Chapter 145: 145 The Banquet

The banquet at Ironhoof Castle was very lively.

Besides Viscount Mawen and his family, he had also invited some vassals and knights from Muma City.

Among them, the one who caught Luoning's attention the most was Baron Talun Snow.

According to Rognar's introduction, Talun was a Silver Knight, and his strength was among the best in Muma City.

Talun had a son and a daughter; his son was the captain of the Ironhoof Castle Ninth Knight Squad, and his daughter, Kelami, was someone Luoning had met—she was Rognar's girlfriend.

Besides these people, there were also music and dance performance troupes from Muma City.

Having traveled for so long, this was the first time Luoning had heard music played by instruments like the pipe organ and recorder from this other world with his own ears; it had a unique charm.

It was also the first time he had seen so many beautiful women swaying before his eyes.

Although he did not know anyone here, as a guest invited to Ironhoof Castle today, he received grand "attention."

Nobles, knights, and young ladies all came up to clink glasses with him, to the point that Luoning did not even know how many cups he had drunk.

If he were not currently a Bronze Knight and a Great Mage, he would likely be drunk.

"Mr. Luoning, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance?" a cheerful voice rang out beside his ear.

Luoning could not help but look over, only to see a noble lady of seventeen or eighteen. She was wearing a gorgeous long dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, like a blooming lily.

The color of the dress was deep ocean blue, embroidered with exquisite patterns, and she wore a string of pearl necklaces around her neck, each pearl as white and flawless as the bright moon.

This girl's appearance should count as top-tier among all the noble ladies present tonight.

Although Luoning did not know the other party's identity information, facing her active invitation, he would not reject her face.

"It is my honor, beautiful lady!"

He naturally took her petite hand, put his arm around her waist, and began to dance on the dance floor.

Luoning did not know how to dance; the only things related to dance he had in his twenties on Earth were perhaps radio calisthenics?

However, his predecessor was a dance expert, and coupled with the fact that this type of social dance was not complicated, Luoning could imitate while recalling.

The dance partner could not help but chuckle, "Your dancing level does not seem very good?"

Smelling the faint perfume at the tip of his nose, Luoning was a bit embarrassed, "I haven't danced for Along time, so my movements are a bit rusty. May I ask how to address the beautiful lady?"

"Just call me Jenny."

The girl and Luoning held each other's waists and walked slowly in the soothing music. Soon, Luoning's dance skills gradually picked up, which made the other party believe it was true, thinking that Luoning was really just rusty from not dancing for Along time.

"I heard that your subordinates defeated Baron Leisen. Is this true?"

While dancing, Jenny talked to Luoning: "It is hard to imagine how an Advanced Knight managed to defeat an opponent of a stronger rank."

"Has this matter spread so far? How come even you know about it?"

"My father is a knight of Ironhoof Castle, and he certainly wouldn't miss such an exciting event. Can you tell me about the process of that battle? We are all very curious."

The two exchanged pleasantries, and as the dance ended, Luoning politely parted from her. He picked up his wine glass again, wanting to find a quiet corner to sit for a while.

At this moment, Viscount Mawen walked over. Some noble ladies who had originally wanted to come over to invite Luoning to dance another song saw this scene and sensibly dismissed the idea.

"Luoning, how does it feel?"

The two clinked glasses and took a small sip of beer.

Luoning responded with a smile: "Very good, thank you for your hospitality, Uncle!"

"Come, let's go to the terrace to talk."

The terrace was large, and by leaning on the railing, one could overlook most of Ironhoof Castle. Further away, Luoning saw quite a few lights in Muma City.

Muma City was still prosperous, at least many times more prosperous than Luoning's Shanlin Town.

In the nights of Shanlin Town, the number of commoners who could light candles was few; whenever Luoning looked over from the castle at night, it was pitch black.

"How is Jenny?"

Mawen looked Luoning up and down; in fact, throughout the banquet, he had been sizing Luoning up from time to time.

"Her father, Sori Hartel, is the captain of the Ironhoof Castle Fourth Knight Squad, and his strength is considered relatively high among Bronze Knights."

