Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start

After Ronin finished enhancing Ridder and Macken, he left Shore City and stopped in Chishan Town.

The mining operations at the Chishan Iron Mine were already well underway. Although the output wasn’t large, it was steady enough.

After being processed in the several blast furnaces behind the mine, it rapidly produced pickaxes, axes, sickles, and so on, which were much cheaper than those from the outside world.

Originally, Ronin had considered finding someone to sell these tools, but since his last gathering with Philip and Solstein, these two Barons had taken responsibility for transportation and sales.

Now, Chishan Town had a steady stream of income each month. It probably wouldn’t be long before Ronin no longer had to worry about its finances.

The wasteland behind the mine.

Blazing flames melted iron ore into molten iron—this was the effect of the Seventh-level Fire Magic, Earth Core Fire.

As the molten iron formed, Ronin used his Spiritual Power to manipulate it, gradually shaping it into a Tang Blade. By his feet, there were already over a dozen such blades.

After this period of practice, Ronin’s skill in manipulating his Spiritual Power and coordinating it with the Earth Core Fire magic to forge blades had advanced by leaps and bounds.

He believed that before long, it would be no problem to shape even more complex models.

Soon, another new blade was successfully crafted.

Ronin controlled the quenching and cooling processes, then gave it a few practice swings.

“As my Spiritual Power grows stronger, my Perception Power over objects also improves. Maybe in the future, I’ll be able to create high-carbon steel out of thin air.”

He gathered the materials and finished products from the ground, preparing to find Feng Si to promote the blades.

It wasn’t that blades were better than swords, but for the average soldier, the cost of learning to use a blade was relatively lower.

…

Shrouded in the morning mist, Miloslav’s convoy arrived outside Black Python City.

The old Dean was quite powerful, but a Mage’s physical constitution was, after all, no match for a Professional Knight’s.

If they hadn’t slowed down a bit, and if it weren’t for the specially made Magic Carriage, he couldn’t have been bothered to make the trip himself.

Sometimes, he truly envied those Wind Mages who could fly through the sky using Wind Wing Magic.

Unlike him, an Earth Element Mage, he would probably have to wait until he became a Magic Master to fly, relying on his Spiritual Power to control items like a Magic Flying Carpet.

Miloslav could, of course, purchase a flying mount, like a Griffin or a Dragon Eagle, but he was always skeptical of these tamed beasts.

After all, he didn’t possess the Power of a Knight. If one of those beasts went berserk mid-air, a few jolts would probably be enough to throw him off.

’”I hate coming to this city.”’

The voice of his guard captain, Bulove, came from outside the carriage. “This place always feels so damp and humid.”

Miloslav was in a good mood and said with a smile, “Soon, my Guard Officer. We’ll stay in Black Python City for one night at most, and we’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“Alright, My Lord.”

Bulove muttered under his breath, “The sooner we leave, the better. I don’t much care for the master of this city, either.”

Black Python City covered a large area, and it was surrounded by countless manors.

However, aside from Golden Feather City, the other cities didn’t seem to pay much attention to road infrastructure, so the road surfaces were always somewhat uneven.

Perhaps because it was early morning, there weren’t many people on the main street.

The Hyde Clan’s castle was located on a high mountain due north of the center of Black Python City.

The magnificent castle had an imposing air. Black banners emblazoned with giant pythons, symbolizing the glorious history of the Hyde Clan, fluttered everywhere, exuding an ancient and solemn aura.

Black Python Castle had long been prepared for the arrival of Miloslav and his party.

The carriage had just arrived when the current head of the Hyde Clan appeared at the entrance.

This tall and burly man with squinted eyes was Barrington, and he offered a warm welcome.

“It’s a pleasure to see you, Viscount Barrington.”

Miloslav also offered a warm greeting. “How is your father now?”

“Sigh… We’ve been looking for a way to alleviate his condition, but we haven’t made any progress.”

Barrington wore a sorrowful expression. “My father has aged a great deal. If you don’t lend a hand this time, I don’t even know if he can outlive Lurans.”

