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nBosiden arrived, clad in an attire that belied his stature – a sheepskin hat perched atop his head, a brown leather jacket snugly fitting his frame, and black trousers that completed the guise of a merchant.

nAround the room stood Nora and her handmaidens, their presence a silent testament to the solemnity of the occasion.

nHoward, with a subtle gesture, beckoned one of the maids who promptly served a cup of coffee, its temperature perfected to a soothing warmth.

nExtending his hand towards Bosiden, Howard offered, “A cappuccino, I hope it’s to your liking.”

nBosiden nodded in appreciation, a silent gesture of gratitude towards Howard.

nGrasping the handle of the cup, he took a sip of the cappuccino, his expression revealing a genuine enjoyment of the brew.

n“Delicious,” he remarked.

nHoward then leaned forward, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and anticipation, “What did the Duke say? Is he perhaps alarmed by my rapid ascent?”

nBosiden relayed the Duke Jiakai’s silence to Howard, a response that seemed to bring a sense of satisfaction to Howard.

n“This is better than I had anticipated. His reluctance to act hastily against me gives us room for negotiation in the future.”

nBosiden concurred, seeing the Duke’s silence not as a setback but as a mutual respect for each other’s intentions and a promising start to their interactions.

nWith a clap of his hands, Howard prompted Nora to bring forth a document.

nHoward took the paper and laid it on the table.

nWith a deliberate motion, he slid the document across the table’s surface, stopping it right before Bosiden.

n“Take a look at this,” Howard suggested.

nBosiden, following the instruction, perused the document.

nAs he read, his expression gradually softened into one of joy and excitement.

n“My lord, this is exceedingly generous, I cannot possibly accept…”

nHoward cut him off, his tone firm yet benevolent, “When I give you an order, you follow it. As your Earl, this is my command. You are my vassal, and you must accept this.”

nThe document in question was not just any ordinary paper, but one filled with commendations and titles for Howard’s vassals.

nIn the Earl of Nok’s lands, scattered among a dozen villages, lay the castle of Nok.

nHoward bestowed three villages each to Anna and Margaret, two to Resarite, one to Bosiden, two to Vettel, and one to Alonso.

nKaido, however, was conspicuously overlooked, whether intentionally or not.

nHoward’s displeasure with Kaido stemmed from an incident when he had returned from Wislot to Castle Fernsouth.

nHe had seen Kaido hunting with his light cavalry, and remembered a previous occasion when he had asked for Kaido’s help, but Kaido had failed to provide cavalry support.

nBosiden, upon reading the document, suddenly stood up, moved aside, and knelt before Howard, vowing his unwavering loyalty and pledging to serve with all his might.

nHoward nodded, then instructed Bosiden to inform the individuals on the list and arrange for their investiture and additional titles at Castle Fernsouth the following day.

nBosiden left, filled with joy.

nNora approached Howard, who smiled at her.

nThe next day, Howard bestowed additional titles on Anna, Margaret, Resarite, and Bosiden.

nAnna playfully teased Howard, “Oh my, so you decided to bestow titles on us after all.

nYou didn’t mention a thing at the banquet, we thought you were going to renege on your promise.”

nHoward, with a smile on his face, replied, “Nonsense, I never made such a promise, so how could I renege?”

nAnna laughed in response.

nToday, Margaret had styled her hair into playful twin ponytails, complementing her white armor and presenting a charming yet gallant noble appearance.

nShe asked Howard, “Do I look good in this outfit?”

nHoward, with an indulgent gaze towards Margaret, replied, “You look beautiful, you always do in anything you wear.” Margaret’s face lit up with a happy smile. .

nResarite coughed slightly, and when Howard approached him, he leaned in close to Howard’s right ear and whispered, “Lord Howard, please forgive my forwardness. You should hasten the matter with Earl Terni’s daughter, Catherine. You’re soon to be married, and it’s important to be more composed, and not flirt around.”

nHoward managed a strained smile, internally feeling that Resarite was meddling too much; his pursuit of Catherine wasn’t for personal reasons.

nYet, he changed his tone and said, “Thank you for your advice. Once I finish with the ceremonies here, I’ll go to propose to Catherine.”

