Chapter 469: Funeral and Conferment

Time slipped away swiftly, and suddenly it was the last day of September.

The ever-splendid Golden Feather Palace was draped in somber hues today.

From the guards on duty, knights patrolling on horseback, to the noble carriage traffic—all were adorned with black ribbons, a tradition of mourning.

At the royal cemetery, Bruno led members of the royal family and nobles of all ranks gathered here, conducting funeral rites for Hesius and his family.

Speaking of such grand ceremonies, the last one was during the passing of Clinsman IV, over a decade ago.

As Ronin knew, Clinsman IV's end was not particularly honorable—after losing his wife in middle age, he indulged in lust and ultimately died atop a woman.

"Next to Blanchet is His Majesty's eldest daughter, Princess Sharon."

Rulans stood with Ronin, introducing unfamiliar faces to him.

Princess Sharon appeared as a dignified and elegant noblewoman, making Blanchet seem somewhat immature in comparison.

"I heard Blanchet mention her, knowing she married the kingdom's foremost warrior, Ibn Tolansi. But surprisingly, Ibn hasn't returned for such a royal gathering."

Ronin still wished to see this Earl of the Twin Peaks; like Garrett, he possessed extraordinary talent.

Moreover, due to early fame and greater age, rumors years ago claimed his strength had reached the pinnacle of the Silver Moon level, prompting the king to grant him the title "Kingdom's First Warrior."

"Although the Tresian Kingdom suffers internal strife, the situation seems unclear. The enemy forces at Mist City have not retreated but increased. Under such circumstances, the frontlines naturally require formidable figures to hold command."

As Ronin aimed to earn military honors on the battlefield, he had recently learned about the enemy nation's news.

It seemed that after half a year of turmoil, the Tresian Kingdom's situation had stabilized.

Ronin never expected they could withstand the alien organization from the Crescent Continent.

After all, Mephistopheles reached level nine; the remaining two divine emissaries likely possessed comparable strength.

Although they lacked the troublesome, difficult-to-counter abilities of the Soul Shamans, confronting them was no simple matter.

Thus, the royal family still held considerable depth; individual prowess to dominate required at least Solar level strength.

The funeral proceedings were lengthy, lasting three hours before gradually dispersing.

When everyone returned to the Oduin Hall, a grand conferment ceremony officially began.

His Majesty conferred upon Ronin the title of Kingdom Guardian Knight under the accolades "Unprecedented Genius, Kingdom's First Solar Knight, Oduin Honor Defender, Evil Alien Terminator, Legendary Dragon Conqueror." Simultaneously, he was ennobled as a Kingdom Marquis, bestowed with Moonlight Valley as his domain.

When the king's sword rested upon Ronin's neck during the formal conferment ritual, and the emblem and staff symbolizing Moonlight Valley Marquis status were handed to Ronin, familiar text finally surfaced before him:

"【Renowned Throughout the World】 achievement completed, attribute points +1500, energy essence +3000."

Meanwhile, the multiplier on the sign-in interface changed, quadrupling to grant 4 attribute points daily; every seventh day also yielded 80, 100, 120, 160 attribute points and energy essence.

After the conferment, Bruno announced Ronin and Blanchet's wedding would occur three months later, hoping nobles would attend.

With dual joyous events, all royal nobles recognized Ronin as Oduin Kingdom's rising star.

Apart from symbolic congratulations from Felans and several major nobles, many kingdom barons, viscounts, and earls approached offering greetings and blessings; some even requested visits to Moonlight Castle.

These nobles largely resided around Moonlight Valley, dependent on its metal mines and grain.

Previously, they cooperated with Hesius; though he was gone and Moonlight Valley had a new lord, they wished to continue cooperation, naturally needing favorable relations with Ronin.

Although Ronin was unfamiliar with some, Rulans' presence eased social interactions without issue.

After the palace banquet ended, Ronin and Rulans discussed wedding arrangements with Bruno, returning home late at night.

"Ronin, how will you manage Moonlight Valley?"

On the carriage, Rulans expressed concern over the domain's development.

"Mephistopheles devastated Moonlight Valley; developing this land well requires more manpower than currently available."

Ronin forced a bitter smile: "Had I known the entire Moonlight Valley would become my domain, I wouldn't have allowed Jofrey to take over twenty thousand people from here."

Initially, they assumed the king would reclaim this land, but unexpectedly bestowed it to Ronin.

"Plans fall short of changes."

Rulans said: "Unfortunately, I cannot allocate more population to you."

He had successively provided nearly a hundred thousand people to North Wu Domain; further large-scale allocations would significantly disrupt dozens of towns' operations.

"Your assistance is ample; I'll manage the rest."

Ronin pondered: "His Majesty stated the ten thousand people prepared for relocation are confirmed, gradually transferring. I intend to send forty percent to North Wu City, the remaining sixty percent to Moonlight Valley, restoring cultivation and maintaining mine operations."

Moonlight Valley held vast untilled lands and numerous vacant dwellings; supplying grain perfectly resolved influx population issues.

Sending forty percent to North Wu City primarily facilitated constructing a new hundred-thousand-population city.

Once North Wu City, Moonlight City, and Purple Thunder City—three hundred-thousand-population cities—were built, the next tier of 【Conquer Cities and Dominate Lands】 achievement could be completed.

"Besides His Majesty's ten thousand people, I plan to attract their subjects to Moonlight Valley with relatively higher remuneration."

Having other lords sell their subjects to Ronin was unrealistic; most subjects weren't serfs or slaves, holding minimal rights.

However, attracting external laborers with higher wages while permitting them to bring earnings home was entirely feasible.

During this process, these lords' domain economies would improve moderately.

Moreover, surrounding nobles desired cooperation with Ronin, obtaining ample iron and copper ore; in such transactions, besides gold coins measuring value, they could allocate laborers to Ronin, gaining ore resources through such cooperative methods.

Overall, Moonlight Valley's vast lands needed swift restoration; minimizing waste was crucial.

"This idea is excellent."

Rulans nodded approval, "If lacking manpower, inform me. Providing officials is feasible; additionally, Redal and Sophia's three knight orders can accompany you to Moonlight City."

Although Shore City posed no threat, these knight orders were established under Mount Wu Castle support; Rulans loaning them gratis to Ronin was also support.

"Thank you, grandfather!"

"Why courtesy with me?"

Rulans laughed: "I still hope someday you become a duke, even establish a kingdom belonging to the Mount Wu family on this continent!"

Ronin displayed resolute eyes, "Rest assured, it will happen!" (End of chapter.)