Volume 3 Chapter 7, “You Are Not bandits.”
———— The Kingdom of White Night, the Palace of White Night
Strategist: “Haha. I congratulate you on this splendid victory.”
General of the Pale: “This is all thanks to the excellence of your intelligence. Please convey my thanks to the Crown Prince Marshal on behalf of the Tribe of the Demons of the Pale.”
Strategist: “Understood… And the Sigiled King? I hear he has deposed the old one and achieved many great feats while commanding the Tribe of the Pale?”
General of the Pale: “His Majesty is resting in order to recuperate his strength.”
Strategist: “I see…”
General of the Pale: “His Majesty is also extremely grateful for the assistance of the Holy Empire. This is how things should be in the beginning, should it not? We are the Race of Demons, we bring the White Night.”
Strategist: “I suppose so, hahaha.”
General of the Pale: “We are now fully in control and have no intention of relinquishing this.”
Strategist: “Thank you very much for that.”
General of the Pale: “And now to business.”
Strategist: “Yes.”
General of the Pale: “Firstly, we would like to know what we can hope to receive in compensation for taking down the Kingdom of White Night.”
Strategist: “The Tribe of the Pale now has new lands in the Surface World… Is that not enough?”
General of the Pale: “Did we not win that by our sheer strength? The Holy Empire invested nothing into that. That is a very poor transaction.”
Strategist: “I understand what you are saying… In that case, perhaps I might be able to add something to that thing we agreed on before.”
General of the Pale: “Yes. Just as you requested, we have brought along most of the product in our country. In order to move that many goods, my soldiers had to carry them man-to-man and as a result we are significantly lacking in food and weaponry.”
Strategist: “Then what do you think if I buy these goods from you at a high price? Would you consider that a transaction?”
General of the Pale: “I would be very happy for that.”
Strategist: “How much of the product do you have?”
General of the Pale: “Hmm.”
Strategist: “Approximately how much did you bring with you?”
General of the Pale: “I have 900 caravans worth.”
Strategist: “I see… In that case, I will buy that with three times the amount of food and enough weaponry for 4,000 men. What do you think?”
General of the Pale: “Saltpetre is a fairly valuable material. I believe five times the amount of food and the same amount of weaponry would be a fair agreement.”
Strategist: “…I understand.”
General of the Pale: “I will hand over half the saltpetre. We will give you the rest at least before the neighbouring countries have fallen.”
Strategist: “…Very good.”
General of the Pale: “When can you send over the food?”
Strategist: “Let me think… Since we’re only doing half the transaction first, I suppose it shouldn’t take long.”
General of the Pale: “In that case, I will arrange for someone to send the goods over. We are now about to reach our intelligence gathering units for the wars with the neighbouring countries.”
Strategist: “As to be expected from the ferocious Tribe of the Pale.”
Intelligence Officer: “Report!”
General of the Pale: “Go ahead.”
Intelligence Officer: “The Survey Corps* have been equipped. We are now ready to deploy!”
General of the Pale: “We must be in time for the end of His Majesty’s meditation.”
Intelligence Officer: “Yes!”
Strategist: “The Kingdom of Metal, then?”
General of the Pale: “Just something for us to grind our teeth on.”
Strategist: “Out of the three Kingdoms of the South, they are the one with the most sufficient army. I suppose you will be expecting some resistance, though you are very reassured about that.”
General of the Pale: “Indeed… Eh?”
Strategist: “What is it?”
General of the Pale: “No, nothing.”
———- The Plains of Scilla, the Hinterland of the Kingdom of Metal
Wind blows through the grass…
The Female Paladin: “A very well-prepared formation.”
Minister of Winter: “So it would seem. Even though 3,500 is a fairly large number…”
The Female Paladin: “I suppose our army will increase?”
Minister of Winter: “Indeed. I see we have a very astute commander.”
Disciple Soldier: “Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “Disciple Soldier!”
Disciple Soldier: “Hahahahahaha! It has been a long time! I’d thought I’d never see you again! But then again, I knew I would someday!”
Metal Lieutenant: “Don’t tell me, this is?!”
Disciple Soldier: “That is correct! Before you stands one of the three brave Companions of the Hero, the Grandmaster of the Holy Order of the Lake, and the Grand Commander of the Combined Armed Forces of the Tripartite Union! They have called her the Paladin of Destruction! The Queen of Power! The Unbreakable Wall! My teacher, my mentor, the Female Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “You haven’t grown a bit.”
Minister of Winter: “Hahahahahaha.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Hahahahaha.”
The Female Paladin: “That was embarrassing. But I’m the Female Paladin. I will be taking up the position as the Commander for this battle. Your unit, the Border Security Division, will come under my command.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Understood! Please come into the pavilion!”
