The tent of the Oltmere camp clearly appeared in front of Ecclesia, who ran out of the Ushas fort.
　I'm sure it's at a distance of three hundred to four hundred meters.
　Normally this distance would not be within the effective range of the bow, but Ecclesia doesn't mind giving the order.

''Prepare for the second shot!　Don't hesitate. We'll let the tapering and the rain of arrows rain down on the Oltmere dogs!

　Receiving Ecclesia's proclamation, the knights on horseback, who were galloping, pulled their bows down again.

''Let go!''

　The sword in Ecclesia's hand was swung down towards Oltmere's camp.
　Countless bows resound in the Ushas Basin, where dawn has yet to break.
　What they have in their hands is a small bow with a unique curve. The shape of the bow is similar to that used by Turkish bows and nomads.
　In the land world where large bows called "long bows" are often used, it is quite an unusual shape.
　At least in the western continent, it is rare.
It is certainly a convenient shape to use on horseback. But of course, it's not all good.
　It is small and fast firing and easy to handle on horseback, but on the other hand, it is a step behind longbows in distance and penetration.
The bow itself is only found in the earth world, and for a certain reason, it has not been used much in the past.
　The greatest weapon in warfare is a body strengthened by martial arts.
That was the common sense in the Earth World.
But this bow in the hands of the Knights led by Ecclesia was different in every way.　
　It is the most advanced weapon in the earth world, which the Mist Kingdom has invested a long time and a huge amount of money in developing and improving.
　It was a fusion of technology imported from the central continent and technology developed independently by the Mist Kingdom, taking advantage of the characteristics of a trading nation.
Compared to the common round wooden bow made from a single material, the composite bow, which is made of various animal skins and bones on top of a thin sheet of metal, boasts such a strong tension that it is impossible for an ordinary human to even draw it.
　It's a product that is difficult for an ordinary human to even draw a bow.
　I'm sure it's not even possible when it comes to shooting from an unstable horse.
　It's no wonder that the base was used as a crossbow.
　It's not that I'm not a big fan of the idea.
　Of course, since it's shooting from a violently swinging horse, it can't be expected to have as much accuracy as standing on level ground, but in the current situation, there's no need to shoot with that much precision.
　As long as it reaches the wide Oltmere side of the camp, it's enough. That's the only thing that can unsettle the enemy soldiers.

''The enemy seems to be in a good state of confusion.......''

'Of course. "It's no wonder," he said, "they never dreamed they'd be ahead of us. It's all worth it, I suppose, after all these years of hiding in the fort and fighting only defensive battles that we don't like.

　At the words of the second-in-command who is running alongside her, Ecclesia lifts her lips in a grin and smiles.
It's a smile like a wild beast with its fangs bared in front of its prey.
No matter how sophisticated her normal demeanor is like that of a nobleman's daughter, her essence is the same fierce carnivorous beast as Mikoshiba Ryoma.
　And if she wasn't, there is no way she could have risen to the position of general of a country.

''Indeed........''

　To use a boxing analogy, from the start of the fight, I was on the defensive, and when my opponent got impatient and went on a big run to score with a blow, I gave him a sharp counter.

"I'm sure you know, but you don't have to do it. I've already prepared my next move.

　Receiving Ecclesia's meaningful gaze, the second-in-command nodded deeply.

''Don't worry. We know enough to know when to pull back, sir.''

　This surprise attack is only meant to spread the bleeding of the opponent.
Many layers of traps were laid.
　With a single blow, they would stop the breath of the Oltmere invasion force. This is just a stopgap measure until we are ready for that measure....　
　Ecclesia muttered softly as she looked at her entourage's back.

''You're so naive my lady. No matter how many troops you have, you can't win against me or Elena-sama.......and that man.

　Shardina's basic idea of deploying a large army is not wrong in terms of strategy.
　However, it is not the case that this philosophy is always the best.
　The greater the number of troops, the slower the movement of the army and the greater the rate of consumption of supplies.
Either experience or talent is absolutely necessary to operate a large army efficiently.
　The problem is that Shardina herself doesn't fully understand that........

Now, let the counterattack begin and let the power of the Kingdom of Mist burn in your eyes.

　It sounds good to say that it's a tri-nation alliance in the East, but it's only an alliance in times of warfare.
　If there's an opening, if there's an advantage, if there's an opportunity...
　The two sides are ready to bare their fangs to each other behind a smile.
　In that sense, the important thing in this war against the Altomere Empire is to show its military prowess and give the impression that it is not to be underestimated.
　Now that the end of the war is in sight, Ecclesia will play the trump card that she has developed.
　In order to show the power of her country....

If they attack us we will fall back!

　Ecclesia Mariner laughed, lifting her shapely, glossy lips as she watched them fumbling about in the camp.


'A message!　About 2,500 enemy troops attacked our camp by surprise!　Some hundreds of people may have been damaged by the shooting of the bow,

　The moment the report was brought, a plate of soup spilled out of Shardina's hand.
　The report was so unexpected that Shardina's thoughts stopped for a moment.
It was the same for Saito and Celia, who were sitting around the table together.
　And then, understanding the situation, a shout gushed out from Shardina's mouth.

