Northern Territory Scout Team
Edgar and Karl stood side by side on the main wall of Carnford Castle, overlooking the vibrant landscape below.
The neat farmland resembles a green chessboard, smoke curls from the newly built residential area, and watchtowers and fortifications in the distance stand like loyal guardians, protecting this increasingly prosperous land.
"My lord," Edgar said, his tone tinged with undisguised admiration and pride, "It seems the family's investment has been very successful. In just a few months, you have transformed this ruin into something so orderly and vibrant, far exceeding His Highness the Duke's initial expectations."
"I think it won't be long before Franklin's second, larger-scale investment arrives."
For him, Carnford's prosperity was the best proof of his work performance; the greater the potential of this "client," the more resources he could mobilize and the higher his status within the family.
Karl smiled, his gaze still sweeping over his territory. "This wouldn't have been possible without your help, Mr. Edgar. Without the order and efficiency you brought, Carnford wouldn't be where it is today."
Just then, a convoy appeared at the end of the road at the foot of the mountain, and the familiar flag of Fran City was clearly visible, indicating that it was the Count's transport caravan.
But this time, a striking figure on horseback stood out beside the caravan.
Karl recognized the brilliant blond hair and tall, upright figure almost instantly.
"Hmm?" Edgar noticed as well, narrowing his eyes. "The Count's daughter is traveling with the group? That's quite rare."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Karl's profile, a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
He had long suspected that the young Lord had close ties with the governor's family, especially with Miss Charlotte, and now it seemed that his suspicions were being confirmed.
Karl was indeed somewhat surprised, not expecting Charlotte to come in person, but a surge of joy at their long-awaited reunion welled up inside him.
They hadn't seen each other for more than two months since they last parted ways at Icewater Creek.
"Let's go down and take a look." Karl didn't respond to Edgar's probing, turned and walked towards the steps leading down the city wall, Edgar following behind him thoughtfully.
As the two arrived at the castle gate, the transport caravan also arrived, and Charlotte landed and dismounted.
She walked up to Karl, a bright smile on her face, "Surprised? I came in person."
"It was indeed unexpected," Karl nodded, trying to keep his tone gentle with Edgar beside him. "I thought you would at least write a letter first, so I could prepare."
"Writing letters is too slow," Charlotte waved her hand. "Besides, I wanted to give you a surprise. By the way, your promise to rebuild the castle should be fulfilled by now, right? If it's not, I'm going to get angry."
"Of course it's finished," Karl said, turning to show her the main structure of the fortress behind him. "If you don't mind, come in and take a look."
Charlotte laughed. "Well, let's see how your doghouse is done."
Karl smiled and led her into the castle.
Edgar stood there watching their retreating figures, without following them.
As a professional butler, he knows when to step in and when to stay out of the spotlight.
Clearly, when the Lord is on a date with his sweetheart, that's when he should disappear.
He immediately turned to the head of the transport team, a professional smile on his face, and began to skillfully coordinate the inventory of supplies and work arrangements, as if the observation he had just made had never happened.
Karl led Charlotte into the main building of the castle.
The interior space is spacious, but the furnishings are very simple, with exposed stone walls and only a few felt and wooden furniture pieces. Compared with the luxury of the Governor's Office in Fran City, it appears almost crude.
Charlotte, however, seemed quite interested. She curiously examined the structure of the hall and even reached out to touch the cold stone wall.
"It's built quite sturdily," she commented.
"Why did you suddenly decide to come with the team?" Karl brought up the old question again, his tone tinged with doubt.
"I'd love to," Charlotte turned her head, raising an eyebrow at him. "What, you're not welcome?"
"Of course not," Karl immediately denied. "It's just... the road isn't safe. Would the Count allow you to come alone?"
"Father has given his permission," Charlotte said, walking without stopping towards a long table on one side of the hall. "And there's something else he wants me to tell you."
"What is it?" Karl pressed.
Charlotte seemed not to hear, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of the table as she changed the subject. "This is where you and your men hold meetings, right? And where do you live? Is it on the second floor?"
A sly smile played on her lips; she was clearly trying to pique his interest.
