Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start - Chapter 224 - 223: The Problems of Raising a Dragon

Chapter 224: Chapter 223: The Problems of Raising a Dragon

Ronin counted them. A total of 136 Dragon Scales had fallen off Carlos. Given their size, forging a suit of Dragon Scale Armor shouldn’t be a problem.

The only problem was, who could actually craft it?

Carpenter William from the Ironwood Workshop?

’They struggle just to process Black Iron Tree wood. Asking them to work on Dragon Scales would be pushing them too far.’

After much thought, a Blacksmith seemed like the only reliable option.

’But a blacksmith of Carlos’s level probably wouldn’t be good enough. It would have to be an Artisan or even a Grand Artisan Level Blacksmith like Dan. And it would be best if they were also a Knight; it can’t be done without Power.’

’If all else fails, I’ll just have to do it myself.’

As this wild thought crossed his mind, Ronin leaped back onto Carlos’s back.

Although the dragon’s Level had increased, the wound on its back hadn’t healed.

It was no longer bleeding, but the area around the wound was caked with blood, a gruesome sight.

Ronin took out a Healing Spell Scroll and used it on the wound. However, a Giant Dragon’s constitution was far stronger than a human’s. As a Second-level Spell, the Healing Skill was far too weak and had almost no effect.

“How are you feeling now? Can you still fly?” Ronin asked.

Carlos struggled to get up, but its legs wobbled, and it ultimately collapsed back onto the sand in defeat.

“Apologies, Master. I’m still very weak. Moving is difficult for me right now.”

He had expended too much energy over the past several hours. Ronin had drained his blood and beaten him. Even with the Level increase, he wasn’t instantly restored to full health. He still needed time to slowly recover his stamina and Spirit.

“Then get some rest.”

Ronin was not in a hurry to leave.

According to Carlos’s information, although there were still some people in that cave, they were all servants and the like, and posed no threat to Ridder and the others.

This meant that once Ronin explored the cave, his trip to the Northern Territory would be brought to a successful conclusion.

He sat cross-legged on the dragon’s back and began to refine Magic Power.

From the start of the battle to Carlos’s final submission, Ronin had lost count of how many spells he’d cast. The only reason he had lasted this long was his high Attribute Affinity, his practiced spellcasting, and his ample Magic Power reserves.

If it were another Chief Mage, they probably couldn’t have done it.

Refining Magic Power required carefully sensing the Elemental Power in the world around him, using Spiritual Power to absorb the Wind and Fire Elements into his Mana Space, and gradually converting them into Magic Power to be stored.

It seemed like a tedious process, but once he truly immersed himself in it, it allowed his entire mental state to relax.

RUMBLE…

An inopportune sound rang out, interrupting Ronin’s meditation. He opened his eyes and looked in surprise at the Giant Dragon beneath him.

That sound was unmistakably a stomach rumbling.

He couldn’t help but ask, “Are you hungry?”

Carlos was a little embarrassed and responded weakly.

“Um, yes, Master…”

He explained, “I exerted myself too much today and used a great deal of stamina. Besides, Natalia only ever gave me a small amount of food at each meal. I’ve never had enough to eat.”

’How pitiful.’

Ronin felt a little awkward. He’d never considered this problem. ’So, Giant Dragons get hungry, too.’

Unfortunately, the dried rations in his Space Ring wouldn’t even be a mouthful for the Giant Dragon.

Ronin also thought of a problem—how was he going to feed this Giant Dragon?

Taking him back to his territory was definitely not realistic.

The few sheep in Mountain Forest Town and the several hundred cattle in Swamp Town probably wouldn’t be enough to feed the Giant Dragon for a year.

He also couldn’t feed all five or six hundred Black Water Buffalo to Carlos. How would the territory’s land reclamation proceed then? Moreover, the Black Water Buffalo were one of the territory’s sources of income.

After thinking it over, he came up with a single solution: let him fend for himself.

To the west of the Wubei Territory lay the vast Wushan Demon Beast Mountain Range. ’I’ll have to let Carlos hunt for his own food there and fend for himself.’

Anyway, with the Soul Contract in place, Ronin could send a signal to him whenever he needed something.

At Carlos’s top flying speed, it probably wouldn’t take long to reach the territory.

“What did Natalia feed you?”

“Fish. All kinds of fish.”

Despair flickered in Carlos’s eyes. He didn’t know how he had survived all these years. Sometimes, the mere sight of a wriggling fish made him feel nauseous.

But there was no other choice. To stave off hunger, he had to eat them.

But Ronin was focused on something else.

Natalia and the others almost never left the valley. The only exception was when they pursued invaders, and even then, they never went more than a mile or so. Where did they get so many fish?

