Chapter 94

94.

*

“Report! Numerous banners have emerged from Maeton Ravine. It is presumed to be the vanguard of the Holy Liberation Army.”

Breathing heavily, the messenger rapidly delivered the report to Barnel, who asked:

“Numbers and types?”

“A, approximately 3,000; cavalry.”

“Cavalry of 3,000… quite the gathering.”

Barnel lightly gestured after muttering a brief remark. Once the messenger hastily bowed and left the tent, a silence fell over the temporary command post.

Watching the map silently, Commander Barnel’s demeanor made the imperial officers and nobles tense as they tried to gauge the situation.

As the stillness deepened, with even the sound of each other’s breathing audible, Barnel finally spoke.

“What is the confirmed current force of the Holy Liberation Army?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, the adjutant immediately replied.

“Based on reconnaissance and trader intel, the total confirmed strength is 30,000.”

“Khalheigh’s forces make up 20,000 of them. The rest are trash.”

“The elite main force is slowly passing through the ravine.”

Nodding in agreement with the adjutant’s explanation, Barnel extended his hand, moving pieces on the map.

The white pieces were maneuvered to and fro with an indifferent touch. Having finalized the Holy Liberation Army’s force deployment, he then moved black pieces.

The first placement was in the Rood Plain where the temporary command post was set up.

Referencing the plain, Maeton Ravine lay to the left, and Altain’s western border was to the right.

Having marked the main force on the Rood Plain, Barnel completed a long line stretching to Falenberk, placing single markers along the way.

Calmly, the adjutant began to explain as Barnel gazed intently at the map.

“There are 15,000 imperial troops deployed on the plain. The rest are continually joining at the Rood Plain. It is estimated that the full integration will take about a week.”

The adjutant then relayed the detailed scale of the reinforcement troops moving towards the plain.

As the types and positions of the black pieces slightly shifted, Barnel soon finished the complete deployment of the black pieces and sat down.

Logistics, ambushes, mobility.

With the overall movement of the army finally clear on the map, he nodded.

The commander’s sign that the meeting was about to commence.

Now that the officers and nobles finally exhaled and began talking.

“It was indeed rumored, but the Holy Liberation Army’s military might isn’t trivial.”

“Fighting force of 30,000… it’s astonishing that Khalheigh amassed this much, and even more amazing that they’ve added another 10,000. No one is playing games.”

“Calling it a game is truly absurd. Do these Liberation Army fellows honestly believe such ridiculous rumors?”

“How should I know? Ask the Liberation Army when the war ends.”

“At any rate, these barbarian bastards…”.

The officers and nobles frowned or shook their heads, as if repulsed.

Few of those gathered in the temporary command post had participated in or received updates from Iris’s emergency meetings held earlier.

Being briefed late on the details of this war upon arrival at the temporary command post, for them, the Holy Liberation Army’s mobilization and declaration of a crusade were baffling news. Moreover, for the Liberation Army’s spearhead to be Khalheigh was inconceivable.

What once was a barbarian nation quietly paying tribute had grown in strength over the years and now brandished its sword.

An audacious attempt to alter long-established relationships.

The sight of such behavior challenging the empire’s authority stirred anger and profanity alike.

Having vented their emotions momentarily, these dignified individuals carefully observed and cautiously began talking.

“What is the Liberation Army’s stated justification?”

“The emancipation of the oppressed holy maiden and the church, along with the eradication of the malevolent… Him.”

“Hmph. I somewhat understand the gist, no need to elaborate further.”

On the opposite side from where Barnel sat on his commander’s throne, these individuals stole a glance at a corner of the temporary command post and spoke in a very subdued voice.

-How did you manage to devise such a plan?

-It looks like Khalheigh’s forces are growing out of control. Turning an easily winnable war into a debacle, huh.

-There must be some deeper intent, right? After all, a plan involving the church and the holy maiden couldn’t lack foresight.

Only those nearby could hear this whispered exchange.

However, the temporary command tent, though not vast, was not that large. Thus, focusing on the sounds revealed their conversation rather well.

What’s more, the protagonist of the topic of discussion possessed extraordinary physical abilities.

