Chapter 153: 153 Orson Arrives

Chapter 153: 153. Orson's Arrival

Ever since Rulance informed Ronin that Princess Blanche would be coming to Wushan Castle, the news had swept through the entire fortress like a sudden gale.

Though Blanche’s reputation abroad was less than sterling, the blood of the Alduin royal line flowed through her veins, representing the crown wherever she set foot.

Thus, upon learning of this, the nobles were filled with anticipation even as they speculated wildly on the true intentions of the royal family and His Majesty Bruno.

"Father, welcome to Wushan Castle."

At the head of a luxurious caravan, Orson Hyde, the Earl of Black Python City, arrived at Wushan Castle on the evening of the twenty-sixth; upon receiving the report, Lady Dianne immediately brought Brighton forward to receive him.

"Grandfather, welcome to Wushan Castle!" Brighton chimed in, following close behind.

"Haha, it has been too long, my boy!"

Orson strode forward, affectionately stroking Brighton's head.

"You seem to have grown taller since we last met. Your growth is the continuation of the Wushan family's glory. Splendid!"

He was already seventy years old, yet unlike Rulance, his spirit was remarkably vibrant, leaving him looking scarcely different from a man in his prime.

"Dianne, since Wiggins is currently indisposed, you, as his wife, must do your utmost to preside over this banquet properly. You must not disgrace the Hyde family, nor may you neglect the etiquette of Wushan Castle."

He stepped forward to share a brief embrace with his daughter, patting her on the back. "You have worked hard."

Dianne smiled. "Rest assured, Father, everything here has been properly arranged. Dusk is falling; please follow me into the castle."

With the arrival of an influential figure like Earl Orson, essentially all the nobles of Wushan City who were meant to attend had now arrived.

"My Lord."

Knight Laurent, who had been staying close to Brighton's side, stepped up to Orson. "Not long ago, the Marquis revealed that Princess Blanche will arrive at Wushan Castle tomorrow, and Ronin is tasked with her reception."

"My thanks for the information, Sir Laurent, but I am already aware of this matter."

Orson's expression remained unchanged. "The Marquis's fame spreads far and wide, and his birthday has drawn attention from all sides. It is foreseeable that the day after tomorrow at Wushan Castle will be exceptionally grand and lively!"

"Like everyone else, I am looking forward to it immensely!"

Led by Dianne, Orson first went to pay his respects to Rulance, as dictated by the etiquette expected of a vassal.

Afterward, he took up residence in an independent small courtyard, a courtesy extended to Earl Orson by Wushan Castle.

Here, Orson exchanged friendly greetings and conversation with many nobles, making for a bustling scene.

"Ronin, are you not going to see Earl Orson? It is quite lively over there!"

McKinney sat upon the courtyard swing, swaying gently as a maidservant pushed her with measured strokes.

She found herself somewhat unable to understand her younger brother these days; with Wushan Castle so full of life, Ronin was actually in the yard alone, brandishing a longsword.

Even if he did not care to see Orson, he should at least mingle with the other nobles.

"What would I go see him for?"

Ronin merely thrust his sword simply, practicing his basic footwork.

If McKinney had not insisted on chatting with him, he would currently be studying those combat techniques and magic spells.

"He and I are both vassals to Grandfather. In the absence of shared interests or communication, there is no need for me to take the initiative to visit him."

Ronin delivered a fierce thrust, its speed so great that it whipped the air into a sharp whistle.

McKinney was startled by the strike. "Your swordsmanship seems remarkably good, little brother. Who did you learn it from?"

"From my knights, Maken and Ridal."

McKinney could not help but look toward the towering knight who had been standing not far off. She had heard from Kabir that this Maken seemed rather unusual.

She had been by Kabir’s side for many years, and she rarely heard him praise anyone in such a manner.

For this brother of hers to suddenly possess two highly extraordinary knight retainers was truly a rare thing.

"You speak rightly; I cannot stand that old man either."

McKinney tilted her head to impart some history to Ronin, seemingly worried that her brother was ignorant of past events.

"In the early years, Orson was not a follower of Grandfather. It was only before the Battle of Mist City that he lost to Grandfather in a knight's tournament. According to their wager, the losing side would pledge fealty to the victor, and thus he became Grandfather's follower."

Ronin stopped his movements. "Such a thing happened?"

He searched carefully through the memories in his mind, only to find that the recollection of this matter was hazy, unsure whether his predecessor had simply never bothered to learn of it, or if his memories of his past self were growing fainter by the day.

