Chapter 48

At nine in the morning, the mountains ahead gradually became clear, turning into a snow‑capped peak that rose into the clouds.

Naturally, they were getting ever closer to White Sturgeon Island.

"That is Dragon Sleep Snow Peak, the highest summit of the Crescent Mountain Range and the sacred mountain of White Sturgeon Island. Every warrior regards reaching its summit as the highest honor."

On the cargo ship's deck, Luosen whispered to Selena, introducing the situation of White Sturgeon Island.

When he mentioned the snow peak, he instantly recalled the strange power he had felt there and couldn't help looking up at the distant summit.

He couldn't help thinking, "What could this tiny island be hiding?"

The thought flashed by, and he continued briefing his wife.

"To the southwest of the range, the area directly opposite the crescent, lies the largest plain on White Sturgeon Island, called Crescent River Valley, and that is where our domain lies."

"Aside from the valley, the overwhelming majority of the territory consists of rolling hills and mountains, even impassable towering peaks."

Selena gazed at the towering snow‑capped mountain ahead.

"Just how large is Crescent River Valley?"

"It is a plain that extends about 15 km into White Sturgeon Island, narrow at the edges and wide inside, like a pocket; its total area is roughly 200 square kilometers, and a crystal‑clear cold river runs through it."

Selena thought it much better than she imagined: "Sounds nice; the scenery should be beautiful."

As soon as she finished speaking, a mocking laugh came from nearby.

"Your Highness, the Baron didn't lie to you, but he omitted some information."

The speaker was the Regiment Commander of the Flame Legion, Battle Master, Sir Hammer Joup.

He appeared to be about thirty‑seven or thirty‑eight, his body very muscular, eyes as sharp as a hawk's, yet his face was square and solid, giving an impression of both vigor and reliability.

The warrior master stepped forward, hands braced on the ship's rail, casting an unabashedly disdainful gaze at the snow‑capped mountain ahead.

"In fact, most of Crescent River Valley's land is salty and bitter; the closer to the coast, the worse. Bitter wheat is the only crop that can grow, but its grain is so poor even horses refuse to eat it."

"Because of that, White Sturgeon Island was initially used as a penal exile island. When the number of exiles grew, a domain was established and a baronial lord was appointed."

"Yet the descendants of those criminals remain criminals, so the land is forever rife with violence, betrayal, and greed—a truly sinful island!"

When he said this, the Battle Master's tone was full of contempt; his gaze at Baron Luosen was scornful, while his look toward Princess Selena was one of pity.

In fact, not only he, but most warriors of the Flame Legion share this attitude, which reflects the common folk view of White Sturgeon Island in Shire County.

Only Sir Hammer's high rank and great strength seemed to have harbored a massive resentment inside him, so he dared to voice his thoughts in front of Lord Luosen.

But this act was highly offensive, a direct challenge to the lord's dignity.

As Luosen's trusted guard, Ailiya stepped forward, shielding him, eyes wide, and barked, "Watch your words, Regiment Commander!"

Joup didn't care at all: "Girl, don't pick a fight with me. After all, when I was swinging my hammer in battle, you were still nursing in your mother's womb."

"Clang~"

Ailiya was about to draw her sword, but as soon as she exposed a bit of the blade, Luosen pressed his hand onto the hilt.

Luosen knew exactly the source of Joup's pervasive negativity.

The Flame Legion is the most formidable force in Shire County; even the Earl must respect them, so each member is proud, and their commander's temperament is truly arrogant.

He also knew that Sir Hammer was actually reluctant to take on this investigation mission.

In fact, none of the ten Flame Legions in Shire County wanted this investigation assignment.

Because White Sturgeon Island is poor and backward, there's no profit and it's easy to lose lives.

The reason Joup finally came was that among all Legion commanders, he was the only one who rose from a commoner, with the lowest background and poorest connections.

Everyone used connections to dodge the task; he couldn't avoid it, so he was pushed forward as the scapegoat.

But regardless of how bad his mood was, Luosen had to respond firmly.

