Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 114

Chapter 114   Aias’s Plan

Mid-January, Unified Calendar Year 568—

The roads leading out of the Ram Basin were completely covered in snow, halting the comings and goings of traveling merchants who brought with them the latest gossip. However, since there were fewer battles in the snowy season, Cade’s warriors, who had been working as mercenaries in foreign countries, were returning home. Many houses in the village seemed lively and cheerful.

“Princess, how are you feeling?”

“Yes. I’m not feeling too bad.”

One morning, I visited Lady Fie with Dr. Gunter to check on her condition.

Thanks to the doctor’s magic and treatments, over ten days since the start of her treatment, the princess had regained her appetite and could now eat her favorite foods.

“However, it’s important not to be complacent. Please stay warm.”

“I know, I know. You’re a fussy doctor, aren’t you? Hahaha!”

According to the maids, it was rare for the princess to laugh. Her complexion had improved so much that one might question whether she was truly suffering from an incurable disease.

“I will visit again soon.”

“Very well. Thank you for your effort.”

That afternoon, I parted ways with the doctor and attended a banquet with Her Highness and Don, the head of Cade. In the world of the nobility, banquets were frequently held, and the conversations at these gatherings were often crucial for political negotiations and preliminary stages of diplomacy. Today’s topic was also about deploying troops to the northern Roland region after the snow melted.

“…Oh? So, you are saying that the kingdom will not move its troops for now?”

“Indeed. At present, they are dispirited from last year’s defeat, and their treasury is depleted. They likely won’t be able to mobilize until the harvest season in autumn.”

Don, the head of Cade, was trying to gauge the Owen Alliance Kingdom’s intentions. Although the kingdom and Cade were allies, in these war-torn times, alliances were not absolute.

“…So, it seems I can mobilize my entire army?”

“Yes, and furthermore, we will accompany you.”

“Hmm? You mean to say you will lend your assistance?”

Don asked Her Highness with a slightly surprised expression.

“Yes, as part of our goodwill, we will accompany you!”

“That is encouraging. I’m counting on you! Hahaha!”

Don slapped Her Highness on the shoulder and laughed with a face full of wrinkles. It was well known that the head of Cade rarely laughed.

He had likely taken a liking to Her Highness. For that alone, this diplomatic mission could be considered a success. I, too, smiled genuinely from the bottom of my heart.

◇◇◇◇◇

Early February, Unified Calendar Year 568—

Though there was still a lot of snow, the Cade forces were secretly preparing for war in the Ram Basin.

Cade’s target was the northern Roland region, where many small nations were scattered, making them relatively easy opponents.

Lower-ranking nobles and knights were engaged in recruiting and negotiating with mercenaries hired temporarily. Additionally, they were buying up fodder for horses and dragonets, gathering supplies in storage facilities.

Powerful nobles stationed in the Neville region and the Heather Basin also gathered. A military council was held at the leader’s mansion.

During the military council at the leader’s mansion, I too, as a participant in this battle, sat at the end of the hall.

“…So, you suggest we should first attack Noel Castle?”

“That is correct.”

The one proposing the strategy to capture Noel Castle to Don, the head of the alliance, was an elderly commander named Aias. He was the castellan of Agatram Castle, a key position in the Neville region, and had been gathering intelligence on Noel Castle to the north for some time.

“Attacking Noel Castle isn’t a bad idea. But the enemy is that Lee fellow, isn’t it? He’ll surely hole up inside Noel’s fortified walls and won’t come out!”

The Cade’s specialty was field battles that utilized the mobility of their dragonets. On the other hand, Viceroy Domel was concerned that they were not very skilled in siege warfare.

“I understand. According to my research, there is a low mountain called Arles on the eastern side of Noel. If we seize the summit and place catapults there…”

“I see! With stones raining down from a high position, even a formidable fortress can be reduced to rubble. Hahaha!”

Veroverma responded energetically to Aias’s suggestion. He was short in stature but was a skilled frontline commander, the half-brother of the brave General Ove, and renowned for his tactical acumen.

“And what about the catapults, which are crucial to this plan?”

“They should be ready by early March, once the snow has melted.”

Aias answered Domel’s question, and Don nodded quietly, finalizing the council’s decision.

“Alright, we shall march at the beginning of March! All commanders, return to your territories and make preparations promptly!”

“Understood!”

Everyone turned to Don and bowed deeply. Then, they recited words of prayer for victory to the red dragon flag, which had been a symbol of the Cade Confederation for generations, thus concluding the military council.

“Well done,” I said to Her Highness, who had also attended.

“We shall also make a name for ourselves!” Her Highness declared.

“Huh?”

I understood her enthusiasm, but we did not have our own troops. I couldn’t help but feel that a general without soldiers would find it challenging to achieve any noteworthy accomplishments…

The following day—

I visited Princess Fie with Dr. Gunter to check on her condition.

“Are you heading out to battle as well?” the princess asked.

“Yes, Your Highness,” I replied. “However, the doctor will remain here with you, so please rest assured.”

“I see. I wish you good fortune in battle.”

“I am deeply grateful for your kind words, Your Highness!”

Shortly after, a maid brought in hot water and tea leaves.

“I have ordered this special tea for you. Please enjoy it,” the princess offered.

“Thank you very much,” I said.

Dr. Gunter and I were treated to the exquisite tea by the princess. The tea was of high quality, the accompanying sweets were delicious, and we enjoyed a lively conversation.