Chapter 146 - 145: The Banquet

The banquet at Ironhoof Castle was a lively affair.

Besides Viscount Marvin and his family, he had also invited some of the vassals and knights from Pasture City.

The one who caught Ronin’s attention the most was Baron Tarren Snow.

According to Rogner’s introduction, Tarren was a Silver Knight, and his strength was one of the greatest in Pasture City.

Tarren had a son and a daughter. His son was the captain of the Ninth Knight Squad at Ironhoof Castle, and Ronin had met his daughter, Krami, who was Rogner’s girlfriend.

In addition to these people, there were also music and dance troupes from Pasture City.

In all his time since transmigrating, this was the first time Ronin had heard music from the Otherworld played on instruments like the pipe organ and recorder, and it had a unique charm.

It was also the first time he’d seen so many beautiful women milling about before his very eyes.

Although he didn’t know anyone here, as a guest of honor at Ironhoof Castle’s banquet today, he received a great deal of "special attention."

Nobles, knights, and young ladies all came up to toast him, to the point that Ronin lost count of how many glasses he’d had.

If he weren’t now a Bronze Knight and a Great Mage, he would probably be drunk.

"Mr. Ronin, may I have the honor of this dance?" a cheerful voice sounded by his ear.

Ronin couldn’t help but look over and see a young noble lady of seventeen or eighteen. She wore a magnificent long gown, its hem swaying gently with her steps, like a blossoming lily.

The gown was a deep sea blue, embroidered with exquisite patterns. Around her neck, she wore a pearl necklace, each pearl as white and flawless as the bright moon.

Among all the noble ladies here tonight, this girl’s beauty could be considered top-tier.

Although Ronin didn’t know who she was, faced with her direct invitation, he wasn’t about to refuse and cause her to lose face.

"The honor is all mine, my fair lady!"

He naturally took her small hand, wrapped an arm around her waist, and began to dance with her on the dance floor.

’I don’t know how to dance. Back on Earth, was the only thing I did in my twenties related to dancing those calisthenics routines?’

However, his body’s previous owner had been an expert dancer. Plus, this kind of social dance wasn’t complicated, so Ronin could imitate the moves as he recalled them.

His dance partner couldn’t help but chuckle. "Your dancing skills don’t seem to be very good, do they?"

Taking in the faint scent of her perfume, Ronin felt a little awkward. "I haven’t danced in a long time, so my moves are a bit rusty. And I still don’t know what to call you, my fair lady?"

"Just call me Jenny."

With their arms around each other’s waists, the girl and Ronin slowly moved to the soothing music. Ronin’s dancing skills quickly improved, which made her believe that he really was just out of practice.

"I heard one of your men defeated Baron Reisen. Is that true?"

Jenny spoke as they danced. "It’s hard to imagine how an Advanced Level Knight managed to defeat a higher-level opponent."

"Has word of this spread so far? How is it that even you know about it?"

"My father is a knight at Ironhoof Castle. He definitely wouldn’t miss something so exciting. Can you tell me what happened in the battle? We’re all very curious."

The two chatted politely. When the song ended, Ronin courteously parted from her. He picked up his wine glass again, wanting to find a quiet corner to sit for a while.

Just then, Viscount Marvin approached. A few other young noblewomen who had been about to invite Ronin for another dance saw this and tactfully gave up the idea.

"Ronin, how are you finding it?"

The two clinked glasses and took a small sip of ale.

Ronin replied with a smile, "It’s wonderful. Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle!"

"Come, let’s go up to the rooftop and talk."

The rooftop was spacious. Leaning on the railing, one could overlook most of Ironhoof Castle. Further in the distance, Ronin could see the many lights of Pasture City.

Pasture City was truly prosperous, countless times more so than Ronin’s Mountain Forest Town.

In Mountain Forest Town, few of the commoners could even afford to light a candle at night. Whenever Ronin looked out from his castle, all he saw was pitch darkness.

"What did you think of Jenny?"

Marvin sized Ronin up and down. In truth, he had been observing Ronin from time to time throughout the entire banquet.

"Her father, Suri Hatter, is the captain of the Fourth Knight Squad at Ironhoof Castle. His strength is considered quite high among Bronze Knights."

