Chapter 291: Be a Little More Steady

"Is that so?"

Arthur stepped out of the waterfall, gave his body a shake, shaking off the water droplets, then put on the clothes that were laid on the stone.

A flash of surprise crossed his eyes: "Then… is there anyone who can pull it out?"

Kai immediately shook his head: "No! When I went to see, there were a lot of people gathered!"

"It's just a pity, they all tried, exhausted their whole strength, their faces turned red, but that sword was as if fixed solidly in the stone, not moving a hair!"

"I think perhaps it's not that pulling out the sword makes one a king, but… only a king can pull out this sword!"

"Enough about that," Kai's tone shifted, excitement flashing across his face:

"Do you know who else I saw in the city today?"

Arthur asked cooperatively, "Who?"

"King Yuse!" Kai's voice was reverent:

"He unusually appeared on the street today; though only for a short time, I saw him clearly!"

"His retinue is still there, but…" Kai's tone dropped, a hint of worry in it:

"He looks very pale and weak, as if suffering a serious illness, or… perhaps just old age, his vigor exhausted."

"There are rumors in the city that the king's body… may not hold out much longer."

Arthur listened to Kai's account, the smile on his face gradually faded.

He offered no comment, silently bowing his head, his long lashes hanging down, shielding the swirling complex emotions in his eyes—concern for his never‑met biological father's health, a faint instinctive, blood‑linked care, and a profound, unrecognizable sorrow.

He knew his own identity, and also knew it was not yet time to meet them.

Kai noticed Arthur's mood suddenly dip, thought he was regretting not having seen the Stone Sword and King Yuse in person, quickly patted his shoulder and comforted, "Don't be sad, Arthur!"

"In a few days we'll go to the city again, to transport some furs to sell."

"Then we'll go together! I'll take you to see the Stone Sword, maybe…"

However, before Kai could finish, a villager man, panting and anxious, rushed in, shouting from afar:

"Kai! Arthur! Trouble!"

"Those damned Saxon raiders are back! This time there are many, they're already near the forest to the east!"

Hearing this, Arthur and Kai's faces changed at once, all the idle talk and thoughts instantly cast aside!

"These lingering scum!" Kai's eyes ignited with blazing fury and cold killing intent, he gripped the hilt at his waist hard:

"Perfect! Let them taste the results of our hard cultivation! Arthur, let's go!"

Arthur's gaze instantly sharpened like an eagle's, all sorrow and softness suppressed, he nodded heavily:

"Alright, go!"

The two said no more, immediately following the messenger, like two arrows loosed, sprinting toward the village and the direction of possible attack.

The forest air seemed to solidify, suffused with a tense scent of earth and rust.

Ekete lay hidden behind a dense thicket, his sharp eyes piercing the gaps, fixed on the Saxon raiders advancing along the path not far away.

The enemy numbered roughly over forty, their gear chaotic yet rugged, especially the few towering, fierce‑eyed leaders at the front, whose aura clearly marked them as battle‑savvy, possibly masters of combat techniques.

Even some have received Blessing?

Ekete furrowed his brows, his mind racing with calculations.

He could handle those leaders himself, relying on years of Knight skill and experience; he was confident he could easily slay them, but it would take time!

What about the remaining thirty‑plus ordinary Saxon Warriors during that time?

Once they charge into the formation, the dozen or so young villagers he brought, even with some coordination, would inevitably suffer heavy casualties!

Ekete is not a great noble; this village and its residents constitute most of his fief and wealth.

Each villager is someone he watched grow up, or a partner and neighbor who labored alongside him.

Losing each one is pain he cannot bear, a heavy emotional blow.

His mind raced, devising how to use the terrain to split the enemy, lure them in, and secure the greatest victory for the smallest cost…

Just as he was fully absorbed in tactical contemplation—

"Damned Saxon scum! I'll slaughter you all!!"

A roar shattered the forest's dead silence!

Kai, like an enraged lion, gripped his Rune sword tightly and charged straight at the enemy!

Ekete's blood pressure spiked instantly, nearly losing his breath:

………

He almost shouted, his voice full of frustration and helplessness:

"Kai! You damn scoundrel! What are you doing?! Can you use your brain! Learn to be more steady like Arthur………

But before his rebuke finished—

Another figure beside him, like a coiled cheetah, shot out at greater speed and steadier poise—it was Arthur!

Arthur's voice rang into Kai's ear amid the charge:

"Brother Kai! You take left, I'll take right!"

Kai heard this, without hesitation, roared, "Alright!"

He instantly changed direction, lunging toward the enemies on the left.

Ekete watched the two sons charging out like unbridled horses, especially Arthur, whom he had just used as a model of steadiness; at that moment his vision went black, all the meticulously crafted tactics and all his concerns vanished in an instant!

He gulped sharply, forcibly suppressing the flood of helplessness and worry, knowing there was no other choice now.

With a "clang" he drew the Knight longsword at his waist, the blade reflecting a cold glint in the forest light.

He no longer hid, sprang up, using all his strength, letting out a roar:

"Brothers! For our home! Follow me—kill!!!"

"Kill—!!!"

The young, strong villagers behind them had already had their blood boiling from the two young masters' bravery; now, hearing the lord's command, they raised their pitchforks, hunting bows, and logging axes, letting out thunderous roars, like a breaching flood, following Ekete's silhouette, surged out of the forest and charged at the Saxon raiders, whose numbers far outnumbered our side!

The clearing in the woods instantly turned into a blood‑stained battlefield!