Seeing her expression, Karl knew he couldn't rush things, so he could only smile helplessly.
Before he could answer, Charlotte had already started walking towards the wooden stairs leading to the second floor.
Karl had no choice but to follow.
The second-floor floor is newly laid wooden planks, which make a slight creaking sound when stepped on.
Charlotte spoke as they walked, her tone becoming slightly more formal. "It's simple. The Sauron will be marching south in August or September, and we can't just sit and wait for them to attack."
"Before that, we need to at least find out their movements, and if the opportunity arises, we should create some trouble for them. The Count has already gathered his forces in Fran City."
She paused, then turned to look at Karl: "However, during this reconnaissance mission, he also singled out one person among all the pioneering nobles in the Northern Territory. Guess who it is?"
Karl didn't speak, but simply looked at her calmly, waiting for her answer.
"You're so boring," Charlotte curled her lip, pointing directly at him. "It's you, Lord Karl. You've been chosen to join the Count's reconnaissance team."
"After all, your father has invested so much in you. He's been training you for a long time, and now he's ready to use you. You're not going to refuse, are you?"
"Of course not," Karl answered without hesitation. "I would be happy to share the Count's burdens, and this is also for Carnford's own safety."
"Hmph, that's good," Charlotte nodded in satisfaction, then casually added as if remembering something, "Oh, there's one more thing. Father has already sent the heads of the twenty-two Sauron we killed together to the Royal Capital to report to the King. His Majesty was very pleased and bestowed many gifts upon them."
She looked at Karl, her eyes holding a different meaning. "However, considering the character of those people in the Royal Capital, Father didn't want you to attract their attention too early, lest it cause unnecessary trouble. So, your name wasn't mentioned in the report. This credit is temporarily on me. You... don't mind, do you?"
Upon hearing this, Karl immediately understood Earl Rochefort's deeper meaning.
If the astute nobles and officials in the Royal Capital knew that Schmidt's "useless" son had not only gained a foothold in the Northern Territory, but had also collaborated with the powerful border governor to kill the Sauron, it would be a shock.
What awaits him and the Count is likely not reward, but deeper suspicion and invisible suppression from the royal family.
This "concealment" is actually a form of protection.
"Of course I don't mind," Karl said sincerely. "You have helped me so much, and the Count has generously provided a large amount of supplies. This little bit of recognition is nothing. I understand the Count's good intentions."
Charlotte carefully observed his expression, and seeing that he showed no sign of reluctance or displeasure, a relaxed smile returned to her face.
She stopped talking about it and instead, with her hands behind her back, like a general inspecting his troops, she curiously wandered around the simple study and the adjacent bedroom on the second floor, occasionally commenting on things like "good lighting" or "this cabinet is quite sturdy."
Karl followed behind her, briefly explaining the purpose and layout of the room.
Soon after, some noises were heard downstairs.
Looking out the window, one could see Edgar directing his people to unload the last batch of supplies brought by the transport team.
The caravan had finished organizing, and the drivers were calling out to each other, seemingly preparing to return home while it was still early.
Seeing that the convoy had begun to move, Karl looked away and found that Charlotte still showed no intention of leaving. Instead, she was examining the rough inkstone on his desk with great interest.
He finally couldn't help but ask, "The transport convoy is about to leave, aren't you... going back with them?"
Charlotte then looked up and gave him a sly wink.
She cleared her throat, deliberately putting on a stern face, mimicking her father's authoritative and unquestionable tone. "Lord Karl von Schmidt, heed my command! The Count has decreed that, given your unit's weak forces, with only one Second-Order Knight knight, Knight Roland, as Roland high-level combat power, it is difficult to cope with the impending severe situation. Therefore, I hereby dispatch Second-Order Knight Charlotte Rochfort to assist your unit in its defense until the mission is completed. During this period, she will be under your temporary command and deployment; I hope you will make good use of her."
After mimicking her father's mannerisms, she couldn't help but laugh, but her eyes held a serious expression. "How about that? This time, I didn't come here on my own; I'm here on the Governor's official orders. My horse and I will be staying here with you for the next while."