Chapter 150: Chapter 149: Presenting Gifts

Grey Soil Village.

Following the conclusion of Mountain Forest Town’s first Knight and Guard tournament, Ridder began planning the attack on the Black-collar Tribe.

As the most powerful of the Wilderness Tribes, the Black-collar Tribe’s defenses were much stronger than those of Grey Soil Village. A direct assault would likely result in heavy casualties.

However, Ridder had a plan. Starting on the twenty-fourth, he arranged for his cavalry to cross the centerline and ride straight for the heart of the Black-collar Tribe’s territory. When the enemy reacted and sent out their own cavalry to intercept, he had his men immediately turn around and retreat.

“Leader, look! They’re here again!”

On a hillside, Philton’s subordinate, the Uunei Knight, pointed at the cavalry galloping along the mountain road and shouted resentfully, “Are those people from Grey Soil Village sick in the head? Do they have nothing better to do after a full meal than run back and forth here all day?”

Philton sneered. “Their blatant border violations are a breach of our agreement. Just wait. Once the Baron returns from Wushan Castle, we’ll settle the score with that Ronin!”

“So what about now? Are we just going to let them cross the line like this every day?” a Knight asked.

Philton mused for a moment. He didn’t know what the enemy was up to, but he absolutely would not allow them to cross the border into Sain Territory so brazenly.

“Go, get some cavalry and intercept them!”

Philton decided, “We have nothing better to do anyway. Let’s play along and see what tricks they’re trying to pull.”

And so, a comical scene of cat and mouse—you chase, I run; you run, I chase—began to unfold along the border.

Ridder and Elron sat on their horses on the hill where the Scout Camp was located, gazing at the two groups of people.

“Will this really work?” Elron was a little uncertain.

Ridder gave a noncommittal response. He had originally planned to lure Joffrey out for a talk, but he hadn’t expected the Black-collar Tribe to have a new leader.

“For now, let’s just treat it as practice for the cavalry’s Riding Skill. We’ll make our big move on the first. After a few more provocations, we’ll see how many we can draw out. It’s better than a direct assault.”

Dealing with these Professional Knights defending from behind their fortifications was still tricky. Mountain Forest Town had gone to great lengths to train so many cavalrymen; the fewer losses, the better.

While Ridder was making his preparations, Ronin’s party finally arrived at Wushan Castle on the afternoon of the twenty-sixth.

Lurans’s birthday was a major event in the Wushan Territory. A huge number of nobles had come, and their carriages and supplies had clogged the square in front of Wushan Castle to a standstill.

Fortunately, preparations had been made long in advance. A large number of servants, grooms, and tallying officials were already in position, quickly unloading the gifts brought by the nobles.

Ronin wrinkled his nose. The stench of horse sweat mixed with manure in the square wasn’t exactly overpowering, but it was there. After handing his Cloud Stepper to Tom, he led Macken into the castle.

“Young Master Ronin, welcome!”

The butler, Holwart, greeted them respectfully at the entrance. “Greetings to you, Lord Viscount!”

“It’s been a while, Holwart.”

Marvin Viscount greeted him casually. “How many of the nobles have arrived?”

“Almost everyone is here.” Holwart smiled and led the two into the castle. “Young Master Ronin, you’ll be in your usual quarters. Lord Viscount, we have prepared your accommodations. Please, follow me.”

Although Ronin had left Wushan Castle and become a Baron in his own right, he was still treated differently from the other nobles. At the very least, he still had his own small building and courtyard in Wushan Castle.

“Then you can accompany Uncle Marvin first. I’m going to see Grandfather,” Ronin said.

“Of course, Young Master!”

Holwart added with a smile, “Oh, that’s right. Miss McKinney should be with the Marquis as well. You might run into her if you go now.”

Ronin paused, an image of a beautiful, silver-haired woman flashing through his mind.

McKinney. His full-blooded older sister. After their mother passed away, McKinney had showered Ronin with love and care, and the two were very close.

However, McKinney had married six years ago, to Sir Kabil of Splendid City.

Kabil was the Leader of the Wushan Castle’s Second Knight Order. He possessed strength comparable to a Golden Knight and had earned significant military honors in numerous wars.

Unfortunately, his parents were merely Free People. His origins were exceedingly common, and he had no background to speak of. Despite his great strength, he remained just a Knight to this day.

The main reason McKinney had married him was that they had fallen in love freely. Furthermore, both Lurans and Wiggin had recognized his potential.

Regardless, it was considered a marriage beneath her station, and quite a few people had voiced their opposition, both openly and in secret, at the time.

Ronin navigated to the rear courtyard with practiced ease. The Guards along the way all knew who this young master was and did not stop him.

While waiting for the Guard to announce him, a young noblewoman in a magnificent long dress walked out briskly.

She wore a pale blue long dress with a tight-fitting bodice over it, a gorgeous sash tied at her waist, and jewels adorning her neckline.

In addition, the small hat on her head was decorated with various gems and feathers, which, combined with the sparkling necklace on her fair neck, projected an aura of luxury and nobility.

“Ronin~”

McKinney strode forward and pulled Ronin into a hug. “It’s been so long!”

“It’s been too long, Sister!”

They separated, and Ronin greeted her with a smile.

McKinney then looked Ronin up and down, saying with relief, “You’ve grown taller, and you’ve gotten much stronger.”

She looked up at Ronin, her eyes misting over with worry. “But life in Mountain Forest Town must be so hard. Have you gotten used to living there?”

This was the first time Ronin had felt such genuine concern since he had transmigrated.

McKinney was different from Lurans; the latter was always reserved with his emotions, but she was much more direct.

’Perhaps, even though my predecessor’s character wasn’t the best, it didn’t affect their relationship as brother and sister.’

