Chapter 511: Marriage Alliance

After nearly two years of expansion, the permanent population of the North Wray Territory had now exceeded two hundred thousand.

Furthermore, with the expansion of Ronin's influence, combined with the external renown of Elrond, Rhaedar, and others, as well as Belora's endorsement, more and more talented individuals harbored thoughts of coming to the North Wray Territory to seek opportunities.

By now, this place had long ceased to be like the original Mountain Woods Town, where even finding a single literate person was an arduous task.

Should Ronin require it, assembling a hundred-strong team of clerks would pose absolutely no issue.

Consequently, many unfamiliar faces among the officials and knights had appeared, whom Ronin did not recognize.

He took advantage of his brief stay in the North Wray Territory to gain a cursory acquaintance with these newcomers, before conducting an inspection of several vital industries in the territory to guide their future development.

In the process, Ronin also realized that his energy was finite, making it impossible to micro-manage every single detail.

Once the scale grew to a certain point, steering the general direction of development was what he ought to do.

Therefore, he decided that a large-scale territorial council would be convened annually from then on, with attendance tentatively consisting of the governors of each city, commanders of the knight orders, and principal officials.

This would serve both to report on the management of the territory and to facilitate the formulation and dissemination of new policies.

After staying in the North Wray Territory for a few days, Ronin returned to Moonlight Castle, by which time Blanche, who had departed for the Golden Feather Palace, had already returned.

"How did it go? What did His Majesty say?"

A smile graced Blanche's face, conveying the impression that glad tidings had indeed arrived.

"Father was full of praise for you!"

She said with a smile, "He said it is my blessing to marry a man like you, told me to cherish it, and hoped I would bear you a child soon to continue the lineage of the Wushan family."

Ronin extended his hands helplessly. "Have we not been working on that constantly? There is simply no sign of success yet. But Blanche, I find you have grown

He pondered for a moment, then said, "The Hei Yu family possesses deep resources—not only do they control the Hei Yu mines, but they also hold a unique forging technique. Now that Viscount Willis has fallen in battle, their family has lost its pillar, and inevitably others will begin to covet their power from the shadows. A marriage alliance between the Wu Shan and Hei Yu families would benefit both sides."

"That Lilyth I’ve met as well—her talent in magic is indeed remarkable. She’d be a worthy match for Brayton."

Lulans smiled. "So you agree, then?"

Roland gave a slight nod. "I have no objections. But most importantly, we must consider Brayton’s own feelings. If he consents…"

"Haha, he’ll follow whatever we decide."

Lulans chuckled. "Brayton is an honest lad, not as scheming as you, young man."

Roland could only smile wryly. "Why does that sound like you’re speaking ill of me? Am I dishonest?" (End of Chapter)