SWNOVELXO Chapter 420
The heads of the families were astonished by the success they had achieved beyond their imagination.
And specifically, Hanelrn, the captain of the Knights’ Order who was highly anticipated at the Royal Academy, was feeling the difference in raw power between the royal regular army and the Baron Family even more than others.
She found it hard to believe the current situation.
“Has everyone heard about the scale of damage to the royal regular army?”
“Of course, we secured a victory… but it doesn’t seem as grand as ours. There were more injuries than I expected.”
“The monsters charging at us while mounted were really vicious. Even with magic cast, that’s what they managed to leave behind? Regular soldiers who aren’t skilled in mana would have had a tough time dealing with them.”
It was undeniable that the Baron Family’s troops had less training and real combat experience compared to the royal regular army.
Moreover, the royal army had not underestimated their opponent.
So, to achieve a literal rout of the enemy with less damage than they inflicted upon themselves was an accomplishment worthy of applause.
“The Karpel Baron Family achieved results surpassing the royal army. Personally, I believe it was due to the presence of the head of the family.”
Hanelrn thought that it was Karpel Baron who had brought about the miracle.
“During that initial charge when damage would have been high, it was the two spirits of the head of the family that practically faced all the monsters.”
And this line of thought was shared by more than just the captain.
“I admit. The fact that the few elves, despite their low numbers, have bravely protected the Great Forest is thanks to those exceptional spirit mages… the head’s spirit magic is exceptional compared to theirs.”
“The Special Assault Brigade is the same. The blessing of those spirits is remarkable. The magic that cleaves only through the monsters was impressive.”
Dorothy and Theia chimed in, supporting Hanelrn’s words.
They had witnessed the power and influence of the head’s magic with their own bodies and eyes.
Among them, Theia, who had initially held little expectation for the head, was even more impressed by their abilities than the others.
“It seems the head never showed their full power in this battle. It’s clear they exhibited a level of martial prowess far beyond our expectations. How do you all feel about that?”
Upon hearing Hanelrn’s words, Theia couldn’t help but wear a perplexed expression.
The head had not only bestowed blessings upon all members of the assault team but also dealt with the monsters. On top of that, they had been taking care of the fallen soldiers. If that wasn’t showing their full power, what on earth could it be?
“…No matter how much I’ve believed you, Hanelrn, it’s hard to believe that wasn’t their full power. Right, Dorothy?”
“Regrettably, I also think Hanelrn is correct this time.”
“You too?”
“The head didn’t seem burdened in any other way except constantly using mana potions. Besides, the head is known for their remarkable archery skills greater than spirit magic. They focused more on spirit magic in this battle.”
“……”
“See, it’s just as Dorothy said. You were thinking the same thing as me.”
Theia, with her mouth tightly shut in disbelief.
After the conversation fell silent, it was Hanelrn who reopened the discussion.
“When I spoke with Lady Diolia, the head had shown a power beyond what we’ve seen. And Lady Diolia certainly doesn’t shoot off her mouth.”
Thus, Hanelrn contemplated.
“So personally… I believe the head used this battle to witness our unit’s prowess firsthand and give the soldiers a reason to rally together.”
It was already well-known that the head had annihilated a low-level demon with a single arrow.
However, rather than striking directly at the enemies’ stronghold, they had been at the front lines, buying time and protecting the troops in the back. There had to be a reason they shared the victory rather than achieving it alone.
“Confirming our prowess…because war isn’t won alone, it’s a collective effort. The head, having checked on the troops, would want us to understand the trust among allies… and the purpose of this war.”
Hanelrn took a moment to clear her throat and slowly gazed at the two captains.
“Indeed. After this battle, didn’t everyone’s attitude and expectations toward the head change?”
“Mages respect and admire mages greater than themselves. And our reserve magic users seemed entranced by the head’s unique magic.”
“Well… it was a bit like that at first. But now, our Special Assault Brigade is also starting to view them positively, especially the newcomers who thought they were going to die from falling off their horses, they only keep talking about it.”
Recalling for a moment the conversation she had with her subordinates, Theia hesitated before continuing.
“…Yeah, that’s right. At least, it seems better compared to the previous head who knew nothing about the army.”
“It’s rare for you to praise someone, Theia.”
“Dorothy, anyone who hears that might think I’m stingy with compliments.”
“I too, it’s been a long time since I’ve heard Theia praising someone.”
“What are you trying to pull, Hanelrn!? Don’t you want to join in the fun too, Dorothy?”
“Since our captain said that, the answer is clear, isn’t it, stingy Theia?”
“Ugh, come on…!”
For a moment, they shared a familiar laugh and playful banter.
“It’s much more honorable to follow our head than to be under the western coalition’s commander. The victories we achieve from now on will truly be ours.”
