《The Defeated Dragon》


 Chapter 1: Dragons, Sprites, Flower Town

    Chapter 1: Dragons, Sprites, Flower Town


    While spending a week to recover from the poison of a wild fruit, all the while trying to adapt to his post-transmigration ident.i.ty, Liszt often felt like it was inconceivable.


    Suddenly dying while working overtime, then unexpectedly being reborn as an aristocrat.


    An aristocrat from a different world to boot.


    This world had some simrities with medieval Europe, with castles and knights being the norm. The difference being that it was a world full of magic and wonders, a world where dragons and sprites existed, where knights cultivated qi, and where the mysterious wizards dwelt. Even Liszts predecessor had practiced ording to the [Fundamental Qi] secret manual and had be an Apprentice Knight.


    Low-ranked qi, ah.


    Qi endlessly flowed through his body. With a thought, it moved to the s.p.a.ce between his hands. Immediately after, he felt his palms getting extremely hot, a formidable power flooding them.


    The slight tingle from the swelling made him feel like the formidable power was enough to tear tigers and leopards asunder.


    By relying on qi, which represented power, knights could rule over vast expanses ofnd.


    Cultivating qi.


    Mastering low-ranked qi stood for bing an Apprentice Knight, mastering mid-ranked qi stood for bing an Earth Knight, and mastering high-ranked qi stood for bing a Sky Knight.


    Liszt''s father, the Count of Coral Ind, Leewilliam Tulip, was a Sky Knight who had mastered high-ranked qi. In Coral Ind, a territory which had a surface area equivalent to that of a prefecture-level city, he wielded absolute power, only being required to pledge allegiance to the Sapphire Grand Duke.


    Unfortunately.


    Despite being the counts third child, Liszt had not inherited Tulip Familys talent in qi. Even though he was already sixteen years old, yet he was still just an Apprentice Knight.


    His older brother, Levis Tulip, had be an Earth Knight at the age of thirteen. Now, he was already an elite among Earth Knights, and was capable of simultaneously challenging three Earth Knights.


    His older sister, Lvera Tulip, had also be an Earth Knight before reaching adulthood (adulthood=sixteen years old).


    There was also a younger half-brother, Lytton Tulip, who was twelve years old. Reportedly, he had nearly promoted to an Earth Knight.


    In terms of appearance, Liszt took more after his mother, thete countess. Slightly curly light golden hair, abstruse sapphire-like eyes, regr facial features, fair skin, a tall figure, and an innate aristocratic bearing. But sadly, his apt.i.tude was just too bad.


    Perhaps because his appearance was too simr to that of his mother, but the count had once high expectations of him.


    The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment.


    When he grew up, his father was utterly disappointed, to the point of showing disgust.


    His brother Levis was conferred the t.i.tle of life peer viscount and was destined to inherit the t.i.tle of hereditary peer count. His sister Lvera was conferred the difficult to obtain Baroness of Falcon Town t.i.tle, and unlike a phony life peer chevalier without a fief, had be Sapphire Grand Duchys hereditary peer dame with a fief.


    As for Liszt, alike his sister, he was conferred the t.i.tle of baronas well and Flower Town, Coral Inds most deste town.


    Liszt, whose temperament was not unlike his mothers, had always been delicate, constantly being bullied by his brother and sister. When growing up, the contact he had with the count had increasingly decreased, to the point that he had preferred to stay in the Knight College, not willing to go back home.


    Fortunately, he was a looser whom n.o.body paid attention; therefore, although I have taken his ce, no one will notice it And there is still his fief, his hereditary t.i.tle, and the absolute power in his territory. It is just wonderful. Liszt had already went through the initial panic, before blending into this world with great effort.


    He had to integrate and act like an native.


    Because magic and qi of this world exceeded science, transmigrators had no advantages. He could not build a nuclear weapon and have the radiation spread; therefore, the notion of using science to fight against magic and qi had to be shelved.


    And after he understood a few things  metals and mineralsing entirely from dragons and the vigor of nts being inseparably linked with sprites  he became all the more low-key!


    Without dragons or sprites.


    If one wanted to farm or to initiate the industrial revolution, it was simply a pipe dream!


    But dragons and sprites were very rare in the world. The Sapphire Grand Duchy only had a single dragon, the sapphire dragon, which acted as the Sapphire Grand Dukes mount since one hundred and fifty years ago. The Sapphire Family was built on the dragon.


    Reportedly, a dragon could live for a thousand years; that was to say, Sapphire Grand Duchy still had hundreds of years of prosperity to enjoy.


    Sprites were moremon than dragons, but they were distinctly divided into grades.


    Liszt''s father, Leewilliam Tulip, owned a tulips greater sprite, which helped his family growrge amounts of tulips. The family was established banking on the greater sprite and even the family name was changed to Tulip. Greater sprites could live for two hundred years; that was to say, if nothing else, Tulip Family still had one hundred and fifty years of prosperity to enjoy.


    Lesser sprites were the next grade below greater sprites, they could live for one hundred years.


    Tulip Family had twelve lesser sprites, helping the family cultivate various nts.


    Sprite worms were the next grade below the lesser sprites, they wereborn from nts, could live for ten years, and could influence the growth of nts. There was a chance for them to evolve into lesser sprites within their ten-year-long life spans. As for sprite worms themselves, only by chance would one be born from nts.


    Tulip Family had been farming Coral Ind for more than twenty years, harvesting more than one hundred sprite worms. With those that had already died, the total came to more than one hundred and fifty. However, only twelve had evolved into lesser sprites.


    "Sprites unfortunately, the count really loathed my predecessor. Even Lvera had gotten one lesser sprite, while I only have four sprite worms!


    During hising of age ceremony, the Count of Coral Ind had conferred Liszt the Baron of Flower Townt.i.tle and had gifted him four sprite worms.


    And that was it.


    My Lord, it is dinner time. Does Lord want to start the meal? The butler Carter came in and gave a slight bow after knocking on the door.


    It is already dinner time? Alright, go call the two teachers to join me for the meal. Liszt stretched his waist inelegantly, keeping the posture for a moment and revealing his true colors.


    After a while, the two teachers had arrived together.


    The 45 years old, blonde, tailcoat-wearing man was the teacher Gort. He was a dest.i.tute chevalier who had attached himself to Tulip Family. He was in charge of Liszts education. He was Flower Towns administrative officer, tasked to a.s.sist Liszt in supervising the town.


    Liszt, you seem to look much better, thank goodness. It is good to see you healthy and lively. Gort said yfully, very casually.


    The other person had a grave expression, his every movement very meticulous. The man was Liszts knight teacher, Marcus.


    His strength was already at the Earth Knight, but he had yet to obtain a t.i.tle of aristocracy. People from his family had been Tulip Familys retainer knights for generations. In his generation, his family had finally given rise to an Earth Knight.


    Liszt smiled lightly: The two teachers have arrived. Mr. Carter, I will trouble you to start the meal.


    As you wish, My Lord. The old butler, Carter, gracefully left the living room, and went downstairs to inform the kitchen staff.


    Teacher Marcus, I have nearly recovered. Beginning tomorrow, I want to resume my knight cultivation lessons.Said Liszt.


    Marcus square face was expressionless: Sure.


    Seeing Marcuss expressionless face, Liszt smiled lightly. He was aware of the Earth Knights grievances. He wished to perform meritorious deeds on the battlefield, earn the t.i.tle of a chevalier, rise to the upper .s.s, and be a member of the aristocracy. However, he was transferred to Flower Town to serve as Liszts knight teacher, he was trapped in this remote and deste ce.


    Moreover, Liszt was a famous good-for-nothing of Tulip Family; in other words, his prospects of bing an aristocrat by following Liszt were extremely bleak.


    In no time, the old butler had brought a servingman and a made carrying trays with food.


    With not much food, the quality of life in Flower Town was quite low. Without much harvest and as the counts son who had fallen out of favor, the supplies Liszt had brought when he arrived not being aplenty, he wasunable to support a luxurious life stile.


    Liszt was eating very earnestly.


    Transmigration was a game of chance, and bing an aristocrat was already extremely fortunate. It should be known that the majority of people in this world weremoners, two-legged sheep who could be trampled upon at will.


    Including his two teachers and in fact, all of his servants, one word could determine whether they lived or died.

