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 143

Chapter 143   The Sweet Taste of Victory

“Tell the unmoving troops to act quickly!”

“Yes, sir!”

Chancellor Sauer bellowed his orders to the messenger.

But the royal army did not move as swiftly as Chancellor Sauer had hoped. In the meantime, a group of dragon knights charged in from the enemy’s right flank.

The dragons they rode, called dragonets, were only slightly larger than horses and couldn’t fly. However, their scales formed a tough outer layer, effortlessly deflecting arrows and low-level magic.

As these beasts charged forward, kicking up clouds of dust, it was no surprise that the infantry on the frontlines began to falter.

“…Hmm!? What’s happening with the units on the right flank?”

The royal army had been divided into twelve units, arranged in a solid formation designed to withstand the loss of any single group. However, it wasn’t the left flank, which was under attack by the dragon knights, but the largely unscathed right flank that was showing signs of retreating from the battlefield.

“A report from Viscount Olgren on the right flank! He says the enemy’s assault is too strong, and they are withdrawing from the battlefield!”

“What did you say!?”

The enemy’s offensive on the right wasn’t significant enough to justify such a retreat. Yet, it seemed as if the right flank was withdrawing in coordination with the enemy’s attacks—an unusual movement.

Similar reports soon followed, and, in turn, various units of the royal army began to retreat from the battlefield.

“What are our forces doing? Is this the proud royal army!?”

Only a few units of the royal army remained steadfast on the battlefield, but they were outnumbered and were being systematically crushed by the rebel forces.

“Chancellor, it’s dangerous here! You must prepare to retreat!”

“…Ugh.”

Despite his anger at the inexplicable withdrawal of his troops, the rebel forces were closing in fast. Grinding his teeth in frustration, Chancellor Sauer issued the order for a full retreat.

“Fall back! Fall back!”

“Retreat!”

Upon receiving the order to retreat, the unit that had barely managed to hold the battlefield also began to withdraw.

However, since Count Sauer did not organize a rear guard, the retreating royal army faced a direct pursuit from the rebel forces.

As the rebel cavalry chased, the infantry scattered in all directions. In particular, the heavily equipped heavy infantry, unable to flee quickly, became easy prey for the cavalry.

Moreover, some of the nobles couldn’t ride horses. They retreated in specially prepared carriages. But the heavy loads caused them to be overtaken by the rebel cavalry.

“Please, spare my life.”

The nobles, once caught, descended from their carriages and begged for their lives. The captured prisoners were handed over to the units coming from behind.

The pursuit was relentless, continuing even after the sun had set. As a result, many lower-ranking nobles from the royal palace side either surrendered or committed suicide, believing they had no chance to escape.

Those who barely managed to flee into the royal capital of Shampur were in tatters, and the royal army’s dignity was greatly diminished.

◇◇◇◇◇

Two hours before sunset――.

I stayed at the main camp, not participating in the pursuit. I had been recommended by both the Grand Duke’s house and the Duke of Rillburn’s house to serve as the overall commander of the allied forces.

In this battle, I used teleportation to quickly negotiate with the enemy. Rather than having them fully defect, I merely requested that they remain neutral when we attacked.

The result of these negotiations was evident: the enemy forces retreated without much fighting, and we secured victory with minimal effort.

“Most of our men are engaged in the pursuit. I worry about the defense of our main camp. Should we give the signal to withdraw soon?” suggested Adelheid, who was standing by my side.

I shook my head.

“Most of our forces are mercenaries hired with money. For them, this is their time to earn. It would be a shame to interfere.”

Armies typically suffer minimal losses while maintaining formation during combat. The real casualties often occur during retreats.

Since I was granted the position of overall commander this time, I feel the need to deal a significant blow to the enemy. To establish the next royal authority, we must make a strong display of our military might.

It’s true that ancient heroes are said to have sometimes let fleeing enemies go, but I suspect that’s a tale made up by later generations. Doing so would mean the chance to annihilate the enemy would never come.

…However, two hours later, it was sunset. Adelheid approached me again with a suggestion.

“Night battles can lead to friendly fire. Don’t you think it’s time to call it?”

Ideally, I’d like to continue pursuing the enemy until dawn, but I had to admit, the risk of mercenaries mistakenly fighting among themselves in the dark was real.

“Alright, give the signal to retreat.”

A large magical flare was launched from behind the main camp, illuminating the sky with a bright red light. It was the prearranged signal for retreat.

“Adelheid, I leave the rest to you. I’ll go report our victory to Her Highness.”

“Understood!”

After returning her salute with a nod, I headed for the tent where Her Highness awaited. This coalition army had been raised in the name of restoring Her Highness’s power, and she had entrusted me with military command while camping in a nearby village.

◇◇◇◇◇

Under the glittering night sky, I dismounted from comet and entered Her Highness’s quarters. We had requisitioned a few buildings in the rear village for his temporary stay.

“Excuse me.”

“Welcome back. Well done on the victory. I’m busy with meetings, so can we discuss the details tomorrow?”

“I have no objections.”

Many nobles were switching sides to join us, and Her Highness was occupied with receiving them. After leaving her quarters, I took a quick look into the tent where her guards were stationed.

Inside, the soldiers were all drinking and snoring loudly.

…Well, we did win the battle, after all. Scolding them too harshly didn’t seem right. I decided to let them sleep.

Later, I was shown to a guest tent, where I drank and lay down to rest. But just as I was getting comfortable, loud voices echoed from outside.

“Fire! Run!”