Fessen nodded vigorously, then recounted everything he knew about Aven.
When the group heard that Aven was the Earl of the southeastern border, everyone present was visibly surprised.
But what truly astonished them was that Aven had once been a commoner before becoming a border earl —along with his identity as an apothecary.
And when they learned that Aven had earned his title through outstanding achievements on the battlefield, admiration shone in their eyes.
Compared to nobles who inherited their titles from family, a noble like Aven—who had fought in real battles and earned his status through merit—gained much more respect from these retired knights.
"Sigh… If Lord Aven had been there during that battle, perhaps we wouldn't have lost so many comrades," Mado said with a heavy sigh.
Upon hearing that, the others' expressions also dimmed. They had all been seriously injured and disabled during that very battle.
But even so, they considered themselves lucky to have survived. Many more knights had died on that battlefield, never to return.
"Fessen, is it really true that Lord Aven is willing to recruit people like us?" Jorah asked hesitantly.
In response, Fessen sighed and nodded again, his expression complex.
"It's indeed an order given personally by the lord."
"To be honest, when I first heard that Lord Aven wanted to recruit disabled knights, I tried to persuade him not to."
The entire group fell silent. They didn't blame Fessen for saying that—after all, they understood their own circumstances.
"But…"
Fessen looked at his fellow comrades, recalling Aven's words. Pride crept onto his face. "But…"
Everyone turned their eyes toward Fessen.
"The lord said, 'You are all heroes of Aspiration City and should not be forgotten by the world.' He said he was only doing what he should."
At that moment, the entire courtyard fell silent. The gaze of every man lingered on these burly warriors, their eyes glistening with tears.
Fessen also wiped away the tears on his face, his expression turning stern.
"Now I ask you: Are you willing to follow Lord Aven and become knights who serve him alone?"
The answer needed no words.
One by one, the knights stood up, placing a clenched fist over their chests, expressions resolute.
From this day forward, they would be knights belonging to Aven and Aven alone!
…
Phyllis sat in front of her dressing table, silent.
Outside the door, Sir Enzo paced anxiously in the courtyard, occasionally glancing toward his sister's room.
"Sister, have you still not made your decision?"
Finally, Sir Enzo couldn't hold back any longer and called out toward the room.
Right now, Sir Enzo was extremely anxious.
All winter had passed, yet his father, Viscount Daly, had shown no signs of recovery. Now, he could barely get out of bed.
As for his father's condition, the apothecaries in Aspiration City could only try to sustain him. There was simply no way to truly cure him.
Whenever that thought crossed his mind, he would naturally think of Aven.
At first, he had only held some hope in Aven, but as more and more news about Aven came, and especially after Aven was named a border earl, Enzo realized—Aven might be their only chance to save his father!
Once Aven arrived in Aspiration City, Enzo had been trying to find a way to approach him. But he had offended Aven before, making it difficult to act directly.
After much thought, he figured his best chance was through his sister. He believed in the charm of the "Flower of Aspiration City!"
Yet now, after days had passed and with Aven about to leave the city, his sister still hadn't made a move. It was driving him crazy.
Creaaak—
At that moment, the door suddenly opened.
Sir Enzo looked over anxiously and saw his sister appear in the doorway.
But in the next moment, he frowned.
Phyllis had tied up her long, waist-length purple hair and was dressed in a neutral, almost masculine outfit, giving her a capable and confident appearance.
"Sister, why are you dressed like that?" Enzo asked anxiously.
Phyllis glanced at her brother indifferently and replied, "Then how do you think I should dress?"
Enzo opened his mouth, wanting to say: like you do at those noble banquets—that's how your charm as the Flower of Aspiration City shines the most!
That charm, he believed, was irresistible to most men in Aspiration City—and certainly to this rising border earl.
His goal wasn't just to save their father. He also saw a chance to stabilize their family's declining noble status by forging a bond with this powerful young count.
"You naïve little brother," Phyllis said, shaking her head.
As she left the room, a figure slipped out behind her—it was a Shinx.
The small creature leapt lightly onto Phyllis' shoulder, affectionately nuzzling her cheek.
…
In the noble district of the city, Aven met with Phyllis once again.
Her long purple hair was still as eye-catching as ever, but this time her appearance was entirely different.
Though her neutral outfit wasn't as stunning as last time, it carried a unique charm.
Aven's eyes landed on the Shinx on her shoulder. What surprised him was how tame and affectionate the creature was toward her.
This Shinx was clearly different from ordinary tamed magical creatures—their bond was one of genuine companionship.
"I wonder what brings Miss Phyllis to see me today?" Aven asked after a brief glance.
Phyllis took a deep breath. "I heard the Earl is currently recruiting followers?"
Her words caught Aven off guard. He had assumed she came to ask for help regarding her father, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
"Indeed, the development of a territory requires both officials to manage it and knights to defend it," Aven nodded.
"Have you found the right candidates yet?"
"I've recruited a fair number of knights, but as for officials… well, the southeastern borderlands aren't exactly prosperous."
"I actually believe the southeastern border holds great potential. A blank slate also means no obstacles—Earl, you could develop it entirely your own way."
The two began discussing territorial development. To Aven's surprise, Phyllis seemed to have a well-formed understanding of the matter.
"So… Miss Phyllis, what exactly did you come to propose?" Aven asked again after a while.
This time, Phyllis stood up, placing a fist over her chest in a formal pledge of loyalty.
"I wish to pledge my loyalty to the Earl and become one of your followers."
Seeing her sudden gesture, the Petilil instantly perked up alertly, and the Froslass slowly revealed herself as well.
Only after realizing Phyllis was merely saluting did they relax.
"No need to be so tense, Petilil, Froslass," Aven smiled, scooping the Petilil into his arms and nodding to the Froslass before turning his gaze back to Phyllis in contemplation.
From their earlier conversation, it was clear Phyllis had formal training in territory management—she might even know more than Aven, who had risen from a commoner background.
In addition to the relationship between Phyllis and the Shinx, Aven also had a better impression of this noble girl who was kind to Pokémon.
The only question left was: loyalty. As for women serving as officials, as a modern man, he has no feelings about it at all.
Loyalty, how to ensure Phyllis's loyalty? Aven fell silent. He had to entrust the matter of building the territory to people he could trust.
And if he accepted Phyllis's loyalty, what kind of position should he give her?
"What position do you seek… and what do you wish to gain?" Aven finally asked.
"Our Daly family was in business before becoming nobility, and I'm most skilled in managing finances," Phyllis replied, meeting his gaze directly.
Her meaning was clear: she wanted the position of financial officer—her area of expertise.
"As for what I hope to gain… I want you to cure my father's illness. Only then can I leave that family behind without regrets."
Aven fell silent once more.
Phyllis' confidence in demanding such a crucial position surprised him.
Her condition, however, was expected—he had already assumed she'd ask this.
Paying her father a visit wouldn't be a problem.
Phyllis, on the other hand, was uncertain. She knew her request was bold, but it was also her goal.
She had managed the entire viscount household with great skill—but her ambitions went far beyond that.
She wanted to oversee the finances of an entire territory. She wanted to become a powerful official, like those lofty female lords she'd once admired.
"…I can't give you the role of a financial officer just yet."
"But I can entrust you with the fruit and potion business in Fruitvale Village," Aven said at last.
Phyllis felt a twinge of disappointment, but she understood—Aven had no reason to fully trust her just yet.
From what she had learned about him, potions were the foundation of his rise in power.
So entrusting her with that business meant he was giving her a chance—and that was enough for now.
Someday, she was certain the position of Finance Minister would be hers.
(End of Chapter)