Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

"Don't break formation!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Hey! You're half a step behind!"

"Apologies!"

Shouts rang out like thunder as Bola and the others marched desperately at the rear alongside the ballistae and catapults, their faces drawn tight with strain.

When Van gave marching orders, they took turns riding in the wagons to rest, paused briefly after an hour of walking, and took longer breaks every three hours—resting quite frequently.

But the Panamera knight order marched one hour, rested five minutes, repeating this all day, with meals provided only at dawn and dusk.

This was typical for the Kingdom of Scuderia's knight orders but was quite grueling for the knights formed by Van.

In fact, units that fought with swords and spears, aside from the rapid-fire mechanical bow unit, underwent reasonable special training. Many had experience as knights, mercenaries, or adventurers, and others were selected for their physical build or stamina.

However, the rapid-fire mechanical bow unit was different. They were gathered without regard for the usual soldier qualities.

Even Dee's usual special training leaned heavily on shooting practice to defend Seato village.

"Ca-captain, it's about time for a long break..."

"No, there's none... my legs feel like they're about to give out."

"Mine too... they feel like they'll snap..."

Despite the complaints, they kept marching, continuing on for five days.

That evening at the camp, the advance unit that had scouted Scudetto's situation returned early, and a meeting was held gathering all the squad leaders.

Though the Panamera knight order was elite and small, there were still over ten squad leaders. All were battle-hardened veterans, some visibly tense with the anticipation of battle.

Amid them, Bola was reluctantly included.

"You are the captain of an important reinforcement unit and a key figure in this battle. Now, take your place in the center."

"Y-yes...! E-excuse me!"

Surrounded by large men clad in armor, Bola sat stiffly in a chair and lifted his gaze.

A simple table was placed at the center with everyone seated around it, backs straight. Meeting their eyes, Panamera narrowed his sharply.

"First, let's share information. Scudetto is reinforcing its castle walls and gates while receiving supplies. In the previous Scudetto retreat, the Border Knight Order and Marquis Fertio family knight order suffered attacks from wyverns and fiery projectiles, forcing a rout. However, Baron Van's knight order, which joined midway, reportedly defeated several wyverns."

Pausing there, Panamera scanned the group lightly.

"In other words, until Yelinetta Kingdom replenishes Scudetto's forces with wyverns and others, they will likely not leave Scudetto."

Everyone nodded lightly at Panamera's words, and Bola followed suit, albeit a bit late.

Confirming this, Panamera continued.

"Given Scudetto's position, we have no way to cut off supplies from Yelinetta Kingdom. Therefore, striking before their resupply is complete is most efficient."

Upon hearing this, a knight spoke up.

"May I?"

"What is it?"

With Panamera's permission, the knight glanced sideways at Bola.

"Regarding Baron Van's wyvern elimination mentioned earlier, I hear Captain Bola's archer unit possesses similar technology and weapons. If so, even if wyverns increase, could you not handle them?"

Panamera raised an eyebrow at the question.

"Hmm... If you can defeat wyverns, then our country, which can more easily concentrate forces than Yelinetta, gains an advantage."

He murmured, shrugging.

"I believe that with Marquis Fertio's defeat, the old tactics no longer work."

Prefacing this, Panamera drew his sword.

"To be frank, our knight order is weaker than Marquis Fertio's—not in skill or quality, but simply in numbers. This includes magicians. The difference in troop strength is greater than local advantages."

He slammed the sword into the ground, drawing everyone's attention to it.

"The Border Knight Order defended the fortress city in a desperate battle, and Marquis Fertio led his direct knight order as support. Yet, even under these conditions, Yelinetta easily captured Scudetto."