Lord: I can see loyalty.

Early the next morning, in the North, on the edge of the Black Forest.

As the last tall blackwood tree was left behind by the convoy, the vast northern scenery before them made everyone slow down.

Although both regions experienced the kingdom's wars, the northern border, located in the heart of the kingdom, was far more peaceful than the southern border.

The first village we encountered still had burnt fences visible on its outskirts, but farmers were already repairing their tools in the fields, and the occasional wreckage of abandoned horse-drawn carriages could be seen along the road, though soldiers patrolled the main road regularly.

The market was still filled with lively shouts, and the civilians' faces showed no signs of post-war numbness or fear.

Vio kept a close watch until they reached a key checkpoint in "White Wax Town," where a group of people were waiting ahead of them.

More than twenty knights in gleaming armor waited quietly beneath the royal banner. The captain of the knights at the head of the group glanced at Vio and his dusty subordinates behind him, his gaze pausing almost imperceptibly before he gave a crisp salute.

"Is that Lord Vio Rose, the Lord of Bordeaux, ahead?"

"Exactly." Vio leaned out of the carriage, his eyes scanning the panel.

Name: Alvin Harper

Race: Human

Age: 37

[Faction: The Sword-Tailed Flower Knights, directly under King Albert of Rovia]

Hobbies: Sword practice, magic, knightly swordsmanship, collecting ancient books

【Characteristics: Agile, aristocratic manners, proficient in horsemanship and archery, extensive knowledge, advanced level in basic swordsmanship and royal swordsmanship】

Loyalty: Not loyal to you

Status: Alert

"Lord Vio, we have come on His Majesty the King's orders to welcome you to the capital. Please follow us; the journey has been arranged." Captain Alvin bowed impeccably and stepped aside to make way for him.

Vio nodded, stepped out of the carriage, and onto his horse, asking casually, "It seems the North hasn't been very peaceful on this journey. Is Blackwood any calmer lately?"

The captain of the knights remained calm upon hearing this and replied, "There are a few bandits causing trouble, but they pose no threat. I'm sorry to trouble you, sir."

"His Majesty has increased patrols to ensure the safety of the kingdom's heartland, especially the main roads leading to the capital." He answered fluently, and the soldiers behind him also appeared natural, showing only routine vigilance without any sign of anything amiss.

Do they really not know what happened in the Black Forest? Vio looked at the status on the panel but didn't find anything unusual.

If the previous attack was ordered by the king, the knights would most likely have been informed of it; of course, the possibility that they were unaware of it cannot be ruled out.

However, what the panel tells its steward, Harold, is more suspicious than this.

"Well then, I'll trouble you all to lead the way." Vio suppressed his questions and said no more.

Augustus, the capital of Rovia.

When the outline of the giant city began to appear in everyone's view, even Glenn, who was usually the most taciturn at the back of the group, looked up and glanced at it.

The gray-white city walls rise like mountain ridges, with arrow towers standing like a forest within them, and the clamor from inside the arched city gates can be faintly heard even from miles away.

Outside the moat, a few slums cling to the foot of the city wall. At the city gate, carriages and horses are bustling about, and patrolling soldiers scan the passersby, showing a stark contrast in attitude towards luxurious carriages and commoner caravans.

As you pass through the city gate, a wave of sound and smell rushes in at the same time.

The wide King's Road is paved with huge stones and lined with multi-story stone and wood buildings. Spices, bread, excrement, sewage and the smell of people mingled together to create a unique atmosphere.

The sounds of carriages bearing family crests mingled with the cries of vendors, travelers in cloaks hurried by, and homeless figures could be seen huddled in the corners of walls.

Further away, the golden domes of magnificent palaces gleam in the sparse sunlight, and church bells echo through the city.

Violema stopped the carriage procession, his gaze sweeping over the capital city, a place where glory and filth coexisted.

