Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Relieving Arandal
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Having decided to save Arandal, there was no time to hesitate.
The supply wagons brought by the Bekavia forces would only hold out for a day and a half at best.
On top of that, Arandal wouldn't be able to withstand the enemy's encirclement for much longer.
"Arandal is a fortress city, but it's not specialized for sieges. According to reports, our forces that were defending the Bian Mountains retreated into Arandal, so that buys us some time, but even so, they won't last more than three days."
It was Sophia's briefing. She glanced at me once, then continued her explanation with a wistful expression.
"The key points we need to recapture are three: the Bian Mountains flowing through the Rest Mountains, the Delstone Mountains, and the Coqueen Mountains. If we reclaim all three mountain ranges, the enemy won't have the capacity to keep Arandal surrounded and will have to retreat."
The Rest Mountains were a thin, long range running vertically through western Arandal.
Its defining feature was the sheer number of trails that had been carved out.
Merchant caravans heading to Arandal had continuously developed these paths, creating numerous wide roads wide enough for a wagon to pass.
"I think we can attack without much trouble using those roads, but the enemy will be prepared for that, so please be cautious."
Intelligence had revealed the enemy's forces in three groups.
Tunka's 30,000 troops guarding the Bian Mountains. 20,000 Tunka troops and 20,000 western forces at the Coqueen Mountains. And 16,000 western troops at the Delstone Mountains.
"The Bekavia Second Army, which was stationed at the Endagel Plains, will handle the Coqueen Mountains. Austin and I will take the Bian Mountains. So, I'd like General Delbadova to take care of recapturing the Delstone Mountains."
"That seems like the right formation. Understood."
"Time is short... Please move out immediately."
Sophia left the command center as if fleeing.
Bali Austin also bowed deeply to General Delbadova before following after her.
General Delbadova let out a small sigh.
"Don't mind them. We just need to do our absolute best."
At that moment, Denian Gegglysh cautiously raised his hand.
"General, if I may ask an impertinent question, does this mean the Ilrains get no credit? His plan has failed anyway."
"What are you talking about in a situation like this..."
General Delbadova clicked his tongue in disdain but reluctantly answered.
"In the end, yes. No credit. But his contributions to the army will be evaluated."
With his firm confirmation, Denian and the others' expressions brightened somewhat. One could say they'd regained their motivation.
'Well, they're consistent, at least.'
Still, in a situation where we'd soon face grueling combat, restoring morale wasn't a bad thing. The same went for credit. Since I had no desire for it myself, having them secure the confirmation on my behalf was like getting my nose picked without lifting a finger.
General Delbadova shook his head slowly and unrolled the map of the Delstone Mountains provided by the Bekavia forces.
"The enemy we'll face is the western army we clashed with last time. They've bypassed the battlefield, occupied the Delstone Mountains, and are blocking the road to Arandal. If you have any effective way to drive them off, speak up."
At that, everyone's gazes turned to me.
I shook my head.
"There's no surefire method. With so little time left to us, we'll have no choice but to fight head-on and push them out. Once battle commences, we'll have to make tactical judgments based on the ever-changing situation."
"As expected..."
Then, Casper, who had been staring intently at one point on the map, spoke up, trying to hide his excitement.
"What about using this hill here?"
"A hill?"
"The elevated terrain in the northwest. If we can position our archers there, we can provide covering fire across a wide area. We could dominate the battlefield!"
"Hm. What do the other officers think?"
As Casper said, if we could just get them up there, it would be ideal. Being mountains, the arrows' power would diminish, but it would still help.
Above all, the tactical implications were huge.
With arrow suppression fire possible, we could pull off tactical plays on other parts of the battlefield using that pressure.
Moreover, the northwest high ground offered clear visibility, perfect for overlooking the entire field.
"Ilrain, what do you think?"
"It's not a bad idea from the perspective of trying something."
"It seems the other officers agree. Then we'll proceed in that direction."
After concluding discussions on unit deployments, the command meeting ended.
The officers returned to their units early to prepare for the dawn march tomorrow.
Once they had left, I stayed behind for a private word with Delbadova.
"What is it?"
"There's one thing I'd like to mention about tomorrow's operation."
After hearing it out, Delbadova's eyes widened, and he soon nodded gravely.
*
*
*
A blazing battlefield.
The news had reached the Crossing command center, where they were facing off against the western army.
"Tunka's cavalry suddenly appeared and crushed the Bian Mountains! Arandal is now encircled, with Tunka and western forces setting up camp around it!"
The command center buzzed with murmurs.
Juras's face, upon receiving the report, was tinged with irritation.
