The Lord of the Rings: Lords of Middle-earth.

Chapter 645 Renault's Communication

"Welcome, Lord Ismir!" Luke Leopold nodded slightly, his hand on his chest. He didn't appear overly enthusiastic, after all, he was the Grand Commander of the Kingdom's Swift Infantry, and in terms of status and seniority, this newly risen lord couldn't compare. A lord? How many legions did he command? Besides, the fact that he didn't have a title now didn't mean King Roland wouldn't grant them to the two brothers. Luke Leopold considered it for a moment; he and his brother were at least barons.

Even Lance, who used to be a slave, is now a baron. If you come here with a legion to rejoin the fold, you can't be any less powerful than Lance, right?

Roland hadn't forgotten his two brothers and Lavian, but the kingdom didn't need so many nobles right now. After all, what good would it do to have so many nobles constantly scheming against each other in such a small place? Another thing Roland was embarrassed to say was that he disliked bestowing titles upon court nobles… Don't ask, it's just too shameful. They couldn't produce gold and silver, nor manors or fiefdoms—a king with nothing… If it weren't for the necessity of winning over the people at Palembang, Roland wouldn't have even considered bestowing a single title. Who's ever seen someone bestow a thousand gold coins as a title of nobility? Not even a manor—it's an insult to the title of nobility… This was also why Roland readily agreed to his expansion.

“Excuse me, General Luke Leopold, we may need to stay here for a couple of days to adjust our condition!” Ismir said gently.

“You can discuss this with General Reno…” Luke Leopold smiled, the implication being: don’t tell me, I don’t have that authority.

“Of course, could you please introduce me to General Reynolds…” Ismir said with a smile.

“No problem, it’s just that if you’re unwilling, General Reynolds still wants to see you!” Luke Leopold shook his head.

For Ismir, the name Renault was like an insurmountable mountain, representing the pinnacle of a noble's position in the kingdom! Besides the de facto governorship of Lulong, Renault also held a less frequently mentioned title—Governor of the North!

Whether Renault was a nobleman or not was no longer important. Anyone with this official position, even if they were a commoner, would at the very least become a border marquis or a court duke! This meant that the king or emperor was willing to entrust you with great power, and this trust destined you for an extraordinary future!
(Renault: What else can Roland do besides make empty promises? Am I, the governor of the North, just going around to a fortress all day?)
……

"Welcome, Lord Ismir!" Renault was very approachable, and his smile made Ismir feel very comfortable, as if he was born to trust Renault.

"Greetings, General Renault, Governor of the North and Prefect of Lulong! It is a great honor to meet you! You are the idol of all pioneers!" Ismir flattered, knowing the principle that everyone should fawn over someone who is already adored.
"Your Excellency is too kind. I was merely serving the kingdom and being loyal to the king!" Renault said gently.

“I understand your purpose. The king has already given instructions that this place can afford the supplies you need for your expansion! Of course, all of this requires an equivalent exchange!” Renault said solemnly.

The massive Lulong Fortress could easily handle the supply of these people; adding one more group wouldn't make a difference. However, supplies weren't something that came easily; everything depended on gold coins. Moreover, as long as they developed well, the minerals and magical beasts on the edge of the Dark Forest would be enough for them to thrive, more than enough to support one of their lord territories.

“Of course, that’s only right! I won’t make things difficult for you!” Ismir said solemnly. This opportunity to expand was hard-won, and he would cherish it immensely. By the way, he also mentioned that his monthly salary was gone. After all, once he chose to expand, the kingdom would no longer have to pay his salary. So, once they settled down, Ismir would have to figure out how to make money.

"Yeah, there are plenty of resources. If all else fails, we can rob some wandering orcs. There's always a way to overcome difficulties!" Renault said casually. "Heh, those things are beyond my reach right now!" Ismir shook his head with a laugh.

“That’s true. A few dozen ordinary soldiers in decent condition plus a squad of half-baked professionals… the odds of winning are indeed slim!” Renault nodded in agreement. It’s important for people to know their own limitations. He had just mentioned it on purpose, but he didn’t expect Ismir to have such a clear understanding of his own position!
"It would be good enough if we could just stay and play it safe!" Ismir said with a wry smile.

“It’s alright, your pioneering order has no time limit. If all else fails, just abandon your territory and come here. Go back when things calm down!” Renault laughed.

"Won't this cause trouble for the kingdom? After all... the war has only just ended." Ismir was a little guilty. If he brought an orc army to the kingdom, which had just calmed down, things would get really messy!

"Heh? Trouble? This thing is for solving trouble!" Renault stomped his foot imposingly, indicating that he was standing on a war fortress, his armor clattering loudly!
“Don’t be afraid of trouble. The kingdom and the orcs have a blood feud! We’ve slaughtered a lot of their bastards, and they killed our heavy cavalry... They still owe us a blood debt! If you dare to bring them here, we dare to slaughter them right here!” Renault’s eyes flashed with a cold light.

One look in their eyes, and they were clearly not to be trifled with! Ismir wanted to slap those people across the face. Who said General Renault was refined and easygoing? He practically had "I'm a butcher" written all over his face! The murderous aura surrounding him... who knows how many orcs had sacrificed their lives for him...

"Of course, it would be even better to bring the Ringwraiths over! Those little brats hide in the shadows all day long, and it's rare to catch one of them who's brain-dead! If you sneak over, I'll recommend you for a high position! You'll be promoted to a hereditary baron!" Renault's heart sank at the thought of a certain Ringwraith who relied on spatial power, and he immediately gritted his teeth and said.

"Gulp!" Ismir swallowed hard. Good heavens! What right did I, Ismir, have to fight the Ringwraiths? I wanted to start my own family! And now, my endeavor is cut short!
“That might not work. Is it possible that the Ringwraiths are bringing my corpse with them…” Ismir said, forcing himself to think. After much deliberation, this was the only method he could come up with: the Ringwraiths killing a nobleman of the kingdom and then showing off his corpse before the enemy lines…

"Tsk tsk tsk! What a character! Even when Roland was at the third rank, he dared to go toe-to-toe with the Ringwraiths!" Renault said calmly, but what he didn't mention was that Roland almost had his thesis knocked out by the Ringwraiths...

"Ahem, how can I compare to His Majesty the King?" Ismir scratched his head, thinking that he, Ismir, owed his success today entirely to his own talent and hard work—the Breath of Nature gave him power!
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you should get some rest. I'll go check on the city defenses!" Renault decided to end the conversation. After talking for a while, he found Ismir to be a decent guy, at least he had clear goals and self-awareness! He should be someone who could get things done, so he didn't need to worry too much. Roland had originally asked him to keep an eye on things, but looking at how cautious this guy was... he figured sending two wyvern riders to keep an eye on things from the air would be enough.

“By the way! General Renault, we might have to stay another day. I want everyone to rest…” Ismir said, watching Renault’s retreating figure.

"Whatever, as long as you don't interfere with the city's defenses, I won't care if you stay until next year!" Renault waved his hand, interrupting him.

(End of this chapter)