Flas of War In the Night
Even Regis had participated in a war before and seen nurous injured soldiers.
However, it was his first ti encountering unexpected casualties after his appointnt as a strategist.
Out of all the possibilities, did he make the most appropriate decision? The dead seed to be accusing him like this, making it hard for him to breathe.
A firm hand rested upon his shoulder.
It belongs to Evrard who was sitting beside him.
He was a knight that was over forty years of age. His features were his thick beard and bald head. With his large build, he looked just like a bear.
Before, he used to be a captain of a knight order. Now he was the captain responsible for the defense of the fort.
Sir Regis, this is a battlefield and we are soldiers. Everyone is prepared to die, so please do not carry too much of a burden alone.
... Thank you Im fine.
I cant afford not to be fine.
If I dont do it, there will be more death. I cant just lower my head and stare at the grains on the table.
Regis regulated his breathing.
He surveyed the Commanders office.
Altina was sitting to the left of Regis.
The energetic girl with a beauty appearance that could sha the palaces beauties, was wearing a pained expression.
Beside her was her bodyguard, Eric. Being a young knight at the age of sixteen, he lacked battle experience and was as pale as Regis when he saw the large number of casualties.
Eddie and Prince Auguste were sitting to the left of them.
Eddie was not just a renowned swordsman, but also the current head of Balzac.
Although I hate killing, Im proficient in close combat. Do despatch to fight in places you deem fit.
Even in Belgaria, where there were many powerful veterans, his swordsmanship was outstanding.
His words made Regis relax a little.
The First Prince Auguste, for a certain reason, gave up his inheritance rights before the king. Hence, he was no longer a candidate to take up the throne.
That was the story made known to the public.
In actuality, Augustes real identity was his sister, Princess Felicia.
In this fort, only the seven people currently in the commanders office and two maids knew about this.
If Augustes real identity was leaked, it would have an opposite effect when she expressed support for Altina. In addition, she would also be charged for lying to the king.
To hide her identity Felicia, continued to act as Auguste and used his status to stay here as a guest.
She had a gloomy expression and looked quite depressed. Usually she was not lively, but now she was even more dispirited.
... Is my mother fine?
Eddie consoled her.
She will be fine. The Trouin Family not only have their army, the Second Imperial Army is there too.
Felicias father was the emperor, while her mother was the second consort, Catherine, who hailed from the Trouin Family.
Trouins territory was located in the west of the empire, which happened to be the area which was attacked by the enemy.
According to the intelligence Regis had,
On the 23rd morning, seven days ago, on the west coast, the port city of Chaineboule ca under attack and had fallen.
The enemy was a High Britannian steamship.
Equipped with the most advanced cannons, the larger version of the Type 41 Elswick Cannon had increased firepower and range.
anwhile, Belgaria only had sailboats.
Hence, the naval battle was hopeless for Belgaria.
The vanguard of ten thousand had already landed. There should be more of them by now.
On the afternoon of 23th April, the Second Imperial Army marched to intercept the invaders.
Seven days had past, the battle should have concluded.
It would be nice if they were repelled.
According to Regis speculation, it was likely that Belgaria lost terribly.
The Second Imperial Army was not prepared to fight off a foreign invasion. Their march towards the west was a political move and their numbers did not even reach ten thousand.
On the other hand, the High Britannian Army had prepared the newest model of guns and cannons. There were also weapons and protective gears made from their newly developed tal.
Belgarias soldiers were veterans, but those battles used bows and spears
While the enemy specifically prepared the latest type of guns.
Regis cut of his train of thoughts.
Other than the Second Imperial Army in the west, the Empire will definitely send reinforcents. Since the request for reinforcents has reached the northern borders, those armies who are closer should have reached the west.
He could only console her.
I see
Felicia nodded.
In Belgaria, the military power was in the emperors hand.
However, the emperor, Liam, was already old and no longer able to take to the frontlines. Hence, the second prince Latreille commanded the Belgarias military in his stead.
