Published: January 15, 2026
[Istana]
Ever since it was decided that I would participate in the Centena siege, this thought had been weighing on me. I had even advised Cosworth several times. But it was always dismissed — there was no other way.
I am a prince, after all. There are things I must steel myself for. I understand that much, but still, when my own life is at stake, I can’t help but struggle to find another way.
“Brother! Retreat! This battlefield is already lost!”
This was my final advice. With that conviction, I straightforwardly informed Cosworth of my decision. But his cheeks flushed with anger.
“Istana, this is precisely the critical moment. You might be nervous recalling what happened at Werner Fortress, but this time the Kingdom of Scuderia’s main forces aren’t here. We’ve received reports that the guardian of Scuderia, their greatest threat, has fallen. Our proud artillery and flying dragons are still in reserve. From here on…”
Cosworth tried to explain calmly, but I felt a surge of urgency and couldn’t help but interrupt with denial.
“You’re wrong! Neither the Kingdom of Scuderia’s royal knight order nor Marquis Feltio are involved! That terrifying fortification technique has become even more formidable—within just these few months! And, very likely, that so-called immortal knight is here as well…!”
“Silence! I understand your concerns, but we have not deployed our full strength yet! Knights can be killed by direct artillery hits, too! For now, just watch and wait!”
Cosworth shouted, ignoring my advice. At this point, there was no chance my opinion would be heard. I said nothing and fell back as ordered, praying that Cosworth’s plan would succeed. I wanted to flee, but if I ran, I’d face even harsher scorn than my younger brothers. Besides, there was nowhere to run to.
[Cosworth]
“Prince Cosworth! The walls of Centena have been repaired again!”
“…The technique is beyond expectations. The walls can’t be destroyed unless artillery hits continuously.”
Though distant, it appeared the walls had crumbled significantly from direct artillery strikes. If hits continued in succession, the walls should be completely demolished, but since repairs were being made one section at a time, it wasn’t so simple.
“Shall we deploy the flying dragons?”
The knight commander asked, and I mentally mapped the battlefield for a few seconds.
“…Indeed. I wanted to disrupt the enemy’s crossbow aim, but first and foremost, we must break down the walls. Otherwise, our knights will be wiped out before they even reach the enemy. As planned, have the flying dragons arc widely from both flanks toward Centena and rain down Black Orbs. A couple of them should reach Centena. With Black Orbs from the sky and concentrated artillery fire, we’ll launch a swift assault through the collapsed sections. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”
Issuing the order to move to the operation’s second phase, the knight commander responded firmly and began moving. Just then, another report arrived.
“Prince Cosworth! Five artillery shells have hit the walls! Each time, the walls collapse but are repaired within seconds, one section at a time! Furthermore, the repaired walls won’t fall from a single artillery hit!”
“What!?”
Hearing that the walls couldn’t be destroyed by artillery alone, I couldn’t help but yell out. This wasn’t just ordinary fortification technique—was there some trick involved?
“In any case, it’s obvious that the longer this drags on, the worse off we’ll be.”
I muttered this and raised my face. I steeled myself. If we don’t win here, the Yelinetta Kingdom will be finished.
“…Deploy the last earth dragon. I will also join the battle.”
After saying this, the Yelinetta Kingdom knights nodded with serious expressions, while the Shelvia Confederation members responded anxiously.
We quickly formed ranks with the magician squad, placed artillery units outside them, and set out. The earth dragons would lead to draw attention, while magic and artillery attacked Centena from afar. Dividing the enemy’s fire was crucial to ensure the flying dragons could successfully deliver their Black Orbs.