Chapter 68: Is It All Part of the Plan…?
“Count Estoc!! What is the meaning of this!!”
Duke Daltone, having heard that he had lost several thousand soldiers in an instant and fled back, had stormed into the simple tent assigned to Count Estoc.
“What do you mean, ‘what is the meaning of this’…?”
The Duke, who had expected to be brushed off with Estoc’s usual frivolous expression, was taken aback by a gaze as sharp as a knife, and his bluster faltered.
“For you to lose so many soldiers in an instant, right after the battle began, even with you, Count, present!”
“Oh? So you’re saying I’m responsible? Let me ask you instead. You’re the one who made me leave my soldiers behind; how do you intend to take responsibility for exposing them to danger?”
The Duke, who had flared up without fully grasping the situation, realized his own blunder for the first time.
For this dispatch of troops, it was Estoc who had unreasonably rushed things, but it was the Duke who had made him leave his army behind, fearing his achievements would be stolen.
He had spent an enormous sum of money, ignoring the strong opposition from various parties, and gathered as many as seventeen thousand soldiers.
While this was a way to assert his presence to the Empire, it also came with a very large risk.
He had practically forced the issue, unable to bear having his military gains snatched away on top of everything else.
Therefore, blaming Count Estoc was completely misdirected.
Realizing this, the Duke forced a strained smile and tried to somehow steer the conversation away.
“You, who are vying for a higher position in the Empire, felt danger from the likes of them?”
“Oh? Are you trying to provoke me?”
“No, that wasn’t my intention…”
Estoc stood up smoothly.
He approached the Duke, his gaze still sharp, and tension filled the air.
“C-Count Estoc, wh-what are you…”
Contrary to the Duke, whose blood ran cold at the thought that Estoc might attack him in a fit of emotion, Estoc beamed with a childlike smile.
“It’s fine. You seem to understand, so I’ll forgive you this time. Whether I include it in the post-war report, though, depends on your performance from now on.”
“Performance, you say…?”
If it were written in a way that suggested he had intentionally exposed the Count to danger, he could be seen as underestimating the Empire. These were not words he could ignore.
Duke Daltone, completely overwhelmed by the atmosphere, moved as his shoulder was pushed, and was made to sit at the platform.
“Ahaha, I’m not scary anymore,” Estoc said with a mocking laugh as he sat down opposite him.
“Of course, your performance on this battlefield.”
“W-well, naturally, since this is a war between Daltone and Belfast, my army will be on the front lines, but…”
He was gripped by anxiety, wondering what else Estoc intended to make him do.
“No, that’s fine. Just make sure to convey that clearly to your commander. That they are not to retreat, no matter what, and, of course, that they are to advance swiftly, understood?”
“Y-yes. That’s fine, of course. However, we can’t just go in without a plan… Could you please tell me what kind of magic the enemy used? My commander alone couldn’t get a clear grasp of it.”
Yes, that was the Duke’s original purpose for coming here.
Estoc had told him he would return to discuss countermeasures, but Estoc hadn’t attended that strategy meeting.
He had intended to reprimand him for it, but his own slip of the tongue had made it impossible to bring up.
“That, huh… Considering the instantaneous magic activation and the distance, it was probably a Magic Tool. It came from a place where my Magical Power vision showed no reaction, so it’s likely the type that can store Magical Power, I suppose.”
“S-such technology, I’ve never even heard of…”
“No, it’s not unheard of. It’s just that they usually can’t produce that kind of power. Well, don’t worry. It requires an enormous amount of Magical Power to do that. The output of a Magic Stone is nowhere near enough, so they can’t keep using it beyond what they can store. Only one person can store Magical Power in the same place. The capacity of their Backpacks shouldn’t be that large either. It’s just a matter of overwhelming them with numbers.”
Then, the Duke understood what kind of commitment he had been forced into.
It meant that the Daltone Army was to charge in and force the enemy to use that magic repeatedly.
However, there was no room for objection.
They were originally reinforcements.
If it became known, it would incur the Emperor’s displeasure, so he couldn’t knowingly send them to their deaths.
Since Estoc already knew, he understood that, either way, he had no choice but to manage with his own army.