''A surprise attack?　What were the scouts doing?　I would have strongly ordered you to be very careful about the movements of the fort!

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with the help of the company.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, the enemy's movement was too fast for us to get there in time.

　The messenger with an arrow in his shoulder bows his head to Shardina breathlessly.
　Seeing that figure, a small tongue strike escapes from Shardina's lips.　

It's a good thing. You're going to have to send a message to the various units to immediately counterattack!　

　No matter how many times we were told in advance, we were still caught by surprise.
(What's the matter with you.......that just as we were about to increase our offensive, you decided to spurn us......)
　Of course, Shardina was also wary of Zaruda's side's counterattack, but she was caught off guard before the gale force mobility of the Knights led by Ecclesia, which could be called a gale force thunderbolt.

''Your Highness!　Please wait. Be very careful here...

　It's a good thing that you're able to do this in a way that's not too difficult.

You can't take it too seriously," he said. You can't be sure of that. They came out of the fort from the other side?　What's the point of not playing the game now!　

''But, Your Highness, the Zaruda side, which had been holding a defensive position all this time, has gone on the offensive. It's possible that there is something behind this...

Yes, once we get the system back up and running!

　Saito nodded at Celia's words.
　Indeed, even if the first strike was good when they attacked with a force of only one knight's corps, there was no way it would continue afterwards.
　It is obvious that sooner or later they will be pushed by violence in numbers.
　If that's the case, what is Zaruda's aim?
　Thinking of this, Shardina inhales deeply and takes a deep breath.
(Calm down ... good, calm down ... where do they want to be?)
　A rain of arrows flying in a parabolic pattern from a long distance.
　It's true that they can reduce the number of troops a little, but it can't be a decisive blow.
　The first shot was fired from an unexpectedly long distance and seemed to cause a fair amount of damage, but once you shift to a fighting stance, the damage is much less.
　In particular, the armor worn by the knights who are the most important fighting force that determines the outcome of a battle should be able to make a small scratch with an ordinary bow.
(Then it's just harassment?　(No way....right?)
　It was certainly a starter, but that's all.
　Eventually the confusion will be calmed down and the Oltmere side's command will return to normal.
　The two thousand five hundred troops led by the enemy were too small to bring a head-on force offensive.

''Isn't there a possibility of decoys?''

　Shardina frowned formally at Saito's words.

''You want to focus our attention on the front and attack the fort from the flank?''

　Shardina, thinking for a moment, glanced at Celia's face as she stood beside her.

''No, I thought that was unlikely. Because the terrain around this encampment is flat, less undulating, and has a pretty good view.''

''Well I don't think any number of people would switch to such a hasty attack...''

Of course, it's not without possibility, but...

　The policy on the Zaruda side has been consistent since the beginning of the war.
　In order to reduce the damage as much as possible, they have been holed up in their forts, and have been committed to defensive warfare that utilizes the advantages of the land in conjunction with the forts that are scattered in the surrounding mountains.
　The possibility of a sudden change in that policy is infinitesimal.
(Then.........why now........)
　Every action always has a meaning.
　How quickly and accurately can you decipher that meaning?
　The answer to Shardina's question as she put her finger to her shapely chin and pondered was the message that came to the tent.

''Report!　Some of our troops have sailed from the main gate. They are pursuing Zaruda's men and advancing toward Fort Ushas!

　The moment he heard the report, all the things combined in Shardina's mind.
　And the moment the finished picture pops into his mind, something cold runs down Shardina's back.
(Caught.........?　(No way, is this what you're after?)
　That thought was confirmed by the sarcastic tone of the man standing at the entrance of the tent.

''This is a bit of a bad development.......Saito-kun, you must go and gather the knights immediately. You will need to be able to find a way to get the best out of the situation. To prevent them from going any further out of control.

Sudo-san....what does that mean....

　Unable to grasp the situation, Saito tries to walk up to Sudo.
　But Shardina blocked his move with her hand.

I'm sorry, Saito, but you need to come straight to me. Good?　Don't ever send any more troops out to fight!

　Things are a matter of seconds.
　I fully understand Rolf's competence, but insurance was certainly necessary.
　Just as Sudo said, it is indeed true that any further outbursts could be fatal to the invading army.
　At the strong light shining in Shardina's eyes, Saito stopped asking any more questions and ran out of the tent.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has the ability to do this. They seem to be well aware of the situation here. They are indeed generals with a long history of battle. It's a good thing that you're not the only one.

Shut your mouth for goodness sake. Sudo!

　At Shardina's angry voice, Sudo cowered his shoulders with his usual sarcastic smile.
　While glaring at that attitude with a sideways glance, Shardina sat down on a chair.

''Oh, light god Meneoce, please bless us please may the two of you somehow make it in time.

　A prayer to God, which was never usually uttered, escaped from Shardina's mouth.
　However, Celia, who was standing beside her, had no idea of the situation.

''Your Highness.......what the hell is going on.......''

　Shardina nuzzled her face into a clenched fist as if praying to God.
　Celia couldn't help but let out a word of surprise at the sight.