Chapter 95

Three days later, in the morning.

After finishing breakfast, Ichirou was led by Rize to a military facility in the center of Isteria.

This military facility was surrounded by a stone wall about three meters high, making it impossible to peek from the outside.

Here and there within the compound, the figures of armored soldiers and servants could be seen.

When they saw Rize, they all straightened their posture and bowed in greeting.

"Except for the palace guards, all the other soldiers are trained here. Since it's this time of day, the training should be taking place in the square, so let's go."

Rize responded to them with a smile and moved through the compound with Ichirou.

As usual, Rize was in armor, but today her hair was left long, not in a chignon as it usually was.

"I understand. Still, this is quite a large facility..."

Ichirou had seen the facility from the outside earlier, and the stone wall seemed to stretch endlessly, indicating its considerable length.

Considering the traffic, such a large military facility in the city center seemed quite obstructive.

However, for the soldiers stationed here, it was a good location as they could easily move into the city at any time. Considering their living environment, this placement made sense.

Perhaps in anticipation of the soldiers stationed here, numerous shops, including small restaurants and clothing stores, lined the perimeter of the facility.

"This facility is modeled after a military stronghold during wartime, so it is quite large. In actual wars, similar facilities are often set up on the front lines."

"Similar facilities? It's like creating an entire city."

Within the compound, several wooden single-story buildings were lined up at equal intervals.

Each building had a different purpose, such as barracks, armories, hospitals, and food storage, with a wide variety of uses.

The food storage was built about one meter above the ground, possibly to prevent pests.

Along the stone wall, several wooden watchtowers were built, creating a rather imposing atmosphere.

"Indeed, it's like that. In winter, both enemies and allies become immobile, so fortifications are built on the front lines to spend the winter there. In actual fortifications, earthworks and wooden fences are used instead of stone walls."

"I see, a temporary winter residence."

According to Rize's explanation, such fortifications are typically built near large rivers.

This is not only for obtaining water for daily use but also for communication with other cities via boats.

Traveling by river is much cheaper than overland, so setting up camps where boats can be used makes logistics easier.

If there are villages or cities nearby, the fortifications are built adjacent to them.

"By the way, I once heard that there is a fort near the border with Barbeur. Is the construction of that fort different from this one?"

"Not entirely different, but the fort near the border is even larger. It is designed to accommodate a garrison and has the functions of a city, so it might be more accurate to call it a fortress city."

"Fortress city... like a smaller version of Isteria?"

"Yes, I think that's a good way to imagine it."

While having such a conversation, the two arrived at the training ground after a while.

The training ground was quite large, resembling an open field with exposed soil.

In the center, several hundred heavily armed infantrymen were lined up at equal intervals.

The soldiers were holding spears about five meters long and wearing bronze round shields on their arms.

The round shields had straps, allowing them to be hung from the neck.

Alongside the heavily armed infantry, cavalry and archers were also lined up, with about a hundred of each.

In front of the soldiers stood an elderly man in particularly impressive armor, speaking to them.

When he noticed Rize, he ran over to them.

"Miss Rize, I have been waiting for you. The preparations are already complete, so I'm ready to follow your instructions."

"Thank you, I appreciate it. Kazura, this is McGregor, the training instructor."

After being introduced by Rize, McGregor bowed to Ichirou.

McGregor had a mix of white and golden hair, sharp eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard from his temples to his jaw, giving him the air of a seasoned veteran. He was built solidly and was about 180 centimeters tall.

"Kazura, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am McGregor Slan, responsible for training the soldiers."

"My name is Kazura. I look forward to working with you today."

As Ichirou responded reflexively, McGregor smiled.

"I've heard that my nephew Isaac is in your care. Please continue to take good care of him."

"Wait, nephew? Are you related?"

"Oh, you didn't know?"

Surprised, Ichirou looked at McGregor, who seemed equally surprised.

Ichirou had spoken to Isaac many times but had mostly discussed work-related matters, rarely engaging in casual conversation or learning about his personal life.

"I just found out. Come to think of it, I've never really talked to Isaac about such things..."

"I see. Well, he doesn't like to talk about his family much... He doesn't want to be favored just because his relatives hold important positions. It might be better not to bring it up."

"I see, that sounds like him."

"He may not be the most efficient, but he is a trustworthy man. Please continue to use him well."

McGregor bowed to Ichirou again and turned to Rize.

"Miss Rize, shall we start with the basic movements of the heavily armed infantry?"

"Yes, that's fine. Are the cavalry and archers ready?"

"Of course. They are ready to demonstrate at any time."

"Thank you. Please follow the plan we discussed last time."

"Understood."

McGregor bowed to Rize and ran to the lined-up soldiers.

"By the way, did you arrange the training schedule specifically for me?"

"Yes, since you're taking the time to observe, I wanted to show you a proper demonstration. If you have any requests, please let me know. I'll have them prepared immediately."

"I understand. I feel like I'm adding to your workload, so I'm sorry..."

Ichirou said this apologetically, and Rize smiled as usual.

"No, if I can be of any help to you, Kazura, it's no trouble at all. Please don't hesitate to ask me for anything."

"Infantry company!"

While the two were talking, the soldiers seemed to be ready, and McGregor's command echoed across the training ground.

It was a loud voice that could be heard clearly even from the edge of the training ground.

In response to the command, the heavily armed infantry raised their voices and positioned their round shields in front of their bodies.

The sound of their armor and shields clashing produced a dull metallic sound that resonated around them.

"Close formation!"

The heavily armed infantry immediately closed the distance between them and formed a tight formation.

There was about a meter of space between the soldiers in front and behind, but only enough space for their spears to be held in front of them on the sides.

"Spear ready!"

