Chapter 86: The Family's Second Round of Aid! Red Flame Fruit Manor! Guardian Knight!

On the way back to Mu Guang City after leaving the magic plant plantation,

Marquis Levis looked at the shimmering Golden Vein Dragon Blood Grapes in Roko's hand, as well as the few bags of precious magic plant seeds.

The expression on his face appeared somewhat complex.

"You kid, your luck is quite good."

He said somewhat sourly.

"Great-Grandfather rarely pays so much attention to any junior."

Roko chuckled.

"Perhaps Great-Grandfather just finds me pleasing to the eye."

Marquis Levis glanced at him and said irritably.

"Don't get carried away."

"Although Great-Grandfather looks like he doesn't care about anything on weekdays, he is as clear as a mirror in his heart."

"He is willing to value you so much, naturally because of your own excellence."

However, he changed the subject and said with some worry.

"Great-Grandfather, after all, is advanced in years."

"Although his strength is powerful and his lifespan is long, in the end..." Roko's heart tightened upon hearing this.

"Father, Great-Grandfather, he?"

Marquis Levis sighed.

"Great-Grandfather is already nearly two hundred years old this year."

"Although with the lifespan of a Sky Knight, he can at least live for another hundred years or more."

"But time spares no one."

Roko was silent.

Two hundred years old, for ordinary people, was already an unimaginable advanced age.

Even for a powerful Knight, this was not a small age.

"Alright, let's not talk about this."

Marquis Levis waved his hand, seemingly not wanting to continue on this heavy topic.

"After returning to the castle, go to my study."

"I have prepared some things for you."

Roko nodded.

Returning to the castle in Mu Guang City, Roko carefully put the precious Golden Vein Dragon Blood Grapes and the magic plant seeds into his space ring.

Then, he headed straight to his father's study.

Marquis Levis was already waiting there.

On his desk lay a thick stack of documents.

"These are the materials for some manors in Saint Anna Province that are well-managed and have good potential, belonging to our Raymond Family."

Marquis Levis pointed to the documents and said.

"Choose one from them."

"Consider it the second round of aid from the family to you."

Roko was overjoyed.

The family's second round of aid had finally arrived.

He picked up the documents and read them carefully.

Some of these manors were for growing grain, some for raising magic beasts, and some for mining ore.

Each manor had a considerable annual income.

"Father, among these manors, are there any similar to Great-Grandfather's, specifically for growing magic plants?"

Roko couldn't help but ask.

If he could get a magic plant manor, it would undoubtedly be like adding wings to a tiger for his future development.

Marquis Levis couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.

"You kid, you think quite beautifully."

"A magic plant manor, what kind of precious existence is that?"

"Let alone you, even among the core elders of the family, not everyone can own one."

"This level of manor is already firmly controlled by major forces; how could it be easily taken out and given away?"

"Do you think they are like cabbages on the side of the road, seen everywhere?"

Roko knew he had thought too much upon hearing this.

He smiled awkwardly and continued reading the materials in his hand.

Finally, he locked his gaze on a manor that mainly grew fruit.

This manor covered an area of about five thousand acres and mainly grew an ordinary fruit called "Red Flame Fruit."

Although the Red Flame Fruit wasn't a magic fruit, its taste was sweet, and it contained a faint trace of fire-element magic energy, which had a certain auxiliary effect for professionals cultivating fire-element Battle Qi or magic.

Most importantly, the manor's geographical location was superior, and transportation was convenient.

The Red Flame Fruit produced was very popular in the market, and the annual net profit was about 300,000 gold coins.

An annual income of 300,000 gold coins, although it couldn't compare to those top-tier manors, was definitely not a small fortune.

Moreover, fruit wasn't like ore or grain, which were subject to many restrictions, and it was easier to convert into actual benefits.

"Father, I will choose this Red Flame Fruit Manor."

Roko pulled out the document alone and handed it to Marquis Levis.

Marquis Levis took it, looked at it, and nodded.

"Hmm, this manor is not bad."

"If managed properly, the annual income should be able to increase a bit more."

"Since you have chosen it, I will send someone tomorrow to take you to handle the handover procedures."

"Thank you, Father."

Roko bowed.

He remembered the Sixth Prince he had met in the study earlier.

"Father, regarding the struggle for the throne..."

"Do you have a plan in mind?"

"Will our Raymond Family choose to support that Sixth Prince?"

Roko asked cautiously.

This question concerned the future fate of the family, so he had to care.

Marquis Levis's eyes became deeper upon hearing this.

He was silent for a moment and spoke slowly.

"The struggle for the throne is treacherous and extremely dangerous."

"One wrong step, and it is an abyss of total ruin."

"Although our Raymond Family is an old Marquis family of the kingdom, we cannot afford too much tossing."

He didn't answer Roko's question directly but changed the subject.

"What you need to do now is to manage your own affairs in Xin Feng Province."

"Strive to develop the territory and improve your strength."

"Only when you are strong enough yourself can you have the power to protect yourself no matter what changes happen in the future."

"At the same time, you can also win more say for the family."

Roko understood.

Although his father didn't say it explicitly, this remark revealed a piece of information.

