Mode

A few days later, Karl completed the enfeoffments. First to bear the brunt—naturally—was Brendan, whose military achievements were the greatest and whose prestige stood the highest.

This fierce general, who had followed Karl since his humble beginnings, had long since become the de facto number two figure in the Carnford Army.

During the Tyrol campaign, he led his troops in the first breakthrough of the enemy's left flank, repeatedly blunting their edge. In the life-or-death "Hannibal" operation, Karl entrusted him with the heavy responsibility of overall command, and he successfully rescued eight thousand refugees. His merit was towering.

His prestige among the infantry had long been established, he was deeply respected among the cavalry as well, and even the officers and men of the newly formed navy held him in great confidence.

Whether in terms of credit, toil, or ability, he was without question the foremost man.

Thus, Karl granted him the most central and richest part of the Southwest Peninsula—Hegoland Valley and the surrounding mountain forests—and raised his nobility title from knight to baron.

This territory not only had fertile land and abundant resources, but also sat astride the key route into the interior of the Southwest Peninsula. Its strategic position was crucial.

Handing this vital place to Brendan was both the highest honor and reward, and also meant placing the heavy burden of defending the western gate squarely upon the shoulders of the man he trusted most.

No one within the core circle objected to this decision. Brendan's achievements and position truly had no equal.

Next came the young general Roland. He had likewise performed brilliantly during the Tyrol campaign, fighting with ferocity and commanding with decisiveness.

More importantly, after the war, Karl had entrusted him with the heavy task of forming and training the newly organized Third