The Extra Wants To Live

Chapter 218: Terrible Intruder [3]

Just one monster could literally bring down almost the entire town in the territory. This was why monsters that could travel on rivers were more fearsome than medium-sized monsters like trolls that only traveled on land.

"Did you spread the news to the neighboring estates?"

"Yes, we are sending troops to monitor the river and track their traces."

It was a blessing in disguise.

This was where Carl's creation of the Laurel Union shined.

In the past, they wouldn't have cooperated regardless of whether a monster appeared or not, and it would have been impossible to spread the news this quickly.

While the nobles were exchanging letters and saying things like, "I'm great," "You're great," the entire village might have been destroyed.

"There will be no further support."

"Yes, unfortunately."

He spoke as if he had chewed over what Billford wrote. No matter how small, a river was a river. It was not a task for one or two soldiers to carefully monitor a long river that crossed several territories.

If discovered there, they must respond immediately, deploying as many knights and soldiers as possible. All knights who used mana were naturally deployed, and regular knights and soldiers had to use siege weapons such as ballistas, requiring a large number of personnel.

Naturally, distribution problems arose.

In a situation where all personnel and supplies in the territory were being mobilized, there was no room to send additional reinforcements.

This seemed like a contradictory decision, as it neglected the forests of Gilin, an area inhabited by monsters. What's the point of watching the river when there's a monster roaming the forest?

But there were reasons why the lords made such decisions.

"After the 2nd unit joins, they charge into the forest."

The defender of the eastern part of the Empire, who had never been defeated and had never failed in his mission.

The man who single-handedly united this vast land in just one year.

The 4th Prince, Grand Duke of the Empire, the One Who Plants Laurel Trees. They believed that the Laurel Unit led by Carl would do well this time too.

"Prepare for when things don't go as planned."

Even if the situation had already reached a point of no return, Carl would definitely do it.

"Prepare to burn the forest to the ground."

By any means necessary.

***

Catherine was a bit far away, so she was late in joining them. Carl discussed many things with Billford and Dillon. Fortunately, thanks to Billford's quick actions, they were able to hire guides from the surrounding villages who knew the terrain of the forest well.

Having had a hard time with the accumulation of maps in the previous Palton Territory, Billford was the first to take care of it.

The forest was like a gift from nature. It was a treasure chest from which countless resources endlessly sprang up.

Of course, all the nearby villages had been maintained for tens or hundreds of years, and the people living there had inherited knowledge and wisdom from their ancestors.

Not only were the rivers that ran through the forest mapped, but also the locations of swamps, pools, and caves where monsters were likely to settle down after the rainy season were carefully identified.

Furthermore, they could find out about monsters that appeared, poisonous plants to avoid, herbs that could be used as medicine, and roots and fruits that were edible.

It was thanks to everyone, regardless of whether they were members or not, who tried to provide as much information as possible to the Laurel Unit as they set out to subdue the terrible monster.

"

Catherine joined Carl two days after his arrival.

No one blamed her, knowing that she had rushed as fast as she could after hearing the news from the messenger.

He came in such a hurry that he left the entire carriage loaded with luggage behind and brought only the bare minimum.

"We'll jump right in tomorrow. First, let the soldiers get some rest."

"Yes, Lord Carl."

You can't just push your exhausted soldiers into a swampy forest to fight that giant monster.

Dillin knew it too, but because he was anxious, a look of discomfort appeared on his face.

Even though I know there's nothing I can do, I still feel anxious because the issue is what it is.

If you enter the forest tomorrow, it will be a full seven days since Billford first discovered the monster.

Who knows what might happen in the forest in the meantime?

After Catherine heard the details of the situation and the operation, she left and spoke privately with Billford.

"Great. You handled it well."

Catherine praised Billford with a soft smile that she didn't usually show.

"…thank you."

Billford, who was now a head taller than the petite Catherine, said awkwardly, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and pride at Catherine's compliments, just like when he was a child.

"Of course, dealing with monsters and dealing with humans are completely different, so you should always be careful not to let your guard down."

"Yes, Lady Catherine."

"Yes, Sir Billford."

Billford's eyes widened at Catherine's words.

Now the two are equal knights with equal status.

But to Billford, Catherine felt like a teacher and a knight to be served, as always, and he felt like a commoner servant who served her.