Chapter 489 - 462: High-Quality Clay

Chapter 489: Chapter 462: High-Quality Clay

Three days after the First Knight Order successfully set up camp at West Wind Hill, Ronin descended upon the military encampment riding his Giant Dragon.

West Wind Hill could be considered a semi-enclave of his, and the main purpose of his trip was to inspect the surrounding environment and resources.

As for the enemy situation, the Tricia Kingdom’s main forces were positioned opposite Red Pine Castle. The force defending against West Wind Hill was only a single Knight Order, which Ridder was more than capable of handling.

Accompanied by Ridder and Oduro, Ronin inspected the main defensive positions and observed the soldiers’ daily training, taking the opportunity to offer many words of encouragement.

In addition to extra subsidies, troops stationed at the border would receive rewards such as money, equipment, porcelain, silk, and land for killing enemies and performing meritorious deeds.

These were not just empty words. Ronin had already tasked Ridder and the others with discussing and drafting formal regulations, which were then made public to all the Knights and soldiers in his domain.

For most people, becoming an Honorary Knight, let alone a Baron, was an almost impossible feat.

However, killing enemies to earn rewards was much simpler.

Thus, implementing this policy did indeed boost the soldiers’ morale.

"My Lord, the terrain of West Wind Hill is dominated by small, forested hills. Just over the hill ahead, there is a stretch of flat land, and Watchtower Castle lies nine miles beyond it. According to information from Viscount Denny, the Commander of Watchtower Castle is Viscount Placido Carmen, a warrior at Meteor Peak."

The three of them soon reached the top of the hill. Ronin’s gaze swept over the valley plain below, and he could faintly make out the Tricia Kingdom’s Watchtower Castle.

"Meteor Peak... He’s quite a talent."

Ronin said with a smile, "When the war starts, we should try to recruit talent like him if we can. Our ultimate enemy is on the Crescent Continent. As long as these Knights can serve me, we can spare their lives."

"Of course, if anyone is confirmed to be colluding with the Holy Storm Organization, there is no need to spare them."

Ridder nodded. "I understand."

Ronin looked away from the distant castle. "Does West Wind Hill have any other valuable local resources?"

Ridder looked toward Oduro.

Oduro immediately snapped to attention. Despite being in his forties, he found himself somewhat nervous in the presence of this young yet powerful and high-ranking noble.

"My Lord, the Commander already had me conduct a detailed survey. We haven’t found any special mineral deposits here; even stone quarries are rare. However, there is an abundance of clay. Viscount Denny and his men used it to make bricks, and many of the houses are built from them."

Bricks did exist in this world, and Ronin had seen his fair share. It was just that, compared to firing clay bricks for construction, people here preferred to build with wood, or by stacking stones held together with mud.

"What kind of clay?"

Ronin asked, "Speaking of which, the kaolin from Grey Soil Village is also a type of clay, and it’s quite valuable."

"It’s not like kaolin."

Ridder said with a smile, "I’ve gone to see it. It’s a red clay. If you’d like to take a look, you can follow me."

"Then lead the way."

With that, the two men took to the air and departed.

The sight filled Oduro with awe and longing. ’With a Lord and Commander like them,’ he thought, ’how could we possibly lose a battle on the border?’

Led by Ridder, Ronin arrived in the western woods and saw numerous excavated pits of red clay. It appeared to be a massive deposit.

Ronin conducted a detailed inspection.

This clay was not kaolin, so it couldn’t be used to make porcelain.

However, its quality was high enough that it would be perfect for making high-grade pottery.

Moreover, with his ongoing research into steam power, Ronin knew he could build crushers and grinders to break down materials like stone and iron ore, enabling him to produce cement.

’The quarries of Giant Stone City have a rich variety of stone. Combined with the clay here, plus some iron ore and gypsum, I can produce cement.’

"Cement?" Ridder asked, confused.

"An excellent building material."

Ronin explained with a smile, "It seems West Wind Hill isn’t so barren after all. The management rights I requested from His Majesty the King won’t go to waste."

