Two Letters

Holding the two letters that seemed to carry immense weight, he didn't return to his temporary bedroom, but instead strode into his own small study, which, though equally simple, was relatively quiet and private.

Close the door to shut out the noise from the outside world.

He sat down at his desk, and by the dim light of the only oil lamp on the table, he first opened the letter sealed with the lion emblem.

Unfolding the parchment, the Count's familiar and vigorous handwriting came into view; the content was concise and direct, just like the Count's usual style:

To Lord Karl:

It is as if we are meeting in person. Respectfully yours, this letter.

I am fully aware of your valiant fight and heroic deeds in the Battle of Carnford, where you and your men fought bravely and turned the tide of battle, achieving remarkable feats. I am deeply gratified.

However, with everything in ruins after the war, the situation in the Northern Territory remains delicate and turbulent. There are several important matters concerning the future stability of Carnford and your own future, which are of paramount importance and need to be discussed in person, as they cannot be fully expressed in a letter.

Once the affairs of your territory have stabilized, please make sure to take the time to visit Fran City in person as soon as possible.

Cut it.

Rochfort's pen.

Karl put down the Count's letter, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the edge of the paper, his heart filled with turmoil.

Although the Count's letter was brief, the words "concerning Carnford's future and your personal prospects" and "need to be discussed in person" seemed to confirm, to some extent, his vague suspicions about his relationship with Charlotte.

Could it be... that the Count has finally fully accepted him and is preparing to formally discuss his marriage to Charlotte?

This seems to be the most reasonable explanation, especially given that he has just achieved a brilliant victory.

A surge of anticipation and excitement began to well up within him; he could finally marry his beloved Charlotte with dignity!

Then, with a heavy unease born of anticipation, he carefully picked up Charlotte's letter.

That familiar lily-patterned Wax Seal seemed to carry the gentle and graceful air unique to young girls.

He almost held his breath, carefully and meticulously prying open the Wax Seal with the tip of his dagger, as if afraid of damaging this precious item.

Unfolding the letter, Charlotte's delicate, flowing, and familiar handwriting, just like her, instantly caught his eye, as if the words still carried the warmth of a young girl's body and a faint fragrance:

To my dearest Karl:

May you be well.

Knowing that Carnford has survived this terrible ordeal and that you are safe and sound, my heart, which had been hanging in suspense for so long, can finally rest. Thank the Gods for His protection! I know that you and your brave warriors must have gone through unimaginable hardships and cruelty. You've suffered so much, my hero.

Now, there is something very important and makes me very happy that I must tell you immediately: Father... he has officially agreed to our marriage! He has seen your efforts, your growth, all your achievements, and your unwavering devotion to me.

He asked me to tell you that once things have settled down in Carnford, you must come to Fran City as soon as possible. He will personally officiate our grand engagement ceremony!

I know you must be extremely busy right now. The territory has been ravaged by war and is in dire need of rebuilding. Everything depends on you, but please believe me, everything is fine here. You don't need to worry about me too much.

Just focus on handling the urgent matters in Carnford, and then get everything arranged as soon as possible so you can come see me, okay? I look forward to that moment every day.

Oh, right, I also have a special surprise for you... I won't tell you now, I'll tell you in person when you come to me!

I hope you settle everything soon so we can meet again. I wish you all the best, and I miss you day and night.

"You will always love me, Charlotte."

The last line of writing on the letter seemed slightly blurred in the flickering candlelight, as if reflecting the writer's excited state of mind at the time.

Karl's fingers, with an almost reverent tenderness and delicate touch, slowly and carefully folded the letter that carried boundless happiness and promises, as if protecting a fragile dream.

Charlotte's letter, like the sweetest nectar, completely confirmed his best guess.

Although he had anticipated this, after this fierce defensive battle against overwhelming odds that shook the entire Northern Territory, he, Karl von Schmidt, had proven his ability and responsibility to everyone with his blood, wisdom, and indomitable will.

He was certain that, in terms of achievements, strength, and reputation, he was now fully qualified and capable of welcoming Charlotte to Carnford with dignity and providing her with a stable and happy life.

Earl Rochefort had no reason, either publicly or privately, to refuse the marriage proposal.

Karl's heart pounded heavily and joyfully in his chest, a tremendous joy washing over him like a warm tide, cleansing away the fatigue and bloodshed left by the battle.

He's getting married. He's about to officially become husband and wife with Charlotte, the only woman he truly loves, and spend the rest of his life with her.

This incredibly clear realization caused Karl to involuntarily lean back.

The fatigue accumulated over the past few days, the highly tense nerves, the severely overdrawn physical strength, and the lingering pain from his wounds all seemed to be mostly washed away at this moment by a warm spring from the bottom of his heart, and he was enveloped by an unprecedented sense of ease and happiness.

He stared blankly at the ceiling, which was blackened by smoke and even had a few new cracks.

A few streaks of cool moonlight stubbornly shone through the broken window, casting blurry and quiet spots of light on the rough ceiling.

A strange and intense feeling welled up inside me—was this... the divine reward?

After enduring hellish battles, teetering on the brink of death countless times, and paying a heavy price, fate finally generously bestowed upon him the most coveted and precious treasure.

This happiness came so suddenly and so vividly that he was almost in a daze, as if he were in a beautiful dream he dared not even dare to hope for.

He closed his eyes again, and in the darkness he could clearly see Charlotte's face with a gentle and happy smile, feel the warmth from her fingertips, and hear her softly calling his name.

All the arduous struggles, all the desperate perseverance, all the bloodshed and sacrifices of the past seem to have found their ultimate meaning and value at this moment.

It's not for some vague glory or power, but simply to have the right and ability to protect the one I love, and to give her a certain, stable, and happy future.

A crystal-clear thought solidified in his mind and became unbreakable: he had to set off first thing tomorrow morning; he couldn't afford to delay any longer.

He wanted to see her immediately, to see the girl who haunted his dreams.