Reborn As Noble

Meanwhile.

Tybalt Northern Border.

The Turka captain stood tall on a crumbling section of the Tybalt wall, staring at the Armand soldiers who had just landed from their strange flying craft. They were positioned a fair distance away, across the open, scarred field that separated the two forces.

The captain gritted his teeth, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

They’re outnumbered! And yet... what is this feeling?

The Armand soldiers numbered only about 200. His own force had over 10,000. He had 50 cannons, plenty of the newly purchased magic bows, and more than 2000 archers at his command.

And yet... those flying machines. That huge, hovering iron monstrosity looming behind the soldiers now standing calmly in formation.

Their weapons look like advanced versions of our musketeers’ gear... But that thing that shot down our cannonballs earlier, that beam of light... what was it? Do they have many of those, or just one?

The captain kept staring at the Armand line. They weren’t advancing. They weren’t retreating. They were just... waiting.

I don’t think they can stand against these numbers. If my archers loose 2000 magic arrows at once, they’d be wiped out.

But if they have shields... they could hold and kill a good number of my men.

Should I try?

Or should I retreat?

The captain rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Since our new musketeer unit just recently got those muskets from King Kimar for a huge sum... and the things called bullets are limited. If I’m not mistaken, Lord Gurka mentioned about 3000 rounds for the first batch, plus the packaged gunpowder.

The problem is, our reloading time takes too long.

Same with our cannons.

Should I stagger the firing timing?

From 50 cannons, reload properly and fire 25 first, while the other 25 are ready to fire when the first batch reloads?

That could create a continuous attack.

Same with my musketeer unit. I already sent a messenger to our nearest base near the border, they should arrive any minute now. If they bring around 200 more units, I could use the same staggered tactic as the cannons...

The captain glanced up at the sky.

The problem is... that thing.

I don’t know if our musket bullets could reach that high.

And according to history and reports, Armand’s weapons are unlike anything we’ve ever known.

The rapid shooting, the beams of light... just like I saw before.

It’s like magic attacks, but compressed and fast.

If only I could request the mage division to assist us in this war.

But the general refused my request, saying Tybalt is easy pickings, so no need for advanced mages to join.

Tch! Claiming they have limited mage units.

Dumb General.

I’d like to pull that mustache of his and rip it right off his ugly face.

That damn bloater. With his stinking, smelly breath.

If it were just Tybalt, this would be easy. If Armand wasn’t here, I would have taken the next town already, crushed those weakling Tybalt forces, and claimed as much land as possible for Lord Turka. Then I’d get a promotion.

If I manage to win this war and conquer more Tybalt land than Garka’s army, I’ll be rewarded handsomely by Lord Turka. And I can finally smirk in that smug general’s face.

He glanced around at his cannon units.

They were already reloaded and ready. I think they’re just waiting for my command.

He glanced over his shoulder, where his heavy-armored cavalry unit was positioned far at the back, ready to charge and crush whatever remained of Tybalt’s defenses.

My archers are ready. We have plenty of magic arrow ammunition, some are explosive on impact, others carry concentrated mana bursts. We even have a batch of the high-yield explosive ones, the kind that can punch through reinforced walls.

He glanced up at the sky again and swallowed hard.

But those flying things are the problem. Those 200 weirdly armored Armand troops... they shouldn’t be a problem for us. Not with these numbers.

So why does my gut feel so tight?

”Captain!” one of the soldiers came running and saluted.

”Hmm? What is it?”

”Our musketeer unit has arrived, Captain!” the soldier reported.

”Mmm...” The captain nodded. ”How many?”

”Fifty, Captain! They said the general only allowed fifty.”

”Tch! That damn bloater!” The captain gritted his jaw, his face darkening.

That dumb, shitty, smelly, stink-breath general! I’m the one leading the front line here, risking everything, and all he does is sit on his cushioned chair and scratch his scrawny ass! Does he think fifty musketeers can do anything against Armand soldiers? I clearly stated in my letter that Armand was here!

Shit! I hate this!

”Captain?” the soldier looked at him, uncertain.

”What?” the captain snapped.

”What are your orders, Captain?” the soldier asked again.

The captain rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the distant Armand line.

”Shall we launch the attack now, Captain?” the soldier pressed.

”Not yet. Just make sure our musketeers are ready and reloaded.”

”As you command, Captain.”

After the soldier left, the captain stared again at the distance.

They’re not moving...

Why?

Are they waiting for...

No...

I think they’re waiting for us to make the first move.

That’s it. They’re not here to attack, they’re here to defend. They’re a shield for Tybalt. But if we strike first, they’ll have every right to retaliate with full force.

So they’re letting us decide.

Do we back down and lose this chance to claim Tybalt land?

Or do we attack and risk provoking Armand’s full military wrath?

He swallowed hard, his knuckles white where he gripped the hilt of his sword.

But if I retreat without firing a single shot, Lord Turka will have my head for cowardice.

But if I launch the attack, I might die and gain nothing.

Damn it.

How am I going to get out of this alive?

The captain rubbed his chin, glancing around until his eyes landed on his eager assistant.

”You! Come here!”

”Yes, Captain!”

”I’m going to the border base to personally request more musketeers and reinforcements! If I don’t go myself, that bloated general will keep refusing. You take command and lead the army while I’m gone!”

”You... you’re sure, Captain!?”

The captain smirked and placed a hand on his shoulder. ”I trust you to lead this army to victory. Whatever you decide, whatever command you give, if we win this, you’ll get a huge reward. Promotion, gold, land... it’ll all be yours.”

The assistant beamed, puffing out his chest and saluting sharply.

”Thank you for trusting me, Captain! I won’t let you down!”

”Now go prepare my horse and six men to escort me.”

”As you command, Captain!”

( End Of Chapter )