Chapter 321: Disadvantages of a Common Background

In the days that followed, Ronin would occasionally accompany Blanche for leisurely strolls through the Golden Feather Palace. The remainder of his hours was spent either crafting spell scrolls or immersing himself in the historical volumes he had borrowed from her.

Much like the Europe of Earth, this realm possessed no true historians, and its historical records were scattered fragments, entirely devoid of a cohesive system.

Though he caught glimpses of words like cataclysm and war within the pages, they remained impossible to verify, lending the reading experience the distinct flavor of a chivalric romance.

Time slipped away unnoticed, and in the blink of an eye, the twenty-fifth of September arrived—Blanche’s birthday.

According to the schedule arranged by the palace officials, a grand tournament would be held in the great square during the day, followed by a magnificent banquet in the Golden Feather Hall that evening.

Although the late September air in Golden Feather City had grown noticeably crisp, the slowly rising morning sun brought a welcoming warmth to the city.

"My lord, you truly need to have a suit of armor crafted for yourself!"

Tom and David were clumsily adjusting Ronin’s attire; despite attending a tournament, Ronin still wore close-fitting clothing that was, at the very least, convenient for combat.

It was not that he disdained armor, but rather that he had grown quite a bit taller during this period, rendering his old suit entirely ill-fitting.

"Given our current circumstances, we must tighten our belts; where would we find the coin to forge armor?"

It was merely a jest; he now possessed both iron mines and a master blacksmith, making the creation of a suit of armor an effortless endeavor.

However, his possession of Red Mountain Town had been far too brief, and he simply had not yet found the time to have it made.

Ronin buckled the Flame Flow Sword into place and stretched slightly. "Let us go, we mustn’t keep the palace knights waiting."

Outside their quarters, the palace had already prepared a carriage, which would convey Ronin and his two attendants to the tournament grounds.

Ronin lifted the curtain of the carriage window, which was embroidered with the pattern of a golden gryphon, and gazed at the passing scenery.

The Golden Feather Palace was exceptionally lively today; along the road leading to the tournament square, luxurious carriages followed one after another, some bearing nobles like Ronin who resided within the palace, while others hastened from their respective residences within Golden Feather City.

Naturally, alongside the carriages, there were knights clad in gleaming armor astride mighty warhorses, as well as spirited guards standing watch at the roadside.

At this moment, the Golden Feather Palace impressed upon Ronin a profound sense of might.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the venue.

Led by a palace knight, Ronin arrived at the section flying the banner of the Golden Mountains, a seating area designated specifically for him.

Like him, the other nobles had their own seats, and banners of every hue encircled the tournament grounds.

Watching the crowd engage in back-and-forth pleasantries and laugh amongst themselves, and then looking at his own utterly desolate side, Ronin could not help but hum softly under his breath, "That year at eighteen, at the grand tournament, standing like a nobody..."

Despite belonging to a marquisate family directly beneath the duke, not a single soul came forward to curry favor.

"My lord, look over there, why are there no banners?"

Tom pointed toward a distant corner where a dozen people sat, clearly belonging to an organization, yet lacking any flag to represent their house.

Ronin shook his head, for he had no inkling of the matter.

"Earl Ronin."

Just then, a familiar voice drifted over, and it was Rhys Dennis walking toward him.

Since their parting in Golden Feather City, this was the first time Ronin had seen the man.

Ronin smiled and said, "I thought you wouldn't be able to get in."

Rhys's expression was somewhat indifferent, though a faint, artificial smile lingered at the corners of his mouth, suggesting he was in a reasonably good mood.

"Using my family crest, declaring your name, and adding my status as a student of the Royal Knight Academy, entry is still permitted."

He had likely overheard Tom’s confusion just moments ago, so he explained, "That area is for the instructors and students of the Royal Knight Academy and the Oxhorn Bay Extraordinary Academy. Because the two institutions are seated together, no banners were planted."

