Chapter 396
My Villains Episode 396
63. The Silver Prince's Knights(3)
The Silver Prince's second knight, 'Great' Ankir, led over three hundred cavalry and relentlessly harassed the rear of the imperial army. Since it was a guerrilla war that took place along the forest leading from the border and the land of death, Asag, the imperial army had no choice but to have a hard time..
The cavalry would hide in the bushes where new leaves were slowly sprouting or in the thick poisonous fog of Asag, waiting for an opening, and then jump out without warning and attack the supply column. It was an impossible tactic to deal with the hordes of conscripts guarding the rear of the imperial army..
The Duke of Strom's dragon knights were busy flying and searching, but it was difficult to find the enemy who used the forest and the solitary dance as a tent..
Moreover, the Dragoons continued to suffer losses during continuous search and reconnaissance and battles. The number of brave knights remaining in the campaign was only about 40, so even if all of them were used, it would not be possible to completely monitor the supply route..
“Wouldn't it be difficult to supply it only through blades??”
“It's not impossible though-”
In response to Duke Avilambus' question, the senior officer in charge of supplies narrowed his eyes as if he was sorry..
“As you know, Eyland's fleet is a problem..”
“……Damn you guys.”
Just like the kingdom army led by Prince Ulkar, the imperial army also recently received a visit from a blood knight. The blood knight Eordan, an envoy sent by Count Akelle, has come to visit..
Akelle of Zahakar, who has a long title - Count of 'Rihil' in the eastern part of Eyland, Admiral of the Iron Scale Fleet, and Duke of Kaisis' maritime agent - has been giving ridiculous notices to the Imperial Army..
“We will neutralize the entire South Sea area, including Blade's Edge Bay, and prohibit the entry of all armed ships... … . Anyway, these guys are incredibly arrogant..”
Although he was sarcastic in a cold voice, the duke had no intention of turning Eyland into an enemy..
Hundreds of years have passed since the small kingdom of Eyland was destroyed at the hands of King Zeoth the Conqueror, but Zahakar and Baluin are still famous and called the 'Twin Kings'. A semi-independent force that, although nominally a vassal of the Kingdom of Milan, does not have any obligations other than paying taxes.…….
“There is no need to waste your energy on useless things. If we don't touch them first, they won't even budge even if the entire kingdom burns and the king's head is cut off..”
“You are right, Your Majesty. It's a shame that we can't use shipping, but it would be unwise to deal with Eyland's fleet just because of that..”
“……Tsk.”
It is unknown for what reason, but Count Achele's envoy did not back down from promulgating a proclamation that was no different from a ban on the sea, even though he offered a huge amount of wealth..
Because it had only recently expanded its power to the coast, the Mitergeland Empire had no maritime tradition. No matter how large the territory was and how strong the army was, it was necessary to be cautious when confronting the forces of Eyland, who had roamed the seas since ancient times..
“I can't help it……
Duke Avilambus clicked his tongue and showed his disappointment for a moment before giving an order in a very firm tone..
“Cavalry must be dealt with as cavalry. I need to release the imperial knights and elite cavalry..”
There are only incompetent people around you, so in the end, the decision is yours alone..
Thinking thus, the duke continued..
“If the number of people is about three times that, there will be no difficulty in clearing them out. At best, you can tie your feet.”
After the failed siege, he had kept the army tightly wrapped in his arms, but he boldly moved his troops. He added 800 cavalry to 150 imperial knights, and formed a total of 9150 cavalry to chase Ankir..
The reason why he was able to use the cavalry so boldly was thanks to Ariad, the 'salmer' who surrendered on his own feet, or rather, on the back of his servant. He confirmed that the remaining cavalry force in High Castle was insignificant..
“Burn the entire forest and trap the enemy cavalry in Asag. I don't know how they can endure the poisonous atmosphere there, but they probably can't just sit around in the swamp forever. If it sticks out, destroy it, if it retreats, leave it alone..”
There was no need to pursue and annihilate Ankir's cavalry to the end..
Although they were defeated in the siege and suffered great losses, the size of the imperial army was still more than 10,000. If we strengthened the precarious supply for a while and then knocked on the castle gate again, High Castle would eventually collapse..
Duke Avilambus thought so..
