After Lord Louis resolved the crisis wrought by the 1,500 slaves, the development of Red Tide Territory proceeded far more smoothly than expected. New houses sprang up within a month, and barren fields were quickly cultivated. Hope finally brightened people's faces as the land transformed from desolate wasteland into a burgeoning territory.
Lord Louis sat in his office, nodding in satisfaction while reviewing the intelligence reports Bradley had compiled. "Excellent," he murmured. "The foundations are laid. It's time to initiate the next phase of our plan."
He picked up the Bloodstone from the Southeast Province: a deep-red crystal whose surface shimmered with an eerie luster—as if it pulsed with an inner life. This magical ore could test whether someone had the talent to become a Bloodline Knight—and only those with knighthood in their lineage could activate it.
Lord Louis pricked his fingertip with a dagger and let a drop of blood fall onto the stone. In an instant, the Bloodstone vibrated and glowed dark red—proof of his own aptitude. The stone didn't measure strength, only potential. But he had the Daily Intelligence System, which would eventually alert him to any child with exceptional talent. Then he could cultivate them.
How many gifted children remained in Red Tide Territory? Lord Louis planned to use the Bloodstone to identify those with the right aptitude and train them as his own knights—loyal, faithful, and personally molded to serve him. These wouldn't be knights sent by noble houses, but devoted followers who saw him as both leader and savior.
More than two hundred children—mostly under fifteen—gathered in the main square of Red Tide Territory, a hum of anticipation filling the air. Each child held their breath, hearts pounding as they waited. Their eyes were fixed on Lord Louis, standing in the plaza's center.
He wore a black cloak with the Calvin family emblem emblazoned on his chest. Like the midday sun, he appeared warm and radiant. The children, many of whom were the offspring of refugees or local families he had rescued, admired him deeply. Through their teachers and parents, they revered Louis as a savior.
"Today," Lord Louis announced, his voice carrying across the square, "I will select several children to become knights."
Instantly, the plaza erupted in chatter.
"If I become a knight, can I ride a horse and wield a sword?"
"Can I defend Red Tide Territory like Lord Louis?"
"I… can I become a knight?"
Their hopes were straightforward—knighthood meant honor, strength, and standing beside the great Lord.
"Be quiet, one at a time," Louis called, as guards and teachers formed an orderly line. One by one, children approached the table where the Bloodstone lay. Each pricked a fingertip and let blood trickle onto the stone. Excitement filled the early testers—each hoped they would be the miracle.
But most saw nothing happen. The Bloodstone remained dark and unresponsive. Disappointment spread; shoulders sagged. Louis himself felt a twinge of unease, but he concealed his disappointment. Such a selection process was ruthless: only a rare few could truly bear knighthood.
A small girl stepped forward. She knelt, let a drop of blood fall onto the stone, and… the Bloodstone glowed faintly. It trembled, radiating dark-red light.
A hush fell.
"She's it! She's the future knight!" whispered onlookers.
The girl froze, stunned by the stone's reaction. Confusion and wonder filled her eyes; her knees quivered. Louis gently encouraged her, "What's your name?"
With a stammer, she replied, "My… my name is Lilia…"
"Congratulations, Lilia," he said kindly. "You are the first knight cultivated by Red Tide Territory."
At his words, her knees buckled and tears welled in her eyes. The crowd murmured in awe and envy. Inspired, Lilia stood taller—awash in pride and determination. "I will become an excellent knight and protect Red Tide Territory!" she declared.
Louis smiled. "I look forward to that day."
With Lilia's success, the atmosphere crackled with renewed energy. Children, ever hopeful, believed they could be next. Yet as more came forward, only two more passed. Of the hundreds tested, only three displayed the potential to become Bloodline Knights.
In the crowd stood a shorter boy named Weil. His eyes shone with equal parts hope and fear. He yearned to stand beside Lord Louis and repay the kindness he'd shown them. Yet fear whispered he lacked talent.
—End of Chapter 44—
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