Reincarnated Aristocrat Chapter 171: Sights Army’s Goal

Support the translator on lazytranslations.com

~3^rd Person Perspective~

　Fort Purled, Purled County, Sights Region.

　This fort, built in the wilderness, is a beautiful fortress with a design that doesn’t fit the wasteland, creating a peculiar sight.

　A man called Borotz Heigand, the right-hand man of the new governor of Sights, was watching over a large number of soldiers as they marched out of the fort.

　He was a tall man with a long, neatly trimmed beard. He was in his early thirties.

　His eyes are thin and slightly droopy, and the corners of his mouth are slightly raised, giving the impression that he is always smiling. People’s first impression of him is that he looks like a good person.

　Borotz, who was appointed as the commander of this battle, set up his headquarters here at Fort Purled and gave orders to the captain of each unit. He was not a man of great physical prowess, but he was a man of great talent as a strategist.

“However, there are many things I don’t understand about this war. My Lord is still a man of strange ideas.” (Borotz)

　Borotz muttered, stroking his prized beard.

“The payoff for taking Canale to support Basamark doesn’t look like much. We don’t get a big territory, and we don’t get a lot of food or resources. If Basamark united Messiaen, it would have been convenient for us to just have done him a favor…… Then, he could have asked a little more in return. Does he really want the people in Canale County that badly?” (Borotz)

　Governor-General Sights ostensibly explained to his vassals that Basamark is a better person than Clan, and if he joins hands with him to help unify Messiaen, they will be a great ally.

　However, he was telling his true intentions to Borotz, who is his most trusted among his vassals.

　The current governor-general of Sights was a man who believed that human resources were of utmost importance and that those who possessed them would rule the Somerforce.

　The governor-general focused on the existence of Ars, who became the mayor of Canale.

　It seems that he was appointed as the mayor at a very young age. Judging that there was something about him, after collecting various information.

　The Governor-General has scrutinized the information one by one and determined that Ars is very good at either detecting the talents of others or developing the talents of others. So, he wants him as his vassal. However, at the same time, he also wanted to make the talented vassals that Ars had collected up to now as his own vassals.

　If human resources are important, those who have the ability to identify or train excellent human resources are the most important among the talents.

　There are several ways to make someone else a vassal, but this time the governor-general thought that the only way was to defeat him in the battle and make him surrender.

　It would be difficult to make someone who owns a territory a vassal without preparing a land of equal value, and Sights could not afford it.

　Even if the land is forcibly prepared, it is obvious that a big backlash from within Sights would occur.

　Even if they tried to lure them with riches, they would not stand a chance against the wealthy Clan. If there was any information of Ars being dissatisfied with Clan, it would be possible to make him leave, but there was no such information at present.

　The governor-general seemed to be convinced that the quickest and most sure way to make him a vassal was to take over the Canale territory through a battle, capture him, and then force him to become a vassal.

　There is a possibility that he will not become a vassal because of resentment. Borotz thought that if he would persuade him with everything within his power. With what he could manage, but if nothing could be done, he would certainly kill him.

　If talented people don’t become vassals, they become a threat if they’re not killed.

　At present, the fact that Ars was in Canale, a county adjacent to Sights, was definitely a threat from Sights.

　The Governor-General of Sights seemed to think that making Ars his vassal or killing him was a very important step for the future of Sights.

“I’m not sure if Ars Louvent is really worthy of such high praise. He is still a child, isn’t he? It is also possible that the ability to find and develop talent is just a matter of having the best people around. …… Well, the Governor is a strange man, but he has never been wrong in his beliefs. In the past, when he decided to rebel against the former Governor, I thought at first that there was no way he could win, but he did. I am sure he will be right this time as well.” (Borotz)

　Borotz had full confidence in the governor. Even if he couldn’t understand it, he never thought that the Governor’s plan was wrong.

“Although there is a lot of difference in troop strength, the enemy still has excellent vassals. It may not be an easy win, but the Governor-General told us to settle this matter as soon as possible, no matter what it takes, even if it means losing a lot of men. We must definitely win.” (Borotz)

　This time, the Canale army was stronger than they had expected, and even though they are met with fierce resistance, they decided to keep attacking.

