Gathering Information

After an unknown amount of time, the elder lying in the rocking chair slowly opened his cloudy eyes. Upon noticing Velin standing beside him, a gentle expression appeared on his face. "Little Velin, what is it?"

"Elder, I apologize for disturbing you. I hope you can point me in the right direction." Seeing this, Velin first bowed respectfully before speaking with deference.

"Go on."

"It's like this. According to the family rules, this morning, in Father's study, I chose to become a Pioneer Knight. As for where I should go next, I hope you can offer me some guidance."

After hearing this, Miller closed his eyes and began to think.

Velin stood quietly at his side, waiting without the slightest hint of impatience.

"There are three places I consider good destinations. As for how you choose, that will be up to you."

"Please tell me, Elder."

Velin took out the paper and pen he had prepared beforehand, watching Miller intently as he waited for him to continue.

"The first is the Graylight Wasteland, located on the Kingdom's northwestern border. It is an excellent place for expansion. The monster races there are weak, and there are three Barons from the family in that direction who can provide you with some help."

"The second is the Leya Great Forest, located on the Kingdom's southwestern border, where it meets both the Duchy of Raikots to the south and the Kingdom of Kuber. It is highly dangerous, but the opportunities are great. Another Earl of the family is stationed there. You should know that."

Velin carefully recorded Miller's words, nodding as he did so.

"The third is the Northern New Lands. Three years ago, the Kingdom defeated the Mountain Dwarf Kingdom and seized a vast expanse of land that now needs people to develop it. However, you could face counterattacks from the Mountain Dwarves at any time, so the risks are considerable. Still, the Kingdom Legion guards the area, so there is no need to worry about safety."

"These three places are the best directions for expansion at present."

After finishing his notes, Velin discovered that the elder had fallen asleep again. He quietly thanked him, then left to think it over slowly.

Before returning to his room, Velin first went to the kitchen and took some white bread. Then he detoured to the Magic Tower and asked the Family Mage for two bottles of medicine to remove Slave Marks before finally heading back to his room.

By his estimate, the two twin youths he had rescued should have already awakened.

When he reached his door, Velin stopped, sensing that something was wrong.

Quiet. Far too quiet.

Then Velin kicked the door hard and stepped back several paces at the same time.

The Golden-haired Boy hiding by the door to launch a surprise attack was sent flying and slammed heavily onto the floor.

The Silver-haired Boy beside him, holding a wooden stick and preparing to strike, was stunned on the spot and stood there stupidly.

"Heh, still too green."

Velin stepped forward, snatched the wooden stick from the Silver-haired Boy's hand, grabbed him by the collar, and tossed him beside the Golden-haired Boy. He placed the food on the table, pulled out a chair, and sat before them with a stern expression.

Before he could speak, the Golden-haired Boy clutched his chest and forced himself to stand despite the pain. Shielding his younger brother behind him, he wore an expression of utter resolve and shouted, "My lord, please spare my brother. I am willing to become your loyal slave."

"What makes you think I would spare your brother?"

Velin stared into the Golden-haired Boy's eyes with a cold expression, releasing his aura as he deliberately rested a hand on the hilt of his Knight's Shortsword.

As an ordinary human, facing the aura released by a Bronze Knight, even if it was only at thirty percent strength, the Golden-haired Boy could barely endure it. Gritting his teeth as he struggled to remain standing, he said with difficulty, "Because my lord values us enough to buy us."

"As long as my lord is willing to spare my brother, I am willing to serve you for all eternity. Otherwise, we would rather kill ourselves and let you suffer the loss."

Looking at the Golden-haired Boy, Velin finally understood. The two of them had mistaken him for the person who had bought them. No wonder they had reacted this way.

However, he had no intention of explaining the truth just yet. There was no need.

"What I want is for both of you to serve me and become my Guardian Knights. What use would I have for just one of you?"

To prove his words, Velin drew his Knight's Shortsword and pointed it at the Golden-haired Boy, forcing him to make his final choice.

Either swear loyalty, or die.

For these two youths, whose hearts were in perfect sync and whose potential was immense, if he could not have them, he could only destroy them despite the pain.

The Golden-haired Boy looked at the Knight Sword gleaming beneath the sunlight, then turned to look at his younger brother's frightened expression. After struggling for a while, he finally chose to compromise.

He pulled his younger brother in front of him and forced him to kneel, then knelt on the floor behind him.

"My lord, we two brothers are willing to become your Guardian Knights."

"Good."

Velin sheathed his Knight's Shortsword, stood, and walked over to help them both up. "Rest assured. As my Guardian Knights, I will do everything in my power to train you."

"Thank you, my lord." The Golden-haired Boy breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly thanked him.

The Silver-haired Boy copied his brother, bowing as he said, "Thank you, my lord."

"Grrr—"

Hearing the sound, the Golden-haired Boy, who had seemed so resolute just moments ago, actually blushed in embarrassment.

Velin smiled and tossed the food on the table to them.

The two took the food and immediately began wolfing it down.

A few minutes later, the Golden-haired Boy finished the food in his hand, licked his fingers, and said, "My lord, this lowly slave is called Orlando, and my younger brother is called Hebrew."

"The term 'lowly slave' is how serfs and slaves refer to themselves. As my Guardian Knights, from now on, you may call yourselves by your names, or refer to yourselves as subordinates or retainers."

"Yes, my lord. Orlando understands."

Next, Velin patiently explained some common knowledge to the two of them.

As they continued talking, the two gradually lowered their guard and developed a certain degree of goodwill toward Velin.

As for the Slave Marks on their heads, Velin personally applied the medicine and removed the symbols of their slavery.

Looking in the mirror, the two brothers became overwhelmed with excitement when they saw that the Slave Marks on their foreheads had disappeared. They knelt on the floor and kowtowed to Velin.

Seeing this, Velin hurriedly helped them up and began explaining more common knowledge to them.

Orlando and Hebrew exchanged a glance. For a master like this, they made up their minds that as long as he did not abandon them, they would remain by his side forever and never leave him.

Afterward, Velin arranged for them to stay in the room beside his. He planned to teach them the Knight Awakening Method tomorrow, hoping they could get started before leaving Windsor Castle.

After a tiring day, Velin lay on his bed, took out the information he had recorded, and began considering which direction he should choose for expansion.

Velin had a general understanding of the Gray Mang Wasteland, the Leya Great Forest, and the Northern New Lands.