Arma Zirnitra finally managed to reorganize its formation in a location approximately ten belsta away from the battlefield. The casualties among the soldiers of Leitmeritz had exceeded six hundred, but close to two hundred of those were trampled to death by their fleeing comrades. The losses of the western lords’ army fell short of a hundred while around two hundred had died on Olmutz’s side. The center and left wing had fought the Valentina army on even terms.
Elen thanked Tigre rushing over to her rescue despite being angry about it. It made her realize once more that she wouldn’t have been able to deal with Valentina, if not for Tigre.
──Then again, just what would have happened if Valentina had seriously gone berserk then and there…
Elen couldn’t help but brood over this possibility. Personally she didn’t believe that Valentina’s attacks had been serious. Yet, if Valentina were to use the abilities of her draconic tool, it’d be possible for her to appear anywhere on the battlefield and throw the soldiers in panic by freely swinging her draconic tool. But, Valentina hadn’t used that tactic so far.
After having consulted with Lim and considered things for a bit by herself, Elen hypothesized with a cautious tone, “Maybe she’s aware of us having Durandal.”
“So it was that after all, huh?”
The Sword of Invincibility – the treasured sword that had been handed down in Brune. A blade possessing the ability to erase all draconic arts. This time they had placed it with the western lords army. For the sake of protecting Tigre, the supreme commander.
“In that case, we do have a means to handle her, I’d say. Besides, the number of excellent commanders is higher on our side.”
When the sun sank beyond the horizon, Arma Zirnitra began to set up its camp. They couldn’t afford to pull back just like this. After all, this would lead to Litomysl becoming the next battlefield. Thus they had no choice but to challenge the Valentina army for another battle here on the ground of Zamberk.
Once the camp building came to an end, Elen had Leitmeritz’s soldiers form lines in a corner of the campground. There was something she had to do as their commander.
“You showed me a terribly disgraceful side during today’s battle,” Elen declared dispassionately with an unusually stern expression. Several of her dejected soldiers had their shoulders tremble out of shame and frustration. “Even after you guys cast away your weapons and courage, running away in all directions, I remained standing on the battlefield to the bitter end. The one who saved me on the battlefield was King Tigrevurmud. I demonstrated that I’m a Vanadis and a commander while King Tigrevurmud made it apparent that he’s someone standing above others.”
It was the first time for Elen to speak in such a manner. Usually Elen followed the belief that the responsibility of an army’s defeat lay with its commander. But, right now she deliberately twisted that, reprimanding her soldiers.
“As you can see, we’re still in good health. The enemy is likely going to throw its army at us very soon again. This time to consign us to death for good. Until now I stood at the front while swinging my sword just like you. It did so because it’s my duty and pride.”
“──Lady Vanadis,” Rurick, who stood in front of the soldiers, stepped forward. “Won’t you give us just one more chance? We swear that we’ll keep fighting, even if our swords break and our spears snap, without ever retreating, no matter what enemy we might have to face.”
But, Elen shook her head, “I’ll call for new reinforcements from Leitmeritz, and I’ll continue commanding just them. Rather than being accompanied by more than 3,000 cowards, fighting while leading a thousand brave warriors bears more of a chance for victory.”
Voices similar to screams could be heard from among the soldiers. A dozen soldiers stepped forward, pushing Rurick aside. They appealed to be added to the battle line. Yet, Elen only stared at them without a single twitch of her eyebrows, waiting for them to stop talking.
Then she answered, “This is no battlefield, so you can run your mouth however you please without any consequences.”
The soldiers swallowed their breath, their heads hanging and their fists trembling.
Elen quietly announced, “Breakup.”
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