rcenary King Gilbert
That wasnt sothing that could be done with normal arm power.
He picked up the sword and robes he tossed aside before the battle.
What are you all standing around for? More enemy will co after hearing the gunshots, get the carriage moving quick.
The driver waved his whip in a hurry.
Enzo reached out his hand.
Old gentleman!
Yosh.
He grabbed the hand tightly and climbed onto the luggage compartnt of the carriage.
The horseman led the way.
We are going off the main road and taking a detour! Please follow !
Please do so!
After the driver said that, both of them sped up.
Baltasar sat down.
Huff huff He panted.
I wont be able to handle it if there are twenty of them.
You are amazing, Lord Duke. We didnt know who you were back then, please forgive us if we did anything that offended you.
Enzo lowered his head, and Baltasar waved his hands.
No no, I only said that to attract their attention. I am just an old man you can find anywhere.
==================================================
In the fog
Warhorses trotted.
The sound of the hooves were earth shaking, threatening to break open the dense fog.
The pride of the Fourth Imperial Army, the 400 Black Knights, 500 Crescent Knights, and a hundred light armoured riders made up to a thousand n.
Around them were 10,000 infantry.
Before charging out of the fog, there was a need to confirm if the enemy had left their base.
It was impossible to move without making any sound in the fog.
It was clear from the sound.
Leaving the soldiers aside, it was impossible for the wagons to not make any sound.
The carriages creaked as they moved through the plains.
Scouts tracked the movent of the enemy in the fog, and reported it back to the cavalry.
Jero was at the head of the unit.
Besides him was Abidal Evra.
According to the scout reports, the enemy are holding their position!
Good! All units, attack!
After receiving the orders, his knights sounded the warhorn.
Move out!
Just as they planned, twenty riders ford a group, and there were four groups here. They set off one after another.
They took out the equipnt that had already been tied with ropes, and threw it onto the ground.
One end of it was tied to pieces of wood.
It made clanging sounds.
This was a tool to disrupt the hearing of the opponent.
Under the cover of the sound, the cavalry surrounded the camp, making it hard for the enemy to grasp their position.
Sound of gunfire ca from the fog.
It was far.
The enemy wont be able to see us, he told his riders earlier on.
Even the rcenary King would find this unexpected situation hard to handle.
Jero gave the word:
First wave, go!
Ohhhh!
Angry voices rang out, and the Crescent Knights started charging.
The cavalry started firing from far away.
But compared to the intimidation they did last night, they were much closer.
The High Britannians started fighting back.
But the Crescent Knights didnt charge in a straight line, but in a curved line.
The retaliatory bullets hit empty air.
If it was night, they could see the armours reflection of the starlight or bonfire. The place could be lit by fire arrows, so they could still see sothing.
But its different this ti.
In the dense fog, such a counterattack was nothing Jero suppressed the amazent in his heart.
But despite all this, the enemy stayed put with the supplies. They couldnt leave their resources behind and run, and it was too late to load it up the carts now.
The High Britannian army couldnt move.
And so, both sides sought each others position in the heavy fog as they fought, since the situation applied to both parties.
Because the enemy only dared to defend their position by using the range advantage of their weapons, the Imperials had the chance to deploy their forces in a superior position.
The enemy focused their counter attack on the Crescent Knights.
Jero waved his lance.
Black Knights, charge!
They didnt increase their pace.
Instead, they moved quietly, controlling the pace of their warhorse, as they closed in carefully.
The gunshots were getting nearer.
If the fog dispersed at this instance
The murderous High Britannians will point their rifles this way.
It was still too far away.
Too far for lances, but close enough for bullets to pierce the thickest armour.
The best distance for rifles.
Jero eased his horse forward, as if he was reviewing his troops.
The other riders was breaking out in cold sweat.
Their concerns were clear.
Isnt the noise from the knights supporting their advance too soft?
The attack of the Crescent Knights are too shabby.
Will the enemy realize that is a diversion after failing to hit anything?
All these scenarios were scary.
Unease.
This was the fear of the unknown and death.
As if they were swimming in a white world.
At this mont, they saw a black figure.
A High Britannian shield soldier before he even processed this fact, Jero squeezed the stomach of the horse.
And shouted.
Charge!
The vanguard started charging like the wind.
The enemy camp that appeared in the fog was just twenty paces away.
For a warhorse charging at full stride, that distance was covered in just a blink of an eye.
