The young knight before them was incredibly handsome, even more so than Ryan.
With a full forehead and a jade-like face, his blue eyes seemed especially sincere, instantly endearing him to others. His words seemed to carry a subtle magic, convincing the guards and Carsonberg almost immediately of his sincerity.
More importantly, there was a barely perceptible aura about him, his vigor overflowing, clearly indicating he had recently advanced to the legendary level and was still struggling to control his overflowing vitality.
The guards felt that traveling with such a young, handsome, and charismatic knight would be a pleasure, and they were almost ready to agree.
Only Ryan remained calm. He looked at the young knight named Matthew Bard, then at the roadside sign.
They were only thirty kilometers from Bodrioux.
"Uh... Mr. Matthew Bard, we are only thirty kilometers from Bodrioux. With outposts and inns along the way, I don't think it's necessary for us to travel together," Ryan diplomatically refused the young knight's request. "This isn't the wilderness, and we have families with us, so it's inconvenient to travel together. I hope you understand, Mr. Matthew Bard."
"Ah, I was a bit presumptuous. Please forgive me, noble Grail Knight." The young knight's smile faltered, but he spoke sincerely. "I apologize for not understanding the situation."
"It's okay. I would gladly accompany you if it were just the two of us, but it's not convenient now." Ryan looked regretful, but his tone of refusal was clear: "I'm sure you'll find a willing group of knights to join, Mr. Matthew Bard."
"No, no, I'll find a place to rest!" Matthew Bard was cheerful and lively, seemingly not bothered by the rejection. He turned his horse and headed for a nearby inn.
"We'll keep moving and rest at the next inn," Ryan signaled the group to continue.
"Yes, my baron." No one dared to contradict the Grail Knight's command, especially with Ryan's growing prestige.
After a while, Ryan said to his butler, "You must be wondering why I refused the young knight's request to join us. He seems about my age, strong, and polite."
"Indeed, my baron. You must have your reasons," Carsonberg replied.
"Yes, I do." Ryan nodded, pursing his lips. "It's just too perfect, which made me suspicious."
"Suspicious?"
"Yes, Carsonberg, don't you think? A ranger knight, not a mission knight, carrying the shield of Connaught but appearing so perfect... His control over expression, proper attire and conversation skills, he seemed flawless. And he has a mixed-blood elven warhorse, a mithril sword, and a full set of shiny armor..." Ryan frowned. "It seems a bit abnormal."
"You're right, my baron. It is a bit abnormal," Carsonberg agreed, now fully alert. "As you said, even a poorer earl's territory couldn't afford such a young man without any attendants."
"Maybe he has them but didn't want us to see?" Ryan pondered. "Then why wouldn't he let us see his attendants and instead come alone to join our group?"
"Maybe he really is alone?" Carsonberg initially wanted to defend the young knight, but soon realized the contradiction: "Alright, my baron, now I also find him strange. His words seemed to have a magic effect; I unconsciously believed him without thinking."
"If it were just me traveling, I'd take the chance to observe him," Ryan explained. "But the situation is different now. Lady Surya and others are in the carriage, and I must consider their safety. A knight's duty is to protect."
"I admire your wisdom and judgment, my baron. Your choice is correct," Carsonberg accepted Ryan's view wholeheartedly. "Your considerations are always so far-reaching."
"Caution is always best, don't you think, Abel?" Ryan asked the demon hunter accompanying them.
"I have no objections to Lord Ryan's decision," the demon hunter, carrying two swords, nodded.
"I have a feeling that this Matthew Bard is not so simple. We'll probably meet him again at the banquet."
That evening, Ryan and his group found an inn to stay in Boldero. As expected, the arrival and stay of the Grail Knight made the innkeeper feel honored. Soldiers raised Ryan's family crest, a red and white shield with a white book and sword, surrounded by two ribbons with a golden grail shining in the center. The innkeeper and his staff bowed deeply to Ryan, and all the guests stood to express their respect.
Respect, honor, and zeal - this was the embodiment of a Grail Knight's status in this country. Even in the most remote villages, tales of these paragons of virtue were told, recounting their glorious deeds in the name of the Lady. It was said many Grail pilgrims liked to follow solitary Grail Knights, collecting almost everything they discarded - broken armor pieces, clothes, even discarded food remnants. These devout scavengers followed their idols with fervent enthusiasm, rejoicing in every action of the knights and loudly praising their every word.