The remaining troops in High Castle were about 3,600. In the siege that began with the battle at Zelntri, about nine hundred people were killed or disabled..
Compared to the imperial army, which lost over 3,000 troops, the damage did not seem to be that great. However, as the attack was concentrated on the west gate, many of Prince Ulkar's elite soldiers were injured, and the kingdom's army suffered a painful loss..
“Even most of the articles were missing... … . The enemy's momentum has clearly been broken, and since the heavy cavalry is hindering supply, it will not be impossible to hold out..”
Heeding General McNeil's advice was Count Os, a 16-year-old boy..
“……What about the castle walls? How is the restoration of the castle walls progressing??”
“Since I didn't know when the enemy would attack again, I decided to focus on the inner wall for now. The outer wall has been torn down in some places, but it still serves a certain role, so it would be a good idea to restore it later when there is time..”
“Yes, do as you wish, General..”
Prince Ulkar was still in bed, and Margrave Garwin was in a state of disorientation due to the sudden death of his father and inheritance of the title..
‘It was only natural that the Earl of Orth, called the 'Little Fox' because he was the heir to the Marquis of Eavon, the 'Golden Fox', became the nominal figurehead of Highcastle..
““Your Excellency, since there are almost no casualties in the east, it would be better to turn our troops around a bit and reinforce the west gate.” Of course, it was impossible for a mere 16-year-old to lead a large army against the imperial army..
So Prince Ulkar's subordinates, as well as lords and nobles, formed a command center and practically led the army..
“How much?”
“Baron Lujan and his immediate army are sufficient, Your Excellency. There are only about a hundred people, but they are quite elite, so they will definitely be helpful..”
Count Orth nodded with a stern face at the words of ‘arrogant’ Lyam, who represented the Silver Prince’s subordinates..
“Yes, I will do as you say..”
At first glance, it seemed like he was just sitting there like a scarecrow, but Count Orth was expanding his influence in his own way..
The talented vassals sent by the Marquis of Eavon - the old knight Gid Bal, the 'Golden Swordsman', MacNeill, the experienced officer 'Holding the Hogar', and Raph, the 'Mystery Man', a battle wizard who controls bugs - took great care of him. Since I was an assistant, being young was not a big problem..
And, crucially, Count Ost was prepared to take that position..
The boy count showed no fear even when facing powerful enemies, and rather than expressing his own opinions, he listened to the knights and officers..
The desire to be recognized by his grandfather and the sense of resonance that arose from seeing his heroic peers were in a strange harmony with the humility caused by his lack of self-confidence. A pretty good attitude as a leader was developed through that process..
The Silver Prince has fallen and his renowned knights are divided for various reasons. Count Os begins to reveal his presence as a new leader.
This was a very fortunate thing for the Highcastle defenders..
And, the most crucial thing is…….
“Oh, I received a reply from His Excellency the Marquis just before the meeting..”
The Count of Orth was the grandson of the Marquis of Éavon, the High Lord of Antrum..
“He said he would send reinforcements within two days, so let's hold out for two or three weeks..”
“Your Majesty, what is the size of the reinforcements?……
“They say they will only send about 1,500 people first, if it is urgent. There may be a small number, but they are all elite soldiers of the Ariaga family, so it will be helpful..”
There were probably only a few people in the kingdom who could give a modifier like ‘as soon as possible’ to an army of 1,500 people. And Count Orth's grandfather was one of those few people..
As soon as he heard that his young grandson had taken over Highcastle in place of Ulkar, the Marquess of Eavon issued a conscription order for the entire province of Antram. He was not a man to waste time nitpicking when the opportunity to bring immortal fame to his veins was at hand..
Everyone in command had a bright smile on their faces as they heard the good news that the boy count had told them. The only exception was the Silver Prince's fourth knight, Lyam Summersong..
“Waiting for reinforcements to arrive is no easy task. Everyone in High Castle will have to risk their lives..”
Just as the atmosphere was calming down a little due to his decisive words, a loud bell was heard outside, and immediately a messenger came running in..
“It's the enemy! The enemy is approaching!”
“What? What kind of unit! The scale is?”
“Mercenaries, slave troops, and magic soldiers! The number is about seven thousand-”
“dissolution! Go to your place and command your soldiers.!”
