Reborn as the Supreme Wolf King

Chapter 13

As the sky began to lighten and the distant village of Maiko was just starting to echo with the crowing of roosters, Sir Horst had already arrived at the training ground with his team to begin their morning exercises.

"Ha!"

"Hah!"

First, each person swung their long sword a hundred times, and the training ground resounded with their shouts.

Next, Sir Horst arranged for everyone to spar, using real swords and engaging in genuine combat. If anyone got injured, they were sent to find Lim, the physician.

This gave Lim quite a headache, as every day, someone would come to his medical room seeking treatment.

In the castle study, Lane heard the familiar sounds of training and knew that Horst was conducting his morning drills again.

At first, Kain thought he was just putting on a show. After all, Horst had said he was there to help train his soldiers.

But Kain’s soldiers hadn’t improved much, while Horst’s team was getting stronger and more organized, and it had already been a full month.

Kain stood by the window, watching the figures training below. He didn’t know what Horst was really up to.

Especially a few days ago, when he had left the medical room and saw the look Horst gave him. It had a peculiar feeling to it.

Kain shook his head. It was best to avoid any conflict for now.

He knew he couldn’t match Horst’s strength, and after suffering heavy losses a month ago, his own forces were only slightly larger than Horst’s.

As he weighed the differences between himself and Horst, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Kain said, knowing who it was.

Marcus and Catherine walked into the study.

Catherine, who was impulsive by nature, asked immediately after saluting, "My lord, what exactly is Horst doing? He’s been lingering in our territory for a month now."

Kain frowned and sighed, "That’s one of the reasons I called you here today."

"I thought we could get through this period peacefully, but it seems I was wrong."

Marcus speculated, "My lord, with his current strength, he might be planning to seize Eagle Fortress..."

"Indeed, that’s possible. Marcus, arrange for the castle defenses to be strengthened," Kain nodded, agreeing with the suggestion.

"Yes, my lord."

After giving instructions to Marcus, Kain turned to Catherine and asked, "How is the recruitment of new soldiers and the distribution of the compensation?"

"My lord, I’ve recruited 23 villagers from Maiko who are willing to enlist, all within the 20 to 35 age range you specified."

"Additionally, all the compensation has been distributed to the families of the fallen soldiers."

Hearing Catherine’s report, Kain smiled with satisfaction, "Good."

This would help fill the gap left by the soldiers who had died, though training new recruits would take some time.

After thinking for a moment, Marcus asked, "My lord, should we still hold the banquet tonight?"

Just as Kain was about to respond, the study door was suddenly opened.

Horst walked in unannounced.

"What's this, a meeting? Hope I’m not interrupting," Horst asked apologetically.

Kain smiled, "Not at all, Horst, uncle. We were just discussing the plans for tonight’s banquet. Do you have any suggestions?"

Horst shook his head, "I have no suggestions, Kain. You go ahead and decide. I’ll come back to see you later."

With that, he left the room, leaving Kain and his team astonished.

Catherine, furious, said, "That guy, he has no respect for you, my lord, coming and going as he pleases."

Marcus agreed, "Indeed, my lord. He’s trying to undermine your authority."

Kain pondered, "If it’s just these minor actions, it’s manageable. I’m afraid he might be planning something bigger. Marcus, Catherine, we need to stay vigilant at tonight’s banquet."

"Yes, my lord."

With that, the meeting adjourned. Marcus and Catherine headed to the barracks to train the new recruits, while Kain went to the lord's training ground for his morning exercise.

In the afternoon, Kain was in his study reviewing important documents from his territory.

During the month he spent in the medical room, his steward, Jess, had been handling these documents. Now, he was finally able to review them himself.

Suddenly, the study door opened again.

Horst walked in, looking like he had something to say.

Maintaining his slightly careless persona, Kain said with some helplessness, "Uncle Horst, do you behave like this at Count Manvido’s place too?"

Horst was taken aback, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, our young lord Kain is showing some emotion." He then bowed to Kain, "Please forgive my rudeness, Baron Kain."

"It’s not... I didn’t mean it that way... Ah..." Kain, at a loss, waved his hands.

He then asked, "Uncle, what brings you here this time?"

Horst, now serious, sought Kain’s opinion, "Kain, since your wounds are nearly healed, I’d like to ask for your permission to train the soldiers."

"So that’s it. If you want to train the new recruits, Uncle, I’m more than willing. We can start tomorrow. I’ll inform Catherine."

Horst nodded with satisfaction, "Good, the sooner the training begins, the better. Tomorrow, I’ll train the new recruits along with my squad."

With that, Horst left the study, not taking Kain’s earlier complaints to heart at all.

After Horst left, Kain remained uneasy for a long time.

He pondered Horst’s intentions. Was he aiming for control over the troops? He needed to warn Catherine.

That night, at Eagle Fortress.

To celebrate the successful subjugation of the goblin tribe, Kain hosted a banquet in his territory, inviting all the soldiers and nobles.

Steward Jess divided the banquet area into two sections: the soldiers gathered in the reception hall to dine, while the nobles and extraordinary individuals stayed in the dining room.

Outside the castle, soldiers arrived for the banquet, some singing cheerful tunes, others chatting with their companions.

Soon, it was time for the banquet. The reception hall was filled with invited soldiers, holding their wine glasses and boasting about past events.

At this moment, Kain, accompanied by Catherine and Marcus, walked to the center of the reception hall.

Kain cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "Welcome, everyone, to tonight’s feast."

"Let’s raise a glass to our successful campaign against the goblins."

"Cheers!!" the soldiers cheered.

"Let’s raise a glass to our fallen brothers."

"Cheers!!" Many soldiers’ eyes reddened, recalling the fallen.

Draining his glass of red wine, Kain continued.

"Enjoy tonight’s feast, everyone."

With that, he left the reception hall with Catherine and Marcus.