Our allied forces have made good progress.
　We are now one day away from the capital.

　Less than two days have passed since we invaded the city.

　There's one reason why the Allied Forces have been able to continue their march to this point. That's because many cities and villages have opened their gates and surrendered.

　All the cities that surrendered were given autonomy and obligated for military service, but the taxes we imposed were different.

　First of all, the cities, villages, and wealthy families that hung their heads before we, the Confederates, started recommending surrender.
　We imposed a tax of one hundredth of a percent on them. In short, one percent. Almost none.

　Then the cities, villages, and tribes that accepted the Allied invitation to surrender and opened their gates.
　A 50/50 tax on them. That's two percent.

　Lastly, those cities, villages, and tribes that surrendered after we attacked and were outnumbered.
　A tax of twenty-five percent on them. That is, a four percent tax.

　Well, whichever way you look at it, it's cheaper than it was in King Belvedere's time. And if they don't, they won't turn over.
　I'd really like to take a little more time to collect more taxes, but time is the enemy. I'm afraid of Bartolo.

　Incidentally, not all of them have been so welcoming to us.
　Only 40% of them were kind to us and 60% of them rebelled.

　Adelian cities, villages, and wealthy families are more likely to rebel. Unlike the Cilician people, they probably have strong feelings for their king.
　Those cities, villages and wealthy clans were naturally twisted by force.
　It's not that difficult if you use an explosive spear. Besides, Alexios was more capable than I thought he was.

　Isn't he better than Bartolo when it comes to attacking castles?　No, I've never seen Bartolo attacking the castle in the first place.

　Naturally, those who rebelled would not be given autonomy.
　We have imposed a forty percent tax on them. We will lower it depending on their future reverence.

　In this way, it feels like there's a world of difference compared to the cities that surrendered early...

　The tax imposed on those who did not give them autonomy does not include the cost of infrastructure etc. This is because the costs are collected by us and we have to do it ourselves to be self-governing.

　On the contrary, the tax imposed on those who are given autonomy includes the cost of infrastructure, etc. Since we don't give them autonomy, the upper taxes and infrastructure costs are included in one tax as well.

　In some cases, some cities and villages are more economically viable if they are not given autonomy....
　Well, even so, in many cases, cities that surrendered early are less of a burden.

　Probably the place with the lightest tax burden on the commoners is the third largest city in population. The tax burden on the commoners is probably less than 10 percent overall.

　By the way, the tax rate in my area of jurisdiction is currently 30%. The tax rate will be reduced to 20% or less in the future. For your reference.






　The Belvedere Army. It's the Belvedere Army, isn't it?　That's pretty reckless.
　We're all 8,000. It's a battle of equals. Even if they lose, they can still win if they hide behind the walls. We're at a strategic disadvantage. We're at a strategic disadvantage.

　Perhaps it would have been better to go to Bartolo's aid in favor of Roselle rather than Belvedil?
　Or do you want Muzio's reinforcements...

　No, it's useless to think about it now. We must think of something to win.

　Alexios, do you have any ideas?

　I'm a rice cake maker. I'm not a military man.
　It's better to ask an expert.

　If you're evenly matched in numbers, it's more certain that you'll win if you meet them head-on, rather than having to resort to poor planning. But there's no art in challenging them without a plan.

　I mean, I've been thinking for a while now, this guy is going to have to go through the motions.
　Start with the conclusion.

　Seeing my expression, Alexios spoke a little too quickly.

　''Actually, there's a plan I've been secretly working on, but...''

　Alexios suggested the plan to me.
　It was a badly out of character plan.

　It's as bad as Ial. Oh, it's a compliment, okay?






　

　King Belvedil frowned when he saw the same number of troops spread out in front of him.

　Belvedil's army consisted of eight thousand infantry and two hundred cavalrymen.
　The allied forces on the other hand, according to reports, have a little over seven thousand infantry and about six hundred to seven hundred cavalrymen.

　Most of the cavalry were Germanic cavalry of Rezad. They are far more skilled than the Adelunian cavalry.　

　In terms of numbers, Belvedere's side has a slight advantage.
　Also, Belvedere's troops succeeded in setting up a high position.

　Tactically and strategically, Belvedere's army is superior.
　However, the difference is so small that it can be overturned.

