deaf. The cannons are so loud that I couldn’t sleep.』
『Any losses?』
【……】
【……】
【Hey, Mariam?】
『The enemy is the elite of Belgaria. The Généralissime that defeated High
Brittania. Wasting the lives of her men like this looks suspicious.』
【She will fail sometimes too. Our enemy is just human, not god.】
『Dear father, the commander should always consider the worst case
scenario.』
【Hmm… No matter how I think about it, the Belgaria soldiers all died in
vain. Our losses are just oil and ammunition.】
『Our supplies?』
Speaking of which…
【There are very few corpses on the road. Maybe the Belgaria forces are
smaller than we expected.】
【I get it! Belgaria’s plan is to attack with small numbers every night, and
make us exhaust our ammunition!】
He was refuted by a single word from his daughter, which made Freij turn
stiff.
【Ugh…】
Indeed, if the soldiers were ordered to charge to make the enemy expend their
ammunition, there was no telling how the soldier who received such an order
would react.
『The Belgaria army’s plan is still the same, like what we deduced a few days
earlier. The situation didn’t change, so it’s expected— They want to take this
fort with minimal losses. We can’t ignore this precondition.』
Charging to make the enemy waste ammunition was a battle of attrition that
goes contrary to this plan.
【If they had a plan… it would be to make us numb to the danger. They want
to make us relax by sending non-stop waves of fake night raids, and launch
the real attack when we let our guard down. Is that it?】
He was speaking with his daughter, but he felt like a cadet in the Military
Academy waiting for a trainer to grade his answer.
【Well, in any case, we just need to be wary of a night raid. We won’t relax
our vigilance either. So put on your skirt! And go to church, it’s almost time
for mass.】
【……】
She wanted to continue writing, but put down her pen after a short pause. She
sighed and picked up her skirt.
If she was really a “God child”, then God must have a hard time caring for
this kid.
The way the father and daughter sighed really resemble each other.
The Belgaria Empire performed the night raid again and again. Aside from
nights when the moon was clear without any clouds, they did so three times.
Regis laid planks onto the floor, making the place into a large table. He then
laid paper as big as a carpet onto it, strung them together with threads, and
【Ohh…】
【Sir Strategist! Please explain what is going on! My men didn’t train so hard
to conduct such retarded night raids!】
【Of course.】
【If you think so too, then explain what your strategy is!】
【Ah, no…】
He was the officer with the most years of experience under his belt. He had
seen Regis’ strategies with his own eyes so far. He believes that Regis was a
capable strategist.
【B-But, sending the soldiers to their death without any explanation… I can’t
take that anymore.】
【… I’m sorry, but you have to tell them it’s the strategist’s orders. After all,
the troops might get taken prisoner.】
【That’s true… I won’t tell my subordinates, so can you share the plan with
me?】
【Hmm… but since you won’t be telling your men, then there’s no need to tell
you about the plan, correct?】
【Ughh… I see.】
The one who entered was the young girl with vermillion hair— Altina.
She must have heard the conversation from outside. She looked briefly at
Regis, then turned towards Balasko.
【Ah, no…】
【I know how you feel. But Regis is doing this for your sake.】
【Ehh? That’s…】
【Right now, you don’t know what Regis is thinking— so you are on the same
side as the troops. That’s what you tell them too, correct?】
Balasko nodded:
【But what if you learn of the plan? And you can’t tell them? Despite
knowing the plan, you can only order them to move out without explaining
anything to them. What do you think the troops would think of such an
officer?】
【Ugh…?!】
【… You will reveal your attitude if you think that, which is the troubling
part.】
【Don’t keep playing the role of the villain. Not everyone can conceal their
emotions completely.】
It was true that if people get too emotional, they would act irrationally.
【That’s right.】
Balasko asked:
【As expected, all the night raids so far are a part of a grand scheme the
strategist thought up, correct?】
Regis nodded.
【… Since I already told you, please keep it a secret. We can’t let the troops
realize that everything they are doing is part of a scheme.】
【Yes Sir!】
His face was filled with resolve, and there wasn’t any doubt in his eyes.
Unfortunately, just this change in facial expression was enough to tell the
troops that there was a plan.
Regis told him a part of the plan, and Balasko understood it despite being
surprised.
He disclosed some of the content, but the enemy shouldn’t have seen through
this plan.
【Yes.】
He wanted to chat with her a little, but he couldn’t make any time for the two
of them to be alone.
【… Is that so? Then will you stay in the headquarters tonight to issue
commands?】
That was the only thing that didn’t change— Regis shrugged.
Up until yesterday, there was just the Hispania fleet there, with just enough
light to stop them from colliding with each other.
The ocean was filled with lots of light, too many to count.
The enemy navy couldn’t have increased by ten folds. Then what was that?
It was the soft clinking of light armour, someone was approaching in the
dark. The lantern in the tent shone on the blonde hair of the visitor.
【Sir Regis!】
【Ah… Eric.】
Regis only knew who it was after hearing his voice. It was too dark after all.
He could only see Eric’s face clearly as he got nearer.
【There are lots of scouting vessels in the ocean! They had lit their torches
and became wary of the situation around them!】
【What?!】
He looked carefully at Fort Bassetti. In the pitch darkness, he could only see
the torches that had been lit on the fort.
【There are no abnormalities there. No reports had come in, so I’m not sure of
the situation over there.】
Regis gulped.
Eric was resting his rifle on the ground and kneeling on one knee. He was
looking up and waiting for Regis to speak.
【… The mission...】
The figure of the vermillion haired crimson eyed girl was illuminated by the
light from the oil lamp. On her back was the giant sword 《Grand Tonnerre
Quatre》, which was taller than she was.
【Altina.】
【… They saw through our plan… No, but… if they did saw through it...】
It was dim, but he could see her eyes from this distance.
【… I’m sorry.】
【… Not just the Hispania Empire, every navy in the world has an
independent command system that differs from the land forces. I can’t tell if
the naval commander is scouting for enemies on his own initiative, or they
are doing it in concert with the Fort Bassetti forces.】
【… I can’t. No, it’s fine either way. While I’m hesitating if it’s A or B, I
would overlook C. And in the end, there was no need to worry in the first
place— that’s a common thing that happens in stories.】
Since the enemy had the means of sharing information internally, it didn’t
matter who initiated it.
There wasn’t any movement from the fort, but they must be on guard too.
【… If that is the case, they won’t be increasing the patrols at sea. They would
execute a more effective countermeasures. They didn’t realized the plan, but
the enemy knew that I’m scheming something out at sea.】
After all, if his opponent knew what his plan was, they wouldn’t be using
such a method.
【Is it serious?】
【Ehh?】
【… We were planning to dump oil onto the sea and set it on fire. But from
the looks of things, that wouldn’t be possible.】
【That’s true.】
Given how strong the enemy surveillance net was, such a task was
【… If I can’t execute the initial plan, the entire operation would have to be
aborted.】
The battlefield was always tense, and filled with irrational uneasiness.
Eric asked:
Altina pointed to the road, where the infantry was mustered and awaiting the
signal to begin the operation.
【In that case, I’m responsible too. I will tell that to everyone.】
【But…】
She had a heavy sword on her back that even a grown man would have
trouble lifting, but her strides were as easy as ever.
【W-Wait!】
However, she wasn’t someone who would stop if he called out to her. Regis
had no choice but to chase after her.
— Would they?
If the operation was aborted, those who were still alive would be forgiving.
The many soldiers who died in preparation of this plan, would they
understand?
If that was so, then it was his mistake for giving them the time for them to act
on their instincts.
【… This is my fault.】
【?!】
The Belgaria Imperial Fourth Army’s 9th infantry platoon sailed out into the
sea.
They split themselves onto twelve boats used for river crossings.
Their boats had oil barrels in tow. These barrels were incredibly heavy on
land, but surprisingly, they float easily on the water.
The plan was to drift close to the Hispania Empire’s naval fleet by flowing
with the current.
The deputy platoon leader on look out duty said tensely in a quiet voice:
They were operating covertly, so the platoon leader couldn’t shout at them.
Instead, he kicked the few soldiers near him, which shut them up effectively.
With the strategist on board, they looked from the sea as a unit performed a
meaningless charge on land— as they did something that seemed pointless at
sea.
Back then, there were only large warships out in the ocean.
【Maybe.】
He was right. Under such close surveillance and with oil barrels in tow, going
near was as good as suicide.
However, the platoon leader heard a little bit of the entire operation from
commander Balasko.
But there was definitely a plan. A plan that would allow their forces to
capture Fort Bassetti with minimal losses!
【Platoon leader?】
【That’s true… But the strategist is an incredible man. Even if this plan fails,
he will definitely come up with another one.】
The food, daily necessities, medical supplies and other resources expended
was comparable to a city in the borders.
Their supply line was stretched so long that it took more than a week for the
supplies to reach from the southernmost stronghold of Sembione city.
For a large scale invasion campaign, it was likely for battles to occur along
the supply route.
The more resources they expend, the closer the Belgaria Empire would be to
defeat.
【I know how ridiculous this order sounds, but if we back off now, we won’t
reach the Hispania capital. This campaign will fail.】
【B-But…】
【We are soldiers of the Belgaria Empire. We are here on the order of Mdm
【Ughh?!】
【The sabotage mission this time is the key to taking the fort, and the crucial
piece of this campaign. We had been given the most important mission. Or do
you want to be mocked by others as the Ninth Platoon that ran away because
‘there seem to be too many enemies’?】
Even though they could only see the faces of their brethren right before them
in this darkness.
【We are out at sea, but the things we need to do is the same. Let’s charge in
and give them a sound strike.】
【Yes!】
【!!】
The platoon leader used a special lantern (which was covered with boards
and would only cast a light in a specific direction), and signalled the other
boats.
