As all the knights frantically rushed in, surrounding Su Li, the count's chief knight, Knight Connor, struggled to stand from the ground and pushed through the crowd to grab Su Li's arm.
"Clear the way! Young Master Su Li, you must come with me to meet the count. The Champion Knight is too significant; we cannot let you take him away just like that."
Schwartz, who was trying hard to stand up supported by his warhammer, turned red-eyed upon hearing this. Was the count going to intercept? This is the Champion Knight, capable of determining the future and safety of a territory.
He roared angrily, "Knight Connor, what do you mean by this? Have you forgotten honor and promises? Such treachery is simply despicable."
"The growth and future of the Bauhinia Clan are what matter most." Connor reprimanded Schwartz before suppressing his temper and turning to Su Li, saying, "Young Master Su Li, I hope you understand."
Perhaps it's unfair, but everyone should have this realization that everything should prioritize the interests of the family and make the best decision.
"Perhaps you're infuriated now, Young Master Su Li, but I think in the future..."
"Oh, not at all. Hahaha." To Knight Connor's surprise, Su Li didn't show a hint of anger but appeared even more eager, pulling his arm excitedly, saying: "Let's go, let's go, let's meet my father right away."
Soon, in the top-level study of Bauhinia Castle, where the count resided, the sound of Suna's shocked and infuriated voice echoed: "What!? Say that again what you just said!"
Su Li shrank back, feeling enveloped by an oppressive aura akin to a tyrant; its intensity was even more ferocious and terrifying than Oerstein.
Watching his father's icy cold eyes, he cautiously said, "I'm just discussing with you, just discussing it, please don't get angry whether it works out or not. I will return Knight Oerstein to you, if you grant me the title of Kingdom Knight and let me choose any village within the Count's Territory. I believe staying in the Count's Territory might be more beneficial for the family."
Su Li's original intention had always been unchanged. To lie comfortably within the Count's Territory sounded much more appealing than going to the Border Prince's Territory as a Pioneer Lord.
But before he could finish speaking, Count Suna, ever the cold and calculative formidable knight, unleashed his aura like a rampant giant dragon, spewing enormous anger: "Don't even think about it! As long as I am head of the clan, you'll never receive any piece of land within the Count's Territory!"
Knight Connor also helplessly slapped his forehead, "Young Master Su Li! He is just as lax and unambitious as ever."
Suna gritted his teeth. He's certain his son has great talent, but he lacks ambition, making one want to urge him on with a whip. He even worries that if he's forced to move to the Border Prince's Territory, he might abandon his guard, take the beauties, and gold coins, and hide away in a city to enjoy life.
"Since Knight Oerstein has already submitted to you, no need to return him to the family. I will order him that even if it's by escort, you must be sent to the Border Prince's Territory! Don't fantasize about escaping."
Seeing Count Suna's determined expression, Su Li's stance finally collapsed: "Alright then, I'll make good preparations and head to the Border Prince's Territory." He's not foolish enough to abandon his troops and escape; this isn't the safe, lawful society he once knew. In this world, without powerful protection, he would be the largest prey in others' eyes.
Those vile nobles, seeing him accumulate a vast fortune through his capabilities, would surely capture him, torture him relentlessly, then seize his wealth and take his women.
If the Bauhinia Earl was unwilling to protect him, then being a lord himself would be a safer choice.
Yet Knight Connor became anxious, passionately stepping forward and saying: "Count, that is the Champion Knight, not retaining him to serve the family?"
Count Suna glanced at him solemnly: "Isn't Knight Oerstein following Su Li a service to the family? I believe him joining Su Li is the most advantageous choice for the family's future. I do not wish Su Li's words to be heard from a fourth person, otherwise..."
Knight Connor immediately bowed his head, took a step back, and solemnly promised: "Count, I heard nothing earlier."
Only then did Count Suna withdraw his cold gaze and look towards Su Li, but upon seeing his son, he felt his teeth grinding in anger: "Do you realize if your words had spread, how it would affect your subordinates' morale?"
"Would it...?" Su Li hesitantly asked.
Count Suna was momentarily choked, as if what this wayward child said was true; now, his side was likely filled with knights eager to join, unwilling to leave even if driven with a whip. Could this wayward child actually be a born saintly lord? He was like an enticing demon born anew!
For a noble and leader to achieve this level truly is an unparalleled realm.
Yet this wayward child completely fails to grasp how much of an advantage he truly holds! He only desires to be a dandy and a wastrel.
Seeing his father's growing intensity, Su Li dared not offend him further and quickly changed the subject, saying: "Father, I will fully prepare for the journey to the Border Prince's Territory. I have 150 kilograms of vibranium; can I trade it with you for 3 sets of vibranium rune armor?"
"150 kilograms of vibranium?" Upon hearing this, Count Suna immediately shifted his attitude, his sharp eyes scanning Su Li up and down: "You truly amaze me, obtaining such precious material right under my nose, unnoticed."
The vibranium was brought back to Bauhinia Castle in a clay jar, and apart from a few core knights by Su Li's side, others naturally couldn't discover this information.
Thus, upon hearing this news, Count Suna was deeply shocked momentarily. Knight Connor, on the side, was even more stunned, his mouth agape, looking at Su Li incredulously. Though tasked with probing Su Li's intelligence, he hadn't an inkling of this development.
Yet Count Suna, being noble, with exceptional poise and breadth, soon adjusted his demeanor and calmly replied: "Two sets, I can only give you two sets of vibranium rune armor. Don't rush to haggle; Connor, go retrieve the box from the armory's deepest secret room, second floor, and hand it to Su Li. Consider this the greatest support from the family for his pioneer territory."
Knight Connor was utterly shocked to the point of breathlessness! His entire being quivered with excitement.
The treasures in the deepest room of the armory! Those are treasures coveted by all forces, all races, all territories!