The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

At the end of March, in the Old World, Bretonnia, Bordeleaux, the Mannan Drydock.

Merchant ships and passenger ships from all over the Old World docked and unloaded their goods in this excellent deep-water port. In recent years, due to Bretonnia's gradual opening, the number of adventurers coming to explore and seek opportunities has increased.

Even an ocean-going giant ship from the High Elves had appeared at the dock.

"Welcome to Bordeleaux. Mannan Drydock No. 3 reminds you: Safety first on all routes. Sail responsibly to avoid tears from your loved ones."

The tax officer appointed by Duke Bodrick of Bordeleaux led his subordinates, loudly announcing the court-refined warning.

Recently, Duke Bodrick of Bordeleaux was in an exceptionally good mood. The trade agreement signed between Ryan and Teclis stipulated that the trade must pass through the port of Bordeleaux, earning the duke substantial profits.

Moreover, his son, Federmond, had finally returned after eighteen years, having completed his Grail Quest. This made Bodrick even more joyous. He requested his court officials to come up with a warm and welcoming slogan for the port, without any words of threat or warning.

The officials racked their brains and came up with a slogan that was passable. Although it was not exactly what Bodrick had in mind, his good mood made him less critical.

Under the spring sunlight, Bodrick strolled along the walls of Bordeleaux Castle with his heir. Clad in the yellow and blue sea god-blessed mithril plate armor and wearing a giant sea god trident cloak, he looked over his prosperous and wealthy domain. Turning to Federmond, who stood behind him, he said, "One day, all this will be yours, my son."

"Father… why hold such a grand banquet?" Federmond's gaze lingered on the High Elves' ocean-going ship. The Grail Knight was also clad in the yellow and blue sea god-blessed mithril plate armor, but his cloak bore the golden Grail emblem. Atop his helm, a golden sea monster held the Grail proudly.

"Why not? I want the entire kingdom to know that my son completed the Grail Quest and became an honored Grail Knight." Bodrick turned to look at his son, his gaze meaningful. "More importantly, I want to introduce you to the kingdom's high nobility. You've been on your quest for eighteen years. The kingdom's situation has changed. Richard is about to abdicate, and in the unpredictable royal court, our duchy of Bordeleaux must make its choice."

"I thought that after drinking from the Lady's Grail, I wouldn't need to worry about such things. It seems I was wrong." Though Federmond appeared no older than his twenties, he was nearly fifty. The newly minted Grail Knight's expression was resolute. "I've heard of the kingdom's events over the years during my travels. After returning, I spent much time understanding them. The Knightly War, the Battle of Couronne Plains, the northern barbarian invasions... Jules's death was unfortunate. King Richard's rule was too rigid. As for Count Ryan-Makado, whom you often mention, I can't yet judge. He is ambitious and capable. From his actions, it's clear why the Lady chose him as her champion. That's all I can say."

"Ryan-Makado is a difficult human hero to describe." Duke Bodrick nodded, the crow's feet around his eyes deepening. "How you view him is up to you. You'll meet him and his wife, Marquess Sulia, soon. Ryan is the Lady's chosen champion, and Marquess Sulia is also favored by the Lady. And his brother... you'll see."

"As usual, Berchemont and François still hold their ducal positions. Berchemont is nearly a century old, but with his peak Sanctuary strength, he might live another three hundred years." Duke Bodrick continued walking, the armor clanking with his movements. "François is equally strong and has chosen a good son-in-law. His family will be secure for centuries. Both of these old foxes had the qualifications to compete for the throne at the last election, but they had their reservations. François lacks interest in the throne and stabilizes the kingdom's borders. With him, the necromancer Heinrich Kemmler remains in the Grey Mountains. Berchemont has no interest in being king, with perhaps the worst internal governance skills among all dukes. He clearly prefers fighting as a Grail Knight over the court's intrigues."

Federmond said nothing, following Duke Bodrick, silently listening to his father's analysis.

"In addition, the other candidates for the throne are Duke Lauen-Leoncourt of Connet and Duke Hubald of Carcassonne." Bodrick continued. "Richard favors Lauen-Leoncourt. Despite being in his forties, Lauen is a high-ranking legendary Grail Knight, adept in leadership, personal bravery, and internal governance. He is also one of the Lady's chosen champions."

"What about Duke Hubald?" Federmond's brow furrowed. The kingdom's complex political landscape was unexpected for him. Instinctively, as a Grail Knight, he disliked such thoughts, but he bore the blood of the Sea God's champion, the Duke of Bordeleaux.

"Hubald is the least likely to become king." Bodrick shook his head vigorously. "Carcassonne is too far from Couronne. Additionally, Hubald is extremely ruthless. No duke would want him as king, as it could lead to another John II."

Couronne is in the kingdom's north, while Carcassonne is in the far south. The distance is too great. The north deals with northern barbarian raids, dark elf pirates, and border skirmishes with the Empire. Carcassonne faces green-skin invasions and Skaven infiltrations. The north and south are too far apart to manage effectively.

"I understand." Federmond's stern face showed slight emotion. After a moment of thought, he continued, "But I still think that a Sanctuary Grail Knight in his thirties is remarkable."

