Chapter 114

Frederick had said, “We can hold out for two more days,” and exactly two days later, in the afternoon, the end of the battle came suddenly.

The defenders of Barrel Fortress were engaged in their usual exchange of arrows with the Lancell Kingdom’s forces when a lookout on the watchtower shouted:

“Cavalry approaching from the south! Around 200 strong!”

Hearing this, Frederick furrowed his brow in suspicion and climbed up to the top of the fortress walls. Noein, accompanied by Matilda, followed close behind.

“Enemy reinforcements? But why would cavalry come here?”

While cavalry charges could decide the outcome of a field battle, they were far less effective in siege warfare. It was unnatural for 200 cavalry to appear here.

“No, that’s… probably our allies,” replied Yuri, who had been commanding the beastmen on the walls, to Frederick.

True to his words, the cavalry continued their charge without slowing down, seemingly aiming to assault the Lancell Kingdom’s forces arrayed before the fortress. The Lancell forces, in turn, were frantically preparing to intercept them.

“What?!… Indeed, they are our allies. That armor at the front belongs to Count Marzel.”

Frederick squinted as he spoke, focusing on the approaching cavalry.

“Which means…”

“…Yes. We’ve won.”

Count Marzel, a purebred warrior and high-ranking noble of the Northwest Faction, was naturally stationed with the main force. The fact that he was leading a unit through the fortress zone meant that the battle between the main forces on the southern plains had already concluded.

“Everyone! Our reinforcements have arrived! We’ve won!”

Frederick shouted into the fortress, and the soldiers erupted into the loudest cheers yet, so loud it felt as though the fortress might shake.

On the other hand, the Lancell Kingdom’s forces were no longer in a position to attack the fortress. In a panic, they began preparing to retreat, with soldiers on the southern side of their formation sporadically firing arrows at the approaching cavalry.

“Cover our allies’ charge! Rain crossbow bolts on the enemy! No need to hold back any arrows now!”

Following this command, the beastmen gleefully took up their crossbows and began firing, expending their remaining arrows in a barrage aimed at disrupting the Lancell forces’ attempts to respond to the cavalry charge.

Meanwhile, the fortress gates opened, and ballistae launched their projectiles, both regular and the remaining explosive arrows, without restraint.

Hampered by this interference, the Lancell forces were slow to react to the oncoming cavalry. Their archers’ resistance was sporadic, and they struggled to form a proper shield and spear wall.

Shortly after, Frederick ordered a cease-fire. Immediately after, the cavalry slammed into the flank of the enemy formation.

The 200 cavalry became a wall of mass and force, crushing the Lancell Kingdom’s forces. Despite having swelled to 1,500 strong through repeated reinforcements, the Lancell army, composed mostly of infantry without proper battle formations, stood no chance against the mounted charge.

Under the trampling hooves of the cavalry, the Lancell forces abandoned their supplies and even their weapons as they fled in disarray.

The Roadbelk Kingdom’s cavalry did not pursue them deeply. After witnessing the enemy’s rout, the 200 cavalry turned their horses toward the fortress gates.

To allow them entry, Noein ordered the soldiers to move the ballistae positioned in front of the gates. The cavalry then made a grand entrance.

“Count Marzel! Thank you for your assistance!”

Frederick, representing the defenders, addressed Count Marzel, who led the cavalry into the fortress.

“You are… the eldest son of Lord Koenitz, aren’t you? I recall you were serving in the royal army. So you were stationed here.”

Count Marzel looked down at Frederick as he spoke. Clad in plate armor that was not only expensive but also of high practical quality, the Count exuded the aura of a seasoned warrior with his sharp gaze.

“Count Marzel, thank you. Thanks to you, our lives were spared.”

Following Frederick, Noein also approached and expressed his gratitude.

“…Tch. You’re stationed here too? I didn’t come to save you. It was on Lord Beichtrushheim’s orders.”

Upon seeing Noein, Count Marzel clicked his tongue and made no effort to hide his displeasure.

“Of course, I understand. But the fact remains that you saved my life.”

“…You haven’t changed, have you? Bringing slaves even to the battlefield.”

“I am deeply sorry.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

With an annoyed expression, Count Marzel dismounted his horse and turned away from Noein, clearly indicating he had no desire to speak with him, and instead faced Frederick.

“As I mentioned earlier, I came to reinforce Barrel Fortress under the orders of Lord Beichtrushheim. The main force’s battle dragged on, and we were concerned about the situation here… but it seems you held out admirably. I commend your valiant efforts.”

“Thank you once again… We were able to hold out thanks to the tactics and unparalleled prowess of Sir Noein Earlkvistt.”

As Frederick saluted and spoke, Count Marzel glanced at Noein with a hint of surprise, almost involuntarily. His eyes then fell on the golem standing behind Noein, and his expression shifted to one of understanding.

Noein looked at Count Marzel with a somewhat pleased expression.

“…I see. Lord Earlkvistt. Well done.”

“It is an honor to receive your praise.”

Reluctantly offering his praise, Count Marzel grimaced as Noein saluted him with a beaming smile.

“Regarding the prolonged battle of the main force—”

“Yes, I have gathered most of the details from the enemies captured during the battle.”

“Good. Then there’s no need for further explanation. The enemy constructed field fortifications and resorted to petty tactics to buy time, but the Roadbelk Kingdom’s main force steadily wore down their resistance with overwhelming strength and ultimately defeated them. After that, our cavalry unit was sent as the vanguard to reinforce the fortress zone.”

According to Count Marzel, by now, reinforcements would have reached other fortresses, and assault units would be heading to those occupied by the enemy.

“Even the enemies who took our fortresses will likely flee without much resistance now that their main force has been defeated. This marks the end of the war. You should prepare to withdraw… no, rest first. Additional supplies should arrive soon.”

Surveying the exhausted defenders of Barrel Fortress, Count Marzel issued his orders.

……

Leaving the perimeter and battlefield cleanup to the reinforcements, the defenders of Barrel Fortress finally enjoyed their first proper rest in over a week.

True to Count Marzel’s words, supplies arrived later that day via the supply train, allowing the soldiers to enjoy a substantial meal for the first time in what felt like ages.

“…We survived, Matilda.”

“Yes, Lord Noein.”

Having eaten his fill and luxuriously wiped his body with warm water, Noein collapsed onto the bed in his room in the headquarters building.

During the battle, he had to stay awake as much as possible to control the golem, so it had been a long time since he could lie down and rest properly.

Pulling Matilda, who had also cleaned herself with warm water and was sitting at the edge of the bed, into his arms, he felt the warmth of her body, a tangible reminder that he was still alive in this world.

Though Noein had resolved not to touch Matilda as a lover while on the battlefield, that night he allowed himself a bit of indulgence, holding her tightly as he fell asleep.