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“Y-Your Excellency Yuri!” (Dimitri)

“Hey.” (Yuri)

I raised my hand in greeting. Dimitri immediately gave the command for the whole group to stop, dismounted from his horse, and knelt down to salute.

“Dimitri Daz here. I have returned.” (Dimitri)

“I heard of your exploits. Well done.” (Yuri)

I lightly squatted down and patted Dimitri’s shoulder as he knelt.

“Milord.” (Soim)

Following him, riding alongside the column, was Soim. Soim had already handed over his duties to others. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to take a break for the upcoming decisive battle in a few days. Similarly dismounting from his horse, he knelt beside Dimitri.

“I have fulfilled my duty and returned.” (Soim)

“Good job. You have performed admirably in your important task. As a disciple of the spear, I am proud of you.” (Yuri)

I said, suppressing a shiver down my spine. This was necessary too. That’s why I was here, dressed not extravagantly but in the finest attire I could manage. Behind Dimitri and Soim were the soldiers who had just returned from the battlefield. They needed to be commended.

“Alright, rise. Once again, you’ve done well.” (Yuri)

“We are grateful for your kindness.” (Dimitri)

“Your words are too generous, it humbles us.” (Soim)

Dimitri and Soim seemed to understand, responding respectfully without losing their manners.

“All units, assemble!” (Dimitri)

Dimitri shouted the command loudly, and it echoed like a game of telephone. The soldiers gathered. Soim’s unit had already gathered without needing the command. Without uttering a word, they came together at Soim’s gesture. Having been trained for surprise attacks, silent actions had become ingrained in them.

I walked towards the assembled soldiers, looking at each of their faces. Everyone, without exception, had faces dirtied by the dust of war. Their clothes were soiled, shoes and hems soaked and muddied. I began with words of encouragement, focusing on the wounded soldiers, then turned towards Soim’s unit.

The soldiers, standing tall with the reins of their horses in hand, were indeed the cream of the crop, strong and resilient. Yet, of the 150 warriors sent out, only around 80 remained here. The rest, over the past month of battles, had slowly dwindled. Perhaps because of this, each and every one of them bore faces as if they had glimpsed hell.

“Thanks to your dedication, we seem to have finally brought the battle to a more even ground. I am grateful.” (Yuri)

I spoke thus, commending the efforts of the Kilghina soldiers.

“Those who have served this country deserve appropriate rewards. I will ensure that your sacrifices with the spear and your courage to face enemy blades will be duly compensated. It may come in the form of promotions after this battle, or perhaps pensions for the widows.” (Yuri)

As I spoke, I tried to make eye contact with as many of them as possible.

I knew that the Kilghina soldiers here were knights with families. Some had brought their wives and children along. Many of them were struggling to make ends meet. For those without families, living by the sword and gathering people as a militia, sustaining themselves with common labor, must have been tough.

Moreover, some had been separated from their families in the previous conflicts. Such individuals might be here not for their own livelihoods but for revenge against the Crusaders. Each soldier had their own circumstances.

“The path to glory is paved with your own spears. Do not hesitate to risk your lives, nor to cherish victory. I expect your valiant efforts in the next battle.” (Yuri)

Then, I glanced towards Dimitri’s larger army.

“I’ve arranged accommodations for you! Eat, drink, and rest well until the next battle!” (Yuri)

With that, I directed the soldiers to their respective places under the command of the two generals.

—

“Are you doing such things for the entire army?” (Dimitri)

Dimitri asked as he presented himself at the royal castle.

“Yes, as much as possible.” (Yuri)

I made sure to expose myself to the soldiers as much as possible. After all, knowing the appearance of their leaders would likely affect their morale heading into the decisive battle. The image of youth tends to carry an impression of inadequacy. That was why I meticulously chose my attire, even wearing clothes I didn’t particularly fancy, to make a lasting impression.

