Published: August 10, 2026
"Strahl said that he could not find the knights of former Berkeshtock. The ones at that diversion battlefield are undoubtedly the knights of former Berkeshtock."
The place Ferdinand called the diversion battlefield was the farthest from where we had just crossed the boundary of the territory. I enhanced my vision and peered into the distance. Compared to Gerlach's gibe knights order and the former Berkeshtock knights wearing Arensbach cloaks, the former Berkeshtock side seemed to have the larger numbers, making the gibe knights order wearing Ehrenfest cloaks look disadvantaged.
"The gibes of former Berkeshtock, incited by Lady Georgine, are stealing mana from the land of Ehrenfest. Considering their goal, that is indeed the diversion battlefield, but for Gerlach's gibe knights order, it seems to be the main battlefield for protecting the Summer Hall behind them."
"My Foster Father has already sent word to every part of Ehrenfest so they can prepare for battle. The magic tools and other supplies at the gibe's Summer Hall should be well stocked. We should join up as soon as possible before the enemy can take it."
Matthias and I spoke, and Ferdinand nodded. He agreed that it should be called the main battlefield, not the diversion battlefield, and that the Summer Hall had to be protected.
"...However, we should crush the former Berkeshtock gibe squad that is in our path while we are moving to join them. If they join up with us and their numbers grow too large, that will be troublesome."
Ferdinand looked down at the areas where the reddish-brown earth was spreading and said he wanted to make the most of our numerical advantage. So far, four patches of red soil were visible, scattered here and there. Ferdinand pointed to the closest reddish-brown circle along the route to the main battlefield where the knights were fighting. It seemed he wanted to weaken the enemy's forces as much as possible before they could reunite.
"Rosemine, Lady Hannelore, and your two close aides should watch from the sky at a safe distance where attacks cannot reach you. Observe changes in the battle situation and determine how many squads are stealing mana. Rosemine, send word to Aub Ehrenfest that we have arrived. It will be after the fact, but obtain permission in Ehrenfest for Aub Arensbach to use force."
"Yes."
"Heisshitze, for now we will capture that squad over there. These are times of mana shortage. We should preserve as much mana as possible."
"Yes, sir!"
About thirty nobles centered around a gibe were about to be attacked by a mixed force of one hundred and fifty knights from Arensbach and Dunkelfelger. Unless something unexpected happened, we would surely win. With Ferdinand in the lead, the blue cloaks of Dunkelfelger all drew their staves at once.
"Lord Ferdinand, I have a favor to ask!"
Matthias called out. Ferdinand looked back.
"Please let me go with Lord Bonifatius to check the hut with the trap. Glaozam must be captured as soon as possible. However, he is a former gibe and a civil official. He is not a knight. Whether he is on the main battlefield or not... I think he is more likely hiding in the forest."
"...A trap check, is it...? Granted. However, this is only to move in secret and confirm it. I will not allow you to slip into battle on your own. Report back the moment you find him."
"Yes! I am deeply grateful."
After giving Matthias permission, Ferdinand added ten Dunkelfelger knights to guard me and Hannelore, then rode down toward the squad with the knights of Dunkelfelger on their mounts.
"Matthias..."
I called out to Matthias, whose expression looked pained. Matthias shut his blue eyes tightly, eyes that had briefly shown the wavering of his emotions.
"Gerlach is the hometown where I was born and raised. I never imagined it would be ravaged so horribly. And to think that the one directing all of this is Glaozam..."
His birthplace was being trampled by the nobles of former Berkeshtock, who sought mana, and was steadily turning into reddish-brown land drained of mana. And the one directing it all was his own father, who had once been the gibe of this land. No doubt, all sorts of unspeakable feelings were churning inside Matthias. Even from the fist he had clenched so tightly that it trembled, I could feel his anger and frustration.