Chapter 299: Haystacks

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Angelica Sacrament was reaching her limits. Messengers came one after another. They brought reports of executed orders, notifications of the frontline collapsing, or information from scouts sent in the direction of retreat.

Within mere minutes, ten or twenty messages arrived, and Angelica had to handle them all by herself. Of course, some of them were trivial. But among them, there was also critical information that could not be missed. She couldn’t afford to ignore any of it. Her mind was consumed with organizing and analyzing the data. Her head was exhausted amidst the extreme tension and focus.

After a distant explosion, even the much-needed artillery support ceased. The army had started retreating, abandoning their position, but even a few kilometers of withdrawal came at the cost of the army being bled dry.

Her heart grew uneasy. Anxiety and the fear of defeat crept in.

“Alright, have the army of Duke Belline, who stopped the enemy’s assault, fall back. Replace them with Count Anjou on the front lines. Send separate orders to Duke Allen and Marquis Solietta to retreat while contracting the front line.” (Angelica)

Angelica moved pieces on the map in her mind.

“Leonard, relay the orders to each division.” (Angelica)

“Yes, Milady!” (Leonard)

Leonard immediately began drafting the orders at his station.

“Angie-sama! A messenger has arrived from Shaalta! They’re in the air!” (??)

When Angelica looked up, she saw five eagles circling widely in the bright sunlight.

As the eagle landed near Angelica’s banner, the rider placed their hand on their waist to undo the harness. It seemed they couldn’t dismount gracefully, as one would from a horse. The contraption appeared to be a cumbersome vehicle.

“You are Queen Angelica, I presume?” (??)

The messenger dismounted and spoke in Telor, bowing lightly with elegant manners befitting someone of noble birth.

“That’s correct.” (Angelica)

“We seek permission to traverse your territory. Is the document ready?” (??)

The messenger’s Telor was crude compared to Yuri Hou’s.

“You’ve come to fetch it quickly. Of course, it’s ready.” (Angelica)

Angelica handed a document-filled tube to the messenger.

“I have indeed received it.” (??)

The messenger accepted the tube reverently, then secured it to the eagle’s saddle with a belt. It appeared designed to stay in place.

“His Excellency Yuri has a message for you. If you are struggling with the retreat—” (??)

“Shroud the battlefield in mist.” (??)

Mist? If I could do that, I’d have done it already. If praying could make it happen, I’d kneel and bow to the heavens right now. But God will do nothing. ℟à

“What are you talking about? Weather isn’t something humans can control.” (Angelica)

“I’m merely relaying His Excellency Yuri’s words. He says, ‘This area’s farmland has haystacks remaining. If you insert embers into the damp haystacks, they should produce plenty of white smoke.'” (??)

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Angelica thought. She hadn’t even considered it.

The haystacks, left behind after harvesting wheat, were piled like small sheds. They had seen them often along the way. Threshing machines were luxury items for farmers, not owned by every village. Instead, specialists traveled from village to village with the equipment.

It was September. The harvest had just ended, and the wheat wasn’t dry. It had also rained recently, so the haystacks were wet. Perfect conditions. Once ignited, the damp haystacks would emit thick white smoke. Heavier than air, the smoke would crawl along the ground, enveloping the battlefield. Even if it couldn’t cover everything, creating strips of obscured vision would significantly aid the retreat. It would isolate enemy units visually. With commanders’ views obstructed, coordinated actions would become impossible. Attacks would become sporadic, and if done skillfully, friendly fire might even occur. Considering the wind direction, it didn’t seem too challenging.

“If you’d like, I was also instructed to ignite haystacks within the enemy camp using Molotov cocktails. What are your orders?” (??)

“Do it. Right now.” (Angelica)

“Understood.” (??)

The messenger bowed theatrically, then pulled a red flag from the eagle’s pack and waved it toward the sky. At this, the five eagles scattered, flying in different directions. They were likely off to fulfill their tasks.

“I shall take my leave, but another will arrive shortly. That one speaks Telor better than I do and can assist with reconnaissance. He should be useful.” (??)

Saying so, the messenger quickly mounted the eagle, secured the harness, and said,

“Farewell.”.

With that, they soared into the sky. Now that Yuri Hou was on her side, invaluable assistance poured in one after another.

“Cavalry! Take torches and charge into the haystacks upwind! We’ll use the smoke screen to retreat!” (Angelica)

Angelica shouted as she mounted her horse.

—

Under the cover of the white smoke, Angelica’s forces evaded the enemy and began their retreat. Shortly after shaking off the pursuers, Angelica called for Leonard.

“You called for me, Angie-sama?” (Leonard)

“Lead the forces onward. I will take my troops and launch a surprise attack on the enemy.” (Angelica)

Hearing this, Leonard looked at her as if questioning her sanity.

“What are you saying? The Queen herself? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” (Leonard)

“All the other units are too battered to launch a surprise attack. My cavalry is the only one completely intact.” (Angelica)

Angelica’s infantry guards had already been deployed as reserves and were wounded. Her cavalry, however, had been preserved as her last piece, remaining unscathed.

“That’s true, but surely there are others who can take charge.” (Leonard)

“No, they can’t. They lack the resolve for aggressive tactics.” (Angelica)

This operation required the momentum to break through the enemy in one decisive blow. Troops retreating after a skirmish inevitably had lowered morale. Only Angelica’s direct cavalry seemed spirited enough for the task.

“If it were him, he’d do this. Alfred’s obsessive fervor would be turned against him here, delivering a crushing blow.” (Angelica)

“There it is again.” (Leonard)

Leonard muttered in exasperation.

Angelica knew she was overly conscious of Yuri Hou. But thinking this way allowed her to trust her judgment and berate herself into making decisions.

“No arguments. Alfred will recklessly chase the army’s rear, letting his guard down. This is a rare chance to strike his flank. If we don’t disrupt the pursuit now, we’ll never reach the coast.” (Angelica)

Angelica didn’t plan to confront the pursuing forces head-on. Instead, she aimed to deal a quick blow, sow chaos in the overextended enemy ranks, and buy time until they could regroup for another pursuit.

“I’ll take command instead.” (Leonard)

Leonard offered.

Angelica hadn’t expected him to suggest that. Judging by his expression, he meant it even though he might die.

“Impossible. Morale will rise if I lead. You lack charisma.” (Angelica)



Angie said with a laugh, drawing her sword and turning her horse.

“Let’s go! Follow me, my soldiers!” (Angelica)

With that, Angelica charged forward.

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