Night fell quietly, and the castle of Blackstone Territory was ablaze with light. To welcome Lillian and her followers, Leylo had specially instructed the kitchen to prepare a grand welcome banquet.
Massive oak tables were draped in snow-white linen, piled high with a mountain of delicacies. Sizzling roasted wild boar legs filled the air with a mouth-watering aroma, while golden ale and deep red fruit wine glowed in crystal goblets. The hall was thick with the scent of food and the sound of boisterous laughter.
Every knight and official within the castle was present, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Lillian had changed into a light blue dress, making her look even more spirited and charming. She sat beside Leylo, excitedly introducing her retinue.
"Brother, this is Knight Commander Kane! Mother specifically requested him from the Blazing Kingdom for me. He is the Captain of my personal guard!"
Lillian pulled forward a burly, middle-aged knight clad in crimson full-plate armor. Kane removed his helmet, revealing a weather-beaten but resolute face with short hair as red as a burning flame. He gave Leylo a perfect knight's salute, his voice booming.
"Lord Leylo! By order of Princess Royal Anna, I, Kane, lead the 13th Squadron of the Blazing Knights to guard Princess Lillian."
Leylo felt a slight jolt in his heart. The Blazing Knights were the elite of the elite in the Blazing Kingdom. Every member was at least a Tier 2 Great Knight, and this Commander Kane was a genuine Tier 4 Sky Knight! He could feel an aura emanating from Kane that was as hot and majestic as a wildfire, far beyond that of an ordinary knight.
"Knight Commander Kane, thank you for the long journey," Leylo rose to return the salute. "With you and your knights guarding her, I can be completely at ease regarding Lillian's safety."
Behind Kane, ten knights in matching standard armor stepped forward in unison to salute. These ten were all Tier 3 Earth Knights, the backbone of the squadron. Leylo was secretly stunned. Duchess Anna's generosity was staggering. A full knight squadron led by a Sky Knight with ten Earth Knights as the core—this force was enough to sweep across almost any corner of the North.
"Brother, and this is Mother's close friend, Lady Elena," Lillian pointed toward a woman in an elegant mage's robe with a gentle, serene temperament. "Lady Elena is a very powerful Great Mage; she will be my magic tutor from now on."
Lady Elena appeared to be in her thirties, possessed of beautiful features and wise eyes that seemed to peer into one's soul. She curtsied slightly. "Lord Leylo, Queen Anna has entrusted me with Princess Lillian's magical education. Please forgive any future disturbances."
"You are too kind, Lady Elena. It is Lillian's honor to have a mentor as learned as you." Leylo did not dare slight this Tier 4 Great Mage.
Behind Lady Elena stood over a dozen young mages and apprentices. They were her students, traveling along both for experience and to assist in the defense of Lillian's territory.
Good heavens, Leylo thought, isn't this just an entire mage squad? Blackstone Territory hadn't even seen the shadow of a single mage until now.
As his gaze swept over this prestigious lineup, Leylo was filled with emotion. Duchess Anna had essentially moved a small legion and a mobile magic tower to Blackstone Territory.
Lillian, sensing Leylo's surprise, added proudly, "Mother said more administrative officials and supplies are on the way. They should arrive in about half a month. There's a share for you too, Brother! Mother said pioneering in the North is hard, and you shouldn't lack for manpower or resources!"
Leylo took a deep breath, raised his wine glass, and stood up. The noise in the hall died down.
"Lady Elena, Knight Commander Kane, and all the knights and mages who have traveled so far," Leylo raised his glass high. "On behalf of Blackstone Territory, I welcome you!"
"To Lord Leylo!" Commander Kane and Lady Elena were the first to raise their glasses, and the rest followed suit, bringing the atmosphere to its peak.
The "Big Cat" Encounter
The banquet lasted long into the night. After it finally wound down, Leylo personally escorted Lillian to the room prepared for her—the one with the best view in the main tower, decorated with fresh flowers and soft fabrics.
Moonlight had slipped in behind Leylo at some point. She jumped onto a soft cushion by the window, her pale gold eyes lazily sizing up the room's new owner, her tail twitching rhythmically.
"Wow! What a beautiful big white cat!" Lillian's eyes were immediately drawn to Moonlight. She let out a small cry of delight and dashed toward the window, her eyes sparkling with affection. She reached out to grab the "big cat" that looked so fluffy and soft.
Moonlight clearly hadn't expected the girl to be so blunt. Before Lillian could even get close, Moonlight vanished. In a silver-white blur, she bolted out of the window into the deep night, leaving Lillian standing there with her hands out in shock.
"Eh? Kitty, don't run! I won't hurt you!" Lillian pouted, looking at the empty windowsill with a hurt expression.
Leylo couldn't help but chuckle. "Her name is Moonlight. She's my partner, not just a cat. She's a bit shy; your movement was too sudden and startled her."
Lillian puffed out her cheeks. "Hmph. I liked her so much, and she just ran away."
Leylo rubbed her hair dotingly. "Alright, you're tired today. Get some rest. I have a gift prepared for you tomorrow; I'm sure you'll love it."
"Yay! Goodnight, Brother!"
The Parting Gift
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, Leylo escorted the group outside the castle. Lady Elena and her students, along with Kane and his hundred elite knights, were ready to depart for the Princess's own land—Amber Territory.
"Brother, I'll miss you," Lillian held Leylo's hand, her large eyes full of reluctance.
Leylo smiled. "Amber Territory is adjacent to Blackstone. We'll have plenty of chances to see each other." He signaled to a nearby knight.
A moment later, ten knights led ten Pegasi to the front of the group.
"Wow!" Lillian's eyes lit up instantly. "Pegasi! Brother, are these for me?" She gasped, rushing over to one and gently stroking its silky mane.
"This is the first gift," Leylo said with a smile. "These ten Pegasi were carefully selected. They will be your best assistants for patrolling your land and delivering messages."
Lillian was overjoyed, circling the horses and wanting to fly immediately. "Thank you, Brother! I love them!"
"Don't be in such a hurry," Leylo patted her head, "There's something even better."