The soldiers in the front row placed their left hands on their spears and thrust them forward.

The soldiers in the back rows positioned their spears through the gaps and held them forward, while those behind them held their spears at an upward angle.

The soldiers further back held their spears at an even steeper angle.

"Wow, a phalanx formation. I've never seen it in person before..."

Impressed by the imposing formation of several hundred soldiers, Ichirou exclaimed.

The formation they were taking was the phalanx formation, also known as the heavy infantry tight formation, which concentrated offensive power at the front.

By forming a solid block with spears thrust forward, it was overwhelmingly strong at the front.

However, it was very vulnerable to attacks from the sides, requiring some method to protect the flanks.

"Compared to other regions or countries, the spears of Isteria's heavily armed infantry are quite long, which might seem new to you. Is it very different from the soldiers in your country?"

"Well... it's different, but..."

While Ichirou was hesitating to answer Rize's question, McGregor's command "Advance!" echoed.

The infantry moved forward in perfect unison, still holding their spears.

After advancing a certain distance, another command was given, and the unit stopped.

"Spear raise! Right turn!"

The soldiers immediately raised their spears and turned around on the spot.

Then, the command "Spear ready!" was given again, and the phalanx formation was completed, but this time with the attack direction at a right angle to the previous one.

"They are well-trained... there's no wasted movement at all."

"Heavily armed infantry are the main force of the army, so constant training is necessary to maintain a high level of proficiency."

"What about the actual deployment of units in battle?"

"Normally, light infantry for close combat and cavalry are placed on the sides of the heavily armed infantry to protect against attacks from the sides. The army advances, and while the infantry keep the enemy pinned, the cavalry encircles and attacks from behind."

"What if the cavalry can't break through the enemy?"

"In that case, the heavily armed infantry continue to break through the enemy's center. Once the enemy starts to retreat, the remaining light infantry and cavalry pursue them."

"What if the enemy cavalry attacks from behind?"

"In that case, the reserve forces, including the palace guards, positioned behind the heavily armed infantry, engage the enemy. The reserve forces consist of the army's elite, so they are unlikely to be overwhelmed unless something extraordinary happens."

While keeping his eyes on the advancing heavily armed infantry, Rize answered Ichirou's questions smoothly.

After a while, the heavily armed infantry completed a circuit of the square and returned to their original position.

The cavalry, which had been waiting, deployed on the sides of the heavily armed infantry, and the archers lined up in a row in front of the heavily armed infantry.

Following the command, the archers drew their bows and began shooting at the bundled straw targets set up in front of them.

After giving the orders, McGregor walked back to them.

"First, the archers engage in a shooting battle, and then the infantry advance, right?"

"Yes, normally, slingers would also participate in the shooting, followed by light infantry equipped with javelins moving to the front, but those soldiers are conscripts... I wish I could show you."

Judging that Ichirou had no military knowledge, Rize explained the unit deployment in great detail.

Indeed, Ichirou only had the knowledge he had gained from books and TV about such military units, so Rize's explanation was very helpful.

"Slingers? I would have liked to see them... Still, you seem to know a lot about military matters. Do you study regularly?"

"Yes, since I will be in a position to lead the army in the future, I have been learning about weapons and tactics since I was young."

"Oh, that's why you train in the courtyard every morning."

When Ichirou and Rize talked in the courtyard before, Rize had said, "As a member of the Ister family, I need to be familiar with weapons."

To lead the army, one must be proficient in handling all the weapons used on the battlefield.

"Miss Rize has a natural talent. In the future, she will surely excel as a military leader and shine on the battlefield."

McGregor returned to stand next to Rize and watched the soldiers continuing their training.

The archers had finished shooting, and the cavalry with short spears were advancing to the front.

The heavily armed infantry were also advancing in the phalanx formation.

"Are the types of soldiers used on the battlefield limited to what you just told me?"

"In the Ister territory, yes. There are records of past battles in the archive room. Would you like to see them later?"

"Yes, please."

As they were talking, McGregor returned from the barracks.

He was holding a weapon called a sling, which consisted of a half-circular leather cup tied with two ropes, and a staff sling, which was a similar cup tied to a pole about a meter long, along with a large wooden target.

"Sorry for the wait. Would Miss Rize like to use them?"

"Huh?"

Surprised by the unexpected suggestion, Rize was confused.

However, when she glanced at Ichirou, who was looking at the weapons with interest, she took the sling from McGregor.

"Would you like to use stone or lead projectiles?"

"Lead projectiles. Can you set up the target?"

"Understood. What distance would you like?"

"Close range, please. I'll aim directly."

McGregor handed Rize a bag of lead projectiles and ran about 30 meters ahead to set up the target.

"You can use a sling?"

"Yes, I have trained with it, but it's been a while, so I'm not sure if I can hit it... Please stand back for safety."

Rize placed a lead projectile in the sling's cup and raised her hand above her head, starting to rotate the sling.

The cup with the lead projectile began to rotate at an incredible speed, producing a whistling sound.

When the rotation reached its limit, she released one of the ropes, and the lead projectile was launched at high speed.

It hit the center of the target, producing a dry, explosive sound.

"Excellent!"

McGregor clapped his hands in satisfaction and praised her.

Then, the hundreds of soldiers who were supposed to be training nearby also cheered and applauded Rize.

They must have stopped training to watch.

"Wow, it hit the center! You must be very good at aiming at such a distant target..."

"Despite appearances, Miss Rize is a hard worker. She must train secretly when no one is watching."

"...McGregor"

"Oh, I apologize, that was out of line."

Rize, who had been relaxing, glared at McGregor, who laughed and apologized.

"(What does 'despite appearances' mean?)"

Confused by the exchange, Ichirou still clapped for Rize.