"He still holds a grudge in his heart!"

McKinney complained, "Many a time he wanted to challenge Grandfather to another duel, saying they must determine a definitive winner."

Ronin nodded quietly; that was indeed possible.

If not for considerations of reputation, the man might very well have become a royal earl directly, wouldn't he?

Furthermore...

McKinney had already spoken at length about Earl Orson in front of him. Though she did not say it outright, she was conveying a message to Ronin—

The man was an adversary; he must be guarded against at all times, and preparations must be made to deal with him.

McKinney’s affection for Ronin as a sister was genuine and deep, yet there was purpose woven into her speech.

"My Lord, Butler Most has arrived," Tom entered to report.

McKinney felt a touch of curiosity; why did this knight still wear a mask upon his face? Could it be that there was a scar beneath it too hideous, marring his appearance?

"Send him in."

Most walked inside, followed by a manservant and a maid.

"Young Master Ronin, this is the formal attire the Master prepared for you in advance. Tomorrow, you may wear it to receive Princess Blanche."

"Oh, wow~"

McKinney leapt down from the swing and ran over in pleasant surprise, looking over the garment with envious eyes.

"This fabric, these jewels, these patterns... it looks as though Grandfather spent a great deal of effort on this attire?"

Most smiled. "The Master did indeed spend considerable time preparing it, much like the silk scarf Young Master Ronin prepared for him."

Ronin tossed his sword to Maken and walked over to take a couple of looks.

This was likely formal attire crafted from the leather of a magical beast; it felt rich and incomparably delicate to the touch, perhaps not at all inferior to a coat made from Storm Magic Wolf fur.

"Thank Grandfather for me," he said.

Most then handed Ronin a piece of parchment. "This is the itinerary the Master has planned for you. Over the next few days, you may take the Princess about to amuse herself."

Rulance had prepared thoroughly indeed, even arranging the itinerary.

Ronin took it to look it over; it mentioned parks, lakes, and other scenic spots, as well as elegant venues like the opera house and music hall.

What caught his attention most was that tomorrow afternoon, there would be a splendid beast-fighting match within the Wushan City Coliseum, reportedly featuring a Tier 3 magical beast.

"I understand."

Ronin folded the paper and handed it to Maken.

"You must give it your all!"

McKinney encouraged him, "Strive to win the Princess over in one fell swoop and capture her heart!"

Luo Ning smiled and said, “Sister, this is a political marriage—not like your free-love affair with Kabir.”

After overcoming his initial resistance to the arrangement, Luo Ning’s mindset had softened; in fact, he now harbored a quiet anticipation.

Not that he looked forward to falling in love—he longed merely to see this Princess Blanchette, to behold what manner of face she bore.

Time slipped swiftly away. As the morning sun rose the next day, a dark speck appeared on the southwestern horizon.

The speck grew larger, and as it neared Wushan City, a piercing cry pierced the heavens, echoing all the way to Wushan Keep, drawing every eye upward.

Luo Ning strode out quickly, arriving at the square before Wushan Keep.

There, in the sky, the dark speck had taken form—a colossal bird!

It dove with breathtaking speed, and when it hovered merely ten meters above the ground, it suddenly spread its wings.

In an instant, a mighty gust surged outward in all directions, slowing its descent until it settled gently upon the earth.

Luo Ning’s gaze never wavered from the beast.

It possessed the body of a lion and mighty wings, yet the head of an eagle and razor-sharp talons. Its feathers shimmered with golden light, radiating an irresistible majesty.

A griffin.

It was a creature of extraordinary courage and pride.

Endowed with immense strength and peerless flight, it had once reigned supreme as the undisputed sovereign of the skies.

At that moment, Luo Ning’s heart stirred—for this griffin.

He too wished to possess such a flying mount.

But it was said that only the rarest nobles owned griffins—known to all, only the royal family and a handful of dukes.

Mo Te stood beside him, murmuring, “Master, this is the vanguard griffin knight of the Royal Sky Guard. His arrival means the princess’s procession cannot be far behind.”

“Have all the nobles prepare to receive her!” Luo Ning ordered.

He glanced down at his attire; McKinney adjusted his collar and cravat.

Luo Ning stepped forward with firm strides.

Each griffin knight held a status beyond the ordinary—Wushan Keep must show them due honor.

(End of Chapter)