The Extra Wants To Live

"How long do you think it will take for Bilford to become powerful as a knight?"

Catherine immediately answers Carl's question.

"Bilford has already developed sufficient skills in martial arts. It's just that because he's young, his body hasn't finished growing, so his strength and stamina are reduced. He is still lacking in other tactics and strategies. It will take him at least two more years to reach his full potential as a knight."

"…."

Two years is too late.

As Carl rubs his forehead in confusion, Catherine looks at him in an uncharacteristic way.

Catherine tried to say something to Carl for a moment, but after a long hesitation, she finally closed her mouth.

Catherine's family, the Mold family, may have fallen, but it has a history and tradition built up as a knightly family. It will be a great help to Carl now.

However, Catherine was still not sure if she could bet her family's fate on Carl.

"Lord Carl, a messenger has returned from Hilfin Castle."

While Carl and Catherine are struggling by their inner thoughts, a soldier's voice is heard from outside.

"I will hear the story right away."

Carl went straight outside.

Catherine clenched her fists as she followed Carl out.

She already know that Carl is a great lord with ability and character.

However, he is still too weak to bet the family's fate on Carl based on that alone.

"Huh, huh, huh!"

A soldier covered in dust approaches Carl, panting.

Since he had headed to Hilfin Castle yesterday morning, he knew nothing about Carl other than that he was a young and sickly prince.

So, he couldn't hide the disbelief toward the small and skinny Carl shining in his tired eyes.

"Good work. But why are you so late?"

First, Carl praised his hard work without being excessive and then got straight to the point.

The soldier gasped, swallowed, and opened his mouth.

"A battle broke out at Hilfin Castle, so I was late to check on the situation."

"…A battle?"

Carl narrows her eyes at the sudden words.

"The nobles rebelled and Maldin was killed."

"…What."

"Currently, Fardin is in the process of putting things in order after suppressing the rebellion. They assured me that they would send support as soon as possible, by noon tomorrow at the latest."

With those words, Carl was able to grasp the situation at once.

'Fardin killed Maldin and the nobles who were trying to escape with silver and supplies!'

Carl thought of a man who was alone and silent with a sad face in a banquet hall where everyone was laughing and drinking loudly.

'If Harmon did it, he did it well.'

Carl only thought the same way about Harman, who made his son kill his father.

It is none of his business whether Maldin and the nobles who were rebellious and reckless and tried to run away after causing things to get to this point die or not.

What is important is that Fardin provides support. And after subjugating the Gnoll's, before returning to Himeln, he takes Fardin's rebellion and immorality as a weakness and exercises control over this land.

It is a place so rich in silver that people like him carry silver axes. The enormous wealth pouring in from here will be a great help to Carl.

"How many reinforcements do you think there will be?"

"They said they would send all but the minimum number of troops to defend the castle. But there won't be that many troops."

"Good. I understand. Thanks to your hard work, I was able to hear valuable news. Go in and rest."

"… Yes, thank you."

The soldier seemed taken aback by Carl's praise, hesitated, bowed, and then quietly retreated.

"Have you given word to Sir Corbin?"

"Not yet."

The soldier answers Carl question.

He is not an imperial soldier brought by Carl. He is a soldier of Hilfin under the command of Corbin.

However, the messenger was brought to Carl first, not Corbin.

"… Tell Sir orbin the news."

"Yes, Lord Carl."

Even though Carl did not have clear command authority, he ignored Corbin and immediately reported to Carl.

Carl felt burdened and shocked by the soldiers' envy and expectations placed on him.

Soon, news spread that reinforcements would arrive by tomorrow, and the village of Ax Sound was filled with cheers.

There was one more piece of good news.

Bilford stood up.

"I'm sorry I couldn't participate in yesterday's battle."

"No. Victory was achieved without much difficulty. Your recovery is more important than that."

"Master Carl..."

Bilford seemed very moved by Carl's words, and at the same time a little disappointed.

It's good to give something to others, but it's sad because it seems like it doesn't matter if he don't have it.

Bilford know it's childish complaining, but he can't help it.

"Bilford, I think it's still too early to join the battle."

"Gwae, it's okay!"

When Catherine narrows her eyes and asks, Bilford, embarrassed, stutters and answers in a loud voice.

Bilford has not yet fully recovered. But that doesn't mean he can't fight.

"Don't push yourself too hard. It is said that support will arrive from Hilfin Castle tomorrow, so until then, preserve your strength and focus on recovery."

Carl spoke in a firm voice.

"Once support arrives, we will advance into the forest as quickly as possible. Shouldn't you, Bilford, be active at that time?"

"… yes! Master Carl!"

Bilford answers vigorously.

In the forest, it is difficult to maintain ranks and formation, which are the greatest strength that allows humans to fight monsters.

Therefore, in rough terrain such as a forest, the presence of one elite, especially a knight, is more valuable than many soldiers.

Carl spent the rest of his time learning how to use a sword and spear from Catherine.

He also learned how to swing a sword and spear from a horse, although it was a bit awkward.

He need strong core strength to properly fight on horseback, so he was exhausted after just swinging the weapon a few times, but it's important that he learned it.

Because once Carl has learned it, he has enough talent to be able to imitate it.

Before the sun set, the fortress was built and the formation of troops was completed.

All preparations are made steadily and preparations are made for the sun to set.

Gnolls have always attacked after dark. This is natural since Gnolls are nocturnal.

"No, it's attack! The gnoll is attacking!"

So even though Catherine and Corbin had been very careful and prepared, attacking the gnoll while the sun was still up was a very shocking situation for everyone.

"Ready for battle!"

"Nonsense! The sun is still far away from setting!"

"Move quickly!"

Wow! Kkkkkkkkk!

Awww!

Soldiers in panic hurriedly climb up the wooden fence.

When they see this, the gnolls that had been lying flat on their faces and approaching quietly stand up and start running vigorously.

The gnoll quietly approached and made a surprise attack.

Although it is crude, it is an excellent 'tactical decision'.

"Master Carl!"

Carl turned at the call, adrenaline surging through his veins. The sight of gnolls advancing in broad daylight was a stark deviation from their usual tactics, and it spoke of a more cunning mind at work within their ranks. He quickly surveyed the chaotic scene, assessing the rapid mobilization of his troops.