Devonshire was the name Ryan and Sulia privately chose for their child. The name Devonshire comes from ancient Britannia, meaning "tall steed." Historically, the third Britannia Knight King, "White Death" Guillaume, had a powerful Holy Grail Knight named Devonshire. Besides his bravery, this Holy Grail Knight was also known for his strong governance abilities, making him one of the few knights like François who excelled both in martial prowess and internal affairs. Sulia hoped their child would be like this great Holy Grail Knight, possessing both formidable personal bravery and excellent administrative skills.
Yet, the Lady of the Lake had eavesdropped on their private conversations and shamelessly claimed the idea as her own.
Though Ryan's child would indeed be named Devonshire, he felt a certain dissatisfaction. But since the goddess had already announced it at the banquet, Ryan had no choice but to accept it, planning to find a way to reclaim some semblance of victory elsewhere.
The gifts piled up like a mountain, and the various cash and presents filled Ryan's storeroom to the brim.
Having a child really brings in the money! Ryan, holding a thick gift list, felt deeply moved. This is a quick way to wealth.
However, as a wise and mature noble, Ryan knew that relying on wedding gifts and childbirth congratulations for fiscal health was a very erroneous concept, a path of doom.
A few days later, the annual Winterfest was approaching. The festive cheer pervaded the entire County of Glamorgan. This year, Ryan's winery was especially lively. Besides the visit from the Garland Witch delegation, Ryan's father-in-law François, Sulia's cousin Holy Grail Knight Antelm, and her uncle Holy Knight Sir Jerod also arrived to celebrate Winterfest with them. Doting on his daughter, François even brought along two middle-aged maids skilled in midwifery to assist Sulia.
Ryan had already arranged for a midwife upon hearing the news, but François was even more proactive, insisting that his people were better.
Well, Ryan had no choice but to comply. François was his father-in-law, and the child in Sulia's womb was his grandchild. Ryan couldn't stop him from getting involved.
In response to Ryan's request, the Lady of the Lake immediately had the Lake Witch Morgiana issue a new oracle, forbidding the Lake Prophets from arbitrarily demanding tributes and food from freemen and nobles. If a Lake Prophet required such offerings, she must provide the families with blessings or appropriate compensation, such as potions.
As for a few Lake Prophets and Holy Maidens "baptizing" underage boys... the Lady of the Lake only decreed that they must not force it. According to Ryan's investigation, it seemed there were no instances where the boys were unwilling.
(Generally, those who become powerful among the Holy Maidens are promoted to Lake Prophets, so for simplicity, they are collectively referred to as Lake Prophets.)
Seeing the beautiful and graceful Lake Prophets with their golden hair and blue eyes, Ryan could only think of one thing.
Master, I get it.
Indeed, these Lake Prophets maintain their youth and beauty throughout their lives until the end of their lifespans, spending their final days at the Holy Grail chapel or the Lady of the Lake's sanctuary before voluntarily dissipating into the world.
Most Lake Prophets choose a Holy Grail Knight as their fixed partner, and their children are known as "Holy Grail bastards," who automatically gain noble status. Besides choosing a Holy Grail Knight, some Lake Prophets, as Ryan noticed, also enjoy relationships with freemen and young boys from knightly families.
Ryan thought of such consensual matters as none of his business. However, demanding food and tributes while also asking for the family's boy to serve them was too much. The Lake Prophets should at least provide some benefits.
Regarding the tithe, Ryan never planned to touch it.
To reiterate, there are indeed gods in this world, and the threat of Chaos gods to mortals is eternal. Without the gods' help, humanity would have perished long ago under the threat of Chaos.
Without faith, would people turn to Chaos gods?
And for any religious sect, tithes are a very important source of income. Churches cannot operate without costs. Even the most generous goddess of mercy, Shallya, requires payment for healing and divine services. The more severe the illness, the higher the cost. Without funds, priests and bishops can only be sympathetic, as they too need to eat. Holy water, potions, and scrolls aren't free. Without funds, the Church of Shallya would close in three days, which would be a true disaster.
Similarly, Holy Grail Knights and Lake Prophets can't live on water alone.
Even the Empire levies a tithe. Ryan thought, the Lady of the Lake Church is now his most steadfast supporter. He wouldn't be foolish enough to undermine his own base.
Lost in thought, Ryan shook his head and walked alone toward the Lady of the Lake's tower.
Since her pregnancy was confirmed, Sulia had been enjoying the utmost care and attention. She had been moved to the tower by the Lady of the Lake's order, always accompanied by Lake Prophets. Meeting Sulia was almost impossible for outsiders, even her father François needed permission to see her.
Only Ryan and Morgiana could freely enter and exit the Lady of the Lake's tower.
Passing through the mist and entering the tower, the entire valley was covered in white. The branches, grass, and garden were all blanketed in snow. The sky was bright, and the goddess's power shone from the top of the Lady of the Lake's tower, making evil unable to hide.
Another Winterfest had arrived. This was Ryan's tenth year in Britannia.
Entering the main bedroom of the tower, Ryan's wife, Sulia, was sitting on the white, soft bed, draped in a white fox fur coat, talking with the Lady of the Lake. Although Sulia was only one or two months pregnant and it was not yet visible, her face was full of happiness and joy. Seeing her husband, she happily said, "Ryan, you're here?"
"Ryan is here to see his wife and little baby," the Lady of the Lake said, holding Sulia's hand and speaking. The goddess wore a pure black satin dress adorned with pearls and silver edges. Seeing Ryan, she added with a strange tone, "This is Ryan's legitimate heir! The child who will inherit all his titles."
