Chapter 246: [Alternate View] Cosworth’s Astonishment
【Cosworth Yelenetta】
“…The movements have changed?”
Since the Earth Dragon, which we had strategically deployed as a defensive anchor, had been defeated, I had temporarily ordered the entire army to retreat to base. However, I received a disturbing report from one of the commanders fighting on the front lines. When I repeated part of the report aloud, the Deputy Commander of the Shelvia Confederation Knight Order spoke with a serious expression.
“Yes, sir! The original plan was to inflict a massive blow that would force a retreat, even if a complete annihilation wasn’t possible. Our investigation concluded that even with the combined forces of the Kingdom of Scuderia’s border knights and the Fertio Marquis Knight Order, we could win by using the Earth Dragon to halt their movement while we executed a pincer attack from both sides. It was actually about to succeed. However…”
“Deputy Commander. I am fully aware of that report. The dragon-slaying by the mysterious knight, yes? I am not reprimanding you for the failed pincer attack. Instead, report the current movements of the Kingdom of Scuderia’s forces.”
When I spoke in a low voice, the men seated around the same table straightened their backs with grave expressions. Next to me sat the Knight Commander of the Kingdom of Yelenetta’s Royal Knight Order, but the other five were commanders from the Shelvia Confederation. One was Count Towncar, who commands the Shelvia Confederation’s Knight Orders, but he has effectively handed over the leadership to us.
This is testament to the extreme threat the Shelvia Confederation feels toward the black metal and artillery. But in this single battle, dark clouds are suddenly gathering. I had planned to completely crush the Kingdom of Scuderia with overwhelming force and bring the Shelvia Confederation fully under our control, but the situation is not unfolding as intended.
The Deputy Commander of the Shelvia Confederation Knight Order stiffened and nodded.
“Yes, my apologies… Before, while they were under siege, the only movements we saw were focused on repairing the fort, with some scouting and vigilance. But now, they seem to be installing some large-scale equipment on the walls without bothering to repair them first. And they are doing so one after another.”
Receiving such a vague report, I felt a slight irritation, but I addressed the Knight Commander seated next to me.
“…What new Scuderia weapons were reported? Specifically, mention those we should be most cautious of.”
He nodded deeply and replied.
“A new type of crossbow with long range and high attack power. And a tall knight who continues to move regardless of the attack. Also, their rumored abnormal quick construction techniques, I believe.”
At his words, I couldn’t help but scoff.
“It sounds like something out of a myth. Our own black metal and artillery might seem dull in comparison.”
I commented sarcastically, smiling wryly. Behind me, my younger brother, Istana, stiffened.
“…You would realize it’s no joke if you saw it firsthand. Similar reports are emerging from other battlefields; the long-range and accurate crossbow is a clear threat. Furthermore, the immortal knight who can cut down an army of nearly ten thousand men with just two people… there is simply no way to deal with that.”
Istana added this detail in a low voice, but I shot him a strong glare for the unnecessary interjection. This was not the kind of sensitive information to discuss in front of our currently anxious allied commanders. Realizing his mistake, Istana immediately shut his mouth and stepped back.
After confirming that, I analyzed the situation again.
“…I remember hearing that a boy claiming the title of Baron appeared before the rumored quick construction. Our investigation shows that the only child Baron is Van Nei Fertio, a son of the Fertio Marquis family. Therefore, it is highly likely that this same child named Van has appeared at Centena.”
“…In that case, does the change in movement mean that this boy named Van has begun to command? That seems rather unlikely, no matter what…” A voice of doubt arose at the conjecture that a child was commanding.
I silenced them by raising one hand and supplemented my own deduction.
“He is the son of the Fertio Marquis family and holds the rank of Baron, so he is ostensibly placed as the commander. However, it is unlikely that the child himself is doing the actual commanding. He probably has an unparalleled genius inventor, a fearsome blacksmith, and a strategist who devised that terrifying quick construction method among his subordinates. It is this strategist who must hold the real power. That being the case, the Centena, which was on the verge of falling, may transform into a fearsome fortress.”
Upon this answer, expressions of understanding finally emerged.
“I see, so that is it. It means that while the boy named Van is ostensibly the head, he has formidable subordinates under his command?”
“In that case, we need a plan to break through that opponent first.”
“Would betrayal be difficult? We don’t even know what kind of people they are; trying to bait them with status or wealth might just cause resentment.”
With the enemy’s shape becoming slightly clearer, more sensible opinions began to emerge than before. Satisfied with this, I focused the direction of the discussion.
“First, the question is whether or not we should give the enemy time. I consider it the height of folly to grant time to scoundrels who develop astonishing weapons. What are your thoughts?”
Upon my question, everyone’s expressions tightened.
“Indeed… Centena was supposed to be on the verge of collapse.”
“Shouldn’t we attack all at once and crush them now?”
Someone voiced a powerful opinion, and others began to follow suit, advocating for an immediate assault. With this, the shameful disorganization that occurred when the plan failed had subsided. The men gathered around the table now were powerful knights seeking victory.
“The decision is made. Now, let us re-evaluate the enemy’s strength and decide on the operation. Since they possess long-range, accurate crossbows, moving in a tight formation is dangerous. We will deploy widely to the left and right and assault Centena. The problem is those two knights. We should restrict their movements with earth walls and incinerate them with fire magic. There is no creature that will not die when burned.”
“Oh…!”
“Indeed, in that case, it will certainly work…!”
As the tactics were decided, morale gradually rose. While the men discussed the troop placement, I turned back, thinking I should take one more step.
“Istana.”
When I called his name, Istana immediately walked toward me.
“Yes, Your Highness?”
I smiled wryly at Istana’s dutiful attitude and conveyed the second plan.
“Find some skilled men, either mercenaries or knights. Prepare assassins.”
“…Assassins?” Istana tilted his head with a dubious expression, so I lightly struck his chest with my left fist and spoke.
“If they succeed, it will be a windfall.”
Istana quietly bowed his head at my instruction.