The shield bearing soldier opened his eyes wide and wailed:
Its the enemy!!
Woaahhhh!
Jero thrust his lance Le Cheveu Dune Da at the large shield.
The fra of the shield was made from tal, but most of it was wood. If thin steel was the main component, it would be useless for defense. If it was made thick enough to withstand swords and pikes, it would be too heavy to wield properly.
And wooden boards would be enough to fend off the attack of a horseman.
But the soldier defending the thrust didnt expect the quality of the lance, the speed, and the arm power to be so different from normal troops.
The shield shattered in an instant, wood fragnts flew everywhere.
The lance broke the shield and pierced the soldiers body.
Followed by a scream accompanied with spewing blood.
Ehhhh!?
Warrghhh! Those who want to die, co at !
He flung the pierced soldier aside.
The soldier landed heavily, spilling blood everywhere.
Open fire! Rifle units! This way!
An order that captures the style of the High Britannians perfectly. Soldiers with the guns turned their horses and aid their rifles.
"Too slow!!"
Jero thrust his treasured lance.
He knocked aside the rifle aid at him and opened a huge hole in the enemy soldiers chest.
At this mont The cavalry had broken through the makeshift fences of the camp, and defeated the enemy soldiers one after another.
The cavalry that broke through the lines were massacring the High Britannian forces.
Civilians who were tasked with transporting the goods were trembling on their carts.
If they were Belgarian citizens, they would pick up arms and fight since they were trained.
This was a huge difference between the relatively peaceful High Britannians and the Belgarian Empire that had been fighting wars continuously for a few hundred years.
Even if the soldiers with rifles could hit the knights at close range, they would be cut down before they could reload.
The knights suffered insignificant casualties before the soldiers that didnt receive rigorous training.
The stage was set.
Abidal Evra rode over on his horse.
The enemy is fleeing!
The enemy soldiers threw their rifles away, stepped over the fences they built themselves and ran faster than the Imperials.
Jero sneered.
Its fine, leave them to the Crescent Knights and infantry.
Yes Sir!
The High Britannians seed to have forgotten that their enemy was an army of 16,000. Even if they were able to escape from the cavalry in the camp, they would still be surrounded by the Belgarian army.
Jero was bothered by sothing else.
Hey, did you see Gilbert?
The rcenary King!? Ah, no
There was no sign of the rcenary King.
The ones fighting were the regular troops of the High Britannians.
Tch, he escaped Maybe not
Jero pulled on his reins and turned the horse around.
Hey, Abidal Evra, take the cavalry and continue sweeping up the remnants of the enemy, try to secure the supplies. But if they resist too fiercely, burn them along with the supplies.
Understood! Erm, what about you, General?
Im heading back to base! Hey, watch out for guys who are taking their ti walking!
After saying that to the knights around him, Jero headed back to base.
He seed to be faster than when he was charging at the enemy.
Jero gritted his teeth.
I wont allow you to die in a place like this!
==================================================
They might need to move at a monts notice, so the camp equipnt such as tents had already been packed.
The flag flying over the base was a simple one. Altina brought the tables and chairs out of the tent.
Regis stared at the map laid out on the table.
He moved the pieces according to the scouting reports, keeping on top of the developnt. Even so, they were so distance away from the frontlines, so the reports were a bit slow.
They were about 1Li (4km) away from the enemy camp.
In order to keep in contact with the scouts as fast as possible to grasp the situation of the battle, they were positioned as close to the battlefield as possible.
But if they were too close, enemy soldiers roaming in the fog might run into them.
It would be terrible if a large amount of fleeing enemy bumped into them.
Even though the Belgarian soldiers were well trained, the rifle and shield tactic of the High Britannian was a big threat.
Even the Seventh Army that was proficient in lee combat was decimated by the enemy.
And it was impossible to issue strategic commands. It was aningless if the soldiers couldnt receive the orders.
Even though the range of the rifles didnt matter too much in the fog, it will still expose the headquarters to danger.
Altina held her wrist in disappointnt and looked towards the fog.
When Regis suggested that Altina should guard the base, he thought that he would be rejected.
If it is for the good of the army, I will endure it even if I have to stay in the base.
She said with an unhappy expression, but still agreed.
Maybe Altina learned that she should respect the duty that everyone is tasked with.
If she could understand this, this would be a pleasant growth of character.
