Support the translator on lazytranslations.com
T/N: I just recently found out that Reincarnated Aristocrat’s Light Novel has been in publication since last year so, all of the published chapters will be available public as soon as translated.
Time passed and it was now late August.
I was officially 15 years old, but it wasn’t the time to celebrate my birthday.
Preparations for the war proceeded steadily.
Then, reinforcements from His Majesty arrived in Canale County.
A total of 15,000 people.
The Metro Mercenaries also came along.
Compared to the last time they fought together; they had more men. Also, the equipment of the group members was better equipped.
They had done a good job in the Canale defense and had received a large reward from His Majesty Clan. They must have used the money to improve their equipment and increase their manpower.
“What’s the plan this time?” (Cramant)
Immediately after the reinforcements arrived, Cramant, the leader of the Metro Mercenaries, asked a simple question upon arrival.
He was the same unsociable man as always, but as he was a calm and collected man, he was quite a reliable presence on the battlefield.
Ritsu carefully explained the plan.
“Wait, what’s an airship?” (Cramant)
When I mentioned the airship, even Cramant looked a little surprised.
“Yes, we have recently succeeded in developing one. It is capable enough to be used in warfare.” (Ritsu)
“Has it ever used it in actual combat?” (Cramant)
“This is the first time.” (Ritsu)
“Can it really be used?” (Cramant)
“I believe so.” (Ritsu)
Afterwards, Ritsu explained the detailed specifications of the airship to Cramant.
“I see. It certainly seems like it could be useful. Canale has some powerful magic soldiers.” (Cramant)
Cramant seemed to understand the usefulness of the airship in an instant.
“This has nothing to do with the war, but is it possible to sell the airship to us, the Metro Mercenaries?” (Cramant)
“Eh?” (Ars)
I am confused by the unexpected question.
“I have quite a bit of money.” (Cramant)
“Um, no, we only have one so it’s hard to sell.” (Ars)
“I see. Once you’ve completed a few, I’d like to buy one.” (Cramant)
“…Well, I’ll think about it.” (Ars)
I replied, confused by the sudden business negotiation.
Afterwards, Ritsu resumed his explanation of the plan.
“Our role is to intercept the enemies who come to stop the construction of the fort. I understand.” (Cramant)
He understood his role immediately.
He is a capable man and I’m sure he will get the job done.
After completing my explanation, I immediately gave the order to march out.
This invasion by Canale is intended to force the withdrawal of Sights’ forces that are attacking Messiaen.
Currently, Lund County is under attack by enemy forces, and the war situation is said to be severe. If we do not invade Sights as soon as possible, His Majesty Clan may find himself in a difficult situation.
There was no time to be complacent.
The battle to capture Fort Purled has begun.
~3rd Person Perspective~
As per the original plan, Ritsu led his troops to build the fort.
This time, Ars did not march to the front lines but waited at Fort Khmer. The overall command of the army was left to Ritsu.
Mireille, Thomas, and Charlotte are also leading their own troops into the battle.
Like Ars, Russell remains at Fort Khmer to give orders from the rear.
Shadow and Braham’s unit were also waiting at Fort Khmer with the airship brought in for immediate transport.
Naturally, Cramant led the Metro Mercenaries into the war.
Rikuya and his siblings were also leading a small force. This would be their first real battle since joining the Louvent family. However, Rikuya and his siblings had already been through a number of battles before arriving at Somerforce Empire. They were calmer than expected.
Other nobles from other counties who had brought soldiers as reinforcements were also leading their troops. Although some of them seemed to be dissatisfied with the fact that a Marcan, Ritsu, was leading the army, they did not seem to be rebellious at present. Since they came as reinforcements on the orders of His Majesty Clan, if they were to disrupt the line of succession and be defeated, their reputation among His Majesty Clan would be greatly damaged. In some cases, they might even lose their territory, so the nobles had no choice but to obey, despite their dissatisfaction.
The place Ritsu was aiming for was the Hayne Hill, which existed exactly halfway between Fort Purled and Fort Khmer.
On top of this hill, they will build a hastily constructed fort.
Even a hastily built fort cannot be attacked so easily if it is on top of a hill. It was the perfect place to build a fort.
A few days after the march began.
“The enemy forces don’t seem to be moving yet.” (Cramant)
Cramant reported to Ritsu.
Of course, they are looking for enemy movements as we march, but this time they can’t use Shadow, our usual scout, because they have been assigned to the airship transport group.
