Chapter 118: Siegfrieds Intervention (3)

Milton knew that Bianca could detect and manipulate underground water streams with her magic. But he never thought about using that magic during the siege.

Dont they say geniuses not only have a lot of knowledge, but theyre also able to use that knowledge? Geniuses are really amazing.

It was possible. It was definitely possible. It would certainly take half a month to implement that particular operation, but it was a plan that would capture Litinque Castle with the least amount of damage.

It may take some time to find and cut off the underground water stream, but once we succeed with it

Milton pounded the table with his fist.

Carry out the plan right now.

Yes, My Lord.

With Miltons permission, Viscount Sabian left the barracks to implement the operation. Marquis Bologna spoke to Milton from the side.

An expert in underground water stream exploration? You brought someone like that to the battlefield?

Hm Yes, just in case.

?

Just what kind of just in case was he preparingfor that hebrought with him an underground water stream detection expert to the battlefield? Even Marquis Bologna who had spent decades on the battlefield couldnt understand him.

***

Ya sure know how to work people to the bone.Watif I said I couldnt do it?

Viscount Sabian grinned at Biancas words.

Thats a problem forthem. But are you really telling me you cant do it?

I have to try it out first.

Having said that, Bianca explored the vicinity of Litinque Castle with a couple knights escorting her.

Three days later.

I found the underground water stream. But

Is there a problem?

The water stream is too large for me to contain it by myself. Well, if ya want me to, I can but itll take me at least a year.

Thats too long, Miss Bianca. Isnt there anything else you can do?

Anything else

Before, Bianca had looked troubled, but now, she turned thoughtful.

So ultimately, ya want no water in the castle, right?

Yes, thats exactly it.

Then instead of stopping it, lets lead it somewhere else.

Miss Bianca, what do you mean?

Isnt it fine if we block the stream in the middle and divert it somewhere else? The water wont get to the castle then.

Viscount Sabian smiled broadly.

Yes, itll ultimately cut off their drinking water so thatll work just fine.

Kay. Ill point out where to block the water, so have the soldiers work on it.

Cant you do it quicker with magic?

Am I yer drudge?

Miss Bianca?

Viscount Sabian didnt know what a drudge was. Bianca seemed frustrated by Viscount Sabian because she scowled at him.

Never mind. Anyway, I cant do itso have somepeople do it.

Viscount Sabian just nodded in response.

Doesnt matter either way, the existence of magic had to be hidden anyway.

***

The location Bianca indicated was at the foot of a mountain a bit further away from Litinque Castle. She said that if they drained the water by digging a large hole there, then the water flowing into Litinque Castle would decrease by about 90 percent. In order to keep the enemy from detecting them, Viscount Sabian secretly removed 1,000 men to start construction.

How long will the construction take?

Milton asked after hearing Viscount Sabians report.

According to Miss Biancas report, at the current rate were digging, itll take about a month, My Lord.

A month So itll take a bit longer than the originally reported 15 days.

Im sorry, My Lord.

No, its alright. A bit of error is possible.

Milton didnt mind too much. Objectively, Viscount Sabians operation was excellently planned out. As long as they were able to besiege and cut off their drinking water, victory was guaranteed. Even if it took a bit more time, it was worth the time if the operation was good enough.

Is there any news on the enemys movement up in the Northern Front?

No, My Lord. Theres been no news.

I see. But just in case, make sure the men are prepared. If reinforcements come, our siege may fail.

Yes, My Lord.

Milton nodded at the confidence in Viscount Sabians voice.

***

Ten days after besieging Litinque Castle.

Until now, the enemies inside the besieged castle had been quiet, but they were now beginning to react. It wasnt a big reaction; all they did was quickly send out their cavalry and shoot with their crossbows before running back into the castle. Milton had tried to chase after them a couple times, but failed when they ran straight back into the castle. If he moved the siege any closer to the castle, Miltons army could have caught the cavalry that came out, but then, soldiers with crossbows on the castle walls would have attacked them.

How annoying.

Milton frowned at the report that the eastern side of the siege had suffered some damages from the enemys arrows. Seeing Milton scowling, Viscount Sabian gave him his opinion.

I feel that the siege is set up too close to the castle, My Lord. How about we move it back a bit?

But wouldnt the siege weaken then?

As long as we set up the siege so the enemy cant escape, itll be fine, My Lord. After all, we arent trying to attack the castle directly.

I see.

Following Viscount Sabians advice, Milton loosened the siege a bit by moving it back a bit. If the enemies still came out to attack them, then Milton would personally ride out to fight back. At this point, it was more like a surveillance network than a siege. Their siege had become weaker and farther from Litinque Castle, but because of this, the enemy couldnt continue to ambush them.

Now, the construction on the water stream just needs to finish. Theres no reason to deal with the enemy until then.

Viscount Sabian went to look at the situation of the construction site.

Either way, there was nothing else the enemy could do. Now that the enemy couldnt continue to struggle, Viscount Sabian decided he didnt need to worry about anything else and went to see if he couldnt speed up the construction of the underground water stream.

