Chapter 524 - 497: Good News

Chapter 524: Chapter 497: Good News

Back when he was still the Baron of Mountain Forest Town, Ronin established the tradition of holding a martial tournament at the end of each year. Many years have passed since then, and although Ronin’s forces have continued to expand, the tradition has carried on.

However, due to the large and scattered number of people, Ridder and the others decided that each Knight Order in the various regions would hold its own tournament.

So at this time, bustling martial tournaments were being held everywhere, from Mist City to Wubei Territory and Purple Thunder Territory.

Ronin brought Blanche to watch the finals at the Mist City arena. Competitors ranged from Basic Level Knights to Meteor Knights, and the event was exceptionally lively.

"I never thought Placido could push Anilu that hard. For a moment there, I thought his Meteor Knight title was just for show!"

From the stands, Ronin commented on the battle that had just concluded below.

As Sophia’s Personal Guard Officer, Anilu was not only a Meteor Knight but also the Chief Mage.

In the final match, she had relied on her command of both these powers to overwhelm Placido and claim victory.

Ridder smiled. "The main reason you feel that way is because when we attacked Watchtower Castle, Placido was powerless against us."

Blanche chuckled. "So... it’s not that he’s weak, but that you all are too strong?"

Ridder nodded lightly. "My Lady is correct."

Macken stepped forward. "My Lord, it’s time for you to present the awards to the champions!"

Ronin smiled and stood up, walking toward the award podium below.

To make the Knights value the competition more, he had specially created gold, silver, and bronze medals for the top three.

After all, in some people’s eyes, a medal symbolizing honor was far more important than money.

After the lively competition came an even livelier banquet.

Ronin socialized for a while before leaving the banquet early and returning to his room.

"You’re back so soon? The banquet can’t be over yet, can it?"

Blanche asked in confusion as she helped Ronin take off his coat.

"Of course not. That guy Ridder absolutely loves to drink; he’s probably still down there pounding drinks with the Knights."

Once a Knight’s strength reached the Golden Level, ordinary alcohol could no longer intoxicate them.

However, some enjoyed the sensation of drinking and would deliberately not use their power to dispel the effects of the alcohol.

Just like Ridder. He’d suppress his body’s natural resistance, allowing himself to remain in a pleasant, tipsy state, yet he could sober up instantly if needed. For him, that was also a form of enjoyment.

Ronin smiled, hung his coat to the side, and wrapped his arms around Blanche.

"This is your first year celebrating the new year away from home. I was worried you’d be bored, so I left early to come keep you company."

Blanche was touched. She took the coat back down. "Just thinking of me is enough. When you have the time, it’s better to be with your subordinates. We’ll have to rely on them to fight in future wars, and we’ll need them to help govern the territories we conquer."

"I’m already back. What’s the point of going out again?"

He swept Blanche up into his arms. "I’d much rather spend some quality time with you."

Blanche wrapped her arms around Ronin’s neck and buried her head in his chest. "I want to, too, but not tonight. To be precise, it won’t be convenient for a while."

Hm?

Ronin asked in confusion, "What’s wrong? Is it your period? I don’t remember it being due right now."

"I have good news for you!"

Blanche lifted her head and whispered in Ronin’s ear, "I’m pregnant, Ronin. We’re having a baby!"

Ronin froze for a moment, then his eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Really?"

Blanche hummed in affirmation. "Mhm, I can feel the changes in my body."

"Let me see!"

Ronin quickly placed her on the bed, gently laying his palm on her abdomen as his Spiritual Power permeated her body.

As he focused his perception, he could indeed feel a new life gestating inside Blanche.

At that moment, he was overcome with joy.

"Haha, that’s my girl, Blanche! You’re amazing!"

He planted a firm kiss on her cheek, his hand gently stroking her lower abdomen. "There’s no heartbeat yet. You must be less than a month along."

He calculated the timing; it must have happened about two weeks ago.

If Blanche weren’t a Senior Mage with remarkable Spiritual Power, she probably wouldn’t have noticed it yet.

Ronin took her hand and said gently, "Even though you’re a Senior Mage, you shouldn’t overwork yourself from now on. Delegate all the territory’s affairs and focus on nurturing this little life!"

"I know."

Blanche nodded, her face beaming with a happy smile. "But my body and spirit are in excellent condition right now. I can still handle some things without any problem."

After all, as a Transcendent, she wasn’t that fragile.

"Hmm..."

Ronin rubbed his chin. "Although it doesn’t seem like the enemy has any intention of attacking right now, Mist City is on the front line. There’s always a risk of war. You can’t stay here."

He stood up and thought for a long moment.

"Go back to Wubei Territory. That’s our main rear base, and with Bellora, Simon, Elron, and Carlos there, it’s very safe!"

Especially Elron. With a top-tier physician like him there, any situation can be handled.

Blanche blinked. "Is that really necessary? I’d rather stay in the same place as you."

"I refuse to let you take any risks."

Having lived two lives, this was Ronin’s first time becoming a father. Along with his excitement, he was also very anxious. It was only natural for him to prioritize Blanche’s safety.

"With my current power, I can return to Wubei Territory quickly even without relying on Carlos, so don’t worry about not seeing me. Besides, I can leave Mist City to Ridder and Macken. If there’s nothing pressing, I’ll stay in Wubei Territory as well."

"Alright then, I’ll do as you say."

Blanche sat up with a smile and leaned into Ronin’s embrace. Nothing brought her more joy than the concern of the man she loved.

The next day, Ronin left Mist City with Blanche.

On their way, they passed through Wushan Castle and stopped to pay a New Year’s visit to Lurans and Wiggin, offering them greetings for the new year. At the same time, they also informed them of Blanche’s pregnancy.

Hearing such joyous news on the first day of the new year made Lurans ecstatic.

When he heard that Ronin planned to send Blanche to Wubei Territory to rest, the old man, concerned for her safety, even wanted to dispatch the Knight Order under his command to protect her. It took some convincing from both Ronin and Blanche for him to drop the idea.

In the early stages, only a core group of people knew about the pregnancy. Sending an entire Knight Order would be far too conspicuous.

Since arranging for bodyguards was out, Lurans set about arranging for a few capable and trustworthy maids who were also experienced in caring for pregnant women.

In any case, everyone was overjoyed about the new life being nurtured for the Wushan Clan.

Even Wiggin was happy about becoming a grandfather.

Ronin was also considering whether he should share the happy news with Bruno.

Although the child was the fruit of his and Blanche’s love, it was also a testament to the close relationship between the Oduin and Wushan families.

He suspected that even Garrett, with whom he was not on good terms, would want to see this child born safely.

However, after some consideration, Ronin decided against writing a letter to inform him.

It wouldn’t be too late to tell him in person when they had the chance to meet.

For the next few days, he was busy arranging a residence, servants, and all sorts of tedious matters for Blanche.

Meanwhile, after several days of travel and persuasion, Garrett finally succeeded in convincing Count Ural and the other prisoners to become his followers.

In Oduin Hall, Bruno listened to Broel’s report and nodded in satisfaction.

"We can give Count Ural and his group land, wealth, and power. Their willingness to follow Garrett is a wise choice."

He said with a smile, "Go tell Garrett to bring his new followers to Oduin Hall tomorrow. I will officially enfeoff them!"