Chapter 21: Legitimacy of the Territory? Touching Fula

The morning's faint light struggled to pierce through the thin mist over the river valley.

The embers after last night's revelry emitted a burnt smell with moisture, mixed with the blood and soil scent that had not yet dissipated.

The camp had restored order, the patrolling soldiers' footsteps were steady, replacing the previous clamor.

Roko walked out of the newly built, somewhat spacious animal skin tent.

Hart Gelin had long been waiting outside, his armor wiped clean, his face solemn.

"Young Master."

Hart bowed slightly.

Roko nodded, his gaze passing over Hart, looking at the camp that was beginning to get busy in the distance.

"The clearing operation continues."

His voice was calm, but carried an unquestionable order.

"With the river valley as the center, radiating twenty miles outward, all scattered Goblin and Chailangren tribes must be cleared out."

"I don't want these scumbags lurking around while we are building the territory."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Hart responded in a deep voice.

"Additionally, send a messenger to Pu La Da City."

Roko turned around, looking at Hart.

"Inform Duke Auston of the news that we have occupied this place and cleared the surrounding threats."

According to the rules of the Black Kingdom, land seized by Pioneer Nobles needs to be recognized by the highest Lord of the province and reported to the Kingdom for the record to be considered truly and legally owned.

Although Roko didn't care much about whether Duke Auston recognized it, the necessary procedures still had to be followed.

At least on the surface, he had to maintain respect for this ruler of the Xin Feng Province.

"Yes, subordinate will arrange it immediately."

Hart nodded, then added.

"The scout team has also been sent out and is drawing a more detailed map of the surrounding area."

"Very good."

Roko said no more and turned back to the tent.

Pu La Da City, Duke Auston's Mansion.

Unlike the rugged and desolate border river valley, this place still maintained the decency and luxury that a noble should have.

Although it couldn't compare to the Marquis's castle in Mu Guang City, it was already top-tier in the Xin Feng Province.

In the study, Duke Auston put down the letter in his hand, a playful smile appearing on his face.

On the letter, the news of Roko arriving at the border, quickly crushing the Goblins and Chailangren occupying the river valley, and occupying that area was described in concise language.

"Father, this Roko is actually more capable than imagined."

Elan, standing on the side, said, his tone carrying a trace of imperceptible surprise.

He had originally thought that this Marquis's young master from Mu Guang City was just a playboy "exiled" by the family to gild himself.

He didn't expect him to gain a foothold in that chaotic place so quickly.

Duke Auston picked up the black tea on the table and took a light sip.

"The descendants from the Raymond family, even if they are not the heirs to the title, will not be trash."

His gaze was deep, seemingly weighing something.

"Father's meaning is?"

Elan was somewhat puzzled.

"This Roko chose the most dangerous, yet also the most potential-filled area."

Duke Auston put down the teacup, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

"He was able to gain a foothold in a short time, which shows that he either has ability far beyond ordinary people, or the Raymond family gave him unconventional support behind the scenes."

"No matter which situation it is, it is worth our continued investment."

"Moreover, he took the initiative to send someone to deliver a letter, showing respect for us; this gesture was done very well."

"Li Li An, what do you think?"

Duke Auston suddenly cast his gaze toward the corner of the study, at a young girl who was curiously fiddling with a crystal ball.

Li Li An raised her head upon hearing this, revealing a delicate and cute face.

She blinked her bright big eyes, a trace of cunning smile at the corners of her mouth.

"I think that Young Master Roko is very interesting."

Li Li An's voice was crisp and pleasant.

"Especially that little Maonv beside him, her eye color is so special, I really want to see her again."

"And, being able to defeat so many Goblins in such a short time, he must be very powerful!"

Duke Auston smiled helplessly.

"You, your focus is always different from others."

He restrained his smile and looked at Elan.

"Reply to Roko, saying that I, on behalf of the Xin Feng Province, recognize his ownership of that river valley and will report it to the Kingdom as soon as possible."

"Tell him that I look forward to him building the glory belonging to the Raymond family on that land."

"Yes, Father."

Elan responded respectfully.

River Valley Camp, inside Roko's tent.

Roko was carefully studying a newly drawn, more detailed animal skin map.

On it were marked water sources, hills, woodlands, and several symbols marked as dangerous areas.

Fula was quietly kneeling on the animal skin blanket behind Roko, holding a clean soft cloth in her little hands, earnestly wiping the refined steel dagger that belonged to her.

The bloodstains on the dagger had long been cleaned, but under the lamp, it seemed that a trace of faint evil spirit still lingered.

After yesterday's battle and slaughter, the cowardice on this little Maonv seemed to have dissipated somewhat, and a trace of calmness that had never been there before was added.

Her silver-gray cat ears stood up slightly, catching the movement outside the tent.

That long, furry tail, which was also silver-gray, was currently swinging lightly somewhat restlessly, occasionally sweeping across the ground.

Roko's gaze moved away from the map and landed on that swinging tail.

Fula seemed to have noticed the Master's gaze, her body stiffening slightly.

The tail also stopped instantly, tightly sticking behind her.

She secretly raised her eyes to glance at Roko, and her little face began to flush again.

Master, does he not like her wagging her tail?

Roko looked at her little tense appearance, feeling somewhat funny in his heart.

He reached out his hand, not rubbing her ears as usual, but gently landing on the root of her tail that had stiffened.

Fula's body trembled abruptly, like an electric shock.

A strange tingling sensation instantly rushed through her whole body from the tailbone.

"Meow!"

An uncontrollable, light cry carrying panic and shyness overflowed from her throat.

Her little face turned red instantly, and even her neck was stained with a layer of pink.

The fur on her tail seemed to be about to explode.

She lowered her head abruptly, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Master, how could the Master touch there!

Roko's fingers didn't do anything, just rested vaguely on the soft fur, feeling the slight trembling.

【Name: Fula】

【Race: Maonv】

【Level: Quasi-Knight Mid-stage】

【Talent: SSS-Rank】

【Status: Shy, blood and Qi accelerating】

【Favorability: 99 (+1)】

【Loyalty: 99 (+1)】

Loyalty and favorability actually rose by another point.

Directly reaching 100 in one go.

Roko was somewhat surprised, then understood.

For Fula, who extremely lacked a sense of security and regarded him as her only reliance, this kind of intimate physical contact carrying a sense of possession instead made her feel more at ease and a sense of belonging.

He withdrew his hand, his tone still flat.

"In the future, in front of me, you don't need to be so reserved."

"Yes, Master."

Fula's voice was as thin as a mosquito, her head buried even lower.

But her tail couldn't help but swing lightly. ===== CHAPTER 22 =====