Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 538 Does a belated invitation still have any meaning?

Duke Bohemond's words clearly set the tone: this was not an act of reprimand, but rather a coordination and reassurance within the alliance. The aim was to "guide" this overly powerful ally, preventing his overly aggressive actions from disrupting the existing balance, and especially... to avoid a more direct and irreparable conflict with the Electors' Council.

Grand Master Adelbert remained silent for a moment, his molten lava-like gaze meeting that of Duke Bohemond. Finally, he slowly nodded, his voice loud and steady:
"The Goddess of the Sun's light shines upon all believers, yet she also abhors disorder, chaos, and pointless infighting. Earl Su Li's achievements and power are indeed worthy of recognition, but excessive rigidity can lead to breakage. For the stability of the Northern Territory and for the smooth spread of the Goddess's faith, I am willing to go with you."

Dean Hector stroked his beard and nodded gently, saying, "Count Su Li is a man favored by the goddess, and a pure flame burns within his soul. As his forerunner on the path of faith, it is my duty to go and share the goddess's wisdom and teachings with him."

Deputy Commander Paulus agreed, adding calmly, "I've attended the celebrations in the Hessian territory before and know his character. He's not unreasonable; he just needs someone to show him a broader perspective. We can work together to persuade him."

Seeing that the two key figures from the Church had agreed, Duke Bohemond felt somewhat relieved. With these two heavyweights from the Church of the Blazing Sun accompanying him, especially with Grand Master Adelbert, a legendary powerhouse himself, present, the significance of this mission was entirely different. This was not only the Empire's attitude, but also a show of concern and guidance from the perspective of faith.

“Good!” Duke Bohemond’s spirits lifted. “In that case, let’s prepare as soon as possible and set off for Hessenberg immediately. Hopefully, the recognition of our earldom and the goodwill of the Church of Goddess will temporarily quell the rage of this northern lion and make him turn his attention to the more worthwhile… distant lands.”

A diplomatic maneuver aimed at "appeasing" the newly crowned count is about to unfold in Hessenberg. Everyone knows full well that persuading a powerful and ambitious ruler to halt his advance is no less difficult than defeating an army in a direct confrontation.

The biting winter winds swept across the north, carrying fine snowflakes that pounded against the majestic walls of Hessenberg. Duke Bohemond and his entourage hurried along, finally arriving at this castle, now renowned throughout the northern border princely territories and even the entire empire, just days before the New Year holidays.

From afar, Hessenberg appears even more majestic than it did a year ago. The newly added fortifications on the city walls gleam with a cold metallic sheen, and squads of soldiers in gleaming armor patrol the walls with impeccable order, exuding an aura of solemnity. At the city gates, a bustling scene unfolds, with caravans forming long lines, showcasing the region's remarkable vitality and wealth.

Their arrival was clearly anticipated. The city gates swung open, and a guard of honor lined both sides, their armor gleaming, their banners fluttering in the cold wind. Earl Su Li himself stood inside the city gates to greet them, wearing a dark mink cloak over an exquisitely tailored noble's robe, his smile perfectly measured, conveying both the dignity of a lord and the utmost respect.

"Your Excellency Duke Bohemond, Grand Master Adelbert, Dean Hector, Vice Grand Master Paulus, and all friends who have traveled from afar, welcome to Hessenberg." Su Li's clear voice pierced through the cold wind and reached everyone's ears clearly. "At this time of year's end and winter's chill, I am truly honored that you have taken the time to visit my remote northern border."

His gaze swept over every important figure who came to visit, lingering slightly on Grand Master Adelbert and Dean Hector, giving them a slight nod in greeting. This respect was clearly reserved for these two core figures of the Church of the Blazing Sun.

Duke Bohemond dismounted, a diplomatic smile spreading across his face: "Lord Su Li, seeing is believing. Your Black Forest Territory is indeed more prosperous than rumored. We have come here on two fronts: first, to formally confer and confirm your title on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor and the Electoral Council; and second, to convey Prince Phyllis's sincerest greetings and concern to you."

