Baron Brian

"No, it could also be the family with the best reputation." Having learned of the hidden catch, Velin shook his head and said to Belder.

"Master, why is that?"

Belder shook the blood from his Knight Longsword, sheathed it, and asked in confusion.

"There are many intricacies involved. I can't explain them clearly in a short while. When soldiers come, we block them with generals; when water comes, we dam it with earth. Whatever difficulties we encounter, we need only shatter them with the swords in our hands."

Seeing that Velin was unwilling to elaborate, Belder did not press further. He returned to the convoy, reorganized the group, and prepared to set off.

Velin looked at the bandit corpses left exposed in the wilderness, his gaze deep as he continued to ponder.

Over the next few days of travel, Velin encountered no more bandits. Perhaps those hyenas had learned that the convoy was formidable and were unwilling to suffer losses for nothing, so they chose to give up.

After crossing the wilderness, they finally reached their second destination—Ridge Mountain, the territory of Baron Brian.

Before Velin had even entered Ridge Territory, Baron Brian had already learned of their whereabouts.

Brian had only been developing his territory for six years, and his career was in its ascendant. He was extremely sensitive to the surrounding situation.

After all, a party of more than two hundred people was highly conspicuous along the border of the Graylight Wasteland.

Walking at the front of the group, Velin saw dust rising in the distance. He gathered Battle Qi in his eyes and discovered a large force approaching them, then immediately ordered Belder and the others to prepare for battle.

"Is that Cousin Velin ahead?" A rough voice rang out, easing his wariness somewhat. He urged his horse forward to meet them.

The newcomer wore loose clothing, with a Knight Longsword hanging at his waist. Several knights and more than thirty Knight Squires surrounded him.

"Cousin, it has been a long time. I have missed you greatly. Have you been well?" Velin rode forward and saw that Brian looked no different from when he had left Windsor Castle six years ago.

"Welcome, Velin." Brian dismounted, spread his arms, and gave Velin a fierce embrace, showing great enthusiasm.

"Cousin, I will have to trouble you for the next few days. I hope you will not mind."

"What are you saying? Alick happens to be visiting my castle as well. When the time comes, we can have a good exchange."

When Velin heard that the third person he intended to visit was in Brian's castle, he was overjoyed. "Orlando, bring over the second wooden chest from the second carriage."

Orlando, who stood behind Velin holding the horses, went to the second carriage and carried a heavy chest over to the two men.

Velin stepped forward and opened the wooden chest, revealing the Excellent Grade Knight Full Plate Armor inside.

Baron Brian stared at the gleaming armor, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.

"Cousin, what do you think of this gift?"

"How could I possibly accept this? Then I shall not refuse." Baron Brian stepped forward and stroked the Excellent Grade Knight Full Plate Armor that now belonged to him as though caressing his own woman.

Hearing his self-contradictory words, Velin knew he was still the same familiar person, with little change.

Perhaps because outsiders were present, Baron Brian realized he had lost his composure. He coughed a few times to hide the awkwardness, then had someone carry away the chest before saying, "Velin, come. I'll take you to my castle. Tonight, I will hold a grand banquet for you."

"Haha, Cousin Brian, I'm looking forward to it."

Baron Brian led the way ahead, guiding Velin's party toward his castle.

After traveling more than ten kilometers, the group arrived at a narrow yet practical war fortress.

The castle walls were covered in spikes to prevent creatures from climbing inside.

Beyond that, there were far more ballistae and crossbows atop the walls than Velin had expected. In the Open Space not far from the castle, over a thousand young and strong men were practicing simple thrusts under the instruction of several knights.

Judging by their clothing, they were likely commoners of Ridge Territory.

Following Velin's gaze, Baron Brian smiled and explained, "Velin, the borderlands are not peaceful. These are preparations against monster raids."

"Cousin, you have achieved quite a lot in these six years."

"Of course. Who do you think I am? I'm Brian, the man destined to become the sixth count of the Ex Family."

Hearing Velin's praise, Brian showed off proudly and spoke in a loud voice.

Suddenly, Brian seemed to remember something. Without the slightest reservation, he asked, "Velin, didn't you say as a child that you wanted to stay in Eagle Territory? Why did you come out to become a Pioneer Knight?"

"It's a long story, and not worth telling. Let's just say I suddenly came to my senses."

"That's right. As a man of the Ex Family, you must become a Pioneer Knight and fight for your own territory. Only then can you live up to our ancestors..."

"Alright, Cousin, we can discuss that later. Take me inside to see your castle first. I can't wait to learn more about your fortress." Velin hurriedly cut Brian off and changed the subject, afraid that he might keep talking for hours.

Upon entering the hall, he saw a refined-looking man sitting quietly in a chair, drinking tea.

"Velin, this is Alick. He is, well... uh..." Baron Brian scratched the back of his head, unable to recall how Velin should address him.

Having done his homework, Velin rolled his eyes at Brian, stepped forward, and embraced the unfamiliar man. "Cousin Alick, I'm very pleased to meet you."

"I'm also very pleased to meet you, my brother." Alick froze for a moment at the sudden embrace, then recovered and returned it in the same manner.

Baron Brian gave an embarrassed smile from the side. He had never been able to sort out the many relationships within the family and often mistook his own relatives.

"My lord, the banquet arrangements are complete. Please proceed to the dining hall." A white-bearded Butler entered the hall and respectfully reported to Brian.

"Velin, Alick, dinner is ready. Let's attend the banquet first and chat while we eat. Velin can also tell us about what has happened in the family over the past thirty years."

Baron Brian greeted the two and led them toward his dining hall.

During dinner, Velin and Alick had a pleasant conversation. Their topics covered all manner of subjects, including the Kingdom's politics, geography, neighboring countries, and more. They seemed able to talk about anything.

Watching the two get along so well, Brian was very happy.

His cousin and his brother were getting along so well, and he was delighted from the bottom of his heart.

What he did not know was that although Velin and Alick talked about everything, both remained guarded against the other and kept up appearances perfectly.

As time passed, the banquet ended. Velin dragged his tired body to the room Brian had arranged for him.

Lying in bed, Velin closed his eyes and recalled the conversations from the banquet. Combining them with the information he had obtained from Baron Olcott, he considered which area of the Graylight Wasteland would be best as his initial direction.

He had only one requirement: ensure safety first, then discuss everything else.

Brian and Alick both recommended that Velin develop toward the northwest of the Graylight Wasteland, which was completely contrary to the direction Baron Olcott had recommended.

Because of the information gained through Guidance of Fate, Baron Olcott's recommended direction was not viable. That left only the northwest of the Graylight Wasteland.

Did that not mean he had no choice at all?

If he did not consider the risks, the southwest of the Graylight Wasteland would be a good choice.

Forget it. Safety comes first. I'll choose the northwest. With Guidance of Fate, once I grow strong enough, the entire Graylight Wasteland will be mine. Will I still need to choose then?

Having made up his mind, Velin began to fall asleep.