The Gute domain, spanning over 3,500 square kilometres, is predominantly flat terrain with a population of approximately 90,000. It ranks among the foremost noble powers within Carod Province.
The domain's lord is Olcott Ecks, a sixth-generation member of the Ecks family, contemporary with Velin's father.
Benefiting from the Ecks family tradition, every member receives a thorough education. Those choosing the path of the pioneer knight do so with particular ambition, seeking to establish a legacy and bring honour to the house.
Having arrived in Carod Province over fifty years prior, Olcott built this estate from nothing through sheer diligence and perseverance.
"My Lord, a guard reports that your nephew Velin has arrived for an audience, bearing a letter of introduction as credential," announced an elderly steward as he entered, addressing Olcott—seventy-plus years old yet retaining the appearance of a middle-aged man.
As a High-Ranking Silver Knight, he had only traversed half his life's journey, with at least sixty-five years remaining.
Should he achieve breakthrough, his lifespan could instantly extend by two centuries.
"Hmm?"
Olcott took the letter with puzzlement. The family crest was indeed present, yet he had not returned to the family for over two decades. Though correspondence had been exchanged during that time, it had mostly concerned official matters.
Opening the letter and verifying the secret markings confirmed the sender was indeed his nephew. He then began reading the accompanying introduction to grasp the basic details.
"Summon Koville. He shall accompany me to greet my nephew," Olcott instructed his steward after adjusting his attire.
"Yes, My Lord."
The steward stepped forward to assist Olcott with his attire before withdrawing to fetch Koville, the first in line of succession.
At that very moment, at the entrance to Gute City, the central town of the Gute domain, Velin surveyed the immaculate surroundings, imbued with the family's distinctive elegance.
Observing the local populace, he noted their healthy complexions and well-nourished appearance, markedly superior to the common folk under the rule of several nobles encountered along the way.
"Baird, it appears my uncle here is a man of considerable ambition."
"My lord, you speak truly," replied Baird, captain of the knightly guard.
…
Before long, a burly middle-aged man strode forward with steady, powerful steps, his entire presence radiating an imposing aura as he approached Velin. Several knights and a steward followed behind him.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Uncle. I am Velin Ecks, the fifth son of the current Earl of Eagle." Velin stepped forward, bowing slightly to pay his respects to the elder.
"A pleasure to meet you, Velin. How has Angus been of late?" Olcott responded with a hearty laugh.
"All is well. Under my father's stewardship, the Eagle domain grows ever stronger."
"Come now, allow me to introduce you to my most accomplished son, Koville." Olcott took Velin's hand and presented him warmly.
"Greetings, cousin," Velin instinctively extended his right hand.
Koville paused briefly before offering his own right hand to shake Velin's.
Olcott, too, was intrigued by this novel greeting custom, though as the elder, it seemed improper to inquire.
"By the way, Uncle, cousin, as this is our first meeting, I have a gift for you both."
Orlando stepped forward carrying an exquisite gift box, slowly opening it to reveal three mid-grade magic crystals inside.
"This is far too generous," exclaimed Olcott, startled by Velin's gift.
In Carod Province, a single intermediate magic crystal commanded five thousand gold coins; these three equated to fifteen thousand gold coins.
His entire domain's annual tax revenue amounted to merely thirty thousand gold coins.
"Uncle, you flatter me. Having just arrived here, I require certain information, and this cannot be achieved without your assistance," Velin replied with a smile, his face radiating sincerity.
Baron Olcott exchanged polite courtesies before instructing his steward to accept the three mid-grade magic crystals. He then warmly took Velin by the arm and led him towards the castle at the heart of Gute City.
Throughout the journey, Baron Olcott displayed an unprecedented warmth towards Velin.
"Velin, manpower is paramount in pioneering ventures. As a token of my gratitude, I offer you two hundred serfs, twenty cartloads of grain, two hundred spears, and a detailed map of Carod Province."
"My heartfelt thanks, Uncle Olcott," Velin acknowledged with a smile.
His men were precisely short-handed, making this gift most timely indeed.
Upon arriving at Gute Castle, a banquet was swiftly convened.
Within the castle hall, attendees included fourteen knights under Velin's command and over sixty knights serving Olcott.
As the banquet's centrepiece, Velin drew considerable attention, with over thirty lovely maidens casting flirtatious glances his way.
However, Velin had resolved not to consider marriage before turning thirty, unless a sufficiently compelling advantage were offered to persuade him to make an exception.
Consequently, he declined every offer of a one-night stand made by these young women.
"Velin, you really ought to... well, loosen up a bit," Koville remarked, raising his goblet as he approached with a faint smile.
"No thank you, cousin. As a chaste knight, premarital relations are sacrilege against matrimony."
Koville gave his earnest-faced cousin an awkward chuckle. "Very well, I shan't trouble you further."
Watching his cousin depart, Velin shook his head and smiled silently.
Everyone had their own freedom. Why should he concern himself?
Soon, the banquet concluded. Velin entered Baron Olcott's study, where they conversed by candlelight for two hours before the steward escorted him to retire.
Late into the night, Velin lay in bed, contemplating the precise direction of his next journey.
According to the intelligence obtained from Baron Olcott, the most promising direction for expansion at this stage lay southwest of the Grimfang Plains. That region boasted vast plains and abundant resources, but conversely, it was infested with hordes of low-tier monsters, making development exceedingly arduous.
Velin felt no urgency in finalising this decision.
He planned to spend the next fortnight visiting two additional barons of the Ecks family to gather further intelligence before making his choice.
After a three-day stay in the Gute domain, Velin bid farewell to his uncle, Olcott.
Amidst his uncle's warm farewells, Velin set off with his retinue and serfs towards their next destination.
These two hundred serfs were all able-bodied young men. In Carod's market, each could fetch thirty-three gold coins. They could serve as cannon fodder for frontal assaults or as labourers to clear wilderness and cultivate fertile fields.
With the convoy's increased numbers, Velin was forced to slow his pace to accommodate the serfs' pace.
Fortunately, Captain Baird, a knight well-versed in military matters, commanded the two hundred serfs. Divided into twenty squads under his direction, they carried out their tasks efficiently without confusion.
As the days passed, the two hundred serfs increasingly took on the appearance of an army, though their actual combat effectiveness remained unknown.
The first of May, 9720 Glorious Era – a significant date.
Come nightfall, Velin sat by the campfire, waiting in silence.
The moon hung high in the sky. Soon, the hour struck eight in the evening, and the melodious female voice finally sounded once more in his ear.