Ross's Greeting

Russell ultimately did not have Butler Morris lock up the wine cellar in the manor's separate courtyard; he wasn't lacking the money for a bit of red wine.

Besides, the house Charles and Eric had scouted in the small market town had already begun renovations, and they would soon be moving out of the manor's separate courtyard.

After a lively celebratory banquet at noon, Russell immediately used Battle Qi to refine the alcohol and was completely sober by the afternoon when he set off.

As a Nobleman Lord, he still had four Retainer Knights and a manservant accompanying him on his travels.

"Chirp, chirp..."

Before they even reached the town, they heard chirping sounds from overhead. It was Lord Ross's dragon cry, which lacked the imposing nature of a dragon's roar and was instead rather comical.

As if noticing Russell and his entourage, Lord Ross, who had been leisurely circling in the sky, suddenly swooped down.

"My Lord, it's Lord Ross!" Tom shouted.

"It's fine, Lord Ross is just coming to say hello," Russell said, reining in the black horse beneath him and looking up at the sky.

Clay Dragon Ross folded its wings and plunged down like a meteor, as if heading straight for Russell.

But Russell remained motionless, holding the reins and squeezing his thighs against his mount's belly to prevent it from bolting in fright, his eyes fixed intently on Lord Ross.

One person and one dragon.

Their gazes seemed to clash in the air, sparking like electricity.

Just as Lord Ross was about to crash into him, it suddenly spread its wings, executing a beautiful sharp stop and tail flick before soaring back into the sky.

Whoosh!

The strong wind from its wings stirred up dust from the charcoal-paved road, like a small sandstorm, blinding Russell and the Retainer Knights.

Neigh! Neigh! The horse ridden by the manservant, Ram, was so startled it fell to the ground, throwing Ram to the side. He groaned and whimpered.

"Hoo... Ptoo!"

Russell breathed a sigh of relief and quickly spat out the charcoal dust that had splashed into his mouth.

He stared at the departing Clay Dragon Ross, a fierce glint flashing momentarily in his eyes, his heart concealing his anger.

A mere Wyvern dared to push its luck: "You damn dragon! Just you wait, when my Little Dream Dragon returns... I'll ride you to death!"

His good mood was ruined because of this.

Russell wished he could kill this Clay Dragon on the spot and spill its blood onto his manor's land, creating a large clay mine.

Of course, it was just a thought.

"My Lord, Lord Ross's way of greeting is a bit too enthusiastic," Knight Retainer Tom said with an awkward laugh.

"Indeed, overly enthusiastic," Russell replied, unwilling to say more. He glanced at Ram on the ground and said, "Go check if Ram is injured."

"N-no need, Master, I'm fine," Ram struggled to get up, but his legs trembled, and he couldn't stand steadily, falling back to the ground.

"He's scared silly, my Lord," Knight Retainer John directly lifted Ram and placed him on a horse's back. "Fortunately, the horse didn't crush his leg, or it would have been broken... Alright, calm your horse."

Ram took a breath. "Th-thank you, Lord John."

Russell asked, "Ram, check carefully, are you sure you're not injured?"

"I'm not injured, really, Master."

"Can you still ride?"

"Yes, yes!" Ram grabbed the reins and straightened his back with effort. "My Lord, you don't need to worry about me, I can keep up."

Seeing his legs still trembling, Russell said, "Then everyone dust yourselves off, and we'll rest here for five minutes before continuing our journey."

Lord Ross's greeting was merely an interlude.

Just as the western clouds were beginning to light up, the group of six riders arrived at Fluorite Castle. Passing through the stone archway, they encountered a patrol of Knights within the castle.

The silver-armored Knight at the front rode a beast resembling a black horse. The beast was muscular and imposing, with black flames burning on its neck, legs, and tail. However, it wasn't real fire but a special kind of mane.

Russell immediately recognized it as a Nightmare Ghost Horse, a Phantom Beast evolved from equine animals, known for its incredible speed and ability to tread on snow without leaving a trace.

Clang.

On the back of the Nightmare Ghost Horse, the silver-armored Knight struck his chest with his right hand, performing a knightly salute. "Young Master Russell, it's been a while."

Russell also struck his chest with his right hand and returned the salute. "It has indeed been some time, Knight Captain Chris. Are you personally guarding the castle today?"

"Today, we need to display the Baron Lord's authority," Knight Captain Chris replied. He was Baron Roman's personal Knight Captain and led the Knight Order on patrols around the town twice a month to ensure the citizens did not forget the ruler's dominion.

"Then please, proceed. Come to Wuyou Snake Manor another day, and I'll treat you to a drink."

"I'd be delighted."

After a brief exchange, the Knight Order left the castle to patrol the town and display the Baron's authority. Russell did not delay and entered the castle gates directly.

"Father, Mother, I've come to share some good news," Russell said, pulling out an exquisite jade box from his bosom. "Just as I was settling the Fluorite Mushroom Spirit Worms, I unexpectedly discovered that a wild Elf had been gestating within a birch tree."

He opened the jade box, and the Birch Worm, entirely white but with fine black stripes, came into view for the Baron and his wife.

"It really is a Spirit Worm, Russell, my handsome and lucky son!" Meryl exclaimed, kissing Russell's cheek happily.

It was a common gesture, but Russell's body stiffened slightly.

Fortunately, the Baron and his wife didn't notice this, their attention fully captivated by the Birch Worm in the jade box. The Baron, in particular, looked astonished. "A wild Spirit Worm? Hmm, how many years has it been since a wild Spirit Worm was discovered in Guangguang River Valley?"

Meryl chuckled, "My dear, we've discovered it now, haven't we?"

The Baron chuckled, "Indeed."

He then patted Russell's shoulder, "Lucky young man. It seems sending you to Wuyou Snake Manor was a wise choice."

"I thank you for your trust, Father."

"Thank your mother if you must. If she hadn't been constantly whispering in my ear, I wouldn't have wanted to enfeoff you so early, especially since you haven't achieved any military merits, nor have you even hunted a single Snow Ghost in the snowfields."

Russell readily agreed, "Mother, thank you."

Looking at her second son, who was becoming more sensible and sweet-tongued, Meryl took Russell's hand and couldn't stop smiling, "We are family, no need to adhere to those old noble traditions. What does it matter if you've hunted Snow Ghosts or not? My son is a noble by birth."

The Baron said helplessly, "After Russell advances to Great Knight, he will still need to hunt Snow Ghosts. Only after fighting in the snowfields is one a qualified Lord."

"Father, I will."

"Very good."

"Oh, right, Father, I'd like to ask for your advice." Russell stated the purpose of his visit. "There aren't many trees on my territory, only a birch forest suitable for planting Fluorite Mushrooms. But the birch forest is now breeding Birch Worms, and I don't know if it's suitable to plant them together with the Fluorite Mushrooms."

"You don't need to worry about that. In fact, it's not only harmless but even beneficial." The Baron was experienced in this matter. "Although Fluorite Mushrooms parasitize tree trunks, they are a symbiotic mushroom species. The two can benefit each other and promote each other's growth."

Russell said happily, "Is that so? That's wonderful."