Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 290:

On the wilderness at the border of the Duke’s territory, the Alda army led by Schroeder stood off against the Duke’s army at a distance.

He ordered the units to form tight formations in preparation for battle and positioned two-thirds of the artillery on nearby high ground. As soon as the enemy entered effective range, they were to fire immediately to disrupt the enemy’s formation. The Alda army was significantly outnumbered and could not allow the enemy to approach too closely in attack formation.

“Stay put until the enemy moves; wait for the rear troops to assemble before launching an attack,” Schroeder advised his officers, solidifying this strategy.

Across from them, Fergus, the mercenary captain, was also sizing up his opponent from a distance.

He expressed his amazement, “Fast in changing formations, troops well-organized. This display is way beyond those so-called ‘armies’ from your Northwest Bay. No wonder you are so apprehensive.”

Beside him, Emerson chuckled bitterly, “Captain Fergus, perhaps it’s better to speak less of such indifferent remarks and focus on how to deal with this army before us.”

Fergus grinned and gestured grandly, “Let’s stick to the planned strategy.”

…

“Cavalry! The enemy’s cavalry is charging at us!”

An officer with a telescope shouted anxiously. It was the first time the Second and Third Battalions were being deployed in a frontal engagement with the Duke’s army, creating a highly tense atmosphere.

Schroeder commanded, “Don’t panic. Inform the artillery to fire and delay the enemy’s advance. Infantry, form squares to face the enemy!”

Following his orders, two infantry battalions quickly formed a large hollow square.

The rumbling of cannons echoed as the artillery on the hill and near the square opened fire, bombarding the fast-approaching cavalry with crossfire.

The Kent family’s cavalry, having learned from previous losses, didn’t charge in dense formations. Instead, they spread out, reducing the effectiveness of the solid shot artillery.

Nonetheless, the artillery still inflicted considerable casualties, with many men and horses wounded by the bouncing and rolling cannonballs.

As the cavalry approached the square, the soldiers facing the enemy immediately opened fire. The battlefield was soon filled with the sounds of gunshots, shouts, and screams amidst the smoke of gunfire.

“Fire at 50 meters! You fools!”

Baron Andrew of the Baylding Battalion, frustrated and whipping his soldiers who fired prematurely, reprimanded them. As the rookie gunners nervously pulled their triggers when the enemy cavalry was just approaching, he noted that despite the bullets being powerful enough at that distance, their accuracy was still purely a matter of luck.

The Baylding Battalion’s first volley achieved limited results. Andrew glanced at the Second Battalion, noting the higher number of enemies fallen in front of them compared to his own front, feeling deeply embarrassed.

His men had shamed themselves, shamed Count Ganard, and shamed Baylding.

The Duke’s army cavalry finally reached the square. Some knights, relying on their armor for both man and horse and wielding long spears, thrust at the square formation. Many soldiers were flung by the spears. Although they wore chest armor made by Northwest Industry, the spears didn’t penetrate their flesh, but the force of the impact often caused serious injuries.

In the square, the continuous crackling of muskets sounded. Numerous approaching cavalrymen fell to the ground, never to rise again. The Duke’s army, using a loose formation to approach the Alda army, reduced their chances of being hit but also significantly weakened the impact of their charge.

The cavalry charge failed to achieve any noteworthy success. Fergus and Emerson’s faces turned ashen, surrounded by officers experiencing their first confrontation with the Alda army. These officers were dumbfounded, as in their experience, such a number of infantry squares would typically collapse after one charge.

“Indeed, they are not an ordinary army!”

The mercenary captain’s expression grew graver. Despite his arrogance, he never underestimated any enemy in his heart. Otherwise, he would have been eliminated long ago in his brutal combat career.

He looked towards the distant hillside, hoping everything there was proceeding smoothly.

…

“Why have the cannons stopped firing? What’s happening?”

The cavalry’s charge and harassment lasted nearly an hour before retreating back to their starting position. The Alda army reformed their line formation.

Schroeder’s tense nerves slightly relaxed, but his heart soon clenched again—the cannons on the hill had been silent for too long, and a foreboding feeling crept into his mind.

Unfortunately, his premonition turned into reality. A group of soldiers ran down from the hill, and he immediately ordered his troops to receive them.

It was evident now. Schroeder was furious and incredulous. Two platoons were guarding the artillery position, with the advantage of high ground and powerful firepower. What kind of enemy could have possibly overrun them?

“Lord Schroeder, the position… we lost the position.”

A red-faced artillery officer reported to him with immense shame.

“Tim! Where’s Tim? Step forward!”

The old knight erupted in rage, looking around and calling for the artillery position’s commander. Without his order, they dared to retreat. Seeing so many of them running down, the person responsible must be executed on the spot.

To make matters worse, nearly 20 cannons were left at the position, now in the enemy’s hands.

A brave officer whispered, “The captain… he led a rear guard action and has been sacrificed…”

Schroeder fell silent, unable to lash out at those who had sacrificed themselves. Besides, artillerymen were a precious technical corps, and Tim must have had his reasons for making such a decision.

After some inquiry, the situation became clear. While the artillerymen on the hill were focused on bombarding the cavalry, another enemy force had stealthily approached the high ground, using trees and bushes for cover.

“It was longbowmen, definitely. Their shots were vicious and accurate, with a rapid rate of fire. Many of our brothers were hit by arrows, and the infantry guarding the position were quickly suppressed.”

“Why didn’t you use grapeshot at such close range?”

No one answered Schroeder’s question.

“You! Speak!”

The old knight pointed at a lieutenant, his powerful roar startling the nearby soldiers.

The lieutenant instinctively straightened up and answered loudly, “Reporting, sir! We did not anticipate a large number of longbowmen and failed to transport enough grapeshot to the high ground as per regulations.”

Schroeder was speechless. While the First and Third Battalions were fighting bloodily outside, the Second and Fourth Battalions, stationed in Alda and Baylding for guard duty, had grown complacent due to their relatively comfortable life.

He knew he must address military discipline soon. However, the most pressing matter was to retake the artillery position. Firearms were Alda’s army’s greatest reliance and couldn’t just fall into enemy hands so easily.

Fortunately, the artillerymen had taken the horses and moved the gunpowder when they retreated, preventing the enemy from immediately taking the cannons or analyzing the gunpowder.

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