Chapter 236: Van’s Arrival

It was around the time the sun began to set. The sky ahead, which had been beautifully scorched red by the sunset, was gradually darkening as if the fire were dying out, leaving only faint traces of embers in the red sky.

The mountains in the western sky remained as silhouettes, while everything below them was dyed black. Normally, that scenery wouldn’t change, and you wouldn’t know what lay at the foot of the mountains until you got close.

But this moment was different.

Just as I thought I saw flames in the distance, the sound of explosions echoed and reached us. Intermittent flames rose up, illuminating the shadows of buildings at the base of the mountain.

“…It feels like they’re under heavy attack.”

“I believe they are under heavy attack.”

When I muttered that, Law, who had been appointed as the Acting Commander of the Seatoh Knight Order, replied with a grave expression. Looking closely, shadows looking like flying dragons occasionally appeared in the gaps between the mountains.

“I get the feeling it might be dangerous if we get close; is it just my imagination?”

“There is no mistake. It is dangerous.”

When I asked if it might be dangerous, he affirmed that it was dangerous. My mood is super blue.

“…You seem quite composed, but I believe Marquis Fertio is also in that fortress currently under attack, is he not?”

Perhaps unable to watch indifferently, Panamera spoke up from behind. A slightly exasperated atmosphere could be felt in her voice.

No, I know that. I saw flames erupting toward the sky even from quite a distance away, so My Daddy must be holding back the allied forces of Shelvia and Yelenetta while complaining. Well, My Daddy isn’t going to die easily, and if My Daddy wasn’t there, it wouldn’t be strange if the place had already fallen.

Since the battle is still ongoing, I judged that My Daddy must be full of energy, playing with fire.

“…Well, if they’re getting pounded like that, it might be tough even for him. I might get scolded, but shall we quietly join in?”

My Daddy really is helpless.

With that vibe, I turned my back to Fortress Centena and looked back at my Seatoh Knight Order. That said, my Seatoh Knight Order consisted of only a few dozen people. In contrast, the Panamera Knight Order numbered over five hundred. Compared to a high-ranking noble, our numbers were pitifully small, but we were undoubtedly elite. Comparing us made me feel a bit lonely, so I quickly decided to give instructions to the Seatoh Knight Order.

“Okay! I will now explain the operation! Everyone in the Ultra-Strong Auto-Repeating Mechanical Bow Unit, please prepare the armored carriage’s ballista and follow from the rear! Lady Arte’s puppets will stand at the front and advance when the time is right! First, everyone must reach the interior of Fortress Centena! After that, we plan to repair and improve Centena to maintain its defensive power! Does anyone have questions?”

Since the Panamera Knight Order was also present, I tried explaining things a bit more politely than usual. The Seatoh Knight Order didn’t seem to have any particular questions, but Panamera crossed her arms and tilted her head.

“Wait a moment, boy. By Lady Arte’s puppets, do you mean that Puppet Magic? I apologize, but will taking one or two puppets into such a fierce battlefield have any effect?”

Panamera said this in a slightly harsh tone. Those words likely came from knowing the cruelty of the battlefield. However, that worry was misplaced. After all, it is no exaggeration to say that, limited to this current situation, Arte is our greatest war potential.

I smiled with a mysterious sense of superiority toward Panamera, who didn’t know that fact.

“Please rest assured. Arte is a capable girl.”

When I answered, Panamera’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“…For some reason, that smile is irritating. Very well. If you say so, I will allow Lady Arte’s participation, provided she uses the puppets from inside that armored carriage.”

Perhaps sensing my confidence, Panamera offered a compromise herself and awaited my reply. Panamera tends to be a bit overprotective of Arte. If it’s because she’s a woman and a child, I wish she would treat the genius boy Van with the same overprotectiveness.

No, there’s no time to think about that now.

“Now then, regarding the deployment of Viscount Panamera’s Knight Order, what shall we do? Personally, I think moving in small, scattered groups would minimize casualties.”

“Hmm. Since a vital fortress is on the verge of falling, I don’t think the enemy will pay much attention to such a small reinforcement force… In that case, we will form one unit of speed-focused cavalry, and split the others in half to aim for Centena from the left and right inconspicuously.”

“Yes, please do. Well then, let’s commence the operation immediately!”

With the strategy simply decided, we immediately began to move. The Seatoh Knight Order was well-practiced in transforming the armored carriage and preparing the ballista, so we were ready to march in no time.

“Alright, chaaaarge.”

“…Boy, you’re killing the mood. Put a little more power into your belly when giving orders.”

And so, we immediately began moving toward the defense of Fortress Centena.