Chapter 22: Invasion of the Land Kingdom 2

Chapter 22: Invasion of the Land Kingdom 2

Before the invasion of the Land Kingdom, Schwartz made a declaration to the entire army.

"We are about to begin our invasion of the Land Kingdom. This is a battle to overthrow King John, who has committed atrocities and oppressed his people. It is also a battle to avenge Lady Victoria, the orphaned child of Lord Stuart, who was cruelly oppressed and perished because of the king's desires. We are an army of national salvation, magnificently fulfilling Lady Victoria's wishes and saving the country from an evil king. Justice is on our side, and we have nothing to fear. Now, let us march!"

The entire army erupted in cheers.

"I am Victoria Stuart. My father was killed by King John's scheming, and my mother took her own life fearing his violation. I have risen to avenge my parents today. I am grateful that the people of this country have risen for my sake. We will save the Land Kingdom. May God's protection be with us."

At Victoria's words, even the commoners shouted with joy. The story of Victoria losing both parents to the evil king's desires had spread throughout the kingdom, moving the citizens to tears. Everyone was cheering at Victoria's dignified appearance in this military campaign.

"Now, let us depart." Amid the people's cheers, the entire army set out.

"Well, let's go too," I said as we led the transport unit and departed. "It's depressing that our main job is food transport," complained Stein. "Don't say that, Stein. This time the main focus is castle sieges, and there's probably not much opportunity for the cavalry to shine. So we need to score points with food transport." "So we're useless in castle sieges. Can't be helped." "Food transport is an important job too. Without food, we can't fight." "Well, I suppose that's true."

While talking, we arrived at the knight's castle, received the food supplies, and entered the Land Kingdom territory. There were no particular problems until we reached Dover Castle. "This peacefulness is actually scary." "Ryuu, I understand what you're saying, but up to this point, it's almost the same as our own territory since last year's battle. I've heard that the next castle, Cornwall Castle, is also almost on our side. We should remain vigilant, but I think it's safe to say there won't be any battles until Cornwall Castle." "Yes, I think so too, but I'll stay alert nonetheless." "I'm counting on you."

Cornwall Castle is located three days' march south from Dover Castle. As expected, nothing particular happened until we reached Cornwall Castle.

Upon arriving at Cornwall Castle, the castle gates were open, and several knights with their guards were standing in front of the gate. "Philip!" Victoria was about to rush over, but Edel, who was standing by, stopped her.

"I understand your feelings, but please restrain yourself until we can confirm they are truly allies." "I understand. Will you come with me then?" Edel sent a glance toward Schwartz, who nodded.

"Very well. I'll provide guards, so please follow behind me." Knights positioned themselves around Victoria and headed toward the castle gate. When the knights of Cornwall Castle saw Victoria, they knelt on one knee, showing their submission. "Lady Victoria, I'm glad you're safe. I, Philip, pledge my loyalty to Lady Victoria." "Here are the heads of the castle governor and his subordinates. Please accept them as proof of our loyalty." Philip indicated several buckets. Inside were the heads of the dead.

"I'll check," said Edel as he examined the buckets of heads. "Indeed, these are the heads of high-ranking officials." "Philip, you've gone through a lot," Victoria said, rushing over and taking Philip's hand. "Your words are too kind. Since your father passed away, a governor was dispatched, and we were neglected. When we heard that Lady Victoria's army was coming, we devised a plan and eliminated all the governors from the capital. All 500 castle soldiers of Cornwall Castle are willing to follow Lady Victoria. Please command us as you wish. The castle gates are open. Please use this castle freely." Tears were flowing from Philip's eyes.

"Lady Victoria, I'm so glad you're safe." I thought that this couldn't be an act, but Lord Schwartz was cautious. He sent a unit to the castle to confirm there were no traps before entering. "Sir Philip, I apologize for doubting you." "No, a commander of an army should be at least that cautious. Rather, I'm impressed." "Your troops will join us from now on. However, Lady Victoria is very important, so our army will protect her for now. Depending on your future achievements, you may become part of the royal guard." "I will do my best to make that happen."

Those who could enter the castle did so, while those who couldn't set up tents around the castle and rested for a day. The important people will take care of the rest. I just do my job.

I calculated the food supplies. It took three days from Dover Castle to Cornwall Castle, and we spent one day here, so four days' worth of food was consumed. We had wagon trains with ten days' worth of food, and each soldier was carrying three days' worth, so even after resting here for a day, we still had nine days' worth of food. Since Cornwall Castle was essentially a border castle, it had a certain amount of food reserves—wheat and dried meat—so we quickly baked a large quantity of hard biscuits and secured three days' worth of food.

With this, if we give the soldiers another three days' worth of food, we have twelve days' worth in total. We were able to secure plenty of hay from the surrounding area, so the horses' food was also secured.