Chapter 345: Honesty

The Moonshadow Palace, Ronin bid farewell to Blanchette.

Having lingered in the capital, Golden Feather City, for over a fortnight, their bond had deepened swiftly.

Especially Blanchette—her past trials had made her attachment to Ronin all the more profound.

Whenever Ronin undertook perilous missions or tasks, she would be consumed by dread, fearing he might suddenly meet with some terrible accident.

“This separation… I fear our next meeting won’t come until next June.”

Blanchette spoke with reluctant longing, yet a quiet hope flickered beneath her words.

Next year marks the 970th year of the Empire’s calendar. Both the Auduin Kingdom and the Tricia Kingdom, self-proclaimed heirs to the imperial legacy, would hold grand celebrations every decade.

According to His Majesty Bruno, next year’s festivities would be the occasion on which he would publicly announce Ronin and Blanchette’s betrothal.

“Time will pass quickly,” Ronin said with a smile, uttering words akin to “True love endures beyond daily togetherness,” and the princess was deeply moved.

“Ronin, there’s something I’ve pondered long and hard—I’ve decided it’s best to tell you before it’s officially announced.”

“Hmm?”

Ronin looked at her in surprise. “What is it? Why so serious?”

Blanchette hesitated still. “Actually… I am a high-level mage of the Dark affinity.”

That’s it?

Ronin was puzzled. “That’s wonderful! A high-level mage at nineteen—your magical talent is exceptional. Train hard, and perhaps one day, my Northern U region will have a Grand Archmage among us!”

He truly hoped his partner possessed strong cultivation potential—so they might remain together longer.

Blanchette shook her head. “Countess Amethyst verified it—my Dark affinity is unusual. I possess the potential to become a Necromancer.”

As she spoke, she cast a spell.

The air trembled, and from the glowing runes of a summoning circle emerged a skeletal warrior.

Ronin was stunned. “Is this… Skeleton Summoning?”

“This is Necromantic Summoning,” Blanchette explained. “After learning this spell, my consciousness enters a realm of the undead, filled with skeletal warriors. This one I transformed—it possesses the strength of a typical high-rank knight.”

“Remarkable!”

Ronin raised his thumb, inspecting the bony knight—sword and shield in hand, clad in crude armor.

A high-level mage paired with a high-rank knight—this combination was formidable.

Necromancers… were indeed peculiar.

“You still don’t understand,” Blanchette said, bitter and fearful. “Others say I curse those who marry me, bringing them to gruesome deaths. And indeed, I possess the second-tier Necromantic spell—‘Curse.’”

Ronin cut her off. “So you believe your magical talent has brought you misfortune?”

She nodded. “Yes. That’s why I’ve never dared declare myself a mage—especially not a Dark or Necromantic one.”

She looked at him. “If you share this fear, I can ask my father to annul our betrothal.”

She had once longed for the union—but now, after growing close to him, she feared she might doom this handsome man.

Ronin laughed. “Foolish child. I don’t believe in such superstitions. Besides, a second-tier curse can’t kill me.”

He pulled her into his arms. “If you truly were such a cursed being, I’d use my love and sunlight to dispel it.”

Her eyes shimmered with emotion—those words melted her completely. She lifted her face, whispering softly, “Ronin… you’re so kind.”

After a brief kiss, Ronin departed the Moonshadow Palace, setting off on his return journey.

This time, he divided his forces.

Karada, with the fifteen recruits he had gathered, boarded the vessel captained by Vik, carrying grain and supplies to the Torrent Island.

Once again, a royal warship under Misi’s command accompanied them—she would oversee the handover and retrieve the Vali Knights and others.

It was precisely because of Misi’s presence that Ronin dared to split his forces.

Meanwhile, he himself, accompanied by Tom and David, sailed south aboard the D’Ness No. 1 from Hornspire.

Four days later, on the last day of October, Ronin’s party returned to D’Ness Port.

“Ha! Welcome home, victorious Flame Knight, Baron of Torrent Island!”

“To have the Viscount himself greet me—I’m truly honored!”

They shook hands.

Ronin was surprised by Vitellino’s personal reception.

But he understood—this gesture signaled deep interest in his earlier proposal.

Vitellino then exchanged a few courteous words with Baron Melonic of Wushan Town, showing him full respect as the region’s foremost warrior.

After pleasantries, the group proceeded to Hornspire Keep.

The lively luncheon gave way to negotiations.

“You truly wish to train in Northern U?”

Vitellino was taken aback by his eldest son’s request—yet somehow, it felt inevitable.

“Yes, Father.”

Ris glanced at Ronin beside him. In recent days, they had endured much—following Ronin’s lead promised a far more challenging life than remaining in Hornspire.

Vitellino turned to Ronin with playful teasing. “I knew you stole the princess’s heart—but I didn’t realize you’d steal my son too.”

He’d merely asked Ris to escort you—never imagined he’d be shipped off to Northern U.

Ronin awkwardly rubbed his nose. “Don’t say such things—I have no interest in men.”

Ris twitched his lips, discomfort creeping over him—he couldn’t even muster a fake smile.

Vitellino laughed heartily. “I don’t object. Honestly, you’re not the only viscount sending his son to Northern U for training. Sandro of Lingchuan City did the same.”

“Oh?”

Ronin blinked. “Sandro’s son is Yusef, isn’t he? I didn’t know he went to Northern U.”

“Things happened after you left. Word is, Yusef is now studying magical alchemy under your mage, Elron.”

Ronin’s heart leapt.

Yusef was a high-level mage. His arrival would strengthen Northern U’s power—and as the eldest son of the Lingchuan Viscount, his service meant Sandro’s support.

Thus, though Ronin had yet to reclaim his inheritance, among the three major viscounts of Wushan, all but Count Auson had chosen to back him.

Though war over succession was unlikely, this alignment granted Ronin immense prestige in Northern U—far surpassing Viggins.

“I have no objection,” said Vitellino. “But I’m curious—what plans do you have for Ris?”

"The construction of a port in the Ubei Territory is an absolute necessity."

Ronin’s tone brooked no argument. "Before that, however, I intend to build a rudimentary wharf to accommodate vessels traveling between Rushing Island and the Ubei Territory."

He shifted his gaze toward Reese. "I have already entrusted Knight Karada with the training of Rushing Island's naval forces. If Reese would be willing to enter my service for a time, I plan to have him train the Ubei Territory's navy."

Vittorino nodded, finding himself in agreement with such an arrangement.

"Now then, Count of the Ubei Territory, I believe we may resume the conversation we left unfinished the other day."

Ronin smiled and said, "I believe so too. I require the assistance of Pointy Horn City!"