Fun Territory Defense of the Easy-Going Lord - Chapter 171

[Another Viewpoint] To be Evaluated

[Jalpa]

Both sides realized that magic alone was not decisive enough. Even if the other side used magic to break down a part of the wall, the other side would immediately fix it and launch counterattack magic at them.

The top of the hill, which was lower than the enemy fortress wall, could be made an equal position thanks to the fort. The terrain conditions were now 50-50, and the difference in durability of the buildings seemed to give us a slight advantage.

However, there was one more important point.

While ours was a single fort built on a narrow mountain road, theirs was a large fort built on level ground. The fortress walls were wide, and they were built in such a way that they could attack use a concentrated attack on us.

In other words, our army could only attack in small numbers, but the opponent could send many men to attack us.

“… As Your Majesty may have noticed, it is difficult to conduct a siege without being able to deploy infantry and cavalry.”

After running out of magic power, the knights have been replaced by those who have rested to continue the attacks, but there were not enough magicians to attack the castle walls. Annoyingly, the ballista made by Van was an effective means of attack, but the number of arrows was limited. While His Majesty appreciated those arrows to the maximum, he decided that they were not suitable in calmly breaking down the castle walls.

In other words, he decided that they would be used to target the sorcerers who posed a threat coming from Jiernetta Kingdom.

This was a difficult decision. Normally, speed was vital in a battle within the opponent’s territory. It was only natural that the other side would have the advantage in both supply and reinforcements. With this common sense in mind, this fortress should have fallen as quickly as possible.

In any case, from Jiernetta’s point of view, the great invasion that they had tried with all their might had ended in failure, and as a counterattack, they were being attacked at an unexpected base. If things go badly, they may even seek help from other countries.

Did His Majesty have an intelligence network inside Jiernetta? Or was there a certainty that the neighboring countries would not move?

Whatever the case, he certainly had an idea.

“Stradale! Take care of the rest!”

“Ha!”

I was so exhausted from using so much magic power, I couldn’t think straight. I would be leaving Stradale to take care of the rest for now, and step back from the front line.

“Marquis. I guess you’re taking a break, as well.”

As I was about to fall back, His Majesty was just about to climb down from the rooftop. He seems to be returning with a dozen or so Royal Guards in tow. Frankly speaking, it would be more efficient for His Majesty to go back because there would be more knights who could take turns.

“It is probable that the other party will bring in some kind of sub-dragon unit again. We’ll divide the force into four and continue to attack continuously while taking turns. With the size of this fort, it might require up to two knights, but if we make a night camp right outside and take moderate breaks, it won’t be a problem. Besides, who knows, maybe Baron Van will extend the fort a bit more.”

Saying this, His Majesty looked at me with a hint of a smile. It sounded almost like a kind of threat: did Van tell him? Or is His Majesty making a guess himself?

Either way, I knew I couldn’t make a bad move. It was Baron Nouveau and Viscount Tron, who had my approval, who made the move. I must give these two strict orders not to move at this time. If they are found to be the culprits, the consequences will inevitably extend to me.

“… Do you hear me, Marquis Fertio?”

“Ye…yes! I apologize!”

It seems I was a little too focused on my thoughts. His Majesty looks back at me with a furrowed brow, and I hurriedly say a few words of apology.

Then, His Majesty let out a light sigh and went down the stairs. I followed him and found His Majesty standing in front of the open door. The Royal Guards around him did the same.

I moved diagonally behind His Majesty, pushing aside the Royal Guards to see what was going on, and I stopped in my tracks.

I stopped in my tracks because there was a long corridor in front of me that had not been there when I passed by.

“… Did he put a fort and quarters together? As expected of Baron Van. He made it in a way I didn’t expect.”

Chuckling, His Majesty moved deeper into the corridor. Amused, he opened a few doors, but then shifted his interest to another floor when he noticed a row of identical rooms.

“There was a staircase on the way up, but based on the trend so far, the upper part is probably private rooms. I don’t suppose there’s a big bath in the lower part of the building? I’m curious.”

Saying so, His Majesty descended to the lower floor.

I see. Certainly, Van had built rooms for people of higher rank the higher up you go. Then, it is understandable that his Majesty would be more interested in the lower floors.

So I followed him, but I didn’t expect to see what I saw. I made it to the back and went down the stairs, but I hardly saw the first floor rooms and accidentally walked out of the building. Then there I found a mysterious structure.

“…this, how splendid…”

That was all His Majesty could say. The other members of the Royal Guards were frozen in their tracks.

The large gate frame that appeared in front of them was so magnificent.

“Where did this come from? It is quite sophisticated…do you know about it?”

“No, no… I’ve never seen anything like it…”

He asked unexpectedly, but I could not answer.

All the while, I couldn’t take my eyes off the beauty of the gate frame. It is so gaudily carved and decorated that no one could ignore it, yet it was in harmony with the gate frame’s special shape, as if it was its natural form. It was simply beautiful.

“Like with the sword, Baron Van seems to excel in the arts. How could he create such a magnificent gate frame…but why in such a place? By sealing the gate frame, is he preparing for a surprise attack from the other side? But I don’t see any walls on either side of the gate frame yet…”

“This gate frame is magnificent, but it doesn’t look like it’s fit for battle. The doors don’t seem to have been installed yet either…”

Unable to answer His Majesty’s questions, I could only utter the same kind of questions. As I did so, Panamera appeared from inside the gate frame, noticed us, and walked over to us.

“Your Majesty, would you like to rest?”

Panamera asked as if nothing had happened, but His Majesty did not answer and pointed to the gate frame.

“Viscount Panamera. What is this gate frame? Is Baron Van here?”

Panamera nodded with a wry smile.

“He was here just a few minutes ago, but now he seems to be making quarters for himself. The gate frame here was apparently a special one made so that His Majesty could rest. What do you think? Would you like to take a brief look inside?”

Panamera’s words were met with a puzzled nod from His Majesty. Panamera led the way, and only His Majesty and I entered the gate frame. We went up the stairs and opened the first door. Immediately, a spectacular scene spreads out before us, as if the world has changed.

“Oh, this is…”

Even His Majesty, who resides in the royal castle, could only exclaim in admiration. Even I was stunned. I couldn’t help but stare around the room.

The walls were a soothing shade of red, and there was a beautiful red carpet or something on the wall. The ceiling was covered with finely decorated wood. Other than that, the pillars and ceiling beams also seem to have been placed in the room without being hidden, but they all strangely contribute to the overall harmony and beauty of the room.

“…It’s strange. How can a pillar that looks like it was simply carved out of wood have such a strong presence?”

Muttering, I touch the pillar. Apparently, it doesn’t seem like ordinary wood, but is that what gives it this presence?

“Hmm, indeed. But I’m more interested in this light. It doesn’t look like it’s coming from a window, but…”

“Ye, yes. Indeed, this is…”

When we looked up to check at His Majesty’s request, we saw that there were indeed several square glass-like objects attached to the ceiling. They appear to be embedded in the ceiling, but the glass is luminous. What is the principle behind this?

“I checked, the beds and sofas are made of the finest materials. Besides, there was an office and a shower room. The upper floor has similarly luxurious bedrooms and shower rooms.”

“I appreciate that. Although, I never thought I would be able to rest in such a luxurious room right in front of enemy territory.”

His Majesty said in a good mood at Panamera’s explanation.

“…Damn you, Van. How can you be so efficient at your age…”

I muttered in annoyance, but it only made me feel more vexed at my inability to even do that.