Early in the morning of the third day.
　Braus, who was stationed in the village of Dres, receives word that the city of Braus has fallen.
　Braus hurries to take back the city of Braus.

　Normally, he should have joined up with Domorgal's army, his main force.

　However, Braus was a wealthy family defending the borders of King Domorgal's country, so he was unaware of the high level of cavalry offensive power. Hence, he thought that if the enemy was five hundred, it would be enough to defeat them.

　Besides, he had a feeling that he couldn't wait around too long when his mansion had fallen and his family was being held captive.

　Thus, Braus left five hundred in the defence of the village of Dres and headed for the city of Braus with a forceful army of one thousand five hundred.






　On the third day, Rosais's army left the city of Braus late in the morning, packed the prisoners into wagons and carriages that had been captured in the city of Braus and left.
　They also got horses for transit, so they could carry much of the loot with them.
　The return trip was full of loot, so the march was slower than the trip, but still much faster than the infantry.

　Then, around noon, we came across two hundred cavalrymen of Domorgal's army.


　We met two hundred cavalrymen of Domorgal's army around noon. It's a good idea. We'll show you the power of our Equus tribe!

　As soon as they shouted that, the Equus tribe rushed out with great vigor.
　Then they took out their bows and fired at once.

　One after another, the two hundred cavalrymen of Domorgal's army were shot through, killing their momentum.

　As soon as the Equus approached Domorgal's army, they tucked their short bows behind their backs, took out their swords and spears, and charged.
　Being born cavalrymen, the Equus slaughtered Domorgal's army one by one.

　The Equus use a saddle provided by Almus.
　Since the native horsemen are using saddles and wielding spears and swords, the two hundred Domorgal armies astride barebacked horses have no chance against the Domorgal army.

　In the blink of an eye, the cavalry of Domorgal's army was wiped out.
　By the way, Domorgal's army lost one hundred men, eighty prisoners of war, and twenty who escaped.

　The Equus, on the other hand, had three dead and five wounded.

　It was an overwhelming battle.

　''You don't need us anymore, do you?
　Hey, don't say what you're not supposed to say!

　Rosward silenced Virgal.

　'Well, let's get to the interviews. There's no way there's only two hundred.'
　Muzio asks the enemy soldiers who have taken him prisoner.

　The information obtained is that Lord Blouse is on his way to the city of Blouse with one thousand five hundred.
　I heard that he left early in the morning, but it's a long way from the city of Braus to the village of Dres.

　We will probably not be able to meet them today.
　Although this one uses wagons, they are still transporting treasures and prisoners.




　Early morning on the third day, Terrier Fortress.




　At the moment, the military council of Domorgar's army was in great disagreement.

　There are two opinions: one is that we should withdraw, and the other is that we should continue the attack on the fortress.
　When the city of Braus has already fallen, it's obvious that they will have to retreat.

　But even the great families will not back down so easily.
　War requires money anyway.

　There was no way they could withdraw from the war when they hadn't made any money.
　If they were not, they could go bankrupt.

　"Let's pull out.

　Carlo, who had been silent all this time, spoke up.
　In an instant, things went quiet.

　'Yes, you're sure!'
　Tonino asks Carlo in a trembling voice.
　'If we retreat now, it will be impossible for Carlo to take the throne.

　'What choice do I have?　I think we should pull out now before the damage is too great. Fortunately, no major damage has been done yet. It's not too late to re-organize our strategy after we've eliminated the enemy from Braus territory. I think it's a lot better than getting stuck in the mud like this.

　Carlo, the Lord, said he was retreating.
　The generals, including Tonino, had no choice but to shut up.

　'I understand. Let's start preparing for the retreat. I will take over the Lord.'
　The military conference ended with Tonino's words.
　Domorgal's forces began to prepare for a retreat.




　'It appears that the enemy is beginning to prepare for a retreat.
　Okay. Well, let's get ready to go after them too, shall we?