Soldiers from the other squad must be confused by this unexpected turn of
events.
Most of the men in the Ninth Platoon were veterans from the Beilschmidt
Border Regiment.
— Compared to the harsh training under the Black Knight Jerome, those
Hispania Empire guys drifting in the sea is nothing!
They didn’t scream ferociously, but the troops held their oars like they were
gripping their pikes, and rowed the boat forward.
Twelve boats sailed towards the spot designated by the strategist after three
days of research.
However, there weren’t any signposts out in the dark sea. It was so dark they
couldn’t even see their own feet.
The only thing they could see were the lit torches.
The enemy’s patrol vessel were making their rounds. They didn’t to notice
the Belgarian’s presence yet.
The soldier at the back of the boat pulled the tow line over. The sudden
splashing sound gave them the chills.
If this was in the day, the dark oil polluting the blue sea would be noticed
right away.
However, in this dark night, they couldn’t even see their own fingers.
According to the plan, the oil from the barrel would drift under the enemy
fleet in an hour.
【……】
【A patrol craft is coming our way! Platoon leader, we have been spotted!】
The platoon leader never learned Hispanian, but it had the same root as
Belgarian, so their difference was on the level of different dialects.
【What!?】
However, they weren’t accurate enough to hit the small boat. The fire arrow
fell into the dark sea.
The fire spread onto the oil barrel that still contained some black oil.
In a stroke of fortune, that barrel was near the pursuing patrol craft. The
shockwave hit the craft hard.
In the end, the sailors on the Hispania patrol craft was burned by their own
fire arrows, and had to leap into the blazing sea.
But the boats of the Ninth platoon were also in trouble. They were literally
caught in a sea of flames.
It was too harsh for these inexperienced rowers to continue while holding
their breath.
Even the parts submerged in the water started burning, staying on board was
certain death.
【Fwah?!】
【You alive?】
【… I’m not sure if I’m fine though. Maybe my head isn’t working right.】
【Huh?】
The platoon leader gestured his deputy to look towards the land.
【What’s wrong?】
【As I suspect.】
There were two lights sources that had the pattern of Fort Bassetti. They were
seeing two forts before them.
【… But it couldn’t be. There are so many patrol crafts in the sea, so they
couldn’t have completed their mission without being detected.】
It would be fine if he was near a tent with gas lamps, however, there wasn’t
any light around him right now to see the hands on the watch.
The sea might be burning, but that didn’t mean the light would reach the
land.
Altina asked:
【What is it?】
【… I want to check the time. I don’t think it’s time to begin the operation
yet.】
She didn’t have a watch, but her sense of time was very accurate and reliable.
As he was watching the ocean burn— the mustered Belgarian troops lit their
torches.
【Is it fine to lit the torches? We will get bombarded by the fleet again…?】
Regis asked Eric to help out, but he didn’t tell Eric the details of the strategy.
【It’s fine! Look, don’t the position of the torches resemble something?】
【Resemble…?】
【That’s right.】
【Could it be…! The fleet out at sea would think there are two forts?!】
【… If the fleet don’t dare open fire on us, does it mean it worked?】
The soldiers were ordered to stand at the predetermined position with torches
in hand.
They were told to light the torches when the sea caught on fire.
Regis was planning to abort the operation, but the sea was ablaze earlier than
the planned naval mission… So the plan ended up proceeding smoothly.
Eric stared closely at the fake fort formed from the torches.
【Amazing…】
【… Yes. The Hispania fleet out at sea won’t dare fire or come closer.】
【Huh? That’s strange? If they come closer, they would be able to determine
which side is fake, right?】
【If they draw close, our 《40 Allen cannon》 will engage them. If cannons
from both sides engage in a shootout, our side will have the advantage of
being ‘unsinkable ships’.】
As the sail ships were made from wood, it catches fire easily. In contrast, the
land based Belgarian cannons didn’t have to worry about sinking.
The cannons on the warships were clustered together, while the Belgarian
cannons were spread out.
With the light on the enemy ships, it would be easy to target them, while the
Belgarian could hide in the darkness.
【… The problem is, if they saw the moment we lit the torches, they can
easily tell which side is fake.】
【That’s why we need to set fire to the sea. If the area around the sail ships
start burning, the crew’s attention would get drawn to those flames.】
【That’s right!】
Regis concluded:
【… I didn’t know what happened out at sea, but we will proceed as planned.】
If they failed, then the enemy fleet would attack the fake fortress— which
was the Belgarian formation.
【Now we could attack Fort Bassetti with torches lit without worrying about
the naval fleet attacking us!】
Seeing Altina understood the plan, Regis felt glad at her growth.
She wasn’t stupid, but she had the bad habit of disliking to think. But right
now, she was trying her best to understand the strategy.
It would be perfect if she could understand the need for her to command from
a safe place.
Altina walked towards the foremost unit, hopefully not to lead the charge.
The enemy fleet wasn’t firing at them, but the fort had cannons too.
After all, they were expecting the Belgarian army to launch a large scale
night raid.
Fort Bassetti also had many cannons, but they were mostly the old type. The
Hispania Empire invested heavily in the navy, and delayed the fortification of
their stronghold’s defenses.
The old cannons’ range, power and speed were all inferior to the cannons the
Belgaria Empire transported here by land.
Even firing from the top of the fort’s wall wasn’t enough to overcome this
disadvantage.
Furthermore, the Belgarian army was closing in under the cover of night.
【Charge! Charge!】
The south gate guard captain looked at the countless torches from the top of
the Fort Bassetti walls.
【I don’t know!】
【Relay the message! Tell the fleet to open fire! The enemy is attacking from
the south!】
They used the cover of night to switch the direction of their attack. Was that
the reason why the fleet admiral couldn’t be certain on their targets?
Never imagined that the Belgarian army lit their torches in the same pattern
as his fort.
In the pitch darkness, only the light from the torches were visible. Even
though the Belgarian army was charging at the fort, they couldn’t tell which
side was actually moving.
The Hispanian soldiers lacked experience in large scale land combat, and the
defenders were spooked.
As the Hispania army cannons were front loaded, so the pack of gunpowder
needed to be stuffed in through the muzzle before putting in the round. The
ammunition was a spherical metal ball.
At the back of the cannon was a small hole— a vent. An awl was stabbed in
here as they needed to make a hole through the gunpowder pouch.
【Fire!】
The firer acknowledge with a shout before putting his torch onto the vent
covered in gunpowder.
The gunpower burned, spreading into the vent and the gunpowder pouch
inside exploded.
Boom!
The cannon rocked violently backwards. It was outfitted with wheels, which
was immensely useful on the stone walls.
The cannon ball should have hit something, but they couldn’t tell as it was
too dark.
When the Hispanian cannon hit the sturdy stone walls, it would just blow off
some shrapnels at most.
Injury to the limbs might be salvageable, but those who got hit in the head
died on the spot. Those hit in the torso would die an agonizing death without
medical aid.
However, the new cannons had rifling, helical grooves inside the bore of the
barrel. It spun the fired rounds to keep it flying straight.
<TL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rifling>
These were the breech loading cannons the Belgaria Empire manufactured by
replicating the High Brittania Kingdom’s cannons, and the technology had
not been spread to the Hispania Empire yet. Most of the soldiers saw this for
the first time in this war.
The new cannons known for their incredible range also displayed their
accuracy and power in this battle.
The charges weren’t fired from outside the vent, so the explosive force won’t
leak out. This was one of the reason why the shots were so powerful.
Although Fort Bassetti had the advantage of terrain and numbers of cannons,
the Belgaria cannons and cannoneers were vastly superior in quality
compared to them.
When the Belgarian’s new rifle got in range, the difference became more
obvious.
【What?】
If the light around the guard captain of Fort Bassetti was brighter, he would
be able to see the pale face of the messenger.
【They are gone! I can’t find the commander and the staff officers in the fort!
Our troops are gone too! The fort is deserted!】
The guard captain and the soldiers around him was speechless.
Their cannons were outmatched by the new cannons, but they weren’t pushed
to the edge yet.
If they could relay the enemy’s position to the naval fleet, they could use the
naval bombardment to turn the tide of battle.
Which meant—
【Hah! Those who want to die, come out and face me!】
The balcony that had an excellent view of the beautiful fort and the deep blue
sea was now engulfed in an unpleasant darkness.
【What’s happening?】
【Uwah?!】
A Belgarian soldier sneak attack?! He quickly drew his sword and turned.
And saw his daughter’s face illuminated by the light in the room.
Her chambers was in the innermost end of the corridor, did she came here
wearing that? He wondered what the guards’ faces were like.
【Mmm!】
【What now?】
Freij wasn’t a retard, and could sense that she came here because something
important happened. He stopped his grumbling.
It must be the moment when there was an explosion and he was watching the
fire out at sea.
Like what they discussed a few days ago, the enemy’s plan was to numb the
defences before attacking.
【……】
But since their lights were still lit, they should still be fine. And this was
within their range.
【Mmm!】
Freij’s desk always have paper and ink ready for her to use at any time.
【What?!】
【No, wait, wait! His Majesty entrusted this fort to me?! And this fort is
incredibly sturdy. With the navy protecting us, the enemy won’t… draw
near… probably…】
If the navy wasn’t firing, then this was just an old fort.
This fort was built during the age of bows and arrows. The walls and gates
wouldn’t last long under the bombardment of the new cannons.
Looks like his daughter already noticed— the reason why they had to
abandon the fort.
Of the 15,000 soldiers in Fort Bassetti, 2,000 of them stayed behind to stall
for time as the main group retreated from the west gate.
