From the beginning, Schwein’s goal was to tie Shardan and me together.
When both of them showed up on the central front, they directly attacked the right side of the allies… … .
I tried to move quickly, but as if I had waited for this, the best of Solstad stepped forward and blocked the SS.
Still, he succeeded in breaking through, but the enemy’s attack had already pierced the square.
I managed to get it together and prevented the collapse, but I couldn’t avoid getting caught up in the enemy all day long.
Individual skill, unit’s linkage.
It was a battle where both felt that Solstad had the upper hand.
“Still, the day went on as planned.”
“… … It was fortunate in many ways that the battle started rather late.”
“Don’t worry too much, Lord Shardan. Wasn’t your purpose originally to make it through today?”
Shardan nodded slightly.
I was right, but I couldn’t hide my bitter feelings.
By the time the sun went down, they had virtually abandoned the front line and retreated, so it was a difficult fight to be honest.
Just as the discussion was about to begin, Kielus opened his mouth.
“First of all, I want to point out one thing before coming up with a strategy.”
“Tell me, Mr. Kielus.”
“The biggest reason for the allied forces being pushed back today is not the difference in strength.”
Attention was drawn to his story, which seemed to be related, but was somewhat out of the blue.
“Then what do you think?”
“I think of two things, but one of them is the fact that we are ‘allies’.”
It may be a little unfamiliar, but those present here understood the meaning.
Basically, in a war fought in dozens or hundreds of units, the skill of the unit was as important as the strength of the individual.
Various factors such as connection, cohesion, and proficiency were required.
The allied army, which consisted of two armies, Kingdom and Lien, was bound to lack this part.
“It is said that Rien has helped him before, but since he is not in the same army, it is only natural that he be pushed back.”
“That makes sense, what is the second reason?”
“Because this is not a place we will die to defend.”
These were the words of Kielus.
Solstad was pushed this far because this side also took a defensive strategy to minimize losses.
However, the enemies moved for a quick decision.
“It is true that their power and skills are strong, but I would like to say that these are the two biggest reasons for being pushed back to this extent.”
When Kielus finished speaking, everyone realized his intention.
This was to raise morale that had sunk too much.
In fact, today I suffered badly… … .
“Kielus is right.”
“Although Solstad was strong, it was a situation where this side had no choice but to be pushed.”
“You shouldn’t underestimate your enemies, but you shouldn’t overestimate them and fear them either.”
But they all nodded.
It was partly to boost the morale that had sunk, but it was because Kielus’ words were true.
Of course, the problem of being an ally cannot be solved… … .
I had to change my mood, raise my morale again, and come up with a countermeasure.
“Thank you, Kielus. I got help.”
“I just did what I had to do, Lord Shardan.”
After that greeting, I focused on making a strategy.
While talking about how to stop the enemies coming from Navaletta and how to organize the troops, etc.
Everyone stopped discussing the news that an important intelligence had arrived.
“What is going on?”
“Solstad made a move to sneak some of the troops back, Gazoo.”
“… … what?”
Upon hearing the news, the commanders hurriedly unfolded the map of the area.
“How much is that number?”
“It is estimated to be around 2,000. and… … .”
“Something? speak quickly.”
“… … It contained the flag of the guard unit belonging to the family tree.”
Everyone frowned at the report.
The fact that Schwein was included means that he moved with a considerable number of elites.
It was because there was no place to aim for the troops back here.
“Of course, it could be a trick.”
“… … Just tell them to keep an eye on them.”
“Yes, Mayor.”
The messenger went out like that, and there was silence in the meeting room for a while.
Everyone silently pondered to find out the other person’s purpose.
Meanwhile, Shardan murmured softly.
“… … Are you aiming for supplies stolen from Heinsburg?”
After a brief moment of thought, everyone nodded their heads.
Prevent supplies left in Heinsburg from being transferred to Rien’s territory.
