The Male S*ave of the Count Sianella Family

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The Special Assault Brigade’s reckless charge showed no signs of slowing under the blessing of the spirits.

As the two groups split and surged closer to the cult’s main forces, the spears held by the cavalry glinted sharply in the sunlight.

While individual skill and experience may have been lacking, their audacious formation charging directly into enemy lines made it clear that even the wildest mounts hesitated before tearing into the foes. That tenacity rivaled that of the heavily armored knights from Duke Rephelia’s House, which Diolia took pride in.

And, as expected, they made an impact.

“The assault brigade has struck the enemy’s main force!”

“Wait…! It seems the monsters have lost control…! They’re collapsing to the ground or fleeing from the cult without looking back!”

As the sharp-eyed ones reported what they were witnessing…

‘It seemed like a solid hit, but it looks like the enemies took a far worse beating than expected.’

The enemies who fell to their spears included many of the most troublesome shamans.

Finally, the pesky monsters that had hindered capturing the mediocre cultists were scattering, retreating, which meant victory was within reach.

‘Elvis, what about the fallen soldiers?’

– They might be a bit dizzy from rolling around on the ground… but I tried my best to cushion their fall!

Though the protective measures were taken, the monsters’ magic still exploded left and right.

At least, they managed to preserve the lives of those who fell from their mounts.

I downed a radiant blue mana potion in one gulp and shouted loudly.

“The Special Assault Brigade has pierced through the enemy’s shamans! Clean up the remaining remnants!”

With victory and survival so close, the cheers from our side grew louder as we charged forward.

I spoke to the two leaders who flanked me.

“Hanelrn, Dorothy. It would be wise to incapacitate any surviving shamans. Extracting information from Kisia Fortress could also prove beneficial.”

“Understood. Dorothy?”

“There’s a wizard here who specializes in this. Even if the resistance is fierce, we should be able to subdue them to a manageable level.”

“Good. But since they worship that evil deity, we can’t predict how they’ll respond. If it seems too dangerous, it’s okay to kill them.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Lord.”

Then Hanelrn and Dorothy’s group joined in the cleanup efforts, while I assisted by shooting arrows at danger zones, leading to the swift eradication of the remaining foes.

If there was any regret…

‘Every time I face them, I think, how tenacious they are.’

They say the dead don’t speak, don’t they?

Thanks to those trying to be subdued as they shouted their pathetic faith, the mouths that could have spilled information after tasting Epheana’s magic were silenced.

While I felt a bit let down, I redirected my attention to the jubilant soldiers.

“We won…! We survived amidst all those monsters!”

“Stop acting so ridiculous and calm down…! That guy who got his arm bitten off by a monster shouldn’t be moving like that…! Priest! Could you take a look at this guy!”

Those basking in their victory…

“…I’m exhausted. I can’t even walk anymore.”

“The way back is still long. To be this drained even after winning… what’s with that?”

“You’re also shaking, so let’s sit and rest for a bit. Just like you said, we’ve won.”

Clearly relieved, the others remarked.

“Thanks to you, Priest, I survived… the enemy’s attacks were brutal…”

“Good work. It seems you have a deep gash on your arm… You must be a warrior who fought at the forefront.”

“Priest, there’s no need to praise him. He just got too excited, tripped, and hurt himself on his own sword.”

“Ah…”

“…Shut it. What’s the point of bringing that up now?”

Even those soldiers, enjoying a moment of playful banter, glanced at me as I stood before them, refocusing their perspective on victory.

‘With such a clear victory, I’d better get to work too.’

Even if they had bravely fought and claimed victory, I hadn’t forgotten the fear that gripped them right before we charged.

‘If all of them are to give their best in the next battle as well, I need to solidly motivate them.’

Feeling the excitement ebbing away, I began to speak softly.

“The forces of the Baron’s House have brilliantly secured victory against the enemy. As I mentioned before, this was achieved because everyone stood their ground and faced the enemy without fleeing. This victory is the result of your actions, and you are all heroes.”

First, I complimented them lightly to foster a warm atmosphere.

“Do you all know what great feats you have achieved?”

I posed a question to capture their attention.

“You faced a cult that is not only hidden across the northern regions but has also infiltrated the central nobles’ cults of the Royal Academy and Duke Rephelia’s House. If we turn a blind eye to such boldness and danger, it won’t be just the north that suffers but the whole kingdom one day.”