At Count Ost's stern shout, the knights and officers quickly dispersed..
“Wow-!”
A knight wearing dark red armor fiercely swung a sword stained with fresh blood..
Squeak!
“Bent,”
A heavy armored soldier who was climbing a ladder fell to the bottom of the castle wall, blood spurting out from under his helmet..
“Heh, heh.”
The knight took a breath and looked around. The enemy soldiers, who had finally overcome the barrier, were forming a temporary staging area and gathering together. Because the walls were built thick to protect against spells, the enemy soldiers occupying one corner had gathered to a fairly significant thickness..
‘Where are these bastards?-’
He gritted his teeth and rushed towards the enemy soldiers..
“I'm the red knight!”
“Oh my-”
Unlike the enemy mercenaries who became thoughtful and took a step back, Altenburg's slave soldiers only strengthened their ranks with emotionless eyes..
tyrant!
‘White federal flags engraved with the Shpacht word for ‘those who are guided’ and the ring cross stood shoulder to shoulder with each other. Between them, windows were sticking out. It looked like a spear blade attached to the wall of a church with an icon carved on it..
“Bonus-”
The knight, barely able to swallow his shout, was about to jump straight into the enemy's formation, but he seemed to think of something and quickly held out his hand. Although his posture was very awkward,-
Kwagagak!
The blood gathered at his fingertips exploded violently and attacked his enemies..
“Geuhuhuh,”
Blood tore the sturdy shield and high-quality chain armor to shreds. Fifteen slave soldiers fell in Ususu..
“flaw—”
As the red knight adjusted his sword and charged in, the slave soldiers in the rear row attacked him, brandishing axes and swords. however _
bang!
Another explosion occurred among the soldiers who had fallen and were bleeding, and blood fragments exploded like a fountain, scattering everywhere..
“••••••AC.”
As the thirty or so enemy soldiers he was facing suddenly turned into six pieces and scattered all over the place, the Red Knight grunted and wiped away the sticky blood on his face armor. Then, the paint seemed to have peeled off from being scratched by the gauntlet, and yellow gold light leaked through the blood..
Then, the imperial army that had been knocking on the castle gate for half a day began to retreat. Since they attacked again only a week after suffering a crushing defeat in the previous siege, preparations were lacking, and the soldiers' stamina was low as supplies had recently become scarce..
“the enemy has retreated!”
“It's victory-!”
Amid the cheers of soldiers, a fierce
A roar echoed through the gloomy sky..
“Untierina mar—ta!”
The desperate roar, as if he was complaining or begging for forgiveness, was made by Utequai, the 'Red Bear'..
‘Anyway, my brother has a good voice..’
The man called the Red Knight narrowed his eyes beneath his helmet and looked back at Utequoi..
The giant, who had harpooned more than three hundred enemies today with his flaming whip and club, was looking at the retreating slave soldiers with an uncharacteristically gloomy expression..
The man thought about comforting him, but turned around, thinking to himself, 'Let's not do anything presumptuous.'.
“lily!”
“Phoenix Nari!”
The soldiers' admiring gaze made his gait a little awkward, but the man in the dark red armor himself did not notice this and went down the castle wall..
“Thank you for your hard work, Nari.!”
The one who ran towards me, shouting happily, was a large boy named Chojang Golman. He must have been in a fight somewhere, and he was wearing chain armor and blood..
As the man nodded silently, Goleman followed next to him and whispered softly..
“You're really good at it, right? It felt completely amazing.!”
“I'm so damn sleepy.”
“Uh, brother - you shouldn't say anything.,”
“Go wash your feet and go to sleep before you get hit for no reason, you bastard..”
“……yes.”
As Gollman retreated with his tail lowered, the man who was walking towards the castle side glanced at the nearby watchtower..
Then, he made eye contact with the person above him and lowered his eyes..
‘Hey, why am I.’
He unconsciously got angry and opened his eyes, but did not look up at the hooded woman standing on the watchtower. The woman's cold gaze was difficult for even him, who was publicly recognized as a crazy person by those around him, to handle..
“•…”Fuck you.”
The red knight, no, the pony-haired Fritz, cursed softly and walked away..
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