Other than this, they had nothing else to aim for.
“As the messenger said, it could be a deception.”
“It hurts that I can’t ignore it. If the goods are taken away, the meaning of our time here will be lost… … .”
“If we were to be pinned down, it would be catastrophic.”
“The biggest problem is that we can’t respond appropriately because it’s the most elite unit that includes family members.”
I don’t know how mixed Solstad’s best are.
If it was true that Schwein was there, it could not be handled by ordinary troops.
Even the allies had to send more than twice as many troops, including the most elite.
Then there was bound to be a problem in the defense battle.
I, who was thinking the same way as them, calmly expressed my opinion.
“I’ll step out.”
“It is dangerous, Your Highness.”
“you’re right. It could be an enemy trap.”
“Perhaps an inducement is right. Seeing the state flag proudly displayed.”
“then… … .”
“I decided I had to leave. tell me the reason.”
Assuming that the enemy’s army was 2-3 thousand, in order to cope with it, the allied army had to put in 6,000.
Among them, Rien’s best and Cheongsa had to move, but this was ambiguous.
This is because their strength was indispensable in the defense of Navaletta.
“But me and the SS are not like that.”
The offensive units, Bima, and my darkness did not have a significant impact on this defense.
Sure, it would help, but… … .
It was less influential than before.
“The results were based on mock battles, so I think the evidence is sufficient.”
“… … .”
“And no matter how strong they are, 5,000 SS will suffice.”
It was strategically advantageous to send 5,000 SS rather than forcibly devoting more than 6,000.
“Besides, we are riding a Bima. Even if it’s an enemy trap, you can escape using your mobility.”
“… … I agree with that.”
“If it was their deception, you could just come back right away.”
“… … .”
Shardan silently affirmed.
But there was an expression of uneasiness on his face.
‘The circumstances fit so well.’
However, for that reason, it was most efficient for the SS to move in the current situation.
It is impossible to unnecessarily reduce power against an already strong enemy… … .
“… … Be careful, Your Highness. It doesn’t feel good.”
“Don’t worry, if you think it’s dangerous, I’ll run away without looking back.”
* * *
dawn the next day.
I led the bodyguards and moved to attack Solstad’s detachment.
The possibility of deception by the enemy was also considered, but judging from the reports that followed, it seemed not to be the case.
Since Solstad’s forces attacking Nabaletta did not have Schwein and some of the most elite troops… … .
“According to this report, the number of enemies must be around 3,000.”
“Well, yes.”
Including the top power that was presumed to have escaped, they were on equal footing with each other.
But it doesn’t matter anyway, there was Bima on this side.
If they fought melee battles based on their excellent mobility, they could have a sufficient advantage.
If it was disadvantageous, it would have been enough to just run away and engage in guerrilla warfare.
“Is there any news from Ronberg?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Hmm… … .”
I was also concerned about Schwein’s movements, but I didn’t think too deeply.
It’s because I decided that there was no answer to come out even if I thought about something more here.
While thinking about it, Hornes said.
“Brother, isn’t Ronberg trying to appease the western warriors?”
“… … Western warriors?”
“yes. If that’s the case, I think it’s an understandable move.”
… … Excluding the incredible number of cases in which Western warriors cooperate with Ronberg.
Hones’ words were quite persuasive.
If that was the case, it would explain why they took such an inefficient route.
“But, realistically, I don’t think it makes sense.”
“That’s right, because there’s no way Western warriors will side with them.”
“Yes, besides, Ronberg is hiding the power of the Old Gods, isn’t he? So I don’t think it makes any more sense.”
The Western Warriors have not yet been informed of this information.
But I thought they would notice enough.
‘I thought I could see the energy of the evil spirit when I looked at me… … .’
Joining hands with a being who wants to use the god they worship as a tool?
It was an idea that I didn’t quite understand.
“Well, is it really?”
I averted my gaze at Inari’s sudden meddling.
