A New Homeland

His tone shifted, and his finger tapped the southeastern coastal region of the Southwest Peninsula on the map. "It is precisely because of your steadfast defense, and the sacrifice of the soldiers and people of the Iron Islands, that Carnford was able to successfully receive nearly eight thousand of our countrymen! This is a heaven-pouring merit! To commend your achievements, to give the heroic souls of the Iron Islands a place to return to, and all the more for our shared cause of resisting Sauron..."

He raised his head, his burning gaze falling on Baron Werner and Knight Klein, his voice clear and powerful. "I, Karl von Schmidt, in the name of the lord of Carnford, hereby solemnly declare."

"The Blue Reef Islands and the surrounding waters in the southeastern part of the Southwest Peninsula shall be enfeoffed to Baron Werner! I hope you will make good use of your maritime experience and forge a sea barrier for my Carnford! Baron Werner is hereby promoted to Guardian Baron of the Blue Reef Islands!"

Then his finger moved to an area bordering the Blue Reef Islands, marked with marshes and hills. "Ink Marsh and the surrounding river valley lands shall be enfeoffed to Knight Klein! I hope you will bring your strengths in land warfare to bear, reclaim and garrison the frontier, and protect the interior!"

These words were like a thunderclap from flat ground, exploding beside Werner and Klein's ears!

Their eyes instantly widened, their faces filled with disbelief, shock, and wild joy!

They had never imagined that, having only just arrived in Carnford, before their heels had even stood firm, before they had even had time to put forward any demands, this young lord would be so generous, so decisive, and directly grant them the very things they had