Chapter 32: Attitude
The White Mountain Territory was renowned for its numerous and perilous mountains.
Before the downfall of the Bourbon Family, the White Mountain Territory possessed a high-quality and relatively abundant rare iron ore vein.
Due to this, it, along with the Gem Territory, also famed for its rich mineral resources, was collectively known as the Shattered Diamond Mountains, symbolizing the Shattered Diamonds embedded in the Bourbon Family's crest.
The blazing swan with outstretched gem wings once served as the emblem of the Bourbon Family.
This emblem also represented the three prosperous regions under the Bourbon Family's domain: Swan Lake, the Shattered Diamond Mountains, and the Flame Maple Forest.
However, the subterranean fire that led to the Bourbon Family's demise permanently altered two major landscapes of the Red Eagle Territory.
The high-quality rare iron ore vein in the Shattered Diamond Mountains not only collapsed but also melted into a subterranean lava flow.
Over the century following the Bourbon Family's fall, two of the four generations of the Bole Family endeavored to bury this lava flow.
It wasn't until the generation of Baron Ster's father that the lava was finally filled in, preventing vast areas of the White Mountain Territory from becoming as uninhabitable and uncultivable as the Red Soil Territory.
Although the Gem Territory also suffered losses due to this subterranean fire, their losses weren't as severe as those of the White Mountain Territory.
At most, over half of their previously surveyed mineral resources were depleted.
However, since these resources weren't associated with rare iron, their losses weren't as significant. In fact, they could still ensure that the assets of the Baron of Gem remained relatively substantial.
Therefore, the impoverishment of the White Mountain Territory wasn't due to an initial lack of resources but rather the unfortunate fate of the Bole Family.
Despite this, the Bole Family never abandoned this land. Through generations of silent toil, they not only maintained the territory's development but also showed signs of resurgence.
Had it not been for the war six months prior, which significantly depleted the Bole Family's foundation, the inclusion of members from the Soderbell Family might have elevated the Bole Family to be considered the third most powerful within the Red Eagle Territory.
However, at present, they could only be considered on par with the Antre Family of the Red Soil Territory and the Weist Family of the Forest Territory.
Ster was well aware that the Billy Family of the Gem Territory couldn't compare to his own.
Yet, as a vanguard for Marquis Visen, their outstanding performance in the assault on the Red River Territory might have earned them special rewards to aid their family's development, though this remained uncertain.
Therefore, if possible, Baron Ster preferred to develop his territory discreetly.
But reality didn't permit such discretion.
Half a month ago, Marquis Visen finally took control of Red River City.
He didn't bestow the Red River Territory upon any of his vassal knights, effectively declaring it as his direct domain.
Consequently, when he hosted a banquet in Red River City, all five lords within the territory departed immediately upon receiving their invitations, not daring to delay.
From a political standpoint, this was their first audience with their new lord, so naturally, no one dared to be late.
Even the Viscount of the Bayor Territory, whose foundation and overall strength were nearly on par with the Kasein Family, set out early.
This time, Baron Ster also brought along Yam and Akar.
As the primary heir of the Bole Family, Giggs naturally assumed the role of acting lord during Baron Ster's absence.
Having learned from previous lessons, Baron Ster didn't dare leave the territory undefended.
Thus, the experienced and seasoned Knight Commander Ken, along with Ion, formerly of the kingdom's frontline intelligence reconnaissance unit, remained to guard White Forest Castle.
In fact, with the Tyrella Kingdom entrusting the southern kingdom army to Marquis Visen, bringing Ion along might have been more effective.
However, since Baron Ster had already acknowledged Yam Soderbell as his prospective son-in-law, he naturally hoped that his future son-in-law could broaden his horizons and establish his own noble connections.
Therefore, he brought him along. As for his son Giggs, Baron Ster had essentially given up on him.
Recently, he had begun seeking a wealthy merchant's daughter from White Mountain City to find a suitable wife for Giggs.
