Chapter 49 - 49 The Battle of Maria Plain
The Allied Noble Army was a collection of nobles large and small, but they held something in their hearts.
"Did you see? Even an Elder of the Senate died like that."
"Of course. They were likely doing it on purpose, just so we could see..."
Many people were watching the corpses of Kaoz and his men being displayed. However, conversely, there were enthusiastic nobles who believed that making a name for themselves here would present an opportunity. In particular, the Vassal Nobles and those of the second son or younger were hoping for a chance at independence.
"If I make a name for myself here, His Majesty and Excellency Klaus will recognize me!"
For eighteen years, there had been no great change. Now that Namibia and Kaoz had fallen, people were wishing to raise their titles or change their territories to acquire large, wealthy lands.
However, as usual, there were no small number of "opportunistic" nobles. They thought they would participate moderately if it looked like a winning battle, but they were prepared to flee immediately if it looked like they might lose.
Viscount Gran was in the territory of the neighboring Prince Vista.
To meet with First Prince Vista and Blade.
Because he had obtained permission from His Majesty to use five ships.
"I intend to land at the port town in Margrave Kruger's territory, scatter the Rhodesian army, and march north. I wish to seize the Territory Capital, but our forces alone are quite... therefore, please lend us your strength!"
He was making such a proposal.
Vista, who had no role in the naval battle, took this plan and prepared a force of ten thousand. He would have them placed on transport ships and captured vessels. The reason this strategy was devised was due to the consideration of the nobles.
"This time, I have gained too much credit, and it makes the Prince look bad. Can we do something about it?"
Since Viscount Gran had consulted me, I devised a plan to elevate the Prince. I told him that since General Strong was in the Territory Capital, capturing him would likely restore the Prince's prestige, and he was delighted. Thus, with Blade at the center, the army was organized.
"We shall be the first to arrive!"
Vista was enthusiastic.
Around the time the Allied Noble Army departed from the Imperial Capital, the Vista-Gran allied forces attacked the port town. The Rhodesian garrison, which numbered only 1,000, was suppressed in a single day.
"Is there enough food and water?"
Prince Vista was calling out to the residents. Seeing him trying to rescue those in areas with shortages or those in distress, Gran muttered, "We can rest easy until the next generation."
Gran also brought 2,000 soldiers, focusing mainly on supporting the Prince's army. At sea, his younger sister Rose shouted as the admiral.
"Listen up! The enemy isn't just the Rhodesian army! There are pirates too! If you find them, report it immediately! We'll annihilate them!"
They were equipped with the latest weapon, the Ballista. They were itching to test it out soon. Since the subordinates were also continuously practicing with Flaming Arrow Bombs, they were equally itching, saying, "I hope the enemy comes soon."
Meanwhile, at the Academy, many students had been called by their parents for this battle. The reason they were being mobilized was for "rehabilitation of reputation." While it was understandable for male students, even female students were being taken out. The reason for that was explained to me by Karina and Julia in bed.
"I suppose the main reason is that they don't want any more trouble caused by the Academy. Also, the female students are being sent out to market themselves. Not as mistresses or concubines, but to market themselves so they'll be made official wives. I think they were taken because even if it's bad, they thought they might at least be allowed to sleep with them if they become concubines. There are many nobles there right now, aren't there?"
As Karina spoke sadly, Julia said, "There will probably be a Victory Party after this, right? If they get their faces known before then, it'll be easier to sell them at the party..." and Karina nodded.
A woman's battlefield is a party... That's where marriages are decided, after all.
Even now, they said they didn't want to marry Narcy, but that being able to bear the children of the person they loved was very happy.
That Narcy had been forcibly discharged from the hospital and organized into the army. It seemed that by His Majesty's arrangement, the 6th son through the 24th son would be made to fight on the front lines.
"You all have nothing to pride yourselves on but your status, don't you? If that is not the case, bring me heads wearing armor and helmets. I have no need for mere foot soldiers, no matter how many you take! If you cannot, I will not let you return to the Imperial Capital. Do you understand?"
It was effectively equivalent to a death sentence. The princes were forced to grow impatient in a battle where they staked their survival. Naturally, there were people who tried to flee, but they were immediately caught and disappeared in secret.
