Chapter 43

The plate armor was complete. There was enough to fully equip fifty horses and sixty cavalrymen.

That was by no means a small amount. Under Maxime’s direction, the unit’s productivity had improved dramatically, making it possible to achieve such sophisticated mass production in such a short period of time.

The most time-consuming part was shaping the horse armor. Since every horse had a different build, they had to fit broad plates against each animal, remove them, and make countless adjustments. Finishing armor for all fifty horses was practically a miracle in itself. If they had not standardized the plate configuration for mass production, they would have struggled to finish even ten.

Now that we’ve made it, we need to put it on and test its mobility.

Maxime summoned the riders and their warhorses. The horses selected were the best of the best, brave and highly experienced. Their muscular builds and steady bearing alone inspired confidence. They also came with frighteningly high price tags.

The completed horse armor was securely attached to leather belts around the horses’ bodies with hinges. The chamfron was secured with a strap around the back of the neck, while the breastplate was tied to leather straps on either side of the saddle to keep it from slipping. The gaps between the plates and the areas around the moving joints were covered with leather straps and chain mail. The design provided an impressive degree of flexibility.

The fifteenth century was a transitional period from mail armor to plate armor. It was still common for overlapping armor around the joints to restrict movement. Compared to that, the flexible joint structure Maxime had devised could rightfully be called innovative.

The inner lining was also important in plate armor. Thick leather padding on the inside absorbed impacts and protected the warhorse’s body even during violent movement.

Despite all the additions Maxime had made to the conventional design, the horse armor was surprisingly lighter. The various improvements and increased durability were added benefits. Reducing weight was enormously important from a military standpoint.

For example, reducing the burden on the horse improved both the endurance and mobility of cavalry charges. In an army, where large numbers of troops were involved, even small differences could produce enormous results. And this difference was far from small, making its performance on the battlefield all the more promising.

“But is it really worth going through all this trouble? We can’t even equip a hundred men.”

“…Coat, do yourself a favor and stay off the battlefield for the rest of your life.”

In the age of cold weapons, conscripts were of little use in combat. Before firearms came into widespread use, a small number of elite soldiers equipped with sturdy armor and trained for battle could overwhelm far greater numbers of moderately equipped troops.

This was also why local nobles could sometimes stand on nearly equal footing with kings who commanded national standing armies. Power came from military strength, and military strength rested in the hands of a small number of well-equipped warriors.

Of course, once firearms advanced, peasants began killing knights, and the king’s military power and therefore his political power became overwhelmingly stronger.

As for organization and distribution, I’ll limit it to the two hundred troops under my command.

That was also why he had not cast Richemont aside. Every single elite soldier was valuable.

If anyone objects, I’ll justify it as the “experimental deployment of new weapons”. I actually do have new weapons to introduce, so it should be fine.

***

There was just one exception. Maxime decided to make a custom set of equipment rather than another mass-produced one. First, he tracked down the Saintess, who was usually found somewhere around the cathedral.

Maxime added in a low voice,

“Come with me. There’s something we need to do. Take off your armor and bring it with you. And don’t tell the other knights.”

The Saintess answered in a trembling voice.

“Th-There’s something… we need to do?”

She shivered slightly and bit her lip.

“Okay…”

Maxime had converted the quarters assigned to him in Orléans into a private workshop. That was where he summoned the Saintess.

Being sturdy enough to withstand enemy attacks is important, but Jeanne d’Arc’s armor needs to go beyond that.

In fact, she already wore white armor symbolizing purity. The problem was that her current armor left something to be desired aesthetically.

Jeanne d’Arc isn’t just a commander. She’s a symbol of faith and hope. She needs armor worthy of that.

Standing out on the battlefield was no concern. Even without armor, she would attract just as much attention.

Her commanding presence inspired her allies and broke the enemy’s spirit.

Knock, knock.

“…I’m here.”

As promised, the Saintess arrived at the tower’s second floor.

“Come in.”

When the door opened, the light illuminated her face against the darkness.

The moment Jeanne found herself face-to-face with Maxime, she could manage nothing but the sound of her own breathing. Trying to hide her nervousness, she fidgeted with the hem of her clothes.

“Agathe isn’t with you?”

“What? Oh… no.”

Well, we have been expanding the Thunder Falcons… I guess Agathe has been spending more time serving as a training instructor too.

Maxime reached for the armor Jeanne had brought.

The distance between them suddenly closed. Startled, Jeanne squeezed her eyes shut and blurted out,

“I heard it hurts… Please be gentle…”

“…? Nothing I’m doing is going to hurt you.”

Maxime measured the Saintess’s armor. Even when measuring a single arm, he carefully took measurements section by section.

“…What are you doing?”

“I left all the measurements I took before back in Domrémy, so I want to double-check that I remember them correctly. Once I’m done measuring the armor, I’ll take your measurements again too.”

Jeanne realized what she had misunderstood.

Oh…

It was already too late. She despaired as she realized there was nowhere she could run now.

She took deep breaths, desperately trying to cool the heat rising through her body from an embarrassment that existed entirely in her own head.

What she didn’t know was that today’s memory would stay with her for the rest of her life, no matter how badly she wanted to forget it. Embarrassing moments had a way of sticking with you.

As Maxime continued taking measurements, he noticed something inside the armor.

