It was growing dark when Louis rode back into the territory, his horse carrying the day's prey. The battle he'd fought was still alive in his mind, and today's string of good news buoyed his spirits.
Upon arriving at his residence, he received a second letter from his father, Duke Calvin. "Lord, your father's reply has arrived," Bradley announced respectfully, handing over the envelope.
Louis tore it open and started reading at once. The letter informed him that Duke Calvin was sending six Elite Knights, twenty Formal Knights, and sixty Apprentice Knights—nearly doubling Louis's military strength. Additionally, three alchemy apprentices would help establish a stable magic-marrow extraction process.
Even more surprising: Duke Calvin had consented to Louis's plan for magic-marrow mining and processing. The Calvin family would handle sales, leaving Louis in full control of the operation. It was a major win for his autonomy.
But the last line of the letter held a subtle warning: "You will always remain a member of the Calvin family." Though polite, it carried an implicit threat, a reminder not to dream too big.
Louis set the letter aside and stretched contentedly. "Today truly is a double blessing."
That evening, inside a large banquet tent, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Louis sat at the head of the table before a plate of golden-roasted Ice Armor Bear meat. The feast was a celebration of both the successful hunt and the arrival of new knights—not ordinary commoners.
In addition to his original knights, the Duke's reinforcements, and eight reserve knights filled the tent. Plates of roast were carried around by servants, each dish aromatic and perfectly cooked: crisp on the outside, tender within.
"One serving for everyone," Bradley instructed.
As the plates were distributed, the new knights—unused to the harsh northern climate—looked on in disbelief.
"This is Ice Armor Bear meat?" one whispered, eyes wide. In the southern regions, such delicacies were reserved for elite nobles.
Another knight added, "I only get mid-tier monster meat once or twice a year back home. I never thought I'd get top-tier like this when I arrived!"
"Even southern nobles only serve this at grand banquets. Common knights don't dare touch this," a third said in awe.
An old, seasoned knight overheard and shrugged, "It's rare up here too—but we get mid-ranked monster meat once a month. Don't overreact."
The newcomers' shock turned to gratitude. They'd expected hardship—yet here they were, mid-winter, savoring rare meat and feeling genuinely welcomed.
Louis rose, wine glass in hand. His voice carried through the tent: "Everyone has worked hard. Tonight isn't just a victory party—it's a celebration of our new brothers. Each of you is vital, from hunt to battlefield. We'll share hardships and victories side by side. Remember this: as long as I have a bite, you will too."
The knights raised their glasses in unison: "Long live the Lord! Long live the Lord!"
Their voices resonated with admiration and thanks.
Weil, one of the new men, sat among them, face flushed with excitement. Being accepted into the Red Tide Knight Order filled him with pride.
Soon, the main event began: the feast. He hacked into his portion of Ice Armor Bear and brought it to his lips. A fiery warmth spread from his stomach through his limbs and bones. Surprised, he set down his utensils and sat cross-legged, practicing his breathing technique. The heat and energy surged through his meridians, strengthening him.
To his amazement, his blood qi struck a breakthrough—he ascended to mid-level Apprentice Knight. Barnes, his instructor, stared in disbelief: "He just broke through? He only became an Apprentice Knight yesterday! His talent… is incredible."
Weil wasn't alone. One by one, knights fell silent, drawn into their own cultivation. The banquet's raucousness faded, replaced by the sound of deep breaths as each man guided newfound power within.
Moments later, cheers erupted. A handful of knights had broken through to higher levels. They congratulated each other, then looked up appreciatively at Louis.
"Thanks to Lord Calvin, we lack nothing—precious food, warm clothes, even this monster meat. Loyalty!" one shouted.
"The Lord's kindness knows no bounds!" another chimed in.
"It is our honor to serve," a third declared, voices echoing through the tent.
Louis watched, heart swelling. Tonight's banquet had far exceeded expectations.
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