And Latreilles command was send half of your force to the west as reserves and be on standby.
Regis reconsidered the situation.
Although Belgaria waged wars in many directions, about half of them were small skirmishes centered around strategic locations However, High Britannia sent a powerful force and invaded on a grand scale. At the very least, General Latreille recognised that their intent was to conquer our lands. I agree with him as well.
Altina agreed by nodding her head.
The others were quietly listening to Regis analysis.
There is quite so distance between the western region and Fort Volks. Even if we dispatched our army, I do not know whether we would make it on ti. Which was why General Latreille ordered our force to act as reserves. From the military viewpoint, this is not an urgent issue
Military viewpoint?
Regis replied to Altina who tilted her head.
But from a political standpoint, this is important and there is a need to act urgently. This is because Your Highness and Prince Latreille are fighting over the inheritance rights.
So thats it. In other words, whoever fares better against High Britannia, the more support they will have?
Simply put, you are correct. Although I do not know whether half of the border regint will be able to change the tide of war We must avoid an embarrassing situation in which we dont participate in the war.
Altina showed an unhappy look.
I also agree that we should move quickly, but not because of political reasons! I wish to genuinely lend a helping hand when my allies desperately need it.
Thats true
Altina was too kind and there were tis when she was stubborn like a child. That was precisely why Regis wanted to make her the ruler.
In any case, that concludes the situation regarding High Britannia in the west Next is about the Army of the Grand Duchy of Varden that is approaching this fort. We cannot send any forces to the west without dealing with this first.
The soldiers will not be able to concentrate if they have to worry about their back while on the move.
Not just Altina, Jero raised his opinion
How can we just let them go after getting attacked! Those imbeciles who dare to challenge us, I will let them regret it in hell!
Although he was usually unrefined with his choice of words, it was rare to see him showing his anger.
On the surface, he did not seem to care about the recruits, but deep down, he was thinking about his subordinates and was unable to suppress his anger.
Regis picked several stratagems from the books he read before. Next was the gathering of information before finalizing the plan.
As there was a war, the Commanders office door was open.
A soldier ca running to the door and saluted them by raising his right hand to his left chest before reporting loudly.
Report! The enemy is approaching from the zone B4! Three thousand infantry!
That route, is it Are they equipped with the new guns and cannons?
Not all of the enemy, only so of them are equipped with the new weapons.
After that, two more soldiers ca running.
Enemy spotted at zone B3! Two thousand infantry!
Report! Two thousand enemy infantry at zone G5! They brought along their cannons!
The scouts that were sent out for reconnaisse ca back reporting one after another. Hearing these, Regis placed the yellow flags which represented the enemy on the map.
Altinas expression was dark.
That is a lot of them, moreover, they are trying to surround us?
Looks like they placed all the rcenaries together. That is probably why most of them didnt carry the new firearms. After all, rcenaries wouldnt use a weapon they are not familiar with.
However, experienced rcenaries are also powerful.
Even so, they would quickly withdraw when they are at a disadvantage. Its alright, the battle will end tonight.
It is better to end it quickly, but really? Ah!!
Altina had an expression of unease for a mont, but looked over with a serious face after shaking her head.
I believe in Regis! Please tell us. How we should proceed?
Jero stood up.
Let hear your plan, Regis! I will say it up front, I do not want any flaws in it. I want them beaten to the point they would think twice about attacking!
Evrard puffed his chest up.
It is for this day that we trained our soldiers. Please command us!
I will definitely protect Her Highness!
Eric also stood out.
Eddie and Felicia who were sitting at the side were also looking at Regis.
Being looked by them makes want to retreat without hesitation. It cant be help, I dont really have the confidence.
Even so, the intelligence that will decide the battle has been obtained.
Regis pointed at the map which was on the table.
The enemy believe that they can attack the fort with the new cannons, which is why they brought them along.
Altina raised her hand.