"I originally considered François's daughter, Sulia, but I didn't know when you'd return, and the Lady's oracle decided it." Duke Bodrick laughed coldly. "Federmond, even if you had returned, you couldn't compete with Ryan. This Nord peasant foster son has something special. Never underestimate him."

"I didn't plan to marry so soon." Federmond said irritably to Bodrick. "Why rush my engagement to Countess Eva?"

"You're nearly fifty, my son. It's time to marry. There are few suitable noblewomen left in the kingdom. Your engagement to Countess Eva must be settled quickly so I can go on my Grail Quest without worry." Duke Bodrick frowned, his eyes sharp as he stared at his son. "Why do you think that way?"

"It's so sudden. I don't even know what Eva looks like."

"You'll meet her. I mean this should be settled quickly. Bordeleaux has historically had good relations with Bastogne. Your marriage to Eva will stabilize our domain and gain noble support." Duke Bodrick understood his son's thoughts. "I get it. Marriage affects you, not me. I can't guarantee your happiness. So, at this banquet, I'll arrange for you to meet Countess Eva."

"..." Just as Bodrick knew Federmond, Federmond understood his father. He knew Bodrick had made up his mind and wouldn't easily change. The Grail Knight shook his head, ceasing his attempts to argue.

Bodrick added, with parental interest in his child's marriage, "Now, noblewomen in the kingdom have higher standards because of Sulia. Which unmarried noblewoman wouldn't want to marry as well as Sulia? A husband who is a Grail Knight, powerful, the Lady's chosen champion, and a Sanctuary Knight at a young age. And Ryan is an orphan, with the entire court under Sulia's control. What does Julius have to compete with you for Eva? Just his title as a kingdom knight? My son is a hundred times better than François's son!"

"Father, please don't say that. We all fight for the Lady, against evil, protecting the country, without distinction." Federmond said softly. "Justice and humility, as the Lady teaches."

Duke Bodrick paused, realizing he had no standing to lecture Federmond on the knightly virtues.

"..." Bodrick looked at his son, a hint of sorrow in his usually stern eyes. After a long silence, he said sadly, "Federmond, your mother wanted to see you one last time before she died. She loved you very much."

The Sea God Duke took out a shell pendant and handed it to Federmond. The fatherly love was evident.

Federmond accepted the pendant, opening the shell to reveal a family portrait. The duchess smiled, and the Grail Knight's eyes reddened. "I loved her too. Her love inspired me to overcome many near-death experiences... I miss her dearly."

Bodrick nodded, indicating Federmond should keep the pendant. "Keep it. Your mother will light your path. The knight's duty is to protect. For a thousand years, honor and sacrifice have upheld the kingdom."

As father and son prepared to say more, a knightly squire approached. "My duke, my marquis, the Lady's champion Count Ryan and Marquess Sulia are arriving at Bordeleaux. The Sea God Knights are leading them to the castle."

"Has Marquis Julius arrived?" Bodrick's loving demeanor vanished, replaced by his usual stern expression.

"No, only Count Ryan, Marquess Sulia, a few servants, and a Templar."

"In that case, Federmond

, you go welcome them." Bodrick patted Federmond's shoulder. "Young people should interact. It will help your future."

"Me?" The nearly fifty-year-old Federmond pointed at himself, his expression conflicted.

"I'm a young person?"

...

On the bustling streets of Bordelaux, a black carriage moved slowly. The carriage was tightly sealed with black cloth, exuding an uncomfortable aura. Yet, it moved freely through the streets, seemingly unnoticed by pedestrians and patrolling soldiers.

Occasionally, when knights investigated, the merchant and a handsome young knight inside the carriage courteously explained they were from the Duchy of Connet, invited to the Bordeleaux banquet.

The guards quickly allowed them through.

The black carriage's curtain fell again, and the Duke of Mousillon, Mathubad, let out a mocking laugh. Skilled in heraldry and Bretonnian court etiquette, Mathubad found infiltrating a Bretonnian castle easy.

Despite being a traitor of great concern to the kingdom, there was no concrete evidence of his treason. The Bretonnian court could only secretly send a few knights to hunt this young errant knight, unable to make it public.

However, Mathubad always wore a helmet during tournaments, and his handsome, typical Bretonnian features made him hard to recognize. Though knights knew he was a traitor, few actually recognized him!

Inside the carriage, a shriveled undead mage sat opposite Mathubad. The Duke of Mousillon spoke in a deep voice, "This Bordeleaux banquet is a rare chance to capture the kingdom's upper echelon in one swoop. Fatahir, you're one of the archmage's most powerful necromancers. I hope you have some advice."

"At the banquet, I'll create massive chaos, plunging the castle into extreme tension. The guards will be diverted, and the Black Grail Knights will storm in and slaughter the nobles."

"Then, with most of the kingdom's high nobility dead, the remaining nobles will lose trust, filled with suspicion and hatred. With some manipulation and exposing the truth about the Lady of the Lake, the throne of the knightly kingdom will be yours!"

"Let's do it!"

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