Chapter 6: Entering the City
The battle had ended.
Bonaparte walked across the battlefield with her guards.
The army of the Axe-Striking Country had fled, leaving over five hundred corpses scattered across the field.
Twice that number lay wounded.
Knights who could be ransomed were captured by Krumil’s forces, while wounded infantry conscripts were left behind.
Those captured unharmed were ordered to dig graves for the dead.
They worked alongside farmers who had gathered from nearby villages, burying the corpses.
The villagers were allowed to collect weapons and armor left behind on the battlefield as payment for their work.
They would keep them, sell them in the city, or trade them to merchants as a valuable source of income.
The attendants of fallen knights searched through the bodies, trying to find and retrieve their masters.
Supply wagons, equipment, and food had also been captured.
With their commander gone, their equipment lost, and their morale shattered, the army of the Axe-Striking Country was clearly incapable of fighting for the time being.
“Our losses are ten soldiers and one corporal dead, with one hundred wounded.”
Berthier delivered the report.
Bonaparte could not fully enjoy the victory.
She had underestimated the enemy as people who did not even know guns.
She needed to correct that thinking.
This battle had been fortunate.
If the enemy had stayed inside the city, they would have run out of food.
It had only worked because they made their forces appear small and vulnerable.
It had been a gamble.
“General Bonaparte, did you see how we fought?”
A soldier with a wounded arm, his bandage stained with blood, approached her.
“Soldier, I am satisfied. Well done. Heal your wounds.”
Her voice was gentle, like that of a mother caring for a child.
“Thank you.”
The soldier saluted and left.
“Soldiers are good, Berthier. I like them.”
“They likely like you as well, sir.”
“Even though I lead them into hell.”
“But you give them victory and glory.”
“Glory… is that so.”
After a while, Krumil approached Bonaparte with her knights.
“Bonaparte, we have won. I have never won like this before!”
Krumil’s face was bright with joy.
“The victory is not yet complete. We must take the city.”
“Yes, you are right. But Bonaparte, I thank you. I will rely on you from now on as well.”
“From now on…”
Bonaparte hesitated for a moment, then forced an awkward smile.
“Of course. I will cooperate.”
The next day, Bonaparte and Krumil’s forces resumed their march toward the City of Swordsmiths.
Two days later, they occupied the city.
The city was far larger than the village they had first seen, with a much greater population.
The main streets were covered in gravel for easy travel, lined with stalls, blacksmiths, clothing shops, and taverns.
The houses had dark earthen walls without any noticeable paint.
Away from the main street, sturdier buildings became sparse, replaced by simple huts that looked as if they could collapse with a kick.
The people cheered when they saw Krumil riding through the main street.
They celebrated the return of their queen and watched the French soldiers entering the city with great curiosity.
At the center of the city stood a solid brick building, brightly painted red.
It was the residence of the city’s mayor.
Krumil was welcomed there and immediately met with the city’s influential figures.
They spoke at length about how the soldiers of the Axe-Striking Country had oppressed them, how happy they were to see Krumil return, and how their surrender had not been from the heart.
They pledged their loyalty once more.
After they left, Krumil turned to Abidod, her face flushed.
“If I lose, they side with the Axe-Striking Country. If I win, they abandon them and swear loyalty to me. How selfish!”
Siding with the stronger power was a common and practical choice for local factions.
Krumil understood this, but she still could not feel kindly toward those who had abandoned her.
“However, without their cooperation, the city cannot function.”
“I know… I have no choice but to forgive them.”
“Now then, my queen, regarding Bonaparte and her forces. Shall we provide them with food?”
“Of course. They fought for me.”
“…They are outsiders. And extremely powerful ones.”
“No. They are reliable allies. Prepare the food. And summon Bonaparte.”
“Understood.”
Bonaparte was called to Krumil.
“Bonaparte, as promised, we will provide you with food. We can supply provisions for twenty days.”
“That is satisfactory.”
“And as for what comes next—”
“Krumil…”
Once she received what she needed, there was no reason to linger.
By now, Admiral Brueys had likely found a route to Egypt.
She would return to the beach with the supplies.
That was what Bonaparte was thinking.
“Commander!”
Berthier burst in, pale-faced.
He pulled Bonaparte aside and whispered.
“We have an urgent report from Admiral Brueys. We cannot leave this land!”
“What did you say?”
Bonaparte’s expression changed instantly.