Chapter 228: Wandering Knight Kudorei
Wilson had served as the political officer of Shanlin Town since he was appointed to the position in Wubei Territory.
Despite his short tenure, he effectively handled everything from resident disputes to minor issues like lost poultry.
While some government affairs were not managed perfectly, they generally met the lord's expectations.
During his time as a political official, he became well-known throughout Wubei.
However, today he found himself unusually passive.
A group of newly freed citizens protested against his directives, escalating to violence against his assistant, and even Sim and Jewett, who tried to restore order, became embroiled.
Confronted with the protest, their only recourse was to request the Lord's intervention.
Fortunately, by the blessing of the Seven Gods, the lord had returned to Shanlin Town that day, otherwise Wilson would have been at a loss.
Ronin frowned as he followed the guards to the West Square.
He recalled his first visit to Shanlin Town, where he met with the locals on a grassy plain that later became a square, thanks to the efforts of McKen and Ridal in training the guards.
It was here that Wilson had managed the allocation of resources to those who had fled to Shanlin Town.
Now, a crowd circled Wilson, Sim, and Jewett, while residents of Hillwood Town stood on tiptoes around the perimeter, observing and whispering.
Noticing Ronin's arrival, the crowd bowed respectfully, their faces filled with anticipation of how he would handle the situation.
As Ronin approached, the crowd parted, and their eyes averted as they faced their lord.
"My Lord, you are finally here!" Wilson exclaimed, his expression laden with guilt. "I apologize for troubling you to personally address this."
"What happened?" Ronin inquired, his brow furrowed.
Only then did he notice Sim on the ground, beaten, and Jewett with a bruised face. Nearby, another person lay bleeding, while two others applied linen to their arm wounds.
"Greetings, Lord Viscount!" the middle-aged knight across the square saluted Ronin. This man, Ronin surmised, was Kudorei, the wandering knight.
Ronin then turned towards Jewett and Sim.
"How does it feel to be beaten in your own domain?" he asked.
Jewett struggled to stand, while Sim could not, due to a leg injury. Their expressions conveyed pain but also self-blame and shame.
"Remember this feeling, and ensure it never recurs," Ronin advised as he used a healing scroll on Wilson's assistant, stemming the bleeding.
Meanwhile, Rogna confronted Kudorei sternly, "What is going on here?"
Kudorei, spreading his hands, responded, "We merely shared our thoughts, which were dismissed, leading to accusations and a physical altercation when they attacked me without reason."
"You're lying!" Wilson retorted, shaking with anger. "You instigated this and are now trying to blame us!"
"Everyone present can vouch that it was your people who attacked first," Kudorei claimed, his tone innocent. "We came from Baron Kona out of respect for Lord Ronin, only to be met with hostility!"
"If word of your conduct spreads, it could tarnish the reputation of Viscount Wubei and deter others from joining," he warned.
"Enough, Kudorei!" Rogna snapped, his voice icy.
Although he had no deep ties with the knight and had not intended to endorse him, he now regretted any implication of recommendation.
Fighting an official was indefensible for a knight, regardless of the circumstances.
Ronin, observing quietly, then approached the injured assistant, suggesting, "Take a few days off to recover."
"Thank you, sir," the assistant murmured weakly.
Ronin then turned to Wilson, "Explain the situation."
Wilson, calming his anger, began, "Per your directives, we allocated five acres of land to each new freeman of Wushan Territory. However, these individuals demanded ten acres and larger dwellings, along with extended low-tax periods."
"Jack rejected his unreasonable demands, but he didn't expect him to retaliate so violently!"
Two political assistants quickly supported their leader with their testimonies.
"Your Excellency, these accusations are false!"
Kudorei fervently defended himself.
"I'm new here; why would I dare commit such acts? If you doubt my word, ask the others here. I'm confident they will confirm he's lying."
Luo Ning casually turned to someone in the crowd and asked, "Is that so?"
"Yes... yes, sir!"
Roning observed the crowd. While most averted their gaze and remained silent, a few supported Kudorei's claim.
Roning had already deduced the truth of the matter.
Wilson was known for his strict adherence to orders and lacked the audacity to fabricate such a lie to Roning.
Conversely, Kudorei and his associates appeared to have formed a pact, likely plotting during the time between Anthony's call and Rogna's escort to manipulate their circumstances for personal gain.
Furthermore, this group of freemen displayed a surprising boldness, seemingly believing they could coerce concessions from a lord.
For the first time, Ronin addressed Kudorei directly, "In Wubei Territory, it is forbidden for anyone, knight or magician, to assault civilians without just cause."
"Sir, I assure you I acted only in self-defense!"
Shifting his focus, Roning asked, "You believe you're stronger than my aides?"
Kudorei maintained a stoic facade, inwardly pleased. He had heard of the lord's generosity and the territory's desperate need for settlers. Anthony had promoted the viscount's fairness and the promise of a prosperous life in Wubei, leading Kudorei to believe the risks of his actions were minimal. Success would mean benefits from grateful settlers; failure seemed unlikely to result in severe repercussions given the shortage of skilled individuals, especially knights.
"Sir, I am on the verge of advancing to a high-level knight."
Kneeling, he pledged, "I, Kudorei, vow to serve you loyally from this day forward."
The freemen accompanying Kudorei appeared relieved, hoping his potential high status would protect them in this unfamiliar territory.
"Kudorei, unsheathe your sword and demonstrate your skill."
Roning then joined Rogna, drawing his long sword slowly.
"If you withstand my attack, the role of guard officer, with a daily salary of 1,100 copper coins, is yours."
Rognar sighed inwardly. Despite Roning's calm demeanor, he sensed the lord's displeasure.
Wilson and others were perplexed and anxious. Why was Roning offering this man a position instead of reprimanding him? Moreover, wasn't Lord Macken the current guard officer? What made Kudorei comparable to him?
Elated by the opportunity, Kudorei eagerly stood, drawing his sword: "Sir, I am ready!"
Roning wielded Rogna's lighter sword, inviting the attack, "Proceed!"
With a swift charge, Kudorei lunged at Ronin.
"Too many flaws; is this your strength?"
Roning sidestepped deftly, his sword flashing coldly as he executed a swift counter. A head soared through the air.
"How disappointing."
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