Chapter 497 - Chapter 18: Naval Battle off the Coast of Primordia
The distance between us and the enemy fleet closed all at once.
There was another ship directly in front. That must be the target. The bundles of twenty fire-arrows, their aim adjusted by Henry-sama and Magdalena-sama, were gaining power from the blessing of the west wind and Eleanor-sama's magic. The large hull was a good target. Just as I thought the groups of orange light had flown off, they hit and flames rose.
We were riding the wind and tide, and our hull was larger. If we collided head-on, we would definitely win. The charge was made with that in mind. Moreover, it was a bundle of fire-arrows. Since we were upwind, our arrows would reach further and faster than the opponent's. And they were accelerated by magic. We could attack unilaterally.
The enemy, completely forced into an inferior position, didn't even make use of their numerical superiority and all at once took the rudder to begin evasive maneuvers.
Ships don't turn easily. The large hulls remained good targets.
The bundles of fire-arrows targeted the ships where they had slowed down to change direction. Since they were targeting the ships one by one, the ships that weren't targeted gained distance as if saying "this is lucky." On the other hand, the targeted ships were hit by many volleys and burst into flames.
By the time the third ship began to burn, the opponent was desperately trying to flee, so it wasn't much of a fight.
Of the enemy's small ships, half—three of them—were currently on fire, and the rest were two to the right and one to the left.
The direction of the fire-arrows shifted to the port side.
There was only one ship in that direction. Once it caught fire, they would have to spare people for firefighting. They wouldn't be able to pursue easily.
The aim became vague because of the wind drift, but these were Henry-sama and Magdalena-sama. They continued to fire bundles of fire-arrows, making use of the power of Eleanor-sama's wind magic.
The released arrows flew in an arc as they were drifted by the west wind.
As expected, they didn't all hit. The bundles broke apart midway, and while several seemed to have hit, there was no change in the enemy ship. Most of the arrows that missed flew past the bow of the enemy ship.
Just because the aim was off didn't mean they stopped. If we continued to get closer, it would become easier to hit. Nearly half of the next bundle headed for the ship. No flames rose, but they must have hit. The enemy ship changed direction to put even more distance between us.
The archers were persistently targeting that ship. If we burned that one, the left side... in other words, the White Island side, would be wide open. If all the enemy ships had turned to the right, they would have blocked the path to the White Island, but the opponent seemed quite panicked and scattered to the left and right. Though, they might have been trying to surround us.
They persistently repeated the volleys, and finally, it burst into flames. Now we could flee toward the White Island at any time.
"Oh! Is it finished! Don't take the rudder to the right! Only straight or to the left!"
Edward-sama shouted while looking behind to the right, so when I turned around, I saw several icebergs about the size of cabins floating just behind the ship to the right.
Wilson-san should be at the stern. He must have released Cocytus toward the sea surface. Since it's high-level, it should have the power of Glaciate.
With icebergs as opponents, the enemy would have no choice but to flee.
The archers at the bow burned the enemy on the port side, and the icebergs attacked the enemy on the port side.
The enemy that fled to the right could easily escape as long as they changed direction, given their speed. On the other hand, the enemy that fled to the left would either have to flee to the coast or cross in front of us, exposing their hull, because they were being pursued by the icebergs.
Somehow, I started to feel sorry for the opponent.
"The allied ship has turned sharply to the right and is heading for the White Island. It seems they've successfully broken through!"
The lookout soldier raised his voice.
If they get closer to the White Island, they should be able to use magic to their heart's content. The opponent is on fire, so they won't be able to catch up. They will surely escape safely.
"Pull to the left! We'll cut in between the allied ship and the enemy!"
"Yes!"
As Edward-sama gave the instruction, the ship slowly turned the rudder to the left.
We attacked the enemy on the left with bundles of fire-arrows and flowed icebergs toward the enemy on the right.
This attack seemed effective, and the enemy scattered and fled. The iceberg attack, in particular, had a pursuit effect because they kept flowing with the wind and tide. It's nothing but a nuisance, but since the temperature and water temperature are high at this time of year, they shouldn't last that long. Fortunately, the direction they're proceeding is the same, so if they're discovered early, it should be possible to escape.
The only enemies left were those being pursued by icebergs or those on fire.
