In response to the advancing Lemurian army, the Republic of Adleria immediately chose a siege war.
　Its troops numbered about 500.

　On the other hand, the Lemurian army led by Darios, including Nia's rangers, surrounded the Lemurian army.

　The difference in strength was about four times that of the Lemurian army, enough to put it under complete siege.
　However, if you want to force it down, ...... it's a bit of a long shot.

We've completed our reconnaissance, General.
How'd it go?

　Darius asked Nia when she returned.
　Nia had attacked the enemy lightly, just to test the waters.

　Nia's rangers were trained to work as both cavalry and infantry.
　It is possible to approach a thinly defended area with cavalry and dismount to attack .......

You can also dismount and attack . "Frankly speaking, it would be difficult to forcefully attack down. I chose a weakly defended area and attempted to launch a surprise attack, but was met with a fierce counterattack. We are mainly mercenaries, but our morale is not low.

　Although they are mercenaries, they are soldiers who have long-term employment contracts with the Republic of Adleria, like a standing army.
　It's only natural that their skill level and morale are high.

The presence of citizen soldiers has also been confirmed. We have also confirmed the presence of citizen soldiers. ...... Their skill level is not low.
"Well, ......, I suppose. The Republic of Adluria is a small country that has fended off invasions by major powers on numerous occasions. Its citizens have a lot of guts.

　Originally, Darios was a mercenary captain from the west.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. The rangers led by General Nia are the only cavalry force we have. I look forward to their performance.

　Cavalry is useless in a siege.
　But against an enemy who wants to break through the siege and get outside information and supplies, they are a good match and can be expected to perform well.

Yes. I'm not going to let a single ant escape.
Good. ...... Well, as for the information that you have defeated the enemy in the Pasta Plain, I dare you to let it pass.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　The Lemurian Empire's strategy has been to move north and south.

　The Lemurian Empire's strategy is not to pin the Kingdom of Edelna down from the north and south. ......
　It is not.

Will King Ludwig I really come over the mountains?
"Well?　But you said he would. Then he will come.

　Both the Republic of Adluria and the Kingdom of Edelna are important allies and dependents of the Fulling Kingdom.
　In particular, the Republic of Adluria's port of Adluria and the Kingdom of Edelna's port of Edelna are important gateways for the Fulling Kingdom, not to mention the importance of the city of Lemuria.

　The loss of these three would inevitably lead to a loss of authority for King Ludwig I.

"Ludwig I is a prudent man. He is a cautious man. Therefore, he will not easily challenge us with a large army of about 15,000 men. That was your biggest concern.

　But that doesn't mean that he won't come to the aid of the Kingdom of Edelna or the Republic of Adorlia.
　There are many ways to fight.
　In fact, it is rare for a decisive battle to occur in war.

　King Ludwig I avoided a frontal battle and forced a passive battle.
　Although the knights of the Fullerling Kingdom are known for their chivalry, it is already well known in the western world that they are more like bandits.

　If they see that they cannot win, they will run away without hesitation.

　Therefore, if you want to defeat the Fullerling Kingdom and crush King Ludwig I, you must attack him directly.
　However, the region of Gaul, where Ludwig I is based, is beyond the limits of what the Lemurian Empire's army can do.
　This means that Hercule cannot invade the Kingdom of Fulling.

　It is necessary to challenge King Ludwig I to a decisive battle in the Kingdom of Edelna.

Therefore, by dividing his forces into three, he will create a situation in which Ludwig I will be able to win the battle. It's a dangerous strategy. ......

　Nia paused.
　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it to make a lot of money.

　Therefore, Ludwig I will always challenge him to a fight.
　Of course, with an army nearly as large as the one led by Hercule.

"It's true that if His Majesty on the Pasta Plain is defeated, we'll be strategically divided. It would be very bad.

　Ludwig I would have the chance to defeat both Garufis, who was attacking the Kingdom of Edelna from the south, and Darius, who was besieging the Republic of Adelia.
　Even if it were not so, the morale of the soldiers would be lowered if Hercule, who had lowered the sign that he was always undefeated, was defeated.

But your Majesty will not be defeated.
"That's true.

　The two of them decided to trust their lord.



　
　On the other hand, the main army led by Hercule - although most of its main force was allied forces - was marching smoothly across the Pasta Plain.
　The infantry force consisted of one infantry corps and three battalions of archers from the Imperial Army, and one corps from the Kingdom of Chelda. The total was 276,000.
　The cavalry force consists of one legion of Bulgaron cavalry and three battalions of Red Wolves. Total: 156,000.
　The total number of troops was 432,000.