So that was how it was.

Scanning the surroundings, Ronin failed to spot a single commoner; anyone capable of entering this venue was bound to have some connection to the nobility.

"Are you participating in today's tournament?"

Rhys nodded without the slightest hesitation. "Of course!"

With that, he glanced at Ronin. "Though the championship is beyond my reach, it is an honor just to partake in this tournament!"

Ronin gave him a thumbs-up. "I admire your knightly spirit!"

Rhys shifted his gaze toward the academy section and remarked, "Allow me to offer you a word of warning. Though you are strong, there is someone in today's tournament whom you must guard against."

This statement caught Ronin's attention. "Who?"

"That knight over there with the pale violet hair. Though he hails from the Oxhorn Bay Academy, at twenty-five years of age, he has already been a Silver Knight for over two years. Possessing the lightning attribute, his combat prowess is formidable."

Ronin looked over; the purple-haired knight Rhys had just introduced was currently staring toward the main viewing stands, seemingly searching for someone.

"A Silver Knight at twenty-three... how could someone with such talent fail to join the Royal Knight Academy?"

"He comes from an ordinary family; it is said his parents are simple farmers who till the soil. Though his talent is remarkable, without a letter of introduction, it is impossible to enter the Royal Knight Academy."

It was not that the Royal Knight Academy barred commoners entirely, but to gain entry, one first required a recommendation letter from a noble.

Lacking this item was akin to lacking the key to a door; entering the chamber was simply out of the question.

"What is his name?" Ronin inquired.

"Kalada."

Rhys watched Kalada, who was currently looking to and fro. "Word has it he is secretly infatuated with a noble lady, though given his status as a commoner, it is highly unlikely to bear fruit."

Ronin smiled and said, "For an ordinary man with such strength and potential, altering his destiny should not be difficult."

Rhys, however, shook his head. "There is indeed a chance, but that requires time. After eight or ten years, when the beloved has already wed another, what does it matter even if you become an honorary knight then? Furthermore, to this day, he cannot even join the Royal Knights."

Ronin cast a suspicious glance at Rhys; the man was rather talkative today. Could it be that spending a few days interacting with his classmates had brightened his disposition?

Nevertheless, he had to admit that the other man spoke with profound reason.

The Royal Knights also demanded a letter of recommendation. If one could not join the knightly order, how could one speak of achieving merit?

Ronin could not help but ask, "If he cannot join the Royal Knights, he could choose to pledge his fealty to other nobles. An ordinary man with a background as uncomplicated as his would surely find nobles willing to accept his allegiance."

Setting others aside, Ronin himself had already conceived the notion of recruitment.

"Rhys, could you help me get in touch with him?"

"You wish to recruit him?"

Rhys was somewhat surprised, though upon further thought, it was easy to understand.

"I advise you not to bother. The object of his unrequited love is within the Royal Knights; he will never swear fealty to any other noble."

"Ronin."

As the two conversed, a crisp voice rang out.

Ronin turned to look and saw a female knight with short golden hair approaching, looking rather valiant in her light armor.

"You are... Knight Mixi?"

He stood up in astonishment; had he not remembered her voice, he would scarcely have recognized her.

Mixi nodded and offered a slight smile. "Her Highness the Princess bade me convey her blessings to you. She hopes you will achieve a glorious victory today!"

"Thank you!"

Ronin looked toward the grandstands and met Blanche's gaze.

Today, Blanche wore a magnificent gown dominated by shades of green, which complemented the green silk shawl Ronin had gifted her perfectly.

The two nodded to each other across the distance. Luo Ning turned his gaze back: “Will Sir Misi also participate in today’s tournament?”

“It is my honor.”

Misi nodded once more, then walked away slowly to prepare for the contest.

Li Si was surprised—he had not known Luo Ning was acquainted with Misi.

He glanced back at Karada, and indeed, the man was now gazing in their direction. (End of chapter)