Because the Hispanian Navy remained unscathed, their naval cannons could
reduce the fort to dust.
The Belgarian army assaulted the fort under the cover of night, killing and
taking many enemy prisoners.
It would be a problem if the enemy fortifies this place again, so the walls
were torn down with dynamites.
They were in the middle of a march, and Regis looked up the sky through the
window of the carriage.
【… It’s snowing?】
Clarice smiled.
【… You are right. The troops would bear a grudge if I sat here and ordered
them.】
Regis couldn’t ride a horse, so he had to sit in the carriage. If he forced the
soldiers to march in terrible weather, the troops would bear a grudge.
The commander of the forces was Altina, but the one making the movement
plans was the strategist, a fact everyone already know.
The terrain where the enemy could shoot arrows from a high vantage point;
long, narrow path that made it difficult to protect the headquarters; and places
where scouting for enemy for enemy was difficult while the enemy could
easily surround and launch sneak attacks were known as 《Desperate ground》.
<TL: 死地 https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/s/suntzu/art-of-
war/chapter11.html>
And not just normal tactics, he had to consider the possibility of attack from
the river or lake, or setting fire to the forest.
However, if there weren’t too many of such places, he could just station
guards and scouts there.
【Your Highness!】
A girl riding alongside the carriage on her favourite horse moved closer.
Regis blushed.
It was rumoured that Altina was chased out of the palace because of jealousy
towards her beauty.
And now, she looked just like the goddesses portrayed in religious paintings.
She frowned:
They finally understood why the stars and moon wasn’t visible last night, the
sky was covered in thick grey clouds.
【… I have decided on the place. In front of us is a place where the road meets
the river, let’s make camp there. There might be a town over there.】
There should be town guards to maintain order, but they wouldn’t dare attack
the Belgaria Empire’s army of 40,000.
They had passed by many Hispanian towns, and they were all taken without
bloodshed.
Most of the citizens ran before the Belgarian army even arrived.
Those who were left had reasons why they didn’t run. Such as illness, injuries
or old age.
Altina nodded.
The Belgaria Empire headed towards a small town that wasn’t even marked
on the map.
【Send scouts to the back and fore of the road, and a patrol team into the
woods. Despatch boats into the lake… Ah, speaking of which… can we buy
those in town?】
The boats built for river crossings were all destroyed in last night’s battle.
More than half of the soldiers that went out to sea returned, but the boats
were either burned or covered in oil.
【… Won’t surrender?】
A man dressed like a farmer who wasn’t even a soldier of the Hispania
Empire came into the headquarters of the Belgaria forces.
Altina replied:
Regis didn’t state his name, and just stood quietly beside her.
【……】
【Lokays won’t submit to pagans. We are fine with you passing by, but you
are not permitted to enter the town.】
The staff officers kept their straight faces, but some of the troops still laughed
out loud.
Lokays was a town too small to be marked on the map, and the scouts
reported that there weren’t any soldiers garrisoned there.
【We occupied many Hispanian cities too, but we didn’t commit any
atrocities. So we won’t do that to you either.】
【This isn’t a problem of our treatment. Belgarian belonged to the North sect.
We won’t recognize your religious teachings.】
【Religion…?】
【… Most nations in this continent has the same religion. Some of them, like
the Etruria Theocracy, has different beliefs.】
【No! The North sect has sold their souls to the devil! We are the ones who
follows the true will of God.】
【… In the Hispania Empire, the High Sect is the mainstay. Most people from
this sect won’t recognize other sects.】
【… Things like how rituals are done, their customs, there are quite a bit of
differences.】
【Oh.】
【… For example, during the Saint memorial day, the Belgaria Empire would
sing hymns and hold a festival, right?】
【… However, High Sects would fast on that day and not sing hymns.】
【Huh?!】
Damia frowned:
【That’s only natural. This is the day the saint fast in solitude in order to speak
with our God. Why are you people breaking the taboo and feasting?! You
heretics!】
The rulers used the story of the saint as a reason to hold a festival, in order to
let the citizens rest— Even if Regis said that, it would just agitate the
fanatical High Sect youth unnecessarily.
【… Well, let’s end the religious discussion here. We can’t let the soldiers
wait in the snow for too long.】
【We won’t be staying for long anyway, so we won’t requisite any buildings
or enter the town unnecessarily.】
【If Lokays town submit to the Belgarian Empire, I can guarantee the safety of
the resident’s property and lives. Because you will be our citizens then.】
He said stubbornly:
The Empire expanded its borders by conquering the territory of other nations,
so it was difficult for them to refute any religion.
The religious mainstream was the North sect, but they didn’t force others to
change their faith.
【I won’t submit to a North sect emperor. We are the only ones who convey
the true voice of God. The Hispanian Emperor is the rightful Emperor.】
Regis sighed:
After all, the invading army led by Altina would not commit wanton murders
and pillaging.
Regis continued:
【… However, the closer you go to the center of the Hispania Empire, the
more people there are who will only recognize the High Sect alone.】
Because the Emperor of the Belgarian Empire belonged to the North sect.
Damia concluded:
【The North sect is the devil that twisted the gospels of God. We will never
submit to you!】
Altina asked:
Belgaria’s soldiers were strong. Given their confidence and pride in their
strength, it was only natural for some to feel slighted, and think “You think
you can beat us off?”
One of the staff officers observing this conversation— the commander of the
heavy infantry unit, Second Grade Combat Officer Balasko stepped forward.
【Hmm…】
But they refuse to surrender to Belgaria, and even declare their intent to
battle.
If it was the old Altina, she would ask for Regis’ opinion immediately.
Damia, the youth adamant in his refusal grit his teeth. It was snowing, but he
was sweating profusely.
After all, he just declared war against the commander of an invading army.
Altina was troubled because of her pacifist ideals that prioritize the wellbeing
of the people. Any other generals in the Belgaria Empire would have
delegated this matter to Balasko.
A battle with a town of 3,000 would end quickly, even before the main forces
reach there.
What about showing mercy to people revolting against the Belgaria Empire?
The matter could be resolved peacefully, but that wasn’t a qualified response
for the commander of an invading army.
If the citizens in the Hispanian capital said the same thing, then she would
have no choice but to retreat without a fight.
【We won’t attack the town, ask you to leave the town or submit a tribute. I
can promise you all that. However, we will be making camp near the town
before the weather clears up. IF you harm my soldiers, I will never forgive
you all.】
【……】
Altina commanded:
The heavy infantry soldiers brought him outside without waiting for a reply.
The Belgarian campaign army headed towards the small town Lokays.
It was a short meeting, but Altina sat opposite Regis inside the carriage.
【Regis must have thought of other plans. You should have just said what is
【Because I feel that I can’t keep relying on you. But when we are alone, I
want you to tell me your concern.】
Clarice said she need to attend to something and left the carriage. She must
have done so intentionally.
The escort officer Eric was riding on a horse near the carriage.
Altina frowned.
【Since they refuse to surrender to the Belgaria Empire, that is the only way. I
would let them bring enough provision to make it to the Hispanian capital.】
【That’s correct.】
【When that time comes, I hope to have peaceful relations with the
surrounding nations.】
【But, would the people we evict from town want to make peace with me.】
I know what you mean, Regis opened his arms to soothe her.
【… Most citizens of the Hispania Empire are High Sect, and many of them
refused to recognize other sects. Robbing the property of other sects isn’t a
sin— that country uses this rationale to justify their military committing
piracy.】
For example, if they weren’t an invading army but a weak traveller, what
would happen?
Like a North sect traveller who arrived at Damia’s town without knowing
anything? Who can guarantee that person’s safety?
【… Like how hegemony that wants to conquer the world with military might
is at odds with your ideal of pacifism. Getting people who don’t recognize
people of other sects to work together with you is very difficult.】
For those who ostracize others, war was the only way.
【… In the end, self defence is still necessary. Although the scope and means
are different.】
【Which means, Regis thinks… if you have to categorize the people in Lokays
town, they would be the enemy?】
【I see.】
【… You want to protect them because they are harmless civilians. You don’t
want to harm them. Kindness like this is important, I hope you don’t forget it.
But the moment they say ‘Pagans are enemies’, I won’t offer them the hand
of friendship.】
【That’s why I’m just chasing them away. Because I want to believe in that
possibility.】
【What is it?】
【The citizens exiled from town would become refugees that consumes food
supplies. The Hispania Emperor would have to accept the citizens that fled to
the capital.】
As the middle of the Hispanian Empire were trecherous mountain ranges, the
roads and major city were located along the shore. The only place the people
who lost their homes could go was the capital.
【Well, listen.】
Regis continued:
【According to the spies report, the Hispania Emperor didn’t despatch any
reinforcement towards Fort Bassetti. Given his personality, he wouldn’t
accept any refugees into the capital.】
【Maybe.】
【The High Sect revered the Hispania Emperor as the one rightful ruler of all
lands… But if that Emperor refuse to accept refugees, would their faith
remain as strong?】
【You are saying that since the High Sect don’t recognize pagans, so we
should destroy the faith in the sect instead?】
【Similar my foot!】
【… The means might look a little underhanded, but the result would be less
people dying in the war, correct?】
【I know what you mean, Regis… if we can avoid a war, then it would be a
good thing.】
【However, I hope they can understand the benefits of the equality and
pacifism that I believe in.】
【… I understand. I will think up the strategies for you. A way to make the
citizens change their faith without exploiting them.】
He promised.
【… No, I should be the one thanking you. My thinking was too shallow.】
The correct answer was dependent on the number of people— such words
could often be seen in books.
【… No, there’s one thing… It would be a problem if the supplies don’t arrive
in time.】
They had already gotten in contact with the supply unit that had set off from
the Sembione city, but sending a message one way would take several days.