 Chapter 2: Smoke Serpentines

    Chapter 2: Smoke Serpentines


    Roasted goat meat, boiledmprey, a small portion of apple puree and snow pear slices, hops beer, and white bread made from fine wheat flour.


    That was Liszt''s dinner.


    The western-styled food did not particrly suit his taste, but he could not cook, and therefore could not eat the food he liked. Also, ording with this worlds customs, aristocrats were strictly forbidden from entering the kitchen, the warehouse, and other ces meant for servants. Those who vited this aristocratic etiquette, would be aughingstock.


    Of course, the court was an exception.


    The court''s cooks and servants were a variety of lesser aristocratic lords. Liszt''s father, the Count of Coral Ind, served the current Sapphire Grand Duke as a groom. He was responsible for feeding the Sapphire Grand Dukes beloved mount, a precious horse with a dragons bloodline.


    Even now, the Count of Coral Ind would still enter the pce, from time to time, as a groom.


    He dly endured this hardship, even fearing that there might be other aristocrats vying to rece his position as a groom and interfere with his close rtionship with the grand duke.


    In the same way, the Sapphire Grand Duke served his majesty the king of the suzerain state Steel Ridge Kingdom as a gentlemans valet, waiting upon his daily necessities.


    Basically, themoners were the servants of the aristocrats, and the lesser aristocrats were the servants of the greater aristocrats.


    Only by bing the lord of a state, would one be considered to be their own master.


    Fortunately, Im the sole master of Flower Town and do not have to wait upon anyone. Liszt felt pleased as he ate the barely pa.s.sable dinner.


    With the count, his father, not liking him, he basically never bothered him.


    After dinner, the old butler Carter directed a maid to tidy up the tableware and a gentlemans valet with water for Liszt to rinse his mouth.


    When everything was finished, Carter led the servants away: I will be outside. My Lord and the two Messrs., please let me know if there is anything you need.


    I will be troubling you, Mr. Carter. Liszt revealed a gentlemans smile. In terms of aristocratic etiquette, as he had been influenced by his predecessor, it would manifest itself naturally without him needing to learn anything.


    Even while handling lowly servants, one still had to be courteous and respectful. It did not matter whether privately one would strike at or kill them, or how depraved one was towards them, so long as one kept the appearance of n.o.bility and elegance.


    It is my pleasure to serve you. Carter closed the door.


    Liszt. Gort drank the tea with honey and said, The sprite worms should be used as soon as possible. The finances of this small town are not a pretty sight to behold. The previous administrative officer was an idiot who only knew how to oppress the serfs, leaving a terrible mess behind!


    I see. Teacher, please do a thorough investigation as soon as possible ,and find a suitable ce to settle down the sprite worms.


    Of course, it is my duty.


    Liszt turned to Marcus: Thorns Ridge, will it be difficult to investigate that areas magic beasts? Regarding the matter of the magic beasts hara.s.sing the farmers, as their lord, I must take this seriously.


    Marcus replied: The Thorns Ridge is veryrge and the magic beasts scope of operation is not fixed. You only have four retainer knights. Even if I figured out the locations of all the magic beasts, you still would not be capable of defending against them. The patrols are basically useless, they are a bunch of scoundrels who would pee themselves if they were to face magic beasts.


    Flower Town was located in the northeasternmost part of Coral Ind, surrounded by Thorns Ridge. The ridge was littered with magic beasts; therefore, very few caravans were willing go over to trade.


    Thus, they could only rely on themselves. But without the help from sprites, the farmers providing for themselves was an open question, and then they still had to pay taxes to Tulip Family, the ruler of Coral Ind.


    The aristocrats only cared about the amount of taxes they were receiving, not whether the farmers lived or died.


    And Tulip Family was no exception.


    Liszt could not stay idle. He was a youth who had been immersed in the glorious banner ofmunism. Since he had be the lord of this territory, then saving the people from this abyss of suffering was something he had to do. Only when Flower Town was prosperous, could he receive greater benefits as the lord.


    From the public to the private sector, he had to develop Flower Town.


    There is always a way. Teacher Marcus, tomorrow, after the knight cultivation lesson, please apany me to Thorns Ridge. As the lord, I still have not taken a proper look at Flower City.


    Liszt, that is a bad idea. There is nothing wrong with taking a stroll around the small town, but you should not go to Thorns Ridge. Do not forget that you nearly died therest time. Gort promptly objected.


    Liszt shook his head: Last time, I had identally eaten a poisonous fruit. I will pay more attention this time.


    Marcus said bluntly: I will inform your four retainer knightster this evening and set up a proper inspection root in Thorns Ridge, in order to guaranty your safety.


    I willll have to trouble you.


    Be careful. Gort said helplessly.


    Liszt spoke no more. The two teachers were oblivious of his true intentions. He had yet to recoverpletely; Therefore, ording to his temper, he would have to first be thoroughly well, before going on a journey. When going on a journey, aristocrats would either ride carriages or horses, but regretfully, he did not had any carriages.


    Riding horses, ording to his predecessors memories, was not that easy as there were no saddles nor stirrup. Knights with qi had no need for such auxiliary equipment to ride horses or any other kind of mounts.


    On the contrary, a saddle will restrict a knight in disying their equestrian skills But without a saddle, ones b.u.t.t will have to suffer


    Liszt contemted after seeing the two teachers off.


    My Lord, when do you n to go to bed? His gentlemans valet came in to inquire.


    After ten oclock. Thomas, I need one more candle in my study, I want to read. Liszt sent his gentlemans valet away.


    Thomas face showed disappointment. It had been already several days since he had been given a chance to do his job. Liszt had been casting him aside instead of requiring him to wait upon himself.


    As a gentlemans valet, he felt like he had lost the barons favor. He was concerned about his job.


    This was indeed the case as Liszt did not like the gentlemans valet. Every time Thomas waited upon him, helping him to wear his clothes, caused gooseb.u.mps to rise all over Liszts body, making him think that the aristocratic system was abominable!


    Why could not male aristocrats have maids as their gentlemans valets?!


    Once Thomas left after bringing back a candle, the study had be well-lit. Liszt got up and pulled open the curtains. Through the castles window, he could only see a few lights of the nearby small town.


    It was very dark.


    This small towncked food, had no nightlife, and was extremely quiet.


    This is my domain! Though it is poor and backwards, but it is solely mine! The town and its surroundings are an independent kingdom of mine I shall forge it into an utopia!


    Suddenly.


    Faint smoke emerged before Liszt. Alike countless small snakes, the smoke twisted and formed abstract symbols. These symbols weremonly used in the Steel Ridge Kingdom. They were known as Serpentines, and their origins were already untraceable as there was no habit of recording history.


    As someone whose soul had crossed over and had seeded the memories of his predecessor, Liszt could read the Serpentines.


    The content had left him bewildered for the past week.


    Mission: As the lord, you need to understand everything about your territory. Please inspect Flower Town,prehend the crisis befalling your territory, andy proper groundwork for the future development of your territory. Reward: advancement in qi.


    The content was brief and uplicated.


    What Liszt could not understand was why he could see the smoke Serpentines. Although, by scouring through his predecessors memories, he realized that the guy had seen the smoke Serpentines since he was small, but the smoke had been extremely faint and indistinct, to the extent that the Serpentines were unreadable and the fellow believed them to be an illusion.


    Liszt only managed to clearly see the symbols after his soul crossed over.


    After staring nkly for a moment, he reached out in an attempt to touch the smoke, yet the smoke immediately faded away, confirming that it was an illusion.


    But now, Liszt did not think that it was an illusion. Perhaps it was a benefit of being a transmigrator, an incarnation of some system? As he was not clear, he decided to go test it.


    So long as he inspected the territory, he would be able toplete the mission. At that time, whether he got the reward or not, he would have made sense of it.


    If he did not got it, then it would prove that it was just an illusion.


    If he got it, then it would prove that it was a benefit.


    Was a transmigrators cheat  before a transmigrator moves, cheats go first?


    (  is a reference to the proverb   before the troops move, fodder and provisions go first)

 Chapter 3: The Castles Servants

    Chapter 3: The Castle''s Servants


    Thomas felt disappointed as he left the study and went downstairs. He stopped when he reached the staircasending, wanting to take out a cigarette, before realizing that he had left them underneath his pillow.


