Chapter 144: 144 Viscount Marvin's Intention

Chapter 144: The Viscount of Marven’s Plan

Rognar didn’t quite understand why his father had suddenly suggested he follow Ronin.

“Father, do you truly hold Ronin in high regard? Yet he has no extraordinary qualities—his victory over Raison was achieved by his retainer.”

He voiced his skepticism: “Yes, Ronin does have the ability to attract such a powerful retainer, but we know nothing of what transpired between master and servant. Perhaps Ronin merely tossed him a few coins when that Riedal was at his wit’s end?”

It was not uncommon for a mighty knight to pledge loyalty to an ordinary noble out of gratitude.

To Rognar, the development of Timber Village had indeed surprised him—he had never imagined Ronin could achieve so much.

Yet the idea of following him? His willingness was minimal.

Marven’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the table, lost in quiet thought.

He had two sons: the elder, Mas; the younger, Rognar.

By tradition, the Ironhoof family’s title would pass to Mas.

Rognar would either remain at home to assist his brother in managing the estate, join a knightly order, or become a squire to some great noble.

Over the past two years, Marven had quietly identified several noble houses for Rognar—but none had been formally proposed.

Now Ronin had entered his view.

Not because he held any particular admiration for Ronin’s personal strength or charisma—indeed, what he valued most was Ronin’s lineage: the eldest grandson of the Wushan Lordship.

Since Rulans had entrusted the affairs of Wushan to Viggins, the Ironhoof family had come under the targeted hostility of the Hyde family. Their caravans had repeatedly suffered unprovoked harassment and sabotage.

At first, Marven had sought to appease Viggins, hoping to preserve their commercial interests there. But after repeated rebuffs, he realized the Hydes had no intention of mending ties.

Now that Breton had secured the inheritance, and when Rulans eventually died and Viggins ascended to the marquisate—honestly, Marven could not count on him.

At that point, the Ironhoof family’s position would grow even more precarious.

The Hydes might even engineer minor conflicts to thrust Ironhoof into the spotlight, then encircle and crush them.

Marven needed to prepare in advance.

He truly hoped Ronin would grow stronger. Should chaos erupt in Wushan, Ronin, as direct blood of the Wushan house, could stand against the Hydes.

At that moment, Marven’s own city of Pasture could rally under the banner: “The vile Hyde family betrayed their liege, schemed to oust the rightful heir.”

Thus, he would gain a legitimate cause to unite other nobles against the Hydes—and carve out a survival space for Ironhoof.

So when Marven heard that Raison had been humiliated by Ronin among the barbarian tribes, he was delighted.

Yet now, as Rognar had pointed out, Ronin had no other distinguishing traits beyond having a powerful retainer and a personality unlike the legends.

“You’re right,” Marven said after a long pause. “I’ll reconsider.”

“But understand this: the Ironhoof legacy will rest upon your brother’s shoulders. If you refuse to follow other nobles, I can at best grant you a small fiefdom—no great wealth will be left for you.”

“That’s sufficient, Father.”

Rognar replied, “I enjoy traveling, seeing new lands. Klamy feels the same. I’ll help my brother manage the family’s affairs.”

Marven nodded.

Rognar was stronger—only twenty-one and already a high knight. He was perfectly suited to lead the expansion and maintenance of the family’s trade routes.

“Very well. Come with me to meet Ronin.”

Marven rose. “It’s impolite to keep a guest waiting too long.”

Soon, Viscount Marven strode into the reception hall and immediately spotted Ronin. He laughed, arms wide, and embraced him warmly.

“Ha! Long time no see, Ronin! You’ve grown taller since last we met!”

Strong. Powerful. That was Ronin’s immediate impression. It was hard to believe this short, black-haired man with a cropped head was a Silver-rank knight.

“Long time no see, Your Lordship. You remain as warm and mighty as ever!” Ronin replied with perfect courtesy.

“Come, sit, sit!”

Marven gestured enthusiastically. “Don’t call me ‘Your Lordship’—I’m your grandfather’s disciple, and I’ve always had a good relationship with your father. Call me Uncle.”

He added, “The Marquis’s birthday is coming soon. You’ll be attending, won’t you?”

Last time, when Viggins broke his leg, Marven had invited Ronin to travel together—but Ronin had delayed for a full month before arriving alone at Wushan Keep. That had surprised him.

If he delayed another month this time, it would be outright disrespectful.

“Yes, Uncle.”

Ronin did not refuse. “I happened to pass through Pasture City on my way out of the mountains, so I thought I’d stop by to purchase some goods—and to pay my respects to you.”

“Ha! Next time, just come directly. No need for formal invitations. Ironhoof Keep welcomes you anytime.”

Marven said, “Good. My caravan departs soon. We can travel together to Wushan Keep.”

“It would be my honor!”

This time, Ronin did not decline. He had no pressing business in Wushan anyway. Traveling with the Ironhoof caravan was no hardship.

The conversation flowed smoothly.

Marven then inquired about Riedal’s defeat of Raison.

Ronin was not surprised that Marven knew of the incident at Ashen Village.

After all, Raison had led a full knightly detachment—over a hundred men. After their defeat and return to Sain, it was impossible to keep news from spreading.

He offered no concealment, recounting the battle in detail.

“Uncle Marven, Raison’s knightly detachment shook me deeply. I’ve decided to form my own knightly detachment—but my lands lack sufficient warhorses and mounts.”

This was one of the purposes of his visit. “So I wish to purchase some horses from you.”

Buying horses was commonplace. Many nobles and knights came to Pasture City for them. Marven was accustomed to it.

But he was startled that Ronin intended to form a knightly detachment.

“A proper baron must indeed arm a knightly detachment—but the core of such a force is professional knights. Does Timber Village have so many?”

Rognar’s expression mirrored his surprise. Twelve knightly followers at Ronin’s side?

Ronin smiled and nodded.

“To be frank, I already have twelve professional knights. The cavalry, infantry, and archers are drawn from my vassals—they’re still in training.”

In truth, he already had sixteen transcendent beings under his command.

“Where did you find so many knights?” Rognar could not help asking.

Ronin offered no evasion: “Four were guards from Wushan Keep who awakened their aura seeds two months ago. The rest were recruited from the barbarian tribes.”

“All newly awakened knights—stronger than common men, but far weaker than the standard knightly detachments of other nobles.”

Rognar understood.

Typically, a junior knight could defeat three elite soldiers. A trained knight in a detachment could handle two or three ordinary junior knights.

Forming a detachment from newly awakened knights might look impressive—but its actual combat effectiveness remained questionable.

Yet Viscount Marven smiled, expressing confidence in the future strength of Ronin’s detachment.

“With Riedal and your knight, Macken, leading them, your detachment, once formed, won’t be weak.”

He turned to Rogner and instructed, “Tomorrow, take Luo Ning to the stables to select a warhorse. Given the ties between Tie Ti and Wu Shan, grant Luo Ning a generous discount—it’s my gift as an elder to him at year’s end.”

“Uncle Ma Wen, you are truly generous!” Luo Ning promptly rose to his feet and bowed deeply in gratitude.

The Tie Ti family truly treated him with great courtesy.

(End of Chapter)