Chapter 286: Lulance's Arrangement

In this battle, Ronin’s military achievements were indeed substantial.

But the fruits of victory could not be claimed by one man alone—after all, other nobles had also contributed their strength.

Take Viscount Marvin, or Baron Germain—they had sent ample troops and suffered heavy losses in the bloody siege of Stonehold. Ruslan could not reward them with nothing.

So when Ronin made his demands, he was tactful enough not to ask for much, securing only the two most critical things.

Yet from Ruslan’s tone, it seemed Ronin had asked for too little.

“Ushan Domain may have three counts. I grant you this title.”

Currently, Ushan Domain had two counts: one was Aeson Hyde, the other Ronin’s father, Viggins.

To be fair, Viggins’s countship was merely provisional—he was heir to a marquisate, his fief only the city of Ushan, purely transitional.

In truth, the only legitimate count of Ushan Domain was Aeson alone.

“As for fiefs, beyond Chishan Town, I intend to grant you Stonehold. Baron Corien, whose treachery you uncovered, has been exposed—thanks to you, the other nobles escaped disaster.”

Ronin’s heart leapt.

Stonehold had no special resources beyond its stones.

But over the years, Corien had managed it well—its population had grown to thirty or forty thousand.

If he gained control of these laborers, Ronin’s chronic shortage of manpower would be further alleviated.

“Won’t the other nobles resent this?”

If Ruslan distributed fiefs this way, the two finest—Chishan Town and Stonehold—would both fall to Ronin. The others would receive little.

“Don’t worry about that. Even if I must grant fiefs, there are still Sari Village, Sandflow Town, and Cassiel Town left to bestow.”

Ruslan’s tone was light.

Not every victory warranted land grants. And in this war, the other nobles’ contributions were far smaller than Ronin’s. If fiefs were to be given, few would qualify.

Moreover, it was Ronin who exposed Poland’s bandits and Corien’s plot, sparing these nobles catastrophic losses. Granting him two fiefs would not provoke complaint.

“The Fifth Knightly Order of Ushan Keep now numbers only half its former strength. It must be rebuilt.”

Knightly Orders consumed vast wealth, yet for the domain’s security, Ushan must maintain at least five standing orders.

“Knights and soldiers are easy to find—but finding a commander for the Order is not.”

Ruslan looked at Ronin, his gaze brimming with trust: “So I have decided to appoint you as commander of the Fifth Knightly Order of Ushan Keep, and station it at the coastal city of Shoreside, on Ushan’s southwestern border.”

To lead one of Ushan Keep’s knightly orders was not reserved solely for landed nobles—but it was still a position of great honor, and one granted only to those deeply trusted by the Marquis.

Even Corien, whose betrayal had only begun this past spring, had once earned Ruslan’s trust through his lineage in the Hansens and his exemplary loyalty and competence.

Now, entrusting Ronin with the Fifth Order’s command signaled Ruslan’s recognition of his strength—and sent a clear message to the world: Ronin was trusted, valued, and favored.

Ronin’s first reaction was joy—he now had forces under his direct command.

Though he could not bring them to Ushan North, they would at least secure the safety of the southwestern enclave.

Yet a shadow of unease crept in.

“Grandfather, Shoreside is close to Moonpass Valley. By annihilating Poland’s bandits, we’ve likely angered Hesus. If I go to Shoreside now, might his son-in-law Ramsay launch a surprise attack?”

He had felt the might of a Star-class warrior firsthand.

That day, he had fled Shoreside immediately after securing Amicus’s funds—precisely because he feared a Star-class assassin.

“Your concern is not unfounded.”

Ruslan acknowledged Ronin’s worry.

“Hesus is arrogant, brash, prone to reckless, even reckless actions.”

Then his tone shifted: “But while you hold the title of commander, you need not personally garrison Shoreside.”

“You may appoint a trusted subordinate as deputy commander—say, your commander from Ushan North, Ridal. If you trust him fully, let him lead the garrison.”

“Ramsay is a Star-class warrior. He won’t assassinate a Silver Knight—especially not Ridal. Killing him would serve no purpose.”

Yet Ronin weighed the matter carefully in his mind.

Ridal was no ordinary knight. Ronin did not wish to expose him to danger.

But Ruslan’s logic held: to outsiders, Ridal might seem merely talented—no noble lineage, no family backing. For a Star-class to assassinate him would be beneath contempt.

Most crucially, even if the assassination succeeded, it would merely annoy Ronin—it would change nothing.

After careful consideration, Ronin nodded slightly and smiled.

“This will please Ridal. He has always longed for the chance to command more knightly squads.”

Clearly, he accepted Ruslan’s arrangement.

“Then, Grandfather, how will you handle Shoreside?”

Ruslan pondered.

“Shoreside will remain under direct control of Ushan Keep for now. I’ll assign Albert to dispatch personnel to manage affairs there.”

“That territory has been reclaimed, but Poland’s bandits ruled it for years. Deep, tangled factions still linger. Full control will take time—and will require the Fifth Order’s cooperation.”

“That is only right.”

Ronin nodded immediately.

The Fifth Order stood there for two reasons: to defend the border, and to handle such matters.

“Very well. Your official appointments are nearly settled. The finer details can be delegated to subordinates. Now, let us speak of your personal affairs.”

Personal affairs?

Ronin frowned. “What do you mean?”

Ruslan chuckled. “Your annihilation of Poland’s bandits has reached Goldfeather City. The King himself wrote to me in congratulations—and wishes to use Princess Brankie’s upcoming birthday as an occasion for you to visit the capital and meet him. If all proceeds smoothly, your betrothal shall be formally announced during next year’s Founding Day celebrations.”

Ronin froze. He had not considered this.

“I’ve never been to the capital.”

Goldfeather City left no impression on him—his predecessor had never set foot there, only heard it was a place of great splendor.

Ruslan smiled. “Indeed, you’ve never been. But before your betrothal, meeting the King is proper etiquette.”

“Heh. Should you perform poorly and displease King Bruno, perhaps this marriage won’t be finalized after all.”

His final remark was jest.

By the time Brankie’s birthday passed, she would be nineteen.

A princess of that age, unmarried, with no betrothal settled—especially after the two scandals that had stirred public gossip—was an embarrassment to the princess and the royal house.

The Ushan family was a great noble house, had relinquished its interests, and Ronin’s own standing was no less than adequate. There was no reason to withdraw.

“I recall Brankie’s birthday is late September. If I must go to Goldfeather City, time is short.”

“Indeed. This time, travel to Goldfeather by land and water—avoid flying on dragonback.”

Ruslan added, “So once this victory banquet concludes, you should depart.”

(End of chapter)