1 Chapter 1

In the grand hall where chandeliers radiate marvelous lights. It vaguely refines the iconic internal architecture of the castle. Various paintings and tapestry hung all over the wall endowing the victorious past. The master of ceremony strutted firm as he oversees the right of elevation. Two spectators commemorate this achievement, as well as six knights, stood behind their kneeling Lord.

"For the outstanding achievements, you attained for insuring our border against this year's undead invasion and founding Three New Villages. By royal decree, I Count Khlanix Haffrin, by the power vested upon me by the High King. Magnify your rank Lord Knight of the Crown to High Baronet. With worthy of recognition for your other titles Grand Wizard and Grand Knight, together with a new family name bestowed upon you by the High King, Windstorm. From this day forward you have achieved a new title! To embark this remarkable moment in the annals of history your main village shall be named unto yourself. Windstorm Village. Rise High Baronet Kiel Windstorm."

After tapping the count's ceremonial sword with aura and pressure on his shoulder from left to right. the new noble rise in the ceremony. The pressure alone generated by the Count in his movement can incapacitate a regular citizen by standing near his presence. Sending their feeble knees slumping to the ground instantly. This action has many traditional reasons, but it is purposely done to weed out non-mana users. Omission to rise in that ascension will surely revoke your chance. Sending a message to newly independent nobles that in order to rule, charisma and wits are also needed together with power and responsibility.

"I High Baronet Kiel Windstorm hereby acknowledges my duty as vassal to High King Henderrix Silverlock of Silver Kingdom. With our might and the enemies' agony, will bring harmony and devotion to the people." He said those words with a passion with his faintly glistening sharp violet eyes. Reminding him a certain someone in the past, even so, he still felt some cringe from saying it.

Without a word, after his statement. His Knights saluted by sending its fist half-close (forming a palm strike where the fingernails are parallel to the chest excluding the thumb) on their chest above the heart. A combination of old elven tradition where elves raise their most dominant hand (leveling thumb to the earlobe) to show peace (solely showing they don't have a weapon on hand). Together with a Dwarven habit of placing a fist on top of their chest showing fellowship and power.

A small grin appeared on the High Baronet's impassive look as he hears the brisk sound of salutes behind him. 'Those bastards' he thought 'Compared to a year ago. The only salute they knew is raising a closed fist and raising its middle finger in the air. Even though that's the only memorable gesture humans make. With their quick uptake from my 'easy training drills', I have to commend them for their diligence. Today my knights skills and forms are comparable or greater to an elite knight inside the academy.' While the sound faded at that moment, the grin disappeared.

The Count moves backward two steps just as the Royal Constable walks towards him. Holding a small golden box with a ring on top. "I, as a spectator to your pledge" the royal constable spoke with his deep baritone voice. The mask on his face surely didn't disrupt his tone while he speaks. "Infer my verdict. A fact which you Lord Windstorm have taken an oath for the kingdom. Any act of heinous deeds must be punishable by the law. Also by the power granted upon me, you must uphold rectitude for your fief."

"I will not only serve as a sword and shield to the kingdom but also a proportioned scale to compass the moral virtues of our people," he responded unfazed.

Alleviated by his remarks. "This is a kingdom's grand ring (Signet Ring enchanted and forged into a ring by a medium grade mana stone and miscellaneous metals) where your seal is carved. Initially, it contains one charge of dueling rites that is only rechargeable by the High King. Relinquishing this will be the same as ceasing your title." The Royal Constable prolong his arms and forearms while discussing its contents for him to pick up the ring. After he places the ring on his left ring finger. The Royal Court Officer moved back and aligned himself along with the Count.

Moving towards him is Count Fadghrid Ashvac. The Lord that governs Ashvac's county, which includes Bell's Barony in their province. He is a close friend of his father, Baron Isaac Battlefury. Together with his slight smile and pinning a badge on his right arm, a two engraved top shield shape emblem, plain and five centimeters in height. "That insignia when decorated will serve as the banner and flag of your household. Accompanied by those rights your army will be acknowledged by the kingdom. Alongside your occupied, conquered, or constructed territory, be it a town, a city, or a castle. Which is an advantageous position for conquering and stabilizing residents along the wildland border around or beside you." He paused for a while before aligning with the other two. Had he never met Kiel in the past, he wouldn't openly provoke Count Haffrin to even suggest that Kiel vanquish some of his allies near him. Because thank the Gods that Kiel has somehow found hills in his forest. His recruitment for miners sparks greed in some noble's eyes. Also, let us thank the Demon Lord for putting Count Ashvac for being far away to help him in reinforcement.

Count Khlanix spoke, "If you don't have any more questions you can retrieve and utilize your rewards with my chamberlain outside."

Bowing respectfully and after giving pleasantries he left the grand hall. Considering that he is an independent noble now and not under the direct command of the King as a Lord Knight. He left ahead of time to evade the power struggle of the two counts including the Royal Constable if he wants to join the fray. Him not being part of Count Haffrin's dominion and also has a close friendly relationship with the other. He will surely be dealt with as fast as possible. The few skirmishes happening near the village before he left is an obvious indication of it. Now that he is a High Baronet, full-time schemes will be sent to the action of his 'peaceful' neighbors. Aiming for help from his father's friend is far from reach because his nearest territory is a good four days away on horseback. On the good side, Count Klanix can pressure the other count as he always does. Preventing him to take action personally.

Thinking of future events that an impasse is more than palpable. An evil grin forms on his face for the spectacle of what will happen in returning to their home. He quickly left the grand hall.