149: Head to Ironwall Fortress

Inside the hall of Red River Fortress, Renn and Anatolis sat opposite each other.

"That cavalry unit went south and eventually returned to Grand Duke of the Raging Bear's army; they were definitely the Grand Duke's men."

"They headed north to the northernmost part of Red River Valley, likely to investigate news of Alistair in the Bright Moon Territory. The Grand Duke still cares about his daughter!"

Receiving news from the Magic Wolves, Renn had already connected the cause and effect in his mind.

"Renn, that troop of cavalry was clearly the Grand Duke's men. But they came to the Red River Territory, didn't enter the city, and headed straight north, only to circle back and rush back in a hurry—what does that mean?"

Renn smiled. He didn't explain Alistair's identity. Since Alistair had decided not to clarify her relationship with Karl Angry Bear, there was no need for him to be talkative.

"Senior Anatolis, regardless of what the Grand Duke wants to do, it's beyond our control. Let them be."

"Now that the threat from the Dragon Race is gone, we can focus on managing the territory in peace."

"That's true. In a few more days, once the Dragon Race has completely settled down, I should head back to Magic Wolf Peak."

Anatolis also missed his own lair; he wouldn't leave his old home unless absolutely necessary.

Renn knew that Anatolis certainly couldn't let go of Magic Wolf Peak and the stone flower fruit trees, so he didn't try to persuade him to stay.

As they spoke, Renn felt a chill. Looking up, he saw a vast expanse of white outside the window.

"It's snowing again. There's quite a lot of snow this year!"

Renn remarked, feeling that there was much more wind and snow this year than in previous years, but he had clearly spoken too soon.

Over the next few days, the blizzard showed no signs of stopping; instead, it grew more intense.

Renn also received news from the Magic Wolves that the wind and snow outside the Red River Valley were even heavier, and the temperature had dropped further. Because the Red River Valley was enclosed by the Black Mountain Range, the wind and snow were slightly lighter, and the temperature drop wasn't as severe.

"Fortunately, the houses were built quickly enough, enough stoves were made, and the black stones brought back were sufficient. Otherwise, this blizzard would have caused significant losses."

Renn felt something was very wrong with this blizzard, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

He didn't worry too much about it, simply immersing himself in building the territory and strengthening his own power.

Meanwhile, a group arrived at the main gate of Red River City in the Red River Territory.

Looking at the tall city gate, Kaufman was somewhat stunned. He couldn't understand how a Barony that was on the verge of collapse a year ago had suddenly become so powerful; there must be a secret.

Kaufman's eyes darted around as he thought about how to respond next.

Just then, a voice came from the city wall.

"Who are you? Why have you come to Red River City?"

If the group of knights hadn't been flying the Rage Bear banner, the warriors on the wall would have attacked long ago.

"We are messengers of the Grand Duke of the Raging Bear, here to deliver the Grand Duke's orders to Baron Renn of the Derrick Family. Is this the Red River Territory?"

As Kaufman identified himself, no further sound came from the wall. Kaufman and his party stood at the city gate for a long time.

Just as Kaufman was becoming anxious from waiting, a clattering sound came from within the heavy city gate. The gate opened, and a troop of knights galloped out from the city.

When Kaufman saw the knights exiting the city, his heart jolted, and his irritation vanished.

Before him was a troop of Magic Wolf Knights, led by Ross, a high-level Silver Rank.

Looking at the powerful Ross and the Magic Wolf Knights behind him, Kaufman and the Rangers behind him nervously gripped their reins. Even their warhorses were somewhat agitated.

"Are you messengers of His Grace the Grand Duke?"

"Yes, powerful Sir Knight. May I ask if you are Baron Renn?"

Kaufman had never seen Renn, but he knew Renn was a powerful Silver Knight, leading him to mistake Ross for Renn.

"I am not. My Lord is waiting for you at Red River Fortress. Come with me now."

Ross glanced at Kaufman and the dozen or so Rangers behind him. This group posed no threat, and Ross wasn't afraid of being deceived. If they were impostors, Ross wouldn't mind staining his blade with a bit of blood.

Soon, Kaufman's group passed through the bustling streets of Red River City and arrived at Red River Fortress. Kaufman was astonished throughout the journey.

He was shocked by both the large population and the clean, tall buildings in Red River City, as well as its formidable strength.

Along the way, he had already seen many powerful Professionals and Magic Wolves; several Silver Rank warriors had already appeared.

This caused whatever small schemes Kaufman had originally harbored to vanish completely.

Inside the hall of Red River Fortress, Renn looked down at Kaufman, who was kneeling on one knee in the center of the hall. Anatolis lay beside Renn. Kapdo, Melissa, and the others did not appear; only Renn, Anatolis, and the various commanders of the Guard Army were in the hall.

Even so, Kaufman's heart began to tremble.

He had imagined countless possibilities on the way, but he never expected Renn's power to be so great, nor that there would be a terrifyingly powerful Magic Wolf by Renn's side.

"What orders did the Grand Duke issue?"

"Baron Renn, the Grand Duke has ordered you to meet him at the Iron Wall Fortress. His Grace has matters he needs to ask you in person."

After speaking, Kaufman stole a cautious glance at Renn, then quickly lowered his head under the pressure of a powerful aura.

"The Grand Duke wants to see me?"

Renn thought about it; the Grand Duke of the Raging Bear likely wanted to ask about his daughter and the affairs of the Red River Territory. After all, his daughter had disappeared, and the changes in the Red River Territory were so drastic; if he were the Grand Duke, he would also have many questions.

Renn had already prepared a set of explanations for the changes in the Red River Territory, but regarding Alistair's situation, he didn't know what to say. That would depend on Alistair herself.

"I have received the Grand Duke's order. I will set out for the Iron Wall Fortress once I have arranged the affairs of the territory."

Renn dismissed Kaufman and then went to find Alistair.

The Grand Duke's daughter, the mysterious Miss Witch, lived in another auxiliary tower of Red River Fortress. The entire building had been constructed and decorated by Alistair herself, completely according to her preferences.

Upon finding Alistair, Renn explained his purpose. Hearing that her father had summoned Renn, Alistair's expression remained calm, but her flickering gaze betrayed her.

"Wait a moment, Renn."

With that, Alistair went to the table and began to write while Renn waited nearby.

A moment later, Alistair finished a letter and handed it to Renn.

"Renn, I have protective measures left by my mother and the Great Witch Sylvan. Unless a Legendary acts, I will not die. Furthermore, even if I were to die, my father would be able to sense it, so he knows whether I am alive or dead."

"I don't want to return to Rage Bear Fortress. Faking death works on others but not on my father. I've disappeared, and the Red River Territory has risen so abruptly; he can surely guess that I am here with you."

"Take this letter to him. Once he reads it, he will understand my thoughts and won't make things difficult for you."

Renn glanced at the letter in his hand and nodded.

"Fine, I understand. Rest assured, I will personally deliver this letter to your father."

Having settled the matter with Alistair, Renn arranged the territory's affairs and set out for the Iron Wall Fortress with a troop of Magic Wolf Knights.