Disciple Soldier: “Heh… And I thought I would be the commander.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-————————-
Explanation
Survey Corps: These are soldiers who are trained to survey the land and its forms and to make maps outlining the terrain and the ways it can be advantageous. It is extremely foolish to get into a battle on a battlefield you know nothing about. For this reason, if battles are to be fought on unknown territory, survey corps are sent to survey the terrain. In reverse, by annihilating the survey corps, the enemy can delay the advance of the army or force them to fight in unfamiliar situations, making them vulnerable to threats. The Army of the Pale places much emphasis on the manoeuvrability and speed of its survey corps and hence the entire unit is mounted.
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———— The Plains of Scilla, the Barracks of the Kingdom of Metal
The Female Paladin: “So, I’ve read that you’ve fought here before?”
Disciple Soldier: “I have. Bring the map.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Yes.”
Lays out map.
The Female Paladin: “Hmm.”
Disciple Soldier: “This is close to the source of the River of Purple Tears which flows through the Kingdom of Metal and the Kingdom of Ice. The spring water from the thawing snow in the mountains flows through countless rivers, streams, and small rivulets resulting in the inundation of the Plains of Scilla, which is practically a swampland.”
Minister of Winter: “Hmm.”
Disciple Soldier: “It is full of water so it could potentially be a very rich land with easy access to irrigation but at present it’s a terrible place for crops, swamps, and peat bogs*. However, close by is a large area which we can use for our army. Furthermore, this could be a gathering point for any army intending to pass from the Kingdom of White Night to the Kingdom of Metal. They would have to pass through various mountain passes and rough terrain but they could be here in two days, hence I have put stronger forms of surveillance in place.”
The Female Paladin: “And how are the sentries done?”
Disciple Soldier: “Each sentry unit is activated for half-a-day rotations, sentry is done as per normal.”
The Female Paladin: “Hmm, I’ll pass you first.”
Disciple Soldier gulps.
Metal Lieutenant: “Sir, you’re looking pale.”
Disciple Soldier: “The days I spent with the Female Paladin were fruitful but stressful, I can’t stop the cold sweat.”
The Female Paladin: “Right then, now comes the real thing.”
Disciple Soldier nods.
The Female Paladin: “We have 2,000 men at present. 500 cavalrymen and 1,500 infantrymen. They are by any counts proper soldiers with good training and decent battlefield experience.”
Disciple Soldier: “This formation and the nearby areas can give us 3,500 soldiers. All of them are proper soldiers who are fairly well-trained and have been under my command for some time now.”
Metal Lieutenant: “So in total, we have 5,500 men. We will have to recalculate how much provisions and salaries we will require.”
The Female Paladin: “The enemy is at largest 2500 strong. We do not know their strength, their equipment, nor their tactics but we are certain that they have both cavalry and archers. The cavalry are equipped with spears and the rest are generally comprised of infantry men with shields and shortswords.”
Disciple Soldier: “And the archers are longbowmen?”
The Female Paladin: “We do not have information about that. But they are fairly effective.”
Disciple Soldier: “Hmm. Then we don’t know what we’re up against.”
The Female Paladin: “Indeed.”
Disciple Soldier: “Based on our reports, the cavalry are equipped with gold-plated armour.”
The Female Paladin: “Heavy cavalry…”
Disciple Soldier: “The first thing we can say is that—”
The Female Paladin: “Let’s hear it.”
Disciple Soldier: “The enemy commander is no fool, and he is not a hesitant but a patient leader. It is clear that this Tribe of the Pale is very well-equipped, well-disciplined, and splendidly trained soldiers.”
The Female Paladin: “I feel the same way.”
Disciple Soldier: “Added to the fact that they have four times our number, if we were to engage them in a conventional war, our fate would almost surely be complete defeat.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-————————-
Explanation
Peat Bog: This refers to soil rich in peat. This tends to form in marshes and wetlands and since peat succumbs easily to pressure and caves in often, it is not a good terrain for marching through as horses may easily sink and get stuck in it.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
The Female Paladin: “Indeed.”
Disciple Soldier: “And so we have to use some kind of strategy, but the first thing we need to do is to figure out what our final objective is. Without knowing our objective, we will not be able to construct a reliable strategy.”
The Female Paladin: “A good observation.”
Disciple Soldier: “I put all my attention into studying the arts of war.”
The Female Paladin: “So, you’re the Minister for Defence, right? What do you think our objective should be?”
Disciple Soldier: “To protect the people.”
The Female Paladin: “Which people?”