　Rosais's army left only five hundred in the fortress and took up an assault position with about seven thousand remaining.
　At the head of the line are the elite five hundred heavily armed infantry of the As Army.

　As soon as Domorgal's army turned its back and began to retreat, Losais opened the gates and began a fierce chase.

　After throwing black powder at them with explosive spears and stone throwers, they charged at the enemy's hall.
　As soon as it explodes, grass particles with an illusionary effect are scattered, and the illusion of fire is created through the medium of these particles.

　The last time there was a territorial dispute, there was only one magician, So-yeon, but this time it took several spellcasters from King Loseys' kingdom.
　The sorcerer of King Domorgal's kingdom also tries to focus on lifting the spell, but it would be faster if the entire Domorgal army fell into a state of panic.

　Realizing that they had been defeated, the demoralized soldiers of Domorgal's army scattered and fled.
　The formation unravels, and the attack by Rosais' army on it causes a chain reaction of losses to Domorgal's army.

　Domorgal's army managed to fend off Lossies' forces, and by the time they managed to escape back to Braus territory, their 25,000 troops had been reduced to 20,000.

　Rosais' army invaded Braus territory to strike more blows.
　As soon as the surrounding villages learned of the defeat of Domorgal's army, they hung their heads and surrendered.




　Night

　'It seems that a separate force has defeated two hundred enemy cavalrymen. It is said to be a crushing victory. I am informed that the enemy's infantry will be defeated to-morrow and that they will be able to join us in the evening.

　When I say this, the grandiose families of Lossies' army erupt in excitement.
　It looks like a feast is about to start right away.

　''Even so, is the enemy foolish enough to disperse their forces?
　Bartolo frowned. The two thousand infantry should not have been sent towards the city of Blouse by any means.
　They should meet up with the Domorgal army that had retreated at Dres village and intercept them.

　'I heard that the commander of the first two thousand infantry and two hundred cavalry that went to the village of Dres was a blaus - that is to say, a powerful family of the land. Well, I suppose we'll have to do it then.

　He couldn't wait if he knew that his territory was being raided.
　After all, there was a four-fold difference in strength between them, so they would try to defeat him at all costs.


　The One Week War was about to enter its fourth day.



　Day four.

　Domorgal's 10,000 troops managed to reach the village of Dres by noon, while being heavily pursued that day.
　Then they set up camp at Dres Village.

　Since all of the defense equipment was destroyed by Rosais' army, we have no choice but to build it from scratch.


　''Utterly, Blouse-dono.......why did you go off to war.......''
　Tonino sighed.
　The news that they were heading to retake the city of Braus had come to Tonino's place as well.

　But with his troops greatly reduced, two thousand is a very valuable force at this stage.
　I ordered them to return ASAP by hawk flight, but there is no sign of them coming back.

　''Tonino-sama I have received a reply from King Domorgal........''
　Tonino had sent a request for reinforcements to King Domorgal on the morning of the third day.
　The reply came back now.

　'I see. That doesn't look good on your face.'

　Tonino reads the reply from King Domorgal.
　In summary, he wants to go to help, but he can't move poorly because the kingdom of Roselle is about to invade.
　We are hurrying to form an army as soon as possible.
　It's a little more, at least for three days.

　''What are we going to do?　Lord Tonino.
　The great families look at Tonino.
　They all look pale.

　'First, let the men rest. Then we will wait for Lord Blouse's 1,500 to return. After that, we will settle this matter in the field. We still have the superiority of our forces.

　Dres Village is not a fortress, and the defensive equipment has been destroyed.
　It's better to kick on in the field than to fight here.

　''Will the enemy wait for us?''
　'The enemy won't move until the separate motions arrive. In other words, it's a matter of whether Lord Blouse comes back first or the enemy's detachment comes back first.




Meanwhile, Rosyth's army.

　Sakura. I was worried that you might lose because of you. But you did great. You're not a bad luck horse after all. Yeah.