That was, the Raymond Family hadn't yet made up their mind which prince's camp to stand in.

Perhaps his father was still watching, waiting for a suitable opportunity.

Or perhaps he had other considerations.

These were not things Roko could speculate about for now.

"I understand, Father."

Roko nodded.

"Father, rest assured, I will definitely strive to manage my territory well."

Marquis Levis nodded with satisfaction.

"Hmm, go, get some rest early."

"Yes, Father."

Roko stayed in the castle in Mu Guang City for another day.

On the third morning, Roko said goodbye to his father, Marquis Levis.

He took Fula and Hart and headed to the Red Flame Fruit Manor newly granted to him by the family.

Marquis Levis didn't try to keep him too much.

He only urged Roko to be careful and pay attention to safety.

He just gave Roko a handover document for the manor signed by himself.

With this, Roko could rightfully take over the Red Flame Fruit Manor.

Saying goodbye to his father, Roko took Fula and Hart and left Mu Guang City.

The Red Flame Fruit Manor was located in the eastern part of Saint Anna Province, more than two thousand miles away from Mu Guang City.

With the three of them traveling, plus riding the fast horses provided by the family, it would take about two days to arrive.

Two days later, at dusk.

Roko and his party of three finally arrived at their destination.

The Red Flame Fruit Manor was located in a gentle hilly area.

Looking from afar, one could see patches of fire-red fruit forests, like burning flames, covering the entire hillside.

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

At the entrance of the manor, a tall stone gate tower was built.

On the gate tower, the Flame Griffin emblem of the Raymond Family was carved.

Several manor guards wearing leather armor and holding spears watched the passing pedestrians vigilantly.

Roko showed the handover document given to him by Marquis Levis.

After the guards checked it, their expressions immediately became respectful.

One of the guards, who seemed to be the leader, hurriedly stepped forward to salute.

"Greetings, greetings, Master!"

"I didn't know you were coming, please forgive us for not welcoming you sooner!"

He clearly recognized this document, as well as the family crest on Roko's chest.

Roko nodded.

"I am Roko Raymond."

"Ordered by my father, Marquis Levis, to come and take over the manor here."

The guard leader was even more surprised upon hearing this.

He hadn't heard of the name Roko Raymond.

But the name of Marquis Levis was known to everyone in the entire territory of the Raymond Family.

No one didn't know it.

"So it is the son of Marquis!"

"My name is Neil, and I am the captain of the manor's guards."

"Please follow me, Master; the butler has been waiting in the manor for a long time."

Neil said while leading the way in front.

Roko took Fula and Hart and followed behind him into the manor.

Inside the manor, a manor main castle of considerable scale was built.

In front of the main castle stood a middle-aged man wearing a proper butler outfit, with his hair combed meticulously.

The man looked to be about forty or fifty years old, with a kind face, but his eyes revealed a hint of shrewdness.

"Welcome, Young Master Roko!"

Seeing Roko arrive, the middle-aged butler hurriedly greeted him and bowed respectfully.

"My name is Hank, and I am the butler of this Red Flame Fruit Manor."

"Ordered by the Marquis, I have been waiting here for you for a long time, Young Master."

Roko nodded.

"Butler Hank, no need for formalities."

He handed the handover document signed by Marquis Levis to Hank.

Hank took the document with both hands, checked it carefully, and the smile on his face became even more respectful.

"Young Master Roko, please follow me."

"The accounts and various matters in the manor have been prepared by me, and I can report to you at any time, Young Master."

Hank led Roko into the manor's main castle.

Inside the main castle, the decoration was not luxurious, but it was quite exquisite.

Hank led Roko to a spacious study.

The bookshelves in the study were filled with various account books and documents.

"Young Master Roko, these are all the accounts of our Red Flame Fruit Manor for the past three years, as well as detailed information on various industries in the manor."

Hank pointed to those account books and said.

"The total area of the manor is 5,230 acres, of which 4,800 acres are for Red Flame Fruit planting, and the rest is for living areas and auxiliary facility land."

"In the manor, there are 372 long-term workers, and short-term workers are hired temporarily according to the busy farming season."

"Last year, the manor produced about 150,000 catties of high-quality Red Flame Fruit, with a total sales of 470,000 gold coins. After deducting various costs and taxes, the net profit was 312,000 gold coins."

Hank reported the situation of the manor to Roko clearly and logically.

Roko listened quietly, nodding from time to time.

From Hank's report, he could hear that the management of this manor was indeed quite good.

An annual net profit stable at around 300,000 gold coins was already a very considerable income.

"Butler Hank, how many years have you been in this manor?"

Roko suddenly asked.

Hank was slightly startled, then answered respectfully.

"Back to Young Master, I have been working in this manor since I was young, and I have been serving as a butler for more than twenty years."

More than twenty years.

It seems that this Butler Hank already knew everything about the manor's affairs like the back of his hand.

"Hmm, very good."

Roko nodded, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

"Butler Hank, since you are so familiar with the manor, then in the future, the daily management of this manor will still be your responsibility."

"Various matters can continue as usual."

"I won't interfere too much."

Hank showed a hint of joy upon hearing this and hurriedly bowed to thank him.

