Chapter 238: The Situation is Critical

It was the time of night when darkness should have fully descended. Since we were in a canyon-like situation, trapped between sheer cliffs on both sides, it would normally have been so pitch black that the road was invisible.

But this moment was different: we were enveloped in red light and black smoke. Countless black metal bombs must have incinerated the trees. Everywhere, from the edge of the road to the cliff faces, fires raged, and black smoke severely obscured the view. As the red light of the flames illuminated the cliffs and the road, I could see numerous bodies of knights scattered across the ground.

They are likely almost all knights from the Centena garrison. Perhaps some of Jalpa’s Fertio Marquis knights were mixed in, too. There were also Wyvern corpses, but the knight bodies were more prominent, creating a deeply desperate atmosphere when viewed from the Kingdom of Scuderia’s side.

“…That only looks like a reckless charge.” I muttered.

Panamera snorted and pointed toward the ceiling.

“They’ve been hit this hard. I’d want to smash them up myself.”

“No, no, no, this isn’t some kind of delinquent turf war,” I couldn’t help but interject at Panamera’s very martial way of showing empathy.

Panamera looked puzzled by my comment, but immediately composed her face and turned her attention back to the window.

“Jokes aside, I fully sympathize with the sentiments of Lord Talga and Marquis Fertio. As the ones entrusted with this land, they would have no standing if they were so easily breached. If this were the City of Scudet, they might have had time to retreat and counterattack, but if Centena is breached, it’s over. If it’s breached, their own domain is finished, and considering the current situation, it’s the end for the Kingdom of Scuderia, too. If holing up in this fortress is useless, they have no choice but to launch an offensive… even if they know they will die and even if success is far from guaranteed.”

Panamera spoke, crossing her arms with a bitter expression. Perhaps she thinks she might face such a situation herself someday. I might not choose any other option if I were in the same situation.

“Yes, sir! Both Lord Talga and His Excellency the Marquis marched out, prepared to die! The main cavalry unit was split into two, and the infantry was further divided into four squads, all moving separately. The cavalry unit rushed through as planned before they could be targeted by the cannons. And because the infantry spread their formation widely, they lost half their numbers, but the remainder managed to advance further! Thanks to that, the attacks on Centena have drastically decreased. Though, for some reason, the Wyverns remain…”

Immediately after one of the knights spoke, an explosion and tremor rocked the fortress somewhere. Fliching, I leaned my head out the window and looked at the sky.

Indeed, three Wyverns were circling in an arc above.

“I’d like to go and reinforce Marquis Fertio, but we can’t respond until we deal with those Wyverns. What should we do, boy?” Panamera asked me. I observed the Wyverns’ flight pattern.

“…Why are they returning toward the cliff? Can’t Wyverns fly for long periods?”

When I asked, the knight shook his head and pointed toward the top of the cliff.

“Normally, flying dragons can fly for a long time. They probably have a place up there to replenish the black metal. However, getting up there is extremely difficult. We tried to find a way to disrupt their resupply, but we just couldn’t…” The knight explained with a frustrated look.

I nodded, acknowledging his point, and looked back at Arte.

“In that case, Arte might be the right person for the job.”

When I said that, Arte clenched a small fist in front of her chest and tucked her chin down.

“L-leave it to me…!”

Arte spoke with resolve, but the Centena knights who heard her wore confused looks.

“…E-excuse me. Who are you, precisely? I understand you are a noble, based on your conversation with Viscount Panamera…”

“Huh? Ah, I forgot to introduce myself…! My apologies, my name is Van Nei Fertio. I hold the rank of Baron, for what it’s worth…” I remembered my lapse and hastily introduced myself.

The knight’s eyes widened in astonishment, and he stared intently at my face.

“B-Baron Van?! Th-then, that means THE BARON VAN rushed here as reinforcement for Centena!?”

Which Baron Van?

The knight’s exaggerated reaction made me momentarily wonder if there was another Baron Van. However, it seemed he meant me, and he approached with a beaming smile.

“O-oh! Indeed! Why didn’t I notice! That silver hair! Your appearance, around ten years old! Yes, you must be the rumored Baron Van! What a miracle! Now, finally, there is light…!”

The elderly knight spoke passionately, even shedding tears at the corners of his eyes. As if in response, sniffing sounds could be heard from the surrounding knights.

“…W-well, for now, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m going to take down the Wyverns. Leaving them alone is dangerous.”

“Oh! To address the issue with such a casual demeanor right away! That is truly Baron Van! If there is anything we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to ask…!”

“N-no, no, you don’t need to do anything.”

“Understood!”

After that exchange, we quickly left the room. Once outside, Panamera, having reached her limit, burst out laughing.

“Hahahahaha! When did you get so famous, boy?”

“I-I think it’s probably just because this is the Fertio County. I was once a member of the Fertio Marquis family, after all.”

“Don’t be modest! I’m practically jealous.”

Panamera teased me at every opportunity. It was a sadistic streak I occasionally saw in her. No, perhaps it should be called a bully temperament.

“I feel like the more attention I get, the more trouble follows.” I muttered with a sigh, walking quickly down the corridor. I quickly found the stairs leading to the rooftop.

“Alright, let’s hurry up and defeat the Wyverns and go assist the people who advanced ahead.”