Chapter 433 - 406: Announcing the Marriage Alliance

Soft moonlight spilled down, making the magnificent Golden Feather Palace seem exceptionally lively under the night sky.

Bright and dazzling Magic Energy Lamps, like countless stars, illuminated every corner.

Tonight, nobles great and small from all over the Kingdom had gathered here. It was both a celebration of the Kingdom’s founding and a grand affair for networking and socializing.

There was no shortage of people here purely for the festivities, to enjoy the fine wine and entertainment, but most were busy wheeling and dealing to secure advantages for their own territories.

"Ronin, long time no see!"

MacLaren, the acting head of the Fleming Clan, approached Ronin while holding a half-full glass of wine.

"Screaming Island has already received several shipments of timber from Rapids Island. The quality is excellent!"

He raised his glass. "To our partnership!"

’Looking at his attitude and expression, how could he possibly be the one who secretly had the Ghost Tide Pirate Gang attack the ships from Rapids Island?’

Ronin smiled faintly. ’He must know the Ghost Tide Pirate Gang has been wiped out. To act this friendly despite that... it certainly takes some skill.’

He also raised his glass. "Cheers!"

The two clinked their glasses and took a sip.

MacLaren said with a smile, "Many people here tonight are wearing silk gowns produced in Wubei Territory. I’ve had the good fortune to experience how special that material is. It’s destined to dominate the formalwear market. So, what do you say? How about we work together? Screaming Island’s ships can deliver your goods anywhere on the continent!"

’So he’s after the silk.’

Ronin gently swirled his wine glass and replied with a smile, "Wubei Territory’s output is currently limited. Even if I had distribution channels all over the continent, I couldn’t supply that much silk fabric. However, once production ramps up, perhaps we can work together!"

He was telling the truth, but his words also carried the clear intent of a polite refusal.

His initial timber deal with Screaming Island was purely to secure the sea lanes south of Rapids Island, a deal for which Ronin had accepted a significant cut in his profits.

’Now he wants to get a piece of the silk business on the cheap? He’s dreaming.’

"Ronin!"

As the two were talking, another man approached. "I’ve been looking for you for a while. What took you so long to get here?"

"Mr. Randall, long time no see!"

The man who had approached was middle-aged with gray hair—Bellora’s grandson, Randall Silva.

Since Bellora’s son had passed away, and Bellora himself focused solely on his Cultivation and the creation of Magic Potions, the Silva Magic Energy Chamber of Commerce was now entirely managed by Randall.

"My grandfather specifically asked me to congratulate you. May the blessings of the Seven Gods be with you and Blanche, and may your engagement become a tale for the ages!"

Ronin couldn’t help but rub his nose in embarrassment. Bruno hadn’t even made the announcement, yet everyone was already congratulating him.

In truth, many people already knew about it and were just waiting for the official word. As things stood, it seemed unlikely that there would be any mishaps.

Ronin could only laugh and clink glasses with him. "Thank you for your blessings!"

MacLaren offered his congratulations from the side, but he was stunned that Randall would personally approach Ronin. The heirs of the Silva Clan were known to be incredibly arrogant, sometimes not even showing deference to the King himself.

He frowned slightly. ’Randall said the congratulations came from his "grandfather"... Is Ronin’s relationship with Bellora really that close?’

The music slowly faded, the melody shifting to something soft and elegant.

Bruno entered the banquet hall. At his side was the mature and elegant queen, adorned with the Queen’s Golden Crown.

Following behind them were Garrett and Blanche, the latter having changed into a magnificent white court gown.

The arrival of the four immediately drew cheers from the assembled nobles.

Bruno cleared his throat, a joyful smile on his face, and announced, "My esteemed Lords, ladies, and gentlemen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for gathering here today to celebrate the two hundred and thirtieth anniversary of our great Kingdom’s founding! As we look back on our Kingdom’s history..."

Ronin listened quietly. ’It’s like I’m back in middle school on Earth,’ he thought. ’This is exactly how the principal would talk during every big school assembly.’

After a long while, Bruno’s voice suddenly grew more powerful. "And, on this celebratory occasion, I have a piece of major, joyous news from the Royal Family to share with you all!"

Ronin’s expression sharpened. ’It’s time for the main event—the part about me.’

Bruno led Blanche forward by the hand.

"Today, I am delighted to announce that my daughter, Princess Blanche Oduin of the Kingdom, will be betrothed to the Kingdom’s Flame Knight, Baron of Rapids Island, Count of Wubei, eldest grandson of the Wushan Clan, and the powerful Silver Moon Knight, Roning Wushan!"

Instantly, the banquet hall erupted with thunderous applause and a chorus of congratulations.

Ronin stepped forward, took Blanche’s hand, and stood by her side.

Lurans was also applauding, his eyes twinkling with fondness and anticipation.

An engagement announced at an occasion like this was ironclad; there would be no unforeseen complications.

More importantly, setting aside the exchange of interests between their families, Ronin and Blanche actually had an excellent relationship. It wasn’t a forced political match, unlike so many other noble unions.

Lurans had never expected that the plan he’d originally devised to protect Ronin would still come to pass, even after Ronin had become so powerful in his own right.

"How do you feel?" Ronin asked in a low voice.

Blanche broke into a blissful smile. "Nervous, but so happy. I can’t believe this moment is finally here!"

Ronin led Blanche by the hand into the heart of the banquet, where they accepted congratulations from nobles, both familiar and strange, becoming the center of attention.

After the banquet ended, Ronin escorted Blanche back to the Moon Shadow Palace.

Although their betrothal had been announced, customs dictated they could not yet share a room.

Ronin could only bid Blanche farewell with a kiss before heading to the Golden Rose Inn.

"Ronin, it’s hardly polite to be knocking on a lady’s door in the middle of the night!"

Sophia opened the door. She was wearing sleepwear—whether it was a recent purchase or something she kept in her Space Ring, he couldn’t tell—and she looked drowsy.

However, Sophia wasn’t alone in the room; Anilu was there as well.

"My apologies, Sophia. I was so busy today that I didn’t have time to come by earlier."

Ronin said apologetically, "There’s a meeting of the Kingdom’s high-ranking nobility tomorrow morning. I’ve already requested permission from the King to bring a friend, so you can come with me."

The drowsiness on Sophia’s face vanished instantly. "I understand!"

"Does Her Highness have to go alone?"

Anilu asked hesitantly, "Couldn’t one more of us go with her?"

Ronin shook his head. "Rest assured, it won’t be dangerous. Even if something unexpected happens, I guarantee I’ll bring Her Highness back safely."

Sophia, however, wasn’t the least bit concerned. "Don’t worry. Even if something happens, don’t forget that I’m a Magic Master."

"Alright..."

Anilu said no more. Besides, Sophia was carrying quite a few life-saving treasures on her person.

"However, there is one thing I need to tell you in advance," Ronin said.

"Please, go on."

"There will be a member of the Witch Soul Race at the meeting tomorrow. His name is Jesus, the Count of Moonlight Valley. He is also His Majesty the King’s own brother."

Sophia and Anilu were stunned.

’The King’s own brother is a member of the Witch Soul Race?’

"What do you want me to do?" Sophia asked.

Ronin smiled. "Whether you expose him on the spot or find an opportunity to deal with him afterward is entirely your choice. I won’t interfere."

His tone shifted. "But regardless of your choice, my grandfather and I will not permit a member of the Witch Soul Race to exist right next to Wushan Territory!"

Sophia’s expression grew serious as she mulled it over. She nodded slowly. "I’ll make my choice."