The atmosphere in the room was solemn and silent, as if even the air had become stagnant. At this moment, there was a rush of footsteps outside the door, and then the door was pushed open, and Liz City Lord strode in. His eyes quickly swept across the people in the room, and his tight shoulders finally relaxed slightly. "It's good that you are okay... I didn't expect such a thing to happen in the royal city."
Herbert immediately stood up and walked forward quickly. "Thanks to Yavi for being alert, otherwise we might have been killed silently in our sleep."
Liz nodded with a serious expression. "I have reported the battle of Tuck Fortress to the king, and now His Majesty wants to see you - Herbert, Jace, and Yavi." He paused and looked at the women in the room, "Madam and ladies can stay here, my personal guards will guard the door to ensure safety."
Herbert nodded, and immediately arranged his clothes with Jace and Yavi to prepare for departure. Before leaving, Yavi quietly walked to Mel, He took out a round metal bomb and a ring inlaid with dark patterns from his arms, and whispered, "If you encounter danger, throw this. The ring has defense Signs. Once activated, I will sense it immediately and rush back as quickly as possible."
Mel looked down at the two things in his hands and nodded solemnly.
The three of them followed Liz away. In the corridor, heavily armed guards were already lined up on guard, scanning every corner with sharp eyes.
On the way to the audience hall, Liz lowered his voice and explained the etiquette details to the three people, "Remember, when facing the king, touch your heart with your right hand, take a half step back with your left foot, and keep your back straight when bowing to salute..." Herbert and Jace began to sign. Seeing this, Liz sighed, "Forget it, you can just perform the standard military salute."
His eyes turned to Yavi, who nodded slightly to express his understanding. When Liz demonstrated aristocratic etiquette, Yavi's movements were even more standard than his - his right hand gracefully drew an arc in front of his chest, and his left leg retreated just right. The whole gesture was respectful yet dignified. A hint of approval flashed in Liz's eyes.
When they came to the door of the audience hall, two rows of heavily armored guards glowed coldly under the torch. Seeing Liz, the guards uniformly fisted their chests, and the sound of metal collisions echoed in the corridor. The heavy oak door slowly opened, and the inlaid golden coat of arms flowed in the light.
The scene in the hall is breathtaking - twelve white marble columns inlaid with gold wire support the dome painted with the deeds of the kings of the past, and the guards standing on both sides are like a forest of halberds. On the high platform, King Baldwin Picturesek sits on the lion throne, with the golden light of the crown shining between his silver beard and hair, and the majesty of the king is reflected in the wrinkles carved by the years.
Liz led everyone to stand seven steps in front of the throne, and said loudly, "Liz·Maguire brings Herbert·Morgan, Jace·Morgan, Yavi·Morgan to meet His Majesty."
After the words fell, Liz and Yavi saluted at the same time - touching their hearts with their right hands, stepping back with their left foot, and the angle of their bows was as precise as if measured with a protractor. Herbert and Jace straightened their backs and punched their left chests with their fists, making a dull impact sound. Four low-hanging heads cast shadows of varying depths on the smooth marble floor.
In the shadow to the left of the king, stood a short, fat, middle-aged man in lavender warlock uniform. The amethyst-encrusted staff in his hand shone slightly, and a pair of tiny eyes looked back and forth on Yavi, as if he wanted to see through him.
"Get up, Marquis Liz, Baron Herbert." The king's deep and majestic voice echoed in the hall. After everyone stood up, he continued, "Liz has reported in detail the battle of Tuck Fortress. Morgan Family should be rewarded for his heroic performance."
A steward in a crimson dress came forward with a roll of gold-gilded parchment in his hands and slowly unfolded it in front of everyone. A clear and clear reading sounded immediately:
"Fislo Baron Herbert Morgan, who fought bravely in the Tuck Fortress offensive and defensive battle, is specially awarded the title of 'Guardian of the Border'. The territory is expanded by ten kilometers, exempted from taxes for three years, and enjoys judicial immunity. Specific permissions can be obtained from the Ministry of Justice later."
Herbert's bronze face flashed with joy, but soon returned to seriousness. He immediately performed a standard military salute. "Thank you, Your Majesty for your grace."
The manager continued to read, "Jace Morgan, specially approved to join Boren Knights for five years of further study, and will be awarded the status of a royal knight after graduation."
Young Jace's eyes lit up, and he hit his chest with his fist with a crisp sound, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your cultivation!"
When the steward's eyes turned to Yavi, he unexpectedly closed the scroll. King Baldwin on the throne leaned forward slightly, his silver-white beard swaying slightly with his movements. "As for you, Yavi Morgan... you not only have the most outstanding military exploits, but also captured important enemy figures alive. Tell me, what reward do you want?"
The entire hall suddenly became quiet, and even the breathing of the guards could be heard clearly. Yavi straightened his back and looked directly at the king with his blue eyes. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. But I personally have nothing to ask for. I am willing to give this honor to the family."
The king's profound eyes stayed on Yavi's face for a moment, and suddenly he raised his head and let out a burst of loud laughter. "Hahaha! It's exactly what Liz said!" After the laughter subsided, he turned to the attendant. "The proposed edict: From now on, Herbert Morgan will be promoted to Viscount, and he will enjoy royal resource subsidies for the construction and development of Fislo's territory."
This decision shocked everyone present. A hint of surprise flashed in Yavi's eyes - this was not only an improvement in title, but also a leap in the social status of the entire family. Herbert was so excited that his beard trembled slightly. When he saluted again, the force of his fist on his chest was a little heavier than before.
The king nodded with satisfaction, but his gaze meaningfully swept over Yavi and the purple-robed warlock who had been silent. The stained glass on the dome of the hall refracted the sunlight into colorful colors, casting unpredictable light and shadow among everyone.
After the steward put away the edict and retired, the king's majestic face suddenly darkened. He held the armrests of the throne with both hands and leaned forward slightly. "First of all, I must apologize for this matter." There was unquestionable majesty in the low voice, "It is the royal family's dereliction of duty that you encountered such danger in the royal city last night."
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became solemn. The purple-robed warlock's fingers tapped lightly on the staff, making a subtle clicking sound.
"I have ordered the entire city to be under martial law." The king continued, his sharp eyes scanning everyone, "The Royal Guards and Shadow Agents are pursuing this matter. Until the crisis is resolved..." He paused, and his tone turned into a gentle tone that could not be refused, "I hope that you can stay in the royal city. This is not only for your safety, but also to make it easier to cooperate with the investigation."
Herbert immediately saluted. "I am following His Majesty's will. It is our honor to help with the investigation."
The king nodded slightly, but his eyes stayed on Yavi: "Especially you, Yavi Morgan. Since the target of those assassins is likely to be you, then..." His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne, "I will arrange for you to live in White Tower District. It will be guarded by the most elite guards."
Yavi was about to speak, but the king raised his hand and said, "No need to refuse. This is not only the protection of the hero, but also the responsibility of the royal family." After saying that, he turned to Liz, "Marquis, it is up to you to arrange the specific matters."
Liz immediately bowed and accepted the order, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The king leaned back on the throne tiredly and waved his hand. "That's it for today. You all go and rest first. Someone will take you to your new residence later." With this movement, his wide sleeves glowed golden in the sun, and the lion emblem embroidered on the sleeves seemed to be roaring silently.