Chapter 169: Invitation

Chapter 169: Invitation



Reyn took the invitation, already having a faint idea of what it might be.

It was a light blue invitation made of an unusual paper material. What surprised Reyn the most was the five differently postured dragons soaring in the air on its surface.

Reyn opened it to find a single line of text inside:

"Hereby invite Reyn Calan to participate in the Imperial Swordbearer Selection in Minster Province, three months from now."

Upon closer inspection, there was a small line of text at the bottom right, indicating the time and location: the last day of the Month of Vitality, Minster, 1 Avenue.

Sure enough, it was an invitation to the Swordbearer selection!

However, it was quite different from what Reyn had initially expected.

He had always thought that receiving an invitation would directly make him a member of the Imperial Swordbearers, but it seemed that was not the case.

The invitation actually meant that someone was being invited to participate in the selection process.

This was akin to a film production team being invited to a film festival; whether they won an award or not was uncertain, but it implied that "your film is good, and our jury has taken notice, so there's a chance you might win."

Similarly, the Swordbearer invitation meant: "Reyn, your performance is good, and we have taken notice, so there's a chance you might succeed."

However, as long as there was a chance, Reyn believed he could seize it.

From another perspective, most people would never have such an opportunity, nor would they have the chance to interact with it. Therefore, this was good news.

Two pieces of good news in a row made it hard for Reyn to contain his excitement.

At that moment, Viscount Theo, seeing that Reyn had finished reading the invitation, smiled and reminded him:

"Not every newly knighted individual with excellent evaluations will receive a Swordbearer invitation. Only a few who rank at the top among those with excellent evaluations will receive one."

"By the way, Reyn, perhaps you should consider taking some time soon to design a noble emblem for your barony."

"A noble emblem?" Reyn immediately came to his senses and nodded.

He remembered this, like the exclusive emblem of the Crowley family on the carriages that had come to pick him up multiple times: a kite-shaped shield with a flower similar to a rose.

However, according to Jenny, the design of a noble emblem seemed to follow some unwritten rules.

These rules had gradually become a consensus among the nobility over the years since the founding of the Dragon Empire.

For example, symbols like lions and crowns were generally not used by families below the rank of Duke or Marquess, let alone lesser families.

For instance, if a family's emblem included a shield, it might indicate that the family was renowned for a particular shield-based combat skill. Of course, it could also represent sword and shield or hammer and shield skills.

However, if a family that was not skilled in shield combat used a shield in their emblem, it would be ridiculed by other nobles.

Reyn thought that he would need to consult Lady Crowley or Jenny about this issue when he returned.

"Yes, of course. You have plenty of time, Reyn. You can submit it once you have decided."

"There is one more thing. Every last Sunday of the Month of Greenery, all newly knighted barons and viscounts within the Minster Province must go to the provincial capital, Minster, to receive their formal ennoblement by the Duke of Minster."

"Of course, this is merely a ceremony. You are already a baron and can enjoy_all the privileges of a baron."

"The Duke of Minster is simply representing the great Emperor to ennoblement you. You will swear allegiance to the Emperor and the Empire."

Since Theo had known from Reyn's background that he was a commoner's son, he explained in detail.

Reyn nodded, indicating his understanding.

The Month of Greenery, he thought. The Swordbearer invitation indicated the Month of Vitality, so according to the old calendar, he would have to go to Minster in a few months.

"Furthermore, the various noble rights you will enjoy after becoming a baron, such as the right to participate in deliberations and immunity, you can gradually learn about once you return."

As Theo spoke, he handed a small booklet to Reyn.

"Reyn, I look forward to your future performance. If everything goes well, perhaps we will meet again in Minster." Viscount Theo smiled and then left the room.

At the door, two attendants waited as the group departed from the Navy Home Inn.

For Reyn, this ennoblement examination journey had ended almost perfectly.

He had not expected to receive the examination results and the Swordbearer invitation so soon.

The Empire's efficiency had given him a pleasant surprise.

After a moment's thought, he decided to pack his belongings and return home early to share this good news with his parents and his sister, Mint.

However, as he descended the stairs, he unexpectedly saw a striking figure waiting for him on the first floor of the Navy Home inn.

Lieutenant Marika, smiling warmly, looked at Reyn with his luggage and stepped forward, saying, "Knight Reyn, no, I should address you as Baron Reyn. Are you preparing to leave?"

