Chapter 473: Seeking Refuge

"The Guardian Knight of the Kingdom, the Marquis of Moonlight Vale, the mighty Sun Knight!"

In the Ironhoof Castle of Horsestead City, Viscount Marvin gazed at the intelligence letter in his hand, murmuring in amazement.

"I truly never expected Ronin to grow to such heights!"

He vaguely recalled the first time he hosted Ronin, then still Baron of Mountainwood Town, in Horsestead City. Back then, Ronin held a impoverished territory, and many even doubted he would ever leave Mountainwood Town in his lifetime.

Who could have imagined that Ronin would become the shining star of the kingdom in such a short time?

"Yes, Father!"

Mace Ironhoof marveled at Ronin's strength while also admiring his father's wise decision from back then.

"Your decision to have Rogner follow Ronin was truly a brilliant choice!"

"Hahaha..."

Marvin couldn't help but laugh heartily; whenever he thought of this matter, he was moved to tears by his own cleverness.

"That was inevitable. Sometimes, choice is more important than strength!"

Mace also smiled. "I wonder when my brother will also become a baron with his own territory. Moonlight Vale likely lacks manpower now."

Marvin remained optimistic about this.

"Ronin's rapid rise in rank was due not only to Lord Rulance's support but also his own merits and extraordinary strength. Rogner is now a Bronze Knight, but compared to Ronin, he is far behind!"

"Being ordinary means one can only accumulate trust and merit through long-term contributions to exchange for a noble identity. Look at Kabir—after marrying McKinnie for so many years, he only became a baron recently."

Mace nodded. "Yes, but Rogner is also quite remarkable. At least he enjoys Ronin's trust and can access the resources of Northridge Territory."

He smoothly became a Bronze Knight by commissioning Rogner to purchase auxiliary enhancement potions.

"Speaking of resources, I envy Sand's son Yusuf. As a mage, he is highly valued in Northridge Territory."

Marvin said this while looking at his eldest son Mace, pondering before speaking. "As you just mentioned, Moonlight Vale lacks manpower. I plan to have you follow Ronin for training, like Reese of Jagged Peak City. What do you think?"

Mace's face lit up with surprise. "I would be delighted!"

As Ronin's becoming Marquis of Moonlight Vale spread throughout Ridgeholm, the nobles here, like Marvin, largely wished to send their sons and daughters to Ronin—claiming it was for training, but in reality, to seize a rare opportunity.

On the other hand, Ronin, after concluding his royal capital trip and escorting Rulance back to Ridgeholm Fort, rode Karlos back to Northridge Territory.

Though his grand wedding was imminent, Moonlight Vale could not be neglected.

With a shortage of personnel, he could only transport his capable assistant Wilson and some aides to Moonlight City first.

During the journey, he pondered whether to confer noble titles to his subordinates. As his territory expanded and his followers grew, appropriate conferments could enhance cohesion and motivation.

When he first crossed over, he disliked such feudal divisions. Yet, as his strength grew, he realized this world differed from Earth.

This was a world with supernatural powers, and as strength increased, many things could no longer bind him.

Whether to divide territory was unimportant; what mattered was that all lands changed according to his will.

For instance, implementing a unified law from top to bottom, with local lords having no right to create special legal clauses;

Or, when Ronin decided to abolish slavery—which deprived human rights and hindered productivity and social progress—all lords under him must unconditionally execute it, among other things.

To summarize: conferment was possible, but reforms were necessary, gradually shifting the existing system toward a more suitable direction over time.

Ronin couldn't leap from the current stage into a modern society at once; all aspects prohibited it.

"Master, Swamp Town is here."

"Good. I'll trouble you to make a few more trips these days, transporting people to Moonlight Vale."

"Leave it to me, Master. Helping you is what I long for!"

Ronin stood up and leaped from the dragon's back, taking a few aerial steps before landing within Swamp Fort.

The knights, servants, and mages of Swamp Fort had already noticed Karlos's figure, knowing their lord had returned, and gathered outside to wait.

Though Ronin becoming Marquis had little direct relation to most servants here, their faces still shone with pride.

A count's servant differed in status from a marquis's servant.

Upon landing, Ronin received grand congratulations and greetings. After responding and offering encouragement, he withdrew to the hall.

Ronin gathered the mages and knights, explaining personnel adjustments.

First, mages would not be moved, as this affected magical potion production.

With Elron absent, this task was entrusted to Jenny, assisted by Eileen and Yusuf, while the junior mages introduced by Bretton handled preliminary material processing.

Second, Reg's knight squadron would remain, as the tens of thousands living here required military deterrence to avoid issues.

Regarding Moonlight Vale's defense, Rulance had said Redar would station three Ridgeholm Fort knight regiments there, so Ronin temporarily needed no concern here.

Ronin needed to take Transport Officer Rogner and his transport team, along with Wilk and other civil officials, to help handle Moonlight Vale's governance, transport sufficient supplies, and address urgent matters, stabilizing this disaster-stricken land swiftly.

After arrangements, evening arrived.

Ronin ascended Swamp Fort's tower, gazing at the swamp developed into farmland afar.

Unconsciously, October had arrived. This year's rice growth was good, already harvested, leaving larger seed quantities.

Ronin believed after next year's sowing, rice could begin widespread distribution.

Regarding potatoes, Rapidflow Isle now connected with Northridge Territory via shipping routes. Even if Northridge Territory hadn't sown potatoes extensively, large quantities from the island could be transported.

Without waiting for next year, this food now appeared on dining tables.

"This town grows livelier too."

This year, he traveled various places, spending little time in his territory.

Each return showed towns with more people, newly built houses, and obvious changes.

"Lord!" Rogner's voice sounded.

Ronin turned, asking curiously, "What is it? Something happened?"

Rogner bowed, smiling. "A private matter for you."

Ronin puzzled. Rogner and Krami had married, with the latter pregnant; they settled in Northridge Territory.

Perhaps Rogner was inconvenient about going to Moonlight Vale this time?

"Is it inconvenient to leave Northridge Territory?"

Ronin asked. "Indeed, Krami's pregnancy requires companionship."

"Lord misunderstands; not this matter."

Rogner hurriedly explained. "Krami is only two months pregnant, birth is far off. Moreover, I hired servants for care, no inconvenience."

"Oh? Then what is it?"

Rogner smiled. "My brother Mace wishes to train under you like Reese, so he asked me to inquire if convenient."

Ronin was somewhat surprised yet found it reasonable.

"Is he in Swamp Town?"

"Yes, he arrived three days ago."

Ronin smiled. "Then let him come see me. I happen to need help with matters."

Lu Ning had some knowledge of Mas. Though Mas was not as skilled in cultivation as Rogna, he had been specially trained by Marvin in estate management, making him a competent heir to the title.

Currently, Lu Ning needed just such a person. (End of Chapter)