Chapter 374: Recent Situation of Torrent Island

Raging Current Island.

Two months had passed since Carada and his men settled here.

During this time, they took over the Vali Knights' garrison. Now the port was entirely manned by Carada's men.

Through this management, former members of the Lan Society and White Flower Society had largely returned to production, and order was gradually stabilizing.

On the slope outside the port, Carada and his deputy Lusen watched two cargo ships depart, laden with timber collected over the past two months.

Per Rongning's prior arrangement, these two ships would sail to Screaming Island.

If all went well, they would bring back 700 gold coins.

Lusen furrowed his brow. "Carada, it's been over two months. Why hasn't Lord Rongning arrived? Has he forgotten us?"

To be honest, leaving the bustling Golden Feather City and Ox Horn Bay for this bird-shit isle, facing either savages or the mentally impaired and physically disabled daily, had left them weary.

In such circumstances, if the lord had forgotten them, their passionate journey to Raging Current Island might have been a grave mistake.

In truth, not just Lusen, many who had come with them harbored the same suspicion.

After all, Raging Current Island was remote and unremarkable, and nobles loved luxury—who would come here for no reason?

Carada frowned, his mind troubled, but having faced Rongning before, his intuition told him the man wasn't one to break his word.

"Rest easy," he said. "Lord Rongning and I have an agreement. Unless unforeseen, he'll arrive soon."

He pulled out a small map. "As far as I know, U Bei Domain has no port. Lord Rongning must cross Wu Shan Domain and depart from Denis Port. Even ignoring the sea journey, the overland route—riding a beast mount—would take days!"

Lusen glanced at the map, his unease easing slightly.

It had just been New Year's celebrations; the journey would take at least a fortnight.

As they spoke, a gust howled past, immense pressure descending, chilling them to the bone.

At that moment, a cheerful voice rang out behind them. "Carada, Lusen, what are you looking at?"

They exchanged glances, seeing confusion in each other's eyes.

The dock held only two of Raging Current Island's ships, no new vessels—how could the lord's voice be here?

They turned, seeking answers, but what they saw made their hearts nearly stop.

Lusen, more timid and less accustomed to beasts, stumbled back, collapsing to the ground.

"God above, what manner of monster is this!"

Carada's brow beaded with sweat. Just moments ago, he'd wondered if Rongning had arrived on a griffin—but this flying beast was colossal, terrifying.

Though he'd seen many beasts, this one defied all classification.

"Dragon... dragon?"

Carada's mind reeled, the word surfacing.

Huuu~

Karllos exhaled a plume of hot air, as if rewarding their guess.

Once, in the cave, it was the one fearing others. Now the roles reversed—those who saw it recoiled in terror.

Admittedly, he enjoyed the fear he inspired.

Rongning leapt lightly from the dragon's head.

Rongning had revealed Karllos not for show, but for purpose.

After all, the men of Raging Current Island weren't Riddar, Macken, or Elron—they weren't bound by oaths.

All men had self-interest, especially when he wasn't often present.

To quell their thoughts, Rongning needed to display his strength.

Revealing his Flow Star rank would be less impactful than this unknown beast.

"My lord, is this a dragon?" Carada asked, summoning courage.

"Yes. It's called Frostfire Wing Karllos."

Rongning smiled. "But few know of it. I'd like only you two to be aware."

As he spoke, Karllos wove a light-bending spell, his massive form fading slowly.

Rongning wanted only Carada and Lusen to see the dragon, no others.

In that moment, Rongning's figure loomed larger, more enigmatic.

What manner of man could command a dragon?

They had no answer—no one in reality was known to possess a dragon.

In knightly tales, such men were protagonists, destined to rule the continent.

"Let's return to the port," Rongning suggested.

"Life here is harsh—seafood and potatoes must grow tiresome. Haha, I've brought fine wine, bread, beef, and mutton. Tonight, we'll hold Raging Current Island's first feast!"

The atmosphere eased with Rongning's laughter; Carada and Lusen followed.

Yet they wondered—where were the wine and bread?

When Rongning produced the supplies before their eyes, the mystery deepened.

That night, a feast blazed under the sea breeze.

Rongning's arrival dispelled all doubts. When he spoke of building shipyards and expanding the navy, they understood—the lord valued Raging Current Island deeply.

Late that night, Carada handed Rongning a stack of documents.

"My lord, this is the census of Raging Current Island, as you ordered."

Rongning took it, skimming through.

Though lacking exceptional talent, the population stood at twenty-seven thousand five hundred.

Now, across all his domains, registered souls totaled ninety-two thousand—barely eight thousand short of the hundred thousand needed for prosperity.

"Well done."

Rongning praised. "How goes the naval training?"

"Twenty-one knights on the island. Eight or nine handle daily duties; the rest train daily. We've also recruited sturdy, skilled swimmers for sailors and archers. Progress is good."

Carada scratched his head. "But we have only one warship. Another would make things easier."

"U Bei Domain's temporary dock is under construction. I've hired shipwrights; construction will begin soon."

He paused. "If needed, I'll buy more ships."

As he spoke, he produced a sketchbook. "Send men to search for this plant. If found, mark it—I'll harvest it next visit."

The plant was none other than Dream Dew Flower, used in potency-enhancing potions.

According to Miloslav, Dream Dew Flowers grew on islands. Raging Current Island had vast unexplored regions, and the climate suited them—finding them would save Rongning a fortune.

Carada tucked the sketch away. "My lord, there's one more matter to report."

He paused, then continued: "Rahn, having once led the Rahn Society, believed his extensive connections on the island and seniority entitled him to disregard certain arrangements."

Roning's brow furrowed. At the banquet, Rahn had shown no irregularities, and during his surrender, he'd been abjectly humble. Had he been pretending all along?

Karada wouldn't fabricate such a lie without cause.

"You are the governor of Rapid Stream Island. Handle it as you see fit."

Since Roning had delegated authority, personally meddling in every matter would be exhausting.

He paused, then added, "Of course, cooperation would be preferable."

"Understood."

Karada nodded. "I'll do my best to persuade him while undermining his influence within the Rahn Society."

He'd been most concerned that Roning wouldn't permit him to punish the island's knights, making certain actions difficult.

Now that he was certain of his authority to judge, it would better establish his governor's prestige.

Witnessing the dragon today had confirmed for Karada the wisdom of following Roning.

Perhaps this young lord would indeed become a force to stir the continent's affairs.

Thus, he must excel, showcasing his abilities in every aspect.

Only then could he go further. (End of Chapter)