Metro Mercenaries have a good scout, though not as good as Shadow, so they left them in charge of gathering information.
“They should have known that we had begun our advance… Are they planning to barricade themselves in the fort and fight back? That would be convenient.” (Ritsu)
That’s how Ritsu analyzes it.
Fort Purled is a sturdy fortress. One option is to stay put and lay siege.
If they start building the fort, there is a possibility that they will move to block them. However, it is too late to move to stop us they after the fort is built. Building a fort using earth magic is quicker than what is commonly thought. If it is just a minimal fort, it is possible to finish building it in one day.
This time, they are planning to build a somewhat more robust fort, so it will take a little more time, but it will still be done in about three days.
If they went to stop them after they started building it, they would not make it in time.
“Now then, if the enemy could just stay put like this, we’d be saved…” (Ritsu)
Fort Purled, Sights.
“An invasion from Canale… What should we do…?” ()
Purled County Mayor Barth Miqunisoir was wondering how to act.
Borotz was in command during the previous invasion of Canale, but this time he is not at Fort Purled as he is taking part in the battle to capture Messiaen.
Therefore, the county mayor, Barth, was in charge of the defense.
“Let’s attack! No matter how strong the Canale soldiers are, they can’t take Fort Purled!” (Vassal)
“That’s no good! If we move our troops poorly, we could lose a lot of soldiers! We should trust in the strength of Fort Purled!” (Vassal)
“Hmmmm…” (Barth)
Hearing the words of his vassals, Barth thought of continuing with a siege, but he wondered if he should really do so.
“How many reinforcements can we get from other counties?” (Barth)
“It seems that they have mobilized most of the troops they have, so I think it is best to assume that they will not send reinforcements. Even if they do, they will be few.” (Vassal)
“I see… Well, if we work well together with Auros Castle, I don’t think Fort Purled will fall so easily… but our opponent is Canale… The Governor doesn’t seem to have any intention of returning the strike force, as Purled can be defended with our current strength…” (Barth)
Barth seemed to be quite traumatized by the previous battle.
“We have information that they have developed something called an airship and brought it to Fort Khmer…” (Vassal)
“An airship, huh… it must be using magic to fly, right? It can be a threat, but it’s only just been developed so I don’t think it has that much use, so it’s probably best to just leave it alone.” (Barth)
“Well, it is quite large, and even if when it floats, we can just shoot it down with magic.” (Vassal)
He had heard about airships existing and that Canale was likely to use them, but he hadn’t felt that they were much of a threat.
“How will the enemy act? Should we assume, they will try to siege Auros Castle first?” (Barth)
“That’s a strong possibility… If that happens, we can cut off the enemy’s supply lines and isolate them, then send out our troops to attack them from both sides with the soldiers of Auros Castle. The Canale soldiers will not stand a chance.” (Vassal)
“Yes… that’s certainly true… but wait, what if they anticipate that we will remain in siege and not march out, and build a fort somewhere? For example, here on Hayne Hill. Or perhaps they set up a fort nearer to Crux Hill, it will be difficult to cut off their supply lines.” (Barth)
“Y-yes, indeed…” (Vassal)
It seemed that Barth’s words were unexpected to his vassals, and they were at a loss for words to refute them.
“But is it that easy to build a fort?” (Barth)
“That’s right. Even if you use earth magic, it’s not easy to build a fort. It’s impossible unless the other party has specialized builders.” (Vassal)
“Hey, we’re up against Canale! They’re a treasure trove of talents. It’s not surprising if they have people who are skilled at building forts.” (Vassal)
“Uh……” (Vassal)
The retainers, who knew Canale, remained silent.
“First, we’ll deploy troops on Crux Hill. If they build a fort there, our chances of victory will be slim.” (Barth)
“What about Hayne Hill?” (Vassal)
“That’s right… At the current pace of their advance, the enemy army will probably get there first. We need to secure Crux Hill first, and when they start building the fort, we’ll send in our troops to stop them. It would be difficult if they built a fort on Hayne Hill, but it won’t be as bad as having one built on Crux Hill. There’s no need to go to such lengths to stop them.” (Barth)
“I agree…” (Vassal)
“Alright, get ready to move right away!” (Barth)
Barth gave this instruction to his retainers.
T/N: Support me by donating on Paypal and Ko-fi or becoming a Lazy Translations Supporter. You can also rate and review the series on Novel Updates. Don’t forget to add it to your reading list! Thank you.
Support the translator on lazytranslations.com