Chapter 93

The wind in mid-April already carried a bit of dry warmth.

Sunlight passed through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on the land of Vanguard Valley.

Ever since the magic teleportation arrays between the major provinces were completely destroyed by the mysterious "Scorpion Society," the entire Bulake Kingdom had been divided into countless pieces.

The connection between provinces was almost completely severed.

The merchant caravans that used to be endless, traveling between major cities, had now decreased to less than one-tenth of what they used to be.

The Red Flame Fruit Manor that Marquis Livis allocated to Roko in Mu Guang City had also completely lost contact.

Every time he thought of this, Roko felt a sense of helplessness.

That was a cornucopia with an annual net profit of 300,000 gold coins.

Now, he could only sigh helplessly across the vast space.

Life in Vanguard Valley was also gradually becoming difficult.

After all, not long ago, Roko had received 50,000 refugees and newly acquired two fiefs, Maple Leaf Territory and Porter Valley.

The joy of territory expansion had not yet completely dissipated, and the pressure of reality followed one after another.

Although the crops in the fields had been planted, and the green wheat seedlings swayed in the spring breeze, indicating a future harvest.

But, that was the future after all.

At the moment, various resources in the territory had already turned on the red light.

Whether it was the weapons and equipment needed by the army, or the various daily necessities needed by the villagers, or even the most basic food reserves, they had all been reduced to a quite dangerous critical point.

Vanguard Valley Lord's Wooden House, council hall.

Roko sat back in a chair.

His brows were slightly furrowed, and the light of thought flickered in his deep eyes.

"Martina."

Roko spoke.

"Hmm?"

Martina raised her head, her snow-white long hair hanging down like a waterfall.

Those unique white eyes looked at Roko, carrying a bit of inquiry.

"I believe you know the situation in the territory better than I do."

Roko said slowly.

"How much longer can the food last?"

Martina pondered slightly and gave a precise number.

"If we don't count the consumption of the army, just the rations of the villagers, it can last for at most two more months."

"If we count the army, I'm afraid even one month is a bit of a stretch."

Roko nodded, this result was about the same as he expected.

"What about weapons and equipment?"

"The blacksmith shop is working day and night, but raw materials are scarce."

Martina's tone remained flat.

"The existing weapons can barely equip the Storm Knights and a portion of the reservists."

"As for those newly recruited serf soldiers, most of them are still holding sharpened wooden sticks in their hands."

Roko's frown deepened.

Wooden sticks?

Relying on wooden sticks to fight against those Orcs armed to the teeth, or other well-equipped enemies?

That was simply wishful thinking.

"We can't go on like this."

Roko stood up and paced a few steps in the council hall.

"We must find a way to open up the trade routes."

"At the very least, we have to open up the trade routes within Xin Feng Province."

Martina heard this, and a different color flashed in her white eyes.

"You mean, we are going to organize a merchant caravan ourselves?"

"That's right."

Roko nodded affirmatively.

"Now that the Kingdom is in chaos and the major nobles are unable to take care of themselves, it is a good opportunity for us to expand our influence."

"Moreover, relying solely on Vanguard Valley's own output to support so many people and maintain a powerful army is simply unrealistic."

Martina was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

"Within Xin Feng Province, there are indeed a few Earl territories with good strength; their territories are relatively wealthy, perhaps they can be the targets of our merchant caravan."

"It's just that bandits are rampant now, and horse bandits are everywhere, so the risk of trade routes is probably not small."

"And, that Bulake Fire Bandit Group is still hiding in some corner of Xin Feng Province..."

The corners of Roko's mouth curled into a confident smile.

"Risk and opportunity coexist."

"If we don't even dare to take this little risk, how can we talk about development?"

"What's more, we are not lambs waiting to be slaughtered."

He looked at Martina, his eyes carrying a hint of unquestionable meaning.

"Martina, leave this matter to you to arrange."

"Select reliable personnel, and prepare sufficient materials and gold coins."

"Three days later, we set off."

