"You already saw that coming from a mile away, didnāt you?" Ulric asked Kael who had just returned from his failed mission of trying to sneak his granddaughter into Leoneās arms.
"Of course," Kael replied with a smile. "But, you are looking at this in the wrong way, Ulric. If Leone rejected my granddaughter, I wouldnāt lose anything. Everything will just remain as they were. But, what if he accepted her?
"Wouldnāt that mean that my future in-law will be the Great Chieftain of the Borderlands? Not to mention, my granddaughter is going to be his first wife. Such an honor!"
"Youāre too optimistic." Ulric snorted.
"Thatās because our Great Chieftain is like that." Kael chuckled. "Heās a bundle of positivity and I think it rubbed off on me."
A few minutes later, every member of the three tribes, excluding those who were on guard duty had finally taken their seats.
Ulric took that opportunity to climb the stage, where Leone was currently at and addressed everyone.
"Thank you for coming to this memorable occasion," Ulric declared. "Today, we have gathered not only to welcome the Black Wolf Tribe to our ranks, but to also celebrate a very special occasion!"
Leone blinked once then twice because he had no idea what this special occasion was. This wasnāt part of the script that Daedalus had mentioned to him a while ago.
"Today, we will be celebrating our Great Chieftainās eighteenth birthday!" Ulric shouted. "Letās give a round of applause for Leone Frontera! Happy birthday!"
"""Happy Birthday Great Chieftain!""""
A resounding applause followed afterwards, which made Leone fall into a daze.
His birthday had already passed, and frankly, he felt a little sad because he wasnāt able to celebrate it with his family.
Knowing his mother, she would have definitely baked him a cake, and gathered the family to celebrate his birthday.
He was now many miles away from home, not knowing when he would be able to return to them. He missed his family dearly, which was the reason why he was doing his best to survive.
That way, he could meet them again.
And now, looking at everyone who had gathered here today to celebrate this special occasion made him happy.
"Thank you everyone," Leone said, overwhelmed with emotions. "I hope that we all get along."
"""Yes!"""
Ulric nodded before raising the mug of mead in his hand. "To our Great Chieftain!"
"""To our Great Chieftain!"""
"Cheers!"
""Cheers!""
Everyone raised their mugs filled with fruit juice for the children, and those that were not old enough to drink mead like the adults.
They then drank in honor of Leone, who also preferred to drink fruit juice instead of mead.
After that initial greeting was done, Leone declared the start of the feast.
The Black Wolf Tribe thought that they wouldnāt be given a proper welcome. But to their surprise, everyone treated them as if they were part of a big tribe.
Even Jason couldnāt help but sigh in his heart because his people were starting to talk with the Riverfang, and Alborin Tribe members like they were old friends.
He knew that this was only the beginning of a partnership that would stand the test of time.
When everyone had their fill, and was casually chatting with each other, Ulric once again climbed up on the stage and whispered in Leoneās ears.
The young man nodded before standing up in front of everyone.
"Today, we will hold a special ceremony of Vassalship," Leone declared. "But, before that, let me all call upon my vassals, so that you may know who they are. We will start with Maximus!"
The White Kobold walked up the stage with confident steps. It was very different from how it looked in the past. It was now taller, and its body was sturdier.
Its gaze was also sharper, and the two blades that were neatly sheathed on its back, made it look like a formidable Kobold Warrior.
Maximus knelt in front of Leone, and the young man lightly tapped its shoulders, asking it to stand up.
"Maximus is my very first vassal, and my loyal protector," Leone said proudly. "He still canāt speak human language, but he understands everything that weāre saying. Iām sure that sooner or later, he will also be able to communicate with the rest of you, so please treat him kindly."
Maximus stared at the crowd, brimming with confidence. It had now grown leaps and bounds in a short period of time, and Leone was looking forward to its future.
"And now, I present to you my second vassal," Leone said. "Make way for Blitz!"
Truth be told, the flying squirrel wanted to create a grand entrance. It wanted to turn into a lightning bolt, and make booming sounds like thunder before making a dabbing pose on top of Leoneās head.
However, there were children gathered in the surroundings, and it didnāt want to scare them.
In the end, it settled for a special performance instead.
"Squeak!"
The flying squirrel flew towards Leone and circled his head a few times before landing on top of it.
And, just like it wanted, it made a dabbing pose, which made Maximus clap its hands because its colleague was also a bundle of surprises.
The children laughed and pointed at the amusing squirrel, who wished it could give everyone an outstanding entrance.
Leone lightly patted Blitzās head before introducing his third vassal, Arion.
When the Pegasus entered the building, everyone couldnāt help but gasp because it was clad in ceremonial armor.
It was like the mount of a King headed for battle, making the chieftains, and warriors look at it in awe.
Riding on a flying beast was something that not everyone could attain in their lifetime.
Leone was one of the handful of people who actually possessed a flying mount within the Borderlands.
The young man hugged the Pegasusā neck, making Arionās eyes look very happy. Its tail swayed lightly from side to side, enjoying its Masterās attention.
"Finally, let me introduce my fourth Vassal," Leone raised his hand. "He is none other than Ulric of the Alborin Tribe!"
Ulric smiled, and waved at everyone. A moment later, Fury also climbed up the stage, stood up, and emitted a mighty roar that made the warriors cheer.
The children who usually played with the Dire Bear also roared to imitate the mighty bear that visited the camp to play with them from time to time.
"They are my most trusted supporters," Leone said with a smile. "And now, another person will join their ranks. Kael of the Riverfang Tribe, please, come here."
Kael didnāt hesitate to stand and walked up the stage, looking like a refined gentleman that was about to accept an award.
"Please kneel, to accept my vassalship," Leone stated.
Kael knelt on one knee as Leone took out a ceremonial sword that Daedalus had prepared for this occasion.
It was the Sword of Kings (Replica), which was chosen for aesthetic purposes only.
The young man lightly tapped Kaelās left shoulder with the flat of the blade to start the vassalship ceremony.
"Kael of the Riverfang Tribe," Leone said in a solemn tone. "Do you swear to be loyal to me, and share the hardships and glory of chasing my impossible dream?"
"I swear," Kael replied.
"Do you swear," Leone continued, his voice growing steady, and stronger. "To defend this land, and protect everyone who wished to seek shelter within our realm?"
"I swear," Kael vowed.
"Do you swear to stop introducing any more pretty ladies from your tribe to become my lawfully wedded wife?"
"..."
"Hey, answer him," Ulric chided.
This playful banter made everyone chuckle, and even a few cheers came from the members of the Riverfang Tribe, supporting Kael in his endeavors.
Leoneās attitude made them feel that their Great Chieftain was someone whom they could get along very well, and someone they wished to truly protect with every fiber of their being.