An Invitation at Dusk

With the guards' help, Master Andrei removed his heavy plate armor before bidding farewell to Karl and Charlotte.

Like many Northern Territory veterans who had suffered devastating losses, the Battle Master had nowhere to call home and was accustomed to wandering from place to place.

His arrival in Fran City, his guidance of Charlotte's martial skills, and his witnessing her breakthrough were purely the result of coincidence and fate.

He patted Karl on the shoulder and solemnly said goodbye once more before his figure disappeared into the evening crowd of Fran City, leaving no clue where he would head next.

For a moment, only Karl and Charlotte remained outside the training ground's side gate.

The evening breeze brought a hint of coolness as it brushed past, stirring Charlotte's sweat-dampened golden hair.

The two walked side by side along the inner-city streets, where the lamps were gradually lighting up. The atmosphere was somewhat quiet, but not awkward.

After their earlier conversation about Carnford's painful past and the brief intimacy of helping him remove his armor, an indescribable understanding quietly began to grow between them.

"I didn't expect you to reach Carnford so quickly." In the end, Charlotte was the first to speak, breaking the silence. Her voice was much gentler than usual. "It's quite a distance from Fran City. I thought you'd need at least a few more days on the road."

Karl smiled and looked at the cobbled street ahead. "My warriors are simply excellent. It's certainly difficult there, but it's also interesting. Every day, I can see new changes and watch hope rekindle in people's eyes. That feeling is far more fulfilling than wasting time in Fran City's taverns."

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

"Perhaps the Northern Territory's environment merely forced a little potential out of me," Karl said modestly, then asked in return, "What about you? How does it feel after advancing? A Second-Order Knight is considered an expert throughout the kingdom."

Charlotte moved her arm, feeling the surging power within her, and smiled. "It feels amazing! It's as if the entire world has become clearer, and power flows more smoothly. 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, a trace of longing in her voice. "I really hope that one day I can become a powerful Battle Master like him, or even... go further."

"You can definitely do it," Karl said sincerely.

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

They walked on for a while longer, chatting about martial techniques and the situation in the Northern Territory.

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

Charlotte suddenly stopped and turned around to face Karl.

The gentle evening light outlined her delicate features, while her blue eyes appeared especially bright beneath the darkening sky.

"Karl," she said, her tone casual yet carrying an unmistakable implication, "how about a drink? Just to celebrate my advancement."

Karl froze for a moment. He instinctively remembered Master Andrei's advice and declined. "Now? Didn't Master Andrei say you needed to rest properly? Going to a tavern might..."

Charlotte cut him off with a sly smile. "We're not going to a tavern."

She raised her chin slightly and gestured toward an elegant-looking two-story building nearby.

"My house. What do you think?"

Karl was indeed surprised by Charlotte's invitation, but he quickly nodded. "All right. However, I need to return to the inn first and tell my men, so they won't worry."

Charlotte nodded understandingly. "Of course. I also need a little time... to take a bath. After all, it would be rather rude to entertain a friend while covered in sweat."

The two said goodbye for the moment, and Karl hurried back to the inn.

Roland and the other five warriors were indeed waiting anxiously. Only after seeing him return safely did they relax.

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

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

"A date?" Roland immediately grew wary. "My lord, Fran City may be safe, but traveling alone at night is still unwise. Let me accompany you. I can even wait outside the door!"

Karl thought that this was what was wrong with Roland—he had no tact. Who brought someone along on a date? But he could not say that outright.

Fortunately, a sharp old soldier nearby noticed what was going on. He hurriedly grabbed Roland and whispered with exaggerated winks, "Captain! You really don't understand! This is a major event in the Lord's life. What would it look like for you to tag along? Don't worry. The inner city of Fran City is perfectly safe!"

Although Roland still did not quite understand why a "major event in life" meant one could not bring an escort, his companions all looked as if they understood perfectly. He could only obey the order, though he repeatedly reminded Karl to be careful.

Karl returned to his room and looked at the old hunting clothes he wore for ease of movement, hesitating over whether to change into more splendid noble attire.

But he soon abandoned the idea. For one thing, he hated those cumbersome, overly elaborate outfits. For another, this was merely a private gathering between friends, and dressing too formally would only make things feel distant.

He carefully washed up with cold water, tidied his hair and collar, and made sure he looked clean and presentable before heading out again.

Following his memory, Karl arrived at the house Charlotte had indicated and lightly knocked on the door.

"I'm coming!" Charlotte's crisp reply quickly came from inside.

The door opened, and a faint, fresh fragrance drifted toward him.

Charlotte had clearly just finished bathing. Her long golden hair hung damply over her shoulders as she wiped it with a soft towel.

She had changed into comfortable home clothes: a loose linen shirt and knee-length shorts that revealed her smooth, straight calves. She looked fresh and relaxed, completely different from her usual armored appearance, with a rare touch of softness.

"You came at just the right time." Charlotte stepped aside to let Karl in, a relaxed smile on her face.

Karl entered the house.

The room was simply and comfortably furnished, without excessive ornate decoration. Several decorative longswords and a shield hung on the walls, while warm flames danced in the fireplace, driving away the evening chill.

Several exquisite dishes had already been arranged on a small dining table: perfectly roasted steaks, vegetable salad, cheese, and bread.

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

"All right, Aunt Martha. Thank you." Charlotte nodded.

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

The warm candlelight, delicious food, rich wine, and the fresh, captivating girl across from him after her bath created a subtle, pleasant atmosphere.

They sat down beside the dining table. Charlotte raised her glass. "First, to my advancement?"

Karl smiled and lightly clinked his glass against hers. "Congratulations, Charlotte. You're the finest female knight I've ever met."

"Thank you." Charlotte took a sip of wine, then rested her chin on her hand curiously. Her blue eyes, even more enchanting in the candlelight, gazed at Karl. "Now, tell me—what have you experienced in the Northern Territory over the past half month? I don't believe it was merely 'repairing some houses.'"

Karl smiled and began telling her about everything from the moment he had left Fran City.

He described how he had seen through the goblins' ambush during the march, then defended and counterattacked until he had annihilated the enemy.

He also told her about the women he had discovered in Black Tooth Cave, whom the goblins had abducted.

Most important of all, of course, was Carnford's reconstruction.

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

Charlotte listened with rapt attention, her blue eyes fixed unblinkingly on him. She was an excellent listener.