Reincarnated Aristocrat Chapter 189: Before the Decisive Battle

　The next day, Shadow’s report came in fairly quickly.

　They seem to have believed it.

　I didn’t know exactly how they did it, but it was a success anyway, so that was good.

　The reason why they believed it was because they knew that I had led the troops out of the Khmer Fort, and they were cautiously searching for a reason why I would do such a thing.

　At that time, they overheard the news that Clan-sama had won, and they seemed to get that idea. Well, it was a complete misunderstanding.

　Shadow also told us the state of the enemy army.

　Some said that they should just head straight for the Khmer fort and conquer it before reinforcements arrived, others said that they should retreat now, and still others said that they should not trust it completely but should investigate more information and move from there.

　The general who is now in command of the Sights Army on the front lines is not absolute, and he seems to be troubled by the various information he hears from his subordinates.

　The bewilderment of the superiors has been conveyed to the soldiers, and they are in a state of unrest. Now is our chance, Shadow reported.

　Now is the perfect time to attack Sights Army.

“Then, we will go to the battlefield. I will also go join this battle.”

　In front of everyone, I declared this.

　I wouldn’t fight on the front line, but I decided to go to the battlefield.

　Going to the battlefield as a General will have the effect of boosting the morale of the soldiers.

“But…” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu looks at me with concern.

“I’m fine. I’ve been through a few battles, and I’ve grown up. I’m not the same as I was back then when I watched the execution of a criminal and was too shaken to move.”

　I sent my sick father to the battlefield, and at that time I ended up shortening his life span.

　No matter how well I can assess a person’s strength with my appraisal skills, if I don’t show courage as a lord, my vassals will not follow me.

　If we lose, I may lose my life, but I have to go into battle.

　Well, it doesn’t mean that I will be wielding a sword on the front lines.

　My father used to fight on the front lines in some battles.

　In important battles like today’s, he fought especially hard.

　I can’t do that because I don’t have his sword arm.

“…Where should I lead?” (Russell)

　Russell asks anxiously.

　I’ll probably be a little further back than the front lines, so I was hoping Russell could stay close to me there and give me some advice on how to direct the army.

“Stay close to me and give me advice.”

“Yes, I understand.” (Russell)

　Russell nodded anxiously.

　Mireille and Ritsu decided to take command at the forefront.

　The main unit, which I am in, will be a little further back, keeping track of the battle situation and giving instructions to our allies. Naturally, if necessary, I may move the main unit to go and strike the enemy.

　Russell’s tactics will be very important, and I believe he will do it, although he seems to be under a lot of pressure.

　The Metro mercenary corps, led by Cramant, will act like a raiding party.

“I’ll be following orders, but I’ll also be acting on my own at times, and let me tell you, I won’t be betraying you or acting out of spite. I’m just doing what’s best for us to win, so please know that.” (Cramant)

　Cramant said in advance.

　He has a lot of experience in battle, so he can say that.

　I want you to follow my instructions as much as possible on the battlefield, but if he insists, I guess I have to accept it. It’s hard to win a war without Cramant.

“Braham protect Ars-sama.” (Ritsu)

“What? I want to fight on the frontlines.” (Braham)

“It’s an important job. If Ars-sama is defeated, our army will lose unity. It’s a job that can only be left to a strong man like you.” (Ritsu)

“A job that can only be left to a strong man… Then I guess I’ll have to do it! Wahaha!!” (Braham)

　It seems that Ritsu has learned a lot about how to handle Braham.

　Braham and his elite soldiers, such as Zat, joined my unit.

　This would reduce my chances of me falling.

“What should we do?” (Femme)

　Femme asked. I could have said that Shadow had already worked hard enough and could rest, but they were a talented bunch and there was still much to be done.

“Do you want me to assassinate the enemy general in the middle of battle? Since, there is a chance of failing.”  (Femme)

“Hmm… that’s not bad, but can they use magic this time? Femme is good at magic, and you can use attack magic right?”

“Mmm… I can use attack magic, but I’ve never used it to make a large explosion on the battlefield.” (Femme)

“We need to make up for the lack of firepower without Charlotte. Can you, do it?”

“Well, I’ll do it if you want me to. But don’t get your hopes up too high.” (Femme)

　I felt some resistance, but he accepted it.

　Musha will fight on the front line.

　The plan is to gather those who can use magic on the front line and bombard the enemy army all at once, so Musha cannot be left behind.

　According to Mireille, magical warfare is important at the beginning.

　If your magic is successful and you can demoralize your opponent, the enemy army will not be able to recover and will have no choice but to retreat. That’s how effective magic can be at times. This is even more true for the Sights Army, which lacks ether.

　We didn’t have time to decide on a detailed strategy, so we had to make decisions flexibly as the battlefield unfolded.

　The skills of Ritsu and Mireille, in commanding the front line were important, but I thought that giving orders from the rear was also important. It was a big responsibility. I’m sure Russell will come up with the right strategy.

　After that, the soldiers were prepared for the battle.

“Then let’s move out!”

　Before the soldiers, I proclaimed loud and proud.