Martina looked at Roko's firm eyes and knew that he had already made up his mind.

She nodded gently.

"Good."

"What is the target territory?"

Roko's gaze cast toward the map of Xin Feng Province hanging on the wall.

His finger moved slowly on the map and finally stopped at an Earl territory named "Adrian."

"Let's go here, Adrian County."

"I heard that this Earl Adrian is quite fair, and his territory produces some materials we urgently need."

"More importantly, his territory is not too far from us, and the journey is relatively safe."

Martina followed the direction of Roko's finger and silently remembered the name "Adrian County." "Understood."

"In terms of guards, how many people do you plan to take?"

Martina asked.

Roko pondered for a moment.

"Hart needs to stay behind to guard the territory."

"After all, the Orcs in the Northland Orc Wasteland haven't been very peaceful recently."

"I don't want our home to be taken by someone else right after we leave."

"Fura and Falco will go with me."

"In addition, select fifty elites from the Storm Knights to accompany us."

"The merchant caravan's own guards also need to be strengthened."

Martina nodded.

"Fifty Storm Knights, plus Fura and you, should be enough to handle most emergencies."

"That guy Falco, his talent is indeed good, it's good for him to go out and gain experience with you."

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of concern that was hard to detect.

"Be careful with everything."

Roko smiled slightly.

"Don't worry."

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

A merchant caravan of considerable scale gathered on the open space in front of the Lord's Wooden House in Vanguard Valley.

Dozens of carriages filled with Vanguard Valley's specialties shone with a brand-new luster in the morning sun.

The guards of the merchant caravan were all in high spirits, the longswords at their waists wiped until they shone.

Roko, in a tight outfit, sat astride a spirited Storm Colt.

The family crest of the Flame Griffin shone brightly on his chest.

His gaze was calm and deep, sweeping over this team about to embark on a journey.

Fura was still in her usual taciturn manner, quietly riding her horse behind Roko's side.

Her heterochromatic eyes observed the movements around her vigilantly.

The silver-gray cat ears would occasionally twitch slightly, capturing the subtle sounds in the air.

For her, as long as she could be by Roko's side, it didn't matter where they went or what they did.

Falco was a bit excited.

This was the first time he had followed Roko on such an important mission since becoming Roko's Guardian Knight.

His young face was full of expectation and yearning for the unknown journey.

He tightened the knight longsword in his hand and made a secret determination.

He must perform well in this operation and not let down the Young Master's trust.

Martina stood in the crowd seeing them off, looking at Roko who was about to travel far, a hint of complex emotions flashing in her snow-white eyes.

There was worry, expectation, and also a hint of... loss that was hard to detect?

"Roko."

She spoke lightly, her voice still cold.

"Have a safe journey."

Roko nodded at her, revealing a gentle smile.

"I'll leave the matters in the territory to you."

"Don't worry."

Martina said concisely.

Roko didn't say anything more, his gaze turned forward, and his arm waved violently.

"Set off!"

Amidst the sonorous command, the merchant caravan started slowly.

Heading toward the east, in the direction of Adrian County.

The journey to Adrian County was quite smooth.

Although Xin Feng Province was no longer peaceful because of the chaos in the Kingdom, it was still human territory after all.

Scattered horse bandits and robbers, after seeing the neat guard lineup of Roko's merchant caravan and the excellent armor and weapons on the Storm Knights, mostly chose to stay away.

Occasionally, a few blind guys wanted to come up to take advantage.

Before Roko could take action, Fura and Falco would take the initiative to meet them.

Often, before the enemy could react, Fura had already quietly cut their throats.

Although Falco's actual combat experience was still shallow, his S+ grade talent was indeed not just for show.

Under Hart's careful guidance, his knight skills improved rapidly.

Facing those mobs of robbers, although he was still a bit immature, every time he swung his sword, it carried an unstoppable sharpness.

Often, after Fura solved most of the enemies, he could also slash the remaining remnants under his horse without any danger.

