Old World, Imperial Calendar 2513, early February.
The town of Jean was still blanketed in snow, but the entire city was in a state of ecstatic celebration. After over a year of waiting, the citizens of Jean were finally welcoming back the soldiers from the expedition. The returning army was greeted with the warmest applause and cheers, showered with the highest honors. People, especially from the civilian class, crowded the streets, carrying food and goods. Flowers and ribbons fluttered in the air as the town buzzed with excitement.
In recent years, a series of military victories and economic developments had led to a significant rise in the middle class, which brought about a growing sense of national pride and identity. Jean, being the first town where Ryan had arrived and developed, had expanded multiple times over, now with a permanent population of fifty thousand, making it a large city.
Don't view a city of fifty thousand through the lens of modern perspectives. Bretonnia's capital, Couronne, had only about 150,000 permanent residents. Other major cities in the Old World, such as Altdorf, had around 300,000 permanent residents (with a total population of 800,000), Nuln between 300,000 and 400,000, Middenheim 150,000, and Talabheim, including surrounding villages, about 250,000. Most provincial capitals had populations of just 30,000 to 50,000.
Ryan stood on the balcony of his ducal castle, looking out over his land, his city. Jean held a special place in his heart, being the first place he had arrived at and developed in Bretonnia.
Before him was a magnificent scene. The city walls of Jean now stood ten meters tall, and unlike the smaller buildings of the past, there were now towering wooden houses, workshops, taverns, temples, and higher-class noble residences, as well as new guild buildings and larger barracks. He saw a city full of life, smoke rising from chimneys into the sky.
In the distance, he saw scattered villages outside the city walls, the shadows of Chalon Forest, the newly thawed River Chinon, and his vast domain. As he gazed into the sky, Ryan nodded slightly, satisfied with the years of effort and struggle.
"What are you doing, Ryan? Why not rest a bit longer?" A gentle female voice came from behind him. Morgiana, the Enchantress of the Lake, was approaching, dressed in a flowing glassy purple silk gown. Her face still bore traces of exhaustion and a flush, and her walk was a bit unsteady. She typically only wore this gown indoors. Her long legs were adorned with semi-transparent white crystal unicorn wool stockings and crystal slippers, perfectly complementing her pure yet aloof demeanor. She slowly approached Ryan, leaning into his embrace and softly said, "It's cold outside. Let's go back inside."
Morgiana only showed this gentle and tender side of herself when she was with Ryan.
Ryan chuckled as he scooped Morgiana into his arms. She didn't resist, barely putting up a fight. He shut the balcony doors behind them, the thick carpet beneath their feet softening the sound. Olica had already delivered breakfast. The dark elf, dressed in a full maid outfit, with white garter stockings and black lace-up heels, glanced at Morgiana's state with a mocking and playful gleam in her eyes. She placed the breakfast down. "Master, breakfast is ready."
This room, on the third floor of the castle, was the prayer chamber. Apart from Ryan, Sulia, Olica, and Morgiana (and perhaps the Lady of the Lake), no one was allowed in. Normally, it was a place where Ryan prayed, and when Morgiana was staying in the ducal castle, she usually stayed here too, especially on Sundays when they often prayed together. Though sometimes, the room served other purposes, during which it was strictly off-limits to outsiders.
Ryan's piety had been praised by both nobles and commoners. "King Ryan is truly a devout ruler! Worthy of being called 'Ryan the Pious!'"
The two sat down for breakfast. Morgiana lazily clung to Ryan, unwilling to let go. She picked up a fork and pierced a piece of maple croissant. "Ah, Ryan, don't move. Open your mouth, I'll feed you."
"I can feed myself, Morgiana." Ryan held her by the waist, clearly a bit uncomfortable with the situation.
"You've been gone for over a year, and this is how you repay me, Ryan?" Morgiana pouted, clearly displeased. She insisted, "After all the things Sulia and I handled for you at the rear, you owe me. Come on, ahh~"
"Alright, fine. Ahh~" Ryan opened his mouth.
Morgiana, content, continued to carefully cut the croissant, spreading jam on the slices and feeding them to Ryan. As she leaned back into his arms, the frustrations and loneliness she'd felt over the past year seemed to melt away.
Moreover, Morgiana had recently received an oracle from the Lady of the Lake. Thinking about the goddess's plans, she couldn't help but feel a warm sweetness in her heart. The only thought in her mind now was that she wanted to be by Ryan's side forever.
Their breakfast consisted of Araby coffee, jam, eggs, croissants, maple pastries, and sausages. The two shared bites of food as they casually discussed recent matters. Morgiana's tone was light as she asked, "Ryan, do you think there will be civil war in the Empire? Should we start preparing in advance?"
