Bretton’s parents were not particularly talented.
Wiggin was a pri example. He only beca an Advanced Level Knight in his forties or fifties, making it nearly impossible for him to advance any further in this lifeti. Advanced Level was his limit.
As for Dianey, while heaven had blessed her with stunning beauty, it had taken away her talent for Cultivation. She was just an ordinary person.
Bretton’s exceptional talent for Cultivation seed more like a case of atavism, as both his paternal and maternal grandfathers had been quite gifted.
That said, talent was only one part of the equation. The more crucial factors behind Bretton becoming an Interdiate Knight at fourteen were his persistent attitude toward Cultivation and Dianey’s strict demands and teachings from a young age.
Without these two factors, especially a persevering heart, talent alone would not have been enough.
The world is full of geniuses who ultimately fade into obscurity.
’If he keeps up this attitude, he should be able to beco an Advanced Level Knight by sixteen or seventeen, right?’
Ronin watched Bretton walk over and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. "His talent is truly incredible!"
"You’re not bad yourself."
Lurans said with a smile, "You’re only eighteen. With your current strength, you’d be considered a rare genius anywhere."
In truth, the old master had never figured out how Ronin had undergone such a transformation, not only becoming a Mage but also a Knight with one foot in the Bronze Level.
But he never pried too much.
Everyone has their own opportunities, just like how Ronin had managed to find a wondrous item like a Space Ring.
Lurans looked at Bretton, his eyes also filled with satisfaction.
However, if he were to compare the two half-brothers, he still hoped that Ronin would be the one to inherit Wushan Ridge in the future.
Bretton focused solely on Cultivation and had little exposure to other matters, making him better suited to a supportive role.
But for the ti being, he would let things take their natural course. He was in no hurry to change anything.
"Grandfather, Brother, Mother sent to tell you that lunch is ready. We can start whenever you are."
Ronin stepped forward and patted his arm. "Congratulations on becoming an Interdiate Knight."
Bretton scratched his head, looking humbled. "Compared to you, Brother, I’m still far behind!"
As he spoke, he pulled a dagger about a dozen centiters long from his pocket and handed it to Ronin.
"This is the birthday present I prepared for you. I hope you like it."
"Oh?"
Ronin accepted it with so surprise. He hadn’t expected Bretton to prepare a gift for him.
Co to think of it, he couldn’t even rember when Bretton’s birthday was.
The dagger was made of wood—not just the sheath, but the blade inside as well.
Holding it felt no different from holding a child’s toy.
The sheath was carved with the words "Happy Birthday," while the blade was carved with the Wushan Clan’s emblem, though the coloring was a bit off—it wasn’t a pure Golden Mountain Range.
Ronin examined it a couple of tis. He had originally thought the dagger might hide so secret, like an engraved Magic Array Map.
But unfortunately, it was just an ordinary wooden dagger carved by Bretton’s own hands.
Forget about a Magic Array Map; it probably couldn’t even cut at.
Ronin smiled and put the dagger away. Although it wasn’t worth much, it was the thought that counted.
"Thank you, Bretton. I love your gift!"
"Hehe..."
Bretton looked a little embarrassed. After hearing that Ronin was returning to Wushan Castle for his birthday, he had been wondering what kind of gift to prepare.
A Weapon was the first thing that ca to mind, but he had seen the Flowing Fla Sword and knew how extraordinary it was, so he decided against buying a Weapon.
Besides, buying a Weapon from a shop wouldn’t have conveyed his sentint.
He thought it over and over and finally decided to make sothing himself, resulting in this dagger.
Even though he had spent so ti carefully polishing it, it still looked a bit crude.
Fortunately, Ronin didn’t say anything and happily accepted it.
Lurans watched this scene with a smile. He hadn’t expected the two brothers’ relationship to be this good. This was thanks to Ronin’s magnanimity and the fact that Bretton wasn’t fixated on the matter of inheritance.
Had it been anyone else, after all of Lurans’s maneuvering, even brothers would have beco enemies.
’Perhaps I should have waited a bit longer back then.’
Lurans thought, ’If I hadn’t been so set on crippling Ronin and had just waited a few more months to see, maybe none of this would have happened?’
’This whole series of maneuvers was rather rash of .’
"Let’s go. Don’t keep Dianey waiting."
He asked, "Is Wiggin back?"
"Not yet. He probably won’t be back for lunch, so we shouldn’t have to wait for him."
Lurans gave a noncommittal grunt.
Ronin said with a smile, "Father is so concerned about the stability of the border. With his support, I imagine there shouldn’t be any problems over there, right?"
"Hah, concerned about the stability of the border? He’s not that selfless!"
Lurans sneered, "The only reason he doesn’t want to lose Chishan Town is because he has a share in that iron mine, isn’t it?"
Ronin’s expression turned odd.
He had thought Wiggin was just defending one of the few victories of his life. He never expected there was another reason behind it.
No wonder Dianey had been so evasive when he ntioned this matter to her earlier.
The Wushan Clan were the masters of Wushan Ridge, but that didn’t an every coin ended up in Wushan Castle’s coffers.
A great deal of money had to be spent on things like the castle’s maintenance and all the expenses of the Knight Order. Each was a huge sum.
After accounting for these expenses and the remaining budget, it was hard to say how much money was actually left for Wushan Castle.
What’s more, even for the funds that did reach Wushan Castle, Lurans was the master there, so Wiggin’s share would be even smaller.
Under such circumstances, earning so "side money" beca rather important.
For instance, Wiggin owned a share of the iron mine in Chishan Town, and the inco it generated naturally went into his private pockets.
Now, the Polante Thief Gang was eyeing Chishan Town covetously. This was clearly an attempt to get their hands on Wiggin’s private property, and he naturally wouldn’t allow it.
Lurans also turned a blind eye to such matters.
As long as it didn’t threaten Wushan Castle’s ruling position or affect its operations, he let his subordinates do as they pleased.
He didn’t have the energy to manage these things, nor did he have much interest in doing so.
With Wiggin absent, the atmosphere at the luncheon was rather pleasant.
As the nominal manager of the castle, Dianey was exceptionally warm towards Ronin today.
Not only had she instructed the kitchen to prepare many of his favorite dishes, but during lunch, she also brought out exquisite pastries and rare honey wine especially for him.
Moreover, despite expectations that things might be awkward, Dianey showered Ronin with solicitous questions. One mont she was asking about the developnt of Wubei Territory, the next about Ronin’s personal life, and she even tried to probe into his romantic affairs.
Bretton watched this, his eyes filled with confusion, and he couldn’t help but wonder: ’What’s wrong with Mother?’
It was no wonder he was confused.
At the beginning of the year, Bretton had wanted to practice Swordsmanship with Ronin, but Dianey had been completely against the idea back then.
Today, not only was she being so kind to Ronin, but she even encouraged Bretton to spar and communicate more with his older brother to make up for his deficiencies in Swordsmanship.
This uncharacteristic behavior made even Ronin a bit uncomfortable. He could only lower his head and eat, mumbling noncommittal responses.
Of all those present, Lurans was probably the only one who wasn’t surprised. He ate the steak his servants had cut for him while sipping his delicious beer.
In Lurans’s opinion, such a change in Dianey was actually quite normal.
And when it ca down to it, everything stemd from her trip to Black Python City not long ago.
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