Chapter 260 - Third Story: The Engrio Army Moves
Upon receiving news that Finis had invaded Septanaquila and subsequently Medioland had invaded Gram, Seldic, the King of Engrio, took action. He requested reinforcements based on a long-standing alliance. Since he had made contact in advance, preparations for mobilization were already complete. At the end of April, they arrived at the southern coast of Engrio one after another.
"Just whose army is that?"
An attendant asked the diplomat who had been sent to meet them. A number of warships he had never seen before were approaching the coast from offshore. Moreover, they were flying a flag he had never seen.
"They come from the continent. It is the birthplace of our ancestors."
On the continent, after the great empire that rose in the south lost its momentum and split into east and west, a single large kingdom developed in the north. It was the Kingdom of Liber. That kingdom split into three: East, West, and South. The origin of the first mercenary group that founded Engrio was one of those three, the Kingdom of East Liber, famous for its knightly order that protected the church flourishing on the continent.
Those who live on the White Island can use magic, but those on the continent cannot. As a result, the continent could not interfere with the island. Even if they landed, they could not compete with the power of magic. In a one-on-one fight, archers are strong; however, in a combined military group, they could not fight at all without magic defense.
As a result, they had only been connected through trade, but Engrio had a history of actively hiring mercenaries with money. Naturally, military cooperation was necessary, and there was a connection beyond trade. Moreover, it was the country of origin. If they did a favor here, they could exclusively handle various items that could only be obtained on the White Island. Naturally, Seldic requested reinforcements in exchange for that. In particular, silver weapons and armor, along with gunpowder, were things that could provide an absolute military advantage on the continent if they could gather enough of them.
"Then, is that rumor true?"
The attendant asked again.
"What rumor?"
"That His Majesty the King intends to occupy and unify this island..."
"Hmph. That may be so. This time, unlike the usual mercenaries, it is official reinforcement. Five thousand cavalry, fifteen thousand infantry. A total force of twenty thousand reinforcements. The number of ships exceeds a thousand."
"T-Twenty thousand... Over a thousand ships? Just where are they headed..."
"It's obvious. Our country is currently at war with Regnentes."
"O-Oh, that's right."
The road to Regnentes was cursed by the Demon Lord. As a result, the knightly orders of the western nobles were in a state of collapse, and they had even received exemptions from military service by paying money. An army from the continent would likely march down the road without giving such a curse a second thought. Their religion is different. It is said that the God they believe in has already destroyed the Demon Lord.Seldic is trying to cooperate across cultures and religions. The attendant felt awe at the sheer scale of his own King.
At the watchtower of the castle where the King of Engrio lived, King Seldic was holding a meeting with Servetus.
"Servetus. The time to begin has come."
"Yes. Although the situation in the north seems somewhat different, there is no change in the fact that Medioland has been shackled. However, I never thought you would request reinforcements from the continent."
"Are you dissatisfied?"
"No. I am merely a bit concerned about the country's finances."
"We just have to win. In the western part of the island, there are various mines, including silver. We will lose some in trade, but only until we have the island in our hands."
"Is that so?"
Their religions are different. Internal conflict will surely occur. He wanted to say that, but he swallowed it. If he said that, he would be denying the very reason he had been promoted this far.
"As I explained before, I will lead the army under my direct control and half of the reinforcements to invade Regnentes. Mortimer will head for Sertoria with the other half. The eastern nobles will be the defense against Medioland. The navy will use its full force to invade Primordia by sea. Servetus. You and your people will become the mages for the reinforcements who cannot use magic, acting as our vanguard. I also leave the disruption of the enemy's rear to you. We will break through the Regnentes border, which was a concern, and capture it all at once."
"I humbly obey."
Twenty thousand reinforcements... Until last month, from what he had heard of the details of the plan, he had thought they were a mercenary group. Everyone must have thought that about two thousand would be assigned to each area. As expected, this King is a man of caliber. He's making plans to win before the fight. Moreover, in a way no one could have predicted. The people of the island feel superior because they can use magic and must not be giving reinforcements from the continent a second thought. Regnentes's standing army is about eight thousand. There's no way they can lose. The only concern is that information about that road has not yet come in. Beyond the checkpoint, they are supposedly doing construction and blocking the road, but we can repair such a thing immediately. The problem is what lies beyond. However, no matter what kind of trick there is, it won't be a big deal. They will surely break through.
