Chapter 20 (1/2)

Flags of the Kingdom’s Army were raised all over to obstruct Canaan’s main road. On the high ground to the left and right were built instant encampments, and if the Liberation Army were to attack them like this, they would suffer a great deal of damage.

While viewing their encampment through a spyglass, Ghamzeh in the field headquarters nodded–everything was going according to plan. Arranged into three divisions, the Liberation Army had chosen to line pikemen in the front, then archers, and behind all of them were cavalry . The role of cavalry would be to wrap around and attack from the side, but in this current operation, they were not planned to be used. To their utmost, their main purpose was to attract the enemy’s main force.

“I knew it; Canaan is going to be rough. That’s almost like a natural fortress. It would probably take a large quantity of soldiers all in one surge to take it down.”

The general currently taking command said to Ghamzeh. He was a man of the Belta faction and was an old friend of Ghamzeh’s. He was popular and excelled in leadership. What he lacked when he was with the Kingdom was luck and connection to nobility. Just because of that, his road to promotion was closed, and he was sent to a do-nothing job.

“That is correct. But in that state, the enemy’s supply train will also have a hard time. In other words, as long as we pressure the main road, they are like rats in a bag. Before long, they will suffocate and die in anguish. It is near impossible for them to procure supply locally after all.”

If the unit lead by Colonel Hastie took down Cyrus, they could expect to get their hands on the bag known as Canaan. They were somewhat taking a risk, but even so, it was an operation worth trying. It was for that reason why Diener didn’t strongly oppose either.

“If the surprise attack this time goes smoothly, the road to the Royal Capital will instantly be opened. If that happens, Sir Ghamzeh’s position in the Liberation Army will also become unshakeable. You will be able to work for Sir Altura more and more.”

“Haha, no-no, that doesn’t matter to me. I fight only for the Liberation Army’s victory.”

Said Ghamzeh modestly, making an insincere smile. Presently, the mutual factions were locked sword to sword. To win Altura’s trust, he wanted to succeed no matter the cost.

“However, if we just exchange glances like this, they might suspect we are conniving something. I think it is about time we send in the cavalry and provoke them.”

The general advised to send in the cavalry. It wasn’t a bad idea to test the waters and rain a blow on them.

“You’re forbidden to chase too far, and if an attack comes, you are to strictly order an immediate withdrawal. If we’re temporarily able to get the enemy to bite, that’ll be a good deal. Let’s hit them hard.”

“Alright, send a messenger to the cavalry unit!”

When Ghamzeh agreed, the general hurled instructions for the cavalry to launch a diversion attack. The messenger nodded, and departed from headquarters. Almost like they were exchanging places, another messenger reported.

“Sir Ghamzeh. Contact from an operative concealed in enemy camp. General Yalder has been accused of violating military regulations, demoted, and sent back to the Royal Capital. He leads the defeated soldiers from Antigua and Belta.”

“So General Yalder’s also has it hard huh. His establish fame is crumbling isn’t it? It’s like a lie that he was once known for his Steel Division. I hope I don’t end up like him.”

“In that respect, it was quite helpful for us. Thanks to his carelessness, we were able to take Antigua.”

A general muttered like he was sympathizing, and another general cracked a joke.

“……Fumu.”

After reading the report, Ghamzeh crossed his arms. The one currently carrying out defense of Canaan was Field Marshal Sharov. He was acknowledged and established for his profound prudence and steady leadership. Would such a man really decide to split valuable forces before a defensive battle? A bad premonition ran through his head. Should he continue the operation? But, there were too few reasons to stop. He judged that he was too timid.

“What is the matter, Staff Officer Ghamzeh?”

“……No, nothing. I was just thinking a little bit.”

“Hahaha, even if you worry, since it’s Colonel Hastie, he’ll absolutely accomplish his mission. When it comes to fights on hills and fields, he’s the greatest in the Liberation Army. Even Colonel Fynn can’t outdo him.”

“That is true. No matter what it takes, he has to take down Cyrus Fortress. For the Liberation Army’s victory. And also for the sake of the oppressed citizens.”

Ghamzeh strongly nodded, like shaking off the doubts running through his head. He could order the operation to be discontinued here. But, the time, people, and money invested here would all go down the drain. They would also have to meaninglessly withdraw the large force spread out in front of them. If by chance this was just groundless fear, he would let victory go right under his nose. Stopping an operation once it was put in motion was more difficult than starting it.

