The Great Upheaval
Fran City, Governor's Office, Bedroom.
The morning sunlight streamed through the heavy glass windows, casting dappled shadows in the softly carpeted bedroom.
Earl Rochefort awoke from a deep and satisfying sleep, feeling as if the tension and fatigue that had been building up in his heart for days had been swept away.
Last night's passionate and enjoyable encounter with Ella seemed to have completely relaxed all the nerves in his body that had been tense due to the war and political affairs.
He turned his head and looked at Ella, who was still fast asleep beside him.
Her smooth back gleamed like pearls in the morning light, a few strands of dark brown curls lay lazily on the pillow, her sleeping face peaceful, with a hint of contentment and allure.
A smile crept onto the Count's lips as he gently stroked her delicate skin, eliciting a soft moan from Ella in her sleep.
After a few more tender moments, the Count got up, feeling refreshed, and went to the next room to take a hot shower, washing away his fatigue.
When he dried himself off and returned to the bedroom, Ella was already awake, wrapped in a silk robe, sitting lazily in front of her dressing table.
She stood up and gently helped the Count put on his neatly ironed shirt and coat, carefully adjusting the collar and cuffs.
Seeing her focused expression, the Count felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
"I'm going to sleep a little longer..." Ella yawned, glanced at the Count with a fleeting look in her eyes, and then snuggled back into her warm bed.
The Count smiled, planted a kiss on her forehead, and then, looking refreshed, left the bedroom for his office.
The morning's official business proceeded exceptionally smoothly.
With the removal of the Sauron threat and the stability of the border brought about by the victory at Carnford, there were almost no urgent military matters requiring his personal decision-making.
The desk was piled with trivial matters such as domestic affairs, tax reports, and petitions from merchants, which he quickly reviewed.
As he relaxed, his thoughts drifted northwards.
Carnford held on, well done, kid Karl!
This was not only a military victory, but also meant the complete opening of the Northern Territory trade routes and a significant improvement in security.
He recalled his earlier promise to Karl to build a wider and sturdier Official road connecting Fran City and Carnford.
At the time, the main purpose was to facilitate the rapid deployment of troops to provide reinforcements. Now, while the strategic significance of this road may have diminished, its economic value has increased dramatically!
"A fast and safe trade route..." The Count tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness. "It would allow goods, artisans, and investment from Fran City to flow into Carnford more quickly, accelerating the reconstruction of that battered castle, and also facilitate the smoother transport of furs, timber, and other specialties from the Northern Territory ... This would be a great benefit to the entire Northern Border Province!"
He immediately rang the bell to summon the clerk and instructed him, "Draft a detailed plan immediately regarding the feasibility, budget, and construction period for the construction of the standard Official road from Fran City to Carnford."
"Be quick! Also, write a letter to Karl in my name, telling him that once the affairs of the territory have been initially stabilized, he must find time to come to Fran City as soon as possible. I have important matters to discuss with him."
He emphasized the words "important matter" and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
This important matter naturally includes his marriage to Charlotte, which should also be put on the agenda.
The clerk accepted the order and left. The Count stood up happily, walked to the window, and looked down at the streets below the castle, which were gradually becoming more lively. He was filled with anticipation for the future.
The situation in the Northern Territory seems to be developing in the direction he envisioned.
However, at that moment, there was a gentle knock on the office door.
"Come in." The Count turned around.
A messenger pushed open the door, his face showing a mixture of nervousness and respect. "Your Count, a royal envoy has arrived outside the castle, carrying His Majesty's Imperial Edict, requesting an immediate audience with you."
"A royal envoy?" The Count was slightly taken aback, his brows furrowing unconsciously.
The royal family? At this critical juncture, would Prye City send an envoy to the Northern Territory to find him?
What could it be? A reward for Carnford's service? Or is there another arrangement?
Unlike Duke Schmidt, his intelligence network was mainly focused on the Northern Territory and the border, and he was still unaware of the exact changes in the core power structure of Prye City.
Despite their doubts, they could not disregard etiquette when facing a royal envoy.
The Count straightened his robes and said to the messenger, "Please have the messenger wait in the main hall; I will be there shortly."
"Yes, sir."
As Earl Rochefort strode into the castle's solemn main hall, a solemn-faced messenger dressed in a magnificent court dress was already waiting there, holding a scroll of parchment tied with a gold ribbon.
The envoy was followed by two attendants, both with equally solemn expressions.
Upon seeing the Count enter, the messenger stepped forward, nodded slightly, and then announced in a distinctive, resonant voice with a courtly accent. "In the name of His Majesty Sigmund von Heinrich, King of the Goldflower Kingdom! His Excellency Earl Rochefort, Governor of the Northern Border Province, requests to receive this decree!"
Your Sigmund!
This unfamiliar name struck the Count's heart like a heavy hammer!
King Heinrich XI... passed away? When did this happen? Why didn't he hear a thing? And the new king has already ascended the throne?
A series of questions flooded his mind instantly, causing the Count's heart to sink and giving him a premonition that something terrible was about to happen.
He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, knelt on one knee according to etiquette, and bowed his head, saying, "Your subject, Rochfort, respectfully awaits Your Majesty's decree!"
The envoy unfurled the Imperial Edict and began to read it aloud.
The preceding content was indeed a series of procedural, official documents announcing the death of the Former King and the ascension of the new king.
The Count listened patiently, but his heart was pounding uncontrollably.
Finally, the Imperial Edict turned to specific matters:
"... In the Battle of Carnford in the Northern Territory, thanks to His Majesty's great fortune and the valiant efforts of our soldiers, we finally defeated the stubborn enemy and enhanced our national prestige. Lord Karl von Schmidt of Carnford is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and his achievements are outstanding. To recognize his merits and strengthen our nation, His Majesty hereby bestows upon Sir Karl von Schmidt the title of Hereditary Baron and the title ' Guardian of the Northern Border '..."
Hearing this, the Count felt somewhat relieved, even a little gratified.
This appears to be a reward for Karl, which is only natural. He guessed that the next order might be something like asking him to assist Karl in rebuilding the territory.
However, the messenger's next words struck the Count like a thunderbolt, and he froze on the spot!
"... This especially reflects the royal favor and careful consideration, and by special decree, I hereby bestow upon my elder sister, Princess Louise, in marriage to Karl von Schmidt! To secure the northern frontier forever..."
Princess marrying?
Princess Louise... marries Karl!