Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

Outside, the dark veil of night had fallen, as expected for this hour. The setting felt like a valley squeezed between steep cliffs on both sides, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the path was completely invisible in the darkness.

However, right now, everything was engulfed in red light and black smoke. A large number of Black Orbs must have set the trees on fire. Flames were rising everywhere—from the roadside to the slopes of the cliffs—and thick black smoke was clouding the view. Amid the fiery red glow illuminating the cliffs and road, many knights’ corpses lay scattered across the ground.

Most of them were probably knights from Centena’s knight order. Perhaps some from Marquis Fertio’s knight order from Jarpa were mixed in as well. There were also dead Wyverns, but the overwhelming number of knight corpses made the situation seem utterly hopeless from the perspective of the Kingdom of Scuderia.

“...It just looks like a reckless charge,” Panamera muttered.

She snorted and pointed to the ceiling.

“We’ve taken such heavy losses. Even I would want to rush in and smash through.”

“No, no, no—this isn’t some gang turf war,” I couldn’t help but interject at Panamera’s rather martial way of sympathizing. She gave a puzzled look but quickly adopted a serious expression and turned her gaze back out the window.

“Jokes aside, I deeply understand Lord Talga's and Marquis Fertio’s feelings. For those entrusted with this land, allowing an easy breakthrough would be utterly disgraceful. If this were Scudetto, there might be time to retreat and regroup for a counterattack, but if Centena is breached, everything is over. If it’s over, then our own lands are lost, and considering the current situation, it means the end for the Kingdom of Scuderia as well. If holed up in this fortress there is no solution, then the only option left is to go on the offensive... even if it means facing death and the odds are slim.”

Crossing her arms, Panamera spoke with a bitter look. Perhaps she was imagining that such a situation could one day befall her too. I thought the same—if I were in their position, I might have no other choice.

“Yes! Lord Talga and Marquis Fertio have set out, prepared to face death! They split their main cavalry into two groups and divided the infantry into four squads. The cavalry rushed through before the cannons could target them as planned. The infantry spread out wide, losing half their number, but the rest managed to push deeper in. Thanks to that, the assault on Centena has drastically lessened. For some reason, only the Wyverns remain…”

One of the knights spoke just as an explosion and ground tremor sounded somewhere in the fortress. Crouching down, I peeked out the window and looked up.

Sure enough, three Wyverns circled in arcs through the sky.

“I’d like to aid Marquis Fertio, but we can’t deal with those Wyverns as they are. What should we do, boy?”

Panamera asked, watching the Wyverns’ flight patterns.

“...Why are they heading back toward that cliff? Don’t Wyverns have limited flight endurance?”

I asked, and the knight shook his head, pointing to the top of the cliff.

“Usually, wyvern-type dragons can fly for long periods. Likely, there is a place atop that cliff where they replenish their Black Orbs. But reaching that spot is a near-impossible task. We tried to disrupt their supply, but it’s been no use...”

The knight explained with frustration. I nodded in understanding and turned around.

“In that case, Arte might be the right choice.”

I said, and Arte clenched her fists in front of her chest and lowered her chin.

“Leave it to me…!”

Arte’s determination was clear, though the knights from Centena looked puzzled and tilted their heads.

“...E-excuse me. Who exactly are you? From your conversation with Viscount Panamera, I gather you are nobility...?”

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! Sorry about that. I’m van nei fertio. I hold the baron noble title.”

Remembering I hadn’t said so, I hurriedly introduced myself. The knight stared at me wide-eyed.