As the invading army had to attack and take down enemy strongholds, so the
supply unit should be moving faster than the main body.
They should be reaching soon, but Regis still felt a little uneasy.
If the supply unit was defeated, seizing the capital of Hispania would be
incredibly difficult.
Mariam wrote.
He lost Fort Bassetti, but he returned safely with 13,000 soldiers, and avoided
any punishment.
They wouldn’t lop off the head of a commander while the Belgarian army
was right at their gates.
If he had followed his orders and defended the fort to the death…
Even if he escaped with his life, he would get executed in the capital.
【The road in the Hispania Empire is a single path along the shore, you know?
If we sent out a task force, it would definitely run into the Belgarian army.】
If they could take out the enemy’s supply unit, it would definitely give
Hispania the advantage.
【And the enemy aren’t fools. According to scout reports, the Belgarian
supply team is escorted by a powerful mercenary band. They also had
riflemen armed with the newest model of rifles.】
【No no, the enemy is 40,000 strong, while we have 60,000, you know? The
basic principle of attacking a fort is to have three times the numbers of
defenders.】
Which meant, if the Belgarian army didn’t have that many reinforcements,
they wouldn’t be able to take the Hispania capital.
There was no telling what would happen in the surrounding cities, but the
capital would never fall.
The enemy would retreat if they fail to take the capital— that was what the
top management in Hispania and the army thought.
And right now, the Belgarian Empire was also fighting on the northern and
eastern front.
When spring comes, it would be time to start farming. If they didn’t let the
conscript farmers return, it would affect the food yield in the coming year.
A large country would need a huge amount of food to feed their massive
population.
【Yes, that’s true. In the end, if the sea of the Hispania Empire remain safe,
we won’t lose.】
『You have already seen the power of the new cannons. If it turns into a battle
between warships, we will lose.』
【I saw that battle, and did worry about it. But if they could win at sea, why
didn’t they attack from that avenue? The answer is, they are at an impasse
with High Brittania and the neighbouring nations. They couldn’t afford to
send any warships our way.】
『Wrong.』
【What?】
『Their goal is to keep the Hispania Emperor in Cantanal. This country is very
religious. If the emperor flees, the soldiers and citizens would resist to the
bitter end. But if they manage to take him alive—』
【Hey… Watch what you write. Even if it is just an assumption, you will get
an inquisition.】
【Listen carefully, Mariam. The 60,000 soldiers would defend the capital
before spring comes next year— this is the decision made by the Hispanian
emperor.】
『We can destroy the enemy supply team with just 30,000 soldiers.』
『Just let the fleet drifting uselessly around the capital transport them.』
Freij pondered:
A large map was laid out on the table in the tent, and Regis placed a chess
piece on top.
【… If it was me, I would use the fleet to transport the forces in the capital to
attack the supply team.】
The chess moved from the capital to the sea, then went around to a spot
between the Belgarian forces and Sembione.
【Turn the invading army around, and hit the enemy forces lying in wait of the
【That might work if the enemy commander is a huge retard… But they
would usually just escape on their warships.】
【If the Hispanians move their main forces with their fleet, the Belgarian
supply line would get cut off. But we couldn’t pursue them either.】
【That’s right.】
The chess piece representing the Belgarian expedition force was moved all
the way back to Sembione.
【Why you little! Are you planning this right from the start?!】
【No… Actually, Mr Gilbert also doubted me like that too, but I really have
the resolve to defeat the Hispanian Empire.】
【… There is a small chance we can take down the Hispania capital Cantanal
even if we ignore the supply line.】
【You actually dare to mock me, huh? Things are getting interesting, Regis.
Should I make your face more interesting too?】
【No no no… I will explain properly, but it will take some time?】
They were in his private tent, and the time was late at night.
It was almost bedtime, and Regis didn’t expect Jerome to show up and ask
that question out of the blue.
Jerome probably felt there was something off with the plan after some
introspection.
As expected of him.
Actually, there were some pieces Regis didn’t placed on the board.
【… When the Belgarian army invaded the Hispania Empire, their Emperor’s
defensive strategy is to concentrate their forces in the capital Cantanal. Fort
Bassetti was just a sacrificial pawn used to stall for time.】
【I see.】
He was strict towards his allies, but hates losses caused by negligence. Even
if this was the enemies’ tactics, he didn’t feel happy about it.
【Ohh?】
【… Roughly half a year ago, I sent people to spread rumours in the Hispania
Empire.】
【… That was shortly after we repelled High Brittania, and the late Emperor
died… I was thinking about what we should do if Latreille takes the throne.
Once that happens, even if the place is far, he would also order a campaign to
the south.】
Some time ago, Latreille and Germaine also showed the same face— Regis
recalled.
And right after that, there was an assassination attempt on his life. If Jerome
also wanted to kill him, that would be the end of him.
【Ehh?!】
【… When you heard the news of the Emperor’s passing, you already
predicted the southern campaign?】
【If we attack from the land route, while the enemy deploys with their naval
fleets, then we would be helpless. So we need to force their leaders and main
forces to stay in the capital.】
【The Belgaria Empire captured a powerful siege weapon from the High
Brittania Kingdom.】
【Well, it is a lie. But when they got wind of this news, they would be hesitant
about reducing the number of soldiers in the capital, right?】
【If it was me, I would never let the enemy come near the capital, and will
even launch a pre emptive strike to stop that.】
The Hispanian emperor and the military leaders all prioritized the defences of
the capital. This clearly showed how confident they were of Cantanal’s
defences.
This was Regis’ only chair, so he hoped that Jerome would use it carefully.
【Hmmp… I can guess since there are messy things that aren’t provisions or
weapons being sent over. Is it usable?】
【Anything else?】
【Yes… To be honest, the most important thing is the threat from the sea.】
Ms Jessica also asked something similar— Regis said with a wry smile:
However, there was another thing to consider— Altina was his political rival.
Even now, she was the top threat to his position.
From the present situation, if there wasn’t any support from the capital, this
war might drag on for several years.
By dragging out the war with Hispania, he could seal away his political foe
and a troublesome enemy— which wasn’t a bad plan at all.
【I was hoping His Majesty Latreille would give his consent… But the
operation of the steam engine had just gotten started.】
【Yes… Steam locomotives are already being used in a small town to the
south east of the capital.】
【Yes… That place already had a river for transport, so this had nothing to do
with demand or convenience… They probably did so to avoid any explosion
from harming the capital.】
【Oh?】
【… And it’s easier to keep things under wraps by keeping it away from the
borders.】
Jerome values mental toughness and training, but he wouldn’t take the new
weapons made from cutting edge technology lightly.
【… Oh, speaking of which, once the trial operation is done, a train route
connecting the capital to the south would be put in place. The railway is
already being built. A round trip trade route that usually take around 20 days
could be traversed in three days with the railway.】
【… But the steam locomotive in the High Brittania Kingdom is faster than a
sail ship.】
【I only believe what I see with my own eyes. Have you seen the High
Brittania locomotive before?】
【… No.】
【… Well, it will be quite a while before the railway can be used. However,
with the explosive population growth of the Empire, if the capital is linked to
the food production regions, it would be great from the perspective of
national development.】
Jerome pondered:
【Fufu… so tens of thousands of soldiers could be sent from the south to the
capital in just a day and a half? If that’s true, it would change war much more
than cannons did.】
【… That’s correct.】
Moving a large army would take a large amount of time and resources.
However, it would be many years before the rail network was finished—
Regis thought.
In the end—
They didn’t receive any reports from the scouts deployed on the road of a
sneak attack by the Hispania army.
It seemed that the enemy didn’t move their main forces out of the capital.
Or did the enemy make the defence of their capital the top priority?
Belgaria sent out spies too, but it was difficult to get news on the decision of
the top military leaders.
The only thing the spies reported was that the enemy had embarked on a
large scale military movement.
It was later than scheduled, but the expedition force led by Altina was
resupplied safely.
Regis laughed out loud after confirming the catalogue of the supplies.
【You are a strange one. Normally, the mercenaries would be sent to the front
【No… If the Hispanian army made their move, then the supply team would
be at the front lines.】
【They might move their main forces with their war ships— That’s what you
said.】
【Ahh, that’s...】
【… Ehh… Actually...】
He sighed heavily.
His reaction was different from Jerome, but Gilbert also had a straightforward
personality that craves for face to face combat. He could only face Regis’
schemes with a resigned expression.
Gilbert nodded.
【……】
Gilbert’s face remained serious, and it was impossible to guess what he was
thinking.
【I was hired by the High Brittanian army to be part of an escort team back
then too.】
【… Haha.】
That was actually Altina’s unit, but Regis decided not to correct Gilbert. He
wasn’t being literal anyway.
【High Brittania’s strategist wasn’t bad either… But he probably couldn’t pull
that off.】
【W-Well…】
Gilbert probably simulated his battle with Regis in his mind many times.
【In the end, I would always lose the supplies at some point. High Brittania’s
defeat was inevitable once the Fourth Princess’ army set its eyes on the
supply team.】
【Ah…】
【We encountered enemy forces thrice inside the Hispania borders. But they
were units who already lost a battle earlier, and were just wandering along the
road without any plans at all. One group even surrendered without a fight.】
They probably never thought that the supply was guarded by such a
renowned mercenary unit.
【Those who couldn’t gauge the actual power of their opponents are just
amateurs.】
【… That’s true.】
Gilbert said:
【The supplies got here without any meaningful resistance. Why are things
different this time?】
【It’s because the enemy army don’t have a Regis d'Auric. That’s my
answer.】
【… During the attack on Fort Bassetti, I think our enemy had somewhat seen
through my strategy.】
【No… The credit goes to the incredible efforts of the Belgaria soldiers.】
He never thought his troops would carried on with the plan when the ocean
was full of enemy patrol ships!