Having declared he would conquer it quickly, there was no other way but to charge.
“…I’ll make them advance even if I have to hold a spear to their backs. However, one promise.”
“Yes, yes, that’s it. I don’t dislike people who understand quickly. So, what is it…?”
“Belfast Castle alone, by our hands,” he said, his gaze intense, indicating he wouldn’t back down on this point.
“Ah, of course, that’s fine. If you can leave enough forces to capture it, that is?”
He declared in a light tone that if they could pull through while preserving their forces, despite the lack of time, he would concede it.
“Hahaha, we can certainly preserve enough to carry out a castle siege. I have your word on that, yes?”
“Ah, mutually. I swear I’ll keep my end. So—make sure you uphold your end, alright?”
Although he felt a twinge of unease at the emphasized words, the enemy had only two thousand soldiers.
The Magical Power they could use was only what they possessed in their own bodies and what they had stored in their Backpacks.
Even if Belfast used up all the Backpacks they possessed, it would be impossible, the Duke thought, regaining his composure.
Just when it seemed they had reached an agreement, their eyes widened at the person who newly entered the tent.
Count Estoc reacted the same way.
“Honestly, I wasn’t told it had already started. If you’re changing plans, send word. Seeing the Duct empty, I felt like I’d been bewitched by a fox.”
“Lord Ignat! Why are you here!?”
He was an Imperial noble who had not only inherited the rank of Marquis at a young age but, like Estoc, was also a Knight of the highest standing.
There was always a reason for him to make an appearance.
Did this mean I made a blunder?
He couldn’t think of any particular reason, but considering the possibility that the Daltone Army might be completely useless, having Ignat’s forces present was very reassuring.
Estoc stared at him with a complex expression, a mixture of relief and anxiety.
Ignat, seeing an expression he could never have imagined on the usual Estoc, widened his eyes slightly.
“What, don’t tell me you’re at a disadvantage? After gathering all this.”
“Stop it… It’s true Belfast has brought out something outrageous. However, it’s vexing to be thought incapable of overcoming a crisis of this level!”
“A crisis with this difference in forces, huh,” Ignat muttered, but showed interest in the words ‘something outrageous.’
Hearing about the range of what was thought to be a Magic Tool and the number of people it had slaughtered in a single blow, he showed a serious face and said, “That can’t be ignored.”
“Well then, I shall call all my troops and join as reinforcements. Ah, don’t worry. Unless the tide of battle turns, I won’t lift a finger or say a word.”
“That’s more than I could ask for. If you stepped in, there’d be no turn for me.”
With the discussion settled, they had the nine thousand Daltone Army soldiers who had been left behind rejoin, and sent back the seriously wounded.
Two days later, in the morning, with preparations complete once more, the Daltone Army advanced on Fort Fondale again.
In the Belfast Army, at Fort Fondale, the soldiers’ movements were disorganized.
Having confirmed the Daltone Army’s advance, the situation was one of utter chaos and commotion.
Finally, my turn, Conner Stahl’s, has come, I thought, steadying my breath and checking my surroundings, but the confusion hadn’t subsided yet.
“H-His Highness hasn’t returned yet!?”
“Wh-what should we do, General!”
Yes, the cause of the surrounding commotion was Prince Rui-denka’s absence.
His Highness had been rushing about, making Magic Tools and giving instructions to Oldol Fort. He had just left a moment ago, and it was then that the Daltone Army made its move.
“Stop panicking! Count Stahl! You can do this, right!?”
General Razbel roused the soldiers and strongly questioned me, ‘You can do it, can’t you?’
“Of course! Everyone, His Highness has made preparations so that we can fight even on our own! So please, calm down. All that’s left is to believe and fight!”
They didn’t know the details of the landmines.
Only a few even knew they were Magic Tools.
‘It would be unbearable if the enemy used this against us, wouldn’t it?’ Prince Rui-denka had warned against spreading the details.
The only ones who knew the details were myself, Marquis Arbein, General Razbel, and Roosevelt, Knight Commander.
Among them, the only one who completely grasped everything from the installation locations to the details of the strategy and His Highness’s intentions was me, Conner Stahl.