"No, I understand Karl Franz and Boris Todbringer too well. Their relationship is... peculiar." Ryan shook his head. Holding Morgiana tighter, he spoke with a touch of nostalgia. "Boris has long sought to crown himself as the Wolf Emperor in Middenheim, something that's hardly a secret. Even when I reported to White Wolf City, the White Wolf Knights and Teutonic Guard openly debated the possibility of a Wolf Emperor."
"Then why do you think they won't fight?" Morgiana was curious. "That kind of situation seems ripe for conflict, like between you and Louen. After you left, I tested the waters twice and confirmed that Louen has no designs on the throne. If he did, like Boris, how could you two coexist peacefully?"
"No, Boris and Karl's relationship is... strange. They oppose and despise each other, mocking and belittling one another constantly. The Reiksguard calls Boris a 'filthy wolf pup,' while the White Wolf Knights think Karl is a 'yapping little dog.' But that's just on the surface. In truth, they have a mutual respect as rivals—it's more like, 'You're my greatest enemy' or 'You're my strongest opponent.' When it really matters, they trust each other with their lives."
"Rivals, teammates, confidants, and enemies all in one?" Morgiana began to understand, but her attention quickly shifted. Since Ryan said not to worry, she wasn't concerned. All she wanted now was to enjoy their private time together.
Interestingly enough, the night they arrived in Bordeleaux, Ryan had planned to meet his chief steward, Casenberger, and his two courtiers, Steve and Griffin, after dinner. However, as soon as dinner ended, the impatient Theresa slipped into his chambers. Ryan, amused by the situation, agreed to meet with her, given their long separation.
Not long after, Morgiana appeared as well. After confirming that Sulia was outside handling accounts with Francois, she changed into her "victory attire" and snuck into Ryan's room.
What followed... was difficult to describe. Suffice to say, Theresa was too embarrassed to face Ryan afterward and retreated to her wizard's tower upon their return to the domain. Morgiana, on the other hand, took the opportunity to monopolize more of Ryan's time.
Olica, watching Morgiana act like a contented little woman, couldn't help but feel irritated. She deliberately raised her voice while sweeping nearby. "Lady Morgiana, perhaps you could clean the room yourself on Sundays?"
"What do you mean by that?!" Morgiana snapped, her face both furious and flushed as she glared at Olica. "What are you trying to say?!"
"Look at the mess you've made. You're making it very difficult for me to clean up!" Olica's amber eyes sparkled with mockery. "Next time, maybe I'll just wheel in a cart full of bedsheets for you. You can handle it yourselves. How about that?"
"Y-you!" Morgiana nearly fainted on the spot. Unable to refute Olica's words, she glanced at Ryan, who was smirking with amusement, and furiously slapped his chest. "Forget it! Forget all of it!"
Ryan laughed heartily, clearly enjoying himself. After finishing breakfast, he stood up. "I need to head to the Old Guard barracks for the retirement ceremony, then visit Theresa and Aurora. I might also stroll around a bit. Would you like to join me, Olica, Morgiana?"
"Us? How could we go out together and have a normal stroll?" Morgiana, though tempted, knew the kind of stir it would cause if the Enchantress and the King were seen together on the streets. It wasn't uncommon, but strolling together was out of the question.
"We'll take a carriage," Ryan suggested. "We can stay inside, and it will take some time to reach the Ice Wizard's Tower. We can have lunch with Theresa and Aurora there. I have some matters to discuss with them."
"Stay in the carriage?" Morgiana's eyes lit up, and she quickly agreed. "Alright then, give me a moment. I'll go bathe and change."
"Okay. Olica, are you
coming?" Ryan asked.
"I'll pass." Olica sighed. "Master, I need to finish cleaning. If I leave it too long, the room will start to smell. You wouldn't want the prayer room to reek of something unpleasant, would you?"
"Fair enough," Ryan replied, slightly embarrassed. Morgiana blushed furiously, burying her face in his chest, unable to meet Olica's teasing gaze.
…
Meanwhile, at the Old Guard barracks in Jean.
Today, the battle-worn veterans of the Old Guard were finally granted a well-deserved break. This elite unit of 1,500 soldiers had been reduced to under 1,000 after the Battle of Valaya's Gate. Reinforced by some peasants who had distinguished themselves in battle and advanced to legendary status, their numbers had risen to just over 1,100. However, further combat had caused additional losses, leaving only 1,023 soldiers upon their return to Bretonnia. Of these, 213 were forced to retire due to various injuries, leaving 810 soldiers to continue serving King Ryan.