"I am very grateful. Please follow me inside. A banquet has been prepared to welcome you all." Su Li stepped aside and invited him.

Following behind Su Li were his core group of men, who now commanded immense power throughout the border princely territory:
To the left is the legendary knight, Saint Lily Knight Hilde. She wears golden armor that accentuates her lithe and graceful curves, her long golden hair is tied into a neat ponytail, and her azure eyes are as clear and sharp as a glacial lake. She is heroic and exudes an imposing aura.

To his right was the territory's marshal, Orstein, known as the "Lion King." He was tall and imposing, like a lion at its peak, with a resolute face bearing the composure of someone who had weathered many storms. Just standing there, he exuded a mountain-like aura of oppression.

A little later came Constantine, Grand Master of the Suncrown Knights. His feelings were quite complicated at the moment. His gaze first fell on Duke Bohemond with respect for his former commander of the expedition, and then he looked respectfully at Grand Master Adelbert—the Grand Master of the Suncrown Knights, his nominal and spiritual leader.

The group walked through the spacious courtyard and entered the renowned banquet hall of the Bauhinia Palace.

Even with Duke Bohemond's vast experience and Grand Master Adelbert's unwavering resolve, a barely perceptible hint of shock flashed in his eyes the moment he stepped into the banquet hall.

It's too big, too luxurious.

The expansive space of over 4500 square meters gives one the illusion of being in an indoor plaza. Measuring 60 meters in length and 76 meters in depth, with an unobstructed 34-meter-high dome and a massive cantilevered steel frame supporting it, it creates a breathtaking "boundless sky" visual effect. No matter where you stand, you can see the main stage at the front without any obstruction. This openness and inclusiveness truly echoes the metaphor of "broad-mindedness" in Su Li's words.

Beneath my feet was a 3-centimeter-thick pure wool red carpet, soft and tranquil to the touch, seemingly absorbing all noise and leaving only solemnity and reverence. The exquisite embroidery, with 120 million stitches per square meter, gleamed with a magnificent luster under the lamplight.

The most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the massive epic mural behind the platform, standing 18 meters tall and 35 meters long – "The Blazing Sun Illuminates a Vast Land." On the mural, golden Blazing Sun Knights, guided by the banner of the goddess, charge into battle, crushing countless ferocious monsters and enemies. Their imposing presence, a powerful blend of faith and the cruelty of war, creates a striking visual impact and silently proclaims the lord's (at least outwardly) reverence for the Blazing Sun faith and the strength of his forces.

The 30-meter-long black pine table seemed perfectly placed in this vast space, already laden with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal glasses, reflecting the dazzling light of the dome chandelier.

Su Li smiled and guided the guests to their seats. He naturally sat in the main seat, with Duke Bohemond from the Empire on his left and Grand Master Adelbert and Dean Hector from the Church on his right. High-ranking officials of the Hessian Territory, including Hilde, Orstein, and Constantine, took their seats in turn to accompany him.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Su Li raised his crystal glass, the blood-red wine inside swirling slightly, "first, let us raise our glasses together to thank His Majesty the Emperor for his grace, to express our gratitude for the Goddess's protection, and to welcome our friends who have traveled from afar! May the Goddess's radiance forever illuminate our path forward!"

"For the Goddess! For the Empire!" the crowd echoed in unison, and amidst the clinking of glasses, the banquet officially began.

Melodious music filled the air as waiters, flitting among flowers like butterflies, served up the special delicacies and wines of the Black Forest. On the surface, the atmosphere of the banquet was warm and harmonious, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.

But whether it was Duke Bohemond, Grand Master Adelbert, or Su Li and his core members, they all knew that beneath this grand feast, undercurrents concerning the future of the Northern Territory were surging. Appeasement and guidance, cooperation and checks and balances—all the real issues would quietly unfold after the clinking of glasses in this extremely luxurious and imposing banquet hall.