　In a battle between two equal numbers, there is a strong difference in commanders.
　There is no doubt that the Allied commanders are better than Belvedere's and the Allied commanders.

　Rosais' army in particular has been on a winning streak of late.





　It was the Allied forces that moved first.
　Belvedere's army also arranged their formations accordingly.

　Belvedere's army, which has a higher elevation, is much better able to use its momentum to its advantage.
　In order to clash with Belvedere's troops, the Allied forces would have to climb up the hill, which would make it difficult for them to gain momentum. This would increase their fatigue.

　Belvedere's army had the advantage of the ground.

　The two sides were facing each other.
　Neither side could prepare an ambush army for the battle on the Great Plains. There is no room for pitfalls and other traps.

　So the battle will be a set in stone.

　In Adelunia, light infantry first attacked with stones, bows and arrows and spears, and when the formation was disordered, the heavy infantry collided with them.

　The cavalry on both sides would collide with the heavy infantry to flank it, and the light infantry would cover the cavalry.

　Since the cavalry on the Adelunian peninsula is not very strong, cavalry will rarely flank heavily armed infantry.
　In most cases, everything is decided by a clash between the heavily armed infantry groups. Therefore, the outcome of the battle will depend on the number and quality of the heavy-armored infantry.

　In this case, the Allied Forces have twice as many cavalry as Belvedere's, and Belvedere's troops are aware of this.
　In order to prevent the cavalry from running around the flanks, Belvedil's army has placed more light infantry on the flanks.

　The Allied forces that have to go up the hill are not able to take advantage of the mobility of the cavalry.

　Therefore, this war is also unlikely to be won or lost by cavalry flanking attacks, and it is very likely that the battle between the heavy infantry will decide this war.

　The mainstay of both sides' heavily armed infantry are both heavily armed infantry conscripted from Adelian peasants.
　The quality and morale is slightly in favor of the Allied forces, but when you take into account fatigue, it makes little difference.

　A truly evenly matched battle. It wasn't surprising that the battle situation would tip in either direction.




　The two sides stared at each other for a while, and then the light infantry immediately began to move forward.
　Both have pitchforks, bows and throwing spears in their hands.

　The preliminaries of the battle are about to begin...

　Hmm?

　King Belvedil tilted his head.
　For some reason, there was an unarmed soldier among the Confederate light infantry, and that soldier was one step ahead of the Confederates, shouting something.

　''Hey, what is he shouting about?''
　'Oh my God!　Those soldiers seem to be from cities and villages that have surrendered to the Allied forces. .... apparently calling out to people from their own cities and villages.
　What?

　King Belvedil peeled his eyes away.
　'You didn't come here to give me a pep talk,' he said. Nine times out of ten, it's a recommendation to surrender.

　If we don't, it will affect our morale.

　Are you going to shoot him dead?
　'You idiot!　If you do that, my army will fall apart!

　King Belvedil holds back his quickening troops.
　King Belvedil mounted his horse and rode to the front. He himself to raise the morale of his soldiers.




　Currently, before me, twenty surrendered city and village people were shouting loudly.
　Many of them had tears in their eyes.

　Their expressions were grief itself, and the sympathy of those who saw them was palpable.

　''My village brethren!　Do you hear me?　You guys don't have to fight!　Fortunately, King Rosais has promised us autonomy!
　'Yes!　Marc!　My dear boy!　Do you hear me?　You are to stare down when the fight starts!　King Rosais says that he will release the irresistible ones after he has taken them captive!
　'No wasted blood!　Please, Caine!　Don't leave my dad alone!
　Thor!　We were supposed to get married after this war, right?　Please!　Surrender!　Then you'll live!　For God's sake!


　In short, Alexios' strategy is the idea of attacking the heart.　
　Moreover, it utilizes the love of family and hometown.

　Even if Marc and Kane and Thor are not here today, many of the enemy's soldiers must be thinking of their families and loved ones back home.
　The family members and loved ones are now safe. They have no reason to fight.

　In my defense, the people who are screaming are real and they mean what they say.
　They are crying with joy when I offer you a chance to save your people, and they are thrilled, and they are screaming like this.

　

　'Come on, King Rosais. It's your turn.
　Yeah you look good.

