Chapter 421: Ships of Moonlight Valley

Though Sophia’s ship still bore sails, its steel-hulled structure relied on more than wind alone. At the ship’s keel was something resembling a propeller.

As Sophia explained, the mechanism worked precisely as Ronin had once hypothesized—propelled by magical energy.

She admitted frankly that this form of propulsion consumed too much mana; except in emergencies, they mostly sailed by wind. Occasionally, crew members would channel their own magic or battle aura to drive the vessel, thus conserving precious magic crystals.

To Ronin’s surprise, Sophia offered the technology freely: if he could supply enough iron ore for Simon to repair their fleet, Simon would build him a magi-powered ship at no cost.

It was more than Ronin could have hoped for. He immediately penned a letter to Saelin, the governor of Stonemarch, urging him to triple, even quadruple the output of iron mining in Redhill Town—the more, the better.

Moreover, Ronin realized that even in Crescent Continent, where magic and martial cultivation flourished, steam engines remained unknown.

Over recent months, his ability to smelt iron with geothermal fire and spiritual power had improved significantly.

So when Simon began constructing his vessel, Ronin planned to request structural modifications—reserving space for future installation of a steam engine.

Then his ship could run on dual power—magic and steam—finally breaking free from dependence on sails.

True, as a Sage, Ronin alone could obliterate any nation lacking peerless warriors.

But while destruction required only one man, governance demanded an army.

His domain was vast. He couldn’t possibly rush to quell every uprising himself.

At all times, building knightly orders and strengthening his forces remained essential.

Naval power was no exception.

Especially now, when enemies threatened not just Orland but also Crescent Continent.

If the Demon God set his gaze here, then the fall of Crescent Continent would inevitably doom this land too.

And Ronin, whose heart now stirred with ambitions of kingship and dominion, would never stand idle.

Time slipped by unnoticed. In the blink of an eye, it was already June tenth.

Horned Bay Port brimmed with ships large and small, their banners fluttering in a riot of colors.

The *Denis I*, flying the golden mountain standard of House Wushan, glided slowly into dock.

On deck stood Rulans in his black robe, gazing at the bustling harbor with wistful eyes.

“Horned Bay wasn’t nearly this big or lively back then.”

He smiled. “Never thought that after thirty years, it would grow so prosperous.”

“Yes, my lord,” said Vitorino, who had personally led the escort. “Trade across the Shrieking Sea has surged these years. Do look after my Denis Port!”

Rulans chuckled. “You’ll have to discuss that with Ronin. From now on, I intend to savor life’s pleasures.”

Vitorino scratched his head awkwardly.

He’d hoped Rulans might intervene with House Fleming before Eagleflow Island’s navy grew too strong.

But now it seemed the Marquess preferred to stay uninvolved—delegating minor matters to Vigins, while directing major affairs to be discussed with Ronin.

The Marquess still lived, yet real authority rested with the Earl of Wubei. This grandfather-grandson arrangement had truly set a precedent in history.

Meanwhile, Ronin studied the sizes of noble vessels anchored in port, gauging each house’s strength.

He had originally intended to fly directly to Goldenfeather City atop Carloth, bringing Rulans and Sophia with him—but Rulans wished to enjoy the scenery, so they flew to Hornspire first, then took ship.

“Hmm? Is that moon-flagged vessel over there from Moonvale?”

Ronin pointed toward a ship moored at the far end of the pier. “I thought Moonvale had no port. And didn’t they possess griffins?”

Both Rulans and Vitorino turned to look.

“That is indeed Moonvale’s banner.”

Vitorino frowned. “Lately I’ve heard Hesus struck a deal with Viscount Lucio of Wavefort. Moonvale leased Waveport. That ship likely came from there.”

Rulans laughed softly—he hadn’t heard this news.

“Hesus has always been dissatisfied being merely an earl, always scheming to expand territory and elevate his title. I wonder what price he paid for Milk to lend a port to such an ambitious man.”

Ronin added, “Strange indeed. During Black Serpent Castle’s recent rebellion under Count Oslen, Moonvale stayed completely silent—no provocation near Shoretown.”

“Naturally deterred by the knightly orders from Wushan Fortress,” Vitorino said matter-of-factly. “To seize Shoretown under two knightly orders’ watch, Hesus would need to deploy elite knights. No excuse of bandits or brotherhoods would cover that.”

Ronin nodded slowly—he found the reasoning sound.

Nearby, Sophia listened quietly to their conversation.

This continent knew no torment from Demon Gods, yet war simmered within the kingdom, between Auduin and Trisia.

To unite the people of Starfall Continent against the Demon God seemed a distant dream.

In recent days, Ronin had spoken to her of the principle: “Stabilize the interior before confronting external threats.” The words increasingly rang true.

If so, then the question arose—for their five-member party, which side should they choose?

Stand with Ronin, full of potential?

Or align with the mighty royal house of Auduin?

Yet choosing the latter meant inevitable conflict with Ronin one day.

She sensed clearly—the young man sought far more than serving the crown.

Besides, this Marquess of Wushan was a Silver Moon Knight, commanding Meteor Knights, and counting a Grand Archmage among his closest allies.

Wushan’s top-tier strength was formidable.

Softly, she murmured, “Harmon, once we reach Goldenfeather City, investigate the nobles’ military strengths—and their relationships with one another.”

She needed to know how deep the instability ran.

“Woo!”

A low horn call echoed as the *Denis I* docked smoothly.

Rulans raised an eyebrow, spotting the welcoming formation ashore, and smiled.

“Ronin, come—let us disembark together.”

At the front of the reception line stood Blanche.

“Looks like you and His Majesty are truly close, Grandfather. He sent Blanche herself to greet you.”

Ronin joked lightly. “Last time I came, I didn’t receive such honor.”

“Ha! Bruno used to dine in my tent when young, even took my counsel. Pity his talent was utterly ordinary.”

They stepped onto the pier, speaking as they walked.

Blanche’s gaze shifted from Rulans to Ronin.

Frankly, when she’d heard of Wushan’s civil war, she’d feared neither would survive. For weeks, anxiety robbed her of sleep.

Thankfully, the war ended swiftly.

Now, seeing her beloved arrive as promised, her heart finally settled.

“Respected Marquess, please allow me, on behalf of my father the King, to welcome you to our shores.”

She delivered the formal greeting first, then softened her tone: “I’m so glad you’ve recovered!”

Lord Lans nodded in satisfaction. Setting aside Blanche’s less-than-glorious past and the rumors surrounding her, he was quite pleased with this granddaughter-in-law.

Moreover, should any unforeseen circumstances arise in the future, their Wushan Fortress could still claim royal status—whatever choice they made would thus carry legitimacy.

“It’s been so long since I last saw you, Blanche. For His Majesty to send you personally—it truly honors this old man!”

Blanche smiled gently. “Not only have you recovered, Grandfather, but you’ve ascended to the Silver Moon rank. This is a joyous occasion for the entire Kingdom of Auduin. Father awaits you at Golden Feather Palace, longing for your reunion.”

“I, too, look forward to seeing him.”

With these words, Lord Lans gestured courteously toward the path ahead.

Blanche nodded, flashed Roen a playful wink, then led the group away from the dock. (End of Chapter)