Return to Fran City

A few days later, Sir Laurent came to inform Karl that their army was ready to leave.

Karl then summoned all the key officials and officers who remained behind, including Brendan, Richter, Roland, Edgar, and Old Morrell.

In the Lord's Hall, he succinctly explained that he would soon be traveling with reinforcements to Fran City to meet the Count.

"During my absence, the defense and all affairs of Carnford will be under the full responsibility of Scribe Morr," Karl said, his gaze sweeping over the group, his tone serious yet trusting. "Richter and Roland, you will assist Brendan in military training and the further improvement of the fortress's defenses."

"Mr. Hans, logistics and internal management are entrusted to you. Mr. Edgar, the resettlement of the inhabitants and spring planting cannot be delayed; please draft a plan quickly..."

"Everyone should perform their duties. Matters should be discussed and decided upon. In case of a major crisis, a messenger can be sent on horseback to Fran City to report the news."

"Yes, sir!" the crowd replied in unison.

Finally, Karl found Lyon alone, Lyon cavalry was ready to depart at any time.

"Lyon," Karl looked at him, "I will keep your request in mind, but how and when to bring it up after meeting the Count will require finding the right moment. Please understand."

Lyon nodded solemnly. "I understand, Your Lord Karl. Whatever the outcome, I thank you for the opportunity you have given me."

"My troops will accompany you and protect your safety."

His eyes held a complex mix of anticipation for the future and apprehension about the unknown. He knew that his fate was about to reach a crucial turning point.

The sun was shining brightly in the morning.

The gates of Kahnford Fortress slowly opened, and Karl and Charlotte rode out side by side, followed closely by Lyon and his dozens of elite cavalrymen.

Brendan and the others stood at the castle gate, watching them leave.

Down the mountain, the main force of the reinforcements led by Sir Kellan and Sir Laurent had already broken camp, their ranks neatly arranged, banners waving, and their military bearing solemn.

Upon seeing Karl and his party arrive, the two knights came forward to greet them.

"Lord Karl, Charlotte Knight, are you all ready?" Sir Kylan asked.

"It's ready, thank you both, sirs." Karl nodded in greeting.

"Alright! Let's go!"

As the bugle sounded, the massive army began to move slowly.

The infantry square was in the center, with cavalry guarding the flanks, while Karl, Charlotte, and Lyon's cavalry units were positioned in the relatively safe core of the formation.

The group followed the road they had come by, heading southeast towards the Fran City.

As Sir Kylan had predicted, the journey was uneventful.

The Sauron, having suffered a severe blow, had long since fled far away and dared not daring to peek at the border again.

On the vast Northern Wilderness, only this massive army marched silently and efficiently.

The wheels rolled, the hooves pounded, and the armor and weapons reflected a cold gleam in the sunlight, displaying the formidable strength of the elite troops of the Northern Territory of the Goldflower Kingdom.

As Charlotte rode her horse, looking at the endless army around her and Karl's tall, upright figure ahead, the tension in her heart was gradually replaced by a sense of security.

She would occasionally ride up to Karl, whisper a few words, or share things about Fran City and her father's habits and preferences, or simply feel each other's presence.

Lyon remained silent, following slightly behind, vigilantly observing his surroundings and fulfilling his duty as a guard.

Karl, on the other hand, was relatively calm. He used the time on the march to constantly review in his mind the various situations he might encounter after meeting the Count and the strategies he could use to deal with them.

At the same time, he also carefully observed the elite troops under the Count's command, and their equipment, discipline, and marching organization left a deep impression on him.

Two days later, on a clear afternoon, the outline of a huge city finally appeared on the distant horizon.

Towering city walls, towering towers, and the familiar flag of the castle in the city center... Fran City, the capital of the Northern Territory, the core of the Northern Border Greatwall Defense Line, has finally arrived.

The army slowed its march slightly, preparing to be inspected and guided by the city's defenses.

Karl took a deep breath and exchanged a glance with Charlotte beside him. They both saw seriousness, anticipation, and a hint of barely perceptible tension in each other's eyes.

The final test is about to begin.