Ridder chuckled. "Your skill in developing your domain is every bit as impressive as your talent for cultivation. In all my years, I’ve never met anyone as knowledgeable and wise as you!"

Ronin laughed. "Since when did you learn to flatter so well?"

"Uh, I’m merely stating an objective fact."

As they spoke, two figures rapidly approached. Oduro was in the lead, but Ronin didn’t recognize the burly man behind him.

"My Lord, Commander," Oduro reported, "Viscount Denny says he has an urgent matter and wishes to see you."

Ridder was confused. ’Why is he here again?’

"Greetings to the esteemed Marquis of Moonlight Valley. I am Denny Torres."

Denny sized up Ronin as he spoke.

Having been stationed at the border for so long, he had never met the legendary figure before. Now, seeing him in person, Ronin looked even younger than he’d imagined.

"A pleasure to meet you, Viscount Denny. What brings you here?"

Denny glanced at Ridder and said with a smile, "When I last departed, I mentioned to Ridder that His Highness the Crown Prince was waiting for him at Red Pine Castle. I didn’t realize the Commander still hadn’t gone."

He spread his hands and continued with a hint of apology, "His Highness is furious. He sent me specifically to inform Ridder that he must reach Red Pine Castle today. Otherwise, any consequences will have to be borne by both the Commander and you, my Lord."

Ridder didn’t offer any excuses, simply acknowledging the matter. "I’ve been handling the defenses of West Wind Hill for the past few days, which caused the delay."

He hadn’t expected Red Pine Castle to send someone just to press the issue.

Ronin raised an eyebrow in surprise. "He’s this eager to see Ridder? Has His Highness the Crown Prince scheduled a combat mission?"

Ronin frowned slightly; he hadn’t received any notice to attack the Tricia Kingdom.

Denny paused. "Er, I haven’t heard anything about that. I imagine His Highness has other business with him."

Ronin nodded slightly. "In that case, Ridder, you should go with Denny and see what arrangements His Highness the Crown Prince has made."

"Yes, my Lord."

Denny was surprised. "Marquis, you’re not planning to come with us?"

Ronin shook his head. "I have entrusted the defense of West Wind Hill to Ridder, so he can make decisions on my behalf. I have other urgent matters here, so I won’t be going."

Ronin’s relationship with Garrett was not very good. At the wedding late last year, the Crown Prince had only offered a perfunctory blessing in public, and they hadn’t exchanged a single word in private.

According to what Blanche had said, Ronin’s rise to prominence had likely displeased Garrett.

’I’ve done nothing to wrong Garrett,’ Ronin thought. ’On the contrary, I’ve shown him plenty of respect on many occasions. I never expected to be treated like this in return.’

’The Crown Prince is demanding Ridder’s presence when there are no imminent battles. Perhaps he has a task to assign, but it’s just as likely he’s using his authority as Commander-in-Chief to throw his weight around.’

’So, to avoid a direct confrontation, it’s better if I don’t go, even though my absence will still annoy him.’

Denny felt a sense of unease. He wasn’t privy to the details of the relationship between Ronin and Garrett.

However, he knew the Crown Prince’s temper. ’If His Highness finds out Ronin came to the front but didn’t pay him a visit, he’ll be absolutely furious,’ he thought.

But there was nothing he could do to persuade Ronin.

After all, Ronin’s station was far higher than his.

Besides, his orders had only been to summon Ridder to Red Pine Castle; there was no mention of Ronin.

"Very well. In that case, Ridder, let’s be on our way."

He added with a smile, "If all goes smoothly, we should be back by evening."

Ridder gave Ronin a slight bow, then left the woods with Denny, riding Griffins toward Red Pine Castle.

’He won’t try to pull anything, will he?’

Ronin mused to himself, then said, "Oduro, I have a task for you."

Oduro bowed. "At your command, my Lord!"

"Find a few men and have them dig up a dozen or so barrels of this clay. I have use for it."