Chapter 28: The Duke's Letter

In the great hall, Archbishop Milo began with a series of prayers, then turned to the gathered guests. "Honored guests, today we gather here to witness a distinguished individual, Gwynnys Wintalin, son of Gwint Wintalin, being bestowed the title of Baron. May our ceremony be solemn and sacred, and let us witness this moment together."

Milo then turned to Gwynnys. "Gwynnys Wintalin, you stand here today as a noble, undertaking significant responsibilities and duties. You will be granted the title of Baron, which means you must be loyal to your lord, the nation, and the holy cause. Please stand and face the witnesses, expressing your oath."

"Gwynnys Wintalin, do you pledge loyalty to your lord, to protect the nation, and strive for its peace and prosperity?" Gwynnys looked directly at Archbishop Milo: "I do."

"Do you commit to upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and adhering to the values of chivalry?" "I do."

"Do you pledge to fulfill your duties in the name of the sacred, faithful to the Church and its beliefs?" "I do."

"Do you promise to protect and care for your land and people, ensuring their safety and prosperity?" "I do."

"Do you vow to show honor and generosity to us all, extending a helping hand to those in need?" "I do."

"Then, Gwynnys Wintalin, based on your oath, I now bestow upon you the title of Baron of Targath. This is a great honor and responsibility, may you fulfill your duties with courage, justice, and honor, bringing welfare to your people, and contributing to your land and lord."

A luxurious cushion was already prepared on the scene. Gwynnys knelt on both knees, facing the holy relic of Agnes, bowing his head devoutly. Milo placed a sword on Gwynnys' shoulders.

"From this day forth, you are a noble Baron. May your rule be filled with glory." Gwynnys stood up, facing all the guests. As he rose, all the castle's subordinates and attendants knelt, while Milo and the other witnesses nodded slightly.

Before everyone present, under the witness of Archbishop Milo and the envoy of the Earl of Annon Valley, and in the presence of Agnes, Gwynnys Wintalin, from this moment on, was glorified as a true noble.

...

What followed was the routine mingling and banquet procedures. Gwynnys continuously received congratulations from guests, clinking glasses with them, and chatting with ladies and misses, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Given that Gwynnys was yet unmarried and notably tall and handsome, many noble ladies in attendance cast flirtatious glances at him. But Gwynnys returned them all with polite and respectful smiles.

Musicians began to play, and guests conversed with each other. Felicity hid in a corner, quietly stuffing herself with delicious food alongside the timid Rowena.

Then, the envoy of the Earl of Annon Valley approached Gwynnys, handing him a personal letter from the Earl. Gwynnys opened it on the spot and began reading.

The letter, devoid of much pleasantries, was stern in tone. Despite recognizing Gwynnys' title as the Baron of Targath, it commanded him to immediately visit the Earl's castle for a loyalty audience.

Gwynnys was slightly displeased internally but maintained his composure, handing the letter to Baldwin to keep safe, and then continued interacting with the guests.

At that moment, another arrival caught everyone's attention. A carriage full of goods arrived at the castle gates, accompanied by two mounted messengers.

They bore the banner of the Golden Tree, handing the gifts to the attendants who came to receive them. Gwynnys noticed the commotion at the entrance and came out to see. The messenger handed him a letter sealed with wax, indicating it was from the Duke of Inverness - Sophia's grandfather, and the great-grandfather of Juliana and Gideon, William of Inverness.

The letter first congratulated Gwynnys on his succession as the Baron of Targath. As a great-grandfather, he expressed immense pride and joy. To show his respect for Gwynnys, he sent a batch of gifts, asking Gwynnys to kindly accept them.

Then, William expressed his concern and care for Sophia, Gideon, and others' situation. He reminisced about the days when Sophia, as a child, kept him company and enclosed 100 kingdom gold coins with the letter. He requested Gwynnys, on behalf of the old man, to send Sophia, Gideon, and Juliana back to the Duke of Inverness's domain.

Finally, William reiterated his respect and congratulations to Gwynnys, wishing his rule to be filled with glory and brilliance.

After reading the letter, Gwynnys fell silent. Although the Duke of Inverness was a great noble, his words and tone were much friendlier and more elegant than those of Gwynnys's direct superior, the Earl of Annon Valley.

But Gwynnys couldn't feel happy. He had eventually caught the attention of the Inverness family. Clutching the thin letter, it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds in his hand. The words were kind, seemingly just an old man missing his granddaughter and wanting her home, without any hint of threat, but Gwynnys instinctively heard the venomous hiss of a snake.

"The carriage is filled with gifts sent by the Duke, along with a list of items. Please accept them," the messenger said, then pulled out an exquisitely crafted box from his coat.

Opening it, the contents shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. "Please," the messenger bowed deeply, offering the box with both hands.

...

Unbeknownst to him, Rosalyn approached Gwynnys, carefully observing his expression. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Gwynnys maintained a calm face, but Rosalyn keenly noticed his fists were clenched.

Gwynnys exhaled softly, putting away the letter. "I gratefully accept the Duke's kindness and extend my deepest respect and admiration. However, please forgive me for refusing his gold coins. As a family member, I won't measure my respect and love for Sophia's mother, nor the sibling bond with Gideon and Juliana, with money."

"Restricting their freedom was a necessity, not my intention. Now that the Duke wishes to take them home, I am indeed very welcoming."

"Please convey my greetings to the Duke and promise that I will arrange for a carriage to take them home soon," Gwynnys said decisively to the messenger.

A dark cloud unknowingly covered the sun, casting a shadow on the ground. A storm was brewing.