    The butler, Mr. Carter, had prohibited the servants from smoking in the castle.


    Thomas, what are you hiding here for? A thirty-year-old maid wearing a ck and white skirt, and carrying a mop and a bucket came up from downstairs.


    It is nothing.


    The lord still does not let you wait upon him?


    Thomas patted the wall in vexation: Maisie, say, why does the lord not like me? Although I had never been a gentlemans valet before, but I had once been Viscount Roosevelts number one servingman; therefore, Im qualified for this job.


    How should I know? I was never a maid of Tulip Castle and had never seen the lord before.


    Tell me, is there enough s.p.a.ce for me here?


    You should ask Mr. Carter, or Mrs. Mawson Besides, I do not think that there is anything for you to worry about. The lord only has three servingmen. With Jesse being an a.s.sistant and Tom being clumsy, they cannot wait upon the lord. In this small town, no one is better than you at being a gentlemans valet. Perhaps this is just how the lord is."


    Thomas cheered up a bit: Yeah, I heard that in Tulip Castle, the lord had not received the counts favor, he might just continue being the Baron of Flower Town and live in this run down ce for the rest of his life.


    Maybe.


    Maisie, do you regreting here with the lord?


    I do not mind it. The life in the castle is different, it is better better than going back to the farm and starve to death. I have already sold myself into servitude to the lord. There is no point thinking about regrets, and I do not regret anything.


    Thomas was about to speak, when suddenly someone cut him off: Have you no work to do? Thomas, Maisie, pay attention to your actions, and do not chit chat when not in your room or the kitchen! The one walking up the stairs was this crude and small castles butler, Carter.


    With a key and a bottle of red wine in hand, he was inspecting the castle.


    Okay, Mr. Carter. Im off to work. Thomas and Maisie hurriedly left, each one going to take care their own business.


    If lesser aristocrats were servants of greater n.o.bles, then servingmen and maids were also considered to be servants of butlers.


    Although the castle was small, but there was still a lot of work to be done.


    Even though there was only Liszt, an aristocrat, who had to be served, but the daily workload was still great. Taking hygiene as an example, everything had to be cleaned every day in the morning and at night. There was stillundry, water heating, cooking, and cleaning the toilet bowl. Most of the work was a.s.signed to servingmen and maids.


    But this did not mean that Carter did not had work to do. On the contrary, besides managing the servants, Carter still was responsible for weing guests, pouring wine, overseeing the dishes, receiving and sending out correspondence, a.s.suring the superior quality of the tableware, managing the underground cer, as well as attending to the important guests.


    Old Carter was already fifty years old. In this age, where the average life expectancy was less than fifty five years, he was already extremely old.


    Ding dong ding. He rang the studys bell.


    Pleasee in. Liszts gentle voice came from the steel tune popr among the upper .s.s inside door. In Steel Ridge Kingdom and its va.s.sal states, countless aristocrats were honored with these steel tunes.


    Old Carter took a deep breath.


    Although he had been in Tulip Castle, but he had not had any contact with Liszt, being mainly responsible for one of the counts vis. During Lisztsing of age ceremony, the count had a.s.signed him to Liszt to serve as a butler, giving him a promotion. Butler, was the ultimate goal of any servant.


    Yet, his status had certainly declined.


    But Carter had noints. He had sold himself into servitude to Tulip Family when he was fifteen. Thirty five yearster, not having married and being all alone, he considered himself being part of Tulip Family.


    Being able to follow anoffspring of Tulip Family, baron Liszt, during the final few years of his life, was undoubtedly a good ending.


    My Lord, reading at night is harmful for the eyes, you need to pay more attention. Increasing the number of candles still will not make the light as good as daylight."


    Liszt smiled lightly, moved his gaze away from the thick bast paper book lying on the table, and looked at the aged butler: Mr. Carter, have you checked all the rooms?


    Apart from the rooms the servants use to do work, the other rooms have all been locked.


    Very good. Then, let us have a drink together. Liszt had noticed the bottle of red wine in Carters hand. Aristocrats loved wine, to the extent of forming an unwritten rule  the master of a castle, before going to sleep, would have a few drinks with their butler, and talk about matters rted to the castle.


    Liszt did not like to drink. His predecessor, though, liked to drink, to the point that his body craved wine.


    However, the wines alcohol content was very low; therefore, unless one drank like crazy, it was difficult to get drunk otherwise.


    The person and their .s.s of red wine touched lightly


    Liszt took a sip: Can the castles expenses be supported by the taxes this year?


    Im afraid that it is going to be a bit tight. You have not brought much beverages with you from Tulip Castle and there is not much wheat flour. Flower Town is very remote and there are no caravans willing toe over. Even if we have gold, we still have great difficulty in purchasing wheat and beverages.However, the good news is that there are a lot of wild fruit in Thorns Ridge; therefore, we do not need to worry about ack of fruit.


    The count did not care about him; therefore, Liszt naturally had not received much supplies when he left home.


    ording to his memories, when his sister Lvera left home, she left with thirty fully packed carriages, while he did not even had a single carriage when he left. He just had a few horses and a group of people carrying a bit of luggage.


    The difference in treatment was vast.


    His predecessor was too resentful. But for him, it was not a big deal. After all, he was not the counts real son. At the most, when father and son met, he would have to express affection and endure the embarra.s.sment.


    Ack of wheat will not do. Liszt put down the cup and stated in an unquestionable tone, Flower Town must be developed as soon as possible, and a trade rout must be established!


    In the vige, bread was the staple food.


    Without wheat to make white bread, they could only eat the rough and hard to swallow ck bread made of barley and oats. Liszt already could not eaten the food he liked, and if he also could not eat the delicate white bread, then he would starve.


    Establishing a trading rout is not a simple matter as Thorns Ridge is just too dangerous.


    Do not worry, I will take care of it. In the future, Flower Town will no longer be restricted by poverty, and the castle will not be this crude thing without even a name." Liszt said solemnly.


    Only majestic castles could have a name. A crude castle like that of Liszt, if it was given a name, then it would be aughingstock of the aristocracy.


    Were the sprite worms taken care of?


    They were, My Lord.


    Good.


    After finishing the cup of wine.


    Old Carter tactfully said his goodbyes: "My Lord, rest early. I wish you a good night."


    You too, Mr. Carter.


    After Carter left, Liszt read the thick bast paper book, Sapphire Grand Duchys customs and practices, for a moment. The book was very thick, approximately as thick as a dictionary. When it came to content, however, it actually had very little. The thick bast paper lived up to its name, being nearly as thick as pig skin.


    How was the paper invented? Liszt sunk into his memories. He found out that he had a good memory, clearly recalling the papermaking process he had seen on the Inte, When I have time, I should invent paper Although industrial revolution does not seem too likely, but there are still many ways to make a fortune.


    Suddenly, he entered a state of trance.


    Sure enough, smoke Serpentines once more appeared before his eyes.


    Mission: As the lord, you need to understand everything about your territory. Please inspect Flower Town,prehend the crisis befalling your territory, andy proper groundwork for the future development of your territory. Reward: advancement in qi.

 Chapter 4: A Knights Surging Qi

    Chapter 4: A Knight''s Surging Qi


    Early the next morning.


    Marcus had arrived at the castle early in the morning. He did not enter, and instead waited outside the castle. Seeing the short and bleak castle, he felt cold inside, perhaps thinking that his future prospects were as bleak as this castle.


    The castle was built on a slope southwest of the small town.


    It did not had tall defensive walls, towering guard towers, lodged battlements, a wide moat, or a huge portcullis.


    It was just a a bit bigger than arge two-story house.


    There werefaint cracks of the stone walls anda few tiles were missing on the roof, it was unknown whether there where any leaks on rainy days.


    Reportedly, this crude and small castle had a century long history. Before Coral Ind became the territory of the count, it had belonged to another aristocrat who had ultimately fallen into ruin. After the count was granted Coral Ind, he had yet to renovate the small castle and to inspect Flower Town.


    So far, Baron Liszt had been staying in the small castle.


    And he, formerly part of Coral Inds knights, an Earth Knight, a man with the aspiration of rendering meritorious services on the battlefield, had be a regr of the small castle.


    Together with Baron Liszt, he kept watch over Flower Town, which did not even have cobblestone roads.


