Chapter 108 Equus War II

Translator: Isekai Shousetsu

This operation was plain and simple.

Muzio will taunt Ledus into a one-on-one fight and provoke him. Then, hell return to formation.

There a wall just high enough for Equus cavalry to jump over will be waiting. Theyll then pretend and pass it off as a mistake in preparations.

When the enemy cavalry comes charging over, theyll immediately retreat towards an area where theyve scattered oil and alcohol which theyll ignite at the suitable time.

All the oil and alcohol will burn vigorously in a moment, so theyll only stop the enemy temporarily.

But that much is enough.

In the midst of the confusion, gunpowder, with magically powered time formulae, will explode.

These will be embedded into the ground. In other words, theyll be rudimentary mines. They wouldve energized it with magic beforehand, leaving only the part for igniting it. When the time comes during the retreat, they would just channel the remaining required magic.

Its not like they couldnt make mines that would explode upon being stepped on but, as Tetra put it, the mechanism will become complicated. In other words, she just had a hard time with childbirth and doesnt have the energy right now for that.

Besides, with the plan, they themselves might trigger such mines plus cleaning them up after the war would be troublesome.

In addition to that, the timed gunpowder wouldnt immediately become a problem should they fail to explode.? Since theyre pretty much of the same construction as the bomb spears, itll just be a matter of the magics channeling speed becoming late.

By the way, this mines killing capacity is extremely inferior. Its only natural for something that is directly struck to the enemy to have a much higher lethality than something buried into the ground.

The point of this weapon is to confuse the enemy soldier especially, cavalry with noise and smoke.

Now thensince the enemy has fallen into the trap, Ill go and once again fight Ledus one on one.

Well win even if you dont do that you know?

I declare to Muzio whos about to go forward. Its not necessary for Muzio to fight anymore.

Well, it is a fact that Ive run away once. Even if you said it was for the operation, it doesnt really reflect well for me. Besides, at this rate, rather than my victory, itll be a victory for the gunpowder, wouldnt it? At the very least, I would have to take Ledus head by myself.

Yes, certainly, thats correct. If we helped out too much, itll just become a stain in his honor.

Are confident youll win?

The problem is whether or not Muzio can win over Ledus. Even I can tell Ledus has quite the martial ability but I cant judge him accurately with the little time weve had.

Of course, hes not a match for me.

Muzio declares so. He then kicks the horse on the belly and dashes off. He draws his bow and fires at Ledusthe arrow passing just a little over his ear. You can even say theres quite the leeway between the two.

Well, theres a possibility Muziod be branded a coward if he had struck Ledus with an arrow on the back after all. He might as well fight him face to face and win as that would be much more of a show.

Do your best, Muzio.

Muzio throws words at Ledus who had turned his back to escape.

Hey hey, equestrians dont show their backs you know?

Theyre the very same words Ledus said to Muzio.

Ledus grounds to a halt and faces Muzio.

You coward. What sorcery did you use!?

There is no cowardice nor sorcery in war. Arent you the one who taught me that? Now then, lets have one more fight.

Muzio declares so and swings his sword at Ledus.

The sound of sword clashing violently resonates in the field.

Oi, why didnt you shoot me at the back!?

Idiot, do I look like a coward who shoots the enemy in the back?

TskIll make you regret this, you piece of sheet!!

Ledus raises his arms and swings his sword down on Muzio. Gradually, Muzio is getting driven to a corner.

Haha, you idiot! If only you had shot me on the back, then you wouldve already one!! Go regret and burn in hell!!

just this?

Uughh!!

Muzio swings his sword and repels Ledus attack. Ledus body bends from the force making him almost fall from his horse.

Just this, you small fry?

Muzio kicks the belly of his horse and in a moment shortens the distance between him and Ledus. Every time Muzio swings his sword, Ledus horse gradually falls behind.

I didnt even need to use my divine protection!!

The sharp sound of swords clashing reverberates into the atmosphere. Ledus gives in and his sword flies away into the sky, rotating, and then landing into the earth, piercing it.

Muzio then declares to the dumbfounded Ledus while pointing a sword to the tip of his nose.

This is your specialty sword technique? Its not even worth anything.

