Early the next morning, Duane got out of bed at Ralph’s call.

His audience with the King was scheduled for that morning. Considering the distance from Lakefront Manor to the Royal Palace, Duane skipped his morning exercises, had a simple breakfast, and prepared to set out.

Ralph had already brought Duane’s horse over. It was a strikingly handsome black steed, its coat a solid color without a single blemish.

"My lord, riding is taxing on both your stamina and Spirit. Since you’ve only just recovered, why not let Kaelon take you by carriage?" he suggested.

Duane, however, took the reins. "Don’t worry, Steward. I’m fully recovered."

Galloping freely on horseback was a dream for many people, and Duane was no exception.

But for him, this was more of an experiment to see if Riding Skill would appear on his attribute panel.

Ralph didn’t insist. Instead, he turned to Kaelon and said, "Guard Captain, his lordship’s safety is in your hands."

Kaelon’s mount was a chestnut horse, also of Upper Level quality, possessing good stamina and carrying capacity.

"Rest assured, Steward. It is my duty."

Duane recalled his predecessor’s riding technique. After mentally rehearsing it a few times, he smoothly settled into the saddle. A smile touched his lips.

[You have integrated a portion of riding techniques. Basic Riding Skill Level +5]

’I was right,’ he thought. ’Riding Skill really can be recorded.’

"Let’s go!"

Duane lightly flicked the whip. The horse beneath him took the command and galloped down the main road.

The jostling was a little uncomfortable, but as he felt the wind whistling past his ears and watched the scenery recede on either side, his spirits began to soar.

[You have integrated a portion of riding techniques. Basic Riding Skill Level +4]

...

[You have integrated a portion of riding techniques. Basic Riding Skill Level +8]

Duane discovered that if he performed special maneuvers on horseback, his Skill Level increased by a larger amount.

’My predecessor’s Riding Skill was even praised by Carter, so it must be pretty decent. I’ll probably be able to earn some more attribute points today just from riding.’

As they galloped on, his Skill Level steadily increased.

By the time they stopped outside the magnificent Royal Palace, his Basic Riding Skill Level had reached (Entry 189/200).

’The progress is a little slow, but I should be able to break through to the Skilled level on the way back.’

There were also more complex Equestrianism maneuvers he hadn’t attempted yet; he planned to practice integrating those back at a stable.

Attendants were stationed outside the Royal Palace to receive guests.

Duane and Kaelon handed their horses over to be fed and watered, then boarded a special Royal Palace carriage.

The carriage was drawn by two Flame Horses, their coats the color of fire.

These were Level 2 Demon Beasts from Duke Hughes’ Territory—the family of Hunter Hughes, the man who had taken command of the Third Legion.

Duke Kelvin was a legendary figure in the Pruck Kingdom. Despite his advanced age, he was a true Star Level expert, a man whom even Carter had deeply respected.

The prowess of the Duke’s Flame Army was renowned, deeply feared by the neighboring Akutas Kingdom.

The Royal Palace was vast, but the carriage moved quickly, and it wasn’t long before they arrived outside the Cyan Snake Fortress.

The Cyan Snake Fortress was the seat of the Kingdom’s power, where King Eric lived and conducted his affairs.

Its walls were tall and massive, enchanted with all manner of Defense Magic and outfitted with numerous defensive structures, creating a magnificent and solemn sight.

The fortress was heavily guarded.

For a time, Carter’s father had served as the Guard Commander here before another Celestial Tier Warrior took over the post.

Furthermore, it was rumored that the Kingdom’s Contracted Demon Beast—the Black-eyed Cyan Snake, a Level 6 Demon Beast dozens of meters long—resided somewhere within its walls.

A Level 6 Demon Beast was immensely powerful; even a Shooting Star Level expert, one who had already stepped into the Star Level, would be extremely wary of it.

It was said that to capture it, Pruck I had deployed a hundred-man team, which included several Celestial Tier Warriors.

"Baron, please follow me!"

After their arrival was announced, a Palace Attendant in a cyan robe came to lead Duane inside, while Kaelon could only wait within the fortress walls.

Typically, when a member of the Nobility had an audience with the King, they did not bring their guards. This was a sign of respect and trust.

Led by the attendant, Duane passed through the fortress gates, climbed over a hundred steps, and traversed a corridor several hundred meters long before finally arriving in the throne hall.

The red carpet, the magnificent murals, the exquisite light fixtures that cast a soft yet brilliant glow, and the armored Warriors standing at attention by the round pillars—every detail proclaimed the solemnity and grandeur of the hall.

Although he had his predecessor’s memories, Duane himself had never witnessed such a grand scene, and for a moment, he was awestruck.

Fortunately, he managed to compose himself and walk steadily up the red carpet.

Soon, he saw the middle-aged man seated upon a glittering golden throne at the end of the carpet, raised on a dais of steps.

This was the King of the Pruck Kingdom, Eric Pruck II.

He was not only noble but powerful—a genuine Earth Tier Warrior!

Duane was prepared for the etiquette required when meeting the King. He placed his right hand over his chest, bowed deeply, and offered his respects.

