Charlotte Volunteered
After the brief inspection, Karl immediately convened a meeting of Carnford's core members in the Lord's Hall.
The furnishings in the hall remained simple, but the atmosphere was solemn.
Karl sat in the head seat at the head of the table.
On the left are the civil officials, headed by the scribe Old Morrell, including the Grand Steward Edgar and other stewards responsible for specific affairs.
On the right are the military officers led by the old knight Brendan, with Richter, Roland, and several newly promoted officers in order.
Due to the recent influx of refugees, Carnford's garrison has been replenished with nearly one hundred men, bringing the Carnford garrison's strength to two hundred and thirty.
One platoon of combat soldiers and two platoons of militia were added, so Roland was officially appointed as the Platoon Leader of the Third Platoon of combat soldiers.
However, at the very end of the military commander ranks, there is now a striking figure: Charlotte Rochfort, dressed in smart military attire.
Everyone tacitly agreed to this, and no one raised any objections, clearly understanding that the governor's daughter had a close relationship with their Lord.
Karl cleared his throat and got straight to the point. "I've gathered you all here to announce something important. Charlotte Knight has brought news that Earl Rochefort plans to form a Northern Territory reconnaissance team to prepare for the Sauron invasion in a few months. This team will gather intelligence on the enemy's movements in advance and, if necessary, conduct harassment raids. The Count has ordered our unit to participate in this operation."
His gaze swept over the generals. "This is crucial for our future defense. My suggestion is to select the most elite soldiers, those best at horsemanship and wilderness survival, from each combat platoon to form a cavalry reconnaissance team of twenty to thirty men. Roland, your newly trained Third Platoon also needs to send men. Begin preparing the necessary horses, equipment, and supplies immediately. This matter is urgent, so you should go and make the preparations first."
The military officers responded in unison.
Karl turned his gaze to Edgar: "Grand Steward, tell me about the recent situation in the territory."
Edgar stepped forward, his notepad motionless, and reported clearly and calmly, "My lord, everything in the territory is operating normally. The granary currently holds about 50,000 catties of rye and various grains. With the upcoming harvest of this season's rye, the total stock is expected to exceed 80,000 catties. Even if the Sauron besiege the city, the existing grain reserves are enough to last the entire winter, and there may even be a slight surplus."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Furthermore, the territory's population has increased to approximately eight hundred. Some have proposed expanding the new residential area to a second phase at the foot of the mountain to accommodate the increased population, but I believe that now is not the right time."
"What's the reason?" Karl asked.
"There are no more defensible positions at the foot of the mountain, and the space is nearing saturation. If we build the new district far beyond the protective range of Kahnford Fortress, those newly built houses will inevitably become the first targets to be attacked and destroyed once the Sauron attack. At that time, we will have no choice but to abandon it, investing manpower and resources only to find that we cannot protect it after it is built. It would be a losing proposition."
Edgar's analysis was clear and logical. "My suggestion is to suspend permanent housing construction and, in the next four months, prioritize digging semi-subterranean emergency shelters for the new population, or temporarily cram them in to get through this winter."
Karl pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, we'll do it your way, prioritizing survival and defense."
Then, Chief Engineer Old Morrell reported, "Sir, the main defensive structures of the castle are basically complete, and the outer watchtowers and small fortresses have also been repaired and equipped with the necessary defensive equipment."
"We have also developed detailed tiered defense and evacuation plans, relying on the terrain and newly built fortifications to launch layered attacks. This will greatly slow down the Sauron ' advance and make them pay a price for every step they take."
"Very good," Karl said, satisfied with the current progress. "You've all worked hard. Edgar, you'll be in charge of coordinating the supplies needed for the reconnaissance team. Morr, the details of the fortifications still need to be refined. Meeting adjourned."
After everyone left, only Karl and Charlotte, who had been sitting quietly at the end of the table, remained in the hall.
Charlotte stretched her arms and smiled at Karl, saying, "It looks quite convincing, doesn't it? The way you were conducting that meeting just now, I thought I was eavesdropping on Imperial Council in the Royal Capital's palace, Your Majesty?"
Karl chuckled helplessly, "Keep your voice down. You can't joke like that. Alright, I'll show you your room."
He led Charlotte back upstairs to the second floor, to the door of a room opposite the master bedroom. "This is it. When we went out earlier, I had the orderly tidy it up a bit, so it should be fairly clean."
The room was small and simply furnished, but clean and warm.
A wooden bed, a wardrobe, a small table, and a chair—that's all.
The window was open, and the evening breeze blew in, carrying the unique fresh scent of the mountains.
Charlotte walked into the room, looked around, then sat down on the bed and tested the firmness of the mattress.
"Hmm, not bad, much more comfortable than Military Tent." She patted the spot next to her, gesturing for Karl to sit down as well.
Karl hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat down beside her; the wooden bed creaked slightly.
Neither of them spoke for a moment, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.
The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window, bathing the room in a warm golden light and softening the lines of Charlotte's profile.
The fatigue from days of travel and the tension from the meeting seemed to quietly ease at this moment.
After a moment of silence, he felt a slight weight on his shoulder.
Charlotte rested her head gently on his shoulder, her golden hair brushing against his neck.
Karl's body stiffened for a moment, then slowly relaxed.
Charlotte suddenly asked, "Karl, who do you plan to appoint as the commander of the reconnaissance team?"
Karl was surprised by Charlotte's sudden question. After a moment of thought, he said, "It's hard to say. I don't currently have a cavalry commander capable of leading independently in my territory. These scouts are all elite soldiers, and they need a strong general to lead them."
"Perhaps if I do it myself, with Roland as my assistant, it should be fine. Why are you suddenly asking this?"
Charlotte looked up at Karl and said, "I think I should be the commander of this reconnaissance team, what do you say?"
Karl didn't react immediately and said, "You mean, you're going to be the commander of this unit? And what about me? I'll be your subordinate?"
Charlotte shook her head and said, "You can stay in the castle and be responsible for supporting us. You're not good at cavalry tactics and you have no experience. You should know that yourself. Even your own riding skills are only at the level of being able to ride a horse without falling off. You simply cannot command real cavalry in battle."
Charlotte's words were a bit harsh, but Karl knew perfectly well that what Charlotte said was true.
He had never been good at horseback riding and archery in his family, and after arriving in Carnford, he had no opportunity to command cavalry in battle, so he was unable to gain any experience.
Charlotte, on the other hand, as a knight, had trained for many years and was skilled in archery and horsemanship. She was also the cavalry captain of Fran City and was much more familiar with cavalry tactics than him.
Charlotte continued to persuade him, "Karl, you are very important to Carnford now. Unless absolutely necessary, you'd better not leave Carnford or personally lead troops into battle again."
Charlotte took Karl's hand and confessed her last words. "This is why I came to Carnford. I don't want you to take any risks. Please trust me, okay?"
"Just like I trusted you before, is that okay?"