Chapter 276: Arriving at Coastal City Ahead of Time

In the Battle of Giantrock, some soldiers, though unharmed, were utterly drained.

Yet when Riedal and Torul announced their intent to rally forces and reclaim the lost towns—including Sandflow— they eagerly signed up.

As Baron Germain had said, not only the lightly wounded demanded to join, but even those bleeding profusely, on the verge of fainting, insisted on taking part.

For they knew the coming battles held little danger—only fools would pass up such easy glory and wealth.

The new regiment was swiftly assembled.

After a brief rest and a midday meal, a large contingent of knights and cavalry surged out of Giantrock.

This time, to hasten their march, they carried no provisions— for the castles along the route held all they needed.

For the noble alliance, it was a pity that Cassil had been seized first by Roning; otherwise, they might have plundered great wealth from both towns.

Roning and Riedal joined the column as it reached Crimson Mountain Town, listening to Macken’s report.

“My lord, our occupation of Cassil and Crimson Mountain Town went smoothly. Yet in several minor skirmishes, over a dozen infantrymen suffered grave wounds—one had his neck cleanly severed on the spot. Even Elron’s potent healing spell could not save him.”

Elron sighed helplessly: “His head hung by little more than skin and sinew. The wound was too severe.”

“War always claims lives. There is no helping it,” said Roning.

“Record the names of the fallen. When we return to the North U lands, we shall provide compensation.”

Even military drills claimed casualties—how much more so in real war?

Even with Macken and Elron guarding them, losses were inevitable.

Roning cherished the knightly squad he had painstakingly built—but he understood that only through blood and battle could a force grow truly formidable.

And frankly, compared to the losses suffered by other noble factions, North U’s casualties were negligible.

“The war nears its end, but several towns still await our recovery.”

The enemy was nearly annihilated; the coming reconquests would pose little challenge. Roning handed command to Torul and Marven, deciding he would no longer follow the column.

“Joffrey, you will lead the knights and cavalry with the noble alliance—directly to Shore City.”

Joffrey froze, stunned that his lord would entrust him with command. He immediately cried out, beaming: “Yes, my lord!”

“Rogner, you and Krami take forty infantry and all archers to Sari Village and Sandflow. Jenni, you remain here with the rest—hold Crimson Mountain Town and Cassil, guard the storehouses.”

Each received their orders and moved swiftly.

For Roning, the gains from Crimson Mountain and Cassil were already sufficient. Continuing with the alliance served only as training.

Of course, beyond avoiding needless slaughter and wanton plunder, any additional spoils would depend entirely on the men themselves.

“My lord, everyone has a mission—what of me?”

Macken scratched his head, voice tinged with frustration.

He had heard from Riedal of the great battle at Giantrock—especially the slaying of the Meteor Knight, a feat any knight would dream of—and he had missed it entirely.

Though capturing Cassil and Crimson Mountain had been important, to Macken it had been child’s play—and the regret gnawed at him.

Roning smiled mysteriously: “We have another mission.”

Shore City, the westernmost border town of the Ushan Range, had long been the stronghold of the Polant Bandits. Its castle surely held vast wealth belonging to Amicus.

Though the noble alliance’s cavalry moved swiftly, their delays and rest stops meant they would take at least two days to reach Shore City.

But it lay closer to Moonlight Valley.

If word of Amicus’s death reached Hesus, he might well set his sights on Shore City.

Of course, Moonlight Valley would not send troops themselves—that would be an invasion of Ushan.

But they could send their griffin knights to land within the castle and carry off the wealth they had backed as Amicus’s.

Roning had no objection to sharing victory’s spoils with the noble alliance—but he would not permit Moonlight Valley to steal from Ushan’s coffers.

As Karlos spread his wings, Roning, Macken, Elron, and Riedal flew toward Shore Keep.

Shore City bore its name because it clung to the Alte River—the very boundary of Ushan.

And because it bordered the river, its land was fertile—once a vital grain-producing region of Ushan.

Even under bandit control, its harvests could not have dwindled much.

“What a long river!”

Roning gazed down from his dragon’s back at the winding waterway, and for a moment, he thought of the Yangtze and the Yellow River of his homeland.

“This land should have thrived—but alas, it is a border, rife with strife.”

Shaking off his thoughts, Roning turned his gaze to Shore City.

As the bandits’ stronghold, its sheer number of buildings suggested a sizable population.

The four atop the dragon observed the city, searching for the location of Shore Keep.

Ushan Fortress.

Rulans read Caroлина’s letter twice, then broke into a radiant smile and cried out: “Excellent!”

“What has happened, Father, to make you so joyful?”

Vikins stared, astonished—he had never seen Rulans smile so broadly in years.

“It is Roning’s letter.”

Rulans handed it over, and Breton rushed over.

“Brother captured Crimson Mountain Town?”

Vikins shook his head. “Too fast. I’d guess it’s just an initial victory.”

“And Father, Roning led so many troops—defeating the Polant Bandits was expected. Why are you so delighted?”

Diane nudged Vikins gently, silently urging him to hold his tongue.

Would a marquis be this elated over merely an initial victory?

Use your toes to think—there must be more joy in that letter.

Breton read the parchment, his eyes widening in shock: “Brother Roning… they’ve taken Giantrock Castle!”

“What?”

Vikins cried out: “Breton, are you mad? Giantrock Castle belongs to Baron Corien! Roning captured it?”

Breton looked bewildered at Rulans.

“Corien betrayed Ushan Keep. He conspired with the Polant Bandits to ambush and kill the noble alliance—and Roning—within Crimson Mountain Town.”

Rulans, in high spirits, explained: “But Roning saw through their plot. He struck first, seized Giantrock Castle, captured the traitor, lured the Polant Bandits into Giantrock City, and annihilated them all.”

“This…?”

The flood of news left Vikins reeling.

Just Corien’s betrayal was unimaginable—let alone Roning luring and wiping out the entire Polant Bandits.

Was this truly his son?

Then Breton’s eyes bulged: “The bandit leader was a Meteor Knight—Brother Roning… they killed a Meteor Knight!”

Good heavens, Breton, have you lost your mind?

Vikings could no longer contain himself; he wheeled forward and snatched the letter away.

The moment he read it, he felt the urgent need to grow another brain.

“In this battle, Ronin performed exceptionally well!”

Rulans’s gaze flickered; merely from this letter, he could sense the extraordinary nature of the battle—surely, in reality, it was far more dazzling than the brief account suggested.

And it was clear: this was all Ronin’s doing.

He could not help but murmur low and heavy, “At the victory banquet, I shall grant him the title of Earl of Ubai.” (End of chapter)