　Alexios is smiling. This guy doesn't seem to have any heartache at all.
　I don't think anyone would blame him if he had a little remorse. I mean, as a father, I don't think you can take advantage of people's love.

　'What are you talking about? It's because I know love.

　Oh, yes, yes. I'm sorry I expected more from you, sir.


　Gentlemen!

　I'll ride my beloved Sakura, my horse, and take the full front of the light infantry.
　It's a bit risky, but it's not convincing to talk while using people as shields.

　Well, at this distance, unless you're a gram, you can't hit me with an arrow. Even if it hits, I have the blessing of the Great King, so I won't die so easily. But if you get hit in the brain, you'll die instantly.

　"I have no reason to kill anyone who isn't an enemy. What I want is peace. We are fellow citizens of Adelunia. It was wrong to kill each other!　Our true enemy is the Gauls, the Kingdom of Roselle!　But King Belvedil does not side with us in our fight against King Rozel, but joins hands with him and stabs us in the back. Whose side is justice?　I repeat. I do not want to fight my people!

　Honestly, it's a mystery whether Belvedil and Roselle are working together.
　I'm sure they were exchanging letters, of course, but it's not an alliance. Belvedil is just a firebrand.

　I'm sure he owes you that much.
　Adelnians are a people who care a lot about duty and honor. That's just a generalization.

　'I think everyone knows that. I've given autonomy to surrendered cities and villages, and I've taken a small amount of taxes on top of that. Nor was this tax payment intended to line my own pockets. It is a military budget to protect the security of my country and the new members and allies of my country. I want peace. Those of you who want peace as much as I do, I want you to lay down your arms.

　Well, it's true. In fact, my life is pretty frugal, if not downright humble.
　My only pastime is the hot springs.

　Maybe other wealthy people are better off.

　"Please, gentlemen!　My only purpose is to side with the Gauls and defeat the cowards who are trying to sell out the Adelnians!
　Don't be fooled!

　A voice sounded on the battlefield that wasn't mine.
　A man mounted his horse and rode forward. This is ... King Belvedere?

　I'm surprised to see you on the battlefield.

　''This man is only fighting with Roselle because he's getting a territorial payback from King Domorgal!　You forget. This is the man who killed King Ferm and took so much territory from King Domorgal's country!

　It's all about self-defense and...
　To begin with, King Ferrum is the man who killed your father-in-law (my wife's father), took the territory and declared independence on his own.......

　However, there's no way many soldiers would know about such a situation in another country.
　Many Belvedere soldiers stare at me as if they have come to their senses.


　''What do you say!　King Ferrum is a man who killed our vassals and took their territory. He only regained our territory and saved his people. What's wrong with that!　We have had our sad quarrels with King Domorgal's country but now we stand shoulder to shoulder together!　The adulteration of King Domorgal's country and our country was the loser and the winner, the invader and the invaded. But now we are fighting the invaders (Gauls) together. We can understand each other!

　I shout out loud.
　King Belvedil ponders something for a moment. He is thinking of a counter argument.

　But the one who breaks off the tongue first loses. Even if it's incoherent, even if it's inconsistent, even if it's inconsistent, even if it's a boomerang, the one who loses wins!　

　I fold in at once.

　'Do you gentlemen understand why they surrendered to me in the first place?　What did King Belvedil do with the villages and cities under his rule... tell him!

　I look out for the man I brought from the city I surrendered to.
　He speaks the scripted, but true, words.

　"King Belvedere left only 100 men in my homeland!　And to top it all off, they took all the wheat from the pantry!　My homeland came under the rule of King Belvedil's country, and I've been loyal to it for three hundred years. And yet!
　'My village has sent out ten young men as soldiers!　But King Belvedil did not protect my village. On the contrary, he took the wheat from the larder and set fire to the wheat that he could not carry with him!
　'They threw poison into the well in my village!

　Well, I think it's the right strategy.
　Scorched earth tactics are basic. Probably in our country, Raimondo and the others are doing it against King Evil's country as well.

　Still, they're evacuating their territory and carrying as much food as they can without burning it. They haven't thrown any poison into the wells either.　
　Well, there's a reason why there are many small rivers near the border with King Evil's country, so it's useless to make the wells unusable in the first place.

　King Belvedil's country was going to invade our country. They weren't planning to invade us.
　So it's no wonder they couldn't evacuate their territory. And I'll protect them.

