Bad News Travels Fast

Upon seeing the Lord, Tommy seemed to have finally found his pillar of support. The spirit he had been holding together instantly collapsed, his legs went weak, and he almost knelt down, only to be supported by the guards beside him.

He opened his mouth, his voice hoarse and dry from the cold and excitement, stammering, "M-Sir, I... I'm so sorry, something's happened... Village Chief John of Jialan Village... they... they discovered my plan to take people away, they captured my friend, and my mother, my sister, they've all... they've all been captured..."

Under Karl's calm gaze, Tommy forced himself to calm down and recounted the events as clearly as possible, albeit haltingly.

How he secretly contacted his childhood friends Lex and Finn, describing the bright future of Carnford and persuading them to escape with their families; how they planned to meet behind Old Jack's house; and how the operation was accidentally leaked.

How village chief John, together with landowner Edward and blacksmith Barton, mobilized their servants and guards to arrest them overnight; how the Lex and Finn families were captured on the spot; how he himself managed to escape from the rooftop, hid in the freezing cold all night, and then fled for his life to this place...

Finally, Tommy broke free of the guards' support and knelt down before Karl with a thud, his forehead hitting the cold ground heavily. His voice choked with sobs, filled with self-blame and pleading. "My Lord! I'm useless! I failed to complete the task you assigned me. Not only did I fail to recruit anyone, but I... I messed things up and implicated my family and friends."

"But I beg you... I beg you to save them! That Village Chief John is ruthless, he... he won't let them go! Please, sir!"

The tent was silent except for Tommy's suppressed sobs and heavy breathing. The guards stood at attention, their eyes fixed on their Lord.

Karl listened to Tommy's narration without expression: a local tyrant in a remote village, in order to maintain his personal control over the people and his vested interests, used vigilante justice to arrest tenants and apprentices who tried to escape, and even implicated military families... Such things were not uncommon in this land, and could even be said to be the norm.

In the past, such trivial matters might never have reached the ears of him, the Lord. Even if he did know about them, dealing with them would have required balancing local power, the laws of the kingdom, and even interpersonal relationships, making it quite troublesome.

But now, the situation is different.

First of all, this matter directly involves Karl's soldiers!

Tommy was a soldier of Carnford, a warrior who had shed blood and rendered service for him! His family, in theory, should also be under the protection of Lord Carnford.

Anyone who touches him is slapping Karl in the face.

What is a mere village chief compared to this powerful, newly appointed Prince Consort and Guardian of the Northern Border? Crushing him is as easy as crushing an ant.

However, just as this justifiable anger and the thought of protecting his soldiers arose, another bolder and colder idea, like a lightning bolt flashing in the darkness, suddenly illuminated Karl's mind!

As the saying goes, good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels a thousand miles.

How effective were the "positive propaganda" he had previously sent Tommy and his men back to spread the word about how bravely Carnford fought the enemy, how benevolent the Lord, and how secure their lives were? For those displaced people and the lower classes who had lived in hardship and oppression for years, were isolated from information, and had long since become numb to or even disbelieved in "goodness"?

They might listen, but most would be skeptical, finding it distant and unreal, just another scam by "gentlemen." Trying to attract a large population quickly using this method is far too inefficient.

But what if it's a "bad thing"? What if you play the role of a "villain"—of course, a "villain" in contrast to those local tyrants and bullies?

A group led by an army roamed the lands, harassing village chiefs, landlords, and local bullies who oppressed the people and committed atrocities. They were brought out for public trial and punishment, their illegally seized land and wealth were distributed to the poor, and serfs and apprentices bound by contracts were freed...

How quickly would such news spread? How much shock and anticipation would it generate among the oppressed lower classes?

"There is a Lord Karl in the Northern Territory, the King's Prince Consort, but he specializes in killing bad lords and distributing land to the poor!" Such a reputation is more impactful and resonates more deeply than that of a "hero of the Northern Territory," attracting those who are desperate and yearning for change, drawing them to Carnford like a magnet!

This is practically a shortcut to quickly establish prestige, win popular support, and expand the population!

As for the consequences of doing so? Karl calmly analyzed the situation. He was now the Prince Consort of the kingdom, the Guardian of the Northern Border, and the border bulwark that had just achieved unparalleled military exploits.

In this Northern Territory land, besides Earl Rochefort, who dares to easily harm him?

And the Count... Thinking of the Count, a complex emotion flashed through Karl's mind, but he quickly became resolute.

Given his relationship with the Count, and the Count's emphasis on the stability and development of the Northern Territory, as long as he doesn't go too far and stays within the framework of "punishing the lawless and stabilizing the region," the Count will most likely not object, and may even tacitly approve.

After all, eliminating some overbearing local tyrants who hinder population movement and production may not be a bad thing in the long run for the rule of Fran City and even the entire Northern Territory.

Finally, and most importantly, Karl was burning with resentment because of the royal family's unreasonable and domineering forced marriage that had broken up their union!

This anger had nowhere to go and festered inside.

Now, Village Chief John of Jialan Village, this fool who just happened to run into the line of fire, is practically a perfect punching bag for him!

Using a "just" military operation to vent personal resentment and injustice while simultaneously achieving important political goals and strengthening one's own power... it's a win-win situation!

Thinking of this, Karl looked at Tommy kneeling on the ground, trembling, his face filled with despair and expectation. The icy expression on Tommy's face quietly melted away, replaced by a gentle smile.

He stepped forward and personally helped Tommy up, his voice steady and firm, carrying an undeniable promise, "Tommy, get up. There's no need to apologize, and there's no need to worry."

He patted Tommy's cold, trembling shoulder, his gaze seemingly piercing through the tent, looking towards the direction of Jialan Village.

"This is not your fault. It is only natural and courageous for you to resist oppression and seek a better life. Your family and friends have suffered this hardship because they believed in me, Carnford, and that I could bring them hope."

"Then I, Karl von Schmidt, as your Lord, have the responsibility and the obligation to deliver them from their suffering!"

He turned to face outside the tent, his voice suddenly rising in pitch and carrying clearly throughout the entire camp:

"Pass on the order!"

"All cavalrymen, assemble immediately! Don your armor, prepare your horses, and check your weapons!"

"Target: Jialan Village!"

"Set off!"