“Don’t worry, Sis. The situation in Mountain Forest Town isn’t that bad. I’m doing just fine over there.”

As he spoke, he looked at the handsome, blond man behind McKinney and greeted him with a smile, “Long time no see, Kabil. You’re as handsome as ever.”

Kabil stepped forward. He had a somewhat refined appearance, not as burly or imposing as a typical Knight. “You too, Ronin. The feeling you give me now is completely different from before!”

To be honest, Kabil had once looked down on Ronin. His past behavior was not that of a qualified heir, and Kabil couldn’t help but feel annoyed, especially after Ronin lost his inheritance.

After all, as McKinney’s husband, it was almost certain he would have stood on Ronin’s side in the future. But now, the heir had been changed to Bretton, who was backed by Hyde Count, which worried him.

However, the few things Ronin had done recently weren’t bad, and his impression of him had improved slightly.

The three of them exchanged pleasantries outside for a while. It was mostly McKinney asking about Ronin’s daily life—his food, drink, and well-being. She really was like a second mother.

After a short while, the three of them were led into the room by Mosite.

A fire was lit in the fireplace, making the room very warm. At the moment, no one was there except for Lurans.

“Ah, Ronin, you’re here.”

Lurans’s face was ruddy, and his spirits seemed much better than before. It was hard to say whether it was because his health had recovered somewhat or because of the cheerful lift a happy occasion brings.

“Grandfather, happy birthday!”

Ronin offered his congratulations and took the package from Macken’s hands. “This is the gift I prepared for you. I hope you like it.”

“Oh?”

Lurans’s eyes showed pleasant surprise. “Let me see what this is.”

McKinney and Kabil also looked over.

Ronin took out the cloak and draped it over Lurans. “A Storm Demon Wolf appeared in my territory. This cloak was made from its pelt.”

Lurans stroked the cloak; it felt wonderful to the touch. The moment he draped it over his shoulders, it brought him a sense of warmth. “Excellent! If you can kill a Storm Demon Wolf, then I no longer have to worry about your safety in Mountain Forest Town.”

McKinney came over to look at Lurans from all angles, marveling at the quality of the cloak while also sighing over the dangers of Ronin’s territory.

’A territory invaded by Magical Beasts… No wonder no one wanted to be its Lord in the early years.’

Ronin then took out a pale blue scarf. “This is a scarf made from a special thread from Mountain Forest Town. I think you’ll like it.”

A special thread?

That phrase immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. They all looked over with curiosity.

“It’s so light and soft!”

Lurans took the scarf in his hands, stroking it, and couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.

The sensation it gave him was completely different from scarves made of other materials. And when he put it on, the warmth was no less than that of a scarf made of wool or goose down.

McKinney couldn’t resist touching it as well, and her face lit up with affection the moment she did.

Although the scarf wasn’t embroidered with any complex patterns, she could still sense how special it was. With just a little more work, it could absolutely exude an air of elegance and nobility.

“What exactly is this thread?”

Ronin smiled and explained, “This is a cloth made from silkworm silk. I’ve named it ’silk.’ Compared to traditional fabrics like linen or wool, it is extremely soft, comfortable, breathable, and moisture-absorbent. It also has a beautiful luster and a delicate feel. If I’d had more time, this scarf would be even more magnificent and elegant.”

Ronin’s explanation was very professional. It sounded like an introduction, but it was also a sales pitch.

After his introduction, the others had already categorized silk as a high-end textile material.

McKinney’s eyes were shining. “Ronin, I want a scarf like this too! No, I want a dress made of this! It would definitely be so cool to wear in the summer!”

“Of course you can!”

’The promotion of silk fabrics depends on the nobles to lead the trend.’ Ronin naturally didn’t mind giving one to McKinney.

“But I won’t have new materials until around August or September of this year. When the time comes, I’ll definitely have an exquisite dress made for you, Sister.”

“What is the material, exactly? Can I produce it?” McKinney asked.

“I don’t think so? It might be a specialty unique to Mountain Forest Town.”

Ronin wasn’t sure if silkworms existed in other places. But even if they did, without mastering the techniques for silk reeling, others wouldn’t be able to process it.

“I never would have guessed. Mountain Forest Town is truly a blessed land!”

Lurans smiled as he tied the silk scarf around his neck, then settled back down, still wearing the Storm Demon Wolf Cloak.

Although Ronin’s two gifts were of lower monetary value compared to those from other nobles, they were more than enough for him.

Sometimes, it’s not the gift that matters most, but the person who gives it.

“I heard you also have a follower who can defeat a Bronze Knight. You brat, just how many things are you hiding from me?”

To be honest, Lurans had been astonished when he heard that Ronin’s Knight Ridder had defeated Reisen. He never expected Ronin to have another powerful Knight besides Macken.

If the Message Birds hadn’t yet established a connection between Wushan Castle and Mountain Forest Town, he would have asked Ronin about it long ago.

Kabil, at his side, also commented, “Although Reisen’s strength isn’t that great, he’s not someone an ordinary Advanced Level Knight can defeat. Did that Knight named Ridder come this time?”

“Ridder has other matters to attend to, so I didn’t bring him this time.”

Ronin added, “However, his combat skills and strength are indeed quite formidable. I’ve learned a lot from him myself.”

“What a shame~”

Lurans suddenly laughed. “If he had come, perhaps he would have been the champion of this tournament.”

“There’s a tournament as part of the birthday banquet?” Ronin asked in surprise.

“It’s to liven up Grandfather’s birthday banquet.”

McKinney explained with a smile, “Anyone under the age of thirty can participate. The champion gets a prize of One Thousand Gold Coins. Many Knights have been preparing for the last two days after hearing the news.”

Ronin’s eyes lit up. ’Why do I get the feeling that old man Lurans is specifically trying to give me money?’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep