Through his own power, in less than a year, he had risen from an obscure minor noble to a powerful Count of great influence throughout the Duchy—and even its future Crown Prince.
His deeds had long been woven into heroic epics by Minstrels, sung in every tavern across the Duchy.
He was the idol of all Knights whose talents had gone unrecognized, the Lord they most yearned to follow.
Ed and Alex were already waiting in the plaza.
"Lord! You've returned!"
The two strode forward and performed a standard Knight's salute.
"Mm."
Raylo nodded and leaped down from Baofeng's back.
"Did anything happen in the territory while I was away?"
"All is well, Lord," Ed replied.
"It's just..."
He glanced at the ever-growing crowd of Knights, a wry smile on his face.
"There are simply too many people. The camps we prepared are already almost full."
"That's a good thing."
Raylo chuckled.
"The more people there are, the more talent we'll have to choose from."