"See? This is why I said not to get involved."
Having instantly read Als's intentions from the report, Juras already considered the war over. He just needed to provide support in sync with the moves.
Juras's irritation stemmed from the fact that this prevented him from using the ploy he'd prepared.
One might say victory was victory, but the process mattered.
Juras had planned to utterly rout the invading western army, crushing them so thoroughly they'd never dream of another northern expedition.
In contrast, Als's chosen method was to cut their supplies and force a retreat, winning the war without inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
That was Als's theory of war.
It was like playing chess—making the optimal moves to checkmate the king, finding the most efficient path to victory.
That was both Juras's view of Als's strength and his weakness.
"The optimal move isn't optimal for everyone... I'm looking forward to when he'll realize that."
Without hesitation, Juras issued the order.
"Anton, cancel the prepared operation. Your lord's gone and done something unnecessary."
At the grumbling tone, Anton chuckled in delight.
"Haha, got it. I'll relay that to the officers."
With this, the war would end in a bland victory.
Juras sighed in regret, but the next report made his eyes bulge.
"Report! Bekavia and Caliper forces have launched the Arandal relief operation! They're advancing on the Bian, Delstone, and Coqueen Mountains!"
At this, Juras burst into mad laughter.
"Hahahahaha! Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!"
From the report alone, he deduced that Bekavia had opposed the plan.
"Looks like you'll have your work cut out for you, Als."
Now it was Anton who grew restless.
Juras smirked.
"By the way, didn't you say he went to the battlefield alone this time? He might lose his life pointlessly. If so, it'd be your wife's fault, wouldn't it? This is bad—might not get to see my cute niece or nephew at this rate."
"Juon...! Watch your mouth...!"
"Heh, just so you know, Anton, you can't move. Now that it's come to this, we need to tighten the reins on our operation too."
"Urgh!"
Anton ground his teeth.
Unable to move to help Als himself, he decided to send word to Rainpole via messenger pigeon.
Anton's pigeon headed for Ilya's mansion.
Confirming the note tied to the pigeon's leg, Ilya couldn't contain her emotions—she covered her face and sobbed. It was a sight that would shock anyone who only knew her steadfast side.
'Did I really make the right choice?'
Rationally, she knew it was correct, but deep down, she wondered if it wasn't madness.
Unable to bear the swelling anxiety, Ilya headed to Lutger.
Having heard her out, Lutger patted her shoulder.
"Lift your head. You did the right thing."
Lutger fully understood Ilya's feelings. He'd done something similar with Estelle.
He'd sent Estelle to the academy despite her illness leaving her with a hideous appearance, because he believed it was the right path.
Of course, there had been anxiety. And risks.
If Als hadn't looked after Estelle, who knows what might have happened.
Yet in the end, that experience had made Estelle grow. She'd become confident in dealing with people and more self-reliant. If he hadn't sent her then, she wouldn't have changed like this.
"Have faith. He'll come back alive, proving everyone wrong. As his master, just wait joyfully for your disciple's triumphant return."
"...Thank you. That lightens my heart considerably."
"More importantly, focus on your health. Your due date isn't far, is it? Give me that note. I'll pass it on to the others."
After sending Ilya off, Lutger tapped his desk rhythmically with his fingers, deep in thought.
Soon resolving himself, he stood and sought out Ymir, heading to Als's mansion.
Ever since Als left, Ymir had exuded a murderous aura.
Even Lutger momentarily caught his breath at the raw, ominous energy emanating from her.
"...What brings you here?"
"I've come with a message. But where's Eonia Mirabel? Wasn't she staying with you?"
"She's been with Bisceta Clen for the past few days."
"Hm, fair enough. Seeing you like this, I can understand wanting to run. It's suffocating."
"If you have no business, please leave."
"I do have business. The very thing you've been longing for—news on Als."
"...!"
"Take a look at this."
He showed Ymir the note and said,
"Judging by the battlefield situation, it'll likely come down to a slugfest. It won't be an easy fight. So hurry and go. I'm skeptical about the timing, but it's better than not going."
"...! I'll leave immediately."
"I figured you'd say that. I've prepared a good horse in the stables. It'll get you there fast."
Ymir vanished like the wind.
"That should cover what I can do."
Lutger didn't want Als to die either. He couldn't imagine how heartbroken Estelle would be.
'Sorry, Ilya Anpei, but...'
He decided to take out the minimal insurance he could.
Having sent Ymir to the Delstone Mountains, Lutger went to inform Olaf as well, heading to his office—but it was empty.
"What in the world...?"
The office was deserted.
Olaf, who should have been handling internal affairs, had vanished without a trace.