Chapter 234: Attitude Change
Ronin and Galil conversed as they walked and only parted ways after entering the city.
Once Galil completed today's patrol mission, he was scheduled to lead the team to the parade ground for a handover. Had circumstances allowed, he would have been delighted to invite Ronin to his home.
Wushan City bustled with frequent caravans, prompting the presence of numerous inns near the city entrance that offered safe and comfortable accommodation for travelers.
The inns were owned by a diverse group of people including wealthy freemen, those of aristocratic descent, and some were part of "chain" hotels owned by large chambers of commerce from various cities.
Luo Ning chose a reputable hotel and decided to stay there. His arrival was warmly received by the innkeeper, who waived all accommodation fees, provided exquisite wine and food, and offered additional services such as entertainment from singers and dancers.
It was considered a great honor for the grandson of Lord Rulans and the Viscount of Wubei to stay at their establishment. The innkeeper saw it as an opportunity to promote the hotel, enhancing its reputation and attracting more guests.
However, Luo Ning declined these perks. He insisted on paying his dues and respectfully declined unnecessary services, aiming simply to enjoy a peaceful night's rest without drawing attention.
That night passed quietly.
The next morning, after a swift breakfast, Luo Ning took the hotel's carriage back to Wushan Fort. The fort seemed less lively compared to his last visit.
Unlike previous occasions, Ronin's birthday didn't attract the nobility, who wouldn't travel just to offer their congratulations, unlike what happened for Lord Rulans.
Following protocol for receiving guests, the guards escorted Ronin to the reception room and informed Diane, the current overseer of the castle.
Though he could have directly visited Lu Lans in the garden without much fuss now that he had moved out of Wushan Fort, Luo Ning chose to respect the host's preferences.
Shortly, brisk footsteps announced Diane's arrival. Despite being forty, she exuded beauty and nobility, even in a simple, colorful long dress.
As Luo Ning rose to greet her, Diane approached with unexpected warmth, embracing him.
"Welcome home, Luo Ning! I'm so pleased you've come to celebrate your eighteenth birthday at Wushan Fort!"
Luo Ning was momentarily taken aback. Diane had always treated him kindly, unlike the typical stepmother who might seek to undermine. She was fair in her financial dealings and generous in her provisions, though they seldom communicated.
Despite this, Ronin was aware of the complex dynamics within the Hyde family and understood Diane's probable preference for her son Breton to remain the heir. Therefore, her current warmth puzzled him.
This embrace marked their first since Diane's marriage into the Wushan family.
Releasing him, Diane stepped back, still appearing friendly. "You seem a bit taller since the last time I saw you."
Luo Ning chuckled, "I'm not even twenty yet, so there's still room to grow."
Since his arrival through time travel, Luo Ning had grown significantly taller, from over 1.7 meters to now approaching 1.8 meters.
Sensing the need to divert the conversation, Luo Ning inquired, "Where are father and Breton?"
"Neither is in the castle at the moment," Diane replied. "Breton is studying at Wushan Supernormal College. I've sent him a message; he'll probably return this afternoon or tomorrow morning to attend your birthday celebration tomorrow night."
"That's too grand," Luo Ning remarked, touching his nose. "Breton's studies are more important. It'd be unnecessary for him to make a special trip."
"I can keep practicing here, and we can still discuss and share ideas," Diane suggested with a smile. "Ever since you taught him swordplay last time, he's been all praises for your skills! Besides the Marquis, you're probably the person he admires the most."
It was odd to hear such admissions from Diane, whose personality shared traits with her father, Orson. She had never before conceded that her son might not match up to Ronin, yet now her attitude seemed altered.
Changing the topic, Luo Ning asked, "What about father?"
Diane sighed and took a seat, her expression turning melancholy.
"You may not be aware that the Bolant Bandits have returned to threaten Chishan Town. The peace on the border is about to be disrupted. Captain Corian has already submitted a letter requesting support to Wushan Castle. Your father is currently gathering food, weapons, and protective gear for them."
Luo Ning looked puzzled. "How could Wiggins, who has a broken leg, be so involved in this matter? I heard that a batch of food has already been prepared and sent over. Why are you still collecting food?"
Additionally, considering Chishan Town has an iron mine, how could there possibly be a shortage of weapons and protective gear?
Dai Anni's eyebrows twitched. Clearly, despite being far away in Wubei Territory, Luo Ning was well-informed about the affairs at Wushan Fort.
It seemed possible that someone in Wushan Castle had aligned with Wubeiling, or perhaps Lu Lans had disclosed these details to Luo Ning.
If it were the former, it might suggest that Ronin was seeking the inheritance rights of Wushan Territory. If it were the latter, it would indicate that Ronin's significance in Lu Lans' heart was growing.
Regardless, Ronin and his leader from Wubei were poised to rise.
In reality, Diane's assumptions were purely speculative.
Ronin had merely heard some news from Galil by chance, and Galil had not explicitly sided with him. As for Luo Ning's correspondence, he and Lu Lans had exchanged just one letter.
"Perhaps your father wants to be better prepared for the upcoming conflict," Dai Anni suggested. "After all, he is particularly concerned about Chishan Town."
Ronin pondered for a moment.
It seemed that it was Wiggins who had led the team to the front line and defended against the enemy at Kasir Town, thus securing Chishan Town.
So the Earl of Wushan City greatly valued his sole victory and was protective of it. After receiving the request for help, had he, despite his disability, personally overseen the transportation of supplies there?
Luo Ning shook his head inwardly. Perhaps this proactive distribution of supplies was precisely why food and fodder should be sent before the troops.
He glanced at Dai Anni and suddenly asked, "How is Count Orson doing recently?"
Upon hearing her father mentioned, Diane's eyes flickered, and the smile on her face slowly faded, replaced by a somber expression.
"After returning from Wushanbao, he spent over a month bedridden. It was only recently that he started walking with crutches. However, he can no longer easily wield his fighting spirit."
She sighed and shook her head in frustration, "I advised him not to challenge your grandfather, but he wouldn't listen."
Ronin was taken aback by the openness of her response. Not only had she revealed Orson's condition, but she had also mentioned her opposition to his challenge against Lu Lans.
Was this her way of clarifying to Ronin that Orson's decision to challenge Lu Lans had been made without her support?
Considering her unusual warmth today, Luo Ning couldn't help but frown, wondering about her motives.
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