The Old Guard would soon be replenished to its original strength of 1,500, but for some of the veterans, this was the end of the road. Those forced into retirement could join the security forces as militia captains, prison guards, or outpost commanders. Those who chose not to continue could live as honored freemen, with work and housing provided in the city. Each retired soldier received 100 gold crowns, along with leftover supplies from the expedition, and personal loot from the campaign, ensuring their financial security for the rest of their lives.
Many Old Guard veterans wept openly as they were forced to retire, devastated by the thought of leaving the uniform they had worn with pride. Now, they would have to continue serving their king and the Lady of the Lake in new ways, while enjoying the respect and glory they had earned.
Most of these soldiers, who had risen from serfdom, had never imagined reaching such heights.
Without a doubt, honor followed them. When they looked back on their lives, they would not regret a wasted youth or feel ashamed of a life lived without merit. As old age approached, they could proudly say that they had dedicated their lives to humanity's most noble cause—to fight for the survival and glory of mankind.
"Retirement is not the end! It's a new beginning!" Ryan stood in the middle of the barracks, bathed in the winter sunlight like a god of war descended to earth, his presence overwhelming. "The honor that comes from service is like a mighty tree, its roots planted deep in the soil. Even if the branches are cut, the tree will not wither!"
The remaining Old Guard soldiers were moved to tears, cheering so loudly it was hard to hear.
Those who continued serving were personally commended by Ryan and Morgiana. Each veteran was rewarded with 50 gold crowns, and counting the spoils of the campaign, even the least fortunate soldiers had earned over 100 gold crowns—a significant fortune.
Ryan generously granted all the Old Guard soldiers a one-month rotating leave, and then hurried off to tend to other matters.
One by one, the soldiers stepped forward to receive their rewards and their much-anticipated leave.
The Old Guard commander, Bertrand, had now become a true general, forged by blood and fire. His aura was commanding, and he exuded an intimidating presence. Bertrand personally handed out bags of dwarf gold coins to each veteran.
"Old Guard Halberdier Captain, Raymond!" Bertrand called out the next name.
Dressed in his captain's uniform, with several new scars on his face and body, Raymond, who had begun growing a beard, stepped forward to receive his package. He felt its weight. "Thank you."
"You've been away from home for quite some time, haven't you?" Bertrand nodded slowly. "Take your things and go home for a bit. You've got a month's leave. Report back to the barracks on this day next month. Also... take care of that other matter."
"Yes!" Raymond saluted. His chest was adorned with the latest medals—the Eight Peaks Mountain Expedition Medal and a gold Fleur-de-Lis, commemorating his fearless assault on the Greenskin warlord during the raid on Iron Rock.
He also bore a first-class Lion Medal and a first-class Cross Medal, honoring his role in severely wounding Skarsnik during the final battle at the Titan's Gate.
The captain swiftly left the Old Guard barracks.
The streets were filled with soldiers today. It was the day they returned home. Many elderly people, children, and women lined the streets, eagerly waiting for their loved ones to return. Joyful shouts and tearful cries echoed through the city as names were called out, but Raymond felt no joy.
Because many were still waiting. Armies were disbanding, and battle-hardened soldiers returned home, but many people stood by the roadside, waiting and waiting, yet never seeing their loved ones return.
Hope, disappointment, and renewed hope—until…
Raymond could no longer bear to look. He quickly left the area, walking down familiar streets toward his home.
In the distance, the clean and orderly streets and the building he called home came into view. Yet, this veteran captain, who had faced no fear in battle, suddenly felt uncertain. He took a deep breath, adjusted his pristine uniform, and marched toward his house.
As expected, the door was closed. Ever since Thomas had left for Nuln to study, his mother had taken up the habit of locking the door.
Raymond stopped in front of the house and shouted up to the second floor.
"Mom!"
His mother immediately appeared at the window. Hearing her son's voice, she covered her nose with a handkerchief and began to sob uncontrollably. "Raymond!"
However, it wasn't just Raymond's mother who appeared.
After that single "Mom!" call, at least four other mothers along the street peeked out of their windows, hoping to see if their sons had returned.
But only one son stood outside.
Seeing it was Raymond, their faces fell, and they slowly withdrew from their windows, their smiles fading into disappointment.
The door swung open, and Raymond's mother rushed out with incredible speed, throwing her arms around her son and kissing his face repeatedly. "Raymond! You're back! Oh, by Salia, you've really come back!"
"Yes, Mom, I'm back." Tears streamed down Raymond's face as he began to sob quietly. "I'm back! I'm home! How are you, Mom?"
"Good! I'm good! You're back, that's all that matters."
Raymond's package contained seven death notifications.
On this street, eight young men had boarded the ships for the Eight Peaks Mountain expedition.
Of those eight, only one son had returned.
_________________________
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