211: Chapter 114 Square Banner Knight_2 211: Chapter 114 Square Banner Knight_2 Leon, who was completely unaware that he had nearly been courted by Eriv as a son-in-law, turned his head toward the banners unfurled beside the Sealing Lord.
He noticed that the Baron seemed to have prepared only the family emblem’s banner and had not arranged for the King’s flag.
According to his understanding, strictly speaking, adding a Square Banner in this manner in Orland seemed somewhat irregular.
However, all present were trustworthy members of the Farolis Family, so no one minded the ceremonial details the Sealing Lord had intentionally altered.
Eriv rose from his seat, drawing the Thorny Blade, which had been lost and then recovered after more than a decade.
“Leon Pendragon of Selva, step forward.”
Leon composed his expression, the Knight Armor clanking audibly as he moved heavily to the center of the hall, knelt on one knee on the clean carpet, and placed his hand on the sword handle, waiting to be anointed by the Sealing Lord.
“Leon, do you accept the honor of the Square Banner and take on its responsibilities and obligations?” asked Eriv.
“It is my honor, Sir,” Leon replied, supporting his chest.
The Baron’s attendant then unfolded another freshly prepared Square Banner at the Lord’s side.
The flag, with a black background, featured thorn patterned lines on all four edges, with the Sword Wing Badge spread in the center.
After receiving the answer, Eriv lifted the treasure sword and gently tapped it on the shoulder of his knight.
“You slayed the serpent to protect the civilians, demonstrating valor.”
“You offered your city selflessly, demonstrating loyalty.”
“You guarded my wife, demonstrating graciousness.”
Having read aloud his qualifications during the ceremony, Eriv sheathed the sword blade.
His attendant quickly lifted the lower part of the flag, folded it neatly, and presented it to his Lord.
“You shall receive this Square Banner as a symbol of your ability to lead armies and command knights independently,” the Baron said solemnly as he handed the neatly rolled flag to Leon.
“I shall not fail your expectations,” Leon received it with both hands.
“Very well, rise, my noble knight,” Eriv helped up the knight who had governed the family for many years and was now being anointed as the first Square Banner Knight.
He then looked towards everyone in the hall, “Bless him, and may the name of Pendragon glorify Farolis and bring victory to the Thorns Flower!”
The Thorny Flower Knights standing on the right side pressed their swords to their chests and shouted in unison, “To glory and victory!
Square Banner Knight, Leon Pendragon!”
The people of Selva on the left side then echoed loudly.
The standing Leon silently gazed at the Square Banner in his hands.
He once again noted that even the usual oath during this anointment ceremony didn’t mention anything about Orland or about His Majesty Lydwen III.
After the ceremony concluded, Eriv immediately announced the start of the celebratory banquet.
The servants, who had prepared earlier, brought in long tables, arranged seats for the noble knights, and brought in abundant food and drink from Selva, lightening the atmosphere in the hall.
After the meal, when the knights disbanded, Leon was left alone once more.
“Today you receive this commendation for your great contribution to the Thorny Flower family, Leon.
But this is not the only thanks for saving my wife, as promised in my letter, this gratitude will certainly be followed by a reward satisfactory to you,” Eriv earnestly patted Leon’s arm.
Leon humbly shook his head, “Protecting your lady is also my duty, and moreover, Lord Marcello contributed significantly.
If he hadn’t alerted me in time, I might not have found the room of your lady, not to mention breaking the conspiracy that day was actually by another friend accompanying me.”
Eriv admired the youth’s modesty, “Was it that little girl wearing armor that I saw earlier?
I’ve heard both Marcello and Balfe mention you have a blonde, martially talented Sword Maid beside you.
I wonder where you found such a beautiful gem.”
Leon smiled helplessly, not providing any unnecessary explanations, only feeling that he needed to change Olivia’s status soon.
Continuing to let others assume she was just a maid, whether considering their past partnership or their current betrothal, seemed somewhat unfair to her.
“For that girl, I naturally won’t be stingy with thanks either; she must be chatting with my wife right now, Adelina likes her very much,” Eriv wasn’t worried his wealthy and generous wife would mistreat the girl.
Speaking, Eriv sighed and continued, “This trip isn’t just for granting you the Square Banner and title…
Without me leading, most of the soldiers and craftsmen wouldn’t dare enter the Nightmare Forest,
so I must personally display the banner before them, leading people to Forest City.
You better come along if you are free.”
Leon immediately agreed, as he had intended to look for Miss Lola anyway, which conveniently coincided with the trip.
“By the way, Sir, why has Lady Adelina also come?
Is she traveling with us?” Leon wondered.
“I kept you here just to discuss this matter,” Eriv shook his head.
“After receiving your letter, I scrutinized it.
The distant kingdom you mentioned, possibly allied with Kantadar, I’ve never heard of it and know nothing about.
But since you three ventured deep into the south last time and came across Athias, I’m inclined for now to trust your judgment about the origins of the sedative.”
Leon furrowed his brows, unsure what his lady’s departure from the castle had to do with this.
Was it a lack of trust in the safety of the castle?
The Baron seemed to perceive Leon’s confusion and thus countered, “Leon, do you think there’s any credibility in the words from that double-faced wretch you captured?”
Leon shook his head, “I don’t quite trust that guy’s testimony; the assassin might not necessarily be under Baron Gunnar’s command.”