Black Horse Island Viscount (Third Update, Bonus Chapter for 1,800 Monthly Votes)

"May I serve milord unto death!"

Excited, impassioned, trembling roars echoed through Tulip Hall, where the knighting ceremony had already begun.

The five Earth Knights whose military merits had accumulated sufficiently held medals symbolizing the title of Baronet Knight, hot tears spilling from the corners of their eyes. The efforts of several generations had finally borne fruit in their generation. Glory had been bestowed upon them, and they were incomparably proud.

Thinking back to those days.

The ancestor of the Tulip Family had also risen from commoner stock. Even earlier ancestors might have been serfs from some unknown country. Their great-grandfather, born with immense strength, had returned alive from the battlefield and been granted the title of Baronet Knight, hereditary in perpetuity. From there, the family had developed and expanded step by step, becoming the count's family it was today.

A Baronet Knight was a new starting point in a noble's ascent. Though the road ahead would not be smooth sailing, and they could die on the battlefield at any time, they already had a clear path—sons inheriting their fathers' work and forging ahead through enterprise.

The five new Baronet Knights solemnly performed the standard knight's oath of fealty before the Count seated at the head.

The Count accepted it calmly.

Afterward.

The knighting ceremony swiftly entered its true climax. The Count's squire knights entered the hall carrying a metal civilization cane symbolizing authority and a viscount's medal symbolizing glory, then stood to one side. Another squire knight carried William Tulip's ceremonial sword.

The Count rose from his seat.

After taking two steps, he said in a deep voice, "My son, and also my follower, Liszt Tulip. I shall repay courage with glory, loyalty with love, and betrayal with vengeance. Let Knight's Glory bear witness!"

Liszt stepped forward. Following the