“No one here hasn’t seen the monstrous army they led. Everyone should think carefully. These audacious and reckless individuals, if not eradicated now, will surely rise again as great evils. They’ll lead their monsters and devastate the entire kingdom for their wicked deity.”

“Furthermore, can you not visualize the scene where they flood into your homeland, massacring your families and friends?”

I made the wickedness of our adversaries more vividly instilled in their minds.

“The enemies are certainly not weak, and we’ve just won against formidable foes who will trample our kingdom. Today we fought to protect our kingdom and homeland, and this victory is the great feat we have accomplished.”

The justification and legitimacy of this war directly affect the morale of the soldiers.

We must make them firmly realize that we stand on the side of justice and this battle is crucial to protecting their precious homeland from becoming a wasteland.

Unlike the zealous cult fanatics who would betray even friends and family for their aims, those like us, with warm blood still flowing, would come to understand the importance of their roles and positions.

“…While we may not have lost anyone in our great victory, it’s hard to say none fell. I, as the head of the Baron’s House, promise to honor those who departed first and to joyfully call them heroes in the future.”

At this point, everyone’s eyes had sunk deeply.

But that didn’t mean it was a bad thing.

“You must prove that their deaths were not in vain by striving tirelessly toward future victories.”

Gradually, the troops of the Baron’s House began to share the mindset of the Count’s House or Kalia Marquis Family, veterans of the great war.

Embracing the sense of duty within them, they began to nurture the resolve in their hearts.

*

As Theia rode back along the path they had taken, she approached the area where a new recruit had fallen.

Nearby, a horse lay on the cold ground, sharing warmth with the new recruit sprawled out, unable to rise.

“…Unbelievable. The leader comes personally, yet no salute?”

Theia bit her lip in frustration.

As the captain of the Special Assault Brigade, she held a deep trust and affection for her brigade and all its members.

It displeased her to see a new recruit she had grown fond of in such a state.

“I told you to stay back a little since you can’t ride worth a damn.”

Theia clenched her fists tightly.

“…I’ll remember your name and face for a lifetime—”

Just then, she heard a voice and sensed movement from behind her.

“Why are you killing the living?”

“…Lord? What do you mean?”

“I told you, didn’t I? The Special Assault Brigade will fight under the protection of spirits.”

“…….”

“Check the bodies. They should be breathing just fine.”

In that moment, lost in the confusion of what the Lord was saying, she decided to check the new recruit, following the command.

“Uh?”

The chest was rising and falling. The color was good.

She realized that the recruit was still alive.

“The Special Assault Brigade truly lives up to its name. We cannot afford to lose valuable soldiers to falls, so we borrowed the spirits’ power to absorb as much of the impact as possible.”

“Ah—”

“Though the impact was significant, it seems this one assumed they were dead since they haven’t woken up yet.”

“…….”

“I’ll take them to the priest. Captain, please call on someone to gather the other members. They fought together, so they should enjoy the victory together.”

The Lord effortlessly lifted the fully armored woman.

With one hand, he slung her over his shoulder and, absentmindedly reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a recovery potion. With a quick nibble, he uncorked it and poured the contents onto the wounded cavalry horse.

“Those who are still disoriented will find it easier to recover by sharing this one’s strength. Now, I’ll take my leave.”

As the Lord calmly completed his tasks and began to walk away slowly, Theia hesitated before calling out.

“…Thank you!”

She was unsure what she was thanking him for.

Even she was flustered by her abrupt words, having lost her train of thought.

The Lord merely waved goodbye and continued walking back to the camp.

“…Maybe he’s nicer than the last lord who always complained about just taking the money.”

*

After returning to Kisia Fortress following the first battle, the captains and the lord were all busy with their own tasks.

If I were to mention what piqued my interest the most, it would be that the three captains were consumed by discussions about—

“Our lord didn’t use any of his strength during this battle. It seems he achieved remarkable feats beyond our expectations. How do you all feel about that?”

They were busy talking about their lord.

Conversely, Ray, who was the focus of their conversation, was preoccupied by something entirely different.

“He said he would use it every day, but I guess doing so daily is hard.”

The handwritten letter from Shione Shianella.

And it was sealed tightly to ensure no one else could open it.

“What on earth did she write that it’s sealed up this tightly?”

The baron smiled foolishly, unlike the serious captains around him.