Chapter 484: High-Quality Clay

On the third day after the First Knight Corps successfully garrisoned the Western Wind Hill, Ronin arrived at this military camp riding a giant dragon.

Western Wind Hill could be considered his half enclave; his visit this time was mainly to survey the surrounding environment and resources.

As for enemy intelligence, the main forces of the Trizia Kingdom were stationed opposite Red Pine Fort, and only a knight corps was defending Western Wind Hill. Redal was fully capable of handling it.

Accompanied by Redal and Odoro, Ronin inspected the main defense points and observed the soldiers' daily training. He also said many encouraging words.

Apart from members receiving extra subsidies, the border garrison troops would also receive rewards such as money, equipment, porcelain, silk, and land for killing enemies and earning merits.

These rewards were not just lip service; Ronin had already instructed Redal and others to discuss and formulate appropriate provisions, publicly announcing them to all knights and soldiers in the territory.

For most people, becoming an honorary knight or even a baron was almost an impossible task.

However, killing enemies to earn rewards was much simpler.

Therefore, implementing this measure could indeed stimulate the soldiers' enthusiasm.

"Sir, the terrain of Western Wind Hill mainly consists of small hills and forests. After crossing the hill ahead, there is a gentle area, with Watchtower Castle thirty miles away. According to information provided by Lord Denny, the commander of Watchtower Castle is Lord Prasido Carmen, who possesses peak Meteor-level strength."

The three quickly reached the top of the hill. Ronin's gaze swept over the valley plain below, faintly revealing Watchtower Castle of the Trizia Kingdom.

"Peak Meteor-level, quite a talented individual."

Ronin smiled and said, "If war breaks out later, such talents should be recruited if possible. Our ultimate enemy is on Crescent Continent; these knights can be spared if they serve me."

"Of course, if they are already confirmed to be colluding with the Holy Storm organization, there is no need to keep them."

Redal nodded, "I understand."

Ronin withdrew his gaze, "Does Western Wind Hill have any other valuable specialty products?"

Redal looked at Odoro.

The latter immediately became energized. Facing this young yet high-ranking noble, the forty-year-old man felt somewhat nervous.

"Sir, the commander has instructed me to conduct detailed surveys and statistics. No special minerals were found here; even stone mines are rare. However, there is plenty of clay here, which Lord Denny and his people made into bricks. Many houses are built with clay bricks."

This world still uses bricks, and Ronin has seen many. However, compared to using clay-fired bricks to build houses, they prefer to use wood directly or stack stones with mud.

"What kind of clay?"

Ronin asked, "Speaking of which, the kaolin clay in Ash Earth Village is also a type of clay, and its value is quite high."

"Different from kaolin clay."

Redal smiled and said, "I went to see it; it's a red clay. If you want to know more, you can follow me."

"Then take me to see it."

As they spoke, the two soared into the air.

This scene filled Odoro with awe and longing. With such a lord and commander, could they still be defeated at the border?

Under Redal's guidance, Ronin arrived at the western hills and forests, seeing many excavated red clay pits. The clay reserves appeared substantial.

Ronin conducted a detailed survey.

The clay here was not kaolin clay and could not be used to make porcelain.

However, the clay quality was high enough to produce superior pottery.

Moreover, with research into steam power, Ronin could manufacture crushers and grinders to crush stones and iron ore to produce cement.

"The stone mines of Giant Stone City are rich in variety. Combined with the clay here, iron ore, gypsum, etc., cement can be produced."

"Cement?" Redal questioned.

"A good building material."

Ronin smiled and explained, "So it seems Western Wind Hill is not barren. It hasn't wasted the operational rights I obtained by applying to the king."

Redal smiled, "Your ability in territorial construction is no less than your cultivation talent. In my experience, I have never encountered anyone as knowledgeable and wise as you!"

Ronin laughed heartily, "When did you start speaking so eloquently?"

"Well, I'm just stating objective facts."

As they spoke, two figures swiftly approached. The leader was Odoro, followed by a burly man Ronin didn't recognize.

"Sir, Commander, Lord Denny said he has important matters and wants to meet you," Odoro reported.

Redal was puzzled, unsure why the other party came again.

"Respected Marquis of Moonlight Valley, Denny Torres greets you."

Denny greeted while sizing up Ronin.

Due to long-term border garrison duties, he had never met this legendary figure. Seeing him today, Ronin appeared younger than he imagined.

"Very pleased to meet you, Lord Denny. What brings you here?"

Denny glanced at Redal and smiled, "When I left, I mentioned to Redal that the Crown Prince is waiting for him at Red Pine Fort. Unexpectedly, the Corps Commander hasn't gone these days."

He shrugged and apologetically said the following: "The Crown Prince is quite angry and specifically instructed me to notify Redal to arrive at Red Pine Fort today. Otherwise, any consequences must be borne by the Corps Commander and you."

Redal didn't argue but acknowledged the matter, "These days I've been handling the defense affairs of Western Wind Hill, so it was delayed."

He didn't expect Red Pine Fort to specially send someone to urge him.

Ronin raised his eyebrows slightly, asking curiously, "Looking for Redal so urgently, does the Crown Prince have combat tasks arranged recently?"

Ronin frowned slightly; he hadn't received any notification about attacking the Trizia Kingdom.

Denny hesitated momentarily, "Well, I haven't heard about that, but I think the Crown Prince might have other matters to discuss with you?"

Ronin nodded slightly, "Since it's so, Redal, you go with Denny to see what arrangements the Crown Prince has."

"Yes, sir."

Denny wondered, "The Marquis isn't planning to come with us?"

Ronin shook his head, "I've entrusted Western Wind Hill's defense to Redal; he can make decisions for me. I have other urgent matters here and won't go."

Ronin's relationship with Garrett wasn't good. At the wedding last year, Garrett only symbolically said a blessing in public, with no private communication.

According to Blanche, probably Ronin's rise made Garrett unhappy.

Ronin believed he hadn't wronged Garrett in any way; instead, he gave him ample respect in many matters. Unexpectedly, it resulted in such treatment.

With no recent battles, Garrett urgently summoned Redal, possibly to convey matters, but might also be showing off his authority as overall commander.

Therefore, Ronin avoided direct friction by not going, even if it would still upset Garrett.

Denny pondered internally; he didn't understand Ronin and Garrett's relationship well.

But he knew the Crown Prince's temper; if he learned Ronin came to the front lines but didn't visit, the Crown Prince would definitely be very displeased.

However, he couldn't persuade Ronin.

Ronin's status was much higher than his own.

Moreover, this time the superiors only instructed him to invite Redal to Red Pine Fort, not mentioning Ronin.

"Well, then Redal, let's go now."

He smiled and said, "If smooth, we can return by evening."

Redal slightly bowed to Ronin, then left the hills and forests with Denny, riding gryphons to Red Pine Fort.

He shouldn’t be causing any trouble, right? Luo Ning wondered inwardly.

"Oduro, I have something I need you to arrange."

Oduro bowed and said, "Your orders, sir!"

"Find some people to dig about ten barrels of this clay. I need it for something later." (End of chapter)