Regis, there are also new cannons in this fort
Although it could be a little technical, Fort Volks cannons are Type 38 Elswick Cannon, while the cannons the enemy brought seems to be new Type 41. Be it range or power, those are better.
In that case, wouldnt the enemy have the advantage?
That is so in terms of range and power However, those cannons should have flaws too.
Altina had a puzzled look.
That goes the sa for the others. After all, the performance were inferior, thus they were puzzled by what he ant.
Regis continued explaining.
While the Type 41 is stronger, it was originally used in steamships. The mobility will slow down when travelling on land. From the investigation reports, the Varden Duchy will be setting up their formation in front of the fort tonightWe still have so ti to prepare, and that is an advantage for us Furthermore, the enemy is likely to rely on the cannons to attack, if this advantage was gone, I believe they will lose their morale and retreat.
I understand that we have the advantage because of their slow movent speed But isnt their cannon better? What shall we do?
The furrowed brow of Altina seed to have the words I dont understand written there. She might be making such a face, but there wasnt any gloom in her beautiful features and instead felt really cute.
Jero knocked on the table.
Trickery again! It is likely that the enemy will be using the high performance cannons. However, you want to overco their advantage What are you planning?!
A plan for a night battle, I already inford those on duty to prepare. Sir Jero is to lead the troops in pursuit...
Altina suddenly brought her face closer to Regis.
I'll go too!
Rejected, it is better for Your Highness to stay in the fort
People will lose confidence in if I did such cowardly acts. I do not wish to be the kind of commander who hides in a hole!
Ah
What she said was true. Most of the soldiers here were experiencing their first war.
They did not witness the duel between Jero and Altina.
Even if the regulars were spreading the words, were the recruits to personally see Jero during battle, then they would lean towards him.
It would be hard to maintain their organization if the commanders influence declines.
Even so Its a night battle.
There is no aning in going, when there is no danger, Regis!
Well It cant be helped. Regarding what you said No, I shall respect your decision, Your Highness.
Regis had been calling her Altina, just like a friend, because she wished for it. Though most of the people here already knew that...
Knights on their pri like Evrard respect Altina and called her a goddess.
It was true that Altina was indeed beautiful. Moreover, her slender white arms had unbelievable strength. Any respectable soldier seeing the young and beautiful princess swinging her giant sword would be mystified, but not find it unbelievable.
In front of devotees like Evrard, calling the princess by her nickna and not using honorifics was a big problem.
More importantly, they do not know when the scouts will report back. If the soldiers were to misunderstand their relation, it would affect their morale. After all, Regis was a commoner despite being the strategist, while Altina was an imperial princess.
Understood, Your Highness Then, this will be the formation.
Regis placed a red flag onto the map.
It was the area outside of Fort Volks.
The plan was for them to leave the safe impregnable fortress in order to risk a swift and dangerous battle.
Is it really fine, Your Highness?
Regis asked.
Altina clenched her fist.
We are moving! We will be breaking through the Duchys army tonight, after which we will head west!
Eeh!?
Franziskas left hand was holding onto the crossbow while she used her right hand to grab onto a tree branch.
As if a bird escaped into the sky, she hang onto the tree as to avoid the assault.
The fierce strike hit the tree trunk.
Argh!!
Altina looked stunned.
The impact from hitting the tree trunk hurt her hands, and the sword was stuck in the tree.
Franziska
Franziska turned her body that was hanging in the air by using only her right hand. At the sa ti, the lever was pulled. Once she landed, she took arrows from the quiver and reloaded the crossbow.
Ahaha! Isnt today a day that will decide my bright future!
Altina tried to pull the sword out.
She managed to pull out the sword and made a large crack in the tree.
A clattering sound could heard.
It was a strange sound.
Altina thought that it was the tree that broke, but that was not the case.
The hilt of her Grand Tonnerre Quatre was bent.