　I talk to Sakura.
　It's an unnamed name, but I chose Sakura.
　It comes from horse meat don't bite it, I'm lying.
　The horse's coat looks like the sun, which makes me think of Japan, so that's where Sakura comes from. You know, it's a girl.
　...do not scatter easily.


　"Alms. Bartolo and his men need you.
　All right. Let's go now.

　I went back to the barracks with Tetra.

　Should we continue the attack?
　We can take it down now!

　Ordovis and Pelum both pressed me with excited faces.
　In fact, the current Rosais army was gaining momentum. Right now, they could win even with twice as many troops.

　But I think we should not let our guard down. It's also called biting a trapped cat.
　It seems that the enemy's reinforcements will be arriving some time in the future, so we may as well wait and see for a while.

　We'll wait for the arrival of the separate team for the time being. We should wait for the arrival of the separate team for now. The soldiers are tired from the daily chase. Let's give them a good night's rest. Let's serve them a drink.
　Well, you're the best, general. It's good, drink.

　Bartolo says over his drink.
　You refrain, fool.





　Rosais's separate army and Domorgal's army, led by Blouse, stared at each other.
　The time is noon.

　The sun is shining above their heads.

　'I am Raimondo, the leader of this detachment. Your wife, your son, your daughter, and everything else is in our custody. Everyone is safe. If you want to return it to me, you must surrender. Or would you like to become a member of my country?
　'Who!　I'll get it back in a fight right now!

　The negotiations break down easily.
　Raimondo worries about killing one of Blouse's family members, but he stops, as it seems to be of no particular benefit to the other side, just because he's angry.

　'Well, what do we do now...'

　This was the first time I had ever fought a full-scale battle.
　The siege was overwhelming or the enemy surrendered the castle even before they fought.

　The two hundred cavalry were all slaughtered by the Equus tribe, so there was no need for any special instructions.
　But this time the enemy was two thousand infantry. It doesn't look like it will be so easy.

　''Don't worry. I have an idea.''
　Rosward talks about the strategy.
　It's a very simple tactic.

　'Sounds good, not bad. It's going to be easier that way than something more complicated.'
　Muzio grinned.

　Thus the battle was cut short.
　Under the sun's watchful eye........




　The Equus approach the enemy heavy infantry to the limit and shoot arrows at them all at once.
　Arrows rain down on the heavily armed infantry like rain.

　''Kick them away!

　The heavily armed infantry charge the Equus tribe at the command of Braus.
　The Equusians shower the heavily armed infantry with arrows as they flee.

　Naturally, the humans are unable to catch up with the horses.
　The bill for advancing in a forced march has come around here, and soon the heavy-armored infantry team runs out of stamina, their movements weaken and their formations are disrupted.

　''Charge!

　Then the Equus charged the front, Rosward and Virgal on the right flank, and Raimondo on the left flank.
　The exhausted, heavily armed infantry was easily allowed to flank them, and they were pinned down from front and left and right.

　The formation collapses easily and Domorgal's forces begin to flee.

　'Let them escape!

　Then another unit of Lossies' army gives chase, and before you know it, a mountain of corpses is formed.

　Now, Master Blouse. Please be quiet. I'll let you see your son immediately.
　Rosward thrusts his sword into the ass of the horse that Blouse rides.
　The horse goes wild and Blouse falls off his horse.

　Virgal caught it in a crushing manner.

　'Enemy General Blouse has been caught!

　Thus easily the Rosais Army Separate Movement won.



　In the evening.

　It was about the same time that the Lossies' detachment joined up with the main body of Lossies' army and Domorgal's army, which was holed up in the village of Dres, learned of Blouse's defeat.


　'You have done well, Mr. Raimondo.
　'Ha, well, it's not that I've done anything in particular. It's all thanks to the hard work of Master Muzio and Master Rosward.

　Raimondo replies with a smirk.
　In fact, Raimondo is not that useful. If I had to choose, I would say that being there was a deterrent to the Equus tribe in itself.


　''And this is the spoils of war.

　Raimondo shows them the treasures he has acquired, the slaves (bureaucrats), the sorcerers, and the Blouse family.