The eyes of Servetus, who remained prostrate, gleamed suspiciously.
The ten thousand troops under the direct control of the King of Engrio responded promptly to the King's mobilization order. Departure is in two weeks, but they are prepared to move immediately. The target is Regnentes. Reinforcements number twenty thousand. An almost equal number of baggage trains will be needed, but the reinforcements have their own baggage units. This time, it does not include conscripts. There is no military service. In exchange, they will just have the corvée labor carry the stored preserved food and fodder. The direct control troops, distributed in five locations around the capital and its vicinity, began moving one after another toward the pre-determined assembly points to make it in time for departure.
Meanwhile, the movement of the nobles, including Mortimer, was slow. They began mobilization after the messenger arrived saying the mobilization order had been issued. In particular, the majority of Mortimer's army is stationed in the old Cantas territory. It will take more than a month before the entire army can move as a dispatch force.
However, that is fine.Mortimer saw that slowness itself as the deceptive action the King was thinking of. To break through the Sertorian border, it is essential to break through the Regnentes border and, furthermore, for those from the Ruined Town to attack the reinforcements for Adolf. There is no point in hurrying. They must sufficiently draw the enemy in.
But twenty thousand reinforcements in total, huh. Even if we win this war, our territory might not increase much.For Mortimer, that was the only point of dissatisfaction.
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A mobilization order was issued in Engrio. Twenty thousand reinforcements have come from the continent. The main objective is Regnentes. Urgent news reached each country.
The first report to the Sertorian palace was brought by a subordinate of Hughes, the Captain of the Royal Guard.After giving words of appreciation and leave to the messenger and issuing instructions to each area, the King entered the waiting room with the Queen. His companions currently in the palace gathered, and after confirming the door was locked, he cast aside his crown.Evans immediately handed the two of them well-chilled beers.
The King, who drank half of it while standing, took a breath and then plopped down onto the sofa.
"As you all know, Engrio has moved. The target seems to be the Regnentes border. Reinforcements are twenty thousand from the continent."
"Twenty thousand? They aren't mercenaries."
"Yeah, they're regular reinforcements. The regular army of the Kingdom of East Liber, which rose in the birthplace of the first King of Engrio."
The King answered Victor, who raised a voice of surprise.
"As Hughes had been saying for a while, the movements of the continent were a concern. I didn't think they would dispatch such a large army, though."
"However, they can't use magic. Shall we have the Paratroop Jaegers attack them?"
Evans responded to the Queen's words. If they attacked from the air while hiding their presence, it would be effective against soldiers from the continent.
"Apparently, half of the reinforcements will head for the conquest of Regnentes along with Seldic's ten thousand direct control troops. Most likely, those from the Ruined Town will accompany them. The other half seems to be coming to our country along with Lord Mortimer's forces. Victor, have the Paratroop Jaegers head toward Mortimer. Have them assemble in Nakanohara. I leave them to Mayor Adolf's command."
"Understood. But is Regnentes going to be okay? I heard they moved trees from the Northeastern Forest to block the road, but if there are twenty thousand soldiers, won't they just cut them down and proceed?"
"Father and Mother will go to Regnentes as reinforcements. We can leave it to them."
The Queen nodded at the King's words.
"Which means the main force of the guerrilla warfare we conducted in the previous war will be Roberts-sama."
"That's right. In the south, Roberts will fight under Mayor Adolf's command. Victor, I'm counting on you for the central army. Once you arrive in Nakanohara, enter under Mayor Adolf's command."
"Understood. Engrio's plan is likely to break through the Regnentes border and then invade our country. Assuming it takes two months, it'll be just right if we depart the Royal Capital in July."
"Sorry. I'm giving you a thankless role."
"It's no big deal."
After that, details were discussed.Medioland, the greatest ally, is currently fighting the Gram conquest war in the north.The movement of Engrio's navy is also important. According to information from scouts, they seem to be heading for Primordia. Although they have been somewhat distant lately, they have been saved from crisis twice by the strategy Eleanor and Wilson devised. If they don't do something this time as well, it might fall easily.
"That aside, Evans. It seems you've been exporting a lot of grain to Finis lately, but have you secured enough provisions?"
