Translator: Cinder Translations
...
The cannonballs from the Alden army hit Fishtail Town's walls like heavy hammers, striking blow after blow.
The hastily repaired walls were evidently not very sturdy. After enduring nearly two hours of bombardment from the navy's 12-pound cannons, they were on the verge of collapse.
At first, the defenders took shelter in the towers, but these towers, which could only withstand ordinary arrows and crossbows, crumbled under the cannon fire. After a few hits, they fell apart. Most defenders, frightened, ran to take cover at the base of the walls, while only a few remained on top.
The initial counterattack from the town's crossbows caused some panic among Alden's naval personnel. To ensure precise targeting and conserve cannonball energy, the naval ships docked within 200 meters of the walls. This distance meant that the defenders' ordinary arrows couldn't reach them, but the crossbows could.
Accustomed to overwhelming their enemies with long-range firepower, the navy had never encountered such a situation before.
However, it soon became clear that the crossbows were not a serious threat—primarily due to their poor accuracy and the limited number of only four crossbows.
Confidently, the navy ships continued to unleash their firepower on Fishtail Town.
Most of the defenders had been diverted to the northern part of the town to guard against the expected assault from the Alden army. The Earl believed that the main breakthrough would come from the north.
At the west gate of Fishtail Town, only a small squad of soldiers was stationed. They were terrified by the bombardment from the northern river.
However, a more terrifying event occurred: a new army emerged from the forest to the west.
"Enemy forces are attacking the west gate! We need support, quickly notify the Earl!"
The officer, wide-eyed and trembling, shouted orders to his subordinates.
Despite the chaos on the northern river, which was merely a diversion, Schroder's strategy was "a frontal diversion, a flanking maneuver." Two infantry battalions, having landed in the west, approached the town's west gate under cover of the forest. After two hours of naval bombardment, they launched their attack.
Viscount Soro Carter hesitated, unsure where the enemy's main assault was directed.
While the Earl was indecisive, the second and third infantry battalions suppressed the defenders at the west gate. The defenders on the wall were few, and those with bows were even fewer. The artillery then moved their cannons to within 20 meters of the gate. With no moat, their actions were highly convenient.
A few cannon shots shattered Fishtail Town's gates, and Alden's soldiers surged in.
Contrary to expectations, no street fighting occurred. With the thick walls gone, the defenders' morale collapsed once the attackers entered the town.
Five rockets soared into the sky and exploded, signaling the success of the assault on the west gate to the navy.
Schroder, observing the signal through his telescope, allowed himself a rare smile and then ordered the navy to cease firing.
He did not instruct the navy to support the army at the west gate; according to intelligence, there should be no forces in the town capable of resisting two infantry battalions.
After waiting about an hour, figures appeared along the river's city wall, and the flag of the Grayman family was soon raised. The water gate was also opened.
According to plan, Yarman stayed behind to command the fleet, while Schroder and Tirpitz, along with 100 sailors, boarded small boats and entered Fishtail Town through the water gate.
Upon landing at the canal dock in the town, they found the streets deserted. The residents had fled, unwilling to stay in their homes under the bombardment of the "thunder hammer."
There were many collapsed buildings, the result of the naval bombardment. Several cannonballs had crossed the walls and hit the town's houses.
Schroder and Tirpitz met with the two infantry battalion leaders. "Congratulations on the successful operation. How are the casualties among the infantry?"
Baron Andrew, the leader of the Fourth Infantry Battalion from Byerldine, proudly replied, "There were no casualties. After breaching the west gate, the defenders on the wall surrendered immediately. When we advanced into the northern area, we encountered enemy reinforcements, but they scattered after a volley of rifles."
This was his battalion's first action with the Alden army, and the success excited him.
Schroder nodded in satisfaction and then inquired, "What about other directions?"
"People have been sent, but they may not be able to intercept Viscount Soro Carter. After all, we are not laying siege."
"It would be best to intercept him, but if he escapes, it's not a big deal."
…
Contrary to everyone's expectations, Viscount Soro Carter did not flee. When Alden's army discovered him, he was leading a large group of townsfolk in the town center's church, praying.
The townspeople were terrified when soldiers barged in, but the presence of bayonets and gunfire soon silenced them. The commanding officer briefly explained Alden's discipline, promising not to harm their safety or seize their property—provided they remained compliant.
Schroder, along with the other officers, entered the church and found Viscount Soro Carter kneeling before an icon, eyes closed, murmuring prayers, seemingly ignoring the newcomers.
Schroder said, "Earl Carter, you have failed."
Carter remained unmoved—except for the prayers he continued to recite. The church's priest stood awkwardly to the side, anxiously glancing between his lord and Schroder, sweating profusely.
Andrew interjected, "Earl Carter, face reality. Have your family and territory cease resistance."
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Carter opened his eyes and stood, glaring at Andrew. They knew each other as fellow nobles from the Northwest Bay.
"Andrew, I see you are here as well. It makes sense, as Byerldine joined the coalition against the Duke."
Andrew urged, "For the sake of your family, surrender. Aligning with the usurper will not end well."
Carter adjusted his clothes. "Very well. Since you are here, I will surrender, but only personally. My family will not surrender. Also, I will only surrender to a fellow noble like you."
"You!" Claude and Tirpitz, standing nearby, were enraged, their anger palpable.
Schroder intervened to stop the escalating situation, calmly stating, "Let it be. Colonel Andrew, you will accept the Earl's surrender."
Although Fishtail Town had been captured, Carter's family's territory extended beyond this place, and there was more to fight for.
(End of the Chapter)
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