Chapter 32 - The Advance of Vanguard Captain Gotthart (Part Two)
The next morning.
After an early breakfast, the vanguard unit hurriedly broke camp and departed.
The hardships of the march didn't change just because it was a new day, but the morale of the soldiers was high.
The anticipation for what lay ahead must have made it so.
They crossed the pass in one koku as planned and descended the mountain path while looking down at the distant, glittering flow of the Red River.
The terrain must be different on this side of the mountain range; the slope was somewhat gentler, and the curves in the road were not as sharp.
Indeed, it was a road where one could somehow manage to pull a wagon up and down.
After descending such a road for half a koku,
the vanguard unit joined the logistics unit sent by Viscount Redan.
During a short break, they loaded some of the heavy baggage and the injured or sick onto the wagons.
After departing again, the soldiers' steps were clearly lighter.
Even if they became unable to move due to injury or worsening physical condition, the psychological leeway of knowing they could be taken in by the wagons at the rear of the column was significant.
Of course, the physical reason that the load had been lightened was also important, but this was an equally large factor.
After one more camp, it was in the evening about a day and a half after crossing Alas Pass that Gotthart and the officers and men of the vanguard saw the city walls of Redan.
Before the city walls, along the highway, there was a communal cemetery, likely belonging to the town.
In a corner of the cemetery, several brand-new grave markers had been erected.
—So there were deaths after all.
Seeing what one could not help but notice while walking along the highway, Gotthart let out a small sigh that no one would notice.
Everyone, from the knights including Gotthart down to every single soldier, knew that fighting had begun along the Red River.
Of course, they also knew that deaths were occurring on both sides, friend and foe. Morale would not drop over something of that level.
However, when that—death—appeared before their eyes in a concrete form, the story changed slightly.
If the soldiers started thinking that they would eventually be there too, a drop in morale would be unavoidable.
This was even more true when the opponent was the Marquess Mares's army, which was renowned for its strength.
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A short while later, after passing through the city gate, the vanguard unit was guided to the town square by a retainer of the Viscount's house who had been waiting there.
"From here, we will have you split into several groups.
The knights and other commanders will be guided to the Viscount's manor.
The non-commissioned officers will be lodged in various inns within the city. For the soldiers, I apologize, but please stay in the warehouses at the harbor.
Ah, however, meals have been prepared here for everyone, including the soldiers."
The retainer spoke to Gotthart with a polite attitude.
Gotthart nodded in response and gave instructions to the officers and men under his command.
The retainer had said he was sorry, but at this time of year when winter was approaching, just being able to stay in a place with a roof and walls was great luck for a soldier.
Furthermore, he said that even meals had been arranged today.
"To have arranged that much must have taken considerable—"
At Gotthart's words, the retainer shook his head.
"The Viscount also said that since it is reinforcements from the Royal Capital, we must do everything in our power to welcome you."
"We gratefully accept the welcome. Please guide everyone."
The retainer bowed and stepped back. In his place, a non-commissioned officer approached.
His appearance was the same as the other non-commissioned officers, but the air he carried was clearly distinct.
"Captain, we will take our leave here.
We plan to move with a target of about five days."
"Understood.
Do not betray His Highness's expectations."
"When the task is accomplished, I will send one person back to inform you."
Without even bowing to Gotthart, who had nodded to end the conversation, the non-commissioned officer—someone in the guise of a non-commissioned officer—walked away.
Those with a similar atmosphere who had been mingled among the soldiers each changed their soldier's greatcoats for other inconspicuous ones, and left the square while leaving their equipment where it was.
The person Gotthart had conversed with was not originally Gotthart's subordinate.
It was another organization directly under the Royal Family, standing alongside the Royal Guard, belonging to neither the army nor any government department.
"Captain, was that them?"
The knight who had been watching the whole sequence by Gotthart's side asked in a voice mixed with fear and loathing.
"Yes."
While trying not to show his emotions in his attitude, Gotthart responded briefly.
"It's the King's Shadow."
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"I am truly grateful that you have rushed here."
In the hall of the Viscount's manor.
Viscount Redan, Rulant Strauken, spoke to Gotthart with a polite attitude.
Rulant was in informal dress—or rather, an outfit that allowed him to don armor over it at any time.
"No, your lordship, the state of your defense has reached His Highness's ears.
We have caused you much hardship until now, but His Highness's plan is to first prevent the invasion of the rebels with the vanguard, and then gather the army to counterattack."
Gotthart also responded politely.
Gotthart thought that if not for the Viscount's judgment and swift measures, they might have lost any chance of victory by now.
"Your lordship's achievements in successfully holding back the rebels this far will surely be properly rewarded."
"Thank you," Rulant replied, and then gestured for the commanders to take seats.
"Since we are in the midst of war, I cannot offer sufficient hospitality, but I have had a meal prepared.
How about we discuss the report on the current situation and future policies while we eat?"
Gotthart and the others, of course, had no objection.
The meal was served immediately, and an impromptu military council began.
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"—Since the regular soldiers of my territory alone were nowhere near enough, I conducted recruitment including from nearby territories.
Even so, the scale is less than one-third of the enemy's. After dropping the bridge, we have been in a state of purely defensive positioning on the riverbank."
The military council continued even after they had finished the simple but warm and plentiful meal.
After the plates were cleared, Rulant placed a map and explained the situation.
"Our losses are—"
The head of the knight sitting next to Gotthart, who was listening to the explanation, swayed suddenly.
Even if there was fatigue and the situation of having a full stomach, it was an impermissible rudeness.
"Hey."
Gotthart, who reprimanded him briefly in a low voice, suddenly felt dizzy.
Had he himself become this exhausted without realizing it? As Gotthart smiled wryly and looked up—he was lost for words at the sight that jumped into his field of vision.
Everyone except for the Viscount's subordinates was holding their heads or had their necks slumped down.
"Wh—what is this?"
While enduring an intense and unnatural sleepiness, Gotthart tried to kick back his chair and stand up.
With a slide, his knees buckled, and the strength left his hands that were on the table.
"Y-you tricked us, Viscount."
Rulant looked down with cold eyes at Gotthart, who was accusing him with a slurred tongue.
"If you show them what they want to see first, after that they will only see what they want to see—just as that young lady said."
"C-cowardly, you—"
"It is a truly despicable method. And that is exactly why it is effective.
I served a similar meal to your subordinates as well.
I will have you all become prisoners to guarantee our safety."
Gotthart was unable to hear Rulant's words to the end.
The Kingdom's Army vanguard was entirely captured in Redan due to the betrayal of Viscount Redan.
It was a complete defeat without firing a single arrow at the Marquess's army or ever crossing blades.
They say that losing big in gambling usually happens "when you make a move to try and win back your previous losses."