Ren led the group to his study.
The old chamber was dimly lit, the smell of parchment and candle wax filling the air. The fire from the small brazier burned low, throwing long shadows across the carved oak walls.
Once everyone had taken their seats, the baron leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands together. His eyes, sharp and cold, swept over them one by one, like a hawk weighing its prey.
"Now," he said quietly, "tell me what happened on your trip."
The knights glanced toward Jiang Ning almost in unison. None of them dared to speak first. The matter they carried was too heavy, too dangerous to explain clumsily. It was better that their young lord tell it himself.
Jiang Ning met their gazes briefly before turning his attention to his father. "As I mentioned before, Father, I took the knights to Red Toad Gorge to investigate the rumors surrounding the Dragon Tail Fern."
Ren Ning's eyes flicked briefly toward the men. Each one nodded, confirming his son's words.
Jiang Ning continued evenly, "Inside the gorge, we found a cave and within it, we encountered an adult Spiked Grizzly Bear."
At that, Ren Ning's brow furrowed deeply, while Maria drew in a sharp breath.
Lina, standing quietly behind her lady, tilted her head in confusion. She had never seen such a creature, but the look on everyone's faces told her enough, it was dangerous beyond comprehension.
Jiang Ning's tone grew somber. "We managed to slay the beast, though it wasn't without cost. Sir Rigor was injured protecting me."
Maria's expression softened, and she turned toward the burly knight. "You have my thanks, Sir Rigor. House Ning won't forget your loyalty."
Rigor, still wrapped in bandages, lowered his head respectfully. "It's my honor, madam."
Jiang Ning reached into his satchel and drew out a small cloth bundle. "We found this in the creature's chest."
He unwrapped the cloth, revealing a dull brown crystal that faintly pulsed with inner light.
Ren Ning leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied it. "A beast soul crystal," he murmured. "Only powerful creatures can form such a thing."
He returned it to his son. "That bear must have been formidable indeed."
"It was," Jiang Ning confirmed. "If Sir Ronan hadn't been with us, it might have ended differently."
The knights nodded solemnly. As prideful as they were, none of them denied it, the Elite Knight had done most of the heavy lifting. Their own weapons had barely scratched the monster's hide.
Ren Ning didn't seem surprised. "Ronan is a seasoned warrior. A Fatal-grade beast wouldn't pose much trouble to someone of his level."
Jiang Ning nodded before continuing, "After that battle, we ventured deeper. We found a cavern with a crystal-clear pond in its center… and another creature guarding it, an adult Iron Back Crocodile."
Maria gasped again, this time unable to hide her alarm. Even Ren Ning's expression darkened; he knew the strength of such monsters.
"We killed it as well," Jiang Ning said calmly, "and that's when we saw them, the Dragon Tail Ferns. Not one or two stalks, but hundreds."
Ren Ning's hand froze midair. "You're certain?"
"I am," Jiang Ning replied with a faint smile. He gestured toward the knights. "Show Father what we brought back."
"Yes, my lord!"
The knights moved quickly, untying the sacks and laying them open across the study floor.
A faint green glow spilled out into the room.
Maria covered her mouth in astonishment. "By the heavens…"
Ren Ning stood up abruptly and leaned forward. The faint light reflected in his eyes as he stared at the hundreds of Dragon Tail Fern stalks glistening under the candlelight.
"It's real," he muttered. "You actually found them."
"How many?" Maria asked breathlessly.
"More than seven hundred," Jiang Ning answered, smiling.
"What?!" Maria nearly staggered, steadying herself against the desk. She quickly began to calculate their value in her head, and when she reached the rough total, her lips parted in disbelief.
Fourteen thousand gold coins. Possibly more.
Ren Ning, however, had regained his calm, though there was still a glint of shock in his eyes. "What do you plan to do with these herbs, my son?"
"I made a promise recently," Jiang Ning said, his tone thoughtful. "With the people from the orphanage in Vale."
He went on to explain his arrangement with William and Josephine, the children who would work for his workshop, and Rasmus, the boy he wished to train.
Maria's eyes lit up with understanding. "Having the orphans work on your products instead of hired labor will reduce the risk of your recipe leaking. Clever."
Jiang Ning chuckled softly. "I learned from you, Mother."
Ren Ning's gaze grew more intense. "Funding the orphanage will earn you loyalty, yes, but training those children as knights? That's a far greater gamble. Not all will have the talent or endurance."
