Chapter 512: Duke the Conqueror

The study of the Lord of Mistfort.

Count Ural had fashioned this chamber into a place of opulence, nothing like the warlike fortress one might expect.

Bruno wandered through the hall like a connoisseur savoring rare treasures, examining each statue, each painting with meticulous care. The longer he looked, the more his spirits lifted.

At the sound of a knock, a guard announced Ronin’s arrival, and only then did Bruno set aside his reverie, settling onto the sofa in the study's sitting area.

"Your Majesty, it's been far too long!"

Ronin entered, offering a courteous greeting.

In an uncharacteristic gesture, Bruno rose to greet him, smiling as he gestured for Ronin to sit beside him. "This isn’t Goldenfeather Palace, nor are we in Auduin Hall—no need for such formality. You may call me Father, or Papa, or even Father-in-law, just as Brunch does."

"Very well then, Father-in-law," Ronin replied with a smile.

Bruno nodded in satisfaction. Even as the strongest man in the Kingdom of Auduin, Ronin remained respectful—and that was something Bruno deeply appreciated.

"I only learned of Garrett’s reckless actions when the war had already begun. By then, it was too late to stop him."

Bruno spoke earnestly. "Though you two have had your differences, I hope you won’t hold it against him. After all, we’re family. I don’t wish for this discord to linger."

He didn’t jump straight to matters of titles, but instead sought gently to mend the rift between Garrett and Ronin.

"I share that hope," Ronin admitted. "But Your Majesty, the fault wasn’t mine. On the contrary, out of respect for you and Brunch, I’ve shown nothing but restraint."

Hearing such candor, Bruno sighed. Indeed, Ronin still carried resentment toward Garrett.

"When he returns, I’ve sent him to Brown Forest to aid Fergus against the Barlton Duchy. I’ve also assigned him several seasoned mentors. I believe, in time, his attitude toward you will improve. Please, have patience."

So it was true—Bruno had deliberately removed Garrett from the front lines.

Yet Ronin remained skeptical. How much could such arrangements truly change a man? Garrett was no child, but a man of over thirty, with a firmly shaped character and habits. To alter him swiftly seemed nearly impossible.

Afterward, Bruno shifted to lighter topics—Brunch, the fallen General Aruba whom Ronin had slain—before circling back, half an hour later, to matters of state.

"I’ve heard from Brunch that you seek a dukedom. Truth be told, I’ve been considering it myself, and I’ve even prepared several titles for you."

As he spoke, Bruno reached for a sheet of paper and handed it to Ronin. "This mountain paper is quite fine, though the yellow hue is rather unsightly. If we had whiter, higher-quality sheets, perhaps we could supply a batch to Goldenfeather Palace."

"Ha! White paper is still in development. Once perfected, the first batch shall be yours."

Ronin glanced at the list:

Duke of the Guardian March,

Duke of the Kingdom’s Shield,

Duke of the Frontier Guard,

Duke of the Kingdom’s Sword,

Duke of the Conqueror.

A quiet laugh stirred within him. Every title Bruno had conceived centered on service to the realm—protection, expansion, defense.

"Which do you like?" Bruno asked, grinning.

Ronin rested his chin on his hand, pondering. At length, he said, "Perhaps… Duke of the Conqueror?"

He explained, "I shall wear this title as I tread every city of the Trisia Kingdom."

"Hah! Excellent!"

Bruno clapped in delight. "And if that day ever comes—if Auduin rises to become an empire across Orlandt—I shall elevate you to King of the Wushan Clan!"

It was both a promise and a test.

Under an empire, vassal kingdoms were natural. But Bruno wished to see whether Ronin would help him ascend the imperial throne.

Ronin smiled. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. I believe that day will come."

Kingship was indeed his ambition.

As for becoming Emperor—that would depend on what lay ahead.

They exchanged knowing smiles.

Then Bruno continued, "Now then, Ronin, the matter of titles and rewards is settled. Let us speak of the division of interests."

He shrugged lightly. "Brunch mentioned you wish to bring Watchfort under your domain?"

"More precisely, Watchfort and Mist City, Your Majesty."

Ronin clarified, "I intend to make this my bridgehead for conquering the Trisia Kingdom."

"Agreed."

To Ronin’s surprise, Bruno consented immediately. He, too, desired Ronin as a border duke—to stand as a bulwark against southern invasions.

For though Ronin was mighty, so too were their enemies. Especially that Sacred Storm organization—reports suggested they could rapidly forge new warriors.

Conquering Trisia would not be easy.

Yet Bruno had his own conditions. His tone shifted subtly.

"Watchfort, Mist City, even Gray Vale under Melonika’s command—I’ll grant them all to your domain. But Ronin, with ducal rank comes duty."

"You must win me broader lands. Until you seize at least one enemy duchy, I shall grant no further territories."

"But the day you take Dragonspire, I shall bestow upon you vast domains—enough to make your duchy the largest in all of Auduin."

Ronin fell into brief contemplation.

For him, once ennobled and granted new lands, most tasks on his achievement panel would gain the foundation for completion. So acquiring additional territory before claiming a duchy—or Dragonspire—was not urgent.

What mattered more was people.

Only with greater population could industrialization flourish within his lands.

"Your Majesty, I accept your terms. But I ask the right to take some of the people from conquered cities."

"Of course. Prisoners, like other spoils, belong to the victor. You may claim your share."

Bruno was deeply pleased.

His dream was expansion—stretching Auduin’s borders ever wider, until they spanned north and south like the ancient Orlandt Empire.

He had no desire to parcel out fragments of every conquest to Ronin or other nobles.

After this reward, unless some extraordinary feat emerged, the next elevation would likely wait many years.

They then discussed whether to resume hostilities after the truce.

Ronin suggested caution: after the truce ended came the New Year festival, then winter, then spring planting. Unless attacked, they should remain still.

By May or June next year, they could advance south again.

In the meantime, he could organize affairs in Watchfort and Mist City.

Bruno accepted the advice.

With a sigh, he said, "Ronin, having a warrior like you appear so suddenly in the kingdom fills me with joy. Yet your rise has been so swift, so unexpected—I fear one day I might lose you just as suddenly."

He leaned forward, grave. "The leader of the Sacred Storm seems no weaker than you. Be wary."

Ronin met his gaze deeply. That word—"lose"—carried more than concern for death. It hinted at betrayal.

"Fear not, Your Majesty."

Luo Ning smiled and said, "As long as the kingdom stands behind me, neither the Storm Envoy nor the Sacred Flame will find it easy to defeat me."

Bruno nodded slowly. "Of course—the Kingdom of Auduin shall stand with you!" (End of Chapter)