Chapter 101 - Episode 100: Joining Forces
A few days after arriving at the city in Marquis Galdwin's territory.
Having finished their stay in the city—which, while not exactly pleasant, provided no shortage of beds and meals—Noein and the others headed toward the plains near the border to join the main army.
"Wow, amazing..."
"This is the first time even I've seen an army of this scale."
"It really is a spectacle."
From atop a hill, Noein and the others gazed down at the encampment established at the foot of the slight elevation. The sight was overwhelming, with roughly 20,000 people already assembled and countless tents pitched.
Soldiers from other territories also watched the encampment, breathless. The Kingdom of Lordberg had not experienced a great war for a long time, and the west in particular had been the picture of peace until a few years ago, so there was no one here who had ever seen such a massive army.
It was a sight that forced them to realize, whether they liked it or not, that they were about to join this force and engage in a desperate struggle.
"It wouldn't be good to just stand here watching idly. We must secure our own camping spot as soon as possible. Let's go."
Following Arnold's instructions, the 200 men centered around the army of Viscount Koenitz's territory descended the hill.
Upon reaching the edge of the encampment, it was decided that only the commanders of each territory would first proceed to the central headquarters to report their arrival.
Arnold told them they could bring guards or aides if they wished, so the lower nobles headed to the headquarters accompanied by their respective confidants. Noein also brought Matilda and Yuri, leaving the soldiers to Pence, and followed the others.
"Excellency Bechtolsheim, the army of Viscount Koenitz's house and its affiliated noble houses, as well as the army of Knight Arqvist's house, have arrived, totaling over 200 men."
"Good work. I have been waiting for you."
At the entrance of the large tent serving as the headquarters, they were greeted by Marquis Bechtolsheim, who had arrived among the first of the northwestern nobles.
"In another three or four days, the northwestern territorial armies should be fully assembled. After that, we will decide the placement of each army... For now, I believe I am getting along well with Marquis Galdwin and the generals of the royal army, but some skirmishes are breaking out among the lower ranks. You all be careful as well."
Marquis Bechtolsheim spoke the latter half in a lowered voice. Arnold and Noein's group nodded in silence.
"Especially you, Sir Arqvist. You are likely the only noble here bringing beastman slaves. Never act alone with that slave. It will become troublesome if you are harassed by the southwestern nobles... As long as you show results, I will not fault your behavior, but protect yourself and your property on your own."
"I will keep that in mind."
Noein responded thus to Marquis Bechtolsheim, who gave instructions in a harsh tone born of concern.
...
During the few days until the remaining northwestern nobles arrived and the entire army was gathered, Noein spent his time sticking close to the other northwestern nobles, as Marquis Bechtolsheim had instructed.
Because the northwestern faction and southwestern faction hated each other, their encampments were naturally separated, so as long as he didn't wander aimlessly, he wouldn't run into the southwestern nobles.
"Looking at it this way, there are surprisingly many women, aren't there?"
Noein murmured as he looked around the encampment, which was crowded with nobles, territorial soldiers, military laborers, and slaves. He had assumed the battlefield was a place for men only, but he could see a fair number of women.
"Most of them are likely those with magical talent hired by the territorial armies. Professional mages, of course, but even if they aren't first-rate, as long as they can use some kind of magic, there's no doubt they're useful on the battlefield."
The one who explained this was Baron Oggoren. He, too, was participating as the head of a high-ranking noble house, leading his own territorial army. However, since his favorite cat-person slave, Misha, was not a combatant, he had naturally not brought her along.
Since they were friends, Noein spent his time killing time by chatting with him.
"I see. Indeed, gender has nothing to do with magical talent."
"Also, there are a fair number of beastman soldiers. If they are lion-people or tiger-people, even the women have strength that doesn't pale in comparison to human men, and rabbit-people or dog-people can exhibit characteristics for search and detection, while cat-people or rat-people are suited for reconnaissance. There are situations where petite women are more convenient."
After speaking this far, Baron Oggoren made a slightly sad face.
"...Of course, we of the northwestern camp are the only ones incorporating such beastmen into the regular army. In the territorial armies of the southwestern faction, beastmen are treated as convenient tools, and their treatment is likely terrible."
"That is lamentable."
"Yes, indeed... Please be careful, you all. It's better not to get close to the southwestern nobles if possible."
"I received the same warning from Lord Arnold and Excellency Bechtolsheim... I will be careful."
...
Four days after Noein's arrival. All the territorial armies of the northwestern nobles had gathered, and a military council was held to organize the unit formations.
Only high-ranking nobles of Baron rank or higher participated in this. Therefore, Noein, being a Knight, simply waited with the other lower nobles for the council to end.
The council, which had begun in the morning, ended, and Arnold returned well after noon. A look of mental exhaustion was visible on his face.
"Honestly... the arguments over turf wars were almost longer than the military council itself."
Arnold complained to Noein and the affiliated lower nobles. As expected, it seemed the northwestern faction and southwestern faction had clashed over the position of the main force.
"It was decided that only high-ranking nobles from the northwest would join the units clashing with the enemy's main force on the southern plains. I feel sorry for you, but the lower nobles of the northwest will be assigned to the reserve army, guarding the baggage train in the rear, or defending the forts."
Hearing Arnold's words, the Baronets and Knights of the affiliated houses did not voice their dissatisfaction, but they were visibly disappointed. Noein, on the other hand, did not let it show on his face, but felt relieved inwardly.
Afterward, Arnold informed each of them of their placement, and the lower nobles scattered to join their respective assigned units.
The last one remaining was Noein.
"Now then, Noein... no, Sir Arqvist. You have been assigned to protect one of the forts in the fortress zone. A fort called Barrel."
In the fortress zone, where forests and plains coexist, a total of 12 forts had been built as defensive bases since the conflict with the Kingdom of Lancel began.
Barrel Fort was said to be one of the six forts on the front line.
"Being on the front line means there's a high possibility of engaging in combat with the enemy, right?"
"That's right. You'll almost certainly fight at least one battle... don't make such a displeased face."
Arnold gave a wry smile at Noein's blatantly fed-up expression.
"I'm sorry. It's just that, if possible, I was hoping I could avoid fighting the enemy directly in the rear."
"You really do hate fighting... The Arqvist territorial army has brought in a large number of Crossbows, and you are a skilled puppet mage capable of melee combat with golems, aren't you? Excellency Bechtolsheim also said he has no intention of letting people like you play around in the rear."
When told that, Noein had no choice but to accept it.
"Well, with that many weapons, you likely won't lose or die easily. Just fight hard enough to not let the fort fall, and endure until our main force crushes the enemy's main force; that'll be enough. I think it's on the easier side for a first battle."
"I understand. I won't say I don't want to fight at this point... By the way, which army is assigned to the defense of Barrel Fort besides us?"
"It seems it will be centered around conscripts from the peasantry, with a few reinforcements from the royal army to lead them. I heard the commander is coming here to welcome you..."
As Arnold was explaining,
"Father!"
A single knight approached Arnold and Noein.