SWNOVELXO Chapter 423
Before falling to Kisia Fortress, Shione and her current self exuded a subtly different atmosphere.
Her once clear and pure azure eyes seemed to reflect the growth of profound insights. Rather than a sky that testified to her innocence, it was reminiscent of a clear ocean beneath which deep and mysterious things lay in slumber.
‘While I fought my battles, Shione must have put in her efforts as well.’
It made me wonder if, during the time we had lost contact, she had experienced and felt her share of challenges.
Gazing at Diolia, it seemed she subtly nodded with a smile, indicating that it wasn’t just my imagination.
So, after exchanging light greetings, Shione, suppressing her excitement, took the lead.
“Hmm, as the Special Mission Team and the Baron family will be engaging in battles together to Arael Fortress, let’s discuss the anticipated battles and cooperation methods before we set off.”
I readily nodded at Shione’s words.
“Since Ianette Kalia has experience deftly commanding soldiers from the last war, I would like to seek her wisdom during our discussion.”
Moreover, unlike my late brother, Allen Kalia, Abel Kalia is not just someone who boasts about being a knight and an excellent soldier.
He wanted to prove his capabilities, unlike other noble sons, choosing to learn about the struggles of his family’s soldiers rather than mastering social skills from cult teachings. Rather than indulging in the comforts of a warm home or the highbrow cultural life of territorial governance, he was someone who immersed himself in tactics and military strategy.
“Sounds good. I will wait for you all in the command tent we’ve set up.”
After our brief conversation, I confirmed that the two of them had entered the tent first.
I then approached our commander, and Abel momentarily headed toward his knights.
When I first went to Dorothy, I asked.
“The wizards leading by Dorothy are part of the reserve magic unit, correct?”
“That’s right. The main unit of wizards is still with the Baron family.”
“The differences between spirit magic and wizardry are more significant than I expected, so the combat styles between spirit mages and wizards are widely divergent. Therefore, while the Knights’ Order employs refined swordsmanship, the Assault Brigade is known for their aggressive yet sure attacks. I have a general grasp of their characteristics and level, but I would like to hear more precisely about the combat capabilities of the reserve magical unit. Can you share that with me?”
“Of course, my lord. The purpose of forming our reserve magic unit is to provide immediate support should there be significant losses or low combat effectiveness in the main unit during battle. Hence, we gathered wizards with exceptional combat skills. Therefore, while the number of reserve magic unit members is smaller than the main unit, it doesn’t mean their proficiency is any lower.”
Dorothy responded with a sense of pride regarding her magical unit.
“Just like in the last battle, we can perform single-target spells, but if necessary, our wizards can engage in close combat as battle wizards. We trained both situational spells and swordsmanship for this purpose, so I believe we can withstand quite well against knights below the expert level in close-range combat.”
It seems that Dorothy’s confidence stems from wizards who can fight in close combat.
It’s nice to have tactical wizards who can change the battlefield dynamics in an instant, but personally, I find myself preferring battle wizards who engage in close combat. Perhaps that’s just me. The capability to hold their own in close range against knights wielding swords is promising.
Though the Special Mission Team is filled with excellent knights and rangers, it feels lacking in wizards.
Perhaps with our Dorothy’s reserve magic unit, we can achieve considerable synergy with the Special Mission Team.
Having already gotten a rough idea of the Assault Brigade and Knights’ Order, I needed to slowly head towards the command tent with a reliable aide, like Shione with Diolia.
So, I casually addressed Hanelrn, who was visibly trusted by the two commanders and soldiers.
“Captain of the Knights’ Order, I heard you graduated from the Royal Academy. I wanted to ask if you are also knowledgeable about tactics and strategy.”
“I did have the opportunity to learn a bit at the Academy. While it’s not profound, I believe I have enough knowledge to make use of it.”
“Good. Then let’s head together.”
“Together, you say?”
“I’m going to discuss future cooperation in the Count’s command tent. Since it seems you are knowledgeable not just about the Knights’ Order but also about the Assault Brigade and the magic unit, I’d like to borrow your knowledge whenever necessary.”
“I see. Then I will gladly follow your orders, my lord.”
With that, I ensured I wouldn’t make any misjudgments regarding our forces.
As I led Hanelrn toward the Count’s command tent, Theia watched their retreating figures and muttered to herself.
“Hmm… nobody’s talking to me, huh…?”
Though she too was a commander in her own right, she couldn’t help but feel a little neglected.
Hearing Theia’s quiet disappointment, Dorothy stealthily approached and chimed in.
“Feeling a bit left out, are we, Theia?”
“Ah! Yikes! When did you sneak up next to me? My heart almost dropped… make some noise when you come near.”
“I couldn’t help but find it amusing to see you sulking while staring at the back of my lord. But you really don’t need to feel that way.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“My lord just came to ask about the exact capabilities of the reserve magic unit. Bringing Hanelrn along seems to be an attempt to have a discussion with the commander of the Special Mission Team as well, creating a balanced approach with the Count’s side.”
“…Really?”
“And you know, he really complimented how impressive the cavalry’s bold yet accurate strikes are. Isn’t that enough?”
“…Did he really say that?”