【… Also, when we attacked the fort, more than 10,000 of the enemy forces
retreated splendidly.】
Regis nodded.
He learned something interesting from the guard captain of Fort Bassetti that
was captured.
She was holding a pen with her right hand, but surprisingly, she wasn’t
holding a chess piece with her left hand.
Most commoners in the Hispania Empire eat with their hands, but Freij was a
Marqués house, so they still exercise the most basics of etiquettes.
Mariam had incredible insight, but she was a woman and a civilian, so she
didn’t take part in the war council.
【Regis was a commoner Admin Officer, but the Fourth Princess favors him.
Not only did he took down Fort Volks that didn’t fall for forty years from the
Germanian Federation, he also repelled the High Brittanian army. He is now
a Chevalier, and appointed the strategist of Belgaria’s Généralissime.】
『— That might be so, but we should re-evaluate that. The strategy he used to
take down Fort Bassetti was very incredible.』
Freij frowned:
【There were two forts— That’s what the fleet admiral said. To think he could
『Holding lanterns high to make a raft look like a warship, tricks like this exist
in the past too.』
【One side is the real fort, and the other is the charging enemy. Since they are
moving, wouldn’t they be found out immediately?】
『The ships are subjected to the sea breeze and current too, so it’s difficult for
them to determine if the lights on land are moving, or was it the swaying of
their ship that made it look like movement.』
【Ugh, yeah.】
If the navy fired upon them, then Freij would probably not have the chance to
grumble in his home at the capital.
If his daughter was frightened like this, she would look very cute… However,
Mariam continued to stuff potatoes into her mouth casually with a fork as she
wrote with her right hand.
It couldn’t be helped since she couldn’t speak, but this wasn’t close to the
proper behaviour of a noble lady at all.
He already sent his wife back to her old home to seek refuge.
He was certain that the Hispanian capital wouldn’t fall, but public order
However, he didn’t want to waste unnecessary effort to soothe his wife who
wouldn’t be able to stand adverse conditions.
By right, Mariam should evacuate too, but he couldn’t do without the brilliant
mind of this girl.
She scooped up her seafood meal and continued writing with her right hand:
【I already proposed that, but His Majesty and high command all insist on
defending the city.】
『How foolish.』
【Hey…】
This might be his own home, but this was the residence of a noble. There
were servants around here. Most of them were told to take a leave of absence,
but some of them were still working here.
If they told on Freij, then he would lose his rank of General and his life.
Mariam didn’t look afraid at all. Was it bravery, or was she just dense?
【It’s just a rumour… that the Belgarian army prepared a powerful siege
weapon. They seemed to be wary of that.】
『Impossible. If they had such a thing, they would have used it to attack Fort
Bassetti.』
『The Belgaria definitely prepared some sort of siege weapon. That was
obvious from the amount supplies they had transported.』
『If that was so, all the more reason to not let the enemy come near the
capital.』
Freij shrugged.
Simply put, many soldiers fought the Belgarian army on the road and in the
fort to stop their advance, but suffered heavy losses for their efforts. They
already lost around 30,000 men.
Despite all that, the enemy was just half a day’s march from the Cantanal
capital.
【They travelled for half a month, so they would want to rest for a bit.】
Mariam wrote:
『When we stopped the enemy at Fort Bassetti, we could have forced them to
retreat if we cut off their supply line.』
【Munch munch… Maybe. Gulp… but they might press on too. Gulp… And
attack the capital without even looking back.】
Last year, the High Brittania army that invaded deep into the Belgaria Empire
continued their advances even after losing their fleet and supply team.
For the Hispania Empire, the Belgaria army might do the same thing under
similar circumstances.
【Fort Bassetti fell earlier than planned, which is one of the reason why high
command insist on turtling inside the capital. It’s hard for me to propose the
contrary with the position I’m in.】
『Belgaria needed to take the fort quickly, but they still spent quite some time
on it.』
【The powerful siege weapon that didn’t exist— that’s what you are saying?
IF they really hid it, then what? Cantanal has more than 60,000 soldiers, it
won’t fall to an unknown siege weapon. In the end, we have the upper hand
in both numbers and supplies.】
In the Hispania Empire, as long as the Emperor was safe, they would never
lose.
And given the current situation, they just needed to defend the capital,
Cantanal.
【On hindsight, maybe the plan of the Strategist Regis was to drag the time he
attacked Fort Bassetti? And if we carelessly deployed the main forces out of
Cantanal, we would lose the advantage in numbers. That might be their goal.
There’s no strategy more reliable than letting 60,000 men guard His Majesty,
that’s the conclusion of high command.】
Mariam nodded:
『I don’t know what scheme the enemy will pull off, but only making passive
preparation to react to the enemy— is unwise.』
『Dear Father, the best outcome of war is to win without a battle. Otherwise,
putting the enemy into zugzwang will be a victory too.』
『Even if we had to leave 20,000 men in the capital, we could still launch a
pincer attack against the Belgaria army by using two army with 20,000 troops
each. If that happens, even the best strategist would have a hard time. We can
then hold the initiative.』
【A good proposal, but high command would never accept it— Now that you
mentioned it, why didn’t you suggest this when we were defending Fort
Bassetti? We could have cut off their supply lines.】
『Dear Father is really forgetful. We only had 15,000 soldiers back then. How
much reserves did the Belgarians had?』
Belgaria might not have deployed all their reserves into the supply team.
With the forces in Fort Bassetti, it would be difficult to cut off the Belgaria
supply line.
They committed 60,000 soldiers into the south, and left 20,000 to defend
their stronghold.
They wouldn’t be able to cut off the Belgarian supply line with inadequate
And the Hispanian high command would never approve a plan that needed
such a large force.
【Well, forget it. This war would end in a victory for the Hispanian Empire.
Even if the Belgarian army penetrated deep into our territory, they also
accumulated a lot of fatigue too. Our capital Cantanal is a sturdy fortress city,
and we possessed a force large enough to win outright in the plains. We also
have a fleet in the oceans.】
【That’s right.】
『However, the Belgaria Empire already expected that when they invaded.』
【The new emperor of Belgaria is a young soldier. When an army received the
order to attack, their option is to do as instructed. It is the obligation of a
soldier to obey orders, it’s the same for all nations.】
『Those who can only do as instructed are mere mortals. The ones who can
prevail in the face of adversities are heroes.』
【In that case, there won’t be any heroes in this war. Well, the Belgarian army
won’t last for long. At best, they can maintain such numbers for half a year.】
Even if they could send supplies from their home country, they would need
plenty of escorts for each trip, the expenses would be huge.
Even if the Hispania Empire gets surrounded on land, they still could travel
by sea.
【If this war becomes a long term stalemate, we might get a peace
negotiation.】
【Belgaria probably will ask us to cede the land from their southern borders to
Fort Bassetti to them? But the Emperor wouldn’t agree to that.】
【If this war ends, I can get a long vacation. I want to idle in the countryside.
The capital isn’t a suitable place for me.】
【I’m talking about a normal vacation! I just lost some troops, it’s not that
serious that I had to be demoted, right?!】
The food flew out of his mouth and onto Mariam’s face.
『Who knows whether a hero will appear on the battlefield? Father just has to
defeat the Belgaria army.』
【What are you saying? My unit has only slightly more than 10,000 men, and
that’s a reserve force in the capital too.】
It’s true that he lost almost 20,000 men in Fort Bassetti, but Belgaria had an
army of 40,000. He still did his part and stalled them.
『You are satisfied with your current standings? Can you accept being a
sacrificial pawn?』
【Ughh…】
The Belgaria expedition force made camp just three hours march from the
capital of the Hispania Empire, Cantanal.
To enact this plan, they needed plenty of water. Considering the fact that the
army of 40,000 also need to erect their tents, they decided to make the lake
their base.
To the south was Cantanal, east the lake, and to the west was a road, followed
by the ocean. Their backs faced north, which was a vast open plain.
There was an orchard here. It was a pity, but they couldn’t avoid setting up
camp here.
As the estate owner had fled, the manor here was used as a field hospital.
Noon—
A man with a crate in his arms walked into Regis’ personal tent, which was
situated near headquarters.
He placed the crate beside the table and wiped his sweat.
Ferdinand nodded:
【I think so too. We already inspected the terrain before coming here. The
hardness of the ground is ideal, but we won’t really know unless we tried
digging..】
【Thank you.】
Ferdinand took out a scroll of paper from the crate by his feet.
【… Ah, yes. Erm… I hope you can make preparations to run at a moment’s
notice.】
【Hahaha… I know.】
【We will make preparations to flee and finish the project as quickly as
possible!】
The 40,000 Belgaria army led by the Généralissime linked up with the 10,000
pioneers and supply team.
The Hispania Empire’s forces were led by the Emperor personally, and
comprised of 60,000 men mustered from all over the nation. It was known to
be impregnable since the nation’s founding.
Combined, there were over 100,000 combatants from both sides— the battle
of Cantanal started quietly.
Morning—
The variety and quantity was the same as usual, since he was a general in the
military.
It wasn’t too obvious due to the chef’s effort, but the bread was already
turning black, and the salad had a funky smell too.
The sea route ensured that their supply line would be open, but it was no easy
feat to feed an army of 60,000.
The grumbles from the chief of each logistics department was also growing.
【……】
The surprising thing was, Mariam was already in the cook house.
【Mmm!】
【What is it?】
Freij felt her daughter’s eyes seemed to be saying that she was watching a
retard.
However, it was 2legua (11km) away, and he was facing the sun.
