Chapter 84: Return to Mu Guang City! The Sixth Prince of the Bulake Kingdom?

Early the next morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, a series of noisy footsteps and voices drifted over from afar.

Roko stepped out of his temporary tent and saw a massive crowd of people surging toward Vanguard Valley in a grand procession.

It was the fifty thousand refugees promised by the Obsidian Legion.

They were dressed in rags, gaunt and sallow, their eyes filled with confusion and fear for the future.

But when they saw the silhouette of the Vanguard Valley castle—dilapidated yet still standing—a glimmer of hope involuntarily sparked in their eyes.

Roko took a deep breath, a smile appearing on his face.

These people would be the cornerstone of his future territory's development.

He turned to look at Martina.

"Martina, I'll have to trouble you with what comes next."

"Settle these refugees properly, register them, allocate land, and organize production."

"Also, send people to take over those two newly acquired territories as soon as possible and restore order."

"These matters are complex and numerous, but I leave them all to you."

"I have to return to Mu Guang City for a while."

Upon hearing this, Martina's snow-white eyes brightened; her usual coldness was replaced by a surge of eagerness.

She loved the feeling of controlling everything and planning for development.

"Don't worry, Roko."

She patted her flat chest and said confidently.

"I guarantee I'll have everything arranged perfectly for you."

Martina nodded, satisfied.

Then, she asked with a hint of shyness.

"Um, Roko."

"Since you're returning to Mu Guang City, could you take me with you?"

She had always longed to see the legendary, prosperous territory of the Raymond Family.

Roko was slightly surprised by her request.

He thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"Martina, that won't be possible this time."

"The territory is in a state of recovery, and we need hands everywhere."

"You are my Chief Administrative Officer, and your abilities are outstanding; only with you staying here to hold the fort can I be at ease."

"Besides, I won't be staying in Mu Guang City for long."

Hearing Roko's explanation, a look of disappointment crossed Martina's face, but she understood that Roko was right—the territory truly could not function without her.

"Alright then."

She pouted and said somewhat reluctantly.

"Then you must go and return quickly."

"Don't forget to bring me some local delicacies!"

"Don't worry, I won't forget."

Roko smiled and ruffled her hair.

After settling the affairs of the territory, Roko took Fula and Hart and set off on the road to Mu Guang City.

Considering the long distance and the urgency of time,

Roko decided to use the long-distance magic teleportation arrays established between the major provinces of the Bulake Kingdom to shorten the journey.

Although the cost of using the teleportation arrays was extremely high, it was nothing to the now-wealthy Roko.

Through a series of transfers and traveling day and night,

After three full days, Roko and his party finally arrived at Saint Anna Province, one of the most prosperous core provinces of the Bulake Kingdom.

The Raymond Family's territory, Mu Guang City, was located in the heart of Saint Anna Province.

Mu Guang City was worthy of being the territory of the Bulake Kingdom's top Marquis family.

Its level of prosperity was far beyond that of the emerging towns in Xin Feng Province.

The tall, sturdy city walls crawled across the earth like a giant dragon, exuding an ancient and majestic aura.

Inside the city, the streets were wide and clean, lined with shops on both sides.

The foot traffic was immense, a constant stream of carriages and people.

People of all skin colors and attire gathered and interacted here, creating a vibrant and prosperous scene.

Fula followed behind Roko, her heterochromatic eyes filled with astonishment as she looked at the dazzling sights before her.

Although she had been brought to Mu Guang City before to be sold as a slave,

she hadn't really paid much attention to the city's situation at the time.

"Are you surprised?"

Roko asked with a smile, observing Fula's expression.

Fula nodded timidly.

"It's so lively here."

Roko explained.

"Mu Guang City is the core territory that our Raymond Family has managed for hundreds of years."

"The prosperity here is the result of the efforts of countless generations."

"In our Raymond Family's territory, even the most ordinary commoner, as long as they are willing to work hard and have talent, has the opportunity to rise through various channels."

"They can join the army, perform meritorious service, and earn a title."

