The Impending Farewell
"The castle area on the mountain is cramped, the land is barren, and reconstruction is difficult. It is no longer suitable as the main residential area. Our focus must be shifted to the foot of the mountain immediately, making full use of the space in the outer city and the surrounding plains to quickly expand an area large enough to accommodate thousands of people for living and production."
His gaze shifted to Edgar, his tone becoming urgent and serious. "Edgar, spring planting is the most pressing task right now! Winter is almost over, the soil will soon thaw, and we must clear enough land and plant the seeds before the last window of opportunity for spring sowing!"
"Otherwise, if we miss this season, we will all face the threat of famine in the fall! I don't care what methods you use, mobilize all able-bodied people, including the newly arrived inhabitants, and prioritize spring planting! Seeds, farm tools, oxen... all resources should be allocated to spring planting!"
He then looked at Morr: "Morr, you are in charge of coordinating the overall reconstruction plan. The planning of the residential area at the foot of the mountain, road repairs, and the construction of simple defensive fortifications must all be put forward as soon as possible. At the same time, organize manpower to prioritize the repair of irrigation ditches and roads leading to the farmland. Remember, speed is important, but long-term considerations are also necessary."
"Understood, sir!" Morr and Edgar replied in unison, their faces showing solemn and resolute expressions.
They were fully aware of the correctness and urgency of their Lord's command. Survival was the overriding priority at that moment.
"Go on, time waits for no one." Karl waved his hand.
Without another word, the two turned and quickly left, throwing themselves into their respective heavy work.
As Karl gazed at the bustling scene below the mountain, planning for the future, he heard steady footsteps behind him.
He turned around and saw Friedrich and Konrad walking towards him side by side.
After several days of rest and medication, Friedrich's face was still pale from blood loss, but his hawk-like eyes had regained their sharpness, and his tall body had straightened up again. However, his movements still showed a trace of the sluggishness of someone recovering from serious injuries.
Konrad remained calm and composed, though a hint of exhaustion from excessive magical consumption lingered in his eyes.
"Friedrich, how is your injury? How are you feeling?" Karl stepped forward and asked with concern.
Friedrich waved his hand, his voice still a little hoarse but much stronger. "The recovery is quick, the medicine was very effective, and I'm mostly recovered."
His gaze fell on Karl, filled with undisguised admiration, even a hint of pride. "Karl, watching you arrange the reconstruction just now, your methods were clear and your decisions were decisive. You already have quite the demeanor and style of a true Lord. No wonder these soldiers and people are willing to follow you and swear allegiance to you even in such dire circumstances."
Upon hearing this, Karl smiled slightly, a hint of weariness mixed with a calm acceptance born of hardship. "Many things, when pushed to the brink, will naturally be done. Perhaps this is what others call 'the aura of a leader.' In reality, it's nothing more than a sense of responsibility, an obligation to act, and a habit of being a leader."
"Habit?" Friedrich shook his head, his tone becoming serious. "Not everyone who sits in the position of Lord can have this habit, especially in a dangerous place like the Northern Territory."
"It is already difficult to survive in such a desperate situation, but you not only defended your homeland, but also dealt a heavy blow to Harald's army of 100,000, forcing them to retreat. This resilience, courage, and leadership have surpassed the vast majority of pampered Lord in the kingdom. If Father knew, he would be very proud of you."
Hearing his brother's high praise warmed Karl's heart, but he wasn't complacent. He was more concerned with practical matters. "Brother, what are your plans next?"
Friedrich's expression turned serious. "I'm preparing to leave. Now that my injuries are healed, I must return to the Royal Capital as soon as possible. I need to personally report to His Your Majesty on the entire Battle of Carnford, especially the scale of Harald's invasion of the south, his tactics, and the heavy losses he suffered."
"We must make the kingdom's central leadership aware of the severity of the situation in the Northern Territory and the threat posed by the Sauron, to secure the support and attention you deserve, and for the entire Northern Territory."
He paused, looked south, and continued, "Afterwards, I will return to Franklin Territory and tell Father everything that has happened here. Carnford is in dire need of reconstruction and urgently requires all kinds of assistance. I will do my best to persuade Father to allocate resources and send manpower to provide you with the greatest support as soon as possible. You cannot afford to wait here."
Karl nodded emphatically; his brother had considered everything very thoroughly.
The support from the Royal Capital and the family is like a long-awaited rain for Carnford.
"I understand. Be careful on the road. Although the Sauron defeated soldiers and scouts remain. The Northern Territory is not peaceful."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Friedrich said confidently, patting the hilt of his sword.
Karl then turned his gaze to Konrad, who had remained silent throughout. "Konrad, what about you? Are you leaving too?"
Konrad nodded slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips in the shadows beneath his hood. His tone remained calm as ever. "Yes, it's time to leave. This trip to the Northern Territory to track down and capture that Sauron sorcerer, and to obtain his complete magical legacy, has failed. The target has already fled far away."
His tone betrayed little regret, but rather a hint of inquisitive interest. "However, the experience itself was quite interesting. I witnessed the battle of an army of 100,000, personally experienced the unique magical environment of the Northern Territory, and especially... Harald's 'obsession' with you and with Carnford."
He raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the void, glimpsing a certain possibility for the future. "Moreover, I have a feeling that the Sauron will have many more opportunities to deal with you in the future, won't they?"
Karl chuckled softly, but his smile carried a chilling killing intent, "Yes, Harald will never let this go. He will never let me go, and I... will never let him go either! He was the one who turned Carnford into this scorched earth! This blood debt must be repaid with blood!"
"That's it." Konrad nodded, as if confirming something. "In that case, I might come again if I have the chance. After all, a place that can make Harald so miserable and even potentially change the balance of power in the Northern Territory is always worth observing. Moreover, the 'experimental materials' here seem to be... more abundant than in other places."
Karl understood the meaning behind his words and solemnly replied, "The doors of Carnford are always open for you. You will always be our most honored guest, and we will never forget your help."
Konrad nodded slightly, accepting the gratitude, and said nothing more.