The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 153: The unexpected guest

Chapter 153: The unexpected guest

The arrival of a Paladin and a Templar shocked and awed the guests inside the hall. Even the haughtier people moved to the sides.

Hex never heard the titles Star Sword or Stellar Shield but he knew what a Paladin and a Templar represented.

These two represented two of the biggest factions of the world.

The Star Sword Paladin appeared to be the petite young woman with short hair, dark purple hair, and smokey eyes. She wore leather trousers, and leather shoes with clasps to the knee. The leather on her chest looked like bandage straps, exposing her abdomen. A short furry cloak was draped over her shoulders. She carried her sword on her back but the sword looked nearly as large as her. It didn’t seem to bother her though.

The Stellar Shield Templar was a burly man with a bushy beard. He was clad in a white tunic. The tunic seemed large and wide, yet it seemed to be stretched by the man’s figure. He didn’t have any weapons or shields on him. It made Hex wonder whether the Templar used his body as a shield.

’Even if he has a shield hidden somewhere, I still wonder if an attack can harm him easily.’

Hex watched them intently, forming an impression of both. He also thought about the prince’s motives.

’I see. The prince wants his first impression to be as grand as he can make it to be. It isn’t about my title or land, it’s about creating his image.’

Hex understood many things at once. He didn’t doubt there were many after his land but the prince’s goal was to use the land to establish his position.

"I don’t think I need to introduce the background of my two friends here," Rayos said. There was a slight smile on his face.

"Many speculated what my first action would be as the governor of the north. Some thought I wished to butter up the strong and prominent figures, others thought I would use Grindeston and Fallenstad to gain allies."

Rayos spoke with no fluctuations in his voice but some people shuffled uncomfortably. Their reaction told Hex the prince was spot-on with his speech.

’But they still might be partially right.’ Hex had a clue to the prince’s plan.

"I won’t keep you in suspense. My first act as the governor is to have stronger youngsters in the north. And that’s where my two friends come in.

You see, the factions behind them will accept a new badge of candidates by the end of the year. The spots are limited. Only those recommended by a member of the respective faction are assured a place in the selection."

A soft murmur spread over the crowd. They could guess what the prince was about to suggest. Hex couldn’t deny he too felt excited. He saw Tarquin, the girl beside him, and other youngsters look equally interested.

The prince paused to let his words sink in. The reaction of the crowd pleased him immensely.

"Like I told our young friend over here, the titles and lands belong to those who serve the nation and its interests."

The prince glanced at Hex but continued to speak to the crowd.

"So, to reward people who deserve it, I will have everyone compete. There will be many rewards but the top five will have a chance to pick a deed. And if...if someone manages to catch the eyes of the Star Sword Paladin or the Stellar Shield Templar, they will recommend you to their respective factions."

The newly-appointed governor’s words triggered loud discussions to erupt in the hall. People were excited and nervous.

’It’s like I suspected. This way he won’t be accused of favoritism or offending anyone while still earning the respect and gratitude of many.’

The only thing that irked Hex was that his land and title were placed as rewards, waiting to be won over by someone. He would not allow it.

"I have a question," Hex shouted, drawing everyone’s attention.

"You said everyone will compete. So, does it mean I can compete too for my land and title?"

Hex wasn’t rude or subservient. He spoke clearly, looking straight at Rayos, which displeased him. But Rayos still replied.

"Yes. You can compete too. But your choice means you aren’t eligible for the government post and house I mentioned earlier. Do you accept it?"

"Yes!"

The lack of hesitation on Hex’s part shocked some. He gave up a sure thing to compete for something they assumed was out of his reach. After all, how would a backwater kid compete against the sons and daughters of nobles and warriors?

"Very well. The deeds of Grindeston and Fallenstad will be up for grasp..."

"Wait!"

The loud interruption amidst Rayos words, made everyone turn toward the source. A young man, clad in regal robes, strode in. Behind him stood a Knight with average looks and a young woman with exceptional looks. She held a child in her arms.

’Ericka?!’

Hex recognized the girl at once. They had fought. He assumed her to be dead or missing when they didn’t find her or her brother.

Seeing her here, with a child, was too shocking. He gave the young man a second look. He didn’t resemble Erick at all. A better look at the young man’s face made Hex see a resemblance to someone else.

"Solos? Why are you here, little brother?" Rayos asked with a frown. He didn’t expect the thirteenth prince to intrude on his feast.

"You put Fallenstad and the title of Viscount up as a reward. But they have a successor. The laws of the Royal Court dictate that a blood heir is the first candidate."

"You conveniently forgot to include one major subsection. If the person has harmed the kingdom’s interest, he or she is excluded," Rayos sneered. "That girl has no claim on anything."

"True. But I don’t mean her. I mean her son, the Viscount’s grandson."

This made people whisper. The appearance of a son made people wonder and gossip. Hex was surprised too.

’When did she get a son?’

He took a glance at the child. He didn’t know if he was imagining it but the child stared back at him with a smile.

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