“They paid for it… … No, I think you shouldn’t look at it in general if you think about your head.”
“Could you be more specific?”
“Aren’t they the ones who worship the beings who tried to destroy this world as gods? So I think there is a possibility that I will stick to Ronberg.”
“… … !”
Inari’s words sparked my mind.
As if it wasn’t just me, everyone looked surprised.
‘… … Yeah, they weren’t normal in the first place. Then there’s really a chance that I’ll stick with Lonberg.’
If things go that way… … .
“… … It could be that the goal is to target either Yorgil or Rien.”
If you get the cooperation of the western warriors, it’s because it’s easier to hit these two places.
And if I had to pick one of those places… … .
“Ronberg’s goal is Yorgil.”
If I was going to hit Rien, I wouldn’t have made a complicated move like this.
Above all else, their purpose was to cut Yorgil and Solstad’s strength… … .
“There is a possibility of joining hands with a western warrior and attacking Yorgil. Meanwhile, Solstad hit us.”
“… … It seems that your guess is correct.”
“Inari-sama who noticed this is amazing, everyone including Her Highness didn’t know.”
“is it so? Oh my, I just said it~”
… … Inari, who liked Alan’s praise, left behind for a while.
I wasn’t sure what I said.
It’s just that there’s a chance that a western warrior might join forces with Ronberg.
But if things went that way, they would most likely be aiming for Yorgil.
“We will discuss this later.”
“That’s right, chasing Solstad comes first.”
As a result of advancing like that, they found traces of the enemy.
In response, I sent out scouts everywhere and moved carefully.
As a result, they succeeded in capturing Solstad’s army encamped not far away.
It bothered me that he wasn’t moving, but… … .
‘Now that I’ve come this far, I can’t just go back.’
That’s how he faced Solstad’s forces.
It was a mountain reminiscent of a meadow, and it was a suitable place for an army of over a thousand to fight each other.
“I’ve been waiting for you, 2nd Prince.”
“You seem to have no intention of hiding your scheme, Schwein Solstad.”
“Yes, we’ve come this far, so there’s no need for that.”
Staring at Schwein with a relaxed smile, he sharpened his senses.
It was to figure out the opponent’s size and power.
Before recognizing the enemy, a group stepped forward.
All of them were wearing black robes, and I recognized them easily.
“… … Regeneration Church?”
“You know, too.”
“It’s the first time I’ve seen it in person, 2nd Prince.”
It was the horse of the man in the lead among the black robes.
Then he revealed his face, one of the people I knew.
‘Archbishop Marcellity… … !’
He was the one who betrayed the Silver Ted gang, who had served as the Archbishop of the Resurrection Church from the past.
Individual skills were also formidable, but if all the remnants, including the author, were here, it was right to retreat.
We can’t handle them with our current power.
The moment I was about to give the order to retreat.
“And goodbye.”
heart-!
At the same time as Marcelati’s words, I felt strong pressure in my heart.
A tingling sensation that shakes the whole body.
Cool!
I vomited a handful of blood.
The surroundings instantly became chaotic.
But there was only a muffled sound, nothing more.
Cheeky!
Having lost my freedom, I fell off the horse.
A sticky liquid splashed all over my body, but it was a puddle made of my own blood.
The pool of blood that flowed from my body was very warm.
It was similar to the sensation I felt right before I died.
‘I, is it… … !’
With dim vision, I saw the grayish-white cube Marcellity was holding.
The Celestial Spirit trembled faintly as if in response.
I instinctively realized that I had suffered because of that cube.
charrr!
An unknown spell enveloped me.
I’m not sure if it’s to protect me or if it’s a device to annihilate me.
What was clear was that it wasn’t triggered by my will.
‘… … sh*t… … .’
heart-!
The intense shock that seemed to sentence death continued to the heart.
In the end, I couldn’t hold on to my fading consciousness and closed my eyes.