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 92

Chapter 92   Escape to Ferguson

The battle around the fortified city of Rageta had turned overwhelmingly in favor of the Garland Trading Nation’s army, evolving into a pursuit.

Historically, it is known that organized battles do not typically result in many casualties. On the contrary, the majority of losses occur during these pursuit phases.

A pursuit is the prime opportunity to decisively defeat the enemy. Therefore, those known as skilled warriors are the ones who relentlessly conduct these pursuits.

King Adolph of the Garland Trading Nation would later be remembered as such a fierce and renowned commander.

Night had fallen, enveloping the surroundings in complete darkness. However, there was no sign that the enemy’s pursuit would cease.

“Don’t let them escape! Capture a noble of the kingdom, and you’ll be rewarded as you wish!”

“Aye!”

At times like these—

The local inhabitants always side with the victors. Therefore, the number of those pursuing can multiply significantly.

…What should I do?

I was growing anxious. I had assumed I could easily escape since I could use teleportation magic.

But now, that magic wasn’t working. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

“Poko~♪”

Pokorina, my companion, opened my backpack and pulled out the farsight crystal. …Of course, that’s an option.

I used the farsight crystal to consult with Count Bartholomeus, who was far away, about the current situation.

“…”

“Hmm, it seems a large barrier has been erected!”

“A barrier!?”

The Count’s response was unexpected. He explained that a barrier had been set up across a vast area, preventing the use of magic.

“But… how could they create such a large barrier!?”

Setting up a barrier requires a specific ritual. While it’s manageable over a small area, erecting one across this entire region would typically take an enormous amount of time.

“They might have anticipated your retreat to this area and prepared it in advance,” suggested the Count.

“…Surely not?” I replied, hesitating to believe it.

If the Count was right, it would mean that the enemy had predicted not only where we would fight but also that we would retreat to this very area.

“Milord! There’s no time for speculation! You must flee before you’re found!”

“Understood, I’ll do my best!”

I thanked the Count, packed the farsight crystal back into my backpack, and then lifted Pokorina into my arms before mounting Comet.

In the darkness—

I chose the cover of the undergrowth, speeding through it, avoiding the most direct route back to the kingdom, and instead fled toward the pathless southeastern mountain region.

◇◇◇◇◇

Morning of the Fourth Day—

The stormy weather had cleared, and the sky was now a brilliant blue. Flocks of wild birds flew cheerfully along the mountain slopes.

“…Phew.”

Once we entered the Ferguson region, we would be back in the kingdom’s territory. The treacherous journey through the mountains was nearly at an end.

“…Phew.”

I found a small stream and let Comet drink from it. With no supply convoy to carry provisions, I had to rely solely on the rations I carried.

I broke a small piece of hardened, blackened bread and shared it with Pokorina.

This was the last of our food. However, after fleeing through the harsh weather, it did little to satisfy my hunger.

I took out some fishing gear from my backpack and baited the hook with a nearby insect. As soon as I dropped the hook into the stream, fish began to bite almost immediately.

“Poko-ko~♪”

Pokorina gathered some branches, and I used fire magic to start a fire. We skewered the fish on sticks and carefully roasted them over the flames.

The sound of fish fat sizzling filled the air as the scales and skin turned a crispy golden brown. When the fish was fully cooked, Pokorina and I eagerly dug in.

“Poko~♪” “Tastes great!”

We both shouted in delight at the delicious grilled fish, our dirt-streaked faces breaking into smiles.

◇◇◇◇◇

After entering the Ferguson territory, I chose a small road and walked on foot. Comet had injured its leg during our escape, so our pace had slowed considerably.

The area around the road was open, with peaceful countryside stretching out in all directions. If I recall correctly, this should be the territory of Count Pan. I decided to ask an elderly man passing by.

“Is this Count Pan’s territory?”

“Indeed it is. If you keep going, you’ll reach his manor.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

I thanked the old man and continued on my way with a sense of relief.

As I walked further, I could see a village in the distance. It was likely the castle town of Count Pan’s estate.

“Hey, you there, stop!”

As I approached the village, I encountered a checkpoint, where a poorly dressed guard called out to me.

“I am Baron Reister, a vassal of the Owen Alliance Kingdom!”

When I introduced myself, the guard’s expression grew even harsher.

“Do you even know where you are?”

“What? Isn’t this Count Pan’s territory?”

“You’re not wrong, but this is now the Garland Trading Nation’s Count Pan’s land! Leave, enemy of the state!”

“…Y-yes, of course.”

I hastily left the area. When I looked back from a distance, I saw the flag of the Garland Trading Nation raised at the checkpoint.

…Could it be that Count Pan has switched sides to the Garland Nation? If so, did he act independently?

Perhaps Duke Chad, who is closely aligned with the Count, has also sided with the Garland Nation. If that’s the case, I need to escape from the Ferguson region as soon as possible…

“Comet, I’m sorry, but we need to push on a bit longer!”

I urged the injured Comet forward, quickening our journey eastward.