Chapter 116 - Chapter 115: End of the War
Two days after the fighting ended. Leaving the post-war chores in the fortress zone to the main army, the Barrel Fort defense force moved to the rear camp, which had been their initial assembly point.
The final number of dead was 34. Of those, 33 were beastman conscripts who had remained on the front lines, and one was a Kingdom army soldier who had been a subordinate of Frederick.
Because the conscripts lacked proper armor, they frequently fell to enemy arrows, while the Kingdom army soldier's cause of death was simply unfortunate—an arrow received in the eye had penetrated straight through to the brain.
Since the Arqvist territory army had many rear-guard duties such as Ballista operation and supply management, and because high-quality equipment had been provided to everyone, they were fortunate enough to have no fatalities.
The reasons why there were so few dead despite the fierce fighting were the firepower advantage gained by introducing new weapons like the Crossbow and Ballista, and the thick support provided by Noein's golems.
Although the overall number of dead was small, the members of the defense force were exhausted by the unexpectedly long war, and there were many seriously injured. Even those not seriously injured had mostly sustained some level of wound; the only one completely unscathed was Noein, who had been continuously protected by Matilda.
Providing condolence money to territorial soldiers with aftereffects, securing their employment, and filling vacancies. Even after returning to the Arqvist territory, Noein's work as a general remained plentiful.
"That said, our work on the battlefield is finished."
At the rear camp, Noein muttered while sipping tea brewed by Matilda. It had been a long time since he had been able to slowly savor her tea like this.
"Yes. It is a blessing that the territorial soldiers can return without any losses... Normally, a war results in a population decrease, but in the case of the Arqvist territory this time, it is the exact opposite."
"Because we're taking in a large number of beastmen."
Among the beastman conscripts who served in the defense of Barrel Fort, 181 survived. Furthermore, it was said that there were approximately 70 of their children and parents sheltering in the forests and churches.
Several of the beastmen had already set out as messengers to contact those 70 people.
"According to Kenooze and Boreas, in a few days, they should be able to gather the other beastmen near the northern town of the Marquis Galdwin's territory—the town we stayed in on the way here. We'll move there, merge with them, and then return."
As they were discussing future plans, Frederick approached.
"Noein-dono, I was just able to meet and speak with my father... Viscount Koenitz-kakka. As expected, it seems he cannot leave this place for a while longer."
According to Frederick, who referred to his father by his title as a soldier since he was still on active duty, Arnold, being a high-ranking noble, still had some post-war processing work remaining.
"I understand. In that case, is it alright if I withdraw to my own territory as soon as preparations are complete?"
"Yes. You could wait for the lower-ranking nobles who are dependents of the House of Viscount Koenitz, but... you're taking in the conscripts, so your return party will be quite large."
"Yes. There are many injured, and we'll be taking in their families as well, so considering the difference in marching speed, it seems better for the Arqvist territory army to return alone."
When Noein said this, Frederick looked slightly worried.
"Are your travel funds for the return trip sufficient? You'll be moving with a large group of nearly 300 people for over two weeks, correct?"
"I brought extra marching funds just in case this happened... Besides, I can temporarily borrow the wages of the conscripts."
Expenses for traveling to and from one's own territory are paid out of a noble's own pocket, but Noein had brought a somewhat excessive amount of money to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
Furthermore, since the conscripts would be disbanded after receiving a small reward, Noein could borrow that in an emergency and pay it back after arriving in the Arqvist territory. He should have enough leeway to return to his territory while camping outdoors.
"I see, then that is good... I heard the battles at the other forts have also been settled. In the end, it seems only two forts, including our Barrel Fort, held out without falling on the front lines."
"Is that so. Well, given how fierce the fighting was, it's no wonder... Rather, it's impressive that there was a unit other than us that managed to defend their fort."
The reason Barrel Fort put up a fight that exceeded the enemy's expectations was the Crossbows, Ballistas, as well as Noein's golems and various stratagems. It was surprising that there was a fort that endured a fierce assault with a several-fold difference in military strength without such weapons.
"It seems there was an extremely talented mage at the fort that held out. I heard it was practically due to that person's individual struggle that they endured. I don't know the details yet myself."
"That... I'd like to meet them."
"Hahaha, those who achieved military merit in this war will likely receive rewards from His Majesty the King. You'll probably be able to meet them at that ceremony."
Laughing at Noein, who showed interest upon hearing about the talented mage, Frederick spoke.
"...Then, this is a temporary farewell for us."
"Frederick-san, you're returning to the Viscount Koenitz territory next year, right?"
"Yes. Nearly ten years have passed since I entered the Kingdom army. That should be sufficient as a training period for the eldest son of a noble house."
For the eldest sons of nobles like Frederick, it was customary to leave the Kingdom army after about ten years, even if they joined for training. If they stayed too long, they would obstruct the promotion of those who had no family home to inherit—such as second sons and below—and intended to live as professional soldiers.
Frederick would serve as a captain in the Viscount Koenitz territory army starting next year, while learning administrative affairs under his father, Arnold, as the next lord.
"Then, we'll likely meet again starting next year. I look forward to it then."
"Likewise, I look forward to it... It is thanks to you that I was able to survive this time. I am grateful, Lord Arqvist."
Saying so, Frederick held out his hand.
"No... I learned a great deal from this battle. I am the one who is grateful, Frederick-san."
Noein also held out his hand in response, and he and Frederick shook hands.
"Well then, let us meet again."
After seeing off the departing Frederick, Noein turned around.
He locked eyes with Yuri, Pence, and Matilda.
"...Let's go home."
With a smile that contained exhaustion, yet was somehow refreshing, Noein spoke.