My Villains Episode 396
63. Knights of the Silver Prince (3)
The second knight of the Silver Prince, Ankir, the ‘giant’, led about 300 cavalry and relentlessly harassed the rear of the Imperial army. It was a guerrilla war that stretched across the forest from the border and the land of death, Asagh, so the Imperial Army had no choice but to have a hard time.
The cavalry would hide in the budding bushes or in the thick poisonous mist of Asag, looking for an opening, then spring out without warning and attack the supply column. It was a tactic that was impossible to cope with with a horde of conscripts guarding the rear of the Imperial Army.
The dragon knights of the Duke of Strom flew and searched, but it was difficult to find the enemy who used the forest and poisonous dance as a tent.
In addition, the Dragon Knights continued to suffer losses during continuous search, reconnaissance, and battles. There were only about 40 dragon knights left in the campaign, and even if they were all in operation, they could not perfectly monitor the supply routes.
“Wouldn’t it be difficult to supply supplies only through the blade?”
“It’s not impossible-”
The high-ranking officer in charge of supplies narrowed his eyes in apologety at the question of Duke Abillambus.
“As your Highness knows, the Irish fleet is a problem.”
“…Damn them.”
Like the kingdom army led by Prince Ulkar, the imperial army also received a visit from a blood knight a while ago. Eordan, the blood knight envoy sent by Count Akele, came to visit.
Earl of Rihill, the eastern province of Ireland, Admiral of the Caterpillar Fleet, and Sea Agent of the Duke of Caisis—Akele of Zahakar, who has a long title—has given the Imperial Army an absurd notice.
“Neutralizing the entire South Sea area, including the knife blade, and barring all armed ships from entering… Anyway, they are incredibly arrogant.”
Although he was sarcastic in a cold voice, the Duke had no intention of turning Ireland into an enemy.
Hundreds of years have passed since the small kingdom of Ireland was destroyed at the hands of the Conqueror, Zeot, but Zahakar and Baluin are still known as the ‘twin family’. Although they are nominally vassals of the Kingdom of Milanol, they are semi-independent forces that do not bear any obligations other than paying taxes…
If you don’t touch them first from this side, they won’t budge even if the entire kingdom is burned and the king’s head is cut off.”
“You’re getting it, Your Highness. It’s a pity that we can’t use shipping, but it’s unwise to deal with Irish fleets just because of that.”
“…tsk.”
It is unknown for what reason, but the envoys of Count Akele did not back down from the proclamation, which was tantamount to a ban on the sea, even though they presented enormous wealth.
Due to the fact that it had not long since spread its influence on the coast, the Mittergeland Empire had nothing to do with maritime traditions. No matter how large the territory was and no matter how strong the army was, it was necessary to be cautious in confronting the forces of Ireland, which had traveled across the sea since ancient times.
“It can’t be helped…
It wasn’t until after he clicked his tongue and showed a look of regret that the Duke of Avillambus issued an order with a very determined tone.
“A cavalry must be treated with cavalry. I have to release the imperial knights and elite cavalrymen.”
There are only incompetent guys all around, so in the end, the decision is only yours.
Thinking so, the duke continued.
“If the number is tripled, there will be no difficulty in clearing it. At least you can tie your feet.”
After the failed siege, he had the army wrapped up in his arms, and he boldly moved his troops. He organized a total of nine hundred and fifty cavalry, including one hundred and fifty imperial knights plus eight hundred privates, to pursue Ankir.
The reason why he was able to operate the cavalry so boldly was thanks to Ariad, the ‘viper’ who had surrendered on his own, or on the back of his servant. He confirmed that the cavalry power remaining in the High Castle was insignificant.
“Burn all the forest and trap the enemy cavalry in Asag. I don’t know how they can withstand the miasma there, but they won’t be able to sit spread out in the swamp forever. If it jumps out, smash it; if it backs off, leave it alone.”
There was no need to pursue and annihilate Ankir’s cavalry until the end.
Although they lost the siege and suffered great losses, the size of the imperial army was still more than 10,000. If you knock on the castle gate again after securing the endangered supply for a while, High Castle will eventually collapse.
