SWNOVELXO Chapter 422
After receiving the operational details that came down from the Central Fortress through Epheana, I gathered the commanders who were taking a break and maintaining their gear.
The sole reason for calling these individuals, who were coordinating their respective units and working hard to keep our morale from faltering, was quite simple.
“A command has arrived from Your Highness, the Princess, at the Central Fortress.”
In accordance with the information gathered by the princess and her staff, I aimed to announce the upcoming battles.
“According to the command, the Baron Family, led by me, will be conducting joint operations with the Special Mission Team stationed at the Central Fortress. Together with the Special Mission Team, we shall head towards Arael Fortress, where the Dragon Subjugation Unit is stationed.”
Upon hearing my words, the three commanders showed a variety of reactions.
Hanelrn, looking deep in thought, Dorothy tilting her head, and Theia, maintaining a silence filled with tension.
Hearing that we were suddenly heading to Arael Fortress, after having settled in at Kisia Fortress, it was no wonder they felt puzzled.
So, I gave them a moment to ponder my words before continuing.
“Well, it seems like one victory is weighing heavily.”
Amidst the worst news that demons and dragons would jointly retaliate, my family’s commanders were feeling a sense of unease. Hanelrn might be different, but Dorothy and Theia appeared to struggle with accepting my leadership. However, in this situation, to see them being more serious was at least somewhat reassuring.
Moreover, it was not Hanelrn, who typically spoke up first in such situations, but rather Theia who asked the first question this time. I listened closely to her words.
“I knew we were going to operate together with the Special Mission Team, but the reason we have to head to Arael Fortress instead of collaborating in the Central and Eastern Fronts is…”
“The commander of the Subjugation Unit, Count Shianella, has relayed news directly from the Central Fortress. A wounded dragon is fleeing to Arael Fortress, and the demons that scared it off are also heading towards the fortress.”
“…So, it seems Arael Fortress is caught in a bigger predicament than anticipated.”
“If both the dragon and demon attack the fortress at once, even a Count who has mastered his skills will find it hard to cope. Thus, Your Highness has commanded that, except for those capable of responding to the enemy’s assault, most of our forces support the Count.”
“I understand. Losing the Dragon Subjugation Unit’s strength or allowing the fortress to fall can lead to dire consequences that we must absolutely prevent.”
“That’s right.”
Dorothy’s concise summary prompted a sharp nod from Theia.
It’s a painful loss to let Ainel, who is stubborn and strong-willed, keep fighting on her own, and if the fortress falls, it could lead to chaos spreading through the northern region caused by those treacherous cults.
“But… this could also be seen as an opportunity.”
Finally, Hanelrn, who had been quietly listening, decided to chime in.
“The dragon that comes down to the fortress is bound to be injured and weary. If the Dragon Subjugation Unit can gather reliable support and prepare thoroughly at Arael Fortress before engaging, it will tip the scales favorably for our dragon hunt.”
I willingly nodded in agreement with Hanelrn’s thoughts.
“Then, the key point is whether the demons will actually chase the dragon right up to the fortress… and if so, we need to successfully repel or subdue them, ensuring the Subjugation Unit can focus entirely on hunting the dragon.”
“Exactly, Commander Hanelrn.”
His insight echoed the same intent that Epheana had earlier indicated regarding Adelhaite’s objectives.
“The fortress is currently in a state of chaos due to monsters fleeing from the dragon and demons. The kingdom’s regular troops will defend the fortress in place of the busy Subjugation Unit, while those from influential families with deep knowledge of demons will work on repelling them to create a situation where we can focus on the hunt.”
Families like the Kalia Marquis Family, Rephelia’s Duke’s House, and Alenarr Marquis Family would all mobilize for what promised to be an extravagant battle.
“Moreover, we from the Baron Family are now under an obligation to respond to the demons, as ordered by Your Highness, who values my past accomplishments against the two demons.”
The Baron’s forces were no longer involved in inconsequential cult subjugations but were participants in demon hunting.
“Thus, as our forces will be thrust into the most perilous battleground, I intend to lead from the front, defending my soldiers and opening the path to Arael Fortress in this battle to forge them into a mighty army.”
I slowly made eye contact with the three commanders.
“Therefore, the roles of the commanders, whom the soldiers trust, are crucial. The soldiers will naturally rely on you more than on an unfamiliar head of the family.”