***

Lieutenant General Bison, the enemys siege moved farther back.

As expected.

Lieutenant General Bison nodded after he heard his aide-de-camps report.

Has there been contact?

Yes, Sir. They said theyve just arrived. Were told to do it around 4 oclock in the morning.

I see. Very well.

Lieutenant General Bison looked at the western sky beyond the castle walls. The beautiful sunset had turned the world in shades of red.

They say that when your death is near, everything in the world looks beautiful. It really is indeed.

Lieutenant General Bison stared attentively at the sun until it disappeared completely. As soon as the sun had completely set, he turned to look at his aide-de-camps.

Are you all alright?

What do you mean, Sir?

Im asking if youre alright following me and dying.

Lieutenant General Bison continued to speak.

Since the enemys siege has weakened, its possible that theres a way for you to survive. So, its alright if you dont want to be a part of this operation.

All his aides looked at him with determination.

How could we leave you alone and run away, Lieutenant General?

Theres no room for cowardice in our Republic.

Thats right, Lieutenant General. Theres no way thatll happen.

While a part of him was touched beyond words, another part of him felt sorry and apologetic. In the Republics military, there were usually factions and a faction could be both good or bad. The aide-de-camps that were by Lieutenant General Bisons side had all been raised by him since they were soldiers and now they were all officers. These young men were his disciples, no, at this point, they were his children. Thats how much affection he felt for them. Having no children, Lieutenant General Bison really wanted to save these young men.

Im fine. Considering how long Ive been on the battlefield, Ive lived a long life. But you still have a future. Even if its for the Republic, you should

Thud!

Before Lieutenant General Bison could finish his sentence, all his aides knelt before him.

Our future is to fight honorably with you, Lieutenant General.

Thats right, sir. We will stay by your side until we die.

If you really plan to send us away, then please kill us here now!

Their determination surprised Lieutenant General Bison. Just as he valued them, they respected and trusted him in turn. At first, Lieutenant General Bison was embarrassed by their actions, but then he began to laugh.

Ha ha ha ha

Recently, he had lost his self-confidence because he believed he had caused the Republic to suffer a serious defeat and set them back. However, when he saw the young officers who followed him express their loyalty, his heart began to burn with passion once again.

I havent lived my life in vain, then.

Determined, Lieutenant General Bison spoke to his aides.

Fine. If thats how you feel, I wont hesitate then.

Having regained his confidence, Lieutenant General Bisons eyes glinted.

He drew his sword from the scabbard at his waist and lifted it high into the air.

I will show the invaders what a terrible price they will pay for invading the Kobrook Republic!

Yes, sir!!

The veteran of the Republic was determined to grab onto that sudden spark of life one last time.

***

Four oclock in the morning.

Professors of military science all refer to this time as the best time for a night raid as well as the time to be the most vigilant about. While you should always be wary about a sudden attack in the middle of the night, four oclock in the morning was a time when the guards became inattentive and the soldiers were sleeping deeply. The most dangerous time was between four oclock and five oclock in the morning. Of course, a theory is only a theory; it doesnt necessarily mean that itll happen in reality. However, for it to be an established theory, that meant there was some truth to it. And as if they were carrying out a textbook example for it, the Republic conducted a night raid.

The enemies are attacking!

All of you, wake up! Its the enemy!

Milton jumped out of his bed at the guards shouting. As soon as he got up, he put on his armor, raised his sword, and ran out. He shouted a question at a messenger.

Whats the situation?

Sir, the enemy launched a night attack. We havent been able to figure out how many there are or what the damage is yet, sir.

Milton mounted Leonard, his horse, and looked at the situation himself.

Wahhhh!!

Defeat the invaders!

Kill them all!

Milton nodded as he took in the situation.

Its not bad. The guards responded well.

At least for now, from what he could see, they werent being pushed around by the enemy and their battle formation had not collapsed yet. It was evident that the guards had responded very quickly and very well to the sudden attack. But the strange thing was

We werent pushed back, but we also can't end it.

Why? Even when the allies were doing well, the fact that the situation wasnt ending was because

Those bastards. This isnt just a night raid; theyre trying to break the siege.

The size of the enemy was much larger than expected.

You attacked with a plan.

Unlike the previous blitz attacks, this was an attack that was meant to try and break the siege. A great deal of troops had been mobilized and they were all boldly fighting. Then was this a critical situation for Milton and his allies? No. This was an opportunity.

Jerome, wheres Jerome?!

Milton quickly summoned Jerome, his closest aide.

Did you call for me, My Lord?

Jerome, who had been commanding their troops from the side, quickly came running at Miltons order.

The enemy has chosen to self-destruct. Do you understand what Im saying?

Yes, My Lord. I also think that.

Jerome understood exactly what Milton was talking about.

Good! Then lead all the Knights and follow me. We will wipe out the enemy!

Yes, My Lord!

Under Miltons direction, Jerome assembled the Knights and Milton personally led them towards the enemy who came to attack them that night.

Charge!

Ohhhh!!

Follow our Lord!!