Young Man

Karl took a deep breath. The Count's heartfelt words of comfort, which even went so far as to reopen old wounds with his daughter, pierced through his chaotic thoughts like a bright light, instantly clearing his mind.

The Count could set aside his status and the pain of being a father to say so much to himself shows that he truly sees himself as a junior and ally to whom he can entrust his future, and that it is a heartfelt expression of care and expectation.

No matter what, I absolutely cannot let myself sink into despair!

Personal suffering must be temporarily buried and transformed into greater motivation.

He would work even harder to build up Carnford and accumulate strength until one day he was powerful enough to control his own destiny, and even... have the leverage to negotiate with the royal family!

This idea, like a seed, took deep root in his heart.

He raised his head, the confusion and pain in his eyes replaced by a steely resolve, and nodded solemnly to the Count, his voice steady and powerful. "I understand, Count Excellency, thank you... for telling me this, it has enlightened me."

Seeing the renewed fighting spirit in Karl's eyes, the Count wore a smile of relief and complexity, a smile that carried encouragement but also a hint of barely perceptible weariness.

He waved his hand, his tone returning to its usual calm and pragmatic tone. "It's good that you understand, Karl. Let bygones be bygones; one must always look forward. Alright, I suppose you came all the way to Fran City for more than just to hear me ramble on about these trivial matters? Now, let's get down to business."

Karl was taken aback by the Count's quick change of topic and hesitated for a moment before hurriedly saying, "Oh, right, right, the important matter! I've brought two thousand heads of Sauron soldier with me! I intend to offer all these spoils to Count, Count, as a token of my gratitude!"

Upon hearing this, Earl Rochefort nodded slightly and said, "Oh? Two thousand heads... Karl, you've finally started to learn to be shrewd. It seems that your experience in the Royal Capital has indeed helped you grow a lot."

Karl forced a smile and said, "It was His Your Majesty and his corrupt bureaucrats who taught me this. If Royal Capital, they would probably just be empty promises. It would be more practical to offer them to you, Count."

The Count leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp as he looked at Karl: "I'm afraid... there are more than just these two thousand, aren't there? What do you plan to do with the rest?"

Karl knew he couldn't hide it from the shrewd Count, so he honestly replied, "Indeed... there are still over two thousand. I... I plan to use them to trade with other Lord in the Northern Territory who might need military merit, in exchange for some urgently needed supplies and money. However... I'm new here and lack connections among the kingdom's nobles, so I can't find a suitable way to get in..."

The Count pondered for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his chair, as if weighing something.

After a while, he spoke up, "As for connections... I can help you make a connection. Earl Fissella of Westwind City and Marquis York of Worton Fort are both currently troubled by matters of military merit. I can write a few letters to introduce you. As for what terms can be negotiated, that's up to you."

Upon hearing this, Karl immediately bowed in gratitude. "Thank you Count Excellency! I will forever remember this kindness!"

The Count waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite.

Karl continued clearly, "Count lord, there is another crucial matter that requires your approval. The war has caused Carnford immense population loss, with nearly half of its able-bodied men killed. Reconstruction requires a large workforce, and I intend to openly recruit refugees and civilians willing to travel north in Fran City and the surrounding areas to replenish Carnford's population."

Upon hearing this, the Count did not hesitate at all and immediately expressed his support. "Yes, I completely agree. This time, Sauron's invasion and plunder caused many people in the interior to be displaced, and a large number of refugees flocked to Fran City seeking refuge, which also brought us considerable pressure to resettle them."

"Your ability to divert some of them there will alleviate our burden, which is a win-win situation." He paused, then added, "However, how to recruit them and attract them to go to the Northern Territory depends on your own abilities and the appeal of Carnford."

Seeing the Count's straightforwardness, Karl felt reassured and immediately explained his specific plan, "I've already figured out the recruitment method. Accompanying me this time are a dozen or so Clever Lads from Fran City who survived the siege."

"I brought them back so they could speak to their friends and family, promote Carnford, tell us how we held on, how the post-war period was full of opportunities, and attract fellow countrymen to come."

"Oh? That's a good idea!" A hint of appreciation flashed in the Count's eyes, confirming the idea.

Karl pressed his advantage, throwing out an even bolder plan. "Furthermore, I have a longer-term idea to report to you. The Sauron have suffered heavy losses this time, and their main force has retreated north. They will certainly not dare to launch another large-scale invasion in the short term."

"I plan to take advantage of this valuable strategic window of opportunity to organize experienced hunters and farmers familiar with the Northern Territory mountains and forests into small teams to conduct large-scale hunting and gathering deep into the Northern Territory mountains and grasslands."

He elaborated, "Although the Northern Territory is harsh and cold, it is rich in local specialties such as mountain delicacies, precious medicinal herbs, and high-quality furs. We can collect these good things from the Northern Territory, form our own caravan, and transport them to the Royal Capital and even more prosperous areas further south."

"This move kills two birds with one stone. On the one hand, it is an infiltration and economic blow to Sauron's sphere of influence; on the other hand, it can open up a vital source of revenue for Carnford, using the proceeds from trade to support the development of the territory. At that time, we hope that Your Excellency will provide the necessary support in terms of passage and security for the Count."

The Count listened attentively, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. After a moment of contemplation, a smile of approval appeared on his face, "Go deep into the Northern Territory, use trade instead of warfare, and open up new sources of revenue... Karl, your vision is becoming increasingly far-sighted! This plan is bold and hits the nail on the head."

"Alright! I support you! Fran City will provide convenience for Carnford's caravans, and can also send patrols to ensure the safety of the trade routes when necessary. Go for it!"

With the Count's full support, Karl felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders.

He stood up and bowed respectfully to the Count: "Thank you for your strong support, Count Excellency! Carnford will certainly not let you down. I will take my leave now to arrange the specific matters."

"Go, and remember, stay calm and take it one step at a time." The Count nodded, watching Karl turn and leave.

Looking at Karl's upright figure despite the immense pressure he carried, a complex expectation flashed in the Count's eyes.

This young man is growing rapidly amidst suffering; perhaps he truly can carve out an unexpected path for himself in this desolate Northern Territory.