Chapter 105: You Advanced to Knight?

Chapter 105: Chapter 105: You Advanced to Knight?

Vili paid no mind to the stares. He took Vilia’s small hand and headed into the manor.

With her hand held tightly in Vili’s, Vilia found her heart inexplicably calming down.

Many people moved in and out of the Baron’s Manor, most of them dressed in fine clothes. They were either merchants from the vicinity of Diamond Town, or minor officials and their relatives from this town or others. All of them had come to pay their New Year’s respects to the Lord Baron.

In fact, according to the official statement released by the Diamond Town Hall, anyone was eligible to participate in the Lord Baron’s reception. Even commoners, even vagrants. Of course, this was only in theory.

Ordinary commoners lacked the courage to attend the reception. As for vagrants, if they were shabbily dressed, the Guards would stop them outside the manor, and they wouldn’t be able to get in at all.

Therefore, the Baron’s so-called approachability was, to a certain extent, nothing more than an embellished lie.

Vili led Vilia into the manor. The path to the central hall was lined with two rows of Guards. They held long spears, wore Heavy Armor, and stared straight ahead.

Before they even reached the central hall, a young man dressed in Light Armor, just like Vili, emerged from inside. Upon seeing Vili, his face broke into a brilliant smile. "Captain, Happy New Year!"

It was Vili’s deputy, Sandoor, also one of Diamond Town’s newly prominent figures this year.

As Sandoor greeted Vili, the faces of the people passing by revealed expressions of envy and surprise.

Sandoor’s father was a high-ranking Civil Servant at the Town Hall, and Sandoor himself had been active in Diamond Town’s upper circles since childhood. Now, he had become a core member of the town’s new establishment, often handling various matters on Vili’s behalf. As a result, many people recognized him.

Seeing Sandoor respectfully address this young man as "Captain," the latter’s identity became immediately apparent.

Vili Ferren, the most renowned figure in Diamond Town this year, and its youngest luminary.

"Happy New Year."

Vili replied with a smile.

Sandoor came from a family of Civil Servants at the Town Hall. He was not only capable but also possessed high emotional intelligence. Vili was very pleased with him.

"This is Sandoor."

Vili introduced him to Vilia.

Vilia blinked, remembering her mother’s instructions. She carefully lifted the hem of her skirt and gave Sandoor a slight curtsy—an extremely clumsy attempt at a lady’s etiquette. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Sandoor," she said timidly.

"This is Vilia, my sister."

Vili said with a smile.

Sandoor gave a gentlemanly smile. He gently took Vilia’s hand with his right, placed his left hand behind his back, and gave her a deep bow. He did not kiss the back of her hand, but simply said politely, "It is an honor to meet you, Miss Vilia."

Vilia didn’t know what to say. Her eyes wide, she looked up at Vili, as if seeking his guidance.

"Where’s Dane? Didn’t he come to pay his New Year’s respects to the Lord Baron?"

Vili smoothly defused Vilia’s tension.

"He and his family already paid their respects to the Lord Baron before you arrived," Sandoor explained with a smile. "He’s probably gone to visit other friends now. If you want to see him, you’ll have to wait for this evening’s banquet."

Given Dane’s original status, he wouldn’t have been qualified to bring his family to Baron Kels’s banquet. His father wasn’t a major merchant, only appearing influential in the eyes of commoners. The only reason he received an invitation this year was because he had become an important member of the new establishment.

"In that case, let’s have a few good drinks tonight."

Vili patted Sandoor’s shoulder. They briefly discussed a few matters related to the Personal Guard Bureau before parting ways.

Vili then led Vilia into the manor’s central hall, the place where Baron Kels received his guests.

"Vili, over here!"

Bamos, holding a wine glass, was chatting with a guest. But upon seeing Vili, he excused himself and came straight over.

Seeing the smiling Bamos, Vili laughed and said, "Young Master Bamos, Happy New Year."

Bamos let out a hearty laugh. As he reached Vili’s side, he noticed Vilia.

Before Vili could even make an introduction, Bamos had already guessed her identity. He was quite familiar with Vili’s family situation.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Vilia."

Just like Sandoor, Bamos performed a gentleman’s courtesy for Vilia.

His gesture caused the surrounding guests to look on in surprise. As the heir to Diamond Town, Bamos would usually just offer a nod in acknowledgment, even to a curtsying noblewoman. Yet here he was, giving Vilia a full gentleman’s bow.

Vili stood to the side, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He recognized this as Bamos’s attempt to show goodwill—a common tactic for Upper-Rankers to win people over. Yet, even knowing Bamos was trying to curry favor, Vili felt a sense of satisfaction seeing Vilia treated so respectfully.

"Young Master Bamos, Happy New Year."

Vilia once again performed a clumsy curtsy.

She glanced at Bamos a few more times with curiosity. ’I’ve heard his name so often at home. I knew he was a nobleman’s son. But I never expected a young noble to be so friendly to me. This isn’t like the nobles I’ve imagined at all.’

"What a lovely child. She’s about the same age as my daughter."

Bamos had long been married and had children.

Bamos then turned to look at Vili. The moment their eyes met, he suddenly sensed that Vili had undergone some kind of inexplicable change.

"Vili, you seem... different somehow..."

As he spoke, Bamos took a glass of red wine from a passing servant’s tray and handed it to Vili.

Vili smiled and took a light sip. "Perhaps it’s because... I’ve become a Knight?"

The cup Bamos was raising to his lips froze mid-air. He looked up at Vili, his eyes a mixture of shock and bewilderment.

"Wait... are you saying you’ve become a... Knight?"

Bamos thought he must have misheard.

’A Knight! I’ve been practicing the Frost Knight Breathing Technique for years and still haven’t succeeded. How long has Vili been training? Three months? Four? And he’s already done it!?’

"That’s right. I have become a Knight."

Vili held the stemmed glass perfectly still, but the red wine inside began to boil on its own.

Although a Junior Knight’s Fighting Spirit couldn’t leave their body, using it internally to make the wine vibrate was a simple enough feat.

"Good heavens!"

Bamos’s expression was one of utter, joyous surprise.

If they hadn’t been in front of so many people, he probably would have shouted out loud.

’A Junior Knight! Diamond Town has gained another source of Advanced Combat Power!’

"Come, come with me to see my father!"

Bamos’s tone was extremely urgent.