I wondered why everybody was so surprised…?

He just said he has cavalry, so what?

“A-ha-ha… My friend… Do you know what it means…?” Valencio nervously laughed as he looked at my face.

“It means you’ve got cavalry. So what…?”

“As expected of you… Allow me to explain. Captain, there are few fiefs that can field heavy cavalry. Even fewer of them can field more than 100 knights. All of the heavy cavalry are knights, all clad in armor. All of them are nobles, who served as warrior almost from the cradle. The fact that I have 200 of heavy cavalry means that we can overthrow even the main forces of the enemy.” (V)

“Then why are you so concerned…?”

“Haa… This is a very important secret. Please, do not ever mention it. This is our trump card. This is our everything.” From his expression I judged that it is a dead serious matter for them. I nodded in confirmation.

After the last details were agreed on, I headed back.

The tank was parked by the house. Just by itself it blocked the entire street, leaving only enough space for a couple of people to pass by its sides.

The barrel was clean, the machine guns were oiled, the tracks were prepared for a long road.

Jester and Old man were sitting on the turret. They were cleaning the optics.

“We will move out three days later. After you finish all of the remaining maintenance, you can rest for as long as you want. If you have any problems, I will be inside.”

“Got it, Captain.” The two of them exchanged glances.

“No alcohol.” They went stiff.

“Where would we find something to drink…?” (O)

“If you think I’m an idiot, you better learn how to use that grey thing inside of your heads. I was a sergeant too…”

Jester’s POV

We immediately checked on the bottle.

Old man climbed inside and a minute later peeked out. He was covered in sweat.

‘She knows…’ He showed a note with an adhesive tape on it: ‘Do not try to fool me’.

‘We are so dead…’

‘Well, she didn’t do anything about that, so maybe she is not completely against it…?’ (O)

‘You mean, she has human side too…?’

“Jester, do you remember that I am still here, outside?”

“POLUNDRA!” [This shouting usually means ‘Warning’. It appeared in the navy, as a shouting for the cases when sailors who work on tops of masts drop instruments and objects from above.]

“At least look around before diving inside to save your precious bottle. If it was not for full combat readiness, the two of you might’ve asked yourselves for a good amount of training. I just warn you~.” We remained rooted in place, until Captain closed the door.

“KAKOGO H* TI DELAL?! KAKOGO B* H* TI S* DELAL?! NAH* TEBE TVOI S* GLAZA?! NAH* ONI TEBE S* NUZHNI?!” [What the f* were you doing?! What the f* hell you b* were doing?! Why the f* do you need your f* eyes?! Why the f* you b* would need them?!] (O)

‘IT’S NOISY OUTSIDE!’ We both shut up, before her mood worsens.

A. Belov’s POV

Those idiots…

When they went silent, I could finally focus on the map. I paid utmost attention to plotting the course, so that we would safely reach the capital. Our actual stopping point would be a small village not far from the capital. There we will be waiting for the rest of the duke’s forces, and strike with the combined efforts.

The main hope of this campaign is the rapid execution of this plan.

To somewhat match the duke’s pacing we will not be rushing. We would take a week for the road.

It is a high risk but if it works out, the enemy would be attacked almost before they can prepare.

A single tank would not be considered a threat worthy of true preparations, and an army would not be noticed due to us.

After we receive the last supply of fuel and provisions, we will wait for the day of departure.

For now, I might as well indulge in reading books. It is way better than wasting my time on walking around for no reason.