Chapter 106: Harassment
The man named Lloyd, second in the Imperial hierarchy, was on a whole other level.
Even with all our top members fighting, we were only barely at a slight advantage.
He was in a completely different league compared to Ignat or Estoc.
However, the fifteen hundred soldiers who had charged in were now almost entirely wiped out.
Since they were soldiers led by an enemy general, they must have been elite members.
Our own casualties were definitely far greater, but even so, the tide of battle was steadily turning in a decisive direction.
Next time, we’d probably be asked to deploy from the very beginning, and we could also send out the gun units.
With about six thousand enemies remaining, we should be able to crush them with sheer numbers.
As I was making these calculations, Marquis Randall, accompanied by the instructors, visited our camp.
“Thank you for responding to our sudden request.
I had heard you were strong, but I never imagined you were this capable.”
“Even I thought I was a goner for sure,” Viscount Oldam said with a bitter expression, scratching the back of his head.
“Viscount-dono, were you fighting the enemy general too?!”
“You idiot! I’m not that strong! I was up against their elite soldiers…”
“Ah… I see. So, that was their strongest unit, right?
If all their remaining forces are like that, it’s way too terrifying.”
The Viscount lamented, “Don’t say such horrifying things! What’ll we do if it actually happens!” As I was casually chatting with him, the Marquis cleared his throat with an “Ahem,” and chided the Viscount, “Even if you are acquaintances, that is rude, you know.”
“In this battle, our side suffered five thousand deaths. It was just as Prince Rui had feared.
It seems they have no intention of returning empty-handed.”
Huh? Even though they were so outnumbered in that attack, we still suffered five thousand deaths?!
And that’s not counting the injured?
So that means we have about twenty thousand remaining, and the enemy has seven thousand.
Considering it’s more than a three-to-one ratio, if we mess up, we could actually lose, couldn’t we?
Just in case, I should tell them that our troops will also move from the start next time.
“Well then, our side will also move from the start next time.”
“…Would it be possible to perform that opening strike once more?”
“Ah, no… that’s all we had of those.
They’re not something we can make quickly, so we don’t have a single one left.”
When I told him that, the Marquis showed a complex expression, as if he were troubled yet relieved.
He nodded, saying that if that was the case, we had no choice but to fight together and hit them head-on, and that he would coordinate with our movements if we had any requests.
So, I explained our usual strategy, and he approved it.
Yes, my specialty: setting up guns from a high position and establishing a defensive formation centered there.
This time there’s no fort, so we have no choice but to place a vanguard to intercept the enemy. But either way, if the vanguard engages, they’ll want support from the rear.
It’ll be somewhat harder to aim, but in this world, the stronger someone is, the larger their weapon, so they tend to keep their distance.
As long as we prepare a high platform and aim from above, avoiding hitting our allies shouldn’t be that high-difficulty.
And so, as we finalized the plans and took up a formation to defend the newly constructed high platform, the situation suddenly changed when a single messenger soldier rushed in.
“Urgent report from Count Silence’s army!
Currently, we, the Silence army, are engaged in combat with a thousand attacking Imperial soldiers! I have come to deliver a message from the Count requesting immediate reinforcements!”
“What?! Is Prince Riley’s army safe?!”
“Sir! They are engaged with Marquis Hestia’s army, but His Highness’s army is pushing them back.
However, we, the Silence army, are being pushed back!”
“Understood. I’ll send them immediately!” Marquis Randall said, quickly deciding to send the remaining two thousand five hundred of His Highness’s army as they were.
“Tell the Count to crush them with numbers and return as quickly as possible.”
“Sir! Thank you for your consideration!” the messenger soldier said and ran back to his own army.
Following a step behind him were two thousand five hundred soldiers from Lestall’s central army.
“Could it be… that was a feint…?
However, I don’t think Marquis Hestia’s army holds that much strategic value.”
“If it’s no different from what we experienced, they’re probably a shield for an all-out assault,” the general replied to Marquis Randall’s query, suggesting they were likely wary of a bombardment.
“Hmm. In that case, it would be appropriate to solidify our defenses and observe. What does Prince Rui think?”
Huh, me?
Ah, right. The general had told him something like I was the strategist.
Let’s see.
They probably want to reduce our numbers without expending their own, so if the general’s read is correct, waiting seems fine. But is there anything we can do?