(It’ll be fine. It’ll surely go well. I can’t consider stopping after all this. Wouldn’t that for sure go along with Diener’s expectations? I’ll show him; I’ll absolutely succeed.”

First Army’s Mountain Camp Headquarters.

While looking down at the enemy soldiers, Sharov was stroking his white facial hair. He was convinced that his own judgement wasn’t mistaken. He couldn’t sense from the enemy the spirit that they were going to assault this fortification. From his long years of experience, he would smell out the various moods of the battlefield. He couldn’t explain it with words, but he could understand more or less from the smell. It was an absolutely illogical sensation. But, Sharov had confidence in his own judgement–that their adversaries were waiting for something. Likely, somewhere not here where they were confronting each other. Somewhere where if overlooked would probably be fatal for this Canaan Area.

“Your Excellency. A company of the enemy is coming to attack. Will we intercept them?”

“Ignore them until they enter bow range. If they get even closer, chase them away with spears. Pursuit is unnecessary. There’s no need to get caught in a blatant diversion.”

“Your Excellency! Just staring at them and defending will affect the morale of the soldiers. Please, give my unit the order to attack. Allow me to display that I will absolutely crush them.”

Barbora strongly proposed to Sharov.

His proposal wasn’t too off the mark. If they simply let by the enemy’s provocation, the soldiers would begin to think that the commander had lost his nerve. Before long, this would be tied to a feeling of war weariness and might also become a cause for collapse. Sometimes, the boldness to launch an attack was necessary to maintain morale.

“……Barbora. Your chance will come shortly. Be patient until then.”

“Nevertheless, Your Excellency. Already among the soldiers, a rumor is spreading that we cannot ignore! We ought to make an assertive offensive here!”

Recently, a rumor had begun to spread widely among the soldiers.

Why was Field Marshal Sharov not actively fighting the Liberation Army? Was there some deeper reasoning? Or was there a different reason? They had heard that Sharov was a long-time acquaintance of the rebel army commander Behrouz. They had also heard that he had been invited to rebel in many occasions by the enemy Supreme Commander Altura. Inside the Field Marshal’s heart, maybe he was considering it. Etc.

“Ridiculous. Ignore the idiotic rumors. If we go ahead and launch an attack trying to dispel the rumor, that’ll be to the enemy’s satisfaction. If we leave it alone, it’ll eventually smother out.”

Sharov rebutted and once again looked towards the enemy encampment.

After having sent the dismissed Yalder instructions to stand by, he had sent in another order: ‘In the event of an emergency, move according to your own judgement; no need to wait for orders.’

Barbora glared loathsomely into the back of Sharov, not at all perturbed. He couldn’t earn great achievements by just defending. Also, he didn’t know if that rumor was authentic or not. Sharov and Behrouz having a relationship close enough to be called best friends was a famous story. In the succession struggle, Sharov had maintained neutrality, and Behrouz had been on the losing side.

Behrouz had contended that the eldest son ought to succeed the throne, but after the current Kristoff won, Behrouz had been exiled. Sharov also privately agreed about the eldest son, but he didn’t want to get involved in the succession, so he had stayed neutral. Hence, he arrived at his current position. If the winners had been reversed, Behrouz should have been the one to sit in the seat of Field Marshal.

With an expression that didn’t conceal his ambition, Barbora clenched his closed fist.

(Whether the rumor is true or not doesn’t concern me. Someday, I will seize you by the tail and pull you down from that seat.)

—-Golbahar Ridge halfway.

While hidden in the dense trees, 3,000 light infantry were silently marching. The fog began to set in, and their field of vision was narrowing. There were people who got lost from the main group.

There were poor footholds, and there was no shortage of unlucky people who slipped. Even though they had been trained, it was meaningless if they couldn’t see. While carefully treading on the ground, they kept walking, forward, and forward.

Standing at the head of the unit, Colonel Hastie had a strange premonition. They weren’t on the wrong road. Their hired guide was also nodding that they were moving as planned. Timing was also part of the plan, so they weren’t very behind schedule. After they descended the ridge, they would run full speed towards Cyrus; that was it.

