"Ah, it's Ronin."
In the room, Lurans was leaning against the headboard. Hearing Ronin's voice, he wondered why his grandson was being so attentive today. "Did you come to see me for something?"
"Hehehe~"
Ronin chuckled as he approached the bed, putting on an embarrassed act.
"Grandfather, I've just been learning about the situation in Mountain Forest Town. It's quite poor and dangerous over there, and it won't be safe for me to go alone."
"Ahem!" Lurans coughed twice.
He had just been thinking that the boy had matured, but now it seemed he was still afraid of hardship. This displeased Lurans. "So, you're not planning on going?"
"No!"
Ronin was firm. "Since I want to atone for my sins and do something for the clan, I won't back down just because of a little danger!"
"Oh?" Lurans's expression softened slightly.
Ronin chuckled. "But Grandfather, it'll be hard for me to get things done if I go all by myself."
He even put on a wheedling act, shaking Lurans's withered old hand. "So I was hoping the clan could arrange for some Guards or Elite Soldiers for me, and maybe subsidize me with some Gold Coins so I can buy food and weapons."
"You wouldn't want your eldest grandson to die before he even reaches Mountain Forest Town, would you? I want to come back for your birthday banquet this year!"
"Hahaha..."
Lurans burst out laughing. Firstly, because Ronin was already thinking about his birthday, and secondly, because of Ronin's growth. He never expected this good-for-nothing grandson of his to proactively consider the future and even know how to ask for resources.
He was now certain: the boy really had matured.
"You know as well as I do that I handed over the clan's affairs to your father more than a decade ago. The deployment and assignment of Guards are all arranged by him and the Knights under his command. You'll have to go to your father for this. I'm afraid I can't help you much."
'Those words are clearly just an excuse.'
'Wiggin is terrified of Lurans. Whether or not I get resources is still up to a single word from Lurans, isn't it?'
Ronin had no choice but to put on a pitiful act. "Ever since my mother died, Father has always despised me. If I go ask him for resources now, he won't just curse me out, he might even give me a beating."
Having said that, it was time to play the sympathy card. He lamented tearfully, "Grandfather, you taught me how to read, how to ride a horse, how to hunt... Are you now unwilling to even help your grandson who's about to embark on a long journey?"
"If it really comes to it, I'll just consider it a loan from the clan! I'll pay it back bit by bit in the future!"
'Is having face important?'
'Of course it is!'
'But it depends on the situation.'
As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Ronin now had to play the part of the squeaky wheel.
As for the dispute he had caused between the Wushan Clan and the Border Count's family, he decided to simply not think about it, pretending he wasn't the one who did it.
'That's right. The previous owner of this body did those things. What does that have to do with me, Ronin?'
Whether the Old Marquis was angry or displeased, it didn't matter. He was going to be shameless today and get whatever he could.
Fortunately, Lurans, an old man who didn't have long to live, was quite sentimental. He was especially moved when Ronin mentioned being taught how to read, ride, and hunt.
He had to admit that he had once invested a great deal of affection in Ronin.
Now, faced with a request from the grandson in whom he had once placed endless hope, his heart softened once more.
"Alright, alright, I agree."
Lurans said helplessly, then turned to the old butler waiting at his side.
"Mosite, go tell Wiggin to support Ronin with One Hundred Gold Coins in my name. As for other supplies, like food, Guards, and horses, he, as the father, should also show some support. No matter what, Ronin is still his son and a child of the Wushan Clan."
"Yes, my lord!" The old butler bowed and left the room to deliver the message.
Ronin broke into a wide grin. "Thank you for your support, Grandfather! I'll be sure to manage Mountain Forest Town well!"
"Then do your best!"
Lurans smiled and slowly lay back down. "When you have time, remember to come back to the castle often."
"I will."
Ronin knew this was a dismissal. He stood up, pulled a corner of the blanket over Lurans's chest, and then left the room.
'This child... he really has matured.'
Watching Ronin's departing figure, Lurans sighed. 'It's just a pity it's a little too late. A pity he has mastered neither Fighting Qi nor Magic.'
