The Extra Wants To Live

Even though Carl was trapped, he did not panic, hesitate, or become confused. His thoughts, rooted in cool reason, spread out like the branches of a large tree.

'It's an elaborate trap, meticulously planned and heavily invested with influence.'

The influence of an unknown enemy may have spread not only through the Palton Territory but also through the central army that had been dispatched, even reaching the imperial palace and perhaps even into the eastern part of the empire where Carl's operated the Laurel Troops.

'... Is it Adrian?'

As far as Carl knew, the only people in the current empire capable of building such elaborate and massive traps were Azgoth and Adrian. However, since Emperor Azgoth had no reason to do such a thing, he could only suspect Adrian by the law of elimination. Did Adrian set a trap to deal with Carl by labeling him a threat?

'No, I can't be sure, but even if it were Adrian, he wouldn't be able to do something like this. If he were to be accused of heresy by the Duren Church, he would be excommunicated and his neck would be in danger even if he became the emperor. Furthermore, the doctrine of heresy shakes the foundation of the empire.

The Church of Universal Equality is also a cancer to Adrian, who wants to become the emperor.'

Carl reasoned, feeling his way carefully along the path. When Carl looked at Harmon with a sharp gaze while keeping his mouth shut, no one dared open their mouths and waited for him to speak.

'There is something I don't know, and it is because of me.'

A rebellion that didn't exist in the original, a heresy that didn't exist in the original.

All the changes that had occurred in this world were due to a heterogeneous being called Carl. His existence was destroying the original story of 'the Iron-Blooded Emperor rules' and turning this imaginary world into a reality.

'Is it something new? Or is it something from the distant future that has been brought forward?'

It was unclear whether Carl caused something completely new or if it was just something promised for the future that had come about hastily. Even Carl had too much influence on this world.

Where did it all start, and how did it all begin?

"… Harmon, I will send soldiers. Get out of the Palton Territory immediately and find the nearest temple of the Duren Church."

"Master Carl?" Harmon asked, bewildered.

Carl continued firmly despite Harmon's confusion.

"I will advance towards Ishul from this moment on. I will not stop, as I must act according to the opponent's intentions."

"Lord Carl, it's too dangerous!"

Carl looked at the astonished Harmon with clear, unwavering eyes.

"Bring me the support of the Duren Church before I reach Ishul. The Duren Church will have sent troops to clean up after the matter is concluded. Without them, there will be no support. Do you understand? Harmon, if you do not bring support, I will have to walk into the enemy's trap and die."

"… … ."

Carl stared at Harmon, who was gaping with a pale face, and then smiled as if he was enjoying something.

"Harmon, this brings back old memories. What do you think? Do you have old memories too?"

Harmon, whose hair had turned white, suddenly recalled the past at Carl's words.

Yes, at Hillfin. When the sickly and worthless fourth prince Carl had left to subdue the gnolls, Harmon, who was left alone in the castle, had to struggle to save Carl.

Carl had thrown his life away to the untrustworthy Harmon. At that time, Harmon had not followed Carl and often ignored and looked down on him.

It was not due to human emotions such as faith, but because Carl had whipped Harmon forcibly after learning of his situation. So what about now? .

"… I will definitely provide support on time."

Harmon spoke in a determined voice and looked straight into Carl's eyes.

Carl, who had used to treat Harmon as a tool, and Harmon, who had used to ignore Carl, had worked together on numerous projects over the years.

Since when had Harmon truly believed in and followed this young prince, His Highness the Young Grand Duke?

"Hurry up. There's no time."

"Yes, Lord Carl."

There were not many who could call His Highness the Young Grand Duke 'Lord Carl.' One of them, Harmon, jumped on his horse and galloped south with ten imperial soldiers, following Carl's orders.

Just like before, once again Carl's life was in Harmon's hands.

At that time, Harmon had done it out of necessity, but this time, he ran with all his might, following the path his heart called him to. He would definitely carry out the mission assigned to him.

"We must capture the village today. Strategically speaking, it is the right thing to do."

Carl watched Harmon leave and spoke softly.

"Depart."

Carl needed to appear to be acting according to the other person's intentions.

To do that, he needed to act 'strategically,' as if advancing towards the real Ishul.

There wasn't much time. For now, he had no choice but to believe that Harmon would do well.

***

"Oh, yeah, that's right. It's not over yet. Not yet."

Garten waved his hand and gave a vague nod. There was no threat, not even if there was a Master. However, unlike Garten, the unidentified entity seemed to be observing the situation very carefully.

"Carl Feld Hardion was not in the plan. Part of the plan has already fallen apart and is out of our hands, and now…."

"That's why we're here now. To solve that unplanned problem."

"It's not us, it's you. I won't interfere."

"What a bad guy."

Garten clicked his tongue and pulled his hand out of his eye socket. A single black eye suddenly appeared and swiveled around, piercing through the darkness.

But when Garten opened his eyes, the being had already disappeared.

"...Shit."

Garten muttered softly, as if spitting out his displeasure.

That really made him feel bad.