Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

【Cosworth Yelinetta】

“...Has their movement changed?”

Since the earth dragon, which had been deployed as the key to defense, had been defeated, the entire army was temporarily ordered to retreat back to the base. However, one of the commanders who had been fighting at the front lines brought concerning news. Quoting part of his report, the deputy commander of the knight order from the Shelvia Confederation spoke with a grave expression.

“Yes! According to the initial plan, although complete annihilation wasn’t expected, we intended to inflict a heavy blow forcing them to retreat. Our investigation showed that even if we combined all the forces of the Kingdom of Scuderia’s Border Knight Order and the Marquis Fertio family’s knight order, we believed we could win by stopping the earth dragon and then launching a pincer attack from both flanks. In fact, it almost went according to plan. However...”

“Deputy commander, I fully understand that report. The killing of the earth dragon by the mysterious knight, right? I’m not blaming the failure of the pincer attack. More importantly, report on the current movements of the Kingdom of Scuderia.”

As I spoke in a low voice, the men seated around the same table straightened their backs with solemn faces. Sitting next to me was the knight commander of the Yelinetta Kingdom’s royal knight order, but the other five were commanders from the Shelvia Confederation. Among them was Count Towncar, who commands the Shelvia Confederation’s knight order, but it seemed he had completely handed over control to us.

This showed just how threatened the Shelvia Confederation felt by the Black Orbs and artillery. But now, dark clouds were suddenly gathering over this battle. We had planned to crush the Kingdom of Scuderia with overwhelming force and bring the Shelvia Confederation entirely under control, but the tide was not turning in our favor.

The deputy commander of the Shelvia Confederation’s knight order who came to report stiffened and nodded.

“Yes, apologies... Until now, during the siege defense, they only repaired the fort and maintained vigilance and reconnaissance around. But now, they have stopped repairs and seem to be installing some large equipment on the ramparts. And, one after another.”

Receiving such a vague report, I felt a slight irritation but addressed the knight commander beside me.

“...What new weapons has the Kingdom of Scuderia deployed? Tell me specifically what we should be wary of.”

The knight commander nodded deeply and began.

“A new type of crossbow with long range and high attack power, a tall knight who keeps moving no matter what attacks he takes, and the fortification technique that builds defenses at an abnormal speed.”

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but snort.

“It sounds like a story from a myth. Our Black Orbs and artillery might as well be invisible in comparison.”

I said with a sarcastic laugh. My younger brother, Istana, who was standing behind me, stiffened.

“...You’ll understand once you see them in action. This is no laughing matter. Similar reports have come from other battlefields. The long-range and accurate crossbows are a clear threat. Moreover, there’s the immortal knight who cuts down thousands of knights all by himself... There’s simply no way to counter him.”

Istana added quietly, but I shot a sharp glare to silence him. This was not the moment to make unnecessary comments in front of our allied commanders who were just beginning to feel uneasy. Understanding this, Istana shut his mouth and stepped back.

Having confirmed this, I analyzed the current situation once again.

“...If I recall correctly, before the appearance of that fortification technique, there was a report of a boy claiming the title of baron showing up. Investigation revealed that the only child baron is Van Nei Fertio, the son of the Marquis Fertio family. Therefore, it’s highly likely that this child Van also appeared at Centena.”

“...So, does the change in movement mean that the boy named Van has started to take command? That’s hard to believe...”