Sound of gunfire rang out from the fog occasionally.
They were actually quite a distance away from the battlefield, it was hard to hear the hooves of the horses and the angry shouts of the soldiers.
Altina pouted.
Eh Regis, can we move the base closer?
... No. At a ti like this, there is a high chance of running into an enemy unit that got separated from the main forces. With most of our forces deployed out, that would be dangerous.
Thats true huh.
In order to win by numbers, a large number of troops were placed around the base.
It was guarded by 5,000 infantry.
The rest of the forces were sent out to attack. 10,000 infantry surrounded the enemy base. Light armoured knights and the Crescent Knights feigning the attack numbered 600, the Black Knights had 400 riders.
They suffered losses the previous night, so the actual numbers were lower.
A ssenger ca before Regis and reported the situation.
Thats all!
Regis moved the pieces on the map again according to the ssage.
The information conveyed at this mont was that the Black Knight is charging at the enemy camp.
The feign by the Crescent Knights seed to have worked.
... Hmmm Please hand this to Lord Benjamin.
Yes Sir!
Regis handed an order decree to the ssenger, who placed it inside a bamboo tube on his back before setting off.
He scanned the map once again.
There werent any weak points.
The battle was proceeding smoothly.
Hmm
What is it, Regis?
Altina asked as he was moaning.
... Nothing, its going great.
Isnt that good?
Thats right.
Sothing wrong
Eh? Could it be Its nothing, just that they are being too docile even though the rcenary King is in command. I thought they might realize the intention behind the feign and launch an attack.
Why do you think so?
Even in the fog, the enemy should be able to tell the feign attack units were not attacking straight on. If so, they should be expecting an attack from another angle.
Wouldnt the fog be aningless then?
... No the rifle units wont be able to see clearly, so they are less likely to score a hit. Leaving that aside, it should be simple to deduce that the Imperial army isnt in front of them, right?
Hmmm?
Well then The enemy will gradually draw away from the unit feigning attacks right? They are being attacked repeatedly in that place after all.
Ah, true.
... So the situation I was expecting was After attacking the Crescent Knights for a while, the High Britannians will withdraw to the supply carts and retreat.
This was the strategy Regis ca up with.
They wont have any other choice after escaping from the fog. They can only surrender.
It would be unwise to stubbornly defend the base even though a chaotic battle was imminent.
Altina tilted her head.
They would be able to escape if they keep running in a direction without any enemy!?
... It is impossible to cover such a large distance at full sprint. When they are exhausted, the infantry deployed there can wait at leisure while the enemy labors.
sen.wikipedia/wiki/Thirty-Six_Stratagems#Wait_at_leisure_while_the_enemy_labors >
Regis pointed at the red pieces on the map.
Altina was enlightened, and said:
Ah, I see.
Even if they want to escape, there is a large number of enemy waiting for them In that case, the best way to reduce casualty would be to surrender.
Isnt a chaotic battle avoidable in the fog?
The shield and rifle tactic is heavily reliant on tight formation. In a chaotic battle, the Belgarian army would be stronger.
I understand!
Well, that might be so, but prolonged battle will increase casualty. Even though the enemy might be considering surrender, but before the Black Knights charge in, they didnt move at all.
What if the enemy base is no longer there?
The fog might be heavy, but it would be hard to imagine 10,000 enemy soldiers sneaking past our groups of scouts
He didnt deny the possibility though.
But the fog couldnt conceal the noise.
The sound would be loud in close proximity, and would drop drastically with distance.
It didnt feel reliable.
Even if that was the case, it was impossible to miss the sound of many of the carriages moving.
... Hmmm Impossible. If they could do that, it would be a more amazing invention than the new type of rifle.
Just by walking with another horse, the sound would be transmitted through the ground even if it wasnt transmitted via air.
And the horses have scents, which ant that they could sll them.
Altina looked westward.
But it was different than expected right?
... Thats normal. The best laid plans of mice and n often go awry. After all, its an adversary we never fought before.
Thats true, its common to see that the person is different from the rumours.
Hmm If I missed sothing
Regis looked at the map.
Altina turned her head and gasped.
Regis! An unknown carriage is coming from behind!
Eh!?
The guards noticed shortly after and panicked.
They raised their pikes and yelled: Halt!
It was a large carriage.
Approaching side by side were two horseman.
They were the soldiers sent to guide the way.
