Since I heard that the separate unit was about to depart, I came to see them off outside the fortress.
“Take care of the old man and Werner for me,” I said.
“Understood. Leave it to us, Lord Ainzich. We’ll make sure to take care of your matters as well,” replied one of them.
The separate unit was set to head out with 1,500 soldiers to defeat the enemy coming from the north. After they ambushed the enemy and dealt with them, we needed to buy time until they could maneuver to the rear.
Among them were the veteran and the young hope, Werner. According to prior intelligence, the enemy from the north did not have many knights, so victory should be within our grasp. There was also a difference in the training levels of our troops.
I saw them off and returned to the fortress to prepare. The preparations mostly consisted of maintaining our equipment, reinforcing the barricades, and doing some archery practice.
As I thought about the soldiers I had just seen off and those remaining in the fortress, I realized that some of them—perhaps dozens or even hundreds—might die…
My father’s words crossed my mind. A time will always come when something must be sacrificed to gain something else. Since I had decided to fight for my own sake and for the future of this territory, there was no turning back.
While preparing in the fortress, just before noon on the 6th, I received news.
“Duke Baltia! The enemy will appear in about two hours.”
They were two days later than initially expected. This must mean that our guerrilla tactics had some effect.
With the help of my vassals, I donned my armor.
“There should still be time before their arrival. Feed the soldiers first,” I ordered.
“Yes, sir!”
According to our plans, Herbert and the others should have already engaged in battle, and depending on the outcome, it would likely be difficult for them to arrive today. At the very least, we absolutely had to hold our ground today.
After finishing our meal and taking a breath, a group of enemies appeared from across the highway.
It was a massive army of about 6,500 troops.
Soon after, three mounted men who looked like knights emerged from the enemy ranks and leaped forward to a position between our armies.
“To the vile Duke Baltia! Open the gates at once and surrender!”
I stood before the castle wall, facing them.
“Let me hear the terms of your surrender.”
“Open the gates immediately and lay down your weapons! We will take custody of you!”
They didn’t even mention anything about guaranteeing our safety… They must be quite frustrated.
“I would like some time to discuss with my vassals, so please grant me a moment.”
“That won’t do! You must decide now! Otherwise, we will attack immediately!”
I clicked my tongue in frustration internally. I wanted to buy some time, but it seemed I had angered them too much. Well, I had bought enough time already.
Now it was just a matter of enduring.
“Then my answer is this: I will never surrender, for the sake of my pride! If you wish to attack, then prepare to face death!”
“…Be ready.”
They returned to their troops, and after a while, the horn for battle was sounded.
Now then. The battle begins.
