The following morning, a majestic city bathed in the dawn light came into view. Unlike the rugged sturdiness of Blackstone Castle, Red Leaf City was more refined and beautiful. The main walls were built from a pale red rock that shimmered with a warm luster under the sun. Maple trees were planted all around; though it wasn't late autumn, the layers of green leaves offered a unique and refreshing scenery.
Leylo patted Tempest's neck, and the Griffin King let out a low rumble, slowly descending. The sentries on the outer arrow towers had long since spotted them, and the sound of horns echoed from afar. Before Tempest even touched the ground, the city gates swung open, and a group of people hurried out to meet them.
Leading the group was Gawain. He wore a brand-new, deep red noble formal suit, with his family crest pinned to his chest. He looked radiant, possessing more composure than he had in the past.
"Leylo! You've finally arrived!" Gawain laughed, opening his arms and approaching even before Leylo had dismounted.
Leylo vaulted down nimbly and gave Gawain a firm embrace. "Congratulations, Gawain—the future Count of Red Leaf."
"Hahaha, thanks to you, everything went smoothly." Gawain patted Leylo's shoulder heavily, then turned his gaze toward Tempest. "So, this is the Storm Griffin King that defeated the Thunder Dragon?"
"It was just a stroke of luck," Leylo explained.
"I've already had the servants prepare rest and food for the magic beasts," Gawain said, leading Leylo into the castle. "The banquet is nearly ready. Almost all the lords of the North are here, just waiting for a busy man like you."
Passing through the heavy gates, the courtyard was decorated with festive cheer, with servants moving busily yet orderly. The Great Hall had been transformed into a banquet room. Long tables were laden with abundant food and mellow wine, the air thick with the enticing scent of roasted meats and spices. The hall was buzzing with voices as well-dressed nobles huddled in small groups, conversing in low tones.
Leylo's entrance immediately drew everyone's attention.
"Baron Leylo!" A hearty voice rang out. Viscount Baker of Red Maple Territory hurried over, glass in hand, his face beaming. "You truly are my lucky star! I followed your lead and invested in Gawain, and now it looks like the return is quite generous!"
He made no effort to hide his pride. When Gawain's situation had been dire, he had followed Leylo's suggestion and provided significant support. Now that Gawain was about to inherit the Earldom, his own standing had naturally risen.
Leylo clinked glasses with him and smiled. "It was your own foresight."
"Haha, I like the sound of that!" Viscount Baker was in a superb mood.
As they exchanged pleasantries, several other lords gathered around, their attitudes much warmer than in the past. "Baron Leylo, your reputation precedes you. I heard your Storm Griffin King showed great prowess in the capital recently, even defeating the First Prince's Thunder Dragon?" a goatee-wearing Viscount asked curiously.
The news had already spread like wildfire through the noble circles of the North. The Prince's Thunder Dragon was nearly a top-tier existence among Tier 4 creatures; for it to lose to a previously unheard-of Storm Griffin King had undoubtedly boosted the fame of both Leylo and his mount.
Leylo gave a calm smile. "It was only luck."
"The Baron is too modest," another lord complimented. "Making the First Prince suffer a loss isn't something that can be explained by mere luck."
Amidst the crowd, a burly figure caught Leylo's eye. Count Barton of Giant Rock sat alone at a somewhat secluded table, silently drinking. Compared to their last meeting at Blackstone, he seemed a bit thinner, but his spirit remained. The failure of the expedition into the Emerald Marsh hadn't completely broken him.
Nearby, the conversations of other lords drifted over. "Sigh, those Naga lackeys from the Emerald Marsh are getting more rampant lately," one lord said worriedly. "Several villages on the edge of my territory were raided, and many people were taken."
"Tell me about it. They used to be active, but never this frequent or brazen," another chimed in.
"Wasn't it because—" a voice trailed off, eyes darting toward Count Barton. "Ever since the coalition disturbed the nest of those serpents, they've been retaliating like madmen."
Though not said directly, the resentment was palpable. Count Barton's hand tightened around his glass, his expression darkening, yet he did not argue. Leylo frowned; it seemed unfair for these lords to place all the blame on Barton. While Barton had his own motives, organizing a coalition to clear the Emerald Marsh wasn't inherently a wrong decision.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Gawain stepped to the head of the banquet hall. He raised his glass, his clear voice cutting through the noise.
"Everyone, thank you for taking the time to attend my succession ceremony." Gawain looked around with a sincere smile. "Red Leaf Territory is what it is today thanks to your support, especially during the difficult time when my father was ill. I will always remember your help when it was needed most."
He paused, glancing at Leylo and Viscount Baker with a nod. "Today, I officially inherit the title of Count of Red Leaf. I am well aware of the weight of this responsibility, and the path ahead may be full of challenges." His tone became solemn. "But I believe that if we stand united, we can overcome any difficulty and protect our home."
His words were firm and moved many of those present. Following this, under the presidency of a court official sent by the Grand Duke, the succession ceremony officially began. The official read the decree, and Gawain knelt on one knee to receive the crest-emblazoned sword and the territorial seal—the symbols of his authority.
"I name Gawain Redleaf as Count of Red Leaf Territory. May he be loyal and brave, guarding his lands and serving the Duchy with devotion!"
"I obey the Grand Duke's decree!" Gawain responded loudly, taking the sword and seal.
"Congratulations, Lord Count!" "Long live the Count of Red Leaf!" The hall erupted in cheers and thunderous applause.
As the boisterous lunch wound down and the nobles began to disperse, Gawain kept Leylo and Viscount Baker behind, inviting them to a more elegant side parlor. Sunlight streamed through the painted glass windows, casting multicolored patterns on the heavy carpet. After the servants provided fragrant black tea, they quietly withdrew.
"Leylo, Uncle Baker." Gawain poured tea for both of them himself. "Thank you for today. I will never forget your support during my hardest times."
Viscount Baker took a sip of tea, looking satisfied. "Nephew Gawain, you're being far too polite."
Gawain smiled and turned to Leylo. "I promised before that if you both helped me secure the Earldom, I would grant each of you half-ownership of a medium-sized iron mine as a reward."
Hearing this, Viscount Baker agreed without hesitation. It was a pre-arranged deal, and there was no need for false modesty. "Haha, Count Gawain truly keeps his word! This is a grand gift, and I accept it with gratitude." Half the proceeds of a medium-sized iron mine would be enough to bring Red Maple Territory's finances to a new level.
"Gawain, I appreciate your generosity," Leylo spoke up. "The proceeds from a medium-sized iron mine are indeed staggering. For any lord, it's a fortune that cannot be refused."
"However—" Leylo shifted his tone. "While this income is stable and long-term, the rate of return is too slow. It doesn't quite fit my current development plans." He looked at Gawain. "If possible, I would like to exchange the ownership of the iron mine for something I can put to use immediately."
Gawain was slightly surprised but soon understood. Leylo's rise was a miracle—Pegasus Knights, the Storm Griffin King, wiping out the Blood Wolf Mercenaries—each was a massive feat accomplished in a very short time.
"Oh? What do you need, Leylo? Feel free to speak your mind," Gawain said straightforwardly.