Its ! I brought Mr Blacksmith with !
A large bearded man with a physique similar to a bear appeared and waved his hands.
I am a blacksmith! Here to deliver a package for Marie Quatre Argentina de Belgaria!
Brother-in-law Enzo!
Regis stood up and walked towards the carriage.
Altina followed right behind.
Our guest is on that carriage! Clear a path!
The soldiers in the defending camp made way slowly, like the gates of a city.
After keeping their pikes, the soldiers on guard saluted.
The carriage ca slowly from the west and drove slowly into the base camp.
The rider leading the way at the very front dismounted besides Altina.
I have brought Mr Blacksmith with !
Sorry for the wait!
One of them was the horseman waiting in the east. The other was a horseman who stayed behind at the old base when they shifted last night. His task was to lead the Blacksmith to the new base.
They completed their mission splendidly.
Altina replied Thank you very much. and the horsen finally relaxed their expression.
They treated the carriage more cautiously, and stopped it further away.
On top of the hill, the flag marking the base camp was erected in the middle, while Altinas chair and the table for battle plans were placed on the side.
A short distance away was a place for als, equipnt repairs, treatnt of the wounded and for the shift workers to rest.
Five hundred infantry protected the heart of the base at all tis.
On the outer layer were one thousand n ford into teams of tens.
The carriage was stopped in the middle of the rear defence units.
Under the watchful eyes of the soldiers, the Blacksmith Enzo alighted from the carriage.
He looked tired, and it was easy to tell how hard his journey was from his face and gait.
Enzo bowed respectfully.
Your Highness, I have brought your item with !
My deepest gratitude! It must be difficult to make a delivery to the dangerous battle field!
It is a sword after all. How can you do without it on the warfront. I am concerned about that, so
Can I open it now?
Yes please.
Altina walked towards the carriage.
Regis nodded at Enzo.
I gave you much trouble It will be great if the war ends soon
Enzo looked around him, and said in a volu the soldiers around him wont be able to hear:
... How goes the war? Will it affect Rouen city?
... As far as I can tell, theres no need to worry.
Rouen city is very close to the capital right? I asked my wife to take the kids and seek refuge in my old hotown. Its further to the north.
... Did sister seek refuge?
Erm, no. She insisted that it will be fine to leave it to the Princess and Regis. Well, the Empire wont fail, so my worries are unfounded.
... Although we are trying to even the score after the devastating defeat earlier Anyway, the war will end soon, it will be fine if the First Imperial Army doesnt ss up.
As Enzo had a worried look on his face, Regis told him not to worry.
Regis and Altina walked side by side to the carriage.
When Altina reached the carriage first, she suddenly leaped back
What!?
Hyaaa!
Soone flew out of the carriage!
The man was holding a sword.
And he slashed at Altinas head.
No one could react in ti.
But Altina responded swiftly. She drew the sword on her waist and blocked the blow.
Ding! A sharp sound echoed out.
The attack didnt stop, and the man from the carriage started his second wave of attack.
Hee! Hee! Hee!
Eh Tch Hah! Hyaaa!
Altina wielded her sword nimbly, fending off the multiple attacks before countering from the side.
Her blade grazed the brown robes.
Both parties pulled away.
And closed in imdiately
Clasping their left hand.
Isnt this Baltasar! You actually ca!
You are as good as ever, Argentina!
Altina laughed happily, and the old man opposite her chuckled.
The soldiers around them were bracing their pikes monts ago, but now they looked at each other, wondering what happened.
Regis ran over.
Could you be Duke Baltasar Basil de Balzac?
Thats .
The old man nodded loftily.
Altina held her sword with her right hand, and swung her left hand that was holding the old Dukes hand like a kid.
Regis sighed.
... Dont do that What if the guards thrust their pikes at you?
If I get to die by their pikes, it would be a fitting end.
Altina nodded in agreent.
Its troubleso even if you understand.
... Princess, the troops are watching.
Ah, thats right.
Altina only noticed this now, and showed a serious expression as she sheathed her sword.
Baltasar kept his sword too.
Regis started explaining to the confused soldiers:
Well This is ex-Duke Baltasar. Everyone must have heard of him. He is the swordsmanship teacher of the Princess.
The soldiers finally put away their pikes after understanding the situation.
House Baltasar achieved nurous rits as the right hand man of the founding Emperor, a famous noble house that was bestowed with one of the treasure swords of the Empire. It was a given that the ex-Duke was qualified to teach the Princess swordsmanship.
The surprised Enzo sighed in relief.
Hah We were very worried during the fight with the enemy soldiers.
Kakaka! If my hands turn dull, I might lose my head.
Baltasar seed to be saying sothing casual, and Altina besides him also laughed. But it wasnt a laughing matter.
The way these two thought were a bit different from others. Or were they muscle headed?
Regis couldnt understand.
But the mission to make the delivery to the battlefield had been completed perfectly.
What brings you to the west, Baltasar?
Nothing important. I just heard that Altina was troubled by so rcenary.
Eh!?
Altina smiled wryly.
You lost?
Well Yes To avoid a slash, my sword hit a tree, and the hilt was broken
Whatever happened or broke doesnt matter. Did you lose?
... Yes.
Altina bit her lips vexingly and nodded.
Baltasar sighed deeply.
Not good enough The important thing isnt the way you use your sword. No matter how strong your opponent, how dire the situation, even if they have guns or anything else, you have to win. Losing in the battlefield ans death. Everything is over if you die.
I know So I sent my sword for repairs.
She looked towards the carriage.
Enzo nodded.
Bring it out.
Together with his disciple, he unloaded a crate that looked like a coffin.
The driver watched from behind the curtain.
The crate was sealed with many nails, and needed to be pulled out one by one.
Baltasar observed the crate curiously.
Ohh, so you are the blacksmith who is repairing that sword.
Yes. Will need to focus here You too sir, to actually be the teacher of the Princess.
Hmm! Not a teacher! But a friend! Its not teaching since its like this.
Altina nodded.
Thats right, just soone I befriended through swordsmanship.
This old one had never lost though!
Ehh!? But I won thrice!
I didnt lose!
The old man said childishly.
Enzo finally pulled all the nails out.
Well, in the blacksmithing world, you two would be fellow disciples.
Haha
His disciple laughed wryly.
The crate was finally opened.
Regis planned it wonderfully.
Whats left would be taking the sword.
And wait for the battle results of Jeros knights.
Then sending news of the Fourth Armys victory over the supply unit.
Be it the High Britannians or the First Imperial Army, after they receive this news
The war will end.
Even if the High Britannians have new rifles and cannons, If the 40,000 n under Latreilles command do not engage the enemy on the field, the fort wouldnt fall in just half a month.
A gentle breeze caressed Regis forehead.
==================================================
The God of Death struck in the dense fog, the first to fall were the sentries.
In the beginning, the soldiers around them didnt understand what was happening.
It then beca a one sided massacre without any resistance. All of them died without any last words.
The grass was covered in fresh blood. The headless soldiers stood there without even raising their pikes.
They probably didnt even know how they died.
A man holding a giant trident appeared.
n in black clothings then ca out of the fog one after another.
The armour they wore and the weapons they wielded varied wildly. There were spears, swords, bows, scythe, bo and even unknown weapons.
The only thing they had in common was their black robes and the stench of blood.
The man with the trident said in a low voice.
One man to take on a hundred And open a bloody path!
The group in black assaulted the soldiers before they even answered.
Belgarian soldiers werent weak.
Enemy! Its the rcenary these guys!!
A soldiers picked up his pike to fight.
But his vision was filled by a large hamr.
Wha!?
Warrgghhh!!
The thing that ca as the screams of despair rung out was a hamr. It bent the pike and smashed into the face of that soldier.
His opponent was a large burly man wielding a giant hamr.
The pikes of the soldiers who engaged him all broke, and they backed away.
What is with that guy!? Just like a tornado
We cant retreat! The Princess is behind us! Stop them!
Damn it Now is the ti to show the honour of the Empire!
The troops drew their swords and slashed at him.
But the swords snapped crisply into two, as if they were already broken.
It was because of the strange shape of the large sword that cut them. the sword's blade was very wide at the tip and was curved.
Maybe it ca from the east, just like High Britannias tea.
A slender man with slit like eyes surveyed the area, then yelled:
Fufu Haha!! Hyaa!! Laa!!
He wielded a twisted sabre, which was surprisingly sharp.
It easily split the sword and pikes of the Imperial soldiers. Instead of the blade being sharp, it was the mans arm power that was amazing.
Be it veins or bones, all of that would be cut in two like wheat stalks.
