When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 37

Episode 37

“Everyone, don’t venture too far!”

In the center of the field encampment erected along the road from Bastiona to Kohane, Commander Serena Castillo of the 10th Legion took charge. While actively resting the visibly fatigued remnants of the 9th Legion and the members of the 2nd Regiment of the 7th Legion, a delaying tactic centered around the 10th Legion was being executed.

The day after the 10th Legion and the 7th and 9th Legion converged, sporadic attacks from the vast demon army persisted from morning. However, the humans defended from the field encampment base.

Both sides engaged in long-distance combat with magic and arrows, maintaining distance. Although Serena occasionally led the cavalry to scatter any enemies who came too close, large-scale clashes did not occur.

Maria, the provisional commander of the 9th Legion, used this time to restore control over the command structure of the 9th Legion, which had collapsed. Despite the drastic reduction in numbers compared to normal times, with just over one regiment’s worth of soldiers remaining, the task was challenging. However, it was an essential task to give their all during the counterattack.

Ethan of the 2nd Regiment of the 7th Legion divided his forces into several units with good maneuverability to conduct reconnaissance around the battlefield. While Ethan himself had conducted reconnaissance several times from the outskirts of the field encampment and the enemy’s territory, he had not been able to find the Orc Emperor.

As night fell, the field encampment was illuminated by flickering torches. Although the enemy’s movements remained sporadic, they seemed to be attempting several large-scale movements, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Serena and her group couldn’t help but be impressed by the cunning of the enemy but couldn’t afford to let their guard down, leading to a tense atmosphere.

Reinforcements from Graysian did not arrive today. Serena, considering tomorrow to be a turning point, stared at the map intently in the command tent when Maria entered.

“Maria? What’s wrong?”

“The reorganization of the 9th Legion was just completed. We have 2000 soldiers ready for battle. It’s almost the strength of a regiment. Despite Elliot sacrificing himself to let everyone escape, I…”

Maria spoke bitterly, filled with regret. It had been a turbulent week, and while she had done her best, regrets about what could have been lingered.

Seeing Maria’s overflowing regret, Serena silently stood up, approached her, and gently embraced her.

“You did well. Under these circumstances, you managed to escort everyone to Kohane with minimal civilian casualties. That’s no small achievement. And we made it here too. So, be proud, Maria Valenti. You’re the commander now.”

After patting Maria’s back gently, Serena stepped back and, as if to boost her spirits, lightly tapped her back again.

“I’ve heard your name from Elliot. He said you’d be the one to succeed him eventually. So, keep your head up.”

Maria looked up suddenly upon hearing those words. Serena, looking directly at Maria, continued speaking.

“We, the commanders, are symbols of the nation’s martial prowess. We are the strength. We protect the people, shield the country, and give hope to the soldiers. That’s why…”

Serena paused for a moment, then continued with determination.

“We cannot afford to look down.”

Listening to Serena’s strict yet kind words, Maria closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and said,

“Thank you, Lady Serena. I will do my best.”

Her expression showed her renewed determination to carry the burden once again.

“That’s good. Let’s continue to rely on each other as commanders.”

Seeing her resolve, Serena smiled and exchanged a firm handshake with Maria.

—

Led by Ethan, the 2nd Regiment of the 7th Legion continued their reconnaissance around the battlefield even as night fell. While applying pressure to prevent the enemy from dispersing too far from the road, they continued their search for the Orc Emperor.

Despite their important and delicate work, Ethan and his team had yet to achieve significant results, and they felt the pressure of time passing.

Then, deep into the night, the sound of hooves came from the direction of Graysian. It seemed that one of the units sent out for reconnaissance had returned. Walking through the field encampment with the soldiers on night watch who guarded the defense line, Ethan judged,

“Wait…? There are too many hoofbeats!”

The number sounded greater than the scouting parties, typically composed of about ten riders each. Suppressing his rising heartbeat, Ethan went to meet the approaching cavalry.

“Is that Fatima?!” “Commander Ethan!”

Finally, the vanguard of reinforcements from Graysian had arrived.

・ ・ ・

Ethan welcomed Fatima into the camp and immediately reported to Serena and Maria. He guided her to the temporary command post set up within the field encampment.

“I’ve come from Graysian. I’m Fatima Kazumi, formerly of the 1st Regiment from Al-Faz’s unit of the old 7th Legion.”

Serena had won her bet. Serena and Maria clenched their fists tightly upon hearing Fatima’s words. After Fatima handed Serena a letter from René, Serena finished reading it and passed it to Maria, Ethan, and the others.

Based on the contents of the letter and additional explanations from Fatima, they learned that René had declared Royal Order 11 in Graysian, led a force of 1000 riders, and was already close by. Fatima, standing before them, had arrived here ahead of the main force in record time.

Upon hearing about the declaration of Royal Order 11, Serena Castillo, on the spot, performed a formal gesture of gratitude and pledged to join the 78th War-Time Composite Legion led by René. Similarly, Maria Valenti, the provisional commander of the 9th Legion, and Ethan Morris, the commander of the 2nd Regiment of the 7th Legion, also made their pledges.

With this, the four corps, the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, would come under René’s command. However, to defend Kohane, one regiment, and to defend Graysian, two regiments were stationed, and the 9th Legion had a casualty rate exceeding 50 percent. Therefore, the actual combat-ready force was just over 10,000, effectively equivalent to about two corps. However, with this force, even if it turned into a war of attrition, they could undoubtedly hunt down the enemy’s vast army. The only remaining issue was how to deal with the Orc Emperor.

Furthermore, after hearing from Fatima about the specific composition and commanders of the 78th War-Time Composite Legion led by René, Serena exclaimed,

“So, Vice Commander is being handled by Jez? So, that idiot has finally shown some motivation. …Gentlemen, the finale is not far off.”

With a fierce grin, Commander Serena Castillo of the 10th Legion declared confidently.