Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

That's...

Production magic, right?

Yeah. I figured I'd start trying it out here and there.

You do have an aptitude for it.

I just hope there's a good way to make use of it.

Oh, we'll be at the village soon.

Ah, finally. We've traveled pretty far.

Khamsin, you can return to the marquis's manor if you hate it here.

I can release you from your slave contract,

and if you talk to my brother Murcia, he'll see you're treated right.

I've already decided to dedicate my life to you, Lord Van.

No matter the danger, I'll serve you and stay with you forever.

Uh, did you just propose? You love me that much, Khamsin?

Yes, I do. I admire you deeply.

Khamsin, you're being kinda intense.

What is it?

Th-This is bad.

It seems the village is under attack!

EASYGOING TERRITORY DEFENSE BY THE OPTIMISTIC LORD

THE PROPER WAY TO USE WEAK MAGIC

THE PROPER WAY TO USE WEAK MAGIC

They must be bandits or washed-up mercenaries.

Either way, they're used to combat.

The village is surrounded by a palisade, but it's ineffective against arrows.

Tough-looking men stand in front of the gate.

The villagers must keep up their turtle-like defense.

At a rough estimate, the enemy numbers fifty men.

By contrast...

Lord Van, let me join the battle.

If we all attack together, we should stop them.

Hold on a second. That's too dangerous, given our numbers.

Ortho the adventurer, wasn't it?

I'm aware of the danger.

We'll probably take losses. But we can drive them away for sure.

We were only hired to guard the kid until he reached the village.

I'd never accept a quest that'd risk my comrades dying.

This village is our lord's first territory. The villagers are his first citizens.

If we don't draw our swords when they're in danger, when do we?

A splendid display of chivalry, indeed,

but I'm afraid it has nothing to do with adventurers like us.

Then, I'd like to ask you all to at least protect Lord Van.

You can flee if it all goes south.

That's fine.

I'm opposed to the idea.

If you die, Sir Dee, the village will have no future even if we take control.

Then, what would you have me do?

Beleive it or not, I'm an elemental mage.

You may count on my combat prowess.

Huh? You can fight?

First, I'll erect a defensive wall.

You adventurers, please fire ranged attacks from behind it.

Once the enemy's focus is on us, Sir Dee and his men will charge in from the flank.

A sequence of surprise attacks improves our chances of victory.

Are you planning to stay behind and fight, Esparda?

Of course.

If I don't act as a decoy and continue attacking from behind the wall,

Sir Dee and his men will die in vain.

You can't do that. You would die, Esparda.

It is one last chance to show off this old man's strength.

Please allow me this selfish request.

Esparda.

You've contributed so much to our house. You can't die in a place like this.

Nor can you and your men, Dee. You're all members of our house's Chivalric Order.

We can't let you come to harm.

Plus, if we lose our expert strategist, Esparda, and our best fighter, Dee,

we won't be able to develop this land.

My father would then take my life.

I will...

act as the decoy.

Absolutely not!

I'd rather be the decoy if the other option is you, Lord Van!

Same here.

Till, I don't want to see someone precious to me die.

That includes you, Khamsin. By all rights, you should be free.

I want you to truly enjoy your life.

I'll ride the carriage in and attack head-on.

The rest of you, attack from range on both flanks.

B-But...

I did sword training with you every day, deputy commander.

You really think I'll die easily?

Even if I do, what better end could a lord ask for than dying for his people?

I don't mind if you leave my corpse behind.

Announcing my demise would only cause trouble for my house anyway.

Guarding some noble's boy huh?

There are no good men among the upper nobility.

They all look down on adventurers and the common folk.

Well, you might be right there.

So why'd you accept the quest?

Because I plan to keep operating in the Fertio march for a while.

I had no choice but to take the job.

You're Ortho the adventurer, right?

I'm Van Nei Fertio.

I hear you'll be guarding me, so thank you very much.

Oh, uh, y-you're welcome.

You look strong.

You're rocking the "veteran hero" look.

Oh, I wouldn't say that.

I thought you said there were no good nobles, Ortho.

Well, I'll be counting on you for this trip.

Looks like we'll be guarding an ordinary kid.

He shouldn't be so formal with us.

Guess not every noble is the same way.

All right.

Just this once.

We'll entrust our lives to you.

No, all of you can—

A child's saying he's willing to risk his life.

If I complained any more, my comrades would get mad at me.

Right?

Honestly, I used to ridicule the idea of a noble's resolve.

The nobles I met until now were all talk.

Pluriel.

You even took the time to memorize the names of adventurers like us.

That's why we feel we can trust you with our lives.

We are honorable knights in service of the marquis.

Protecting Lord Van here and now means defending the future of the house.

Still, I can't condone the lord employing such an irresponsible strategy.

Once we've driven them off,

I'll teach you the responsibility you bear as a potential heir to the marquis's title.

Now, let's amend the strategy I proposed and carry it out.

First, I'll create a defensive wall and fire ranged attacks.

Sir Dee's men will take the left flank,

while Sir Ortho's group will charge in from the right.

Understood!

Wow, the wall's up already?

I didn't expect that old butler to be such a powerful mage.

If you'd turned down that boy's request, I would've risked my life in your place.

Yup, he's gonna be a big shot, all right.

If possible, I'd welcome that boy becoming king.

All right, men!

Keep firin' those arrows!

We'll conquer this village in one fell swoop!

Hah! This is a cakewalk!

What was that?

Where are they coming from?

Behind us! Over there!

Was that wall always there?

Damn. All right, men! We're attacking whatever's behind that wall!

Just as we planned!

The enemy fell for our decoy!

Let's go!

Right!

Don't let those knights show us up!

Right!

They're coming at us from both flanks!

Crap! They've pincered us!

Wh-What?

Heh. Too slow.

Step forward if you want to die!

Run! Run!

We're gonna die!

Fewer men to fight works for us.

Damn it.

Uh-oh. He's targeting the other side of the wall.

Stop him!

Somebody stop him!

An enemy?

Die!

Over here, heavyweight pro wrestler!

There's a good chance the enemy will focus on our position.

Pay attention to what's in front of you.

R-Right!

Who is this child?

Damn it all.

I'm in agony here!

The enemy took huge losses and we suffered no casualties.

The best outcome possible.

Once we receive our payment, this quest will be complete.

What's the matter?

Well, I've grown a little curious.

About that boy?

Yeah.

There might not be much money in it, but what do you say we stay awhile?

Sorry, Ortho. We're off on our next quest.

Yeah, don't worry about it. Until next time.

Sorry, man. See you soon.

Take care!

I'll stay.

Huh?

He saved my life back there. I could do with repaying him.