After the battle, Falco would excitedly run to Roko, like a child waiting for praise.

"Young Master, how was that sword of mine just now?"

Roko would smile and pat him on the shoulder.

"Not bad, there's progress."

"However, you still need to practice more, don't be proud and complacent."

A few simple words of encouragement could make Falco happy for half a day.

Fura would silently walk to Roko's side, looking at him intently with her heterochromatic eyes, as if silently asking if she had also done well.

Roko would reach out and gently rub her furry silver-gray cat ears.

Fura would squint her eyes comfortably, a faint "purring" sound coming from her throat, which was quite cute.

Such a scene made other ordinary people in the merchant caravan full of awe and curiosity about this young Lord and his two special followers.

Several days of the journey passed in calm and occasional small episodes.

Finally, at dusk on the fifth day, the tall and sturdy city walls of Adrian City appeared on the horizon.

Adrian City, as the core city of the Earl territory, although its scale could not compare to the main city of a Marquis territory like Mu Guang City,

it could still be considered prosperous and lively.

On the city walls, banners fluttered, and soldiers holding long spears watched the pedestrians coming and going vigilantly.

The afterglow of the setting sun plated this ancient city in a layer of warm gold.

"Young Master, ahead is Adrian City."

Falco pointed to the distant city, his tone carrying a hint of excitement.

Roko nodded, his gaze calm.

"After entering the city, find an inn to stay in first."

"Then, Falco, you go find a local guide and inquire about the situation in the city."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Falco responded crisply.

The merchant caravan drove slowly into Adrian City.

The scene inside the city was much more stable than Roko had expected.

On both sides of the street, shops stood in great numbers, pedestrians came and went, most of them wearing peaceful expressions.

It seems that this Earl Adrian's ability to govern the territory was quite good.

At the very least, in this chaotic world, he could provide a relatively stable place for his villagers to live.

Roko and his party stayed at the largest inn in the city.

After settling down, Falco went out to find a guide according to Roko's instructions.

Roko stayed in the room, closing his eyes to rest, while also thinking about how to deal with this Earl Adrian next.

His purpose for this trip was not only to open up trade routes, but more importantly, to try to establish some connections with this Earl.

In this chaotic era, having one more friend is always better than having one more enemy.

Before long, Falco returned to the inn with a thin, shifty-eyed young man.

"Young Master, this is Ge, a local, who knows Adrian City very well."

Falco introduced.

That young man named Ge, upon seeing Roko, immediately revealed a sycophantic smile, nodding and bowing.

"Respected Knight, Ge is at your service!"

Roko glanced at him lightly and took out a silver coin from his bosom and threw it over.

"Take us to the Earl's Mansion."

"Also, help me prepare a visiting card, just say, Roko Raymond of the Raymond Family, has come to visit Earl Adrian."

Ge took the silver coin, his eyes brightened instantly, and the smile on his face became even more brilliant.

"Alright! Knight, just watch me!"

Raymond Family?

That is a famous big family in the Bulake Kingdom!

Didn't expect that this young Knight in front of him had such a prominent background!

Ge secretly rejoiced that he had taken a big job today.

Adrian Earl's Mansion.

The Earl's eldest son, Reno Ramirez, was sitting in the study, dealing with the daily affairs of the territory.

He was about thirty years old, handsome, with an innate arrogance between his brows.

As the eldest son of Earl Adrian and the future heir to the Earl territory, Reno had received strict elite education since childhood.

His ability was outstanding, and he was deeply trusted by the Earl.

"Young Master, outside the mansion, a Knight claiming to be Roko Raymond of the Raymond Family has come to submit a visiting card, wanting to visit the Earl."

An old man in a butler's attire walked in respectfully and presented a beautifully made visiting card.

"Raymond Family?"

Reno heard this, his brows raised slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He took the visiting card and looked at it carefully.

On the visiting card, the lifelike Flame Griffin crest clearly indicated the visitor's identity.

"Roko..."

Reno muttered the name, seemingly recalling something.

