Chapter Three: Gathering Information

After an indeterminate time, the elder lying on the rocking chair slowly opened his clouded eyes and, upon seeing Veylin standing nearby, his face softened into a gentle expression as he asked, “Young Veylin, what brings you to me?”

“Elder, I apologize for disturbing you. I hope you can guide me,” Veylin replied, first bowing to show respect, then speaking with deference.

“Speak.”

“It is like this: According to family tradition, this morning, in my father’s study, I chose to become a pioneer knight. As for where I should go next, I hope you can provide some guidance.”

Miller closed his eyes upon hearing this, sinking into thought.

Veylin stood quietly by his side, waiting patiently, showing no sign of impatience.

“There are three places I consider good destinations. As for which to choose, that will be up to you.”

“Please, Elder, tell me.”

Veylin took out the paper and pen he had prepared, focusing intently on Miller, waiting for his next words.

“The first is at the kingdom’s northwestern border—the Ashglow Wasteland. It is an excellent site for pioneering. The monster tribes there are weak, and in that direction, three barons of our family are present, so you could receive some help.”

“The second is at the kingdom’s southwestern border, the Leia Great Forest, which borders both the southern Principality of Lycoz and the Kingdom of Kubay. It is highly dangerous but rich in opportunity. Another of our family’s earls is stationed there, as you are no doubt aware.”

Veylin carefully recorded Miller’s words, nodding as he listened.

“The third is the northern frontier. Three years ago, the kingdom defeated the Mountain Dwarf Kingdom and seized vast lands now in need of development. However, there is always the risk of a dwarf counterattack, and the danger is great. Still, the royal legions are stationed there, so safety is not a concern.”

“These three places are the best directions for pioneering at present.”

After finishing his notes, Veylin saw that the elder had fallen asleep once again. He quietly thanked him and left, intending to deliberate further on his options.

Before returning to his room, Veylin stopped by the kitchen to fetch some white bread, then made his way to the mage tower to request two potions for removing slave marks from the family mage. Only then did he head toward his own room.

By his estimation, the twin boys he had rescued should have awoken by now.

Arriving at his door, Veylin paused. Something felt off.

Silence. Far too silent.

He kicked the door open with force and quickly stepped back.

A blond youth, who had been lying in wait to ambush him, was sent flying and crashed heavily to the ground.

Beside him, the silver-haired boy clutching a wooden stick froze on the spot, utterly bewildered.

“Too green,” Veylin chuckled.

He strode over, seized the wooden stick from the silver-haired youth, grabbed him by the collar, and tossed him next to the blond. Placing the food on the table, he pulled up a chair and sat before them, his expression stern and commanding.

Before he could speak, the blond youth clutched his chest, enduring the pain as he stood protectively in front of his brother, his face set in defiance. He declared loudly, “My lord, please spare my brother. I am willing to become your loyal slave.”

“And what makes you think I would spare your brother?” Veylin’s gaze fixed coldly on the blond youth, exuding his knightly aura, his hand resting deliberately on his short sword’s hilt.

Though only a third-tier knight, the oppressive presence of a bronze knight was overwhelming for an ordinary human. The blond boy struggled to stay upright, gritting his teeth as he forced out, “Because you valued us enough to buy us, my lord.”

“So long as you spare my brother, I will serve you faithfully for all my life. Otherwise, we would rather end our lives than cost you further loss.”

As Veylin looked at him, he realized the two brothers had mistaken him for the master who had purchased them, which explained their reaction.

He saw no need to explain the true situation just yet.

“I want both of you to pledge your loyalty to me and become my guardian knights. If only one serves, what use would that be to me?”

To emphasize his point, Veylin drew his knight’s short sword and pointed it at the blond, offering a final choice.

Swear loyalty, or die.

Such mutually devoted, highly promising youths—if he could not win their loyalty, he would have no choice but to destroy them.

The blond looked at the gleaming sword, then at his frightened brother. After a long inner struggle, he finally yielded.

He pulled his brother forward and forced him to his knees, then knelt himself.

“My lord, we brothers are willing to become your guardian knights.”

“Good.”

Veylin sheathed his sword, stood, and approached them, helping the boys to their feet. He said kindly, “Rest assured, as my guardian knights, I will do everything in my power to nurture you.”

“Thank you, my lord,” the blond youth breathed in relief, hastily expressing his gratitude.

The silver-haired boy, following his brother’s example, bowed low and offered thanks as well.

A rumbling sound interrupted them; the once-resolute blond blushed with embarrassment.

Veylin smiled and tossed the food on the table to them.

The two boys seized the bread, devouring it ravenously.

A few minutes later, the blond had finished eating and licked his fingers clean. He said, “My lord, this humble slave’s name is Orlando, and my brother’s name is Hebray.”

“That term—‘humble slave’—is how serfs and slaves refer to themselves. As my guardian knights, you may call yourselves by your names, or as subordinates, or as retainers.”

“Yes, my lord. Orlando understands.”

Veylin then patiently explained some basic knowledge to them.

As their conversation continued, the boys gradually lowered their guard and began to feel a genuine liking for Veylin.

For the slave marks on their foreheads, Veylin personally applied the potion, erasing the symbol of their bondage.

Seeing their marks vanish in the mirror, the brothers were overcome with emotion and knelt, bowing their heads to the floor in gratitude.

Veylin hurried to lift them up and continued his patient instruction.

For such a master, Orlando and Hebray exchanged a glance and silently resolved that, so long as their lord did not abandon them, they would never leave his side.

Later, Veylin arranged for the brothers to stay in the room next to his own, preparing to teach them the knight’s awakening method the next day, hoping they could at least begin their training before leaving Windsor Castle.

Exhausted after a long day, Veylin lay in bed, took out his notes, and began to contemplate which direction he should choose for his pioneering journey.

The Ashglow Wasteland, the Leia Great Forest, and the northern frontier—he had a fair understanding of them all.