Chapter 21: Pegiraov Lundex
Borien came to the church every day thereafter.
He would arrive early in the morning, following Corleon in morning prayers, earnestly seeking guidance and accepting the Lord's teachings.
After the prayers, he would help collect wood and stones.
Having once been a knight, Borien showed no anger at doing manual labor; instead, he demonstrated his strength with an efficiency surpassing that of five ordinary men.
Borien struck up a conversation with George, but aside from initial surprise, George's attitude toward him remained unchanged.
Just as it was when facing Yara.
He was a monk with steadfast faith.
Engaged in such activities at the church until noon, Borien's devout demeanor made Corleon feel he had become a believer of the Lord.
If not for the fact that Corleon had not seen new threads on the Light Orb.
...
However, that day, Borien arrived at the church only after noon.
He brought news.
Lord Lundex had arrived in York Territory.
"He brought two knights," Borien said, his body trembling slightly as he spoke.
Uncertain whether from fear or resentment.
"As a lord, Lundex can confer knighthood upon two individuals, and three days ago, he bestowed these titles."
"I saw them from afar; both wore heavy full-body plate armor, polished to a shine that was glaring under the sun."
"I glimpsed their faces when they lifted their visors."
"Very young—one is said to be twenty-four, the other twenty-six."
As he spoke, Borien's trembling ceased, his eyes revealing envy.
Not just for the fine plate armor they wore, but more so for their age.
Becoming knights in their twenties caused quite a stir among the knight's squires in York Territory.
A viscount could confer knighthood upon twelve individuals, yet York Territory's knights were often understrength, and those outside the Elbert family who were knighted were typically over forty.
Borien was knighted at forty-three, making him the youngest non-Elbert family knight in nearly seventy years.
"Truly young knights," Corleon acknowledged, understanding the issues within York Territory.
The networks woven by the lower nobility, while not threatening the lord's rule, still warranted caution.
Once these networks solidified, the right to form armed forces legally became a precious commodity.
This represented the interests of their respective families.
Thus, under the balance of various powers, the qualification of knighthood became a weight in the lord's game of power.
Thinking of this, Corleon glanced at Borien—his timing in becoming a knight and his actions thereafter...
The family power behind Borien was not strong.
"Indeed, such an age is unimaginable in York Territory," Borien said, his words perhaps hinting at dissatisfaction with Sir Helvin.
"What brings Lord Lundex to York Territory?" Corleon shifted the topic.
More concerned with Lord Lundex's purpose than discussing the age of new knights.
"Naturally, to sign a ceasefire treaty," Borien replied. "Although prisoners were released, that merely signaled a truce."
At this point, Borien's expression grew uneasy.
"A treaty must be signed to mark a true ceasefire. More importantly, discussions on war reparations are needed."
Wars among nobles are driven by interests; this is their principle.
Simply halting a war clearly violates this noble principle.
"Is Sir Helvin providing compensation?" Corleon inquired.
York Territory suffered significant losses in this war, while Lundex Territory profited in gold.
Even with the involvement of necromancers, the origins of these necromancers remain unknown.
Even if Lord Lundex issued a statement claiming no connection to these necromancers.
But who would believe it?
"No, no, Helvin is a viscount, while Lundex is merely a lord," Borien shook his head.
"It is Lundex who must compensate Viscount Helvin," he said.
"Perhaps even returning my ransom and adding more," he even mentioned his own situation.
"Even after suffering attacks from necromancers, the scale of York Territory's military remains unmatched by Lundex Territory."
Corleon understood.
It depended on who was stronger; strength dictated righteousness.
And now, York Territory remained strong, so even if Lundex Territory was the actual victor, they must bow to York Territory.
After all, Lundex could confer knighthood upon two individuals in a short time, but Sir Helvin had knighted five in recent days.
Corleon did not doubt the combat capabilities of these knights.
Even if the lord balanced noble powers in knighthood conferment, combat ability was the baseline.
Knighthood equated to honor.
"Therefore, perhaps the commoners' lives will improve somewhat," Corleon said.
Post-war losses needed swift recovery, and this burden naturally fell upon the commoners.
"Perhaps," Borien merely sneered.
"Mr. Borien, will you be volunteering at the church today?" Corleon shifted the topic again.
"No, I have family matters this afternoon," Borien said. "I was merely passing by the church to visit the priest."
...
Watching Borien's departing figure, Corleon felt uneasy.
Yet, after much contemplation, he couldn't pinpoint the issue.
He could only clutch the cross tightly, praising the Lord in his heart.
However, by dusk, Corleon understood the source of his unease.
...
A small army stopped at the church entrance.
Two knights in full plate armor stood at the forefront; behind them was a luxurious carriage, followed by cavalry and warriors, and then escorts from York Territory.
This was a delegation from Lundex Territory.
Corleon wondered why such true nobles would come to the church, but he calmly stood at the entrance to greet them.
George wanted to assist but was stopped by Corleon.
The carriage door opened, and a figure alighted, looking at the church and Corleon, then spoke.
"I remember passing through during my travels; an old priest presided here then." His voice was gentle, like a kind elder.
"Nice to meet you, Priest Corleon. I am Pegiraov Lundex. Perhaps you're more familiar with the title Lord Lundex, but I prefer friends to call me Pegira."
After a brief hesitation, Corleon said, "Sir Pegira."
"Old Henry passed away seven years ago."
"If I recall correctly, this road doesn't lead to Lundex Territory," Corleon observed.
His white hair was meticulously groomed, wrinkles on his face indicating his age, and he wore an elegant dark red robe adorned with a beautiful ruby on his chest.
This was a true noble.
Such a thought arose in Corleon's mind.
"I merely heard of a kind priest who provided refuge to refugees under necromancer attacks," Pegira said with a smile.
"So, after concluding my journey, I ordered the knights to detour here; I wished to visit this kind priest."
"And to pay respects to the Lord he believes in."
"I wonder if your Lord permits this."
Corleon looked into his eyes but couldn't discern any other emotions; he seemed merely curious about the church and wanted to look inside.
"The Lord does not turn away anyone who seeks goodness," Corleon finally said.
"If Sir Pegira doesn't mind this humble church."