Chapter 96

"Because, you know, that won’t work. We have to be more aggressive to win."

"How long are you going to keep saying that, Baito? We have the power to build a castle. We should focus more on defense."

This was after they had completed the construction of the town below the castle and the surrounding walls. This time, while considering the castle that Gran had mentioned, which would demonstrate authority, and pondering what to do, I heard a noisy conversation. When I looked to see who it was, Baito and Vargas were having a heated discussion.

"What’s going on, you two?"

"Oh, it’s you, Alus. Listen, Vargas and I were talking about how to fight in the next battle, and this guy keeps talking about defense."

"What are you saying? Even the commander told Baito to be more cautious. During training, he always tries to charge and it’s dangerous."

It seemed they were discussing tactics. I intended for these two to take on leadership roles when the battle began, and I usually had them gather the farmers for training. However, their ideas seemed to be completely at odds. I couldn’t just leave this be. I decided to sit down with Baito and Vargas at a table and listen to their conversation.

***

After hearing both of their stories, it seemed that Baito was focused on offense, while Vargas was focused on defense. However, while Vargas, who had experienced many battles, seemed reliable, Baito felt a bit reckless. This seemed to be related to the battle with the Fontana army, which was Baito’s first battle as well.

For me, the field battle with the Fontana army was my first real combat experience. The battlefield was enveloped in an unusual atmosphere. In a situation where anyone could die at any moment, you have to wield your weapon and cut down your enemy. There’s no time to think about whether the enemy is pitiful. Anyone who did that would likely die or be severely injured in the battle. I was the same. During the initial charge, I became abnormally excited. But because of that, I was able to move without hesitation on a battlefield I had never experienced in my previous life.

I think the same was true for Baito. Despite the enemy being clearly more numerous and skilled, we ended up winning. Perhaps this victory has been imprinted in Baito’s mind as a successful experience. He probably thinks that because we won by charging, we can win again by doing the same. This is a very natural way of thinking, especially since Baito, though strong, is still a child.

However, I didn’t think of that battle as a successful experience. To be honest, I don’t want to do a charge under such a disadvantageous numerical difference again. I only chose to charge because I thought it was necessary. Given that we were a group of farmers who could all use magic and had Valkyrie as a trump card, I decided to take the risk of a dangerous charge to deal a significant blow to the enemy in one battle. The goal was to decisively crush the enemy’s leadership, and that’s why I chose the charge.

In hindsight, I think this choice was successful. We successfully defeated Raymond, the steward of the Fontana family, and this result aligned with Carlos’s interests, allowing us to be spared. If we had chosen a defensive strategy, such as fortifying our position at the northern river, we might have only been able to withstand the enemy’s attacks, and negotiations with Carlos might not have been possible, or if they were, they would not have been taken seriously. Even if we had reached a truce, it wouldn’t have been under the same conditions as now. In retrospect, the charge was not a wrong choice.

However, Vargas’s emphasis on defense also felt a bit off. Vargas, as a member of the Varga army, which can build castles in a short time, suggested that we should focus on training to build and defend castles on the battlefield. But this choice is impossible. Given my situation, that tactic is strategically out of the question.

The position I have, granted by Carlos, allowing me to govern the Varga knight territory, is like a castle built on sand. The Fontana family was primarily under Raymond’s influence, and Carlos’s position is still not secure. While they seem to be united, I am probably as hated as a caterpillar among the vassals of the Fontana family. Suddenly, a farmer-born knight is given a territory and acts with authority; I would think the same. To those close to Raymond, I am a hated enemy.

If the Fontana family were to enter a battle with another noble, Carlos would immediately call for a muster. I would have to participate, and if I ignored the call, I would be punished.

If, in that battle, I tried to build a fort and hold out, what would happen? Would the other Fontana knights come to my aid? Honestly, I can only see a future where I am abandoned. If the Varga army’s defense is used as an opportunity for the enemy to attack from behind, it would be the end.

A defensive battle is not a bad thing, but making it the main focus of daily training is pointless. If we do that, we might end up as expendable pawns on the battlefield.

Thinking about this, the conditions are quite strict. Since obtaining the Varga knight territory, I have been focused on economic reform and town-building due to necessity, but I need to pay more attention to the military aspect. I decided to discuss the future of the Varga army with Baito and Vargas, explaining the situation to them.

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