Chapter 249 - 248: A Tempting Opportunity

After leaving Lurans’s bedroom, Ronin mulled over the two suggestions he had been given.

’Should I be a logistics officer, or a commander?’

The logistics officer position seemed like a way to just pad his resume.

It was like someone who lent their name to a competition; if the event won an award, they could still list the experience on their resume and boast about it.

Then again, Lurans had only offered that choice because he didn’t fully understand Ronin’s true strength.

They all still thought Ronin was just an Advanced Peak Knight and a Basic Level Mage, unaware that he was now a dual-class, Fifth-level Transcendent.

Furthermore, after allocating his points recently, his Knight Level progress had reached 1096/1500, putting him in the late stage of the Silver Level.

Although a Golden Knight was significantly stronger than a Silver, the gap wasn’t as immense as the one at the Meteor Level. They could still be defeated.

With his superhuman physical strength, formidable combat skills, and the support of various kinds of Magic, Ronin could now fight an ordinary Golden Knight. While he might not win, he could at least hold his own for a while.

What’s more, Ronin had three Transcendents and a Sixth-level Giant Dragon under his command, allowing him to move freely on the battlefield.

Even if the Polante Thief Gang had the backing of Moonlight Valley, and even if Jesus had a Meteor Knight under his command, Ronin was certain that this Meteor Knight would not appear in this battle.

The appearance of such a powerful figure would mean an escalation of the war. The force could no longer be dismissed as a mere Thief Gang; its very existence would threaten every noble.

In this war, Golden Knights were the strongest combatants.

Therefore, Ronin wasn’t particularly worried about his own safety.

’In that case, I’ll go to the battlefield.’

He had made his decision.

’Going to the battlefield is a good idea. That way, the Wubei Territory can contribute less manpower and resources.’

Besides, Wiggin had already said that Ronin would be representing the Wushan Clan and wouldn’t need to bring many troops.

All Ronin would need to do was bring one or two trusted aides.

The flickering candlelight within the lampshades illuminated the castle’s corridors. A figure up ahead caught Ronin’s attention.

"Holwart?"

Ronin asked, puzzled, "What are you doing here so late?"

From the way Holwart was standing, it looked like he was waiting for someone.

"Young Master."

Holwart bowed slightly and said politely, "The Lord asked me to wait for you here. If you are available, he requests that you see him in his study."

Oh?

Ronin hadn’t expected Wiggin to have business with him so late. He was surprised his father was so invested in this war.

"Alright, let’s go now."

"This way, please!"

The news about Chishan Town hadn’t been disclosed yet, but Holwart could already sense a change among the nobles.

The informal end of the banquet and the fact that everyone had just gone to see Lurans together indicated that some major event had occurred.

Although Holwart was extremely curious about what had happened, it wasn’t his place as a butler to ask.

Soon, Ronin arrived at Wiggin’s study.

"You’re here, Ronin."

Wiggin motioned for Holwart to close the door, then asked, "What did your grandfather arrange for you?"

Ronin sat down in a chair and relayed what Lurans had told him.

"Grandfather gave me two choices. I can either go to the front lines or be in charge of supply transport and avoid direct combat."

It wasn’t a secret, so there was no need for him to hide it.

"So which will you choose?" Wiggin asked immediately.

Ronin shook his head. "I’m still considering it. I’ll give Grandfather my answer in a few days."

"I know what your grandfather is planning; he’s worried something might happen to you on the front lines. But don’t worry, a Commander doesn’t necessarily have to charge into the fray. Look at me—I’m an Advanced Level Knight, and I’ve participated in dozens, if not hundreds, of battles over the years without any danger."

It was clear he genuinely wanted Ronin to serve as a Commander on the front lines.

"I’ll consider it."

Ronin didn’t reveal his decision, instead asking, "You summoned me so late. Is there something you need me to do?"

Seeing that Ronin didn’t take the bait, Wiggin grew a little annoyed. However, he wasn’t in a hurry; there were still things he needed Ronin’s help with.

"I want you to be the Commander for this campaign!"

Wiggin didn’t beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.

"I plan to mobilize half of the Knight Squads and soldiers from our four Knight Orders, coordinate with the other Lords’ forces, and launch a large-scale battle. We will not only drive the Polante Thief Gang out of Chishan Town, but also reclaim as much territory as possible!"

"When we win the war, your reputation and merits as the Commander of the Alliance Army will be undeniable. I can use the opportunity to recommend to your grandfather that the management rights for Chishan Town be transferred to you!"

"Didn’t you just ask me this afternoon to sell you iron ore at a discount? Heh, once you get Chishan Town, you won’t need to buy from me anymore. After all, the entire iron mine in Chishan Town will be yours."

Hearing this, Ronin’s heart skipped a beat.

’But why is Wiggin suddenly being so considerate of me?’

"If I recall correctly, the management rights for Chishan Town are in Coren’s hands. That iron mine..."

"That was before!"

Wiggin cut Ronin off with a displeased snort. "Coren has been a profound disappointment! He had a Knight Order with over a hundred Professional Knights, yet he lost more than half of them. After such a crushing defeat, he is no longer fit to be the Leader of the Fifth Knight Order!"

"He’s also the one who lost Chishan Town. As long as we take it back, there’s no way the management rights will be given back to him!"

Chishan Town was not part of the Giant Stone Territory, so reclaiming its management rights wouldn’t involve stripping Coren of his Noble Title or reducing his domain.

Wiggin softened his tone and said to Ronin with a smile, "Your grandfather holds you in high regard right now. As long as we can win this battle and I put in a good word, there’s a very high chance you’ll get the management rights to Chishan Town."

He held up four fingers. "When the time comes, I won’t ask for much. Just forty percent... no, thirty percent. Just give me Six Thousand Gold Coins a year, and that will be enough."

Ronin couldn’t help but laugh.

’So, when all is said and done, Wiggin is only this enthusiastic because of the side income the Chishan Town iron provides. He’s unwilling to accept that loss.’

However, after hearing all this, Ronin’s own ambitions began to stir.

With Wiggin gathering so much power this time, the feasibility of retaking Chishan Town was very high. When that happened, Ronin really might have a chance to obtain the management rights.

Even taking a step back, if he didn’t get the management rights, he could probably still secure a share of the iron mine’s output.

This would open up a fast track for the Wubei Territory to acquire iron resources.

"So, are you interested?"

Wiggin grinned, baring his teeth. "This is a huge opportunity!"

Ronin took a deep breath and said with a smile, "Since you’ve already made the arrangements, I’ll naturally have to give it a try."

Wiggin laughed heartily and praised him, "That’s my boy! Now, get some rest and prepare for the campaign. Leave the mobilization to me!"

Ronin left the room with a smile.

In truth, there was one thing he hadn’t mentioned: the distribution of the iron mine’s profits.

’Wiggin has his uses, like pre-battle mobilization, but it’s clearly not appropriate for him to take thirty percent of the iron resources for that alone.’

’But there’s no need to discuss that right now.’

’He’s already in a rush to divide the spoils before anything is settled. It’s a bit too hasty.’

Ronin never underestimated his opponents, especially not one like the Polante Thief Gang, which had an unusual background.

Assuming victory was guaranteed just because you had more troops was an easy way to suffer a defeat.

’Still, this is definitely an opportunity I can’t afford to miss!’