"Major Marika, you can still call me Reyn." Reyn naturally heard no malice in her words.

"Baron Reyn, have you considered joining the Navy?"

"Based on your performance in this ennoblement examination, you will surely be given a significant role. The South Sea Fleet needs capable young talents like you to join."

Reyn raised an eyebrow, surprised that Rear Admiral Marika had directly invited him to join the Navy.

To be honest, if he hadn't received the Swordbearer's invitation, he would have seriously considered her suggestion.

After all, the opportunities for advancement and the potential to access various wizardry within the Imperial Navy, let alone the South Sea Fleet, far surpassed those in Myester County.

The chances for promotion and the potential to access various wizardry within the Imperial Navy, let alone the South Sea Fleet, far surpassed those in Myester County.

However, this recruitment held little appeal for Reyn now.

On the contrary, the process would involve numerous trivial matters that would consume a significant amount of his energy.

Currently, Reyn planned to settle his family matters and then find time to travel to the Golden Coast to seek Master Gunther for further improvement.

This was probably the most efficient way to enhance his strength.

Of course, handling mysterious events often brought Reyn considerable rewards, but the risks involved couldn't be ignored.

"Thank you for the invitation, Rear Admiral Marika. I've long admired the Imperial Navy, but unfortunately, I've already received an invitation from a special Imperial department, so I'm truly sorry," Reyn said sincerely.

He refrained from mentioning the Swordbearers to avoid sounding boastful to Marika.

"Hmm? So soon?" Marika's beautiful face showed a hint of surprise.

How could Reyn have been approached by a special Imperial department so quickly?

"Baron Reyn, is this special department you mentioned the Imperial Swordbearers?" Marika asked curiously.

"Eh? How did you know? Yes, it's the Swordbearers," Reyn nodded.

Reyn was surprised, as Baron Theodorus was unlikely to proactively spread such news. This implied that Marika had guessed it herself.

Marika, on the other hand, had a sudden realization.

No wonder when she was chatting with General Silva about 'why not invite Reyn to the South Sea Fleet,' he had jokingly said, 'You can try, but I certainly can't.'

It seemed that General Silva already knew about Reyn's invitation from the Imperial Swordbearers at that time.

And yet, she eagerly took on the role of a recruiter.

The 'old fox' was testing the waters, seeing if she could convince Reyn to stay.

Realizing this, Marika's face flushed slightly with embarrassment.

Reyn observed Marika, finding her expression somewhat peculiar.

The rear admiral's shy demeanor, combined with her naval uniform, created a captivating sight, even causing a few men nearby to stare in awe.

"Well then, Baron Reyn, I wish you fair winds and following seas! Don't forget to write to me," Marika quickly adjusted her mindset, smiling and waving goodbye, having lost hope of recruiting Reyn to the Navy.

"Thank you, Rear Admiral Marika. I will, and you're always welcome in Myester County," Reyn smiled.

After bidding Marika farewell, Reyn, carrying his luggage, arrived at the stables beside the Navy Home Inn. He placed his luggage on a brown horse and mounted a black one, merging into the bustling street.

However, instead of heading north directly to Myester County, Reyn rode west towards the noble mansions in Rosby City.

Soon, he reached the entrance of a luxurious mansion, where a servant greeted him, "Baron Reyn, Miss Evelyn is currently sparring with a friend in the training ground."

This was Evelyn's home.

Since their encounter at the Nightingale Marketplace, Reyn and Evelyn had quickly become close friends.

The previous day, Reyn had accepted Evelyn's invitation to visit her home. Thus, the servants at the entrance recognized him as Miss Evelyn's new friend.

Initially, Lady Norman, Evelyn's mother, was curious and slightly concerned about her daughter inviting a young man she had never met before.

After a brief encounter with Reyn, Lady Norman realized he was of common birth, which seemed at odds with Evelyn's noble status.

Even though Reyn was a newly knighted knight.

But when Evelyn said, 'Mother, Reyn is likely the top candidate for the knighting ceremony,' Lady Norman immediately supported her daughter's decision, encouraging her to invite Reyn over more often to fulfill her duties as a gracious host.

This left Evelyn speechless.

Sparring with a friend?

Reyn didn't think much of it and stopped the servant from leading the horse to the stable. Instead, he followed the servant on horseback to the training ground located in the backyard of the mansion.

Reyn intended to greet them and then return to Shangjin Town.

