Karl Became a Servant
Charlotte almost immediately dropped the commander's posture she had maintained outside.
She let out a long sigh of relief, and without looking back, walked straight to the large chair at the head of the hall that belonged to the Lord, and threw herself into it.
Then, she casually kicked off her muddy and blood-stained boots, leaving them to fall haphazardly onto the smooth stone ground.
Then he casually placed his two long legs on the smooth wooden table, his calves aching from riding for so long.
"Phew... I'm finally alive..." She leaned back in her chair, eyes closed, uttering a series of muffled complaints, her voice filled with the exhaustion of the long journey and the complete relaxation of being back in safety. "These past few days have been so bumpy, my bones feel like they're going to fall apart..."
She rubbed her aching calves and sighed weakly, "I'm starving... Karl, hurry and get me something to eat! I want meat!"
Karl was taken aback, a strange feeling rising in his heart.
This is clearly my castle, so why do I feel like I've become her servant, doing her bidding?
However, looking at Charlotte's exhausted yet self-righteous appearance, he couldn't bring himself to refuse her at all; instead, he found it rather amusing.
"Okay." He smiled helplessly, turned around, and prepared to go outside to see what else was available to eat.
By this time, the large cavalry contingent, greeted by Edgar, was marching towards the gates of Carnford Fortress.
When this massive caravan, a mix of standard Broomflower armor and a motley collection of Sauron's spoils, with the bodies of their fallen comrades still on their backs, appeared before the people of Carnford, the shock and astonishment it caused was unimaginable.
People stopped what they were doing and stared in disbelief at the army that seemed to have returned from blood and fire.
Edgar housed his soldiers in semi-subterranean dwellings in the outer city.
Just a few months ago, this place was home to Carnford's first slaves.
Now all those slaves have been pardoned by Karl and become Freemen.
Today, most of them have moved into stone houses in the newly built, more comfortable new living area, while these former "homes" are temporarily used to house the wounded and exhausted soldiers.
Karl stood on a slightly higher point, looking down at the orderly yet somewhat crowded camp.
Edgar, Old Morrell, Brendan, and others were bustling about inside, directing the staff to assign beds.
Villagers with some medical knowledge and the army's medics were arranged to clean the wounds and change the bandages of the wounded soldiers.
The air was filled with the bitter smell of herbs and the aroma of stewed meat.
Looking at these low-lying houses, Karl couldn't help but recall the changes that had taken place in Carnford over the past few months.
Starting from ruins and despair, the fortress is now taking shape, and the rye and peas in the fields are growing well and about to be harvested for the first time.
The people began to have some surplus food, and their faces were no longer numb and hungry, but filled with hope for the future.
"As long as we can withstand the Sauron's deadliest siege..." Karl murmured to himself, "Once the harvest is harvested, I can begin implementing the most important measure: taxation."
He knew that a territory could not rely on blood donations from the family and spoils of war forever.
Establishing a stable and sustainable tax system is the cornerstone for Carnford to truly achieve self-reliance and prosperity.
This requires both strength and timing, and now, the biggest test is about to begin.
Just as he was pondering this, Edgar noticed his arrival and quickly jogged over, his tone as steady and efficient as ever. "Sir, I'm reporting that all the returning cavalrymen have been properly settled."
"There are still some semi-subterranean emergency shelters inside the fortress that have not yet been demolished. Although they are simple, they can provide shelter from the wind and rain, and they have all been provided for their use."
"The kitchen had just slaughtered a batch of pigs, chickens, and ducks, and boiled a large pot of meat broth. Each soldier was given hot soup and bread, enough to dispel the cold and fatigue."
Karl was very pleased with Edgar's swift and thoughtful arrangements, and nodded. "Well done, Edgar, thank you for your hard work."
Edgar bowed slightly. "This is my duty, sir. Is there anything else you require?"
Karl said, "Please arrange some food for Charlotte, a good feast, and also boil some hot water and send it to the castle; Charlotte needs a bath to relax."
"Yes, sir, I will take care of it immediately," Edgar nodded in agreement.
After saying that, he turned around to make the arrangements.
Karl then summoned the old knight Brendan, who was inspecting the wounded.
His expression turned serious. "Brendan and Charlotte have just dealt a heavy blow to an elite Sauron cavalry force. The Sauron will not let this go easily. The defeated soldiers must have already brought the news back. The Sauron are eager for revenge and will likely send a large army to pursue them."
His gaze swept across the entire Carnford, his tone resolute. "Charlotte and her group traveled at breakneck speed; they simply didn't have the time or energy to conceal their movements, especially such a large group that it was impossible to hide them."
"We cannot afford to be complacent. The Sauron scouts will soon discover that they haven't returned to Fran City, but have instead come to Carnford. This place will soon become their primary target for revenge!"
"Pass on my order," Karl's voice was resolute and unquestionable, "From this moment on, Carnford is on high alert. All militia members cease their daily work and return to their units immediately!"
"Double the number of sentries, maintain 24-hour vigil! Inspect and reinforce all fortifications again! All stockpiled arrows, logs, and stones are in place! We must be fully prepared to meet the siege of Sauron army!"
Brendan's expression immediately turned extremely serious. He pounded his chest and bowed deeply. "Understood, sir! I will make the arrangements immediately! I will not allow those barbarians to set foot in Carnford so easily!"