Chapter 413
Leading the troops didn’t mean just rushing to the northernmost point and wiping out the enemy. We had to reorganize a large force, spearheaded by the kingdom’s regular army, and unify the subtly different command structures of the various noble houses while grasping the overarching flow of the war.
Of course, most of the plans were already crafted by Adelhaite and her advisors. The meetings were primarily about efficiently correcting them with Shione’s deputy and discussing how to apply them to each family.
The plans had initially seemed quite ideal. As a result, despite having a considerable number of forces gathered, we managed to maintain harmony without significant friction. Realistically, it was effective enough that today’s meeting concluded without a rigid atmosphere.
As Ainel and I were returning to our military camp from the central command post, she subtly broached the subject.
“Baron, I personally think it wouldn’t be bad for you to fight from a different position than as a knight in the Special Mission Team for this war.”
I suppose after spending so much time together, she might have read my mind as if she had borrowed Diolia’s mind-reading ability, echoing the words spoken by our commander.
“While there’s no role that isn’t important in this war, the most crucial ones would be the units managed directly by the Marquis Family, centered around the five fortresses. That includes those of us like you, Baron.”
Since it’s a known fact that the cultists hide in broad spectrums, not everyone would be deployed to the frontlines; many families would be stationed throughout the northern region for maintaining order and eradicating the cult. They would certainly do their utmost for rooting out the cultists and maintaining peace, as well as securing supply routes.
However, everyone entering the five front-line fortresses would be the sharpest swords of the kingdom. As soon as they see an opportunity, they must throw open the gates and charge into battle for the operation’s success.
While the forces of the other Barons and Viscounts were largely incorporated into the royal regular army and pulled to the rear, I decided to remain stationed at the forward fortress like the Count’s House.
“I have a high regard for you, Baron. I heard it was the Princess herself who commanded your stationing at the fortress, which means she recognized your great merit in her eyes. And with you by Shione’s side, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Thus, I had envisioned a scenario where I would share a fortress with Shione, operating our respective Knights’ Orders to perform a flanking maneuver.
“However… I think it would be good for you to be stationed at a different fortress with the knights of the Baron, rather than the same fortress as Shione for this war.”
…So she thinks it would be better if I stayed at an entirely different fortress.
As I cautiously glanced at Ainel, who was silently nodding her head, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of surprise at her unsolicited suggestion.
“The place where Shione will be stationed is positioned at the forefront among the five fortresses, with many favorable conditions aligned. Naturally, its importance is significant. There are already plans for more than sufficient troops to be stationed there. It’s an over-concentration of power.”
“Like you said, with attention focused on the central fortress, the troop deployment for the eastern fortress is lacking.”
“…It seems you’ve caught on. The eastern fortress, unlike the western one where I’ll be, is not too far from the central fortress. It’s a suitable place for the fortifications to cooperate and advance together, making it easier to provide assistance during assaults. Thus, I hope you will operate in conjunction with the Special Mission Team at that site.”
“…”
“The eastern fortress will see the deployment of troops from the Southern and Eastern noble families. I believe you understand what I’m trying to say, Baron.”
“Of course.”
The noble families from the east had plenty of experience from their long tussles with the Empire, but due to the ongoing war with the deceptive demons, they couldn’t send as many troops as other families.
The south, being a granary, has built up wealth, meaning their individual soldiers are well-equipped, but they inevitably lack the combat experience that families from other regions have gained through constant struggles.
Even though we discussed filling the vacancies with royal regular troops, they might think that’s insufficient, or perhaps, while facing the dragon, they merely hope I can actively resolve the situation at the main fortress with Shione, or it could be both.
Regardless, I’ve ultimately agreed with Ainel’s suggestion.
‘…I am worried about Shione.’
Now that I have risen to Master level, Diolia’s commander and the Special Mission Team seem to have sincere loyalty, ready to risk their lives to protect her.
I made my decision.
*
“Stationing at another fortress like this… how can you make such important decisions so freely?”
“It’ll just be for a while. During our final offensive against the demons, we’ll be acting together, so we can part ways temporarily when the opportunities arise at the fortresses.”
“Hah… That’s true, but I never imagined being separated from you.”
Shione shook her head and sighed repeatedly.