Prince Rui-denka had entrusted me with command within the fort, just in case.
“Phoenix Unit, please stand by outside the drawbridge under the General’s command. General, I’ll ensure it’s done properly from a distance where you won’t be caught, but the blast wave and shrapnel will still reach you. As His Highness said, please don’t be overwhelmed, alright?”
“Leave it to me… This is my true profession!” he exclaimed, exhaling a breath filled with fervor, his eyes glinting sharply.
He manifested his exclusive Maso, donned the white fur His Highness had made for him, and leaped from the outer wall.
A height that would kill an ordinary person. Despite landing with a heavy thud, he walked on as if nothing had happened.
A group clad in fur followed behind him. They looked just like Monsters.
It should have been an exceedingly bizarre sight, yet it was a figure of imposing majesty.
It lit a fire in the hearts of the soldiers who were watching.
“Haha, he looks so lively. Oops, I need to get to work too.”
I rolled my shoulders, hopped lightly twice, and took a deep breath.
When I shouted, “Raise the drawbridge!” the garrison soldiers repeated the order, and with a creaking sound, the bridge leading to the gate was disengaged.
With this, General Razbel, leading the Phoenix Unit, could no longer return unless he drove back the enemy.
For a general to lead a mere hundred against an enemy force exceeding ten thousand waiting on the front lines was exceptionally unusual.
But I watched over him with confidence.
The enemy army also showed some haste in response to our movements, but it seemed their deployment was mostly complete.
They had formed twenty units of about a hundred men each and positioned them over a wide area.
“Naturally, they’re on alert.
But if their main force just stays there, we just have to wait.
They shouldn’t think they can tarnish the General’s reputation with a mere hundred men. Not even slightly.”
“Conner, you’re remarkably calm. Did you gain some war experience while I was away?”
That Knight, Rudolph-dono, asked in an impressed tone.
A senior from the generation above mine.
In our generation, his was called the golden age, and he was the foremost among the strong.
“No, my family also had its peerage revoked, so this is my first battle.
However, if we follow His Highness’s words, there’s nothing to fear.
At least here at Fort Fondale, a plan has been devised where no one will die.”
While reining in my excitement, I replied to Rudolph-dono.
I’m confident about this. Not out of blind faith in His Highness, but because I’ve calculated it myself.
It’s a simple matter.
If the premise from the start is to retreat, it’s highly unlikely for high-ranking knights to die even without new equipment.
We just need to blow up the pursuing enemies. That will help the soldiers who sortied and reduce enemy numbers.
Of course, how many we can involve depends on my skill. There’s some anxiety there.
But now that His Highness had shown me its practical effectiveness, it’s not enough anxiety to show on my face.
“I see. However, that formation isn’t good…”
“Indeed. I wonder if they’ve figured out our numbers are limited.”
They say you can’t keep a secret, but this is too soon. It’s impossible for it to have spread by word of mouth.
“No, they could predict it. That our Magical Power wouldn’t last.
However, to think that we could have overturned that if we had time must be a nightmare for the enemy.”
I see. I’d forgotten because we’re in a situation where we can prepare as much as we want given time, but normally, people would perceive it as Greater Magic and assume we’re using enormous amounts of Magical Power.
However, in that case, it’s inevitable they’ll aim to deplete it.
This is indeed not a good situation.
“Senior, based on His Highness’s strategy, how do you think we should move?”
“Hmm? I haven’t heard anything about it. Rui’s thoughts are beyond my comprehension.
I’ve decided from the start to just focus on what Rui said.”
If it were me, I’d ask. I’ve always thought this, but Senior Rudolph is very philosophical.
As expected of His Highness’s foster parent.
However, to broaden my ideas, I want to hear other opinions too.
It would have been great if Marquis Arbein or Commander Roosevelt were here…
They couldn’t leave the town completely unattended, so they’re stationed at the castle.
Her Highness the Princess said to leave it to her, but the General bowed his head and asked them both, saying a commander who could go into battle was needed on both sides.
Among the members here, Viscount Dora, who has abundant battle experience, seems approachable.