Some Grail Knights didn't reject these pilgrims, as they could serve as attendants and help in battle. However, Ryan disliked it and sternly refused the pilgrims, telling them he didn't need followers.
The pilgrims left joyfully, pleased to have attracted the Grail Knight's attention, with some even carving Ryan's words into their skin as a memento.
Ryan was somewhat speechless, but devoutness and ignorance were indeed powerful weapons against chaos and corruption. In such cases, he didn't have much to say, as people's beliefs and fervor could coalesce in the aethereal realm as power for the Lady of the Lake.
Surya then joined Ryan, standing beside him with the air of a couple. Her blue eyes shimmered as she calmly made her requests: "Please ensure the rooms are clean, and I do not wish any 'gaps' in the room."
"Please arrange for Lord Ryan's room next to mine, and ensure our people occupy the entire floor," Surya stated authoritatively.
"We will serve you with our utmost dedication, lady!" The innkeeper responded eagerly, then gestured for his staff to prepare the rooms.
The group booked three floors - Ryan in a room alone, the three girls in a large room together, and the remaining rooms for the attendants. The demon hunter Abel chose a small room on the second floor, needing only a place to rest.
...
The next day, they finally arrived at the capital of Boldero, Bodrioux.
Bodrioux, a city of twenty thousand people, was a premium port city. From a distance, the vast harbor was controlled by Sea Knights and numerous Britannian navies, with a giant round castle standing on a stone mountain several kilometers from the coast, its blue spires and huge tridents of the Sea God fluttering atop the castle.
Unlike many cities, Bodrioux's harbor was outside the city. Duke Boldero had built numerous watchtowers and outposts on the road from the harbor to the city.
Despite the cold weather, Surya insisted on riding alongside Ryan. As they approached Bodrioux, her gaze sharpened at the distant castle: "Ryan, do you know why Duke Boldero has the harbor outside the city?"
"I don't know, but I'm eager to listen."
"Boldero is constantly harassed by dark elven pirates, so separating the harbor from the city aids defense," Surya said, observing the Sea Knights patrolling the harbor. "Additionally, invaders from Estalia occasionally harass Boldero's borders from Breleon, and the Red Duke to the north is interested in Duke Boldero's wealth. Since becoming duke, Boldero has never had more than four years of peace."
"Because of this, Duke Boldero is strong but indifferent. He often appears on the front lines to boost morale. Although he's not a Grail Knight, his presence boosts the soldiers' spirits, letting them know he stands with them," Surya continued, her eyes sharp. "I always believe a true knight should be like this, governing civilians off the horse and leading the army on the horse, always fighting to protect their land and people."
"A knight's purpose is to protect - our lands, our country, the Lady's sacred ground," Surya declared with a resilient air, her expression firm. "I feel the same."
"I think Duke Boldero is a figure worthy of respect," she stated with conviction, her demeanor different from her usual gentle and caring manner.
Ryan knew, despite her approachability, she was a ducal lady and noble, raised as a knight from childhood.
"In my eyes, Lady Surya, you too are a figure worthy of respect." Ryan felt a vision of a gentle yet strong, beautiful yet noble woman entering his heart. He softly said, "If you don't mind, I would be honored to call you a friend."
"Ryan..." Surya's strong facade momentarily wavered.
Quickly regaining her composure, she softly replied, "In the future, just call me Surya."
"Okay..."
In the distance, a group of elite soldiers and several knights awaited them, led by Ryan's acquaintance, Boldero's great merchant Ismael, who was helping him build his castle.
"Welcome, Lord Ryan! On behalf of Boldero and Duke Boldero, we are honored by your arrival," Ismael greeted warmly, bowing with a hand on his chest.
"Hello, Mr. Ismael," Ryan extended his hand politely.
"Hello, Mr. Ismael," Lady Surya also shook hands with Ismael, her flawless noble smile in place. "It's an honor to meet you."
"Ah, Lady Surya's presence honors us in Boldero. Frankly, our court was betting on whether Lord Ryan would bring a lady companion and who it would be," Ismael said, kneeling on one knee and briefly raising her hand, symbolizing a kiss.
He kneeled because Lady Surya's status was much higher than his, and in the etiquette of hand-kissing, one should not kiss the hand of an unmarried lady or a married woman who dislikes it, so Ismael merely symbolically raised her hand by two centimeters.
"Please come in, Lord Ryan, Lady Surya."
"The duke is waiting for you inside the city gate."
___________________
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