Chapter 173: Unexpected Reinforcements

When we withdrew to Woodpole, everyone was exhausted and slept like logs. The guest rooms at the Baron’s mansion had been made ready for immediate use, thanks to the Baroness and Mabel giving instructions to the maids.

When I woke up the next morning, breakfast was already prepared. It is December now, and the daylight hours are short in this high-latitude region. Even though it was still dim outside, the maids were supporting us with all their might.

“Will they come again today?” “They surely will.” Letty answered my question without skipping a beat. Well, I suppose she’s right.

“How is your magic power holding up?” “I’m fine. It has recovered.” “Me too.” I was relieved to see that both my sister and Luna seemed to have recovered their magic power. I hear that the more excellent the mage, the greater their mana recovery. As expected of two excellent mages.

Let’s do our best again today. However, there is a cause for concern. The number of injured among the Woodpole knights has increased, so the vanguard is thinning out. Even though Theo and I have changed the battlefield with Earth Magic and Production Magic, maintaining the battle line will be difficult without a certain number of vanguard troops.

Just as I was wondering what to do, the Woodpole family butler arrived. “Excuse me. There are people here asking for Lord William and Lord Theodore.” “Eh? Visiting Theo and me here in Woodpole?” Wondering who on earth it could be, I went to the entrance and found a group of Dwarves.

“Aiakos, why are you here?” Theo was surprised too. “Those who wished to fight alongside Lord William and Theo have gathered. We also want to help Theo‘s friend, Mabel.” According to Aiakos, the leader of the Dwarves, they heard the story from their Chieftain and came here.

“I am very happy you came as reinforcements.” Since we are lacking vanguard troops, I am extremely grateful. However, I must inform them that we intend to escape via teleportation if things go south. “If it gets dangerous, we intend to escape using Teleportation Magic. But there is a limit to the number of people who can teleport at once. I think it would be impossible to teleport everyone, including you all, at once.”

“I see. So the Chieftain allowed Theo to go to the battlefield because there is Teleportation Magic.” I see… From Aiakos‘s perspective, it was strange that the Chieftain let Theo go to a dangerous place. Surely, just like the Elder is with Luna, the Dwarf Chieftain cherishes Theo deeply.

“But don’t worry about us. If it gets dangerous, we’ll dig holes with Earth Magic and hide. That’s how we’ve survived even in the Sea of Trees.” I looked at Theo, and he nodded. It seems Aiakos isn’t lying just to reassure us.

“Besides, this time Lord Oliver lent us amazing armor imbued with traits.” According to Aiakos, the Dwarves’ equipment, provisions, and carriages were all arranged by Oliver. Apparently, they were able to arrive quickly by preparing many spare horses. I am grateful. Oliver really is helping us from the rear.

“If that is the case, then I’m counting on you. Actually, the number of injured among the vanguard knights has increased, and I was wondering what to do. You are a huge help.” Since the Dwarves possess heavy-looking armor and large shields, they should be effective as tanks.

“Oh, leave it to us. Also, there is something I was entrusted with from Lord Oliver.” “From Oliver?” When I opened the bag Aiakos handed me, there were quite a number of Magic Stones inside. A memo was attached: “I assumed you would be firing the Magic Guns a lot, so I searched the warehouse and gathered these. Also, I took armor with traits out of the warehouse and lent them to the Dwarves. I have obtained the Margrave’s approval.” Amazing. Oliver seems to know the situation here even from far away. Lending armor to the Dwarves was a brilliant move.

I told Baron Woodpole and Mabel that the Dwarves had come as reinforcements. “Dwarves? Why did they come to help our house?” The Baron was surprised. Mabel hurried to the entrance. “Everyone, you came? A massive horde of monsters is here, and it is very dangerous.”

“It’s been a while, little Miss Mabel. It’s fine; we have our fair share of experience fighting monsters in the Sea of Trees.” “Thank you.” Aiakos gently patted Mabel‘s shoulder as she began to cry.

“Lord William, what does this mean?” “Mabel-san became close friends with Theo‘s compatriot Dwarves while working at the workshop. She even participated in the Dwarf Summer Festival.” “Is that so?”

After a while, a report came from a scout that the monster herd was approaching again. “I’m sorry to ask this right after you arrived in Woodpole, but are you okay to go to the battlefield?” “We pride ourselves on our sturdiness, so we’re fine.”

The Dwarves, who cannot ride horses, rode in the carriage, while we rode on horseback to the same location as yesterday. “Oh, a position has been properly constructed.” The Dwarves were impressed. From there, we strengthened the position even further.

Eventually, the sun rose, and the monster herd approached again. Dust rose, and the vibrations in the ground grew stronger. Just how many are there? Even though we defeated so many monsters yesterday, I don’t feel like their numbers have decreased. The sheer violence of numbers is a terrifying thing. But I want to hold out somehow today as well.