Chapter 118: A Pleasant Surprise
Chapter 118: A Pleasant Surprise
"Sir Reyn, if you're interested in me... I wouldn't object," the beautiful woman said, her fair skin blushing slightly, adding a touch of allure to her already charming appearance.
These words caught Reyn off guard, leaving him stunned.
Reyn, who had never been intimate with a woman since his arrival in this world, felt a surge of heat rising from his lower abdomen, causing his mouth to go dry.
At this moment, he truly understood the openness of the nobility when it came to sexual matters. As long as their interests were met, many things that were once unimaginable could become a reality. Reyn, being a normal man, couldn't deny the temptation.
If Reyn had been unaware of the existence of the 'Swordbearer' and the details of the Ennoblement Examination, he might have seriously considered the proposal. However, with this knowledge, he would never choose the path of becoming a son-in-law.
Suppressing the turmoil within, Reyn calmed himself and said, "Madam, becoming a son-in-law is out of the question. However, your kindness has overwhelmed me. If the Crowley family ever faces any difficulties that are within my capabilities, I won't hesitate to lend my assistance."
As soon as Reyn finished speaking, the disappointment on Baroness Crowley's face was evident. She had heard such flattering words countless times at noble gatherings, and no one took them seriously.
Ever since her husband passed away from an unusual illness, the Crowley family had been without a direct bloodline successor as a formal knight. The two knights in their forties had harbored intentions towards the widowed Baroness and her daughter, so she was in urgent need of a powerful formal knight.
Reyn, a newly knighted commoner with considerable strength, was one of her best choices. This was why Baroness Crowley had rushed over from the county city early in the morning.
In the entire Mayester County, newly knighted commoners were indeed rare, but there were certainly others besides Reyn.
However, most newly knighted commoners had average strength, making Reyn's exceptional talent truly rare.
"This is truly regrettable."
"Sir Reyn, would you consider becoming the Crowley family's Guardian Knight? We are willing to provide an annual fund for the maintenance and procurement of your armor, weapons, and horses."
Fearing that Reyn might refuse again, Baroness Crowley quickly added, "Sir Reyn, you would only need to assist the Crowley family when we face danger. At other times, we won't disturb your cultivation."
Seeing the hopeful look in Baroness Crowley's watery eyes, Reyn paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully, "But there are some dangers that I may not be able to resolve for the Crowley family, so..."
"Of course, the tasks we ask of you will be within your capabilities," replied Baroness Crowley, using the respectful 'you' as if sensing Reyn's willingness to consider her offer.
Reyn, now a knight in strength but not yet ennobled, experienced the change in treatment as a result of his increased power.
After a moment of thought, Reyn nodded, "Alright, Madam, your sincerity has moved me. I am willing to become the Crowley family's Guardian Knight. How about a term of two years?"
Reyn was familiar with the concept of a Guardian Knight, as Hamilton had explained it to him before. Powerful knights often attracted the attention of many families seeking their protection.
A formidable Guardian Knight could deter threats, ensuring the long-term stability of a smaller family.
In return, the Guardian Knight would receive support from the family in various aspects.
Whether this arrangement was mutually beneficial or not depended on one's perspective.
"Of course, Sir Reyn, that's wonderful news!" exclaimed Baroness Crowley with delight.
"Sir Reyn, when are you available for a small welcoming ceremony hosted by the Crowley family?"
"Hmm? A ceremony isn't necessary," Reyn frowned slightly, not wanting to waste time on social gatherings.
"Please, it's important for the Crowley family to hold this ceremony. Your role as our Guardian Knight is significant, and we need your presence to deter those with ill intentions towards our family."
"Alright, but not today. Let's set it for next week," Reyn agreed, deciding to go through with the formalities since he had already given his word.
"Then it's settled for next week," replied Baroness Crowley, relieved that Reyn had agreed. Her beautiful eyes shone with anticipation, knowing that Reyn's appearance would serve as a powerful deterrent to the two knights with ulterior motives.
"By the way, Sir Reyn, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to contact the Crowley family," added the Baroness, clearly in high spirits. Although it wasn't the ideal outcome, it was still a successful trip.
Just as Reyn was about to take his leave, a thought crossed his mind.
"By the way, Madam, I have a small favor to ask of you. I'm not sure if..."
"Of course, Sir Reyn, please don't hesitate to ask."
