Chapter 105: The Province of Tonks and the Blood Moon Dominion

The Tongks Province spans over 500,000 square kilometers, with forests covering eighty percent of its land. The local nobility largely depend on the valuable timber and rare plants as the backbone of their economy.

Long ago, Tongks Province was much smaller, covering less than 200,000 square kilometers. Over sixty years ago, the Kingdom of Ilia waged war against the Half-Elven Kingdom and emerged victorious, carving out a portion of the Half-Elven territory that became the present-day Tongks Province.

This war gave rise to a remarkable countess—Countess Mia Li Ex, known as the Blood Moon Countess. With her sharp intellect and iron will, she shattered a Half-Elven ranger legion, decisively turning the tide of the conflict.

As Verin journeyed towards the Blood Moon territory, he recalled some details about this distinguished elder of his family. She was a generation above his father, his grandfather’s cousin, descended from a collateral branch tracing back to the third son of the second-generation Eagle Count.

“How should I address her when we meet?” he wondered aloud.

“Call her great-aunt,” came a hesitant reply. “But it sounds a bit strange.”

“Master, there’s a sentry post ahead,” Kyle interrupted Verin’s thoughts as he peered ahead.

Verin shook his head, dismissing the odd notions, and looked up at the guard station several hundred meters away. Above it fluttered the noble banner of the Blood Moon—a dark red flag emblazoned in its center with a blood moon and a broken ranger’s curved sword.

“We’ve arrived. This must be the border of the Blood Moon territory.”

“Please present your pass or noble family crest,” said a knight clad in dark red armor as he approached Verin politely.

Verin produced the Ex family crest and handed it over.

The knight examined the emblem carefully, occasionally glancing at Verin with growing respect. He returned the crest with reverence. “Sir, may I ask the purpose of your visit? Do you require any assistance?”

“I simply wish to take this opportunity to admire the scenery of the Blood Moon land. No need to trouble you,” Verin replied kindly, pocketing the crest.

“Please wait a moment, sir.”

Minutes later, the knight returned, holding a red pass, which he presented with due respect.

“Knight, what is this?” Verin asked, examining the red pass with curiosity.

“This, sir, is a red pass issued by our lord’s command for members of the Ex family. It grants you access to the towns along the way. You only need to show it to the local magistrates.”

“May I ask why you have a sentry post here? I thought the Blood Moon territory was still some distance from the border.”

The knight’s expression darkened as he explained bitterly, “Perhaps our lord is too merciful. Compared to neighboring noble lands, the Blood Moon territory is like paradise. Every year, countless serfs and free folk flee here with their families.”

“Many nobles have protested repeatedly. Coupled with orders from the royal capital, our lord had no choice but to establish sentry posts at the borders with other noble domains to conduct inspections and appease the neighboring lords.”

“Thank you, knight, for clarifying this.”

“It is my honor, sir.”

The knight then waved them through.

Passing the sentry post smoothly, Verin officially entered the Blood Moon territory.

Looking around at the towering ancient trees, Verin understood that this was the heart of Tongks Province—the most precious land, belonging to Countess Mia Li.

“Master, how is it that your family treats commoners or serfs so well within such limited bounds?” Kyle asked, gathering courage.

“It’s simple—we have the backing of our family. A strong foundation.”

“Lower-ranking nobles like barons and viscounts must depend on counts and marquises to survive in the kingdom and gain military honors. They pay tribute every year.”

“If you have strength but are assigned only to escort military supplies, you might earn a fraction of a merit point per campaign. It could take centuries to rise from baron to viscount, and you’d still face exclusion from your peers.”

“Moreover, precious resources—like this Red Phosphor horse beneath me—only circulate among counts and above. Lower nobles never get a chance. Even if a count or marquis takes pity, they must pay multiples of the price, and the animals cannot be bred.”

“Most importantly, our family has a noble tradition, free from needless strife. We impose the lowest taxes on our lands and support their development through other means. This ensures a steady supply of quality troops who give back to the family, creating a virtuous cycle.”

“Did you notice the knight in dark red armor just now?”

Kyle nodded emphatically.

“I’m certain that knight is just an ordinary bronze-level knight here in the Blood Moon territory. But in the household of a lower baron noble, though he may not surpass their carefully groomed heirs, he would still be far superior to their other offspring.”

“So, he might even be stronger than Duke?”

“Yes. Without Raimondo’s training, Duke might not even stand against that knight in dark red armor.”

“Enough speculation. With my guidance, you have nothing to fear ahead.”

“Yes, Master.” Kyle smiled sheepishly, rubbing his head.

...

Passing through the towns along the Blood Moon territory, Verin experienced what it truly meant to be a distinguished guest.

Almost every town offered food and gifts. Had they not traveled light and declined politely, they would have needed several wagons just to carry everything.

After the commotion, Verin arrived at the center of the Blood Moon territory—Blood Moon City, a city built around the Blood Moon Castle.

Presenting the red pass to the guards at the city gate, Verin and Kyle entered this youthful city.

The streets were clean and orderly, each resident wearing a genuine smile, full of lively spirit—a testament to the profound influence of Countess Mia Li.

Crossing the broad avenues, Verin headed straight to the Blood Moon Castle in the eastern district of the city.

Compared to the bustling other districts, this area was much quieter, patrolled constantly by fully armed guards.

Suddenly, a shadow swooped overhead. Verin looked up to see a knight riding a two-winged dragon gliding through the sky.

“A dragon rider! The Blood Moon Countess commands twelve dragon riders, each of golden rank. I never expected to see one today,” Verin marveled, envy tinged in his voice.

His own father commanded only a griffin rider squad of just over a hundred men—respectable, but hardly as imposing as the Blood Moon Countess’s force.

“Hmph, once I gain sufficient strength, I will surely form my own flying cavalry.”