Chapter 178: The Surrender of Nant
Peace negotiations between the Kingdom of Castilia and the Kingdom of Silesie have concluded.
This news made the regional nobles, who had been embroiled in repeated civil uprisings in southern Silesie, despair.
It was the combination of material aid from Castilia and the unwavering support of the world’s mightiest navy that allowed them to raise their banners against Silesie. The southern lands of Silesie had long enjoyed peace and prosperity, yet they were known to rely on Roland mercenaries from neighboring countries due to their perceived weakness.
Originally, they lacked the strength to face Silesie’s royal army and volunteer forces alone. But now, in the isolated port of Nant, who lost Castilia’s assistance, the Silesien fleet approached.
「Is that Nant?」
Nant, the central city of the Nant Marquisate ruled by Marquis Pipin, stood as an elegant and beautiful harbor town. Its splendid buildings, constructed mainly from precious Silesien timber, showcased the city’s accumulated wealth—the bounty of being virtually the sole prosperous port in Silesie.
The city walls of Nant were thick and its defenses unyielding. While most of the marquisate was already under the control of Sarah-chan’s forces, this city alone continued its resolute resistance, fortified by Castilian reinforcements from the sea.
Yet today marked a turning point.
As the great Silesien fleet filled the harbor, it became clear to anyone that resistance was futile.
Despite the unequivocal display of overwhelming force, the city’s governor remained obstinate. Even though Castilia had already ceased hostilities, the local soldiers persisted in their tenacious defense against Silesie, refusing to acknowledge the futility. 「This Magistrate Geoffrey is quite stubborn. Well, well, Marquis Pipin has already fallen in battle, and there’s no heir. Why isn’t he surrendering?」
「My apologies.」
I was apologized to by the soldier acting as an envoy. Complaining wasn’t productive; after all, it wasn’t the subordinate’s fault for going into negotiations.
However, when surrounding a harbor with a fleet doesn’t lead to surrender, there’s no choice but to resort to force. It’s tiresome, even though victory is already assured. Dealing with stubborn enemies who refuse to yield can be quite bothersome.
Revenant was an irritating fellow, but he excelled in negotiations. Having someone nimble like him made things easier. Despite the mage’s personality quirks, I can understand why the Study King values him.
Well, since no one else is here, it falls to me—I am the ruler of this kingdom, after all.
「So, King General, what’s your plan?」
「Naturally, it all goes down to war. Admiral Drake, when I signal, proceed with the planned assault.」
Upon my command, the seasoned pirate grinned cynically and saluted with an ‘Aye aye, sir’. As we approached the bow of the Black Cedar warship, without a word, Kaara—the sorceress in black robe—embraced me from behind, allowing us both to float.
Kaara’s robe was enchanted with invisibility magic. To distant observers, it would appear that I, clad in shining mithril armor, was soaring with my black cloak billowing. Behind me, the Fire Dragon Corps flew—a squadron riding on the back of the mighty Fire Dragon, with Louise standing resolute.
Of course, I had no intention of razing the city. The Fire Dragon wouldn’t attack. Its imposing presence alone, descending from the sky, conveyed silent intimidation to our foes. It was all part of the theatrical display for the surrender ultimatum.
「I am Sawatari Takeru, King General of Silesie. Citizens of Nant, cease your futile resistance immediately and return under the banner of the Kingdom of Silesie!」
My voice crackled through the harbor, amplified by Kaara’s wind magic as we flew. And then, to those still resisting.
「What are you all doing? Have you forgotten Marquis Pipin’s favor? Take down the enemy commander!」
The battle-hardened veteran, his white hair cascading over a rich, snowy beard, rallies the enemy soldiers lined up along the harbor. That’s Geoffrey Armas, the magistrate of Nant—a man known both as the steward of Marquis Pipin’s house and a capable administrator. Remarkably, he carries himself well even on the battlefield.
So, they’ve held out this long during the siege. Impressive.
From the harbor’s pier, a group of defenders vigorously rains arrows toward us. But for me, archer attacks hold no fear. I casually draw my sword of ice and snow Tizona, a magical sword at my waist, and theatrically swing it.
In response, a gust of wind erupts, deflecting every single arrow. It might appear like magic from the blade, but I lack such abilities. It’s Kaara, wrapped around me in a dual flight, who softly chants wind spells, dispersing the arrows.
Just when I thought arrows were the only threat, a resounding boom startled me. Turns out, Geoffrey has pushed forward a musket unit, and they’re firing bullets now. Kaara’s wind magic can’t neutralize the momentum of those lead balls.
My mithril armor remains impervious to the bullets, but I can’t risk one hitting Kaara behind me. So, I channel the full power of my ‘sword of light’ generating a radiant barrier that deflects the projectiles.
One squad fires, then another takes their place. The overlapping thunderous sounds test my patience—double shots, no, even triple volleys. Quite the petty maneuver.
Surprisingly, the enemy riflemen are more numerous than a mere ten or twenty. These local noble forces have prepared and effectively wielded a substantial number of muskets. I’m almost impressed. Are they using muskets smuggled from the late Marquis Pipin’s legacy in the Ye Mountains, or perhaps they salvaged them after defeating the volunteer army?
Either way, if a military force—up to the scale of three squads—were to be trapped within a large city, even Sarah-chan’s volunteer army would struggle.
Well, it’s no wonder that Nant City remains unconquered.
Among the local noble forces, there must be notable individuals.
However, in the end, wielding magical swords—such as the ‘Neutral Sword’ and the ‘Sword of Light’—that channel the maximum output of their power, I can deflect even old-fashioned lead bullets. Wrapped in a silvery aura, my figure might appear to distant onlookers like an invincible hero blessed by a goddess.