For now, they probably don’t have the leeway to attack anymore, and I really just want them to go home.
If only we could attack them unilaterally from afar, like with the Abyss…
Hm? We can actually do that, can’t we?
Yeah, if I can get permission, I’d like to go with that.
“Um, well then, is it okay if I engage in some harassment that’ll make the Imperial Army want to go home?”
“Oh? What kind of harassment would that be?”
When I explained the plan in response to his question, he gave a somewhat dry laugh but requested, “By all means, please do.” So, I took the Phoenix Unit and went forward with Yuri.
The distance to the enemy army was about three hundred meters. A distance where we didn’t need to worry about their attacks.
“Alright everyone, let’s do this!”
“””Sir!!”””
All of them, their numbers having somehow increased to two hundred, raised their shields and unleashed Light Magic towards the enemy army.
Perhaps thinking they’d die if hit, the enemy soldiers desperately tried to flee in confusion, and we all worked to corner them.
And as we continued the irradiation until most of them were forcibly disarmed, one of the strong individuals who had come forward earlier charged at us while dodging the light.
We heard a voice from the Imperial Army shout, “Wait! Vincent!” so it seemed he was acting on his own accord.
Since there were no soldiers following him from behind and he seemed to have no plan, I figured we could proceed without worry and continued our assault.
He was dodging the dozens of light beams from the Phoenix Unit members who reacted to him at incredible speed, but not perfectly.
I had no intention of letting him get close, but even if he did, the Phoenix Unit seemed capable of handling him.
“Fuhaha, run and cower all you like! Don’t think you can escape us at this distance, okay?”
It seemed safe, so I got a little carried away.
“Rui, that’s wonderful! You look so cool!”
“R-Really? Well then, maybe I should live up to those expectations and show off a little?”
Ecstatic from my beloved’s voice, I got carried away and floated fifty magic circles in a gate-like formation. The moment he entered the range, I created a passage of light, restricting his escape routes to only forwards and backwards.
All that’s left is to create a large magic circle in the middle, and he’ll have no escape, but creating an even bigger one from here seems like a lot of work.
Well, I don’t need to do it all by myself. I’ll leave the rest to everyone.
“Alright, he can only move forwards or backwards now, so everyone aim from the sides and trap him!
Once you hit him, his speed will drop drastically, making him easier to target, so keep hitting him, okay?”
Even if he suddenly got out of the gate and used an enhancement ability again, I’d be free, so there would still be ways to deal with it.
Now, what will you do, Vincent-kun!
As I watched, he was cornered by the Phoenix Unit and struck directly by several beams of light. Once he was hit, he had completely lost all means of escape.
We used the violence of numbers, continuously showering him with Light Magic and draining all his Magical Power.
While irradiating him, we closed the distance and surrounded him with the Phoenix Unit.
After that, we stopped the irradiation, surrounded him, and pointed our weapons at him. He then pointed his index finger at us, enraged.
“H-How can you accept these kinds_of tactics! Don’t screw with me, you damn bastards!!”
“‘Don’t screw with me’ is our line, you know.
There’s no way we’d fight an invader on his preferred terms. Are you nuts?”
“I-I’ll slaughter you!!” he shouted, and just as he struggled to squeeze out Magical Power and create a Maso Weapon, Yuri suddenly leaped out and cut him down.
Now then, shall we continue reducing the enemy army’s Magical Power? By the time I turned my gaze towards them, the Imperial Army had already begun to retreat.
Oh, they ran, they ran.
I’d be happy if they just went home like that…
“Well, as harassment, it was a great success. With this, I wonder if it’s okay to go back and relax.”
“Hahaha, the techniques Your Highness employs are truly so effective, I’m at a loss for words.”
“Indeed. For such a person to be our symbol, well… he’s the strongest, isn’t he?”
No, the insane thing is the Abyss magic, you know?
Well, I can understand why people think I’m insane because I can use it, though.
Apparently, it takes a normal person a considerable amount of time to copy that.
Huh… so, is it okay for me to think I’m amazing?
No, that’s no good. I’d definitely get complacent.
If I went to places like the Abyss with that mindset, I’d die, die. Instant death, for sure.
Yeah, as long as Yuri thinks I’m cool, that’s all that matters.
And, when I looked towards her, as if our hearts were connected, she was boasting about me to everyone in the Phoenix Unit.
