A Warm Banquet
She stood up, walked to Louise's side, gently patted her shoulder, and said with an undeniable concern, "Louise, this is your father's love and arrangement for you. Although the Northern Territory is remote, Carnford is now at peace after this battle."
"Lord Karl has rendered great service and has a bright future. If you marry him, you will become the Lord's wife, far away from the troubles of the Royal Capital, a good wife and mother, living a peaceful life. Isn't this the best outcome?"
Louise raised her head and looked at the Queen's seemingly gentle yet unfathomable face, her heart filled with endless sorrow and helplessness.
She understood that she had no choice.
With the father dead and the younger brother on the throne, the entire palace is under the control of the stepmother.
Rejection? She couldn't even leave this bedroom.
She slowly lowered her head and, in a barely audible voice, uttered a few words with difficulty. "... Your subject... obeys."
Tears, once again, silently streamed down my face.
But this time, it was a fate beyond my control, a fate as fleeting as drifting catkins.
Queen Katerina smiled with satisfaction, "Good child, don't worry, your mother will prepare the most lavish dowry for you, so you can have a grand wedding. During this time, you should rest here and prepare to be a bride."
After saying that, she turned around and gracefully left the bedroom. The heavy door closed again, and the sound of the lock clicking shut was clearly audible.
The room was empty, with only Princess Louise remaining.
She slumped into a chair, gazing out the window at the sky confined by high walls, feeling like a bird with broken wings, about to be sent to a completely unfamiliar and uncertain place.
Her marriage became a seemingly insignificant yet crucial bargaining chip in a power struggle.
Fran City, Castle Lord's Hall.
Night fell, but the castle was brightly lit and bustling with activity, filled with a long-lost, heartfelt atmosphere of celebration.
Inside the magnificent Lord's Hall, flames roared in the enormous fireplace, dispelling the chill of the Northern Territory winter night.
The long table was laden with golden-brown roasted suckling pigs, whole deer legs, mountains of white bread, and various fruits, while Silver Wine Cup were filled with blood-red wine.
The Governor of the Northern Border Province, Earl Rochefort, stood in the center of the hall, holding a wine glass, his face flushed, chatting and laughing with the dignitaries and nobles who had come to offer their congratulations.
This was the most triumphant and cheerful day he had had since taking office.
The great victory at Carnford was like a thunderclap, shaking the entire kingdom and bringing him immense glory as the direct Protector of the Northern Territory!
The North Wind Squad he dispatched played a crucial role at a critical moment, and the young Lord Karl, whom he recognized with discerning eyes and strongly supported, created an incredible miracle.
This victory not only dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the Sauron and bought the Northern Territory a precious respite, but also greatly enhanced Rochfort's prestige and influence in the Northern Territory and even the entire kingdom.
"Congratulations, Your Count! The Battle of Carnford truly brought glory to our nation!"
"Indeed, Lord Rochfort has a wealth of valiant generals under his command; he was even able to defend a Jedi like Carnford!"
"With the Count overseeing the Northern Territory, we merchants feel much safer traveling here!"
The guests raised their glasses one after another, offering sincere compliments.
Their praise was not entirely insincere; the victory at Carnford truly gave all those who depended on the Northern Territory trade routes a greater sense of security and hope.
The Count returned each reciprocation, in high spirits.
His gaze inadvertently swept across the noisy crowd, then paused for a moment in a relatively quiet corner.
There stood a slender woman in a dark green velvet dress, smiling and talking quietly to someone nearby.
It was Ella, the wife of Grimm, the jeweler from the south.
Almost simultaneously, Ella also felt the Count's gaze. She raised her head, and his eyes, like ripe grapes, met hers, carrying a subtle, familiar smile that only the two of them understood.
She gracefully raised her wine glass, walked through the crowd, and approached the Count.
"Good evening, Your Excellency the Count." Ella's voice was soft and pleasant as she curtsied slightly.
"Good evening, Ms. Ella." The Count raised his glass in greeting, his gaze lingering for a moment on her well-preserved and still charming face. "Thank you for attending tonight's celebration."
"How could we miss such a grand event?" Ella smiled sweetly, her eyes filled with genuine admiration. "Your wise decision and the valiant fighting of the Carnford warriors are truly admirable. It is our blessing to have you protecting the Northern Territory."
At this moment, the jeweler Grimm also came over with a wine glass in hand. He was slightly overweight and always had a shrewd smile on his face.
He bowed respectfully to the Count: "Count Excellency, congratulations! The victory at Carnford is truly exhilarating!"
"Mr. Grimm, you've come too," the Count nodded, asking with some curiosity, "I remember your business is mainly in the south, why are you interested in coming to the Northern Territory this time? Is there some gem mine in the Northern Territory that would be of interest to a great jeweler like you?"
Grimm laughed and waved his hand, "You flatter me, sir. No matter how dazzling the jewels of the Northern Territory may be, they cannot compare to the brilliance of the achievements forged by the courage of your soldiers."
He paused, his tone becoming slightly more serious. "To be honest, Count Excellency, the southern market is now saturated, competition is fierce, and profits are thin. On the other hand, the kingdom has been ravaged by war and is in dire need of reconstruction, especially the Northern Territory, which is vast, sparsely populated, and rich in resources. It is the perfect time to invest in industry."
He glanced at the Count, lowered his voice, and said earnestly, "Moreover... with that young hero Lord of Carnford now guarding the Northern Territory gateway, security is greatly guaranteed. I've heard that Carnford is in dire need of funds and resources for post-war reconstruction."
"Therefore... I'd like to invest in some industries in Fran City and Carnford, such as timber processing, fur trade, and even some basic iron smelting workshops. I hope... Your Count can introduce me to Lord Karl and see if there's any possibility of cooperation."
Upon hearing this, the Count's eyes flashed with admiration. This Grimm certainly had a sharp eye and a keen sense of smell.
Carnford's reputation soared after this battle, and it is poised to become a vital strategic and trade hub in the Northern Territory. Now is the perfect time to invest.
Moreover, the rebuilding of Carnford does indeed require an injection of external funds.
"Mr. Grimm's discerning eye is a blessing to the Northern Territory!" the Count laughed heartily. "Lord Karl is young and promising, and is in dire need of capable men. Rest assured, once he has finished dealing with the affairs of his territory and comes to Fran City, I will certainly introduce you! Carnford is in dire need of rebuilding and welcomes all sincere partners!"
Grimm was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude. "Thank you Count! I'm relieved to hear you say that! I won't bother you any longer, please continue with your work!"
He very tactfully excused himself, turned and blended into the noisy crowd, leaving the space to his wife and the Count.
Ella watched her husband leave, then turned her head, her eyes sparkling, and looked at the Count, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.
The Count, understanding her meaning, raised his glass and gently clinked it against hers.
Neither of them said anything more, but a silent understanding was already flowing in the air.