Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start

A surprise attack, in itself, wasn’t terrifying.

Kabil’s Second Knight Order was already camped on the side closer to the Count’s Domain. Furthermore, with the war approaching, patrols had been tightened.

In addition, the forces of many nobles had also arrived in Splendid City one after another.

As Commander-in-Chief, Ronin settled them on the mountainside next to the main camp and drew out a portion of their men to act as scouts, positioning them on the road to Black Python City.

With this double layer of security, even if Ossen tried to pull a surprise attack, Splendid City would be able to react immediately.

Lurans said, “Ronin, don’t linger in Wushan Town any longer. You’re needed over in Splendid City.”

Broel frowned slightly. He felt this arrangement was somewhat inappropriate.

“Black Python Castle has two Meteor Knights, but as far as I know, our strongest people in Splendid City are only Golden Knights, right? Wouldn’t sending Ronin over with such a lineup be too risky?”

He had come to Wushan Territory this time to deliver a message to Bruno, ensuring Ronin could get to Golden Feather City on time. For that reason, he needed to guarantee Ronin’s safety.

To be honest, Ronin dying in battle was far more terrifying than him failing to arrive at Golden Feather City on time. If that happened, Her Highness Princess Blanche’s reputation for being a jinx to her fiancés would be permanently cemented, which would have a huge impact on His Majesty’s reputation and the Royal Family’s prestige.

He paused for a moment before saying, “How about this: I’ll accompany Ronin with my Griffin Knight Order.”

Lurans nodded slightly. Although he knew the extent of Ronin’s power, having Broel go along was a safer bet to ensure Ronin’s absolute safety.

However, Ronin felt it was unnecessary.

“Count Broel, it would be better for you to remain on the main front.”

He advised, “The number of top-tier experts on the enemy’s side is uncertain. Besides Ossen and the Meteor Knight the old headmaster mentioned, there might be other powerful individuals. It would be safer for you and Mr. Daun to stay on the main front.”

Although the main front had Lurans, a Silver Moon Knight, as well as three other Seventh-level Transcendents—Melonika, Daun, and Miroslav,

the enemy’s lineup was ultimately an unknown. If they had two more Meteor Knights, then the number of top-tier experts on the main front wouldn’t be that high.

As for Splendid City, Ronin had already sent Carlos to bring Ridder over. With a Proud Sun Knight present, plus himself—a Magic Master and a Silver Moon Knight—the enemy wouldn’t be able to cause much trouble.

Seeing that Broel was about to say more, Ronin winked and said mysteriously, “Rest assured, my lord. It’s not like we haven’t made arrangements for Splendid City.”

Broel raised an eyebrow. ’Ronin’s words are interesting. Could it be that Wushan Territory has a Meteor Knight I don’t know about?’

Faces flashed through his mind, but he couldn’t pinpoint any likely candidates.

However, faced with Ronin’s insistence, he could only nod helplessly. “Alright then. But you must remember to act with caution.”

“Don’t worry!”

Ronin left the hall, using Wind’s Wings to fly toward Splendid City.

Meanwhile, the Knight Orders in Wushan Town and the contingents from the Magic Energy Chamber of Commerce soon received notice that the war had begun.

Wars between lords and vassals had occurred many times throughout history, but this was the first time it had happened to them. In a direct conflict like this, if Black Python City lost, the Hyde Clan’s noble title, territory, and everything else would be reduced to nothing.

Wushan Town and Splendid City weren’t too far apart, but Ronin’s flying speed couldn’t compare to Carlos’s.

Over half an hour later, he finally reached Crimson Castle and landed in the small courtyard McKinney had arranged for him.

He sensed that Carlos was already on his way back and would likely return before long.

“Ronin!”

A surprised female voice came from inside the house. It was his sister, McKinney, with his young nephew, Martin.

“Where have you been? Everyone’s been looking for you!”

Ronin asked in surprise, “What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

McKinney looked a little nervous. “Your subordinates, Rig and Baron Tarren, went deep into the Count’s Domain and discovered that Black Python City’s army is marching toward us in large numbers! They suspect Ossen wants to launch a surprise attack on Splendid City.”

Since the other nobles were contributing troops, Ronin had to join the fun, so he had Rig from Wubei Territory lead a Knight Squad to participate in the war.

’This is good, too. Being tempered by the flames of war is more effective than just training at home.’

“I just got back from Wushan Town, so I already know about it. Where is everyone? I need to see them about something as well.”

“In the castle’s fortress hall.”

McKinney said hurriedly, “You should go over there quickly. They’re discussing whether to notify Wushan Town and have Count Broel bring two powerful experts over on his griffins!”

Hearing this, Ronin hurried toward the fortress.

“Uncle…”

Little Martin’s childish voice stopped Ronin.

“What is it?”

Martin glanced at McKinney, then said, “My mom said the enemy might break into Splendid City. Are we going to be defeated?”

