After receiving Shierke's message and finally spotting, in the distance to the south, a force of roughly a thousand cavalry and infantry appearing on the high ground, raising flags bearing an eagle with outstretched wings over a sword, and rapidly advancing toward their battlefield, Farnese, Serpico, and the other officers naturally didn't dare be negligent.
So, aside from leaving several hundred Argent Dawn infantrymen behind to keep watch inside the camp they'd just captured, clean up the aftermath, and comfort the villagers they'd rescued, they led the rest of the knights and infantry out of the camp and formed up facing south.
"They're coming!"
"Form ranks!"
"Everyone, pay attention!"
"Stand ready! Await orders!"
Though they didn't know why this unfamiliar army had suddenly appeared, or whether it had come with hostile intentions, that didn't stop Farnese from riding back and forth in front of the assembled knights, shouting and barking out basic pre-battle orders.
From her tone, choice of words, and actions, it was easy to tell that if the unexpected visitors dared show hostility or any other improper intent, she wouldn't hesitate to seize the chance while her troops' spirits were high from their recent victory over the Giant Tribe, then lead a full-on charge to scatter and crush the enemy!
"..."
As Farnese rode back and forth, rallying the troops, Guts returned to the front on horseback. He'd just fought on foot and cut down at least ten giants; his golden plate armor was now nearly stained red. He nodded his helmeted head to Serpico, Azan, and the other senior officers waiting at the front.
"She's quite capable!"
"Back when she was still the head of the Holy Iron Chain Knights, she was just a figurehead appointed to the order by the Holy See. She had practically no