Lyon Wants to Improve Himself
Sir Kylan replied affirmatively, "The Count is certainly in Fran City, and moreover, he is extremely concerned about the war in Carnford."
Sir Kylan's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in the hearts of Karl and Charlotte.
The good news is that the Count is in the city, so they don't need to travel far or wait too long.
The bad news is that they are about to face the highest ruler in the Northern Territory, and their relationship and future are full of unknowns and uncertainties.
Finally, dinner ended in a subtle atmosphere, with everyone harboring their own thoughts.
The two silently left the tent and walked along the torch-lit path toward the castle on the mountain.
The night breeze was cool, dispelling the day's heat and bloodshed, but it couldn't dispel the heaviness in their hearts.
They both knew that what they were about to face the Count was not just a simple report of their war achievements and a thank you, but more likely a serious negotiation about their future and about Carnford's prospects.
Karl was about to say something, trying to break the suffocating silence with lighthearted words and soothe the obviously nervous girl beside him.
Just then, a figure silently approached from the shadows beside him and whispered, "Lord Karl, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately."
The sudden sound startled Karl. He turned his head and, in the dim light, made out the face of the person who had come.
It was Lyon. He had caught up with them at some point, his face bearing a complex yet resolute expression.
Karl's doubts deepened. What could Lyon want with him at this time?
But he remained expressionless, simply nodding. "Alright, this isn't the place to talk. Let's go back to the castle."
Lyon nodded silently and followed behind the two.
Thus, the silent team grew from two to three.
Karl and Charlotte were both preoccupied with their own thoughts, Lyon seemed lost in his own ideas as well. The three of them walked in silence, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing in the quiet night.
Soon, they returned to the main building of the castle.
The hall was empty, with only the embers in the fireplace emitting a faint light and warmth.
Instead of heading to the Lord's chair at the head of the table as usual, Karl casually found a chair at the long table in the center of the hall and sat down, gesturing for Lyon to sit opposite him.
Charlotte glanced at the two of them and tactfully said, "You two chat, I'm going to take a shower first."
After saying that, she turned and walked toward the corridor leading to the inner room and bathroom, leaving the two men behind.
Seeing Charlotte's figure disappear at the end of the corridor, Lyon seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He took a deep breath, looked directly at Karl, and said bluntly, "Lord Karl, forgive my intrusion, but I would like to request that you allow me to join your ranks and serve you. Could you... perhaps make this request to the Count?"
"What?" Karl was genuinely shocked. He stood there stunned for a long time, almost doubting that he had misheard.
Lyon von Hawke, one of the youngest and most promising cavalry commanders under Earl Rochefort, had just achieved great military exploits and had a bright future ahead of him, yet he had actually volunteered to transfer to his newly established and unstable small territory?
After the initial shock, Karl's brain began to work at lightning speed.
To be honest, he was almost ecstatic!
Lyon is definitely a rare and fierce general, and an extremely valuable cavalry expert with rich combat experience in this era!
Although he was somewhat reckless and impulsive, he was no less capable and courageous as a commander.
The battlefield is still dominated by cavalry. In the vast plains and hills of the Northern Territory, the mobility and impact of cavalry often determine the outcome of a battle.
Karl dreamed of building his own elite cavalry, but he desperately lacked the talent to train and command them.
Brendan excelled in infantry defense and overall command, while Richter and Roland were more inclined towards infantry and project management; neither of them were proficient in cavalry tactics.
Lyon's arrival will undoubtedly fill this huge void!
However... behind the great temptation lies great risk.
He was preparing to ask the Count for his beloved daughter Charlotte in marriage. If he were to now ask to poach Lyon, the Earl's capable cavalry commander who was in dire need of manpower, it would be far too presumptuous and would be treating the Earl Rochefort as a sucker to be exploited at will.
How will the Count react upon learning this? He will likely be furious.
Could this seriously affect his marriage to Charlotte, or even jeopardize the hard-won alliance between Carnford and Fran City?
However, experienced and brave cavalry commanders like Lyon are rare and highly sought-after talents.
If this opportunity is missed, it will be even more difficult to recruit him once he fully returns to the Fran City system.
Looking back on his marriage to Charlotte, although there were some twists and turns, the two had a deep affection for each other, and Charlotte's feelings for him were clear.
More importantly, he had just saved the Count's elite cavalry and defended Carnford. This weighty achievement and the strength he had demonstrated were themselves the most powerful dowry.
The wedding may be postponed due to other factors, but as long as Carnford remains strong and his relationship with Charlotte is stable, the opportunity will always remain.
His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, his sharp gaze scrutinizing Lyon: "Commander Lyon, your request... is very sudden and quite unexpected. Can you tell me why? You have a bright future under the Count, why would you choose to join me, a fledgling and dilapidated Carnford?"
Lyon's eyes dimmed for a moment, a flicker of pain and resolve in them. "The Count has been incredibly kind to me, and I shouldn't have had such thoughts, but... the Hawk Family's castle fell to the Sauron, and my father died because of it. I can never forget this blood feud!"
"While I can certainly gain military merit and status under the Count's command, the Count's strategic focus is on overall defense and steady counterattacks; opportunities for large-scale proactive attacks and the recapture of lost territory are few and far between."
His tone became agitated. "But you are different, Lord Karl! You came to the Northern Territory, started from scratch, forged your own path in dire straits, faced the Sauron soldier head-on, and even dared to fight outnumbered, actively seeking a decisive battle! You possess a... a spirit and determination to avenge the Sauron and reclaim everything, no matter the cost!"
"This atmosphere suits me better! I believe that under your command, I can accumulate power more quickly and have a greater chance to personally reclaim the Hawk Family's territory and comfort my father's spirit in heaven! Please grant my request!"
Karl understood.
What Lyon valued was the more radical and aggressive atmosphere here, as well as the more likely implementation of his revenge and expansion plans against the Sauron, which was indeed an irresistible reason.
After a long silence, Karl finally spoke slowly, his tone solemn. "Commander Lyon, I understand your feelings, and I admire your talent and courage. I personally welcome you to join us, but..."
He then changed the subject. "The key to this matter lies in the Count's attitude. I cannot guarantee you anything; I can only promise that I will do my best to make this request to the Count, outlining the pros and cons. But whether it will ultimately succeed depends on the Count's decision. Do you understand?"
A hint of disappointment flashed in Lyon's eyes, but more so was understanding and gratitude.
He stood up and gave Karl a solemn knightly salute. "I understand! Thank you very much, Your Lord Karl! Regardless of the outcome, I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me!"
He knew that Karl had already taken a considerable political risk by being willing to speak up.
"Alright, then you can go back and wait for news. After I've met with the Count, whatever the outcome, I will give you a clear answer."
Lyon bowed again, then turned and strode out of the castle hall.