Freij squainted:
【Smoke?】
Freij shrugged:
【I’m just kidding. The scouts has already been deployed. We just need to go
to headquarters to find out what’s happening at the enemy base camp.】
『I want to go too.』
She still understood such common sense. She was saying— no, writing it for
kicks.
【Sit down, Mariam. Don’t forget to say your prayers before your meal.】
【……】
He was just starting to pray when he saw a butler coming in with an urgent
letter.
To avoid unnecessary attention, he had only told his close associates about
Mariam.
【… Oh, I see.】
『I thought he was retarded in the past, seems like I have to reevaluate him.』
Freij crumpled up the paper and tossed it into the cook house’s fireplace.
【Listen well!? The Emperor and those guys from headquarters won’t listen to
your jokes like me! If you are suspected of Lèse-majesté, both of us would
get hung?!】
【But...!】
『It looks like someone who knew about me informed His Majesty in order to
set you up. Is that what you think?』
【… Maybe.】
【Hmm?】
『Don’t worry. I thought this might happen, and already learned the etiquettes
on how to act in an audience with His Majesty from Grandfather.』
At the center of the Hispanian palace where the Emperor resides was a tall
tower.
The other buildings were built around it, and the entire palace was covered
with mythological carvings, religious paintings and statues.
Freij’s opinion of the tower never changed since the first time he saw it.
If God was the creator of the world like what the priests claims, then this
place shouldn’t be so overbearing, Freij thought.
If God only likes places with such gloom and abstinence, then why did
amazing sceneries, lively animals and rowdy music exist— the one who said
He looked to the side, and saw Mariam looking at the buildings curiously.
【……】
Since they were summoned for a war conference, they headed to the war
room instead of the audience hall.
However, due to the deep religious influence in this nation, the carvings were
religiously themed.
【……】
The truth was, Freij didn’t want to bring his daughter here, and spent too
much time thinking of a reason to turn down the summon.
A short moment later, an old butler announced the arrival of the Emperor.
Everyone stood.
A special door at the deep end of the room opened, and a thin old man
entered. The white silvery clothes on him seemed to be glowing slightly.
This white haired old man wore a white hat on his head.
The Emperor of the Belgaria Empire likes red, while the Emperor of the
Hispania Empire prefers silvery white, the divine colour of God.
Freij sat at the far end of the table, with Mariam sitting even further behind
him.
She had a pen in her hand, with paper and ink on the table. The generals had
already been told that she couldn’t speak, so no one faulted her.
The old butler passed the paper Mariam wrote directly to the Emperor.
The Emperor mostly keeps to himself, but he still smiled to ease the
atmosphere.
When Freij wanted to inoculate the group first by saying “My daughter is
wise because of her grandfather’s teaching, but she is still a child”……
【I have an urgent report— There are strange movements from the Belgarian
army.】
The others were very concerned about this too. Unable to interject about his
daughter, Freij put down the hand he raised half way.
【The Belgaria army dug a hole in their base, threw burning fuel in, and
started a fire.】
The Lieutenant Colonel didn’t know how to answer the Captain General’s
question:
【Sir, a blast furnace is used to smelt steel. From the colour, the fuel should be
coal. They diverted water from the lake, so they could adjust the temperature
of the furnace and smelt steel.】
If Belgaria build a base at this distance, then Cantanal would lose its function
as an economic center.
It seemed that there wasn’t any need for negotiations, the land from that base
to the Empire would be under Belgaria’s control.
【……】
Mariam smirked.
The officers all opened their eyes wide. Freij felt his heart almost stopped.
But she didn’t fear the gaze around her and wrote:
『They would never build a fort. The Belgarian army won’t want to drag this
war out. The soldiers have their own homes and families. If they erect a base
on enemy grounds, how many soldiers would they garrison there? Who will
pay for the expenses? Our enemy might be a big nation, but their funding
isn’t unlimited. We can estimate the budget and forces they have committed
into this war from what we can see right now. Do you understand that?』
【P-Pardon me.】
Erect a fort— the officer who blurted that out saluted and took a step
backwards.
【Ehh?!】
『I have never seen any precedent like this, so I can only say that I have no
idea.』
【What?! After saying something so cocky… Well, you didn’t really speak…
Anyway, you are saying that you don’t know?!】
The officers all took a deep breath at this bold move, and waited for her to
write.
Mariam wrote quickly, but it still took more time than speaking:
『Even if we don’t know what exactly the enemy is planning, we can still do
something about it. Since it is a blast furnace, they won’t be able to take it
with them. If we send all our forces out to chase the Belgarian away, we
won’t need to worry about it.』
『It’s better than sitting here and guessing what the enemy forces is trying to
do.』
『The Belgaria army already predicted this situation before the war. The
equipment brought all the way here by a renowned strategist isn’t just for
show. Even if we don’t know what it actually is, it is definitely something
that can break through the capital’s defenses.』
【If we sent all our forces out, can we defeat the Belgarian army?】
【I’m afraid… even with our army of 60,000, we won’t be able to best the
Belgarian army. Their cannons and rifles are vastly superior to ours. On top
of that, the quality of their cavalry and infantry are better than ours too.】
Seeing the wrinkles on the Emperor’s face deepen, the Captain General
quickly added:
【The strength of the Hispania Empire lies in our Navy! We won’t lose to the
High Brittania Kingdom’s steam ship!】
Freij thought:
They built a lot of cheap warships, and had to pick their opponents. For
However, these actions led to the Belgarian army invading right up to their
capital.
【If the sea route remains open, Cantanal will not fall.】
【Your Majesty is right. We will keep the status quo and be prepared for
anything. We swear to defend the capital with our lives.】
He glanced to the side, and saw the words that shouldn’t be there left on the
paper beside Mariam’s hand:
『Even if we can’t win, we can still force the Belgarians away from their base
camp. If the enemy gave up their mobility to protect their important
contraption, we can even use it to our advantage and crush them.』
And then placed his hand gently on the head of his daughter who was biting
her lips vexingly.
【Mr Ferdinand?!】
Eric who was kneeling on one knee beside him opened his eyes wide too.
【He’s asleep?!】
【Of course!】
【What are you talking about? I didn’t sleep at all. Ah, Sir Strategist, come
take a look.】
【Uwahhh…】
His body should be overburdened now, but Ferdinand was still fleet on his
feet.
【… Yes.】
Aside from Regis, there were a lot guards here. The engineers who erected
that contraptions were also looking from afar.
【Thank you!】
Jerome walked over with a yawn. There wasn’t any battle for the past twenty
days, so he had a relaxed time. It’s great that he wasn’t holding a wine bottle
in hand, but he still unbuttoned the collar of his uniform.
【Those aren’t scrap metals. How can you be so unkempt in the presence of
the Généralissime?!】
The knight commander of the Black Knights, Holger, and knight commander
of the Flying Sparrow Knights, Abidal Evra, were also here.
As the commander of the infantry, Balasko, was responsible for the defences
of the basecamp, he led the patrol personally.
The mercenaries from 《Renard Pendu》 weren’t here. After all, they didn’t
like crowds.
The engineers in the small houses saluted, and carried out the final phase of
the project.
Regis looked from a spot slightly behind the house. As there were rope
【Ehh?】
【Unleashed—!!】
A cannon appeared.
It wasn’t a normal cannon. It was ten times bigger than a normal one, so big
that you would need to look up at it.
【… Yes.】
Jerome stopped his yawn, and suddenly hooked Regis’ neck from behind:
【… Strictly speaking, what was brought here was the dismantled moulds,
blast furnace, fuel, steel and other materials. As explained, it was too big to
transport by itself, and breaking it into parts would lower it’s durability, so
we couldn’t do that. So we need the preliminary job of removing impurities
from the iron ore, then poured the molten iron into the mould to make it.】
Aside from the barrel, the smaller parts were transported here after making it
in a workshop.
【Can it fire?!】
【Of course. We made a prototype in the suburbs of Sembione, and the range
reached 3 Li (13km).】
However, according to their research, the shot would be affected by the wind,
temperature, humidity, the earth rotation and magnetic field.
After being transported through the road with constant humid sea breeze,
would the quality of the gunpowder be affected?
They were built some distance apart to prevent an explosion from one of
them from causing secondary explosion in the other cannons.
Altina nodded.
【In the Hispania capital of Cantanal, aside from the Emperor Amador
Haulnelaz Othello and 60,000 soldiers, there are also more than 100,000
civilians. If we use this giant cannon to its full capacity, it would probably
cause a lot of casualty to the citizens. Even so, I’m determined to win this
war. I believe Belgaria Empire’s victory will lead the world towards peace.
So—】
【— Fire!!】
【Fire!】
The gunner laying prone to the ground pulled the rope hanging from the
cannon.
Even the tough soldiers screamed, and well trained warhorses neighed.
The barrel that had three times the diameter of a normal cannon shot out a
burst of flame.
The giant payload from the humongous barrel flew into the blue sky at
incredible speed.
The engineers cheered when they saw the shot fired off successfully, just like
the prototype.
The wind and the angle probably caused the flame to spread further than their
experiment did. It even caused a small fire.
One of the tents of the troopers were lit, and a group on firemen on duty
rushed over.
The horses ran off after being spooked, and the stablehands quickly ran after
them.
The cannoneer who was extremely close to the cannon fainted from the
shockwave, and the medics brought him away.
【No no no… It’s a success. There are some damages, but this is a very
fruitful experiment.】
【Ehh?!】
【We built a tall watchtower, but the shot landed 3 Li (13km) away, that is
beyond the horizon.】
Before the observation results come in, they needed to clean out the cannon.
Firing one round would produce a massive amount of soot and mess up the
cannon’s position.