Disciple Soldier: “Of course, this includes the Kingdom of White Night.”
The Female Paladin: “Then we only have one objective. We will destroy the Tribe of the Pale and liberate the Kingdom of White Night.”
Minister of Winter: “Wait just a moment. At present, we don’t even know if we will be able to survive, if the Kingdom will not be destroyed, and you want to talk about liberating the Kingdom of White Night?!”
Metal Lieutenant: “That’s right! Why should we care about those traitors in the Kingdom of White Night anyway!”
The Female Paladin: “What do you have to say to that?”
Disciple Soldier: “No matter what, even though our battle objectives may change, we should always set our final objectives for the entirety of the campaign, right? If we try for the ultimate objective, we’ll be able to set our intermediate goals as well.”
Metal Lieutenant: “…”
The Female Paladin: “Right, so let’s get to the question at hand.”
Disciple Soldier: “Indeed. First, let us hide the difference in our numbers.”
The Female Paladin: “Ho, so you’re doing that?”
Disciple Soldier: “This was done in ancient times as well. It is a feature of just and noble governance to acquire the lessons of the past. Isn’t that something you taught me?”
The Female Paladin: “We have refused soldiers from the Kingdom of Ice, and the 3,000 infantrymen from the Kingdom of Winter will only arrive in a week’s time.”
Minister of Winter: “Yes, they are already moving as fast as they can.”
Disciple Soldier: “I will go and call on the Settler Militia.”
The Female Paladin: “What use are they?”
Disciple Soldier: “We have had good results from using them as combat engineers.”
The Female Paladin: “Terrain then.”
Disciple Soldier: “Terrain indeed.”
The Female Paladin: “But like you said before, the enemy are no fools, right? Would a general commanding a force of heavy cavalry really choose a marshland as a battleground? It would be understandable if he has no knowledge of the terrain ahead but it would be strange if he did not send scouts or observers to the battleground.”
Disciple Soldier: “We will have to bait him then.”
The Female Paladin: “Bait, huh.”
Disciple Soldier: “Madam.”
The Female Paladin: “What’s with the change of mood, this is weird.”
Disciple Soldier: “I’ve been thinking about this for a very, very long time, but you truly have the most perfect and exquisite features. From your eyes which shine like radiant crystals to your rose-coloured lips to your rich, sleek hair. You are truly a goddess, capable of commanding the attention of everybody who looks upon you.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Uhh.”
Minister of Winter: “What a thing to say to the Grand Commander.”
The Female Paladin: “Wh-what are you saying?!”
Disciple Soldier: “No, no, I am not trying to flatter you. On top of that, you are the most capable commander ever to grace the Tripartite Union of the Southern Kingdoms; truly the Female General of legend.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Uhh—”
Disciple Soldier: (Softly) “I’m praising her.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Eh?”
Disciple Soldier: (Softly) “I’m praising her intently. I want you to join me.”
The Female Paladin: “What are you doing?”
Disciple Soldier: “I have dreamt of the days under which I fight beneath your banner.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Yes! Every soldier in the Three Kingdoms yearns for nothing less than the opportunity to fight with you.”
Minister of Winter: “That’s the truth, I now know this is the same in the Kingdom of Winter.”
The Female Paladin: “What the hell is this about?”
Disciple Soldier: “Please, there is no need to be humble. This is truly the consensus of our army, is it not? Come! Everyone together!”
Metal Lieutenant and Minister of Winter nod.
Disciple Soldier: “Everybody! Long live the Female Paladin!”
Metal Lieutenant and Minister of Winter: “Long live the Female Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “Hey, you guys, stop!”
Disciple Soldier: “Everybody! Long live the most brilliant and radiant Female Paladin!”
Metal Lieutenant and Minister of Winter: “Long live the Female Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “Alright, stop! I’ve had enough of this nonsense!” Slaps head.
Disciple Soldier: “Oww. And that’s how you bait someone.”
The Female Paladin: “Eh?”
Disciple Soldier: “The most delicious bait that is bound to make these Demons of the Pale drool all over themselves is you!”
————– Continental Highway, a Pasture for Sheep
Rumble, rumble.
Shepherd Boy: “Hey, what’s that?”
Shepherd Girl: “The whole ground is shaking? …Eh? What’s that?”
Shepherd Boy: “People. Lots of people!”
Shepherd Girl: “What is going on?!”
Rumble, rumble.
— All is as the Spirit wills it — All is as the Spirit wills it
Shepherd Boy: “What a lot of people. Ah, it’s an army.”
Shepherd Girl: “But with this many soldiers, it can’t be a normal lord’s army. No, it can’t even be a normal king’s army…”
Travelling Merchant: “What, haven’t you guys heard?”