"I hear Jenny doesn’t have a boyfriend yet. If you’re interested, I could make an introduction. I’m sure it would work out."

Ronin laughed heartily. "Uncle Marvin, you’re joking. They say marriage is a cage for a man. I’m only seventeen, and I have no desire to be locked in a cage so soon."

"Hahaha, where did you hear such a strange idea? Hmm, but you know, there’s actually some truth to it."

Viscount Marvin swirled the ale in his cup. "I’ve heard that you’re quite fond of befriending beautiful young ladies. Did your hobbies change after you became the Baron of Mountain Forest Town?"

"That must be your misconception. Beautiful ladies will attract attention no matter where they are, and that naturally includes mine."

The two of them chatted like this for a few more exchanges, and Marvin truly felt that Ronin was different from the rumors.

After tonight, he would cast aside his preconceived notions about Ronin.

"From what I know, Baron Reisen of Sain Territory is a petty man. You’ve greatly damaged his reputation this time, so he will probably target you in the future."

Marvin’s topic had finally shifted to matters of territory and nobility.

"The overall strength of Sain Territory is far greater than your Mountain Forest Town. If he engages you in a war of attrition, I’m afraid you’ll be worn down. I wonder, how do you plan to deal with him?"

’A war of attrition?’

Ronin shook his head inwardly. ’Baron Reisen probably won’t get the chance.’

However, until he was ready to expose Sain’s crimes, Ronin had no intention of revealing the information he held.

Ronin pondered for a moment before saying, "I’ve already signed an agreement with him. We’ve established a median line as a border that neither side is allowed to cross."

Hearing this, Marvin couldn’t help but laugh.

In his eyes, although Ronin had changed, he was ultimately still a child who thought about some things too simply.

"Agreements... they’re just for show sometimes. They might work for a while, but as long as the other party is ambitious and strong enough, that paper won’t mean a thing."

Marvin took a sip of his ale and patted Ronin’s shoulder. "The Ironhoof Clan serves as a vassal to Lord Lurans, and we will always be loyal to the Wushan Clan. If you ever run into any trouble, you can always come to me."

"In that case, I won’t hesitate."

Ronin said with a smile, "I do, in fact, have something I’d like to ask for your help with, Uncle."

Viscount Marvin had been planning to leave after saying his piece, but he hadn’t expected Ronin to actually have a request. "Whatever it is, just say it."

"There’s a type of tree in Mountain Forest Town called the Black Iron Tree, which is extremely hard. I’ve used it to make armor and weapons. They were approved when I last visited Wushan Castle, and they even purchased a batch."

Ronin explained the matter.

"In the future, after I expand my operations and increase production capacity, I plan to sell them externally. But as you know, Mountain Forest Town doesn’t have any merchant caravans, so I was hoping to use Ironhoof Castle’s."

He immediately added, "Of course, I will pay Ironhoof Castle a certain fee."

Marvin mulled it over. He had heard about this, but he wasn’t particularly interested in armor made from wood, figuring it was just a show of support for Ronin from Wushan Castle.

But since Ronin had brought it up, he could take the opportunity to learn more.

"Yes, that’s no problem at all!"

Marvin agreed on the spot. "When you’re ready, you can find Rogner. He’ll arrange for Ironhoof Castle’s Business Officer to discuss the details with you."

After speaking, he paused, then voiced his doubt after all. "But Ronin, is this Ironwood Armor of yours really effective? If it doesn’t work well, I can’t guarantee any sales."

"Don’t worry!"

Ronin chuckled. "I brought a set with me on this trip. I can give you a demonstration tomorrow when there’s time."

"Deal!"

Marvin clinked glasses with Ronin once more, then led him back to the banquet hall.

"Enjoy yourself, Ronin!" Marvin said with a smile, and then left the banquet early.

The ball continued. With the host no longer present, the nobles seemed to relax a little more.

Ronin even saw couples embracing and kissing in dim corners, and on the dance floor, some were stuck close together, expressing their affection for one another.

Thankfully, there were no further antics.

He had just found a sofa to sit on when a pleasant voice sounded by his ear. "Hi Ronin, would you care for another dance?"

It was Jenny, inviting him once again.