Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"No, we must retake the high ground immediately. We cannot let the artillery fall into the enemy's hands."
Old Knight Schroeder made a decisive call. "Andrew, you command the Fourth Battalion to cover our rear. Claude, the Second Battalion will advance with me to retake the high ground."
Andrew silently nodded in agreement, not daring to be presumptuous in the presence of Knight Schroeder, despite being a noble himself.
Claude, however, expressed his concerns: "Chief of Staff, our forces are still too few. Should we…"
"No!" Schroeder sharply cut him off, insisting, "If we delay, they will drag the cannons away!"
As the two discussed whether to launch an immediate counterattack on the high ground, someone pointed to the north and excitedly shouted, "The reinforcements have arrived!"
Everyone turned to the north and saw a column of troops moving towards the battlefield along the road.
This was a force composed of Alden's sailors, militia, and auxiliary troops recruited from the Carter family's territory, numbering about 1,000 men.
The sailors were equipped with breastplates and muskets, the militia with breastplates and standard issue pikes, and the newly recruited auxiliaries had only simple melee weapons—mostly seized from the Carter family.
A smile finally appeared on Schroeder's face. "Just in time. Have them hurry up!"
Several fire arrows soared into the air and exploded, signaling the distant troops, who then began to run towards the battlefield.
When the two armies came together, the force was led by Fleet Admiral Tirpitz of the Third Fleet. After learning from Schroeder about the enemy's capture of the artillery, he shrugged and said, "It seems we arrived a bit too late. What now? Should we retake it?"
Schroeder replied, "Of course. The artillery cannot fall into enemy hands. Everyone, I just realized that the enemy has longbowmen with powerful ranged attacks. We need to detach well-protected soldiers from each battalion."
Within minutes, 600 soldiers assembled, all equipped with both breastplates and helmets.
Schroeder clapped Andrew on the shoulder. "Baron, you'll be responsible for our rear."
Andrew saluted him. "Rest assured, Chief of Staff. And please address me as Colonel."
Schroeder nodded and drew his sword, pointing towards the high ground as he shouted, "Attack!" He took the lead, marching forward.
"Tat-tat-tat~ Tat-tat-tat~," As soon as he finished speaking, the military drums beat rhythmically. Behind Schroeder, the 600 soldiers split into two groups, led by Claude and Tirpitz, following the beat of the drums as they marched towards the high ground.
The enemy on the artillery position noticed the Alden army's counterattack and, while still figuring out how to operate the cannons, quickly assembled. They numbered about 1,000, mostly longbowmen, with many also armed with pikes and spears.
When the Alden army was 200 meters away, the enemy's longbowmen began firing arrows, creating a storm of arrows.
The attacking soldiers were equipped with breastplates and helmets, but their limbs were exposed. This was not only to ensure mobility but also because the cost of fully enclosing each soldier in armor was prohibitive, even for a financially booming Alden.
Arrows striking the armor made a clanging noise, while those hitting flesh resulted in screams. With every few steps, soldiers fell, some of whom would likely never walk properly again.
Yet, compared to their contemporaries, they were fortunate. Wounded soldiers were quickly attended by medics who used stretchers to carry them to the rear. At makeshift field hospitals, military doctors used clean bandages, boiling water, and sterilized surgical tools to treat them, greatly increasing their chances of survival compared to others.
The enemy's longbowmen showed no mercy despite the soldiers' screams, shooting arrows in wave after wave. From their elevated position with a wide view, Alden's soldiers were perfect targets.
After heavy casualties, even the most disciplined Alden soldiers began to waver in their resolve.
Schroeder's brow furrowed. At this rate, the morale of his troops would collapse before they even reached the enemy.
He stopped and turned to face all the soldiers, ignoring the arrows whizzing past.
"Is this all we're capable of? Look at yourselves now—do you show even a fraction of the discipline you have in training?"
"Soft and flabby, are people going to mock us as just a showy unit?"
The old knight lamented, "The First and Third Battalions faced similar longbowmen and attacks at Biddeburg, but they marched forward fearlessly and repelled the enemy with bullets and bayonets."
"Show your courage and prove that we are no less heroic than they are."
Under Schroeder's repeated scolding and provocation, many soldiers looked ashamed and straightened up.
The old knight wisely stopped his reprimand, knowing this was not the time for lengthy speeches. He raised his sword again and pointed forward. "I hereby declare—advance!"
"Tat-tat-tat~ Tat-tat-tat~," The military drums beat rhythmically once more.
As Schroeder marched forward, he shouted with all his might:
"If I advance, you follow me!"
"If I retreat, you execute me!"
"If I die, avenge me!"
With these words, it seemed something ignited within everyone's hearts.
...
"Hold!"
Finally, they reached a distance where they could clearly see the enemy.
"Prepare!"
The first rank of soldiers immediately knelt on one knee, while the second and third ranks alternated, pointing their muskets forward.
"Fire!"
A tremendous roar erupted as three ranks of muskets fired simultaneously, creating a terrifying spectacle. Many enemy soldiers trembled in fear.
Even more terrifying was the dense smoke rising as dark gun barrels spat out deadly flames, mowing down lives by the dozens.
The enemy forces collapsed in rows.
With a decisive gesture, Schroeder shouted, "Charge!"
"Charge!" "Long live Alden!"
The soldiers in the rear echoed their commander's call, brandishing bayonets and charging forward!
TL Note: Short Chapter 😅
(End of the Chapter)
---
Perks of Joining My Pa treon (pa treon . com / CinderTL)
- Read (FF) Ahead, Currently up to Chapter 455 as of 08Oct24.
- Daily Updates of 2+ Chapters
- Mass Releases (+5 on 8Oct24)
- 2 Other Stories to Read (More Coming in Future)
- Support My Hardwork. and Show Some Appreciation
If You Are Unable to Join as a Paid Member, Please join as a free member to show some love. (/^▽^)/
AND PLEASE LEAVE SOME REVIEWS, It only takes a few minutes. ( •̯́ ^ •̯̀)