Kote Province or the Russell Plain

The southern bank was a flat plain, quite extensive for a region predominantly hilly. Here, fertile land, lush forests, numerous farms, a warm climate, abundant sunlight, and adequate rainfall were found.

This was one of the most prosperous lands in the empire and a crucial grain-producing area. This plain, covering half of kote Province, also had an official name... the Russell Plain!

Yes, it was named after the Russell family.

This peculiar naming tradition started about two hundred years ago.

At that time, the Wallace Empire had undergone a great war of national defense. Historical records indicate that northern continental tribes invaded, dragging the entire Wallace Empire into the quagmire of war. Internally weakened by rebellion, the empire was once on the brink of collapse.

---

During the war, a number of outstanding individuals emerged, among whom was a general from the Russell family. This general achieved numerous military successes and ultimately became a Marshal of the Empire—the only Marshal in the three-hundred-year history of the Russell family. It's also worth mentioning that to win over this illustrious Marshal, the Emperor married his own sister to him. This is why the Russell family crest features a crown.

Before a critical battle, to inspire his brother-in-law to fight bravely, the Emperor pointed with his whip to the southern bank of the Emerald River and declared:

"If you return victorious, then henceforth, the land south of this river, in the Kote Province, will be yours! Moreover, this river and this plain will bear your family's name! Let future generations know of the Russell family's outstanding contributions to the Empire!"

This promise greatly motivated the general, who brilliantly commanded the decisive battle, ultimately winning the war and saving the Empire's fortune. He also earned the promised reward.

After that, the Emerald River was renamed the Russell River, and the southern plain became the Russell Plain. Two hundred years have passed, and now people have even forgotten the previous name of this plain! In all official imperial documents and local registers, it is clearly written as "Russell River" and "Russell Plain."

Although two centuries have passed, members of the Russell family, even the low-ranking guard cavalry, cannot help but feel a surge of pride when they cross the river and set foot on this land. It is a sense of belonging and honor for the family.

Look! This is Russell land! This is where the great ancestors of the Russell family carved their names! Here, the great Russell family etched their name into the history of the Empire and into this land!

Sitting in the carriage, Freyr felt it slow down, and he heard some commotion outside. He opened the window to see the knights ahead had taken off their helmets and were cheering. The despondency of the past few days on the road had vanished from their faces, replaced by expressions of genuine joy and pride—and reverence!

"We're home! The Russell family is home! We've returned to our own land!"

The knights cheered, and some even forgot their discipline, galloping back and forth. Their happy horses trampled on the dark soil, and even their officers did not restrain them, instead smiling as they watched the scene unfold.

Unlike other imperial families, the Russell family maintained an ancient tradition: knights and warriors in the family were recruited only from the people of the family's territory. Many of the guard cavalry returning with Freyr were born on the Russell Plain. They were true Russell family members, whose families had lived here for generations.

According to tradition, the Russell family's private soldiers, guard cavalry, and even the personal guards of the family leader were selected as much as possible from the Russell Plain. Every family leader believed this ensured the loyalty of their subordinates and their dedication to the family. For example, the current family leader's chief guard, Fletcher the swordsman, who was also the second young master William's mentor in martial arts, was a native of the Russell Plain.

These guard cavalry, accompanying Freyr after being exiled from the imperial capital, felt disheartened by their expulsion but were now elated to be home, which dispelled their gloom.

Freyr, sitting in the carriage, watched the joyous knights and quickly understood the reason. He then smiled and said, "Focker, have we crossed the Russell River?"

"Yes, my lord," Focker immediately rode up to the carriage, his face also showing a hint of joy. "We're home."

Freyr glanced at Focker. "Oh, Focker, are you also from Kote Province?"

"Yes. Although I grew up in the capital, my father was a native of the Russell family lands." Focker smiled. "My father worked as a stableman for the Russell family his whole life, and I inherited his job."

Pausing for a moment, Focker cautiously glanced at his young master and lowered his voice, "My lord, I must remind you of something… um…"

"What is it?"

"Your earlier words were somewhat inappropriate," Focker said, showing a rare seriousness.

"What was inappropriate?" Freyr smiled. "Feel free to point out my mistakes."

"When you asked if I was from 'Kote Province,' that was not quite correct." Focker cautiously observed his master's expression. "Although the Russell Plain is within Kote Province, a true member of the Russell family would never say 'I am from Kote Province!' Instead, we say, 'I am from the Russell Plain!'"

---

"So... when you face other members of the Russell family in the future, please never refer to them as 'people from Kote Province.' Always call them 'people from the Russell Plain!' Such words might hurt their feelings, especially coming from someone of your status as the eldest son of the Russell family."

Freyr couldn't help but feel a touch of surprise as he looked at the former stableman, who spoke these words with such pride. Perhaps he had indeed underestimated this family.