As dusk fell, the fading light painted a magnificent golden edge across the horizon. After a long and arduous journey, the Earl and his companions finally caught sight of the Sword of Promise City in the distance, feeling as if they were in another world.
On the city wall, sharp-eyed knights were the first to spot them and shouted excitedly. The knight captain even shouted at the top of his lungs, "The Earl has returned!" The sound echoed in the air, shattering the evening tranquility. Immediately, he sent someone to inform Masters Cullen and Martin.
When Karen and Martin hurried to the city wall, the earl and a group of knights who were tired but eager to return home had already arrived at the city gate.
The knights, who had experienced many hardships, were overwhelmed with emotion at this moment. Some knights' eyes were red and tears were streaming down their cheeks; others shouted excitedly, and most were filled with indescribable excitement.
Upon seeing this, Karen quickly ordered the city gates opened to welcome the Earl back. He then methodically arranged for the Tenth Legion and his own knights to be properly accommodated in the city's barracks. He also ordered the preparation of abundant food to appease the hungry, and pharmacists hurried in with healing potions, ready to treat the wounded.
The Earl, surrounded by Karen and the others, entered the castle. Perhaps because he had finally returned to his warm home and completely relaxed, he had already fallen into a deep sleep. Karen and the others tacitly agreed not to disturb him, deciding to rest for the night and leave everything else for tomorrow.
After a night of meticulous care from the pharmacist and the blessing of an A-grade Life Source from his family, the Earl was able to walk. Knowing that the Orc Kingdom could attack the city at any moment, he didn't delay any further and immediately ordered his servants to summon Karen and his other descendants to his room.
When everyone was gathered, the Earl's eyes slowly swept over each of them, and he said in a slightly hoarse voice: "During the time I was away, a lot must have happened at home. Karen, tell me everything."
Karen stepped forward and recounted every detail of what had happened during that period, from the safe delivery of his wife and family to Belin's fiefdom, to the nobles' hasty escape, to the annexation of their estates, the inability of Marquis Rodrick's knights to arrive, and the nobles of Dragon's Teeth Pass who faltered at a crucial moment... Every detail was clearly presented to everyone.
However, when the topic was about to touch upon Martin, Karen's words suddenly stopped. He subconsciously looked at Martin, his eyes full of hesitation, his lips slightly parted, but he seemed to be choked by something, not knowing whether he should say it or not.
The Earl keenly noticed this strangeness, frowned slightly, and said in a gentle voice: "We are all family here. If you have anything to say, feel free to speak up. There is no need to worry."
But even so, Karen still didn't speak immediately, but cast an inquiring look at Martin again, as if she would only dare to continue speaking after getting his approval.
Seeing this, Martin couldn't help but feel a little amused and nodded slightly at Karen to show his approval.
After getting Martin's permission, Karen took a deep breath and told him that Martin had two golden knights.
Upon hearing this, the Earl's surprise gave way to a solemn expression. The events of the Grand Canyon involuntarily surfaced in his mind. He stared at Martin, his eyes filled with suspicion and probing. He asked uncertainly, "Could it be that those two Golden Knights of the Grand Canyon are your men?"
Martin looked calm and nodded slowly without any hesitation.
Wayne, who was standing by, could no longer suppress his curiosity and blurted out, "Martin, how did you do it?" Derry also nodded beside him, his eyes also flashing with the desire for knowledge.
Martin pursed his lips and remained silent.
The Earl saw Martin's dilemma and knew there must be something hidden behind it. He stopped asking how to do it and instead looked at Martin with concern. He said earnestly, "I don't care where these two golden knights came from. What I care about is whether they can fully obey your orders."
Martin's eyes were firm, and he said without hesitation, "Don't worry, Father. As long as I give them the order to commit suicide, they will die without hesitation. They are my death squad, absolutely loyal."
Upon hearing this, the Earl's tense nerves instantly relaxed, and he breathed a sigh of relief. After all, if two Golden Knights with ill intentions were brought into the family, with their formidable strength, they could easily overthrow the entire family, with unimaginable consequences.
After a moment's thought, the Earl spoke again: "I would like to meet these loyal knights and express my gratitude in person."
Martin shook his head without hesitation and refused, "Father, it's better not to meet them. I don't want them to appear in the public eye too much.
After hearing Martin's words, the Earl felt regretful, but he also understood the pros and cons, so he stopped insisting. He turned to look at Karen and said solemnly, "Karen, time is running out. You must quickly calculate our casualties and the number of people still able to fight.
The Orc Kingdom is still eyeing the Frost Zero Plains with eagerness, with at least two of its Transcendent Legions and several Orc Legions stationed there. As for whether the Orc Kingdom will continue to mobilize Transcendent Legions to the Frost Zero Plains, we have no idea.
Therefore, we must gather all our strength and hold out until Marquis Roderick's reinforcements arrive. Although the reinforcements are limited in number, as long as we hold out until the Kingdom's Royal Legion arrives, this crisis will surely be resolved."
Karen looked solemn and nodded seriously, taking the Earl's order to heart.
After explaining this, the Earl waved his hand, signaling Karen and the others to leave. Everyone filed out, and Martin followed the crowd. The Earl's gaze followed Martin closely until he disappeared out the door. His thoughts drifted away, and he fell into deep thought.
"Isn't he my son?" This thought flashed through the Earl's mind like a flash of lightning, causing him to tremble violently. Martin's recent unusual behavior, his mysterious style, and the sudden appearance of the two golden knights, all of them exuded an indescribable strangeness, which made him doubtful.
However, after a moment of astonishment and doubt, the earl shook his head heavily, as if to get rid of all these distracting thoughts. He looked in the direction where Martin left, and his eyes gradually became soft and firm.
He knew very well that with the power Martin now held, it would be easy for him to control the entire White Family. But Martin did not do so. He still abided by his duties and remained loyal to the family.
At this moment, the Earl felt deeply that no matter what unknown experiences this young man had in the past, he was called Martin Walter, and the hot blood of the White family was flowing in his veins.
At this critical moment when crises are lurking and the fate of the family hangs on a thread, this blood bond is the most solid bond, more precious than anything else in the world. This alone is enough, enough for the Earl to trust him without reservation.
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