The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 45: My Knight Father

After the unconscious guard is carried away, Scarface Archie sizes up Henwell.
"I'm curious about what you did before! Those combat skills were impressive—practical and deadly moves! Don't worry, I'm just curious. I don't care about your past or who you are. I'm starting to believe you could kill a bandit soldier. Your combat skills are ruthless, and you fight decisively. Now, I'm wondering, do you know anything else? I mean, weapons—like swordsmanship."
Henwell nods, "Yes, I know a bit of swordsmanship."
Scarface Archie draws a longsword from a nearby guard and tosses it to Henwell.
"Show me!"
Catching the sword, Henwell methodically demonstrates his swordsmanship. The blade whirls in his hands, slashing, thrusting, and parrying, lacking any flair.
Yet, Scarface Archie grows more intrigued. He knows these unadorned moves are genuine killing techniques.
When Henwell finishes, Scarface Archie lightly applauds.
"Good, good, good! Military swordsmanship! Whoever taught you must have seen battle; these are practical combat techniques. However, your footwork is a bit unsteady. I assume you haven't had much chance to practice? Your steps need to complement your sword moves to be truly effective."
Henwell is well aware that this is the flaw he's deliberately left.
His foundation in both swordsmanship and footwork is solid, thanks to Kavize's teachings for dueling and Fabio's for battlefield chaos. The sword techniques Henwell displays now are those practiced by regular soldiers in the allied forces, skills he's quite proficient in.
While not as refined, these moves are distilled into pure, lethal techniques.
In response to Scarface Archie's words, Henwell nods, "I lost my longsword, so I haven't been able to train. My father was a knight, and he developed these techniques from his battlefield experiences, teaching me since I was young."
Scarface Archie nods, "I thought so! Alright, you won't be training with the others anymore. I'll create a separate training plan for you. Don't embarrass me, kid! Just because you have a high starting point doesn't mean you'll get special treatment. I just use different methods for different goods, so things won't be so easy for you from now on!"
As Henwell reluctantly agrees, preparing for harsher training, the War of the Six Kings finally comes to an official end. The allied forces suffer a slight loss, ceding some territory.
However, to save face, they offer a sum of money as war reparations. Both sides then declare themselves victorious.
In the Kingdom of Ika, to boost morale and counter the impact of ceded territories, a grand ceremony is being held in the capital.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, the violation.
"Obian, do you vow to uphold the kingdom's responsibilities, the nobility's honor, to guard the sacred lands, and protect the people under your care?"
"I pledge everything to the kingdom! I swear to protect the kingdom and its honor with my life!"
After the ceremony, Viscount Theodore approaches Obian. "Congratulations! You're a knight now!"
This viscount is the same baron whom Obian saved during the initial stages of the War of the Six Kings. With the war now over, Theodore has been promoted to viscount due to his distinguished service.
Throughout the conflict, Obian saved his life multiple times, forging a strong bond between them. It was Theodore who recommended Obian to join the Night Falcon Knights.
After numerous battles, Obian not only proved himself with knightly skills but also earned a knighthood. As they chat, Theodore suddenly shifts the conversation.
"Obian, what are your plans now? I heard you haven't responded to the formal recruitment from the Night Falcon Knights?"
Obian nods, "I need to find my family. There might still be survivors."
Theodore smiles, "They didn't call you 'Lucky Obian' for nothing! As you wished, I've found traces of your family. They're in Gorgehill City. You know, it's easy to defend and hard to attack. Those bastards never managed to invade, so they've been safe. I've arranged for your wife and children to be brought to my estate. They should arrive in a few days."
Hearing this, Obian is overwhelmed with joy and grabs Theodore, disregarding the etiquette he recently learned, and eagerly asks, "Really? Is it true?"
Theodore pats his arm reassuringly.
"Of course, it's true! My people have double-checked everything, all the details match. Rest easy, my brother, they're safe now!"
Obian steps back, about to kneel and swear his allegiance to Theodore. But Theodore quickly pulls him up.
"Brother! Our bond was forged in the piles of the dead. Without you, I'd have died countless times. Our friendship doesn't need oaths of loyalty; we've already proven our vows to protect each other in life and death. I'm truly happy for you that your family has been found! Even if you can't be my brother-in-law anymore!"
Theodore ends with a joke, then turns serious.
"Obian, you don't have a fief, nor are you a hereditary knight. Initially, I wanted to invite you to my new lands so we could continue working together. Your character, skills, and wisdom would make you an invaluable assistant, easing the burden of managing my estate."
"But as brothers who have faced death together, I can't be selfish. There's a better opportunity ahead for you, and I can't keep you tied to my side."
Obian understands what Theodore means.
"You're talking about the Night Falcon Knights?"
Theodore nods.
"Exactly! It's the official invitation from the Night Falcon Knights. I've heard they'll be expanding the order soon. There's even talk that the kingdom plans to establish a new knight order based on the Night Falcon Knights! Regardless of the outcome, it's a great opportunity."
"You were already a squad leader within the knights, and now with your knightly skills and title, the expansion and new formation mean knights like you, who have risen through genuine merit, will be heavily relied upon.You might even be appointed as a centurion, which would be the foundation for your title's transformation."
"Eventually, the legion commander or the marquis might grant you hereditary knighthood, or even a fief. Moreover, the connections within the Night Falcon Knights will help you smoothly integrate into the nobility. Brother, you're different from us! You're a born warrior, destined for the battlefield. Your future achievements shouldn't be limited to being just my guard captain!"
Obian hesitates for a moment, and Theodore adds, "I'll take care of your family, so don't worry about things at home. As for repayment, don't mention it! Beyond our life-and-death friendship, having a centurion friend in the knight order will bring me plenty of benefits."
Obian doesn't refuse further, feeling confident about his future. However, he remains unaware that among the family members found, his eldest son, whom he longs for, isn't there.