Chapter 469 - 442: A Head Full of Bad Thoughts

It was mid-September, with over three months left until the end of December, but Wushan Castle was already nearly fully decorated inside and out.

Ronin’s marriage to Princess Blanche was the grandest and most important event for Wushan Castle in nearly thirty years.

The preparations had not stopped, even with the recent war.

Even Wiggin, who loved to rest and have fun, was very attentive to this matter, frequently asking the butler and others about the progress of the preparations.

Ronin had come to Wushan Castle intending only to discuss the trip to the Royal Capital with Lurans, but the butler dragged him around a tailor’s shop for most of the day. He had to have his height and waist measured, select metal fittings, choose boots, and more.

It wasn’t until evening that he was finally done.

Sitting at the dinner table, Ronin ate and mused, ’Thank goodness Wushan Castle is handling all this. If I had to organize it myself, I’d probably die from exhaustion.’

"After this trip to the Royal Capital, stop running all over the place. Settle down, prepare properly, and be a good bridegroom."

Ronin was speechless for a moment.

Anyone who didn’t know the situation would hear that and think he spent his days carousing and debauching.

In reality, Lurans simply meant he should spend less time running between territories and focus more on the wedding.

"I understand, Grandfather."

Ronin asked with a smile, "I hear that His Majesty is going to enfeoff me during this trip to the Royal Capital. Why is it such a grand affair?"

Lurans chuckled. Taking a sip of his wine, he smiled and said, "His Majesty wants to maintain his relationship with us!"

"Although letting Jesus go wasn’t overtly aimed at you, everyone knew that allowing the Witch Soul Race to take root in Moonlight Valley would make Wushan Territory the primary target."

"Now, not only is Moonlight Valley gone and Jesus dead, but the outside world has also learned of Wushan Territory’s combat strength—especially your formidable power. Naturally, he has to change his attitude."

"Carolina told me that the talk all over Golden Feather City is that you’re a Proud Sun Knight, the youngest genius in the Kingdom’s history. They say even the Crown Prince can’t compare to you."

Ronin frowned slightly. "That kind of talk sounds like they’re trying to build me up just to tear me down. Besides, I never told Garrett or his men that I was a Proud Sun Knight."

Lurans shook his head with a smile. "You defeated not only the Silver Moon Level Garrett but all of his Meteor Knights as well—with a single move. Based on that strength alone, you’re at the Proud Sun Level."

"Fair enough..."

’If this kind of talk had spread back when I was at the Meteor Level, I would have found it dangerous. After all, a tall tree catches the wind.’

’But now, the danger isn’t as great.’

’Even with poison, very few toxins can kill a Proud Sun Knight, whose life force is incredibly strong. Besides, I have a powerful Antitoxic Potion from Elron in my Space Ring.’

Lurans considered this for a moment before concluding, "While this talk might sound like an attempt to kill you with praise, I believe it’s also building your prestige. You’re Bruno’s son-in-law and a Proud Sun Knight—that’s a matter of immense honor for him. Therefore, I suspect your Noble Title from this enfeoffment won’t be low."

Wiggin, who had been focused on shoveling down his food, couldn’t help but look up. "Father, do you think they’ll make Ronin a Duke outright?"

Ronin smiled faintly. ’Wiggin just said the exact same thing as Bretton.’

"A Duke is unlikely, but a Marquis might be possible."

Ronin was a bit surprised. "A Marquis? That seems unlikely. The Wushan Clan is already a Marquis Clan, so to have another..."

"As things stand, you’re a Count, separate and independent from Wushan Castle. The right to inherit the Marquisate of Wushan Castle belongs to your younger brother, Bretton. There’s nothing stopping them from making you a Marquis; the main question is how much territory you’ll be granted."

Lurans laughed. "Besides, you’re still underestimating the weight a Proud Sun Knight carries. That’s absolute top-tier combat power. If Bruno wants to conquer the Tricia Kingdom, he’ll need your help!"

"Father has a point."

Wiggin sighed in admiration. "Ronin, keep up the good work. I see the makings of a Duke in you!"

The thought of having a Duke for a son made him feel a bit light-headed with pride.

"Well, thanks for the well wishes!"

Ronin and Wiggin clinked their glasses.

When it came to understanding Bruno, Ronin was clearly not as perceptive as Lurans. Since his grandfather had said a Marquisate was possible, he must have been reasonably confident.

’If I really am made a Marquis, it would be extremely valuable.’

’After all, not only would I complete the [Famous Throughout the World] achievement, but the monthly sign-in reward would also increase to four times the initial amount. The continuous growth in benefits would be substantial.’

Over the next few days, under Holwart’s guidance, Ronin finalized the wedding schedule, the stage design, the guest list, and so on.

Holwart was highly experienced in arranging grand events and needed no reminders from Ronin.

However, Ronin did add one name to the guest list: Bellora Silva of Amethyst County.

This Great Mage was another person he hoped to win over, and Ronin believed she would be very interested in the Crescent Continent.

On the twenty-fourth, Ronin summoned Carlos, preparing to take him and Lurans to the Royal Capital.

He chose this particular day mainly because the next day was Blanche’s birthday.

Although there was no birthday banquet this year due to Jesus’s funeral, he could still spend some private time with her.

Lurans was fine before, but the sight of the Giant Dragon gave him a real shock.

When Carlos arrived, his landing crushed a section of the back mountain. In the dragon’s presence, the Griffins that Lurans had only recently started training looked like mere infants.

"Ronin, if the outside world knew your Giant Dragon had grown this large, I wonder what they would think?"

Ronin laughed heartily. "Perhaps the outside world will find out soon enough."

’After Patridge returns to Crescent Island, MacLaren will definitely question him. The news about the Giant Dragon will naturally come to light.’

"Now I feel that even making you a Marquis isn’t enough. He really should do as your father suggested and grant you a Dukedom."

"What I want is more than just a Dukedom," Ronin said. "One day, if the opportunity arises, I will make myself a king."

Lurans was stunned for a moment, then he began to laugh. It was the first time he had heard Ronin say such a thing so bluntly; in the past, he had only ever hinted at it.

’It seems that as one’s power grows, so do one’s ambition and confidence.’

"When that day truly comes, I will take the lead," Lurans said. "Let me bear the infamy of betrayal."

Ronin was touched, but he said, "Grandfather, you’re full of wicked ideas. I never planned to betray the Oduin Kingdom to make myself king. The Tricia Kingdom’s territory is vast; establishing a new kingdom there isn’t out of the question."

"Er... HAHAHA!"

Lurans couldn’t help but roar with laughter. "It seems my thoughts really have gone crooked."

This was indeed Ronin’s preliminary plan.

Although it’s said that kings and nobles are not destined by birth, true rulers still cared about their public image.

It wasn’t a matter of vanity; rather, if a ruler betrayed others simply because they were powerful, their subordinates would do the same.

This would be a hidden danger for his future kingdom—the historical Jin Country was a prime example.

Moreover, Bruno was his father-in-law. Without a compelling reason, it would be inappropriate for Ronin to betray him just because he had grown powerful.

Nevertheless, becoming a king was a path Ronin felt he must walk, which was why he had set his sights on the Tricia Kingdom.

Of course, if the Oduin Kingdom were to one day do something that angered both gods and men, or if Garrett took power and made a move against Wushan Territory, then that would be another matter entirely.