“You still have this?”

What Maxime pulled out was the mail coif he had given her some time ago. She had carefully kept it tucked inside her armor.

Jeanne’s face went pale.

“First, there are a few things I need to check. When you fight in your current armor, is there anything that feels uncomfortable? For example, any areas that get especially sweaty while you’re moving, or anywhere the armor catches and restricts your movement?”

“Well…”

“Just tell me. How it feels to you is what matters most. Even if it’s only a minor discomfort, tell me so I can make sure everything fits you properly.”

“…It feels a little tight around my chest.”

“……”

Maxime carefully took Jeanne d’Arc’s measurements. Sure enough, it was clear that the armor had been putting pressure on her.

Her current armor had definitely been made to fit her measurements, but…

She’s grown.

The mystery was solved the moment he looked at Jeanne’s everyday clothes.

***

I got to work.

Normally, if you wanted armor to stand out, you decorated the finished surface by engraving patterns into it or setting it with gemstones. I intended to move away from such conventional methods.

There are plenty of examples of beautiful plate armor. Even in an age when it has no practical use whatsoever, some people are so captivated by plate armor that they specialize in designing it.

For Jeanne d’Arc’s plate armor, I planned to emphasize the beauty of its curves while keeping the overall design practical.

Engraving patterns or painting designs onto the armor offered no practical value in battle and looked crude to me anyway.

“Coat, pick out the ten best craftsmen who worked on the armor this time and send them to me.”

“…Do I have to work too?”

“No. I’m taking full charge this time and making just one set. I don’t need another supervisor. Pick the right people, and you’re free.”

“Great. I’ll send you the very best. Just give me a minute.”

Coat sent the craftsmen over and promptly fled.

Jeanne d’Arc’s armor used the same materials as the others, but the manufacturing process was far more precise. Unlike the simplified fluting used during mass production, I worked dense, closely spaced flutes into the armor to improve its defensive strength and help attacks glance off its surface.

With Jeanne’s permission, I also repurposed the mail coif I had given her to protect the joints.

Not even the joints of her fingers were overlooked. In battle, even the slightest restriction in movement could prove fatal.

I reinforced the flag she carried as well. This had nothing to do with combat effectiveness. It was simply meant to preserve the banner that had become a symbol of the Saintess so she could continue using it for as long as possible.

I reinforced the fabric of the fluttering banner and repaired the weakest areas where damage had begun to appear. The section tied to the pole was especially vulnerable. I also strengthened the rings connecting the end of the banner.

A long, slender strip of iron was added inside the pole to help it retain its shape. The final steps were waterproofing and mildew prevention.

The finished armor looked like an artistic suit of plate armor straight out of a game from the future. It seemed less like a suit of steel armor and more like a work of art.

The first day Jeanne d’Arc wore the completed armor, soldiers and civilians alike stared at her as though they had discovered a mesmerizing jewel.

Every time light flowed across the armor’s curved surfaces, it gleamed brilliantly. Made for one person and one person alone, the armor seemed to absorb the aura of its wearer and become one with her.

“Armor… can actually be beautiful.”

One soldier murmured in awe.

“…That’s the kind of armor a goddess would wear.”

Someone else whispered under their breath.

***

Several weeks had passed since the relief of Orléans.

The commanders could sense that another battle was approaching. A meeting was convened to seriously discuss their next move.

“Do we really need more time to prepare? Now that we’ve been reequipped, this is the perfect time to strike. Let’s advance on the fortress of Jargeau.”

“Wait. A hasty advance could invite a counterattack. Have you forgotten the intelligence we received recently?”

“Exactly. General John Fastolf, who led the English to victory at the Battle of the Herrings, is reportedly marching toward Orléans with several thousand English troops! They say he’s coming to reinforce their forces holding out in the Loire Valley. If we advance recklessly and run into him, we could end up caught between the enemy garrison and their reinforcements!”

“…I’m also concerned about Jargeau’s defenses. According to our scouts, the rumors about how formidable it is appear to be true.”

The fortress of Jargeau had five towers, three fortified gates, and a bridge leading to the embankment on the northern bank.

Many of the English troops who had withdrawn from Orléans were likely stationed there. It was a far more secure position than their encampment at Orléans had been.

The confidence born from their victory did not last long. The French commanders had experienced defeat too many times. Faced with very real fears, they hesitated to advance.

The enemy was still something to be feared.

Jeanne d’Arc spoke firmly to the wavering generals.

“Even if the English forces descend upon us, there is no reason for our steps to falter. If we truly believe in the One who guides us, there is no reason to turn away from the path He has illuminated. I am not afraid. I will gladly throw myself into the face of danger.

“We have already proven ourselves. Remember those who laughed when we said we would save Orléans, those who predicted our failure. Yet we did not give up, and in the end, we were victorious. Remember this: our faith and courage were rewarded! Do not be afraid. Let us fight together.”

The Saintess’s words roused those who had been consumed by fear.

I suppose I should lend her a hand.

Maxime joined in from beside her, adding his own encouragement.

“Don’t you want to try charging into battle with the new equipment? I’m thinking of issuing one to each commander.”

“”””?!””””

The Saint’s words sent a thrill straight to the very core of the men.

“I-I want to join the cavalry too!”

“Gilles de Rais, shut up.”