Furthermore, within the Cain Empire, a baron of meager standing might possess naught but a reasonably fine manor, which could even be drafty. Conversely, a baron who has thrived might potentially own a small fiefdom. The expanse of this fiefdom could range from a diminutive town spanning a radius of fifty li to a tiny hamlet measuring less than five li in circumference.

  In one's recollection, the most favorable scenario for a baron would be to have a city of his own. Yet, such an honor is typically reserved for barons who have rendered exceptional services and made substantial contributions. For example, those who have earned merit by slaying enemies in warfare or those who have managed their territories so astutely as to amass a considerable fortune for their liege, dutifully paying tribute and taxes, and thus received their master's commendation.

  Moreover, the titles of nobility do not ascend in a hierarchical progression. Instead, they are perpetuated. Titles such as baron, viscount, count, and marquis may seem to denote a rank order, yet in truth, it is uncertain who can command whom, for they do not share a superior-subordinate relationship. This matter is best left for a later discussion, as it is, after all, overly intricate.

  "Your Highness, although I am deeply enticed by your offer of recruitment, I possess no commendable achievements or contributions to speak of. Might this contravene the rights and interests of the nobles in the Cain Empire? I presume Your Highness would not wish for other nobles under the Christophon family to criticize your decision?"

  Kenley narrowed his eyes. He was well aware that Christophon had a considerable number of nobles who swore allegiance to him. Ranging from marquises to barons, there were at least several dozen of them in total.

  Guinevere's special attention towards him, if word of it were to reach the ears of other nobles, could potentially incite jealousy among them. Additionally, the letter mentioned that he would be granted a fiefdom, yet it failed to specify its size, which heightened his wariness.

  There is no such thing as a free lunch, and Kenley was acutely aware of this truth. Even though Princess Guinevere was fair of face, kind of heart, and exuded irresistible charm, Kenley would not readily accede to her offer of recruitment. If Kenley could foresee the consequences of accepting the offer, surely Guinevere could as well.

  "Mr. Kenley, I fear you overestimate yourself. In the Christophon domain, your rights and interests would not evoke even the slightest tinge of jealousy among other nobles," remarked the senior knight standing nearby.

  To his surprise, it was a woman's voice. This was somewhat unexpected. And from her tone, it was evident that she harbored little regard for him, with an air of arrogance and disdain. It seemed that she was privy to Guinevere's intentions prior to her arrival. Was she discontented?

  Before Kenley could respond, Guinevere furrowed her brow and promptly said,"Daina, this is my decision, and it has no bearing on my father."

  "Sister, I do not question your decision. However, I fail to discern the talent in this man that you speak of. Although he performed admirably in the trial labyrinth, such individuals are abundant in the Adventurer's Guild. Keep your wits about you, sister," said the female knight named Daina in a gruff voice.

  Sister? Kenley was taken aback. Perhaps he had indeed paid scant attention to the nobles in the game. He truly had no knowledge that Guinevere had an elder sister. Yet, as far as he could recall, there was no such sister. So, why did this female knight refer to Guinevere as sister?

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Could it be that he had misremembered?

  Guinevere understood precisely what Daina was insinuating. She was alluding to the numerous adventurers in the Adventurer's Guild who were impeded at the final gate and failed to advance successfully. These adventurers had likely participated in the Bronze Trial Labyrinth on multiple occasions. Although they were prohibited from divulging the details of the trials within the labyrinth to their fellow team members, their combat experience was retained.

  Guinevere cast a glance at Kenley before saying,"Daina, Mr. Kenley entered the trial labyrinth for the very first time."

  "People are prone to falsehoods."

  "Yet Tia is not."

  "She is Kenley's servant, so naturally, she will side with him."

  "Daina, you know my character. Once I make a decision, I do not retract it."

  Daina fell silent and did not utter another word. However, it was palpable that her gaze towards Kenley was filled with hostility.

  Observing the two of them playing the roles of the strict and the lenient, Kenley remained silent.

  Just then, Daina suddenly grasped the hilt of her sword with one hand and assumed a battle-ready stance."Who goes there?"

  Following Daina's gaze, it was revealed that Tia was standing at the entrance of the reception room.

  "Tia, good morning," Kenley said with a gentle smile and beckoned to her.

  "Good morning, Master." Subsequently, Tia turned her gaze towards Guinevere. Her face lit up with joy, and she smiled as she curtsied to Guinevere."Your Highness Princess Guinevere, good morning!"

  Guinevere also smiled upon seeing Tia. It was clear that she held Tia in high regard.

  "Tia, good morning," Guinevere nodded and said.

  Once Tia was seated, Guinevere took the initiative to introduce her to Daina."Daina, this is Her Highness the Princess of the Gaifei Kingdom, a scion of the former Golden Bloodline."

  Daina scrutinized Tia from head to toe, and then she solemnly knelt on one knee and said,"Daina Christophon of the Glimmering Light pays her respects to Your Highness the noble princess. The sacrifices and contributions made by the former Gaifei Kingdom in its struggle against the dark nobles of the East Coast still resonate within the Golden Corridor to this day. The courage and glory of the King of Gaifei are like a lighthouse in the Sea of Mist, guiding the people of the Dream Realm. Your deeds are forever etched in the memories of the world."

  Tia's eyes welled up with tears once more, and her voice became slightly hoarse."Thank you, Knight Daina. If my father and mother could hear these words in the realm of the Mother Goddess, they would surely be consoled."

  Only then did Daina rise to her feet."Your Highness Princess Tia, please accept my condolences. Although you have now become one of the Dark People, we still believe that you stand on the side of order. You will undoubtedly become a true hero in the future."

  Tia nodded."Yes, Knight Daina. I will carry forward the light of hope left to me by my father and mother and continue to uphold the names of light and love."

  Kenley's lips twitched. This Daina was truly an extraordinary character. She had just been insinuating that Tia and he were in the same predicament, and now, in an instant, she was speaking with such fervor and righteousness. What was he to make of it?

  It must be said that Daina was an intriguing individual. Moreover, she bore the surname Christophon and was the elder sister. Could it be that she was a child born out of wedlock?

  If that were the case, it would explain why Guinevere was destined to inherit the title of grand duke.

  "Daina, do you still oppose?" Guinevere suddenly inquired.

  "Your Highness, each matter should be considered on its own merits. Since Mr. Kenley truly possesses abilities, at the very least, you should require him to demonstrate them. Although you may be impervious to the sarcasm of other forces, public opinion is a powerful force. Please think twice before making a decision," Daina persisted.

  Kenley did not hasten to voice his opinion, for objectively speaking, Daina was indeed considering the matter from the perspective of the Christophon family. Thus, while her words were somewhat blunt, they were not entirely without merit.

  "Daina, do you perchance have a better approach?"

  "It's quite simple. There is but one way, and that is to test this man's abilities."

  "How shall we conduct this test?"

  "Let him withstand three moves against me," Daina suddenly turned and said.