Chapter 115

_{^{The Stubborn Lord’s Tale of Happiness: Conquering the Frontier Despite a Bad Attitude!}}

Two days after the battle ended, the defense force of Barrel Fortress left the post-war chores in the fortress area to the main army and moved to the rear encampment, their initial rallying point.

The final death toll was 34. Among them, 33 were beastman conscripts who had stood on the front lines, and one was a Kingdom soldier under Frederick’s command.

The conscripts often fell to enemy arrows due to their lack of proper armor, while the Kingdom soldier died from an unlucky arrow that pierced through his eye and into his brain.

The Earlkvist Territory Army, which was mostly occupied with rear duties such as ballista operation and supply management, and was equipped with high-quality gear, fortunately suffered no fatalities.

Despite the fierce battle, the low number of casualties was attributed to the firepower advantage provided by new weapons like crossbows and ballistae, as well as the strong support from Noein’s golems.

Although the overall death toll was low, the defense force was exhausted from the unexpectedly prolonged battle, with many suffering serious injuries. Almost everyone had some form of injury, with Noein being one of the few unscathed, thanks to Mathilda’s protection.

Noein, as a general, still had much work to do upon returning to Earlkvist Territory, including providing compensation to the injured soldiers, ensuring their employment, and filling the vacancies.

“But still, our work on the battlefield is done,” Noein murmured while sipping tea prepared by Mathilda in the rear encampment. It had been a while since he last enjoyed her tea leisurely.

“Yes. It’s fortunate that the territorial soldiers returned without loss… Normally, wars reduce the population, but for Earlkvist Territory, it’s the opposite this time,” Mathilda replied.

“We’re taking in a lot of beastmen,” Noein added.

Out of the beastman conscripts who defended Barrel Fortress, 181 survived, and there were about 70 of their children and parents taking refuge in the forests and churches.

Several beastmen had already been sent out to contact these 70 individuals.

“According to Kenoze and Boreas, in a few days, we can gather the other beastmen near the northern town of Marquis Gardwin’s territory—the town we stayed at on our way here. We’ll move there, join them, and then return,” Noein explained.

As they discussed future plans, Frederick approached.

“Lord Noein, I just had a chance to speak with my father… Viscount Köenitz. It seems he won’t be able to leave here for a while,” Frederick reported.

Frederick, still on military duty, referred to his father by his title. He mentioned that Arnold, being a senior noble, still had some post-war duties to attend to.

“Understood. Then, is it alright for me to return to my territory once preparations are complete?” Noein asked.

“Yes. You could wait for the lower nobles under Viscount Köenitz, but… you’re taking the conscripts with you, so your return will be quite a large group,” Frederick noted.

“True. With many injured and their families to take care of, it would be better for the Earlkvist Territory Army to return separately to avoid slowing down the march,” Noein replied.

Frederick looked slightly concerned. “Do you have enough funds for the journey? Moving with nearly 300 people for over two weeks?”

“I brought extra funds for such situations… and I can temporarily borrow the conscripts’ wages if needed,” Noein assured.

The cost of traveling to and from his territory was borne by the noble himself, but Noein had brought more than enough money for unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, the conscripts would receive a small reward before disbanding, which Noein could borrow and repay upon reaching Earlkvist Territory. They had enough to manage camping on the way back.

“I see, that’s good to hear… It seems the battles at other fortresses have also concluded. In the end, only two fortresses, including our Barrel Fortress, held out without falling,” Frederick informed.

“Is that so? Well, given the intensity of the battle, it’s understandable… It’s impressive that another fortress managed to hold out besides ours,” Noein remarked.

Barrel Fortress’s remarkable defense was due to the crossbows, ballistae, Noein’s golems, and various ingenious tactics. It was astonishing that another fortress endured the enemy’s overwhelming assault without such advantages.

“The fortress that held out apparently had an exceptionally skilled mage. It was said that their personal efforts were crucial in withstanding the attack. I don’t know the details yet,” Frederick added.

“That’s… someone I’d like to meet,” Noein said with interest.

“Haha, those who distinguished themselves in this war will likely receive rewards from His Majesty the King. You might meet them at the ceremony,” Frederick laughed.

“…Then, it’s time for us to part ways for now,” Frederick said.

“Frederick, you’ll be returning to Köenitz Viscountcy next year, right?” Noein asked.

“Yes. It’s been nearly ten years since I joined the Kingdom Army. That’s enough time for a noble heir’s training period,” Frederick replied.

It was customary for noble heirs like Frederick to serve in the Kingdom Army for about ten years before retiring. Staying too long would hinder the advancement of those who were meant to succeed as professional soldiers.

Frederick would serve as a captain in the Köenitz Viscountcy Army next year while learning governance under his father Arnold as the next lord.

“Then, we’ll see each other again next year. I look forward to it,” Noein said.

“Likewise, I count on you… It’s thanks to you that I survived this time. Thank you, Lord Earlkvist,” Frederick said, extending his hand.

“No… I learned a lot from this battle. I’m the one who should be grateful, Frederick,” Noein replied, shaking Frederick’s hand.

“Then, until we meet again,” Frederick said.

As Frederick left, Noein turned to Yuri, Pence, and Mathilda.

“…Let’s go home,” Noein said with a tired yet refreshing smile.