Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

Located in the northwest of the imperial capital Northmark, the fortress city of Dunburg stood as more than just a mere stronghold. It also protects the border of the empire and the Union of Lords headed by Lanct Duchy. It is probably better to refer to it as a great fortress.

With its thick stone walls, surrounding bastions, and central castle, it occupied half the city’s area. It was a place where soldiers’ families lived within the confines of the massive fortress.

Under the command of General Mainz, the defenders consisted of two thousand heavily armored infantry and two hundred knights. As long as they held their defensive position, it seemed unlikely that Dyson’s large army would easily breach the walls.

-0-

The elderly Emperor, weakened by captivity, was carried in his bed by the soldiers, accompanied by Eliza, who worried for her grandfather.

Curiously, the minstrel Zither chose to follow me instead of the Emperor. While her presence made it difficult to have candid conversations with General Mainz, there was little choice but to tolerate it.

Seated in the guest room, sipping the tea offered to us, General Mainz inquired,

「And what shall I call you?」

「I currently go by the name Drift Gunner, the wandering black marksman.」

At my introduction, General Mainz’s white beard quivered with amusement. 「Ah, the Black marksman—a fitting moniker indeed. Your impressive firearm speaks volumes.」

「Do you discern that from a mere glance, General Mainz?」

He nodded, examining the magic rifle I had presented.

「Ho ho, even an old man like me has acquired a few samples of matchlock guns. But compared to what you, the black marksman, possess, they appear rudimentary. Your weapon is refined, incorporating magic tools that enhance its power.」

The table displayed several usable components and meticulously repaired matchlock guns, along with fresh ammunition and gunpowder. General Mainz was indeed a shrewd individual.

Had General Mainz led the charge at the Battle of Silesia, perhaps Germania would have emerged victorious.

「Perhaps you’re also training soldiers to handle firearms?」

「Indeed, it seems easier to handle than I anticipated. Since we have citizens in this city, we’ve recruited and allowed them to serve as citizen militia to bolster our ranks.」

It was impressive that they were experimenting with our volunteer soldier system.

General Mainz truly lived up to his reputation.

「You old man is really not someone to underestimate. While you’re an ally now, the thought of facing General Mainz as an enemy sends shivers down my spine.」

「Ho ho, no need to worry. Emperor Conrad’s once-mightiest empire in the world is now hanging by a thread. As long as I draw breath, I won’t let that flame be extinguished… though, in less than ten years, I’ll likely become a literal pile of bones.」

The fate of the Germania Empire mattered little to me, but inadvertently owing a favor from General Mainz by making him an ally was advantageous. The seasoned general, with years of military service, had seamlessly integrated our volunteer system and new weaponry into his tactics. In this world, General Mainz was a rare breed—a brilliant strategist who had been unjustly relegated to this remote post, just as Lyle-sensei had described.

Moreover, General Mainz possessed remarkable abilities without harboring excessive ambition. He was a reliable candidate for the position of grand marshal.

He is a gem of a man who can be entrusted with generalship with peace of mind.

I wanted him on our side.

Our volunteer corps had plenty of young captains, but experienced generals were scarce.

A seasoned commander with both leadership honed through years of experience and strategic insight was an invaluable asset.

As long as we secured Emperor Conrad and Eliza on our side, obtaining General Mainz was within reach. It seemed we had stumbled upon an unexpected treasure.

「Why the sudden silence?」

General Mainz inquired, studying me closely.

I won’t let you slip away, you’re definitely joining our staff.

「Indeed, I wondered about the state of the battle.」

「Well, it appears that the Silesie Kingdom and the union of lords aligned with Duke Lanct are willing to support us. Just recently, this castle received food aid.」

I see, food assistance. The tea served at Dunburg Castle, which even my refined palate found delicious, must have been a gift from Duke Lanct.

Before me, Lord Mainz strokes his white beard and discusses the Silesie Kingdom with a calm expression. Conversing with such a shrewd opponent is quite enjoyable.

「That’s good to hear. Soon, the rescue team led by Herman will return to Dunburg. For the Fist Slave Imperial Army, the Germania royal family is a necessary pawn to secure legitimacy. It’s clear that pursuers will be sent after them. General Mainz, how do you plan to act?」

「Indeed. Personally, I have no intention of allowing Dunburg to fall into enemy hands. I wish to safely escort His Majesty and Her Highness to a secure rear area.」

「What about Emperor Conrad and Princess Elizabeth’s intentions?」

「My conclusion is based on considering their well-being. I believe His Majesty and Her Highness will understand.」

Well, in practical terms, they have no choice but to follow Lord Mainz’s lead.

