Over the following days, Velin encountered no further bandits. Perhaps these hyenas had learned of the convoy's formidable strength and, unwilling to suffer unnecessary losses, chose to abandon their pursuit.
Crossing the wilderness, they finally reached their second destination—the domain of Baron Brian.
Ridge Domain.
Even before Velin set foot within Ridge Domain, Baron Brian had already learned of their approach.
Having only settled the domain six years prior, Baron Brian was still in the rising phase of his rule and remained sharply attuned to his surroundings.
After all, a party of over two hundred men was highly conspicuous along the borders of the Grimfang Plains.
Riding ahead, Velin observed dust billowing in the distance. He concentrated magic into his eyes for protection and discerned a large force approaching. He promptly ordered Baird and the others to prepare for battle.
"Might you be Cousin Velin?" a gruff voice called out.
Hearing the distant summons, Velin relaxed his guard slightly and spurred his horse forward to meet the rider.
The man wore loose-fitting garments, a knight's longsword suspended at his waist, surrounded by several knights and over thirty squires.
"Cousin, it's been an age. I've missed you dearly. How have you fared?" Velin rode closer, noting Brian's appearance remained unchanged since leaving Windsor Castle six years prior.
"Welcome, Velin." Brian dismounted, arms outstretched, and embraced Velin warmly, his enthusiasm palpable.
"Cousin, I fear we shall be chatting for days. I hope you won't mind."
"Not at all. Alik happens to be visiting my castle at present. We shall have ample opportunity to exchange views."
Upon learning that his third intended visitor resided within Brian's castle, Velin's excitement was palpable. "Orlando, fetch the second wooden crate from the second carriage."
Orlando, who had been holding the reins behind Velin, approached the second carriage and carried a heavy crate towards them.
Velin stepped forward to open the wooden crate, revealing the full set of exceptional-grade knight's armour within.
Baron Brian stared at the gleaming armour, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.
"Cousin, what do you think of this token of welcome?"
"This... this is rather too much of a kindness," Brian protested, though his hands were already firmly pressed against the lid of the chest, as if fearful it might sprout wings and fly away. "Well then... I shall accept it!"
Hearing him utter such contradictory words, he remained the familiar person, scarcely changed.
Perhaps conscious of his behaviour in front of an outsider, Baron Brian cleared his throat to mask the awkwardness. He then had the chest carried away and declared, "Velin, come. I shall take you to my castle. Tonight, I shall host a proper banquet in your honour."
"Ha ha, cousin, I look forward to it."
Baron Brian led the way, guiding Velin and his companions towards his castle.
After travelling over ten kilometres, they arrived at a compact yet functional war fortress.
The castle walls were covered in barbed spikes to deter any creatures from scaling the ramparts.
Beyond that, the sheer number of crossbows and ballistae mounted on the walls was staggering. On the open ground not far from the castle, over a thousand young men were practising basic thrusting techniques under the guidance of several knights.
Judging by their attire, they appeared to be commoners from the Ridge domain.
Baron Brian followed Velin's gaze and explained with a smile, "Velin, the borderlands are unsettled. These preparations are for repelling monster raids."
"Cousin, you've achieved much in these six years."
"Naturally. Who do you take me for? I am Brian, destined to become the sixth Earl of Ecks."
Brian's pride swelled visibly at Velin's affirmation, his voice booming with satisfaction.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Brian asked without pretence, "Velin, didn't you say as a boy you'd stay at Windsor Castle forever? Why did you end up becoming a Pioneer Knight?"
"It's a long story. Let's just say I had a sudden epiphany."
"That's the spirit! A man of the Ecks family should carve out his own domain as a pioneer knight. That's how we honour our ancestors…"
"Enough of that, cousin. We'll discuss it later. First, show me around your castle. I'm dying to see your fortress."
Vekin hastily cut Brian off, shifting the subject, dreading he might ramble on for hours.
Entering the hall, they saw a refined-looking gentleman seated quietly, sipping tea.
"Velin, this is Alik. He's sort of... well..." Baron Brian scratched the back of his head, momentarily at a loss for how to have Velin address him.
Velin shot Brian a withering glance before stepping forward to embrace the unfamiliar man. "Cousin Alik," he said warmly, "it's a pleasure to see you."
"The pleasure is mine, my brother," Alik replied, momentarily startled by the sudden embrace before returning the gesture.
Baron Brian stood awkwardly to one side, smiling stiffly. He'd always struggled to untangle the family's complex relationships, frequently mistaking one relative for another.
"My lord, the banquet arrangements are complete. We invite you to the drawing room." A grey-bearded butler entered the hall and reported respectfully to Brian.
"Velin, Alik, supper is ready. Let us dine first, converse over the meal, and have Velin recount what has transpired within the family these past years."
Baron Brian beckoned the pair towards his drawing room.
During supper, Velin and Alik conversed with great ease, their topics spanning all manner of subjects—the kingdom's politics, geography, neighbouring realms—truly leaving no stone unturned.
Observing the harmonious rapport between the pair, Brian felt genuinely pleased.
He took heart in seeing his cousin and his brother getting along so well.
What he did not realise, however, was that while Velin and Alik spoke freely, each remained wary of the other.
As the evening drew to a close, Velin made his weary way to the chamber Brian had arranged for him.
Lying upon the bed, he closed his eyes, reflecting upon the dinner's discourse. Combining this with intelligence gleaned from Baron Olcott, he pondered the optimal starting point within the Grimfang Plains.
His sole requirement was this: safety first. All else could be discussed later.
Brian and Alik both unanimously recommended that Velin venture northwest towards Grimfang Plains to establish a foothold, a direction entirely at odds with Baron Olcott's suggestion.
Given the intelligence obtained from the guidance of fate, Baron Olcott's recommended route was untenable, leaving only the northwest direction of Grimfang Plains.
In that case, was this not tantamount to having no choice at all?
If he disregarded the risks, the southwestern direction presented a favourable option.
Forget it. Safety comes first. We'll take the northwestern route. ,With the guidance of fate ,once we've grown strong enough, the whole Grimfang Plains will fall into our hands. When that day comes, choosing won't matter at all."
With that thought settled, Velin finally allowed himself to sleep.