The Imperial soldiers fought on as if they didnt realize the result of the lee combat had already been determined, until they were all defeated.
The one standing at the very front was a man with a trident.
The rcenary King Gilbert Schweinzeberg.
He led the strongest rcenary group.
The three hundred elites of Renard Pendu began their assault in the fog.
Their individual combat prowess was overwhelming, crushing the defence formation of the Imperials easily.
But the soldiers of the Empire wouldnt retreat so easily.
Wars had been ongoing before the tis of their great grandfather, all n were educated with the idea that they would be going to the battlefield one day.
At this mont the guards on the left of the base were engaging the rcenaries.
The Piken leader commanding ten soldiers charged at the burly rcenary with his pike.
We are the 19th Piken team!! Even in death, we will show the enemy our honour! Everyone, charge!
Ohhhh!!
Roar!! Hyaa!!
The rcenary cut down all the pikes, and took the heads of the Imperials with a follow up blow.
The soldiers behind thrust their pikes from the side of the dead soldiers.
Die!!
Guah!?
The twisted sabre fell from his hands.
Two, then three pikes pierced his body.
The Piken leader shouted:
Charge! Charge!
The thrust of a spear changed direction.
One of the rcenaries thrust his spear into the Piken Leaders stomach.
Guaa!? Damn it!!
When he was hit, the leader released his pike. When he was dodging earlier, he was already prepared to die.
He just went and grabbed the spear of the enemy tightly.
Long live the Belgaria Empire!
Hah!?
The rcenary whose weapon was seized was surprised for a mont He was then stabbed by nurous pikes.
No matter how strong the rcenary was, they only numbered three hundred.
If the battle was drawn out, the 5,000 Imperial soldiers wouldnt lose.
But when the army went through rger, the soldiers lacked training and the command system was still imperfect.
Of the 5,000 n, half of them were the old guards from Beilschmidt. The rest were the remnants of the Second Army, and private armies sent by the lords of various territories because of the state of ergency.
Among them were untrained recruits, retired soldiers, and even nobles who joined because of pride.
For the poorly trained soldiers, they already presented a huge weakness in the operation of the unit and the conveyance of information before their combat potential even cos into question.
So didnt hear the orders correctly because they were too excited. So made their own judgent based on their experience. There were soldiers who couldnt carry out their orders due to fear.
In the end
The guards who were supposed to reinforce the crumbling defence units ca too late.
The soldiers guarding the base camp had fallen.
The man with the trident was already before Altina.
They were just ten paces apart
Just how many soldiers did he kill to reach this place.
A rain of blood seed to have drenched the black robes as it was still dripping blood.
Pieces of at still lingered on the trident in his hand.
The man showed a feral smile.
I believe this is the first ti we t, Princess of the Empire.
Trident You must be the rcenary King Gilbert Schweinzeberg.
Altina drew the sword on her waist.
The guards were still locked in battle by four rcenaries with extraordinary arm power.
Regis finally realized his misstep.
... How can this be.
An unimaginable situation occurred, not only did it make him shiver, he couldnt catch his breath either.
Breaking through the base camp guarded by 5,000 troops with less than a thousand n!
Gilbert said:
Your Highness, how about a trade? Using the supplies in exchange for your life.
Weighing my life against the future of the Empire? Who will agree to this kind of deal?
This wench I have to teach her a lesson.
Altina was very loyal to the Empire.
Jero wont agree to this terms. But it would be hard to judge what the soldiers would do.
There were plenty of ways to inflict pain and despair to humans. If the Princess issued the orders after torture, it was highly possible that the troops would give the supplies back.
Regis cursed his own shallowness.
When he made plans for the fog, he considered the possibility of the enemy trying to capture his commander.
Thats why he arranged for 5,000 troops to guard the base camp, just in case.
But it was broken through so easily!
He underestimated the Renard Pendu.
The problem was his misjudgent of the new units combat potential.
Imperial soldiers were strong, but just lumping them together wasnt enough to make them strong. Regis didnt utilize the soldiers efficiently.
Even if he had to let the Second Army claim the victory of this battle alone, he should have assigned all the old guards from Beilschmidt to guard the base camp.
If Regis was proficient in martial arts, he would be able to tell that the new units were no match for the rcenary.
Gilbert shouldered his trident and approached nonchalantly.
I have sothing to ask I know that this isnt the season for fogs. What did you do?
