The next morning, as the sky began to take on an orange hue, Elena gazed at the Oltmere army camped in the far distance from the top of the turret set up on the city walls.
　The cold breeze blowing down from the mountains dominated Elena's hair.
(They're getting much more impatient, aren't they?)
　A warlord's sense of smell, having lived on the battlefield for many years, was able to detect subtle differences in the air.
　Due to his physical strengthening through martial arts, his eyes, which had better-than-normal vision, could clearly see the enemy's line of fire a few kilometers away.
''It's finally coming...''
　Elena mutters in her mind as she stares at the white smoke that rises countless times.
　The possibility of smoke rising on the battlefield is limited.
　Perhaps, given the time, she's preparing for breakfast.

''Good morning, Elena-sama. It looks like the enemy is finally going to try to play a desperate game........

　After a beautiful voice like a bell ringing from behind Elena, Ecclesia appears on top of the turret with a group of knights as her guards.
Even though it's early in the morning, her glossy black hair is carefully combed out.
　The faint scent of perfume oil or something like that tickles your nose.
　With her graceful demeanor, there is no question that she is the daughter of a deep window of a venerable nobleman. But what she wears is not a silk dress, but a rugged steel armor.
　Numerous fine scars can be seen on its surface.
　It's proof that Ecclesia isn't just a doll.

''Good morning, Ecclesia it looks like it.

　Elena continued to stare at the rising smoke without looking back.

''It's roughly what Mikoshiba-sama expected.

　Shoulder to shoulder next to Elena, Ecclesia held out her hand and looked forward.

'It looks like you're going to make sure they get a good breakfast and eat their fill they probably won't back off after nightfall.

　Once the battle has begun, unlike Elena and her team, which has the defensive facilities of a fort, the Altomere Army on the siege side has no time to eat until the troops are drawn.
　Of course, it's not that they don't have portable preservative food, but the only things they can eat without cooking are nuts and dried fruit.　
　It's probably better than having nothing to eat, but it's not exactly a great way to energize yourself for battle.
Besides, the temperature in the Ushas Basin is low due to the unique climate of the highlands.
　It was absolutely necessary to fill their bellies well in the morning, when the battle had not begun.
　That commander's thoughts are expressed in the smoke that rises more than usual.

''I see.......it's a night battle?''

　At Elena's words, Ecclesia lifted her shapely lips and smiled.
　Conducting a night war requires a lot of preparation.
　It is natural for a commander to want to take all the steps he can before the war begins.　
　However, no matter how careful the preparations are, they are meaningless if they can be detected by the other side.
　If you can see your opponent's movements, you can take any number of countermeasures.

To be more precise, they will probably continue to attack us throughout the night. Considering the strength of their troops, divide them into three or four units and don't rest your attackers' hands...

You are trying to undermine our morale and energy.

　Ecclesia nodded as she put a finger to her chin.
　The smoke of cooking brings a lot of information to those who see it.
　Starting with the food situation of the army, from the morale of the soldiers to the intentions of the enemy's commanders, there are so many different things....
　However, there are only a few people who can read this information from the mere smoke that rises up.
　Whether you can read it or not is the difference between the general and other soldiers.

''Then how do we deal with it?

　Although it was in the form of a question, Ecclesia's words contained a strong conviction.
　She has already decided on the move she will make under this situation.
　Seeing Ecclesia's eyes shining like diamonds, Elena gave a bitter smile.
　It's like a child being ordered by their mother to wait with sweets in front of them.

''Well, don't you think it's time to get tired of hiding in the fort and fighting?

Yes, I have to admit, I don't like passivity in love or warfare.

　At Elena's words, Ecclesia cowered her shoulders and replied.
　The true value of Ecclesia, which is known as the stormy wind, is invasion warfare.
　Blitzkrieg surprise attack using overwhelming mobility is the greatest weapon that Ecclesia Marielle has.

''Then isn't this just the right time...?