Duke Bohemond took a sip of his wine, the rich liquid only making him feel the weight of his burdens grow heavier. He looked at the young count at the head of the table, so composed and in control, and sighed inwardly: persuading this powerful, now-mighty lion of the North would be even more difficult than he had anticipated. Meanwhile, Grand Master Adelbert's molten lava-like gaze occasionally fell upon Su Li, as if scrutinizing the depths of this "blessed one's soul," wondering where the burning flames would ultimately lead the Church.

The banquet was just the prelude. The real battle had not yet begun.

The banquet atmosphere, filled with clinking glasses and the enjoyment of both host and guests, gradually reached its climax. As the waiters cleared away the silver platter of the final dessert and served fragrant mulled wine, the Duke of Bohemond knew it was time to get down to business.

He gently set down his wine glass, the crisp clinking sound serving as a signal that gradually quieted the previously noisy banquet hall. All eyes involuntarily focused on the duke who represented the highest will of the empire.

Duke Bohemond cleared his throat, a dignified yet approachable smile on his face, his gaze fixed on Su Li in the main seat, his voice loud and clear, echoing throughout the hall:
"Your Excellency Su Li, and all the outstanding figures of the Black Forest Territory. After this joyous banquet, please allow me, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor and the Elector Council, to formally announce an important decision."

He paused slightly, creating a sense of solemnity, before speaking, word by word:

"By unanimous decree of the Holy Empire's Electoral Council and with the Emperor's approval, the title of Imperial Earl is hereby conferred upon the former Pioneer Knight, Su Li Bauhinia, effective immediately! He shall govern all territories under his actual control, and the title shall be hereditary!"

The word "Earl" was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up huge waves among the high-ranking officials of the Black Forest Territory!
Although many had long anticipated that the lord would be promoted, the impact was still incredibly strong when the prestigious title of "Earl" was announced so formally and publicly.

"Earl! Directly promoted to Earl!" A young knight captain couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice, his face filled with excitement and disbelief.

“My God… from a pioneering knight to an imperial count! How many times in the history of the empire can this happen?” Minister of Agriculture Fandall’s hand trembled slightly as he stroked his beard, muttering to himself.

Even the composed Marshal Orstein showed a flicker of emotion on his resolute face. While Hilder remained upright, a barely perceptible glint flashed in her azure eyes. Commander Constantine, in particular, unconsciously clenched his fists, his eyes filled with reverence for his lord and excitement for the future.

Duke Bohemond was pleased with the effect of the announcement. He slightly raised his hand, signaling for silence, and continued in his magnetic voice:

"I know you may all be surprised. Yes, to rise directly from a mere pioneering knight to the esteemed Imperial Earl is an extremely rare honor and recognition in the long history of the Empire!" He surveyed his surroundings, his gaze carrying an epic solemnity.
"Let us look back through the annals of history. Such an honor was last bestowed upon the great 'Red Duke' Wilhelm von Hawke! When the Chaos tide surged towards Auster Territory like a crimson wave, countless fortresses fell and legions crumbled, he stepped forward, leading his men. With only a few hundred elite warriors, he defied the tide, holding off the demonic army for three days and three nights on the scorched earth of Bloodwolf Fortress. He successfully enraged the commander of this Chaos army, the legendary Archduke of Khorne, Bal Goraz. The two clashed before hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of demons. In the end, he successfully banished the Archduke of Khorne, deterring the terrifying demonic army and buying precious time for the Empire to rebuild its defenses, saving millions of lives! His heroic deeds shook the heavens and the earth, and thus, by special decree of the Emperor, he was promoted from a commoner soldier to a hereditary duke, bestowed with the title 'Red Duke'!"