"Duane Brian greets Your Majesty. Good day to you, Sire!"

"Good morning, young Baron."

The King’s resonant and slightly gruff voice replied, "Yesterday, your man informed my Guards that you had awoken. That is some of the only good news I have received lately."

Duane slowly straightened, raising his head slightly to look up at the King, and said respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fully recovered now."

"Mm."

Eric rose from his throne and slowly descended the steps, an intangible pressure washing over Duane as he approached.

"My apologies, Baron. While you were unconscious, the council of nobles passed its judgment regarding the Brian Clan."

"Although your father, Carter, had my deepest trust and was once my right-hand man, some matters are simply beyond my control."

"The Kingdom has its laws, and the Nobility has its rules."

Duane noticed the King didn’t specify what crime Carter had committed, instead glossing over the details vaguely.

’He must know Earl Orlando’s accusations are false,’ Duane thought.

In truth, Eric knew full well. After all, the Third Legion belonged to the Kingdom.

He had only agreed to the judgment for political gain.

However, Carter had followed him for many years and was one of his most trusted subordinates. If he treated the Brian Clan too harshly, his other followers would undoubtedly harbor resentment.

After all, they would all wonder: if a Knight who served the Kingdom for years died and his only son met such a miserable end...

...then what fate would befall their own families when they, also followers of the King, met their end?

That was why the King had made Duane the Baron of Black Forest Island and refused the financial reparations demanded by Orlando and his faction.

Duane bowed slightly. "My steward informed me of this matter. I am deeply grateful to Your Majesty for speaking on my behalf and waiving such heavy reparations, thus saving me from the fate of a common beggar."

Eric let out a laugh. "Carter followed me for so many years. If I allowed his son to become a beggar, what face would I have left as his lord?"

Duane thanked him again, knowing the King’s actions were most likely meant to placate his followers.

’His mention of "face" just now,’ Duane thought, ’proves he’s concerned about how his followers perceive him.’

"After waking, I gave this matter a great deal of thought,"

Duane continued, "Although most of Black Forest Island is overrun with Demon Beasts and Exotic Beasts, and though Broken Wave City in the northwest has been controlled for years by marauders, bandits, and fugitives who pose a constant threat to my life... I believe I can survive, as long as I take some men with me."

For the first time, he looked directly at the King. "Compared to the threats against my life here in the Royal Capital, perhaps sending me to Black Forest Island was a wise decision after all."

Eric’s brow twitched imperceptibly. ’Why does this Duane seem so much more mature than the frantic boy who was losing his mind at the council meeting?’

He walked over to Duane and patted him on the shoulder. "Rest assured, no one can threaten your life. Especially not in the Royal Capital."

"One can only hope, Your Majesty."

Duane smiled and said, "However, to prevent any... accidents, I would like to recruit some people from the Royal Capital to accompany me to Black Forest Island. This would require your permission..."

"A small matter. Of course, you have my permission! Once you’ve recruited your people, simply have them registered."

Eric was unconcerned by the request and didn’t even set a limit on the number of people Duane could recruit.

’With the inheritance Carter left him, he can’t afford to take many people anyway.’

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Duane smiled and bowed, then adopted an expression as if he had just remembered something.

"By the way, Your Majesty, Raymond, the former Captain of the Thirty-Eighth Squad in the Third Legion, has officially left the Legion. He came to Lakefront Manor yesterday to swear fealty to me."

As he spoke, he observed Eric carefully. A flicker of surprise crossed the King’s face for an instant.

’So the King didn’t know about this?’

Eric’s expression returned to normal in an instant. He turned and started walking back toward his throne, saying, "I am aware. Since Raymond has left the Legion, his future is his own to decide."

Reseating himself upon the throne, he called out, "Lloyd."

Lloyd was the second son of Earl Kais Kennedy. He now served as the royal Clerk, responsible for conveying the King’s edicts, and held the title of honorary Baron, bestowed by the King himself.

"At your command, Your Majesty!"

Eric said, "The conditions on Black Forest Island are indeed as poor as Duane has described. Though he claims to be prepared, I cannot stand by and watch Carter’s only son walk into danger."

He mused for a moment before continuing, "In my name, have Hunter select thirty well-trained soldiers from the Third Legion to pledge their loyalty to Duane."

"Furthermore, exempt Black Forest Island from all taxes for the next twenty years, and have the Finance Bureau provide him with an unconditional subsidy of eight hundred Gold Coins."

"Your Majesty, you..."

Lloyd listened to these three decrees in astonishment, not understanding why His Majesty was suddenly bestowing so many boons upon Duane.

Of course, to the King, these gifts were but a drop in the ocean.

But for a minor noble like Duane, who had lost all his support, they were a considerable fortune.

Lloyd’s surprise lasted only a moment before he immediately said,

"Your Majesty is truly benevolent! If Legion Commander Carter’s heroic spirit could know of this, he would surely be immensely grateful for your care of the young Baron!"

Duane also bowed in agreement. "I believe so as well."