　It was a conversation between the same generals.
　Elena's words were enigmatic, but Ecclesia could accurately read her intentions.
　This time, among the reinforcements that Ecclesia led, there were her direct troops mixed in.
　Until now, they have not been blessed with opportunities to play an active role in defensive battles, but once they go on the offensive, they will bare their fearsome fangs to vent their frustrations up to now and tear apart Oltmere's soldiers without mercy.

It's a good idea to take advantage of the fact that you are able to get the most out of your time with the help of Elena-sama. Apparently, I'm not very good at defensive battles.''

　Elena shook her head at Ecclesia's words, a self-proclaimed weakness for passivity.
　After spending the past few months together, Elena fully recognized the ability she had.
　And the same thing could be said from Ecclesia's point of view.

''Oh, and I'll contact Grahart from here........''

Are you sure you can make it now in time?

　Elena smiled bitterly at Ecclesia's words as she nodded her head.

''It's okay. I'm sure he's one of the best people in the country. I'm sure he'll adapt well to you, right?

　Although he has been overshadowed by General Berhares, who has been called a great general, and is not well received by the people around him, Elena appreciates Grahardt's ability and loyalty to the Zaruda royal family.
　He is a man of ability, but has little loyalty. A person who is loyal but incompetent.
　In the midst of many such people, Grahart was a rare person to have both at a high level.
　It is clear from the fact that the command of the forts scattered throughout the mountains has been entrusted to Grahart.

''I understand. 　

　Sensing this, Ecclesia bowed gracefully to Elena and turned on her heel.
　A fierce and meaningful smile was floating on her face.
　Like a she-wolf that finds its prey and licks its tongue.......


Hey, come on!　Your commanding officer will have you arrested!

It's true. I can't wait to be woken up in the morning to tell you how much I love it. I can't stand it.

　Complaint after complaint leaked out of the mouths of the soldiers who lined up in front of the cauldron.
　Originally, mealtime equals war.
　The soup that is gurgling and steaming in the cauldrons set up here and there is a lot of steam, but it's just barely enough to keep all the soldiers full.
　If they faltered, at worst they would just sip the soup without any ingredients.
　For lower-ranking soldiers, who are often on the front lines even on the battlefield, the quantity and quality of their food is an important part of their lives.

　On top of that, today, they are waking up earlier than usual due to orders from above.
　It was natural for the soldiers to be frustrated.

Why don't you shut up? Why don't you talk to your bosses?

　One of the big-bodied cooks taps the edge of the iron pot with his balls and glares around with angry eyes.
　He is wearing a white apron and a white shirt. He is dressed quite normally for a cook around here, but his chest plate is thick and his arms are as thick as logs.
　Probably, he must have actually fought on the battlefield.
　His spirit and power silence the ruffians around him.

It's not even a matter of convenience for us, they just give us all sorts of crazy orders........　Oh, come on!　You dawdle and I'll kick your ass!

　He muttered a small complaint to his superiors in his mouth so that those around him wouldn't hear him, and then yelled at the soldier who was appealing to him with his eyes to pour more.
　The rationing of food is the part of the battlefield that he cares about the most.
　If a soldier felt the slightest difference from his surroundings, he would bite without hesitation.
　No, they will threaten to give you special treatment if you show the slightest chance.
　If you lose to that, you can't be a cook. It's good enough to be feared.

"I'm not going to be able to get a promotion because of that...

　The cook's guard spat out a small amount and looked out of the camp with a suspicious frown.
　I'm sure you'll be able to feel the earth trembling on the soles of your feet.　
　At first it's just a small discomfort, but the vibrations transmitted from the sole of the foot become more and more obvious.
(Earth rumbling...?)
　The soldiers around them must have noticed it too.
　They all stopped eating and looked around.

'An earthquake no, no. It's the sound of a horseshoe!

Enemy attack!　The enemy is coming!

What have the scouts been doing?

"What the hell are you waiting for? It's no time to worry about the food!

　The shouts of the intuited soldiers came from all over the camp, and the shouts of the soldiers were wood spirits.
　And in the next moment, countless arrows rained down from the sky like rain!