He absolutely did not believe they were stored in a warehouse.

What kind of warehouse could store nearly three hundred years’ worth of provisions?

It seemed he had to go check out that cave. There was definitely some secret inside that even Carlos didn’t know about.

“I’ll go find you something to eat.”

With a sigh of resignation, Ronin hopped off the dragon’s back and ventured into the forest to see if he could hunt down any beasts.

But the huge commotion from earlier had long since scared away all the animals in the area. He was destined to return empty-handed.

After searching for a while with no success, Ronin could only return to the beach.

It was a good thing he returned when he did. At that moment, Ridder was pointing his sword at Carlos, demanding to know, “Where is our Lord?”

But he didn’t understand the dragon tongue and couldn’t comprehend the Giant Dragon’s explanation at all. It looked like he was about to resort to force.

“Ridder, stop.”

Ronin hurried over. “I’ve already subjugated him. He’s not an enemy anymore.”

Carlos gave a human-like nod, devoid of any draconic dignity. He was simply too weak at the moment to be a match for Ridder.

“My Lord, you really conquered the Giant Dragon?”

Ridder had a shocked expression. Believing in Ronin was one thing, but seeing that he had actually subjugated a Giant Dragon was another thing entirely!

“This is… truly incredible!”

Ronin smiled slightly and said, “Let’s not talk about that for now. We have a tricky problem. Carlos is hungry, and in his current state, he can’t hunt. But I couldn’t find any beasts in the vicinity.”

Ridder immediately said, “I’ll go back and have everyone split up to search. Hopefully, we’ll find something.”

For now, that was the only option.

“Go on.”

Ronin glanced at Carlos. “After he recovers some of his strength, we’ll meet up in the valley as well.”

Watching Ridder leave, Ronin sighed.

’If Ridder and the others come back empty-handed, our only choice is to check the cave for a fish supply.’

Carlos shuddered upon hearing this.

Ronin walked to the seashore. This place was also a shallow beach, not suitable for developing into a port.

He planned to wait for Carlos to recover and then take a good flight along the Wubei Territory’s coastline to see if he could find a more suitable location.

This was the advantage of having a flying mount: saving time and increasing efficiency.

More than two hours passed. The sun sank in the west, and twilight began to fall.

Carlos stood up. “Master, I’ve recovered some strength. I can fly for a while now.”

“Good!”

Ronin got on his back. “Let’s go. We’re heading back to the valley.”

His giant wings unfolded, and Carlos took to the sky.

His movements were quite steady, and his broad neck blocked the oncoming wind.

Ronin felt no strain at all sitting on his back; it was a completely different experience from when he was trying to conquer him.

Carlos flew neither high nor fast.

However, as the distance between the beach and the valley was only about six miles, it wasn’t long before they landed outside the cave.

The whistling wind caught the attention of the retainers left guarding the cave. They shot to their feet in horror, staring at the dark shadow in the sky.

“It’s the Giant Dragon!”

Everyone’s heart pounded with panic once more.

Even though their Commander had returned to say the Lord was fine and had conquered the Giant Dragon, their hearts still filled with terror when faced with the creature again.

Carlos folded his wings and landed in the clearing in front of the cave.

HUFF. A stream of air shot from his nostrils. He seemed a bit tired.

He merely glanced at the humans nearby. Knowing they were Ronin’s subordinates, he didn’t pay them much attention.

Giant Dragons are proud creatures. His respect and submission towards Ronin were due to the Master-Servant Contract. Towards everyone else, Carlos remained contemptuous.

“It’s the Lord!”

“The Lord has returned!”

Only then did the subordinates on the ground see Ronin on his back.

They cried out in astonishment, their eyes shining with awe and adoration.

Ronin jumped down from the dragon’s back and scanned the area. Only Elron, Babulin, Jenny, and Grado were left guarding the cave; the rest had probably gone into the mountains to hunt.

“Babulin, how is your injury?”

Babulin had been wounded by an enemy Advanced Level Knight in the previous battle.

Babulin was emotional. The Ronin of today was not just the Viscount of the Wubei Territory, but a mighty figure who had subjugated a Giant Dragon!

Babulin was deeply moved to be shown concern by such a person, and he felt proud and honored to be able to follow him.

“Thank you for your concern, my Lord! The Great Physician has already treated my wound. It’s nothing serious now.”

Elron added, “The others also sustained minor injuries, but none are serious. You can rest assured, my Lord.”

Ronin nodded and looked at the others. “You’ve all worked hard. Rest here for now. Let me know when Ridder and the others return from their hunt.”

“Elron, you’re with me.”

With that, he led Elron and Carlos into the cave, leaving a few of his subordinates to stare blankly at the Giant Dragon’s retreating back.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com