"Thump."
Whether it was Greer and Fanny who provoked William, he seemed encouraged by something and knelt down, mimicking their actions. His watery red eyes were fixed on Xu Milu, and he solemnly swore:
"Your Excellency Qingluan, your strength is unparalleled, and your wisdom shines like a brilliant pearl. I once swore to protect the territory of Xike County, which my ancestors guarded. You killed the culprit who persecuted Xike County, Aigard, and showed me your strength. I am willing to follow you and become your guardian knight. Please grant my request."
Fanny, still confused about what had happened: "..."
Greer, who had just finished taking the oath: "..."
Why are there still people hitchhiking?
"??? You're going to pledge allegiance to me?"
Xu Milu was also full of question marks. She could understand Greer pledging allegiance to Fanny, but William's sudden oath left her completely baffled.
Is this some kind of auspicious day for swearing allegiance?
It's important to understand that although knights are very different from slaves, knights are more like "vassals." The duty of a guardian knight is to protect his lord. In return, the lord does not need to provide financial support to the knight; the knight's support comes entirely from the territorial taxes.
"I am just a mage without territory. Are you sure you want to pledge allegiance to me?"
Xu Milu stared at William, somewhat puzzled by his intentions:
“The Ackerman family has long held sway in Westco County, and there are quite a few nobles in the city who support your restoration. You can take over Westco County after Aigard’s death and fulfill your family mission.”
"No."
William shook his head slightly, his handsome face filled with helplessness:
“The Campbell family and the royal family will not allow this to happen. If I want to continue to protect Westco County, I can only become the guardian knight of the lord of Westco County. Aigard is clearly not worthy of my oath of allegiance. In my eyes, you are kind and righteous, and you are full of compassion and pity even for foreigners. You understand the suffering of common people and feel the suffering of the lower classes. No one, no one is more suitable to be the lord of Westco County than you.”
Xu Milu was not surprised that William would be so frank, but she also noticed the underlying meaning in his words:
"So, you intend to support me as the new lord of Westco County?"
"Yes."
William nodded and began to explain to Xu Milu:
"According to the Imperial Succession Law, Aigard's lands would be inherited by his eldest son after his death, but unfortunately, as far as I know, Aigard only had one illegitimate son named 'Kru,' and Ella and I witnessed him die at the hands of orcs—"
If no new lord is elected within three months, the territory will revert to the Empire. I can hardly guarantee that the next lord will continue to cherish Xike County, so…”
William took a deep breath, glanced at Osik, who remained silent, and Ella, who was pursing her lips, and repeated what he had just said:
"I swear by the honor of the Ackerman family, and in the name of William Holmes Rayleigh Ackerman, that I will offer you Westco County with the highest honor of a knight. Please become the lord of Westco County, Lord Qingluan."
Xu Milu's eyes flickered, and a map of Xike County and the Dark Forest quickly appeared in her mind:
Taking over Westco County has both advantages and disadvantages, with the disadvantages being quite obvious. Aigard's unrestrained taxation has almost destroyed Westco County's pillar industries, and the city can be said to be in dire need of reconstruction. Not to mention that with Aigard's death, the Campbell family will not let it go easily, and it may even attract an angel named "Raphael".
However, becoming the lord of West Co County also brings many benefits.
Firstly, if she wanted to collect incense offerings, starting with Xike County would be a good choice. Located in the south of the empire, with the boundless Glibari Dark Forest to the north, it was the perfect place for urban expansion.
Secondly, once she becomes the lord, she can openly abolish the slave system in the city and then gradually spread the "phoenix" mark throughout the entire continent.
The third one is the simplest and most straightforward: Xike County is backed by a large forest and is not far from the monster ranch she built, so she can control the inventory at any time, which is simply amazing.
I accept.
Xu Milu calmly repeated:
“I accept your allegiance, William Holmes, Reilly Ackerman.”
William's eyes lit up.
...
...
"So now...Aigard's body is just lying here?"
After witnessing the "soul magic," Ella, who was still somewhat dazed, didn't find it hard to believe that her brother William had become someone else's guardian knight.
—Not to mention that two Arctic wolves, who claimed to "never be slaves," had just volunteered to become Lord Qingluan's guardian knights.
The amount of information today was just too much, and Ella said she needed to take a break.
"Whatever. You can leave it here to feed the wild animals, take it back and whip its corpse, or even throw it into the fire as firewood if you like."
Xu Milu shrugged. She had already found a home for Aigard's soul. Without a soul, even if the Sky God himself came, he wouldn't be able to create another Aigard.
"Lord Qingluan, please don't say such terrible things!!"
Ella was both amused and exasperated, and there was still a hint of fear in her eyes when she looked at Xu Milu:
"Are you sure you want to leave us here? I mean, even though Egard's soul has disappeared, the Campbell family will definitely send people to investigate. Are you really going to stay here alone?"
Greer, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but look at her, a hint of worry in his eyes—Fanny was already fast asleep in his arms.
Of course not.
Why doesn't she run away and stay here waiting for someone to come to her door?
It's been a while since we came out, so it's time to go back to Earth.
By all accounts, the fried dandelions in the Earth greenhouse are almost ripe, and it's about time to make a deal with the Wandering Earth dimension, not to mention she also has some business to attend to in the Journey to the West dimension.
Private matter.
Of course, this cannot be said directly.
Xu Milu shook her head:
“I have other things to do, Greer. You and Fanny go and gather the scattered orcs. I will be back when the next full moon arrives.”
"yes."
"Yes, I will do as you wish."
Greer and William, seated on their horses, responded simultaneously, their expressions identically earnest.
Xu Milu slowly floated up and bowed slightly to William:
"Now, let me see your skills, my knights, bring me Westco County."
"yes."
"Yes, Lord Qingluan."
William lowered his head, his tone respectful:
"We will do as you wish, crowning your head with the laurel wreath of victory, making West Coe County your territory, and becoming the sharpest sword in your hand to clear away all obstacles for you."
Xu Milu waved her hand expressionlessly.
Sure enough, this kind of translated tone sounds incredibly childish and pretentious.
I absolutely cannot let anyone know that the person behind the alias "Ren Qingluan" is her!
...
...
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