Kenley closed his eyes and exhaled a gentle breath, sheathing his sword with a fluid motion.

  Roland slowly turned around and said,"You have emerged victorious, Kenley."

  "Teacher, haven't we yet determined a clear winner?" Kenley shook his head in disbelief.

  "You are mistaken, Kenley."

  "Given that you were able to hold your own against me in this bout, as you continue to grow and develop, it is merely a matter of time before you surpass me. You are younger than I, and your talents transcends that of any young individual I have ever encountered. In fact, throughout history, there has been no one who can rival your exceptional abilities, Kenley," Roland said softly, gently adjusting Kenley's collar, her eyes brimming with approval and admiration for him.

  "Then, teacher, does this mean you are willing to become my wife?"

  A delicate blush spread across Roland's fair cheeks, and she gave a soft cough."Although I acknowledge your victory, since we ended up in a draw this time, let's consider it that you have won half of my heart."

  Just then, a figure rushed forward, exclaiming,"My goddess! Woe is me! She's going to be claimed by another so soon! Woe is me!" As he spoke, two streams of tears trickled down his weathered face.

  Roland rapped Mimir on the head in annoyance."Have some regard for your dignity!"

  "Ouch!" With that rap, Mimir promptly quieted down. Then he turned his gaze towards Kenley and said,"I say, young lad, when do you plan to hold the wedding with Roland? Make sure to send me an invitation to the nuptials! Do you understand?"

  "Ah, hahahaha..." Kenley scratched his head sheepishly.

  At that moment, two more figures dashed forward.

  "Master!" It was Tia. She lunged forward and embraced Kenley tightly, burying her small head in his sturdy chest.

  "Ah! Master!" Simultaneously, a pink figure leaped forward and hugged him from behind.

  It was Normani.

  Goodness! Normani possessed a rather ample bosom, and Kenley instantly felt two soft mounds pressing snugly against his back. With these two tender and fragrant presences, one in front and one behind, it was truly a most...

  However, no one present found it the least bit strange to see Kenley being embraced in such a manner. On the contrary, it seemed entirely natural. Given Kenley's remarkable performance just now, and considering that these were the people dearest to him, such a reaction was only to be expected.

  "Kenley, it appears you have a great deal of explaining to do," Daina said at that moment. Her eyes, resembling those of a voracious glutton that had spotted its prey, fixed intently on Kenley, while a seemingly amiable smile played on her lips.

  "Mr. Kenley, you truly are full of surprises," even Guinevere's smile carried a hint of peculiarity.

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  Kenley suddenly felt overwhelmed, and with beads of sweat forming on his forehead, he said,"Er, may I request to remain silent?"

  "You have the option to remain silent, but every choice you make shall serve as evidence in due course."

  Ah, this... What an incredibly corny joke.

  Just then, Guinevere stepped forward and, in a sudden motion, pinned a special brooch to Kenley's chest."Mr. Kenley, I hereby appoint you as the new Deputy Knight Commander of the Christophon family."

  Kenley was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his composure and promptly knelt on one knee, declaring,"My sword shall fight in your service."

  "Thank you, Mr. Kenley. Perhaps... I should consider making some changes," Guinevere said unexpectedly, and to everyone's surprise, she actually bowed to Kenley in return.

  "This..." Everyone exchanged startled glances, failing to grasp the profound significance of Guinevere's gesture.

  "Sister..." Only Daina seemed to understand what was going on.

  "Do not fret. I believe that, as a future Grand Duke, it is high time I demonstrated my resolve to our father," Guinevere said with an unprecedented firmness in her tone.

  "Mr. Kenley, I have an immodest request. I wonder if you would be willing to consider it?" Guinevere's sudden request caught Kenley off guard.

  "Your Highness Guinevere, you are too kind. I am your sword, and you have every right to wield me. There is no need to inquire about the will of the sword," Kenley replied without hesitation.

  "No, Mr. Kenley. Although a sword is a tool, it too has its own emotions, its joys and sorrows, its anger and pain. When wielded by the wicked, it becomes a weapon of evil; when held by the virtuous, it becomes a force for good. Mr. Kenley, you are a sword like no other. Your sword is imbued with a powerful sense of free will and cannot be easily commanded. I can sense that, Mr. Kenley," Guinevere said, her eyes shining with an indescribable light that seemed to pierce through Kenley's very soul.

  "I..." Kenley looked into Guinevere's eyes, and he seemed to understand something. A powerful sense of free will, indeed...

  "Your Highness is truly perceptive..." Kenley gave a helpless smile.

  "That is precisely why I am thanking you, Mr. Kenley," Guinevere said with a faint smile.

  "Could you please elaborate on the specific reason, Your Highness?" Kenley asked.

  "Let us discuss it in detail back at the castle..."

  ...

  As night descended, the Rose Castle, ablaze with lights, was filled with bustling figures, and everyone's face was alight with joyous smiles.

  At the same time, an uninvited guest made his way into the castle.

  "It's His Highness Fox!" the soldier guarding the castle gate shouted loudly.

  "Open the gates!"

  "Open the gates!"

  The order was passed down through the ranks, and soon, the rumbling sound of the castle gates descending to the ground could be heard.

  Then, a whole convoy of carriages entered in an orderly manner. The luxurious carriages and the coat of arms of the Duchy of Kurze clearly indicated their noble status.

  Clip-clop, clip-clop, the heavy hoofbeats of the horses pulling the carriages attested to the opulence of the nine carriages filled with betrothal gifts.

  "Finally, hauling these nine carriages of burdensome gifts, I'm nearly exhausted from the journey," Fox couldn't help but rub his aching back.

  Indeed, the nine carriages of betrothal gifts were extremely heavy, and before his departure, Duke Kurze had repeatedly impressed upon Fox the importance of attending in person and maintaining proper etiquette.

  If it weren't for his father's orders, Fox would never have bothered making this arduous journey. How much more pleasant it would be to stay at home and frolic with the maids in their uniforms.

  As Fox fondled Lisa's ample bosom, he fantasized about the pleasures he would share with Guinevere, his eyes filled with a smug and self-satisfied look.

  The Rose Castle was paved with flint slabs, and within its walls lived commoners who had been loyal to the Christophon family for centuries. These people were responsible not only for the daily upkeep of the castle but also for its temporary defense.

  In celebration of the Kulsmatlin Festival, flags of the Christophon family had been hung on both sides of the streets in the commoner district of the castle. The swallowtail-shaped flags lined the entire street, and the bustling pedestrians laughed and visited one another, exchanging gifts to celebrate the promising prospects of the coming year.

  In addition to the commoners, some soldiers who had been granted leave had also removed their armor and were joining the festivities with the people.