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 164

Episode 164

“Report the situation!”

On the bridge of the Queen Amentis III, Governor William Saylor of Zelinia gave the orders.

The ship, having charged at full speed through the river, had cleared out the small and medium-sized aquatic monsters near the Capricia docks and identified the source of the commotion.

Seeing the massive creature, William immediately ordered the firing of the main cannon, “Sphinx’s Fang.” This magic cannon, likely one of the top five most powerful in the Tashman Kingdom, was fired at the enemy.

After the cannon fired, the ship’s drift caused its large frame to creak. The military-grade magic engines provided all their energy to the cannon, temporarily shutting down the underwater wings and jet engines.

The Queen Amentis III began to gradually slow down, switching to normal power while continuing to monitor the surroundings.

On the bridge, William and Captain Ferdie issued instructions one after another, organizing the situation.

Katarina Saylor, the Supreme Commander of the Salal River Fleet, had been commanding the magical cannons on both sides to eliminate the small and medium-sized monsters. She prepared small boats for deployment as the Queen Amentis III slowed down.

Since the battle was likely decided, the focus shifted from using the large ship to executing a mobile cleanup operation with several small boats.

After confirming the situation in the surrounding waters, Katarina and her team began lowering several small boats and watercraft from the Queen Amentis III.

These watercraft were developed by Marquis Byron Alchemis, who had also designed the Queen Amentis III. While not widely mass-produced due to cost, a few prototype models were deployed to the Salal River Fleet. 

Katarina mounted one of these watercraft, armed with a shooting-type magic tool, and led the charge against the remaining monsters. With several small boats and watercraft following her, she charged into the remaining groups of aquatic monsters.

“Let’s go! Don’t fall behind!!”

Katarina shouted at the front of the fleet, skillfully maneuvering the watercraft at full speed and dispatching monsters one after another. 

The fleet followed suit and attacked from their small boats and watercraft, while the Queen Amentis III provided support with cannon fire from a distance.

The overwhelming breakthrough power of the fleet swept through, and the cannon fire suppressed the area. The remaining enemies were rapidly reduced, and the monsters were all but eradicated.

Judging that things were mostly under control, Katarina approached the large, blackened aquatic monster that had been hit by the Queen Amentis III’s main cannon.

This large monster was of a shape Katarina had never seen before. It resembled a giant snake or perhaps a dragon-like creature. Either way, it was undoubtedly a rare and dangerous beast.

The fact that so many smaller monsters had fled to the shore in fear indicated its high level of danger.

Katarina thought that sending a sample to the Academy would eventually reveal its identity. However, their mission on-site was to protect people, cities, and the country. 

In that sense, it could be considered a complete victory. The evacuation of civilians was successful, the port city of Capricia in the Garanhorn Kingdom suffered almost no damage, and there were injuries but no fatalities.

Thanks to William’s swift command and the overwhelming performance of the Queen Amentis III, Katarina was pleased with her husband’s achievements. 

However, as she approached the corpse of the large aquatic monster, she noticed something alarming.

“…!? It’s still alive!? Everyone, fall back!?”

As Katarina shouted, the large, charred monster, which had not moved before, began to stir with its last ounce of strength. It started to thrash about, trying to capture Katarina.

・　・　・

“What!?”

A voice of shock emerged from the bridge as the suddenly reanimated large monster was observed.

Despite the significant damage from the Queen Amentis III’s direct hit, the monster still moved relatively nimbly. 

It attacked Katarina and her fleet, who had approached to inspect the corpse. The proximity of the monster to the allies made it difficult to provide support with the ship’s cannons.

Katarina, who had been dodging the monster’s attacks with her watercraft, continued to evade the enemy’s strikes.

“Katarina!?”

Katarina moved to protect another squad member who had been unable to evade the attack, and as a result, she was captured by the monster.

・　・　・

I messed up.

That was Katarina Saylor’s initial thought. Facing an unknown enemy, she should have approached more cautiously and kept less experienced team members back.

Though she managed to shield a subordinate from the monster’s attack, being captured herself was meaningless. The monster’s immense strength was crushing her body, and her bones were creaking.

The nearby subordinates were trying desperately to save her, but they couldn’t get close due to the monster’s rampage. If this continued, she would die.

…Erin, William. I’m sorry.

Caught by the large monster, Katarina Saylor faced impending death, body pain, regret, and a confused mental state. In her fading consciousness, she glanced towards the pure white giant ship, the Queen Amentis III.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY WOMAN!!!!”

A roar that echoed across the battlefield. The man who leaped from the ship’s bridge ran across the water with all his might, leaving a path of ice behind him.

He quickly approached the monster, raising his twin swords, and leapt into the air.

“Eighth Tier Ice Magic: Ice Storm Blossom!!!!”

With all his strength, he swung the twin swords wrapped in ice magic and sliced into the monster. With a fierce cry, the monster’s activity came to a complete stop. After sheathing his twin swords, he held Katarina.

“Katarina!? Are you alright!?”

He embraced her, having freed her from the monster’s grasp. William Saylor, Governor of Zelinia. Known for his prowess with twin swords and ice magic in the Royal Guard, he had married into the prestigious water magic family, the Saylor family, from a modest baronage.

Later known as the Ice-Blood Prime Minister, feared by other nations, his most precious treasures were his beloved wife and daughter. He would not forgive anyone who harmed them.