Barnel quietly addressed the subject of the whispers with a soft voice.

“So, what are your thoughts? Duke.”

Cain smirked in response to the question.

“It’s merely a castle of sand.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s easy to bring down.”

“Well, not entirely wrong.”

And therefore, this is how he remains so relaxed.

Having refrained from further comments, Barnel shifted his gaze toward the confused officers and nobles.

“Soon the Liberation Army’s main forces will also follow the vanguard out of the Maeton Ravine. Let’s discuss the enemy’s vanguard moving toward our main camp. Share your opinions.”

“If no special opinions arise, we will dispatch the interception troops as per the usual method. Do share if you have any significant thoughts.”

Having spoken, the adjutant waited as the officers and nobles slowly began exchanging opinions.

The skirmish between vanguards would be a crucial battle determining the morale of the troops.

Receiving the attention of everyone present, it was also an excellent stage for demonstrating prowess.

Hence, many ambitious officers and nobles had a burning desire to participate in commanding the vanguard.

“Any volunteers? Lord Massa, haven’t you always wanted to showcase your tactical command?”

“Hmm. I do have a few strategies in mind.”

“In that case, go ahead. This time, I yield the honor to you.”

“…Let’s first hear other opinions.”

The officers and nobles glanced cautiously at each other, silent.

Given the ambiguity of the situation, it seemed imprudent to offer bold strategies confidently.

The Holy Liberation Army’s strength far exceeded expectations.

There was hesitation about suggesting plans or tactics lightly. Marching ahead looked exceedingly dangerous.

“Your head might be on the line in this first battle.”

“Reports say the Holy Liberation Army is continuing to gather reinforcements from various places.”

“There are over 30,000 now, and the count might escalate with time. Is this really a winnable war?”

“Considering the plain battle dominated by cavalry, we only have 1000 cavalry here. With no significant variables, the outcome seems precarious.”

Everyone fell silent, mulling these thoughts in their heads.

As no substantial opinions emerged, Barnel signaled to the adjutant with a glance.

Turning his calm gaze towards Cain, the adjutant spoke.

“Then, as planned, we will dispatch only the Royal Knights to intercept the enemy’s vanguard. Your Highness, Duke, we leave it in your hands.”

“I’ll take care of it. Much obliged, Adjutant.”

“No need to thank me. I wish you good fortune.”

With a respectful bow from the adjutant and a tranquil nod from Cain, those present gasped involuntarily.

“What did you say?”

“Deploying only the knights? What kind of insane plan is this?”

“Attacking 3000 with merely 200? There’s a limit even to the Knights, let alone the Royal Knights…”

While horsemen exert powerful forces, this is true for regular cavalry as well.

Assume similar scales, even the notoriously frail Royal Knights would’ve faced difficulties achieving victory.

Yet, there was a clear numerical disparity this time.

Had the duke finally gone mad, indulging in a bloody conflict? Or was it his obsession with establishing merit that made him announce his intent to lose the vanguard battle?

‘Could he be planning to commit suicide?’

‘Could it be that the bizarre rumors the Liberation Army spreads are true…? If not, there’s no way Duke would make such a judgment.’

‘If he’s intent on rushing to his death, I won’t object. Macbilian.’

‘When the war is over, His Majesty will surely mourn.’

Absurd ideas swirled through people’s heads amidst the chaos.

Thus, the temporary command tent became noisy with murmurs, and the meeting topic gradually went awry. As this continued, Barnel slapped the table.

Bang!

“Silence! Contain your behavior.”

Silence fell over everyone under the sternness of the Commander.

An oppressive silence descended upon the temporary command tent.

Barnel shifted the white piece representing the Liberation Army’s cavalry forces to the center of the Rood Plain and positioned the black piece against it, looking at Cain.

“The cavalry that rested while breaking through the ravine will soon appear. You and the knights should set out immediately upon receiving the reconnaissance report.”

“Understood. The main force is in your hands, Duke Schurantz.”

“Your prowess leaves no room for doubt. You shall certainly triumph. I shall prepare for the next plan, but I hope there’s no negligence.”

To this, Cain smirked.