Shepherd Boy: “Oh, you’re the Travelling Merchant.”
Shepherd Girl: “What’s this? What’s happening?”
Travelling Merchant: “His Holiness the Primarch has mustered the Third Holy Crusade.”
Shepherd Boy: “Holy…”
Shepherd Girl: “Crusade?”
Travelling Merchant: “Yeah, that’s right.”
— All is as the Spirit wills it — All is as the Spirit wills it
Travelling Merchant: “His Holiness the Primarch has called for a massive army in order to destroy those Demons who dare to humiliate and defile our Holy Spirit of Light.”
Shepherd Boy: “They can’t all be nobles?”
Travelling Merchant: “No, there are even serfs among them.”
Shepherd Boy: “To that extent…”
Marching.
Shepherd Girl: “How amazing. It’s almost as if the world is about to end…”
Travelling Merchant: “I came from the Northwest and the same thing is going on there. It’s lasted for days on end. There’re a lot of people everywhere.”
Shepherd Boy: “Do you think they would buy mutton?”
Travelling Merchant: “Yeah, I think so? There are a lot of people following them, even prostitutes and beggars, all trying to profit from their needs.”
Shepherd Boy: “I think I’ll follow them for a while.”
Shepherd Girl: “Isn’t it kind of scary? You shouldn’t go.”
Travelling Merchant: “I have no interest in this sort of thing as well.”
Shepherd Boy: “But we could make something. I’m going to go.”
Shepherd Girl: “Hey, wait for me, I’m coming too!”
—————- The Plains of Scilla, behind a Ridge
Soft treading…
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “How is it?”
Archer Calvary: “This entire area seems to correspond to it.”
Scout of the Pale: “What a large plain.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Yes, on the map it seems to be 15km in length.”
Archer Calvary: “So, what should we look at?”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “First, scout out this ridge.”
Scout of the Pale: “Understood.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Be quick about it. Draw up measurements for how many rows of soldiers can advance comfortably on these plains.”
Scout of the Pale: “Understood.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “How is the terrain?”
Archer Calvary: “Most of it is grassy plains but there are many wet areas and some parts of it look to be slippery peat bogs.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Hmm.”
Archer Calvary: “What do you think?”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “How would cavalry perform?”
Archer Calvary: “Light cavalry should have no issues but it may be difficult for the heavy cavalry. If a horse were to lose its footing, it might not be able to get up again. However, it may be possible to avoid the marshlands and navigate through the grassy areas…”
Scout of the Pale: “But marshlands are disadvantageous even for light infantry.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “It is much worse than it looks. It seems like the extent of usable terrain is somewhat limited.”
Archer Calvary: “What a formidable terrain.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Archer Cavalry, please dismount and check the terrain from here to the centre of the plains. Note down as much of the marshlands, flatlands, and hilly terrain as you are able to. Many of these look like plains but are actually wet marshes, these are unsuitable in combat. Measure the centre area very carefully and if you encounter any enemies, avoid direct confrontation and gather as much intelligence on them as possible.”
Archer Calvary: “Understood.”
Dismounts.
Scout of the Pale: “Yes?”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “So these are scilla flowers. — Hmph, the invincible Tribe of the Pale shall easily crush these Humans just as we crush these weak plants under our boots.”
—————– The Southern Border, in a Deeply Forested Wood
Hoot, hoot, hoot.
Resourceful Young Man flinches.
Little Sister Maid: “It’s just Mr. Owl.”
Resourceful Young Man: “I know that!”
Caw, caw, caw, wings flapping.
Resourceful Young Man: “?!”
Disciple Nobleman: “Come now, young man. Why are you so panicky about everything? You’re scaring the birds with your nervousness.”
Little Sister Maid: “You’re slow.”
Resourceful Young Man: “That’s because I’m carrying all of your luggage!”
Disciple Nobleman: “What of it?”
Little Sister Maid: “Yeah.”
Disciple Nobleman: “I’m a nobleman, after all.”
Little Sister Maid: “I’m a girl.”
Resourceful Young Man: “So I have to carry your luggage?!”
Disciple Nobleman: “Didn’t I save your life?”
Little Sister Maid: “Yep, yep.”
Resourceful Young Man: “So now I’m your slave!”
Disciple Nobleman: “With that impertinence, I’m inclined to take this rapier* and slice your neck into some delicious food.”
Little Sister Maid: “I wonder how that would taste like!”
Disciple Nobleman: “Probably terrible. Maybe I should poke you another arsehole?”
Little Sister Maid: “That sounds good
Volume 3 Chapter 7, “You Are Not bandits.”