(What, is this unpleasant ambience. It’s very unlikely due to the fog. It’s almost like—-)

Like criminals heading to the gallows. That kind of ludicrous vision floated in his mind. This should be a road to glory; absolutely not a road to ruin. That’s what he had been told. He was silently, intently pushing forward on the dark, mountain road. He became intimidated.

(I’m thinking too much. I’m a commander; I can’t be daunted.)

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, and forced himself to believe that. He looked back at his subordinates following after him. Everyone’s faces were drooping, and they were marching while silencing their breathing. They were elite soldiers, people chosen who could function even in the mountains, yet despite that, their faces were somewhat gloomy. They didn’t look at all like a unit who would conduct a surprise attack hereafter. They were like defeated soldiers. It wasn’t just him; they too were feeling this repulsive air. They advanced forwards, like trying to shake off the feeling. If they stopped, they wouldn’t ever be able to move again.

The male guide spoke up in a small voice.

“……It’s quite rare…for this ridge…to be this silent.”

“What do you mean?”

“Huh. Usually, birds will be chirping, and there’ll also be things like deer, boars, and other small animals. Yet today I haven’t even seen a single one. On the contrary, I haven’t even heard the sounds of bugs. ……They may have been crushed, by this… strange chill.”

The voices of birds, the voices of bugs, and the voices of animals–not one could be heard. All that could be heard was the occasional passing wind, and their own footsteps only.

“There’ll be days like that right? Don’t say something so ominous.”

“……It’s… it’s kinda eerie, and it doesn’t feel like the same mountain.”

The guide with a humble appearance began rubbing both his arms like he was cold. This man had been hired with not a small sum of money. He wasn’t particularly connected to the Kingdom or the Liberation Army. If there were greater benefits, any side was fine. Not only that, there was money right in front of his eyes. Hence, he had accepted to be their guide. But, he was regretting it today. If he had to suffer this uncanny atmosphere, he ought to have quietly stayed at home. He wiped the nape of his neck with a towel. Cold sweat honestly felt disgusting.

“……Colonel. Will this… go well for us?”

Seeing the guide scared of something, a soldier softly came to ask. For this man, who had served long enough in the unit to be considered a veteran, to leak a misgiving was rare.

Hastie spontaneously wanted to speak of his uneasiness, but he resisted and answered,

“That will depend on our labor. We’ll absolutely pull it off–that kind of enthusiasm is necessary.”

“Y, you’re right. Please forgive me.”

“I understand your tension before a surprise attack. But, you are a veteran. You cannot show your anxiety. Fear is contagious.”

“S-Sir!”

Encouraged Hastie, slapping the Veteran’s back. If he didn’t let out this bravado, he felt like he too would’ve fretted. He grasped his sword tightly. Stressing agility, the soldiers were armed with swords or javelins. Longer spears weren’t carried, as they would hinder the march. Those equipped with bows used shortbows. The rearguard accompanied by the supply train would have their usual weapons, and they would hand them over as soon as they arrived. Due to their load, their marching speed was slow, and Hastie’s group acting as the vanguard had to fell Cyrus.

“…..The night will begin to brighten soon. Guide, are we almost there?”

“Y, yeh. Just a little longer. It’ll be easier than before hereon. The ground getting more level is proof.”

“Good, please continue your good work until we finish descending the mountain. Everyone, persevere a bit more.”

Hastie inhaled, and started walking again.

Around when the sky began to grow light, the 3,000 light infantry had finally finished descending the ridge. The fog had already set in, masking the plains near their feet. Before it cleared up, they would march as much as they could, and they had to get close to Cyrus Fortress.

Hastie signaled with his hand, giving the order to advance. Loud voices could not be used. In case there were patrols, there was the danger of being noticed by the enemy.

They had marched for maybe an hour. A silhouette appeared in the fog. A human silhouette riding on a horse. A black flag was fluttering. It seemed to be slowly heading towards them.

Before suspecting it of being an enemy, he considered the possibility of it being an ally. They had imparted to Baron Evjen, who managed the area around Cyrus, their path of march and when they would arrive. Perhaps he had come as reinforcement. Though it would be out of place with their light infantry, it would be heartening if they could use cavalry. They would’ve already been attacked at this distance if it was an enemy. But just in case, he had his subordinates make preparations for battle.

“Wait to attack until I instruct you to. However, stay prepared.”