I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble and I Want to Be Expelled, but the Yandere Princess Won’t Let It! - Chapter 41-43

Chapter 41: Endurance Battle

As a result of Reno and I attacking the enemy headquarters and burning a large amount of their supplies, we drew significant hostility from the enemy. Because of this, our army, which had no strategy or tactics and was simply retreating, managed to avoid almost any casualties and achieve a thorough retreat.

One month had passed since the initial battle.

The battlefield was dominated by stagnation.

“How are things? Any changes in the situation?”

I asked as I arrived at the general headquarters behind our defense line, which was set up along the river flowing across the vast grasslands.

“Nothing has changed.”

The response came from a senior officer within the general headquarters.

“In the first one or two weeks, our defensive line was perfect, and the enemy’s line was disorganized, so we caused significant damage to them. However… the enemy has now completed their fortifications and has fully set up for a prolonged battle.”

Barbed wire and trenches stretched along the long front line of both armies.

In this situation, both sides unleashed a multitude of spells at each other.

The battlefield was brightly lit by the magic of soldiers consuming large amounts of food and the barrier magic that withstood it.

“That said, nothing has really happened.”

Both sides have completely entrenched themselves in their positions for a prolonged battle.

This stalemate would likely continue for some time.

“However, our army is gradually gaining the upper hand. Initially, we were at a disadvantage because of the surprise attack, but now we have assembled our soldiers and lined them up at the front. Given our strength, our army is naturally superior to the enemy! We will surely achieve victory!”

“That’s true… but it would be troublesome if this drags on too long.”

“Indeed, but what do you suggest? Should we employ some strategy to break out? It seems there aren’t many plans to turn things around from here.”

“None. The strong do not rely on underhanded tactics.”

Unconventional tactics are for those without strength.

In this case, the ones without strength are not us, but the enemy.

“We will defeat the enemy’s half-baked tactics and win. That should be sufficient.”

“Yes, understood.”

The senior officer nodded in response to my words.

“Then, I’ll go hit the enemy’s supplies again today.”

“Good luck.”

I set out for the battlefield where magic flew instead of iron bullets, and the air was filled with intense combat between both sides’ flying units vying for air superiority. I accelerated to strike the enemy’s supplies single-handedly.

—

Chapter 42: Retreat

The two armies were engaged in trench warfare, with defensive lines separating them.

Amidst this, individuals capable of turning the tide of battle on their own were causing havoc, leading to many casualties and occasional large-scale personal battles.

Despite the intense battlefield reminiscent of a pre-industrial revolution, the situation was quite different from World War I, where the war continued until Christmas. In just under three months, the outcome of the battle was already becoming clear.

“…The enemy must be reaching their limit.”

“Yes.”

At the general headquarters, crowded with many senior officers and even Baron Lewis, only Reno and I were speaking in the center of the room.

“Even if individuals go on the offensive, they are repelled by Reno.”

“Our side has been unable to do anything against Lord Reno and has been continuously beaten. We’ve already taken down three tactical-level magic users, haven’t we? That’s a significant loss.”

Magic users fight with magic.

In this world, everyone can use magic, but those with a higher level of skill are called tactical-level magic users.

Reno and I are classified as tactical-level magic users.

“Moreover, their supplies are likely reaching their limit.”

Supplies from enemy territories differ in quantity and quality from those supplied within one’s own territory.

Additionally, the enemy has to pass through the narrow Dragonbone Mountains for their supplies. It’s natural for them to be reaching their limits.

“…It’s about time the enemy should choose between peace or retreat.”

Initially, we had about 800 troops, while the enemy had nearly 3,000 attacking us.

Through delay tactics and the defensive line along the river, we managed to buy enough time. Our soldiers were finally able to line up at the front, increasing our numbers to 2,500.

Meanwhile, the enemy’s numbers had steadily decreased, dropping below 2,000.

The disparity in troop strength had not only diminished but reversed.

If both sides continue to push forward, victory will likely be ours.

“Well, peace is still a bit premature. We haven’t yet pushed the enemy’s line back.”

“Yes, that’s true… The toughest part starts now. It’s about how to take the Dragonbone Mountains’ fortress.”

“If you entrust me with the soldiers, I can ensure we take it.”

“I’ll consider that… hmm.”

We discussed various matters.

Among them, what concerned me the most was my father, who had been conspicuously inactive.

—

Chapter 43: Advance

After a long period of a tense standoff with the enemy forces.

The enemy finally began their retreat.

“This is Reno. No unusual movements from the enemy. The rear guard is withdrawing.”

“Understood. Please crush the rear guard.”

“Roger.”

With that, our army began its advance.

As I followed our frontline from the air, monitoring both the enemy and our own troops, I communicated with Reno, who was commanding from the rear, through long-distance communication magic.

“Behold, the wrath of the heavens, the judgment of thunder.”

Having completed the incantation, I cast a powerful spell on the rear guard as per Reno’s orders.

“All units! Charge! Crush the enemy!”

With this strike, our troops below began their offensive against the confused rear guard.

First, highly skilled squads charged into the enemy’s entrenched positions, using their superior abilities to mow down the enemy soldiers.

“Oooooohhhhh!!!”

Then, infantry poured into the gaps created by the squads, expanding the breach.

Once inside the enemy’s positions, it was close-quarters combat. Using our overwhelming numbers, our troops slaughtered the enemy soldiers with their swords.

“Damn it, damn it!”

“Yield! Yield! Please, stop it!”

In this world, even if one drops their weapon, they cannot afford to relax due to the presence of magic.

However, without proper translation magic, our soldiers couldn’t understand the enemy’s words.

“Ahhhhhh!”

“It hurts… it hurts!”

Therefore, even if enemy soldiers screamed for surrender and threw away their weapons, our troops continued to kill them mercilessly.

…

Watching from above… people clashed, their blood splattering, and countless corpses began to pile up on the ground.

Such scenes can only be described as horrifying.

Yet, I live in a world where such things occur without hesitation.

Turning a blind eye and stopping the fight because it is gruesome or against humanitarian principles is not an option.

Even though I understand the enemy’s language, as long as there are enemy soldiers who have not lost their will to fight, I cannot order a ceasefire and can only observe the battlefield.

I could only watch as our troops crushed the enemy’s rear guard.

“…Things are going smoothly.”

Facing the frighteningly smooth progress of our advance, I felt a slight sense of crisis as I continued with my duties.