Miloslav raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

However, Bulove, who was behind him, snorted. “As a Vassal, to speak of your Lord like that in public… that seems rather inappropriate, doesn’t it?”

Barrington shot Bulove a glance. “Back then, he was the one who begged our Hyde Clan to join Wushan Territory. Now, not only does he show no gratitude for our kindness, but he’s turned around and crippled my father. Is there any Lord who would be so cruel to his Vassal?”

Bulove was about to argue further, but Miloslav stopped him with a raised hand.

“Enough. We are here to alleviate Count Ossen’s suffering, not to engage in pointless squabbles.”

He glanced at Bulove. “Watch your mouth, Guard Officer.”

Bulove lowered his head and stopped arguing, turning his attention to the surrounding Guards and servants instead.

’Why do the people here seem so stiff and dull?’ he inwardly frowned.

Soon, the group arrived in the main hall.

Barrington said, “Please wait here for a moment. I will go and bring my father over.”

“No need for such trouble. Just take me to his bedroom.”

Miloslav said with a smile, “That will also save him the effort and discomfort.”

“That would be unacceptable!”

Barrington’s attitude was firm. “My father has long said that you are an honored guest of the Hyde Clan. He wishes to come out and see you, not meet you in that foul-smelling sickroom.”

Left with no choice, Miloslav could only agree to Barrington’s arrangement and sat on the sofa to wait quietly.

“My Lord, I feel that something is strange about this place,” Bulove said in a low voice, his brows furrowed.

“Strange?”

Miloslav looked around, then extended his Spiritual Power to perceive his surroundings, but he didn’t detect anything unusual.

“What do you find strange?”

Bulove shook his head. “I can’t put my finger on it. I just feel that the people here are odd. We should be on our guard.”

Miloslav smiled faintly. He knew his guard captain had always disliked Ossen and his men, and assumed his wariness was purely psychological.

“We have no grievance with them, and we’re here to help solve their problems. Would they really move against us?”

The Silva Magic Energy Chamber of Commerce stood behind him. With that status, no noble would be willing to offend him lightly.

The sound of footsteps arose, and three figures walked in: Ossen, Barrington, and Negan, the Knight Order Leader of Black Python City.

The man in the black robe walking at the front was none other than Count Ossen. The corners of his mouth were turned up in a somewhat sinister smile.

Miloslav’s brows furrowed instantly. At that moment, he too sensed that something was wrong.

Ossen walked with a powerful stride, as nimble as the wind. Where was the slightest trace of someone tormented by the Soul-Devouring Surge?

Not long ago, Barrington had claimed Ossen didn’t have much time left. This was clearly a lie!

“Long time no see, Dean Miloslav!”

Ossen said heartily as he walked straight to the main seat and sat down.

Barrington and Negan remained at the doorway. Although the door wasn’t closed, they stood like two guards, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

“Your illness is cured?” Miloslav asked in a low voice.

Ossen spread his hands. “As you can see, not only have I gotten rid of my troubles, I’ve even become stronger than before!”

A bad premonition welled up in his heart. Miloslav secretly raised his guard and also gave Bulove a meaningful look.

However, his itinerary was public knowledge. He didn’t believe they would be so bold as to take any outrageous action against him.

“Heh heh, then I must congratulate you! I wonder, how were you treated?”

He asked, “Also, since you’re already well, why did your letter ask me to come and treat you?”

“Oh, my foolish Great Mage, if I hadn’t said that, would you have come to my castle in person?”

Ossen narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with hatred.

“Back then, I practically knelt and begged you, but you were only willing to give your Magic Potion to Lurans. I will never forget that hatred!”

Miloslav was a Great Mage, after all, respected wherever he went. When had anyone ever pointed at his nose and called him a fool?

“Oh? And what do you intend to do?”

He said coldly, “Kill me here in your castle? Are you willing to gamble the future, and even the lives, of everyone in your Hyde Clan?”

Ossen shot to his feet, the aura of a Meteor Level expert erupting from him.

He sneered, “You’ll find out soon enough!”