"You are all special to me," Velin said slowly as he looked at everyone.
Everyone believed him.
Since Kyle had become his lord's last Guardian Knight, no matter how outstanding someone was afterward, they received only slightly preferential treatment. No new Guardian Knights had been accepted.
"My wife is the person I trust most. You are the same—you are also the people I trust most."
"The prosperity of Qixing Territory today would not have been possible without your efforts."
"So, I thank you once again."
After speaking, Velin raised his right fist and struck his left shoulder, saluting the fifteen people.
Seeing this, everyone placed a hand over their chests and returned the salute.
After exchanging salutes, all sixteen rose at the same time.
Looking around, Velin's smile faded as he said, "After Kyle and I leave, Qixing Territory will be entrusted to you."
"Please rest assured, my lord. We will protect this land with our lives." Upon hearing this, the fourteen answered in unison, declaring their resolve.
Over the following hours, Velin spoke with everyone about many events from the past.
At three in the afternoon, the sixteen of them held an outdoor banquet in a garden in the Outer City District.
This time, Velin had not called Xuemiyya, nor had Kyle invited Lyanna. Orlando, Belder, and the other fourteen had likewise not called their wives.
Velin took out a hundred bottles of Glowing Wine from his Spatial Ring and said to everyone, "Tonight, no one may leave until all this Glowing Wine is finished. And no cheating."
Everyone smiled at that.
Everyone had seen their lord's drinking capacity for themselves, but since their lord had given the order, they naturally had to obey.
Since their lord could only drink one bottle, they would share the rest among themselves.