One's Final Destiny

Leaving the Governor's mansion, Karl's mood wasn't much lighter despite receiving the Earl's promise of "investment"; in fact, it felt even heavier.

He knew clearly that what the Earl meant by "mortgage" was nothing of the sort, but a naked declaration of Carnford's sole and final destiny.

To become the first line of flesh and blood defense against the Sauron's southward advance.

In reality, even without this deal, when the Sauron truly came in overwhelming numbers, did he have any other choice but to defend Carnford to the death?

Abandon those soldiers and citizens who trusted and followed him, fleeing back to Fran City like a stray dog?

He couldn't imagine such a scene, let alone face such a pathetic version of himself.

Doing so would not only betray everyone's expectations but also completely trample his own dignity and beliefs.

Perhaps, in the end, he would also end up like the previous lord, dying on those ruins? Dying on the battlefield, isn't that heroic?

He didn't fear death, but if this was the destined outcome, then before death arrived, he had to do his utmost, make thorough preparations, and make this stand more valuable, perhaps even creating a sliver of hope.

Since he had to stay in Fran City for two days, he decided to use this time to do another crucially important thing—recruit more technical talent for Carnford.

Population-wise, they didn't have a shortage for now.

The more than three hundred slaves and refugees needed time to be assimilated and integrated.

But core technical craftsmen were only Old Morrell, the stonemason Hans, the carpenter Vali, and the hydraulic engineer Fenn—a mere four people.

This was far from enough for a territory that needed rapid reconstruction and development.

They needed more blacksmiths, carpenters, stonemasons, masons, and perhaps craftsmen skilled in livestock, textiles, and other areas.

However, problems followed.

Why would craftsmen with stable jobs and incomes in Fran City give up their relatively safe and comfortable lives to go on an adventure to the Northern Border front line with him?

Soldiers might be willing to take a gamble for military merits and promotion, but craftsmen were different; their skills could earn them a living anywhere, and life in safe Fran City was clearly more comfortable.

Karl quickly sorted out his thoughts; his targets could only be specific groups.

For example, craftsmen who failed in local guild competition and whose businesses were struggling to survive.

Those who were in debt for various reasons and urgently needed to escape their predicament.

Or perhaps some people who, due to past experiences, could not establish themselves normally in Fran City, individuals with a "dark history."

Only these people might be attracted by the opportunities Carnford offered, higher rewards, and a promise of a "new beginning."

But new problems arose again: he knew nothing about the craftsman circles in Fran City, so where could he find these special individuals?

Ask the Earl for help? To bother the Governor of the Northern Border for such a trivial matter seemed too insensitive, and he had just secured a large investment from the Earl, making it difficult to ask again.

Then, there was only one last, and most suitable, candidate left.

Karl stood on the street outside the Governor's mansion, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards a certain direction within the inner city.

Charlotte Rochfort.

As the Governor's daughter, she had grown up in Fran City and must have a deep understanding of the city's various social strata and industries.

Moreover, given her personality and style of action, she likely had contact with those less "mainstream" individuals.

Asking her for guidance or information would be most appropriate.

It's just that he had troubled her yesterday, and now he had to ask for help again...

Karl felt a little embarrassed, but for the sake of his territory's development, this bit of face didn't matter.

He took a deep breath, organized his thoughts, and decided to visit the Rose of the Northern Border again, who seemed prickly but had repeatedly provided him with crucial assistance.

Karl arrived at Charlotte's elegant little house again and gently knocked on the door.

This time, the one who opened the door was Martha, the maid from yesterday.

Upon seeing Karl, her face broke into a smile, and she turned back to shout into the house, "Miss, it's Lord Karl who has arrived."

Karl was invited inside and saw Charlotte curled lazily on the living room sofa, covered with a soft blanket, holding a novel. On the coffee table beside her was a plate of snacks and a cup of steaming herbal tea.

This domestic, casual appearance was a stark contrast to her usual image as a knight in armor.

Seeing Karl visit, she put down her novel and sat up a little, looking curious.

"Karl? What's wrong? I don't serve lunch here, you know," she teased.

Karl smiled, "Never mind lunch, I haven't even had breakfast. Your father summoned me to the Governor's mansion first thing this morning."

"What did he want with you?" Charlotte asked curiously.

Karl explained the Earl's request for him to stay two more days to lead and assist the other pioneer noble teams before their departure.

Upon hearing this, Charlotte pouted, "Oh, that. My dad ordered me to accompany them too, under the guise of 'supervision and coordination.' Honestly, leading those useless noble brats slowly towards their broken territories is less enjoyable than exterminating a nest of goblins."

Karl, however, felt a surge of joy. Traveling with Charlotte made this tedious task seem a little more anticipated.

Charlotte immediately pressed on, "So? Did you mention the investment to him later? What did he say?"

"I did," Karl nodded. "He agreed, and... said he didn't need any collateral or interest."

Charlotte's eyes widened instantly, her face full of disbelief, "No way? I don't believe my dad is the kind of generous person who doesn't ask for collateral! Your relationship definitely isn't that close! What did he actually want?"

Karl took a deep breath and recounted the Earl's heavy demand: "...He wants me and Carnford to hold the line to the very end when the Sauron advance this autumn, never retreating, until the last man."

The living room instantly fell silent.

Charlotte's relaxed smile vanished from her face. She looked at Karl in silence, a complex glint flashing in her blue eyes – shock, understanding, and a hint of undetectable worry.

After a long moment, she slowly spoke, "This... is indeed his style. A typical 'Rochfort-style' deal. You... agreed?"

"I had no choice," Karl replied calmly. "Besides, even without this deal, when the Sauron came, I would have made the same choice."

Charlotte sighed softly, saying no more on the matter.

She changed the subject, "So you came to me for something more than just telling me this, right?"

"Yes," Karl seized the opportunity to explain his other predicament and request.

He urgently needed to recruit various craftsmen, but his targets could only be those "special individuals" who were struggling in Fran City, and he had no leads.

After listening, Charlotte leaped up from the sofa, briskly tossing the blanket aside. "I'm bored anyway. Let's go! I'll take you somewhere."

She changed into casual outdoor clothes with swift efficiency and led Karl out the door.