Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Despair
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Tyr and the others, who continued to flee under the relentless pincer attack from the north and south, somehow managed to escape into one of the forts they had occupied. Although they were surrounded, they were finally able to catch their breath.
“Tyr-sama.” (Hal)
Hal came to where Tyr was holed up in the fort’s command room.
“The army that attacked us has been identified. It was Jeanne and Renoire.” (Hal)
The 2nd Unit member of the Imperial Guard, Jeanne. The general, Renoire. With the fact that the forces from the north were led by these two, Casablanca’s involvement in this attack was now decisive.
“I see. It was something we already knew, but hearing it again is still a shock.” (Tyr)
Tyr spoke powerlessly.
The north was Casablanca, the south was Rudolf. Tyr was now fighting against two kings alone.
“I am worried about Randal and Laika. Unlike us, who somehow managed to flee west, they are probably completely surrounded by the Laplace army and the Cali army by now.” (Tyr)
Randal and the others, who had been entrusted with the conquest of eastern Cali, should have advanced quite deep. By now, they must be in a predicament where they cannot return. He desperately wanted to go save them, but with this small force, there was nothing they could do against the overwhelming numbers.
“Are Arc and the others in Mikanda safe? If we do not return to Mikanda as soon as possible, the siblings will be in danger.” (Tyr)
At the same time, he was worried about the siblings in Mikanda.
If Casablanca had launched an attack on Tyr, then it was also highly possible that they were attacking Arc and the others as well. Most of the soldiers had accompanied Tyr, and the forces remaining in Mikanda were very few.
“What are our army’s casualties?” (Tyr)
Originally, Tyr had 5,000 regular soldiers and 2,000 mercenaries, making a total of 7,000 troops.
“Currently, the regular army has 4,000, and the mercenaries only 1,000.” (Hal)
Hearing Hal’s explanation, Tyr let out a deep breath.
“I see. We lost 20% of the regular army, and half of the mercenaries.” (Tyr)
Among the mercenaries, there were likely many who had fled, so the number of battle deaths was probably lower than that. However, it did not change the fact that Tyr’s army had suffered losses.
“Considering we were ambushed by an army of 10,000 and then pincered by the Cali army, we held out well.” (Hal)
Hal’s words of consolation did not reach the dejected Tyr.
For someone who had never known defeat until now, this annihilation was a massive psychological blow.
“Hal. Leave me alone for a while.” (Tyr)
He wanted to rest a little. He didn’t want to think about anything anymore.
Having not slept at all during the past tumultuous days, Tyr was completely exhausted.
After sending Hal out of the room, he immediately fell into a deep sleep.
—Ugh… ugh… ugh…
How long had he been sleeping?
Tyr woke up to the sound of someone crying. Hal, who had happened to come to check on the room, noticed Tyr sitting up.
“Ah, Tyr-sama. You’re awake. You slept for a full day.” (Hal)
“Who is crying outside?” (Tyr)
“Randal and Laika. They just returned a moment ago.” (Hal)
“Oh! They made it back alive!!” (Tyr)
Overjoyed at their survival and reunion, he rejoiced.
Given how dire their situation must have been, it was incredible that they managed to return.
“Laika forcibly broke through the four-layer encirclement to open a blood-soaked path. Even in front of this fort, they fought through the surrounding enemies and pushed forward.” (Hal)
Tyr immediately stood up to go out and welcome Randal and the others.
“As expected. So, how many did we lose?” (Tyr)
Randal’s unit, like Tyr’s, had 5,000 regular soldiers and 2,000 mercenaries, making a total of 7,000 troops.
“…300 people.” (Hal)
Hal answered awkwardly.
“Only 300 people returned.” (Hal)
Tyr’s steps stopped.
“300 people… not the number of the dead, but the survivors…?” (Tyr)
Hal quietly nodded.
A massive defeat. Losing over 90% of the soldiers was unheard of. It was literally a catastrophic loss.
“Gaah!!” (Tyr)
Due to consecutive physical injuries and overwhelming psychological shock, Tyr’s body had reached its limit. He coughed up blood and collapsed.
“Tyr-sama!” (Hal)
Hal rushed over in a panic and held him up.
“It’s over…” (Tyr)
With his mouth dyed red from blood, Tyr spoke in a hoarse voice. His eyes were filled with tears, overflowing and falling in streams.
“What am I supposed to say? I have already lost nearly half of the soldiers I brought from Mikanda. They were all young and full of talent. Each of them had a life of their own. What am I supposed to say to the parents, wives, and children of those who died?” (Tyr)
Clinging to Hal like a child seeking his mother, he sniffled and continued.
“I can’t even face my siblings. Yanna-neesan prepared supplies, Arc earned the funds, and Minerva raised the personnel. I have lost everything they worked for. I have no face to show them.” (Tyr)
Then, he let go of Hal’s hands and staggered to his feet.
Unsteadily, he walked toward the wall and slowly drew the sword that had been leaning there.
“I have no choice but to take responsibility by committing seppuku…” (Tyr)
“Get a grip already!!” (Hal)
Hal’s furious voice rang out, followed by a sharp slap.
Tyr felt a burning pain on his right cheek and realized, a moment later, that he had been slapped.
“We still have 5,300 soldiers left, don’t we!? What’s going to happen to them!? If you, the supreme commander, give up, then it really will be over!! Take responsibility for your subordinates until the very end!!” (Hal)
Hal, her face red with anger, furiously reprimanded the weakened Tyr.
“If you truly feel sorry, then live and return! Survive and go back to Mikanda, then sincerely apologize with all your heart.” (Hal)
“…I understand.” (Tyr)
Tyr, who had been in a daze as if his soul had left him, slowly regained the light in his eyes.
“Thanks to you, Hal, I remembered something important. Yes. I must bring the remaining soldiers back alive to Mikanda. That is my duty.” (Tyr)
Tyr bowed his head to Hal, expressing his gratitude.
“Hal. Thank you.” (Tyr)
“It’s nothing. I just said what was obvious.” (Hal)
Hal turned away, speaking bluntly.
Tyr wiped the blood dripping from his mouth and rubbed his tear-filled eyes.
“First, let’s go outside. I will meet Randal.” (Tyr)
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