Chapter 467: Conferment Turmoil

The Hall of Alduin. Bruno's words completely removed Jesus and his family from the ranks of the Witch-Soul Clan, portraying them purely as victims.

Indeed, Jesus and Moonlight Valley as a whole were truly victims.

But by saying this, no one would further discuss the accusations Sophia made against Jesus in this hall last time, or Bruno and Garrett's shielding of the non-humans, thus covering up the stain of the royal family's cooperation with the non-humans.

Regarding this, the Wushan territory, as one of the parties involved, did not say much, and others would not raise any objections either.

Next, the officials briefly discussed matters such as the selection of the cemetery site, the funeral procedures, and details.

Under normal circumstances, Bruno could directly decide such matters, but in the hall, Ferrens was also Jesus's brother, and Valgus was the deceased's father-in-law—they also had the right to know.

"This invasion by the non-humans has subjected Moonlight Valley to a devastating disaster from top to bottom, ranging from the kingdom's earls to honorary knights—all nobles perished! Moreover, it implicated Wave Fort and Dark Tide City, causing these two baronial territories to lose their lords as well."

Upon hearing this, everyone straightened up slightly.

They knew that what would be discussed next was the highlight of today's meeting.

Whether the royal family would reclaim all of Moonlight Valley's vast territory or partition part of it for distribution depended on Bruno's decision.

"Moonlight Valley was originally a relatively prosperous territory, with nearly eight hundred thousand people. Although after this battle, less than twenty percent remain, fortunately the farmland is intact, along with one large iron mine and two copper mines within the territory. Rebuilding is merely a matter of time."

Bruno spoke, looking toward Ronin.

"Now, our kingdom has its first Sun Knight—how could a small Riptide Island match Ronin's current status?"

Bruno's lips curved slightly into a smile. "Therefore, I decide to confer upon Ronin the title of Guardian Knight of the Kingdom, Duke of the Kingdom, and grant him the entire Moonlight Valley as his territory!"

Upon these words, everyone in the hall displayed varied expressions.

There was Brolin, secretly astonished—he hadn't expected that the former minor baron would transform into the kingdom's duke.

Others were shocked yet displeased—how could a youth under twenty sit equal with them?

Still others flashed eyes of defiance and hostility—this was Crown Prince Garrett.

He was unwilling to be defeated by Ronin, nor did he wish to see the latter granted the duke title.

In terms of status, the duke's weight was not lower than his crown prince position.

But he had no recourse; he was merely the crown prince, unable to refute his father's decision.

Regardless of others' sentiments, even Ronin hadn't anticipated Bruno playing such a grand move.

He had originally thought earl was the maximum, but Bruno directly gave duke.

Additionally, Bruno bestowed upon him the title of Kingdom Guardian Knight, which similarly represented immense honor.

However, beyond the rewards, Ronin also sensed something else.

Sun Knights were rare beings.

If no one in the kingdom could counterbalance them, preventing such individuals from harboring thoughts of betrayal was difficult.

Bruno granting so much likely intended to deeply bind Ronin with Alduin.

Particularly the title "Kingdom Guardian Knight"—once Ronin accepted, as long he valued his honor slightly, he essentially wouldn openly betray.

Just then, someone finally could not restrain raising objection.

"This isn't quite appropriate?"

Duke Ferrens stepped forward first, voicing opposition.

"Ronin's strength is indeed formidable, worthy of many admiring and learning, but the duke position cannot entirely be measured by strength."

He pointed at the three duke present. "Whether me, Valgus, or Andreia—who among us hasn fought for the kingdom decades, achieving illustrious military feats to earn duke rank?"

"Yes, Majesty."

Andreia also concurred. "Although Ronin redeemed the royal family's honor, preventing many commoners from perishing due to non-humans, conferring duke solely based on this event, I also deem inappropriate."

Rulans sneered, mocking: "Andreia, your duke rank was exchanged through military feats? Hah, discussing feats, your position should be mine!"

"Don't jest, Rulans."