　In fact, after capturing Canale, they would need to attack near Sempler in order to get behind Clan’s main army, so it would be bad to lose too many troops, but even if Basamark was defeated and the Clan became Messiaen’s Governor, they will still need to secure or kill Ars.

　If they miss this opportunity and Clan unifies Messiaen, the opportunity to make Ars Louvent a vassal or to kill him may disappear in the future.

　The Clan has a high opinion of Ars Louvent and is unlikely to give him up or abandon him. It is also highly unlikely that an assassination attempt will be successful since he has a good spy as a vassal. Borotz was reminded by the governor that this might be the only chance

“Now, then, shall I give the order to the soldiers?” (Borotz)

　Borotz took action to ensure that the Governor’s will was fulfilled.

~Ritsu’s Perspective~

　Upon arriving at the front line, Ritsu had a military discussion with the commanders of each unit on what to do if an enemy came.

　There are six people here: Ritsu, Charlotte, Braham, Zat, and Cramant. Mireille and Russell remain in Fort Khmer with Ars.

“Okay! When an enemy comes, my squad will charge immediately and defeat them all! It doesn’t matter how many people there are!” (Braham)

　I silently glared at Braham who shouted.

　Braham, who instantly understood what I wanted to say with my expression, immediately piped down and apologized, shrinking, “I’m sorry…”

　Zat was looking at Braham who had a frightened expression… It looks like he’s dissatisfied with why I had him under this guy.

“We’re camped in front of the river. The water here is shallow enough that we can walk across it, but it will still slow people down, so this is where we’ll be aiming our magic. Of course, the enemy army will probably attack while defending against attacks. They will be anticipating that they will be targeted while crossing the river, but we will forcefully destroy their formation with the power of Charlotte’s magic. When the enemy’s plans go awry, we’ll fire using the archers and shoot them down, and then the enemy army will probably retreat in order to temporarily reorganize, so you’ll give chase. If you can successfully inflict damage with this, the enemy army might retreat for good.” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu believed that this operation, which would damage the enemy in the first match, was the most likely to succeed. The enemy general seems to be a great strategist, but he may not have completely know the ability of our soldiers. I’m not saying they’ll be off guard, but I’m sure they will come at first with just enough strength to repel us.

　Perhaps they would send a unit to measure us and poke at our strength, so we should also analyze their force to some extent and send out the next squad.

　The battle might turn out to be more one-sided than expected if the other side only outnumbers us in terms of troops but we greatly surpass them in terms of quality. Moreover, there is a possibility that they will be defeated, and we can expect them to turn back.

　Ritsu analyzed that it was not unlikely that they would retreat.

　The new Governor-General of Sights probably has not completely united the powers within the state in this short period of time.

　There must be many forces that are against him.

　If they’re losing a lot in this war, it’s perfectly normal that another civil war in their state would rise.

　It’s unclear what Basamark offered in return, but it should be difficult with Basamark’s current situation to offer anything expensive that they would be willing to take such a risk.

“Charlotte… How powerful is Musha, whom Ars-sama made as a vassal because of her latent magical talent?” (Ritsu)

　I asked. If anyone other than Charlotte can use strong magic, the chances of success will increase dramatically. Charlotte has taken good care of Musha since she became a vassal, and she is the most knowledgeable about her abilities.

“Well, she’s still has a long way to go. Well, I’ve brought her for the time being. Sometimes I can feel her ability some powerful magic, truly.” (Charlotte)

“I see.” (Ritsu)

　Hearing Charlotte’s words, I muttered with a slight disappointment.

　I believe it would be okay with Charlotte alone, but it’s still a big difference if there is another person who can use strong magic.

“Teacher! What should I do?” (Braham)

“Don’t you hear the plan? Can’t you think for yourself?” (Ritsu)

“I did not understand!” (Ritsu)

　Braham proudly said.