“Ufufu, that’s right! Rui is amazing!” Yuri said, puffing out her non-existent chest with her hands on her hips. We all felt a warm, fuzzy feeling watching her as we returned to the main camp.
And so, when I returned to the main camp, I was met with cheers, a complete change from the time of the bombing.
Just a moment ago, they were recoiling, so what’s with this?
Was it because it was peaceful?
Was it good that I mostly just drained their magical power?
I was thinking something like that, but it seems I was off the mark.
Mr. Owen was in the main camp, so when I approached him, I understood why they were so excited.
“Rui, well done. With this, the enemy is undoubtedly unable to move.
His Highness’s army will also be back soon. With this, we can say that victory is all but assured.
The Knights of Oldam were also rejoicing that they wouldn’t have to fight the Empire’s elite units anymore.”
I see. Is it because they had just felt the threat of the Empire up close?
It’s only natural that if you perform well right after recognizing a formidable opponent, you’ll seem to shine.
After that, while responding to their thanks with “Ah, thank you, thank you” and bowing my head, I went to the command center.
“Haha, no wonder His Majesty praises you so unreservedly. Prince Rui, you’re incredible.
It’s gotten to the point where I’m speechless. In any case, you saved us. Thank you.”
Apparently, in Lestall, they had just barely managed to replicate one Light Magic magic circle with a team of over ten Magic Tool engineers, and he was envious of the Phoenix Unit’s equipment.
I shook the hand Marquis Randall offered, and after some small talk, I returned to our main camp, which was also buzzing with excitement.
“Your Highness, that was splendid!”
“With this, the Empire must have realized they cannot win if they fight us.”
“However, thinking that this will also be known in Lestall makes the future a little unsettling…”
At Genzou-san’s words, their faces instantly turned serious, and everyone’s gaze turned towards me.
Huh, am I being blamed for something?
I mean, to be honest, Lestall is also my homeland… but I can’t say that.
But, knowing that I’ve lived in a town that Viscount Oldam and the others are risking their lives to protect, I’d want to protect them too, wouldn’t I?
Of course, Belfast is more important to me now.
Well, I guess it can’t be helped if a bat that doesn’t pick a side is disliked…
“Your Highness…? We are not blaming you, you know.
Your Highness’s power is immense, so as a nation, we must also consider countermeasures.”
“Indeed. The fact that the alliance was formed on such good terms is likely thanks to Your Highness’s character.”
“That’s right. Now that Lestall and the Empire have gone to war, our fates are intertwined.”
“In the first place, if Your Highness weren’t here, we’d all be dead already!
Gahaha! If you have any complaints, say them after you’re dead!”
Oooh. It seems it showed on my face. Everyone was really considerate of me.
But it would be painful to be disliked by everyone in Belfast at this point, so I’m glad.
However, I think countermeasures for the kind of national-scale battles Genzou-san is worried about are relatively simple.
Light Magic can’t prevent bombs, and Light Magic can also be defended against with Mithril coating, so the situation where Belfast is protected shouldn’t have collapsed yet.
When I told him that, Genzou-san looked relieved and seemed convinced.
The really dangerous part about that magic is its special effectiveness against monsters, though.
Because the growth speed becomes completely different.
Ah, but the extremely low consumption is because I’m making the magic circles minuscule and amplifying them, huh.
If they’re about the size of a shield, the consumption is normally huge.
Alright, should I keep this a secret and make it Belfast’s strength?
I whispered, consulting Yuri about it.
“Um… in the first place, only Rui-sama can make magic circles of that size.
At that difficulty level, I think even palm-sized ones would be tough, you know?”
“Ah, right. Mizuki said that too… Then, should I distribute them in Belfast and have them train personnel? They’d feel more at ease then, wouldn’t they?”
Yeah. It seems like a bridge has already been built with Lestall, and we can get along.
After that, once Pops and the others are in a state where they can live without worry, I’ll be a free man.
By then, I’ll surely have a younger brother too.
“…You mentioned another woman again. That’s a penalty.”
“Wait, wait, here!?”
“Yes, um… I get anxious, so please do the usual…”
Eh, really here?
No, we’re in front of your father, you know?
That’s right. Thanks to Ignat, a rule had been established between us: when the topic of another person of the opposite sex came up, we had to show our love.
At first, it was with words, but lately, it’s often a kiss.