　But from the point of view of the people involved, it's not an issue that can be avoided.

　King Belvedere's expression is one of biting down on a bitter worm.
　It seems that he can't come up with a counter argument.

　Being argued down by me causes Belvedil's army to be upset. I'm not human enough to let this go unnoticed.

　'You see!　This is the truth. That man is a coward who turns tail on the strong and leaves the weak behind to prey on the weak. He will take that head off now. Let the attack begin!

　At my command, the light infantry begins to attack.
　Stones, arrows, throwing spears, and explosive spears fly at the enemy in an arc. By the way, I use the explosive spear sparingly. It's because you need to save your energy.

　"Kuk, my........
　King Belvedil slowly retreats back, protecting himself with his shield.

　''I won't let you get away!
　That said, it's Gram who advances next to me and comes out.
　Gram draws his long bow and fires an arrow at King Belvedil. The arrow pierces King Belvedil's horse and he falls off his horse.

　The impact of the fallen horse blows off his shield.
　Gram doesn't miss it.

　Gram draws his bow and shoots an arrow between King Belvedil's eyes.

　''Look out!

　But before Gram's arrow could pierce King Belvedil's brow, one of the soldiers became King Belvedil's shield to block the arrow.
　The arrow from the longbow pierced through the armor, killing the soldier.

　The next thing you know, King Belvedil had retreated from the scene.
　Gram clicked his tongue and switched his target to a field commander, such as a centurion.

　Gram shoots through one conspicuous tosser-like helmeted enemy after another. His precision shooting is as good as ever.

　'Great as always,'
　'Please don't I'm embarrassed...'

　Gram flushed slightly and scratched his cheek.

　He was originally upset, and the enemy's heavy infantry formation was slightly broken. In addition to that, the king fled.
　The enemy's light infantry also launched an attack, but it was too late.

　''Charge!　Follow me!

　I kick the cherry in the gut and climb the hill at once.
　At the same time, the allied heavy infantry and cavalry also begin to charge.

　''Haaah!

　I swing my dragon Damascus steel sword and cut through my enemies like butter.
　The enemy clearly begins to be frightened by my strength. I'm strong too. Sometimes I almost forget that I'm strong!

　Die!　King Rosais!
　That's not going to happen.

　With that, Ron cut down the enemy soldier who was approaching from behind me.

　''Leader it wasn't, King. You are too forward. As usual.''
　'Sorry, I didn't think you'd be in front of me for a long time but I knew you'd follow up on that, didn't I?

　When I said that, Ron blushed. Hey, don't be embarrassed. You're embarrassing me.

　'I'll protect the king's back!
　'Oh!　I got it!

　Me and Ron are going to work together to slay our enemies. Focusing on the loudest and most conspicuous ones possible.

　As expected from holding a high spot, the enemy held out for a while.
　Normally, the enemy would have gradually pushed back and we would have been at a disadvantage.

　But the enemy's footing was fatally bad.

　In the first place, the strength of the heavily armed infantry is their willingness to defend their homeland, their comrades, and their country.
　It is because the comrades fighting together follow each other that they produce a powerful assault force.

　But now, that partnership is breaking down.
　After all, there are people next to us who will let us go if we surrender.

　And there are those who are willing to cut corners. On the other hand, there are those who suspect that this guy is trying to cut corners.
　That slight suspicion, that slight misalignment, overlapped and led to a fatal misalignment.

　On the left flank, on the right flank, in the center, all at the same time, the formation of the Belvedere army began to break down.
　And once the heavily armed infantry corps collapsed, there was no way to rebuild.

　''Purge!

　I ran through the battlefield at once.
　The next thing I knew, there was Rosward next to me.

　''King. Please excuse me. 'Virgal!　We can't afford to lose to the cavalry of Rezad!
　'Yes!　I know!　Captain!

　Saying that, the two of them ran next to me at once.
　Hey, the other cavalrymen are being left behind.

　Well, it's good to see you in good spirits but....




　The total number of casualties on the Allied side in this war was three hundred.
　On the other hand, the number of casualties on the Belvedere side was 1,000. The prisoners of war amounted to four thousand, and a thousand escaped.

　King Belvedere and his 2,000 men holed themselves up in the city and closed the gates of the city.