Delegating Authority
On the city wall, Karl also gazed into the distance at the imposing figure who, surrounded by his guards, turned and rode away.
The bleak winter sunlight outlined the man's broad shoulders and straight spine. Even from such a distance, even after a recent setback, his figure still carried a heavy sense of oppression.
This was also the first time Karl had ever seen Harald in person, the barbarian leader who had stirred up a storm in the Northern Territory and struck fear into the hearts of the entire Goldflower Kingdom.
Although they had never met, Karl was already familiar with Harald's image and deeds, and he had studied almost every major battle of this opponent in depth.
In particular, Grey Wolf Forest Battle, Harald was then just a front-line commander, demonstrated astonishing courage and tactical execution by personally leading his elite heavy armored Berserker in a fierce and straightforward frontal assault when the Goldflower Kingdom's army was encamped and well-defended on the hillside, despite not having an overwhelming numerical advantage.
As a result, they broke through the numerically superior Kingdom army's formation in one fell swoop, causing the Kingdom's western army to collapse completely.
In that battle, Harald did not use any tricks or schemes; he simply smashed the kingdom's defenses with his fiercer morale, better soldiers, and more decisive command.
This tough and direct style left a very deep impression on Karl.
Not to mention the political acumen and governance skills Harald displayed after succeeding as leader of the Sauron Tribe Alliance.
Amidst the internal strife and resource scarcity left by his father, he not only quickly stabilized the situation but also integrated the strength of various tribes, enabling them to unleash a more aggressive force than ever before.
All of this proves that Harald was not merely a brave man; his civil and military achievements were first-rate, making him an extremely formidable and well-rounded opponent.
At this moment, Karl could clearly feel the overwhelming rage suppressed by the figure in the distance.
Karl gave a slight, cold laugh. This was his first real duel with Harald, and it seemed he had taught this Northern Territory Eagle a lesson for his underestimation of his opponent.
The tuition fee was the hundreds of mutilated corpses he abandoned outside the city.
He watched as Harald's figure gradually disappeared into the dust rising in the distance, and his cold smile slowly faded.
Karl knew very well that this victory was just the beginning, or rather, just a brief respite before the real storm.
Harald's retreat was by no means an admission of defeat, but rather the wounded beast licking its wounds and gathering the fury for a more ferocious counterattack.
The next time he returns, he will be more cautious and more deadly.
"Rest now, Chief Harald." Karl turned away, no longer looking into the distance, his gaze sweeping over the weary yet thrilled soldiers on the city walls. "But Carnford will be here waiting for you."
Karl then silently led Brendan, Richter, and other officers, as well as Edgar, Morr, and other civil officials, down the city wall.
Stepping into the outer city, one is greeted by a scene of extreme overcrowding.
The once open space was now densely packed with makeshift tents and shacks. The surviving soldiers sat or lay down, bandaging their wounds and eating dry rations. The air was thick with the smells of sweat, medicine, and cooking.
Fortunately, Morr had the foresight to hastily build a large number of semi-subterranean bunkers in the outer city during the siege. Although they were simple and damp, they at least provided shelter from the wind and rain for these exhausted soldiers and the people who retreated into the inner city.
The people who had just hastily evacuated from the villages and outlying fortifications at the foot of the mountain into the city were moving into the limited number of semi-subterranean barracks with their families.
The men carried their meager belongings on their backs, the women held crying babies in their arms and led slightly older, terrified children by the hand, while the elderly followed behind, leaning on wooden canes and walking unsteadily.
"Quick! Over here! There are still empty seats over here!"
"Don't push! We got here first!"
"My child! Where is my child?!"
"Make way! Let the elderly go in first!"
Shouts, arguments, children's cries, and the clatter of objects mingled together, creating a dizzying cacophony.
People jostled and pushed their way to the low entrances of the barracks, fearing that if they were a step too slow, they would have nowhere to stand.
Luggage was scattered all over the ground, and people were pushing and shoving each other to get a relatively dry corner. The soldiers maintaining order shouted at the top of their lungs, but to little avail.
Karl and his companions had to slow down and squeeze sideways through the chaotic crowd to reach the last gate leading to the inner city.
The guards recognized Karl and pushed open the heavy gate with all their might, temporarily shutting out the hustle and bustle of the outer city.
The inner city was even more crowded, with over a hundred precious warhorses housed there. The original stables had been expanded repeatedly, yet they still seemed inadequate, and the air was thick with the smell of horse manure and hay.
The key craftsmen's areas, such as the Blacksmith Shop and the carpentry workshop, were brightly lit, with the sounds of hammering filling the air as they urgently repaired damaged weapons and defensive equipment.
They eventually returned to the Lord's castle in the heart of the inner city. The heavy stone doors slowly closed behind them, finally shutting out the noise and chaos of the outside world.
The castle hall was relatively quiet, with only the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace.
The group sat around the long table, the candlelight illuminating their tired yet still tense faces.
Without a word of pleasantries, Karl cut straight to the point. "Edgar, tell me first, how much wealth do we actually have left?"
The Civil Administrator Edgar immediately opened the hardcover ledger he carried with him and said, "My lord, according to the latest count, the total population of Carnford Territory is 2,776, of which 1,920 are male. Approximately 1,400 of them are of military age, between 14 and 60. During the past two months of siege, they have all received basic military drills and weapons training."
Veteran Corps Commander Brendan quickly added, his voice steady and powerful. "Yes, sir, that means that, including our existing core standing army, we can immediately deploy nearly two thousand men to defend the city walls."
"All stockpiled weapons, including spears, short swords, Battle Axe, and even agricultural pitchforks, have been distributed to the maximum extent possible to ensure that everyone has at least one usable weapon." He paused, his brow furrowed, "However... there is a huge shortage of armor, a severe lack. Most people only have leather armor or simple iron-trimmed Cotton Armor."
Karl listened without showing any expression, simply saying, "If it really comes down to hand-to-hand combat, armor will only have limited effectiveness; the key lies in willpower and teamwork."
His gaze swept over the three Military Chief, Brendan, Richter, and Roland, and he made an extremely bold decision. "Furthermore, the veterans who performed exceptionally well in previous battles and survived, as well as all the promising and trustworthy soldiers, those who deserve promotion, you three discuss and promote them on the spot!"
"The squad leader Platoon Leader platoon leader, Platoon Leader to company commander. You no longer need to ask me for approval from each level. I now grant you full authority. During wartime, all appointments, removals, promotions, and dismissals of officers below the company level will be decided jointly by the three of you. You only need to report afterward!"
Upon hearing this, Brendan, Richter, and Roland all trembled slightly, instinctively exchanging glances, each seeing shock in the other's eyes.
Such a significant delegation of authority is simply unimaginable under normal circumstances.
This means that Karl has completely handed over the command backbone of the grassroots army to them, which is the ultimate trust, but it also serves as a mirror, reflecting just how critical the situation has become.
The city may fall in an instant. So-called official positions and powers are meaningless in the face of survival. Whoever can lead the soldiers to hold one more battlement and live one more moment is the commander most needed at this moment.
"Yes, sir!" The three suppressed their inner turmoil and replied in unison, their voices firm, "We will not let you down!"