I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble and I Want to Be Expelled, but the Yandere Princess Won’t Let It! - Chapter 35-37

Chapter 35: The Situation

After acquiring everything that could be obtained in the capital, I had returned to the territory with Reno.

After repositioning the knights who had come back as escorts to their original posts, I instructed them to gather people from the reserve forces, and Reno and I headed to the conference room.

“Well then… How is the current state of the war situation?”

Standing next to me, Reno answered my question while I looked at the large three-dimensional map spread out before me.

“It can already be said that we are quite at a disadvantage.”

Before I could move, Reno, who was aware of the situation at the front lines thanks to our intelligence unit, answered the question. Pointing to the most crucial defensive point, which was the border region where my father had served, he began to speak.

“In the western part of our country, there is the territory of Baron Lewis, who developed the land with nothing to his name. However, due to its location, defending Baron Lewis’ territory is extremely difficult.”

To the west of our country lies the vast mountain range known as the Dragonbone Mountains, which prevents anyone from approaching.

The only way to cross the Dragonbone Mountains is through a single flat valley.

Therefore, any invasion from the west must pass through this narrow path, and it is here that we have established the largest fort in the world.

Our country only needs to defend this fort, which is why our defense is the strongest.

“Well, in terms of defense… if it turns into a war, it would be abandoned, right?”

Baron Lewis’ territory is located outside the mountains.

It was expected that it would fall quickly in a war, so it was not a concern.

“Yes, that’s correct. Baron Lewis’ territory has already fallen, and his family has retreated in a desperate state.”

“The real problem is my father. The betrayal of my father, who was guarding the most important fort.”

The biggest issue is the betrayal of my father, who was stationed at the crucial fort in the western defense.

“Yes. This fort has already fallen.”

Reno nodded to my words and planted the enemy’s flag at the fort in the valley of the Dragonbone Mountains.

“…Then, we are fighting with the Dragonbone Mountains, the most advantageous defensive location, abandoned. Specifically, it means fighting in the vast plains beyond the mountains.”

Beyond the Dragonbone Mountains lies a vast plain where nomads live.

“That is correct. Currently, our country is using a delay tactic by taking advantage of the space of this vast plain, and immediate improvements are needed.”

“This is tougher than I imagined.”

Our country is desperately using delay tactics… and waiting for the arrival of the army led by me, the Lastella Marquess.

This is not a task to be entrusted to a ten-year-old.

“It looks tough.”

But, handling this is my job, and there is no way to escape from it.

—

Chapter 36: Strategy Meeting

The situation is very challenging.

The battle conditions have already caused the original defense plan to collapse.

“Indeed, the situation is quite tough, but if it’s me and Lord Reno, there’s no problem. Even in a disadvantaged situation, we can sometimes turn the tide with individual strategies!”

“No, it’s generally impossible… But it’s not something that can’t be managed, and it’s not a matter to give up on.”

“Yeah…”

“By the way, I’ve been wondering for a while, why do you switch between using honorifics and casual speech when talking to me?”

I take the opportunity to ask Rinonara about something I’ve been curious about.

“…Huh? Well, um… I’m often scared in my natural state, so I’d prefer Lord Reno to see my cute side. But using that tone in a serious situation feels a bit out of place, doesn’t it?”

“Really? I’m usually quite carefree, so I don’t really… worry about it. I won’t dislike Rinonara no matter what you do, so just be yourself, okay?”

“…Yes, thank you.”

“Now, let’s get back to the topic and focus on the war strategy.”

I shift the conversation from Rinonara’s speech to the topic of the war.

“If we proceed, the question is how to fight…”

“Yes, that’s right. In open-field combat, it’s not very effective.

When thinking of open fields, the image of horse-riding peoples like the Mongols being the strongest comes to mind, but this world is different.

Horses that are sensitive to noise become dysfunctional with just a small explosion spell, making their proper use impossible.

In a world where even a regular soldier can easily use powerful long-range magic, trench warfare has already become the norm.

“For now, we need to set up a defensive line… We have already established the defense line along the river, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It has been done without any issues.”

“Then… how about abandoning the delaying tactics and retreating the entire army? We could then use a surprise attack on the enemy soldiers who followed us.”

“Isn’t that a bit too obvious?”

“If that’s the case, it’s actually convenient, as it allows for a safe retreat.”

“…Indeed, that is true.”

“One option could be to firmly establish a defensive line and engage in a standoff. It would be interesting to see how the enemy moves. Maintaining the supply lines is also quite tough.”

“That is true, but considering the skilled Lastella family, they might have some countermeasures.”

“Who knows? We still have the barbarian mindset of raiding locally.”

“Is that so? If so, we…”

I continue discussing the strategy meeting with Rinonara, exchanging ideas and solutions.

—

Chapter 37: Retreat

“Finally, it’s time to retreat.”

Amid the vast plains, Baron Lewis, who had been desperately conducting delaying tactics, let out a cry of joy at the long-awaited retreat order.

“Everyone, retreat. Fall back to the river line. All troops will turn their backs and make a hasty retreat like a fleeing rabbit. Our backs will be protected by heroes. All supplies must be discarded. It seems the defense line already has everything needed. The supplies we’ve desperately guarded and used are now useless.”

Baron Lewis then immediately activated communication magic, sending messages to each unit leader.

“Listen up!”

Baron Lewis then addressed his own subordinates.

“Finally, the time has come for us to go home! Retreat to the river line! Forget about strategies and tactics! Use magic to escape thoroughly! For now, just fall back towards the river! Only your own body is needed! Let’s head to the rear defense line and have the warm meals they’ve prepared for us!”

Baron Lewis used his voice to issue orders, which were spread to soldiers who couldn’t use the complex reception magic.

In response, the soldiers, who had been huddled in small gaps, burst out and began fleeing at full speed.

Elsewhere in the ranks, the retreat had already begun.

Since everyone was using only speed-increasing magic, the retreat speed was overwhelming.

“…Well, let’s see how far we can run.”

Faced with the sudden large-scale retreat, the enemy was flustered.

They seemed uncertain whether to pursue or not.

“Well, it depends on the skills of the young ones.”

Baron Lewis began his own retreat while thinking of Princess Rinonara, who had come as reinforcements to this battle area.

■■■■■

Magical Motorbike.

A weapon crafted from our own magical power… or rather, a regular motorbike.

While our allies were retreating, Rinonara and I, along with the elite troops, sped across the battlefield on that bike.

“…It seems we’re attracting the enemy properly.”

Before us were the enemy soldiers who had rushed out of their positions to chase our fleeing troops.

“Of course. They fled without any strategy or tactics… It would be a big problem if they just let the entire army go without moving.”

“Now then, where might the defense be lightened?”

“…Please wait. I’m using detection magic right now.”

As our allies conducted their retreat, Rinonara and I began our first offensive.