“Must be quite taxing. Aren’t you busy?” (Dimitri)

“The main strategies have been set. Most of the preparations are done. With competent aide around, it’s not as hectic.” (Yuri)

“Visiting the Gudanvier estate earlier was for that young lady, correct?” (Soim)

Soim interjected.

‘Come to think of it, there was that matter. Soim probably hadn’t met Myaro directly, but there was an indirect connection.’

“Ah, indeed. It feels like ancient history now.” (Yuri)

‘Luida was gone, and now Myaro sat in the Gudanvier seat.’

“Though the Witches may perish, they never truly die.” (Soim)

Such murmur spread, and apparently, there was talk in the streets of Witches still lingering.

‘It seems they want to believe that the Witches have disappeared from the country, leaving only one behind. Perhaps it’s also influenced by not allowing any remnants of the Witches who escaped punishment to call themselves Witches. It’s strange that Myaro doesn’t seem to consider it dishonorable, but it doesn’t sit well with me. It’s more like they’re being spoken of with awe than insulted, so while I’m not censoring speech, it’s not a particularly positive trend.’

“Did something happened?” (Dimitri)

Dimitri seemed to have developed a slightly more casual rapport with Soim, maybe from camaraderie during strategy sessions.

“When milord was young, he and this Soim stormed the Gudanvier estate, causing quite a stir. It was quite a spectacle.” (Soim)

‘In my memory, I think I merely spoke, and it was Soim who actually resorted to violence. Hopefully, he is not starting to lose my marbles.’

“Is that so? I’d love to hear more later.” (Dimitri)

“I don’t mind.” (Soim)

‘Well, it wouldn’t bother me to make it a topic of conversation over drinks. But there’s a sense of completion in the air, isn’t there?’

“You can reminisce as much as you want over a drink. But for now, I’d like to discuss the arrangements for the decisive battle in a few days.” (Yuri)

“Yes.” (Dimitri)

“I’m all ears.” (Soim)

“Soim, there’s a task I’d like to entrust to you first.” (Yuri)

‘If Soim were utterly exhausted, it might be a concern, but at this rate, he seems capable enough to handle it.’

“I want you to undertake the most difficult task. You’ll be positioned on the right flank with a light cavalry unit of 400. Be prepared. It might be a fierce battle.” (Yuri)

“As you wish.” (Soim)

‘Impressive, really. Despite having faced such harsh battles, he doesn’t seem to feel it in his old bones.’

“Let me explain the overall plan. Dimitri, listen closely as well.” (Yuri)

—

The pieces on the strategy map had finished their movements.

“Well, if on the day the enemy’s formation turns out to be significantly different, we might have to adjust accordingly, but for now, this is what we’re considering.”

“Your Excellency… Are we sure about the central group with this?” (Dimitri)

Dimitri seemed concerned.

“It depends on your army. We only have two days until the decisive battle. Even if your body rests, can you clear your mind of any fog?” (Yuri)

“Of course.” (Dimitri)

“I believe there’s no force stronger than Hou Household’s elite troops in melee combat.” (Soim)

‘Unless the opponent was a group bred from birth to be killing machines like the Spartans. Even if they were Spartans, after being battered and bruised by every possible means up to the closest thing to the worst-case scenario, we’d have the upper hand in melee combat. At least, I couldn’t imagine being at a disadvantage.’

“It’s only if we bring it to melee combat. That’s the conclusion I reached after considering various factors. Also, trust Gin Toga. I’ve been closely observing his training, and he’s been doing well.” (Yuri)

“I see. I’ll keep an eye on him.” (Dimitri)

‘Actually, Dimitri and Gin would be handling the central army together, so their cooperation is crucial.’

“I think this plan will suffice. If it goes according to plan, great. If not, well… Either way… Well, there’s some anxiety, but if we happen to be breached, we can deploy the reserves.” (Soim)

Soim, who would be taking on one of the most challenging roles, said casually.

