Today was William Parr's first day as a guard of the Duke of Richmond, and he was a little anxious to prove before the Duke that he was more than capable of serving as a guard. However, in Isabel's eyes, he was at best a newly enlisted U.S. Navy recruit, a third-class private, with a rank of E-1, no rank armband insignia, and no rank collar badge insignia.

Speaking of his proud father, the office of county magistrate was a judge nominated by the president and approved by the Senate, and the specific position was a federal judge in the district court for life, according to the profession of later generations.

Of course, federal judges are the most respectable profession, enjoy a high status, are the embodiment of justice, and are the messengers of the law. At a time when the vast majority of professions face the problem of expiration of term or unemployment, judges can work with high salaries until retirement.

Isabel Walton thought about it, and the office and status of the district court judges in later generations seemed to be very similar to those of the county magistrates at this time. It is true that the United States, as a former British colony, basically followed the British legal tradition in its pre-independence judicial system.

Although the county magistrate at this time did not receive an annual salary, he was equally respected and enjoyed a high status. County magistrates have greater powers and jurisdiction than later federal judges.

His father was a county magistrate, and his own father was also a county magistrate. Therefore, having the father of a county magistrate is not something to brag about. The eldest son of the magistrate of the county has nothing but to raise his father's title and position so that others can know who he is.

However, judging from William's willingness to accept the position of the Duke's guard, he still has the determination and perseverance to change the current situation. Even if he had come for the income and perks of the position, it would have trained him to be a qualified would-be knight in the service of the Duke of Richmond. As for whether he can be knighted or not, it depends on his luck.

"No, Your Highness doesn't fully believe you yet. Only after you have sworn allegiance to His Highness and completed the study of knightly skills can you gain His Highness's trust. Isabel sat on her horse and talked, observing the fields on both sides of the road.

William pondered her words and nodded subconsciously, "I can swear allegiance to Your Highness." Your Excellency, when can I start learning knighthood? ”

Isabel glanced at William, who had a somewhat serious expression, and smiled lightly, "Relax, it's not the Middle Ages anymore." So, you don't have to go through 14 years of study to become a knight. ”

"Yes, Your Excellency. Do you mean that 'knight' is more of an honor or a title nowadays? William laughed twice.

"Yes, if you don't have the title of knight, I'm afraid you won't even get the position of magistrate of the county. I mean, if you're willing to make your life better. ”

"Well, it seems so. Like your father and my father, the rank of magistrate is only granted after being knighted. ”

Isabel tugged at the reins and glanced at him, "If you want to get the title of 'Knight' by other means, it's too late to leave the Duke's Palace." ”

"Leave? No, Your Excellency, I have come to be a good ducal guard. You should know that today I came to the Duke's Palace without my father's consent. ”

"Well, what if your father doesn't agree? As I remember, you were your father's eldest son. ”

"This... Even if he doesn't agree, I'll do it. ”

As the four rode outside the village of East Leiden, halfway to Nottingham Castle, Isabel said an idea that surprised William a little. William looked at her in disbelief, "Your Excellency, are you going to take me back to Northamptonshire?" ”

Isabel felt that his words were misleading, so she quickly corrected them and said again, "No, I'll pass through Northamptonshire on my way to Sussex. This way, you can spend some time inside your father's estate. ”

"Your Excellency, this is wonderful. If you would go with me to my father's estate, my father might not object to my idea. ”

"You can give it a try."

Returning from the county to the castle where the Duke's Palace is located passes through the Asker Manor, as there are still about two hours before the daily meeting of the retainers is gathered. So, as the four of Isabel rode outside the Asker Manor, they turned their horses' heads and rode towards the manor.

When they returned to the manor, Sir Augustine and his wife had not yet risen. Only William's nephew, John Neville, and the stewards and servants got up early to start the day's work. Little John got up at 6 o'clock in the morning, the rule set for him by Isabel. During his years at Asker Manor, John Jr. got up every day to train in knightly skills, and after completing his training, he received a private family education from Reverend Maeperm.

This is William's fourth first today. The first time I came to Nottingham Castle, the first time I escorted the Duke on a long journey, the first time I came to Isabel's parents' estate, the first time I ate at her house. At this moment, William Parr began to feel that life in the North was not as chaotic as his father had said.

Isabel came to the small dining room where the butler and the servants were dining, and said a few words to the butler who was dining. Afterwards, the four of them sat in the back garden, eating bread, pickled meat, and fish brought by the servants, and drinking some ale. When everyone was about six or seven minutes full, the four of them drank ale in the garden and chatted casually.

The two Guards and William each thanked Isabel for bringing them to the Sir Manor for something to eat and drink some ale. Isabel smiled and shook her head, "It's okay, it's still early anyway." ”

One of the guards smiled, "Your Excellency, if Your Highness goes to Durham Castle every day at this time, we can eat delicious food in your father's manor." ”

Isabel leaned back in her seat to make herself more comfortable, and glanced at the guard, "It is about 3 hours from His Highness's castle to Durham Castle, and it takes more than 6 hours to go back and forth. If His Royal Highness spends so much time traveling every day, I am afraid that it will affect his body and the Duchess's conjugal life. ”

The other guard nodded thoughtfully, "Your Excellency is right. It would have been even worse if His Highness had fallen from his horse on the road. ”

William, who was sitting opposite Isabel, also said, "Your Excellency, if the distance is long, you can let Your Highness ride in the carriage." If you ride in the carriage, you can protect Your Highness from being violated. ”