Lily had mentioned to Yam that Baron Ster intended to groom his grandson as the heir.
Thus, bringing Yam along meant that if Ion were also included, Akar would have to remain in the White Mountain Territory. Even Baron Ster had to admit he lacked the courage to make such a decision.
Therefore, the only escorts for this journey were the brothers Yam and Akar.
The three riders traveled tirelessly, with almost no stops. It wasn't until they crossed the border between the White Mountain and Red River Territories that, upon seeing the vast barren land still unrecovered after half a year, Akar burst into hearty laughter, seemingly proud of his handiwork.
The eighteen consecutive flaming arrows that day had established Akar's renown.
[Blazing Bow] Akar.
The longbow, later re-polished and engraved with extensive flame patterns, had become his signature weapon.
It was then that Yam realized forging rare iron weapons wasn't as straightforward as he had imagined.
Most rare iron weapons were in a "raw" state.
At this stage, the weapons could merely withstand the power of bloodline users but couldn't truly unleash their full potential.
The primary reason was that second- and third-tier bloodline users often hadn't fully determined their bloodline attributes.
To prevent potential conflicts during future bloodline advancements, they typically refrained from perfecting such rare iron weapons until their bloodline attributes were confirmed.
However, Akar's longbow was a fully perfected weapon.
It incorporated various fire-elemental magical beast parts and fire-elemental rare minerals, endowing the longbow with significant fire-elemental power, greatly enhancing the capabilities of fire-elemental bloodline users.
In other words, this longbow's value and lethality could only be fully realized in the hands of a fire-elemental bloodline user.
This predetermined that Akar's future bloodline advancements could only be within the fire element, precluding transitions to other elemental bloodlines.
Nevertheless, Akar was entirely unconcerned about this.
He told Yam, "Brother, given our true potential, without the purification power of that sword, reaching the third tier is already ambitious. The outside world sees us as geniuses, capable of breaking through to the fourth or even fifth tier, but we know the reality."
Upon hearing Akar's words, Yam fell silent.
He knew his brother was right.
After their family retrieved the counterweight stone for the Rusty Sword, as they had previously speculated, the longsword indeed gained a new ability: aptitude assessment.
By placing a drop of blood on the sword's blade, the brightness and duration of the emitted light could determine a bloodline user's potential. If there was no hope of becoming a bloodline user, the sword would emit no light. Conversely, the brighter and longer-lasting the light, the higher the individual's bloodline potential.
Ion, Yam, and Akar had all undergone testing.
Ion's result showed no light, indicating he had no bloodline potential and had become a bloodline user solely due to the sword's unique properties.
Yam and Akar's light levels were similar.
According to the sword's feedback, advancing to the third tier would be challenging for both.
Without unforeseen circumstances, they would at most become second-tier bloodline users.
Their current seemingly prodigious talents were largely thanks to the sword's bloodline purification effect.
Additionally, there was the matter of the Bloodline Potion purification attempts.
Initially, since both Yam and Akar had used the Bloodline Potion once, the remaining "energy" in the sword allowed for only one more purification.
However, with the restoration of the counterweight stone, the number of purification attempts reset to five.
Yet, since the Rusty Sword's ability to purify only extended to third-tier Bloodline Potions, even with five purification attempts, Yam and Akar couldn't advance to the fourth tier, given their limited potential.
On the bright side, with the sword's purification capabilities, they could at least ensure their family's continuity should they ascend to baronial status.
Therefore, what required long-term planning for others was, in Akar's view, already determined due to their known limitations, allowing him to more easily chart his future.
He saw himself as the blade of the Soderbell Family, hoping only to witness the family's elevation to baronial status within his lifetime.
A luxurious carriage, crafted with exquisite materials, was slowly approaching.
Before the carriage came to a complete stop, a blonde girl had already leaned out of the window, energetically waving her arms.
