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 126

Chapter 126   Night Attack

On a night when the moon shone beautifully, couriers on horseback rushed one after another to the lord’s mansion.

“Baron Rend has rebelled! Viscount Mort has revolted!”

A series of grim reports flooded into Princess Fie’s quarters at the lord’s mansion in Ram.

But the most shocking news came next.

“Count Paulo, of your own family, has revolted!”

“!?”

Both Princess Fie and her close advisors turned pale at this report.

Count Paulo was not only a powerful noble, but his territory was located in the Ram Basin, directly to the west of Ram City, Fie’s stronghold.

The proximity made the threat even more urgent, and Fie’s advisors immediately began to summon troops. Naturally, the princess called for Her Highness and me as well.

◇◇◇◇◇

Though summoned by the princess, I didn’t immediately head to her mansion. I thought it wise to first hear what Her Highness intended to do.

“Your Highness, how should we proceed?”

“What are you saying? This is a rare opportunity to aid the princess and forge stronger ties with Cade!”

“However, the reports suggest that the princess’s forces are at a disadvantage. There’s a possibility that Count Paulo could become the ruler of Cade.”

I spread out the map, explaining how the rebels held the upper hand.

But Her Highness shook her head.

“If one always sides with the strongest, no one will follow. Royalty should serve as an example for the people!”

With such words, there was no room for argument.

Her Highness turned on her heel and departed swiftly, displaying the dignity of a true ruler.

But these are turbulent times.

Your Highness, things may not go as smoothly as you think.

…I thought to myself, but I was still pleased with Her Highness’s decision.

“Yes! Let us head out immediately!”

I quickly gathered the mercenaries I had arranged beforehand.

Additionally, I sent word to the main branch of the Duke of Rillburn and the Reister Barony, requesting reinforcements.

◇◇◇◇◇

One hour after Her Highness had left, I arrived at the princess’s mansion with 250 mercenaries.

“You’re finally here. I thought you had run away!”

“You must be joking!”

I laughed off Princess Fie’s jest.

However, survival as a noble house often depends on knowing when to flee. Many of the small noble families in the Ram Basin were proof of this, as they chose not to side with either Princess Fie or Count Paulo, instead staying in their territories to observe the situation.

“Let’s go, Sir Reister!”

“What!?”

Just as I was about to spread out the battle map on the table, Her Highness appeared from behind.

“What are you doing? We are launching a night raid on the enemy right now! Don’t fall behind!”

“…Huh?”

I was momentarily dumbfounded, but I couldn’t refuse to accompany my former liege on a sortie.

I mounted Comet, my horse, and ordered the mercenaries to prepare for departure. Then, I followed Her Highness as she galloped away.

◇◇◇◇◇

At the hill overlooking Count Paulo’s manor, I held the reins of her Highness horse.

“Please wait. Let’s wait for the soldiers to arrive.”

“…Y-yes, you’re right.”

Below us, soldiers were pouring into Count Paulo’s estate. According to the information we received beforehand, the princess’s forces numbered around a thousand, while the count had around 1,500 men.

While Her Highness’s horse was being watered, the mercenaries finally caught up to us.

“Let’s go!”

Her Highness raised her beloved sword high into the pitch-black night. I followed up with my own words.

“Loot whatever you find in the manor! You’re free to do as you please with anyone inside!”

“Yeah!!”

My crude words sent the mercenaries’ spirits soaring. It seemed to banish any fatigue they had from the forced march.

“Charge!”

We dashed down the hill, concealed by the cover of night, rapidly closing in on the count’s manor. We smashed through the walls with wooden mallets and poured into the estate.

“A night raid!”

“Everyone, run!”

“There are 2,000 enemy troops!”

“Retreat! Leave everything behind!”

The soldiers on Count Paulo’s side, who had grown complacent due to their numerical advantage, were completely unprepared. They had taken off their armor and were getting ready for bed.

I took advantage of the situation by spreading false information, pretending to be one of their fleeing comrades.

“The enemy’s forces are massive! If you don’t flee now, you’ll be slaughtered!”

As I stumbled around, I knocked over bonfires and tents, engulfing the count’s manor in flames.

“Charge! Kill them all!”

At that moment, Her Highness’s mercenary unit arrived, pursuing the already retreating enemy soldiers.

By the time the night began to give way to dawn, Count Paulo’s camp was in complete ruins.

“Victory cry!”

“Hurrah!”

Thus, Her Highness’s night raid was a resounding success.

◇◇◇◇◇

In the Morning

Our troops triumphantly returned to the town of Lam.

Receiving cheers from the crowd, we entered the manor where the princess awaited us.

“Princess of Rillburn! Your night raid was spectacular!”

“No, no, let’s use this victory as a stepping stone to drive the enemy away!”

Her Highness appeared uncharacteristically bashful at the princess’s praise. I watched this scene with a smile.

“Cheers!”

We raised our glasses in celebration of our victory while still on guard for any potential ambush.

However, I received a light reprimand from her highness regarding the reward I promised the mercenaries. Count Paulo’s manor had been filled with many treasures of Cade.

On the other hand, rumors spread that if one aligned with the princess, the rewards would be abundant.

Moreover, the victory of driving Count Paulo out of the Ram Basin due to the night raid was significant, and the minor lords of the Ram Basin pledged their loyalty to the princess.