"Is it the one from Vanguard Valley?"

The butler nodded.

"According to the person who sent the letter, it is exactly so."

Reno's face revealed a look of importance.

Whether it was the Raymond Family or Roko himself, they seemed worth befriending.

"Where is Father?"

Reno asked.

"The Earl is tasting tea in the back garden."

The butler answered.

"Take me to see Father."

Reno stood up, took the visiting card, and walked quickly toward the back garden.

The back garden of the Earl's Mansion was lush with grass and flowers.

An old man in a luxurious robe with white hair and beard, but in high spirits, was sitting at a stone table, leisurely tasting fragrant tea.

He was the ruler of Adrian County, Earl Adrian Ramirez.

Although Earl Adrian was old, his eyes were still sharp, as if he could see through people's hearts.

"Father."

Reno walked to the stone table and bowed respectfully.

"What is the matter that you are in such a hurry?"

Earl Adrian put down the teacup in his hand and asked lightly.

"Father, please look."

Reno handed the visiting card in his hand to Earl Adrian.

Earl Adrian took the visiting card, and when his gaze fell on the Flame Griffin crest, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Someone from the Raymond Family?"

He raised his head, looked at Reno, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Yes, Father."

Reno said.

"The visitor claims to be Roko Raymond, the son of Marquis Livis."

"Oh?"

A hint of interest appeared on Earl Adrian's face.

"What is Marquis Livis's son doing running over here?"

"Child doesn't know."

Reno shook his head.

"However, child heard that some time ago, when the Orcs invaded Xin Feng Province, the Kingdom organized an allied force to clear them out."

"Legion Commander Steven of the Obsidian Legion seems to have old ties with Marquis Livis."

"That Roko Raymond seems to have made quite a contribution on the battlefield of Xin Feng Province and was even exceptionally enfeoffed as a Baron."

Earl Adrian heard this, and bright light flashed in his eyes.

"Steven Raff..."

He muttered the name and fell into deep thought.

The fame of the Obsidian Legion was naturally like thunder to his ears.

Being able to have a relationship with Legion Commander Steven, this Baron Roko's background was probably even deeper than he imagined.

"A Marquis's son, young and already a Baron, and now personally leading a team to do business..."

The corners of Earl Adrian's mouth revealed a meaningful smile.

"This Roko is not simple."

He looked at Reno and asked.

"How do you think we should respond?"

Reno pondered for a moment and said.

"Father, child thinks this might be an opportunity for us."

"Now that the Kingdom is in chaos, major forces are reshuffling."

"If we can establish some relationship with the Raymond Family, it will definitely be of great benefit to the future development of our Ramirez."

Earl Adrian nodded approvingly.

"Not bad, I think so too."

"However, we cannot appear too deliberate."

"You go and arrange it, tomorrow, I will personally meet this Baron Roko."

"Yes, Father."

Reno responded.

Earl Adrian picked up the teacup, took another sip, and looked into the distance, his eyes becoming somewhat deep.

"By the way, what has Mike been doing recently?"

He suddenly asked.

Mike Adrian is the eighth son of Earl Adrian.

He is also one of his many sons whose talent is not outstanding and who is not very valued.

Reno heard this, was slightly stunned, and then answered.

"Mike is idle all day, either fooling around in taverns or causing trouble on the streets."

Earl Adrian's brows frowned slightly.

"Useless thing!"

He snorted coldly, then as if thinking of something, a hint of strange light flashed in his eyes.

"Tomorrow, let Mike come over too."

"Perhaps, this Baron Roko can give him a different life."

Reno looked at his father with some confusion.

He didn't understand why his father would suddenly mention that useless younger brother and also want him to meet Baron Roko.

But Earl Adrian didn't intend to explain.

The next morning.

Roko took Fura and Falco, led by the guide Ge, to the Adrian Earl's Mansion.

The butler of the Earl's Mansion had already been waiting at the door.

Seeing Roko and his party, the butler revealed a warm smile and welcomed them in.

