Chapter 227: The Polante Thieves

Chapter 227: The Polante Thieves

The Polante Thieves Group arose following the decline of the Black Gold Brotherhood. Despite being geographically close, with one located southwest and the other southeast of Wushanling, their operations are remarkably similar: both attack noble castles, seize territories, and establish autonomous regimes.

Is Wushanbao incapable of eliminating them? Not at all.

Initially, several knight orders and noble coalitions within Wushan Territory could subdue these groups. However, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, they resurfaced within a year or two.

After numerous attempts, it seemed Wushanbao grew weary. Wiggins' repeated tactical failures also fueled resentment among his troops, diminishing the vigor of their campaigns over time.

Now, the conflict at the border resembles a persistent tug-of-war: they attack us today, and we retaliate tomorrow. This ongoing struggle not only results in heavy casualties but also frequent changes in local leadership, plunging the border areas of Wushan Territory into constant turmoil.

The kingdom's nobility, including the king, are aware of the situation in the Marquisate. Legally, the kingdom is obligated to protect its lesser nobles, but only when their status is directly threatened, such as when Ushan Castle faced the imminent danger of the Polante bandits.

For minor border skirmishes, the Alduin royal family has shown concern but refrained from deploying additional troops. Sometimes, letting the nobles exhaust themselves in these fights is seen as beneficial.

Moreover, Wushan Fort never formally requested support from the royal family or other nobles, alleviating any obligation for them to intervene.

Roning pondered whether the recent actions of the Polante Thieves were routine or influenced by someone behind the scenes. Regardless, the Polante Bandits pose no threat to Wushan Castle, protected as it is by the formidable Fifth Knights.

Breaking through the Fifth Knights' defenses to penetrate deeper into Wushan Territory would be a feat beyond their current capabilities.

"Rogna, did you hear anything about Count Orson during your trip?" Roning inquired.

At the start of the year, after being incapacitated by Lulans, Orson had retreated to his domain in Black Python City. Since Roning's return to Wubei Territory, he hadn't paid much attention to Orson's affairs.

"I did catch some news," Rogna replied, his tone lightening with a hint of schadenfreude when he mentioned Orson.

"After returning to Black Python City, Orson sought out numerous healers and powerful magicians, desperate for any potion or remedy that might ease his suffering. He even reached out to Lord Miroslav of Wushan Town, who unfortunately turned him down."

Miroslav, a seventh-level great magician and honorary viscount of the kingdom, oversees the Silva Magic Chamber of Commerce in Wushan Territory. His significant influence allowed him to decline Earl Orson's request without fear of repercussion.

Roning chuckled, "Orson is overthinking. If such injuries were easily healed, my grandfather wouldn't have suffered for years without relief."

Rulans, despite his superior resources and connections, had not found a cure. Where could Orson possibly find help?

Moreover, Miroslav's refusal to assist Orson, presumably out of loyalty to the Marquis, suggested that Orson's chances of recovery were slim.

"What about Barrington? How did he react?" Roning asked.

Barrington, Orson's son and a distinguished Golden Knight, was reportedly furious and even threatened to confront Rulans for an explanation. However, Orson later assured that the Marquis was not to blame for the ordeal.

"At 44, Barrington is a skilled Golden Knight who doesn't wish to end up like his father," Rogna added, "Now, with Black Python City's affairs likely in his hands, Orson will probably have to step back like the Marquis."

Rogna sighed. Despite his ambitions, he had never anticipated such a turn of events.

"Any news about the Black Gold Brotherhood?" Roning inquired.

"We didn't defeat them last year, but we did recapture several territories and inflicted heavy losses on them. Even if they plan to reclaim those territories, they'll need to gather substantial supplies and train more soldiers," Rogna replied, shaking his head unconsciously as he speculated that the Brotherhood might lie low for a year or two.

"If you wish, my Lord, I'll gather more information about them during my next outing," Rogna offered.

Luo Ning nodded. "I'll leave that to you."

He regarded Rogna as his intelligence officer, believing that no matter how formidable the Black Gold Brotherhood was, they couldn't outlast Wushan Territory indefinitely. He suspected external supporters were behind the Brotherhood, implying a potential for their swift resurgence.

However, a resurgence could force Wushan Fort to face a war on two fronts.

Located at the northernmost tip of Wushan Territory, Ronin wasn't concerned about the conflict reaching Wubei Territory, but he still planned to bolster his defenses by instructing Ridar and McKen to train more soldiers. Typically, a standard viscount commands four knight teams, but Ronin was currently short two.

"What is the quality of the more than 500 people we brought back this time?" he asked.

"They're barely adequate. The long journey has left them quite exhausted," Rogna reported, shifting the conversation, "However, there is a mid-level wandering knight among them named Kudolei. He initially intended to join Baron Kona, but abandoned the idea due to the baron's financial and territorial management issues."

"Anthony was recruiting freemen in the area at that time, so Kudolei decided to follow him to Hillwood Town."

Despite Wubei Territory's population now exceeding 16,000, it lacked extraordinary individuals among the slaves and free groups from outside.

"It's promising to attract wandering knights like this," Luo Ning pondered. "Perhaps I should instruct Anthony to also invite extraordinary individuals in addition to ordinary recruits."

As they were discussing, hurried footsteps approached, followed by a knock on the door.

"Come in," Luo Ning called.

Chahar entered swiftly, "Master, Zhu Weite sent word that Sim was attacked."

Luo Ning frowned. "What happened?"

"It seems some of the newcomers were causing trouble. Zhu Weite and Sim intervened, but the newcomers were temperamental and overpowered them," Chahar explained.

Roning exchanged a glance with Rogna, both slightly embarrassed.

Without needing to ask further, they could guess the identity of the aggressor. Although Juwitt and Sim weren't the strongest, they were veterans; usually, only Redar and McKen reprimanded them, and that was during training and guidance.

"Let's go and meet these newcomers," Luo Ning decided, seeing an opportunity to assess the new recruits firsthand.

---------

Hey guys, VerseX here :)

If you want to support me and the work that I am doing, you can support me on pâtreon. It costs 1 dollar a month, and you get six early-access chapters. I know that it isn't much of an advantage, but I would love your support. 

Thank you for enjoying my translation and enjoy.

The link to my pâtreon is: https://www.pâtreon.com/VerseX

You just have to change the â to a