　Braus said bitterly.
　'Look, my son will surely cut off your heads...'
　'I'm not sure about that.　If we take your entire family hostage, your son won't be able to move, will he?

　If it's one or two people, it's still a whole family captured.
　I'm so worried about my family, I don't know if I can fight properly...

　'Well, whatever, it's over in the next round. Let's get ready for tomorrow's battle!

　Rosais' army cheered.




　Meanwhile, Domorgal's army was in a funeral-like atmosphere.

　'Master Tonino. We have another escapee. Shall we pursue them?
　We're going to lose the men we've been chasing. Let them go.

　One by one, the soldiers of Domorgal's army are slipping away.
　Morale is terrible.
　Reinforcements are doomed.


　"Dear Sir Tonino. Mr. Carlo is going to hold a military meeting. You are cordially invited to attend.
　Master Carlo?　It's unusual for that man to suggest ... okay.



　First of all, what are our forces?
　It's about 9,000.

　Tonino replies.

　'What are the enemy forces?'
　That's about 7,000.

　Carlo nodded in satisfaction at Tonino's question. Then he asked.

　'Do any of you think any of these men can beat Rosais' army?　If he's there, give me a concrete plan.
　All of them are lying face down.
　No matter how superior they are in terms of troops and quality of weapons, we are losing a lot of morale.
　Our soldiers would probably run away before they could fight, wouldn't they?

　It's possible that the war could collapse right after it starts.

　Then we must surrender. Let's make peace.
　When Carlo said this, the Australians looked at him as if they were jumping up and down.

　'Master Carlo!　You're going to be at a terrible disadvantage if you keep this up!　The entire Blouse territory could be in the hands of the enemy!
　You're right. But if we lose, we'll have to accept even worse conditions. Besides, behind our country are the Kingdom of Roselle, the country of King Fardham and the country of King Gilbed. If we reduce our forces here, we'll be destroyed by them. Even a fool like me could see that. You can't win, can you?　Then let's make peace.

　There was no one who could disagree with Carlo.




　'Lord Armes. Thank you for the opportunity to make peace.
　No, I'd like to make peace with your country, too.

　I'm going to be as friendly as possible to Prince Carlo.
　He's the crown prince of a high-ranking kingdom.

　What do you say we start with a one-year truce?
　Hmm, so that means you have no intention of abandoning your southward policy?
　Well, I understand that we can't abandon it.

　Even if we defeated Domorgal's army now, the one-year ceasefire agreement would not change.
　If we invaded further back, it would be a different story, but we didn't bring any siege weapons with us.

　We could use the siege weapons the enemy had left behind, but it would take a long time to get them back.

　This is impossible.

　We have one year to take care of this.

　'I understand. A one-year ceasefire is acceptable. And as for reparations...
　"You will receive the entirety of the Braus estate. And as reparations, I will pay you three times the amount of money your country has spent on this war, over a period of ten years.

　It's a big deal all of a sudden.
　But we've already let the city of Blouse fall, too. It's a fair compensation.
　But.....

　We can't defend such a wide border.
　Probably Carlo is offering this condition because he thinks he can take it back.

　''The Braus territory is fine in the western half and around the city of Braus. In exchange, can I have twenty blacksmiths? They are blacksmiths who can hammer iron.
　Well done. You will receive 20 blacksmiths for your country.

　This will allow for mass production of steel.
　Our country's blacksmiths are still inexperienced.

　'And I don't mind doubling the reparations, but I'd like to ask for a lump sum payment. In return, I will give you all the Blouse family back.
　Okay, sure.

　We can't take this down.
　What's left....

　'I have two more things to ask of you. One, I would like you and the Brauses to stay in our country until the contract is fulfilled.
　'Of course. 'Good. What's the other one?
　The other thing is....

　Carlo rolled his eyes when I said the terms.

　'Wow, you have a terrible personality...'
　I'm honored by your praise. Well, I'm the next king.