Ronin couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t listen to your mom’s nonsense. With your uncle here, the enemy won’t even reach the gates of Splendid City!”

“Hee hee, my uncle is the best!”

Ronin couldn’t resist walking over and patting the boy’s cheek. He smiled and said to his sister, “Don’t scare the child.”

McKinney nodded, embarrassed. She had just been anxious before.

Only then did Ronin quickly walk into the fortress hall.

As he appeared, the sounds of heated discussion died down for a moment.

Although Kabil and Sandro were Leaders, they both valued Ronin’s opinion, and the same was even more true for Marvin, Vitorino, and the others.

“Ronin, you’re finally here! Quick, tell us, do you think we should ask the Marquis to send a Meteor Knight over?”

Marvin unabashedly pushed Ronin into the main seat. “A lot of people really did come from Black Python City. That guy Ossen is definitely trying to take Splendid City!”

“Yes, my lord!”

Rig added, “Baron Tarren and I observed them for a long time. Our initial estimate is that no fewer than five thousand men are coming!”

A Knight Order had nearly 1,200 men, and the enemy had sent four Knight Orders.

In everyone’s eyes, Black Python City was definitely throwing everything it had into attacking Splendid City.

“Everyone, there’s no need to panic. The force they’ve sent is just a small contingent.”

Ronin said, “A short while ago, Broel’s Griffin Knights scouted Ossen’s Count’s Domain. Their main force is currently marching on Wushan Town.”

“Huh?”

“No way. Where did Ossen get so many men?”

“Did he conscript everyone in the Count’s Domain for the battlefield?”

His words sent ripples through the crowd, and everyone started discussing it animatedly.

Only then did Ronin explain about the Witch Soul Race. Although it sounded somewhat incredible, hiding it at a time like this would only lead to greater casualties.

These dear nobles were all supporters of Wushan Castle. Preserving their strength was the same as preserving Wushan Castle’s own strength.

After his explanation, the hall fell deathly silent.

They had expected an ordinary battle, but they never thought it would involve an outside race—and that this race was the very culprit that had tormented Lurans for thirty years.

“Ronin, do you think we can beat them?”

“Or… should we go ask for a Meteor Knight to come over?”

Compared to their previous high morale and the lively discussions, the hall now seemed somewhat subdued.

Ronin smiled faintly. “What’s this? Are Viscount Marvin and Viscount Vitorino afraid?”

Marvin’s eyes widened. “I never said I was scared! It’s just that this ’Witch Soul Race’ you mentioned sounds a bit sinister.”

Vitorino, of course, wouldn’t admit his cowardice in front of everyone. “I just think that with a Meteor Knight here, it would be easier for us to deal with any unexpected situations.”

Kabil and Sandro nodded in agreement.

“That’s right, Ronin. The best of us here are just Silver or Gold. If a Meteor Knight appears on their side, the risk is too great.”

Ronin stood up with a smile. “What, you don’t think we have a Meteor Knight here?”

Hm?

The crowd looked at each other. ’Is there a Meteor Knight here?’

Their gazes finally turned to Ronin. ’It couldn’t be this young man, could it?’

Just then, a deep roar echoed through the sky, its extreme piercing power flooding into the ears of everyone in the castle.

Immediately after, a fierce gust of wind howled down, and the group only sensed a dark shadow flash past the window.

“What’s that?”

Marvin and the others were startled and rushed outside, only to see a giant Magical Beast landing in the open space in front of the fortress. Its terrifying aura had already scared the surrounding Guards into collapsing on the ground.

“Is that… a Dragon?”

Marvin’s eyes were wide. He suddenly recalled the rumors from Wubei Territory about Ronin having a Dragon, which he had assumed was an exaggerated joke.

“You really have a Dragon?”

The others had similar expressions and questions.

Ronin nodded. “Does this put your minds at ease a little?”

The crowd swallowed hard.

If a creature like a Giant Dragon were an enemy, they would all be terrified. But as an ally, it was incredibly reassuring.

“There’s someone on the Dragon’s back!”

Amid a cry of surprise, Ridder leaped off the Dragon’s back and landed on the steps before the fortress gate. He knelt on one knee. “My lord, Ridder reporting for duty.”

“Rise, Ridder. The enemy is already on their way. Our battle is about to begin.”

Ridder stood up and declared in a clear voice, “Ready to fight for you at any time!”

Only then did the crowd remember the Meteor Knight Ronin had just mentioned. ’Could it be this red-haired man before them?’

’If that’s true, then we have both a Giant Dragon and a Meteor Knight. Even if we’re facing this so-called Witch Soul Race, maybe it’s not so terrifying after all?’

“Let’s fight!”

The fighting spirit in everyone’s eyes reignited.

“Make the traitors pay the price!”

“Yeah, let’s make sure those bastards don’t make it back alive!”