Passing through several corridors, they arrived at a spacious and luxurious reception hall.

Earl Adrian was already sitting in the main seat.

Beside him stood his eldest son, Reno.

And behind Reno stood a young man who looked a bit uneasy.

The man was about twenty years old, his face inherited the handsomeness of the Ramirez family, but his eyes were a bit drifting, looking listless.

Presumably, he was the Earl's eighth son, Mike Adrian.

"Roko Raymond, meets Earl Adrian."

Roko stepped forward, bowed slightly, and performed a standard aristocratic etiquette.

His voice was calm and steady, neither humble nor arrogant.

Earl Adrian's gaze fell on Roko, sizing him up carefully.

The young man in front of him was even more outstanding than he had imagined.

Handsome face, steady temperament, deep eyes, without the slightest impetuousness and arrogance of ordinary young nobles.

Especially the iron-blooded aura on his body, which was clearly from someone who had experienced real battlefield slaughter.

Earl Adrian's gaze turned to Fura beside Roko.

When he noticed the clear Bronze Rank Knight Battle Qi fluctuation on Fura, his heart could not help but be slightly shocked.

A Cat-kin actually possessed the strength of a Bronze Rank Knight!

Moreover, looking at her appearance, she seemed to be loyal to this Baron Roko.

This Baron Roko was indeed not to be underestimated.

Earl Adrian's evaluation of Roko in his heart rose a few points again.

"Hehe, Baron Roko, no need for courtesy, please sit."

Earl Adrian revealed a warm smile on his face, raising his hand to signal Roko to take a seat.

"I have long heard of the young talents of the Raymond Family, seeing it today, it really lives up to its reputation."

Roko smiled slightly, and then sat in the guest seat.

Fura and Falco stood respectfully behind him.

"Earl is too kind."

Roko said modestly.

"Junior came here this time to discuss some business matters with the Earl."

"Oh?"

Earl Adrian raised his eyebrows, asking with feigned surprise.

"I wonder what business Baron Roko wants to discuss with me?"

Roko didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"My territory is currently in urgent need of various daily necessities."

"I heard that the Earl's territory produces these items in abundance."

"Therefore, I want to purchase a batch from the Earl every month."

Earl Adrian heard this, and a look of thought appeared on his face.

He didn't agree immediately, but turned his gaze to Mike standing behind Reno.

"Mike, come over, meet Baron Roko."

Earl Adrian suddenly said.

Mike heard this, his body trembled slightly, and he moved his feet reluctantly, walking to Earl Adrian's side.

"Mike Ramirez, meets Baron Roko."

His voice was a bit small, and his head was lowered, not daring to look at Roko.

Roko's gaze swept over Mike.

【Name: Mike Ramirez】

【Level: Knight Initial Stage】

【Talent: B+】

【Loyalty: 30】

【Favorability: 0】

Knight Initial Stage strength, B+ grade talent.

Not top-notch, but still acceptable.

At the very least, much stronger than those ordinary serf soldiers.

It's just that this favorability doesn't seem very high.

Earl Adrian looked at this useless son of his, a hint of disappointment that was hard to detect flashed in his eyes, but he quickly restored his smile.

He looked at Roko, his tone sincere.

"Baron Roko, to tell you the truth, this little son of mine has been naughty since childhood and is not a great talent."

"I have always wanted to let him go out and gain experience to temper his temper."

"It's just that I'm troubled by not having a suitable opportunity."

"Seeing such a young talent as the Baron today, I have a presumptuous request in my heart."

Roko heard this, and already understood seven or eight points in his heart.

It seems that this Earl is planning to stuff his son into his command.

"Earl, please speak."

Roko said calmly.

Earl Adrian's face revealed a look of expectation.

"I want Mike to follow the Baron as an Apprentice Knight."

"For one thing, he can learn the Baron's ability to lead troops in battle."

"For another, he can also do his best for the Baron."

"I wonder if Baron Roko can give him this opportunity?"