    Teacher Marcus, good morning. The servingman Tom was carrying an empty bucket, about to go to fetch water from the towns well. He deferentially greeted Marcus.


    Marcus responded inly: Good morning.


    He did not remember Toms name, but he remembered his family name, which seemed to be Pigsty, a very typical family name formoners. On ount that hisgrandfather was a coachman who had spent his days on the wheels, his own family name, Wheeler, was also not elegant like those of aristocrats.


    That was how themoners were and how they got their family names.


    He envied the aristocrats family names, envied the counts family name, Tulip  what a grand family name! How much effort would it take for him to change his family name to a simr one? Grand family names could not be used by themoners! Family names rted to flowers, precious stones, metals aristocrats would never allow themoners to drag them through mud!


    After a while, four tall men wearing leather armor arrived behind Marcus.


    Teacher Marcus. The four people greeted him one after another.


    Karl, Rhm, Grey, Oden, youre here. Marcus acknowledged them one by one. The four people were Liszts retainer knights.


    Retainer knights were not knights, they were merely retainers to knights, a type of servant who were in charge of attending to knights on the battle field; including, but not limited to, carrying weapons, leading horses,undry, cooking.


    In essence, Marcus was also a kind of retainer knight, just that he was a free person and retainer knights were servants who had sold themselves into servitude.


    After a moment, the still sleepy Liszt came out of the castles drafty gate. In the morning, Liszt had changed into a simple set of workout clothing. The simple yet elegant white matched with the jealousy-inducing face as well as the tall figure and outstanding temperament, they painted an exquisite image.


    Good morning, Teacher Marcus, Karl Eisenhammer, Rhm Weinfa.s.s, Gray Sickle, Oden Insole, and Messrs. and Mesdames.


    Mesdames, regardless of their marital status, that was how aristocrats addressed their maids.


    A housekeeper would be called Mrs., regardless oh her marital status. The aristocratic rigid system had been ingrained into Liszts bones for sixteen years, turning into the so-called instinct.


    Sir Baron, let us start the knight cultivation lesson.


    Okay.


    On the mound in front of the castle, Liszt started practicing cultivation. His four retainer knights had not learn qi, they were just tempering their bodies to the side.


    Qi stressed ones bloodline; therefore, very fewmoners could learn it.


    In fact, Liszt felt that qi was rted to nourishment; how couldmoners who could not eat their fill refine the power inside them and turn it into qi?


    Aristocrats, could learn qi as long as they were a bit diligent.


    The origin of the aristocrats firm rule lied in their wealth, them eating their fill, cultivating qi, grasping power, suppressing themoners; thus bing wealthier, eating more, cultivating qi to a greater realm, grasping greater power, and bing capable of suppressing themoners even more.


    The cow milk along with bread continuously provided Liszt with nutrients.


    Under Marcus guidance, starting when Liszt was six years old, he had been practicing cultivation ording to the [Fundamental Qi] secret manual. Unfortunately, the yield was scant. Although his qi made him stronger than themoners, however, whenpared to Earth Knights, Apprentice Knights seemed puny. Marcus could defeat him with a single hand.


    This mysterious qi, I had never experienced it before. Cultivation afterpleting the mission and obtaining the advancement in qi reward, will it allow me to be an Earth Knight?


    Feeling the qi inside him, Liszt practiced diligently.


    The morning lesson had concluded an hourter.


    Teacher Marcus, drink some water and rest for ten minutes. We will be setting off afterwards. Liszt wiped the sweat off his forehead; the morning lesson was quite tiring.


    The old butler Carter had already led over a servant with milk tea for Liszt to replenish nutrients.


    The four retainer knights were given a cup of milk tea with minced meat, cow milk, and eggs. They sipped the milk tea contentedly, forgetting the hour long hardship.


    Marcus and Liszt had also some dessert  cheese and biscuits.


    When they finished eating, and changed their clothes, the gentlemans valet, Thomas, had brought over Liszt''s horse  an adult nearly maneless date-red steed. When it was a little foal, it had been gifted to Liszt by the Count of Coral Ind for his twelfth anniversary. Now, it looked particrly majestic.


    Snort.


    The date-red horse snorted, then intimately rubbed against Liszts arm.


    Fierydragon, old friend, youre sick of staying in the castle, right? Afterforting his steed, Liszt nimbly mounted it.


    Marcus and the four retainer knights also mounted their horses. Marcus mount was a majestic yellow-grayish horse, it belonged to him. The mounts of the four retainer knights were ordinary yellow horses, they were Liszts property a.s.signed to the retainer knights to groom.


    My Lord, may you have a safe trip. Carter expressed his benediction.


    Thank you for the kind words. Following the sharp noise from the horsewhip, Fierydragon gave a long neigh and broke into a gallop, Set out!


    Liszt rod at the very front. As an aristocrat, he was wearing a light and well ventted magic beasts leather armor; its defense was even better than that ofmon armor.


    A ck magic beasts leather armor, a one-handed sword nted at his waist, and a ck magic beasts leather helm with tail pheasant feathers on top, he looked quite imposing.


    Apart from a one-handed sword and a one-handed shield as their weapons, his retainer knights still carriednces, longswords, hammers, ils, and other backup weapons for Liszt to fight with, along with lunch and water.


    Apart from his favorite short spear, Marcus still had a bow and arrows. He was an outstanding archer. Compared to the status of an Earth Knight, the status of a divine archer exhibited his worth even more. His aspiration had been to distinguish himself among Coral Inds knights, hoping to earn the t.i.tle of chevalier.


    Tabdak tabdak tabdak!


    Hoofs stamped on the st.u.r.dy ground, giving rise to crisp sounds. They reached the small town a short whileter. Liszt had to inspect his territory; the small town was his first priority.

 Chapter 5: Thorns Ridges Magic Beasts

    Chapter 5: Thorns Ridge''s Magic Beasts


    Flower Town was located in the northeastern corner of Coral Ind; its area was not small, yet Liszt was at a loss regarding its exact size. As a remote town of Coral Ind, it was just simply delimited be Thorns Ridge to the northeast, with its exact scope not being demarcated.


    In other words, as long as there was no sh with the viges and towns southeast of Thorns Ridge, then Liszt could demarcate the size of Flower Town as his will.


    Probably no one would me him even if he were to include all of Thorns Ridge. After all, Thorns Ridge did not belong to anyone in Coral Ind.


    After twenty plus years of Tulip Family clearing Coral Ind for cultivation, less than two thirds of the ind wascleared up for farnd and settled with people.


    The remaining one third was as of yet an untamed wilderness.


    Thorns Ridge was such a wilderness. As a lords knights had to be used in campaigns, the wilderness had to be cleared by the serfs andmoners.


    Thorns Ridge was extremely barren as well as uneven, its development worth not high.


    Moreover, in front of magic beasts, ordinary people were but delicacies. Even hunters did not dare to lightly feel out the limits of magic beasts. Of course, there were still some risk-takers who would go hunt the magic beasts as every magic beast, every piece of their meat, every inch of their hide, could be exchanged for gold coins.


    Liszt was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with enthusiasm for this inspection as he rode Fierydragon.


    Rushing to stake ones im in new markets was the instinct of every aristocrat. Wherever his horses hoofs managed to fall, would demarcate the scope of Flower Town. At this moment, his horses hoofs had first fallen on a street of the small town. The street was a filthy dirt road, with animal and human excrement seen everywhere; only aristocrats built toilets.


    We need to do something about sanitation. Liszt turned back and said to Marcus.


    Marcus was by no means an administrative officer and had no interest in this. His pa.s.sion lied in aristocratic authority, particrly when it came to the serfs andmoners on both sides of the street saluting Liszt. These people, with emaciated faces, were envious and fearful of the aristocrats.


    Shivering.


    The serfs were kneeling and the free persons were bowing.


    The serfs were overwhelmingly in the majority. They have been into servitude to the aristocracy, they were Liszts private property, with their wedding and funeral being for him to decide. Even if Liszt were to exercise the right of the first night, the serves would still obedientlyply with it; they would bath their daughters or daughters-inw clean before delivering them to the castle.


    The free persons were very few, with many of them being craftsmen, hunters, and tailors.


    The town was very small and dpidated, with not many residents. Even tough every resident hade to salute Liszt, there was still not the slightest bit of enthusiasm.