"Thank you for your trust, Young Master!"

"I will definitely do my best to manage the manor well for you, Young Master!"

He had originally worried that the new young master would be young and vigorous, not trust him, an old butler, and might even insert his own people to hollow out his power.

He didn't expect that this Young Master Roko would trust him so much and directly hand the management power of the manor back into his hands.

This made his favor for Roko increase greatly.

"Hmm."

Roko nodded.

It wasn't that he didn't want to control the manor, but he didn't have suitable people for now, nor did he have so much energy to manage such a huge manor personally.

Since this Butler Hank had good ability and was loyal to the manor.

Then letting him continue to be responsible for the time being was a good choice.

For the next three days, Roko stayed in the Red Flame Fruit Manor temporarily.

Every day, accompanied by Butler Hank, he inspected various areas of the manor.

Tasting the freshly picked, sweet and juicy Red Flame Fruit.

Feeling the satisfaction brought to him by this piece of territory that belonged to him.

Fula also showed great interest in this red magic fruit that exuded a faint heat wave.

Her heterochromatic eyes always flashed with curious light.

These three days, for Roko, could be considered a rare leisurely time.

No pressure of cultivation, no disputes of territory.

He could temporarily put down everything and enjoy this peace and comfort.

However, peaceful days are always short.

Three days later, Roko prepared to leave the Red Flame Fruit Manor and return to Xin Feng Province.

Over there, there was still a big pile of things waiting for him to deal with.

On the night before he left.

Butler Hank suddenly found him.

"Young Master Roko, I have a request, I don't know if I should say it or not."

Butler Hank stood in front of Roko, his expression carrying a hint of hesitation and expectation.

"Butler Hank, just say it."

Roko put down the teacup in his hand and signaled him to sit down and speak.

Butler Hank didn't sit down but knelt in front of Roko with a thud.

"Young Master Roko, I am bold, I want to entrust my son to you, Young Master!"

He said sincerely.

"My son's name is Falco, he just turned sixteen this year, although he is not successful, his talent is still okay."

"I hope he can follow you, Young Master, become your Guardian Knight, and work for you, Young Master!"

Guardian Knight?

Roko raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this.

A Guardian Knight is different from an ordinary attendant Knight.

They need to swear to heaven and earth, make the harshest soul oath, be loyal to their master forever, and never betray.

Once the oath is established, they will be bound by the rules of heaven and earth.

If they violate the oath, they will suffer soul backlash and have a miserable end.

It can be said that a Guardian Knight is the master's most loyal dead soldier.

However, wanting to become a Guardian Knight is not an easy task.

Not only does the swearer need to be willing, but they also need to have a certain talent and potential.

Otherwise, even if they make an oath, they may not be recognized by the rules of heaven and earth.

Roko didn't expect that Butler Hank would make such a request.

"Butler Hank, do you know what a Guardian Knight means?"

Roko's tone became a bit serious.

"Once he becomes my Guardian Knight, your son Falco will lose his freedom forever."

"His life will be bound to me."

"Have you thought it through?"

Butler Hank raised his head, his eyes firm.

"I have thought it through!"

"Being able to become your Guardian Knight, Young Master, is my son's honor!"

He could see that this Young Master Roko, young as he was, already had a boundless future.

If his son could become his Guardian Knight.

Then in the future, they might also be able to follow him and soar into the sky.

For him, this was undoubtedly a big gamble.

If he won the gamble, it would be like a carp leaping over the dragon gate.

If he lost the gamble, at worst, he would just return to the starting point.

"Call your son over, let me see."

Roko pondered for a moment and said.

He wanted to see what kind of extraordinary qualities this Butler Hank's son had that made him so confident.

"Yes, Young Master!"

Butler Hank was overjoyed upon hearing this, hurriedly climbed up from the ground, and walked quickly toward the door.

A moment later, Butler Hank brought in a boy who looked slightly thin but had exceptionally bright eyes.

The boy looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a handsome face and a stubbornness that wouldn't admit defeat between his brows.

"Falco, pays respects to Young Master Roko!"

Seeing Roko, the boy immediately knelt on one knee and performed a standard Knight salute.

Roko's gaze fell on the boy.

【Name: Falco】

【Level: Quasi-Knight】

【Talent: S+】

【Favorability: 80】

【Loyalty: 0】

S+ level talent!

A flash of light flickered in Roko's eyes.

He never expected that this seemingly ordinary butler's son would have such astonishing talent!

S+ level, this is a top-tier talent of the same level as the Minotaur Talos.

If cultivated properly, in the future, he would at least be an Awakened level, or even a higher-level powerhouse!

Found a treasure!

"Are you willing to become my Guardian Knight?"

Roko looked at the boy in front of him and asked in a gentle tone.

Falco raised his head abruptly upon hearing this.

His eyes looked at Roko with incomparable firmness.

Being able to become the Guardian Knight of this Raymond Family Young Master in front of him was his great opportunity!

"I am willing!"

His voice, although still a bit immature, was full of power.

"Good!"

Roko nodded, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

"From today on, you are my, Roko Raymond's, Guardian Knight!" ===== CHAPTER 87 =====