A few days earlier, upon learning of Louis' imminent return, the old steward Bradley began preparing the banquet.

This feast was not merely a celebration for the knights.

The entire populace of the Red Tide Territory, whether freemen, slaves, or soldiers, were all invited, and it was held in the town center square.

Though the food wasn't luxurious, it had all the essentials.

Pickled fish, smoked meat, steamed vegetables…

And beer brewed from rye, stored in large barrels, ready for guests to serve themselves.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "The Lord has arrived!"

The laughter gradually subsided.

All eyes turned to the end of the square, and then everyone stood up.

Children sitting on the ground were gently lifted by their parents, the soldiers instinctively stood at attention, and the slaves all put down their wine cups one after another.

In the firelight, Louis walked slowly toward them.

On either side of him, two rows of knights lined the path like an honor guard, silent and solemn.

The Lord whom everyone admired, Louis Calvin, walked slowly in the center, guarded by the knights.

He was dressed in a simple yet elegant black robe with red patterns, draped in gold chains, with a nobility sword strapped to his waist.

His expression was calm as usual, yet he exuded an unignorable composure, an "aura of leadership" that compelled confidence.

Like a king returning in triumph.

Like the dawn sun rising.

He slowly ascended the steps, standing before the crowd, his gaze sweeping over them—these were his people.

"Thank you, everyone present, for guarding the Red Tide Territory in my absence. None of you recoiled or gave up.

This victory does not belong to me alone. It belongs to you, and to everyone who has contributed to this land."

He paused slightly, his eyes sweeping over the square—some people were weeping, others stood straighter.

"Winter is approaching, and we still have many challenges to face. But I promise you, I will not let the Red Tide Territory return to those days of cold and hunger.

I will use this victory to bring you real change. Now that I am back, I will make the Red Tide Territory better."

As his words fell, the entire crowd went silent for a moment, then applause erupted like a tidal wave, carrying a long-suppressed excitement that burst forth.

Louis slowly raised his hand, signaling for the cheering to gradually quiet.

Then he spoke in an unhurried tone, "There are some, who were merely slaves, but they have made indelible contributions to the development of the Red Tide Territory with their blood and sweat.

He paused, his tone firm, "I, Louis Calvin, hereby declare that the following 200 people are freed from slavery as of today."

His words sent a shockwave through the crowd.

Then Bradley stepped forward, unfolded a list, and began to read the names one by one: "Isaac, Marine, Belson…"

A middle-aged slave hearing his name was momentarily stunned, then fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

"Thank you… thank you, my Lord, for giving me my freedom!"

More and more names were announced, more and more people knelt and wept.

"Am I… really free?"

"I thought I'd never witness it in this lifetime…"

"I have been diligently fishing every day, knowing my turn would eventually come… and indeed it did today."

Each month, some slaves were released from the Red Tide Territory; it wasn't an uncommon occurrence.

But when this moment truly arrived for them, the overwhelming emotion was beyond words.

Those whose names were not read mostly lowered their eyes in silence.

"Ah… once again, it wasn't me."

"It's alright, the Red Tide Territory releases people every month; maybe next time, it will be my turn."

"There will be another opportunity… as long as I continue to work hard, I can become a freeman one day."

Yet there was no resentment in their eyes; instead, they comforted each other, as the number of slaves in Red Tide Territory was diminishing.

Moreover, being a slave here was much better than being a freeman elsewhere.

Many had been freemen in other territories, sold as slaves to this place.

In their hearts, they knew well how kind this land and its master were.

Some freemen applauded spontaneously, and many had eyes filled with comfort.

"He worked with me in the fields," a tall, thin middle-aged man said to the person beside him, "He worked fast and diligently… I knew he could become a freeman."

"Yes," others nodded, "We were once slaves too."

Louis' gaze swept over the crowd below, many slaves still kneeling, tears unstoppable.

His voice was not loud but reached every corner clearly: "Your names, the Red Tide will not forget. Those announced today are examples among the slaves.

But it is not the end. As long as you are willing to contribute to this land, one day, you will also gain freedom."

Then he paused, his tone becoming solemn, "And now it's time to thank another group of people, those knights who fought, defended, and bled for the Red Tide Territory.

Both those who charged on the front lines and those who stayed to guard the Red Tide Territory—your loyalty and courage have kept this land and the Northern Territory safe.

Your glory is worthy of being remembered by the entire territory. Next, I will personally bestow upon you the honors and rewards you deserve."

Then the drum beat softly as Bradley unfurled a parchment, loudly announcing the name of the first knight.

"Seymour Bell, for participating in the main battle at Qingyu Ridge and slaying seven enemies, step forward to receive your reward!"

Knight Seymour walked steadily onto the high platform and knelt on one knee.

"For your bravery and loyalty."

Louis personally pinned a Red Tide Territory badge crafted beforehand by an artisan onto his chest, poured a cup of malt liquor, and proceeded to announce his reward.

Seymour's hands trembled as he took the cup, drinking it in one go, tears in his eyes, "I am willing to die for the Red Tide Territory, for Lord Louis!"

Then came the second, the third…

The knights, either with notable battle achievements or for being meritorious in defense, were each named and called forward.

Some couldn't stop their hands from trembling as they received bags of gleaming gold coins, while others couldn't resist drawing out exquisite longswords to have a closer look.

Several were granted "miniature fiefs" or "manor management rights," along with symbolic land grant documents.

"You will be the overseer of that land, governing it in my name," Louis said.

Upon hearing this, those individuals knelt immediately, bowing their heads deeply.

"Sworn to never betray your trust, my Lord!"

The applause came in waves, surging throughout the square like the tide.

Weir stood at the back of the crowd, his cheeks reddened by the firelight.

He didn't move or clap but simply stared at the rows of knights being rewarded.

That was the position he yearned for, the glory in his dreams.

"I will stand there too," the young man clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination.

"No matter the cost… one day, I will receive the Lord's personal reward."

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