I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

Chapter 532: Chapter 380: Bernal’s Loyalty_2

Lis had not expected Risa’s combat to have such an effect and knew that Ivor had already shared quite a bit with him after hearing Bernal address him in that manner.

“Lord Bernal, there were too many prying eyes earlier, which is why I wanted to speak with you privately,” Lis said with a smile to the composed middle-aged man before him.

Bernal slightly bowed his head, his posture very humble, and spoke softly.

On his way here, he had been pondering why Lis wanted to meet with him in private rather than converse in front of the others.

After much thought, he felt there was only one significant possibility.

That was that the other party wanted to recruit him.

Put more bluntly, Lis wanted to enlist his service.

It was a rare opportunity, and although Bernal himself had entertained the thought, he still wanted to hear what Lis had to say.

“Is it really that simple?”

Lis’s lips curled into a slight smile as he looked at Bernal.

“…Of course, our previous notions were indeed inappropriate, not realizing Danerluo Port already belonged to you,” Bernal paused for a moment, then said in a solemn tone:

“But please trust that my family and I no longer harbor such thoughts.”

“As you wish, we are ready to contribute to the development of Danerluo Port,” Bernal added.

After pondering momentarily, Lis directly asked:

“If I asked you to serve me, would you be willing?”

“Uh…”

Bernal had not anticipated that Lis would pose such a direct question. He had just subtly indicated his willingness, but he wanted to hear Lis’s thoughts.

Or rather, what status and power Lis could offer Bernal and the family backing him.

Even though Bernal didn’t dwell on past glories, he had once held a high position in the kingdom.

Even with Lis’s strength and the promising future of his territory, it would be meaningless for Bernal to start anew.

But… the opportunity was indeed tempting.

Not to mention, Bernal knew that Lis Kain’s mentor was the Legendary Mage “Judgement Flame.”

Bernal himself, being so young and already possessing such strength, might well become the next Legendary Strongman.

That would change everything!

When faced with such a decision, Bernal’s emotions surged tumultuously.

Lis did not urge Bernal in the slightest, merely waiting with a light chuckle.

“Duke, I appreciate your high regard.”

“I am willing to offer my strength, and wherever your blade points, the Bane family will follow!”

Bernal hesitated no longer and knelt on one knee before Lis, bowing his head as he swore allegiance to him.

Lis helped Bernal to his feet with a smile.

He was not the king; there was no need for such an elaborate oath of loyalty.

Bernal’s willingness to swear loyalty to Lis, a man much younger than himself, was a testament to his sincerity.

“Haha, welcome to the fold, Bernal!”

Lis chuckled with delight.

Although he had been somewhat testing Bernal, the decisiveness of his response pleased Lis immensely.

As for Bernal’s true intentions, Lis did not care, even if it was only an intention to invest.

After all, he wasn’t Gold Coin, and no one would love him without reason.

As long as Bernal served him faithfully, that was enough.

Lis had the strength and confidence not to worry about betrayal from his subordinates.

“Yes!”

Bernal rose from the ground, looking towards Lis as he spoke.

Though he had hesitated momentarily, he quickly made his decision.

Since Lis intended to recruit him, Bernal realized he must seize this opportunity.

Besides, even if things went awry, it wouldn’t matter much; he was beginning to understand what the Duke Kane intended.

Unlike other nobles, as long as one didn’t cross his lines, he seemed quite forgiving.

Despite not knowing why, even though Rolando had just died by his hands, Bernal still had this impression.

“I am pleased that you’ve made this choice,”

Lis said with a smile, his efforts today not wasted now that he had secured Bernal’s allegiance.

“I do have a matter I’d like you to handle.”

“Please instruct me,”

Bernal nodded respectfully, ready to listen.

Since he had chosen to offer his loyalty, he naturally needed to assume the appropriate role.

“Thanks to the esteem of King Morton, the entire Luou Peninsula has been bestowed upon me as my fief,”

Lis said thoughtfully:

“Aside from Danerluo Port, I haven’t visited or know much about the other areas of the peninsula.”

Lis was speaking the truth; in his past life within the game, he had indeed spent some time near the Treasure Pearl Sea, mainly around Danerluo Port at the center of the great sea, but he had barely set foot in the other areas of the Luou Peninsula.

Danerluo Port was the core and essence of the Luou Peninsula.

Nevertheless, in reality, Danerluo Port and its surrounding territories only accounted for one-fifth of the peninsula.

Apart from Danerluo Port, the other territories on the Luou Peninsula also held great value.

Beyond two smaller ports, the central region of the peninsula boasted fertile land, with several rivers flowing down from the mountains in the west and snaking through the peninsula, making the central area an important granary for the Boditch Kingdom, rich in resources.

While Danerluo Port was of utmost importance in Lis’s eyes, this did not mean he intended to neglect the other territories.

The situation in Danerluo Port was quite favorable, a result of Grace and Ivor’s management, but other places were different.