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 73

Chapter 73   The Battle with the Republic (Part1)

Year 566 of the Unified Calendar, June.

Through Margrave Collins, I issued a call to arms to the local lords’ armies scattered across the Atago Plain. Our goal was the Rudmilla Plain, where Her Majesty’s forces awaited.

“March out!”

Whether due to long-standing resentment towards the Republic or the charisma of Margrave Collins, troops gathered from afar, totaling thirty-five thousand. With high spirits, the march continued, and we were met with a warm reception from the surrounding villages. We had no trouble with water, fodder, or setting up camp and successfully joined Her Majesty’s army.

◇◇◇◇◇

Upon joining Her Majesty’s forces, Queen Charlotte promptly came out to greet us with the local lords.

“Marquis Rillburn! You’ve come well.”

“Ha ha!”

“Thank you for your hard work in pacifying the borderlands. But what a tremendous number of troops you have.”

“All thanks to Your Majesty’s esteemed virtue.”

“Ha ha ha, no need to be modest. It is all your achievement. I will reward you generously later!”

“Thank you very much.”

After this exchange, I accompanied Her Majesty as we inspected the armies of the local lords from the Atago Plain. In response, Margrave Collins greeted us.

“Are you the Margrave Collins?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. It is an extreme honor to behold Your Majesty’s esteemed face.”

“Indeed. As you may have heard from Marquis Rillburn, I entrust you with the responsibility of ensuring the stability of your territory.”

“Ha ha!”

Margrave Collins then took the lead in introducing the local nobles, presenting them to Her Majesty one by one. The local lords, having severed ties with the Republic, pledged their allegiance to the Queen.

The armies of the local lords were officially incorporated into the kingdom’s forces, swelling the kingdom’s army to a formidable 45,000 troops.

Subsequently, we joined forces with Cade’s army, which had been attacking the surrounding castles, and faced the Republic’s forces entrenched deep within their territory.

◇◇◇◇◇

In the headquarters of the kingdom’s army, the commanders of the allied forces gathered for a military council.

“…So, is it agreed that my Cade will take the far right flank?”

Domel, the Viceroy of Cade, asked Alcock, who was leading the discussion.

“Yes, that is acceptable. Marquis Rillburn’s forces will take the left flank, and the newly joined lords will be stationed at the front line of the center.”

“Ha ha!”

It was the custom in this world that recently surrendered nobles would serve in the most dangerous front lines, a precaution against potential betrayal.

“Ha ha ha! Then let us show the power of Cade!”

Viceroy Domel said this with a flourish and promptly left the council. The other commanders of Cade followed suit and exited the meeting room. As a result, coordinated, detailed strategies became impossible.

“We have no choice! The fate of the kingdom hinges on this battle. All commanders, fight with determination!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Queen, who abhorred confusion, wrapped up the meeting swiftly. The enemy had 60,000 troops, while we had 45,000.

But we had the momentum. The enemy, fearing a decisive battle, had entrenched themselves deep within their territory.

…Of course, there were also likely intentions to lengthen our supply lines.

The commanders of the kingdom’s army, led by Alcock, left the meeting room with high spirits.

I remained in the council room. It was deserted, quiet, and calming. I took a sip of the now-cold tea, using it to cool the excitement of battle.

…Could there be a trap set by the enemy somewhere?

As a cautious person, I busily scanned the large map on the table.

“Shinker, will our army win this battle?”

When I turned around, I saw Queen Charlotte looking at me with a worried expression. She might be concerned about something as well.

Here we were, deep within enemy territory. If we were to suffer a major defeat, the nobles who had allied with us might turn against us. Escaping back home would be a daunting task.

“We’ll be fine. We can win this.”

“…I see.”

I tried my best to smile like one of the undefeated generals of old. It seemed to work, as she maintained her composure and, accompanied by her guards, left the tent.

“…Phew.”

I let out a sigh and poured myself another cup of tea from the pitcher.

◇◇◇◇◇

The sun was high in the sky, without a single cloud to obscure it.

“Why do you soldiers of the Kingdom of Owen dare to desecrate the land of my ancestors? I demand that you leave!”

A young noble from the Republic rode out alone before the battle began, loudly delivering his shameless proclamation. In response, one of our own young nobles shouted back, though I couldn’t hear the words from where I stood.

“Charge!”

It seemed the right wing, led by Cade, had made the first move. I could see the dragon knights charging forward, kicking up clouds of dust in the distance.

Boom, boom, boom, boom!

The war drums from both sides’ headquarters began to beat fiercely, as if in response to Cade’s charge. Large bronze gongs rang out as well, stirring the warriors’ fighting spirit.

“Commence firing!”

The Republic’s proud magic unit began launching fireball spells. In response, the Kingdom’s longbowmen advanced and unleashed a volley of arrows.

“What shall we do?”

Adelheid asked me.

Whether by luck or misfortune, the enemy facing the left wing under my command was positioned somewhat further back, leaving a gap that prevented an immediate engagement.

“……”

I’m not a hero by nature. The fear of losing at such a critical moment caused my decision to waver.

“…Alright, send the order to advance to all units!”

“Understood.”

Adelheid nodded at my command, raising her right hand. For this battle, we had decided to use a large conch horn from the Gale region as the signal for the charge. The deep, resonant sound filled the air, rumbling in the pit of my stomach.

Leading our front line was Momiji’s longbow unit.

“Fire!”

A massive volley of arrows shot through the air, descending upon the enemy lines. Their long range was more than enough to catch the enemy off guard.