The gate was toppled in a violent explosion, and the surrounding soldiers were startled by the thunderous noise and the sudden eruption of flames.

The Rhodoxes at the head of the city fell to the ground in the shock and shock of the explosion, and the crossbowmen who were guarding the towers with their crossbows dropped their arrows and fell to their knees.

The attacks of the Svadia soldiers also stopped, and almost all of them stared blankly at the flames burning at the city gates, their mouths wide open. Many of them still maintained the same posture as when they charged, holding their weapons and legs forward, looking a little ridiculous for a moment.

The originally chaotic and noisy siege battlefield instantly became quiet.

Count Dilynard and the nobles around him looked at the city gate in astonishment, and the horses kept moving because of the fright.

"Is that a dragon..."

In the quiet of the battlefield, a trembling voice was heard, and the troops on both sides began to agitate.

"That's what we did, the victory belongs to Svadia, attack!"

Recovered from the stimulation of his ears and brain from the previous explosion of gunpowder, Byron raised his mace and took the lead.

Although the nearby peony mercenaries were frightened, they had been warned in advance, so they reacted the fastest.

"Storm the castle!"

Fatis relented, shouting slogans and keeping up with Byron.

He had been to the farm where the experiment was going with Byron before, and he had seen 16 ounces of inferior gunpowder explode. However, compared to the previous cannon battle, the power of the gunpowder this time really shocked him.

For a moment, he even felt that it was not a human thing, but the wrath of the gods.

The soldiers of Swadia probably understood what was going on, and when they saw someone taking the lead, they also followed in the footsteps of the soldiers in front of them, rushed into the overturned doorway, smashed the iron gate that had been twisted by the explosion, and poured into the city like a tidal wave.

Rhodok's soldiers were still resisting them with crossbow bolts and city defense weapons, but the previous explosions had frightened the disciplined soldiers and greatly reduced their combat effectiveness.

An entire group of Swadian knights and sergeants also rushed into the city as an elite force, using their maces to forge a path through the ranks of Rhodok's spears.

And the infantry and cavalry of the Peony mercenaries also rushed to the forefront in the battle, and they were impressed by the power that Byron had, as if they saw victory at hand.

Some soldiers continued to fight even if they were hit by several arrows. And those large groups of mercenaries who were absorbed by Byron in the last mercenary incident are not coping with and evading the battle at this time, and are really fighting for Byron!

The Peony banner had been torn during the battle and was stained with a lot of blood. But John still held it high in the air, rushing to the front of the group, directing the soldiers of the mercenary team to launch an almost frantic attack.

The gates were quickly taken, and the towers and other areas of the outer walls were soon occupied by Svadia soldiers. The Rhodoks retreated to the buildings in the middle of the castle and the central fortress of the lords, and continued to fight.

The battle lasted six days, and Rhodok's army put up stubborn resistance, but they could not avoid defeat.

The original 2,400 Rhodok soldiers who were defending the city have been reduced to less than 300. Their support was stopped by the troops led by the Count of Prais and prevented from advancing outside of Serindil. In desperation, the lord of Fort Greyward, Count Jhamel, finally chose to surrender, called out the castle, and ransomed his soldiers and family at the price of 25,000 dinars, leaving all the possessions that could not be taken away, and leaving the city in humiliation.

................

In the hall of Fort Grahenward, King Harlaus sat in the seat of the former lord, and beside him sat Earl Dirinard and Prince Harauu, who were field marshals.

The other counts sat on nearby chairs, forming a semicircle around the king. Beside them stood their barons and the best knights, who carried their banners.

The door to the hall slowly opened, and a man dressed in a splendid robe with royal markings pushed open the door and bowed to the king and all the nobles with a hand behind his back.

"Your Excellency Byron has arrived, Your Majesty."

"Ask him to come in."

King Haraus nodded, and gestured with his hand.

"Come in, Lord Byron."

The servant, who had royal blood, bowed slightly to Byron, who was standing outside the door, and held out his hand to invite him in.

Byron nodded, took a deep breath, pressed the gilded longsword pinned to his waist, straightened his back and walked in the way Fatis had given him before.

He walked all the way to the middle of the room, then got down on one knee and swore allegiance to King Haraus.

"O rightful ruler of Svadia, my merciful and mighty king, your faithful knight Byron, hereby pay you the highest respect."

King Harauth stood up, walked straight up to Byron with his sword, and looked down at him.

"Knights Byron, you have proven your worth on the battlefield, both with your sword and in command. How shall I reward you for your bravery at Fort Gruenward, which has won us a victory? ”

Byron knew that the critical time had come, and King Harlaus's question was a complete polite question, and basically all reward occasions would have it. As a mercenary leader who had just won the title of knight, he certainly couldn't rush to ask for a reward.

"My honor in fighting for you, and whatever you give me, I will be honored to accept, Your Majesty."

King Haraus was pleased with Byron's humility, and he raised his sword and placed it on Byron's shoulder.

The surrounding nobles were a little surprised, this was not just a reward, but more like a decoration!

King Harauth had previously spoken to his lords that he would reward Byron for his loyalty and the weapon-crafting method that had been so powerful in the siege. The lords who supported the king agreed, and even thought that if necessary, they could give him a small piece of land as a fief, so that he could enjoy the treatment of a decent nobleman. It would also be much easier if he needed to be eliminated one day.

However, they didn't expect that King Haraus, who had always liked to be arbitrary, would give the other party a knighthood at such a time! Knighthood on a mercenary-turned-so-called knight!

"Swear to me, Byron, that I will make a place for you at my banquet."

"It is a great honor, Your Majesty!"

Byron's heart began to beat rapidly again, and if he looked up, King Haraus would surely see how bright his smile was.

With the help of others, Byron took a vow that had not changed for a hundred years.

"I swear allegiance to you, the rightful ruler of the Svadia Kingdom."

"As long as I have breath, I will be your loyal subordinate."

"I will glorify your glory, pursue your pursuits, and make your enemies enemies. When you need me, I will fight your enemies to the end. I will follow you all my life until death. ”

"Finally, I will protect your rightful royal power and rightful heir, and protect your family's longevity!"

Byron finished his oath, and King Haraus's sword moved from his left to his right.

"I accept your oath and confer upon you the title of Baron, and grant you the town of Serindir as your fief. May glory be with you, Baron Byron. Follow me, and you will have a bright future! ”

In the midst of the counts' bewildered and solemn expressions, King Haraus withdrew his sword, told Byron to rise, handed him the baron's sword, which symbolized his position, and placed a simple gold laurel wreath on him with his own hands.