After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 63
Chapter 63: Struggling on This Side
Swiftly sorting out the matters concerning the prisoners of the kingdom, we returned to the battlefield against the empire.
Surprisingly, compared to when we withdrew, the northern front had been pushed back significantly… by about ten kilometers or so. With Her Majesty the Queen and “Hero” Mother present, it was thought that stopping the imperial army, relying mainly on infantry and cavalry, would be easy, but day by day, they were steadily expanding their territory. Already, about ten large villages had fallen into enemy hands.
If we were to retreat about ten more kilometers, there would be the capital of the Hanover Marquisate, a vital hub for northern trade and the birthplace of Gretel. In other words, the situation was quite dire.
“Why is this happening? Count Freudenshtadt… If only Lady Hildegarde’s fire magic were here.”
“Hilda still hasn’t even been able to cast a single spell. Bea.”
In response to Beatrice’s question, the Queen, with deep furrows on her forehead, seemed troubled, unlike her usual cheerful self. But what could it mean that Mother couldn’t use magic?
“Take a look at that.”
Perhaps noticing my skeptical expression, Her Majesty pointed towards the enemy’s front lines. The empire was advancing steadily across the plain. With such a clumsy formation, Mother should have been able to wipe them out in one strike…
Beatrice suddenly gasped, and I, too, furrowed my brows as I looked at the forefront of the imperial army. There, hundreds of commoners, men and women of all ages, were being herded towards us, tied together with rough ropes and pushed and prodded by imperial soldiers.
I see, with this, Mother’s specialty, the fire-based annihilating magic, wouldn’t work. Of course, if commanded by Her Majesty, Mother would burn the enemy even if it meant involving civilians, but the Queen is a compassionate person who cares deeply for her people. If hundreds of civilians are used as shields, she couldn’t give the order to attack… I see, so this was the imperial army’s countermeasure against Mother’s magic.
If magic is sealed, the empire’s troops have a significant advantage in a contest of strength between soldiers. For the past two weeks or so, aside from delaying the advance of the imperial army with Her Majesty’s earth magic, the forces of Belzenbrücke have been unable to offer any resistance.
“This is unforgivable. The people should be protected, not used as shields.”
“I feel the same way, Bea. But we cannot involve so many civilians. Unfortunately, Hilda and I were unable to resolve this situation… We need the assistance of Gretel, the ‘Reincarnation of a Hero,’ who excels in close combat, and Liese, who has become the strongest magician as the ‘Goddess of Water’.”
“With pleasure!” “Of course!”
With determination evident in their furrowed brows, the two of them answered Her Majesty’s request. It’s not an order but a plea, typical of Her Majesty… But because of this, the two of them admire her deeply and are willing to risk their lives for her sake.
Watching the two kneeling figures with a reassuring smile on her face, Beatrice’s cheeks still bore a slightly lonely expression. Well, it’s understandable… even though she possesses an attribute that doesn’t lend itself to fighting, it must leave a mark on the heart of a sixteen-year-old to see her beloved mother turning to another girl rather than herself at this critical time.
“And you, Lutz. No, Count Ludwig of Wolfsburg. I have heard from the military that you possess a rare talent for guiding and maximizing the power of female magicians, despite being underage and not obligated to serve in the army. It pains me to rely on someone who is not even of legal age to join the military, but could you lend us your wisdom as part of my staff?”
I see, even I am being evaluated and relied upon. I’m moved by the kindness of Her Majesty. This is a national crisis, and if she were to order, I would readily comply… But Her Majesty respects our personalities to the extent that, even in such a situation, she won’t force us. As a leader of the nation, she may lack severity, but she truly is an admirable person. Well, if she wishes for it to this extent, as a man of the Showa era, I cannot refuse.
“If there’s anything I can do…”
Upon my response, Her Majesty’s expression lit up. Though I couldn’t help but notice the subtle hues on Mother’s and Beatrice’s faces.
“Thank you, Lutz! So, here’s the thing. I want to incinerate those imperial bastards without harming the hostages. Do you know of a good way to do that?”
“Huh?”
Hey, wait a minute. Are you suddenly dumping this on me, an underage person? You want me to come up with a solution to a problem that the main army hasn’t been able to solve for weeks? The Queen, looking at me with eyes full of excitement, like a child opening birthday presents, seems to have some unusual thoughts.
“Still, Eliza…”
“Mother has always been like this. It was my mistake not to inform you, Lutz.”
Mother and Beatrice look at me with pity. Ah, I wish I could return that sense of awe I felt earlier.