第４８４堀：一応の勧告と結果 (Part1)
### Chapter 484: A Formal Ultimatum and the Result
**Side: George Findall, Findall Empire, Second Prince**
I stepped out of the tent and looked up at the sky; it was beginning to brighten. Dawn was nearly upon us.
"Alright, begin preparations!"
"Understood!"
I gave the order to the messenger and returned to the tent. Inside, the knights our nation prides itself on were assembled.
"Everyone, you have already received your instructions. We will decide the outcome today. There is no mistake in that, is there?"
Although I am technically the commander-in-chief of this Haiden Kingdom subjugation force, I am still young and inexperienced. The actual tactical command is handled by the knights before me.
"Indeed. There is no mistake. Today, as planned, we shall show you the conquest of that city."
The voice that resonated with such confidence belonged to a man with a thick beard—a man who could easily be called an old veteran. He was Georgin, a hero who had supported my father, the Emperor, and secured victory on countless battlefields. My own name was derived from his. My father had named me George, hoping I would grow to be a strong, courageous, and trusted leader of men, just like this man he held in such high regard.
"Over these past seven days, we have sufficiently gauged the enemy's strength and capabilities, wearing them down and exhausting them. However, even for the Haiden Kingdom, known as a land of magic, I did not expect to be held up this long by a magic corps consisting only of students."
"…Indeed. I never imagined we would be stalled this long by students. We used an informant to target their weaknesses, yet it has dragged on longer than expected."
As Georgin said, it had taken more time than anticipated, and our troop losses were higher than projected.
"Therefore, once we take this city, it would be best to request reinforcements from the mainland."
"…But wouldn't that reflect poorly on my reputation?"
I had been granted sufficient generals and troops to advance into the Haiden Kingdom; to request reinforcements during the very first siege would surely brand me as incompetent.
"Haha. That will not be the case. His Majesty has walked the battlefield alongside me; you need only state the facts. He will understand. Fortunately, we are already preparing the rear guard; we simply need to have their departure moved up."
"…The rear guard. You mean my elder sister?"
"Yes. Lady Stasia is making preparations, so she is likely already in a position to come here at any time."
Indeed, that iron-faced sister of mine would be exactly the type to do that. She runs across the battlefield despite being a woman. I respect her, but I must admit, I am not fond of that expressionless sister of mine…
"Haa, there is no helping it, I suppose. If I act stubborn and, by some chance, we are forced to retreat, I would not be able to face you all."
"Haha! Do you dislike Lady Stasia that much?"
"Don't laugh, old man. I’m sure there are others among you who feel the same. It’s difficult to deal with that iron mask, isn't it? Right?"
I looked toward the other generals, but they only offered bitter smiles.
"See? Everyone is smiling bitterly. My sister may be a magnificent general, but I have my doubts about her as a woman."
"Well, I also find it questionable that she maintains that lack of expression even in her daily life. But, George-sama, why don't you tell her that to her face?"
"How could I possibly do that!? She’d discipline me!"
She’d be like: *'George. As a member of the royal family and as a general, your resolve is lacking. Let me beat that spirit back into you. Pick up your sword.'*
"Now, Your Highness, let us leave the jokes aside. Please write a letter requesting the early departure of the rear guard."
"…Understood. But you are certain that you won't be punished for this, right? It will all be settled by my responsibility?"
"It will not even be your responsibility, Your Highness. It is simply that the enemy's strength was higher than expected. Besides, the fact that two of the 'Three Houses'—the legendary heroes of this land—are here is a major factor. If we capture them, the Haiden Kingdom will be in a dire situation."
"That refers to the hero stories passed down from ancient times in this land, right?"
"Yes. One is the Royal Family, one is the Shrine Maiden of Spirits, and the third is the black-haired person from a foreign land. Was it a Duke, I believe? The power of the Three Houses has been more troublesome than we thought."
"Indeed. I never expected wounded soldiers to return to the front lines so quickly, or for the units we sent to wear them down to be struck by lightning before even making contact."
"However, it seems to have stopped. Since the day before yesterday, the power has dropped and the frequency has decreased. Today is the time to strike. We will attack now without giving them time to rest. If we present the enemy princess, the Duke's daughter, and the trade city of Bide as souvenirs, we won't be punished—we will be rewarded. You have no need to worry about us."
If that is the case, then fine. As long as the elite soldiers who followed me are not treated unfairly, I need only issue the orders.
"Very well!! As soon as preparations are complete, we take Bide!! Do not lay a hand on the city's residents!! We want the city to function as a trade hub, and ravaging the populace would tarnish the Empire's name!! Tell them that anyone who violates this will be executed!!"
"Understood!!"
"Including the student magic corps, accept those who surrender. They will serve as bargaining chips. Those who continue to resist, it cannot be helped—cut them down. And as I said before, you must ensure the capture of the Three Houses' Princess Carrie and Kagura Kamishiro!!"
"Understood!!"
And so, preparations were completed, and the main force approached the city, but…
"There is no reaction."
"Indeed."
For some reason, there was no sign of resistance from the enemy. Not a single arrow flew toward us.
"It couldn't be that they ran out of supplies yesterday, could it?"
"Perhaps. At worst, they could throw stones or trash; they could even tear down houses to prepare projectiles. Besides, they have the magic corps. As long as they have food and sleep, they can cast magic."
"True. Then why is it so quiet? Is it a trap?"
"Even if it were a trap, once we reach the walls, the difference in troop numbers is overwhelming. It would end in an instant. It makes no sense. If they are aiming for something…"
"Aiming for what?"
"For you, Your Highness, or for us generals. If they take us out, the troops will lose their command and scatter. If we assume they’ve shifted their strategy to a desperate, all-or-nothing strike in that direction, it’s somewhat understandable, but…"
"Still, the lack of resistance is strange."
"Indeed. Even if they are targeting us, they would have to whittle down the surrounding soldiers first. Even if they are aiming for a chaotic melee within the city, the number of soldiers is vastly different. …Hmm, why don't we send another surrender ultimatum? They might be arguing amongst themselves about whether to surrender."
"…Hmm. I have my doubts as to why they would surrender now after resisting this long, but well, if they do surrender, it would be a relief to avoid casualties. Understood, send a messenger. The deadline for a response is noon. Do not let your guard down."
"Understood."
With that, we sent a messenger to deliver the surrender ultimatum, and there was an immediate reaction.
"Reporting!! Several people have appeared on top of the city walls!! A-and among them, we can see Princess Carrie, Kagura Kamishiro, and the Bide lord, Catherine, all bound!!"
That was the report I received. The old man had already gone to confirm if they were the real ones.
Indeed, there was someone standing on the ramparts.