The arrival of Kathrin and the tribute to Mortis.

Everything was set and ready for the speech of the counts, which would introduce the festivities. All the nobles took seats at the tables and waited for the counts to open the feast. Mortis was given a seat at the very front, along with the other counts and the barons who had particularly distinguished themselves in battle, such as William of Amber.

When William went to sit next to Mortis, someone held his hand on the chair and told him that this seat was already taken. William wondered about this, but accepted it and took a chair further away. He was a straightforward guy and didn't mind much that he wasn't sitting right next to Mortis. Nevertheless, he talked to him and told him mostly about hunting and battles, which Mortis listened to with pleasure, since William could tell everything very vividly.

After a few minutes, music sounded and a servant stood in front of the throne and joyfully announced Countess Martina von Eisenach.

The Countess thanked all her barons, knights and barons who had accompanied her to make this area safe. Just as she was about to continue speaking, Mortis stood up when a small breeze passed through the hall, seeming to signal to him that Kathrin was nearby. Mortis made his way to the entrance of the hall.

As soon as he arrived at the entrance, a servant opened the door and a dark blond, slender woman with blue eyes entered the hall wearing a light blue dress made of the finest fabric. Kathrin was very nervous when she entered the room, but when Mortis was the first one she saw, it put her at ease. Mortis took her hand, kissed her hand and smiled happily at her. Kathrin did not know what happened to her. She had never seen her husband like that. When Mortis moved to stand next to her, she hooked up with him and they both went to their seats. What the two didn't realize was that neither made a sound. Even the Countess stopped her speech and surveyed the young Count's wife. As Mortis sat with Kathrin, the Countess continued her speech and simply acted as if there had been no disturbance.

When the Countess finished, she called for a round of applause for the next speaker and his family. So, behind the curtain, Count Werner of Erfurt appeared with his four wives and his eight children, three of whom were boys and five girls. The women took their seats in their chairs, and Count Werner made a speech.

"Esteemed friends, loyal followers and esteemed guests,

it is a great honor and pleasure for me to speak before you today. Some time ago we were threatened by enemies who wanted to attack our beloved homeland and people. However, thanks to the bravery and courage of some of our own men, we were able to repel these enemies and preserve our freedom and independence.

One man stands among us today and deserves our special recognition and appreciation. Mortis, our brave hero, fought tirelessly in battle and saved us from certain doom. His leadership, courage, and determination were unmatched and inspiring.

But Mortis did not fight alone. He had an army of loyal followers and brave men who supported him and helped him accomplish his task. They all saved our land and our people from a great threat and deserve our deepest praise and thanks.

As the Count of this region, I am proud of each and every one of you and what we have accomplished together. Our community is strengthened and our future looks promising. Let us celebrate together and toast our victories. May our spirit of unity and cohesion be with us always.

Thank you all for being here today to share in this special occasion."

Mortis rose, took off his hat and placed it in front of his chest. He bowed several times while those present cheered and toasted him. Kathrin was surprised, as she had not heard of the battle. But when she saw how everyone looked at Mortis with pride and was happy to witness this event, it made her immensely proud as well. What woman wouldn't want to witness her husband being admired?

Mortis looked at Kathrin and noticed how she looked at him with shining eyes. He then said, "You are beautiful today, Kathrin." He took her hand and gave her a kiss on the hand. Kathrin, who was not used to this, blushed, but could not look away. Then she said, "You are beautiful too. Your clothes really suit you and the hat gives you something seductive." Mortis smiled and said, "Yes, but the hat can also be disturbing." "Interfere? With what?" asked Kathrin. Mortis took off the hat, put it on the table and said, "With this." Then he gave her a kiss on the mouth. Kathrin was pleased, blushed and turned away, but firmly holding his hand.

The Countess had been sitting at the table for some time, but was not noticed by Mortis at all. She didn't think it was a bad thing, however, but liked to see the young people making love and their eyes twinkling. Even William, who one might think had little tactical sense, said nothing and let the young couple make love. But when Mortis noticed that it was getting quiet around him, he looked around and noticed that the Countess of Eisenach was looking at him dreamily, probably thinking of her former love. Two boys were also next to the Countess, obviously enjoying their meal.

Mortis then proceeded to talk to William and the Countess, the latter being more interested in Kathrin. The Countess looked at Kathrin and asked, "What is your position with you?" Kathrin became nervous and did not know what to say, not knowing if it was appropriate to accompany Mortis as a concubine wife on such an occasion. But the Countess laughed and whispered to her, "Even as a concubine, you are his wife. So, if someone asks you something like that again, you just say that you are his wife. What position you have and how important you are to your husband, he decides, no one else. It's happened before that the concubine child took the lead when the others were lazy or just not suitable."

Kathrin nodded her understanding and was happy to have met such a nice countess, who also gave her an important tip and made sure that she could now relax a little more. Mortis stroked her hand while he held it and asked her what she was doing and how her sister was doing, since she was one of the most important people in Kathrin's life. Kathrin told how she practiced archery with Zara and Nora, but neither of them had any talent. She then mentioned her nephews, whom she loves to hug, and said in passing that she thought she was the first to have children since she was older. Mortis gulped when he realized that she was only talking about the children and even didn't mention her sister. The Countess sparkled at Kathrin while stroking the youngest child's head. William gave Mortis a thumbs up. Now it was clear to him why Kathrin didn't want to wait until the wedding. She wanted not only the fun, but also the consequences right after.

Mortis, however, didn't give a second thought to the fact that there was no contraception in this world. If his wife is ready to have a child, he will not stand in the way and will make every effort to fulfill her wish. He smiled at Kathrin and whispered in her ear, "I think if this goes on too long, we'd better go home and practice making a baby already." Then he leaned in and gave her a kiss. Kathrin was happy to get all the attention and didn't want to leave yet, as some minstrels and jugglers were putting on a performance that she liked. Mortis could not like any of this, he was used to movies and theater or circus were never his.After a few hours, music was played and Mortis got up to escape with his wife, because he could dance, but Kathrin could not yet. Even though Marina and Leonie tried to teach it to the other women, Kathrin did not dare to do it yet. So Mortis and Kathrin said goodbye to all the counts and barons and went out in arms, with Merlin following, who could hardly walk as he helped himself mainly to dessert. The Count and Countess with other guests laughed as they saw them simply forget the servant and walk away.

In Bamberg, when they were in the church, all three were greeted by Sophia, who had been waiting eagerly for her sister to come and see how everything turned out. But when she saw how in love they both seemed and her older sister seemed really happy, she happily went to bed with her baby. It was very late when they arrived at the castle. Mortis said that a servant should give Merlin a good room for guests and he made his way to his room with his wife, with her now pulling him or stopping him to kiss and then continuing to pull him behind her.