　From the perspective of the entire Lemurian Imperial Army, which is about 15,000 strong, its strength is about one-third, but if you take logistics into account, its strength is close to its limit.

　The limit of gathering troops in one place for a long period of time is around 50,000.

　Now, the main force led by Hercule ......
　There was a problem that was bothering Hercule.

It's a good idea not to drag your feet at all. You b*tc*.


You're the dog. You half-breed!
You misshapen long-eared monkey!
Did you hear that, Your Majesty?　He called the long-eared people long-eared monkeys!
"Apes are only for the savage Bulgurons.
Don't talk to me like a dog!
You're the dog, aren't you?　I'm a wolf, for God's sake!
What do I look like to you?　Are your eyeballs made of glass?

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　The reason why he incorporated these two into his army was because he thought that only he could control them.

　Originally, the two of them were extremely proud.
　Alicia is willing to submit to Hercule, but she has no intention of submitting to the Lemurian Empire, and Sonia has not abandoned the supremacy of the beastmen because Hercule is special to her, and her anti-Lemurian sentiment is still alive and well.

　In addition, Alicia and Sonia are leading an army that is unwilling to listen to any orders other than those of their lord or her husband, Hercule. --The allied forces.

　Under the command of Darios or Galfis, their power would not be fully demonstrated, and they might even become arbitrary and violate orders.
　After all, both of them do not doubt their own military prowess, and will not hesitate to overthrow any order that goes against their will.

　That's why it was necessary to keep these two under Hercule's watchful eye, but they were extremely incompatible with each other. 　
　They argued night and day.

　Fortunately, they use the Lemurian language in their arguments.

　Therefore, their disagreement is not known to the soldiers.
　The story changes at the officer level, though, because they understand Lemurian.

Alicia, Sonia.
"Yes!

　The two reply in unison.
　It's a great way to get to know each other, but it's also a great way to get to know each other.

It's okay to fight in peacetime. But on the battlefield, you must help each other. Obey my orders and do what I tell you to do, no matter how personal.

"Yes, sir!

　And they both respond in unison.
　Uncertain if they really understood what he was saying, Hercule decided to ask them about the future plan.

"You remember what was decided in the military council, right?　Where are we going now?　Sonia.
Edelna City, the capital and port city of the Kingdom of Edelna.
Tell me why, Alicia.
For one thing, to secure logistics. The other is to lure King Fulling.

　Hercule was a little relieved that she seemed to understand what she had to do.
　To be sure, he asked further.

"What is the enemy's strength?　Do you remember?
"Forty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry.

　Sonia answered.
　We have already confirmed that about 50,000 troops are gathered in Edelna, the capital.

Do you have any idea how the enemy is going to challenge us?
"I believe they will challenge us to a decisive battle in the field.

　Alicia replied.
　From a purely military point of view, the Kingdom of Edelna should hold the siege until the reinforcements of King Ludwig I arrive.
　But politically and diplomatically, the choice is not easy for the Kingdom of Edelna.

　The Flaring Kingdom is interfering in Edelna's internal affairs more and more every day.
　If they ask for reinforcements, it is obvious that they will be completely subjugated.

　Therefore, the Kingdom of Edelna will not wait for the help of the Fulling Kingdom.
　In fact, they probably haven't even asked for help.
　And if they don't rely on reinforcements, then they can't choose a siege war. ...... Therefore, they will be forced to choose the field battle.

　Fortunately, the Lemurian Empire's main army is smaller in number than Edelna's, and the majority of it is a hodgepodge of foreign troops.
　So there is a good chance of victory. The Kingdom of Edelna must be thinking that.

　This is the prediction of Hercule.

　Hercule also thinks that "King Ludwig I will cross the mountain range without waiting for a call for reinforcements.

If you know that, good for you. ...... We can't afford to lose to Edelna before we can face the Fullerings. You will ...... be victorious.

"Yes, Your Majesty.



　A week later, a massive field battle broke out between the Lemurian Empire and the Kingdom of Edelna, a hundred kilometers from Edelna City.
　The majority of the Lemurian Empire's forces were a hodgepodge of foreign allies, and they had a reputation for poor coordination. ......


　In just one day, Edelna's army was destroyed.
　The Kingdom of Edelna had to pay a painful price.

　At the same time, the Bradamantes crossed the Great Mountains.