Before dawn the next day, the manor was already bustling with activity.

Perrin, accompanied by several managers, set up the venue on the training field.

A red carpet stretched from the steps all the way to the edge of the field, with two flags planted on either side of the platform: one bearing the brass dragon emblem of the Brass Duchy, and the other the broccoli flag of the Broccoli Family. The tables and chairs were arranged neatly, and the cups and saucers were polished to a gleaming shine.

Ron stood by the study window, watching the busy crowd outside.

He wore a light gold tuxedo, a red cloak, and a longsword at his waist; his hair was neatly combed. Liulichuan stood behind him, helping him adjust his attire.

"Are you happy?" she asked.

"It's alright," Ron said. "It's just that... we need to give them an explanation."

Liu Lichuan didn't say anything, but gently straightened his collar.

"I'm going now." Ron turned around, pushed open the door, and left.

The training ground was already packed with people.

Laun, Hart, and Green stood at the front, their backs ramrod straight. Perrin, wearing a new robe, stood to the side, smiling broadly.

These four are the people to be conferred titles today. Laun and Hart, of course, need no further explanation; they will undoubtedly be among those to be conferred titles.

As the chief political officer of the territory, Perrin has been diligent and conscientious this past year, completing every task assigned by Ron very well. He deserves this title.

Green was one of the first five low-ranking knight squires that Ron brought from his family, and Ron had to set an example.

Many people came to witness the ceremony. Several lords from the surrounding area sent people to offer their congratulations, and Elise and Little Pink Hair also came.

This was the first time the girls had met on stage together. They knew of each other before, but had always deliberately avoided meeting.

This must have been a rehearsal before moving into the castle. Fortunately, the girls were all very sensible and didn't embarrass Ron on this occasion.

Ron walked onto the stage, glanced at the crowd below, and announced loudly:

"Today is a big day for our River Bend Territory. The Duchy has officially recognized our achievements in expansion. From this day forward, this land belongs to us."

A round of applause erupted from below, a testament to their year-long hard work, and everyone felt a sense of pride.

"A year ago, I came here with a few knights, thirty guards, and a thousand serfs. At that time, there wasn't even a proper wall."

Ron paused. "Now, we have a castle, a port, and caravans. We have hundreds of soldiers and tens of thousands of people."

He looked at the familiar faces below the stage.

"I didn't do all this by myself. It was you who followed me, fighting your way through every single battle."

"Therefore, today I will give you the reward you deserve."

"Laun Onion"

Lauen strode forward and knelt on one knee. His eyes were a little red, but his expression was serious.

Ron drew his longsword from his waist and placed it on Lauen's shoulder.

"Laun Onion, you are my right-hand man in the frontier. You have never left since the first day we arrived."

From the wilderness of the frontier to the orcish battlefields, your loyalty has earned my approval, and your rich experience has helped me avoid many dangers. I hereby appoint you First Knight of the Reach, and grant you Sesame Village and a three-kilometer radius of land.

Laun's voice was a little hoarse: "Your subordinate... swears to serve you to the death, sir."

"Get up." Ron reached out and helped him up.

Laun stood up, stepped aside, and wiped the corner of his eye with the back of his hand.

The investiture ceremony continues.

"Hart Lentil"

Hart stepped forward, knelt on one knee, his fingers trembling slightly.

"Hart, you have followed me through thick and thin without complaint. I hereby appoint you as Knight of the Reach and grant you Rapunzel and the surrounding lands."

With his longsword resting on his shoulder, Hart raised his head and shouted fervently, "Loyalty! Loyalty!!"

Next came Palin Wheel, then Gray Leek, and so on, completing the investiture process.

The moment the investiture was completed, Perrin burst into tears: "My lord... your subordinate..."

"Alright, get up."

The land granted to the four of them were newly developed farms in the north; how they would develop in the future was up to them.

However, their focus remains on affairs in the River Bend Territory.

Ron helped Palin up and looked around.

Those in the audience who weren't officially recognized were filled with envy, their eyes red with envy, wishing they were the ones receiving the title on stage.

Abaddon stood in the back row, grinning and revealing a set of white teeth. His strength had improved by leaps and bounds in the past month, directly making him a high-ranking knight squire.

However, because he had only been with Ron for a short time, he was not selected for this knighthood ceremony. He will undoubtedly become a knight in the next ceremony or after another meritorious service.

Standing beside him were several veterans who had been with Ron the earliest: Marcus Apple, Robert Cabbage, and two of the original five low-ranking knights.

All five of them are now mid-ranking knight squires, with Gray even being knighted. Their eyes now hold both disappointment and anticipation.

Ron couldn't just let those who hadn't received an official title stand by and watch.

With a wave of his hand, many servants carried about ten boxes of silver coins and placed them in front of everyone.

The box was opened, revealing a mountain of silver coins that gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

Everyone's attention was indeed drawn to the silver coins. Ron spoke up:

"Those who are not granted a title this time should not be discouraged; I will reward you with abundant wealth."

"And you will have the opportunity to continue to demonstrate your loyalty to me, and I will conduct the next investiture next year."

Upon hearing Ron's words, the crowd below stopped looking distressed.

Everyone received a share of the monetary reward this time, even the high-ranking knight squire Erin who came with Iris received a considerable amount.

The reward ceremony lasted for quite some time before it ended, and everyone's arms were stuffed with heavy silver coins.

"That concludes today's investiture ceremony." Ron sheathed his longsword.

"Now, let the banquet begin!"

The banquet was held on the open ground of the manor.

A long table stretched from one end to the other, piled high with snacks, bread, fruit, and wine. Roasted wild boar, stewed mutton, roast goose, grilled fish... steaming hot, the aroma filling the air.

Ron toasted the women and then left; his men were too restrained to act freely while he was present.

After Ron left, everyone congratulated the newly appointed individuals, and a banquet followed.

Even Palin was drunk, and he pulled Hart aside and said a bunch of things, like, "This old man never thought he'd be a knight in his lifetime."

"Oh! Praise be to the great lord... May the glory of knighthood favor you!"

As she spoke, she started laughing and crying at the same time.

The entire territory was in a frenzy that day, and Ron, along with Little Pink and Elise, achieved a new milestone.

Unfortunately, Rurikawa was too shy to participate in the celebration.

After Ron and his two friends celebrated all night, the next day, the pink-haired girl resolutely accepted the mission to conquer Liulichuan.

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