In the training ground, red-haired Evelyn was sparring with a male knight of similar age. Aside from the servants and guards in their respective uniforms, three young men and a young woman, dressed in noble hunting attire or knight armor, watched from the sidelines.

When Reyn arrived, he immediately caught the attention of these noble heirs.

Reyn glanced at them and recognized several familiar faces from the Rosby County assessment.

However, he quickly focused his attention on the sparring match.

Although Reyn didn't pay much attention to them, these noble heirs were curious about his presence and scrutinized him.

"However, they only needed a glance to realize that Reyn was not one of them."

The horse had no extra decorations, appearing overly simplistic.

Reyn wore a chrome iron set, a typical knight's armor.

As Reyn approached, they could clearly see that the front of his chestplate bore no noble emblem.

Therefore, they could almost confirm that Reyn was not of noble descent but a commoner's son.

"He seems to be one of the newly-knighted participants in the Ennoblement Examination from another county. I saw him at the Navy Home Inn," one of them said.

"Yes, I remember him too. He was hanging out with that commoner knight, Has," another added.

"What's he doing here?"

"Now that you mention it, I remember. But on the day of the examination, I don't recall seeing him. I was on the 'Shipwreck' while you, Osby, were on the 'Hook'. Did you see this person there?"

"No!" Osby, the young man, stared at Reyn's black hair for a few seconds before confidently replying.

"Hehe, is he one of those who went to the small fortress?"

"It's unlikely that Evelyn invited him here. He's probably one of her suitors."

"There are people who don't know their limits everywhere," the young man beside them scoffed.

". . ."

Reyn didn't pay much attention to the bystanders' comments, merely glancing at them before moving on.

However, his gaze lingered on Evelyn's opponent for a few moments.

A male, a Master Knight, wielding a sword and shield, with exquisite battle skills, and quite a formidable opponent.

Due to the opponent's strength, Evelyn caught a glimpse of Reyn from the corner of her eye but didn't have the chance to greet him.

Their eyes met briefly, acknowledging each other's presence, but the moment passed quickly.

"Stop! Salem, let's call it a day here," Evelyn said, interrupting the fight.

"Hmm? Evelyn, we were just getting into it. Why stop now?" Her opponent removed his helmet, revealing golden hair and a handsome young man with a high nose bridge, probably around eighteen or nineteen years old.

"A friend of mine has arrived," Evelyn pointed at Reyn on the black horse.

At this moment, the young man named Salem narrowed his eyes, examining Reyn closely.

Evelyn's friend seemed unfamiliar to him.

However, given Evelyn's attitude, she seemed to hold this friend in high regard. Could he be a rival?

Hmm? Judging from his attire, he didn't appear to be from Rosby City.

And if he were a Rosby City resident with the skills of a Full Knight, Salem would have likely encountered him before.

Evelyn waved at Reyn and, noticing his luggage, asked, "Reyn, are you leaving now? Why not stay a few more days?"

Seeing Evelyn approach, Reyn dismounted and smiled, "Yes, Evelyn, I'm heading back to Myester now, so I came to bid you farewell."

"Evelyn, is this friend of yours also here for the Ennoblement Examination?" Salem stepped forward and inquired.

Seeing Salem take the initiative, Evelyn knew it would be impolite not to introduce him.

"Salem, this is Reyn, from Myester County. He's a friend I met during the Ennoblement Examination."

"Hello!"

The two nodded to each other, a simple greeting.

At this moment, several onlookers approached, and one of them said to Reyn, "Sir Reyn, why not stay until tomorrow? It's a rare opportunity for us to gather and exchange combat techniques."

Reyn contemplated, "Hmm..."

The people before him seemed like excellent 'experience points' targets, as his Tokkar Hammer Technique was already at level 4 (843/1000).

Staying to gain experience from them seemed like a good choice.

Perhaps he could even level up.

"Osby, don't make things difficult for Reyn," someone teased.

"Perhaps only I and Salem can spar with Reyn, but we'd likely still be no match for him," Evelyn laughed, knowing Osby's intentions.

In Evelyn's opinion, Osby wasn't a bad person, and they were old acquaintances. She didn't want to see him embarrassed in public, so she spoke up.

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing Evelyn's words, the noble heirs present realized that Reyn was no ordinary person.

Instantly, four or five pairs of eyes fixed on Reyn.

Reyn remained unfazed by their scrutiny, maintaining a calm expression.

But inside, he couldn't help but sigh.

