Evening Invitation

Master Andrei bid farewell to Karl and Charlotte after the guards helped him remove his heavy plate armor.

Like many Northern Border veterans who had suffered grievous losses, this master of combat had no anchor and was accustomed to wandering.

His arrival in Fran City to instruct Charlotte in martial arts and witness her breakthrough was purely a matter of coincidence and fate.

He patted Karl's shoulder, bid him farewell once more with solemnity, and then his figure melted into the evening crowd of Fran City, his destination unknown.

For a time, only Karl and Charlotte remained outside the side entrance of the training grounds.

A gentle evening breeze swept by, carrying a hint of coolness and ruffling Charlotte's sweat-dampened blonde hair.

They walked side-by-side on the inner city streets, where lights were gradually coming on. The atmosphere was momentarily silent, but not awkward.

After their recent heavy conversation about Carnford and the brief intimacy during the armor removal, an unspoken understanding had quietly blossomed between them.

"I didn't expect you to reach Carnford so quickly," Charlotte finally broke the silence, her voice much softer than usual. "It's not exactly close to Fran City. I thought you'd take a few more days on the road."

Karl smiled, his gaze fixed on the stone-paved street ahead. "It's just that my warriors are excellent. It was indeed tough, but also very interesting. Every day brought new changes, and I saw hope rekindled in people's eyes. That feeling is much more fulfilling than wasting time in a Fran City tavern."

"Like a true pioneer," Charlotte glanced at him, admiration in her eyes. "It seems I underestimated you. You're not just an excellent commander, but also an excellent politician."

"Perhaps the Northern Border environment just brought out some potential," Karl said humbly, then countered, "What about you? How do you feel after your advancement? A Second-Order Knight is considered a master throughout the kingdom."

Charlotte swung her arm, feeling the surging power within her, and a smile touched her lips. "I feel fantastic! It's as if the whole world is clearer, and the flow of power is smoother. Master Andrei is truly formidable. Without his pressure and guidance, I don't know how much longer I would have been stuck at the bottleneck."

She paused, her tone tinged with longing. "I truly hope one day I can become a powerful master of combat like him, or even... go further."

"You definitely can," Karl said sincerely.

With Charlotte's talent, family background, and her passion for martial arts, her future was limitless.

They walked a bit further, chatting about martial techniques and the situation in the Northern Border.

Before they knew it, they had reached a relatively quiet street not far from the Governor's Office.

Charlotte suddenly stopped and turned to face Karl.

The soft evening light outlined her delicate facial features, and her sapphire-blue eyes shone exceptionally brightly in the fading light.

"Karl," she began, her tone casual yet with an undeniable undertone, "How about a drink? To celebrate my advancement."

Karl blinked, instinctively recalling Master Andrei's instructions, and politely declined. "Now? Didn't Master Andrei say you needed to rest well? Going to a tavern would probably..."

Charlotte interrupted him, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Not a tavern."

She slightly tilted her chin, gesturing towards a rather elegant two-story building not far away.

"My home. How about it?"

Karl was indeed surprised by Charlotte's invitation, but he quickly agreed. "Okay, but I need to go back to the inn first and let my subordinates know, so they don't worry."

Charlotte understood. "Of course. I also need some time... to take a bath. After all, it's impolite to entertain a friend when I'm all sweaty."

They parted ways temporarily, and Karl hurried back to the inn.

Roland and the other five soldiers were indeed waiting anxiously. They breathed a sigh of relief when they saw him return safely.

"My lord, are you alright?" Roland asked with concern.

"I'm fine. I ran into an acquaintance and chatted for a while," Karl paused, trying to make his tone sound natural. "I have a... date tonight. I might be back late."

"A date?" Roland immediately became vigilant. "My lord, although Fran City is safe, it's still not advisable to travel alone at night. Let me accompany you, even if it's just waiting outside the door!"

Karl thought to himself that this was Roland's downside – a lack of discernment. Who brings escorts on a date? he thought, but he couldn't say it directly.

Fortunately, a sharp-witted old soldier nearby saw through the situation. He quickly pulled Roland aside and whispered with a wink, "Captain! You don't understand! This is a major life event for the lord. How would it look if you tagged along? Don't worry, the inner city of Fran City is very safe!"

Although Roland still didn't quite understand why he couldn't bring guards for a "major life event," seeing that his companions all seemed to understand, he had no choice but to obey the order. He repeatedly urged Karl to be careful.

Karl returned to his room. He looked at the old hunting outfit he was wearing, which was convenient for movement, and hesitated whether to change into more elaborate noble attire.

But he quickly gave up. Firstly, he detested such cumbersome and fussy attire. Secondly, this was just a private gathering between friends, and being too formal would make it seem distant.

He washed himself thoroughly with cold water, tidied his hair and collar, ensuring he looked clean and neat, and then went out again.

Following his memory, he arrived in front of the house Charlotte had indicated and knocked gently.

"Coming!" Charlotte's clear voice responded from inside.

The door opened, and a faint, fresh scent wafted out.

Charlotte had clearly just finished bathing. Her long blonde hair was damp and cascaded over her shoulders, and she was wiping it with a soft towel.

She had changed into comfortable loungewear: a loose linen shirt and knee-length shorts, revealing her smooth, straight calves. She looked refreshed and relaxed, a stark contrast to her usual military attire, adding a rare touch of gentleness.

"You're here just in time," Charlotte stepped aside to let Karl in, a relaxed smile on her face.

Karl entered the house.

The room was decorated simply and comfortably, without excessive ornate embellishments. Several decorative longswords and a shield hung on the walls. A warm fire crackled in the fireplace, dispelling the evening chill.

A small dining table was already set with several exquisite dishes: perfectly grilled steak, a vegetable salad, cheese, and bread.

A middle-aged maid approached with an opened bottle of wine and poured them each a glass. She then bowed to Charlotte. "Miss, I'll take my leave now."

"Alright, Aunt Martha, thank you," Charlotte nodded.

After the maid left, only the two of them remained in the room.

The warm candlelight, delicious food, mellow wine, and the fresh and moving girl opposite him, who had just bathed, made the atmosphere subtle and pleasant.

The two sat down at the dining table. Charlotte raised her wine glass, "First, to my advancement?"

Karl smiled and raised his glass, gently clinking it with hers. "Congratulations, Charlotte. You are the most outstanding female knight I have ever seen."

"Thank you." Charlotte took a sip of wine, then curiously propped her chin, her blue eyes, which seemed even more charming in the candlelight, gazing at Karl. "Now, tell me, what have you been through in the Northern Border these past two weeks? I don't believe it was as simple as just 'repairing houses'."

Karl smiled and began to recount his journey from leaving Fran City.

He told how he saw through the goblin ambush during the march, how they defended and counterattacked, ultimately annihilating the enemy.

And the women discovered in the Black Tooth caves, who had been captured by the goblins.

The most important part, of course, was the reconstruction of Carnford.

Clearing the ruins, building houses, finding water sources, organizing production.

Charlotte listened intently, her azure eyes fixed on him, an excellent listener.