Chapter 423: Garret's Challenge

As June 14 approached, the Golden Feather City grew increasingly lively.

Nobles of all sizes gathered here to participate in this decennial grand event.

Under Branche's reception, Roland's party arrived at the Golden Feather Palace and met with the king.

"Duke Thunder, it must be nearly thirty years since we last met?"

Bruno appeared exceptionally enthusiastic about Roland's arrival. He even stepped down from his throne, took the duke's hand, and led him to sit on a nearby chair.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I never thought I would have the chance to enter the Golden Feather City and step into the Odin Hall again."

"Haha, your recovery is a blessing for the entire kingdom. You don't know how delighted I was when I heard the news of your complete recovery!"

After chatting briefly, Bruno then turned his gaze to Ronin, who was standing nearby.

"I heard about your performance from Broer."

He scrutinized Ronin closely. Ronin's appearance hadn't changed much; he seemed slightly taller than before, but the greatest transformation lay in his strength.

Broer patted Ronin's shoulder, "You performed well! I am happy that Branche has a partner like you!"

He didn't inquire about Ronin's training methods, as they likely involved secrets that couldn't be disclosed, and asking would probably not yield honest answers.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!"

Ronin bowed slightly, displaying great humility.

"Alright, let Branche take you for a stroll. I want to reminisce with your grandfather!"

Bruno had long intended to engage in deep discussions with Roland about the geopolitical situation around the Wushan Territory, and this was a perfect opportunity.

Ronin did not disturb them and politely withdrew from the Odin Hall.

"Ronin, you're truly remarkable!"

Throughout the journey, Branche, representing the royal family, had been somewhat restrained in front of Roland and hadn't shown much affection toward Ronin. Only now did she affectionately clasp Ronin's arm.

"I am only a senior magician now, but I heard you've already become a Silver Moon Knight!"

Compared to Bruno and Garrett, her thoughts were incredibly pure.

Branche only knew that her future husband would be a powerful knight. She never considered what Ronin's age and strength might signify in the eyes of the royal family.

Ronin felt the softness from his arm and turned to look at the profile so close to him, seeing her raise her head to gaze at him.

If they weren't outside the Odin Hall surrounded by knights and guards, he wouldn't mind a breathtaking kiss.

Ronin looked ahead and smiled, "Achieving senior magician status before twenty, you are already quite remarkable."

Branche giggled, "I recently released my original skeleton knight and captured a more powerful one."

As she spoke, she performed necromancy summoning magic as if presenting a treasure, summoning a tall and mighty skeleton knight.

Ronin couldn't help but want to laugh.

When others meet, they either admire scenery, observe treasures, or engage in amusing activities. Branche eagerly wanted him to appreciate her skeleton.

Indeed, since Branche learned that Ronin expressed no objection to her unique necromancy magic, her psychological burden diminished greatly. She passionately strengthened her magical abilities, no longer considering it an ominous curse.

"Come, let him strike me with a sword," Ronin said.

Branche worried, "Is that alright?"

"Don't worry, it's fine."

Ronin was now at the peak of Silver Moon, his body strengthened unprecedentedly. Ordinary arrows or mundane objects couldn't harm him, especially with his defensive aura.

"Then be careful!"

With Branche's mental command, the skeleton knight fiercely raised its long sword, leaped up, and struck down angrily.

Ronin couldn't help but nod at this sequence of actions; he never expected skeletons could move so naturally.

A loud clang echoed as the long sword struck Ronin's blocking arm, failing to penetrate the armor formed by his aura.

He nodded approvingly, "This skeleton should possess strength comparable to a peak senior knight. Excellent!"

Receiving praise, Branche felt unprecedentedly joyful, her smile sweet as if she had eaten honey.

"When I become a grand magician, I'll capture a bronze-level skeleton!"

Ronin couldn't help but thumbs-up, "Perhaps the Northern Wu Territory could form a skeleton knight squad!"

Strangely, Branche genuinely envisioned this scene.

"Yo, Branche, long time no see!"

Their playful scene was interrupted by this hearty voice.

Ronin looked over and saw a tall, mighty man approaching. From his purple pupils and golden-brown hair, he seemed to be a member of the Odin royal family.

He immediately thought of Crown Prince Garrett.

Branche, like a startled bird, instinctively shrunk toward Ronin, but then seemed to feel it inappropriate and stepped forward.

Garrett smiled, "How come? After years apart, my dear sister has nothing to say to me?"

Branche forced a smile, "Brother... brother, long time no see!"

Ronin felt the immense strength transmitted through his arm, sensing Branche's unease and tension facing Garrett. Apparently, the siblings' relationship wasn't great.

He released Branche's arm and respectfully bowed, "Baron of Rapids Island, Count of Northern Wu Territory, Ronin Wushan, very pleased to meet you, Prince Garrett!"

Garrett shifted his attention from Branche. When he looked at Ronin, a fighting spirit flickered in his eyes.

"I heard about your deeds from my father. You are quite remarkable!"

He spoke while scrutinizing, "How about it? Interested in sparring with me?"

Ronin was somewhat surprised; his brother-in-law's second sentence to him was about sparring.

From external information, this crown prince possessed excellent talent, having been a Meteor Knight many years ago. Now, he was likely Silver Moon level.

If not, he wouldn't want to spar after hearing Ronin might be a Silver Moon Knight.

Ronin was still considering whether to agree, but Branche instinctively intervened, "No, don't!"

Garrett looked at her.

Branche shrunk her head, clutching Ronin's arm again. Though somewhat fearful, she bravely voiced her thoughts.

"Ronin traveled for several days and arrived in Golden Feather City only today. He should rest properly first."

Garrett chuckled lightly, "In the past, you lacked courage even to speak with me. Today, you speak for someone else. It seems my brother-in-law has given you much courage."

He then looked at Ronin, implying that Branche's words didn't count; it depended on Ronin's choice.

Ronin patted her hand, signaling not to worry, then scanned the surroundings, "Where do you think is suitable?"

He also wanted to see how formidable the legendary crown prince truly was.

Garrett laughed heartily, "Alright, I acknowledge your courage!"

"Come, to the training ground behind!"

He strode ahead, leading the way out.

"Ronin, Garrett... is very aggressive!"

Blanche was quite worried: "When he was in the palace, he often sparred with others; many were crippled or killed by him..."

Rony frowned slightly; he hadn’t expected the prince to have such a side. He had thought him to be of a cheerful disposition.

"I’ll be careful."

He followed along and then thought of something, asking: "Your relationship with your brother doesn’t seem very good?"

Blanche hummed affirmatively, hesitated for a moment, but after thinking, still spoke out: "He has always felt that I disgrace him and our father, so he doesn’t treat me well." (End of chapter.)