Upon learning of Sulia's pregnancy, the Lady of the Lake had prophesied using her divine power that it would be a son.
Ryan couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. He sat beside the Lady of the Lake and took Sulia's hand from under the blanket, speaking with emotion, "Sulia, how do you feel?"
"I feel great, my husband," Sulia, her face glowing with maternal radiance, proudly said, "I'm very happy to be with you... really happy."
They had been married for more than two years, but Sulia had not conceived, which had been a source of concern for her. Ryan was robust and healthy, as proven by the pregnancy of the young maid Emilia. For the past few months, Sulia had been anxious, fearing it was her fault.
Without an heir, her position as a lady was insecure.
"Rest well. Leave the outside affairs to me. You just focus on recovering," Ryan felt genuine joy and said gently, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."
"Ryan! I'm not that fragile!" Sulia immediately retorted, "Don't treat me as a delicate woman. I am your wife, but I am also a Kingdom Knight!"
"Sulia, don't worry. I'll look after Ryan while you're not around," the Lady of the Lake said, her green eyes gleaming mischievously, "I won't give him any chance to misbehave. Just relax."
"My lady, I'm entrusting Ryan to you for the time being," Sulia immediately requested the Lady of the Lake, "Please."
"Did you hear that, my champion? Your wife has entrusted you to me. You must obey me, or Sulia will be upset," the Lady of the Lake turned the request into pressure on Ryan.
"I understand," Ryan surrendered to Sulia's request, showing his willingness to comply.
The two, along with the goddess, sat together, hands clasped, creating a warm atmosphere in the cold winter.
The pleasant atmosphere lasted for a while until Morgiana, the Lake Witch, arrived. She entered the room and said, "My lady, Ryan, King Belegar of the Angrund clan and Duke Boderick of Bordeleaux have arrived. François is receiving them. Should they come in?"
"Ryan, you and Morgiana go greet them. I'll stay here with Sulia," the Lady of the Lake said without lifting her head, issuing direct orders. "They're probably here about the attack on Mousilon. Don't disturb Sulia."
Although Sulia usually resided in the Lady of the Lake's tower, she often appeared outside. The knightess's physical condition was excellent, so there was no need to worry about other issues.
"Alright, let's go, Morgiana," Ryan stood up.
Morgiana nodded, and they left the room together, descending the spiral wooden staircase.
"Ryan, uh..." On the way down, Morgiana suddenly said, "Since Sulia is living here, you're alone now, right?"
"Huh?" Ryan responded, confused, "Uh... I guess I'm living alone."
"Do you need me to move out and accompany you?" Morgiana immediately offered, "Now that the lady is permanently residing in the tower, I can move out to keep you company. Don't you need someone with you?"
"We'll talk about this later," Ryan quickly changed the
subject, knowing what Morgiana was hinting at. "Morgiana, do you know why François and the others are gathering?"
"It's about the attack on Spire Palace," Morgiana, unhappy with Ryan's lack of response, replied. "You'll find out when you get there."
"Alright."
When Ryan and Morgiana arrived at the banquet hall, everyone was already seated.
Duke François of Winford, Duke Boderick of Bordeleaux, King Belegar of the Eight Peaks Mountain and his wife Cormanik, Garland Council Elder Aurora, and Ryan's two courtiers Veronica and Teresa were already seated, chatting intermittently. François was the happiest, repeatedly toasting and sharing his joy.
Boderick thought it was François's turn to feel proud. His daughter might be the future queen of Britannia. Taking this opportunity, the champion of the sea god drank several rounds with François, who unusually accepted each toast.
Belegar was the first to start eating and drinking from his high chair. The King of the Angrund clan complained that Ryan's cook wasn't skilled enough and the dishes weren't to the dwarves' taste, yet he ate the most. Belegar held a roast chicken leg in one hand and a long bread roll with bacon in the other, eating heartily.
In dwarf culture, eating a lot at a banquet is a sign of giving the host face.
Seeing Ryan, Belegar cheerfully said, "Oh ho, Ryan, congratulations! This must be Vala's blessing. You're going to have an heir!"
After saying this, Belegar bit off a piece of the chicken leg and grabbed another from the roast chicken on the table.
"Thank you," Ryan greeted Belegar. Seeing Morgiana appear, everyone except Belegar stood up, blessing the important event in Ryan's territory. Having his own heir was good news for all the knights and allies present.
"Thank you all for your blessings," Ryan expressed his gratitude to everyone. After sitting down, Morgiana sat to his right, and Veronica to his left. The Garland witch's expression showed some jealousy. As soon as Ryan sat, Veronica whispered in his ear, "Dear, are you happy?"
Ryan immediately sensed Veronica's jealousy and held her gloved hand under the table, "You'll have one too."
"Hmph, men's words are never reliable," Veronica huffed unhappily, "Dear, tell me, are you living alone now?"
"You want to move in with me?" Ryan asked, intrigued.
"Why not?" Veronica blushed, "We all think this is our chance!"
"We?" Ryan was curious. Veronica continued, "Never mind, let's not talk about it now. Dear, I need to tell you that your plan to attack Mousilon might need to be advanced."
"Advanced? Why?" Ryan instinctively looked at François. Only François had the authority and capability to alter his strategic plans.
"It's Elder Trovic's suggestion," Veronica shrugged helplessly, "She said she doesn't plan to stay here until the spring plowing ends. She'll leave your territory by March at the latest, returning to the Garland Council."
"If you want to use the elder's power, you must advance your plan."
"What do you think?"
"This..." Ryan fell into thought.
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