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 96

Chapter 96   Mr. Gunter

Mid-July of the 567th Unified Calendar――

This summer was unusually sweltering. Cicadas were busy singing during the day, while flies gathered on the soldiers’ bodies, and mosquitoes interrupted their sleep at night. Even today, a man with sunburned, darkened skin and severe burns on his face fought daily under the scorching sun.

“Archers, prepare!”

I placed summoned demon skeleton soldiers at the front line and had the human longbowmen led by Momiji serve in the rear.

“Arrows, release!”

At my command, the fifty archers fired a volley of arrows toward the enemy. Once again, we were providing support for the retreating friendly units that had dispersed.

“Now, get inside and take cover!”

After ensuring that the pursuing enemy hesitated, I led the retreating soldiers into the fort. I had been making various improvements to the occupied fort, turning it into a makeshift stronghold.

“Though I do not know you, I am grateful for your assistance!”

This time, we successfully protected an elderly lower nobleman on horseback and about fifteen foot soldiers.

“No need for thanks; I am a nameless young man.”

“Much obliged!”

The old nobleman, after drinking the water I provided, finally seemed to relax.

“…Will our allies still come?”

It had been ten days since we had barricaded ourselves in this fort. I was becoming concerned about our food supply.

“Our allies will surely come, but so will the enemy. There are also significant figures who missed their chance to escape behind us, and they are being pursued by enemies.”

“Well then, please escape first.”

“Will you not be coming with us?”

The elderly nobleman asked with concern.

“Yes, I intend to do my best in this battle.”

“…I see, I see. It is just a little further to the kingdom’s controlled territory. We will give you some of our surplus food.”

Saying this, the elderly nobleman and his companions gave us some of their surplus food and then departed toward the kingdom’s territory.

◇◇◇◇◇

Three days later――

The scouts sent out to the nearby forest hurried back.

“Lord, more of our allies are escaping this way!”

“How many?”

“About five hundred, I estimate!”

“I see. Good work! Rest up and take it easy.”

Five hundred was a significant number for the remnants of this battle. It indicated that many had managed to escape in various directions.

“Thank you! I am deeply grateful!”

“More importantly, please hurry!”

We quickly welcomed the retreating soldiers into the fort. The severely wounded were piled high in carts, and a nauseating stench of blood and sweat filled the air. Many were injured, and there were no undamaged individuals among them.

“Quickly transport the critically injured to the log cabins!”

“Yes, sir!”

We didn’t want the skeletal soldiers to be visible to our allies. Therefore, the fifty soldiers led by Momiji worked desperately.

“Help me!”

“It hurts so much!”

Such cries of the soldiers are rarely detailed in the records of ancient commanders. However, casualties were an inevitable part of both defeats and victories.

“Are there any healers available?”

“…W-well, the thing is…”

“Are there any or not? Speak clearly!”

I found myself shouting at the hesitant non-commissioned officer. Perhaps part of my frustration was due to my own inability to use healing magic.

“There are some.”

“Where?”

“In that carriage over there.”

I ran in the direction pointed out by the non-commissioned officer and found a large four-horse carriage.

“Pardon me, but whose carriage is this?”

When I asked loudly, the carriage door opened, and an elderly man who seemed to be a healer peeked out.

“This carriage belongs to Lord Clock.”

“What!?”

Looking inside the carriage, I saw a marquis lying down, wrapped in bandages. He seemed to be unconscious and appeared severely injured even to an untrained eye.

…However, there were three individuals who appeared to be healers.

“What do you need?”

“Just water.”

“Then I’ll provide it, so head to the royal capital immediately! Also, give me one of the healers.”

“Thank you for arranging this. I understand.”

Even though they were high-ranking nobles, four skilled healers were too much to monopolize. I had one young healer exchanged for a barrel of water and immediately sent the healer to the building where the severely wounded were waiting.

“Sorry, but please take care of the soldiers!”

“Understood.”

I sent the young healer right away to treat the injured. The urgent medical treatment continued until nightfall.

That evening, late at night――.

To express my gratitude, I invited the young healer to my small tent.

“Thank you so much for your support. I feel as though we’ve received the help of ten thousand troops with your arrival!”

When I said this, the young healer responded with a smile.

“Ah, compared to my mentor, I’m still inexperienced.”

“That’s not true. I’d even like you to join my unit starting today. By the way, what is your name?”

“I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Drystan Gunter.”

“I see, Dr. Gunter. Well then, please have a drink.”

“Thank you very much!”

I generously offered the wine I had hidden under the bedding.

By the way, Dr. Gunter seemed to have also studied as a pharmacist who did not use magic. Pharmacists were a popular profession open to commoners, and it was a profession that could be pursued without the use of magic.

Suddenly, the candles in the tent flickered.

“Lord, the enemy has arrived!”

A messenger burst in, almost rolling. I placed the young, drunk healer onto my bedding and stood up, ready with my beloved sword.

“Alright, I’ll go now. Also, tell anyone who can escape to do so immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

When a high-ranking noble arrives, it is natural for the enemy to follow. It was my mission to drive them away.