Chapter 60
Chapter 60
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Siege of Dallisi (1)
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That evening, after the mobilization order was issued.
General Tullio called for a strategy meeting and summoned Lian's group as well.
On their way to the command tent where the meeting was being held.
Lian suddenly noticed the bracelet on Firka's wrist and recalled one fact.
"Hmm. Come to think of it, conquering Dallisi Territory will fulfill one of Isabel's dreams."
"Huh? Why your wife?"
"Dallisi Territory is the continent's largest amber quarry. She often lamented that there's no way to import it due to the war."
"Ah, I know that too! The amber in this bracelet actually came from there!"
The amber in the bracelet was the medium Firka always used when casting magic.
He had guessed it wasn't ordinary since it was so important to her, but...
"...How on earth did you get that?"
"D-Don't ask! It's a secret!"
Of course, it must have been smuggled.
Lian just quietly shook his head.
Was it okay for a royal civil servant, of all people, to act like that?
"Oh. Sir Lian. You've arrived?"
"I'm not sure if someone like me belongs in a place like this."
"Haha. Don't worry. You're the only one here doubting your own qualifications."
Despite saying that, the gazes of the general and the others present didn't seem all that welcoming.
It was a military council attended by General Tullio and his subordinate commanders.
A mere civilian like Lian had no business being there.
Not even the soldiers were allowed near the tent; knights stood guard instead.
"Then, Advisor Hakobo. Explain."
"Yes, General. To conquer Dallisi Territory, we must target these three points: Bringen Fortress and Rendal Fortress. And the enemy's main base, Dallisi Citadel."
The advisor placed three markers on the map as he explained.
The map accurately marked not only Dallisi Citadel but also Bringen Fortress on the plains' hills and Rendal Fortress at the entrance to the eastern mountain valley.
This was the military map Lian had found in the forest fortress.
Its accuracy far surpassed the reliability of the maps the allied forces originally had.
"The enemy's main force is currently deployed to the Monteria Great Plains as reinforcements for the battle. Overconfident in the forest's curse, they've left only minimal troops at their main base. This is our golden opportunity."
"If it weren't for Sir Lian, we wouldn't have even reached this point yet. It was a perfectly rational strategy for them."
All of this was thanks to Lian's covert and swift conquest of the forest fortress.
Had even a single messenger slipped away, the situation would have been vastly different.
"The two fortresses are gateways we must pass through before assaulting the main base."
"Yes. But attacking them sequentially would take too long. We'll have no choice but to split our forces in two."
"It would be ideal if we could take one with a small detachment, but that's unrealistic, right?"
The officers' expressions darkened.
It carried the nuance of chiding them: Lian, who doesn't even look like a soldier, pulled it off, so why can't you?
"Both fortresses are vastly superior in scale and facilities compared to the Black Moss Forest Fortress. Realistically, that's impossible."
"It's fine. I just wanted to gauge the possibility. Continue."
The atmosphere inside the tent grew heavy in an instant.
With a comparison now in place, the officers had to prove themselves even harder than usual.
"Next, the situation around Dallisi Territory. As you can see, three territories border it, so if enemy reinforcements arrive, we'll be surrounded in no time."
"Dallisi Territory becomes the anvil, and enemy reinforcements the hammer striking us. This is far from ideal."
"Yes. Thus, we have at most a fortnight. No matter what, we must settle this within a month."
"Within a month. Even with their main force away, that's absurd."
Siege warfare typically lasted months by default.
Including preparation time, it was an outrageously short period.
Especially considering they had to fight three battles, including the preceding fortresses—it was even more impossible.
"On the contrary, it's perfect. A chance to etch a new record in history."
"I'm honored to share that glory with you, General."
But this only fueled General Tullio's competitive spirit.
Lian had conquered the forest fortress in just half a day and returned—did they have time to complain?
"Then we'll proceed with the standard playbook as always."
The general tapped the map with the scabbard of his sword.
"First, dispatch patrols to secretly scout enemy movements. If necessary, sever communications between the fortresses and main base to delay their preparations as much as possible."
His gaze then flicked toward Pablo, who stood beside Lian.
The patrols he mentioned were the same unit Pablo had served in before.
"What do you say, Pablo? Fancy getting back in the field after so long?"
"I'm sorry. My current duty is guarding Lian."
Pablo subtly stepped aside, hiding behind Lian.
Of course, it wasn't a body that could be hidden that easily.
"Then, Sir Lian. Any chance you'd lend me this fellow?"
"How much are you offering?"
"Eh? Lian?"
"Kahahaha! A born merchant through and through! But since I can't offer an amount that would satisfy you, I'll back down here."
Whether it was a joke from the start or due to lack of funds, who could say.
The general gave up and returned to a serious expression, issuing orders to the officers.
"Erio. You'll command the detachment to take Rendal Fortress. Deadline: one week. Can you do it?"
"Yes, General. It's an honor."
"Alvaro. Franco. Antonio. Marco. Join Erio."
"Understood."
