"Of course, I feel very honored!" Laine quickly put Olivier out of his mind and seriously accepted the invitation, "I really didn't expect Miss Surya to invite me personally. How could I refuse?"

"Also, just call me Laine."

......

Ten minutes later, on the streets of Crona.

The stone-paved roads were tidy and clean. On both sides of the thoroughfare were many three or four-story buildings, and numerous shops formed the first element of the city's prosperity. The streets of Crona were bustling with people.

The capital of Brittania, Crona, sat by the Sannes River. The city had a population of about 150,000 to 200,000, making it one of the five great human cities of the Old World. The other four were the Empire's White Wolf City, Capital Brunswick, Southern Stronghold Nul, and the semi-independent Marinburg.

The total population of the Empire across the Gray Mountain Range was about twenty million, while Brittania's population was around six million. During this Knightly War, they lost over thirty thousand people, which, though tightening manpower a bit for Brittania, was still bearable.

Just walking around a bit, the three saw many Imperial people and a few Southern Realm people. High Elves and Dwarves were also occasionally spotted, although Crona's prosperity was clearly inferior to Marinburg's. However, unlike Marinburg's chaos and filth, heavily armed knights appeared everywhere on Crona's streets.

Knight culture had deeply penetrated every corner of this nation. Many noble children were dressed in simple knight uniforms, waving small cavalry lances and shields, shouting the Lady's name, and practicing with each other.

The appearance of the Holy Grail Knight commanded respect from everyone. As Laine walked down the street, every knight would salute him, the noblemen would doff their hats in respect, the noblewomen curtsied with their gowns lifted, while children laughed and played around him, trying every means to gain his attention.

The status of a Holy Grail Knight in this country was apparent.

Laine remained composed and indifferent to his lofty status, neither arrogant nor pretending to be humble. Instead, he politely responded to each greeting before continuing his stroll.

All goods and specialties from the twelve duchies of Brittania, many imported items from the Empire, and shops of Dwarves and Elves could be found in Crona. Many shop doors bore signs saying "20% off for Holy Grail Knights".

"The Holy Grail Cathedral is just ahead, Lord Laine... Laine," Surya said as they walked through the streets. Seeing how beloved Laine was as a Holy Grail Knight by both citizens and nobles, for some reason, the female knight felt sincerely happy for him.

As they pushed open the door to a shop, the bell jingled, and inside, an Alchemist was delighted to see a Holy Grail Knight's visit, "Welcome! Absolutely welcome! O noble Holy Grail Knight, feel free to look around. Everything is 20% off!"

"Lord Laine... Laine, do you know Alchemy? It looks like you bought a lot of alchemy materials," Surya noticed Laine consciously acquiring alchemy ingredients, so she brought up the topic.

"I personally don't know Alchemy, but someone among my friends does. I'm acquiring some alchemy materials here for when she comes to see me in the future," Laine casually answered while carefully appraising the age and value of a Dragon Beard Grass in his hand.

"She? Is it the Lake God Prophet sent by the Lady?" Surya stepped closer to Laine. The female knight seemed very interested in the topic, "Tell me, Mr. Laine, as the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lady, why hasn't a Lake God Prophet come to your territory to assist with internal affairs?"

"Is there one in Winford's court?" Laine smiled meaningfully without answering the question directly. The Lake Fairy had proposed it, but Laine declined.

"Yes, two Lake God Prophets are employed in Winford's court, assisting my father with internal affairs," Surya said as she watched Laine pay, "They are both very gentle people."

"In the future, I'll have my own wizard friends to help with these affairs, though they're not particularly gentle," Laine smiled wryly.

"She?"

"Yes, have you heard of the Jialan Council?" The group exited the shop and continued towards their destination for the day — the Holy Grail Cathedral.

Jialan Council? That group of wicked witches? The female knight felt a slight jolt, yet her expression remained unchanged, her smile like a warm spring breeze. Her lips parted slightly, "I know, I've heard them mentioned. It's said to be a gathering of female spellcasters?"

"I have cooperative ties with them, though not very solid..." Laine nodded. He seemed disinterested in continuing this topic, so he changed the subject, "By the way, how is Amelia doing on your side? Has she settled in well?"

"Yes, Miss Amelia is very well adapted to the academy environment. She's pursuing the Courtier class and Knight's Assistant Class, studying hard, and maintaining good relationships with her peers," Surya wanted to delve deeper into this topic but knew it wasn't the right time. The female knight wanted to ensure Laine felt comfortable in their conversation.

As a Duke's daughter, whether in conversation or demeanor, Marchioness Surya was impeccable, and being with her made Laine feel like he was basking in the warmth of a gentle breeze.

It was a truly relaxed and invigorating conversational atmosphere.

"Really? I thought Amelia would be too shy and wouldn't make any friends," Laine laughed heartily at the thought of his maid.

"Why would she? However, Lord Laine... could you answer a question for me?" Sylvia, Surya's maid, interjected before Surya could speak.

"Please, Miss Sylvia, no need for formalities." The Baron extended his right hand, palm up, indicating Sylvia could ask freely.

"How did Miss Amelia become your maid?" The serious maid looked intently at Laine. Both she and the female knight had observed Amelia, and she didn't seem like someone who would voluntarily become a maid.

"Well, that's a long story..." Laine thought this was going to be quite a long tale.

"But both Sylvia and I are willing to listen. It must be a thrilling story, right?" Surprisingly, the female knight didn't intend to let the topic slide. Surya stopped walking, her sea-blue eyes peering through her golden bangs, filled with interest, "Since you've entrusted Miss Amelia to my care, don't I have the right to know her story?"

Laine thought that made sense, but why were the two female knights looking at him with such keen eyes?

It put him under quite a bit of pressure.

"Alright, the story goes back to about a year ago, when I received a commission from Archbishop Innocen in the capital of Frost City of the Nord Kingdom..." Laine began to recount his series of adventures.

His stories were filled with danger and battles from his journey starting in the Nord Kingdom until Amelia willingly became his maid in Marinburg.

"It's truly an incredible story. The virtues and honor you displayed are truly admirable." The female knight listened intently to the story, her face showing admiration, and Sylvia also felt a profound respect for Laine's conduct throughout the journey.

Only such a person is worthy of being the Lady's champion!

Both female knights thought so.

"Thank you." Unknowingly, they had already arrived at their first destination of the day.

The landmark of Crona, one of the three Holy Lands in the hearts of Brittania people, the Holy Grail Cathedral sprawling over dozens of hectares, stood before them.

No one would forget the great figures of Arthur and the twelve Holy Grail Knights, nor their twelve great victories. Without their efforts, there would be no Brittania today.

Just as they reached the entrance, a light and graceful female voice suddenly came from behind the three, "Ah! It's Surya Sister! And Sylvia Sister! Long time no see!"

"Wait! Who is this man?! Knights, seize him!"

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