Muzio swings his sword aimed at Ledus neck.

*Clang*

Great Warrior ChiefIf you could please step aside.

Theres no way I can do that.

The Chief strongly hits Muzios sword.

Muzios horse slowly shifts.

I heard you are my grandfathers great friend. You are one of the few great warrior chiefs of our tribe and, for me, a valuable and necessary person. If you immediately cut off that usurpers head then I will forgive you.

Lord Ledus is my important grandchild and the Lord of this tribe! I wont let you have his head! Theres no way Ill hear the words of a man who has sold his soul to those bunch whose lives will end with just having barely scratched the surface!!

The chief closes the gap in an instant and swings his sword. Muzio readily parries it.

The sounds of metal clashing resonate as Muzios horse retreats three steps back.

Youre as strong as ever, chief. The old age hasnt gotten to you, I see?

Im much more weaker compared to my heyday, you know. However, Lord Muzio, you are also strong. If you and the me of the same age were to have fought, I would have probably lost. Howeverright now, Ill definitely win!!

The two exchange blades violently. Little by little, Muzio is losing ground. Impatience is slowly appearing on Muzios face.

I got you!!

The chief swings his sword aiming for Muzios neck.

However, that sword never did cut Muzio.

It completely stopped just a few centimeters from Muzios neck.

Its cowardly so I dont want to use it often but

A strong wind blows making the chiefs horse struggle. The chief looks at Muzio with a surprised expression.

Oh wind

As Muzio mutters so, knives that Muzio had brought hidden throughout his body begin floating into the sky. There are twenty of them.

Ill say this in advance but, these knives are soaked with the sap of wolfs bane. Im sorry but, its your fault youre too strong.

Muzio declares so as he instantly closes the gap between them and swings his sword.

The chief carelessly parries it.

Then, the twenty knives assault him at the same time.

The chief swings his left hand and strikes down a knife with the metal bracelet in his wrist.

The knife flies away for about five meters and stops. Then, it attacks the chief again.

gguah!

The third knife pierces the chief on the back making him fall from his horse. The remaining knives then rain down on him.

After a while, the chief groans a little but then becomes silent. After confirming his death, Muzio turns his sight on Ledus.

Uugh

Youre next.

Muzio closes the distance between him and Ledus as he brandishes his sword.

Ledus panickedly brings out a dagger but its already too late!

Woosh.

Ledus head flies from his body. Muzio picks it up and raises it high for everyone to see.

I, Muzio, Lord of the Equus tribe, has slain the enemy general Ledus!! Everything is overso surrender now!!

Muzio looks around him.

Muzios subordinates are already in the process of cleaning up the enemy cavalry who had already fallen down to the ground.

Thanks to Muzios declaration, the few cavalrymen who had continued resisting lose their strength and sit down on the spot.

As such, the battle had been decided.

It seems the battle is won.

It seems so, Leader.

Ron nods beside me.

Gram is covering me with bow protection while Roswald is fighting with the Equus cavalrymen.

The battles been decided so theres really no need for Ron himself to go into battle. Thats why Im keeping him here by my side as an escort.

That saidWithout Bartolo, our strategy have completely relied on bombs huh.

Its somewhat making me feel bad.

Isnt it fine? We won after all.

Ron laughs it off with a grin. Well, I guess theres that.

Big brotheMy King! We captured a woman with a Gaulish accent!!

Roswald shouts as he draws near.

Behind him is a sorcerer bound from the back.

Roswald drags the woman before me.

King Rosyth, I was just threatened by Ledus. My family have all been taken prisonerplease, save them!

The woman looks at me with upturned eyes - her cleavage is showing through the gap of her clothes.

Without previous information, I might be deceived by this, huh.

Well have you reliably talk about Rozel, alright?

When I said so, the womans expression immediately changed.

She then opens her mouth just a little.

Ron thrusts a dagger there.

You can bite off your tongue later. Well first have you talk about everything but dont take too long okay?

ugguhhthis pri

The woman scowls at me strongly.

Now then, the problem is A Heart Detonation Sorcery that would make her spill out secrets butonly Julia knows about such sorcery, huh.

Rachaela!!