Alright, Evelyn, you're scaring away my 'experience NPCs'. Reyn thought to himself.

"Hehe, Osby, you're making things difficult for him," Evelyn chuckled, understanding Osby's intentions.

"What?" The group's eyes widened, and their mouths hung open in astonishment.

After the initial shock, Osby's eyes lit up as if he had an idea. He immediately questioned, "Even if Sir Reyn is strong, the examination results aren't out yet, are they?"

"That's right, and the results are only categorized as excellent, good, and qualified. Evelyn, how do you know Reyn is the first?"

Salem raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is that so?"

"Yes!" someone chimed in.

"Moreover, Evelyn, you might not know this, but I've been following Bridger Sanchez from Don Province, and he's incredibly powerful!"

"I've seen him take down Captain Birkil Jamar of the 'Hooked Blade' and at least five leaders of the Bloodsail Pirates," Osby said, holding up five fingers to emphasize his point.

"Lord Rain, no matter how skilled you are, you can't be more powerful than Bridger Sanchez, can you?" Osby asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

The others nodded in agreement with Osby's analysis.

Yes, indeed! Taking down a captain and five leaders of the Bloodsail Pirates was a feat that was almost impossible to surpass. Even Evelyn had only managed to take down the first mate of the 'Shipwreck', the flagship of the Bloodsail Pirates, and that was only because the first mate of the flagship was more prestigious than those of the other pirate ships.

But Bridger Sanchez had taken down the captain of the 'Hooked Blade'. The man standing before them, Lord Rain, would have to be incredibly powerful to surpass Bridger Sanchez's achievements. It was unlikely that he had single-handedly taken down an entire ship of pirates.

"Huh? You guys didn't know?" Evelyn asked, her expression a mix of surprise and realization.

The others looked at her with even more surprise, their attention drawn to her.

Lord Rain, on the other hand, looked like a student waiting for his exam results, his expression a picture of anticipation.

Evelyn's words had piqued the interest of the others, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

"Lord Rain is the one who sank the 'Shipwreck' with a single blast, didn't you hear the massive explosion?" Evelyn asked, her tone laced with a sense of pride.

Although her words were a bit awkwardly phrased, they carried a sense of conviction that was hard to ignore.

The others looked at each other in confusion. "But wasn't it said that the Imperial Navy was responsible for the explosion?" one of them asked.

"Yes, the 'Shipwreck' was blown in two. How could a novice knight like Lord Rain possibly have done that?" another person chimed in.

The group erupted into a cacophony of questions and doubts.

Evelyn shrugged. "I'm just telling you what I saw. If you don't believe me, then there's nothing I can do."

The others fell silent, knowing that Evelyn was not one to lie. They turned their attention back to Lord Rain, their eyes filled with curiosity and skepticism.

"Lord Rain, I believe Evelyn, but I'm even more curious about your abilities now. Would you be willing to engage in a friendly spar with me?" Salem asked, his expression serious.

He had participated in the previous year's Noble Ennoblement Examination and had received an "excellent" evaluation. However, he knew that there was a significant difference between the first and last place, even among those who had received the same evaluation.

Lord Rain was taken aback for a moment before a look of joy crossed his face. He had been worried that he would miss out on some experience points, but now it seemed that the person with the highest experience points had returned.

Since Lord Rain couldn't initiate a spar with Evelyn, the strongest person in the group was naturally Salem, the son of a baron.

"Of course," Lord Rain agreed, already walking towards the center of the training ground to avoid Evelyn's potential interference.

Evelyn's lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but she saw Lord Rain's enthusiastic expression and decided against it. Instead, she looked on with a hint of concern.

Another female knight noticed Evelyn's expression and asked, "Evelyn, you said Lord Rain was the strongest, so why are you worried?"

"I'm not worried about Lord Rain, but I'm worried that Salem might get hurt," Evelyn replied, recalling the scene where Lord Rain had smashed through the 'Shipwreck's' hull with a single blow.

The others looked at each other in surprise. It was unlikely that Salem, who had also received an "excellent" evaluation in the previous year's examination, would be severely outmatched.

As Lord Rain and Salem faced each other in the center of the training ground, Lord Rain grasped his war hammer, "Indomitable Force", and gazed intently at Salem. The intensity of his gaze made Salem's heart skip a beat.

Salem felt a strange sensation, as if Lord Rain was looking at him not as a person, but as an object.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end