“Originally, formations are such that if you reinforce one area, another weakens. There’s no such thing as a formation without concerns.” (Yuri)

“I suppose that’s true.” (Dimitri)

“The only problem is where the Galilians will come. They specialize in halting cavalry, after all.” (Yuri)

The soldiers of the Galilia Union were incredibly unique among the Crusaders. They formed their formation into a square, extending long spears outward and attacking with firearms. In other words, they excelled in phalanx tactics, repeatedly training to transition from a column formation for mobility to a square formation, thus enhancing their proficiency.

The reason for adopting such tactics was their proximity to the Khanjar Great Khanate, a nest of nomadic horsemen. The Khanjar Great Khanate, in reality, wasn’t a single country. It had been mired in succession battles since the demise of its founding hero, with no new heroes emerging to unify it. While superficially labeled as internal strife over succession, it functioned as a domain of nomadic horsemen with no unified government. Unable to negotiate treaties, the Galilia Union had a history of suffering incessant raids akin to nightly snacking, leading to the development of specialized tactics against cavalry.

When their square formation took shape with two squares aligned side by side, they could launch attacks from all four sides if cavalry breached their ranks. Their high mobility meant that flanking maneuvers were futile since the formation had no concept of front or rear.

During my last observation, they were part of the army and served as reserves behind the main column. Though I missed seeing them in action due to the dragon commotion, their intervention in the previous battle decisively halted the cavalry charge, altering the course of the battle.

“Well, it’s best to scout out their positions in advance and avoid them.” (Yuri)

“Indeed. We wouldn’t want to repeat the same mistake as last time.” (Soim)

“Agreed.” (Dimitri)

‘We’ll manage somehow.

Dimitri seemed to have collaborated with Soim to launch a night raid, wreaking havoc. They retreated before dawn and declined pursuit. With Dimitri in such high spirits, they must have achieved significant success.

Thus, I’ve stacked several factors against the enemy. If we’ve come this far, victory should be within reach.’

“Well, that’s all for now. I’ve already informed Tigris and others from the Rube Household, but it’s up to you how much you tell your soldiers. Regardless, if the enemy adopts an unexpected formation, keep in mind that the strategies I’ve explained may need to be discarded.” (Yuri)

“Understood.” (Dimitri)

“I understand.” (Soim)

‘Good. With that, our discussion is concluded.’

“For your soldiers’ sake, I’ve reserved several brothels. Here’s the address.”

I handed Dimitri a piece of paper.

‘These soldiers have gone through quite a lot before finally arriving here at Shiyaku for the decisive battle. Some consideration is necessary.’

“Of course, no need for money. It’ll all come from the treasury.” (Yuri)

“Thank you. The soldiers will be pleased.” (Dimitri)

“However, the reservations start from tomorrow. Tonight, we feast and rest.” (Yuri)

‘Engaging in “that” before their fatigue wears off would be detrimental to their health. But being men, they’re inclined to want it regardless. Tonight, we’ll have to restrain them.’

“The ladies of the night are doing a difficult job comforting the soldiers. It goes without saying, but don’t allow any inappropriate behavior.”

‘A group of soldiers with altered morale tends to engage in activities outside the norm. They possess violence superior to any other law enforcement within the country. Of course, the brothel bouncers and guards are of no use against them, so there have been incidents of misconduct. As a result, several have already been disciplined. While it’s the responsibility of their commanding officers to provide proper guidance, it’s impossible to prevent every idiotic act sporadically.’

“I understand.” (Dimitri)

“Then, until the decisive battle, provide as much solace as you can. But remember, when it comes to the battle, ensure they’re adequately disciplined.” (Yuri)

“Yes.” (Dimitri)

“Dismissed.” (Yuri)

I said so.

“Yes, Your Excellency! Well then, I’m leaving.” (Dimitri)

“Please excuse me.” (Soim)

With that, as I watched them leave the room, I sank back into my chair, once again immersed in contemplation.