Chapter 10

Roko glanced at Fula, who was still a bit uneasy in his arms, and then swept a glance at the slightly fatigued guard squad behind him.

Heading directly to the pioneering territory was certainly crisp, but arriving in a new place, understanding the local highest ruler and figuring out the situation in Xin Feng Province seemed very necessary.

After all, this would be the place where he would develop for a long time in the future.

"Since it is the Duke's kind intention..."

A smile that was just right appeared on Roko's face, and he nodded slightly.

"Then I will trouble you."

Upon hearing this, Philip's smile became even more genuine, and a flash of joy crossed his eyes.

"It is the honor of the Duke's mansion that you are willing to do us the honor!"

"Please follow me, the carriage has already been prepared."

He stepped aside to clear the way and made a "please" gesture.

Not far away, several carriages were indeed parked, although their decorations couldn't be considered top-tier luxurious, they were quite exquisite.

Roko didn't stand on ceremony and signaled Hate to lead the guard squad to follow.

He himself took Fula and sat in the carriage.

Guided by that steward Philip, they headed toward Duke Auston's mansion.

The carriage drove on the slightly bumpy streets of Pu La Da City.

Inside the carriage, Roko leaned against the soft cushion, his gaze calmly watching the simple street scene flying past outside the window.

Fula in his arms was still curled up, her little head deeply buried, as if this could isolate everything outside.

Her body was no longer as tense as before, but the slight trembling still exposed her inner unease.

Her silver-gray cat ears occasionally twitched unconsciously, capturing the noisy sounds outside the carriage.

Duke Auston's mansion was located in the central area of Pu La Da City.

Compared to the roughness and simplicity of other buildings in the city, the Duke's mansion was clearly much more imposing.

Although it couldn't be compared with the grandeur and magnificence of Raymond Castle, the high stone walls, exquisite carved iron gates, and the heavily guarded knights in front of the gate.

These seemed to be demonstrating the noble status of the master here.

The carriage slowly drove into the Duke's mansion.

Steward Philip had already been waiting here, his face still that impeccable gentle smile.

"Young Master Roko, please follow me; the Duke and the young master and young lady are already waiting in the side hall."

Roko nodded and walked off the carriage with Fula.

Hate led the guard squad and stayed in the designated area outside the mansion.

Following Philip through several corridors paved with smooth stone slabs, the air was filled with a faint floral fragrance, completely different from the dry and rough aura in the city.

The side hall was arranged elegantly and comfortably.

Fire burned in the fireplace, dispelling the chill of early spring.

Three people were already sitting at the long table.

In the main seat was a middle-aged man who looked about fifty years old, wearing a decent dark purple noble casual outfit.

His face couldn't be considered handsome, but his eyes were sharp.

His temperament was steady, and he was dignified without being angry.

【Name: Ao Ge Si Te · Ai Fu Sen】

【Level: Awakening Rank Initial Stage Knight】

【Talent: S-】

【Status: Healthy】

【Favorability: 40】

【Loyalty: 0】

Awakening Rank Knight.

The highest ruler of Xin Feng Province, his strength was indeed not to be underestimated.

Beside him sat two young people, a man and a woman.

The man's face was seventy percent similar to Duke Auston's, his temperament slightly sharp, his eyes carrying scrutiny.

【Name: E Lan · Ai Fu Sen】

【Level: Peak Great Knight】

【Talent: A+】

【Status: Healthy】

【Favorability: 5】

【Loyalty: 0】

Duke's heir, talent not bad, at a young age he had reached the realm of Peak Great Knight.

From a Bronze Knight, it was estimated that it was only half a step away.

The woman had a head of brilliant golden hair, her appearance bright and moving, her blue eyes like gemstones.

At this moment, she was sizing up Roko, who walked in, and Fula beside him with some curiosity.

【Name: Li Li An · Ai Fu Sen】

【Level: Initial Stage Mage】

【Talent: B】

【Status: Healthy】

【Favorability: 65】

【Loyalty: 0】

Initial Stage Mage, B-level talent.

The profession of Mage was relatively rare.

After all, not everyone could be a noble Mage.

Seeing Roko enter, Duke Auston showed a warm smile and took the initiative to stand up.

"Welcome, young talent from Mu Guang City, Roko Raymond."

His voice was loud, carrying the bearing of a superior.

"It is an honor to meet you, respected Duke Auston."

Roko bowed slightly, performed a standard noble salute, his posture composed.

"No need for formalities, please sit."

Duke Auston signaled Roko to take a seat, his gaze sweeping over Fula beside Roko without a trace, especially the small Flame Griffin mark on her forehead.

His eyes didn't have any change, as if it were just a casual glance.

"This is my son, E Lan."

"This is my daughter, Li Li An."

The Duke introduced them to Roko.

E Lan just nodded at Roko, his expression flat.

Li Li An showed a friendly smile.

"Roko, very happy to meet you."

Her voice was crisp and pleasant.

Roko also responded politely.

After a few simple pleasantries, the waiters began to serve exquisite dishes and fine wine.

The atmosphere of the banquet couldn't be considered very enthusiastic, but it wasn't awkward either.

Duke Auston seemed quite interested in the Raymond Family and the situation in Mu Guang City, asking some questions sideways.

Roko's answers were watertight, neither revealing any family secrets nor maintaining superficial politeness.

He could feel that although this Duke appeared enthusiastic, essentially he was still probing and evaluating.

Evaluating the value of him, the eighteenth son of the Raymond Family, and evaluating the pros and cons of befriending him.

Fula beside him was like a little quail the whole time, she seemed to not even have the courage to lift her head.

Li Li An seemed very interested in Fula, wanting to ask a few times, but was stopped by Duke Auston with a look.

After eating and drinking enough, Duke Auston put down the silver knife and fork in his hand and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

"Roko, your courage in coming to Xin Feng Province to pioneer a territory is commendable."

"Although the environment in Xin Feng Province is harsh, it is also full of opportunities."

"I, as the manager of the province, naturally hope to see more young talents like you who can take root and develop here, pioneering territory for the kingdom."

Duke Auston wore an appreciative smile on his face.

"To express support for the younger generation of the Raymond Family, and also as my own little investment in you."

He clapped his hands.

Steward Philip immediately walked up carrying a tray.

On the tray were a stack of gold notes and a map.

"Here are gold notes for five thousand gold coins, and a map marked with information on several ownerless resource points nearby."

"I hope these can provide some insignificant help to your initial pioneering."

Duke Auston's tone was sincere.

Roko looked at the things on the tray and understood in his heart.

Five thousand gold coins were not much, but if added to the resource point information, this was not a small amount.

This Duke was indeed determined to befriend the Raymond Family.

Rather than saying it was an investment in him, Roko, it was better to say it was an investment in the family behind him.