Chapter 243: Considerations

Chapter 243: Considerations

If it had been Lu Lans who asked Luo Ning to escort the batch of supplies to Chishan Town on behalf of the Wushan family, Luo Ning would have gone without hesitation. However, the request came from Wiggins, and that gave him pause.

To be honest, Luo Ning only maintained a polite relationship with his father. There was no deep familial bond between them. They lived their own lives, and when they met, basic courtesy was enough. If Wiggins asked him to do something troublesome, Luo Ning needed to consider it carefully.

The development plans for Wubei Territory had been laid out two months prior, and the implementation could be left to the officials led by Wilson. Luo Ning didn't need to worry too much about that. However, in Wubei, the soaked papermaking materials had yet to be processed. If delayed too long, there was a risk the materials might spoil.

On the other hand, Wiggins noticed that Luo Ning didn't outright refuse, so he took it as a sign that the latter was considering the request. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly added, "Although you've never been to Chishan Town, a knight team will accompany you, so you don't need to worry about the details."

"When I was your age, I wasn't as strong as you, but I had already traveled extensively and gained valuable experience. Now that you're a high-level peak knight, it's time for you to venture out and broaden your horizons. Seeing and hearing more will enrich your knowledge, which will also benefit your governance of Wubei Territory."

Luo Ning doubted Wiggins could come up with such profound reasoning on his own. After all, Wiggins had been out in the world for years without gaining much wisdom.

Luo Ning smiled, neither agreeing nor refusing. Instead, he asked, "I wonder, Father, in what capacity are you asking me to do this?"

Wiggins was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Breton blinked, looking at his brother. He had expected Luo Ning to agree outright. Diane set down her fork and observed the father and son. She could tell Luo Ning wasn't eager to go, at least not without careful consideration. Meanwhile, Lu Lans raised an eyebrow and took a sip of wine.

"If you're asking me as my father, I'll need to think carefully. The trip to Chishan Town will take considerable time, and there are many matters in Wubei Territory requiring my attention. I may not be able to spare the time."

"However, if you're asking as the first heir of Wubei Territory, I believe this matter should be discussed with Grandfather first."

Wiggins had expected Luo Ning to say something else, but these two questions caught him off guard.

"Why trouble your grandfather with such a small matter?" Wiggins shook his head. "As for the time, the journey from Wushanbao to Chishan Town is much shorter than to your Shanlin Town. Even with the supplies, a month should suffice for the round trip, including the time spent there."

Over the years, Lu Lans had delegated many matters to Wiggins and rarely involved himself in minor affairs. Wiggins considered asking Luo Ning for a favor a trivial matter and hadn't sought Lu Lans' opinion.

"A month won't delay you much," Wiggins added.

In truth, Luo Ning's second point was a subtle reminder that Viscount Wubei was loyal to Lu Lans, not Wiggins, who had yet to inherit the title of Marquis. Luo Ning had to follow the arrangements of the Marquis himself. However, the Earl of Wushan City failed to grasp this nuance.

Just as Luo Ning was pondering how to respond, Lu Lans cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Tomorrow is Luo Ning's birthday."

"I know, Father," Wiggins replied.

Wiggins added, "It will take a few days to prepare the supplies. I'm not asking him to leave tomorrow."

Lu Lans didn't respond directly. Instead, he turned to Breton. "Breton prepared a handmade dagger for Luo Ning, and Diane prepared lunch and dinner for him over the past two days. I wonder what gift you, as his father, have prepared?"

"Ah…" Wiggins scratched his head awkwardly. "I've been busy these past few days and forgot. But don't worry, Luo Ning, you'll definitely receive a gift!"

Lu Lans stood and said calmly, "Fathers and sons should maintain their bonds. You can't always ask your son for favors, especially on a day like tomorrow. Preparations should be made in advance."

"Luo Ning is not only your son but also the lord of Wubei Territory and a noble of significant standing. Nobles emphasize the exchange of interests. If you ask him for help, you must prepare a generous gift."

As he spoke, Most pulled out his chair.

"Thank you for the dinner, Diane. It was excellent."

Diane stood and smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Wiggins pursed his lips. "Alright, Father, I understand."

He turned to Luo Ning. "Tell me, what gift would you like? But let's be clear—I don't have much money to spare."

He spoke bluntly, treating Luo Ning as an equal rather than a subordinate.

"Talking about money can strain relationships," Luo Ning replied with a smile. "But I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know when I've thought it through."

"Fine. Whenever you decide, I'll do my best to fulfill it."

What Luo Ning hadn't figured out wasn't just the gift—he hadn't decided whether to go to Chishan Town at all. Currently, he only knew two things about the town:

First, the Fifth Knights of Wushanling, led by Corrine Hansen, were stationed there.

Second, Chishan Town had an iron mine.

Luo Ning had an idea. If he could secure a share of the iron mine, Wubei Territory wouldn't need to purchase ore from outside. A stable source of iron ore would allow for the rapid production of agricultural tools through blast furnace ironmaking, significantly advancing Wubei's agricultural progress. Additionally, the knights and horses of Wubei Territory could be better equipped with stronger defenses.

Unfortunately, while Wiggins had agreed to give a gift, Luo Ning doubted he could secure a share of the Chishan Town iron mine from him.

Lost in thought, Luo Ning left the dining hall.

"Brother, would you like to spar before bed tonight?" Breton called after him.

"Sure!" Luo Ning snapped out of his reverie and followed Breton to the square behind the estate for some after-dinner exercise.

After Luo Ning left, Wiggins couldn't help but complain.

"This kid has become so powerful that he doesn't even know how to show respect when speaking to me."

He recalled a time when he could scold or even strike Luo Ning without consequence. Now, he didn't dare. For one, he had lost a leg and grown weaker. Secondly, Luo Ning had demonstrated extraordinary strength earlier in the year, even defeating Lei Sen. Wiggins no longer treated him as he once had.

"Breton mentioned he sensed Luo Ning had become a bronze knight," Diane remarked.

"What?!" Wiggins nearly spat out his drink. "An 18-year-old bronze knight? Is he even better than my brother?"

Diane watched as the servants cleared the table. She leaned back in her chair and sighed softly.

Perhaps Luo Ning truly was stronger than Grahams, the former genius of Wushanling.

"You should think carefully about what gift to prepare for Luo Ning tomorrow," she advised. "Otherwise, I doubt he'll agree to make the trip for you."

"Humph, if he doesn't want to go, then so be it. I can always find someone else."

Despite his words, Wiggins got up and headed to the study to search for something rare and valuable to give to Luo Ning.

---------

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