The Return Journey

After more than a month of expedition and bitter fighting, Carnford's army finally set foot on the soil of their homeland.

When the familiar outline of the castle appeared on the horizon, the troops' long-suppressed homesickness finally erupted. Low cheers and choked sobs rose one after another.

Yet amid the joy of victory was a sorrow that could not be erased.

The civilians and soldiers' families who had gathered along the road outside the castle as soon as they received the news had waited eagerly. When they saw the empty spaces in the formation, or the ash urns wrapped in battle flags and carried back by their comrades, uncontrollable wails of grief immediately rang through the crowd.

The three newly established Militia Camps had suffered especially heavy losses. They had held the most brutal central position during the siege of Tyrol, and now countless shattered families and heartbroken relatives had come to welcome them home.

Karl sat astride his horse, gazing at the scene of intertwined joy and sorrow before him. The joy of victory was greatly tempered by a heavy sense of responsibility. He secretly swore that he would properly provide for the families of the fallen soldiers and strengthen Carnford even more quickly, so that such sacrifices would become more meaningful.

His gaze searched the crowd anxiously. Soon, he saw two familiar figures he had been longing for, standing on the stone steps before the castle gates: his mother, Lady Eileen, and his wife, Princess Louise.

Karl immediately tugged on the reins, dismounted, and tossed them to one of his guards. Then he strode through the crowd toward them.

The soldiers and civilians spontaneously opened a path for their Lord, their eyes filled with respect and gratitude.

"Karl!" When Lady Eileen saw her son return safely, the composure