Klaus served as a military supervisor to monitor them. Instructions had been given to kill them with arrows from behind if they attempted to flee. Thus, war broke out, but looking at one side of it, this was also a Great Restructuring of the Altmea Empire.
"While we're at it, let's release those caught by the Military Police under amnesty and send them to war."
They were branded with Slave Marks and driven to the front lines of the war.
The students were also released and sent to their parents. Spies were also moving to carefully observe what kind of decisions the parents would make. The nobles were not fools either. They naturally realized they were being watched.
"We cannot destroy our House for that guy's sake. You understand, don't you?"
Such conversations were taking place among the various nobles.
I was reasonably busy on my end. Even before the battle began, I had given instructions to place 1,000 people, including Yaris, in the fort atop the mountain to shoot through enemies with improved crossbows.
"The war will begin within two weeks. Let no one through!"
Vel's unit was also withdrawn and kept as an ambush force at the foot of the mountain alongside Regias; he complained, "You're rough on your men..." but once I gave him his reward, Vel was a practical man who said, "I'll do anything!"
Since my Father Butler's army was also heading east, leading the Traffic Light Trio, I requested, "Please head straight for the Territory Capital. Join up with First Prince Vista and capture the enemy general, Strong." Meanwhile, when I told the same to the Vista-Gran allied forces that had left the port town, they said, "Let's hurry!" and rushed their army.
Three days before the fort and the Allied Noble Army went to war.
The Territory Capital was besieged by 12,000 from the Vista-Gran allied forces and 11,000 from the Butler allied forces. In contrast, the Rhodesian army had only 6,000 remaining.
"What is happening? Where did the enemy appear from? Is there contact with the fort? What are our troops in the tunnel doing!"
General Strong screamed, but his subordinates could do nothing about it. Rather, they urged him to make a decision quickly. If they were to fight, it would be a siege, but even if they besieged the capital in the current situation, no reinforcements could be expected. Because not a single person from the messenger sent to the tunnel had returned yet.
"It is likely the enemy has also secured the tunnel. We have neither the food to sustain a siege nor the ability to hold out. Please, make your decision!"
After presenting the condition that they would not kill his subordinates, Prince Vista gave his consent. With this, General Strong surrendered. The Vista-Gran allied forces entered the Territory Capital as they were, and the Butler allied forces headed for the enemy fort.
This news finally reached the fort, causing the defending commander, Apollo, to panic.
"The enemy is at our rear! Prepare to retake the Territory Capital immediately!"
"It is impossible, Apollo-sama! It appears a large number of enemies are also approaching from the front. The rear has already been secured by the mountain peak, and we are isolated! Moreover... we have no food left!"
It was a desperate crisis. A report came in that the enemy in front was approximately 90,000 of the Allied Noble Army.
The enemy at the rear was few, but if they attacked carelessly, they would be caught in a pincer. Leaving a small number of troops in the fort to check the enemy at the rear, they decided to sally forth.
"Listen! We will set up camp in the Maria Plain, 1 km west of here, and meet the 90,000 enemies!"
The Maria Plain has a gentle slope. Naturally, visibility was good, and it was decided to concentrate 60,000 troops in a place that could look down upon us.
"We are inferior in numbers, but the enemy is a collection of young masters. They are what one would call a rabble! We will crush them and seize their food. After that, we will defeat the enemy at our rear and return to our home country!"
Thus, with their backs to the fort, they set up camp on the plain with their full military strength.
The next morning.
The Allied Noble Army arrived at the Maria Plain before dawn. Seeing the enemy camping on a slightly elevated hill on the plain, Klaus muttered, "Not bad!" Since I had informed them in advance that the enemy might sally forth, they immediately moved to surround the enemy in a Crane Wing formation. Seeing this, the enemy also seemed to change their formation to what is called a Fish Scale formation.
"The enemy will not attack us. Eat your breakfast!"
Following Klaus's words, the scene of them eating while chatting was visible from the enemy.
"They're eating leisurely! Even though we can't eat!" Some of the enemy tried to move, but they were stopped. The Rhodesian commander, Apollo, calmed and amused his soldiers by saying, "Do not be impatient, the enemy will come. Along with food!"