“Don’t be proud … Your squad’s role will be decisive. I want you to chase after the enemy when their formation collapses and they begin to withdraw.” (Ritsu)

“Chase!? I don’t feel like bullying a weakened enemy. I feel that it’s something unpleasant! I want you to give me another role!” (Braham)

　Braham had a stupidly honest personality and he couldn’t read the air.

“Pursuit is a good role. If we let the enemy escape easily, we will not be able to inflict severe damage on their army, and we will have little to gain even while winning the battle. Your troops are mobile and powerful. Your squad’s quality is quite high. So you are suitable for the role of pursuing the retreating enemy.” (Ritsu)

　Braham’s troops are selected from Canale’s strongest in close combat.

“Is it a good job… If teacher says so, I can’t help but obey.” (Braham)

　Braham obediently followed my words, someone who beat him.

“How many mages, archers, and infantry or cavalry are there in Cramant’s soldiers?” (Ritsu)

　I asked Cramant.

“Most of mine are infantry or cavalry. There aren’t many mages, and there are a few archers. In terms of percentage my mercenaries are 40% infantry, 40% cavalry, 15% archers, and 5% mages.” (Cramant)

　The number of Cramant soldiers is about 3000.

　Mages can only be trained from people with talent, so it’s not surprising that if he doesn’t prioritize them, he’ll have just a few.

“When it comes to mages, we need numbers, but the quality is more important. What do you have?” (Ritsu)

“There are no incompetent people in my mercenary corps. However, there is no mage like the woman there. I don’t even have anyone with a similar ability. When we saw her use magic before, my most capable magician is much weaker than yours.” (Cramant)

　When Cramant said her best mage is weaker, Charlotte puffed out her chest and put on her best smug face.

　Since she is out of the standard, the quality of the mages belonging to the Metro Mercenary Corps will be considerably lower than that of Charlotte. Maybe Charlotte’s ability is just too high.

　Although of poor quality, the fact that Cramant is not incompetent means that they likely reliable mages. There should be as many mages as possible, this was no doubt a positive factor.

　After that, we begin confirming the signals on the battlefield in detail again and making all possible preparations, I waited for the scouts to report the arrival of enemy soldiers.

~Charlotte’s Perspective~

　After the war council with Ritsu, Charlotte gathered mages to prepare for the battle.

　She gave various instructions, such as where to place the large catalyst engine and who should use which catalyst engine.

　Normally, Charlotte seemed to be going at her own pace, but on the battlefield, her instructions were extremely precise, and she seemed to be a different person than usual.

　The magic soldiers didn’t know much about Charlotte’s personality in her everyday life, only what she looked like on the battlefield and in training, so they were in awe of her, thinking that she was excellent but also very scary.

“Oh, that Charlotte-san… will I fight too?” (Musha)

　Musha asked me a question, I feel that she’s quite terrified.

“Yeah, Musha has a great talent for magic, according to Ars-sama. So you should get some experience. There is a limit to the amount of ether that can be used in training, so a large catalytic engine like this needs to be used in actual combat. And sometimes the spell power comes out pretty good, so you’re lucky.” (Charlotte)

“It seems like an important battle… Isn’t it bad if dragged people down?” (Musha)

“It’s okay. Even if Musha can’t perform much, the operation will succeed because I’m here. It’s no problem at all.” (Charlotte)

　With her full confidence, Musha honestly thought that Charlotte was incredible.

“It doesn’t matter if the power of your magic is a little weak, just don’t hesitate to shoot. I’m not sure, but when it comes to actual battles, there are quite a few people who can’t use magic.” (Charlotte)

　When Musha heard Charlotte’s words, she realized that using magic on the battlefield would kill people.

　She has never killed a person.

　Fear arose in Musha’s heart.

　I saw Musha looking a little scared. So I give her advice for the battlefield.

“When you kill someone, don’t think you’re doing something wrong. Enemy soldiers will be coming at you to kill you and your friends. So if you don’t kill them, they will kill you and your friends.” (Charlotte)

“That’s right…” (Musha)

　Advice alone is not enough.

　She has to actually experience it and overcome it.

　I believed that Musha would overcome it because Ars-sama said that Musha had the talent as a mage.

Support the translator on lazytranslations.com