Chapter 29: First campaign

- Almiss POV -

Though the advance company of King Fermes army arrives at the village, it took them about one and a half days

You will surrender the village to us. And then we can offer provisions to our 200 soldiers! If so it will save lives. (Commander)

For 200 men? Is it really only that? Are you not planning to take away everything after occupying the village? (Almis)

No way, we just want to secure provisions. I do not want more than that. (Commander)

Its the truth.

But I cannot say how much provisions 200 soldiers will need.

Possibly it is the entire harvest of the villageWell, if thats the case there is no other way

Almis thinks about it just a little bit.

Negotiations are done on an equal basis or under the supervision of a great power.

Will it really be fulfilled? If positive proof doesnt exist, terms cannot be accepted.

The commandersaidprovisions.

In other words, the enemys purpose is the palace of King Rosaith.

Ordinarily they wouldnt march through the forest due to fear of the griffon, so to make surprise attacks they will take this village as a base. That is the enemys purpose.

Then, if this village surrenders, sparks will start with Julia and King Rosaith.

What is with that?

Evidence? (Almis)

Swear in the name of King Ferme. (Commander)

Then, it is impossible. (Almis)

The negotiations break down.

Both sides thought that a battle would occur from the beginning, so the negotiations ended quickly.

Take your time. What can you do with a measly 40 or 50 soldiers? We have 200. We will crush you solely using force! (Commander)

Enemys POV -

The commander often observes the village.

There is a high wooden fence dug deep.

There is only one gate.

A village of this size will be difficult to siege with only 200 soldiers.

Since the purpose of the battle is meant to be a short-term decisive battle, it would best to focus their strength upon destroying the entrance.

There are 40-50 enemy soldiers, but if the other inhabitants of the village are counted it exceeds 100.

Nonetheless, the main goal is to secure provisions and a base.

There is no particular reason to massacre them.

Once the enemy generals head rolls, they would most likely kneel if you give them the suggestion of surrendering.

Though there might be many sacrifices, our role is that of the vanguard.

The important thing is to force a surrender by the time the main army arrives. Even if that is not possible, we need to at least weaken them.

Unlike last time, this time there were battering rams and many archers that were also prepared.

First of all, secure the surroundings of the gate. Then strike it with the battering ram! (Commander)

The soldiers who are accustomed to war rush towards the gate while forming ranks.

But suddenly, the ranks began to fall into disorder.

Pitfalls?How troublesomewe must make a detour. (Commander)

It seems that spears were buried upwards underneath the pitfalls, 20 people were killed, but the pitfalls only caught them at the beginning.

You can tell where the pitfalls are if you look at the ground very carefully.

Its very easy to avoid.

But it would take a lot of time to make a detour and reach the gate.

Sheet. I did not hear of them having such defensive facilities. (Commander)

The commander complains.

It is necessary to be prepared for sacrifices after all.

Nonetheless, pitfalls are a basic tactic for defense.

Therefore, I am not particularly surprised.

But if we occupy the village, then we can secure provisions. We must secure it as a base before the main army arrives. (Commander)

Yes. Thats ri-its dangerous!! (Adjutant)

The adjutant pushed the commander off his horse.

Causing the commander to tumble onto the ground.

You bastard! What the hell (Commander)

The adjutant was dead.

There was an arrow stuck in his head.

The commander looked around.

Sheet! This arrow pierced through the armor! (Soldier A)

Its made of custom bronze (Soldier B)

Is it made out of iron? (Soldier C)

The soldiers are being shot with arrows one after another.

How could this be! What is our archery corps doing? (Commander)

With this distance the arrows dont reach!! (Archer Captain)

The archer captain replies.

Though they had no way of knowing, the bows that Almis and the others were using were long bows that were purchased from the Karishian merchant.

The range of it is different from the bows used in King Fermes country.

Also, unlike the stone arrowheads that King Fermes troops used, they were made of iron.

By shooting from a high tower it is possible to attack from outside the range of King Fermes archers.

Raise your shields! While defending against the arrows in front (Infantry Captain)

The arrow, which was shot at the captains head, pierced through his bronze shield.

With the shield that they had relied on being useless, turmoil ran among the soldiers.

Hey, are you ok? (Soldier)

Its alright. It penetrated the armor, but its just a scratch. It will recover with just some spit!! (Infantry Captain)

The soldiers who had been struck with the arrows began to writhe on the ground.

Naturally those who were struck deeply, but the ones who were only grazed as well.

A poisoned arrow! Coward!! (Commander)

The commander shouted.

A poisoned arrow stabs at the feet of the commander in reply.

Eek! (Commander)

Please commander, fall back!! (Soldier)

The commander fell back so his subordinates could protect him.

- Almiss POV -

Does it seem we will win? (Villager) (Darknari: no idea who is talking here)

Yes. The enemy numbers have already been reduced by about 50 people. (Almis)

There were 150 people remaining.

They would probably retreat if they lost another 50.

The enemys weaponry consisted of bronze spears.

And then they mostly had wooden armor, with some made of leather. The captain class had bronze armor, and finally the commanders was made of iron.

This bow is a long bow I purchased from a Karishian by using up a large sum (of paper).

And the iron arrows were smeared with aconite poison.

Being defeated would be strange.

The enemys arrows will soon be in range. Almis-san, be careful. (Gram)

Shouted Gram from the top of the arrow tower.

Although the enemy was confused at first, they began to organize and raised their shields to protect themselves, before slowly but surely advancing towards the village.

You be careful too, do not think about dying. (Almis)

I know. (Gram)

Gram answered while grinning broadly.

I am worried, but I have no choice but to leave it to him.

Ron, you should get back to your post soon. When the enemy reaches the gateDo you understand? (Almis)

I understand. Ill teach them a thing or two. (Ron)

Ron said as he went back to his post.

Well, I should also return soon.

Otherwise I will get shot by an arrow if I sta