Altina wiped away the sweat on her brow.
They were still facing off against each other, but she was under a lot of pressure.
My strategist is a wizard.
Hmm? I see I noticed on my way here that there are patches of wet grounds all over. Did you spill a lot of water? Was that the secret behind that magic?
You actually understand this much.
That explains the half assed night raid earlier. The purpose was just to pin us down at the camp site. It would have been disastrous if we discovered the units spilling water.
......
Altina was silent.
She didnt affirm or deny. Gilbert nodded.
What an impressive strategy. The strategist huh Regis dAuric right?
He swept his eyes across everyone present.
First were the escorts around Altina, then Enzos disciple besides the crates near the carriage, and finally Regis.
Thats you?
Ughh Yes.
He heard Franziskas description before. Regis had a frail body unlike a soldier. Gilbert couldnt explain why he could identify him.
He laughed out loud.
Hahaha! Really! You are Regis!?
Ugh?
It is my utter defeat! The first ti my perfect record had been tarnished! A guy who can create fog! As expected of a wizard!
Instead of a complint, it was closer to the mocking laugh of a devil.
Goosebumps.
Even though Regis felt breathless, he still replied with determination.
... In order to stop this from happening, I planned so long To stop the rcenary King Gilbert from going near Her Highness. The one who failed is .
Ahh, I can understand. You thought the enemy couldnt break through if you had 5,000 n on defence right? Naive, war isnt determined by numbers!
... This fatal incident is because of the soldiers lack of training.
Lack of training? Wrong!
Huh?
Gilbert span his trident.
And pointed it at Altina.
He watched this way with bloodshot eyes.
The things that decides a battle has always been Guts!
Altina gripped her sword tight too.
I feel the sa! When I handed the task to Regis, I didnt considered how the soldiers would think, so its my mistake. Im too naive to think I can win with just numbers!
As expected of the Princess. Well then, I will claim the price you have to pay for your failings!
What nonsense are you saying? rcenary King? The price is letting you show your face before .
Hoo?
I am the Princess of the Belgarian Empire! Even though thats not what I want to be!
Haha! Very brave. But I dont mind crushing your arrogant pride and making you beg! I will tear off your skirt and nail you to a cross, Princess!
Disgusting!!
Altina yelled.
Gilbert stamped on the ground and the grass shook in the shockwave as if there was an explosion.
And charged in with a speed that was hard to imagine.
The escorts wanted to protect Altina
But were stopped by the four rcenaries nearby.
After shattering the pikes blocking his way, Gilbert moved before Altina.
The sharp edge of the trident appeared before Altinas eyes.
She evaded by twisting her body.
Is that all you got!?
Haha! You think you can dodge that easily!?
Like a snake, the trident tracked Altinas body.
The path of the trident changed suddenly which was impossible to do without extraordinary arm strength.
Altina parried with her sword.
Take this!
Co get so!
The trident was pulled back instantly. Before the fact it was pulled back even registered, it was thrust out again.
An ear piercing screech.
The trident was blocked again.
Any slower and her wrist would have been cut by the blade.
Gilbert roared:
Faster! This is not playti in sumr!
Ugh!?
It was impossible to tell how many thrusts there were.
Consecutive thrusts similar to Jero, but the attacks were faster than him.
The intense sound of tal on mind as the sword creaked.
Regis was thinking.
This was his fault.
He was fine with any punishnt that might be ted out to him.
But what he could do now was
Gilberts objective was to capture Altina alive. There was no aning in killing her.
If he did that, the only thing that awaited him would be 5,000 soldiers tearing him to shreds to avenge their commander.
He should only be thinking of capturing her alive.
Regis turned and looked:
... It should be, no I have to be sure.
He cant fail anymore.
At this mont, he said with certainty.
Gilbert is aiming for the Princess sword!
Oh, but even if you figure that out, what can you do!?
Gilbert attacked fiercely as he shouted that out.
Altina was barely fending off the blows with her sword, and she also couldnt counter. But she had no intention of running.
She must be hanging on while gritting her teeth.
Ughh!!
Even the unskilled Regis could tell her determination.
With her sights set on becoming the Empress, she couldnt turn tail and run before a re rcenary.
Absolute faith in her martial skills
Might ushered in a result that runs contrary to Gilberts plan.
Altinas sword couldnt withstand the damage and shattered.
