Chapter 111: Knight Academy

The banquet hall fell silent, and everyone's expression grew solemn.

The Wizard Council's expansion has long been no secret, but this is the first time someone like Duke Du Lumen has openly voiced resistance.

Duke Du Lumen continued, "We can no longer continue like this. For the West's future, we must establish our own armed organization to counter the Wizard Council's relentless pressure."

This organization will be funded jointly by the major families of the West, aiming to protect our interests and preserve the West's independence.

As soon as his words ended, a low murmur rose in the banquet hall.

The nobles' expressions varied—some agreed, some hesitated, and others showed obvious concern.

Robin stood among the crowd, his gaze calmly fixed on Duke Du Lumen.

Duke Du Lumen's proposal was far from a whim; it was the result of careful deliberation.

The Wizard Council's expansion indeed threatens the West's noble interests, and forming our own armed organization is undoubtedly the best way to counter this threat.

"Duke Du Lumen's proposal is indeed reasonable," Viscount Wei Erke whispered to Robin, his tone carrying a hint of agreement, "The Wizard Council's power is growing; if we do not act soon, we will eventually be swallowed by them."

Robin nodded, a flash of contemplation in his eyes: "Father, do you think the other families will support this proposal?"

Viscount Wei Erke shook his head, his tone tinged with uncertainty: "It's hard to say. Some families are closely tied to the Wizard Council; they may not be willing to break with them.

However, Duke Du Lumen wields great influence in the West, so his proposal should garner support from many families."

At that moment, Duke Du Lumen spoke again: "Everyone, I know this proposal may spark some controversy.

But remember, the West's future lies in our own hands. If we do not unite, we will eventually be picked apart by the Wizard Council."

As soon as his words ended, applause rang out in the banquet hall.

Many nobles voiced their support, but some remained silent, evidently still wavering.

Robin's gaze swept over everyone present, his mind silently pondering.

Duke Du Lumen's proposal may appear reasonable, yet the hidden games and profit distribution behind it are exceedingly complex.

The relationships among the West's major families are already tangled, and forming an armed organization will inevitably spark a new round of power struggles.

The carriage moved slowly through the night, the wheels' clatter over the cobblestones sounding especially clear in the silent darkness.

Robin sat inside the carriage, his gaze passing through the window to the dim scenery outside.

His thoughts still replayed the banquet's events, especially Duke Du Lumen's proposal and the mysterious lady's glance.

Viscount Wei Erke's voice broke the carriage's silence: "Allen, your mother and I have discussed and decided that you will represent the Wei Erke family in joining this armed organization."

Robin turned his head toward Viscount Wei Erke, a flash of surprise in his eyes: "Father, you mean…"

Viscount Wei Erke nodded, his tone solemn: "Exactly, Allen. The formation of this armed organization is crucial for the West's nobles; we must ensure the Wei Erke family holds sufficient influence within it. And you, as the heir, are the most suitable choice."

Viscountess Mei Lita also nodded, her tone gentle: "Allen, Minerva City has the West's finest Knight Academy; you can continue to hone your abilities there. Moreover, you can use the opportunity to meet more noble youths, laying a solid foundation for the family's future."

Robin fell silent for a moment, then nodded: "I understand, Father, Mother. I will do my utmost to complete this task."

Viscount Wei Erke's face showed a hint of pleased smile: "Allen, we trust your abilities. However, Minerva City is far more complex than our Wei Erke domain; you must act cautiously."

"Father may truly wish to nurture me, but that stepmother… probably only wants to send me far away so I can't spy on her experiments," Robin thought, a cold glint in his eyes.

Viscountess Mei Lita's research is vital to the Round Table Council, and she clearly does not wish to become overly involved.

Robin also knows that once he leaves the domain, the Wei Erke family's safety will be greatly compromised.

After all, a Legendary Knight stationed in the domain can deter most petty troublemakers.

"They don't realize how safe a household is with a Legendary Knight watching over it," Robin muttered softly, a hint of helplessness in his tone.

He did not voice those words.

A twenty‑year‑old Legendary Knight is truly astonishingly extraordinary.

"Fine, I will never disappoint Father," Robin lifted his head, his tone firm.

Viscount Wei Erke's face showed a pleased smile; he patted Robin's shoulder, his tone proud: "Allen, I believe in you. Though Minerva City is complex, with your strength and wisdom you will surely find firm footing there."

Viscountess Mei Lita also nodded, her tone gentle: "Allen, remember that Minerva City is not only the West's provincial hub but also the focal point of all factions' power plays. You must act cautiously and not trust anyone lightly."

Robin nodded, a cold glint in his eyes: "Mother, rest assured. I will handle it carefully."

Five days later, Robin set out for Minerva City accompanied by Zhang Bolun.

Morning sunlight spilled over the Wei Erke domain's fields, and the carriage slowly left the manor, the wheels' clatter over the cobblestones sounding especially clear in the quiet dawn.

Robin sat in the carriage, a book on Minerva City's history in his hands, his gaze occasionally slipping through the window to the scenery outside.

His thoughts still lingered on the past few days' preparations, a faint sense of anticipation and vigilance stirring within him.

"Young Master Allen, Minerva City is nothing like our Wei Erke domain; it's a den of all sorts, you must act carefully," Zhang Bolun said from opposite Robin, his tone tinged with worry.

Robin nodded, his tone calm: "Zhang Bolun, rest assured. I will be careful."

Zhang Bolun is one of Viscount Wei Erke's most trusted knights and Robin's personal guard.

Though his strength does not match Robin's, his experience is rich, and he knows the West's provinces like the back of his hand.

Viscount Wei Erke specifically assigned him to accompany Robin to Minerva City, clearly to ensure Robin's safety.

The carriage moved slowly along the road, Robin's gaze returning to the book in his hands.

Minerva City is the West's provincial hub, not only the economic and political center but also the focal point of all factions' power games.

(End of Chapter)