Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start

Chapter 188: Chapter 187: A Stolen Kiss

Word that Ronin had become the Viscount of Wubei quickly spread among the nobles, and it wouldn’t be long before the entire Wushan Territory learned the news.

This was a joyous occasion for Ronin, which unintentionally made him the center of attention at the evening’s banquet. He couldn’t avoid the inevitable rounds of toasts.

Where some were happy, others were naturally filled with sorrow.

The banquet hall was a scene of lively celebration, but the people from Black Python City couldn’t bring themselves to be happy. They didn’t even attend the evening’s festivities.

As the impromptu host, Ronin had Holwart lead some servants to deliver food to them. He also went to their small courtyard personally to check on Ossen.

The Border Count, who had been so full of vigor just days ago, was now lying on the bed with his eyes shut tight. His face was deathly pale, and he looked as though he had aged significantly.

Ossen now resembled a freshly neutered cat, stripped of all his usual troublemaking spirit.

Ronin learned from Bretton that Ossen had locked himself in his room that evening, refusing entry to anyone. However, blood-curdling screams had echoed from within, sending a chill down the spines of those waiting outside.

Just before the banquet, when the room fell silent and no one answered their knocks, the concerned group had forced the door open. They then helped Ossen to his bed to rest.

No one knew what Ossen had been doing in his room, but they figured Lurans’s speculation must have been correct.

Ossen must have been using his Fighting Qi to frantically suppress the Soul-Devouring Surge. This would have triggered a violent backlash from the dark energy, causing him to collapse unconscious in his room.

…

After the banquet, Ronin strolled with Blanche through the castle park.

Although they hadn’t known each other long, they seemed to have developed a good understanding of one another.

This was especially true for Blanche. For the past two days, Ronin’s image had filled her mind every time she closed her eyes. It wasn’t that she was lovesick; it was just that the scene from the Beast Fighting Arena—of him holding her while fending off their enemies—had left a profound impression on her.

“Ronin, Broel has made the arrangements. We will depart for the Royal Capital tomorrow morning. Thank you for your company and care over these past two days.”

“It’s only right.”

“How long will the journey back take?” Ronin asked.

He was curious about the Griffins’ speed.

Blanche thought for a moment. “About two days,” she said. “We’ll stop in Sharp Horn City tomorrow afternoon to rest for the night. After setting off again, we should reach the Royal Capital around noon the day after tomorrow.”

’It sounds like the Princess’s retinue isn’t in a rush,’ Ronin thought. ’They probably fly for six hours a day at most.’

’The distance from Wushan Castle to the Royal Capital is considerable. To make it in just over a day of travel means the Griffins must be incredibly fast. They probably exceed a hundred kilometers per hour.’

“That’s very fast. I wish you a safe journey.”

Blanche tilted her head, gazing at the handsome man beside her. When His Majesty Bruno first sent her to Wushan Castle, she had been resistant to the idea. Now, however, that resistance had vanished, replaced by a bittersweet anxiety, a fear of losing what she might have.

’If it really comes to marriage, I won’t refuse. But so far, I haven’t seen any clear sign from him.’

Mustering her courage, she asked, “If I have the chance to invite you to the Royal Capital for a visit, will you come?”

Ronin put on a serious, contemplative expression and replied earnestly, “I’ve just become the Viscount of Wubei and have also taken over Sain Territory. There will undoubtedly be many matters to attend to, so I expect to be very busy.”

“Oh, I see.” The light in Blanche’s eyes faded. She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper.

Countless thoughts raced through her mind. She even began to suspect that Ronin was afraid to get close to her because of the rumors—afraid that she would bring about his death.

’Although I’ve never been in a relationship,’ Ronin mused, ’I’ve read enough dating guides to know that when a girl invites you somewhere and asks if you’ll come, she’s looking for a ’yes’.’

A mischievous grin spread across his face. “However,” he continued, “I would definitely accept an invitation from Her Highness Princess. No matter how busy things get with my territories, I will make time.”

Blanche’s head shot up, her pale violet eyes sparkling with delighted surprise. “Really?”

“Of course!”

Ronin met her gaze directly. “But you’ll have to let me know in advance. I’ll need to arrange my schedule.”

“I will!”

Blanche’s smile was so bright it made her eyelashes curl. “I’m so happy you agreed to come!”

“Receiving an invitation from Her Highness Princess is my honor,” Ronin said with a smile.

The lights in the park were dim, but to Blanche’s eyes, Ronin seemed to radiate a boundless light that drew her in completely.

Not knowing where she found the courage, Blanche suddenly rose onto her tiptoes and pressed a fleeting kiss to Ronin’s lips.

Perhaps because of the cold weather, her lips were cool to the touch.

The touch stunned Ronin. He hadn’t expected such a bold move from her. A moment later, as the reality of it sank in, his heart couldn’t help but beat a little faster.

Her cheeks flushed, Blanche gathered her skirts and quickly fled, calling back, “Goodnight, Ronin! I had a wonderful time tonight!”

Ronin touched his lips, watching as Blanche quickly met up with Missy in the distance before departing. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

’Did she just steal a kiss?’

Back in his quarters, Ronin went to check on Joffrey.

Thanks to the change of scenery and the dual treatment of both a Healing Skill and medicine, Joffrey had spent a relatively good day. The color had returned to his face, and his overall complexion had improved considerably.

Joffrey sensed how much Ronin valued him and was immensely grateful. He still found it hard to believe that a Lord like Ronin would hold him in such high regard.

“Macken, Tom, we will be leaving for our territory in a few days.”

In Joffrey’s bedroom, Ronin began to plan their journey home.

“Over the next two days, I need you to go into Wushan City and purchase some things for me.”

“Please give us your orders, my Lord.”

First, Ronin needed to procure a batch of Third-level and Fourth-level Magical Beast Hides, along with the corresponding grades of Magic Ink, to create Magic Scrolls.

From what he’d seen so far, the Third-level Magic spells Wind of Inquiry, Rapid Speed, and Flame Burst Skill were all extremely useful.

The Fourth-level Magic spells, Wind’s Touch and Flame Pillar, were also excellent. The latter, in particular, could have a huge impact in a large-scale battle.

Even if he didn’t sell them, he could always keep such items for his own use.

In this world, Magic Scrolls were essentially weapons and ammunition. If a war were to break out, one could never have too many.

In addition, Ronin also needed to buy some books.

When he had first departed from Mountain Forest Town, he had promised Erin he would bring her back plenty of books. Now that he was returning so successful, he couldn’t possibly forget her small request.

As for other items, such as seeds for corn, oats, and alfalfa, Ronin wasn’t in a hurry to purchase them.

He could wait until after he formally took control of Sain Territory to see what was lacking, then simply make a trip to Pasture City to buy whatever was necessary.

Traveling from Sain Territory to Pasture City was now far more convenient than traveling from Mountain Forest Town.

Ronin was even considering moving his primary residence from Mountain Forest Town to Swamp Town. After all, Baron Reisen’s castle was undoubtedly more luxurious and sturdy than his own Mountain Forest Castle.

In any case, with the Cloud Stepper, traveling between these locations wouldn’t take much time.

A new territory needed its Lord present to ensure it stabilized quickly.

After delegating some miscellaneous tasks to Macken and Tom, Ronin finally had a moment to himself.

As the clock struck midnight, the familiar text appeared. This time, however, the content was different from before:

[Sign-in successful. Attribute Points +2]

Ronin couldn’t help but smile. ’The new year is off to a good start,’ he thought.