Rewards

"Come in," Earl Rochefort answered.

The one who pushed open the door was none other than Guard Captain Richter. He seemed to have come to give the Count his routine report on the City Defense Army's return.

When the Count saw him, his eyes lit up. Pointing at Richter, he said, "Perfect. Richter, since you're here too, tell me exactly how the battle unfolded. I want every detail."

Richter had clearly been holding it in for a long time. With the Count's permission, he immediately began recounting everything excitedly.

He started from how Karl had led men to wait in the dock district before dawn, then spoke of the strategy to split their forces, how Karl had personally led the weaker unit deep into danger as bait, how they had fought desperately in the canyon without giving ground, and finally how Richter's group had arrived in time to attack from within and without, wiping out the enemy...

He told the story vividly, his tone overflowing with admiration for Karl. He practically portrayed Karl as a young commander of extraordinary courage, wisdom, and nerve.

As Earl Rochefort listened to Richter's account, the frost on his face gradually melted away, replaced by growing surprise and scrutiny. The look he gave Karl became exceedingly complicated.

Once Richter finally finished, the Count fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking in an unreadable tone. "Luring the enemy in deep, serving as bait yourself, remaining calm in danger, counterattacking decisively... It seems I've discovered another one of your 'exceptional qualities,' Karl von Schmidt."

"So, for the past decade or so, you've been playing the fool in the Royal Capital? Pretending to be a complete useless wastrel and fooling everyone, including your Duke father? All so you could be conveniently 'exiled' to the Northern Territory and put your 'talents' to use?"

The question was exceedingly sharp, filled with probing and appraisal.

Karl's heart jolted, but his expression remained calm. He bowed slightly and gave the reasonable explanation he had long prepared. "Your Excellency overpraises me. It was not an act. It's only that... the bitter cold and imminent danger of the Northern Territory seem to have awakened something in my blood. I've found that I truly like this place, and I deeply admire your practical and efficient style of leadership, Count."

He smoothly slipped in a little flattery.

Earl Rochefort snorted. "Enough flattery. Still, you completed the mission very well—far beyond my expectations. By the rules, you may request one reward, so long as it isn't excessive."

Almost the instant the Count's words fell, another notification sounded in Karl's mind:

[Mission]: The battle has ended. Report the results to Earl Rochefort. (Completed)

[Reward information issued]:

[Information]: Earl Rochefort is extremely satisfied with your performance in this operation. He intends to formally and permanently assign Captain Richter and the thirty City Defense Army Veteran Soldiers under his command to you, strengthening your forces. Notably, Captain Richter himself has the same intention. He longs to follow you rather than remain in Fran City, carrying out dull garrison duties.

Karl was overjoyed. This was exactly what he needed! He had been worrying about his lack of dependable veteran core troops!

He forcefully suppressed his excitement, raised his head, and looked steadily at Earl Rochefort as he made his request for a "reward."

"Count, I do have one request. In this battle, Captain Richter and his soldiers fought bravely and fearlessly. They worked seamlessly with my men and have already become like one unit. Could you formally assign Captain Richter and his thirty soldiers to me? I will lead them in defending the kingdom's borders at Carnford!"

At those words, a flash of expected understanding crossed Earl Rochefort's eyes. He glanced at Richter, whose face had instantly filled with surprise and anticipation, and the corners of his mouth lifted in an almost imperceptible smile.

"Granted," he replied cleanly.

As he walked out of the Governor's Office alongside Richter, Karl drew the icy air deep into his lungs, yet felt refreshed from head to toe.

Richter's face was brimming with barely restrained excitement. He slapped Karl hard on the shoulder, then hurriedly withdrew his hand when he realized his breach of etiquette. "Lord Karl! I never thought... I never thought you would truly make that request of the Count! This is wonderful! We'll be able to fight side by side again!"

Karl smiled. "What else would I ask for? Beauties or Gold coins?"

Richter laughed as well. "Those things shouldn't be scarce to you, should they? After all, you're the Duke's son."

Karl shook his head and looked toward the barracks, his tone turning serious. "Those aren't what I truly want. Just as I told the Count, the Northern Territory is the only place that makes me feel truly alive."

"Everything here—the dangers, the challenges, and... comrades worthy of trust—has more meaning than those hollow things in the Royal Capital."

He paused and looked at Richter. "Enough about me. Tell me, Captain Richter—why are you willing to leave the safety of Fran City and follow me to a place so full of danger?"

The excitement on Richter's face faded somewhat, replaced by a complicated expression of bitterness and longing. "I don't have such a good background as yours, my lord. My father was only an impoverished knight. By my generation, even the title of knight could no longer be inherited. All I have left is an empty noble surname and this strength."

"I don't want to spend my whole life holed up in Fran City as a Guard Captain watching the gates. I want to achieve great deeds. I want... I want to regain the title of knight, even if it is only the lowest First-tier Knight! I believe that if I follow you, I'll have a chance!"

Karl nodded solemnly. "You will, Richter. As long as we fight side by side, our achievements will never be buried. The title of knight will surely be yours."

Hope ignited in Richter's eyes, but a trace of worry soon appeared. "My lord, there is one matter... Though I personally would follow you without hesitation, the thirty Veteran Soldiers under my command... they may not all be willing."

"Most of them have families in Fran City. We fought together yesterday, so we have forged some bonds, but that was a clearing operation inside the Great Wall. Asking them to leave the safety of Fran City and go to Carnford—a Frontline beyond the Frontline—to face the Sauron Barbarians... I'm afraid..."

He sighed. "Stationing troops in Fran City may offer no hope of advancement, but at least it is safe, and they can take care of their families."

Karl nodded in understanding, but his face showed utter confidence. "I understand. I have a way. Go gather every one of them and bring them to my barracks. I'll make them willing to follow me."

Richter was doubtful, but he still immediately turned and went to gather his men.

Karl, meanwhile, hurried back to the barracks. The moment he entered, he ordered Brendan, "Brendan, assemble everyone! Report to the drill grounds at once!"

Before long, apart from those too severely wounded to move, Karl's original thirty-odd soldiers swiftly lined up on the drill grounds.

Though their formation was still far from perfect, their bearing had changed completely. Their eyes were filled with expectation and trust.

At that moment, Richter arrived with his thirty City Defense Army Veteran Soldiers. They stood at the edge of the drill grounds, watching curiously, unsure of what this young Lord intended to do next.

Standing before the ranks, Karl swept his gaze over every face under his command and called out, "Brothers! Do you remember what I said before we set out?"

The soldiers' eyes lit up, and even their breathing quickened.

Karl continued, "I said that after the battle, Military pay would be distributed! And rewards would be given according to merit!"

The moment his words fell, Roland and several other attendants laboriously carried over several heavy sacks and dropped them before the ranks with a thud.

The mouths of the sacks loosened, revealing dazzling Gold coins and piles of Silver coins!