Her long sleeves slipped down, revealing a patch of fair skin.
Yet, the girl paid it no mind, continuing to smile and wave.
“Sister Anna.” Standing at the entrance of the manor, the waiting woman restrained her gaze, her smile charming as she softly called out, “I've finally been waiting for you.”
Compared to Monica, who stood at the gate, the blonde Anna possessed more delicate and gentle features.
She had a pair of beautiful, sapphire-like eyes. Her high nose bridge did not disrupt the harmony of her features; instead, it added a three-dimensional quality to her face.
Her overall demeanor was gentle yet spirited, making her smile particularly sweet.
Anna Billy, the eldest daughter of the Baron of Gem Territory.
Though her talents were not outstanding, her exceptional beauty earned her the title of the "Diamond of Gem Territory."
As she retracted into the carriage, a young man sitting beside her couldn't help but speak, “Mind your image.”
Anna rolled her eyes, her face showing a hint of disdain, “A woman who can't attract attention is truly pitiful. You'd better take care of yourself. This banquet by the Kasein family is clearly intended to find a husband for Miss Monica. If you don't put in more effort, she might end up changing her surname to Sennels.”
A flash of anger appeared in the young man's eyes, his face slightly reddening, but in the end, he said nothing.
However, Anna, having gained the upper hand in words, showed no restraint and continued, “But it's okay if you can't marry Monica. With my looks, marrying into the Kasein family wouldn't be a problem at all. ... I wonder if Young Master Burton will attend this banquet. It's been a long time since I've seen him.”
Being mocked by his sister in such a manner, the young man could only glare at Anna angrily, not daring to make any other moves.
Anna's lips curled up, her eyes revealing a sense of satisfaction.
At this moment, the carriage finally came to a halt, evidently having arrived at the manor's main entrance.
Just as Anna was about to open the door and step out, the young man grasped her right hand first, then leaned close to her ear and whispered, “If you dare lock the door again tonight, I'll make you understand what pain truly is when we return.”
Anna was startled by the venomous and chilling words, her entire body stiffening.
She even felt that the large hand pressing on her left hand had become clammy, causing her to break out in goosebumps and nearly vomit.
But the young man had already opened the carriage door, stepping out with a face full of smugness, “Miss Monica, it's been a while.”
“Long time no see, Lord Andre.” Monica greeted obediently, then looked towards the carriage with a puzzled expression, “Sister Anna, what's wrong? Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?”
“I'm fine.” Anna forced a rather strained smile, “Just a bit dizzy, nothing serious.”
“Then come down quickly. I'll take you to your room to rest.” Monica hurriedly stepped forward to help Anna, her face full of concern, “You can stay in my room these few days. We haven't seen each other for almost a year. I have so much to tell you, Sister Anna.”
Anna lowered her gaze, softly replying, “Alright.”
She didn't dare to look at Andre but could almost feel his cold and piercing gaze fixed on her back.
Two days later, Baron Ster and the brothers Yam and Akar finally arrived at Red River City from the Red River–White Mountain border.
However, what Baron Ster hadn't anticipated was that upon their arrival, Marquis Visen personally came out to receive them.
This immediately caused Baron Ster to display an expression of being overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, he was well aware that Marquis Visen intended to use him to undermine Count Shuravin's prestige and influence.
Yet, Baron Ster also understood that he had no other choice.
Recalling Lily's warning before departure, “Father, avoid being indecisive!”
Baron Ster took the opportunity of Marquis Visen's personal reception to hand him a letter, lowering his voice as he said, “My Lord Marquis, I have evidence that Count Shuravin has been attempting to sow discord among the nobles of Red Eagle Territory over the years!”
Marquis Visen's eyes gleamed momentarily. Without showing any emotion, he accepted the letter and patted Baron Ster's shoulder with a smile, “Come to the study later; I'll introduce you to a few people.”
“Yes.” Baron Ster bowed his head.