———— The Kingdom of White Night, the Palace of White Night
Strategist: “Haha. I congratulate you on this splendid victory.”
General of the Pale: “This is all thanks to the excellence of your intelligence. Please convey my thanks to the Crown Prince Marshal on behalf of the Tribe of the Demons of the Pale.”
Strategist: “Understood… And the Sigiled King? I hear he has deposed the old one and achieved many great feats while commanding the Tribe of the Pale?”
General of the Pale: “His Majesty is resting in order to recuperate his strength.”
Strategist: “I see…”
General of the Pale: “His Majesty is also extremely grateful for the assistance of the Holy Empire. This is how things should be in the beginning, should it not? We are the Race of Demons, we bring the White Night.”
Strategist: “I suppose so, hahaha.”
General of the Pale: “We are now fully in control and have no intention of relinquishing this.”
Strategist: “Thank you very much for that.”
General of the Pale: “And now to business.”
Strategist: “Yes.”
General of the Pale: “Firstly, we would like to know what we can hope to receive in compensation for taking down the Kingdom of White Night.”
Strategist: “The Tribe of the Pale now has new lands in the Surface World… Is that not enough?”
General of the Pale: “Did we not win that by our sheer strength? The Holy Empire invested nothing into that. That is a very poor transaction.”
Strategist: “I understand what you are saying… In that case, perhaps I might be able to add something to that thing we agreed on before.”
General of the Pale: “Yes. Just as you requested, we have brought along most of the product in our country. In order to move that many goods, my soldiers had to carry them man-to-man and as a result we are significantly lacking in food and weaponry.”
Strategist: “Then what do you think if I buy these goods from you at a high price? Would you consider that a transaction?”
General of the Pale: “I would be very happy for that.”
Strategist: “How much of the product do you have?”
General of the Pale: “Hmm.”
Strategist: “Approximately how much did you bring with you?”
General of the Pale: “I have 900 caravans worth.”
Strategist: “I see… In that case, I will buy that with three times the amount of food and enough weaponry for 4,000 men. What do you think?”
General of the Pale: “Saltpetre is a fairly valuable material. I believe five times the amount of food and the same amount of weaponry would be a fair agreement.”
Strategist: “…I understand.”
General of the Pale: “I will hand over half the saltpetre. We will give you the rest at least before the neighbouring countries have fallen.”
Strategist: “…Very good.”
General of the Pale: “When can you send over the food?”
Strategist: “Let me think… Since we’re only doing half the transaction first, I suppose it shouldn’t take long.”
General of the Pale: “In that case, I will arrange for someone to send the goods over. We are now about to reach our intelligence gathering units for the wars with the neighbouring countries.”
Strategist: “As to be expected from the ferocious Tribe of the Pale.”
Intelligence Officer: “Report!”
General of the Pale: “Go ahead.”
Intelligence Officer: “The Survey Corps* have been equipped. We are now ready to deploy!”
General of the Pale: “We must be in time for the end of His Majesty’s meditation.”
Intelligence Officer: “Yes!”
Strategist: “The Kingdom of Metal, then?”
General of the Pale: “Just something for us to grind our teeth on.”
Strategist: “Out of the three Kingdoms of the South, they are the one with the most sufficient army. I suppose you will be expecting some resistance, though you are very reassured about that.”
General of the Pale: “Indeed… Eh?”
Strategist: “What is it?”
General of the Pale: “No, nothing.”
———- The Plains of Scilla, the Hinterland of the Kingdom of Metal
Wind blows through the grass…
The Female Paladin: “A very well-prepared formation.”
Minister of Winter: “So it would seem. Even though 3,500 is a fairly large number…”
The Female Paladin: “I suppose our army will increase?”
Minister of Winter: “Indeed. I see we have a very astute commander.”
Disciple Soldier: “Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “Disciple Soldier!”
Disciple Soldier: “Hahahahahaha! It has been a long time! I’d thought I’d never see you again! But then again, I knew I would someday!”
Metal Lieutenant: “Don’t tell me, this is?!”
Disciple Soldier: “That is correct! Before you stands one of the three brave Companions of the Hero, the Grandmaster of the Holy Order of the Lake, and the Grand Commander of the Combined Armed Forces of the Tripartite Union! They have called her the Paladin of Destruction! The Queen of Power! The Unbreakable Wall! My teacher, my mentor, the Female Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “You haven’t grown a bit.”
Minister of Winter: “Hahahahahaha.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Hahahahaha.”
The Female Paladin: “That was embarrassing. But I’m the Female Paladin. I will be taking up the position as the Commander for this battle. Your unit, the Border Security Division, will come under my command.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Understood! Please come into the pavilion!”