The exaggerated legend of the Silesien hero echoes through this land as well.
I know it’s more effective to make them believe that I, alone, accomplished everything. I must prevent the enemy from thinking they can defeat the Silesien hero. Only by demonstrating an overwhelming disparity in power can we quell their resistance.
「Many who fear the hero blessed by Asama bowed but the others are… Very well! Let me show you the fate of those who defy the Silesie Kingdom! 」
With a grand gesture as if in a samurai drama, I brandished the gleaming silver magic sword. With that as the signal, the flagship’s Magic Armstrong cannon roared to life.
The thunderous explosion reverberated, and like a judgmental bolt of lightning, a colossal projectile struck Duke Pipin’s stronghold, tearing it apart.
In an instant, Pipin’s castle—the impressive edifice second only to the grand monastery where Asama’s Archbishop presided in Nant City—was reduced to rubble.
Among the flying shards of bricks and the billowing white smoke, all that remained was a partially collapsed fortress with a gaping hole.
As I surveyed the wreckage of the ancestral home where generations of lords had resided, the enemy soldiers stationed at the harbor stood in stunned silence. They seemed to have forgotten how to even draw their bows.
In any city, both the Asama Church and the lord’s castle symbolize authority.
For Nant City, which had already lost Duke Pipin, the collapse of the lord’s castle was akin to the lord’s demise happening twice over.
「If you persist in defiance, then this Silesien hero shall mete out celestial judgment upon you! But a single strike won’t suffice. From our fleet, two thousand cannons shall simultaneously erupt in flames, reducing this entire city to ruins in an instant!」
The soldiers cried out, ‘Stop!’ ‘Please, cease!’ Their voices cracked with desperation. Of course, at the brink of their city’s destruction, no one could remain composed.
「Now, there’s no time to spare. Will you watch this beautiful city burn, or will you submit to the Silesien hero’s mercy and find solace under our banner?」
Truth be told, the Silesien fleet’s cannons were ordinary, not Magic Armstrong cannons. I exaggerated slightly. But if resistance persisted, the fact remained: a deluge of artillery fire would turn Nant City into scorched earth. My lie was justified.
Perhaps my grand theatrics had instilled fear. ‘We surrender!’ ‘Hero-sama, have mercy!’ Voices rose in unison. One by one, soldiers dropped their weapons, heads bowed as if in prayer.
「What are you doing? Fight for the Burgund house’s favor! Fight!」
The commander’s, Geoffrey, sword raised defiantly, shouted until his voice cracked. Others attempted to rally resistance, but nearby soldiers promptly dragged them down.
At that moment, a soldier discarded his white shirt, securing it to his spear and brandishing it widely.
And so, white flags sprouted throughout the harbor. Regardless of anyone’s protests, surrender was inevitable.
「Very well. You fought as honorable Silesien soldiers. Those who yield shall be spared, their lives safeguarded, their possessions guaranteed. In the name of the Silesien hero, I promise this!」
‘Y-yes’ the once-hostile city’s soldiers now prostrated themselves completely. Victory was ours. Even if they had ample weapons and provisions, without the soldiers’ morale, even the most resolute commanders were rendered ineffective.
Ah, such is the difference in stature. I believe my hero’s performance is improving—I’m getting the hang of this world’s negotiation style.
As I stepped onto the harbor pier, an elderly captain, clad in antiquated armor, approached. His long white beard framed his face.
Upon closer inspection, his crimson mantle spoke of a distinguished officer, but the rusty iron armor beneath it told a different tale.
His ceremonial sword at his waist seemed ill-suited for combat; no need for excessive vigilance. Frankly, I’m impressed he dared to face me with such an inadequate weapon.
Despite his staunch resistance, the pragmatic old captain knelt before me, bowing deeply.
「I am Geoffrey Armas, serving the Burgund house and representing Nant City. Silesien hero, I implore you for your generous judgment.」
「So, you surrender. Wise of you, commander.」
At this point, stubborn knights who persist in resistance must be dealt with. While I’ll strike if attacked, I’m no sadistic killer. I have no grudge against this opponent.
Besides, ending the life of an elderly man brandishing what barely qualifies as a weapon would haunt my dreams.
Moreover, Nant City is relatively well-governed, and this venerable captain commands respect. Such individuals are best kept alive.
Nant City, part of South Silesie, especially this vital port, must be integrated into the royal domain. Minimizing damage to both the city and its people is crucial.
Thus, my somewhat embarrassing theatrics served a purpose. For now, this elderly gentleman remains a reasonable interlocutor.
And there’s something about him—a loyal servant, evident at first glance. His unwavering resistance likely stems from loyalty, not foolishness. It doesn’t irk me.
「Magistrate Geoffrey, fear not—we’ll seize Burgund territory, but personal assets and the family estate won’t be confiscated. Your knighthood remains intact; the Burgund house will retain its status as minor nobility without land. Should you prove loyal to the Silesien Kingdom after submission, perhaps even rebuilding your house will be possible.」
「Such magnanimity! We are profoundly grateful!」
「Remember, this offer stands only if you surrender peacefully. As for the stubborn Burgund lord who still resists, I can’t guarantee his safety if we face off on the battlefield. A cornered man might still yearn for combat.」
「That’s…」
I’ll give him a little nudge.
Geoffrey needs to be useful.
「I won’t mince words—I’d suggest encouraging surrender even to the head of the Burgund house. Unless you want to hasten your liege’s demise.」
「Understood.」
The magistrate bowed deeply once more.
His dignified demeanor, ruling the city amidst adversity until this very day—impressive. This man was competent, and I considered him an asset.
Since the negotiation with Revenant went well, let’s see how Geoffrey handles this one.
Certainly easier than doing the surrender talk myself.