Muzio embraces his fianc.

The two exchange a kiss. You two, there are 6,000 soldiers behind you. But I guess you cant see them, huh.

We, the Rosyth Army have crossed the Alva Mountain Range and entered Equus tribelands. Its not like theres no more enemies we have to take down butthis would be for coercion purposes. In any case, Muzio still only personally has 200 soldiers. Furthermore, I still have to crown Muzio by myself.

Muzio, how long would it take you to gather all the Equus tribesmen?

Well be able to gather them in the coronation tomorrow. After that, well clean up those who hadnt come. We have to kill bad sheep after allWell, a week later then Ill be able to bring some 2,000 cavalrymen and immediately rush into battle. Ill have you do your best and hold out until then.

Is that so?

But still, a week, huh. I wonder if wed be alright?

My King!!

A messenger rushes over.

I have a message from Lord Raymond!

I open the letter from Raymond.

This is the content of his letter.

It seems the 3,000 men strong Belvedere Army fought with the 2,000 men strong Lezzad-Gehenna United Army and marvelously lost.

It means that wed certainly win if we were to attack now.

I see. If theres no change in the front with the Eville Kingdom, then attacking Belvedere now would probably be a better choice.

Alright, next would be Belvedere huh.

I guess well right Raymond a letter.

Those who are thinking that I, Muzio Equus Sulpicius, is not the appropriate Lord of the Equus tribe should immediately leave this place and prepare for war!!

Muzio declares such to all the clans he have gathered. Several clansincluding that of Ledus mother didnt come. In other words this is just for show as everyone here are clans that have already decided to follow Muzio.

Its only natural that nobody moved in that place.

Lord Muzio

I bring over the crown.

I silently place it on Muzios head. Im taller than him so it didnt take much effort to do so.

I, Almis Ars Rosyth declare to the Gods that the Equus tribe and Muzio Equus Sulpicius are my sworn friends forever.

I, Muzio Equus Sulpicius declare to the Gods that the Rosyth Kingdom and Almis Ars Rosyth are my sworn friends forever.

I and Muzio proclaim almost the same words.

We then pour alcohol in cups and exchange drinks. It seems this is Equus style.

Now then, I should probably return, my friend. If you could, please do it as fast as possible okay?

Of course. Im not one to return evil for good.

I lightly bump fists with Muzio.

Julia, I heard Almis won.

Really? He did it!

Julia and Tetra celebrate. They then talked to their own children.

Did you hear? Papa won!

Isnt he great, Fiona? Your papa is the strongest you know?

A little while after the two celebrated, the twos faces become clouded.

I want to follow him, huh.

Well leave the children behind?

Julia smiles bitterly.

Theres no way they could do that.

Hmmm, youre worried, huh. Im also worried about Almis butthe some goes for the children, yes?

Even if you say that, its not like we could bring the children either.

The two are very worried whethere or not they should accompany Almis. For the meantime, they tried to refrain from deciding while the war with the Equus tribe rages but

Its also said that one of the wifes duties is to wait for the husband

Almis occasionally escapes after all

The two couldnt stop worrying. Thats how the two feels. They are excellent sorcerers so they wouldnt be a hindrance if every they were brought along.

Or rather, theyd definitely be helpful if they came along. Julia is an extremely excellent sorcerer after all while Tetra can use magic.

I wonder how Almis takes care of his sexual urges.

Julia, youre in front of children.

Tetra embraces her son Ancus tightly as she aired her grievance.

Julia makes a bitter smile while gently caressing Fiona.

Its fine its fine. Theyre not at an age theyd understand. Besides, isnt Tetra also curious?

I guess, more is not that good.

Its best that it wont increase.

If I recall correctly, this times enemy is Rozel, huh. Theres that Merlin there.

Yes, the worlds oldest sorcerer is there

In other words, when it comes to sorcery, the enemy has the advantage.

Alright, Ive decided!! When they go to the DeMorgal Kingdom, Im definitely coming!! Even if he opposes it!!

Its the same for me. Im worried after all.

The two have already decided.

Authors notes:

Since Ive gotten a little into the mood, Ive began writing little by little.

Its not something important but, today is my birthday.