Duke Avillambus thought so.
The remaining troops in High Castle were about 3,600. In the siege that started with the engagement in Zelntree, about nine hundred people died or became incapacitated.
Compared to the Imperial Army, which lost over 3,000 troops, it didn’t seem like a big deal. However, as the attack was concentrated on the west gate, many of the elite soldiers directly under Prince Ulkar were injured, so the kingdom’s army suffered a painful loss.
“In addition, most of the knights are missing, but… the enemy’s momentum has also been clearly broken, and the heavy cavalry is interfering with supply, so it won’t be impossible to hold on.”
Heeding General Macneil’s advice was a sixteen-year-old boy, Count Oss.
“…what about the castle walls? How is the restoration of the walls going?”
“Because you don’t know when the enemy will come again, we focused on the inner wall for now. The outer wall has been demolished here and there, but it is still playing a certain role, so it would be better to restore it later when there is room.”
“Yes, do as the general wishes.”
Prince Ulkar was still in bed, and Margrave Garwin was in the midst of a hectic situation, having inherited the title after the sudden loss of his father.
It was only natural that Earl Os, who was called the ‘Little Fox’ because he was the successor of the ‘Golden Fox’ Marquis Eavon, became the nominal number one factor in High Castle.
“Your Excellency, since there are almost no casualties in the east, it would be better to reinforce the west gate by sending troops a little.” Of course, it was impossible for a mere 16-year-old to lead a large army against the imperial army.
So Prince Ulkar’s subordinates, lords and nobles formed the command and were actually leading the army.
“How much?”
“Baron Ruyan and his direct troops are enough, sir. There are only about 100 of them, but they are quite elite, so they will definitely come in handy.”
At the words of ‘arrogant’ Liam, who represents Prince Silver’s subordinates, Count Osse nodded with a firm face.
“Yes, I will do as you wish.”
At first glance, it seemed that he was just sitting there like a scarecrow, but Count Osse was spreading his influence in his own way.
The Marquis of Eavon’s talented retainers – the old knight ‘Golden Swordsman’ Gidebal, the experienced officer ‘holding the hogar’ Macneil and the ‘Mystic’ Raf, the battle mage who handles worms – thoroughly assisted him. Being young was not a big deal.
Crucially, too, Earl Oss was prepared to sit in such a position.
The boy Count showed no fear even against a mighty enemy and listened to the knights and officers rather than giving his own opinion.
A desire to be recognized by his grandfather and a sense of resonance that bloomed at the sight of his heroic peers made a strange harmony with the modesty caused by the lack of confidence. A fairly good attitude as a leader was created through such a process.
The silver prince has fallen and his famous knights are divided for various reasons. It was very fortunate for the High Castle defense forces that
Count Osse began to show his presence as a new leader .
And the most decisive thing is…
“Ah, right before the meeting, I received a reply from His Excellency the Marquis.”
It was the fact that Earl Oss was the grandson of the Marquis Eavon, the great lord of Antrum.
“You said you would send reinforcements within two days, so let’s hold out for a couple of weeks.”
“Your Highness, by any chance, the size of the reinforcements…
“You say that you will send only about 1,500 people as soon as possible. Although there are a small number of them, all of them are the elite soldiers of the Arya family, so they will be useful.”
There are probably few people in the kingdom who can add a modifier such as ‘as soon as possible’ to an army of 1,500. And Earl Os’ grandfather was one of those few.
As soon as the Marquis of Eavon heard the news that his young grandson had seized the military power of High Castle in place of Ulkar, the Marquis of Eavon issued an order to conscript the entire province of Antrum. He was not one to waste his time munching on the opportunity to immortalize his lineage.
At the good news delivered by the boy count, the commanding staff all had a bright smile on their faces. The only exception was Liam Summer Song, the fourth knight of the Silver Prince.
“Waiting for reinforcements to arrive is never easy. Everyone in High Castle will have to risk their lives.”
When the atmosphere calmed down a bit at his assertive words, a loud bell sounded outside, and soon a messenger rushed in.
“Enemy! The enemy is approaching!”
