CSWH Chapter 131

CSWH Chapter 131: To the Battlefield

After bidding farewell to Rui, I headed to the Anderson estate in the Capital, where the Anderson Marquis House’s Guard Corps were already standing in wait on the training grounds.

I hastily changed into Mel’s clothes in my room and headed for the training grounds.

There, I looked down on the approximately 100 members of the Guard Corps from the stage.

……to fight against the equivalent of a small country’s military force, we had an overwhelming shortage of numbers.

For better or for worse, those standing here were those that I had trained with and were like family to me……in other words, all of them were my acquaintances.

“My name is Mel……my real name is Mellice Reese Anderson. I am the daughter of Gazelle, the Head of the Anderson Marquis House.”

At my announcement, I could quite clearly tell that everyone was screaming silently.

Seeing their skillful conduct, I laughed a little internally.

“You probably have already heard from my elder brother, Parx, that there is word of an army being raised in the Rinmel Principality. We must take it down with only those of us standing here today…….if we are to maintain the pride of the Anderson Marquis House’s name.”

Fwshh…….the place fell completely silent.

Only my voice continued on.

“However, it will probably be a painful battle. It will probably be a difficult battle. Many of us here will probably not return alive. That is why…….if you do not want to lose your life, then I will not blame you for retiring here.”

After closing my mouth, I shut my eyes and waited for some time.

I could sense someone moving.

……for this matter, we absolutely can not move the Army.

In other words, despite already being at a disadvantage in terms of numbers, Nord also had the geographical advantage.

Under such circumstances, it cannot be helped if they chose to run away here.

……rather, it would cause more trouble if they were to suddenly escape after we had already set out.

Eventually, I could sense that nobody else was moving no matter how much time I spent waiting, so I momentarily raised my head.

And before me……there was not a single person.

Not a single person had moved from their spot.

“……you have all firmly shown me your resolve. Oh, fearless fighters who have been tempered by General Gazelle. Sharpen your blades and advance forward without looking back. Honour thyself, and so long as your life remains, run…….follow me!”

With a spark, the atmosphere tensed.

And then, it felt as though the expressions of the Guard Corps members grew far more serious compared to before.

“Yes!”

All of them took a stance to offer their swords to me.

“……thank you.”

Seeing their posture, I quietly murmured my gratitude.

After that, I mounted a horse and left the Capital, accompanied by the Guard Corps.

Dashing forth, I followed the path designated by Elder Brother.

Legally speaking, it is forbidden to bring soldiers exceeding a certain number through the lands of other territories without permission.

That was a rule set in place to avoid needless conflict between territories, and was the reason why one needed to send in a request beforehand to receive permission to bring a large number of guard escorts when going to and from the Capital to one’s own territory.

As such, it should have been extremely difficult to head to the Rinmel Principality like this while bringing soldiers with me, since I had to pass through a number of territories on the way but……just how in the world had he received permission from all these territories?

And even more admirable was that he somehow managed to receive permission to enter Rinmel Principality with all these soldiers.

While slipping in the bare minimum amount of breaks on the way, we headed for Rinmel Principality at our fastest speed.

Prior to reaching the border with Rinmel Principality, we took our last break.

To avoid standing out as much as possible, we rested on an animal trail in the woods a short distance from the highway.

In the past when I was chasing after Elder Brother and heading for the Anderson Marquis territory, I had also taken breaks in such places to avoid being found by everyone too……when I recalled such memories, I laughed internally.

“……Shurei-san. The map.”

However, I soon averted my attention and called out to the nearby Shurei-san.

“Here.”

Surrounding the spread out map, we gazed at it.

“Just to confirm, but the enemy will head south using this route……that is what Elder Brother and Rui predicted, correct?”

“Yes…….is there some issue with that?”

“……thanks to everyone, we’ve managed to advance further than Elder Brother and Rui anticipated. If it’s like this, then I was thinking that we could mount the assault on Rinmel Principality instead.”

“That’s possible…….originally, the plan was to create an ambush and fight here but……at this rate, it’s possible that we’ll arrive one or two days in advance.”

“Though it is also possible that the other side will move faster than expected……huh. If I recall correctly, Elder Brother and Rui overestimated how early the enemy side would move?”

“Yes.”

Hearing Shurei-san’s affirmative answer, I closed my eyes and immersed myself in my thoughts.

I thought about the routes we could take and the enemy’s speed, verifying whether or not my idea would work.

Of course, Elder Brother and Rui’s plan was solid.

It is just that because our travel speed was faster than expected, we had quite a bit more leeway compared to when we set off.

“All of the enemies have already linked up, correct? Also, there’s no doubt that they’re moving as a group, right?”

“Yes. Both of those were just confirmed by the fast horse that came back earlier. Their travel speed is also as initially hypothesized.”

Hearing the words of the newly arrived messenger, I made my decision.

“If that’s the case, then we will advance here.”

Bam, I pointed at the map.

“Here, is it?”

“Yes. Before the enemy arrives here, we will establish ourselves in this location. Do we have a scout? I’d like some information on the terrain up until here.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Alright. Then we’ll depart as soon as we finish discussing. Everyone, start preparing.”

“Yes!”

Giving a sidelong glance to everyone as they started to move at my orders, I followed after my guide.

After I finished speaking with the scout, I took a moment to think.

Imagining the terrain of that area, I thought about the pros and cons of the plan.

“Mellice-sama.”

Hearing a familiar female voice, my consciousness returned to reality.

“What is it? Anna.”

My attendant Anna would be participating in this time’s battle.

As arguing would have wasted precious time, I allowed her to do as she liked.

The members of the Marquis House’s Guard Corps also recommended her, saying that she was a fully-fledged military woman, strong enough to be able to name herself as a member of the Guard Corps.

“We’ve received notice that the preparations for departure are complete.”

I momentarily closed my eyes at her voice.

And then, I reflected upon the responsibility that came along with my decision.

“I see………as expected of everyone. Then, let’s go.”

“Yes!”

We once again mounted our horses and set off.

To head to the battlefield.

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