Being a royal has its limitations.

「For instance, as a rallying symbol for the remaining Germania forces, we could use the Emperor. What do you think?」

I propose this idea to gauge Lord Mainz’s intentions.

Certainly, following Mainz’s advice would be the safest course of action. However, if we send the Emperor to Silesie, Lyle-sensei will inevitably use him as a political tool. That seems a bit unfortunate.

Of course, I’ll be cautious to ensure I don’t end up in an unfortunate situation myself.

Given Lord Mainz’s capabilities, there should also be an option to protect the former Emperor here, using Princess Elizabeth as the Empire’s sole heir, and safeguard Germania’s independence.

「Indeed, as black marksman suggests, that may be the case. However, I do not wish to expose His Majesty to further danger.」

「I see. If that is your intention, then so be it. Understood. We shall allow the Germania imperial family to seek asylum in Silesie Kingdom.」

「That would be great. Black marksman, I implore you to safely escort His Majesty and Her Highness. This old man humbly requests your assistance.」

「I don’t mind, but this favor is significant, General Mainz.」

「Hohoho, even in my waning years, I shall repay this debt. I never expected that someone like me, a withered old man, would still have a role to play. Whether thin or withered, this Mainz remains Emperor Conrad’s loyal general. I know where my life’s purpose lies.」

「General, I’d prefer you to keep your life intact before repaying any debts.」

「Hohoho, you’re still an interesting individual… To burden this dying old man with such high expectations, I must rise to the occasion.」

「Well then, the matter is settled. Now that I’ve been entrusted, I’ll carry out my duties.」

Just as the castle became bustling, a messenger arrived, announcing the enemy’s attack.

They’ve come already?

「As the saying goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I expected pursuers, but the Fist Slave Imperial Army is moving swiftly.」

「Hohoho, if preparations for the defense are in place, leave it to this old man.」

General Mainz tightened his grip on his cane, rose from his chair with effort, and eagerly headed toward the battlefield.

Indeed, reassuring.

「General Mainz, there’s something else…」

The young messenger leaned in and whispered to Mainz, causing the seasoned veteran’s expression to change.

What unexpected situation has arisen to surprise this old general?

「What is it, General Mainz? Has an unforeseen event occurred?」

「No, it seems my moment in the spotlight hasn’t arrived just yet.」

Curious about the situation, I climbed up to the outer walls of Dunburg and understood what was happening.

From the direction of Northmark, a considerable force of pursuers was approaching. Their numbers were just shy of five thousand. Considering that General Mainz had desperately gathered two thousand two hundred soldiers within this castle, even if most of the enemy troops were light infantry, they posed quite a challenge.

However, there was a mysterious knight order launching a flanking assault against the Fist Slave Imperial Army, which had massed and attacked Dunburg’s fortress town.

Their numbers were around two thousand cavalry, but their audacious and fierce charge shattered the light infantry, swiftly tearing through the enemy’s flank.

Or rather, it wasn’t so much a mysterious knight order but one with the familiar scarlet eagle emblem…

「Hohoho, it appears to be the knight order of the Lanct Duchy.」

「Princess Knight Eleonora, huh? What is she doing here?」

Well, it might be impolite to question why they sent reinforcements.

But seriously, how eager is Eleonora to appear in this scene where General Mainz’s seasoned tactics shine?

The enemy forces, split in half, were effectively defeated. Even if they were numerous, they were no longer a cohesive army. The frontal enemies faced a crossfire from bows, crossbows, and matchlock guns fired from Dunburg’s outer walls, resulting in their annihilation.

The rear enemy forces were also scattered, relentlessly pursued by Eleonora’s knight order.

I lent a hand, but it’s been a while since I witnessed such an effortless victory.

「Lanct’s war maiden, she has truly grown into an honorable commander.」

「Hmm, General Mainz, is that how you see it? I think she’s still the same reckless warrior as always.」

Well, winning makes everything seem fine, but their attack was too straightforward.

Perhaps their haste led to a focused charge by the knight order alone. Eleonora isn’t the type to coordinate multiple branches effectively.

It’s amusing to think of a general who can’t handle multiple branches, but when you ask if such commanders exist, well, they certainly do. The Princess Knight is truly a special case.

「Indeed, if Princess Knight Eleonora were utilized as a knight order commander, she would be an ideal general. Essentially, having a seasoned leader who can tame that spirited steed would be beneficial.」

「I see. So if General Mainz skillfully harnessed her abilities, Princess Knight Eleonora could excel.」

「Hohoho, that’s true, but perhaps someone like a certain king general could also handle her.」

「General Mainz, please spare me the jokes.」

Why does everyone keep pushing Eleonora onto me?