"They can also learn various crafts, become master artisans, and be respected."

"Even, if their talent is outstanding enough, they have the chance to enter the family's Knight Academy, learn profound Knight Breathing Methods, and become a true Knight."

"It is precisely because of this that the people of Mu Guang City have such a high sense of belonging and loyalty to the family."

Fula listened to Roko's explanation and nodded, half-understanding.

Hart followed behind them, showing little reaction to the prosperity of Mu Guang City.

As a house-born Knight of the Raymond Family, he had long been accustomed to everything here.

After a simple inspection at the city gate and revealing his identity,

Roko led Fula and Hart directly toward the Raymond Family castle located in the city center.

However, as Roko stepped through the gates of his own castle, he keenly sensed that the atmosphere in the house seemed a bit off.

Although the servants in the castle were still performing their duties, their expressions carried a hint of imperceptible suppression and tension.

When they saw Roko return, they only bowed hurriedly and walked away with their heads down, as if afraid to say another word to him.

The entire castle was shrouded in a dull and eerie atmosphere.

Roko frowned, a hint of suspicion rising in his heart.

What had happened at home during the time he was away?

Although curious, he didn't ask anyone immediately.

He first instructed the butler to arrange rooms for Fula and Hart.

"Fula, Hart, go to your rooms and rest, and wash away the dust of the journey."

"I'm going to see my father first."

Fula nodded obediently.

"Yes, Master."

Hart also bowed in response.

"Don't worry, Young Master."

After arranging for the two, Roko headed straight for the study of his father, Marquis Levis.

Based on past experience, if there was nothing special, his father would spend most of his time in the study handling various family affairs.

The study door was ajar.

Roko pushed the door open gently and walked in.

Sure enough, his father, Marquis Levis, was sitting behind the large desk made of thousand-year-old ironwood.

His face was still scholarly, but there was a hint of imperceptible fatigue between his brows.

Standing beside his father was his eldest brother, Kaine Raymond.

Seeing Roko enter, Kaine showed a gentle smile and nodded at him.

And sitting opposite his father's desk was a young man.

The young man looked to be no more than twenty-five or twenty-six, dressed in an extremely luxurious purple brocade robe, with a jade belt inlaid with gems tied around his waist.

His face was handsome, his temperament elegant, and every gesture exuded a natural nobility.

Clearly, he came from an extraordinary family.

Standing beside the young man was an old man in a black robe.

The old man had white hair and beard, and his face was withered.

Just standing there, one could feel the terrifying power hidden within his body that made one's heart palpitate.

Roko only took one look and felt an invisible pressure rushing toward him.

His gaze subconsciously fell on the old man in black.

【Name: Kunbei】

【Level: Awakened Knight Peak】

【Talent: S-】

【Favorability: 20】

【Loyalty: 0】

Awakened Knight Peak?!

A powerhouse of this level, even in the entire Bulake Kingdom, probably wouldn't be common, right?

Who exactly was this young man?

To be able to make such a powerful existence willing to stand by his side.

The stranger in the study also seemed a bit surprised by Roko's sudden intrusion.

He raised his head slightly, looked Roko over, and a flash of imperceptible light flickered in his eyes.

Just then, the old man in black suddenly leaned down and whispered something in the young man's ear.

Upon hearing this, the young man's expression shifted slightly, and then he showed a gentle smile.

He stood up and bowed to Marquis Levis.

"Marquis Levis, I have troubled you for too long today; I should take my leave."

"Safe travels, Your Highness."

Marquis Levis also stood up and bowed slightly.

"Kaine, see His Highness off for me."

"Yes, Father."

Kaine Raymond responded and led the young man in fine clothes and the old man in black out of the study.

When the young man in fine clothes passed by Roko, he specifically stopped, nodded kindly at Roko, and gave a meaningful smile.

Roko also returned the gesture politely.

Not until the two figures completely disappeared from the study doorway

did Marquis Levis sit back in his main seat, his gaze falling on Roko.

"You're back."

His voice betrayed no emotion.

"Yes, Father."

