After Galvin led Art into the inner hall, he had Art sit on the leather armchair beside the main seat, then instructed the maid standing by to call for the Madam and Miss Lottie.
Galvin picked up a silver goblet full of wine from the wooden table beside the main seat and handed it to Art, then sat on the main armchair, caressing the power ring in his hand, and said softly, “Sir Art, I presume you know that I invited you here not just to help me clear out the bandits near Sap, right?”
Art had already guessed the Sap Baron’s thoughts. He gently put down the goblet in his hand and replied, “Lord Galvin, I know what you and the Madam and Miss mean. This is also what I wanted to discuss with you when I came to Sap this time. It’s just that I presume you also know my situation. I have just been promoted to Knight, and my fief is merely a barren valley without even a castle. I wonder if you and the Madam are willing to let Miss Lottie marry into the Valley and endure hardship with me?”
Galvin turned his head, picked up the silver goblet from beside his armchair, took a sip, and sighed:
“Art, perhaps you don’t know, twenty years ago I had just inherited his Baron title from Lottie’s grandfather. At that time, Sap had only fertile land, and the people of the territory couldn’t even afford a full meal.
Of course, this is not to slander my father; he was indeed a brave noble warrior, but he was too engrossed in the virtue of valor and combat. Every copper coin in the territory was used by him for battle. Since I was young, I never wore a decent piece of clothing, nor did I ever eat a delicious meal like those Lord’s eldest sons.
So, when I took over the Sapps from my father, there was only a dilapidated small castle and fifty-odd ragged people, and even an ordinary Knight’s territory was richer than mine.”
“It was that year that Lottie was born. I held this little one, smaller than my head, and watched her for an entire day. I secretly vowed to do everything in my power to create wealth so that my family could enjoy the life a noble should have.”
“For the past twenty years, I have been immersed in trade and wealth, earning no good reputation among the nobles. As you’ve heard, people call me ‘Merchant Noble,’ and there have even been continuous attempts to strip me of my Baron title and seize my fief. If it weren’t for the considerable wealth I possess, I would probably be a commoner by now.”
“But as you can see, in these twenty years, I transformed that dilapidated small castle into the prosperous Sap Fort it is today. The number of people in my territory has exceeded five hundred, granaries are overflowing with grain, and the people live in peace and contentment.”
“It is also because of my immersion in trade, coupled with some family disputes, that Lottie, nearly twenty years old this year, has not yet found someone she likes. Because of my poor reputation and being an object of Court exclusion, true nobles are unwilling to form alliances with us, and Lottie looks down on the sons of wealthy merchants.
Because of my infamous reputation as a ‘Merchant Noble,’ Lottie once vowed to find a brave warrior as her other half. In these years, there were occasionally sons of minor nobles who came to propose to Lottie, but Lottie rejected them without even thinking.”
“Until your arrival.”
“The first time you came to Sap was with Baron Belian of Provence. At that time, you were still a commoner official, but Lottie found me and expressed her feelings. She said that from the first moment she saw you, she knew you were the brave warrior God had given her.”
“To be honest, I initially didn’t want Lottie to marry you. You were just a fellow who made a living by risking his life. How could I rest assured letting my Lottie follow you, constantly worried? But as if to confirm Lottie’s words, you immediately defeated a large group of mountain bandits in the Sap Southern Hills, helping me clear the trade route.
At that time, I thought you were truly an extraordinary fellow, perhaps you could also be like me back in Sap, and Lottie was even more fond of you. At Lottie’s persuasion, the Madam also took quite a liking to you, which is why there was that family banquet after you returned to Sap…”
“During these six months you were away on the Eastern campaign, Lottie was very worried about you, especially after receiving your private letters and gifts sent back from the battlefield. Lottie became increasingly distraught… So, when I learned of your return to the territory, I sent someone to deliver a private letter to you…”
Art was also touched as he listened. He never expected that while he was out fighting battles, there would be a noble young lady in a distant place thinking of him day and night.
“Lord Galvin, I also like Miss Lottie very much, but I must tell you my true origin…” Art confessed his (the original owner’s) true identity and unfortunate experiences to Sap Baron.
Sap Baron listened to Art’s convoluted and extraordinary background without the slightest surprise, and said calmly: “Art, I already knew your background. After you and Lottie confirmed your intention to be engaged, I specifically sent people to Provence and the Court to inquire about your background.
I must ask for your forgiveness for privately inquiring about your past, but I had to understand everything about Lottie’s future husband. I would not entrust my cherished daughter to someone of unknown origin. However, when I learned of your background from a merchant friend in the south, I felt even more sympathy and admiration for you.”
“May God bless the souls of your parents to enjoy eternal peace.” Galvin bowed his head and made the sign of the cross.
“Thank you!” Art also made the sign of the cross on his chest.
Galvin continued: “As a fallen noble who was still fleeing to a foreign land just a few years ago, it is a remarkable feat that you can, by your own efforts, train a group of brave warriors and gain the recognition of the Court.
Especially recently, I received the official dispatches from the Court to various regions and saw the news that you had been formally conferred as a Knight. I am even more convinced that Lottie’s choice is correct, which is why I was so eager to urge you to come to Sap to get engaged to Lottie.
You must know that new military nobles like you, who gain their titles through military achievements, are very much envied.”
Art was a little embarrassed by Galvin’s praise and said, “Since you don’t mind my current poor circumstances, there’s nothing more for me to say. However, I still want to know Miss Lottie’s thoughts.
I presume the blacksmith you sent to my Valley last time has already returned and told you the current state of my territory. I don’t even have a decent mansion yet, and I wonder if Miss Lottie is willing…”
“I am willing!”