While it’s a jest to suggest I use Eleonora, considering that the remaining Imperial forces and the union of lords will now cooperate to face the Fist Slave Imperial Army, it would be advantageous if General Mainz could effectively utilize Eleonora.

Under the guidance of a capable leader like Mainz, Eleonora should continue to grow.

※※※

「I’ve captured the enemy’s bandit leader alive.」

「Good work, Eleonora.」

As we welcomed the Lanct Duchy’s knight order into the castle, Princess Knight Eleonora proudly presented the captured Mohawk-helmeted enemy leader as a prisoner. While she didn’t bring the enemy’s head, it’s clear that Eleonora has indeed matured.

「Being captured can’t be helped. Treat me according to my status as a knight.」

「You there, you’re clearly no knight.」

The man wearing the Mohawk helmet, clad in sturdy studded leather armor with a leather cloak, spoke with an air of authority, leaving me dumbfounded.

He’s probably a disgraced mercenary. Given that he was commanding troops on horseback, he likely hails from a former mercenary cavalry unit.

「What? While it’s true I’m not a knight, I am Gemon-sama, entrusted with the title of Conquering General by the Emperor himself. A general outranks a knight, don’t you think? At the very least, treat me as a general!」

Despite being a bumbling captive in Eleonora’s hands, he sure acts high and mighty.

He secretly admires knights, doesn’t he? There’s something endearing about this blue mohawk-helmeted fellow.

「Ah, understood, understood. However, after annihilating an army of five thousand, if you return to Dyson with your tail between your legs, you’ll be slaughtered.」

「That’s……」

The bandit general Gemon’s face turned as blue as his Mohawk.

The Fist Slave Emperor doesn’t show mercy to incompetent subordinates. He’ll likely end up beheaded.

Certainly, this Mohawk-helmeted man is imposing, and he can ride a horse. Although he’s not a knight, he managed to lead five thousand troops in an attack. He’s reasonably capable.

On the flip side, he’s replaceable—there are plenty of men like him. If he returns saying, ‘I lost.’ it’s clear he’ll meet the executioner.

「Well, well, black marksman. I’m considering releasing General Gemon under certain conditions.」

「R-really?」

The bandit general Gemon’s face lit up. To him, Mainz’s kind expression must have seemed like a buddha in hell.

While capturing someone like this won’t yield any useful bargaining chips, can we really let an enemy commander escape?

Well, let’s leave the post-war handling to General Mainz, he’s the commander of this fortress after all.

Perhaps he believes that every person, regardless of their background, has some utility if kept alive.

「Will your excellency, Conquering General Gemon, intend to return to Dyson, who calls himself Fist Slave Emperor, once we set you free?」

「I don’t know……..」

I don’t know means if I go back, I would be beheaded. In short, there’s no way he’ll go back.

Aside from being an honorable knight, life is what’s most important for mercenaries. I’m sure he would just escape and not return.

「Conquering General Gemon, if you’re willing to stand under the legitimate Germania banner, I’ll release you and your fellow prisoners. You can then rise up as a loyalist to the legitimate Empire within your previously governed territory. You can rally defeated soldiers once more.」

「Oohh, really?」

The rope-bound Gemon humbly lowered his head to Mainz.

「Though the greeting is belated, I am General Mainz, ruler of the city of Dunburg. Needless to say, the legitimate authority of the Germania Empire rests with us. If Conquering General Gemon, who has chosen to fight alongside the rightful side against the rebel leader Dyson, is willing, we shall pardon his past transgressions and appoint him as a general. You may now govern the regions you once ruled and stand against the rebels.」

「Understood. I too am a general in this army. I will defeat that scoundrel Dyson!」

「Your spirit is commendable, Your Excellency Gemon. Dyson, the rebel leader, was originally a gladiator slave, and it is only fitting that a general of the legitimate army like yourself does not bow to such a man.」

「Got it, General Mainz. Let us fight together.」

「Very well, for the sake of the legitimate Germania Empire!」

「Indeed, glory to the legitimate Germania Empire!」

Mainz cut the rope that bound Gemon and helped him to his feet. Emboldened, Gemon led his freed comrades back to their stronghold.

-0-

In the village of Leutz, Gemon, once the captain of a mercenary cavalry unit, rallied the remnants who had been previously defeated. Now, he declared his uprising as a general in the legitimate Germania Empire.

Gemon, an ambitious man seeking to rise amidst the chaos, cared little for which camp he belonged to.

But one thing was certain, Mainz’s skillful maneuvering had successfully turned a rebel into an ally, leaving me impressed.