Otherwise the other side would see him as weak and exploitable, and would become increasingly arrogant and harder to control.

So he stepped forward, smiled lightly, and said, "Regiment Commander Joup, mocking White Sturgeon Island—was that the Earl's assignment?"

Joup was taken aback: "Of course not; that's my own thought."

"What is your mission?" "Obviously it is to investigate the details of the iron ore deep in the mountains."

"Then what do you think—if you don't have my cooperation and that of the White Sturgeon Island residents, can you complete the mission smoothly?"

Joup suddenly lost his confidence, yet forced himself to say, "We are Shire County's strongest warriors; of course we can complete the mission."

Luosen grinned, "Exactly, you can, but many will die and you'll waste a lot of time."

"But which warrior in the regiment isn't born of parents, and which one doesn't bear the hopes of his family?"

At that, Luosen's voice rose sharply, and he looked around at the Flame Legion members on the deck.

After confirming each warrior had noticed, he used his height—over half a head taller than Joup—to look down into their eyes.

"Because the commander's needless contempt, these promising youths would die pointlessly in some desolate forest on White Sturgeon Island—worth it?!"

Joup sniffed, tried to stay tough, but he also felt the warriors' gazes and sensed a heavy pressure from them.

The Flame Legion is Shire County's most elite force; each warrior comes from a good family and has undergone extremely harsh training, losing one is a huge loss.

These brothers follow him, entrusting their lives to him, not to let him act arbitrarily.

Thus Joup fell silent, yet clearly remained resentful.

Luosen gave a cold smile and added a threat, "Regiment Commander, curb your arrogance early; after all, we White Sturgeon Islanders are the most treacherous and the most skilled at intrigue."

"We can help you succeed, or we can leave you empty‑handed. Then I'll see how you report to the Earl!"

When he finished the last sentence, Luosen gave Joup a cold stare.

That glance contained the authority borrowed from the legion's warriors and the Earl.

Joup is indeed a Battle Master, but he is tightly bound by the myriad worldly networks.

Therefore, there's no need to confront him directly; pulling at the web around him will force him to bow.

Sure enough, Joup couldn't resist and instinctively lowered his head.

When he came to his senses, he instantly regretted his cowardice and slapped the ship's rail hard.

He, a Battle Master, was actually frightened by a Low-level Mage—what a huge loss of face! He wanted to strike and teach the other a lesson, regain his standing, but he didn't dare, because the other had the Sage's blessing and was also highly regarded by the Count; verbal provocation was already the limit of what he could do.

In the end, he could only turn away sullenly, taking out his anger on his own troops: 'What are you looking at? We'll be there soon—prepare to land!'

Luosen successfully countered Yue Pu, but his face showed no trace of smugness, and even his heart had little ripple.

As a lord, the most important task is to allocate various resources to achieve his own goals.

His counterattack was not due to personal anger, but to suppress Yue Pu's arrogance, so that his strength could better serve his allocation.

For the same reason, the emotions of Princess Selena, his wife, also need careful attention.

Thus he turned to look at Selena and said softly, 'Madam, what Yue Pu, the Regiment Commander, said is also correct; that's why I specially purchased a large amount of coarse grain this time.'

Selena attached great importance to the food issue and immediately asked: 'Relying on imports is not a good thing; do you have a solution?'

Luosen gave a faint smile: 'Of course, after all, I've been thinking about this for the past ten years and already have a reliable solution.'

After saying that, he switched to using Spiritual Whisper to emphasize: 'No matter the circumstances, the food supply of the island must never be handed over to outsiders—not even the Count of Shire County; it must be firmly kept in our own hands.'

Upon hearing this, Selena's beautiful eyes lingered on Luosen's face, her gaze soft and moist.

'What if someone insists on blocking us?'

'Then we will destroy him!'

Luosen answered without hesitation.

Selena showed a sigh: 'You and Lai De are completely different.'

Just as his words fell, a sailor's loud shout suddenly came from the observation deck on the mast.

'Oh no~ There's a battle on the coast!'

(End of chapter)