nResarite responded, “That’s good to hear. I wouldn’t want my lord’s personal life to become a mess.”

nHoward sneered inwardly but then felt a twinge of guilt towards Resarite, softening his attitude slightly.

nBosiden was radiant today.

nOnce a commoner serving under Knight Resarite, he had not only become a noble but had also received another village today, becoming a knight with more influence than those who held just one village.

nHe was delighted.

nBosiden was capable and ambitious.

nHis respect for Resarite was profound, and as long as Resarite didn’t oppose, Bosiden wouldn’t either.

nHowever, the matter of the war declaration fabrication before the last battle was not entirely resolved.

nDespite being of the same knightly status, Bosiden held significant discomfort towards Margaret.

nIf Howard could manage Bosiden well in the future, then Bosiden would likely refrain from any rash actions.

nHoward approached Bosiden, his voice laden with gravity and sincerity, “Bosiden, I am aware of your dissatisfaction regarding the proclamation of Mibo’s creation. You believe that Margaret usurped the recognition you were destined to receive. Moreover, you think her success was not earned through merit but was a result of her family connections.”

nBosiden, fraught with nervousness, couldn’t fathom how Howard had come to learn of these thoughts.

nFacing his feudal superior, Bosiden, as a vassal, was gripped by an instinctual fear.

nHe stuttered in response, “No, no, that’s not…”

nHoward let out a deliberate sigh, a gesture meant for Bosiden’s benefit.

nAfter sighing, he continued, “Bosiden, it’s understandable that you have these thoughts. But remember, Margaret offended you while undertaking tasks on my behalf. For my sake, could you let go of your resentment towards her?”

nBosiden felt a sudden release in his heart.

nHe saw Howard as a wise and discerning lord, enigmatic and profound.

nHis past grievances evaporated, and he assured, “My lord, your words carry great weight. The fault lies in my jealousy and envy. I was wrong.”

nThe ceremony of bestowal began in earnest.

nHoward conferred titles upon his vassals, imparting words of caution and encouragement.

nThen came the moment to knight Vettel and Alonso.

nTouching Vettel’s shoulder with his sword, Howard said, “You are a valued vassal of mine, and I hold you in high regard. I am in need of greater economic strength, and I hope you will serve me with even greater dedication. You can see that I never fail to reward those loyal to me.”

n“Vettel, from this day forth, you bear a family name, and your lineage starts its journey towards renown. If you have ambitions, join me in this journey. Let us conquer the heights and traverse the vastness together!”

nThese words instantly captivated Vettel.

nIn such a solemn ceremony, with countless onlookers bearing witness, Howard’s speech to Vettel was heard by many.

nVettel felt not only a deep sense of honor but also Howard’s profound trust in him.

nVettel nodded vigorously, assuring, “Rest assured, Lord Howard, I shall fulfill my duties with utmost diligence!”

nNext was Alonso’s turn.

nHoward, following the ritual, gently touched Alonso’s shoulder with a sword.

nAfter this symbolic gesture, Howard carefully chose his words, addressing Alonso, “You, Alonso, like Bosiden and Vettel, were chosen by me from Resarite. However, unlike them, you have not yet been granted power, and your true capabilities have not had the chance to shine.”

n“Today, I offer you such an opportunity. I hereby bestow upon you the title of knight. As my vassal, it is your duty to support me with loyalty and strength!”

nAlonso’s eyes gleamed with resolve as he responded, “My lord, your high regard for me, bestowing knighthood upon one who has yet to prove his worth, fills me with indescribable gratitude. Rest assured, my lord, I may not be a man of many words, but I vow to demonstrate my loyalty through my actions!”

nWith that, the ceremony of bestowal and elevation concluded grandly.

nHoward’s vassals rejoiced, all but one – Knight Kaido.

nAbsent from Castle Fernsouth, he had received an invitation but chose not to attend.

nWrath festered in his heart, for he felt overlooked.

nDespite his efforts, he had not been granted new lands like the others.

nKnight Kaido was in Windhaven Village, a domain long held by the Blauviolett family, his lineage.

nHe believed himself to be more deserving than his ancestors, convinced he should control more lands than they ever did.

nYet, he had been granted none.

nThe source of this content is .

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