The bell was rung, and each part of the Allied Noble Army took an offensive stance and charged all at once.
Then, the Rhodesian commanders regained their composure and gave instructions to their own troops.
"Calm yourselves! Crush the enemy before you! We are each worth a thousand men! Do not fall behind the noble boys' soldiers!"
Each unit commander gave words of encouragement, but something surprising happened. It was that the majority of the enemy soldiers appearing at the front were familiar former Rhodesian soldiers.
"Traitors!"
"We were captured and branded with Slave Marks... we cannot even commit suicide! Kill them!"
Hearing those words, the Rhodesian army felt rage.
"How cowardly, making brothers kill one another!"
"I don't want to hear that from someone who attacked without a declaration of war!"
Though they held the advantage in numbers, they gradually began to be pushed back.
This was due to the fact that there were no small number of nobles who had decided to be opportunistic and were not trying to attack. Conversely, the enemy was approaching with their backs to the river.
"Count Gracia is heavily wounded! Viscount Carola has fallen in battle!"
A messenger brought news to Klaus. After that, news of the injuries and deaths of nobles and princes, such as "The 8th Prince has been captured and his head cut off!", continued to reach Klaus.
By noon, they were completely pushed back, and the momentum had tilted toward the enemy.
This is bad!
Finally, the enemy was closing in near Klaus's camp.
"Excellency Klaus! Please fall back!"
"You fool! Instead of that, fight back!"
"The enemy's arrows will reach us here!"
Just as the subordinates were trying to pull Klaus down from his high ground where he was commanding!
The gate of the enemy fort exploded massively, and the fort walls were destroyed. What appeared there was...
"Butler has arrived!!"
When he shouted with a loud voice, the enemy was surprised and the allies rejoiced greatly.
"Now! Do not miss this chance! Push them back! The enemy is unsettled!"
Klaus also shouted words of encouragement to his allies with a loud voice.
[Magic: Flame Wave]
Swallowed by a wave of flames from the magic released by Butler.
Hundreds of densely packed enemies were burned to death or suffered heavy burns, falling into great chaos.
"The commander's magic is great! It reminds me of eighteen years ago! Leave the small fry to me! Here!"
Gale unleashed [Wind Cutter].
"Who are you calling small fry! Ugh..."
The soldiers approaching Butler and the others were also cut, wounded, and fell one after another. Apollo's aides were also approached from behind, and they were panicking in a great crisis.
The enemy general Apollo was in a great panic, giving instructions as enemies appeared at his vulnerable rear.
"No good! Immediately deploy a Magic Shield to the rear!"
"It's no use! We won't make it in time... Uwaaa—!"
When my Mother Leen unleashed [Ice Needle], even more enemies were impaled and died. Butler, Leen, and Gale—the three of them—released magic to disrupt the rear.
With the 10,000 troops led by Butler approaching from the rear and creating a pincer attack, the enemy fell into a state of confusion.
"This is bad... we're caught in a pincer! It's over..."
Some enemies appeared trying to flee, but since the front line was fighting frantically, they didn't notice, being pushed with shouts of "Just one more push and we'll reach the enemy's main camp!"
On my end, I headed to rescue units falling into crisis, utilizing the [Swift as Lightning] skill to defeat enemies one after another.
"So that guy is the defending commander..." Ben muttered as he sniped Apollo. Since the bullets were loaded with anesthetic, it was only a matter of time before Apollo became unable to move.
"I-If only thirty minutes more... it would have been our victory..."
"Apollo-sama! We haven't lost yet! Pull yourself together!"
The aide tried his best to do something, but it was no use.
"We have captured the enemy general Apollo!"
Ben shouted.
He wasn't dead yet.
However, as these words echoed, the morale of the fighting enemy plummeted visibly. They fell into even greater chaos, and as the enemy began to collapse, the situation reversed in an instant.
Even the soldiers who managed to escape were shot at with intimidating arrows by Yaris from atop the mountain, saying, "That was on purpose. If you don't surrender, I won't show mercy next time!" and then Vel and the others appeared from the foot of the mountain with dogs.
"We surrender..."
