Chapter 187: Suffered a Sneak Attack Kiss

The news of Lo Ning becoming Viscount of Wu Bei spread swiftly among the nobility, and soon the entire Wu Mountain Domain would know of it.

For Lo Ning, it was a joyous occasion, and as a result, he unwittingly became the center of attention at the banquet, enduring endless rounds of toasting and drinking.

Some rejoiced; others, naturally, grieved.

The banquet hall buzzed with merriment, yet the people of Black Viper City remained somber—even declining to attend the evening’s feast.

As interim host, Lo Ning had no choice but to instruct Holwart to send servants with food to them, and he himself made a personal visit to the small courtyard to check on Auson.

The once proud Border Earl now lay motionless, eyes tightly shut, his face ashen, his features aged as if by decades.

Auson now resembled a freshly castrated cat—devoid of his usual mischievous vigor.

From Breton, Lo Ning learned that Auson had locked himself in his chamber that evening, forbidding anyone entry, while agonized screams echoed from within, chilling even those waiting outside.

Just before the banquet began, when silence fell and no answer came to their knocks, they broke down the door in desperation and carried Auson to his bed.

No one knew what he had done inside—but Rumans’ suspicion was likely correct.

Auson must have desperately suppressed the Soul-Eating Surge with his aura, provoking a violent backlash of black energy that had knocked him unconscious on the spot.

...

After the banquet, Lo Ning strolled with Branchi through the castle park.

Though their acquaintance was brief, they had come to know each other well.

Especially for Branchi—these past two days, even with her eyes closed, she saw only Lo Ning’s image. Not out of infatuation, but because the memory of him holding her in his arms, slaying foes in the arena, burned too deeply into her soul.

“Lo Ning, Brool has made all arrangements. We depart for the capital tomorrow morning. Thank you for your company and care these past days.”

“It was my duty.”

Lo Ning asked, “How long will your journey take?”

He was curious—how swift were griffins?

Branchi considered. “About two days. We’ll rest overnight in Horned City tomorrow afternoon, then continue—likely arriving at the capital by noon the day after.”

It was clear the princess’s entourage was not rushing; they flew no more than six hours a day.

The distance from Wu Mountain Castle to the capital was considerable—yet they could cover it in half a day. The griffins’ speed must be extraordinary, likely exceeding a hundred kilometers per hour.

“That’s remarkably fast. I wish you a safe journey.”

Branchi turned her head, gazing at the handsome man beside her. When King Bruno first sent her to Wu Mountain Castle, she had resisted. Now, that resistance had vanished, replaced by a trembling uncertainty.

If marriage were to be arranged, she would not refuse—but still, she had seen no clear sign from Lo Ning.

Summoning courage, she asked, “If I invite you to visit the capital, will you come?”

Lo Ning paused, feigning deep thought, then answered seriously: “I’ve just become Viscount of Wu Bei, and now I’ve taken over the Sain Domain. There are countless affairs awaiting me—I suspect I’ll be very busy.”

“Oh.” The light in Branchi’s eyes dimmed. She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper.

Countless thoughts churned within her—perhaps he feared her, feared the rumors that she brought death to those near her.

Lo Ning had never courted a woman, but he’d read enough romances to know: when a girl asks if you’ll come, she wants to hear yes.

He smiled, sly and warm. “But if the princess invites me, I will come. No matter how busy my domain, I’ll make time.”

Branchi’s head snapped up, her pale violet eyes sparkling with delight. “Really?”

“Of course!” Lo Ning met her gaze squarely. “But you must notify me in advance—I need to prepare.”

“I will!” Branchi’s lashes fluttered with joy. “I’m so glad you said yes!”

“It is my honor to receive an invitation from Your Highness,” Lo Ning replied with a smile.

The park lights were dim, yet to Branchi, Lo Ning glowed with boundless radiance, drawing her in like a magnet.

Without knowing where the courage came from, she rose on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his—light as a dragonfly’s touch.

The night was cold; her lips were icy.

It stunned him. He had not expected such boldness—and for a heartbeat, his heart leapt.

Branchi’s cheeks burned. She snatched her skirts and fled. “Good night, Lo Ning. I’ve never been happier.”

Lo Ning touched his lips, watching her dart away to meet Misi in the distance. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

Had he just been kissed?

Back at his quarters, he visited Joffrey.

Changed surroundings, combined with healing magic and medicine, had improved the man’s condition significantly. His complexion had brightened.

Joffrey, deeply moved by Lo Ning’s regard, still could not believe such a lord would take notice of him.

“McKen, Tom—we’ll depart for our domain in a few days.”

In Joffrey’s chamber, Lo Ning began planning their return.

“I need you both to purchase several things in Wu Mountain City over the next two days.”

“Your orders, my lord.”

First, Lo Ning required a supply of third- and fourth-tier beast hides, along with corresponding magical inks, to craft spell scrolls.

So far, third-tier spells—Wind of Perception, Swift Step, Flame Burst—proved invaluable.

Fourth-tier spells—Whips of Wind, Pillar of Flame—were equally potent, especially the latter, devastating in mass combat.

Even if never sold, such scrolls were worth hoarding.

In this world, spell scrolls were weapons, ammunition—never enough when war came.

He also needed books.

When he’d left Mountain Village, he’d promised Elin a wealth of tomes. Returning with such bounty, he could not forget her small gift.

Other matters—corn, oats, alfalfa seeds—he did not rush to buy.

He could wait until he assumed control of Sain Domain, then purchase what was lacking in Horse Pasture City.

The journey from Sain to Horse Pasture was far easier than from Mountain Village.

He even considered relocating his permanent residence from Mountain Village to Marsh Town—Lord Raisen’s castle surely surpassed his humble Mountain Keep in grandeur and strength.

With Cloudstrider at his disposal, travel between locations took little time.

A new domain needed its lord present to stabilize swiftly.

After entrusting the minor details to McKen and Tom, Lo Ning finally allowed himself rest.

As midnight struck, the familiar text shimmered into view—but this time, the message differed:

【Check-in successful. Attribute points +2】

Lo Ning smiled.

“A fine beginning to the new year.” (End of chapter)