The Moment of Farewell
Two days later, in the early morning, the mist had not yet completely dissipated in the open space outside Carnford Castle, and the air still carried a chill and the scent of damp earth.
Several fine horses, already saddled, trotted restlessly, puffing out puffs of white mist.
Friedrich's injuries had largely healed thanks to Konrad's superb healing magic and his meticulous care over the past few days. He changed into a clean and neat travel outfit. Although a trace of fatigue from the battle still lingered between his brows, his sharp eyes had regained their former brilliance.
With the Royal Capital complex and the military situation urgent, coupled with the need for him to return to Franklin as soon as possible to report in person to Duke Schmidt and the King on the thrilling defense of Carnford and the true situation in the Northern Territory, his journey was of utmost urgency.
Beside him, Konrad had also finished getting ready; his grey mage robes were spotless, and his expression was as calm as still water.
Lina and Morian followed behind him, their faces showing relief at leaving the battlefield, but also a hint of reluctance to part with this difficult time.
Their luggage was not much; it mainly contained detailed records of the battle, insights into the use of magic, and especially research notes on the bizarre methods of those Sauron sorcerers. These valuable materials needed to be brought back to the academy as soon as possible for in-depth analysis and archiving.
The moment of parting finally arrived. Friedrich strode up to Karl. He was nearly two meters tall, a full head taller than Karl, and had a robust build.
He patted his younger brother's slightly thin shoulder heavily and said, "Karl, seeing you like this... is very good, really good, much better than I expected."
He paused, then continued, "Rest assured, upon returning to the Royal Capital, I will immediately have an audience with His Majesty and report to him in detail the current situation in Carnford and the unparalleled merit you have rendered here in turning the tide. His Majesty is wise and will surely not stand idly by while the Northern Territory fights alone. He will certainly give you the support and rewards you deserve."
He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and spoke with more personal emotion, "I will also go home as soon as possible and personally explain everything about you to my father. My father... although he seems somewhat harsh on you on the surface."
"But you are, after all, his son. Seeing you grow into the person he always hoped you would be, and supporting this world on your own, he will definitely be... extremely proud of you."
Karl looked up, meeting his brother's warm and firm gaze, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
A thousand words choked in his throat, but in the end, they all boiled down to the most sincere and simple sentence. "Thank you, Friedrich."
He stretched out his arms and embraced Friedrich tightly. The embrace was brief but full of power, a testament to the unspoken understanding and support between brothers.
At that moment, Konrad coughed softly, breaking the slightly heavy atmosphere.
Karl looked over and saw Konrad, whose expression remained as calm as ever, say, "We've stayed in Carnford long enough; it's time to return to school."
"Lina, Morian, and I need to quickly compile all the data from our observations and participation in the siege, especially the analysis of the strange spells cast by those Sauron sorcerers. This information is crucial for the kingdom and even the entire Mage Council."
He looked at Karl, his tone calm yet carrying a barely perceptible concern. "The road ahead is yours to walk alone. Take care."
Karl nodded solemnly. "Definitely. Thanks to you this time, Konrad. Next time... you're welcome to visit Carnford again."
As he spoke, a slightly mischievous smile appeared on his face, and he suddenly opened his arms. "Speaking of which, Konrad, we don't think we've ever hugged before. With parting so soon, shouldn't we have a farewell hug?"
Upon hearing this, Konrad was slightly taken aback, and then a very faint but genuine smile appeared on his usually tightly pursed lips.
He didn't refuse, and stepped forward to give Karl a light, polite hug.
The monk's embrace was slightly stiff, yet it carried a calm blessing befitting a scholar.
Finally, Karl hugged Lina and Morian goodbye.
Young Lina blushed slightly, looked up at Karl with admiration in her eyes, and said in a clear voice, "My Lord, you... you are truly the bravest person I have ever met! I... I admire you so much!"
The more composed Morian gripped Karl's hand firmly and said sincerely, "My Lord, your wisdom and courage in upholding your principles have impressed me deeply. You are the best Lord I have ever met."
Without any unnecessary sentimental words, the farewell was simple and sincere. The four men mounted their horses one after another. Friedrich and Konrad gave Karl a final look that contained both encouragement and farewell, and then pulled on the reins.
Take care! Until we meet again!
The sound of hooves rang out, and several riders galloped away, quickly becoming blurry black dots on the distant road, eventually disappearing behind the trees at the bend in the mountain road.
Karl stood alone, gazing for a long time in the direction where his companions had disappeared. The morning breeze ruffled the hair on his forehead, carrying the last echoes of the receding hooves.
Only when the sound completely dissipated into the vast emptiness of heaven and earth did he slowly withdraw his gaze.
The open space, which had just been filled with the sounds of farewells, suddenly fell silent, leaving only the mournful sound of the wind blowing across the wilderness.
Karl suddenly felt a little empty around him.
However, this silence did not last long.
On the very afternoon of the day Friedrich left, the ruined city of Carnford welcomed its first guests.
The vanguard that arrived was a force of about five hundred men, relatively well-equipped but travel-worn, carrying the flag of Eagle's Nest Fortress.
The leader was none other than Sir Valerius, the garrison commander of Eagle's Nest Fortress.
As he rode his horse, he saw in the distance the castle, which, though scarred and with many collapsed and charred sections of its walls, still had wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, bustling crowds, and even the tattered Carnford battle flag still flying atop the walls.
The expression on his face, which had initially carried a hint of routine and arrogance, was instantly replaced by incredulous astonishment.
He reined in his horse, almost thinking he was seeing things.
In his mind, Carnford, having withstood the siege of 100,000 Sauron army for over a month, should have long since been reduced to a desolate ruin! How could it be... how could it still be operational? Even undergoing reconstruction?
Filled with astonishment and a hint of barely perceptible embarrassment, he arrived at the city walls, requesting an audience with Lord Karl, claiming he was sent by Earl Eisenberg to rescue Carnford.
However, the reply he received was a bucket of cold water.
The soldiers guarding the city coldly informed him, "The Lord is unwell and is resting. He is not receiving guests at the moment. We appreciate Earl Eisenberg's concern, but Carnford has repelled the Sauron and is currently focusing on self-defense. There is no need for you to trouble yourself."