Roko responded respectfully.

Marquis Levis picked up the teacup on the table and took a light sip.

"Do you recognize the person just now?"

Roko shook his head.

"I do not, Father."

Marquis Levis put down the teacup and said in a flat tone.

"He is the Sixth Prince of the Bulake Kingdom, Orlando Bulake."

The Sixth Prince!

Roko was shocked.

No wonder his entourage was so grand and his demeanor so extraordinary.

So he was a member of the royal family.

"What brings His Highness the Sixth Prince to Mu Guang City?"

Roko couldn't help but ask.

Marquis Levis glanced at him and said lightly.

"What else could it be for?"

"His Majesty the King's health is deteriorating day by day; it is said he hasn't appeared in public for over half a year."

"Undercurrents are surging within the Royal Capital."

"Every prince is trying every possible way to win over various forces for that supreme position."

"As an old Marquis family of the kingdom with heavy troops in hand, our Raymond Family is naturally a target they want to win over."

"The forces behind this Sixth Prince are extremely powerful; it is said he has the support of many kingdom ministers, and several powerful Duke families are also in close contact with him."

"His personal visit to Mu Guang City this time is to secure the support of our Raymond Family."

Roko understood.

The struggle for the throne had been the cruelest struggle since ancient times.

One slight misstep, and it would mean total ruin.

"Then Father, have you made a decision?"

Roko asked cautiously.

Marquis Levis did not answer his question directly but changed the subject.

"I have heard about your affairs in Xin Feng Province."

His gaze became a bit sharper.

"Disguising yourself as bandits, plundering Storm Colts, and killing Baron Carter."

"You handled these matters quite cleanly."

"At first, you might have been able to deceive some, but as time goes on, those with ulterior motives will always find clues."

"So, you must be more careful in the future."

Roko's heart tightened, but his expression didn't change at all.

These things couldn't escape his father's eyes.

Levis looked at Roko, a hint of imperceptible appreciation flashing in his eyes.

"You performed very well in the war against the orcs this time."

"Much better than I imagined."

"Whether it was holding Vanguard Valley or your subsequent meritorious service, it is enough to prove your ability."

"To be honest, I originally thought you would use your uncle-in-law Leonard's connections to find a way to escape that land about to be engulfed in war."

"I didn't expect that not only did you not escape, but you faced the difficulties head-on and made such a name for yourself."

"This, I must say, surprised me a little."

Hearing his father's praise, a warm current surged in Roko's heart.

This was the first time he had heard such direct affirmation from his father.

"Father, you overpraise me."

"I only did what I should have done."

Marquis Levis smiled slightly, a smile filled with a hint of relief.

"Very good."

"To have this sense of responsibility is not a waste of the Raymond Family's cultivation of you."

He stood up, walked to Roko, and patted him on the shoulder.

"You must be tired after your long journey."

"I have already instructed the kitchen to prepare plenty of magic beast meat, as well as several kinds of precious magic plants and magic fruits."

"Tonight, we father and sons will have a good drink."

Roko was delighted.

"Thank you, Father!"

Night.

The lights in the castle were bright.

In the dining room, a long table was covered with a white tablecloth.

Exquisite silver tableware shimmered with a soft halo under the light of the magic lamps.

The air was filled with the charred aroma of roasted meat and the unique fragrance of various mixed magic spices.

Roko sat on the left hand of his father, Marquis Levis, and his eldest brother, Kaine, sat on his father's right.

"Father, that Legion Commander Steven of the Obsidian Legion I saw in your study today, he..."

Roko picked up a wine glass filled with dark red wine, swirled it gently, trying to find a suitable opening.

Marquis Levis's movements were elegant and calm; he cut a small piece of perfectly roasted magic antelope steak and chewed it carefully.

"Steven Raff, Legion Commander of the Obsidian Legion, a pillar of the kingdom."

He swallowed the food and wiped the corners of his mouth gently with a napkin.

"Your uncle-in-law should have mentioned to you that I have some history with him."

Roko nodded.