“Going back further,” Duke Bohemond’s voice carried the weight of history, “there was also ‘Sea Soul’ Eric. He was originally a captured slave oarsman from the coast of Norsca, but when the Imperial Navy fleet was nearly annihilated in the Black Ark of the Dark Elves in the Claw Sea, he used his astonishing intuition for ocean currents and storms to lead the surviving warships to victory through the fog! He not only sank the ‘Lady of Sorrow’ ark, which had plagued the empire for decades, but also rescued thousands of Imperial citizens who had been abducted. In recognition of his great feat of saving the Imperial seas, he was exceptionally granted the title of Earl, thus establishing the unique ‘Sea Soul’ fleet family.”

"And in even more ancient legends, during the turbulent years of the 'Age of the Three Sovereigns,' it was Marnus the Purifier who performed this feat! When Nurgle's plague engulfed the territory of Wessen like a green tide of death, even causing the Elector's relatives to rot and mutate, this lowly priest Sigmar, wielding his holy hammer, ventured alone into the source of the plague—the cursed Valley of Rot. Seven days later, he returned, dragging his broken body, the valley cleansed of its filth, and the spreading plague receded. What he brought back was the shattered head of the Nurgle archdeacon 'Rot Singer'! This miracle elevated him from a commoner monk to a hereditary earl of Wessen, bestowing upon him the title of 'Purifier'!"

The examples he cited were all heroic figures who left an indelible mark on the history of the empire, and their promotions were accompanied by enormous contributions that saved the empire from peril or created immortal achievements.

Finally, Duke Bohemond's gaze returned to Su Li, his tone full of affirmation and praise:

"And today, Earl Su Li, the Bauhinia, you swept across the Northern Territory with thunderous force, ending the swamp territory threat that had 'plagued' the Empire's borders for many years, and spreading order and the light of the goddess to this vast land. Your achievements and your power have earned the recognition and respect of the highest levels of the Empire! This earldom is well-deserved!"

He raised his glass again, facing the entire room:

"Let us raise our glasses together to congratulate Earl Su Li of the Bauhinia! May the banner of the Bauhinia and the Sword and Hammer forever fly atop the Northern Territory! May the Earl enjoy great fortune in battle and his glory endure forever!"

"Congratulations, Your Excellency!"

"For the Black Forest Territory! For the Earl!"

"Glory forever!"

A deafening roar of cheers and the clinking of glasses instantly filled the banquet hall. The civil and military officials of the Blacksin Territory beamed with pride and excitement. Their lord, their banner, had finally received the Empire's most formal and highest-level recognition!

This means that they have finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel, and everyone will have corresponding titles and rewards!

In stark contrast to the jubilant and excited civil and military officials of the Black Forest Territory, Su Li, seated at the head of the table, had an overly calm expression, while Hilde beside him had clear yet utterly unmoving eyes.

The deafening cheers echoed in their ears, yet seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier, failing to stir even the slightest ripple in their hearts. For Su Li, whose gaze had already been set on a more distant horizon, the title of "Earl" was less a coveted honor and more a belated and somewhat meager consolation prize.

Just as Duke Bohemond was about to press his advantage and further elaborate on the Empire's goodwill and future cooperation prospects, Su Li gently put down the crystal glass in his hand. The bottom of the glass touched the black pine table, producing a crisp yet penetrating sound that strangely and quickly calmed the noise in the hall.

All eyes were once again focused on him.

Su Li slightly turned his head, his gaze sweeping over the count's document symbolizing supreme glory, finally settling on Duke Bohemond's face. A half-smile curved his lips as he spoke calmly, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Empires... are always so interesting."

He paused, as if carefully choosing his words, or perhaps stating a perfectly obvious fact:
"When it was time to award me a mere baronial title, the esteemed members of the council, adhering to their 'standards,' arrived late and made things difficult in every way, as if the achievements and territory of my Black Forest Territory were beneath their noble eyes."