"Leave it to us."
The strategy meeting proceeded swiftly.
Lian saw no opening to interject.
But something felt off.
"May I say a word?"
"Go ahead."
As Lian raised his hand and spoke, the officers shot him reluctant glances.
"This operation hinges on speed, so we can't overlook even the smallest variable."
"Indeed. Even a minor delay from something trivial could spell danger."
Lian peered at the map on the table.
By his common sense.
Though just an estimate, there was one more crucial military stronghold not marked on the map.
"So, what about this place?"
"Hm? What are you getting at?"
"Lian, that's just a plain village."
The spot Lian pointed to showed only a small village on the map.
Geographically, it held no apparent military value.
"If my memory serves, there's an amber quarry around here. The continent's largest deposit—Dallisi Territory's primary source of revenue."
But military importance wasn't solely geographical.
"It's the territory's most critical economic facility. At minimum, it'll be guarded by troops or a similar military force."
"Indeed. That's a valid point."
Given the value of the resources there, it was a point worth defending even against neighboring territories considered enemies.
Lian could vouch for it as a native of this country.
Otherwise, bandits would plunder it from all directions.
"It won't be fortified like a fortress, but it'll still be a force we can't ignore. If they launch a surprise attack from the rear while we're in the thick of battle, the damage would be immense, wouldn't it?"
"Battles often turn on surprise raids even when victory seems assured. Excellent observation."
General Tullio nodded with a pleased smile.
It was a crucial oversight they might have missed, caught perfectly from a merchant's perspective.
"What do you all think?"
"Splitting forces further here is risky. Especially sending a unit based on mere speculation—it's a bad move."
"Better to scout first and decide."
"You're right. Acting on uncertainty is dangerous."
But Lian's points were unverified hypotheses.
In their time-constrained situation, rash action was impossible.
And Lian had a way to resolve that.
"If it's confirmation you need, I can check right now."
"You?"
"Could someone fetch me some water from the river over there?"
Water always knows the answers.
In conclusion, Lian's prediction was spot on.
"Enemy numbers: at least fifty. Possibly a bit more."
"Definitely not an insignificant force. Their armament is no joke, and the defenses look quite sturdy."
"An attack from the rear by that many would shatter our lines. We must stay vigilant."
"We should also consider disruptions to our supply lines if our camps are raided."
The officers voiced their concerns upon seeing the amber quarry's scenery reflected in the water bowl.
Had they ignored it, they might have failed to seize the main base.
Even if successful, they'd have suffered heavy losses.
"Still, learning of it in advance is fortunate. That size is manageable with a small force. Panfilo, the amber quarry is yours."
"Yes, sir."
But a variable is only dangerous when unknown.
One you can counter is no longer a threat.
"By the way, Sir Lian. That's quite the talent you have."
"Sadly, I can't use it anymore today. Three times in a row per day is my limit."
"Haha. No worries. I wasn't asking you to do anything right now."
"If needed, I'll help again tomorrow."
"Heavens. Contrary to your initial boasts, I'm constantly in your debt—it's embarrassing."
To scout distant locations without restriction.
Far more reliable than a hundred trained scouts.
Thanks to that, General Tullio's favor toward Lian had skyrocketed, piercing the heavens.
He seemed ready to grant any request now.
"You've all worked hard late into the night. Meeting adjourned."
Sunset had given way to night before they knew it.
With the strategy meeting over, the officers returned to their tents.
"Then we'll take our leave as well."
"It'll get busy starting tomorrow. Get some good rest."
Once Lian's group departed, leaving General Tullio alone in the tent.
Moments later.
A figure entered quietly.
It was Martin.
"Pardon the intrusion, General."
"You're here, Martin. That attire suits you well. Planning to wear it everywhere now?"
"If it's an order."
"You take after your aunt—no charm whatsoever, nephew."
Martin's full name was Martinez Laper.
Third son of a renowned swordsmanship family in Castel.
And General Tullio's nephew by blood.
"So, Martin. What did you make of Lian?"
"He doesn't seem like someone who'd betray the kingdom. Interestingly, he uses southern-style swordsmanship."
"Probably learned it in Madella."
"But his movements suggest more than a year or two of training. Likely taught by a defector who crossed to Bordia."
"Well, if that's your take, then so be it."
In truth, Lian had only been learning the sword for a little over a year.
And even that, direct instruction had been brief.
But to Martin's eyes, honed by a lifetime of sword practice, that's how it appeared.
"So, what will you do now, General?"
"What else? Obey His Highness's orders: conquer Dallisi Territory and safely install Lian as Madella's governor."
"...And ignore Minister Vasquez's letter?"
Martin cautiously mentioned the secret known only to him and General Tullio.
A request to discreetly disguise Lian's death as that of a warrior.
Along with rewards the general couldn't easily refuse.
"I don't deal with those who seek victory without swinging a sword themselves."
"Understood. Your will is clear."
Yet even so, the scales in General Tullio's heart had tipped fully toward Lian.