It seemed she was none too pleased about being apart. She had been quietly sulking about it but eventually accepted the situation on her own.
“Yeah, there’s no use sulking about it.
After a brief period of distancing herself to continue fighting her battles alone, she came back to me.
“In exchange, if anything happens, you need to write me a letter promptly. I’ll do the same.”
“Initially, the main reason I was going to that fortress was to coordinate closely with you, Princess Shione.”
“…Then let’s agree to send messengers daily.”
“Understood.”
I have a feeling that the messengers on Shione’s side will be endlessly busy delivering her messages, darting across the battlefield without a moment’s rest.
But still, it’s best to accommodate Shione’s feelings for now.
After spending some time playing around with Shione, I then returned to my position as Commander, and Diolia, having presumably heard the news from Ainel, brought up my stationing at another fortress.
“Deputy Commander, I heard you’re going to be stationed at a neighboring fortress. Now you’ll have to operate three troops directly. That sounds tough.”
“…I already have a headache just thinking about it. Do you happen to have any tips for managing a Knights’ Order?”
“I’m the captain, and as the head, you should consult Ainel. She’d know better than I would. It might be good to go and ask her together later.”
Diolia, who usually had a cheerful expression, soon returned to her calm demeanor.
“Still, since you have ties to Hanelrn, didn’t your troops and our Special Mission Team strengthen their camaraderie? So I think you could pick up at least one hint from that experience.”
“Helpful hints, you say?”
“That’s right. Well, it’s nothing grand… as our Deputy Commander, you could probably figure it out without me saying, but when you head to the fortress, it might be good to have quite a few conversations with the commanders there.”
“…The commanders, you say?”
“Especially keep an eye on Theia, the commander of the assault squad. Ray, show them how you, against all odds, became their leader. If you do so, your knights will pledge their loyalty to you.”
With her arms crossed and a teasing gesture, Diolia patted my shoulder and said earnestly.
“In this war, a leader who can usher their troops to victory and navigate situations where their lives are at stake will always be praised by their knights. Hence, the elves of the Great Forest also ended up praising you and Princess Shione in the end.”
I thought that once again, I would become a war hero, making all my knights who had come this far swear loyalty to me.
*
“The cunning and vile acts of the cultists, who have been hiding in the north, have finally begun! Here and now, I declare the beginning of the Northern Crusade!”
With the princess’s speech concluded, the war was officially underway.
Having started just as winter set in, it was declared that it would finish before spring rolled around. Thus, the name of this war was decided before it even began.
As the Princess proudly announced the start of the winter campaign, gazing down at the troops with a spark of courage, the army, filled with exhilaration, was finally set in motion.
“I’ll head to the westernmost fortress now. Baron, take care.”
“I wish the blessings of victory to Count Shianella as well.”
“That’s a given. I’ll be bringing back the dragon’s head when I come, so be ready for it.”
Ainel, stationed at the farthest west fortress, led the majority of the Count’s troops into battle.
“…If I hear that you’ve somehow injured your arms or legs once more…”
“Haha, oh, Shione, that’s amusing. Right now, you should be wishing for victory. Anyway, as long as you’re with me, Deputy Commander, you can rest easy.”
“We’ll see each other again alive.”
“Why are you so ominously fixated on that…?”
“Haha, of course, we have to meet again alive. Isn’t that right, Princess Shione?”
“…Surviving is not enough. We must meet again in one piece.”
Then it was Shione and Diolia’s turn to head out with the Special Mission Team and several troops from the Count’s House.
And now it was my turn.
“Knight Commander, are you all set to depart?”
“Knights, Assault Team, Magic Squad. All preparations for deployment have been completed.”
“Then let’s move out.”
As I was about to announce our march, I noticed Hanelrn’s somewhat puzzled gaze.
I met her eyes and spoke.
“It seems you have a question. I’ll take any inquiries once we arrive at the fortress, but for now, I think it’s best to focus on reaching the next rest point without being late.”
It doesn’t seem favorable to exchange pleasantries for a leisurely Q&A at this moment.
“They say the northern weather is fickle.”
The skies were indeed turbulent.
It felt like it might rain or snow at any moment.
I could only surmise that the cold, stinging atmosphere would whip up a blizzard before we knew it.