Chapter 6

Levis nodded upon hearing this.

He took out a huge, beautifully drawn map from the desk drawer.

The map was spread out, almost covering half the desk.

On it, mountains, rivers, cities, and the territory ranges of various nobles were marked with different colors and symbols.

"Although the Raymond Family is only a Marquis, our ancestors have worked hard and never slacked in pioneering the border."

Levis's finger slid slowly across the map, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible pride.

"The land actually controlled by the family, and our influence in the border buffer zone, is not inferior to those old Duke families."

"According to the rules, you can choose one of these pioneering territories controlled by the family, or within the radiation range of our influence, as your starting point."

On the map, the area near the kingdom's border line was specially marked.

There were large tracts of land waiting to be developed, which also meant endless danger and opportunity.

Levis's finger pointed at several areas.

"These few places are currently considered by the family to be relatively stable and have certain development potential."

"The Black Iron Mining Area near the Dwarf Mountains, the medicinal herb production area near the Mist Forest in the south, and the buffer zone bordering the Orc Wasteland in the east."

Levis's finger finally stopped at the northeast corner of the map, a vast area marked in pale red.

"This is the Xin Feng Province, established by the Black Kingdom only in the last few decades."

"Compared to those mature borders that have been developed for many years, it is more chaotic here, but it also means more unknowns and opportunities."

Roko's gaze was instantly attracted to that pale red area.

Xin Feng Province.

A place with more opportunities.

He almost didn't hesitate.

"Father, I choose Xin Feng Province."

A flash of surprise crossed Levis's eyes; he didn't seem to expect Roko to choose this place, which was the most dangerous and also had the most variables.

Cain also frowned slightly, looking at Roko with a few more scrutinizing looks.

"The environment in Xin Feng Province is harsh, Orc tribe harassment is frequent, and also..."

Levis paused and pointed at the map.

"The composition of Pioneer Nobles there is complex, and the infighting and conflicts between them are more intense than elsewhere."

"Are you sure you want to choose there?"

Roko's tone was firm.

"I am sure."

"The more chaotic the place, the easier it is to find opportunities that belong to oneself."

"And, I heard that the family already has two uncles who have established Baron Territories there in Xin Feng Province?"

Levis looked at Roko deeply and nodded slowly.

"That's right, your seventh uncle and twelfth uncle have indeed gained a foothold there."

"Although they are only Barons, in Xin Feng Province, they can be considered a force not to be underestimated."

"Since you have already decided, then choose Xin Feng Province."

Levis took back the map, seemingly not interfering too much with Roko's choice.

"As for the specific location of the territory, you can choose it yourself."

"Yes, Father."

Roko bowed again and then exited the study.

When he returned to his courtyard, the sky had completely darkened.

A few magic lamps were lit in the courtyard, radiating a soft light.

Roko didn't return to his room directly but went to the room where Fula was settled first.

Pushing open the door, the room was very quiet.

The fire in the fireplace burned quietly, dispelling the chill of the night.

On the bed, that tiny figure was lying on her side, her breathing steady and long.

She had been washed clean and changed into a soft and comfortable white cotton nightdress.

Although still frail, after the stains on her face were washed away, the contours of her quite exquisite features were revealed.

Her long eyelashes covered her eyelids like butterfly wings, her sleeping face peaceful.

The small Flame Griffin mark on her forehead appeared and disappeared in the soft light.

Roko watched quietly for a while, didn't disturb her, gently closed the door, and went to another room.

The next morning.

Sunlight spilled into the room through the window.

Roko woke up early, washed up, and changed into a gorgeous noble outfit.

He came to his father's study again.

Just like yesterday, his eldest brother Cain was still by Levis's side, assisting in processing documents.

Seeing Roko enter, Levis put down the quill in his hand.

He took off a silver ring with an ancient style from his finger and handed it to Roko.

"This is a Space Ring, inside there are ten thousand gold coins, and the 【Flame Griffin Breathing Method】 passed down by the family, which can be cultivated to the Great Knight realm."

"If you want to advance later, you can return to Twilight City, and I will pass the subsequent breathing method to you then."

"Besides this, inside the Space Ring there are also some maps, equipment, emergency contact crystals, and necessities like healing potions."

Levis's voice was calm and unruffled.

"These are the resources you deserve as a Pioneer Knight."

"And the extra part is my assistance to you as a father."

Roko reached out and took the Space Ring, which felt slightly cool to the touch; after his spiritual power probed in slightly, he felt the not-so-small space inside and the neatly stacked supplies.

"Thank you, Father."

He put the ring on his finger.

"Go."

Levis waved his hand and picked up the documents again.

"Yes."

Roko didn't say more and turned to leave the study.

The heavy oak door slowly closed behind him.

Inside the study, Cain looked at Roko's departing back, his handsome brows furrowed slightly, a trace of worry and reluctance flashing in his eyes.

He sighed lightly.

"Father, with Roko's temperament..."

"Do you really think he is suitable to go to a place like Xin Feng Province?"

"The border is bitter and cold, and the harsh environment is only secondary."

"The threat of Orcs, lurking monsters, and those ruthless Pioneer Nobles..."

"A slight carelessness, and it will be an irreversible disaster."

Cain's voice carried obvious worry.

In his view, this eighteenth brother, who was usually reticent and looked a bit frail.

Heading to the chaotic Xin Feng Province was no different from a sheep entering a tiger's mouth.

Rather than letting Roko go to Xin Feng Province, it would be better to go to some safer places to pioneer.

Levis put down the documents and was silent for a moment.

His gaze was deep, seemingly piercing through the wall and falling into the distance.

"Cain."

He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful.

"Never underestimate anyone who has the blood of the Raymond Family flowing in them."

"Even if he looks unremarkable."

"The border is indeed dangerous, but it is also the best whetstone."

"Whether he can survive, and how far he can go, ultimately depends on himself."

Levis's eyes became sharp.

"Remember, the glory of the Raymond Family is not maintained by flowers in a greenhouse."

"But by generations fighting with blood and life at the border!"