The charge was a brilliant success. After this, we just have to flee as well.
That was when it happened.
"Two large ships to the east! Four small ships! Furthermore, to the northeast, small ships, four, five... no, six! The flag is West Liber. They're coming this way!"
The lookout shouted at the top of his lungs.
Two large ships... I thought there was only one, but I was very naive. And ten more small ships came as reinforcements.
No, but it's okay. It seems there are still arrows, and Wilson-san can make plenty of icebergs. Besides, we're gradually getting closer to the White Island. If we have Prominence, it'll be a single blow.
"Have they come?"
Suddenly, the treatment center director spoke from behind.
Since he can see outside from the treatment center window, he must have come to offer advice upon noticing the shift in the situation.
"Yeah, that's the main force over there. The fellows from earlier were quite fragile. They might have been a diversion."
I was surprised by Edward-sama's words.
A diversion meant that we were lured out.
In fact, the allied ship was fleeing toward the White Island far away, and while we were gradually getting closer to the White Island, we were heading east to maintain speed.
A battle with the new enemy might be unavoidable.
"It might be so. It's just about the right time. Shall we flow several ice mountains and guide them toward the White Island?"
"That's right. Let's change course while we're upwind and join our allies."
The policy was decided effortlessly. Messengers went running.
The rudder was turned sharply to the left, and we made a large turn, tilting outward. At the same time, several new icebergs were created and flowed toward the large ships that were in front, riding the tide.
The first stage ended in a safe success.
Next is the second stage.
While guiding the enemy, we head for the White Island and enter the range where we can attack with magic. Once we enter, it's our game. Prominence, Cocytus, Tempest, Maelstrom, and even Cumulonimbus should be enough to overwhelm them even at sea.
First would be the small ships to the front-left that are trying to suppress our head. At this rate, they'll take the windward side before we can get close to the White Island. Moreover, the allied hospital ship began to head north toward the White Island to secure the windward side. We have to cut in between them, take the windward side, and ensure our allies aren't pursued by the enemy.
As expected, we made a large turn to the left to get in front of the small ships.
At the same time, Wilson-san began to create many icebergs at intervals. It must be to stall the large ships.
Despite being against the tide and the wind, the small ships were indeed fast.
Even though they're about a quarter of our size and likely have fewer oars, they're rapidly advancing.
Our current position is closer to the continent than the White Island, so we're likely at the very limit of Flight Magic's range. Perhaps thinking it's unreliable, there's no sign of taking off. Wilson-san and Eleanor-sama could probably take off, but they have to prepare for the large ships as well. A frustrating time passed just proceeding across the sea.
"It's strange. They should know that if they get that close to the White Island, they'll fall prey to magic."
"Yeah, I think so too. There must be a reason."
At this point, the treatment center director and Edward-sama seemed to have doubts about the enemy's movements. Certainly, the enemy's small ships are close to the White Island. If they go that far, magic should surely be usable as usual.
"Either the opponent has also hired magic soldiers, or the fleeing hospital ship is holding some major matter. It's likely one of those."
"A major matter?"
"Yes. For example, if a person important enough to pour in two large ships and double-digit small ships is mixed in among the prisoners, or something like that."
"A member of royalty or a child of a great noble? I haven't heard of any battle commanded by such a person."
"If that's the case, it's the magic soldier line. Shall we try a strike? With Eleanor-sama here, we surely won't lose."
If magic can be used to its heart's content, we might be able to wipe out the opponent with Prominence. If it comes to it, Wilson-san is here.
"I want to consult with the people from Sertoria. Messenger! Call the Henry Party!"
A messenger flew, and the Henry Party came.
When Edward-sama explained that the opponent's movements were suspicious, Eleanor-sama immediately advocated for an attack on the six ships ahead.
"Lend me the magic soldiers. We'll take off with Flight Magic."
"Isn't it a bit far?"
"We just need to take off. Once we've taken off, we'll fly over and head for the White Island. We'll remake the bowls on the island. Attacking will come after that."
"I see. Then that's reassuring."
"On this side, please proceed northwest while keeping distance from the enemy to protect our allies. Once we get close to the island, it's our game."
This proposal was immediately accepted by everyone.