Disciple Soldier: “Heh… And I thought I would be the commander.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-————————-
Explanation
Survey Corps: These are soldiers who are trained to survey the land and its forms and to make maps outlining the terrain and the ways it can be advantageous. It is extremely foolish to get into a battle on a battlefield you know nothing about. For this reason, if battles are to be fought on unknown territory, survey corps are sent to survey the terrain. In reverse, by annihilating the survey corps, the enemy can delay the advance of the army or force them to fight in unfamiliar situations, making them vulnerable to threats. The Army of the Pale places much emphasis on the manoeuvrability and speed of its survey corps and hence the entire unit is mounted.
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———— The Plains of Scilla, the Barracks of the Kingdom of Metal
The Female Paladin: “So, I’ve read that you’ve fought here before?”
Disciple Soldier: “I have. Bring the map.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Yes.”
Lays out map.
The Female Paladin: “Hmm.”
Disciple Soldier: “This is close to the source of the River of Purple Tears which flows through the Kingdom of Metal and the Kingdom of Ice. The spring water from the thawing snow in the mountains flows through countless rivers, streams, and small rivulets resulting in the inundation of the Plains of Scilla, which is practically a swampland.”
Minister of Winter: “Hmm.”
Disciple Soldier: “It is full of water so it could potentially be a very rich land with easy access to irrigation but at present it’s a terrible place for crops, swamps, and peat bogs*. However, close by is a large area which we can use for our army. Furthermore, this could be a gathering point for any army intending to pass from the Kingdom of White Night to the Kingdom of Metal. They would have to pass through various mountain passes and rough terrain but they could be here in two days, hence I have put stronger forms of surveillance in place.”
The Female Paladin: “And how are the sentries done?”
Disciple Soldier: “Each sentry unit is activated for half-a-day rotations, sentry is done as per normal.”
The Female Paladin: “Hmm, I’ll pass you first.”
Disciple Soldier gulps.
Metal Lieutenant: “Sir, you’re looking pale.”
Disciple Soldier: “The days I spent with the Female Paladin were fruitful but stressful, I can’t stop the cold sweat.”
The Female Paladin: “Right then, now comes the real thing.”
Disciple Soldier nods.
The Female Paladin: “We have 2,000 men at present. 500 cavalrymen and 1,500 infantrymen. They are by any counts proper soldiers with good training and decent battlefield experience.”
Disciple Soldier: “This formation and the nearby areas can give us 3,500 soldiers. All of them are proper soldiers who are fairly well-trained and have been under my command for some time now.”
Metal Lieutenant: “So in total, we have 5,500 men. We will have to recalculate how much provisions and salaries we will require.”
The Female Paladin: “The enemy is at largest 2500 strong. We do not know their strength, their equipment, nor their tactics but we are certain that they have both cavalry and archers. The cavalry are equipped with spears and the rest are generally comprised of infantry men with shields and shortswords.”
Disciple Soldier: “And the archers are longbowmen?”
The Female Paladin: “We do not have information about that. But they are fairly effective.”
Disciple Soldier: “Hmm. Then we don’t know what we’re up against.”
The Female Paladin: “Indeed.”
Disciple Soldier: “Based on our reports, the cavalry are equipped with gold-plated armour.”
The Female Paladin: “Heavy cavalry…”
Disciple Soldier: “The first thing we can say is that—”
The Female Paladin: “Let’s hear it.”
Disciple Soldier: “The enemy commander is no fool, and he is not a hesitant but a patient leader. It is clear that this Tribe of the Pale is very well-equipped, well-disciplined, and splendidly trained soldiers.”
The Female Paladin: “I feel the same way.”
Disciple Soldier: “Added to the fact that they have four times our number, if we were to engage them in a conventional war, our fate would almost surely be complete defeat.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-————————-
Explanation
Peat Bog: This refers to soil rich in peat. This tends to form in marshes and wetlands and since peat succumbs easily to pressure and caves in often, it is not a good terrain for marching through as horses may easily sink and get stuck in it.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
The Female Paladin: “Indeed.”
Disciple Soldier: “And so we have to use some kind of strategy, but the first thing we need to do is to figure out what our final objective is. Without knowing our objective, we will not be able to construct a reliable strategy.”
The Female Paladin: “A good observation.”
Disciple Soldier: “I put all my attention into studying the arts of war.”
The Female Paladin: “So, you’re the Minister for Defence, right? What do you think our objective should be?”
Disciple Soldier: “To protect the people.”
The Female Paladin: “Which people?”
Disciple Soldier: “Of course, this includes the Kingdom of White Night.”
