"Your Majesty, Liens has sounded his horn. It seems to be the order to cease the attack."
On the northern wall of Kerimud City, a scout from Caerleon clambered up in a few quick steps, saluted, and reported the latest developments to Artoria.
"Good. Keep scouting and report back."
"Yes!"
For a moment, silence settled over Kerimud City's northern wall, broken only by the snap of banners in the wind.
At last, a soldier of Kerimud City standing near Artoria could no longer contain himself and ventured to ask her:
"Your Majesty, King of Knights, have we... won?"
Countless eyes instantly turned toward Artoria and the soldier.
Perhaps the weight of all those gazes was too much for him. Sweat instantly soaked the back of his tunic, and his gaze grew uneasy as he looked at Artoria.
By contrast, Artoria seemed far more accustomed to such attention.
Perhaps it was reassurance.
Perhaps it was approval.
Perhaps it was joy at their victory.
Or perhaps it was all three.
Whatever the case, a smile appeared on Artoria's face as she confirmed the soldier's hopeful question:
"Yes. We have won."
The instant Artoria finished speaking, as though a silencing spell had been broken, thunderous cheers erupted across Kerimud City's northern wall:
"We won! We won!"
"Praise the gods! Praise Nuada!"
"Long live the King of Knights! Long live King Rodgerens!"
In a single morning, they had not only wiped out two entire enemy assault units, but forced the enemy commander, Liens, to withdraw for the time being! And the tremendous advantage of defending the walls had kept their own losses exceptionally low!
This battle had been a resounding victory!
The soldiers' joy coalesced into the highest respect for those who had come to their aid.
As time passed, the cheers atop the