Chapter 14

“Twenty-three thousand… huh.”

The commanders gathered inside the castle: Cain, Tifa, and me. Along with Lady Luna, our ruler, we were joined this time by Gustaf and Aaron, leaders of the two mercenary units.

“We will join the fight as well.”

“Our total troop count may be less, but since it’s a siege battle, I believe we have a good chance of victory.”

While I agree with them… in this game, minor factors like these can change drastically depending on who the enemy commander is. Given that this world operates more on the ‘character power’ system rather than relying on troop numbers or strategies, it’s crucial not to overlook this aspect.

“By any chance, do you know who the enemy commander is?”

“A-ah! Y-yes, th-the…”

The messenger beside me seemed startled for a moment at my use of honorifics, but quickly regained composure and replied loudly.

“We’ve received reports that a woman named Iren Julieat appears to be leading their vanguard.”

“Huh? They’re using Iren?”

Iren Julieat – a commander I know all too well after playing this game for 10,000 hours. An S-class warrior specializing in siege warfare, known for her unshakable loyalty despite being tragically executed by her own lord, Lin Brance, due to their terrible compatibility score of -100. Her fate is sealed every single time – being wrongfully accused and beheaded by Lin himself.

So seeing her being utilized now makes me realize just how humiliated they must have felt from their previous defeat.

Considering Brance’s army’s situation, it was indeed a devastating loss – 8,000 troops defeated by a mere 3,000. Their plan to quickly conquer Central Continent and focus on Serpina in the north and various southern warlords has been disrupted, leaving them frustrated.

Regardless, Lin Brance’s decision to utilize Iren is disastrous news for us.

Cain, Tifa, Gustaf, and Aaron all seem to recognize Iren’s reputation, their faces showing growing concern.

“…This doesn’t look good.”

Our side has about 3,000 troops, though only around 2,000 are fit for battle. The mercenary units are in similar condition – Raven Mercenary Unit has 7,000 and Chirein Mercenary Unit has 6,000, but accounting for casualties, we’re looking at around 10,000 effective fighters. That means we need to hold against 23,000 with only 12,000.

Given Iren’s “Siege” specialty, which deals extra damage to garrisoned troops, the odds are daunting.

“Swen, what should we do?”

Luna looked at me worriedly. She always knows how to ask the right questions at the right time.

After considering Luna’s question…

“…Hmm?”

Something didn’t seem right… But then I shook my head.

“No, this is correct.”

With Divinity 100, there’s no room for doubt. My predictions are always accurate. No matter how unconventional the advice seems, I must have confidence in it.

“First, we fortify our defenses and stall for time.”

“But just defending won’t accomplish anything!”

Looking at Tifa, I responded:

“Yes, eventually we’ll be overwhelmed, especially with Iren commanding. However, if you can buy me some time, I will personally negotiate a ceasefire with Lin Brance.”

“A ceasefire? How?”

“Exactly. I will meet with Lin Brance and propose a ceasefire agreement.”

“…”

Everyone was clearly surprised by my suggestion. What could we possibly offer an army coming for revenge with 23,000 troops?

“Lord, how much gold do we currently have?”

“About 1,300 if we gather everything.”

“That’s sufficient. I’ll return with a ceasefire agreement using 1,300 gold.”

“C’mon Swen! While you’re remarkable, isn’t this too unrealistic? Wouldn’t it be better to use that money to hire more troops from neighboring countries? Even a small increase in numbers would help in a siege battle.”

Though reasonable, I firmly stated:

“No, that would only delay the inevitable. We cannot win simply by holding out another day or two. I stake my life on achieving this ceasefire – please defend the castle while I’m gone.”

My resolve was absolute. With Divinity 100 guiding me to pursue a ceasefire, I had complete confidence.

“Lord, make the decision.”

Luna didn’t hesitate much this time. Her trust in me was evident.

“Swen, proceed with the ceasefire negotiations with Brance’s army using 1,300 gold.”

“Understood!”

“Commanders, let’s prepare the castle defenses. We won’t form interception parties. Tifa and I will guard the east gate, while the mercenary units will cover the other gates. Speak up if anyone has objections.”

“No objections.”

“We follow!”

“Just hold them off – what else is there to discuss?”

With that, everyone dispersed to prepare.

Everything’s set. Though confident in my prediction, I should still move quickly – circumstances can change even in this game.

“I’ll depart now. Please hold the fort until I return.”

“Sir Swen…”

Just then, Lunarien grabbed my shoulder. The strong leader from before was replaced with someone whose eyes seemed ready to crumble at any moment.

“You must return alive. Do you understand?”

Was she too tense? While appreciative of her following my advice to maintain dignity in front of others, her personality clearly made this difficult for her.

“Is that an order?”

But she took my joke seriously.

“Yes. It’s an order. If you die… even if it costs me my physical form… I will follow you as a spirit. I will never forgive you if you throw your life away.”

?

Her declaration was unexpectedly intense… Regardless, I had no intention of dying. I wanted to return home safely and see my family again.

“Understood. I’ll be back soon. The castle is in your hands.”

Hearing this, she finally smiled faintly and nodded.

*

“Move forward at maximum speed! Those who fall behind will be left! If you wish to avoid a miserable fate, keep your pace!”

Iren was leading 23,000 troops in forced march. Naturally, many soldiers were falling behind. Despite Jeilrant Castle being relatively close, thousands might drop out at this pace within a week.

‘A week. I must take the castle within a week.’

Unbeknownst to her, she was known as a siege specialist. Even with troop losses, she instinctively understood that rapid approach was best given supply limitations. A week was incredibly short, but she needed to prove herself to Lin Brance, who had entrusted her again.

As if on cue, her forces reached Jeilrant Castle’s eastern gate before sunset. Archers lined the walls, and significant forces waited outside. The ax-wielding general at the forefront was unmistakably Tifa.

Iren slowly raised her hand. Simultaneously, catapults revealed themselves on both flanks. Preparing siege weapons for a siege battle was standard procedure.

And apparently anticipating this…

“Charge, men!”

Their side charged first. The catapults needed to advance further to reach firing range, which would expose them to arrow barrages from the walls – a disadvantageous position.

Still, they had 20,000 troops. If they could breach the gate even once…

Iren let out a thunderous roar.

“All units, charge!!!”