“Thank you for your concern. Finishing the vanguard battle without issue, it would be embarrassing for the main forces to falter. After all, it would be laughable if we struggled against numerical odds like these.”

“This is an unnecessary worry. I am the imperial commander.”

“That is indeed comforting. I look forward to witnessing your skill in repelling the earlier mentioned forces.”

The conversation between the two power figures left the officers and nobles holding their breaths.

On the surface, their exchange appeared serene, concerned about each other’s welfare, but neither’s eyes revealed any emotion.

Their expression-less and toneless, yet dry conversation, elevated the tension until beads of sweat formed on everyone’s hands.

Just as the tension was peaking, a soldier burst inside, pushing the tent flap violently.

“Emergency! Emergency! The golden sun flag has been spotted beyond the ridge. Entire enemy cavalry unit! This is the vanguard of the Holy Liberation Army!”

The report from the messenger, drenched in sweat, dropped everyone into a profound silence.

Cain gently nodded and rose from his seat.

Clunk.

The heavy sound of steel clashing.

Fully armored, Cain slowly moved to the tent exit.

Milene, who had participated in the meeting, swiftly followed behind, prompting Cain to speak.

“Deputy Commander. Prepare for departure.”

“All knights are ready!”

“Good. Final inspection of the equipment and mount your horses.”

“Understood.”

Following the commander’s instruction, Milene quickly departed the tent, then Cain leisurely followed.

Rustle.

Exiting the tent, ignoring the complex gazes, refreshing air greeted Cain.

Having come from the dim tent to bright surroundings, Cain squinted instinctively. He exhaled deeply and turned his gaze to the sky.

“It’s overcast. Could it rain?”

Gray clouds scattered across the blue sky appeared here and there.

It was much too early for the rainy season to begin.

It seemed as if a sprinkle or perhaps a day’s worth of rain was on the horizon.

“Shouldn’t affect the skirmish.”

Should there be rain, the ground of the Rood Plain would become muddy, restricting horse movements, thereby reducing maneuverability.

“Finish it quickly.”

The battle shouldn’t last too long. There would be ample time to return to the main camp before the rain begins.

Hanging the Callion, which he had retrieved from beside the tent, over his shoulder, Cain surveyed the view.

Numerous tents fluttering with the imperial flag.

Imperial soldiers and messengers dashing between these encampments.

Cain exchanged casual salutes with the soldiers paying their respects and crossed the camp. Not long after, the intricate tent layout disappeared from view.

Upon reaching the end of the main forces, before Cain stood the fortified line and the meticulously waiting Royal Knights.

Cain addressed the assembled knights prepared for departure.

“The messenger’s call has been heard, the enemy vanguard is approaching.”

“…”

Tense eyes visible through the helms.

The rigid demeanor of the knights made Cain smirk slightly.

“Knights, who am I?”

“…The Commander of the Royal Knights, Sword of the Empress.”

Milene’s composed response. Then Cain asked the assembled knights.

“And who are you?”

“Royal Knights! We are both the Sword and Shield of the Empress!”

Gradually, suppressing their tension but igniting fighting spirit, Cain called out.

“Listen up! The enemy daring to threaten the empire’s peace and tranquility is upon us! They come here to trample your lives, families, and those you value!”

”

Mounted atop his warhorse, Cain swept his glare across the knights.

“Crush those who dare challenge us, send their heads flying, and slaughter them! We have the strength to do so! Who are we?”

“We are the Sword and Shield of the Empress, Knights of the Empire!”

The resounding call of the knights drew gathered imperial soldiers wandering the tents.

Under the slightly overcast sky, the knights glittered brightly as they caught the eyes of the imperial army.

The lingering tension gradually dissipated with the overwhelming sight. The imperial army straightened their postures, waiting for the knights’ departure.

Cain watched the distant enemy cavalry charging fiercely, then made a light gesture.

Flap.

The standard with the silver bellflower in the beak of a raven, raised powerfully.

As the Falenberk’s banner waved high, the imperial army, as if mesmerized, paid their respects.

Amid countless gazes, Cain pulled the reins.

“Knights, march! Follow me!”