Andreia mocked. "You still wish to become duke—based on what, relying on that disastrous battle in Mist City?"

"That wasn't because you provided false intelligence?"

Rulans' scar uncovered, anger surged rapidly, fortunately restrained, not resorting to violence.

"Well, well, you two cease quarreling."

Marlon from Shrieking Island wanted to intervene, but directly blocked by Rulans.

"Here isn't your place to speak. If truly wish to express opinion, have your father Alfonso come!"

Marlon instantly flushed crimson, tone saturated with suppressed fury: "My father said Thunder Marquis was famously temperamental youth—today I witnessed."

He spread hands, sat back seat, sensibly closed mouth.

The hall sank brief silence.

"Cough cough~"

Bruno lightly coughed twice, easing awkwardness. "Then Ferrens, my brother, according your view, how should conferment occur?"

Ferrens' gaze wandered between Ronin and Rulans two rounds, eyes full pondering expression.

After prolonged moment, he said: "Ronin strong strength, but experience somewhat lacking. If Majesty truly wish confer duke to Wushan family, I see better directly confer to Rulans, then restore Ronin inheritance rights, thus perfectly resolving."

Bruno hesitated slightly. "Then Moonlight Valley?"

"Natural partition to Wushan territory."

Ronin inwardly cursed—clearly provoking relation between him and Rulans.

Imagine, someone about conferred duke, suddenly rank falls onto others—what feeling?

Step back speaking, although claimed restoring Ronin inheritance rights, when truly awaiting his inheritance year?

Considering current Rulans restored health, according his silver moon level strength, living another sixty seventy years completely no problem.

If he breakthrough sun, lifespan longer.

So Ronin thought Ferrens sowing discord.

Only pity, Ronin and Rulans not ordinary grandfather grandson.

"Since Duke Ferrens believes Wushan family qualification sufficient duke position, why entangled who holds rank?"

Rulans said: "Majesty, I willing yield Wushan territory marquis rank, concur Duke Ferrens proposal, merging Wushan territory Moonlight Valley, simultaneously conferring new territory duke."

Upon these words, directly stunned Ferrens.

Everyone present, who not seek power expand influence?

Who not value identity rank?

Ferrens hadn't expected Rulans directly abandoning marquis rank.

Bruno hastened mediate: "Thunder Marquis jesting, empire established nearly millennium, never occurred noble alive yielding rank descendants."

Rulans slightly shook head. "Experienced thirty years torment, I uninterested this rank. Moreover, I have Ronin such excellent descendant, early transferring family him, also permissible."

Ferrens shifted topic. "Overall, my opinion Ronin still young, experience shallow. Additionally, Moonlight Valley area considerable, although Jesus family regrettably departed, but according inheritance rights, Duke Valgus also possesses certain power."

He directed topic toward Valgus—this elder finally raised head viewing former.

"Vargis, you should also speak. After all, Dana was your daughter, Kent your grandson. Since they have regrettably passed away, this land ought to include a portion that belongs to you."

Everyone looked toward this taciturn duke.

Vargis shook his head, "The Vestana family has no interest in the enclave of Moonlight Valley. Whether you grant it to Ronin or reclaim it for the state, I support your decision, Your Majesty!"

Ferren could not help cursing Vargis inwardly as a coward, who failed to even strive for benefits when they were available.

Andrea suddenly interjected at this moment: "If we speak in this manner, Duke Ferren, as the brother of Count Jesus, according to inheritance law, also holds a claim to Moonlight Valley."

He looked toward Bruno: "Your Majesty, under such circumstances, granting the entirety of Moonlight Valley to Ronin indeed seems rather inappropriate."

Bruno frowned slightly, yet could not help nodding; Andrea's words held a certain logic.

In truth, he was quite pleased to witness the current debate.

After a moment of contemplation, Bruno turned his gaze toward Ronin, eyes filled with trust and admiration: "I think we might as well listen to the opinion of the person directly involved!" (End of Chapter)