Chapter 116: Siegfrieds Intervention (1)

If his subordinates role was to shoot arrows at the targets like pouring rain, then Trikes role was to silence the targets struggling in that rain of arrows. Notching an arrow on the massive longbow, Trike muttered in a low voice.

Bye bye.

At the same time, an arrow flew out in a straight line. Trikes arrow was faster and stronger than the Kobrook Republics crossbow. The arrow flew straight through the castle walls gaps and struck the commanders neck.

Counterattack gah!

Officer Prezi!

The Officer was struck by an arrow. Quickly, evacu guh

Sergeant Dolache! Damn it, what isughguhhh

The officers who had been commanding the battlefield from the castle walls were all killed by arrows to their necks. Although there were Experts amongst them, the arrows cametooquickly and precisely that they werent able to notice them on time. When their commanders died, the soldiers were all flustered.

The the enemies are approaching, sir!

There arent enough arrows, sir! And the enemies are approaching from this side as wellguh!

If the commander were to die when there werent a lot of soldiers to begin with, then that was the same thing as having lost control of the military.

The Allied Force soldiers climbed the wall using grappling hooks.

Secure a foothold on the wall!

Theres not a lot of them! Get rid of them!

The soldiers who climbed up the walls got rid of their enemies and soon got down to the other side and opened the castle gates. The moment the castle gates opened

Charge!

Wahhhh!!

With Jerome at the front, the Knights all rushed into the castle.

First, get over the castle walls, then open the castle gates and bring in the cavalry. It was a classic siege warfare.

Even if there werent a lot of enemy troops, to capture a castle as large as Bells Castle in one day was truly a remarkable military accomplishment.

Surrender! If you surrender, your life will be spared!

In the front, Jerome loudly urged them to surrender and the Republican soldiers, who had been fighting in a hopeless battle from the start, no longer had the strength to resist and threw down the weapons in their hands.

***

How amazing. I cant believe that big castle was captured in a day, no, in half a day.

Princess Violet, who had been waiting in the rear, admired the Lester Kingdom flags that were hanging from the captured castles walls. Her knight, Carl Thomas, spoke from next to her.

It seems as though the Lester Kingdoms army is stronger than what we have heard, Your Highness.

Who knew theyd be this strong

Princess Violets face was full of worry. Although they werent hostile with each other, Florence Principality was a neighboring country bordering the Lester Kingdom.

It was inevitably worrisome when a neighboring country had a strong military. If the neighboring countrys military was overwhelmingly strong, then there were only two options. Either raise their own militarys strength until it was at a level where it was impossible that the other country would recklessly attack them. Or, create diplomatic alliances and strong friendships. Taking into consideration the nations power, there was a limit to how strong Florence Principalitys military would become.

We need to improve the relationship between the Lester Kingdom and Florence Principality.

In what ways, Your Highness?

At the very least, we cant continue to be in a lower position as we are now. Currently we are like a chicken to their cow. We need to either promote military alliance or increase our economic trade. We must become something that the other needs.

At her logical words, Carl Thomas looked at her with amazement

Why are you looking at me like that?

Ah its nothing, Your Highness.

Is she really our princess?

It was surprising that Princess Violet, who was usually terrible at thinking politically, had been able to think like this.

But would it be possible, Your Highness? Im sorry to say this, but what you say wouldnt hold much influence within the Principality. Even if you stress the importance of an alliance

It would most likely be difficult for the country to agree to it. No, not even agree to it. Most likely, her opponents would fiercely oppose it.

I also know that. But, we still have to. Imagine if we fought against that army on the battlefield. Wouldnt that be terrible?

Having said that, Princess Violet murmured to herself.

Should I just no, its still too early.

Because she spoke so softly, no one around her heard what she said.

***

News spread that Milton captured Bells Castle in one day and that three days later, Marquis Bologna captured Hornie Castle.

Tsk, that old mans so slow.

Milton complained a bit, but the truth was, it wasnt that Marquis Bologna was slow, but that Milton was fast.

Now that weve captured two strongholds, if we capture Litinque Castle, then the Kobrook Republic would lose their entire defense on the Eastern Front, right?

Viscount Sabian answered his question.

Yes, My Lord. As long as we can get past their defense, we can cause as much trouble within the Kobrook Republic.

Great. In that case, lets get moving. Contact Marquis Bologna and try to match the timing.

It was time to attack the remaining Litinque Castle. Although it had taken a bit of time, it was still pretty quick.

Siegfried. No matter how much of a genius he is in war, if all his defenses are captured, then theres nothing he can do.

As long as Milton could do this, victory in this war was guaranteed. Milton was certain of this.

***

Litinque Castle, the last stronghold in the Kobrook Republics defense.

Inthe castles highest tower, one man was on his knees bowing his head. Usually, this tower was meant to contain criminals. However, the man kneeling and apologizing was Lieutenant General Bison, the commander of this castle. He had confined himself in the towers solitary cell.

With cold eyes, Siegfried stood in front of Lieutenant General Bison.

Why didnt you tell me this sooner?

I have nothing to say. Just kill me.

Lieutenant General Bison couldnt resent this death. After all, he knew that he had lost his rationality in a fit of petty jealousy and had caused great damage to the country.

Nothing would change if I killed you.

At Siegfrieds cold words, Lieutenant General Bison bit his lips.

It is law that a defeated general holds himself responsible through death.

Seeing him so ready to die, Siegfried laughed at him.

How ridiculous.

Winning or losing the war is merely the result. If we held people responsible for that result, then 90 percent of the Republican officers would have to die.

Defeated general? You cant even call yourself a defeated general. You went against the military orders that came down from the Capital and recklessly did whatever you wanted. As a result, you caused a great deal of damage to the entire war. And now, you try to pretty it up by lying and saying you fought hard butwasdefeated? Dont lie to yourself.