If there were any cracks in the barrel, they wouldn’t be able to fire the next
shot.
After climbing up the still hot cannon and inspecting the various parts,
Ferdinand made a circle gesture with both hands.
Altina asked:
【… Wait for the barrel to cool, and the people to reload the gunpowder and
payload, all that would take an hour.】
【Ehhh?!】
【… You are only saying that now? Ah, the other cannon is ready.】
After inspecting the cannon that just fired, Ferdinand wiped his sweat and
stood at attention.
He already received the order from Altina, so he didn’t need to wait anymore,
【Fire—!!】
This time, the gunner hid behind a shield before pulling the rope.
The second shot was launched out through the thick smoke.
The cannon over there was operated by another team of engineer, and they
cheered “Cannon two, cowabunga!!”
【Hmm… If this made the enemy surrender, I will feel as happy as attending a
festival.】
For the weapons though, it might feel like a pity to not be of use.
Wahh! Not just the engineers, all the troops started to cheer.
【Fufufu… How the tables have turned. Those Hispanian retards have to
come out of their hole now. Alright, prepare for battle! The enemy has more
numbers than us, so brace yourself!】
【Retard. We are here to slaughter the enemy. The killing will finally start, so
of course I will be happy!】
【Hah! If there is someone that good, I will welcome it. Coming all the way
here won’t be a wasted trip then. Only if someone who can trade blows with
me show up.】
During this 20 days, aside from the pioneers, the other soldiers were all
idling.
When the first few shots landed, the Hispania Empire still didn’t know what
was happening.
They thought it was just an accident in the beginning, but there were reports
of loud cannon sound from the Belgaria camp, and multiple eye witness
accounts of shots flying from their side, and they reached a conclusion.
Night—
This was the first time Freij knew of the Emperor attending a council after
dinner.
There wasn’t time for even that. That was how urgent the situation was.
And they concealed this cannon when they attacked Fort Bassetti. Freij felt
ashamed to have lost to an enemy that was holding back.
【According to scout reports, there are four gargantuan cannons in the middle
【If things goes well for them, they can fire 50 shots at us. Aside from its
range, the impact is powerful too.】
The Captain General pointed out the short sightedness of the staff officers.
As the battle gets worse, the commander will tend to underestimate the
enemy.
Freij nodded:
They clearly didn’t want to think about this any more, but wasn’t this
obvious?
The Captain General must have thought about this question too.
【It appears that the Belgarian army used the blast furnace to make the
cannons. I don’t know how much supplies they actually have, but we have to
consider the possibility that they will make more cannons.】
【Let’s attack! It is definitely not God’s will for us to watch idly while the
capital burns!】
The other young ones let their blood got into their heads too.
— Rather then leaving the capital to fight now, they should have cut off the
enemy’s supply line while they were stalled in Fort Bassetti instead.
Even attacking the Belgarians when they just reach the capital would be a
better option.
Back then, the enemy was exhausted after fighting and travelling for more
than half a month.
But now, they had sufficient rest and erected the defences of their camps.
No, the enemy only used their humongous cannon trump card after they were
ready.
A battle they could win by defending the fort had now changed, leaving them
no choice but to attack the enemy.
【E-Erm… Our sea route is still open… And the enemy’s cannons can’t be
move… So…】
As expected, the officer who raised this suggestion was lectured fiercely for
not understanding the importance of religion.
Maybe someone could think of a better reason after seeing their inevitable
defeat, and convince the Emperor to leave…
More importantly, if the enemy soldier came near the walls, the naval fleet
would fire upon them.
【I humbly propose that we attack. What are your thoughts, Your Majesty?】
He nodded lightly.
【I will permit it. Robbing the lives of our devout believers without using
blades is the work of the devil. Purge the heretics.】
【Yes Milord! We will protect the peace of Your Majesty and the capital!】
Not just the Captain General, all the staff officers stood up and saluted.
All the officers moved to another room to discuss the details of the battle.
In his pocket was a piece of paper Mariam gave him before he left his house.
『Belgaria’s has finished setting up their base’s perimeters, and their defences
Altina pointed:
The enemy forces emptied out from Cantanal. The Hispanian had decided to
fight on the plains.
Since this was a straight up battle, the basic strategy had already been
decided.
They would cut down the enemy numbers from long range with their medium
sized cannons.
When they drew closer, the riflemen will shoot volleys at them.
Once they start to charge, the heavy infantry will switch out the front ranks.
After bearing the brunt of the charge, the riflemen in the second rank will
open fire.
【The Hispania forces are 60,000 strong! Their cavalry is leading the way!】
【… I see. We will stick to our plans, open fire when they get into range.】
【… Yes. The enemy thinks we can’t win with just cannons and riflemen. So
they decided to charge with the cavalry to stop the effectiveness of the
riflemen, then crush us with their superior numbers— the 《120 Siege
Cannon》 couldn’t be moved after all, so we can’t adopt any special
formation.】
【Not at all… We spent all that effort to build that cannon to lure out them
out. We won’t be crushed by their forces. It seems that the commander of the
Hispanian army still doesn’t understand the power of the rifle. This is our
victory.】
He still felt uneasy at the sight of 60,000 enemy soldiers marching his way.
【What is it?】
After hearing her question, Regis organized his thoughts and answered:
【… The enemy escaped spectacularly from Fort Bassetti. They should have
an amazing strategist.】
【But they didn’t harrass us even once when we were erecting the 《120 Siege
Cannon》. And the tactics for this battle is surprisingly normal… As if they
didn’t have any plan.】
【… That might be so. Maybe he got demoted after losing Fort Bassetti.】
Maybe they lost the internal power struggle after losing that fort— Regis
thought.
【If they ran this time too, wouldn’t this be an easy victory?】
【… No it won’t.】
【It won’t? If the enemy fled, we can take Cantanal easily, right?】
【Even if that happens, the war will continue. For example, if the Belgaria
Empire’s capital Versailles fell, but Emperor Latreille is still alive, what will
the soldiers do?】
【Reorganize and take back the capital! Who cares about Latreille!?】
Regis rephrased:
【… Not just for Belgaria… The empire will only lose if the Emperor
surrenders to an enemy nation while he is still alive. When the Emperor gives
the edict to stop further resistance, their government will then dissolve.】
There were other possibilities, such as the Emperor being killed by an enemy
soldier or committing suicide, which might lead to the collapse of the
Empire. But that was dependent on how the war was going.
If their fighting strength and command structure remained intact, even if the
Emperor died, the Empire could still stand.
【Oh, that means Regis wants to take the Hispanian Emperor alive?】
— Take alive.
【Hmm.】
【Do you know about traps used to catch foxes? They are concealed, and
delicious bait is used to lure them in.】
【… I read it in a book.】
The fact that they were vanguards meant the calvary wasn’t weak.
Their speed could rival the knight corps from the Belgaria First Army or the
Germanian Federation’s cavalry.
The figure of them charging in full plate armour on a horse befit the ruler of
the battlefield.
The fence around the camp stopped the cavalry charge. The makeshift fence
could be trampled by the cavalry, but it was enought to slow them down.
【Fire!!】
Countless bullets drilled small holes in the sturdy steel plate armour.
【Ehh?!】
【Ahh?!】
Their voices were muffled, and some didn’t even make any sound—
【… Yes.】
This was the obvious outcome of 2,000 cavalry charging 2,000 riflemen.
The knights needed to be trained from young, and taught swords, spears,
bows and horsemanship. They would also need full plate armour, lances and
all other equipment. Raising a war horse that wasn’t afraid of gunshots cost
more than the life earning of a commoner.
Raising a knight that could fight on the battlefield would take the money that
life earning of ten peasants— People often said that.
On the other hand, including the material cost, a rifle cost just one piece of
gold. That was half a year income for a peasant.
The strategy of the Hispanian army was a failure from the start.
They wanted to stop the riflemen with their cavalry before pressing in with
their infantry… But before the infantry begin to charge, the cavalry got wiped
out.
Regis pulled back the 2,000 riflemen, and switched in a fresh group of 2,000
riflemen.
A hail of bullets that the Hispania army never imagined rained down on their
soldiers.
After the battlefield was filled with corpses, they were finally entering melee
combat.
【Riflemen fall back, heavy infantry switch in. Tell the Black Knights and
Flying Sparrow Knights— When the enemy’s second rank start to veer apart,
the knights should attack that weak spot.】
After switching out the front ranks, the infantry from both sides started
fighting.
This was the first hand to hand combat in the invasion of the Hispania
Empire.
Unlike the Hispania army that battled primarily on the sea, the Belgarian
army always fought on land,
The Hispaniards pushed the Belgarians back with the momentum of their
initial charge, but the battle line held fast.
The Hispanian forces that were planning to surround their opponents by using
their superior numbers were thwarted by the two Belgarian knight corps.
【… Is that so? As expected, they had accumulated a lot of fatigue from the
【They had grown dull because there wasn’t any battles. They reacted after
thinking about it, and are already slower by one breath’s time.】
【We need to train from now on! The rifles gave us an advantage, but our
melee battle became a mess.】
Even though there had been several battles, Regis never thought their
infantry’s movement would turn dull.
He didn’t expect such a problem to arise after the riflemen got stronger.
As Regis couldn’t wield swords or pikes himself, it was difficult for him to
see the conditions of the soldiers.
Even now, his only thoughts on seeing them battle were “Everyone is so
amazing.”
Schwing! It sliced through the air. Her escort Eric opened his eyes wide from
her sudden movement.
Altina yelled:
【That’s terrible!】
The Belgaria Empire won the battle that was fought on the last day of the
year.
The Hispania army attacked with their entire army of 60,000, they didn’t
achieve the result they wanted. They switched formation three times, but their
attack was completely thwarted by the enemy, increasing the losses.