“W-well, it’s a rule, so it can’t be helped,” I said, bringing my face closer to Yuri.
“–!? N-no, that’s not it, that’s not it! The words one!!”
“Eh? Ah, yeah. I’ll only love Yuri for my entire life.”
“Yes! I’ll only love Rui-sama too!”
I caught Yuri as she leaped and clung to me, and just as we were about to fly off to check on Prince Riley and the others, I saw them returning towards us.
The soldiers seemed to have suffered considerable damage. Many soldiers were seen being carried on others’ backs.
Curious about the situation, I rushed over, and Lestall’s main forces had also gathered.
Prince Riley was among them and seemed unharmed, which was a relief.
Then, all that’s left is to treat the soldiers.
I can’t very well use Elixirs on them, but I have magical power to spare.
I called out, saying I could at least use Healing Magic for them.
“Viscount Silence, I’m going to use Healing Magic, so could you gather the injured in one place?”
“Hmm, that would be most helpful, but how many should we gather?”
When I told him, “Ah, everyone, if possible,” he said, “There are many of them, so please don’t overdo it,” while gathering the injured.
Just in case, I still wanted to keep some Guns, so I emptied the backpack Yuri had given me and prepared.
I had everyone lie down or sit, then conjured two enormous magic circles, tens of meters in size, one on the ground and one above the heads of those seated, and continued healing at full power.
“N-no way…”
“Amazing…”
“H-hey, isn’t it regenerating visibly, little by little?”
“Ah, yeah, thank goodness… At this rate, I think I can make a full recovery.”
“I’m envious. I lost my entire hand…”
“I had my leg cut off too… But I’m grateful just for the pain subsiding.”
E-ehh… When you say that, it’s hard for me to say I’m about to finish.
Can’t be helped. As I was taking out my Maso, thinking I’d break down about one Gun’s worth, more and more injured people were being brought into the empty space.
Mmm… Those are probably the people I fought alongside earlier.
I can’t very well tell them it’s impossible.
Besides, the Empire, having lost a considerable amount of magical power, shouldn’t be coming right away.
Alright, let’s convert about ten large rifles back into magical power.
“Those who are completely healed, please move out, and keep bringing in the injured! I’ll keep going until this batch of magical power runs out!”
Placing my hand on a large block of my Maso, I conveyed this, and continued healing as people came and went in shifts, until my magical power was depleted.
While continuing, I listened to their conversations and noticed a new fact.
That its healing power was easily several hundred times that of normal Healing Magic.
It means that even with Healing Magic, making it unnecessarily large increases the instantaneous recovery amount.
Of course, if the target is a single person, it would likely consume a lot of magical power wastefully, but it seems to greatly contribute to shortening recovery time.
My personal stock of Elixirs is also down to about two hundred and something.
It’s about time I started conserving them, so this is important information to keep in mind.
While I was thinking about such things, my magical power ran out and I finished, but I had managed to treat everyone to the extent of closing their wounds.
After that, I received words of gratitude and an explanation of what situation the detached unit had been in.
It seems the Imperial Army retreated when Prince Riley’s forces had mostly crushed Marquis Hestia’s army.
The soldiers sent later apparently returned without seeing much combat.
However, the Imperial Army, though only a thousand strong, was ridiculously powerful, and Count Silence’s army, which should have been elite, suffered considerable damage.
Considering that, using all my shots in the initial attack was the right call. If they had skillfully launched a dispersed attack, the outcome would have been uncertain.
And so, when we had mostly finished aligning our information, Prince Riley, despite his serious expression, asked a question that sounded like small talk.
“Prince Rui, am I correct in understanding that you prefer girls like Lady Yurisia?”
“Yes. Of course, that’s right, but?”
“I see. Understood.”
Hmm?
Is that the end of the conversation?
Wasn’t it small talk?
I tilted my head, but he just smiled.
After that, the soldiers who had gone out to scout the Imperial Army’s movements returned, and based on their report about the distance, we concluded that they had decided to retreat for the time being.
In that case, Yuri and I decided to return to Leben and sleep at the mansion.
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Excuse me for interrupting the main story.
I’m reporting that I’ve completely run out of stockpiled chapters, so there will be a gap for a while as I write more, and I also want to express my gratitude for the many comments.
I read through all of them and am doing my best to correct typos and errors.
I hope you will continue to support this work.