Before Art’s words had even fallen, Lottie’s voice rang out.
She had just entered the door and heard Galvin and Art’s conversation. Anxiously, fearing her father might say something wrong to displease the person she admired, she couldn’t help but blurt out her true feelings.
“I am willing, Sir Art.” Lottie slowly walked into the hall, moved in front of Art, and nodded, answering softly.
Art was captivated by Lottie.
Lottie wore a tight, long dress of white brocade, with a mink fur shawl draped over her shoulders. Miss Lottie, with her golden hair, blue eyes, and tall figure, appeared stunningly beautiful enhanced by this exquisite attire.
Her face was fair and delicate, a playful smile on her lips, and her clear, bright green eyes sparkled like two jewels set in her refined face.
Art rarely felt his heart stir in the presence of a woman, but this time, his heart was pounding wildly, as if he had drunk strong ale.
“Lo-Lottie, Miss Lottie.” Art stammered slightly.
Lottie’s delicate lips curved upwards, and her brows arched into a smile, amused by Art’s dazed expression.
Art was still staring at Lottie in front of him, at a loss for words.
“I heard you got an arrow wound on the battlefield. Has it healed? Let me see.” Lottie said, stepping forward to lift Art’s collar, which made Art retreat repeatedly in alarm.
“Hmm~” Galvin coughed softly from the side, and Lottie quickly stopped her actions.
“Lottie, where is your mother? Why didn’t she come with you?”
Lottie turned and bowed to Galvin, replying, “Mother went to the back kitchen to instruct the servants to prepare food for Sir Art. I came ahead.”
“Then you sit down. We’ll discuss things after your mother arrives.” Galvin was a little embarrassed by Lottie’s forwardness.
“Art, Lottie is a straightforward person. She heard you were injured and has been worried for a long time,” Galvin explained.
Art straightened his body and replied with a smile, “It was my fault just now, making you and Miss Lottie laugh.”
Art stood up and gave Lottie a slight bow, saying, “Miss Lottie, thank you for your concern. Fortunately, with the armor your father gave me, the arrow’s force was deflected, and it didn’t penetrate deep. My arrow wound has now completely healed.”
Lottie was also a little shy about her previous actions. After glancing at Art, she excused herself to help her mother in the back kitchen and fled from the inner hall as if escaping, while Art’s eyes followed Lottie’s figure until she disappeared around the corner of the corridor…
… … … …
At noon on the third day of their arrival in Sap, witnessed by Lottie’s parents, relatives, and Art’s subordinates including Angus and Roen, the engagement ceremony of Sir Art Wood Wells and Lottie Hugh was about to begin.
Lottie, arm in arm with Galvin, entered the church main door, accompanied by her mother and younger brother. The parish priest, dressed in his stole, white vestment, and sacred rope, had long been waiting at the main entrance of Sap Church.
“Baron, congratulations.” The parish priest bowed slightly towards Galvin, who returned the bow.
“Now, let us invite the two young people blessed by the Holy Lord to enter and begin the ceremony!” The parish priest led Art and Lottie into the church sanctuary.
Sap Church, like Sap Fort, was both luxurious and solemn. Stained-glass windows, images of the Holy Lord, bright candelabras, and clean halls. The long benches in the sanctuary were already filled with relatives and friends who came to witness the ceremony.
Most of them were esteemed Knight nobles, gentry elders, or prosperous people from Sap Fort. Of course, many commoners from the territory also voluntarily came to attend this rare joyous occasion.
Angus, Roen, and the Sentry Cavalry Soldiers sat in the front seats; they were considered Art’s relatives and friends.
Art and Lottie, accompanied by Galvin and the Madam, arrived at the steps in front of the sanctuary’s holy image. The parish priest, facing the sanctuary, picked up an exquisite parchment documenting their identities and again questioned and verified their identities.
Then the priest walked between Art and Lottie, took their hands and placed them together, and asked Art: “Art Wood Wells, I ask you in the name of the Holy Lord’s apostle, if the Holy Church agrees, are you willing to be engaged to Miss Lottie Hugh before you?”
Art devoutly replied: “In the name of the Holy Lord, I am willing!”
The priest nodded, then turned to Lottie and asked: “Lottie Hugh, I ask you in the name of the Holy Lord’s apostle, are you willing to be engaged to Sir Art Wood Wells before you?”
Lottie looked at Art with deep affection and said: “In the name of the Holy Lord, I am willing!”
The priest slowly raised their hands, gently touched them to his lips, and blessed them in Latin: “I engage you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Amen~”
“Amen!”
A chorus of blessings resounded in the sanctuary.
After everyone quieted down, the priest gently released their hands and said to Art and Lottie: “You two have received the blessing of the Holy Lord. You may now exchange your engagement rings.”
At this moment, Art took off his Knight’s power ring from his finger, gently raised Lottie’s hand, and placed the power ring on Lottie’s finger, saying: “Dearest Lottie, in the name of the power ring on your hand, I and all that is mine shall be yours.
I will forever be loyal to this sacred love.”
Lottie also took off a gem-encrusted ring from her finger and placed it on Art’s pinky finger, looking at Art with tears of happiness, saying: “In the name of the ring, I am willing to give you everything of mine…”
Loud cheers erupted in the church sanctuary…
For the entire afternoon, Sap was immersed in the joyous atmosphere of the engagement banquet for the Lord’s daughter, Miss Lottie. Art also discussed with Sap Baron that he would bring people to Sap Fort to marry Miss Lottie after the Valley Lord’s Mansion was completed.
Sap Baron also promised to fund the recruitment of the most excellent craftsmen from Sap and the surrounding areas to go to Art’s Valley Knight Territory to help him complete the mansion as soon as possible…