    After looking around, Liszt felt like there might only be a few hundred people in the vige There were not even as many people as there were students in a school.


    Mud and gra.s.s houses of low height stretched over arge tract ofnd. The town was for the most part covered in dpidated houses, with very few two-story-tall buildings in the middle; only two or three.


    He could distinctly feel how poor themoners were.


    All sorts of feelings welled up inside him.


    Whatforted him was that he was an aristocrat who could live in a castle and eat white bread made from fine wheat flour.


    Fierydragon very quickly took Liszt through the only street running through the north to the south of the small town, before following the safe route selected by Marcus towards Thorns Ridge with a slightly heavy heart.


    Along the way, Liszt could not name the majority of crops on the farnd in the towns surroundings. It was not gratifying to look at the crops. They were sick and weak, with a lot of weeds growing alongside them. Clearly, there was no scientific management being applied.


    On one hand, this world had incredible creatures such as dragons and sprites, had mysterious powers such as qi and magic, yet on the other hand, it wasgging behind in terms of development.


    Although industrial revolution was impossible, but the introduction of some scientific development methods was still very much feasible.


    Liszt was confident in his ability to manage the territory and guide the development of Flower Town.


    After traveling for some time, the small town in the distance could no longer be seen. They had left the tnd and entered a hillynd with spa.r.s.e woods. It was the edge of Thorns Ridge.


    Sir Baron, magic beasts often appear on the edge of Thorns Ridge; therefore, follow closely behind me, and do not act rashly. At this moment, Marcus took the lead, and exined to the four retained knights what their duty was, Protect the sir baron! Unless you are dead, otherwise, under no circ.u.mstances let magic beasts approach the sir baron! Can you do that?!


    We can! Karl and the rest responded loudly.


    Here,moners had no ce on the battlefield; only aristocrats and knights were of use in battles. However, although the ident.i.ty of the retainer knights was that ofmoners, yet they also were required to be on the battlefield. With their ident.i.ty as service corps, they got a better treatment. Their duty was to die for the aristocracy.


    In order to avoid magic beasts, the party of knights could only detour and go along the edge of Thorns Ridge.


    The trees were lush. asionally, wild animals such as rabbits, foxes, and the like, could be seen. Food on Thorns Ridges edge was not abundant; therefore, it was quite difficult to spotrge beasts.


    In Spring, summer, and autumn, when the food requirements of Thorns Ridges magic beasts can be met, it is notmon for Flower Town to run across magic beasts. But in winter, famished beasts would often encroach on Flower Town and treat a few poor devils as food every year.


    Marcus was in a foul mood, but he still performed his work diligently, sharing information about Thorns Ridge.


    Magic beasts, ah. It is unknown whether we can meet one today. While scouring through his predecessors memories, Liszt had seen a few magic beasts. What distinguished magic bests from ordinary beasts the most was magic power, that is, their ability to release formidable magic.


    In Tulip Castle, there was a type of a small magic beast being raised  the ming Rabbit.


    ming Rabbits, which could release small fireb.a.l.l.s, were delicious and had bright fur. Aristocrats loved to eat their meat, while thedies loved to wear clothing made out of their fur.


    He had also seen the fur of a type of arge magic beast  the Great Barbarian Bear. The Count of Coral Inds most beloved chair was covered in a the fur of a Great Barbarian Bear, its tanned malevolent head exuding a fierce and savage aura.


    Reportedly, in order to kill that Great Barbarian Bear, eight Earth Knights of Coral Inds knights were killed in the process.


    The loss of eight Earth Knights was enough to seriously set back an order of knights. That many Earth Knights might not even die in territorial disputes.


    Let alone the number of Apprentice Knights killed, which was much greater.


    Along the way, Liszt recorded Thorns Ridges topography. He included sites suitable for setting up fortifications, water conservancy projects, forts, or farnds. This was part of the duty the lord of a fief had to fulfill.


    It is lunchtime. Oden, let us eat lunch here.


    Yes, My Lord! Oden Insole promptly dismounted his horse. He searched for a t piece ofnd, then covered it with a carpet, and ced the rations on top.


    The simple lunch wasposed of bread, caviar, fruit sd and milk tea.


    There was still goat jerky just for Liszt.


    Thinking that it was just a simple lunch, Marcus finishing a loaf of bread. Suddenly, his expression changed: Sir Baron, there is a situation. I can sense a magic beast!

 Chapter 6: Earth Knight vs. Windblade Wolf

    Chapter 6: Earth Knight vs. Windde Wolf


    As an Earth Knight, Marcus perception ability of magic, qi, and the like was very keen. Since he said that there was a magic beast, then there was a magic beast.


    Liszt immediately tensed up.


    The four retainer knights packed the tableware in a flurry. They were ordinary people, and had not even cultivated qi; therefore, they would be courting death if they were to confront a magic beast.


    Marcus had already mounted his horse: Let the tableware be! Defend the sir baron as he gets on his horse, and then get ready for battle!


    The retainer knights rushed to support Liszt.


    However, Liszt was an Apprentice Knight with low-ranked qi, and was a lot more powerful than ordinary people. He had already mounted his horse. No matter how majestic, Fierydragon was also nervous as it was young and had never been on the battle field. Liszt had no choice but to pa.s.s his hand through its mane to soothe its nervousness.


    Snort!


    Encouraged by its master, Fierydragons stretched taut body rxed. As a birthday gift given to his son by the count, its bloodline, that of the low-ranked magic beast me Horse, was not bad, and its adaptability was very strong.


    In a few breaths.


    After Marcus had sensed the magic beast, a ma.s.sive gray wolf with two light cyan patterns on its body had emerged from the depths of the thicket.


    It is a Windde Wolf! A low-ranked magic beast! Step back, I will deal with it! Marcus raised his short spear. Calling it a short spear would not do it justice. In truth, it was ance used in close quarterbat, its length greater than a persons height.


    Marcus suddenly burst out with a tremendous bellow: Haaaa!


    Mid-ranked qi oscited and resonated inside his mouth, and alike a bomb going off, a tremendous bellowjolted the leaves in the surroundings and gave rise to rustling sounds.


    He hoped that he could scare off the Windde Wolf.


    The Windde Wolf lowered its body, and retreated slightly. Its seemed to be about to retreat. Yet, it was just the prelude for its attack. With hisnce in hand, Marcus spurred his horse with his legs, and stormed forward.


    The Windde Wolf also sprung up and rushed at Marcus. Simultaneously, a few light cyan winddes emerged in front of it, shing at Marcus while spinning.


    The tip of thence trembled as faint milky white rays stuck to it. Thence swiftly reached the winddes, breaking them one by one. Following which, Marcus flung thence behind him. Thence drew an oval trajectory, urately striking at the Windde Wolf pouncing from the other side.


    During this crisis, the Windde Wolf twisted its body, and avoided thence. Yet, it still had a wound cut open on its body due to the milky white rays attached to thence, with blood flowing out of it.


    When itnded on the ground, it sent out a few winddes in disorder.


    Marcus, the person and horse as one, dodged the winddes by a hairs breadth. At this moment, the distance between him and the Windde Wolf had already been pulled open. He charged at the Windde Wolf several times with the intention to fight it at close quarters. However, the wolf was very clever. It kept opening the distance and releasing winddes into the surroundings in order to drain him. Another difference between magic beasts and ordinary beast lied in their IQ.


    Regarding a magic beast with an exceedingly high speed of magic power recovery, such a war of attrition was not a big deal.


    While a knights qi could notst long.


    However, Marcus used his strength, which was the source of his confidence in going to the battlefield to render meritorious services and earn the aristocratic t.i.tle of chevalier, to prove himself. He put away hisnce and took out bow and arrows from behind his back. To get started, he fired two arrows. The arrows, which had qi poured into them, flew as fast as lightning.


    Disdain shed past the Windde Wolfs eyes. With but a slight twist of its waste, it could avoid the arrows.


    But in the next moment, the Windde Wolfs disdain had turned into fear.


    The two arrows had actually b.u.mped midair; the trajectories swiftly changing. One of the arrows had firmly inserted itself onto the back of the Windde Wolf.


    Excellent archery, worthy of the order of knights divine archer! Liszt eximed in surprise as he watched the exchange, his nervousness had already faded.


    With such an Earth Knight protecting him, he could just sit back and rx.