Jiang Ning inclined his head. "I understand. But there are countless commoners born with potential who never get the chance to prove it. Give them resources, training, and a purpose, and they'll devote themselves completely to House Ning."
Ren Ning studied him in silence for a long moment. His son's words weren't the impulsive dreams of a boy. They carried thought, purpose, ambition.
And yet… there was something else in his eyes, something deeper.
Once, his son had been ordinary. Unassuming. Average in talent, content to live quietly under his family's name. But now, this version of Jiang Ning burned with conviction.
When did this change begin?
Ren thought silently.
And what exactly drives you now, my son?
After a long pause, the baron finally sighed. "It seems you've already decided your path."
He rose to his feet and rested a hand on Jiang Ning's shoulder. "Then I'll entrust this matter entirely to you. The Dragon Tail Ferns, the orphanage, all of it. Handle it as you see fit. But remember-"
His voice deepened. "Whatever you do, do not act in a way that will bring you regret."
Jiang Ning's heart tightened at those words. He had been ready to give up a portion of the herbs, but his father's trust stunned him.
He lowered his head respectfully. "I won't disappoint you, Father. Everything I do will be for the sake of House Ning."
Ren's stern expression softened slightly. "Good."
"Managing all this will be difficult. If you need advice, ask your mother, she's the best when it comes to trade and coin."
"Yes, Father."
"Excellent."
Ren's eyes swept over the room again, lingering on each knight. "This matter stays within this room. No one else must know. Am I clear?"
"Yes, my lord!" they answered in perfect unison, straightening instinctively under his gaze.
Ren nodded once. "Dismissed."
The knights bowed and began to file out quietly, leaving only Jiang, Maria, and Lina behind.
"Rest well," Ren said, turning back toward his desk. "Tomorrow will bring more work than you expect."
"Yes, Father." Jiang Ning bowed again before leaving the room with Lina at his side.
As they stepped into the quiet corridor, the air felt lighter, freer.
Lina's soft voice broke the silence. "My lord… I'm glad you're safe."
Jiang Ning turned, smiling faintly. "Were you that worried, Lin Lin?"
Her cheeks reddened instantly at the nickname. "I- I just thought… when you left looking like that, with all those weapons…" She trailed off, eyes darting away.
Jiang Ning reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against her hand. "You worry too much," he said warmly. "But I'm grateful for it."
She swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "Mn."
He chuckled. "I promised to bring back game for dinner, but I suppose everyone's already eaten."
Lina looked up at him, puzzled. "You… still went hunting after getting those herbs?"
"Well," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes, "we did bring back a bear."
Her eyes widened. "That's a monster, my lord! How could I possibly eat something so valuable?"
"Valuable or not, it's still meat," he said lightly. "Besides, haven't you heard Mother say you'll be part of this family soon?"
Her whole body stiffened. "Wh–What are you saying, my lord?" she stammered, her face turning crimson.
Jiang Ning laughed softly. "You're adorable when you're flustered, Lin Lin."
Lina turned away, her heart pounding. She didn't answer, but her lips curved into the faintest smile.
I'll never let anyone hurt you again, Jiang Ning thought, watching her quietly. And I'll make the man who once did… wish he'd never been born.
The next morning, the sun had barely risen when Jiang Ning was already on the move. He left the estate with Ronan and another man riding beside him, Harris, one of Maria's most trusted aides.
The older man wore a neat coat and a monocle perched on his nose. His gray hair was slicked back, his posture crisp and professional.
Jiang Ning had personally asked his mother to lend Harris to him. If he was going to handle the Dragon Tail Fern trade properly, he needed someone with real experience.
With Harris managing the logistics, Jiang Ning thought, I won't have to worry about the business side. I can focus on what matters most.
"My lord, we've arrived," the coachman said as the carriage slowed to a stop.
Jiang Ning stepped out, surveying the orphanage gates. The morning air smelled faintly of dew and smoke from nearby chimneys.
"You'll come with me, Harris," he said.
The older man adjusted his monocle and nodded respectfully. "Of course, my lord."
Jiang Ning turned slightly toward the carriage. "Ronan, stay here and keep watch."
Ronan inclined his head. "As you wish, my lord."
"Good." Jiang Ning smiled faintly. "Let's go, Harris. I'll introduce you to the people here."
And with that, the two men walked toward the orphanage gate.