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Gavin sidestepped and easily avoided Ryan's sword strike, then, in a flash, thrust forward, moving faster than the eye could follow, aiming straight at Ryan.
Ryan hurriedly tried to block, but it was already too late. In just two moves, Gavin had knocked Instructor Ryan's sword from his hands.
Gavin's sword was now lightly pressed against Ryan's neck as he smiled and said, "Instructor Ryan, you've lost."
Instructor Ryan was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. "Good lad, You have truly surpassed your teacher!"
Gavin sheathed his sword and respectfully bowed to Ryan. "Instructor Ryan, all of this is thanks to your years of guidance."
At that moment, Ser Edmund walked over with a smile, his eyes filled with admiration. "Gavin, your growth has been remarkable. I truly did not misjudge you."
Gavin quickly bowed in respect. "My lord, I am grateful for your help and nurturing."
Ser Edmund patted Gavin on the shoulder. "Child, I have witnessed your growth firsthand. But remember, a true knight must possess not only exceptional swordsmanship but also noble character and unwavering conviction."
Gavin nodded solemnly. "My lord, I understand."
Ser Edmund gazed at Gavin's familiar face with a look of nostalgia, his eyes softening. The sight of Gavin reminded him of his older brother, Morton Cotstayne. Apart from the difference in hair color, Gavin's face bore an uncanny resemblance to his brother, making Ser Edmund feel as though his brother had come back to life.
After a brief pause to collect his thoughts, Ser Edmund spoke again. "Gavin, with your abilities, I would suggest you serve as a squire for either the Tyrell family or the Redwyne family. Have you considered it? Of course, I would recommend the Tyrells, as it would greatly benefit your future."
Gavin lowered his head slightly, his expression conflicted. "My lord, I appreciate your kind offer. However, I would like to spend some time studying at the Citadel, so I hope we can put this decision on hold for now."
Ser Edmund looked surprised. "Studying in the Citadel? Child, scholars cannot pursue glory; they must abandon their family name."
Gavin spoke earnestly, "My lord, my thirst for knowledge is no less than my desire for glory. Besides, one can study without taking the vow to become a Maester."
Ser Edmund studied Gavin for a long while before finally speaking. "If you are truly determined, I can write you a letter of recommendation."
Gavin bowed deeply in gratitude. "Thank you, my lord!"
Ser Edmund, a little surprised, paused for a moment, then said, "I mourn the loss of your mother. Please accept my condolences. But Gavin, remember, you still have family. I have always regarded you as my nephew."
Gavin lifted his head, his eyes glistening with tears, deeply touched as he looked at Ser Edmund. "Thank you for your concern, my lord. My mother would be very glad to hear that. I have always thought of you as my family."
After bidding farewell to Ser Edmund and Instructor Ryan, Gavin, still heavy with the recent conversation about his mother, decided to take a walk by the sea.
He turned around with a slightly heavy heart and began to walk out of the castle. His steps were steady, but his mind was weighed down with memories, like willow fluff caught in the wind.
In the past eight years, Gavin's mother, Alice, had grown weaker and weaker, like a lantern running out of oil. The flame of her life flickered, swaying with every breath, as if it could extinguish at any moment.
Since Gavin had crossed into this world, he and his mother had depended on each other, and in his heart, Alice was his only warm and steadfast support in this unfamiliar world.
Though Gavin had come from another world, Alice's love for him was pure and deep. It was the gentle comfort of countless nights, the warm embrace during every setback, the meticulous care in everyday life.
This love was selfless, like the spring breeze on his face or the sun warming his skin. It provided him with endless warmth and peace in this world full of uncertainty and challenges.
Yet, Alice's ailing body felt like a thousand sharp blades cutting at Gavin's heart, each passing moment bringing unbearable pain. He had cried silently countless times in the stillness of the night, praying to the gods for his mother's condition to improve. But the harsh reality, like cold shackles, tightly bound his hopes.
In the seventh year of their stay at the castle, Alice passed away. Following the traditions of Belleris, Gavin held a cremation for her.
As the flames were ignited, the fierce fire consumed everything in its path. Gavin stared intently at the burning flames, tears shimmering in his eyes. It was as if he could see his mother's gentle smile and caring gaze once more, memories flooding back like a tidal wave.
As the flames gradually died down, his mother's form faded with them. Gavin could no longer hold back his tears, which flowed freely. But he knew, deep down, that his mother would find rest in another world. Standing there quietly, he silently bid her farewell in his heart.
After leaving the castle, Gavin couldn't help but glance up at the towering fortress once again. Many of the outer walls had been renovated, and the once-worn stone walls now looked new—strong and imposing.
The newly installed ballistae gleamed coldly under the sun, symbolizing the fortress's unyielding strength. Even the roads, which were once uneven, had been patched and smoothed, making them easier to walk on.
The strength of the territory had significantly increased during this time, all thanks to Gavin's salt-making technique. The Cotstayne family had gained a vast amount of gold dragons, which had strengthened both the military and the overall power of the domain.
Two years ago, the Cotstayne family responded to the king's call and participated in quelling the rebellion on the Iron Islands. In that war, Edmund Cotstayne, relying on the family's formidable power, finally won both glory and wealth.
After the war, the family reaped great rewards—not only did they acquire a large amount of treasure, but their position in the kingdom also rose significantly.
The Hand of the king, Jon Arryn personally intervened to resolve the disputed ownership of two villages located on the border between the Cotstayne and Hightower families.
It seemed that Jon Arryn had intentionally kept the conflict alive, giving one village to the Cotstayne family, while leaving the other unresolved, causing the two families to remain in constant conflict.
Upon hearing this, Gavin couldn't help but silently criticize the cunningness of the Hand of the king.
Moreover, due to the strong blow dealt to the Iron Islands, the once-feared raids and pillaging by the Ironborn's, which had long terrorized the coastal inhabitants, ceased to occur.
In fact, in a small port near the town, three pirate ships, captured from the Iron Islands, were neatly docked. One was a majestic sailing ship, and the other two were long, narrow ships. They lay quietly in the harbor, as if telling the tale of past battles and victories.
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Host: Gavin Flowers
Age: 14
Bloodline: Bloodfire Dragonborn (Unlocked: 29%)
Description: The Valyrian bloodline of the Dragonlords, capable of commanding dragons and controlling fire, with preliminary awakening.
Dominion: 29 (Your subordinates can be enhanced through the panel)
Skills: High Valyrian language (Proficient), Fire Manipulation (Mastery), Swordsmanship (Master), Archery (Master), Spear (Proficient)
Energy Points: 2 (Gained automatically from the magic in the surroundings or by actively gathering it.)
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[Chapter End's]
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