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 117

Chapter 117   The Capture of Noel Castle

Early March, Year 568 of the Unified Calendar—

One night, Her Highness’s strategy was put into action.

Cade’s soldiers marched in perfect order, holding torches in both hands and shouting battle cries in unison. The sight made it appear as if tens of thousands of soldiers were advancing from the darkness, striking fear into the defenders of Noel Castle.

Unable to withstand the fear, many soldiers began to flee.

“Hey, wait! Don’t run away!”

The non-commissioned officers tried to stop the fleeing soldiers, but fear on the battlefield is like a rapidly spreading disease.

“It’s no use! You must flee!”

“Damn…”

Even knights, who were supposed to value honor, began to desert. Eventually, Jeff-Lee, the petty king of Noel, fled to a neighboring country. Fearing pillaging by Cade’s soldiers, many of the townspeople also fled north. Thus, Noel Castle, once hailed as impregnable, fell into the hands of Cade.

After the occupation of Noel Castle—

In the audience chamber within the castle:

“Well done, Lady Rillburn. You shall be richly rewarded upon your return home!”

“Thank you, I am deeply honored…”

Her Highness was quite pleased with the praise from Don. Later, in the hallway:

“Your old tale proved useful!”

“You remembered?”

“Indeed. However, you only ever talk about old battles. You should learn poetry to delight the ladies of the court sometimes.”

“Haha, I have no intention of learning such things. My only duty is to win battles.”

“I see, that’s one way to live as well.”

With the dignity of a true ruler, Her Highness returned to her assigned lodgings in the town.

Later—

Due to his repeated achievements in battle, Her Highness was awarded the honorary title of Viscount by the Cade family. She was also given command over 500 soldiers.

◇◇◇◇◇

Mid-March, Year 568 of the Unified Calendar—

After cleaning up following the capture of Noel Castle, Cade’s army advanced toward Gregory Castle, located east of Noel.

“Move out!”

The Cade’s army formed ranks and marched through the castle gates. Colorful banners of various sizes fluttered, reflecting the heightened morale of the troops.

Her Highness’s unit joined the expedition, but I was requested by Veroverma, the one entrusted with defending Noel Castle, to join the defense staff.

I, along with Pokorina and Little Bear, saw His Highness off. His guard duty was entrusted to Eclair, so I had no concerns. By the way, on Pokorina’s recommendation, we decided to name Little Bear as “Kumama.”

Veroverma, who was responsible for Noel Castle, was known as a brave general, but seeing him work closely, I realized he was also adept at handling paperwork. Truly an enviable skill.

I’m still not good with paperwork. In fact, I’m still practicing my writing.

The defense forces encountered no unusual incidents, and ten days later, we received a report that Gregory Castle had surrendered to the main army without resistance.

◇◇◇◇◇

Mid-March, Year 568 of the Unified Calendar—

The main force of the Cade Alliance moved northward from Gregory Castle. According to a letter from Her Highness, they were now besieging and attacking Leroy Castle.

However, it seems they are struggling quite a bit. Leroy Castle is isolated from the town below and perched on a sheer cliff between ravines. As a result, siege weapons are ineffective, and they are facing difficulties in their assault.

At the Cade military quarters in the town below Leroy Castle, I was speaking with a knight from the Rillburn family.

“…So, how is the matter of the six mithril anti-demon swords coming along?”

“Yes, as you ordered, I delivered all six to her Highness.”

“Well done. Here’s a token of my thanks.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I handed the knight a bottle of wine. I wasn’t sure if he liked alcohol, but wine has good trade value, so he likely wouldn’t mind.

◇◇◇◇◇

Late March, Year 568 of the Unified Calendar—

Cade abandoned their efforts to capture Leroy Castle and withdrew.

Leroy Castle is controlled by a petty king named Jerome Gilmore. He had formed a military alliance with the northern chieftains of the wild Levin region, which allowed him to hold significant power in the northern Roland region.

Cade’s decision to retreat was due to concerns that if the invasion dragged on, they would face not only challenges in securing food supplies but also have to contend with reinforcements from the Levin region.

“…So, how did it go?”

I was meeting with one of Eclair’s subordinates in a room within Leroy Castle.

“It seems the enemy successfully confiscated the enchanted swords.”

“I see. Good work.”

I handed a small pouch filled with silver coins to Eclair’s subordinate as a reward. Then, I went to see Noel castle’s steward, Veroverma.

“What brings you here, Sir Reister?”

“The truth is, I wish to visit Leroy Castle…”

“And what would you do in enemy territory?”

Veroverma gave me a sharp look, as if to say, “You’re not thinking of defecting, are you?”

“If luck is on my side, I will take Leroy Castle.”

“…I see. Well, do as you will.”

“Thank you.”

It seemed Veroverma wasn’t particularly interested in my plan. His expression suggested he thought it was impossible. But achieving the impossible is what leads to great accomplishments.

“Poko~♪” “Kuma~!”

I purchased supplies and loaded them onto my horse, Comet. Accompanied only by Pokorina and Kumama, I headed toward the town below Leroy Castle.