The night sky prevented her to see it clearly, but it was obvious that the sword was bent in a weird angle. Altina stabbed the sword into the ground.
The sword was broken?!
I,impossible
Altina widen her eyes as she said it weakly.
Franziska took that opportunity to fire her arrows.
Seeing that, Regis thought his heart was going to stop.
A man in black clothes managed to prevent a hopeless situation.
Eddie Fabio de Balzac.
He had wide shoulders and a tattered cloak was draped over his black military uniform.
The weapon that blocked the incoming arrow was the Defendre Sept. It was a wide blade with a comb-shaped notch engraved on its back.
Hey, Altina, are you fooling around?
I,Im not fooling around!
Then, is it that you lack killing intent?
Argh
As they were known each other since young, they were not that formal with each other.
Eddie readied his sword while facing the opponent as to protect Altina.
Although Franziska had reloaded her weapon, she did not act rashly as she realised that the person before her was soone with considerable power.
You Who are you?!
Im from the Balzac house. If you are a rcenary, you should have heard of my na before.
Eric used his right hand to cover his eyes.
At the sa ti, he grinded his teeth.
Even his head was bandaged.
His eyes felt painful, but they were heating up for another reason.
Ugh Uuurg
Although the female doctor heard it, she pretended that she did not notice it and continue treating others.
After so ti,
Hm, Isnt this Sir Regis?
The female doctors voice could be heard beyond the curtains.
Regis voice could also be heard.
Its been tough on you, good job.
...
Erics body went stiff.
As a bodyguard, he should be disappointed in for not even capable of being Her Highness shield Was what Eric thought. He even hesitated to show his face to Regis.
Eric stayed still under the blanket.
The female doctor asked a question.
Is there anything important, Sir Regis?
As the sky is going to brighten soon, Im thinking of setting off.
Ahh, is it ti for this already? Im terribly sorry that you have and fetch personally. Is it really fine for you not to sleep?
Aside from Her Highness and Sir Jero, it should be fine regarding the soldiers as those who participated in the night battle are not involved in the expedition. I am very sorry that you could not get any sleep.
You should worry more about yourself, Sir Regis. After all, I can sleep on the carriage.
Haha Im also on the carriage.
Now you ntion it, that is true.
Hows Eric?
Eric gulped as his na was ntioned.
After a mont of silence, the female doctor replied that Eric was still asleep.
Is that so
You cant bring him along. Just healing the wound require a month while recovering his strength will required two.
Ahhh, I understand. Its just that, I wanted to express my gratitude.
Gratitude, is it? For charging towards the enemy and got shot Not these words, right?
Before he was injured, Eric protected . If not for him, the one lying on the bed could be
I see. As Sir Regis did not wear any armour, you could be lying inside a coffin.
Well, that is possible too.
Though, it could lighten my workload.
Ha,haha Although it might be bad saying this, but it is better than increasing the work for priests
How about wearing light armour?
That is not an option either. If a strategist wore armour, wont that an that the strategist is worried that the enemy might attack the main formation? It looks as if the strategist have no confidence in their own plans.
Is that really the case?
... Actually, I cant stand up after wearing an armour.
How weak!
Haha That In any case, I wanted to thanks Eric, but I don't want to wake him up. Though, is it fine to leave a letter here?
How about doing so after you co back? I feel that it is best saying this face to face.
I see Let's go with that then. In that case, doctor, please head towards the hall at the first floor after you are done preparing.
Got it.
After saying goodbye, Regis footstep gradually got softer.
The female doctor drew open the curtain.
Eric sniffled.
Uuhh
Well, you saw the person you wanted to et, so dont be too depressed.
... ...Yes I wont.
I have to follow Her Highness. I will leave the rest to my assistant. You have to listen to him and recover before Sir Regis return.
Her gentle tone was even rare to the female doctor herself.
Eric withheld his tears and said.
... ...Nn I want to beco stronger and properly fulfill my duty
The female doctor did not say anything and just ssed with his hair.
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