Otto's Happy Life

Karl listened quietly to everyone's remarks. He could deeply feel the indelible pain and hatred in the hearts of Lyon, Morr, and the others, and he completely understood their reactions.

After his emotions had calmed down a bit, Karl slowly spoke, his voice steady and powerful, carrying an undeniable determination. "I fully understand your feelings. I know all the pain you have endured and the hatred you have carried."

His gaze lingered particularly on Lyon and Morr, carrying a hint of reassurance. "I have never forgotten the harm the Sauron inflicted upon us, and I will never easily believe their so-called 'sincerity'."

He then changed the subject. "However, gentlemen, the situation we face today is far more serious than personal grudges. Harald's main force is about to march south in retaliation, Carnford's forces are weak and in dire need of rebuilding. We need every opportunity to strengthen our forces."

"The Thorsten tribe is like stray dogs, with nowhere to turn. Their surrender is not charity, but a desperate plea for survival! The initiative is firmly in our hands!" Karl's voice was resolute.

"I summoned them not to form an 'alliance' as equals, but to demand their 'surrender'! This means we must impose the harshest conditions: surrender all weapons and warhorses, accept our reorganization and surveillance, and their leader must come in person as a sign of sincerity and as a hostage! Their fate will be entirely in our hands!"

He surveyed the crowd, his eyes sharp. "Do we hold them in our hands to use as laborers to build city walls, as cannon fodder to wear down the enemy, or do we ultimately have the opportunity to divide and tame them, supplementing our forces...?"

"The choice is in our hands! This is far better than letting them roam freely or be exploited by other forces!"

"I know it's difficult, it goes against our emotions," Karl's tone softened, with a hint of earnestness, "But as leaders, we sometimes have to make the most rational, the most survival-oriented choices."

"For the survival of Carnford, for our ultimate victory over the Sauron and the washing away of all hatred, we need to utilize every available force, even those that were once our enemies."

"I assure you," Karl's gaze became extremely solemn, "That we will have absolute control over all the terms of acceptance, and any surrendered Sauron soldier who shows any dissent will be killed without exception! We will never allow the tragedy of the past to repeat itself!"

With his earnest explanations and reassurances, the intense opposition in the hall gradually subsided.

Brendan, Edgar, and others nodded slightly in support.

Although Lyon, Morr, and Richter still looked grim and pursed their lips, they did not voice any further strong objections.

They rationally understood the rationality of Karl's decision, but the emotional hurdle was not easily overcome.

Karl looked at them and knew that they had only temporarily suppressed their discontent and were far from truly accepting it.

He sighed inwardly, deciding that he must have a proper talk with Lyon, Morr, and the others separately after the meeting to completely resolve their inner conflicts.

Internal unity is crucial in the face of the impending storm.

"In that case," Karl finally said, "This matter is set aside for now. Edgar, prepare a draft of the surrender terms, making sure they are extremely harsh and that we have absolute control. Brendan, develop a detailed plan for receiving and monitoring them, ensuring that nothing goes wrong. The rest of you, each do your part and increase vigilance."

"Yes, sir," everyone replied in unison, but the atmosphere remained somewhat heavy.

As night falls, it quietly swallows up the hustle and bustle of the day.

Inside and outside Kahnford Fortress, all was quiet except for the regular, heavy footsteps of the patrols and the occasional bark of a dog in the distance.

Most of the people and soldiers had finished their day's hard work and were fast asleep, gathering their strength for tomorrow's work.

Inside one of the relatively neat stone houses in the residential area, the lights were already off, but faint conversations could still be heard.

Inside, veteran Otto and his wife Marissa were lying in each other's arms, enjoying a rare moment of tenderness during the day.

Marissa's belly was already quite large, and a new life was growing inside it.

Otto's rough, calloused hands were carefully and lovingly stroking his wife's round belly, feeling the occasional strong fetal movements.

"This little guy must have given you quite a run for your money today, right?" Otto's voice was deep and gentle, tinged with weariness but full of anticipation.

Marissa nestled lazily in his strong arms, her face radiating maternal warmth and a contented smile, "Indeed, this afternoon when I was helping Mr. Edgar inventory the warehouse, he was moving around a lot, as if he knew his mother was working and was eager to come out and help."

As she spoke, she gently took her husband's hand, guiding him to feel the playful little feet kicking once again.

Otto felt the life force emanating from his palm, and a simple, happy smile appeared on his face, "Good lad, you're already so energetic even before you're out here, you'll definitely be a good soldier in the future!"

Marissa playfully slapped him lightly. "All you ever think about is warriors! I just want him to grow up safely and peacefully, without having to live like his father, fighting and killing all the time, risking his life."

There was a hint of worry in her voice, barely perceptible. The daytime chants of the fortification workers and the rumors of another possible attack by the Sauron made her worry about her husband and unborn child.

Otto paused for a moment, then hugged his wife tighter and whispered, "Yes, Marissa. The Lord is working hard to make this place safer. Once the walls are repaired and we are stronger, things will get better."

"When the time comes, I'll teach this kid how to farm, or have him learn a trade from Master Hector, so he can live a peaceful life..."

The light from the oil lamp cast the shadows of the two people nestled together onto the rough stone wall, warm and peaceful.

This small stone house, this home that is being painstakingly rebuilt, is everything they are fighting for and protecting.