“Why would I lie to Hanelrn? He was straightforward and direct, that’s why he gravitated toward me—”
As Theia raised her fist in a playful threat, Dorothy instinctively stepped back, checking Theia’s expression.
It seemed Dorothy’s comment warmed Theia’s heart a bit, as her lips curled into a slight smile.
“I really knew you were simple-minded.”
“Who’s simple-minded? I went to the Academy just like Hanelrn did, you know?”
“You did drop out in the middle, though. I’m a graduate from the magic department.”
“…”
In the end, the winner of their verbal battle was Dorothy.
*
A map illustrating the range from Central Fortress to Arael Fortress spread across the table.
Gathered around it were five individuals.
Basically, it was Shione and Diolia, along with me and Hanelrn facing each other, with Abel Kalia added into the mix.
“Now, let’s begin our meeting regarding the anticipated points for battle along our route of movement.”
Our conversation proceeded without delay, centered around the map filled with various markings.
“First, here. Right next to this path is an erosion zone. While my magic can mitigate damage from magic, it’s possible that we might encounter monsters or, if we’re unlucky, combat with the cultists.”
“It looks the same for this side as well. However, since this eroded area is more open terrain, we could send scouts to assess the situation and potentially avoid it.”
“And this place… is suspected to have strong combat with the cult. In total, there are three spots. If we end up fighting, we need to discuss how the Count’s House and the Baron’s House will coordinate.”
While there may be more engagements to come, the key points where we surely need to engage in battle total to three.
Two of those were likely to be contact points with monsters.
Finally, the role distribution between the Count’s House and the Baron’s House began.
“Our Baron’s strength lies in the agile movements of the cavalry and the firepower from numerous wizards. However, the proficiency of our ordinary soldiers is lower than that of the Count’s Special Mission Team. Before we reach our destination, I’d prefer to avoid engaging with the enemy for now.”
The firmly spoken words caused Shione, who had been looking down at the map, to sneak a glance at me.
“The Special Mission Team’s scale cannot simply be viewed as an ordinary knight’s order. They possess a significant number of elite knights and rangers, which means they can respond to enemy ambushes and exert pressure back on the enemy. Therefore, I think it would be best for the Count’s Special Mission Team to lead the advance while the Baron’s House remains behind to guard at a distance. What do you think?”
After hearing my words, Shione pondered for a moment before responding.
“I fully understand the situation of the Baron’s House. However… having the Count’s Special Mission Team bear the brunt continuously will lead to significant fatigue for our soldiers. The forward reconnaissance and judgment of the Special Mission Team will directly link to the safety of both sides, so their responsibility is heavy. Hence, I believe it would be best for us to do this.”
Shione’s index finger glided along the long path until it reached the point of predicted battle.
“The relatively safer route towards the designated combat zone will be led by the Baron’s House, allowing the Special Mission Team to rest. Conversely, as we near the areas of heavy fighting, the Special Mission Team should take the lead.”
“However, while the Special Mission Team is leading, the probability of battle will be high, so I would like support from the Baron’s knights.”
“Currently on the Baron’s side, not only do we have Hanelrn leading the Knights’ Order, but we also have the Assassin Squad of Ianette Kalia. It appears the Baron wishes to utilize the strengths of the cavalry and wizards, so even if a few knights are unavailable, I believe it won’t be too much of a burden for you.”
Having heard Shione’s bold request, I glanced at Abel for a moment.
“I’m also positive about providing support to the Assassin Squad’s knights. However, the Assassin Squad will need to part ways with the Baron’s forces after a certain point during our movement. I think offering too many knights as support would be burdensome for maintaining our capabilities.”
“That should be sufficient.”
“However, it might be worth considering sending even more support in regions resembling the western border where the terrain is similar.”
With Abel’s response, the discussion concerning knight support began to take shape.
We decided to send a few more of our knights to the Count’s House.
In addition, fighting alongside the knights of the Special Mission Team would provide valuable learning experiences.
Once the movement discussion concluded, we resumed our dialogue.
“I would like to seek your advice regarding the route our cavalry will take at this location, as Lady Diolia has previously led the Count’s heavy cavalry.”
“Gladly. In this case….”
After conversing with Diolia, I turned to Shione.
“What are the approximate striking distances of the wizards from the Baron’s side?”
“I’d like to answer that on their behalf… May I, my lord?”
As Shione and Hanelrn continued their exchange, time seemed to pass seamlessly, allowing our framework to start forming.
Wanting to take a short break, we were all about to exit the tent when suddenly—
“Ah, wait a moment.”
Shione drew our attention.
“Baron Garfel has some things he wishes to discuss, so could you remain for a bit?”
Then she added for me to stay.
As everyone stepped out of the tent to breathe the fresh air and take a break, I stood quietly facing Shione.
Soon enough, her public, cold demeanor crumbled in an instant.
“By the way, Ray—”
Her voice dripped with the sulkiness of disappointment.
Frowning with her arms crossed, she firmly expressed her displeasure and calmly opened her mouth.
“…Why didn’t you reply to my letter?”
…Didn’t I write a response and send it on time?
I had no idea what went wrong, but one thing was clear.
“I was seriously thinking every night about how to write a response just for you.”
It seemed like my break time was going to be entirely consumed.