The Rhodesian soldiers said, raising their hands. By evening, the matter was completely settled.
The enemy suffered over 30,000 casualties, and the rest were prisoners. We also suffered over 45,000 casualties, and I went around treating the wounded. Upon hearing that Baron Auris was in critical condition, I rushed to him.
"H-Hey, Shivans-dono... it's no use... my daughter..."
"You must not say such weak things! I will definitely save her!"
We were somehow able to save his life. We were also helping the soldiers, but there were lives that we couldn't reach in time. When I went to help enemy soldiers, they would say, "We don't want to fight a war either... but as long as we are soldiers, it can't be helped. Please forgive us," and I was troubled by the soldiers who wept as I helped them.
We protected the injured in part of the fort. The fort became completely like a field hospital. The daughters of the nobles we had brought along also helped with devoted nursing, which was a great help to me.
"But weren't you called a devil at the Academy?"
"They did call me that. It's up to the person how they feel about it."
I was too busy for such things. Honestly, I didn't care.
"Hey! There's no way a person who helps people like this is a devil!"
"That's right! It was just that Kamuri faction calling you that! Shivans-kun is a good person!"
After I finished the treatments and spoke with everyone with a smile, I gained popularity, with people saying, "He might actually be quite good!" Viscount Marvellous was also wounded, and Markun was saying something about an arrow being stuck in his butt, but he would try to pounce whenever he saw a healthy, large-breasted girl.
"If you're that energetic, get out!"
Even when kicked out, he would grin and come back, getting in the way of nursing and care. Watching Markun being kicked out by women saying, "Don't get in the way, you scum! You should just die!", Marvellous cried, saying he was pathetic.
The next morning.
As I was cooking a large amount of pork miso soup and rice, both enemy and allied soldiers were surprised, asking, "You... you're a noble, aren't you?"
"Yes. Though I am only a Quasi-Knight, does it matter?"
""Impossible!!"
With the help of the soldiers, I served everyone. After that, I continued treatments, and at noon, I had the deceased 'purified' and buried. The soldiers who became prisoners were headed toward Kruger's territory capital. It was decided that the officer-class soldiers would be escorted toward the Imperial Capital tomorrow morning. The seriously wounded had also improved significantly, and Baron Auris came to express his gratitude.
"It seems I was brainwashed in the past, having heard nothing but bad things about Butler from Ivan. I was looking at you with prejudice as well. I am sorry. Looking at it that way, it means Julia had better eyes than I did. I can't help it if I'm called a shitty old man!"
While I was thinking that he surely didn't come all this way just to say such things, he informed me, "I heard Narcy has passed away." I realized Auris's concern was for Julia.
"I heard that Narcy was laying hands on female students indiscriminately. Because of that, I suspect His Majesty intentionally let him die on the battlefield. Of course, even if Julia is a victim of that, I have no way to blame him. I think it is strange to ask this of you, but I believe Julia has opened her heart to you. If that girl is feeling weak, could you please be her support?"
When I said of course, he took my hand and said with tears in his eyes, "I have been saved by you once again."
"From now on, if there is anything I can do, please rely on me anytime! There are few people in this rotten noble society whom one can trust. I believe in you!"
I softly whispered, "I will certainly not let it turn out badly for His Excellency."
The next morning.
While I was worried that no one would be left in the fort, Klaus told me it was fine.
"It would be a problem if it became a bandit's den. Among those who were active this time, a new lord is scheduled to be appointed here. Someone will arrive in a month."
While I was thinking it wouldn't be me, he laughed and said, "It's not you," as if he had read my mind. As I saw everyone off, the women waved, saying, "Let's meet again at the Academy!" I hurriedly collected Yaris and the others from the mountain fort and returned them to the territory.
I heard that a memorial for the war dead would be erected in the Imperial Capital in two weeks. After that, it seemed the flow would be an award ceremony for the contributors at a Victory Party. The Vista-Gran allied forces lamented that they would be house-sitting in the Territory Capital or the fort until an Internal Affairs Officer was appointed from the Imperial Capital.
For a while, I returned to my family home and let myself be pampered by Emilia and Reimi.
"I heard you worked hard! Come here!"
