Chapter 425: Bruno's Worries

Odun Hall, Lans and Bruno conversed for quite some time before departing.

Their main discussions revolved around the mining of the large iron ore deposit and the marriage alliance between Ronin and Blanche.

"Father, how did your conversation go?" Garrett entered the hall.

Bruno nodded, "Quite well. There are no issues with Odun and the Ushan family's cooperation."

"Though Lans's temperament has softened considerably, no longer as sharp-edged as before, I could still sense his anger when the Duchy of Vela was mentioned."

Garrett wasn’t particularly interested in past events; he cared more about the present.

"I just sparred with Ronin."

"Oh?" Bruno showed a curious expression. "I didn't expect you to act so quickly. How did it turn out?"

"In the sparring session, although I suppressed him and he ended up conceding,"

Garrett confidently stated, "I am sure he is definitely a Silver Moon Knight!"

Bruno nodded with a heavy heart. A Silver Moon Knight at nineteen—such talent troubled him greatly.

"Father, you needn’t worry too much."

Garrett did not find Ronin as troublesome as Bruno did. "Since I can defeat him now, I will surely suppress him in the future!"

"I have no doubt about your strength, but Ronin’s training speed is too fast."

"Then discuss the matter of enhancement potions with him. Whether we collaborate in producing them or purchase them, we need him to supply a certain quantity of magical potions annually."

Garrett said, "With them, I believe my strength will also improve faster."

Bruno pondered and nodded slightly. Remembering his previous promise to Ronin, he said:

"I had promised Ronin earlier that I would give him a few griffons after his engagement with Blanche. Now, since the Northern Ushan territory also possesses such valuable items, we could consider negotiating with him based on the number of griffons."

"Yes, it would be best to secure the right to sell enhancement potions externally," Garrett added.

Such rare items, if monopolized by the royal family, would undoubtedly increase the cohesion of the royal house.

However, since the magical potions are produced in the Northern Ushan territory, monopolizing the external sales rights is quite unlikely.

Bruno rubbed his temples.

"Now I finally understand why Father silently consented and even secretly assisted when Lans and Grims were framed back then."

Before the royal family had a Sun Knight, other high-ranking nobles producing a Sun Knight indeed posed a significant threat.

"Fortunately, the Northern Ushan territory is currently surrounded and pressured from all sides, not in an easy situation."

Bruno thought for a moment and said, "Garrett, have someone inform Mael about your sparring with Ronin today, and let him spread the news, especially to the Vela family, Fleming, and your uncle Hesus."

He didn’t want the Northern Ushan territory to be too weak or too strong; having the nobles below exhaust each other was the best scenario for them.

Garrett smiled slightly, "Actually, before coming here, I already sent Gmann to find Mael."

Bruno was taken aback, then laughed: "Truly my son!"

...

Ronin couldn’t stop these overt schemes; what he could do was to enhance the influence of the Northern Ushan territory and strengthen his own power and forces.

When one’s fist is strong, any covert or overt schemes can be easily resolved.

On the eve of the Founding Celebration, all the nobles arrived in the Golden Feather City.

Last year, Blanche strongly recommended the Northern Ushan territory’s silk at her birthday banquet, allowing Ronin to secure his first significant order, with the agreed delivery date set for mid-June.

Thus, Ronin entrusted Blanche to send invitations to these noble ladies, inviting them to Moon Shadow Palace to collect their goods on the eve of the Founding Celebration.

In the vast hall of Moon Shadow Palace, rows of wooden racks held up the silk gowns Ronin had brought, making it seem like a large gown boutique.

Although each gown was marked for its owner, before collection, the noble ladies browsed around, admiring them.

Faced with these silk gowns—soft, smooth, with excellent texture, vibrant colors, and rich shine—they had no resistance, desiring each one, yet the quantity was limited.

For those ladies who had already placed orders, it was manageable; at least they had purchased one set.

But for those who came just to look, it was cruel; they could only watch beloved gowns pass before their eyes without being able to possess them, their regret indescribable.

Some ladies’ eyes shone with longing, occasionally asking attendants about details of the gowns; others stood silently aside, gently touching the rows of gowns, as if wanting to memorize the feel; some even went directly to the side hall to find Ronin.

Ronin was now surrounded by many noble ladies.

"Mr. Ronin, your silk gowns are truly astonishing; wearing them makes me feel ten years younger!"

"Yes, indeed! As the weather gradually heats up, the cool feeling they bring is simply marvelous. Silk gowns are essential for summer banquets!"

These were from those who had bought them. Those who hadn’t shouted: "Mr. Ronin, does the Northern Ushan territory have more such gowns? I want to buy one—no, I want to buy several sets; price is no issue!"

Surrounded by these enthusiastic ladies, Ronin smelled various perfumes, which wasn’t pleasant. But thinking of the upcoming large order, Ronin was willing to endure it.

In his view, the quality of these gowns wasn’t particularly high.

After all, the mulberry and silkworm base in Purple Fruit Village was just beginning; the gown workshop led by tailor Liya was also newly formed. Although they were skilled in making clothes, their craftsmanship varied, and unfamiliar with noble gowns, the results inevitably had flaws.

Yet, under the attribute of "rarity," these flaws could be overlooked.

Something that hadn’t appeared before; owning it earlier satisfied the vanity of these idle noble ladies.

"Don’t worry, everyone. This year, the Northern Ushan territory’s production will multiply several times. By next year at this time, everyone can wear silk gowns! And I guarantee, the styles then will be more varied and refined than now!"

This was true.

Under Horn’s management, the mulberry fields in Purple Fruit Village had expanded several times; the reserved silkworm seeds were much greater than last year. This year’s silk production would definitely multiply.

Meanwhile, after a year of training, and with guidance from skilled artisans found by Dianne, the textile workshop’s craftsmanship improved significantly; next year’s goods would surely be more refined.

With such an introduction from Ronin, the ladies couldn’t wait, clamoring to order several sets immediately.

Unfortunately, Ronin didn’t want to deliver goods actively again, as his space ring might not hold so much. He also hoped more trade teams would come to the Northern Ushan territory.

Thus, he used the pretext of on-site selection and incidental tourism to persuade these ladies to personally visit the Northern Ushan territory to choose desired styles.

Though the journey was long, underestimate not these ladies’ love for beauty; several agreed immediately.

After much excitement, the ladies gradually left Moon Shadow Palace.

Blanche changed into a blue silk gown, holding the hem and spinning before Ronin: "Does it look nice?"

Ronin smiled slightly, praising: "Beautiful. You look beautiful in anything!"

Blanche smiled shyly, then suddenly grew nervous: "Tomorrow Father will announce our marriage alliance. Are you nervous?"

Ronin embraced the beauty, softly saying: "I am not nervous, but I am eagerly anticipating!"