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 67

Chapter 67   Viceroy Domel

Mid-March, Year 566 of the Unified Calendar—

The Owen Alliance Kingdom mobilized an army of 15,000 troops and advanced northward. Simultaneously, the Cade Confederation, led by Viceroy Domel with an equal force of 15,000 soldiers, moved southward to launch a pincer attack on the Fletcher Republic’s army stationed in the land of Jif.

With no suitable defensive positions in Jif, the Republic’s forces were forced to flee. Thus, without facing significant resistance, the land of Jif was successfully recaptured.

“We are in a hurry, so let the Owen Alliance Kingdom’s army take its time coming behind us!”

“…What!?”

Domel’s statement, which bordered on provocation, spurred the young nobles of the Kingdom into action. Both armies advanced eastward in a competitive manner, eventually penetrating the vast Atago Plain, a region known as the Republic’s major granary.

“Advance!”

“Charge!”

The two armies overran the Republic’s fortresses along the border. They set up their tents in that area and convened a military council to outline their strategy.

◇◇◇◇◇

In the grand command tent of the Owen Alliance Kingdom’s army, the commanders of the Owen-Cade allied forces had gathered.

“We of the Cade Confederation will head south first to confront the main force of the Republic, which will likely arrive soon. I suggest leaving the occupation of the surrounding areas to the Owen forces,” declared Domel, the supreme commander of the Cade Confederation.

The Kingdom’s commanders reacted strongly to this.

“What are you saying!? You were originally meant to be our reinforcements. The main force here is us, the Owen army!”

“…Then, perhaps you would like to switch roles?” Domel responded calmly, causing the Kingdom’s commanders to fall silent. Despite their initial resistance, they knew all too well that the Republic’s forces were formidable. Without Cade’s well-trained soldiers, there was little hope for victory in an open battle.

“I would like to hear the opinion of the deputy commander!” one of the young nobles from the Kingdom urged, turning to me. As the deputy commander of the Kingdom’s forces, the responsibility fell to me. Although I was not yet experienced enough to sit in the place of the bold Alcock, who commanded great respect, I had to offer my suggestion.

“In that case, I propose that I take a force of 5,000 to occupy the surrounding areas, while the rest of our army proceeds southward. What do you all think?”

“Oh, that sounds good!”

The Kingdom’s commanders gladly agreed to my proposal. The plan was settled, and with the approval of Her Majesty the Queen, we prepared to engage the Republic under these terms.

◇◇◇◇◇

“…Then, Lord Alcock. I leave Her Majesty in your care!”

“Leave it to me!”

I parted ways with the main force of 25,000 soldiers heading south, remaining behind to deal with the surrounding frontier nobles.

“…Well then, let’s take it easy for now,” I said, prompting Nataraja to ask anxiously.

“Marshal! Aren’t we going to subjugate the nearby nobles?”

“Not yet.”

“May I ask why?”

Adelheid also inquired, so I reluctantly explained.

“The local lords around here are not long-time vassals of the Republic. If we appear to have the upper hand, they will likely change sides. We need to wait for that.”

“Do you believe our main force will win the decisive battle?”

“…Yes.”

“And if they lose?”

“We’ll secure a retreat route for our allies here. Don’t worry, Adelheid.”

“My apologies.”

Adelheid was understandably concerned about our inferior forces being stationed deep in enemy territory, and her caution was well-founded.

To be honest, I was scared too… But as the deputy commander of the entire Kingdom’s army, I had to put on a brave face and show everyone that I was confident and in control.

Two days later—

A messenger arrived at my camp.

“Urgent news! Urgent news!”

“What is it?”

“Our main force of the allied army has encountered the enemy’s main force!”

“…And the enemy’s numbers?”

“It’s reported to be 80,000!”

“…Eighty thousand?”

I had expected a difference in numbers, but not to this extent. The soldiers around me began to murmur anxiously upon hearing the news.

…This is bad. Very bad.

“Adelheid!”

“Yes!”

“Construct a fortress here. Have the soldiers prepare immediately!”

“Understood.”

I had been constructing a simple camp to give the impression of confidence, but it seems to have backfired. There’s no time to waste now.

“Nataraja!”

“Yes!”

“Increase the number of scouts! Use the dragon knights to expand our reconnaissance range!”

“Understood.”

In this critical moment, my trusted companion Stallon is not here. He’s currently tasked with guarding the supply convoy from the homeland.

◇◇◇◇◇

On a bright moonlit night, while the soldiers worked tirelessly through the night to hastily construct the fortress, I took a moment to rest in my tent.

“…Phew, I should get some sleep.”

After finishing my paperwork, I extinguished the candle’s flame. Just as I pulled a blanket over my weary body in the darkness, it happened.

Clang!

A gleaming blade aimed for my throat. I managed to block it at the last moment with a gauntlet crafted by a master artisan.

The attacker was clad entirely in black, with face concealed… An assassin hired by the enemy, perhaps?

“Who goes there!? Show yourself!”

The assassin remained silent as I sprang to my feet, dodging the second strike. Drawing my beloved sword, I deflected the third blow.

“Who are you!?”

Hearing my voice, Nataraja rushed into the tent, her sword targeting the assassin.

Realizing the disadvantage, the assassin attempted to flee, but Pokorina bit into the assassin’s leg. In that brief moment of hesitation, I struck the assassin with a blow.

Thud!

The assassin collapsed to the ground.

“Don’t kill! Capture the assassin alive!”

Hearing the commotion, the guards quickly gathered. The assassin was subdued and tied up with rope.

“Kill me!” the assassin shouted. When we removed the mask, the face of a red-haired woman was revealed.