As the pioneer of the Marquis' Domain, Lurans naturally hoped his clan would continue to grow stronger without having to rely on outsiders.
Unfortunately, while he was still alive, his old followers wouldn't dare to have any ideas, or at least wouldn't act on them.
But once he was dead, there were no guarantees.
Letting Bretton inherit and binding the Hyde Clan to the Wushan Clan was the best choice.
As for Ronin, whether it was making him a Baron or giving him a subsidy of 100 Gold Coins, it was nothing to Lurans.
If Ronin developed well, he would be happy to see it. If Ronin still failed to accomplish anything, he wouldn't be angry either.
Meanwhile, Ronin walked out of the Old Marquis's residence. Looking at the tranquil garden before him, he instantly felt refreshed and invigorated.
100 Gold Coins, plus his own savings, made for a total of 128 Gold Coins. It was more than enough for him to purchase plenty of resources. At the very least, he wouldn't have to worry about starving in the remote Mountain Forest Town.
'Since Grandfather has already given the order, my dear old father will have to provide some support, more or less, even if he's unwilling, right?'
Ronin thought for a moment and dismissed the idea of going out to the market.
For one, it was getting dark. For another, he wanted to see what supplies Wiggin would give him.
If the initial provisions were sufficient, he wouldn't need to go out and buy anything.
...
Before long, in the luxurious living room, Wiggin's furious questioning shook the crystal chandelier on the ceiling, making it sway precariously.
"What? You want me to give that brat resources and support?"
"Has Father gone senile? That Ronin has brought huge losses to the clan. It's one thing not to expel him from the family, but now you're telling me I have to support him?"
The burly man took a large gulp of beer and roared, "Impossible! I won't waste another grain of rice or a single soldier on him!"
"But my Lord Count, the Marquis said that Young Master Ronin is, after all, of the Wushan Clan's bloodline. Perhaps, my Lord Count, you could offer just a little support?"
The old butler, Mosite, stood to the side in a difficult position. On one hand was the Marquis's command, and on the other was the notoriously short-tempered Count. He didn't dare to speak out of turn or say too much.
"Just do as Father says."
Just then, the beautiful woman sitting on the sofa spoke up.
Dianey Hyde. Even at over forty years of age, she was still stunningly beautiful and alluring. Her long, curly golden hair was draped casually over the sofa, accentuating her reclining figure and making her even more captivating.
"Father is right. No matter where Ronin goes, he is ultimately of the Wushan Clan's bloodline and its direct eldest grandson. If something were to happen to him before he even reached Mountain Forest Town, the news spreading would not reflect well on either the Wushan Clan or the Hyde Clan."
"He's the reason your niece is dead!"
Wiggin shot his wife a displeased look. "And you're still defending him."
Holwart, standing to the side, wiped away his sweat. He had been waiting for the master and madam to be separated before relaying Ronin's message to Wiggin, especially since it mentioned the former madam.
It seemed he couldn't wait any longer.
Holwart chose his words carefully, then bowed and said cautiously, "My lord, when I went to see Young Master Ronin just now, he also wanted me to pass on a message to you."
"A message about what?"
Wiggin's voice was cold. 'When did this son of mine become so talkative?'
"He said... to ask you, for the sake of his mother, Fatima Sari, to give him some support."
Holwart had automatically omitted some of the words, as they were indeed inappropriate to repeat.
But that one sentence alone made Wiggin freeze. An exquisitely beautiful face surfaced in his mind—she was the one that got away, his first true love.
"Hmph. All he knows is how to bring up his mother!"
Dianey, however, didn't seem to mind the mention of her husband's ex-wife at all. She smiled gently. "That's right. I heard you even made a vow back then to take care of Ronin with all your might."
"That vow depended on what kind of person Ronin grew up to be!"
Wiggin chugged another mouthful of wine, then said to Holwart, "Just do as my father said. Give Ronin some support."
He paused, then added, "Don't give him too much. Prepare it first, and I'll come confirm it later."
"Yes, my lord," Holwart replied with a smile.