Days ago, upon learning of Louis's imminent return, the old butler Bradley began preparing a banquet.
This banquet was not just a celebration for the knights.
All the people of Red Tide Territory, whether freen, slaves, or soldiers, were invited, and it was held in the town square.
Although the food wasn't luxurious, it had everything necessary.
Pickled fish, smoked at, stead vegetables...
And wine brewed from rye, served in large barrels for everyone to help themselves.
Suddenly, soone shouted, "Lord Louis is here!"
The laughter gradually subsided.
Everyone's gaze turned towards the end of the square, and then they all stood up.
Children sitting on the ground were gently lifted by their parents, soldiers instinctively stood at attention, and slaves spontaneously put down their wine cups.
In the firelight, Louis slowly approached.
To his left and right, two rows of knights were arrayed like an honor guard, solemnly silent.
And the Lord Louis Calvin, whom everyone looked up to, walked slowly in the center, guarded by the knights.
He wore a simple, neat black and red-patterned formal suit with a gold chain on his shoulder, and a noble's sword at his waist.
His expression was as calm as ever, yet he exuded an undeniable composure, a convincing "leader's aura."
Like a king returning in triumph.
Like the sun rising at dawn.
He slowly ascended the steps, standing before everyone, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below—his people.
"Thank you all for being here. During my absence, it was you who protected Red Tide Territory; no one flinched or gave up.
This victory does not belong to alone; it belongs to you, to all who have contributed to this land."
He paused slightly, his eyes sweeping across the square; so shed tears, others straightened their backs.
"Winter is approaching, and we still have many difficulties to overco. But I promise you, I will never let Red Tide Territory return to that cold, hungry era.
I will use the fruits of this victory to bring you true change."
He extended his hand, slowly clenching it into a fist.
"I am back, and Red Tide Territory will only get better."
As his words fell, the entire square fell silent for a mont, followed by a surge of applause like a tide, as if the long-suppressed excitent had finally burst forth.
Bradley stood nearby, a trace of irrepressible pride in his eyes, nodding slightly in approval of the speech.
Louis slowly raised his hand, allowing the cheers below to gradually subside.
Then, in an unhurried tone, he said, "There are so people who are rely slaves, yet they have made an indelible contribution to the developnt of Red Tide Territory with their blood and sweat.
He paused, his tone firm: "I, Louis Calvin, hereby declare that the following two hundred individuals shall be freed from slavery starting today."
His words stunned the entire crowd.
Then Bradley stepped forward, unrolled a list, and began to read out nas one by one: "Isaac, Marlene, Balson..."
A middle-aged slave heard his na, froze for a mont, then fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank... thank you, Lord Louis, for my freedom!"
More and more nas were called out, and more and more people knelt, weeping bitterly.
"Am I... truly free?"
"I thought I would never live to see this day..."
"I worked hard every day fishing, knowing it would be my turn soday... and today it really happened."
Red Tide Territory released so slaves every month; this was not unusual.
But when this mont truly descended upon them, the shock was indescribable.
Most of the other slaves whose nas were not called looked disheartened, silently lowering their heads.
"Alas... not this ti either."
"It's okay, Red Tide Territory releases people every month, maybe it'll be your turn next ti."
"There will be another chance... as long as we keep working hard, soday we can also beco freen."
But there was no resentnt in their eyes; instead, they comforted each other, as the number of slaves in Red Tide Territory was steadily decreasing.
Moreover, being a slave here was much better than being a freeman in other places.
Many of them had once been freen in other territories, only to be sold into slavery and brought here.
They all knew in their hearts how benevolent this land and its master were.
So freen also spontaneously applauded, many with looks of satisfaction in their eyes.
"He worked with in the fields," a tall, thin middle-aged man said to the person beside him, "He works fast and is diligent... I knew he'd beco a freeman."
"Yes," the other person nodded, "We all ca from slavery too."
Louis's gaze swept over the crowd below; many slaves were still kneeling, tears flowing uncontrollably.
His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached every corner: "Red Tide will not forget your nas. Those announced today are examples for all slaves.
But this does not an the end; as long as you are willing to contribute to this land, one day, you too will gain freedom."
Then he paused, his tone shifting to one of solemnity: "And now it is ti to thank another group of people, those knights who fought, guarded, and bled for Red ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) Tide Territory.
Whether those who charged on the front lines or those who stayed behind to defend Red Tide Territory, it is because of your loyalty and courage that this land and the North remain safe and sound.
Your glory is worthy of being rembered by the entire territory. Now, I will personally bestow upon you your honors and rewards."
Then, a soft drum roll sounded, and Bradley unrolled a parchnt, loudly announcing the na of the first knight.
"Seymour Bell, participated in the main battle at Qingyu Ridge, slew seven enemies! Step forward to receive your reward!"
Knight Seymour steadily walked onto the high platform and knelt on one knee.
"For your courage and loyalty."
Louis personally pinned a Red Tide emblem, crafted in advance by artisans, onto his chest, poured him a cup of ale, and then announced his reward.
Seymour, with trembling hands, took the cup and drank it in one gulp, his eyes reddening: "I am willing to die for Red Tide Territory, willing to die for Lord Louis!"
Then ca the second, the third...
Knights, whether renowned for their achievents or for their defensive rits, were called forward one by one.
So trembled uncontrollably as they received bags of glittering gold coins, others pulled out exquisite longswords to examine them closely.
Several were even granted "miniature fiefdoms" or "manor managent rights," accompanied by symbolic land grant docunts.
"You will be the caretaker of that land; govern it in my na," Louis said.
Upon hearing these words, those few imdiately knelt, bowing their heads deeply.
"We swear to die rather than betray Lord Louis's trust!"
Applause erupted in waves, surging through the square like a tide.
Weil stood at the back of the crowd, his cheeks flushed by the firelight.
He didn't move or applaud; he simply stared at the rows of knights receiving their rewards.
That was the position he yearned for, the glory of his dreams.
"I will stand there too," the young man clenched his fists, a burning light in his eyes.
"No matter the cost... one day, I too will receive Lord Louis's personal bestowal."
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