Episode 135

I, along with Captain Dalton and the commanders under Count Casano, were summoned for an urgent meeting.

Despite our annoyance at having to gear up for another battle without adequate rest post our victory, we had no choice but to mobilize, prompting Lieutenant Heintz to let out a sigh and grumble.

“Captain Dalton, how many days has it been since we captured the castle, and now why are we being called out like this?”

Dalton seized the lieutenant’s shoulders and shook him back and forth.

“I don’t know, kid, damn it. I was just about to enjoy some time with Milia, and now this? Out of the blue? Preparing for another skirmish just 6 days after the war’s end.”

“I wish this were merely a nightmare, Captain Dalton.”

“But what can we do when reality is a mess? We must emerge victorious by any means necessary. Otherwise, we’ll end up like those captives in the dungeon or worse, dead.”

Some wise general once said that a soldier’s core duty is to triumph, regardless of being labeled a dog or a beast.

As Dalton pointed out: a defeated soldier cannot safeguard his own life, his family’s welfare, or the nation he is bound to protect, thus becoming a failure.

‘In any case, we must engage in combat, so we must emerge triumphant no matter what.’

Dalton suddenly shifted his gaze towards me, chuckled, and slapped my back.

It wasn’t as painful as before, but I felt a sudden sharp jolt at the point of impact.

“Ah, Captain Dalton, why strike me again?”

Dalton shrugged in response to my query, snorted, and remarked.

“Because Martin’s White Unit Commander appears delighted to have expended his entire fortune to secure the beauty of Villa Hora Castle.”

I had used up all my bonus money to rescue Hilde.

While I am low on funds, I am not exactly desperate for a fight right after leading a siege.

“What nonsense, I too yearn for some rest.”

“Really? I thought you were so keen on earning accolades lately that Commander Martin was thrilled about diving into battle.”

Dalton tapped my shoulder, and laughter erupted from those around us.

“To be honest, Martin does seem obsessed with war.”

“Open the gates and catch the baron with depleted stamina. And actually catch him. So, it’s not wrong to say he looks like someone who’d sell his soul for merits.”

“He’s not obsessed with war; he’s just eager to expand his harem.”

While Captain Dalton has only Milia, Lieutenant Heintz and the other White Unit commanders are accompanied by 3 to 5 beauties each.

And yet, they spend money freely on pretty prostitutes for sex, mocking me alone for being obsessed with expanding my harem.

‘But I, who spent my entire fortune to get Hilde, can’t really argue here.’

Especially since I even told Hilde she could leave me if she wasn’t satisfied with me.

I sighed, letting my shoulders slump.

“Yes, I’m the pervert obsessed with war and beauties.”

Dalton sent me a look of approval, patted my back, and laughed.

“What can we do? For the sake of Commander Martin, who’s almost bankrupt, we’ll have to roll up our sleeves.”

At that, I pretended to bow my head while scratching my head.

“Brothers, please help this poor brother so I don’t go bankrupt.”

“What brothers? If you’re going to treat us as brothers, huh? Join us for the second round of the celebration.”

“Ah, that’s a bit…”

“This guy has totally lost his military discipline in his rapid rise. No good, let’s have a talk after today’s meeting.”

Thus, Captain Dalton changed the mood by teasing me, and we proceeded to the conference room within the castle.

Count Casano had not yet arrived at the meeting room, and the other mercenary captains and knights already present were murmuring with anxious voices.

“Have you heard the rumor that the enemy is rushing towards us?”

“Do you know the size of their force?”

“If I knew, would I be this anxious, damn it?”

Normally, before a formal meeting starts, there’s a lot of talk about women, various trivial matters, or boasting…

But the sudden news of the enemy’s advance seemed to have erased everyone’s sense of ease.

It won’t be long, maybe 10 to 20 minutes, before Count Casano arrives and informs us of our current situation…

‘But I do wish I could get the information beforehand.’

Looking around, I noticed Gaspard of the Red Rose Mercenary Group, who seemed relaxed as if he knew something.

“Gaspard, commander of the White Unit, did you manage to achieve anything this time?”

Gaspard smirked at my question.

“Compared to Commander Martin, it’s nothing. Just saving face.”

“To say you were just saving face seems like an understatement given the big achievement I heard you almost took down the entire eastern wall.”

Catching the baron by opening the gates doesn’t compare to me, but for a single mercenary group to almost take over a side of the wall is a considerable achievement.

After being flattered, Gaspard, as if he couldn’t help it, shrugged his shoulders and answered.

“Truth be told, I’d brag till my mouth split if it weren’t for Commander Martin or the Whitebeard Mercenary Group. Anyway, you came looking for me all of a sudden because of the news about the enemy advancing, right?”

I did come for that reason, but being too straightforward might seem rude.

I smiled and changed the subject.

“Is our relationship only about seeking each other out in such situations?”

“Well, that’s true. Anyway, according to what we’ve learned from interrogating prisoners and bribing knights under Count Casano…”

I perked up my ears and leaned in closer to Gaspard.

“I heard that over 6,000 enemy troops are marching towards Villa Hora Castle. That’s why they’ve suddenly called us together.”

With about 2,500 troops in this castle, the threat of being overtaken by merely 6,000 enemies seems practically nonexistent.

It’s not a major problem, but we must prepare to defend the castle, hence the meeting.

“Count Casano’s forces amount to about 2,500, so it’ll be difficult for their 6,000 to take the castle. It doesn’t seem like they’re expecting to succeed in taking it.”

Gaspard gave a peculiar smile upon hearing my words.

“That’s what I’m saying. Ah, I’d love to talk more, but there comes Count Casano.”

Hearing that, I promptly returned to my assigned seat.

When Count Casano took the top seat and stood to pay his respects, he waved his hand dismissively.

“There’s no need for unnecessary formalities given the urgency.”

We have 2,500 men, and with the enemy numbering 6,000, the defensive position is significantly advantageous.

But why rush the proceedings like this?

I don’t appreciate the Count’s attitude, making people unnecessarily anxious.

Ideally, Count Casano is just overly worried…

“You might already know, but we’ve learned from interrogating prisoners that about 6,000 troops from the Rheinfalz Empire are marching to take Villa Hora Castle, which we’ve occupied.”

There was no major panic at the news of 6,000 troops, as it was somewhat expected.

Seeing this, Count Casano continued.

“Our current strength, excluding casualties and injuries, is 2,500. The enemy numbers around 6,000, so it seems like a fight we could take on. However, it’s estimated it won’t take the enemy more than a week to get here.”

No idiot doesn’t know it’s much easier to defend a castle than to attack one.

But it all depends on whether we’ve made ‘sufficient preparation’…

‘We have plenty of food, but we might run short on siege equipment.’

The enemy will surely prolong the fight, aiming for this…

“Ah, this could be dangerous. Only a week to prepare properly.”

“We might manage the arrows, but getting rocks…”

“This won’t be easy?”

As everyone openly expressed their concern, Count Casano’s gaze turned towards me.

In such a situation, it’s difficult to outright ask me for strategies, so that must have been a signal.

‘It’s good to be relied upon, though.’

“Anyone with a plan, feel free to speak up.”

With that, I stood up.

Attention naturally focused on me, and I felt a mix of emotions in their gazes.

Trust in my proven track record, along with negative emotions from those who disliked my assertiveness.

‘The higher I climb, the more attention I get.’

“Martin Meyer, commander of the Whitebeard Mercenary Group, I have a strategy to propose to Count Casano.”