Emilia must have been lonely too, as she welcomed me immediately.
"You worked hard because you wanted these big breasts, didn't you?"
Reimi was also kind, so she kept me company all night. However, after two days, Emilia told me, "Th-That's enough, right? Go home..." and Reimi also told me, "I didn't hear anything about you doing it for three days and three nights!"
In that case, I shall seek my hungry wives!
Returning to the Academy and going to the Student Council Room, I was greeted with "Welcome back!" and words of praise from beautiful women. Aristo wanted to hear the details of the battle, so I decided to explain. However, since the women seemed not to care, I spoke briefly.
"There! In detail!"
Aria took the excited Aristo away.
When I told Julia that Auris had been wounded and in critical condition, she looked worried as expected, but she looked happy when I told her that I had treated him and he had recovered.
And now, the real part begins.
"It's still unconfirmed, but Narcy might have died in battle."
The two grew anxious as their previous plans were thrown into disarray. When I said it was likely he was assassinated amidst the chaos during the war, the three of them nodded.
"It seems Narcy was laying hands on female students indiscriminately. There were endless rumors that they were given drinks laced with sleeping pills, made to sleep, and then raped. And the story goes that Kamuri was the one helping him. Those rumors have existed for a long time..."
At Kate's words, Julia said, "That's exactly me..."
Karina trembled when she heard that from the 6th son to the 24th son of the Imperial Family, they had gone to the battlefield and none had returned alive.
"As I thought, His Majesty is His Majesty... to prioritize the country over his own children..."
Afterward, when I mentioned that there would be a memorial service for the war dead and a Victory Party, all three of them seemed unenthusiastic.
"But, I am the granddaughter of Namibia, you know?"
"I have just lost my father and my former husband was executed..."
"I am a girl who was helping in a rebellion until recently..."
Karina, Kate, and Julia pleaded in turn. When I told them it was because all three were beauties, they seemed happy, but they voiced their dissatisfaction with the party.
"Even knowing I am Narcy's fiancée, they told me to become a concubine..."
"Me too. Even though I am a married woman, I was asked, 'How about just tonight?'..."
"Me too, even though I was Narcy's fiancée, I was often invited to be a mistress..."
If that were the case, they wouldn't be able to enjoy the party. That is what the three of them said, considering after the invitations arrived.
That night, I spent time with Karina and Julia.
The next morning, Lion was waiting in the laboratory.
"You've returned safely! I wanted to see you!"
As soon as I went to my room, she quickly undressed and pleaded, "Tie me up!"
"You're the one who made me into such a total pervert and a total slut! Maybe I've loved you since the first time we met, enough to allow creampies!"
I couldn't say it was probably because I used an aphrodisiac, but I was happy she loved me. Holding her until evening left rope marks, but when I worried, she whispered happily, "I want to be tied forever."
"You're the only one who makes me a total pervert and a total slut! Are you worried?"
"I'm more worried about you becoming like that with Markun, you know?"
She laughed loudly and sneered, "That's right! I wish someone like him would just die quickly!" It was a bit scary, but it was likely her true feelings.
Three days later, students began returning one after another, but only a few male students captured by the Military Police returned, and Markun was among them.
"Tch! He was alive!"
Lion said irritably. You couldn't see it while she was wearing clothes, but once she was naked, she was a lewd woman whose body bore rope marks. She didn't look like a student at all.
Regarding the recent Student Council members, Karina and Julia had asked Sera to bring financial documents and were studying.
What made us different from other nobles?
They learned that we had built wealth through the cultivation of pools and Lobster-like Creatures, all labor costs were covered by that, and because all taxes were used for the residents, our popularity was high.
"In particular, the efficiency of the agriculture is wonderful!"
Karina was focusing on agriculture.
"I'm more into the business side! Especially, I think the competitive society is making Darling's land prosperous, and when artisans or farmers make new discoveries or inventions, they also give out rewards!"
She was excited, thinking it would be interesting to implement that in the Auris territory as well.
Kate was enjoying the peeping life along with Aria, and Aristo was gathering war information, surrounded by the women who had returned from the battlefield.
And finally, the invitation for the Victory Party commemorative celebration arrived.