Shadow Court Magician Chapter 24: Macaulay Fortress

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　The eastern part of the Kingdom of Ernia. The area called the Macaulay region has been occupied by the Astoria Empire for several years.

　It is a land that the Astoria Empire conquered by force after winning the war against the League of Kings.

　The empire had built a fortress to establish it as their permanent territory. They had built a strong citadel called Macaulay Fortress.

　According to a military report submitted last year, at least tens of thousands of soldiers would be needed to capture the fortress.

　Since a division consists of 3,000 to 10,000 soldiers, it is necessary to have at least 2 to 3 divisions.

　It was unreasonable to occupy it with just a tiny brigade.

 “I can’t help but think that Leon’s master is out of her mind, as well as the military’s top brass.” (Victor)

　I wonder what kind of look he would give me if I told them that I had accepted this mission even though I had used spies to instigate it.

　Although I was curious, I maintained my moderation by remaining silent and gave the brigade soldiers an outline of the attack on the Macaulay fortress.

　Everyone said it was impossible since only a few soldiers trusted me. The former 8th Infantry Corps and the princess’s long-time direct vassals.

　They remember that I drove out three hundred soldiers with only thirty soldiers.

“I defeated ten times as many men then, but now the brigade numbers eight hundred, and the enemy force is about five thousand, so the ratio of military strength is better than before.”

“We only need to kill 6.25 people per soldier, it’s an easy victory.” (Victor)

“Please show me a miracle again, Leon-sama.” (Sicily)

　She gave me such warm words.

　Thank you, but we should not neglect the preparation in advance.

“First of all, I need the uniform of an officer of the Astoria Imperial Guard.”

　When I ordered my subordinates, they prepared it in a few days. It was stolen from an enemy army officer who was once taken, prisoner.

　By the way, the Astoria army is rich, so officers’ clothes are provided free of charge. On the other hand, Ernia needs to pay for their own. In exchange, we can wear our choice of clothes.

　I envy the Astoria army, but Victor and others seem to have ridiculous thoughts on uniforms.

“I hit a senior at the military academy and got expelled, I have very little to do with discipline.” (Victor)

　He said.

　It’s true that such a man wouldn’t look good in a uniform, but this time I’ll ask him to wear one.

“Because this uniform is useful in conquering Macaulay Fortress.”

“Fortresses, like women, are vulnerable to uniforms?” (Victor)

　To put it in a subtle way, Victor generally agreed with my strategy.

“It’s a strategy to invade and capture the enemy general.”

“That’s right. That’s the only way to win with a small number of troops.” (Sicily)

“I think it’s a good idea, but how do we do it?” (Victor)

　He asked.

“Well, that’s no fun. Wait until we get there.”

　With that said, I led the brigade to the eastern Macaulay Fortress.

~3^rd Person Perspective~

　—Macaulay Fortress.

　General Reisech who defends it, is known for his weakness, his impatience.

　Today, the servant who dropped the fork on the floor was dismissed on the spot.

　He has a very pregnant wife and a growing child, but he doesn’t care about them. He dismissed them as fast as he can and sent them away from the fortress.

　Moreover, he is also stingy with his subordinates.

　Although he eats steak drenched in gravy every day, he forces his staff to only eat cheap and sparse meals. The regular meals were so bad that if a few pieces of meat appeared in their soup, it was enough to cause quite the stir.

　On the contrary, the upper echelons of the military are told that he feeds his men meat every day. The thing is, the only people getting something from him are a beautiful secretary and assistant, who are paid from his “second purse”. Both, who spend most of their time with him in his bedroom.

　Such behavior on the battlefield would be disappointing, but fortunately, the Macaulay fortress had a magnificent fortress.

　The fortress has repelled the invasion of the League of Kings three times. It is strong enough to stand on its own, even if the fortress’s lord’s personality is unbecoming.

　Therefore, the fort soldiers believe that there is no need for a commander. They believe that as long as they are within the fortress, they could repel any attack the enemy makes.

　Perhaps because of that, the soldiers there have no sense of awareness like soldiers from the frontlines.

　No one seems to have a habit of checking if anything or anyone is suspicious.

　Victor, dressed as an Imperial military officer, went inside the fortress feeling somewhat dismayed, and a little nervous.

(… So far, things are going as Leon said, but to occupy the fortress with just a few soldiers, we’ll have to get them out.) (Victor)

　Of course, he couldn’t reach Leon himself, but Victor still waited for Leon to make the next move.

　Victor believing Leon will succeed in this unreasonable operation.

　—At the same time.

　Outside the fortress. The princess is leading around 800 soldiers.

　She is on horseback and staring at a distant fortress.

　Princess Sicily then speaks to me.

“… Is it really fine to do something like this?” (Sicily)

“You mean, is this an unreasonable strategy?”

　She slowly shakes her head.

“I think Leon-sama’s strategy will always be successful. The problem is with this gun.” (Sicily)

　There were 100 guns in her line of sight.

“It will.”

　I continued and joked.

“I did forge some of the documents so that these could be assigned to my unit.”

“… Won’t Marshal McRanger get angry?” (Sicily)

“He will get angry, but it’s at a later date. In the first place, it’s crazy to conquer a fort with just a small number of troops. It’s natural that we were given weapons. It’s said that Prime Minister Bartonia gave him a hundred state-of-the-art guns. So, It wouldn’t be a problem if I got the older ones.”

　After I said that, I felt like I heard a sneeze from the Marshal’s office in the Royal Capital from the west.

“Well, I feel bad for borrowing it forcibly, but since I’ve already borrowed it, I will make effective use of it at the very least.”

　I mean, I dig a trench in front of the fortress and put up a fence.

　Then I place soldiers with guns there.

　I divided the brigade into three.

“Is there any meaning to dividing it into three?” (Sicily)

“Yes, everything that Leon von Almarsh does has meaning.”

　I say that while winking at the princess.

　It was an act to reassure her, but I thought it might be a little too casual.

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