Chapter 409

Day of the Defensive Battle
All the preparations were complete, and the day of the decisive battle had finally arrived.
Well, it’s not like they gave us any formal notice—we just figured it out on our own.
Our Vardmoi faction is waiting for the invading soldiers at a field encampment built outside the city gates.
Of course, this too is booby-trapped.

"Hmm, an illusion spell that hides presence until they get close?"

"Indeed. It drains a lot of mana, can only conceal a narrow area, and only fools visual perception, so I don’t use it often. But it should be useful this time."

"My thanks, Lady Plum."

"Think nothing of it. Now then, Kiblinki Saltas. How far have the enemy soldiers advanced?"

(They’re just about within visual range from the top of the wall. But they’ve started moving in a way we haven’t seen before.)

"What?"

"A portion of their forces has split off toward the south. Looks like they plan to attack from there too."

"I see. What do you think, Lily?"

"Um, can I leave the southern group to you, Kiblinki Saltas?"

(Understood. Once they’ve fully separated, we’ll quietly capture them without being noticed.)

As expected, the Kiblinki Saltas are reliable.
At the Kiblinki Saltas's leader’s command, a group of about thirty split off and headed south, so we should be fine on that front.
Now we just have to focus on our own task here.

"Marquis Vardmoi! The enemy soldiers are in sight!"

"Good. Keep luring them in!"

Looks like they’ve gotten close enough to be seen from the top of the wall.
Since there’s no sign they’ve slowed down, they’re probably planning to surround Vardmoi as-is.
Now then, at what point will Marquis Vardmoi make his move?

"Lady Plum, how far can this illusion hide us?"

"Let’s see... as long as they don’t suddenly start attacking the wall, they likely won’t notice even after they’ve finished positioning."

"Then could you keep it up until the very last moment?"

"Very well. But you and Talat could wipe them all out before they get within that range, you know?"

"Only if they attack first. For now, we’ll hear what they have to say."

"Got it. I’ll leave it to you, then."

With our strategy in place, we waited a bit longer.
The enemy soldiers finally arrived.
Rather than attacking outright, they’re forming up their units.
Yeah, that makes things easier.

"I am the envoy of His Royal Highness the King’s younger brother, Marquis Morogawarde! Open the gate!"

Oh, one of them stepped forward and announced himself.
So that’s supposed to be Marquis Morogawarde?

(Contractor, that’s not Marquis Morogawarde.)

"It’s not?"

(He looks similar, but he’s someone else. Most likely a decoy.)

"Then where’s the real one?"

(Can’t say from here. If he stayed at their base, our people should be keeping an eye on him. If he came with them, he’s probably somewhere in that group. It’s not a big deal either way.)

"True enough."

After all, we’ll catch him no matter where he is.
So, when will we make our move?

"Looks like it’s my turn."

"Wait, Marquis Vardmoi, are you going out there yourself?"

"There’s no harm in responding from within the lines. I should at least hear what they have to say."

I guess this is how nobles do things.
Not that it matters, since we’ll handle things ourselves if it comes down to it.

"You claim to be Marquis Morogawarde?! Where is the real one!"

As Marquis Vardmoi responded, he dispelled the illusion.
The enemy soldiers seemed startled to see a solid encampment built right in front of the gate.
Are their troops not very well trained?

"Wha—!? Who are you!?"

"You mean to say you don’t know me? I am Marquis Vardmoi, the lord of these lands! Now then—where is the real Morogawarde!?"

"What nonsense! I am Morogawarde!"

"Don’t lie! You’re just a decoy for Morogawarde! Bring out the real one!"

Hmm, a battle of words.
When’s the right moment to strike?
While I was watching and waiting, Marquis Vardmoi looked my way and gave a nod.
Looks like it’s go time.
Alright—let’s end this.

"Talat!"

(Leave it to me!)

Talat leapt and landed between both sides, stabbing a thread into the ground.
From there, a spiderweb spread toward the enemy encampment, enveloping the entire formation.
Then the web transformed into a massive pillar of ice, freezing all the enemy soldiers in place.
Perfect!

What do you think about this chapter?