A few days after arriving in the city within Marquis Galdwin’s domain, Noein and his group, though not entirely enjoying their stay, had managed to secure food and lodging. Now, they headed to the plains near the border to join the main force.
“Whoa, amazing…”
“This is the first time I’ve seen an army of this scale.”
“Truly impressive, indeed.”
From atop a small hill, Noein and his companions gazed down at the encampment sprawled at its base. Around 20,000 soldiers had already gathered, their countless tents forming a breathtaking scene.
The soldiers from other domains also looked on in awe. The Kingdom of Lordberg had not seen a large-scale war in a long time, especially in the western region, which had been at peace until a few years prior. Few had ever witnessed such a massive army.
The sight made it difficult for them to ignore the reality that they, too, would soon be joining this force in a brutal struggle.
At Viscount Keinitz’s command, the 200 soldiers from his domain descended the hill.
Upon reaching the edge of the encampment, the commanders from each domain first headed to the central command post to report their arrival. Viscount Arnold had instructed that guards and aides could accompany them, so each lower-ranking noble brought their trusted followers. Noein took Mathilda and Yuri with him, leaving Pence in charge of the soldiers.
“We’ve arrived, Sir Bechtolsheim. Viscount Keinitz’s forces and the allied noble houses, including House Earlkvist, totaling over 200 troops.”
“Good work. I’ve been waiting for you.”
At the entrance of a large command tent, Bechtolsheim, one of the northwestern nobles who had arrived early, greeted them.
“In three or four days, the rest of the northwestern forces should arrive. After that, we’ll assign positions… So far, I’ve managed to keep good relations with Marquis Galdwin and the kingdom’s generals, but minor disputes have cropped up among the lower ranks. Be cautious.”
Bechtolsheim lowered his voice for the latter part. Both Arnold and Noein nodded silently in acknowledgment.
“Especially you, Lord Earlkvist. You’re one of the few nobles here with a beastfolk slave. Never move around with just the slave, or you might end up in trouble with the southwestern nobles. They won’t judge your actions if you prove yourself, but protect your property and yourself.”
“I understand.”
In response to Bechtolsheim’s stern advice, rooted in concern, Noein nodded solemnly.
…
Following Bechtolsheim’s warning, Noein spent the next few days before the full arrival of the northwestern nobles close to the others from his region. The camps were naturally divided between the northwestern and southwestern factions due to their mutual disdain, minimizing the chance of encountering southwestern nobles as long as one stayed within designated areas.
“Seeing it like this, I’m surprised by how many women are here.”
Looking over the bustling camp filled with soldiers, laborers, and slaves, Noein commented. He had thought the battlefield was an exclusively male domain, yet there was a fair share of women present.
“Most likely, they’re mages employed by the domain forces,” Baron Oggryn explained. “Anyone with even modest magical talent is valuable on the battlefield, let alone a professional mage.”
As the head of an upper noble house himself, he led his domain’s forces but had left behind his favored catfolk slave, Misha, as she wasn’t a combatant. Enjoying each other’s company as friends, Oggryn and Noein passed the time talking.
“That makes sense. Magic has no regard for gender, after all.”
“There’s also a fair number of beastfolk soldiers here. Lionfolk and tigerfolk women have physical strength comparable to human men, while rabbitfolk and dogfolk excel in reconnaissance, and catfolk or ratfolk are invaluable scouts. Sometimes, smaller women are more advantageous.”
Oggryn’s face grew a bit somber as he spoke.
“However, only the northwestern faction incorporates beastfolk into the regular forces. In the southwestern armies, beastfolk are merely tools with harsh treatment.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Indeed… Take care as well; it’s best to avoid the southwestern nobles.”
“Viscount Arnold and Sir Bechtolsheim gave me the same advice… I’ll be cautious.”
…
Four days after Noein’s arrival, the northwestern forces had fully assembled, and a strategy meeting was convened for unit assignments.
Only upper-ranking nobles, barons and above, attended the meeting. As a knight, Noein was left waiting with other lower-ranking nobles.
By the time Arnold returned from the meeting, it was well past noon. His face showed signs of weariness.
“The strategy meeting itself wasn’t so bad, but the territory disputes dragged on longer than the actual discussions.”
He complained to Noein and the other lower-ranking nobles. As expected, there had been conflicts between the northwestern and southwestern factions over key positions.
“The main force facing the enemy’s core units on the southern plains will comprise only upper-ranking nobles from the northwest. Apologies, but lower-ranking northwestern nobles like you will be assigned to the reserves, logistics, or fortress defense.”
The vassals, though not openly complaining, were visibly disappointed. Inwardly, however, Noein felt relief.
Afterward, Arnold informed each of their positions, and the lower-ranking nobles dispersed to join their designated units.
Noein was the last to receive his orders.
“Well, Noein… no, Lord Earlkvist. You’re assigned to defend one of the forts in the fortress area—Fort Barrel.”
The fortress area, a mix of forest and plains, had been fortified with twelve outposts since the conflict with the Kingdom of Lancel began.
“Being on the front lines means we’re more likely to see combat, doesn’t it?”
“Indeed. You’ll almost certainly see battle… Try not to look so glum.”
Seeing Noein’s apprehensive expression, Arnold chuckled.
“Apologies. I had hoped to stay in the rear, avoiding direct combat if possible.”
“You really are reluctant to fight… Yet your Earlkvist forces have a large supply of crossbows, and you’re a skilled puppeteer who can use golems for close combat, right? Sir Bechtolsheim won’t leave someone with your skills sitting in the rear.”
With that logic, Noein couldn’t disagree.
“With those resources, you’re unlikely to lose or die. Just hold the fort until our main forces crush the enemy’s core. It’s an easy first assignment, really.”
“Understood. I won’t say I refuse to fight… By the way, which forces will assist in defending Fort Barrel?”
“They’ll be mostly conscripted peasants, along with a few kingdom soldiers as backup. The commander should be coming to meet you.”
As Arnold finished, a knight approached them.
“Father!”
