126: Brothers' hearts return

One month later.

Late autumn in Star Sea City already carried a hint of chill, but the afternoon sun remained warm. On both sides of the street, the leaves of the Fire Maple Trees blazed crimson, contrasting with the bluestone pavement and the white-walled, gray-tiled buildings, forming a serene yet prosperous picture.

Linn walked in the middle, with Payson, who had fully recovered, on his left, and Yilman, now dressed in a Star Sea Territory uniform, on his right. The old general's left sleeve was still empty, but his steps were steady and his gaze sharp, clearly indicating his body was no longer in serious condition.

"Unbelievable..." Payson looked around, his eyes filled with emotion. "How many years has it been? Star Sea City's scale is already comparable to Haige City."

The streets were wide and smooth, lined with shops. Crowds queued orderly in front of grain stores, the clang of forging came from blacksmiths, and the aroma of ale mingled with the lute music of bards from taverns. What surprised Payson even more were the pedestrians on the street. Whether commoners, merchants, or soldiers, their faces carried a sense of composure and hope he rarely saw in other territories.

"More than just comparable," Linn chuckled, patting Payson's shoulder. "Have you ever seen a city in Haige City where all streets are paved with flagstones and have a complete drainage System? Have you seen public wells and centralized garbage collection points even in the commoner districts? Have you seen Patrol Outposts and Elementary medical clinics in every block?"

Payson shook his head, smiling wryly. "Let alone the commoner districts, even the noble district of Haige City can't be this complete. Linn, sometimes I truly wonder where you learned all this? I ask, which viscount's territory on the continent... no, even the main city of a marquis or duke, could have such planning?"

"This is just the beginning," Linn pointed to the distant, faintly visible port district towers. "You haven't been to Star Moon City and Shattered Star City yet. Star Moon City is a pure military and industrial center, where the workshops operate day and night, forging three thousand sets of standard armor each month. Shattered Star City, on the other hand, is a city of trade and academia, where our Mage Academy branch, the Chamber of Commerce Headquarters, and the newly built Nautical Academy are located."

He paused, a hint of pride in his tone: "It's no exaggeration to say that those two cities are no less than any Provincial Capital in the kingdom."

Yilman had been observing silently. This old general, who had spent thirty years on the western defense line of the Aolai Kingdom, viewed things differently from Payson.

He noticed the patrolling soldiers' neat, uniform steps, their armor meticulously maintained, and their weapons carried discreetly—a sign of strict discipline.

He noticed that commoners, upon seeing the Lord, would spontaneously make way and bow, their eyes showing genuine respect rather than fear—a sign of popular support.

He noticed that shops were filled with goods, and the prices of grain, cloth, and tools were stable, with no signs of hoarding! This was a sign of effective governance.

What truly shocked Yilman was the "vitality" emanating from this city. It wasn't just prosperity, but an upward, vigorous energy, as if it were growing every single day.

"Lord," Yilman finally spoke, his voice low. "When I was in the west, I saw seventeen border cities of the kingdom, and I also visited the Royal Capital with the envoy. But a city like Star Sea City... I have never seen."

He pointed to a distant area under construction: "What are they building there?"

"Public Schools," Linn followed his finger. "Star Sea City now has five schools, but it's still not enough. My goal is for all children aged six to twelve, regardless of background, to receive at least three years of basic literacy and arithmetic education."

Yilman's pupils contracted slightly.

Universal education! This was simply a fantasy in the eyes of the nobility. Knowledge was power, a privilege, a chasm distinguishing nobles from commoners. And Linn was actually going to actively bridge this chasm?

"Surprised?" Linn saw through Yilman's thoughts and smiled faintly. "Yilman, what do you think is the Foundation of governance?"

"Military might, land, wealth," the old general replied without hesitation.

"Yes, and no," Linn stopped, looking at the bustling crowd on the street. "Military might can conquer land, and land can produce wealth. But to make all of this last, what's needed are 'people.' Farmers who can grow more grain, artisans who can forge better weapons, soldiers who can read orders and calculate supplies, officials who can manage towns and develop trade."

