After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 69

Chapter 69: One More Shot, Shall We?

“Indeed, with such flames and smoke rising, they won’t overlook it even at the front lines.”

As Beatrice said. With such a grand spectacle, the Empire would surely realize that their front-line base had fallen. They might not have imagined it would be so cleanly razed to the ground, leaving not even ashes behind.

From supplies to treating injured soldiers and replenishing their ranks, the shock of losing the base that had provided backup for everything would be significant. But what would stir up their anxiety even more is the loss of their way back home to their homeland. They, who had been winning all along, know that if the kingdom’s mages go all out, there’s a high chance of a reversal in fortunes. And even the civilians who seem to be obedient now would change their stance drastically if the Imperial army were to suffer a defeat, obstructing retreat, refusing supplies, and even engaging in looting and hunting down stragglers.

In the eventuality of such a scenario, it was that mighty front-line base that had guaranteed their safety. For the Imperial soldiers, the loss of it would feel synonymous with “unable to return home.”

“They’ll probably retreat cautiously. It’s impossible for Gretel to handle being pursued by twenty thousand soldiers. Let’s retreat into the forest for now.”

“Yes, let’s do that. Lutz’s will is my will.”

For some reason, Beatrice’s remarks are starting to sound a bit yandere. We were supposed to be engaged due to Her Majesty’s political arrangements… But lately, I can’t help feeling like I’m being liked a bit too much. Well, it’s quite pleasant for me, too… There’s no man who wouldn’t be delighted to have such a beautiful girl look at him seriously. Well, I’m a bit concerned about the killing intent from my childhood friend stabbing me in the back… I’ll treat her to some cake later and ask for forgiveness.

So we hid in the forest. However, there was no point in the Imperial army searching the forest anymore… We boiled some water with simple magical tools, enjoying the aroma of the tea Beatrice brewed herself, just waiting for the enemy at the front lines to return.

“Your tea is still delicious, Your Highness.”

“Why is that, I wonder? Even with the same tea leaves, it seems to have a different aroma when Beatrice-sama brews it…”

“I thought I preferred green tea… but after tasting something this delicious, I might become a fan of black tea.”

“Though it was a bother, I’m glad I brought the teapot.”

Blushing slightly at the compliments from the women one after another, Beatrice’s eyes meet mine, steaming from the cup. Feeling a silent pressure, I take a sip.

“Delicious. It’s luxurious to enjoy Beatrice’s tea in a place like this.”

Her cold beauty, likened to a porcelain doll, momentarily melts, and an awkward smile escapes her lips. In that moment, Beatrice appeared like an ordinary sixteen-year-old.

***

“They’re coming. Five thousand at the vanguard, followed by ten thousand.”

Saya-san, who is said to have the best eyesight among the Dark Clan, observes the retreating Imperial army from a treetop. I think her ability to discern approximate troop numbers with just a glance is amazing, but according to her, if you’re a member of the Dark Clan, this is just the basics. It’s tough.

“Alright, it seems there’s no ‘human shield.'”

“Well, they probably hurried back, so they wouldn’t be able to bring along the slow-moving civilians.”

Yes, that’s my aim. Knowing that their rear base had been attacked, the enemy would prioritize confirming the situation and eliminating minor threats. At such a time, there’s no way they’d bring along a “human shield” consisting of everyone from the elderly to children.

“Yeah, then let’s go right away!”

“W-Wait a minute, Mother… could you please attract them a bit more and take down as many as possible?”

Mother’s magic isn’t something she can cast repeatedly in quick succession. Since the enemy has come at us with their maximum strength, we need to involve as many of them as possible.

“Ugh… understood. Since I’ve already gathered my magical power, give the orders quickly, won’t you?”

My mother, who is always in a hurry with work, is impatient even at a time like this.

“Not yet, if we attack now, it’ll only hit the vanguard.”

“But if you make us wait too long, the flames will leak!”

“Sigh… Alright, endure for another twenty counts. Twenty, nineteen…”

“That’s too long!”

“Eleven, ten… Just a bit longer!”

“It’s too much!”

“Three, two, one… You can shoot now!”

“Alright! Burn those who are wrongdoers with the crimson flames and show our power here… Ignite!”

Somehow, it feels quite different from the spell I chanted earlier, but the chuuni vibe is just the same, huh? And the manifested magic was exactly the same as before too. Flames suddenly erupted on the plain in front of us, mercilessly incinerating the enemy soldiers standing there. I wanted to take care of as many as possible with this one shot… but, perhaps because Mother’s incantation preparation was too quick and the enemies weren’t as densely packed as those at the base, the enemies at the rear seem to be unharmed.

“Saya-san, how many did we take down?”

“About half of them!”

I see, so around seven thousand are left. It’ll be troublesome if they spot us… Fueled by the anger of having many of their comrades killed, they’ll likely rely on their numbers to launch an attack. After unleashing a large-scale magic like Mother’s, it can’t be used again for a while… that’s common sense even among those who aren’t magic users. Everyone must have already resolved to kill them before the magic users can recharge for another round.

“There they are!”

The uninjured soldiers in the distance are pointing at us. Well, if you release such flashy flames, the source would be immediately exposed, right?

“Can’t be helped, Beatrice… It’s finally your turn.”