    A lords life was good. They could cross hurdles without expending any effort, they had servants to wait upon them in day-to-day life and knights use in battles.


    It took a while to describe, but had actually happenedvery quickly.


    Seeing Marcus take out two more arrows, the Windde Wolf bleeding from its back had a glint of resentment sh across its eyes. It turned around, and fled into the thicket, disappearing from everyones sight in the blink of an eye.


    Marcus looked in the direction the Windde Wolf had disappeared,before unhurriedly putting away bow and arrows.


    Seeing what had just transpired, Karl Eisenhammers blood started boiling, and he could not help but ask: Teacher Marcus, the Windde Wolf, a magic beast more valuable than pearls, is sure to die with two more arrows, why not chase it?


    In Thorns Ridge, there are more magic beasts than just that Windde Wolf. Besides, it did not seemed to be seriously injured, only feigning weakness to lure us in Its bound to havepanions, and can still get a.s.sistance from the thicket. If you are not afraid of death, then go ahead and chase after it. Marcus replied with cold indifference.


    Karl Eisenhammer scratched his head in embarra.s.sment, not saying anything else.


    Marcus ignored him, and just said to Liszt: Sir Baron, it is very dangerous here, we should be on our way.


    Alright!


    Liszt readily epted the advice as inspecting the territory was just a mission. He was not willing to face danger. As the old saying went, a wise man foresees and mitigates risks.


    Perhaps it was because they hade across a magic beast on the edge of Thorns Ridge in spring time, that Marcus became somewhat worried, and had thus elerated their pace in theter part of the inspection.


    On the way, Liszt asked in curiosity: Teacher Marcus, your archery is very powerful. Even trajectory can be changed. What archery is this?


    Double Arrow Crossed Strike, an ordinary advanced archery technique. It can be released by using qi as a conductor.


    This archery is very elegant and practical. Teacher Marcus, when will we start having archery lessons?Liszt was very covetous.


    Marcus response was not the least bit enthusiastic: Practicing this advanced archery technique requires the materialization of qi, which cannot be achieved prior to bing an Earth Knight. Sir Baron, what you need to do right now is to polish and strengthen your qi, and learn knights battle techniques, instead of learning gaudy archery.


    Then I will wait until I advance to an Earth Knight before learning archery. Said Liszt.


    Perhaps he would advance to an Earth Knight afterpleting the mission and receiving the advancement in qi rewarded.


    The following three hours of travel, they had note across any more magic beasts. After finishing inspecting Thorns Ridge, they arrived at the other side of Flower Town  Azure Waves Sea.


    Sapphire Grand Duchy consisted of Sapphire Archipgo northeast of the continent.


    Coral Ind was in the northeast corner of Sapphire Archipgo.


    Flower Town was in the northeast corner of Coral Ind.


    Therefore, the azure sea stretching into the horizon Liszt was currently seeing was the boundary of Sapphire Grand Duchy, Azure Waves Sea.


    Teacher Marcus, what is on the other side of the sea? Are there other inds, continents or nations?


    I do not know. The sir counts fleet had never set foot beyond the sea. However, legend says that on the other side of Azure Waves Sea is the unsable devil-infested Devil Sea.


    What about riding a dragon?


    A dragon is a nations support; therefore, there are no dragon knights willing to take chances by riding their dragons about. On the continent, there are numerous tracts ofnd awaiting development, why does Sir Baron care about the empty sea If I can be frank, you should follow the sir counts example and upy morend.


    These words wereced with temptation. After all, new aristocrats could only arise amidst conflict.

 Chapter 7: Advancement in Qi

    Chapter 7: Advancement in Qi


    What empty sea?


    Liszt would never agree with this.


    In his homnd, maritime contention was not inferior to drynd contention, with the blue-water navy representing the ambition of the countries.


    Although maritime resources were quite difficult to exploit, but they were notcking whenpared to drynd resources. In this world, he did not dare im whether there were mineral resources hidden below the sea. After all, ording to the currently avable information, only dragons had the ability to produce gems and metals.


    However, the seas fishing resources were bound to be immeasurably grand.


    In Sapphire Grand Duchy, there was a great extent of uncultivatednd and, with the serious shortage in manpower, not even all the fields that could be farmed were farmed, let alone development of the fishing industry. But the main issue was that sprites were under the control of the aristocrats and could not affect much of the arablend, resulting in very little yield.


    Just like Flower Town, the area of arablend was not small at all, but it could support very few people.


    The fewer the people, the more they were bound to thend by the aristocrats and the aristocratic system to help the aristocrats farm thend and allow them to collect great amounts in taxes that would support their luxurious lifestyles.


    "The development direction of Flower Town shall be this azure Azure Waves Sea! Liszt burned with pa.s.sion.


    As long as there was a fishing ground nearby, then it could supply a steady flow of food. Only by eating their fill would themoners have more strength to copte and increase their poption, consequently resulting in an increase in taxes.


    More taxes meant an improvement in lifestyle!


    Of course, this was not yet a priority as the development of fishing industry was inseparable from setting sail and Flower Town still having ways to go until it could build boats, as well as his savings yet not being sufficient for purchasing boats.


    Let us go finish inspecting the final boundary and then go back. With a gentle flutter from the horsewhip and a long neigh, Fierydragon dashed along the Azure Waves Seas sandy coast.


    The sand was lightly yellow and clean. asionally, they would stumble uponrge trees resembling coconut trees blocking the afternoon sun and casting scattered shade.


    With a little development, it would be the perfect summer resort.


    After inspecting the beach and returning to the starting point of the edge of Thorns Ridge, Liszt had formallypleted the mission to inspect his territory. Once the group of people arrived at the castle, Marcus and the four retainer knights and asked permission to take their leave. They had their own homes in the small town.


    Only Liszt, his servingmen and his maids lived in the castle.


    My lord, seeing you return safely puts my heart at ease. The old butler Carter led the servants to line up and wee Liszt back.


    On my territory, even magic beasts have to exercise restraint in their behavior. Liszt joked, Mr. Carter, is everything fine with the castle?


    Of course.


    That is good. Mrs. Mawson, please prepare the bath water, I want to take a bath.


    Yes, my lord. Mrs. Mawson was nearly forty years old and had never been married. She had been working in the Tulip Castle and was now responsible for the maids in Liszts castle.


    In fact, there were only three maids.


    And in total, the castle only had 10 servants.


    The butler Carter Potter was responsible for the castles affairs, he was Liszts trusted aid; the housekeeper Mawson Paddyfield was responsible for the maids and helping Carter managing the castles daily affairs; the cook Abby Ladle was responsible for everything rted to the kitchen.


    Among the servingmen was the valet Thomas Scissors, the servingman Tom Pigsty, and the a.s.sistant servingman Jesse Ricewater.


    Among the maids there were the maids Maisie Thread, Debbie Window, and Michonne Oxtail.


    There was still the cooks a.s.sistant, also a maid but subordinated to the cook Abby, Irene Fourfingers.


    Fourfingers, a very unusual family name. Probably, her forefather only had four fingers; therefore, at the time of registering the family name, he just named himself Fourfingers. An illiteratemoner who had lived his entire life in the countryside and had practically never traveled far away from home, how could hee up with a good family name?


    Also, aristocrats did not allowmoners have good family names.


    After Thomas helped Liszt take off his leather armor, the casually dressed Liszt went upstairs. The old butler Carter promptly said loudly: Jesse, take Fierydragon away. Remember to add more beans when feeding it as it should be tired. Mrs. Abby, go prepare dinner. Tonight, add more roasted meat for our lord. Mrs. Mawson, remember to instruct a maid to prepare the bath water for the lord. Tom, go fetch water from the town. Thomas, go clean the lords leather armor.


    Yes, Mr. Carter! The servants replied.


    Carter nodded in satisfaction.


    Although the castle was small, the servants were few, and the life in the castle was a bitcking, but he was the castles butler. He managed the castles everyday affairs and was the lords right-hand man.


    He liked thisfort and power.


    The temperature of the bath water was just right. Even though Liszts maids were not as skilled as Tulip Castles, but after under Mrs. Mawsons instructions, these new maids had already quite adept at their work.


    Liszt reclined in the bathtub, enjoying the feeling of being immersed in warm water.


