「However――――the war is not over yet. Next, we face the Rilincross Forest Nation.」
Henry declared.
He added.
「Well, we do not need to annihilate Rilincross’s army. It is not necessary to smash them completely.」
「Hm, what do you mean by that?」
Kaiton asked, tilting his head.
Henry explained.
「Galastone and Farnetta have already been defeated. If we deliver a sufficient blow to Rilincross, they will likely accept defeat and surrender without requiring total destruction.」
Chancellor Timeria agreed with that assessment.
「I think His Majesty Henry is correct. It is unlikely that Rilincross will stubbornly continue the war. Once they suffer a significant defeat, they will probably abandon the will to continue fighting.」
Galastone’s rout and Farnetta’s defeat must be a huge shock to Rilincross as well.
They are likely now evaluating whether this war can be won and searching for the right moment to withdraw.
「Hmm… so when you say ‘deliver a sufficient blow,’ what exactly are we supposed to do?」
Clemuir asked.
「Simple. We destroy the stronghold that matters most to Rilincross――――the Armas Fort.」
Henry answered.
-0-
<Alternate Perspective>
Armas Fort.
A great fortress surrounded by the vast forests and mountain valleys that Rilincross so proudly guards.
Protected by nature itself, it is an impregnable stronghold where over five thousand soldiers are stationed.
Built to prepare for war against Bernada, Armas Fort is the most vital strategic point of Rilincross.
At the center of this massive fortress stands the commander’s keep.
In its topmost chamber, Fort Commander Rapos spoke.
「It seems the Galastone army has been utterly defeated.」
He was a short, stocky man, standing only one hundred sixty-two centimeters tall.
Despite his bold and brazen face, his skill with the sword was unquestionable.
Known for his godlike speed, he had slain countless generals with his blade.
A formidable man, without doubt.
「The Farnetta army has fallen as well. That means the next to face Bernada is us, Rilincross.」
He continued, showing not the slightest trace of anxiety.
His expression was that of a man fully resolved to fight.
Meanwhile.
「…Will we really be alright?」
The vice commander asked, unable to hide his unease.
「The joint assault by Galastone and Farnetta should have been an overwhelming victory, yet they suffered disastrous defeats. Bernada’s strength has been proven beyond doubt.」
「Indeed. Well… yes. From top to bottom, they are a nation of muscle-brained fools. It seems the only thing they excel at is fighting.」
Rapos agreed, then spoke confidently.
「But there is no need for worry. Rilincross possesses a kind of strength that neither Galastone nor Farnetta ever had.」
「…A different kind of strength?」
「Yes. This great nature itself.」
Rapos turned his gaze to the window.
From the top floor of the fortress, one could see a vast expanse of forest, mountains, and valleys.
「As its name suggests, the Rilincross Forest Nation is covered in forests and other natural regions. These natural strongholds have long served as barriers that repelled invaders time and again.」
「Indeed, throughout history, nearly every nation that has tried to invade us has failed. Nature truly is our greatest weapon.」
「Exactly. Bernada’s warriors may be strong, but they are not smart. A bunch of muscle-headed brutes won’t be able to maintain their formation and cross this terrain. They might all get lost in the forest before they even reach us.」
When Rapos said this with a hint of humor, the vice commander chuckled.
「Hearing that actually eases my mind. After seeing both Galastone and Farnetta lose, I must have grown a little timid. My apologies.」
Rapos patted the man’s shoulder.
「Good. The vice commander must not let fear take hold. Cowardice is contagious. Always maintain composure in your words and bearing――――――」
「Rapos-sama!!」
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a soldier rushed in.
「What is it? Why the commotion?」
「S-sir―――――」
The soldier stammered, then delivered a shocking report.
「The Bernada army has appeared right in front of the fortress!」
「W-what!?」
Rapos’s face twisted in disbelief at the startling news.
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