What!? It broke so easily!?
She could still dodge the attacks, but she lacked the ans to defend against them.
Gilbert threw his head back in laughter.
Haha! The blades of my trident is made from Tristei!
What did you say!?
Anyway I will break one of your arms first!
If she had to block a sweeping attack, Altina will lose her arm.
A fluttering brown robe barged in.
It was Baltasar.
After taking the heavy blow, he slid back a little.
Ku~~ I see, he is strong.
What!? Baltasar!?
Altina What you should be holding isnt that thin sword right? The blacksmith is waiting for you.
B-But the one on one duel
Now wasnt the ti to hesitate.
Regis ran over.
And reached Altinas side.
Within range of Gilberts attack.
Altina!
Regis!? You cant use a sword, what are you doing here! You cant even defeat a hamster right!?
What cruel words.
Baltasar might be guarding the front, but it made Regis knees weak just thinking about being in range of the rcenary Kings trident.
But he cant run away alone.
Suppressing the fear in his heart, he said:
I-I ca to convince you Is your goal to beco a sword saint? Or the Empress to lead the people?
Huh!? To be the Empress of course!
Then, instead of losing properly as a swordsman, you should prioritize the victory of the nation correct?
Ughh!?
Now wasnt the ti to answer.
Gilbert wielded his trident.
Get out of the way old man! Go cuddle a cat or whatever!
Tch!
When he was facing Altina, he held back 30% in order to not kill her by accident.
Right now, his repeated attacks seed to be landing at the sa ti.
But Baltasar blocked them all as if he already knew where they would land.
Using this chance, he closed in on Gilbert.
Hah! How joyous! Aside from the dark knight, there is soone who can block my attacks! And so old too!
Why you! With such refined skills, what are you doing as a rcenary!? Shouldnt you be a knight and defend your country!?
My country Is my rcenary group! I will protect them! Dont think that I will listen to your lectures! I wont let the Princess escape!
A powerful strike.
Baltasar blocked it, but was knocked onto the ground because the force was too powerful.
He couldnt get up.
He tried to calm his ragged breathing.
And smiled:
Such Such a pity If I was twenty years younger.
His right arm holding the sword was bent in the other direction.
A fracture!?
Gilbert swung his trident again.
At this mont
Altina shouted.
58th Piken team, go to the enemys back! 59th to 80th Piken team, dont let the other rcenaries co near!
The soldiers fighting chaotically reford ranks after hearing her orders.
Altina walked forth from amongst the soldiers with their raised pikes.
In her hands was a new sword.
Gilbert twisted his mouth.
Ho? Youre afraid of dying now? Fourth Princess of the Empire, you were just talking about a proper one on one duel earlier.
Because of my personality, I am concerned about the battle over there.
Of course. War is all about n killing each other.
If I am not concerned I dont think the soldiers will raise their shields in battle.
Altina dropped her giant sheath.
And drew her sword
Unlike the sword that broke days ago, this one had a much thicker hilt.
The large hilt was as heavy as a hamr.
The design was simple, and all the parts were one size thicker.
According to the blacksmith Enzo, the material used was completely different, so the sword was much heavier and harder.
The blade had been polished, making it smoother with a silver glitter.
It was reflective enough that one could count Altinas eyelashes off it.
She turned to the enemy.
I wont lose. I am not aiming to be a swordsman, but the Empress, so I definitely wont lose So be seeking help to buy ti, repairing this sword or listening to the advice of my strategist, I will do everything needed of .
Gilbert shrugged.
Isnt winning a one on one duel the condition for becoming a commander?
I will ask my troops about that later After I defeat you!
Altina charged forth.
Thrusting her huge sword.
Even though they were so distance away, there were piken standing by behind Gilbert.
Gilbert couldnt retreat.
And engaged with his trident.
The new Grand Tonnerre Quatre clashed with Gilberts trident
The trident creaked under the pressure.
Even though it was made with tristei, that was only for the blade of the trident.
Gilbert gritted his teeth.
Dont you have anything else to use!? An outstanding sword, but such a heavy weapon cant keep up with my attacks!
Just like how he broke the sword monts ago, Gilbert unleashed high speed thrusts.
At this mont, Baltasar who was on the ground shouted:
Dont swing! Push it back!
"!!"
Altina nodded.
When facing the enemys thrusting attack, she shouldnt swing her sword and should block with the blade.
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