James could only wipe the sweat from his brow as he tried to explain, "Look, Researcher Solington, there are so many Barbarians on the battlefield across from us. A large number of them are Barbarian herdsmen. Although they're merely cannon fodder taking part in the siege, you can see their task at a glance—they're hauling earth to build more slopes.
If we fire the Thunderfire Cannon now, we can only inflict casualties on those herdsmen and laborers. There's really little point in killing people like them.
After all, there are simply too many Barbarian herdsmen. To the Barbarians and the Iron Bone Tribe as a whole, they're expendable supplies.
Whether it's the Thunderfire Cannons or the Flowering Shells, our numbers are far too limited. Using our precious weapons on them would be far too wasteful.
..."
After much persuasion, James finally convinced Solington not to use those weapons for the time being.
Solington was still not entirely satisfied with James's reasoning, but James was the military commander of this fortress while Solington was merely a researcher. He had no way to force his demands upon James.
In the end, Solington left behind one remark. "I still reserve my opinion. I'll send a telegram to the Research Institute later.
But Viscount James, I'll be watching to see when you find the most suitable opportunity. If there are no results by then, I'll use the authority granted to me by the Marquis and submit a report to him!"
With a wry smile, James saw Solington off. Before leaving, he gave the soldiers assigned to watch over Solington a meaningful look, signaling them to quickly take Solington somewhere safe.
By the time James returned to the city wall, the Barbarian siege forces had already reached its base.
At that moment, arrows flew wildly