    It was not that he did not want for everybody to be treated equally, to let the people of this world feel the light of civilized and democratic society, it was just that he was not delusional. The survival of the servants hinged on them serving the aristocrats and in return being sheltered under the aristocrats wings.


    Without their work and status, the servants would have to return to the fields, their lives likely turning even more miserable.


    Every year, not a small number of serfs and free persons died from starvation.


    In a castle, so long as the lord was not some pervert, then at least there was not a need to worry about basic necessities. And once one managed to became a butler, they would achieve the top in terms of status themoners could hope for.


    Who would have thought that one day I, Liszt, would have so many people depend on me to live.


    His thought wandered.


    He entered a state of trance. Soon after, smoke Serpentines appeared before his eyes.


    The Serpentines had changed, the symbols from before were no more and instead, there were new symbols: Missionpleted. Reward: advancement in qi.


    Liszt was excited. He was ready to im his reward, but he suddenly realized that he did not know how to do it. He was about to investigate this issue, when the Serpentines before his eyes scattered into smoke and then swiftly reformed into Serpentines with new content.


    Mission: A grave crises has befallen your territorys peanut settlement. An unknown change took ce in arge part of the peanut fields. The farmers can only watch helplessly as the production gets diminished. As the lord, you need to address this issue. Reward: one sprite worm.


    Oh, a new mission, and the reward is an sprite worm, good stuff! Liszt was happy at first, but then immediately turned gloomy: But what about the reward of the previous mission, the advancement in qi, how do I im it?


    Liszt was quite agitated.


    Feeling that there was no change in his qi, he kept fidgeting until the warm water had turned cold. He had not received the reward for the mission.


    He even started seriously suspect whether it was not just an illusion.


    The smoke was no more.


    After getting dressed, Liszt walked out of the bathroom. After seeing Liszts gloomy expression, Thomas, who was waiting outside, let his imagination run wild.


    My lord, you do not look too good. Is something


    Im fine. Go busy yourself, Im going to the study to read. After entering the study, Liszt went to look at a book in order to calm down.


    But with his thoughts in disarray, how could he calm down?


    Might as well change into a set of workout clothing and go practice cultivation in the castles small garden. He was practicing cultivation ording to the [Fundamental Qi] secret manual, a widely spread low-ranked qi secret manual. Apart from the focused qi secret manuals of somerge families, this secret manual was the best foundational secret manual.


    The low-ranked qi could just strengthen ones body, that was all.


    After finishing a set of exercises and giving vent to his frustration, he finally felt a little better and his emotions slowly settled down. At this moment, a gust of wind blew over and Liszts eyes suddenly lit up. Apparently, an idea welled up in his mind.


    Immediately after, he performed all of the [Fundamental Qi] secret manuals exercises.


    After performing them once, the low-ranked qi inside his body seemed to have reached a critical point and began undergoing a metamorphosis. It gushed out of his invisible meridians and flooded into every cell of his body.


    Advancement in qi!


    So that is how it is!

 Chapter 8: The Earth Knight Liszt

    Chapter 8: The Earth Knight Liszt


    A boiling power, as if a tempestuous storm, swept through his entire body. The once meek and mild low-ranked qi had gushed into his cells in its entirety.


    Apparently, a metamorphosis was urring inside his cells as the new qi returning from the cells to the meridians was thoroughly transformed.


    This new qi was already mid-ranked qi with a unique attribute. Liszt was motionless as he quietly stood inside the small garden. His spirit was alike a flower in fool bloom, br.i.m.m.i.n.g with excitement. He made great efforts to reign in his emotions, so that he could have a feel of the new mid-ranked qi. He had already received the advancement in qi, the mission was real.


    He had be a genuine Earth Knight!


    When it came to qi cultivation, this was a new starting point. Earth Knights were the symbol for genuine extraordinary power.


    My qi attribute is that of fire? It is in conflict with the water-attributed [Thousand Ripples] secret manual. Now it seems like I have to prepare a new mid-ranked qi secret manual I had been under the impression that alike everyone else in the counts family, I would also awaken the water-attributed qi. Liszt was not quite satisfied with the fire attribute.


    Water, fire, earth, wind, thunder, ice, light, and darkness.


    As well as metal represented by dragons, and wood represented by sprites. These where the mystical natures of magic power.


    Nature was nothing more than the attribute of power. However, Tulip Family had been delving in water-attributed qi since before they had received their fiefdom. The [Thousand Ripples] secret manual was the first-rate water-attributed secret manual pa.s.sed down in the family.


    The younger generation practicing cultivation ording to this secret manual had double the result for half the effort.


    But now Liszt was not suited to practicing cultivation ording to the [Thousand Ripples] secret manual; therefore, to persist in practice cultivation ording to it would only have half the result for twice the effort.


    Fire-attributed qi was of course more suited for practicing fire-attributed secret manuals.


    Teacher Marcus is of the wind attribute and is practicing the [Cleaving Against the Wind] secret manual. It also does not matches with my attribute. Now that I think about it, when my predecessor was in the Knight College, he hade across the [Fire Surge] secret manual In a few days, I will arrange for Teacher Marcus to go to Coral Castle and pick it up for me.


    The newly promoted mid-ranked qi had to be stabilized; therefore, the issue with the cultivation secret manual was not pressing.


    In fact, Liszt was in no rush to upgrade his strength. It was true that aristocrats had to go to the battle field, but Coral Ind was far away from the continent and was not involved in many power struggle. As the counts third son, the aristocrats of Coral Ind did not look for trouble with him; therefore, he could grow in peace.


    Besides, no matter how strong his cultivation base was, he would still be just a pile of dirt one hundred yearster.


    For a lord, the steady and secure thing to do was to enjoy the servants many services, and let their subordinates do the fighting and killing.


    Of course, promoting to an Earth Knight is still an exciting affair. This basically means that I will have a hard time falling sick, and that my resistance to cold and heat had also greatly increased! Is there anything better than being healthy and longeval?


    He released a long breath of turbid air.


    Liszt had already calmed down. He turned around, and headed back towards the castle.


    The gentlemans valet trotted over, looking for an excuse to wait upon Liszt: My Lord, you have just finished your knight cultivation lessons practice, do you want for bath water to be prepared once more?


    If it is not too much trouble.


    Of course not, it is our honor to serve you.


    Okay, then prepare the bath water.


    Dinner.


    Marcus and Gort had arrived as expected.


    Liszt, you look healthier; it seems like you have fully recovered. This calls for a drink. Gort raised his cup and then downed it. He was fond of the bottle.


    This was amon affliction among the aristocracy.


    Marcus eyes flickered: Sir Baron, you  broke through?


    I had a feeling one hour ago and had a progress in qi cultivation. Liszt said modestly. After all, breaking trough to an Earth Knight after theing of age ceremony at sixteen years of age was not something to be proud of.


    Congrattions, Sir!  Marcus said solemnly. There was a change in his tone; previously he had to address him as baron, now he had also added sir. It was a good change.


    Gort made a fuss: Whoa, this is truly gargantuan news. No wonder the magpies around the small town were chirping when we went out earlier today. Liszt, you re worthy of being the sir counts son. As someone who had inherited Tulip Familys fine bloodline, you are bound to grasp power!


    My apt.i.tude is not as outstanding as that of my brother and sister. Only by being more diligent in practicing cultivation can I make up for it.


    With this kind of mentality, you can prove that you are equally outstanding. Historically, bigwigs not always performed well in their youth. To give their all to progress is the knights creed; I can see this quality in you.


    Thank you for the praise, Teacher Gort.


    Tonight, we have to celebrate properly and have a few drinks. Gort gave a chuckle and turned to the butler Carter, saying, Mr. Carter, in order tomemorate Liszts advancement to an Earth Knight, how about bringing out a bottle of good wine from the wine cer to celebrate this moment of glory.


    Old Carter grinned: I feel the same, Teacher Gort.


    But he did not act. The castles master had to approve it first before they could drink the wine.


    Liszt was not a party p.o.o.per. He nodded his head, saying: Mr. Carter, I will have to trouble you to get a bottle of La Crescent. By the way, give the Messrs. and Mesdames a cup of pudding each.


    As you wish, My Lord. Carter turned around and left, going downstairs to the wine cer.


    When pa.s.sing by the kitchens doorway, he said: Mrs. Abby, the lord granted everyone a cup of pudding for dinner.