"His Majesty has arranged for you all to rest at the 'Oak Barrel' inn." The captain, Alvin, led the way on horseback, pointing to a quiet street in the inner city of the capital. "That's where the royal family often receives vassals from the provinces. It's fully equipped. Please rest first and await a summons from the palace."

The so-called "Oak Barrel" is a three-story wooden building with a heavy and rustic appearance, and magical patterns appear on the shield-shaped sign hanging at the entrance.

Its interior is more spacious than its exterior, the rooms are clean, the fireplace is warm, and the food is above standard.

But soon Ansque reported to Vio that the inn had only one road leading to the palace, and there were spies watching from all sides.

"As expected." Vio stood by the window, watching the royal patrol teams occasionally passing by below. "Just stay vigilant, no need to worry. Jimmy, keep them in check. If they want to go out on the streets, they must go in groups of three or more, and they must not cause trouble... especially keep an eye on Axel's gang."

"Understood," Jimmy replied.

The wait didn't last long.

The next morning, a messenger dressed in a royal coat of arms arrived at the inn, his demeanor respectful and his voice clear:

"Lord Vio Ross, His Majesty the King will be holding an audience this evening in a side hall of the Emerald Palace. Please be present with your principal entourage on time."

Jade Palace, side hall.

Compared to the grandeur of the main hall, the side hall was smaller in scale but more exquisite. Dozens of nobles and officials from the capital stood on both sides, dressed in gorgeous clothes, talking in hushed tones, and their eyes were all focused on Vio and his party as they stepped in.

Curiosity, scrutiny, assessment, and undisguised contempt... all sorts of emotions intertwined in the air.

Vio walked in front, followed by Gina and Jimmy half a step behind, and then Ansquie, Xavier, Cohen and others.

On the throne at the head of the palace, a young king sat upright, his face pale against his deep purple robe with gold trim, but his sharp eyes were fixed on Vio.

After the master of ceremonies read out the names one by one, a long and tedious court ceremony followed, and the hall fell silent.

Finally, the ceremony concluded, and King Albert slightly raised his hand as the magnificent music slowly came to an end.

"Vio Ross." The king's voice echoed in the quiet hall, "You stepped forward in the time of crisis in the South, wiped out the wolves of the bandit Kavil who had plagued the region for years, reclaimed lost territory, pacified the refugees, and restored order. The kingdom will never forget such merits."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the nobles on either side, and continued, "As decided by the Imperial Council, you are now officially promoted to Earl of the Southern Territory, ruling over Bordeaux and the entire territory formerly held by Earl Felix."

As the words fell, a suppressed murmur rippled through the hall. These nobles from the capital and the border regions had all recently heard of Vio's exploits in the village of Bordeaux.

But most people didn't expect him to become a count; Vio was too young.

The king ignored the whispers and continued, "Furthermore, loyal and valiant subjects should share glory with their lord, and Count Vio has already reported on their merits."

"Jimmy Murphy." The King's gaze first fell on Jimmy.

Jimmy stepped forward respectfully and knelt before the throne with standard etiquette.

"In recognition of your outstanding service in Bordeaux, the Valley of the Lords and in all the battles, I hereby formally knight you and appoint you to form a knightly order and serve as its first Grand Master. May your sword forever wield for the justice and order of the kingdom."

A servant stepped forward carrying a velvet-lined tray with a symbolic ceremonial sword laid horizontally on it. The king took the sword and gently placed the blade flat on Jimmy's shoulder, completing the simplified sword presentation ceremony.

"Ansquie..."

"..."

"I hope you will fulfill your duties diligently and live up to the kingdom's high expectations," Albert said finally, looking calmly at Vio.

Vio stepped forward, placed his right hand on his chest, bowed deeply, and said in a clear and steady voice, "Vio Ross, thank you for Your Majesty's grace. I will do my utmost to protect the peace of the Southern Territory and serve the Kingdom faithfully."

The bestowal of titles within the Jade Palace has come to a close.