Chapter 253: Sandro Levi
As June 12th arrived, nobles and knights of all ranks in the Marquisate gathered in Wushan to attend the noble council.Compared to the lively atmosphere of the banquet at the beginning of the year, the nobles this time carried a somber expression.
They were no longer worried about the Polante Thieves' Gang or the Black Gold Brotherhood invading their lands. However, these two wars had made it evident that Wushan Fort's influence and deterrence were steadily declining, making its position increasingly precarious.
As vassals of Wushan Fort, these nobles would suffer greatly if their liege lord fell. Even if they swore allegiance to another ruler, the transition would bring a long period of instability. Their family's reputation and wealth would inevitably take a severe hit, and if they were unlucky, their entire lineage might be erased from history.
Despite its weaknesses, Wushan Fort was still standing. It had not fallen yet.Thus, in response to the conscription order, nearly all the nobles answered the call, leading to a significant gathering of knights and lords at Wushan Castle.
"Brother, why do you think the Polante Thieves and the Black Gold Brotherhood keep attacking Wushan Territory?"
Breton was puzzled. Other noble territories surrounded these factions—such as Moonlight Valley, the Principality of Vera, and vast unclaimed lands filled with barren mountains and wilderness. Why didn't they target those instead? Why was Wushan always their target?"
Count Jesus of Moonlight Valley is Bruno's younger brother, and Grand Duke Vera's wife is Bruno's older sister. Naturally, they wouldn't dare offend them," Luo Ning explained casually. "In contrast, Wushan Territory has no allies.
After Grandpa Lu Lans earned his title through great military merit, he lacked the strength to solidify his rule. My father was also weak, which led outsiders to believe that the Wushan family would decline within three or four generations. Before that happens, they want to carve out as much of our land as they can.
"During this period, Luo Ning had studied the history of the past few centuries from Lu Lans' records and books.
Although the two major kingdoms on the continent of Orlant appeared relatively peaceful now, this stability had only lasted for the past thirty years. War had been the norm throughout history.
Even today, the two kingdoms remained in a constant state of tension, and the nobles—big and small—were far from harmonious. Conflicts and disputes were always present.
Wushan Territory was a lucrative prize, and with Wushan Fort growing weaker, its neighbors were eager to seize the opportunity to claim it.
However, due to the kingdom's overarching rule, they couldn't outright invade. Instead, they resorted to supporting proxy forces like the Polante Thieves and the Black Gold Brotherhood to weaken Wushan's defenses and gradually erode its power.Breton clenched his fists after hearing Luo Ning's explanation."
In the end, it all comes down to the fact that our family lacks a powerful supernatural warrior! If Grandpa hadn't suffered his health issues and had remained strong, none of this would be happening," he declared.
His words were true.Had Lu Lans not faced such unfortunate circumstances, he might have advanced to the rank of Silver Moon Knight. With his presence, even those with ambitions against Wushan would have been far more restrained.
Breton turned to glance at Luo Ning, deep in thought. Thankfully, the Wushan family still had hope. Aside from himself, Luo Ning was also proving to be a formidable force.
In recent contests, Luo Ning's strength had become an enigma to Breton."Haha, Luo Ning, long time no see! Did you just arrive?"At the foot of Wushan Fortress' steps, Viscount Marvin of Muma City approached with a bright smile. His distinctive short flat-top hairstyle made him instantly recognizable.
A tall man accompanied him, but Luo Ning did not recognize him. He also had no recollection of seeing him at the banquet earlier in the year.
"Long time no see, Uncle Marvin!" Luo Ning greeted warmly, stepping forward to embrace him."Hello, Luo Ning! We haven't seen each other in a while!"
The tall man beside Marvin extended his hand. Luo Ning shook it, though he couldn't recall who the man was. His memory of him was vague.
Fortunately, the stranger spoke up."After returning to Lingchuan City, Yusef told me about your heroic rescue of Princess Blanche and your duel with Baron Leisen. I was truly impressed!"Only then did Luo Ning recognize him.Sandro Levi, leader of the Fourth Knights and Viscount of Lingchuan City.
Although Sandro had met his predecessor many times before, Luo Ning had no distinct memory of him.
At the previous banquet, he had only encountered Sandro's son, Yusef Levi, an elegant and skilled senior magician.Viscount Sandro's territory, Lingchuan City, lay to the north of Wushan Fort, not too far away.Lingchuan City sat on a fertile plain. Decades ago, Lu Lans had invested heavily in developing it, aiming to turn it into the granary of Wushan Territory. However, due to its location at the edge of the Monster Mountain Range, it suffered frequent monster attacks—more so than Shanlin Town.
To protect the region, Lu Lans had once tasked the Levi family, then mere barons, with leading a force to guard the area. Over the years, Sandro had distinguished himself, eventually rising to lead the Fourth Knights and earning the title of Viscount.
"Nice to meet you, Viscount Sandro!" Luo Ning said with a smile.
"Yusef didn't come this time?"
"Haha, he's busy managing supplies and troops in our territory," Sandro chuckled before asking, "So, how many men are you bringing to battle this time, Luo Ning?"Luo Ning hadn't expected Sandro to be the first to ask this question.He smiled.
"The Wubei Territory is still young, and I'm short on manpower. I can only field a small team of knights."Sandro nodded at first, thinking this was reasonable. But when Luo Ning continued, his expression changed.
"A full squad of knights."
Sandro was stunned. "A full squad?"During conversations with other nobles, the consensus was that Luo Ning might bring seven or eight knights and a few dozen soldiers at most. That seemed reasonable. But a full squad?
That was unexpected."Yes, a full squad of knights," Luo Ning confirmed.Sandro was incredulous. "You've only been a baron for less than a year, and you've already assembled an entire squad of knights?"
Luo Ning chuckled and glanced at Viscount Marvin."This is all thanks to Uncle Marvin, who generously allowed me to purchase dozens of warhorses at a great price."Viscount Marvin grinned. "It wasn't a loss for me. Your ability made it worthwhile.
"Sandro studied Marvin. It was clear that Marvin had high hopes for Luo Ning—after all, even his second son had been sent to serve under him.
However, forming a knight squad required more than just warhorses. The key component was professional knights.Did Luo Ning truly have enough trained knights under his command?
Aside from the frequently mentioned names—Mikan, Rydar, and Rogner—were the rest just hastily assembled recruits?
That seemed like the only possible explanation.Sandro had yet to hear of any knights defecting from Wushan Castle to serve Luo Ning.
If the squad was composed of untrained recruits, their combat effectiveness would be far lower than that of a well-trained, experienced knight team.
Sandro couldn't help but place himself in Luo Ning's position.If it were him, he wouldn't bring such an inexperienced squad into battle. If they were wiped out, it would take years to recover.With Wushan Castle's knights available, why take such a risk?"Yusef really overestimates Luo Ning," Sandro thought.
Though his son Yusef described Luo Ning as a calm strategist, Sandro believed the young viscount was still too impulsive.
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