"Yes, Uncle-in-law said that Father once saved the Legion Commander's life when you were young."

A hint of distant memory seemed to flash in Marquis Levis's eyes.

"It wasn't a life-saving grace, just a small favor."

His tone was very flat, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

"Back then in the Royal Capital, he and I were both fledgling young Knights, and during a mission to suppress a high-level magic beast,

he fell into danger to cover his companions."

"I happened to be passing by, so I lent a hand."

"That is all."

Kaine added with a smile from the side.

"Father is always so humble."

"Legion Commander Steven doesn't think so."

"He has mentioned many times in public that if it weren't for Father's help back then, he would have already died under the claws of the magic beast."

Marquis Levis waved his hand, signaling Kaine not to say more.

"Old history, not worth mentioning."

He looked at Roko, his eyes filled with a hint of scrutiny.

"That you were able to receive his care in Xin Feng Province this time certainly has to do with this connection, but more importantly, it is due to your own performance."

"If you were an ordinary pioneer noble, even if I spoke personally, he would at most give you some trivial rewards."

"He would never be as generous as he is now, with refugees and territories."

Roko understood.

His father's words were undoubtedly an affirmation of his efforts and achievements during this period.

"I understand, Father."

"The Legion Commander being able to give such generous rewards is also because he sees that I can make greater contributions to the kingdom and the family in the future."

A hint of an imperceptible smile finally appeared on the corner of Marquis Levis's mouth.

"It is good that you understand this principle."

He raised his glass to signal Roko.

"How is your injury?"

Roko also raised his glass and clinked it gently with his father's.

A crisp sound echoed in the dining room.

"Back to Father, it is no longer a major issue."

"It's just that the lost Battle Qi will still take some time to fully recover."

Marquis Levis nodded, his eyes filled with a hint of imperceptible concern.

"Hmm, that is good."

"You were at the forefront during this orc invasion, holding Vanguard Valley; it was indeed hard work."

"I heard that old guy Osbian also suffered a not-so-light injury?"

Roko put down his wine glass and briefly recounted the story of Duke Osbian losing his arm.

After listening, Marquis Levis only commented lightly.

"Brute courage."

"As a commander, acting so impulsively is truly not a wise move."

He paused and then said.

"However, his determination to protect the territory is indeed worthy of respect."

Kaine said from the side.

"Father, I heard that your recent injury has also recovered quite a bit?"

"It seems there are faint signs of a breakthrough?"

Hearing this, a flash of light flickered in Marquis Levis's eyes.

He put down the knife and fork in his hand, picked up his wine glass, and savored the wine in it.

"Hmm, after being silent for so many years, there is finally a hint of movement."

"Perhaps, it won't be long before I can truly take that step."

Although his tone was calm, Roko could feel the anticipation and excitement contained within it.

His father, Marquis Levis, was currently at the peak of the Golden Grade Knight level.

If he took another step forward, he would be an Awakened Knight.

An Awakened Knight could be considered a true high-level combat force in the entire Bulake Kingdom.

Once his father successfully broke through, the prestige of the Raymond Family would undoubtedly rise to a higher level.

This was a huge event for the entire family.

"That is truly great!"

Roko was genuinely happy for his father.

"Congratulations, Father!"

Kaine also raised his glass to congratulate him.

"Congratulations, Father, on being about to step into a new realm!"

Marquis Levis had a gentle smile on his face as he drank the fine wine with his two sons.

A warm atmosphere flowed in the dining room.

The fire in the fireplace crackled, reflecting the happy scene of the family.

Roko enjoyed this dinner very much.

His father's affirmation, his brother's care, and the good news the family was about to receive all made him feel happy.

After the banquet, Roko declined the servant's offer to serve him and returned to his room alone.

The room was spacious and comfortable, decorated elegantly and luxuriously.

The air was filled with a faint incense, making one feel refreshed.

He walked to the window and pushed it open; the cold night wind blew on his face.

Looking at the brilliant night view of Mu Guang City outside the window, Roko's heart was filled with longing for the future. ===== CHAPTER 85 =====