Chapter 185: 185 Viscount of Northern Wubei Territory

Chapter 185: Viscount of Ube North

Ossen’s promotion to Flow Star rank had placed immense pressure on many nobles of the Wushan fief.

Even Roening, after witnessing the might of a Flow Star, felt deep unease.

Yet he never expected that Rulans had crippled Ossen.

This crippling was not like the broken limbs of Viggins or Gellman—Ossen’s wounds had fully healed, and he could move like a normal man, if only with a cane.

But from this day forward, he could no longer wield aura in battle as a true knight.

Though Heimeng City possessed Flow Star-level combatants, they were rendered useless, left to stare helplessly.

Moreover, through Rulans’ maneuver, the Haide family’s growing arrogance would surely be crushed, forcing them to temper their actions.

“Ossen’s ambitions were great—his son, Balinton, even greater.”

Rulans said, “They would never come to Wushan Castle together. After this, Balinton will surely not come at all.”

Roening understood: their separation was to avoid being caught in one net.

And not only had Balinton not come—neither had Nigen, the Golden Lion, the Gold-rank knight of Heimeng City.

“Whether they come or not, it matters little. Without Ossen, the high-end combat strength between Wushan Castle and Heimeng City is no longer unbalanced—it now surpasses theirs.”

Roening slowly nodded.

Wushan Fief possessed five knightly orders. The commanders of the First and Third Orders, Toru and Melonicca, were both Gold-rank. Kabir of the Second Order, though Silver-rank, rivaled Gold in strength. The commanders of the Fourth and Fifth Orders, Sandro Riv and Koren Hansen, were seasoned Silver-rank knights, equally formidable.

Roening now understood: Rulans’ earlier claim of having “no choice but to act” had been a pretext to publicly cripple Ossen and restore balance to Wushan’s power.

“Grandfather, how long can you endure this injury?”

Roening could not help but ask.

A great family often unravels only after the elder’s death. Whether Ossen was crippled or not, Rulans’ presence remained the linchpin holding the fragile peace together.

But this struggle had surely shortened Rulans’ lifespan.

“How much longer can I live?”

Rulans gazed up at the crest on the ceiling, then slowly shook his head. “I don’t know. If I simply grow old naturally, perhaps seven or eight more years. But who can say for certain?”

His tone shifted. “Yet as long as I see you young ones grow into capable leaders, how long I live matters little to me.”

Roening drew a deep breath, deeply moved by the old man’s spirit—the boundless, meticulous care he lavished upon his descendants and his family.

“I will strive,” Roening vowed.

Rulans nodded, his expression solemn. “Then, Roening of Wushan, as Lord of Wushan Fief, I hereby formally appoint you Viscount of Ube North. May you govern your domain with diligence and forge a new thriving city upon the northern frontier of Wushan!”

With that, he picked up a scroll from beside him and extended it forward.

Rulans had won this struggle—and thus, his proposal for Roening’s enfeoffment stood unchallenged.

Bounded by the Sain Fief, the entire northern expanse of Wushan was now named “Ube North”—and it all belonged to Roening. He was its lord.

Roening knelt on one knee. “I thank you for your trust. I shall fulfill my duties with every ounce of my strength!”

He rose, stepped forward, and took the scroll in his hands.

Compared to the moment he first received his baronial charter upon his arrival in this world, this document now felt heavier—weighted with destiny.

The instant his fingers closed around it, two lines of text shimmered into his vision:

【“Famous Throughout the Land” achievement unlocked. Attribute points +200. Energy Essence +400】

【Monthly check-in system updated. Reward multiplier +1】

A surge of joy surged through Roening.

The “Famous Throughout the Land” achievement was tied to noble rank—climbing the ladder completed it.

Now that he had reached Viscount, the next advancement would surely demand him become a Count.

But the update to the monthly check-in system—that was what truly thrilled him. Achievements were uncertain; check-ins were steadfast.

As a baron, he had received 139 attribute points and 115 Energy Essence per month.

Now, as a viscount, with the multiplier +1, he would receive 278 attribute points and 230 Energy Essence each month.

His path to power would accelerate.

“The Sain family has done well in developing Marshtown over the years—infrastructure, industry, population—all improved. Logically, after his demotion, those resources would revert to Wushan Castle before passing to you.”

Sain’s title and lands had been stripped—his assets naturally returned to Wushan Castle. That was the way of things.

But Rulans’ tone shifted again. “Your conduct throughout this affair has been exemplary. I am pleased. Consider these resources my personal gift to you. Wushan Castle will not claim them.”

Roening’s eyes brightened. When Sain had paid him compensation, he’d spent hundreds of gold coins without blinking. How vast were the Sain family’s holdings?

Cash was uncertain—but the Blackwater Cattle? Those must be plentiful.

“Thank you for your overwhelming generosity!” Roening bowed deeply.

Rulans smiled and nodded. “Enough. Wushan Castle’s affairs are nearly settled. Once you’ve seen Branqui off, you may prepare to return and take charge of Sain Fief.”

“I spoke with Branqui this afternoon,” Roening said. “She plans to depart for the capital tomorrow.”

Rulans nodded. His invitation of Branqui had primarily served to bring the royal house into contact with Wushan.

“The neighboring great fiefs—Villa Duchy, Moonvale County, Shriek Island County—all have ties to the crown, either through blood or marriage. Only Wushan remains unconnected by matrimony. This stems from our family’s too-rapid rise.”

Rulans continued, “Branqui’s reputation abroad is poor—but those are merely rumors. Still, the choice is yours. If you truly refuse, I can speak plainly to King Bruno.”

Branqui had come under the pretense of representing the crown at Rulans’ birthday, never hinting at any matrimonial intent.

Thus, Rulans’ reluctance to pursue the alliance did not publicly shame the crown.

Yet Bruno, as an insider, would undoubtedly be displeased.

“As for those rumors, I do not believe them. In these few days, Princess Branqui has proven to be quite pleasant in character.”

Rulans nodded. “Branqui is a princess, yes—but the events of recent years have shaped her differently from other royals. She is unusually approachable, and her network is remarkably simple.”

“You have time to consider. I will ask you when the moment comes.”

Roening replied, “I will give it serious thought.”

(End of Chapter)