Rebuilding Carnford (3)

As Carnford gradually resumed basic life functions and order was established, Karl decided to fulfill his initial promise and use this opportunity to boost morale and unite the people.

He announced a simple celebration, not only to commemorate the completion of the first batch of houses and the improvement of living conditions, but also to declare to everyone.

Following him, Karl, hard work will never be in vain, and the future is full of hope!

Night fell, and the chill deepened, but the open space within Carnford's outer walls was unusually lively.

Several huge bonfires burned fiercely, flames soaring, dispelling the darkness and cold.

Large iron pots simmered with fragrant meat soup and thick barley porridge, with plenty of food for everyone.

Soldiers, slaves, refugees who joined later, and the five rescued women sat around the bonfires, their faces filled with long-lost ease and anticipation.

The air was filled with the aroma of food, the crackling of burning firewood, and the hum of people's whispers.

Soon, several soldiers worked together to carry a relatively flat large stone and placed it in front of the largest bonfire.

At this moment, Karl's figure appeared.

He was not wearing ornate lord's attire, but still his practical hunting outfit, with a cloak draped over it for warmth.

Seeing him approach, the crowd below erupted in enthusiastic cheers, whistles, and the sound of stomping on the ground!

After these days of interaction, the people had already figured out the temper of this young lord. He disliked rigid etiquette and stiff distance. This kind of vibrant, even slightly rough, expression was more likely to please him and was their best way to express their love and respect.

Karl smiled and stood on the large stone, pressing his hands down lightly.

As if by magic, the noisy chatter quickly subsided. Everyone stared at him intently, awaiting his speech.

"Everyone!" Karl's voice was clear and loud, reaching all corners of the venue, "Today is Carnford's first celebration! But I can assure you, this is absolutely! Not the last one!"

The opening remarks drew a burst of excited cheers.

"With our own hands, we cleared the ruins, built houses that can shelter us from wind and rain, lit the fires, and brought this land back to life! This is worth celebrating!" He paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, "But I also remember that I promised that once we settled here, I would reward everyone who worked hard! Now is the time for me to fulfill my promise!"

He extended his hand, and Brendan, standing beside him, immediately handed him a parchment filled with names.

Karl glanced at the list and announced loudly, "Next, those whose names I call, step forward!"

"Otto!"

"Fenn!"

"Morgan!"

"Luke!"

"Jim!"

"Thomas!"

"Barry!"

"Evan!"

"Alvin!"

One by one, names were called out. The slave captains whose names were called suppressed their inner joy and excitement, quickly stepping out from the crowd and standing in a neat line before the bonfire.

In the past, being called out by the lord often meant misfortune, but at this moment, their faces held only honor and anticipation, their chests puffed out straight.

Karl jumped down from the stone and walked up to them, his gaze sweeping over this first group of people to be rewarded for their loyalty and diligence.

He said solemnly, "Because of your hard work, excellent management in the past days, and your spontaneous loyalty in defending the camp on the night of the goblin attack, I, Karl von Schmidt, Lord of Carnford, declare."

"From this moment on, you—Otto, Fenn, Morgan, Luke, Jim, Thomas, Barry, Evan, Alvin... and all those whose names were called, are no longer slaves! You are free!"

Although they had a premonition, when the words "you are free" truly came from the lord's mouth, these dozen or so people still trembled with excitement, their eyes instantly turning red.

Karl slowly drew his sword, its cold gleam flashing in the bonfire's light. He first walked to Otto.

Otto immediately knelt on one knee and bowed his head deeply. The others followed suit.

Karl gently tapped Otto's right shoulder with the flat of his sword, then moved to his left shoulder, saying solemnly, "By sword and oath, you shed your enslaved bodies from this day forward and become free people!"

The simple ceremony was filled with a unique sense of solemnity and symbolism.

Each light tap of the sword seemed to shatter the invisible shackles that had bound them for so long.

Karl performed this ritual for each person in turn.

After the ceremony, Karl sheathed his sword and said to the still uncontrollably excited crowd, "Later, I will send people to record your names in detail, register them, and issue you formal identity papers as free citizens!"

Behind them, the slaves who had not yet gained their freedom watched their companions weep with excitement and embrace each other, their eyes filled with immense envy and fervent desire!

They saw tangible hope, and saw that the path to freedom was not an empty promise!

Each of them swore in their hearts to work even harder to earn the next spot!

Karl turned around and faced all the slaves, announcing in a loud voice, "Did you all see? This is the reward for hard work and loyalty! From today onwards, at this time every month, I will hold the same ceremony! I will select ten slaves who have made outstanding contributions to Carnford's construction and grant them the status of free citizens!"

"Long live! Lord Karl!"

"Long live Lord!"

The slaves erupted in earth-shattering cheers, their voices filled with unprecedented hope and drive!

Then, Karl turned his gaze to the soldiers watching expectantly, a teasing smile appearing on his face. "As for the warriors who have followed me through thick and thin, I apologize, but you still have ten days until your monthly salary day. You'll have to bear with it a little longer!"

The soldiers immediately burst into good-natured laughter and jeers.

One brave old soldier yelled at the top of his lungs, "My Lord! We don't want money! We want wives!"

This immediately resonated with all the soldiers, and they clamored, "That's right! We want wives!"

"Lord, you promised!"

"Find us wives!"

The atmosphere instantly became lively and cheerful.

Karl looked at the restless crowd and shook his head with a smile. When the noise subsided slightly, he said loudly, "Alright! No problem! I remember my promise! Next month, I will write to Earl Rochefort of Fran City and ask him to help recruit people willing to come to Carnford to develop and settle, especially women! Whether you bachelors can find wives then will depend on your own abilities!"

"Long live!!!"

"Long live Lord Karl!!!"

The soldiers' cheers almost shook the night sky, and they danced with excitement.

The festive atmosphere reached its peak.

People gathered around the bonfire, sharing food and talking about the future.

Songs and laughter echoed through the night sky of Carnford for the first time.

Karl stood to the side, watching the lively and hopeful scene, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Although the road ahead was still long and difficult, a good start had been laid.

He had shown everyone through his actions that loyalty, sweat, and courage would eventually be rewarded here.