"Please rest assured. It's true that grain exports have increased, but those are things we bought back at equal value after selling them cheaply to Regnentes previously. We are just putting them out in order. Therefore, there is no change in the inventory. In fact, it's even increasing due to last year's bumper crop. We also have an abundance of ingredients, including dried fish imported from Finis, in storage."
Victor nodded with satisfaction. Fortunately, food shortages rarely occur in this country. That's why he was worried about when they did run short.
"And above all, there are the rot-proof wooden boxes using Jeanne's magic that the Marcelo Company developed. With those, fish about the size of a salmon that has had its head removed, blood drained, and guts taken out will stay fresh for two weeks. Using the [Teleportation Circle], we can continuously send fresh sea fish caught in the Royal Capital area."
"What? Then it's even more luxurious than during the previous war."
The Queen grinned at Victor, who unintentionally widened his eyes.
"Also, the dishes using sheep entrails that Mary taught my ladies-in-waiting are greasy and have a strong scent, but they're delicious. Since we can process what we used to throw away into ingredients. The people from Finis are very pleased when we serve them."
"We might be saved by Jeanne once again."
Despite it being an emergency, smiles spread across everyone's faces.
"Speaking of Jeanne's magic, that athlete's foot medicine is quite good. I'm recommending it to my subordinates too."
At Victor's words, the Queen's face immediately soured, but the men were all enveloped in laughter.
To think they are so reliable even in an unprecedented emergency.When the King looked at Hughes, he winked, as if to say it's okay.When did this guy become so playful?
"Alright, shall we all toast to celebrate our victory?"
"Then, I shall pour the beer."
Evans stood up promptly at the King's words.Just as the glasses had been distributed and they were about to toast to victory with beer.
At Hughes's word that someone was coming, everyone hurriedly straightened their appearance and confirmed their standing positions. The Queen was next to the King.
The one who entered was Harris.
"What, it's just Harris. Don't startle us."
Victor placed his hat on the table as if throwing it away.
"'What,' you say? That's quite a greeting. Oh, the Queen as well. This is rare."
"It's been a while since we met here."
Normally, the Queen holds back. Naturally, she hears the content of the conversation from the King later.Since childhood, the brothers had been the bosses of the downtown area. She thinks she has aged a bit and become too refined to deal with the naughty kids from back then.
"How nostalgic. Has the Big Sister of the past returned?" (T/N: 'Big Sister' (Anego) is a term of respect for a female leader, often used in delinquent or underworld contexts.)
"'Big Sister' is rude. I am younger than all of you."
He laughed, "My apologies," at the Queen who glared at him.
"More importantly, what is it, Harris? Did something happen at the Church?"
When the King asked, he said there were two things he wanted to ask.
"One is, I want permission to be dispatched to Septanaquila. Not with the navy. I will accompany Henry-sama. In other words, infiltration."
"Do you intend to fly there in a Bowl? What happened to your fear of heights?"
"I can't be saying such things. I'll offer a lifetime's worth of prayers to the Goddess."
"And the other?"
"When I return from Septanaquila, I'm going to Nakanohara. Depending on the circumstances, I'll become a 'stray.'"
These words left everyone stunned.It's true he had been saying such things for a while. But in this emergency...
"Do you intend to enlist?"
The King said while staring into Harris's eyes. The Church does not involve itself in war. However, if one becomes unaffiliated, they will not be charged with a crime even if they enlist. There is nothing as heartening as a priest who uses high-level magic joining the rear support.
He intended to stop him even if it came to a fistfight. It's true they promised to protect the country together. However, he hadn't told him to throw away his job.
"If that's the case, I can't accept it. You are necessary for this country."
"That's right, Harris. There are many things we need you to do. Depending on the situation, I'll stop you even by force."
The King and Queen both opposed him.Moreover, the one who used the words 'by force' was, of all people, the Queen.
He unintentionally looked up and let out a sigh.
Come to think of it, her hand-to-hand combat skills were superior to the King's. Oh, and her sword skills were too, wasn't it...To think he married such a terrifying woman.
"Now, now," he said, spreading both hands to soothe the two of them.
"In a sense, that's true, but it's a bit different. I have a plan."
"A plan?"
"Well, give me a beer. Let's talk while we drink."
Saying so, Harris plopped down onto the sofa.