He raised his eyes, his gaze a half-smile on Duke Bohemond, then swept over Grand Master Adelbert and Dean Hector:

"And now, having personally unified the northern provinces of the entire border princely territory with the sword in my hand and the blood of my soldiers, with a vast territory, tens of thousands of armored soldiers, and five thousand elite troops, and with my army pointing its spearhead at the gateways of the remaining four provinces... have the gentlemen of the council finally remembered to give me the title of earl?"

Su Li chuckled softly, downed the wine in her glass in one gulp, and then placed the empty glass back on the table with a crisp sound.

"Gentlemen, don't you think... this is a bit too late? For someone who has already earned his place at the table and is starting to consider where to begin with the next dish, handing him a belated invitation to sit down—is this recognition, or... a kind of helpless appeasement?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole place fell silent.

The officials of the Blacksin Territory, who had just been immersed in joy, were instantly sobered up as if doused with a bucket of cold water, followed by a deeper sense of agreement and fervor. Yes, this earldom was earned by the lord through his own strength, not bestowed upon him by those gentlemen in the council.

Duke Bohemond's smile froze; he was well aware of all this. The Hessian Territory's current strength, with its elite forces exceeding 5000 men, surpassed the standard of a count's territory, though still far from that of a duke. But all he lacked was time.

The key point is that his ambitions were clearly beyond what a count could satisfy!

Just then, a loud voice with a strange sense of humor rang out, breaking the suffocating silence.

The one who spoke was none other than Adelbert, the Grand Master of the Flame Sun Knights. His molten lava-like gaze swept over the slightly embarrassed Duke Bohemond, finally landing on Su Li, and a hint of "understanding" appeared on his rugged face.

“Haha, Earl Su Li, this is the ‘characteristic’ of the Empire.” Adelbert’s voice carried the straightforwardness typical of a knight.

He spread out a large hand covered by an arm guard, making a helpless yet habitual gesture, and said humorously, "A bloated bureaucratic system, deeply entrenched interests, a reaction speed that's always three beats slower, and... a deep-seated vigilance and procrastination towards any new force that might disrupt the existing balance. Otherwise, why do you think cultists are always growing like weeds within the Empire's borders? Why does the corruption of chaos always find fertile ground to thrive? Why can the green-skinned creatures in the forest wail endlessly every year, while the vampire curse has lingered in West for millennia?"

He sighed helplessly, "Sometimes, I even feel that it is precisely this internal decay and sluggishness that gives these dark forces the space and time to breed and grow. The forces of justice are often not weak enough, but rather they expend too much energy fighting against their own massive and bloated bodies. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why we believe in the blazing sun and yearn to purify all filth with its flames."

Adelbert's words, seemingly a complaint about the Empire's shortcomings, subtly addressed Su Li's questions and shifted his stance to that of a "critic" alongside Su Li. Instead of directly defending the Parliament, he acknowledged the problems with an air of "we all understand," effectively easing the tension before issuing the order.

Duke Bohemond gave Adelbert a grateful look, then took over the conversation, saying sincerely:

"What the Grand Master said, though somewhat... blunt, did indeed point out some deep-seated problems. The Council is also well aware that there were indeed inappropriate actions in the past, and it is precisely for this reason that this extraordinary promotion is an expression of our deepest apology and sincerity. Your Excellency, the past cannot be undone, but in the future, the Empire is willing to work hand in hand with you and the Black Forest Territory."

He spoke sincerely, clearly not just on behalf of the Empire. If he truly came only representing the Empire and the Electors' Council, he could have used force, like Archibald.

Su Li listened quietly, her fingers still lightly tapping the armrest of the seat, remaining noncommittal.

This was clearly just the opening act; the real negotiations and maneuvering were yet to come. Having offered the "earl's" incentive, the next step was to present their conditions and provide "guidance."

He wanted to hear what the Empire and the Church planned to use to persuade him, the Northern Lion who had already bared his fangs and was at the height of his military might, to temporarily retract his claws.

(End of this chapter)