"I heard that Jenny doesn't have a boyfriend yet. If you like her, I can introduce you; it will definitely work out."

Luoning laughed, "Uncle Mawen, don't tell jokes. They all say marriage is a man's cage; I am only seventeen now and don't want to enter the cage so early."

"Hahaha, where did you see such a strange saying? Well, but come to think of it, it really makes some sense."

Viscount Mawen shook his wine glass, "I heard that you like to make friends with beautiful ladies. How come your interests changed after becoming the Baron of Shanlin Town?"

"That must be your illusion. Beautiful ladies will attract people's attention no matter where they go, and this naturally includes me."

The two chatted for several sentences like this, and Mawen indeed felt that Luoning was different from the rumors.

After tonight, he would cast aside the inherent perception of Luoning in his mind.

"As far as I know, Baron Leisen of Sain Territory is a narrow-minded person. You have caused his reputation to suffer greatly this time; I expect he will target you in the future."

Mawen's topic finally arrived at the aspects of territory and nobility.

"The overall strength of Sain Territory is much stronger than your Shanlin Town. If he consumes you over Along period, I am afraid you will be dragged down by the other party. I wonder how you plan to deal with him?"

Long-term consumption?

Luoning shook his head secretly in his heart; Baron Leisen was afraid he would not have that chance.

However, before exposing Sain's crimes, Luoning did not intend to reveal the situation he had in his hands.

Luoning pondered slightly and said: "I have already signed an agreement with the other party, using the middle line as the boundary, and neither side is allowed to cross it."

Hearing this, Mawen could not help but laugh.

In his view, although Luoning had changed, he was still just a child after all, and he thought about some things too simply.

"Things like agreements are sometimes just for show. It might work for a period of time, but as long as the other party's ambition exists and their strength is sufficient, then it does not count."

Mawen took a sip of wine and patted Luoning on the shoulder, "As a vassal of Lord Lulansi, the Tieti Family will always be loyal to the Wushan Family. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me."

"Then I will not be polite."

Luoning said with a smile: "I do indeed have one matter I would like to ask you for help with, Uncle."

Viscount Mawen had originally intended to leave after finishing that sentence, but he did not expect Luoning to actually have business, "If you have anything to say, just speak."

"There is a type of Black Iron Tree in Shanlin Town, and its hardness is extremely high; I have used it to craft Ironwood Armor and weapons. Last time I went to Wushan Castle, it was already recognized, and a batch was purchased."

Luoning stated this matter.

"In the future, once the scale expands and production capacity increases, I intend to sell them externally. However, as you know, Shanlin Town does not have a Caravan, so I would like to borrow the Caravan of Tieti Castle."

He immediately added: "Of course, I will pay a certain fee to Tieti Castle."

Mawen pondered slightly; he had heard of this matter, but he was not very interested in armor made of wood, feeling it was merely a form of support from Wushan Castle for Luoning.

But since Luoning had brought this matter up to him, he could also take the opportunity to learn more about it.

"That is fine, that is absolutely no problem!"

Mawen agreed immediately, "When you are ready, you can find Luogena; he will arrange for the Business Official of Tieti Castle to discuss it with you and finalize the details."

After speaking, he paused for a moment, but still raised his own doubts: "However, Luoning, is this Ironwood Armor of yours really effective? If the results are not good, I cannot guarantee the sales volume."

"Rest assured!"

Luoning laughed: "I brought a set with me this time; when you have time tomorrow, I can demonstrate it for you."

"Very well!"

Mawen clinked glasses with Luoning again, and subsequently brought Luoning back to the banquet hall.

"Have a pleasant time, Luoning!" Mawen said with a smile, then left the banquet early.

The dance was still continuing, and with the host no longer present, the nobles seemed to play a bit more relaxed.

Luoning even saw in a dim corner that there seemed to be a man and a woman embracing and whispering sweet nothings, and on the dance floor, there were also people clinging together expressing their love for one another.

Fortunately, however, there were no other actions.

He had just found a sofa to sit on when a pleasant voice rang in his ear, "Hi Luoning, are you willing to dance with me once more?"

It was Jenny who had extended an invitation again.

(End of this chapter)