At this moment, Manner Linguang stood on the towering terrace of the family's newly completed castle, overlooking the thriving territory beneath the dome: the streets were orderly, the farmlands lush and green, robots and retainers worked in harmony, and from the distant training ground came the shouts of retainers drilling and the clang of metal.
This hard-won prosperity brought a deep sense of relief to his weathered face.
He felt it was time—time to formally transfer the duties of the family's Senior Knight, and the Command knight titans symbolizing supreme command, to his niece Margaret Linguang.
That powerful armor should have been piloted by her, but ten years ago, she was too young to bear the heavy responsibility of leading the entire family.
Now, after ten years of tempering in war and practical experience in territorial management, Margaret had grown into a composed, wise, and highly respected knight leader, fully capable of inheriting this weighty responsibility.
However, the transfer of the family's supreme authority was a matter of far-reaching importance, especially with the majority of elite knights still serving on the Expeditionary Force front lines.
Manner knew this matter required careful planning and had to await a suitable time when all core family knights could gather.
A steady knock, carrying an undeniable sense of solemnity, interrupted Manner's deep contemplation of the family's future. The sound was firm and strong, echoing on the heavy oak door, as if bearing a weighty significance.
"Enter," he responded in a deep, steady voice, as firm as a rock.
The heavy oak door of the study opened silently, and Margaret Linguang, dressed in a simple yet well-tailored knight training uniform, entered the room.
Her steps still maintained the upright posture and regular rhythm characteristic of a Kazdel Knight, each step appearing firm and powerful.
However, her slightly hurried, not yet fully composed breathing, and the unrolled parchment scroll in her hand, bearing the prominent Governor's insignia, clearly indicated that an extraordinary message had arrived.
Manner slowly turned around, his grey-blue eyes gently falling upon his niece, the future heir of the family.
"Margaret, what makes your steps hurried and your breath unsettled? There's no need to rush, just tell me slowly." His tone carried the concern of an elder, and also the composure and tolerance of a family head.
Margaret stood before her uncle, her right hand precisely and firmly placed on her left chest, performing an impeccable knight's salute. Her voice rang out clearly and respectfully: "Senior Knight of the Lin Guang Family, my esteemed uncle. I have just received a direct decree from Sub-Sector Governor Alex."
She gestured slightly to the scroll in her hand: "His Excellency the Governor wishes for our Lin Guang Family to select several elite knights as soon as possible, and several Relic Maintenance Specialists to accompany them, to immediately depart for the core forging factory of the Rostov III Forge World.
Sage Olegana and Archmagos Cawl are leading a critically important research project, and they have explicitly stated that they require the assistance of a Knight Family.
His Excellency the Governor earnestly hopes that we can provide this support."
"The Governor needs the strength of a Knight Family? Sage Olegana and Archmagos Cawl's research project?" Manner's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a deep confusion appeared on his dignified face.
He found it truly difficult to imagine what unique and necessary assistance members of the Lin Guang Family, who upheld the ancient way of the knight, could provide deep within the Adeptus Mechanicus Sages' sanctuaries, filled with binary canticles, strong oil fumes, and unfathomable technological mysteries.
The profound and cold logical domain of a Forge World seemed to have a chasm-like gap with the path of iron-blooded honor flowing in the knight's bloodline.
However, the loyalty to the Governor's command, etched into his bones, and the reverence for the Sages' nearly god-like status, prevented any thought of doubt from arising in Manner's heart.
He pondered for a moment, his gaze carrying the profound meaning of testing his future heir as he looked at Margaret: "My niece, as the future helmsman of the family, matters concerning family honor and duty such as this will ultimately fall upon your shoulders.
Tell me your insights. How do you view His Excellency the Governor's request? Are there more detailed explanations within the scroll?"
He extended his hand, signaling Margaret to hand over the scroll.
Margaret respectfully presented the scroll, while clearly and logically articulating her insights: "Uncle, the Lin Guang Family has received the grace of rebirth from His Excellency the Governor. As his loyal vassals, obeying and perfectly executing his will is our unquestionable duty, and moreover, a supreme honor.
Since His Excellency the Governor has a need, the family will naturally spare no effort to dispatch the most suitable and capable individuals to answer the call."
She paused briefly, then offered specific and well-considered suggestions: "Regarding the selection of individuals, your niece believes Maria is very suitable. Aunt Zofia is currently leading the family's main knights in service on the Expeditionary Force front line, and it is not advisable to reassign her at this time.
This mission, for Maria, is both the fulfillment of a sacred duty to the Governor and the two esteemed Sages, and a highly valuable experience."
A flicker of understanding and expectation for her sister crossed her eyes as she added: "Furthermore, Maria has shown an extraordinary interest and talent in the mysteries of mechanical construction and the essence of forging techniques since childhood.
This opportunity to serve two Sages of such high standing up close, and to receive their teachings, is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her own scholarly advancement and the perfection of her knightly path."
Manner took the scroll bearing the Governor's will, his gaze sweeping over the unique, authoritative seal and the concise yet weighty instructions.
His niece's clear, insightful, and responsible analysis echoed in his ears.
He nodded slightly, his grey-blue eyes revealing approval and a hint of imperceptible commendation: "Your consideration is comprehensive and prudent; Maria is indeed a suitable choice. However…"
He paused, demonstrating the caution of an experienced knight and his insight into the complexity of the situation: "This matter, after all, directly concerns the core research of two Sages, and furthermore involves an important directive personally issued by His Excellency the Governor.
The mission details, required timeframe, and any special requests the Sages might have still need further clarification.
I will personally draft a reply letter to His Excellency the Governor to inquire about more detailed arrangements.
You go ahead and inform Maria, have her start preparing immediately to be ready to depart at any moment.
Once we receive clear instructions from His Excellency the Governor, the family will immediately arrange for her departure."
"As you command, Uncle." Margaret again performed a respectful knight's salute, her eyes holding both the relief of having delivered the message and a deep concern for her sister, who was about to embark on an unknown journey.
She turned and left the study, which was filled with the scent of old books and contemplation, with steady, firm steps.
Manner stood alone before the large desk, facing the unfolded scroll, his gaze as deep as an abyss.
What peculiar and crucial intersection existed between the unfathomable, gear-rumbling research sanctuaries of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the knightly strength of the Lin Guang Family, forged with sword and oath, which they held so dear?
This question, like the eternally flowing, cold, metallic glow at the edge of the ecological dome outside the window, quietly lingered in his mind, refusing to dissipate.
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"