The Female Paladin: “Then we only have one objective. We will destroy the Tribe of the Pale and liberate the Kingdom of White Night.”
Minister of Winter: “Wait just a moment. At present, we don’t even know if we will be able to survive, if the Kingdom will not be destroyed, and you want to talk about liberating the Kingdom of White Night?!”
Metal Lieutenant: “That’s right! Why should we care about those traitors in the Kingdom of White Night anyway!”
The Female Paladin: “What do you have to say to that?”
Disciple Soldier: “No matter what, even though our battle objectives may change, we should always set our final objectives for the entirety of the campaign, right? If we try for the ultimate objective, we’ll be able to set our intermediate goals as well.”
Metal Lieutenant: “…”
The Female Paladin: “Right, so let’s get to the question at hand.”
Disciple Soldier: “Indeed. First, let us hide the difference in our numbers.”
The Female Paladin: “Ho, so you’re doing that?”
Disciple Soldier: “This was done in ancient times as well. It is a feature of just and noble governance to acquire the lessons of the past. Isn’t that something you taught me?”
The Female Paladin: “We have refused soldiers from the Kingdom of Ice, and the 3,000 infantrymen from the Kingdom of Winter will only arrive in a week’s time.”
Minister of Winter: “Yes, they are already moving as fast as they can.”
Disciple Soldier: “I will go and call on the Settler Militia.”
The Female Paladin: “What use are they?”
Disciple Soldier: “We have had good results from using them as combat engineers.”
The Female Paladin: “Terrain then.”
Disciple Soldier: “Terrain indeed.”
The Female Paladin: “But like you said before, the enemy are no fools, right? Would a general commanding a force of heavy cavalry really choose a marshland as a battleground? It would be understandable if he has no knowledge of the terrain ahead but it would be strange if he did not send scouts or observers to the battleground.”
Disciple Soldier: “We will have to bait him then.”
The Female Paladin: “Bait, huh.”
Disciple Soldier: “Madam.”
The Female Paladin: “What’s with the change of mood, this is weird.”
Disciple Soldier: “I’ve been thinking about this for a very, very long time, but you truly have the most perfect and exquisite features. From your eyes which shine like radiant crystals to your rose-coloured lips to your rich, sleek hair. You are truly a goddess, capable of commanding the attention of everybody who looks upon you.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Uhh.”
Minister of Winter: “What a thing to say to the Grand Commander.”
The Female Paladin: “Wh-what are you saying?!”
Disciple Soldier: “No, no, I am not trying to flatter you. On top of that, you are the most capable commander ever to grace the Tripartite Union of the Southern Kingdoms; truly the Female General of legend.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Uhh—”
Disciple Soldier: (Softly) “I’m praising her.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Eh?”
Disciple Soldier: (Softly) “I’m praising her intently. I want you to join me.”
The Female Paladin: “What are you doing?”
Disciple Soldier: “I have dreamt of the days under which I fight beneath your banner.”
Metal Lieutenant: “Yes! Every soldier in the Three Kingdoms yearns for nothing less than the opportunity to fight with you.”
Minister of Winter: “That’s the truth, I now know this is the same in the Kingdom of Winter.”
The Female Paladin: “What the hell is this about?”
Disciple Soldier: “Please, there is no need to be humble. This is truly the consensus of our army, is it not? Come! Everyone together!”
Metal Lieutenant and Minister of Winter nod.
Disciple Soldier: “Everybody! Long live the Female Paladin!”
Metal Lieutenant and Minister of Winter: “Long live the Female Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “Hey, you guys, stop!”
Disciple Soldier: “Everybody! Long live the most brilliant and radiant Female Paladin!”
Metal Lieutenant and Minister of Winter: “Long live the Female Paladin!”
The Female Paladin: “Alright, stop! I’ve had enough of this nonsense!” Slaps head.
Disciple Soldier: “Oww. And that’s how you bait someone.”
The Female Paladin: “Eh?”
Disciple Soldier: “The most delicious bait that is bound to make these Demons of the Pale drool all over themselves is you!”
————– Continental Highway, a Pasture for Sheep
Rumble, rumble.
Shepherd Boy: “Hey, what’s that?”
Shepherd Girl: “The whole ground is shaking? …Eh? What’s that?”
Shepherd Boy: “People. Lots of people!”
Shepherd Girl: “What is going on?!”
Rumble, rumble.
— All is as the Spirit wills it — All is as the Spirit wills it
Shepherd Boy: “What a lot of people. Ah, it’s an army.”
Shepherd Girl: “But with this many soldiers, it can’t be a normal lord’s army. No, it can’t even be a normal king’s army…”
Travelling Merchant: “What, haven’t you guys heard?”
