Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Punitive Force: Tyr and Others (6) – Reinforcements for Rebel Force (3)
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The soldiers of the punitive force turned pale upon seeing Laika, who was at the forefront. The ‘blonde girl’ that had been repeatedly mentioned by senior soldiers and captured prisoners. They thought it was just a threat, but they never expected that she really, really existed.
“Th-that blonde…” (??)
“Lightning of the Battlefield!!!” (??)
The soldiers fled without fighting. Laika, who kicked the fleeing soldiers’ backs with her horse, raised her sword to the sky and inspired the 500 men of the vanguard unit.
“We’ll leave the annihilation to Nii-chan. The vanguard unit should focus on breaking the enemy’s formation and opening a breakthrough!” (Laika)
“Yes!” (??)
The enemy had already lost the will to fight and scattered as they fled. Laika kicked ordinary soldiers with her horse while aiming at high-ranking soldiers with throwing daggers.
“Come on, come on~ If you don’t run away quickly, you’ll get kicked by the horse~” (Laika)
Laika, who was joyfully driving the suppression army soldiers, was caught up by her subordinates.
“Even so, the opponent is quite soft. Sure, we launched a surprise attack, but everyone is turning their backs and fleeing.” (??)
The rebel soldiers, who had been prepared for considerable casualties, were a bit taken aback, but Laika responded as if she had known from the beginning.
“The suppression army is just a rabble of nobles after all~ No problem at all.” (Laika)
Thus, the rebel reinforcements easily broke through the defense line of the punitive forces.
—
Meanwhile, the punitive force’s Runo was laying siege to the castle where the rebel force had barricaded themselves and launching fierce attacks. The castle gates exist in four directions which were east, west, south, and north. By using the power of numbers and launching simultaneous attacks on all directions, they were trying to induce enemy fatigue. Runo, who was commanding the attack on the northern gate, had a subordinate rush to him in a panic.
“Runo-sama, the soldier who went on scouting has not yet returned.” (??)
Runo, who did not trust other nobles, had dispatched his own soldiers to monitor the reinforcements’ countermeasures. The soldier had not returned. He had dispatched them purely to monitor allies. They should not have been involved in combat. Runo was optimistic.
“It’s probably because of this rain. The visibility is poor, and they’re lost. Let’s wait a bit longer.” (Runo)
“But with this rain, I have a bad feeling.” (??)
The worried subordinate looked up, as if hearing a voice. Runo also heard a voice. It was a commotion coming from the south.
Could it be that the enemy has come out of the castle? That would be fortunate. In close combat, we should have the advantage with both numbers and experience.
As Runo was somewhat unsettled, a messenger from the unit responsible for the southern gate rushed in with a pale face.
“This is bad! Enemy reinforcements have arrived!” (??)
No way…
“Where did they come from!?” (Runo)
Even though it should be obvious, he asked anyway.
“Here!!” (??)
The messenger shouted. The cries of soldiers and the sound of clashing swords at the southern gate grew louder. Enemy reinforcements had arrived. It was not unexpected for there to be reinforcements. However, it was far, far too soon.
“This can’t be. Damn it, what were the ones supposed to stop the reinforcements doing!” (Runo)
Runo muttered curses quietly so as not to unsettle his allies, then quickly assessed the situation and gave orders to his subordinates.
“Quickly request reinforcements from other commanders!” (Runo)
“Making a debt to other noble households…” (??)
“Idiot!! Are you still saying such things! If we lose to the rebel army, the reputation of the House of Viscount Michigan will be shattered! It’s better to bow to other nobles. Hurry up and go!!” (Runo)
After shouting at his subordinates, who were still concerned with noble pride even in this situation, and sending a messenger to request reinforcements, Runo gave orders to the entire army.
“Lift the siege on the castle for now. We must stop the reinforcements and absolutely must not let them into the castle!” (Runo)
He, then, headed from the northern gate to the southern gate. On the way, he relayed orders to the unit attacking the eastern gate and had them join him, then proceeded to the scene. The southern gate was in utter chaos. Thick punitive force formations were being breached by cavalry. Punitive force soldiers were being thrown by horses, and rebel soldiers were being thrown from horses, flying through the air. The rebel reinforcements were cavalry. The fact that the reinforcements were fewer than expected made Runo’s mind waver.
If the enemy reinforcements are about 500, our forces should be enough to handle them. Was it premature to request reinforcements from other nobles?
But unfortunately, his doubts were quickly overturned. The blonde girl, Laika, was moving around the battlefield with ease. It was as if she were dancing. And after she passed, blood spurted like a fountain. She cut down soldiers one after another and rode her horse as if there were no obstacles.
“Is that the rumored…” (Runo)
Runo, who was watching Laika as if mesmerized, suddenly made eye contact with her when she noticed his gaze. While keeping eye contact with Runo, Laika reached into her pocket. And then she took something out.
In the next moment, a dagger grazed Runo’s cheek. Feeling the blood gush from his cheek and a burning pain follow a bit later, Runo slowly understood what had happened.
“She threw a dagger from that distance…” (Runo)
They were finally close enough to see each other’s expressions. Moreover, the visibility was poor due to the bad weather. Despite this, Laika threw the dagger with speed and precision so fast it was impossible to react. If it had been slightly off, it would have surely pierced his forehead.
“Th-there are only a few of them! Stop them with the power of numbers!!” (Runo)
Regaining his composure, Runo shouted at his subordinates. He was shouting loudly, as if his voice would tremble otherwise. Unconsciously distancing himself from Laika. The shock he felt earlier was now accompanied by fear, making it hard to breathe.
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