Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

While the ranks were being organized, the sound of whistles and gongs echoed from Scudetto, but no visible changes could be seen outside.

However, the tension in the air was unmistakable.

“Captain, preparations are perfect!”

“Alright, understood. Be ready to move at any moment.”

After responding, everyone returned to their positions. Two stood by each ballista, and five around each catapult, ready to act at a moment’s notice.

Over the past ten days, we had been taught the strict discipline of a typical knight order and learned a bit about the pride of being knights.

Until now, my sole feeling was fulfilling the mission given by Lord Van, but now it was different.

I realized that our actions and efforts would directly affect Lord Van’s reputation.

“We can’t afford to lose, everyone. We mustn’t die, but even if we do, we fight with the will to win.”

“Yes!”

In response to my words, everyone shouted back loudly. With their voices at my back, I turned toward the battlefield.

“Let’s go!”

At the center of the front cavalry line, Count Venturey shouted like a roar.

Then, leading the vanguard, Count Venturey spurred his horse and headed toward the gates of Scudetto.

One by one, soldiers appeared on the ramparts, some holding staves. This sight instantly made Viscount Panamera’s knights tense.

Even with new battle tactics emerging, the threat of four element magicians remained unchanging.

It was only natural, as depending on how they were used, they could be equivalent to thousands of soldiers.

“I’ll open a gap! Aqua Pile!”

Count Venturey shouted, wielding his staff while turning his horse around.

Numerous droplet-like shapes formed at the tip of his staff, swirling together to create a whirlpool.

Then, the water vortex was unleashed from the staff’s tip. The water magic started small but grew larger as it moved away.

Finally, it crashed into Scudetto’s gates, scraping the ground as it struck.

The walls shook violently with the impact, causing the soldiers atop the ramparts to crouch down in panic.

“Follow up! Our role is here!”

“Yes!”

At Count Venturey’s command, the cavalry simultaneously raised their staves.

Moments later, flames, water, wind, and earth magic flew chaotically—all converging on the castle gate.

It was an unconventional way to use magic, but because of it, the supposedly sturdy gate was spectacularly destroyed. Even parts of the surrounding walls collapsed.

“W-wow, as expected of the renowned Count Venturey’s magic cavalry unit! To have that many top-class magicians gathered…”

Hearing the amazed voices of some soldiers, I glanced at the ballista crew.

“The ballista are within attack range, but don’t get ahead of yourselves. Our target is only the Wyvern.”

After confirming this, everyone silently nodded.

I hadn’t heard from Viscount Panamera about how the other knight orders would move, so I didn’t know. But Marquis Fertio and Count Ferdinand had already begun their advance.

Like spreading wings, the two knight orders deployed to the left and right. Though a battlefield scene, their formation was well-controlled and elegant. Everyone moved smoothly and flawlessly, as if they were a single living organism.

Then, the Yelinetta Kingdom forces also made their move.

Countless soldiers peeked from the ramparts, drawing their bows. And beyond the broken wall emerged a gigantic shadow.

The murmur of surprise spread swiftly to every corner of the battlefield. Even from this distance, a chilling fear gripped the heart. It was easy to imagine the emotions of the frontline soldiers.

Dark reddish-brown scales resembling rocky cliffs and four legs like massive tree trunks. A colossal body squeezed through a gate barely wide enough for a large carriage.

And eyes shining sharply with ferocity, along with fangs that embodied savagery.

Without a doubt, it was the arrival of a dragon.

“W-what…!?”

“Keep your distance! Attack only with magic or arrows!”

“If you get close, you’ll be crushed!”

Frantic commands came from all directions, and the ranks surrounding the fortress city warped and distorted.