Shepherd Boy: “Oh, you’re the Travelling Merchant.”
Shepherd Girl: “What’s this? What’s happening?”
Travelling Merchant: “His Holiness the Primarch has mustered the Third Holy Crusade.”
Shepherd Boy: “Holy…”
Shepherd Girl: “Crusade?”
Travelling Merchant: “Yeah, that’s right.”
— All is as the Spirit wills it — All is as the Spirit wills it
Travelling Merchant: “His Holiness the Primarch has called for a massive army in order to destroy those Demons who dare to humiliate and defile our Holy Spirit of Light.”
Shepherd Boy: “They can’t all be nobles?”
Travelling Merchant: “No, there are even serfs among them.”
Shepherd Boy: “To that extent…”
Marching.
Shepherd Girl: “How amazing. It’s almost as if the world is about to end…”
Travelling Merchant: “I came from the Northwest and the same thing is going on there. It’s lasted for days on end. There’re a lot of people everywhere.”
Shepherd Boy: “Do you think they would buy mutton?”
Travelling Merchant: “Yeah, I think so? There are a lot of people following them, even prostitutes and beggars, all trying to profit from their needs.”
Shepherd Boy: “I think I’ll follow them for a while.”
Shepherd Girl: “Isn’t it kind of scary? You shouldn’t go.”
Travelling Merchant: “I have no interest in this sort of thing as well.”
Shepherd Boy: “But we could make something. I’m going to go.”
Shepherd Girl: “Hey, wait for me, I’m coming too!”
—————- The Plains of Scilla, behind a Ridge
Soft treading…
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “How is it?”
Archer Calvary: “This entire area seems to correspond to it.”
Scout of the Pale: “What a large plain.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Yes, on the map it seems to be 15km in length.”
Archer Calvary: “So, what should we look at?”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “First, scout out this ridge.”
Scout of the Pale: “Understood.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Be quick about it. Draw up measurements for how many rows of soldiers can advance comfortably on these plains.”
Scout of the Pale: “Understood.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “How is the terrain?”
Archer Calvary: “Most of it is grassy plains but there are many wet areas and some parts of it look to be slippery peat bogs.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Hmm.”
Archer Calvary: “What do you think?”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “How would cavalry perform?”
Archer Calvary: “Light cavalry should have no issues but it may be difficult for the heavy cavalry. If a horse were to lose its footing, it might not be able to get up again. However, it may be possible to avoid the marshlands and navigate through the grassy areas…”
Scout of the Pale: “But marshlands are disadvantageous even for light infantry.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “It is much worse than it looks. It seems like the extent of usable terrain is somewhat limited.”
Archer Calvary: “What a formidable terrain.”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “Archer Cavalry, please dismount and check the terrain from here to the centre of the plains. Note down as much of the marshlands, flatlands, and hilly terrain as you are able to. Many of these look like plains but are actually wet marshes, these are unsuitable in combat. Measure the centre area very carefully and if you encounter any enemies, avoid direct confrontation and gather as much intelligence on them as possible.”
Archer Calvary: “Understood.”
Dismounts.
Scout of the Pale: “Yes?”
Reconnaissance Leader of the Pale: “So these are scilla flowers. — Hmph, the invincible Tribe of the Pale shall easily crush these Humans just as we crush these weak plants under our boots.”
—————– The Southern Border, in a Deeply Forested Wood
Hoot, hoot, hoot.
Resourceful Young Man flinches.
Little Sister Maid: “It’s just Mr. Owl.”
Resourceful Young Man: “I know that!”
Caw, caw, caw, wings flapping.
Resourceful Young Man: “?!”
Disciple Nobleman: “Come now, young man. Why are you so panicky about everything? You’re scaring the birds with your nervousness.”
Little Sister Maid: “You’re slow.”
Resourceful Young Man: “That’s because I’m carrying all of your luggage!”
Disciple Nobleman: “What of it?”
Little Sister Maid: “Yeah.”
Disciple Nobleman: “I’m a nobleman, after all.”
Little Sister Maid: “I’m a girl.”
Resourceful Young Man: “So I have to carry your luggage?!”
Disciple Nobleman: “Didn’t I save your life?”
Little Sister Maid: “Yep, yep.”
Resourceful Young Man: “So now I’m your slave!”
Disciple Nobleman: “With that impertinence, I’m inclined to take this rapier* and slice your neck into some delicious food.”
Little Sister Maid: “I wonder how that would taste like!”
Disciple Nobleman: “Probably terrible. Maybe I should poke you another arsehole?”
Little Sister Maid: “That sounds good