“Why do we need to—”
“Yet, even so, I feel a grave responsibility as the head of the family to protect countless lives and provide victory and peace to our territory. So, I ask you.”
The atmosphere was far from negative.
Break the storm. Bring about a great victory. I had even stated my willingness to lead from the front.
Instead of the initial friction, it’s only natural for a thought of trusting this friend to arise.
“I implore you all—”
Rather than becoming renowned mercenaries honing their skills; they were individuals who had ascended to the position of commanders while being members of a noble family.
Unlike the exchanges of contracts and payments, those who act according to chivalry and duty tend to cherish their lord’s trust and belief. They derive great joy from their recognized roles and skills.
Respecting all the goodwill and expertise the three commanders had built within the Baron Family, I made my request.
“Would you kindly assist me?”
I had an instinctive feeling.
It seemed like I had successfully won the trust of our commanders for the upcoming joint operation.
*
“It’s an honor to be alongside Baron Karpel and the Execution Unit.”
“I’m equally delighted to be with Ianette Kalia. I look forward to your guidance during this period.”
“Of course. The knights of the Execution Unit still remember the Baron’s valiant deeds from the Marquis Family.”
Abel Kalia’s Execution Unit was to join us.
They would remain with us until we reached Arael Fortress.
“This time, I’ll have the chance to repay the favor I owe the Baron through victory in battle.”
“That’s reassuring. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
With Abel making such declarations, it was certainly encouraging, and the vows of a knight tinged with a burning rage against the demons promised formidable support for the Baron’s family.
“Lord, all the soldiers are ready to move out!”
Upon hearing that report, I confirmed once more the strength of our Baron family.
‘It looks significantly better than last battle.’
While they weren’t completely devoid of a sense of tension, they didn’t seem to be frozen as in the previous northern gale.
I felt a sense of progress and spoke to Abel.
“The Baron Family has completed all preparations.”
“The Execution Unit is likewise ready for deployment at any time.”
“Then, let’s head to the meeting point.”
As we discussed how the Special Mission Team and the Baron family would move and coordinate in combat, Shione and I, the two commanders of each unit, sorted through our differences before heading west.
The first thing to do was to leave the fortress and join the Special Mission Team led by Shione.
‘Shione will be delighted to see me and might even be excited.’
Even though we were set to meet sooner due to the urgent situation in the west, one of the main reasons for our deployment to such different fortresses was indeed Shione’s intent to enhance her decision-making skills.
So, while I couldn’t forget my role as the commander of both units, I steeled my resolve to treat her with the respect she deserved.
Vwooo—!
At that moment, the blast of a horn indicating our departure echoed, accompanied by the opening of the fortress gates.
‘Well, our perceptive commander will handle things just fine.’
Diolia was aware of the reasons I had been stationed at a different fortress.
If it’s the commander, I’m confident they will respond accordingly to the situation.
So, setting aside my thoughts of Shione for a moment, we advanced and soon reached the rendezvous point without delay.
I spotted familiar armor in the distance.
“Those armors… they belong to the Special Mission Team, don’t they?”
“Indeed. It appears that the Count’s side has arrived at the meeting point early.”
“I thought we’d be on time, but it seems we made them wait. How did we end up making them wait, even if inadvertently?”
I casually responded to Abel’s words.
Well, regardless of Abel feeling sorry, our troops actually arrived just on time for the scheduled meeting.
It’s always best to arrive early. Among those like Diolia, who believe in diligence and earnestness as the keys to a person’s worth, it’s better to avoid awkward situations caused by tardiness.
It was clear that they synchronized well to arrive first and wait.
Getting closer to the Special Mission Team, their figures finally came into view.
“Looks like you’ve had some encounters on the way here, haven’t you?”
As Abel pointed out, the feral energy among our Special Mission Team members was still palpable, akin to a growling wolf.
Diolia and Shione were approaching us.
‘…What kind of enemies did they face that got Diolia so riled up?’
The brown stains clinging to her breastplate and the water dripping from her face, suggesting she had just washed it with water from her canteen.
It felt as though the scent of blood wafting from her presence, akin to a beast successful in a hunt.
While the Special Mission Team members were like wolves, Diolia clearly radiated the aura of their leader.
In a swift stride, Shione stepped ahead of Diolia.
“I’ve been waiting, Ianette Kalia. And… Baron Karpel.”
Her eyes shone with delight upon seeing me, displaying a naive joy that belied the fierce determination emanating from her, intermingling in a powerful clash of emotions.