“what? what kind of troops! What size?”
“These are mercenaries, slave corps, and magic bottles! The number is about 7,000-”
“Disbanded! Go to your place and command the soldiers!”
The knights and officers hurriedly dispersed at Count Osse’s resolute shout.
“Huh-!”
A knight in red-painted armor vigorously swung a sword stained with blood.
Write! The
heavy
cavalryman, who was climbing the ladder, fell down the wall, spitting blood under his helmet.
“Heh heh.”
The knight caught his breath and looked around. The enemy soldiers who had crossed over the castle to the end were gathering together in a temporary assembly point. Because the walls were built thick to protect against spells, the enemy soldiers who occupied one corner were gathered in a fairly significant thickness.
‘Where are these bastards—’
he gritted his teeth inwardly and charged at the enemy soldiers.
“That red knight!”
“Such X-arms-”
Unlike the enemy mercenaries who became contemplative and backtracked, the slave soldiers in Alzenberg only stiffened their squares with emotionless eyes.
Execution!
White federal plaques bearing the Shu Pacht language meaning ‘those who are guided’ and a ringed cross stood shoulder to shoulder with each other. In between, the windows protruded. It was as if a spearhead had been attached to the church wall with the icon engraved on it.
“Bum-”
The knight, who managed to swallow the shout, tried to jump straight into the enemy’s square, but quickly reached out his hand as if he had remembered something. That posture was very awkward,
but- Kwagakak!
The blood gathered at the tips of his fingers exploded ferociously and attacked the enemies.
“Geuheugh”
Pivora tore the sturdy shield and quality chain armor to shreds. Fifteen slave soldiers fell in the ranks.
“Huh—”
As the red knight fixed his sword and charged, the slave soldiers in the back row charged at each other wielding axes and knives. So _
bang!
Another explosion erupted between the fallen soldiers, bleeding profusely, and bloody fragments that burst like a fountain slashed all over the place.
“……Ac.”
Thirty or so enemy soldiers were turned into six pieces in an instant and scattered all over the place. Then, as if the gauntlet had been scratched and the paint peeled off, a golden yellow light leaked through the blood.
The imperial army, which had been knocking on the gate for half a day, began to retreat. It was only a week after they had been defeated in the previous siege, so they were not ready, and the soldiers’ stamina was running low because of the lack of supplies recently.
“The enemy has retreated!”
“Victory!”
Between the cheers of the soldiers, a ferocious
roar echoed through the gloomy sky.
“Untierina mar-ta!”
The desperate cry, as if resentful or begging for forgiveness, was uttered by Utequai, the ‘Red Bear’.
‘Anyway, that older brother’s voice is also good.’
The man called the Red Knight secretly narrowed his eyes under his helmet and looked back at Utequai.
Even today, the giant, who had harpooned over three hundred enemies with a flaming whip and club, was watching the retreating slave soldiers with an uncharacteristically melancholy look on his face.
The man thought of consoling me, but thought to himself, ‘Let’s not do anything too presumptuous’ and turned around.
“lily!”
“Nari Phoenix!”
The admiring gaze of the soldiers made his gait a little awkward, but the man in the dark red armor himself did not notice it and went down the wall.
“You worked hard sir!”
It was Gollman, a large boy, who came running shouting in joy. He, too, was covered in blood in his chain mail, as if he had been fighting somewhere.
The man silently nodded, and Gollman followed him and whispered softly.
“Are you doing very well? It was like nothing!”
“It’s crazy and I’m tired.”
“Uh brother- you shouldn’t say that”
“Go wipe your feet and go to sleep before you get hit for no reason, bastard.”
“…yes.”
As Golman lowered his tail and retreated, the man who was walking towards the castle looked sideways at the nearby watchtower.
Then he made eye contact with the person above him and lowered his eyes.
‘Hey, why am I?’
He opened his ringed eyes in involuntary anger, but he did not look up at the hooded woman standing on the watchtower. The woman’s cold gaze was difficult for even him, who was openly recognized as a madman by those around him, to bear.
“…”X-foot.”
The red knight, or ponytail Fritz, cursed a little and moved on.
