Chapter 102: Returning to Wushan Castle

After more than two months had passed, Ronin set out for Wushan Castle once again.

Unlike his last visit, his personal strength had now reached the Advanced Level. He was powerful enough to handle any attacks from Magical Beasts or bandits on his own.

Ronin was heading to Wushan Castle for two reasons. The first was to sell the various products stored in his Space Ring. The second, and more important reason, was to secure the ownership of the land north of Mountain Forest Town.

Generally, there were four ways for a noble to expand their fief: conquest, marriage, inheritance, or being enfeoffed.

To be enfeoffed, a Vassal had to make a significant contribution to their Lord, who would then grant them new territory in return.

Having now conquered the Wilderness Tribes, Ronin had made a contribution to the Wushan Territory.

He could use this accomplishment to express his wishes to Lurans. Even if the land wasn’t ultimately granted to him, he at least wanted to ensure his grandfather considered him before bestowing it upon someone else.

Although Ronin was now based elsewhere, he knew that in Lurans’s eyes, he was still a member of the Wushan Clan.

After all, the direct bloodline of Wushan Castle was dwindling. Wiggin was already crippled, and there were only three members in the third generation.

The eldest granddaughter, McKinney Wushan—Ronin’s own sister—had married Sir Kabil Pedersen, the Leader of the Second Knight Order, six years ago. Thus, she was considered to have married out of the family.

That left only two grandsons to carry on the Wushan bloodline: Ronin and Bretton.

But the two were very different.

Ronin had no complex political ties; his mother’s family, the Sari Clan, had been wiped out in the war that erupted in the south.

Bretton, on the other hand, had a Count for a maternal grandfather—a man of no small ambition.

Once Bretton inherited the title of Marquis, there was no guarantee the Hyde Clan wouldn’t prop up a new figurehead, eventually spending a generation or two to completely purge the Wushan bloodline from power.

Lurans’s original decision to give up on Ronin had been a choice born of helplessness.

But now, if Ronin displayed enough potential—enough to convince Lurans that he could continue the Wushan Clan’s legacy, enough to make Lurans decide to move against the Hyde Clan—then it was truly hard to say who would ultimately inherit the title of Marquis.

This was all just a thought in Ronin’s mind. For his part, he had no intention of eagerly revealing his immense potential.

As the saying goes, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

If he appeared too extraordinary, he would attract unwanted attention, especially from the Hyde Clan.

The moment they felt he threatened Bretton’s position, a new wave of attacks would begin—and this time, it wouldn’t be limited to simple slander and frame-ups.

So, Ronin decided to remain as low-key as possible, buying himself more time to grow stronger.

In short, he had to stick to the strategy: build high walls, store abundant grain, and take his time in claiming the throne.

...

The journey was rather tedious, but this time he was accompanied by Macken, Wodun, and George, one of the three Knights from Grey Soil Village.

All four men were Professional Knights mounted on fine warhorses. Ronin was even riding the Cloud Stepper gifted to him by Rogner of Pasture City, so they made good time.

Five days later, in the afternoon, they passed through Wushan City and arrived outside Wushan Castle.

Even though Ronin was Lurans’s grandson and Wiggin’s son, as a family member who had been enfeoffed and now ruled his own territory, protocol dictated that he be formally announced before entering Wushan Castle.

Standing before Wushan Castle, his companions, Wodun and George, could only stare upwards in awe.

Hailing from the Wilderness Tribes, they had never seen such magnificent architecture in their entire lives. The sight before them was a shock to the senses, and it only strengthened their resolve to follow Ronin.

They knew full well that while there were many Basic Level Knights in the world, few ever had the opportunity to enter a noble’s castle.

For a common Knight with no background, following the right person was the only way to make contact with those of a higher social standing.

Soon, the steward of Wushan Castle strode out from within, a brilliant smile on his face.

"Welcome home, Young Master Ronin!"

Holwart came before Ronin and bowed respectfully. "Your return has brought new life to all of Wushan Castle. I have prepared your most comfortable room and drawn a hot bath, hoping it will wash away the weariness of your journey and allow you to feel the warmth of home."

Ronin’s expression was a little odd. ’Why is Holwart being so formal?’

"It’s been a while, Mr. Holwart. I was deeply concerned when I heard what happened to my father. How is he doing now?"

Holwart’s expression turned awkward at his words.

He couldn’t see the slightest trace of concern on Ronin’s face. Besides, the incident had happened a month ago, and the wound from Wiggin’s severed limb had already healed...

"The master’s injuries are much better now."

Holwart’s expression shifted to one of sorrow, and he sighed. "It’s just... the master has lost a leg. He will never be able to charge into battle again and will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life."

Ronin’s expression grew somber. "That is truly heartbreaking. Come, take me to see him."

"Young Master..."

Holwart hesitated for a moment. "Young Master Bretton returned this morning. He is likely with Lady Dianey and the master right now."

Ronin’s eyebrow twitched. ’Since I transmigrated, I still haven’t seen this brother of mine in person.’

"In that case, take me to have a bath first. Just let me know when it’s a better time."

"Oh, and please trouble yourself to inform Mosite. Ask him when would be a convenient time for me to see my grandfather."

Holwart smiled and nodded, re-evaluating the young master in his mind. The Ronin of today was a completely different person from the one who had his inheritance rights revoked—so much more mature and steady.

"Young Master, please follow me."

Holwart bowed and gestured for them to enter, then led Ronin and his men into Wushan Castle.

After settling Ronin, Macken, and the others, he went to two places.

First, he went to Wiggin to inform him of his eldest son’s return.

Wiggin showed no surprise, nor any anger. He merely said flatly, "So he still knows how to come back," before ordering someone to prepare for the evening banquet, where they would meet.

The second place Holwart went was the rear courtyard of Wushan Castle, where he informed the old steward, Mosite, of Ronin’s return.

When Lurans received the news, the corners of his mouth curled slightly, though whether it was from amusement or some other emotion was hard to tell.

To be honest, he had been truly shocked when he received the intelligence report from Pasture City stating that Baron Ronin of Mountain Forest Town had conquered three Wilderness Tribes in one fell swoop.

He had originally thought it would be impressive enough if his grandson could simply settle down patiently in Mountain Forest Town. He never expected that Ronin would not only adapt to life there but also launch an external war.

Even though he had heard those Wilderness Tribes had put up little resistance, the sheer courage it took to raise his sword and march out was enough to make Lurans see Ronin in a new light.

He was now more certain than ever that revoking Ronin’s inheritance had been the shock needed to wake him up completely. For the Wushan Clan, this was a very good thing.

"Go inform Ronin. Have him come see me before the evening banquet."