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 91

Chapter 91   The Elite Royal Cavalry of the Garland Trading Nation

Amidst the howling wind and rain, I stood atop the watchtower, awaiting the charge of the Garland Trading Nation’s royal cavalry.

Cavalrymen, unlike infantry, were always composed of knights or higher-ranking members of society in any country. They were professional soldiers, loyal to their lords, as they were permanent retainers, unlike mercenaries. This made them not just a force capable of powerful charges, but also well-trained elite troops.

“Charge!”

Holding long lances, the cavalry charged forward in a straight line. The formation was wide, tightly packed, with no room for escape to the sides. The disciplined and unwavering line shattered the composure of the kingdom’s soldiers.

“Do not falter! Engage them!”

The frontline commanders of the kingdom shouted until their voices were hoarse. The proud heavy infantry braced themselves to block the cavalry’s charge.

But the weight of the lances, combined with the momentum of the charging horses, sent the shield-bearing heavy infantry flying one by one.

Through the gaps created in the ranks, light cavalry and mounted archers flooded in, quickly throwing the kingdom’s front lines into chaos.

“I’ll take your head!”

“Ugh… argh!”

One by one, the frontline commanders of the kingdom were struck down. The Garland knights ignored the fleeing infantry, focusing solely on targeting the commanders. The mounted archers and light cavalry worked together, concentrating their attacks on the lesser nobles of the kingdom who tried to hold the line.

“That’s cowardly!”

“…”

They created favorable situations by always engaging in two-on-one or three-on-one battles, employing tactics that made one question the meaning of chivalry.

Meanwhile, the heavy cavalry, with their overwhelming momentum, broke through the kingdom’s defensive formations even further.

“Reporting! Baron Edge has fallen in battle!”

“Additionally, Baron Aldrich has fallen! Baron Duckworth has fallen as well!”

At the headquarters of Marquis Clock, messengers, their cries resembling screams, rushed in one after another. The main force of the Kingdom’s army had been considered at low risk of fierce combat, and therefore many of its members were young men from noble families.

Many of these men were not just soldiers but also the educated youth of the kingdom—the future administrators and lords who would support the next generation of the realm.

It takes a long time to educate, train, and develop people. This was clearly a tremendous loss for the kingdom’s future, regardless of the battle’s outcome.

“We can’t stop the enemy’s charge! They’ll be here soon!”

“Your Grace, you must flee quickly!”

“…Damn it.”

The marquis felt a noble’s pride, unwilling to show his back to the enemy. But even as he hesitated, his loyal subordinates, trying to protect him, were being killed one after another.

…But it was clear that the battle was lost.

Our forces were in complete disarray, and there was no way we could hold out until reinforcements arrived. Proof of this was in the soldiers throwing down their heavy weapons and fleeing in all directions.

“Mm, I should flee.”

As for me, I was a former mercenary. I had no qualms about running away.

There were no comrades I was particularly attached to here, and no friends I felt obliged to protect. I quickly descended from the watchtower and slipped away amidst the chaos.

“Viscount Fisher has fallen!”

A voice, almost like a scream, called out from behind me.

…The son of the former chancellor. Ah, has he died so young…?

For the first time in my life, I felt a strong sense of regret about fleeing.

But I must flee.

Io, Opal—they’re waiting for me to return. At the very least, I must see Opal grow into adulthood.

“…Let’s go, Comet.”

I mounted Comet, pushed my way through the panicked soldiers, and rode south.

◇◇◇◇◇

Two hours later—

The battle’s outcome had become increasingly clear.

Earl Danford, one of the kingdom’s most seasoned and respected veteran generals, who was also beloved by the common soldiers and mercenaries, had fallen in battle.

Unable to bear the loss, Marquis Clock finally decided to retreat. However, his decision came too late.

Moreover, most of the kingdom’s army had been positioned in a poorly visible valley, making it difficult for many soldiers to escape.

The Garland nation’s army overran Marquis Clock’s headquarters. After seizing the flag bearing the royal emblem of the eagle, they set the camp ablaze. Seeing the flames, the surrounding kingdom’s forces abandoned any hope of rescuing the headquarters and began their retreat.

“Help me!”

“I’ll pay you! Just save me!”

In the customs of noble society during war, captured nobles could return home alive by paying a ransom. Conversely, capturing enemy nobles meant a financial gain.

“Die!”

…But today, the Garland nation’s army was different. They showed no mercy, delivering cold death to the kingdom’s nobles, ignoring any pleas for their lives.

Later, it was revealed that King Adolph of the Garland Trading Nation had opened the state treasury before this battle and generously distributed immense wealth to his knights.

Faced with the prospect of internal rebellion and certain destruction if they lost this battle against the kingdom, it was likely a testament to the king’s unwavering resolve.

“…Phew, I should be safe now.”

I had abandoned my comrades and continued fleeing until I finally escaped the valley. I then hid in the tall grass. There were no signs of the enemy.

“Come forth, Spirit of the Wind!”

Long-distance teleportation, unlike short-distance teleportation, required a lengthy incantation. I completed the incantation…

“What? Why isn’t it working!?”

…The magic wouldn’t activate!? What’s going on…?

“Find the one who escaped! Don’t let anyone live!”

“Got it!”

In the distance, I could hear the voices of the Garland nation’s soldiers. I felt the blood drain from my entire body.