Published: January 15, 2026
[Talga]
Thanks to the power of marquis Fertio, Centena was able to eke out a brief extension of its survival. The bombardment from the cliffs on either side clearly lessened, and even the Wyverns vanished from the sky. Without a doubt, all of this was the result of the marquis’s formidable magic.
“We can’t afford to miss this opportunity. After sending out scouts, we’ll prepare to move immediately.”
“Wait. That might be rash.”
“But even if we strengthen our defenses, we can’t expect reinforcements. We have no choice but to take the initiative…”
As they debated, the ground trembled beneath their feet, and small fragments fell from the ceiling. Time was running out. Yet the meeting still failed to reach a conclusion.
Everyone could feel the unease caused by the unfamiliar battlefield.
“…There’s no way out if we stay put. I think we must switch to offense. What do you think?”
Saying this, the speaker looked at the man seated opposite. Marquis Fertio, who was addressed, opened his mouth with a displeased look.
“…A dull matter, but rationally, that would be the conclusion.”
With a sigh, the marquis cast a stern glance around before speaking again.
“To withstand a siege and force the enemy to retreat here, we’d have to hold defense for about a week. They won’t be able to maintain supply lines for so many troops that long. But if Centena stays as it is, it will undoubtedly fall by tomorrow.”
The marquis spat out these words, casting a heavy atmosphere over the room.
Fortress Centena was the key to national defense. If this land were surrendered, tens of thousands of enemies would roam freely over the vast plains of the Fertio Marquisate. They could blockade the roads and cut off supplies to Scudetto and Seato Village.
If Centena fell, His Majesty would likely fear a fatal turning point in the war and retreat before being encircled. Then it would be difficult to stop the invasion by the Yelinetta Kingdom and the Shelvia Confederation. It would be a crisis threatening the very survival of the Kingdom of Scuderia. Such responsibility could not be borne by my neck alone.
Everyone present must have imagined such a dire outcome.
“W-what should we do…? This is beyond just bearing responsibility…”
“If we can’t defend it, we won’t have anywhere to return to.”
“Immediately call upon nearby lords and mercenary groups for reinforcements…!”
Marquis Fertio’s assessment carried such weight that some commanders, all nobles’ sons, began to panic. This was a clear crisis not only threatening their positions but their lives. That feeling was somewhat understandable.
But above all, what mattered was that they were knights. Seeing those foolishly panic over self-preservation only made that clearer.
“…In that case, a desperate gambit is our only option, your excellency.”
Muttering this, I turned to face marquis Fertio. Watching his stern face deepen in a frown, I opened my mouth to explain my plan.
“I apologize, your excellency, but I would like to ask for your support from the rear. I want you to use magic to counterattack against the cannon fire that will surely come from the surroundings.”
Hearing this, the marquis folded his arms and growled.
“So, you mean you’ll charge head-on to draw the enemy’s attention? And then what? Organize second and third assault squads? Or sneak up the cliffs to flank them while they’re distracted?”
Looking through my intentions, Marquis Fertio said this. I shook my head lightly to deny it.
“No. We will form a unit mainly composed of cavalry and break through the enemy lines in one swift push.”
“That’s just a banzai charge.”
The marquis spoke with an exasperated face. But I had no such intention. I shook my head again.
“It’s dangerous, but I believe there’s a chance. From what I’ve seen so far, the cannons have low accuracy and can’t be fired repeatedly at short intervals. That suggests they struggle against small, fast-moving targets of a few dozen.”