Guild and Letter

The two walked through several streets, arriving in front of a lively-looking building in the center of Fran City's artisan district.

A large wooden sign hung at the entrance, carved with a hammer smashing an anvil, next to a giant beer mug illustration. Below it read: "Anvil and Mug Guild."

"This is Fran City's largest comprehensive artisan guild," Charlotte explained. "In theory, all registered artisans are recorded here. Finding the person in charge here is definitely the right way to go."

She was clearly familiar with the place, leading Karl straight inside. Ignoring the curious glances in the hall, she went directly to an office on the second floor.

The office doorplate read: Director: Bastian Crowe.

Without knocking, Charlotte pushed the door open.

Inside the office, a middle-aged man with thinning hair and glasses, who had been hunched over calculating something, was startled. He looked up, about to get angry, but upon seeing Charlotte, his expression immediately shifted to one of respect mixed with a hint of exasperation.

"Miss Rochfort! Wh-what brings you here?" Director Bastian quickly stood up.

"Bastian, I have a business proposition for you," Charlotte said, pointing to Karl. "This is the pioneer lord of Carnford, His Excellency Karl von Schmidt. He needs to recruit a group of skilled artisans in a short period, artisans who might be... well, currently down on their luck. All types are needed, especially blacksmiths, carpenters, masons, and stonemasons."

Director Bastian paused for a moment, then a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes. He immediately understood the subtext of "down on their luck."

Rubbing his hands together, he asked cautiously, "May I ask how many people the lord requires? And what are the specific requirements for... 'luck'?"

Karl interjected, "The number is unlimited; skill comes first. I need people who can truly do the work. Whether they are struggling in Fran City due to fierce competition, heavy debt, or other reasons, I don't care. Carnford can offer stable work, compensation higher than Fran City's, and a chance to start anew."

Director Bastian's eyes lit up! He was all too familiar with this kind of demand! The guild always had plenty of skilled individuals who couldn't make ends meet for various reasons.

These people were a burden to the guild. Helping them find a place to go, and the guild could even take a commission – it was a fantastic opportunity!

"I understand! Completely understand!" Bastian became incredibly enthusiastic. "Please wait a moment! I will immediately post a notice under the name 'Northern Border Emergency Reconstruction Project: Recruitment of Skilled Artisans' and select suitable candidates! I guarantee they will all be truly capable!"

He quickly wrote several notes and had an apprentice deliver them immediately.

The effect was immediate after the message went out.

In less than an hour, the office was crowded with artisans who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

Most of them wore troubled or anxious expressions, their clothing simple or even worn, but their eyes held a longing for work.

Karl and Charlotte observed from the side.

Director Bastian was highly efficient, conducting preliminary screenings, asking professional questions, and examining the tools or samples they brought with them.

Soon, several individuals who clearly met the requirements were brought before Karl.

Karl looked at their list.

Hector: Blacksmith, skilled but burdened by enormous debt due to alcoholism and gambling. His workshop had already been mortgaged.

Martin: Mason, excellent at his work but his blunt personality offended a noble employer, leading to a de facto ban by the guild.

Norman: Master Stonemason, experienced but old, unable to secure large projects, living in hardship.

Elliot: Carpenter's apprentice, extremely talented but unable to complete his apprenticeship due to his master's death, unable to find formal employment...

Karl spoke with each of them carefully, focusing more on the details of their craftsmanship and their problem-solving approaches, rather than their pasts.

His sincerity and respect for their skills quickly won over these disheartened individuals.

In the end, Karl made the decision on the spot, recruiting eight artisans of various types, including them. He also provided an advance on their relocation expenses, urging them to settle their affairs in Fran City quickly and depart for Carnford with the main group in two days.

Watching these artisans regain their hope, Karl felt a sense of accomplishment.

Talent was the most precious lifeblood for the development of a territory.

And all of this was thanks to the Rose of the Northern Border beside him, who, while seemingly casual, always managed to help him precisely when needed.

"Thank you, Charlotte," he said sincerely.

Charlotte merely shrugged indifferently. "It's a small matter. I was idle anyway."

But the slight upturn of her lips revealed a hint of satisfaction.

After dealing with the artisan recruitment and having a simple lunch with Charlotte, Karl returned to the post station.

He did not rest but instead asked the post station staff for a quill, ink, and some decent quality paper.

He needed to write two letters, to be sent to the distant Franklin – the territory of the Schmidt family.

The first letter was to his nominal father, Duke Schmidt.

Karl braced himself and wrote, trying to adopt a tone that was in line with noble etiquette – neither subservient nor overbearing, yet subtly strategic.

In the letter, he first offered his perfunctory greetings to his father, then shifted his focus, beginning to describe in detail, and with a touch of exaggeration, his "brilliant achievements" since arriving in Carnford.

How he annihilated a goblin tribe at minimal cost, how he began rebuilding the fortress and restoring order, how he discovered a highly valuable flint mine and had already begun extraction, how he integrated nearly four hundred people and started spring plowing...

He painted a picture of Carnford as a thriving land with unlimited potential, effectively becoming a crucial pawn inserted into the Northern Border.

Next, he subtly proposed that while the territory's development was rapid, the initial investment was substantial, and funds were temporarily short.

To consolidate this strategically important territory for the family more quickly and effectively, he hoped his father would "invest" a portion of funds or supplies, hinting that this investment would bring immeasurable long-term benefits and influence in the Northern Border for the family.

The second letter was to the mother of his current body, the Duchess, who was neglected and in a difficult position within the Duke's mansion.

When writing this letter, Karl's tone changed completely, his writing becoming exceptionally gentle and caring.

He did not dwell on the hardships and dangers of the territory but instead focused on describing the vast expanse of the Northern Border, the simple warmth of the people, and the hope of rebuilding their homeland.

He sincerely inquired about his mother's health, urged her to take care of herself, and made a solemn promise.

Once he had firmly established himself in Carnford and built a safe and comfortable home, he would definitely bring her out of the oppressive Duke's mansion to live with him in the Northern Border, far from the indifference and scheming, to live out her remaining years in peace.

After finishing the two distinctly different family letters, Karl carefully sealed them and wrote the recipients' names on the envelopes.

He handed the letters to the post station staff, paid an additional fee, and requested the fastest and most secure method of delivery to the Schmidt family territory in Franklin.