Chapter 405 - 135: It’s Over! The Two Mothers Finally Met.

Chapter 405: Chapter 135: It’s Over! The Two Mothers Finally Met.

"Hohenlohe?" Fritz sneered. "That was the old me. Now, I am the chief labor reform instructor of the West Ridge Mines, Lord Lynch’s most loyal enforcer of order."

He cracked his whip on the ground, sending stone chips flying. "Men! Get them into work clothes and hand out pickaxes! Today’s quota is three hundred jin of ore per person. No digging, no dinner! And one more thing..."

A strange smile spread across Fritz’s face. "Tonight, arrange for them to visit the ’mermaid viewing area.’ Let our Fish Giant brothers give these ’honored guests’ a warm welcome and fulfill their wish to see a mermaid!"

"Yes!"

His miners immediately moved forward, laughing boisterously as they dragged the despairing nobles into the depths of the mine.

"Nooo! You can’t do this! I’m a Viscount! I’m the imperial emissary!"

Fernando’s shrill screams echoed through the mine, gradually drowned out by the CLINK-CLANK of pickaxes striking stone.

Fritz watched everything with satisfaction, jotted down a note in his journal, and muttered to himself, "Today’s case study: the initial re-education of a stubborn noble... Hmm, worth recording."

******

In the days that followed, Lakefront Town suddenly became bustling with activity again.

A huge notice was posted at the entrance of the garrison, written in bold red letters:

"The North Wind Legion’s Dawn Battle Group is formally established! We are now forming the group’s second battalion and recruiting elite soldiers! All people under the jurisdiction of Lakefront Town, regardless of origin, may apply, but must pass a rigorous test. Only the best will be selected!"

A crowd of people swarmed before the notice, packed so tightly it was impossible to get through.

"The Dawn Battle Group? That sounds so impressive!"

"I hear Lord Lynch named it himself! It’s independent of the Thirteenth Battle Group—it’s Lakefront Town’s very own standing army!"

"I’m signing up! I have to sign up! If I can get into the Dawn Battle Group, I’ll be earning an imperial salary!"

Catherine stood at the registration point, maintaining order. She was clad in silver Armor, a Longsword in hand.

Seeing the crowd surging forward, she barked in a cold voice, "Form a line! One at a time! Anyone who fails the test will be eliminated. No exceptions!"

At her rebuke, the chaotic crowd quickly fell into order, forming a long queue in front of the registration point.

After registering their personal information, the townspeople received a numbered tag and would be tested in that order.

Cam Leisuo was in charge of the preliminary trials.

The Tier Four instructor’s gaze was as sharp as a hawk’s. He tested every single applicant himself, and only those who passed were qualified for the next round.

"Too weak! Next!"

"Too slow! Rejected!"

"Not bad. You’re from the militia, aren’t you? Go register over there!"

The recruitment area was buzzing with excitement. Even a number of Kobolds and dwarves came to sign up. Lynch had given specific orders: the Dawn Battle Group would not discriminate based on origin, only on strength.

Furthermore, three days later, Lynch held a grand investiture ceremony in the plaza before the Lord’s manor.

Word of the investiture ceremony had spread for three days. On the day of the event, the plaza was packed solid with onlookers, creating an incredibly lively scene.

On a makeshift platform, Lynch’s voice boomed as he announced, "Today, I, Lynch Blackwood, in my capacity as the Baron of Lakefront Town and Commander of the Dawn Battle Group, shall invest the very first [Dawn Knights] of Lakefront Town!"

His words sent an uproar through the crowd.

"Dawn Knight? What’s that?"

"I hear it’s a new honor created by the Lord, even rarer than an Imperial Knight!"

Lynch stood on the platform, his voice ringing out, "This [Knight] title is distinct from the Empire’s knightly peerage. It is an honor unique to Lakefront Town! Though it comes with no fiefdom, its holders will have priority for promotions, enjoy the admiration of our soldiers and citizens, and be my, Lynch’s, most trusted arms!"

He picked up the first Scroll, unrolled it, and read aloud: "Fritz von Hohenlohe. Though born a noble, you have seen the error of your ways. For your hard work and great contributions in the West Ridge Mines, you are hereby invested as a Dawn Knight."

In the crowd, Fritz, dressed in new clothes, immediately dropped to one knee, his body trembling with emotion. "Thank you, my Lord! Fritz will live up to the name of the Dawn!"

"Cam Leisuo. For your loyalty, bravery, and meritorious service in training new recruits, you are invested as a Dawn Knight."

"Aus. For your capable administration and the orderly governance of Lakefront Town, you are invested as a Dawn Knight."

"Golden Fang, leader of the Kobolds. For leading your people in developing the mining districts, you are invested as a Dawn Knight."

"Ginko Wrench, goblin artisan. For your exquisite craftsmanship, you are invested as a Dawn Knight!"

"Sea Song, naval commander. For your outstanding and meritorious service, you are invested as a Dawn Knight!"

"Avril Grant, Holy Light Priest. For healing countless wounded, you are invested as a Dawn Knight!"

"Balen Copperbeard, leader of the dwarven artisans. For your invaluable contributions in forging weapons and Armor, and in casting the militia’s firearms, you are invested as a Dawn Knight!"

"Albert, Dean of Lakefront Academy. For educating the populace and spreading knowledge, you are invested as a Dawn Knight!"

When the announcements concluded, the nine newly invested Dawn Knights were invited onto the platform. A Maid walked up with a tray, presenting each of them with a custom-made golden cloak with epaulets, as well as an exclusive Lakefront Town Dawn Knight insignia.

Each insignia bore a unique serial number. The front was engraved with the recipient’s name, while the back briefly described their contributions to Lakefront Town. Every single one was unique—a symbol of their honor.

Lynch stepped forward and personally draped a cloak over each of them, pinned on their insignia, handed them the Scroll of Investiture for the Dawn Knights, and shook each of their hands warmly.

And just like that, the nine new Dawn Knights—draped in golden cloaks with insignia pinned to their chests—were presented to the world.