Chapter 465: The Miserable Duke of Valgis

The dragon soared across the Screaming Sea at an incredible speed, landing swiftly in the manor of Wushan Fort in the suburbs of Golden Feather City.

Though the residence purchased by Roland was far less luxurious than Fleming's, it was spacious, with a large lawn suitable for dragons to land.

After their arrival, Roland first sent someone to deliver a formal request to the Golden Feather Palace for a meeting tomorrow. Ronin also asked the messenger to pass a message to Blanche, suggesting they meet up at some point tomorrow.

Then, Lady Carolina, stationed permanently in Golden Feather City, provided a detailed report on the recent public opinion in the city concerning Wushan Fort.

As they had previously understood, Golden Feather City continued to praise Wushan Territory's actions, which not only prevented a crisis but also saved many innocent civilians.

The admiration for Ronin personally had surged to the most fervent level ever recorded.

In Golden Feather City and even Horn City, taverns and inns of all sizes were circulating tales of Ronin, nearly elevating him to the status of a favored child of the Seven Gods.

Next, this young powerhouse was set to marry Princess Blanche, providing yet another topic for discussion.

Throughout this, the royal family faced no external criticism due to Hesus; instead, with the king having a son-in-law at the Sun level, everyone believed the Kingdom of Auduin would inevitably flourish.

“However, I heard that after Duke Vargis arrived at the Golden Feather Palace, he questioned whether Wushan Territory’s actions were too unilateral and reckless. He also seemed displeased that you acted without informing him.”

Roland nodded: “That’s normal, since it involved his daughter, grandson, and granddaughter.”

Duke Vargis’s daughter Dana had married Hesus and bore a son and a daughter.

His granddaughter Sally had previously clashed with Ronin in the Golden Feather Palace, resolved only through Bruno’s mediation.

In this war, they all perished.

Unlike the Wraith Knights who turned to dust, Hesus’s family, not being on the battlefield, retained their bodies due to Mephisto’s death.

Ronin frowned slightly: “Would Duke Vargis resent us for this and worsen Wushan Territory’s diplomatic relations?”

Most of the Blaze Grass needed for crafting auxiliary enhancement potions came from the desert regions of the Kingdom of Gistanar, controlled by Duke Vargis.

Fortunately, he traded with the royal family, with Bruno facilitating delivery to Swamp Town.

Thus, even if relations deteriorated, the impact on potion production should be minimal.

“Probably not.”

Roland pondered slightly: “Duke Vargis isn’t ambitious, especially after the deaths of his eldest son, third son, eldest grandson, and second grandson. He seems even less inclined to compete externally.”

“Now that his daughter, grandson, and granddaughter are also dead, he’s undoubtedly grieving deeply, so questioning this matter is understandable.”

Listening to the old man’s plight, Ronin felt a pang of pity for him.

Fortunately, he still had a third son similar to Wiggins and a young grandson, ensuring his lineage didn’t end.

At this point, Roland stood up: “In that case, I’ll pay a visit to Duke Vargis. I think we might have some topics to discuss.”

“Should I accompany you?” Ronin asked, rising.

Roland shook his head: “Two old men chatting—you needn’t join.”

Ronin shrugged: “Alright, as you wish.”

With nothing else to do, Ronin went out alone to stroll around.

What he discovered was startling: external discussions about him were indeed serious, with some vividly describing Karlos’s might and dominance as if they had witnessed it firsthand.

From this, it seemed Patridge’s experiences on Rapids Island had spread; tales of the dragon likely originated from Screaming Island.

After wandering around, Ronin visited Griffon Town. He intended merely to check on the griffons selected earlier but unexpectedly found Missy there.

As the knight responsible for training these twenty griffons over the next two years, Missy detailed the current preparations to Ronin.

“The twenty griffons and escort squad are fully assembled, and professional handlers are ready. Once you’re available, I’ll lead the team to transport the griffons and personnel to your territory.”

Missy looked at Ronin, suddenly recalling his appearance at the Wushan Fort celebration two years ago.

Back then, Ronin wasn’t tall nor powerful, but he showed no fear facing griffons, making her feel he might not be as bad as rumors suggested.

Indeed, it proved true.

“Ronin, are you really a Sun Knight now?”

Ronin nodded slightly; with rumors rampant, hiding it was unnecessary.

“Absolutely astonishing!”

Missy exclaimed, then smiled: “You haven’t seen the princess yet, but when she heard this news, her joy was beyond words!”

Who wouldn’t want their spouse to be exceptional?

Blanche was no exception.

“I can sense her happiness.”

Ronin smiled: “You might not know, but Karada is already a Golden Knight.”

The topic shifted abruptly to Karada, leaving Missy momentarily unresponsive. Her usually cool face showed unease, even flushing slightly.

Ronin continued: “After these griffons reach North Wu Territory, one is for Karada. Will you personally go to Rapids Island to teach him riding, or have him come to North Wu Territory?”

Missy Knight glared, snorted softly, and turned away.

“Count Ronin, you’ve learned what you wanted. Please return now. Inform me when you’ve settled the timing.”

“Haha, alright!”

Ronin ceased joking, turned, and rode away from Griffon Town.

Listening to the fading hoofbeats, Missy glanced back.

She truly anticipated life in North Wu Territory, where things might be more relaxed.

Recently, her father hadn’t pressed much about marriage alliances.

She sensed her father’s attitude toward Karada was shifting.

Not that Lud suddenly gained conscience and stopped meddling, but he believed Karada had a promising future.

Thus, he chose to wait.

The reason for this shift in mindset…

Missy watched Ronin’s retreating figure, aware that all changes stemmed from him.

Though Karada still wasn’t a noble, he followed a Sun Knight and was highly valued, managing Rapids Island for Ronin.

Barring unforeseen events, once Ronin fully rose, Karada would surely gain respectable status and position.

As the kingdom’s finance minister, her father weighed immediate gains alongside long-term benefits.

Clearly, Karada now offered long-term potential.

Though it sounded mercenary, most noble families operated similarly; cases like Missy and Karada ending together existed but were rare.

“I must strive to become a Silver Knight soon, lest Karada outpace me too much.”

Missy withdrew her gaze.

Determination and independence defined her nature; she wouldn’t slacken even if her path smoothed.