Lieutenant General Bison trembled in humiliation and in shame.

Siegfried continued to speak down to him.

Youre not a defeated general. Youre just a piece of trash.

Guh

Lieutenant General Bison bit his lips till he tasted blood. The worst part of all this was that everything Siegfried said was undeniably the truth. He had been a part of the military and defended his country for decades. All the pride and honors he had accumulated throughout his lifetime was now thrown away because of a single mistake. Could anything be more miserable than this? Could anything be more irritating than this? If he could turn back time, he would even sell his soul to the devil.

As though he knew Lieutenant General Bisons despair, Siegfried spoke.

If

Lieutenant General Bison raised his head.

If you dont want to die as a piece of trash, Ill give you one more chance.

A chance?

Thats right. Do you want it?

I want it. Whatever it is, Ill do it as long as I can get back my honor.

The corners of Siegfrieds mouth quirked up.

Good. In that case

Siegfried explained a plan to Lieutenant General Bison and the role he would have in that plan.

you, are you insane?

Lieutenant General Bison had said he would do anything. That hadnt been a lie. But even so, Lieutenant General Bison was hesitant after listening to everything Siegfried had to say.

Whats wrong? Didnt you say youd do whatever it took?

I know. Im willing to give up my life for it. But but this

Siegfried spoke when he saw Lieutenant General Bison hesitating.

The choice is yours. Will you die as a piece of trash or will you defend your country and die as a Republican hero?

In Lieutenant General Bisons eyes, Siegfried looked like the devil.

A devil who offered a sweet prize in return for his soul.

The more desperate humans are, the easier it is to be shaken by the devils temptations.

Ill do it.

A smart decision.

Having coaxed Lieutenant General Bison, Siegfried descended the tower as he muttered to himself.

Milton Forrest. Hes more troublesome than I thought.

He hadnt thought Milton Forrest would destroy the infamous defense line of the Kobrook Republic in such a short time. It occurred to him that he should have killed Milton Forrest when he had the chance back then. His next thought was that it wasnt too late to do so.

Ill dig you your grave on this land.

Siegfrieds blade was aimed at Milton.

***

Welcome, MarquisForrest.

Im glad you look well, Marquis Bologna.

Milton and Marquis Bologna met in the middle to attack Litinque Castle together. Each of them led 30,000 troops for a total of 60,000 troops. Except for the five stabilized fortresses in the rear and the troops stationed atBellsCastle andHornieCastle, Milton and Marquis Bologna had brought all the available soldiers with them.

Truthfully, I think its possible to attack Litinque Castle with just 40,000 troops.

Marquis Bologna spoke to Milton as they rode side by side at the front of the army.

You took three days to capture Hornie Castle

Milton grumbled in his head, but responded politely to him.

Its said that you should have as many soldiers as possible in order to lessen the damage to the army.

Thats right. But wouldnt it be great if we used 40,000 troops to besiege the castle and have the remaining 20,000 attack the Kobrook Republics mainland?

Was that your purpose?

With those words, Milton was able to understand Marquis Bolognas true intentions. Right now, Marquis Bologna wanted to leave Milton in charge of the siege while he would go and attack the mainland of Kobrook Republic. By doing so, Milton would do all the hard work while Marquis Bologna would easily achieve something great. Milton smiled at Marquis Bologna.

Thats not a bad idea.

Ohh. In that case

If Marquis Bologna will take charge of the siege, I will go and dismantle the Kobrook Republic from the inside and make it impossible for them to recover.

Marquis Bolognas face contorted as if he had eaten something nasty. He quickly fixed his expression before speaking calmly.

Hm no, I think its better to focus on the siege first. As its the last bastion on the border, the enemy will also be desperately fighting back.

If thats what Marquis Bologna thinks, then thats what well do.

Milton smiled as he thought to himself.

How dare you treat me like a circus bear.

After fighting in the Western Front under the Strabus Kingdom,Milton knew how much the military men of the Strabus Kingdom hungered for accomplishments. At that time, Milton had a great accomplishment, but had it stolen from right under his nose by the people above him. But now, Milton had the position and authority. Unlike the past, he didnt have to give up his achievements.

Now that Milton had nipped Marquis Bolognas scheming in the bud, it was time to focus on the siege.

Since we didnt fight against a lot of people atBellsCastle andHornieCastle, then the remaining troops must be concentrated at Litinque Castle.

Marquis Bologna nodded in agreement at Miltons words.

I assume so.

Less than 5,000 troops had been stationed at Bells Castle andHornieCastle.

No matter how poorly things were going for the Kobrook Republic, that was still too little.

Sabian.

Did you call for me, My Lord?

Milton called Viscount Sabian from the back.

How many troops do you expect to be stationed at Litinque Castle?

Viscount Sabian quickly went through the numbers in his head, then

I think therell be about 20,000 to 30,000 troops, My Lord.

From 20,000 to 30,000? Theres still that many left?

Yes, My Lord. The reason Bells andHornieCastle were so easily captured was because the Republic had basically abandoned the two castles. Its most likely that all the remaining troops are concentrated in Litinque Castle.

Even still, isnt that still too much? By my calculations, the enemy should only have about 10,000 troops remaining, right?

Its possible that when the castle in front of them was captured, they absorbed the soldiers who fled. And they also probably conscripted civilians since defending a castle is something even civilians can do.

Thats true.

Milton remembered the battle at Haengju Fortress from his previous life.

According to the records, the fortress was defended when the people, under the command of Kwon Yul, all united and fought the enemy.

That meant, even civilians could not be ignored when defending a castle.