Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start

In Moon Shadow Palace, Ronin said his goodbyes to Blanche.

During their ten-odd days in the Royal Capital Golden Feather City, their affection for each other had blossomed.

This was especially true for Blanche; her past ordeals had deepened her attachment to Ronin.

Whenever Ronin took part in a dangerous activity or mission, she became extremely anxious, fearing that some terrible accident would befall him.

“After we part this time, I’m afraid we won’t see each other again until next June.”

Blanche spoke with reluctance, yet also with a hint of anticipation.

Next year was 970 of the Imperial Calendar. The Oduin Kingdom and the Tricia Kingdom, both of which considered themselves the rightful successors to the Empire, held grand celebrations every decade.

According to His Majesty Bruno, he would announce the marriage between Ronin and Blanche at next year’s grand celebration.

“The time will pass quickly.”

Ronin smiled and said something to the effect of, “if a love is meant to last, what does it matter if you’re not together day and night?” which deeply moved Her Highness Princess.

“Ronin, there’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I decided it would be better to tell you before the official announcement.”

“Hmm?”

Ronin looked at her in surprise. “What is it? You sound so serious.”

Blanche was still hesitant. “Actually… I’m a Senior Mage with the Dark Attribute.”

’That’s it?’

Ronin was a bit confused. “Isn’t that a good thing? A nineteen-year-old Senior Mage—your Magic Talent is incredible. If you keep up your Cultivation, my Wubei Territory might gain a Great Mage in the future!”

’He actually hoped his partner would have a decent talent for Cultivation so she could accompany him for a longer time.’

Blanche shook her head. “The Purple Crystal Earl examined me. My Dark Attribute is rather special; I have the aptitude to become an Undead Mage.”

As she spoke, she cast a spell.

Following a tremor in space, a Skeleton Warrior walked out of a Summoning Array formed by Magic Patterns.

Ronin was instantly astonished. “Is that… the Skeleton Summoning Skill?”

“This is Undead Summoning Magic.”

Blanche explained, “After learning this Magic, my consciousness enters an Undead Space, which is filled with many Skeleton Warriors. This one is one I converted, and its strength is equivalent to an ordinary Advanced Level Knight.”

“Amazing!”

Ronin gave a thumbs-up, looking over the Skeleton Knight, which was holding a Longsword and Shield and wearing simple Armor.

’A Senior Mage paired with an Advanced Level Knight… that’s an unusually powerful combination in a fight.’

’An Undead Mage, huh? That’s pretty special.’

“You still don’t understand.”

Blanche’s voice was bitter and worried. “Everyone says I can curse the person I marry, causing them to die a horrible death. And I have indeed mastered the undead-type Second-level Magic, ’Curse’…”

Ronin interrupted her. “So you suspect that your Magic Talent is what brings you misfortune?”

Blanche nodded. “Yes, that’s what I think. That’s why I’ve never dared to publicly claim that I’m a Mage, especially not a Dark Attribute, undead-type Mage.”

She looked at Ronin. “If… if you’re worried about this too, I can ask my father to cancel our marriage.”

At first, she had truly desired the marriage, but as they spent more time together, she found she didn’t want to bring disaster upon the handsome man before her.

Ronin couldn’t help but laugh. “Silly girl, I don’t believe in any of that. Besides, a Second-level Magic Curse can’t kill me.”

He pulled her into his arms. “Even if you really have that kind of cursed Constitution, I’ll dispel it with my love and sunshine.”

Her eyes shimmered with emotion, his words completely melting her in his arms. She tilted her head up, drew closer, and whispered, “Oh, Ronin… you’re wonderful!”

After a brief kiss, Ronin left Moon Shadow Palace and officially began his journey back.

This time, he split his forces for the return trip.

Karda took the fifteen men he had recruited and boarded a ship piloted by Vic, heading for Rapids Island with grain and other living supplies.

This time, they were once again escorted by a Royal Family warship led by Missy. Her main task was to handle the handover and bring Wally Knight and the others back.

It was precisely because of Missy’s escort that Ronin dared to split his forces.

As for himself, he took Tom and David and traveled south on Sharp Horn City’s Denis One.

Four days later, on the morning of the last day of October, Ronin’s group returned to Dennis Port.

“Haha, a triumphant welcome to our newest Flame Knight and the Kingdom’s Baron of Rapids Island!”

“For the Viscount himself to come and greet me, I am truly flattered!”

The two shook hands.

Ronin was a bit surprised that Vitorino had come to welcome him personally.

However, he also knew that such a gesture meant Vitorino was likely very interested in his previous proposal.

Next, Vitorino exchanged a few pleasantries with Melonika, the Baron of Wushan Town.

He showed the utmost respect for the foremost warrior of Wushan Territory.

After some small talk, the group arrived at Sharp Horn Castle.

After a lively luncheon, it was time to talk business.

“You really want to go to Wubei Territory to temper yourself?”

Faced with his eldest son’s request, Vitorino was a bit surprised, yet he also felt it was somewhat expected.

“Yes, Father.”

Reis glanced at Ronin beside him. They had been through a lot together recently. ’Life following him should be more challenging than it is in Sharp Horn City.’

Vitorino looked at Ronin and said teasingly, “I knew you’d stolen Her Highness Princess’s heart, but I didn’t expect you to snatch away my son as well.”

He had only asked Reis to act as an escort; he never expected to be sending his son off to Wubei Territory.

Ronin couldn’t help but rub his nose awkwardly. “You can’t just say things like that. I have no interest in men.”

Hearing this, Reis’s mouth twitched. He felt a wave of discomfort and couldn’t even manage a fake smile.

Vitorino laughed heartily. “I don’t object. To be honest, Marvin Viscount isn’t the only one who has sent his son to Wubei Territory for experience. Didn’t Sandro from Lingchuan City make the same choice?”

“Oh?”

Ronin said in surprise, “Sandro’s son is Yusuf, right? How come I didn’t know he went to Wubei Territory?”

“It happened after you left. I hear Yusuf is now studying Magic Potions with that Mage of yours named Elron.”

Joy surged in Ronin’s heart.

Yusuf was a Senior Mage, so his arrival was a great boost to Wubei Territory’s strength. Furthermore, since he was the eldest son of the Viscount of Lingchuan City, his service to Wubei meant that Ronin had gained the support of Viscount Sandro.

By this count, although Ronin had yet to have his inheritance rights restored, he now had the backing of three of the major viscounts in Wushan Territory. Only Ossen Count had yet to support him.

Although it was unlikely that a war would break out over the inheritance in the future, this situation gave Ronin great prestige in Wubei Territory, likely far surpassing Wiggins’s by now.

“I, for one, have no objection,” Vitorino said. “I’m just curious what arrangements you have in mind for Reis.”

“It’s imperative that we build a port in Wubei Territory.”

Ronin’s tone was firm. “Before that, I plan to build a simple pier for ships traveling between Rapids Island and Wubei Territory.”

He looked at Reis. “I’ve already put my Knight, Karda, in charge of training the Navy on Rapids Island. If Reis is willing to serve me for a while, I plan to have him train the Wubei Territory Navy.”

Vitorino nodded. He rather approved of such an arrangement.

“In that case, Count of Wubei Territory, I believe we can resume the conversation we left unfinished the other day.”

Ronin smiled. “I thought as much. I need Sharp Horn City’s help!”