When the Captain General ordered a retreat, they lost almost 20,000 men.
【…Mariam … If I die, you must live on freely. I’m not wealthy, but I still
have some money, Even a small noble is fine, if he is a good man… Find a
man… Who will treat you well like a normal girl…】
She sighed, and wrote with her pen that was on the table.
『There are no bones in such a shallow spot. There’s plenty of meat though.』
【Plenty of meat… Hey, I’m not fat, right? Right? Hey Mariam, this is a
serious question.】
She took out a map of the nearby terrain, and placed red and white chess
pieces on top of it.
Freij sighed.
Her grandfather would look lively when he talked about things related to war
too.
【We advance this way, and when we were trying to attack like this, we were
blocked…】
『Retarded.』
『At the very least, use a night raid or attack in rainy weather.』
【Don’t say that. This is the first time we commanded a 60,000 strong army.】
It would be hard to see if the unit was moving correctly in the dark, or if
anyone had fallen behind. If it rained heavily, the sound of the rain would
drown out the voice of the commander.
『This requires training. Just mustering all the troops is useless. After all,
these thousands of soldiers couldn’t move together as one.』
【?!】
【What?】
Upon her urging, he continued the next moves. This time, he moved a
Hispania piece.
Before the soldiers from his army moved, the enemy already seized a better
position.
The enemy was already prepared to charge. In that case, they would be taken
out one at a time even if they had the advantage in numbers.
『Dear Father, did you hit your head when you fell off your horse?』
【What?!】
『I could basically predict the same too. On the surface, the Hispania
commander choosing to attack the heart of the enemy isn’t wrong, but this is
actually the trap the enemy set intentionally. All the weak points in the
enemy’s base are all a trap they prepared ahead of time.』
『Intentionally showing holes in their defences, and shoring them up when our
side makes a move.』
『Yes. The Belgarian strategist should be that Regis. If the commander was
him, then he is a really timid man. He seemed very afraid of the enemy not
moving according to his script.』
『And the Hispania army that followed the script of that strategist flawlessly
are too kind.』
【Don’t say that. Everyone fought to protect the capital with their lives on the
line. We are not wooden chess pieces.】
『I’m sorry.』
【Well, those who fell while fighting for god would be summoned before
Him, and be liberated from the shackles of labour. They are feasting in
heaven ahead of us.】
【……】
【By the way, I carried out the scheme you mentioned last time. I chose some
men from their faces. If it works, we will receive a signal tonight.】
Mariam smiled.
She only looks like a teenage girl when she smiles. It felt a little eerie since
she couldn’t speak, but Freij had gotten used to her.
『The plan has been executed. Can we find the enemy’s weak spot with that?
The next step is important.』
After prettying up the draft several times, the report said the inflicted losses
on the enemy was 10,000, and their losses was about 10,000, an even match.
However, the truth was 3,000 enemy casualties and 20,000 friendly
casualties.
Their advantage in numbers was gone, and they were now even with the
enemy.
The other officers also waited with bated breath, as if they were on the verge
of suffocating to death.
Explosion from the distance could be heard every now and then in this
silence.
Belgaria was stll bombarding this city with their gigantic cannon. It might hit
the palace one day. Even their war room wasn’t safe.
【Erm…】
The atmosphere was heavy, but Freij couldn’t change track and say 【No, it’s
nothing.】
【What?!】
The Captain General who was the commander didn’t feel that keeping him in
the dark was a praiseworthy act.
【… Tch.】
【Ehh… I picked some subordinates who looked like Belgarians, and made
them wear the enemy equipment we seized and infiltrate into the enemy ranks
during the chaos of battle.】
【Oh?】
【Some time ago, when the enemy attacked Fort Bassetti, we captured some
enemy soldiers, that’s where we got their equipment from. We also
interrogated them for the enemy’s passcode, so they won’t be exposed that
easily.】
【Very good.】
【My deepest thanks… However, the enemy is also wary of such sabotage
too. So we need to create a chance for them.】
【……】
Freij wasn’t sure if this plan would aggravate them, and felt his heart racing:
【Well… This is a plan that will incite panic in the Belgarian army without
risking our forces… And… That is to poison the lake.】
The faces of the other officers also turned gloomy. The lake near Cantanal
was important to the citizens, the water source that nurtured the prosperity of
the Hispanian Empire.
It was taken over by Belgaria Empire as a base camp, but the orchard there
was famous, and every Cantanal resident has eaten that fruit before. It was
the taste of their home.
If they poisoned it, who knows how many years it would take before it
reverted back to normal.
【Granted.】
【We are honoured by your edict. We will expel the enemy out of our sacred
land.】
【The plan to infiltrate the enemy and poison the lake… Did you came up
with them?】
【Ughh…】
If he said his daughter’s name, that would be akin to pushing all the
responsibility onto her.
If he claim to be one who came up with it, then he would be a father who
took his daughter’s merit for his own.
【Oh?】
【I am very thankful!】
All the officers cast accusatory gazes at Freij, but he was already resolved for
that.
He muttered:
【… I don’t like doing this either. If we won the battle yesterday, then I won’t
need to speak about this plan either.】
After dinner—
【The water from the lake smells a little, so I added something to mask the
smell.】
【There are more and more people who have stomach upsets. Please take care
of your health, Sir Regis.】
When Clarice was about to leave the tent, another woman came in.
The two ladies looked at each other, and there seemed to be sparks in the air.
However, Clarice dislike speaking with others, and left quietly with a bow.
【How scary.】
【I’m thinking that it is almost time for the Hispania Empire to give their
reply.】
【We have been sending them demands for surrender, but they didn’t
answer.】
Their sea routes were still open, so they could leave via ships.
【Ara.】
【… The Hispania Army suffered heavy losses in the battle some days ago,
but they still had 40,000 soldiers. The citizens will need to keep working to
maintain the forces. They would need cooks, laundromats, doctors, barbers,
musicians…】
【It would be great if the Belgarian army have such people with us too.】
They took turns to cook and do laundry. There were doctors traveling with
the army, but their hair were cut by each other with knives.
Jessica nodded:
【… They haven’t been pushed that far. Even if they did run, it will be
pointless without an army. If they move 10,000 or more troops, we would
notice easily.】
When she heard what Regis said, she put a finger on her lips.
【Is that so… That’s the reason why you let the enemy forces off?】
【If it was you, you could have destroyed the enemy forces in the last battle,
right?】
But he didn’t dare imagine having 60,000 corpses littering the battlefield.
Regis continued:
【… It’s true that I didn’t want to see such a scene, but we didn’t let them go
meaninglessly either.】
【Hmm?】
【… What’s wrong?】
【This water…?】
【Oh, Clarice said the lake water smells, and added something to make it
fragrant.】
【Did you do anything to the maid that caused her to bear a personal grudge
against you?】
【Ehh?!】
【You better check this out… No, it’s probably too late.】
【What?!】
【Ehh…?】
【Sir Strategist!】
【Auric!】
It sounded similar to the cannon fire of the 《120 Siege Cannon》, but it was
definitely different.
【Ugghhh…】
Intermission
Her blonde hair shone under the golden light, making her look like a goddess
that descended from heaven.
Elise will be going to the south today. She will be following the Fourth Army
south, and then make her way back to the High Brittania Kingdom.
Heinrich Trois Bastian de Belgaria was the younger brother of the current
Emperor. He couldn’t stay freely by her side anymore.
【Elise, you must take care of yourself, alright? Don’t push yourself too
hard!】
【That’s what I want to tell you. Bastian, don’t be too reckless, okay?】
【I will try…】
【Your martial skills are strong, but if you keep depending on that, it will fail
【I know. Professeur Bourgine also tells me that. So in the end, you are still
lecturing me, huh.】
【It’s nothing.】
【W-Why?!】
After hesitating for a moment, Bastian took her slender hand with his rugged
right hand.
【Yes, we will…】
【I won’t fail. I have help from you and so many people. I can’t fail again.】
【You have your obligations too. I don’t want to get in your way.】
【Well, I still have to write the most amazing masterpiece in the future too.】
【No no no, it’s an adventure chronicle that will definitely make you laugh.】
【Fufu…】
【!】
【Boo… hoo…】
【Elise……?】
【I thought about it many, many times. To forget about my country and keep
staying with you…】
【You…】
【Me too. I thought about taking you with me and running to some other
country.】
【……】
【But...】
Elise nodded:
【But, at least for now… Bastian… can you listen to my wilful request?】
Then bent his body and slowly drew near her lips.
【That hurts?!】
When he first met her, she was wearing light armour and wielding a
crossbow. A mercenary from the renowned 《Renard Pendu》.
But right now, she was wearing an apron and holding a frying pan.
It was memories of the day he parted with Elise. Even though it had been
several months.
【Huh? Where? Ah, hey, stop that! The frying pan really hurts!】
【After the High Brittania cooking, it’s Germanian food this time huh. How
luxurious.】
【It taste nice, right? I hope you won’t compare this to High Brittania
cooking.】
But it’s the same dish every day… Bastian grumbled in his heart.
Bourgine asked:
【Yes, I already planned it all out. I will be meeting with the western nobles in
Rouen city. I will be back at night.】
【That’s right.】
Franziska shrugged:
【Bastian, I’m not sure if you can wear your formal attire by yourself.】
【Really—?!】
She pouted:
【B-Because you helped me so much… So I want to help you too! And I don’t
have the money to repay you.】
Bastian’s grandfather was a Marquis, and Bastian was the younger brother of
the Emperor. He had the money to spare.
【I can help you in other ways, so you can concentrate on your goal.】
【Right!】
【Since there are so many people supporting me, I have to work hard too.】