After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 72
Chapter 72: Siege
As expected, or rather, as one might say, the Belzenbrück army that crossed the border into Imperial territory faced no resistance from the Imperial army.
Well, that’s understandable. In terms of both the number and quality of magic users, Belzenbrück far surpassed the Empire. While the Empire had compensated with its superior land army, it had suffered a loss of over thirty thousand troops from just two eradication spells cast by Mother.
As a result, as we marched nearly twenty kilometers from the border, we encountered almost no resistance. Of course, we didn’t engage in any atrocities like the Empire did, such as looting villages or tying up civilians with ropes. After all, Her Majesty is incredibly kind-hearted, almost to a fault.
And ahead of us stood the imposing, deep red fortress where the Imperial army had entrenched itself. Positioned as a frontline base against the kingdom, our long-standing archenemy, the fortress appeared complex and formidable, giving the impression that it would be quite difficult to capture.
Ignoring it and passing by was not an option either. If we were flanked and cut off from our homeland, we would be in dire straits.
“What do you think, Liese? Shall we try breaking down those walls with ‘Water Cutter’ like you gained fame for in the Duchy?”
“I’m afraid that would be difficult, Your Majesty. The walls in the Duchy were sturdy but consisted of large stones stacked to form a flat surface. By destroying several key stones where the weight is concentrated, the structure would collapse on its own. However, the walls here are different. They are built with bricks, each one individually reinforced with mortar, making them strong, and the shape is not flat but intricate… Even if we remove several bricks from the base, we wouldn’t be able to bring down the entire structure.”
Liese answered clearly. Having studied construction and demolition with the Engineering Corps to utilize Water Cutter magic, she had become quite the expert in breaking down structures. Whether it’s magic or academic studies, my sister never cuts corners.
“Hmm. Even the so-called ‘Goddess of Water,’ Liese, finds it difficult. I didn’t want to resort to brute force due to the potential for heavy casualties, but… there’s no other choice, is there?”
“Wait, Mother, let me do it.”
As Her Majesty let out a resigned sigh, a resolute voice rang out. The speaker, with clear determination in her emerald eyes, looked completely different from her usual doll-like figure, brimming with vitality.
“But Beatrice, your magic is of the wood attribute…”
“Yes, it’s said that wood magic is only useful for civilian purposes and not in battle. I used to think so too… but Lutz gave me hope. I believe in what Lutz said.”
With a firm declaration, Beatrice looked incredibly dignified… and as someone prone to falling in love easily, I found myself liking her a bit more.
—
The archers drew their bows simultaneously.
“Those with wind attributes, begin incantations!”
Under Liese’s command, the magic unit began preparations in unison. Despite being treated as a minor mage due to her misaligned attribute, Liese had established herself as the undisputed commander of the magic unit after rumors of her miraculous deeds on the western front spread. Along with the somewhat embarrassing nickname “Goddess of Water.”
“First volley, fire!”
Upon closer inspection, the arrows seemed rather peculiar. Small bags were attached to their tips, and they didn’t seem intended for causing harm. These strange arrows, with the assistance of the wind magic unit from the kingdom, flew about three times the usual range and collided with the walls and towers, scattering their contents in the vicinity.
“Second volley, fire!”
To the casual observer, it might not be clear what we were trying to achieve. The arrows released by the archers all rebounded harmlessly off the brick walls, scattering what appeared to be suspicious powder or grains. However, there was a purpose behind this.
After confirming the eighth volley, Liese ordered the water mages.
“Bring rain upon the castle!”
This was a form of “rain dance,” something any water mage could perform. If performed in a region suffering from drought, it would be hailed as a blessing akin to that of a saint. Unfortunately, for the past decade, our kingdom had not suffered from any shortage of rain. Despite this, Liese directed this water magic towards the enemy’s castle. The water mages, who were already akin to Liese’s followers, began chanting in unison, and magical rain began to fall gently on the castle.
“Lutz! I’m ready!”
Responding to Liese’s voice with a raised hand, I turned my gaze to the girl who would be the star of today.
“It’s your turn, Beatrice. Show everyone your wonderful magic. Show them that even with wood attributes, you can fight to protect the country.”
“Yeah… If Lutz believes in me, then I can do anything.”
With a line that seemed to increase her yandere level, my beautiful fiancée lifted her head and took a deep breath.