Chapter 76 – The final resolution

“Impressive work, Darba.”

“I am honoured.”

I had ordered numerous pit traps to be dug along this road in advance.

Darba, hailing from the Para tribe, was known for their dexterity. The Para were skilled in crafting the bows and armour used by nomadic warriors.

I utilised Darba as an engineer. This time, he and his team were responsible for setting up these traps.

‘I knew Bandred had great confidence in his cavalry. As a capable leader, he would surely devise a plan to get his prized cavalry across the river.’

Captive noble soldiers were positioned to block the enemy’s river crossing.

I instructed them to gradually retreat and abandon their weapons and armour once the cavalry had crossed.

Darba’s pit traps were designed to only activate under a certain weight.

Light infantry could run across them but the pursuing heavy cavalry fell right into the traps.

However, someone like Bandred wouldn’t be easily deterred. He would push forward until he himself fell into a trap.

So, further ahead, I had barricades with wooden stakes set up.

Barricades, like long spears, were a nightmare for cavalry. This forced them to halt their horses.

These barricades, however, were deceptively weak and could be easily collapsed by pulling from the sides.

As soon as the enemy cavalry halted, archers unleashed arrows from three sides.

I had over ten thousand archers lying in wait on both sides of the road. Combined with the arrows flying from the front, an overwhelming barrage descended upon the enemy.

Even with shields, the heavy cavalry couldn’t fully protect themselves and arrows could penetrate their armour. Their horses were also not spared. As the enemy began to retreat, it was our turn to pursue.

We quickly dismantled the barricades and our cavalry, prepared in advance, set out in pursuit.

The pit traps were only placed on the central path, so our forces used the sides to chase the fleeing enemy.

“Shouldn’t we pursue them?”

“The outcome is already clear. It would be unwise to steal the glory from our troops.”

“Haha.”

The enemy would be driven to the river and decimated.

Once a retreat begins, the mental toll of re-engaging in battle is enormous. In such a state, they couldn’t possibly fight effectively.

Unlike our feigned retreat to lure them into a trap, the enemy had no such strategy or hidden reinforcements.

I instructed our pursuing forces to let any soldiers who managed to cross the river escape. Though, that number would be very few.

“Now then, once we receive the report, we will proceed to seize the capital of the territory.”

“Understood.”

The noble prisoners had served well.

Thanks to them, we suffered no casualties among the plains people. Their loyalty to me was more than proven.

■

The subsequent developments were just as I had predicted.

Some of the soldiers driven to the river fought but they were greatly exhausted both physically and mentally from the previous battles.

In contrast, our soldiers had conserved their strength until now and they were eager to gain merit from this point onward. There was no way they could lose.

However, there were some cavalrymen who managed to escape. Their skill was commendable.

There was no need for unnecessary sacrifices, so as planned, we let those who fled south escape. Ondale would fight moderately and let them pass.

Thus, I was able to achieve great results with minimal casualties and entered the capital of the territory.

“Rhoban-san.”

“What is it?”

“Could you handle the aftermath?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Since it was a request rather than an order as a king, I couldn’t help but address him with honorifics even in front of everyone. Well, it couldn’t be helped.

“Well… I thought I’d go straight to Diltrack and pay a visit to the lord.”

“I see…”

By the way, some troops were stationed in the direction of Diltrack but they had long been routed by Garshin and his men.

It’s not like they couldn’t understand what it meant for enemy soldiers to come to that place.

I’ve heard that some forces fled south. They probably received a retreat order from Bandred.

“You’re not planning to go alone, are you?”

“No, no. I’ll be going with Karan-san to establish a connection with the lord.”

“That won’t be enough. Please take more guards with you.”

It seemed they weren’t going to stop me from going to Diltak. Laris, who was listening, also nodded.

“Your Majesty, why not have them come here instead of going yourself?”

“Ah… I would do that with other lords, but Diltrack is a bit different, isn’t it?”

The territory of Diltrack is still focused on defence, preventing incursions from both the Empire and the western bandits. It wouldn’t be wise to have the lord leave his territory.

Moreover, I could meet up with the troops that were mobilised to counter Bandred and have them guide us to the capital of the territory. After all, there’s no need for sentries in the direction of Kamurakku anymore.

“I plan to make Clostova my base for a while. Since I’ve come this far, I want to go to Diltrack and talk to the lord before heading back.”

“I understand…”

“I leave the handling of the prisoners, the rest of the soldiers and the proclamations to the local residents to you, Rhoban-san. Please proceed as you have been.”

“Understood. But please return quickly.”

“Yes, I know.”

I also need to prepare for the declaration of the founding of the Northern Empire and the declaration of war against the Emperor. I don’t plan to stay in Diltrack for long.

However, since I rarely have the chance to meet the lord, I want to take this opportunity to greet him.

“Your Majesty, please take about a thousand men, including myself, as your guards.”

Laris looked at me with determined eyes. But I smiled wryly.

“No, that’s too many…The guards will be ten, including you, Laris. Any more would be a nuisance to them.”

“Hmm…”

“I leave the selection of the guards to you, Laris. Now, get ready quickly.”

Laris seemed to have more to say but went off to select the other nine members. I continued my conversation with Rhoban-san.

“It seems we never found Bandred after all.”

“Yes. There were no bodies that matched his description. According to Ondyle’s report, a group of cavalry that might have included Bandred crossed into Imperial territory…”

“Once he decides to retreat, he’ll head straight for the Imperial capital. A man like him wouldn’t have chased us this far otherwise.”

To be honest, I thought the chances were about fifty-fifty that he’d pursue us all the way to the place where we had set up the barricades. We had set them up just in case.

I was certain he’d come if he were alone but I didn’t know what decision he’d make as a commander when his comrades started falling into traps.

However, seeing him press forward even as his allies were falling into the pits showed me he had a strong conviction.

He’s different from the usual regional armies. Thanks to this, I feel like I’ve gotten a better grasp of Bandred’s character.

“In any case, it seems Prince Vilgard can finally settle down.”

“We have a lot to do and the period of calm will be limited…”

“Haha. Personally, I’m hoping my grandchild will be born soon.”

“Ah… yes, that’s right…”

It’s difficult to respond…! No, of course, I’m willing as well…!

I’ve planned about a year for military preparations and information gathering. During that time, I must make sure both of my wives are pregnant…!

For now, I need to focus on the territory of Diltrack. I’ll leave the preparations for the founding declaration and the declaration of war to Rhoban-san, so things can proceed smoothly when I return.

We also need to increase the number of people who can handle internal affairs.