After the ceremony, Tatsuo rested in a small house. Just as he was about to sleep, a guard knocked on his door. "Sir, Captain Ragnar commanded me to bring this lady to you."
I thought I could finally rest, but I forgot about this lady, Tatsuo thought.
"Okay, send her in." The guard ushered the woman inside. When she entered, Tatsuo's eyes widened. She was truly beautiful, an angel sent from heaven. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were as blue as the ocean. Tatsuo had never seen such beauty, even in his previous life. He simply stared, speechless.
"Sir?" the woman called nervously.
"Oh, yes. Forgive me. I was simply amazed by your beauty."
"Thank you," she replied shyly.
Tatsuo gestured to a chair, acting the gentleman. "Lady, please don't be nervous. I'm not going to harm you. I simply wish to know your house and why you were in this place."
The lady sat nervously, but upon hearing Tatsuo's question, her expression shifted to anger and sadness. Before she could answer, Tatsuo spoke again.
"My apologies, I haven't asked your name yet?" Tatsuo said with a gentle smile, sensing something was amiss with his question.
The lady stood, smiled, and bowed gracefully, as any noblewoman would. "I am Anne, the second daughter of House Veatmoss. It is a pleasure, sir."
Tatsuo, deciding to make an exception, revealed his identity. "Tatsuo Ryujin, heir to the throne of the Shinku Hou Empire." He slightly bowed his head.
Anne's eyes widened in disbelief. She believed him immediately, as no one would dare use such an identity falsely. Rumors painted the prince as an idiot, useless and trash. The Emperor's court was said to be against his succession. But the man before her was nothing like the rumors.
Anne snapped out of her reverie and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness!"
"Raise your head. No need for formalities. I don't care for them," Tatsuo said casually. Anne raised her head.
"Now, about my first question. Will you answer it? If not, I won't pursue the matter. It is your right," Tatsuo said.
Anne hesitated, then, believing the prince could help her, she spoke. "When my father died, my brother took over as baron. My older brother and sister never liked me, as I am the daughter of their father's second wife, a commoner. When the slave company came, my brother and sister sold me to them. They also killed my mother. I will never forgive them. If heaven grants me a chance, I will kill them with my own hands," Anne said bitterly.
"I understand," Tatsuo thought. This is an opportunity. He liked Anne and saw her as a potential ally, perhaps even a wife. But he needed to test her loyalty.
He looked at Anne and asked seriously, "Lady Anne, if given a chance for revenge, would you seize it?"
Anne answered with determined eyes, "Yes."
Tatsuo smiled. "Very well. You may rest now. We will speak again tomorrow. Guards!" The guards entered. "Find a comfortable place for Lady Anne to rest."
"Yes, sir." They escorted Anne away.
Before leaving, Anne bowed and thanked Tatsuo.
Tatsuo sat on his bed, contemplating tomorrow's plans. Suddenly, the system chimed. Ding! Congratulations on defeating the Iron Slavery Company. Here is your reward... Soul Breaker Battle Axe.
A blue screen appeared.
Soul Breaker Information: A Class Weapon. It grants the wielder the special skill
Crasher: Destructive power capable of leveling a large hill.
A nice weapon, but I don't use battle axes. I'll give this to Ragnar tomorrow, Tatsuo thought.
….
In the morning, Tatsuo instructed Ragnar to gather everyone except those who had already left for Harbor Town. He also asked Rota for a list of everyone's names.
In the village hall, Tatsuo sat in the village chief's chair, his subordinates before him.
"Before we begin, let's welcome our new comrades. Welcome. First, I will introduce myself. I am Tatsuo Ryujin, the Crown Prince of this Empire." He introduced himself without hesitation.
The newcomers were shocked, as was typical when Tatsuo revealed his identity. It was highly unusual for a Crown Prince to travel incognito.
"Don't be surprised. It's perfectly normal for a prince to explore his empire." No, it isn't, Tatsuo thought, smiling at them.
He continued, "Second, I have two rules: never reveal my identity, and no weaklings in my ranks. You will train every day. Anyone who violates these rules will be executed by my own hand. Understood?" Tatsuo released his Sovereign Burst Realm aura.
The newcomers, though nervous, replied in unison, "Understood, sir!"
"Good. Now, I will establish a Mercenary Guild as an information network. Information is a powerful weapon. I will appoint Lady Anne as the first Guild Master. I will also establish the Prince's Guard 3rd Squad, with Fubidon as its captain and Fetti as his deputy. The half-elves will be under your command. Your primary assignment is to protect and assist Lady Anne. You will also serve as Chief Minister, and Fetti as Chief Officer." Anne, Fubidon, and Fetti had no time to respond before Tatsuo continued. "Diza, you will join Fubidon's squad as First Mate and Chief Examiner. Reeldos, you will be Rota's deputy. Nard, you will be Ragnar's deputy. Sokzal..." He assigned ranks to everyone, and his subordinates felt their power increasing.
"Captain Ragnar the Half-Giant, step forward and kneel before me."
Ragnar knelt, unsure of what was about to happen.
"Be it known to all that I, Prince Tatsuo Ryujin, raise Captain Ragnar the Half-Giant to knighthood, in recognition of his honor, loyalty, valor, and skill at arms."
Ragnar understood. Tatsuo was knighting him. Tears welled up in his eyes.
"Ragnar, do you swear and acknowledge Prince Tatsuo Ryujin as your true and lawful liege?"
"I do so swear, Your Highness."
"Do you also swear fealty to the Shinku Hou Empire, to defend and obey him until he departs the throne, or death takes you?"
"I so swear, Your Highness."
Tatsuo gave him a gentle tap on his shoulders. "Let this be the last blow you receive without just cause."
Ragnar knelt, placing his hands palm-to-palm and upraised. Tatsuo placed his hands over Ragnar's head.
"Repeat after me: 'I, Ragnar Sternguard, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to Tatsuo Ryujin, my liege, to defend and obey him until he departs his demesnes or death takes me, and to uphold the honor of knighthood.'"
Ragnar repeated the oath.
"And I, for my part, do swear to defend and honor Ragnar Sternguard as befits a true knight."
Tatsuo took his sword and lightly tapped Ragnar on both shoulders. "Serve and defend me and this empire. Arise, Sir Knight."
Before standing, Ragnar said, "I promise in my faith to be faithful to my lord, never cause him harm, and observe my homage completely against all persons, in good faith and without deceit."