第１６０掘：魔剣の姫と傭兵団？ (Part1)
**Chapter 160: The Magic Sword Princess and the Mercenary Corps?**
**Side: Marly Hivia, Zilba Empire: Wind Princess Knight**
"Princess, we will arrive at the demi-human village by tomorrow morning."
Jessica delivered the report inside the tent. She was as diligent as ever. This battle, if one could even call it that, would be a one-sided affair. Originally, we were the ones who had overstepped our bounds, but taking their soldiers as prisoners had been a tactical blunder. They should have just killed them and silenced them immediately. Because of that, the demi-humans had effectively tightened the noose around their own necks, as the unit I led had been dispatched to subjugate them.
"How are the villagers faring?"
"Yes, it seems they haven't fled. Having won the previous skirmish, they seem to be riding high on their success. They appear to be preparing for interception."
"Hah... if only they had used their heads, they might have lived a bit longer. Or perhaps that’s not for me, a human who drove them into this corner, to say."
"I don't think that is something for you to worry about, Princess. If we leave them to their own devices while they're feeling emboldened, they might eventually attack the villages and towns of the Zilba Empire. This is also to protect our own people."
"I know. But we are not to annihilate them, understand? Strike down only those who come at us, and let the rest flee."
"As you wish. Although they are outnumbered, they did manage to capture most of the soldiers belonging to that foolish noble. Even if they resist with their lives, it will only increase our casualties. The upper echelons should be satisfied if we simply present the heads of those who attacked us."
"You are far too serious, Jessica. I just don't want to cut down women and children, that's all."
"That is a fine excuse to justify your mercy. Usually, annihilation is the standard procedure. It prevents future roots of trouble from growing."
Despite her words, she always worked to ensure my wishes were carried out. She was a good subordinate.
"Hmm. We begin the march early tomorrow morning as planned. We’ll finish this by evening. We must join the invasion force heading for the Holy Kingdom of Enaria as soon as possible."
"Understood. However, there is something I must bring to your attention."
"What is it?"
"Scouts have reported seeing figures that appear to be human among the enemy."
"Oh? The soldiers who fled back reported the same thing."
"Yes. I thought it was nonsense, but it seems it was the truth."
"A mercenary corps? What are their numbers? If they intend to clash with my unit from the Zilba Empire, they must have a decent force, right?"
"Yes, they number around 150."
"I see. That’s an impressive size for a private group."
"However, the vast majority appear to be goblins."
"What? Surely it isn't the Blood Battle Mercenary Corps?"
The Blood Battle Mercenary Corps. They were a group that lived up to their name, literally making blood rain on the battlefield. They utilized massive numbers of goblins to pin down the enemy’s movements, then cut through both the enemy and their own goblins to secure victory. In terms of pure combat efficiency, using expendable goblins was excellent. But to do so, they required a "mother" to breed them. The Blood Battle Mercenary Corps would gather women from enemy armies, towns, and villages as spoils of war, force them to carry goblins, and throw them into the fray. Because they produced results, they were still in high demand, but personally, I found them repulsive.
"No, the Blood Battle Mercenary Corps is currently rampaging far beyond the Holy Kingdom of Enaria; they shouldn't be here."
"Hmm, then a different group?"
"Likely. Though, it is unclear why they would side with the demi-humans."
"If the fleeing soldiers are to be believed, they are few in number but quite strong."
"Yes. But we have 2,500 troops and you are here, Princess. I doubt we will lose."
"...Hmm. Indeed, the situation offers little room for defeat. But stay sharp. A small force has its own way of fighting."
"I understand. I will increase the night watch."
"I'm counting on you."
I watched Jessica leave the tent and sipped the wine I had brought on the march.
"Phew. Honestly, with nothing but battles, this wine is my only joy."
My face reflected in the wooden cup.
"Perhaps I should have asked for more of this wine."
In truth, I had received this wine from Yuki and Ria, whom I met in the city of Fail. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say it was a gift in exchange for information. I had only spent three days with them, but every day was surprisingly pleasant. We had even sparred lightly; they were a good match for Jessica. They would have easily ranked among the top of my unit. It was a pity they were a married couple seeking a place to settle down; I couldn't recruit them. If they were here, perhaps this boredom would be a little easier to bear.
That night passed peacefully, without any night raids.
"What do you think?"
"Well, do they truly intend to fight with such a small number?"
The next day, we began our march at dawn as planned, but the enemy actually appeared. We were confronting them on a grassy plain about 10 kilometers away from the village where the ruins were located. But the problem was their numbers. It looked like only 150 of them.
"And the composition is just goblins?"
"No, according to the scouts, there are a few humans and demi-humans mixed in."
"Hmm, then those must be the commanders."
"That is the logical conclusion."
"Then, why do you think they came out here?"
"To let the villagers escape, perhaps? They likely realized we were a larger force than expected and decided to focus on fleeing."
"That explains why a small group came to meet us. They’re a stalling force."
"Indeed. But in a way, this is convenient for us."
"True. If we strike them down here, the demi-humans will abandon the village and flee, and we won't have any reason to pursue those who run."
"We won't have to force an attack on the village."
"Exactly. If they had set up a defensive perimeter based in the village, we would have suffered casualties. But in this open field, we will win by a landslide."
"My only concern is that the enemy in front of us is a decoy, and they might strike our rear."
"True. But in this plain, we would notice an attempt to flank us immediately. Deploy a defensive unit to the rear just in case."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Let each unit handle their own flanks. I haven't trained them to be unable to do that much. We will crush the enemy in front of us! If we shatter them quickly, there will be no point in them trying to hit our rear!"
I kicked my horse and charged toward the enemy.
"All troops, follow the Princess!"
Jessica shouted, and my army began to move. I don't know which mercenary group you are, but if you become my enemy, I will eliminate you.
"The enemy has moved. But they are too slow!"
"The enemy is moving! But their pace is sluggish! Follow the Princess and split their formation in two!"
Seeing us begin our charge, the enemy finally started to disperse. Too slow. And to choose to disperse to stop my 500-strong cavalry charge? What are they thinking? That’s a terrible move. They won't be able to resist with a unified formation, and they'll be crushed by our numbers.
"Well, fine. Goblin, you're the first!"
I was the first to strike at the enemy. I intended to cut them down, then sweep through the next one.
"Too slow."
I felt as if I heard that voice from the goblin.
"Huh? Ggh!?"
And then, I was thrown from my horse. What just happened!? I immediately used the power of my magic sword, using the wind to stabilize my posture and land safely.
"Oops, you're in the way."
"Gah!?"