Reunion with an Old Friend

Early the next morning, Alex led a cavalry unit to the inland river dock closest to Iron Tree City. As soon as he arrived outside the dock, he saw a fleet moored there. After examining the flags on the ships, he recognized the Golden Sunflower Crest and the Great Oak Crest.

Just then, a small group of cavalry emerged from the dock. The cavalry behind Alex hurried forward and blocked them in a defensive formation.

But when Alex looked closely, he immediately shouted, "No one is to stop Marquis Victor!"

The newcomer was Victor and his personal guard. When Victor saw Alex, an almost imperceptible glimmer of joy flashed through his eyes.

He patted the back of his fine horse and urged it to speed up toward Alex. Riding with Victor on the same horse was Brando, the young count of the Great Oak Family.

As Victor drew closer, Alex did not dare delay and quickly urged his mount forward to meet him.

When the two horses were still more than a dozen paces apart, Alex made a nimble movement, swiftly flipping down from the saddle and striding toward Victor.

Before his horse had even come to a complete stop, Victor leaped from the saddle. Then the two friends, reunited after a long separation, embraced tightly.

The reunion filled them with joy. Alex spoke first. "It's been more than half a year since we last met. You seem to have put on quite a bit of weight!

Unfortunately, I was truly too busy at the beginning of the year to go to the Two Rivers Territory and offer my blessings for your child with Veronica."

Victor patted Alex's shoulder. "You're the one who looks different. How have you gotten so much thinner since we last met?"

He had been too