Everyone resonated with Hanelrn’s words.
They felt it.
How their judgements about the head had changed.
*
As soon as I returned to Kisia Fortress, I reported this battle to Epheana and had a separate reflection.
‘Things turned out quite well.’
It was the reward for using mana potions frequently and bringing out the spirits.
We had achieved a great victory, assessed the morale of our forces, and everyone’s spirits were lifted. Now, with confidence gained and their own reasons to fight, they would fight even more fiercely.
Furthermore, since the way the captains and soldiers looked at me had changed positively, it seemed they were starting to treat me like their head.
‘Now, I can relax a bit.’
I felt grateful for the changes, and I recalled my main forces.
‘I’ve got a good sense of how I should fight moving forward.’
Especially since I had sized up the practical capabilities of the knights and assault team.
At this level, it seemed unnecessary to worry about messing up the mission after assigning it to them. I believed it was acceptable for me to sweep through the battlefield while shooting arrows.
Given the level that had exceeded expectations, it seemed we could take more active movements in conjunction. It was fortunate that the soldiers of the royal direct jurisdiction were highly skilled as elite troops.
‘Well, let’s wrap this up for now.’
I looked down at the letter in my hand.
“Opening a letter is a task of its own.”
The letter was sealed up tightly.
On the white wrapping were the Count Family’s emblem and cute, charming letters for the sender and recipient. It was time to unveil the letter Shione had sent me.
Carefully opening it, I began to read, starting with the banal daily life stories.
“—Ray, can you believe how playful Lady Diolia has become without you around? She’s been so worried about being bored without you that she keeps preparing lame jokes… it’s driving me crazy.”
With the depiction of Lady Diolia’s usual antics in full view, I couldn’t help but smile, picturing Shione secretly enjoying it despite her words.
As I continued reading through Shione’s letter detailing how she and Diolia were holding up, along with news about recent operations, I reached the end.
This seemed to be the real reason for writing this letter, as larger, neat letters filled the page.
“—The princess at Central Fortress has put forth an agenda. The agenda is to conduct a large-scale offensive operation, suggesting that we coordinate with you at Kisia Fortress. The detailed operation plans from Central Fortress should soon be passed on to Epheana.”
Coordinated operation with Central Fortress.
The reason why firepower experts were gathered at our Kisia Fortress is that the fortress’s role originally was to support combat strength for the central and the easternmost fortresses.
Now, the high-ranking officials from Central Fortress were officially speaking about collaboration between the two fortresses.
‘Looks like they finally found a way.’
It seemed a potent avenue had opened up to engage effectively with the enemy and inflict severe damage.
“—My mother’s unit and another unit will soon set out on their first deployment to hunt the dragon. After my mother completes her initial mission safely, they’ll move out.”
Moreover, it appeared that Ainel Shianella was to spearhead that offensive.
Though I haven’t seen Ainel wielding a sword since she mastered it, it was impossible to believe that the skill she displayed while single-handedly dispatching demons atop the castle walls would vanish overnight.
Not to mention her stamina, managing to handle insane workloads without break, and her physical condition would surely be at its peak.
Nodding at the news of Ainel’s deployment, I read the last lines.
“—…I miss you a lot. Anyway, thanks to this coordinated operation, it seems we’ll be able to meet soon. It’s best to try and hold on a bit longer. I hope you feel the same.”
Such heartwarming words warmed my heart.
Just like I felt awkward without someone who normally chatted and joked with me, Shione must be feeling something similar.
Having confirmed Shione’s feelings well, I thought of taking a short break before sending a reply. Just as I began to rise slowly from my seat.
I found myself sitting back down again.
“You better not think you can get away without a reply.”
Wondering how she would find out whether I wrote back or not, I sensed a chilling intuition in Shione’s words. And my intuition has always led me to the right path.
For some time, I remained silent, merely writing the reply.
*
A swift report arrived at Kisia Fortress.
As everyone gathered to hear Epheana’s urgent summons, the unbelievable news unfolded.
“…We’ve received distressing reports from Alenarr Marquis Family’s dragon-hunting reconnaissance unit. A dragon is descending south at an unexpected speed, fleeing from monsters in an enormous line.”
The sudden descent of the dragon from beyond the frigid lands.
Ainel added that the surviving members of the reconnaissance unit confirmed the dragon was covered in wounds, appearing to be fleeing from something.
The dragon was descending from the very edge of the western lands.
“The target fortress at the southernmost point has Count Ainel Shianella preparing for a defense against the monsters while simultaneously repelling the ancient dragon.”
In this rapidly changing situation, to survive,
Ainel Shianella at the fortress at the end of the land had to gear up for battle against the dragon amid the pouring monsters.