When the army reached Ridge Territory, it was time for Velin and Brian to part ways.
Before the castle gates, Brian's wife Eleanor stood beneath a large tree with a young man, occasionally gazing into the distance with anticipation in her eyes.
They had not seen each other or heard any news for ten years. Every day, she feared a messenger from the royal capital would arrive bearing an order for the succession of the title.
Blessed by the Goddess of Life, her husband had returned safely.
Rayat sat beside his mother, gently patting her back to calm her excited emotions.
"Madam, Young Master Rayat, an army is approaching," an officer reported respectfully as he came beneath the tree.
Hearing this, Eleanor stood and led her child toward the distance.
When they reached a low hill, Eleanor saw the marching column stretching for dozens of kilometers, especially the banner at its very front, and the unease in her heart finally faded.
Compared to words in a letter, she would rather see her husband return safely with her own eyes.
"Mother, is that army behind them Uncle Velin's force?" Rayat looked at the distant marching troops. Whether in discipline or combat strength, they could rival the garrison stationed at Windsor Castle.
"Most likely. After all, the banner they're flying belongs to Qixing Territory." At this point, Eleanor turned to her child and instructed him, "When you see Uncle Velin later, be polite, understand?"
"Mother, don't worry. I'm not some arrogant, ignorant person," Rayat said softly.
During his years at Windsor Castle, his grandmother and great-grandmother had taught him many things. Unfortunately, his father had joined the Expeditionary War, leaving only his mother to struggle to support Ridge Territory.
In the third year after his father left, he returned to Ridge Territory