Chapter 8: Alexander Castile of the Lion Clan

"Bring that boy to me!" Lord Harley ordered angrily.

Soon, two warriors brought Alexander over.

Lord Harley grabbed Alexander's collar and roared, "Stay away from my daughter, you lowly scoundrel!"

Alexander remained calm and replied, "What if I don't?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a sword was held against his neck. "Perhaps I should send you to meet the great God of Light right now," Lord Harley threatened.

"It didn't have to be this difficult," Alexander smirked. "Even if you kill me, it will only make Talya sadder and hate you more."

"But the world would be rid of a troublesome pest," Lord Harley retorted angrily.

"Just as I said, it didn't have to be this difficult. There were simpler ways to handle this," Alexander continued, with a sly smile.

Lord Harley didn't speak, just stared straight at Alexander, urging him to continue.

"I could just leave voluntarily," Alexander suggested. "That might reduce a lot of trouble."

"That's not a bad idea. Exiling you would solve a lot of problems," Lord Harley mused.

"No, no, my lord, you've misunderstood," Alexander interrupted. "I mean leaving on my own, and I'll tell Talya myself that I'm going on an adventure far away. That way, she won't be sad, and you'll have fewer problems."

Lord Harley slowly lowered his sword. He scrutinized Alexander with a evaluating gaze. "Tell me, what do you want?"

"Give me a free identity, and I'll leave," Alexander replied.

Lord Harley nodded thoughtfully. "That's not an unreasonable request. You're now a commoner. I'll grant you a civilian status in my fief."

"Hahaha!" Alexander burst into laughter. "My lord, being a commoner is not freedom."

"You greedy bastard, what do you really want?" Lord Harley's hand tightened on the sword hilt.

"Give me the title of a distant relative of the Lion Clan, and provide me with a document bearing your family's emblem," Alexander said.

Lord Harley drew his sword again, this time seemingly intent on killing Alexander, not just threatening him. "Damn you, you lowly slave, how dare you seek a noble title."

Alexander showed no fear, just a slight smile. "My lord, I'm a commoner now, remember?"

Lord Harley carefully studied Alexander from head to toe. Slowly, he lowered the sword, and for the first time, there was no contempt in his eyes.

"Was all of this your plan, young man?" Lord Harley asked.

"It was just some trivial tricks, my lord," Alexander replied, feeling relieved. In reality, he was terrified when the sword was held against his neck.

"The title of nobility represents the glory of our ancestors. I can grant you the name of the Lion Clan, but you don't possess any inheritance rights, nor are you a true noble. You're merely a distant relative of the nobility," Lord Harley's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, "Furthermore, you must unconditionally pledge allegiance to the Lion Clan, uphold its dignity, and refrain from anything that tarnishes the family's honor."

"Naturally, my lord."

Alexander knelt down on one knee, signifying his commitment to a promise, such as submission, surrender, or loyalty.

Lord Harley kept his promise and found a surname within the Lion Clan that had no heirs, granting it to Alexander. From then on, Alexander's new name became Alexander Castile.

Because the Lion Clan included all surnames of the ancestors' bloodline, some surnames were unable to be passed down for various reasons, allowing Alexander to easily obtain this surname. This surname didn't necessarily make him a noble, but it was like an entry ticket, giving Alexander the qualification to become a noble.

Lord Harley stamped the family crest in gold foil on a parchment and handed it to Alexander. Alexander picked it up and read it carefully: "Alexander Castile, of Lion Clan lineage, born in *** (a village under Lord Harley's rule), currently traveling the continent, hoping for assistance from noble individuals."

He was very satisfied. With this document, he could venture across the continent like a young nobleman.

The deal concluded, Alexander bid farewell to Talya, informing her that he was going on an adventure on the mainland and asked her not to wait for him. Then he decisively left her with only his departing figure.

Lord Harley observed from the shadows. Although he was displeased with Alexander's attitude, he knew that this was the best way to sever Talya's attachment.

Who made Talia his most beloved little daughter, and he also wanted to be a qualified father.

Alexander thus obtained the status of a free citizen, and not just any free citizen, but one with noble blood.

Then he fulfilled his promise and left Lord Harley's domain.

At the same time, he took Otto and Viktor with him, which Lord Harley did not investigate; they were just two worthless slaves, and he had many such under his rule.

As Alexander departed, Lord Harley muttered to himself, "Ah, this young man is much stronger than my two foolish sons."

It seems Lord Harley is willing to give Alexander a potential noble surname, not just for his daughter, perhaps for other reasons.

...

Alexander happily walked down the road holding the documents of the Lion family, which was the necessary route to the city.

They wanted to go to Lisbon, known as the art capital.

This is the closest city to Lord Harley's territory.

Maybe they will get some valuable information there.

[Trigger mission: The Lord's Road (initial scale)]

[Mission objective: Recruit ten soldiers, current progress 2/10]

[Mission reward: Experience +500, System Coins +500]

On the road, Alexander received a new mission from the system.

He needs to recruit ten soldiers.

"Where can I recruit soldiers?"

Alexander just received the task and felt a little helpless.

"Boss, there are young people in those villages who want to make a name for themselves, and they are eager to create glory with their own hands."

Victor suggested that he and Otto had already pledged allegiance to Alexander.

Although they did not know what deal Alexander had made with Lord Harley, the Lion family documents in Alexander's hands were genuine.

This document translates to three words: promising.

Follow Alexander and maybe change your destiny, which is something Otto and Victor both know.

"Well, let's go to the nearest village first."

Alexander not only needed to recruit soldiers but also to buy some food, otherwise, they might have to travel hungry.