He turned, his gaze calm as he looked at Yilman: "And where do these 'people' come from? Not entirely from Slaves, and certainly not from noble children. They are too few. Therefore, I want commoners to also have the opportunity to learn, to rise. If a farmer's grandson is literate and can do calculations, he might become a warehouse manager; if an artisan's son understands geometry and mechanics, he might improve tools and increase efficiency."

Payson listened intently, interjecting, "Is this what you call... the new order?"

"Just the beginning," Linn continued walking. "Alright, enough of that. I brought you out today mainly to let you relax and see what Star Sea City is like. Payson, you've been cooped up in the Mage Academy for a month, you must be bored, right?"

"Indeed, I'm bored," Payson stretched his shoulders. "But Linn, there's something I must say again."

Linn paused, sighing helplessly. "Payson, you've brought this up five times this month."

"This is the sixth time." Payson's expression was unusually serious; he stopped in front of Linn, blocking his path. "Linn, I'll say this one last time: I, Payson Losen, am willing to formally join the Star Sea Territory and become your vassal."

"Me too." Yilman stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with his nephew. "Lord of Star Sea Territory, please allow us to join."

Pedestrians on the street seemed to sense the change in atmosphere and instinctively gave them a wide berth.

Linn looked at the two, frowning deeply. "I said, we are brothers; there's no talk of following or not following. You can stay in the Star Sea Territory for as long as you wish. I can arrange positions for you, but not as vassals."

"No." Payson interrupted him, his gaze firm, almost stubborn. "Linn, I know you. You value loyalty, so you don't want me to 'be subordinate to someone.' But have you thought about it? If I stay in the Star Sea Territory as a 'guest' or 'brother,' how should I conduct myself?"

He pointed to himself: "I am a fugitive of the Losen Family; my Family territory was seized, and my father's revenge is unfulfilled. If I merely live here as your friend, what am I? A fallen noble dependent on others? A pathetic wretch needing a brother's protection?"

"Payson!"

"Let me finish." Payson took a deep breath. "Linn, I want revenge. But not through your pity, not through aid bought by brotherhood. I want to stand up again with my own hands, with my own efforts, within this new System of the Star Sea Territory. Then, I will return with dignity and finally establish the new order you speak of!"

His voice grew more agitated: "And to achieve that, I must first be a person of the Star Sea Territory. I must abide by its laws, bear its responsibilities, and contribute to it. Only then will I be qualified to request the strength of the territory to reclaim what is rightfully mine."

Yilman nodded, saying gravely, "Lord, Payson is right. Sentiment is sentiment, and System is System. The Star Sea Territory has its current order precisely because you established a set of rules. If we exist as exceptions, it will only undermine these rules."

Linn fell silent.

He looked at the burning flame in Payson's eyes, no longer the despair and fear of a fugitive, but the determination and fighting spirit of one reborn.

He looked at the resolve on Yilman's face, the awakening of an old general letting go of past glory and preparing to start anew in a new land.

After a long while, Linn slowly spoke: "What if I say no?"

Payson smiled, a resolute smile. "Then my uncle and I will leave the Star Sea Territory. We'll go to a mercenary group, to other countries, or to the Great Wilderness Forest."

"You know I wouldn't let you leave," Linn said with a wry smile.

"So, agree to us," Payson extended his hand. "Not as charity, but as a Lord's acceptance of two loyal individuals."

The autumn wind swept through the street, rustling a few maple leaves.

Linn looked at Payson's outstretched hand, then at Yilman's empty left sleeve.

Finally, he sighed and reached out to shake Payson's hand.

"I agree." His voice was soft but clear. "Payson Losen, Yilman Lawson, I, Lynn Star Sea, in the name of the Lord of Star Sea Territory, formally accept you as members of the Star Sea Territory. From this day forward, you shall enjoy all the rights of Freemen and bear the corresponding obligations."

The handshake tightened.

Relief flashed in Payson's eyes, followed by burning fighting spirit.

"Thank you, Lord!" He knelt on one knee, performing the vassal's salute completely for the first time in a month.

Yilman also knelt on one knee, his right fist against his chest: "Loyalty unto death!"

Linn helped them both up; this time, he did not refuse.