Chapter 291: Planning and Exhortation

Luo Ning stumbled back to his room, not from excessive drinking, but from the exhausting toll of endlessly greeting visitors.

Under the care of the servants of Wushan Castle, he bathed and changed into clean clothes, finally feeling a sense of relief.

He summoned his system and checked the achievements interface.

【Famous Throughout the Land】: A title is both a symbol of status and a reflection of strength. Strive to become a Marquis. Reward: +1500 Attribute Points, +3000 Energy Essences.

“A Marquis is no easy title to earn.”

Luo Ning had only two paths to becoming a Marquis.

The first was inheriting the Marquisate of Wushan Castle.

Though Rulans had restored his right of succession, possessing the right and actually becoming Marquis were two entirely different matters.

In this world, nobility typically passed only upon the death of the current holder, to his descendants.

In other words, for Luo Ning to inherit the title, he must first wait for Rulans to die, then wait for Viggins to die.

Not to mention how long Rulans might live—but even Viggins, despite losing a leg, possessed the physique of a High Knight; barring unforeseen disaster, he could easily live another two or three decades.

To outlive Viggins and inherit the title? That would likely take forty or fifty years.

Besides, he had no desire for Rulans to die.

If the Soul-Eating Surge within the old Marquis could be purged, Rulans—possessing a Star-Level power—could easily live another few decades.

Thus, this path held little practicality.

The second path was enfeoffment.

Rulans was a Marquis, yet he lacked the authority to enfeoff his vassals as Marquises.

For Luo Ning to receive the title, he must earn merit before the royal house, compelling the King himself to grant it.

Though he was a vassal of Wushan Castle, Wushan owed allegiance to the Auduin Royal House—and in such a case, he could simultaneously swear fealty to the King while holding the title of Count of Beibei, and receive additional lands from the crown.

A Count of Beibei, a Marquis of the Kingdom—such a dual status was theoretically possible.

“Thus, the marriage alliance with Brandi becomes even more critical.”

Wedding the Princess would greatly aid Luo Ning.

At the very least, it would bind him to Auduin. Without Brandi, he might never even get a chance to meet the King.

“But even so, becoming a Marquis remains exceedingly difficult.”

Luo Ning sighed.

From Baron to Viscount to Count, he had earned merit—but with the advantage of his status and Rulans’ open corridor, his promotions had come swiftly.

Yet on the scale of the Kingdom, no shortcuts existed to becoming a royal Marquis.

He did not believe Brandi had enough influence to persuade King Bruno to bend the rules for him.

“It seems I’ll be wearing this Count’s title for a long while.”

His gaze swept past the achievements 【King of Slaughter】 and 【Fortune’s Favor】, landing on the remaining two:

【Population Flourishes】: Reach thirty thousand registered inhabitants in your domain. Reward: +300 Attribute Points, +600 Energy Essences

【Conquer and Subdue】: Simultaneously hold two cities. Reward: +400 Attribute Points, +800 Energy Essences

The census of Chishan Town had likely been completed, yet its population still fell short of thirty thousand.

But if he counted the populations of Giantstone Domain, Viggins’ followers, and Kabir’s men, his total domain population would surely surpass fifty thousand.

Luo Ning thought of himself—a Count, ruling such vast lands, yet possessing so few people—and felt a pang of embarrassment.

“Chishan Town’s population exceeds ten thousand. According to system mechanics, this should satisfy the condition for 【Conquer and Subdue】—I can complete this achievement before departing for Golden Feather City.”

As for the census of Giantstone Domain, it would take far longer.

Sending the administrator Saelin from Beibei to Giantstone alone would take at least ten days.

“Riedal must join and assume command of the Fifth Knightly Order; he will remain permanently at Shore City. Giantstone has just come under my control—I need someone trustworthy to garrison it and assist in coordinating Chishan’s defenses.”

After careful consideration, among his three subordinates, only Elron could remain in Beibei to lead and develop his alchemical experiments.

Macken, with a small contingent, would be sent to Giantstone to assist in Chishan’s defense.

As for training Beibei’s guards, he would have to entrust it to Zhuwei and Sim, long-serving veterans who had followed Macken and Riedal.

Though inferior to Riedal and Macken, they were still professional knights, trained in military discipline—sufficient to initiate basic training for Beibei’s guards.

For battlefield readiness, Riedal and Macken would need to return periodically to inspect progress and offer guidance.

The core issue remained: he simply lacked enough capable hands.

“I need them to bring me more men.”

His mind flashed with the images of Joffrey and Rogner, two High Knights—but he ultimately decided against recalling them.

Future wars would unfold in the south; letting them learn under Riedal and Macken would prepare them to lead and train troops across Beibei, Giantstone, and beyond.

“Fortunately, Beibei has no hostile neighbors—maintaining order is all that’s required. Otherwise, I’d be stretched too thin.”

Knock. Knock.

A soft rap came at the door.

Luo Ning frowned. Who could be calling at this hour?

He hadn’t brought David or Tom this time—he’d have to open it himself.

The door opened, revealing Mackeney, now dressed in a casual long gown.

“Did I disturb you, my dear brother?”

Luo Ning shrugged. “Clearly. I was just about to sleep.”

“Won’t you invite me in?”

He stepped aside with a smile. “Come in.”

He knew Mackeney had come for a reason—and he was curious.

“Speak, sister. Why are you here so late?”

Mackeney glanced toward the bedroom, then sat in a chair. “You’ve grown considerably more composed. I thought you’d be sleeping with your mage.”

“Come on, Eileen’s just a fourteen-year-old girl.”

“Fourteen is old enough to marry.”

Mackeney emphasized, then added: “The court whispers she’s your mistress.”

Luo Ning sighed helplessly. “I merely brought her along to broaden her horizons. But what others think—I cannot control.”

As the saying goes: truth is twisted by tongues; black and white grow indistinct. To explain only deepens the stain.

“Mother died young, never taught you properly. You never cared to learn—now it falls to me to remind you. As your status rises, you can no longer act so carelessly.”

Her tone turned solemn. “Your marriage to Princess Brandi is not yet sealed. If rumors spread that you keep a mistress—even if untrue—it will tarnish the royal family’s honor.”

Her voice grew heavier. “You’ve brought hope to the Wushan family. If this scandal damages your reputation—or worse, breaks the alliance—the cost to you, to our house, will be devastating.”

Luo Ning frowned. Though he disliked being lectured, Mackeney’s words held undeniable truth.

“Eileen left the banquet early—did you say something to her?”

McKinney nodded. “She’s clever—I only mentioned you and Blanchette, and she left the ballroom immediately. Though you might blame me, I truly feared you’d ask her to dance and then do something like kiss her.”

Roning sighed. “Your worries are unnecessary.”

“That’s best!”

McKinney smiled. “Many nobles have lovers—even your brother-in-law Kabir might have one—but don’t let such matters derail your future, Roning.”

“Thank you for the warning—I’ll remember it.”

Roning bore no ill will toward the other for speaking so bluntly; he knew it came from concern.

“It’s a pity—I had planned to take Eileen out into the world, but these rumors have spoiled her mood.”

McKinney shook her head. “That girl has feelings for you—I can see it. She’s just naive, perhaps unaware even of them herself.”

She rose to her feet. “Enough. I’ve said all I meant to. I hear you’re departing soon for Golden Feather City—may your journey be pleasant.”

“Oh, by the way—I’ve already arranged the people Kabir promised you. Ten thousand in total. Send someone to fetch them from Brilliant City as soon as you can.”

At this, Roning smiled. “Thank you, sister—and thank you, Brother-in-law Kabir!” (End of chapter)