Chapter 111 - A Foregone Conclusion
"Wow, they’re really going at it."
Bright explosions and magical lights dazzle the scene. Valeria and I, having climbed atop the outer wall, immediately get a good view of the spectacle near the main gate. For now, we’ll just take it in from a distance.
From this high vantage point, the main gate area is clearly visible. It seems the knights have split into two teams to try and break through the outer wall.
One team must consist of members skilled in offensive magic, as they relentlessly bombard a single spot on the wall. The other team focuses on physical attacks. They’re using various tools, like hammers, which they must have brought from somewhere, instead of trying to smash the wall with their swords.
Using Physical Enhancement Magic to enhance my vision, I observe the progress in detail. It seems the destruction isn’t making much headway yet.
The stones coated by Priene and her team are gradually peeling off, but they haven’t even reached the inner structure I created. I’m quite satisfied with the durability of the coating. Yes, our team’s work is something to be proud of. The defense holds up well against individual attacks, and the fortification is impressive.
I estimate it will take at least an hour for the coating to fully come off, but even then, the wall’s integrity will hold. In a real battle, the defenders would likely interfere, making it even harder for the attackers.
Since we have a good view from here, we might as well enjoy the show for a while.
"Valeria, over here."
As usual, I conjure a makeshift chair and table, seating Valeria and preparing a tea set. I even take out some pastries I brought along. We might be watching destruction, but we can still have a leisurely tea time. It might take a while, after all.
The two of us bask in the sunlight while observing the destruction. The sun is a bit intense, but I’ve taken care of my skincare, so I’m not worried about sunburn. Occasional exposure to sunlight is good for Vitamin D, even if I’m not sure I need it.
"Onee-sama, those people are really putting in the effort."
Valeria seems intrigued by the knights. A group of people in matching, impressive red armor is a sight to behold.
The physical attack team is hitting the wall with various tools, which, from a distance, looks quite mundane. The magic attack team, however, is quite a spectacle and entertaining to watch.
It’s hard to gauge their training level just by watching them smash the wall or cast spells, but the strength of their Physical Enhancement Magic and the intensity of their spells are evident.
Still, I’ve already faced them once, so there’s nothing particularly new to see.
Looking away from the knights, I scan the cityscape of the Royal Capital. It’s a bleak scene. People walk with a weary, heavy gait, and the city lacks any vibrancy. Abandoned and rundown areas are visible, and the overall atmosphere is lifeless.
I wonder if our actions will bring some life back to this place.
Not many bystanders are drawn to the knights’ attacks. The few who are curious are being chased away by our young men, so there are no spectators from the outside.
Watching the knights and the city for too long isn’t entertaining, so it’s time for some conversation.
"Valeria, what did you do in the forest while I was gone? Anything interesting?"
Valeria, who was happily sipping her tea, thinks for a moment before responding.
"Oh, right. Me and Mia had a contest."
"A contest? That sounds fun."
The two of them are among the best hunters in the Kikyo Society, so their contest must have been exciting.
"But when a snake-type monster appeared, Mia ran away."
"Really? She’s afraid of them?"
I thought Mia was fine with such things, but I didn’t know that. Indeed, some members are afraid of reptile-type monsters, and insect-type monsters are especially feared by many. I’m not a fan of insect-type monsters either.
Valeria, influenced by her friends, used a snake-type monster to play a prank on Mia. That’s another story, though.
This is a rare moment of relaxation. The attack sounds are a bit annoying, but they’re not loud enough to disturb our conversation.
I spent the time chatting with Valeria while the knights continued their futile efforts. It’s been about an hour.
The knights are still putting on a flashy display, but the outer wall remains unbroken. They’ve managed to peel off the outer layer, but the inner composite armor is proving difficult.
Without any special abilities, they won’t be able to break through, and many of them are already exhausted. They might give up within three hours.
Supporting Valeria, who had fallen asleep on my shoulder, I practice my magic control. The outer wall’s path is now filled with intricate geometric patterns I’ve carved.
A little over an hour later, as the sun began to set, the attack sounds started to dwindle.
“It’s about time to end this. Let’s go.”
“Yes, Onee-sama.”
Revitalized from her nap, Valeria and I start walking along the wall, moving directly above the section still under attack.
As we move, I notice Rosmerta is nowhere to be seen. She probably stepped inside to rest. Most of the Kikyo Society members have also left, with only a few still watching.
When we reach a good vantage point, I see Flannel, the leader of the knights, looking up at us. He’s using a mace, which seems out of place for him, instead of his usual sword.
Seeing me, he seems to muster his energy for one last attack. It’s probably his final attempt.
Intense magical power surges through him, a clear sign of his formidable strength.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!"
With a mighty roar, he swings the mace with all his might. The mace shatters upon impact, unable to penetrate the composite armor.
Despite this, the armor remains unscathed. This is the end.
"...We surrender. I’ll report to Rosmerta-sama. We’ll handle the cleanup."
"Thank you. I’ll leave it to you."
After Flannel’s final, futile attack, the knights gracefully admit defeat. Flannel will report to Rosmerta, and they’ll clean up the debris. I and the remaining Kikyo Society members will wait inside.
Once we return to our quarters, Rosmerta comes to see us.
Setting up tea quickly, we settle into our seats. Rosmerta speaks first.
"...I must admit defeat. You’ve outdone me, Yukarinowe."
I appreciate her honesty. I don’t want to hear complaints or grudges. Her straightforwardness is commendable, even for someone of her noble status.
"You didn’t watch the whole time, did you?"
"I gave up halfway through. I realized it was hopeless."
Indeed, the second hour was unproductive. It’s understandable to give up.
"By the way, where did they get all those hammers and maces?"
"Oh, your energetic young friend opened the armory for us."
The armory? When did that happen? Probably Ophelia or Albert brought them from somewhere.
Never mind. Let’s move on.
"So, have you seen the true strength of this fortress?"
"While I’m still curious about how you managed to build something like this, I can see it’s an incredible achievement."
She lets out a sigh and a wistful smile, which makes my heart skip a beat. Beauty has its perks.
Rosmerta seems to acknowledge a significant debt. Nothing is free, so she should be prepared for what comes next.
"The defense of this fortress is nearly impenetrable. If the knights guard it, no one will be able to take it."
"Yes, if we focus on defense, it will be nearly impossible to take."
Though the fortress will serve as a stronghold for Rosmerta and non-combatants, we won’t be focusing on defense. We’ll be the ones attacking. The preparations are already underway, and it’s just a matter of time before we move.
"When will we start?"
"Tomorrow. I want you to witness the beginning."
"Understood. Tell me the details."
The sooner, the better. I’ll be there to see it all unfold.
I already know the general plan, but I haven’t been given the specifics. It’s a light task for the Kikyo Society, so I’ll gladly fulfill my role as an observer.
This time, there wasn’t much action, but in the next chapter, "The Villain’s Plan," things will really start moving! (Scheduled)