Since the Viscount accompanied us for the landmine installation, he should know the general outline of the plan, so I called him over and asked the same question.
“Probably just as Count Stahl is thinking. Use the General’s unit as a decoy and crush them with His Highness’s secret art. If possible, we’d like to charge in through any opening created there.”
Hmm.
It seems they’re getting impatient from being on the battlefield but unable to fight.
I saw that in the General too.
Honestly, it’s not good. This will deviate from His Highness’s plan.
It would be good if they could blow off steam somewhere, but being told to do it without anyone dying…
“If there’s a place where we can get through this without anyone dying, please tell me. Including the soldiers, mind you.”
“That’s asking too much in a war…”
“No, not really. The Phoenix Unit will not die. Just watch.”
Viscount Dora looked out over the battlefield, amused, saying, “Hoh.”
He’s so carefree, I’m envious.
I wish he’d share even a little of that carefree attitude with me, on my first campaign.
Amidst such idle chat, the situation changed.
Three enemy units began to move towards the General’s forces.
“Even if it’s a dangerous zone, they’re not stupid enough to send just one unit, right?”
“Indeed. But it’s far too few. At this rate, there’ll be no need to use the landmines.”
At that moment, Rudolph-dono muttered.
“I see, so Rui didn’t have them pursue to create this situation. I’m convinced,” he murmured.
Then, I imagined what would have happened if we had pursued them.
What would have followed if we had continued attacking while sticking to the enemy’s rearguard.
Certainly, the battle results would have been better.
Given their state of confusion, we probably could have taken down about two thousand.
However, if they knew about the existence of large-scale magic, it would be convenient for the enemy.
They might have disregarded minor losses and forced a chaotic melee, knowing they wouldn’t be targeted by it. The possibility they aimed for that is high.
It’s chilling to think we might have been pushed back all the way here.
Considering the difference in numbers, that would be the normal outcome.
We couldn’t lower the bridge. If we waited, we’d be surrounded by the enemy army.
Support with landmines wouldn’t be feasible if our allies were mixed in with the enemy.
To make that possible, we’d need high-ranking knights who excel in mobility, but even for them, it would be difficult once swallowed by the enemy.
Our only path might have been to use the highway, fighting while retreating to Oldol.
This current situation was created because we’re using the fear of ‘landmines’ as a shield.
It was only through Rudolph-dono’s words that I first truly grasped that His Highness had created the Phoenix Unit precisely because he had calculated that.
“Kuhahaha, interesting. I’m finally starting to get it too.
If they can only send out small numbers, it’s impossible to take down those hundred men.”
“Yes, if they come out all at once, the landmines go ‘kaboom’. Perfect!”
Ah, the tension is finally easing.
Alright, I’m okay.
At that time, those called the Phoenixes were greatly bewildered.
Why the hell aren’t they coming at us!
No, I know they’re scared of the landmines.
But if they don’t come, we’re in trouble!
Just as General Razbel was openly showing his irritation, three hundred enemy soldiers began to move.
“Kuh, with that small number, there’s no point in setting off an explosion.
You understand, right? Don’t fire, Stahl…”
“General, your orders! If we’re to withdraw, we must move now!”
“I know! We’re moving forward to strike them! We can’t have them firing recklessly! Understood!?”
“””Hah!!”””
The General took the lead and charged at the enemy unit rushing towards them head-on.
The power-type General swung his giant battle-axe, sending enemy soldiers flying as he advanced.
His followers also attacked in their own ways, and in an instant, the enemy hundred-man unit was cut to pieces.
“Huh? They sent… small fry?”
The General muttered suspiciously at the utter lack of resistance, but then calmed himself, thinking, ‘Well, as long as we can reduce their numbers, anything goes.’
He reconsidered his thinking, realizing he had been too focused on using the landmines to follow Prince Rui-denka’s strategy.
As long as it didn’t interfere with the strategy, he should leverage his own strengths.
“You bastards! We’ll crush all small groups like this!
Follow me with that in mind!”
“””Yeah!!!”””
After that, the General cut down the remaining two hundred-man units in the blink of an eye.
The sight, making it seem as if he had merely passed through them, greatly excited the Belfast Army.