Medieval: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

June 14, night.

As the campfire was lit and Peter, surrounded by his core members, ascended the village's high platform, the entire square fell silent. A thousand eyes across the territory were fixed on him, filled with anticipation.

Peter raised his hand and pressed down, instantly silencing the noise in the room.

"The griffin represents strength, courage, and protection. And the Griffin family rewards merit. Today, the first item on the agenda of this bonfire feast is to bestow honors upon those who have rendered service."

Peter announced loudly.

The messenger shouted, "Griffin Guard, come up!"

Sixty armored guards, arranged in rows of ten, marched with resounding steps, like a moving steel wall, ascending the stage one after another. The clattering of their armor produced a crisp "clanging" sound, like a victory symphony.

Peter stood before them, his gaze sweeping over each resolute face. He took the money bag from the servant and personally placed thirty heavy Groshins on the calloused and scarred palms of each warrior. The silver coins gleamed beautifully in the firelight.

"The silver coins shine with a pure white light, just like your pure and protective hearts!"

Peter would give a word of advice with each bag of coins he handed out.

"May the griffin be blessed, unafraid of the powerful and refusing to bully the weak."

The Griffin Guard members who received the coins pounded their chests with one hand and sang loudly.

As the last griffin guard received his bounty, Peter drew his longsword with a clang. A slight commotion arose from the crowd below. Peter held the sword level and, with the cold spine, lightly swept it across the head, left shoulder, and right shoulder of each guard in turn.

This was a sacred ritual. Each time the sword touched their bodies, the guards felt a faint, electric-like warmth flow from the top of their heads, instantly coursing through their limbs! The fatigue and soreness lurking in their muscles were dispelled, and an unprecedented sense of power and alertness filled their bodies. Their eyes widened, joyfully experiencing that familiar yet exhilarating transformation—their strength was increasing, their reactions were accelerating, and their control over their weapons seemed to have reached a new level!

This is Peter using his ability to transcend this world to "add attribute points" to them!

"Feel it with your heart." Peter's voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly. "This is the glory and power you deserve! Use this power to protect your loved ones and to create a future that belongs to us!"

"Victory belongs to Peter! Glory to Griffin!"

Sixty throats erupted in deafening roars, voices filled with fanatical loyalty and surging power. As they descended the platform, their steps became even more resolute, their eyes like drawn swords.

"My God, they seem... different?" a villager whispered to his companion, rubbing his eyes.

"It is Peter's blessing! Peter is a man favored by God, and he shared his blessings with the faithful!"

The crowd below the stage buzzed with discussion, some delighted, some excited, some envious, and some honored to have witnessed this miraculous scene.

Next came three hundred militiamen. They also walked up the platform in rows of ten, somewhat reserved but incredibly proud.

"The militia defends our homeland, and our homeland reciprocates with glory!"

Peter gave each militiaman twenty groshins, an axe, and a thick new set of clothes. Compared to the Griffin Guard, their reward seemed slightly less generous, but for these former civilians, it was a life-changing gift! Especially the axe; it was not only a weapon, but also a symbol of status and a tangible representation of dignity!

"Victory belongs to Peter, glory to Griffin!"

They too stepped down from the stage amidst shouts of slogans, clutching their rewards tightly as if embracing a newborn version of themselves. Gasps and envious whispers filled the air below.

Previously, as guards, they not only endured hardship and toil but also received little reward. When the lord conscripted them for battle, they had to bring their own three days' rations, and were only given the worst weapons and equipment. They had no say in the distribution of spoils of war, and no one cared if they died. But Lord Peter personally rewarded them after the victory: 20 Grossens—enough to feed them for ten months if they only bought grain!

Next up were the officers and soldiers of the Griffin Camp. Carpentry, agriculture, logistics, ironwork... one by one, those who had contributed to the camp's development went on stage to receive coins and upgrade rewards.

Then the generals who had made great contributions took the stage.

Brother Martin and Oda cleverly seize the city, Tomcat Carter charges forward with the flag raised, Lone Wolf Conrad stands firm at the front, Big Mouth John is brave and fearless, and Twin-Swords Monchi commands with composure...

These loyal followers who were among Peter's earliest allies had reached a loyalty level of 100. Each of them received a cloak embroidered with an exquisite griffin emblem and a set of gleaming plate armor. The square erupted in jubilation, especially when Peter announced that each of them would be rewarded with "ten acres of land"!

Land! It is the eternal pursuit and dream of everyone on this land! Ten hectares! That is enough to ensure a family's livelihood! Cheers and exclamations swept across the entire venue like a tsunami.

"Hail, Lord Peter!"

"A benevolent lord! A generous lord!"

Many people knelt on one knee and saluted Peter again. At this moment, he couldn't help but have tears in his eyes. He recalled his turbulent past and looked at the fertile land that was about to belong to him. His heart was filled with gratitude for Peter and hope for the future.

The members of the intelligence team, including Jerry the Rat, Shevak, Mihar, Barbara, and others, were filled with envy in the audience. They had already received Peter's reward of 50 Grossens and 1 acre of land in advance, but due to the nature of their work, they could only hide in the shadows and could not openly enjoy the glory.

Finally, Peter turned his gaze to Henry, who was standing below the stage. "Henry, come up on stage."

Henry hesitated for a moment, then, somewhat awkwardly, stepped forward under Father Goodwin's encouraging gaze. Peter gave him thirty Grossens, a griffin cloak, and a set of half-plate armor.

"Henry, you are not my vassal, but you served in my camp and fought in my army. This is your reward and compensation for the injustice you suffered at Trostich," Peter said gently.

Henry accepted the reward, his fingers turning slightly white from the pressure. This respect and recognition touched him far more than mere material possessions. Yesterday, after returning to Trossky Castle, he learned that young Semi had properly buried old Oz and the other three. He secretly regretted not taking them with him to the Griffin Camp and leaving them there; he could have prevented the tragedy. Unfortunately, he and Hans hadn't been vigilant enough, still harboring illusions about von Polgár. Alas…

He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Peter." He could feel the goodwill in the eyes of those around him, and his affection for Peter rose sharply. However, the thought of the missing young master Hans and his old loyalty to Ratai and Lord Radji acted like an invisible rope, pulling him back from his loyalty.

Peter looked at the complex emotions flickering in Henry's eyes and sighed inwardly, "His favorability rating is definitely over 60. It's a pity that the shackles in his heart have not yet been broken." He remained expressionless on the surface and simply patted Henry on the shoulder encouragingly.

Goodwin, who was in the audience, did not receive any reward, but he was still happy for Henry.

Jessica, Catherine, Michael, and the others felt envious, but also somewhat regretful. If they had chosen to stay and pledge allegiance yesterday, the reward would definitely not have been just 200 Groshins. Perhaps, based on their merits in ambushing the vassal army and defending Nebakov Castle, they could have each been granted ten hectares of land.