Fun Territory Defense of the Easy-Going Lord

【Murcia】

I had always been too cautious by nature. My father often scolded me for it, and it was a trait I had come to dislike about myself.

But suddenly, Van entrusted me with the command of this fortress, and not only that, I was given charge of the defensive maneuvers in a vital battle where even His Majesty the King was participating. The pressure was immense, making me want to flee immediately. This was the most anxious I had ever been, but running away was not an option.

If only the Kingdom of Yelenetta would spare us a full-scale assault, I would be grateful. I had thought that, and perhaps that wish had somehow been heard. The Kingdom of Yelenetta hadn’t attempted a quick victory; instead, they were employing a strange tactic.

“They’re here!” Dee’s roar echoed, and a few seconds later, the ground-shaking impact and sound of an explosion rang out. Immediately afterward, nobles who specialized in the four elemental magics, such as Count Ventury and Viscount Panamera, shouted instructions.

“Mage unit, counterattack!”

“I will strike first! Those who think they can reach them, fire in sequence!”

“Yes, sir!”

Ventury gave the command, and Panamera took the lead, launching a fire spell. Following her, spells of ice, wind, and earth flew wildly. A volley of more than a dozen magic attacks rushed toward the group that had just assaulted this Fortress City.

Cannons. The latest weapon of the Kingdom of Yelenetta that Van had told us about. This threat rivaled a first-class Four Elemental Mage. No, depending on how they were used, they might even be superior.

Just as the roar was heard, the city walls—at a distance where magic could barely reach—crumbled with a crash. The iron balls, flying too fast for the eye to track, could shatter even the walls constructed by Van in just a few hits.

A conventionally repaired wall could be destroyed instantly if struck at a critical point. Considering that first-class Four Elemental Mages were rare and required years of dedicated training to attain their skill, perhaps a weapon like the cannon was indeed more useful.

Evidence of this was clear: as the unit wielding the cannons was driven back repeatedly, His Majesty’s expression gradually darkened.

“…Your Majesty. It appears the Yelenetta Kingdom forces have begun to withdraw,” Ventury reported. His Majesty merely gave a slight nod.

“…Hmm. Should we still advance with the entire army? However, if those cannons are waiting for us, we could suffer heavy casualties depending on the terrain.”

His Majesty muttered to himself, posing a rhetorical question, then looked up at Ventury and the others.

“I will hear your opinions. Yelenetta appears to be stalling for time, but what is their goal? If they are indeed stalling, what benefit does that time provide them?”

When His Majesty spoke in a low voice, Ventury and the others pondered for a moment before offering their thoughts.

“…Perhaps they are producing a large quantity of those cannons,” Ventury suggested. His Majesty furrowed his brow and tilted his head.

“The talk was that they acquired them from the Central Continent, but have they found a way to create them themselves… or have they already reached the production stage? If so, the more time we give them, the more disadvantaged our country becomes. However, I can’t imagine they could develop it that easily.”

His Majesty understood the danger of Ventury’s suggestion but questioned its likelihood. The other nobles seemed to hesitate, but as His Majesty turned his gaze toward them, they hastily began to speak.

“They might be trying to pin us down here while invading from the coast.”

“No, perhaps they are planning to retake the City of Scudet…”

“Nonsense. That would be impossible without first reclaiming this territory.”

The nobles offered their opinions before His Majesty even had to ask. His Majesty watched the debate for a while, but apparently, none of the content piqued his interest, and he looked at Panamera with a bored expression.

“…You’ve been silent for a while. Do you have any opinions, Viscount Panamera?”

When His Majesty spoke, everyone’s attention shifted to Panamera. If it were me, my voice would surely tremble from that pressure alone. However, Panamera smiled confidently and spoke with an air of composure.

“I have been contemplating the movements of the Kingdom of Yelenetta since yesterday. I believe there are three possibilities: First, the introduction of reinforcements or new weaponry into the Kingdom of Yelenetta. Second, an invasion of our country from a different location. Finally, the formation of an alliance with another country.”

At those words, a few nobles stirred. Conversely, His Majesty remained calm, nodding slightly, and then suddenly turned to me. I braced myself, wondering if something was wrong, when His Majesty lifted the corner of his mouth and spoke.

“An allied force, you say. That would indeed be a threat. Murcia, I will hear your opinion as well.”

His Majesty spoke that one phrase, and all eyes turned to me. Panamera also turned her profile, observing my face carefully.

Feeling everyone’s gaze wash over me, I desperately tried to organize my thoughts. But perhaps due to my inherent nature, all I could conjure were the worst-case scenarios. Regardless, I couldn’t remain silent.

“…My apologies for the shallow thought, but if an allied force were formed, I foolishly believe the greatest threat would be an invasion from multiple directions. Up until now, the knights defending the border of our strong Kingdom of Scuderia have been able to maintain a long-term defense, allowing us to manage even an assault from two nations. However, if the Kingdom of Yelenetta supplies black metal or other materials to their allies, the situation may change… Furthermore, the majority of our fighting strength is currently gathered in this—this Fortress City Murcia. Pinning us down here and moving nearby countries… it is possible that the Shelvia Confederation could invade through the Fertio County…”

I voiced my thoughts, imagining the worst-case scenario that came to mind.

“…I see. Indeed, we had assumed that Shelvia was a notch below Scuderia and Yelenetta, but if they obtain black metal or cannons, they could certainly become an enemy. So, what do you suggest we do? Do you believe we should leave a minimum number of people here and return to Seatoh Village?”

His Majesty’s tone was probing. I straightened my back and answered the question.

“Y-yes, Your Majesty… Currently, it is impossible to determine the correct move. If the number of knights here decreases, the invasion strategy may fail. I believe the best course of action would be to send a single unit of capable knights as escorts back to Seatoh Village and dispatch Baron Van to the Fertio County.”

Upon hearing this, His Majesty stroked his chin with his finger, his smile deepening.

“Oh? You believe Baron Van could somehow manage the Shelvia Confederation army, even if it were equipped with black metal and cannons? You certainly trust him.”

His Majesty chuckled. Before I could even think, the words tumbled from my mouth.

“Of course. Even if two nations formed an alliance and attacked, Van would surely defend against them.”

I answered with absolute conviction. At once, His Majesty burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! Very well. If you have that much confidence, I shall follow your suggestion! I’m thinking of asking the allied Viscount Panamera to accompany Baron Van, what say you?”

“I understand,” I replied.

His Majesty had not only acknowledged my idea but immediately acted on it. A moment ago, this situation would have been unthinkable. I felt a strange delusion that I had become the focus of this entire meeting. While I was feeling giddy and unsettled, Panamera, who had been instructed to head to Van, turned back to me.

“…It seems I had slightly underestimated Lord Murcia. Paying attention to areas outside the immediate battlefield and predicting the enemy’s movements are necessary skills for a commander. It appears Lord Murcia also possesses this talent.”

Panamera smiled and said this, and I suddenly felt embarrassed and bowed my head. I wonder if I caused her offense by speaking so presumptuously when I don’t even hold a title. That worry flashed through my mind. However, His Majesty nodded, clearly in high spirits, and immediately began discussing the future course of action with everyone.