Afterward, Aiven rose gracefully, saluted, and turned to leave with Gleam.
Gleam followed behind Aiven out of the outpost, somewhat perplexed.
In his view, today's meeting was utterly fruitless, discussing topics he couldn't understand, while the reward he cared about the most was never mentioned by either party.
Aiven advised him to stay calm, understanding that this was the traditional way aristocrats conducted themselves.
For the sake of both parties' reputations and aristocratic decorum, Nabri would never bluntly bring up the issue of rewards, as was the case with the Galliot family's century-old noble tradition.
Compared to the emerging aristocracy that mentions money at every turn, it isn't about who is better or worse, just different principles of conduct.
Indeed.
Standing outside the outpost for a short while, the lieutenant approached them and delivered the reward to his hands. Along with the substantial bounty of fifty Golden Lions, there was also a seemingly ordinary but finely forged hand half-sword.
"Sir Aiven, this is a personal gift from the Lord. Please be sure to accept it!"
Aiven was skilled in swordsmanship, and naturally understood swords.
Grandpa Leo, once an Official Knight, possessed an Extraordinary level sword, but unfortunately, he had lost it during their escape.
What he's using now is merely common fare forged at a blacksmith's shop, incomparable to this top-grade military supply not available for purchase, even if one had the money. If he had such a sword in his hand during the confrontation with Black Bear, he dared to take him on head-to-head.
"Please thank Sir deeply for me, I very much like his gift."
With a few courteous words, Aiven watched as the lieutenant returned to the outpost, then left with Gleam.
Before parting, Aiven handed over five Golden Lions to Gleam, who instantly beamed with joy. Surprised to have a share, he hesitated briefly before taking them.
Aiven's conduct adheres to quite modern principles; the closer the friendship, the less he plays small calculations when it comes to money. After all, Gleam ventured with him today and introduced him to Sir Nabri, fully deserving of these five Golden Lions as compensation.
Later, Gleam would also receive a reward for being summoned during wartime from the official side, enough to cover half a year's income, making this quite a lucrative gain.
...
Unexpectedly, the planned journey did not occur the next day.
As expected, Aiven was summoned again by the Governor, Viscount Andrea, the local titleholder of highest rank.
Through yesterday's interaction with Lord Nabri, Aiven learned there were similar disputes between the new and old aristocracy within Phaletis Kingdom and his scarcely remembered motherland Ilya.
However, Phaletis, unlike Ilya, has a strong Imperial Family, firmly holding the highest militaristic power and more than eighty percent of the professional military, acting as a supreme arbitrator.
Years ago, with adept maneuvering, they reconciled internal powers of all aspects, big and small.
Implementing an iron order to suppress all instabilities under Her Majesty the Queen's throne, all fights must adhere to the rules laid down by Her Majesty, minimizing internal friction to the greatest extent possible.
Meanwhile, they transformed the conflict between territorial nobles and emerging fraternities into opportunities for themselves.
Collaborating with emerging nobles and the citizenry to gradually erode the land of old territorial nobles through urbanization; forging contracts with old nobles, securing a place within emerging cities and gaining far more plentiful benefits than those from past closed manor economies.
At the same time, tying every faction to their chariot through constantly developed new routes and overseas colonies, making the Imperial Family and the Kingdom the ultimate beneficiaries, always undefeatable!
With a generation's effort, Phaletis has leapt into a regional power, possessing significant influence within the Tulip Alliance.
Viscount Andrea, the Governor, is a former territorial noble who transitioned successfully under such background, attaining governance over this city through the civic council.
In the governor's guest room at the town hall, Aiven met the most honored person in Leopold.
This was an exceedingly severe elder, embodying all qualities associated with Western nobility in Aiven's past impressions—stern, harsh, unemotional—a very typical superior.
Facing a penniless Aiven, he spoke straightforwardly:
"Although Nabri has already briefed me about your situation, I'd still like to personally ask your thoughts. Would you be willing to join the Leopold City Guard?"
Under the heavy pressure of the elder's gaze, Aiven steeled himself and said:
"Leopold is your city, and also my hometown. Protecting my hometown is naturally my duty, but I still want to see the world while I'm young."
Recognizing the sincerity and steadfastness in Aiven's eyes, the elder's eagle-like sharp gaze softened, his stone-like stern mouth slightly curved.
"Alright.
Although it is very unfortunate. As an elder, however, I understand the eagerness of the young to measure how high the sky and how far the sea is with their own wings.
If you wish to return, Leopold will always be your home, my child!"
"Thank you, Your Grace! Truly appreciative of your understanding." Regardless of the genuine sentiment, it was indeed rare for a person of his prestige and status to say such words, which didn't offend Aiven.
Even though he couldn't accept his kindness, Aiven still stood up and deeply saluted him.
The elder waved Aiven to sit again, casually turning the Seal Ring on his hand:
"I heard you're considering joining the Kingdom Navy? I have already written a recommendation letter for you, which you can use or not, as you wish.
Although using influence is impossible, but as an entrance voucher, it'll save you quite a bit of trouble."
A moment later, Aiven solemnly accepted the letter adorned with the elder's family crest, once again saluting before departing.
He then left the town hall almost in flight.
Aiven shouted inwardly, "Though I don't know exactly what level he has reached, this old man is absolutely an unfathomable Extraordinary. Facing him is more exhausting than battling pirates!"
Rewalking the path back, the day's experiences flashed anew, Aiven marveled at the seamless efforts of the old nobles.
Preparing the recommendation letter in advance; though unable to keep Aiven, they naturally extended all their favors to someone growing up inclined towards the opposing camp in Leopold.
A simple gesture for the elder, yet even if Aiven offers a mere tenth of potential future returns, it would be greatly profitable!
Even with Aiven's wisdom perceiving the elder's schemes, regardless of using the recommendation letter, he had to acknowledge their kindness.
As for how he obtained Aiven's information within less than a day? It would be more surprising if he, as the landlord, didn't know!
...
On Aiven's side, he was busily making final preparations before setting off.
Meanwhile, on the other side of this pirate siege incident, aboard the "Blood Anchor" pirate ship, a different atmosphere prevailed.
After the pirates' return to the ship from last night's siege and plunder, a low-pressure atmosphere enveloped the entire ship following a headcount.
Blood Anchor Zack was nearly driven mad!
The recent failed plunders and constant naval pursuits made Captain Zack desperately need a brilliant victory to stabilize his position on the ship, and to quell the ambition stirring among the rabble and scoundrels onboard.
At the very least, he needed to dispel some of the more openly dissatisfied troublemakers, showing the remaining crew who truly held command on this ship!
After choosing Leopold, an obscure fishing town, Zack wanted to send many questioning his authority troublemakers ashore, regardless of the result, to ease the dire situation of his lost prestige caused by successive failures.
Even as a precautionary measure, Blood Anchor Zack dispatched his loyal right-hand man, "Boatswain Black Bear Billy," considering the operation foolproof.
However, after the landing party returned and headcounted, the loss of fifty-six men deeply pained Blood Anchor. Considering the prior personnel losses, only 130 pirates remained on the whole ship!
Furthermore, given the plunder's limited timeframe, the loot couldn't compensate for this personnel loss.
Previously, apart from thirty die-hard loyalists left on the ship, the hundred pirates sent out returned less than half.
Especially Boatswain Black Bear Billy, his foremost general, didn't make it back, causing even his loyal sailors to show flickering gazes, with unrest more volatile than before, Blood Anchor grievously mourned to the point of near blood-spitting.
"Raise anchor, we're going to raid merchant ships!!!"