New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (2/2 chapters)

Battle Preparations

 

 

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If the Howellz army were to attack, it would likely appear from the northwest, circumventing Melder territory and crossing the hills before arriving.

With this in mind, Mika placed lookouts upon the northern hills of the village to ascertain the precise arrival of the enemy. Two were stationed at a time, in alternating shifts twice daily. Five days after receiving intelligence from Lord Lorenz of the Melder Household, Jeremy and Lewis served as the sentinels.

“I wish those Howellz men would just hurry up and come already.” (Jeremy)

“….” (Lewis)

Jeremy murmured while nibbling bread, and beside him Lewis silently surveyed the northern hills. Scattered forests covered the land, though the proportion of woodland was smaller than to the south. To the slightly eastward distance, one could see the villages of Melder territory.

“At this pace, nothing seems likely until our night shift. Right, Lewis?” (Jeremy)

“Ah… wait.” (Lewis)

Lewis focused intently on a single point northwest, prompting Jeremy to squint in attention.

“What is it? Do you see something?” (Jeremy)

“Yes. There, look.” (Lewis)

Following Lewis’s pointed finger, Jeremy observed a distant cluster of humans. Even from so far, they could see that several were mounted on horses. A force of 100 men would not seem unlikely.

“It must be the Howellz army… The cavalry is ahead. They are scouts, no doubt.” (Jeremy)

“Ah, the ones Lord Mika mentioned. Scouts sent ahead to observe the enemy before the main force arrives.” (Lewis)

Indeed, scouts might advance before the main army, taking advantage of the speed of horses to traverse the hills rapidly.

“One on horseback alone… Should we engage?” (Jeremy)

“No. That is a real knight. Even two of us would be at a disadvantage. Our duty is to inform Lord Mika that the enemy is near. Dying here would be pointless. Let us return.” (Lewis)

Understanding, Jeremy followed Lewis down the hill, concealing themselves within the trees as they returned to the village.

 

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“…So, they have finally come.” (Mika)

Upon receiving Jeremy and Lewis’s report, Mika gave a faint smile. Preparations for a potential raid had already been underway. The manor was ready to shelter women, children, and the elderly, wooden barricades had been erected facing the enemy’s approach, and logs for defense, easily thrown via psychokinesis magic, had been gathered within the manor grounds.

Following intelligence from the Melder Household, further preparations had been made for conflict with the Howellz army. Barricades were established north of the village, logs positioned for easy retrieval via “magic hand”, and the placement and movement of the villagers had been planned, with prior training completed.

When the enemy arrived, those set to fight would man the barricades, and the remainder would shelter within the manor, awaiting the commencement of battle.

“Thank you both for your report. Please continue as messengers. Inform the villagers. Those who fight should assemble at the barricades. Those who do not fight, proceed to the manor. The enemy will likely attack tomorrow, so maintain calm and act deliberately.” (Mika)

“U-understood!” (Jeremy)

Acknowledging the order with tension, Jeremy responded, while Lewis silently nodded.

After the two departed, Mika turned to Dimitri.

“Let us move ahead to the barricades, watch the hills, and await the others. Should the enemy scouts show any audacity, we shall deal with them.” (Mika)

“Understood… it would be advantageous if the scouts were reckless enough to expose themselves.” (Dimitri)

“Indeed. Eliminating a scout before battle begins will afford us a slight advantage.” (Mika)

With a confident smile, Mika entrusted Helga to welcome the evacuees into the manor and departed with Dimitri toward the northern village perimeter.

 

—

 

In the end, the enemy scouts did not approach alone. By evening, the defensive preparations of Valentine territory were complete. Approximately twenty-five adult men, the primary fighting force, gathered before the wooden barricades on the village’s northern side.

Those unable to fight, mainly women, children, and elderly villagers such as Ivan, had sheltered within the manor. Windows were firmly shuttered, and shortly thereafter, the doors were locked.

“I have counted twice, calling names as I went. Everyone has been safely evacuated. No one is left behind.” (Bianca)

“Very well. Thank you for the report.” (Mika)

Mika smiled at Bianca, who had delivered the report from the manor to the barricades.

“The enemy will likely attack tomorrow, but for precaution, do not open doors or windows tonight. At dawn, we shall send someone to report our situation.” (Mika)

“Understood. I shall inform Helga and Ivan as well.” (Bianca)

“Yes, thank you… Dimitri, please escort Bianca to the manor. Ensure the doors are locked from the inside before returning.” (Mika)

“…Understood.” (Dimitri)

Dimitri walked with Bianca in silence, who eventually spoke.

“…Tomorrow, the enemy will attack, and then you and the others will truly fight, won’t you?” (Bianca)

“Yes, it seems that way.” (Dimitri)

They exchanged brief words before continuing silently toward the manor. Approaching the destination, Dimitri understood that now was the proper moment to speak. Summoning courage, he called out.

“B-Bianca!” (Dimitri)

Startled, Bianca raised her face toward him. Their footsteps halted, faces meeting.

“Um… I…” (Dimitri)

He struggled to form words, his mind blank. Though now a retainer of the lord and addressed by villagers as Dimitri-san, he had originally been the third son of a poor farming family, uncertain even of the prospect of marriage. He had not anticipated confessing his feelings this early in spring.

“…Hehe.” (Bianca)

Observing his turmoil, Bianca smiled and took his hand.

“Dimitri-san, I love you. Let us marry.” (Bianca)

“….” (Dimitri)

Having been spoken to first, Dimitri felt both chagrin and urgency. He dropped to one knee.

“A-Again, I… I love you too. I wish for you to marry me.” (Dimitri)

“Yes, with pleasure.” (Bianca)

Bianca’s radiant smile left Dimitri utterly captivated.

“I shall tell everyone that Dimitri-san proposed to me. My confession will remain a secret forever… Please, make me happy all my life. Protect Mika-sama as a retainer and return alive. Remain with me.” (Bianca)

“…Of course. I shall fulfill my duty and return safely. I shall remain by your side and make you happy all my life.” (Dimitri)

As he spoke, Dimitri reflected that Bianca was far too precious for him, and having received such a declaration, he must devote his life to repaying her for the favor.

 

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