"Jeanne. Call Mary. She can use ice magic. If it comes to it, we'll have her make icebergs to defend against the enemy ships."
Of course, she meant Glaciate. It's supposed to be a secret that Mary is an ultra-high-level magic user. It wouldn't be strange if magic became usable as usual once we got a little closer to the White Island.
The archers commanded by Henry-sama fired several fire-arrows. Since the Camouflage scroll didn't activate well, it was a blind to divert the enemy's eyes. In the meantime, Wilson-san and several magic soldiers took off in medium-sized bowls on Eleanor-sama's bowl. They flew near the sea surface for a while, but after gaining some distance, they ascended.
"As expected. Since the output is different, it activated well."
"I wish our country had an ultra-high-level magic user as well."
"The Releaser King has released more than just serfs. He is training female magic users other than priests. By the time Edward-sama is enthroned, one should be fully trained."
"Hey, do I really have to be enthroned? I don't think I'm suited for it."
"What are you saying so leisurely in this emergency... who else would become King?"
Edward-sama glanced at Sianya, but she pointedly ignored him, and he let out a sigh.
"I cannot become like my uncle."
At Edward-sama's muttered words, the treatment center director laughed back with a "Wahahaha."
"Edward-sama, you know the current King of Sertoria, don't you?"
"No, not in detail. I fought monsters together with the King's brother, Roberts, but I only met the King at a dinner party. Well, I've heard he's a good king, skilled in diplomacy and administration."
In Sertoria, they are called the King of Letters and the King's Brother of Martial Arts. He's always complaining to me at banquets, but the current King has the deep trust of the Sertorian people, and the King and Queen are popular in a different way from Roberts-sama and his wife, who are like a fairy tale come to life. He's a king who can be relied upon.
"I heard that when Henry-sama was active, he saw the qualities of a king in the current Sertorian King, who was not yet an adult, and decided on an early retirement. He said he was nothing more than a warrior."
It's said that during Henry-sama's reign, it was thanks to the support of Eleanor of Tactics. However, that Eleanor-sama entrusted the aftermath. The current King must have been exceptionally excellent.
"Therefore, why don't you, Edward-sama, marry early and have a child? You already have a woman you've taken a liking to, don't you?"
"W-what are you saying! That's a different matter!"
Exactly. What is this old man thinking? It's not something to say in front of two female priests, Sianya and me. Besides, there has to be a partner... no, is the partner Beowulf? I see, then that might be fine.
"No, no, look at Henry-sama. During the great war where the previous King's martial prowess thundered, he deployed elusive guerrilla warfare on the front lines and finally drove off the Engrio army. During that time, the one who held the war command in the Royal Capital was the current King. Henry-sama, who left all the overall command to him, reportedly traveled freely across the battlefield as an independent unit along with Eleanor-sama. How about it? Don't you find it enviable?"
"That's... certainly true. I too feel more suited to running around the front lines than worrying about logistics and diplomacy. Politics is best left to someone like my uncle. And Sianya is here too..."
To Edward-sama, who finally leaked his true feelings, the treatment center director smirked while patting Edward-sama's shoulder.
"Isn't it? It should be simple. If you're royalty or nobility, you can marry even without waiting for adulthood. And the partner is already an adult, right? Then, you just have to quickly 'plant the seed'. In fifteen years, they'll be an adult. That's much faster."
"F-fifteen years? Then my uncle would still be healthy. I'll just give the throne to my son... n-no, that won't do. Marriage is more, well..."
"What, even if you announce the marriage after the pregnancy is known, the world won't say anything. Such things are quite common."
The treatment center director put force into the words "quite common."
"But, I promised her that I would wait until I'm a man worthy of my current position... as a guide, five years, until I'm twenty..."
There's no mistake now. The partner is Beowulf.
"What a frustrating thing. Matters between men and women should be done with momentum!"
At this rate, Beowulf's marriage will be decided immediately. No, I'm happy for her, but is it okay to decide with the momentum of the moment?
Just as I reflexively put strength into my fist, I heard Sianya clear her throat.
"Old man, and Edward. The enemy ships have drawn quite close. It's fine to talk about the future, but for now, let's prioritize the battle before our eyes."
As expected of a future advisor. She's calm.