Hearing that Reyn had a request for her, Lady Crowley couldn't help but eagerly say, "I was hoping you'd need my help. That way, I'd have the opportunity to deepen my connection and maintain a good relationship with this young knight who has a promising future."
As she spoke, Reyn took out a piece of paper he had prepared earlier from his pocket and handed it to Lady Crowley.
Lady Crowley took the paper and curiously examined it, but from her bewildered expression, it was clear that she didn't recognize the script.
Just as Reyn was about to speak, Jennie, who had been silent beside Lady Crowley, leaned over to look at the paper and exclaimed, "Is this Spirit Script?"
"Huh! Miss Jennie, do you know this script?" Reyn asked, slightly surprised.
"Well, Lord Reyn, I haven't specifically studied this script, but I have a basic understanding of it. There's a book in our family's library that introduces this script, so I was able to recognize it."
"Oh, there's a book? Could I borrow it?" Reyn asked, delighted.
"Of course. I'll have it ready for you when I return." Jennie nodded in agreement.
Reyn nodded. He hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise.
He had originally planned to ask Hamilton first and had a backup plan if that didn't work out, but to his surprise, the issue was resolved as soon as he stepped out of the house!
They agreed that someone would deliver the book to him in two days. Reyn bid farewell to Lady Crowley and Miss Jennie and left the carriage.
After getting off the carriage, Reyn continued walking towards the Town Admin Hall.
Upon arriving at the hall, Reyn, having found a way to learn the unknown script, didn't rush to Hamilton's office. Instead, he took a detour and headed to the training ground.
The first thing Reyn saw was the wall of the training ground, which had a large hole from the previous day, now repaired. The efficiency of the Town Admin Hall was indeed commendable.
When the Night Watchmen saw Reyn approaching, they stopped their training and gathered around him. Reyn was known for his good temper and easygoing nature, and most importantly, he had become a Knight Acolyte, which naturally made him more approachable to his colleagues.
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"Reyn, you're here! I thought you wouldn't come back," said one of the Night Watchmen.
"Yes, I've become a Knight Acolyte. From now on, you should address me as 'Knight Sir,'" Matteo, the short man, said with a laugh.
"..."
Reyn looked at his colleagues' smiling faces, knowing that some of them were flattering him, but it was human nature to admire strength, so he didn't mind.
After greeting everyone, Reyn asked for their help, explaining that he wanted to test his reactions and needed a few of them to shoot arrows at him simultaneously.
In truth, Reyn had a hidden motive—he wanted to confirm his suspicion.
After seeing the Knight experience gained from the previous day's battle in the system prompt, Reyn had a hunch that if his opponents weren't Knights Acolytes, the combat experience rewards he would receive after becoming a Knight Acolyte would be minimal.
"All four of you, shoot at me with all your might! Use Battle Arrows, and don't stop unless I tell you to," Reyn instructed.
The four men only hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Matteo added, "Now that you're a Knight Acolyte and wearing armor, Battle Arrows probably won't hurt you. But be careful, Reyn. It would be embarrassing if we managed to injure you, haha."
"Yes, remember to give it your all! If you manage to injure me, I'll treat everyone to tequila at the Oak Tavern tonight," Reyn said with a smile.
"Haha, great! Let's not disappoint our Knight Sir," Matteo, the short man, said with a laugh.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"
As soon as Reyn stood in the center of the training ground, the four men began shooting arrows at him in rapid succession.
After becoming a Knight Acolyte, Reyn's attributes had increased significantly, allowing him to dodge most of the arrows without using his 'Break Limit' ability. He deflected the few arrows that came his way with his gloved hands.
After testing a few times, Reyn waved his hand, signaling the exhausted Matteo and the others to stop.
As expected, the test results confirmed Reyn's suspicions. If he had gained some experience from fighting Matteo and the others before, he now barely received any experience points.
After several tests, he only occasionally gained two experience points.
It was clear that if Reyn wanted to earn Knight experience points efficiently, he would need to find opponents of the same extraordinary level.
With this realization, a smile appeared on Reyn's face. It seemed like he would have to take advantage of Hamilton.
As soon as Reyn entered Hamilton's office, Hamilton looked up and said, "Reyn, your timing is perfect. I was just about to send someone to look for you."
Before Reyn could ask any questions, Hamilton handed him a thin scroll—a bounty scroll.
(End of Chapter)
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