    Abby Ladle was a corpulent woman. When she heard that, she said loudly: Cream pudding? Heavens, the lord is too generous, too excessive. The maids can eat anything. Besides, there is not much cream in stock.


    The kitchen maid Irene was mopping the floor. She looked up in expectation, saying: Mr. Carter, can the kitchen maid also get a cup of pudding?


    Of course. Today is a joyous asion, the lord had advanced to an Earth Knight!


    Heavens, the lord is so great! Abby praised loudly, before turning around, and shouting, Irene, stop standing there foolishly. Quickly finish mopping the floor, then go to the storeroom and retrieve the cream. Today, the lord is in an exultant mood and is giving you pudding which you can only eat on holidays, so cheer up and do your work!


    I know, Mrs. Abby. Praise the lord.


    La Crescent.


    A Coral Inds specialty made from grapes harvested on the first new moon of the fall.


    Tulip Castle had a grapes lesser sprite. Among the grapes it grew, there was a special variety used to make wine. The taste was nearly the same, but the wine made out of these grapes was sweet and refreshing. The wine was of the highest quality. It was famous in Sapphire Grand Duchy, with the court purchasing a batch every year.


    When Liszt left Tulip Castle, he had brought a trunk of it.


    La Crescent stored for a long time in a cer is alike an old story from the depth of the vortex of time. Without expressing itself, it conveys you the meaning of true beauty andsting taste. While rocking the crystal goblet, Gort watched the scarlet liquid rise and fall along the crystal wall, and expressed his feelings alike a poet.


    Liszt took a sip.


    Truth be told, he did not find the wine tasty, nor did he like wine in general. At most, he only liked to eat sweet fermented rice. However, the body he seeded from his predecessor had a certain wine tasting ability, which could amodate various tastes of wines.


    Therefore, with a when in Rome, do as the romans do mentality, he casually drank some wine.


    Anyhow, the alcohol content was not high; as such, it was not easy to get drunk.


    By the way, Teacher Gort, are there any issues with the peanut settlements peanuts? He suddenly recalled his new mission. His qi had already advanced; therefore, he very much longed for the reward of the new mission.


    Oh, it is indeed the case. This years climate is not very good, which might negatively impact the peanut settlements harvest. I had sent someone to check up on it. Arge part of the peanut fields is yellow; those nts should be dead in a few days The pitiful serfs will be starving even before the arrival of winter. Although the words conveyed empathy, but the expression on Gorts facecked the slightest bit of sympathy.


    After putting down his .s.s.


    Liszt said indubitably: Tomorrow, follow me to the peanut settlement to do an on-site investigation, and find a way to solve the peanut settlements crisis.

 Chapter 9: The Peanut Settlements Infertile Land

    Chapter 9: The Peanut Settlement''s Infertile Land


    The date-red Fierydragon carrying the Earth Knight Liszt crossed the muddynd before arriving at the peanut settlement. The peanut settlement was a very small settlement with thinly scattered seven or eight gra.s.s huts.


    Stop s.p.a.cing out! Have you not seen that the Sir Lord has arrived, hurry up and kowtow in salute! The settlements clerk scrambled to knock on each huts door.


    Those living in this ce were all serfs.


    With numb expressions, which was a consequence of living their lives in oppression, the serfs came out of their huts alike a tide. They stood woodenly at the doorways, not knowing what to do. Only after they were berated by the clerk, did they slowly knelt on the ground and saluted in Liszts direction.


    The adults were apathetic.


    Only the few naked children were raising their heads from time to time, using their filthy yet bright, big eyes to size Liszt up, followed by having their heads pushed down by the adults, making them kneel on the ground in the same fashion as the adults, their heads nearly sticking to the ground.


    Who is in charge of the peanut settlement? Liszt inquired.


    Gort was unconcernedly sitting atop his horse; he also did not know who the person in charge of the peanut settlement was. The clerk uttered: Sirs, that would be theme Old George.


    Tell him toe over.


    The clerk very quickly came while supporting an old man with ame leg being dragged behind him. The old man was wearing patched clothes. With his withered old body, he seemed to be an oilmp about to extinguish.


    Sir Lord, Old George is here.


    The clerk pushed the old man, seemingly intending to make the old man salute. However, the old man looked very nervous as he stood there woodenly, not knowing what to do.


    Liszt waved his hand, indicating for the clerk to retreat, before saying gently: Old George, there is no need to be nervous. I am the Baron Liszt Tulip, the Lord of Flower Town. I heard that there is a problem with the peanut settlements peanuts. Take me to the fields to take a look, to see if I can solve this problem.


    Ah, oh, Baron Sir Lord Old George stuttered nervously, I will lead the way Heavens be thanked peanut settlement is saved Sir Lord hase to save us!


    In his excitement, Old George raised a gust of wind as he walked.


    Because it was manned by serfs, there was no footpaths in the fields; therefore, Liszt could only inspect the fields by standing outside the farnd. Each field had only a ravine as a dividing line, with different serfs seeding different fields.


    Nearly 90% of the farnds output belonged to the aristocracy, that is, to Liszt.


    Only the remaining 10% were theirs to use as rations.


    Currently.


    The peanut fields, which were supposed to be green, were instead green interspersed with yellow. The peanut cropscked vitality as they feebly lied on the ground. The soil was moist. Obviously, the serfs had been watering the peanut crops, yet it was not enough for the crops to thrive.


    Old George wiped the tears off his face and said emotionally: Sir Lord, we do notzy around. We water the peanut crops three times a day, yet they still keep dying. Currently, only the peanut crops on Archies field still have not wilted, but they also cannot endure for much longer. Some of the leafs are already starting to turn yellow.


    Following the direction in which Old Georges finger was pointing at, Liszt saw a long field in the middle of the peanut settlements farnd.


    The field was green, its peanut crops had much more vitality than the wilted greenish-yellow crops around it.


    Liszt dismounted his horse, went next to the farnd, stooped down and pulled out a yellowed peanut sprout. He was about to carefully examine it, when Gort suddenly said: Liszt, you should not do this dirty work. If there is anything you want done, then it is just fine to send the serfs to do it. Even though he was a dest.i.tute chevalier, but in his heart, alike the average aristocrat, he still looked down onmoners.


    Liszt did not pay him any attention.


    Instead, he examined the peanut sprout in his hand.


    He was not an agronomist, but he had cultivated his share of fields when he was young, so he was no stranger to agriculture. Peanuts of the two worlds had some simrities and some differences. However, he could still determine that the current state of the peanut sprout in his hand was due to malnutrition.


    Have you tried to use ashes or manure on the fields?


    What? Old George was confused, Sir Lord, we had only used water, three times a day!


    Liszt asked: You have not used any fertilizer?


    Old George was taken aback, asking: What is fertilizer?


    Not even knowing about fertilizer Liszt was speechless: How have you been cultivating the peanuts?


    Old George babbled for a while. Long story short, before cultivating the peanuts, they would burn the the weeds that grew duringst years autumn and winter; after finishing seeding, they would water and weed the crops. From generation to generation, they would grow their crops in this fashion, with the harvest being particrly low. Only aristocrats could use sprites to affect the growth of nts and achieve a higher yield.


    Realizing this, Liszt could not help but to shake his head.


    Without using fertilizer, no matter how good the soil was, thend would turn infertile after cultivating nts several times. No wonder the peanut crops were dying, that is, dying from hunger.


    Following this train of thought, Liszt became puzzled: Why have they not yet starved to death? Now that the peanuts are like this, will they starve to death?


    ording to Old George, they cultivated the nts in this fashion every year. And apart from the times when there were droughts or floods, the yield had always been like this. Therefore, theck of nutrients in the peanut fields may have some other cause.


    What is the cause?


    His gaze fell on the field in the middle as he contemted.


    Suddenly, he had an epiphany as he recalled the reward of this mission. The mission requirement was to rescue the peanut fields, while the reward was one sprite worm. Based on the way he had received the reward from his first mission, Liszt felt that the sprite worm would not appear out of thin air, he would probably suddenly pick it up on his journey back.


    Rewarding me with a sprite worm And the malnutrition of the peanut fields Standing up, Liszt had already arrived at an answer, I am afraid that the origin of the malnutrition is my reward  the sprite worm. Sprite worms are born from nts, then this sprite worm of mine ought to be a peanut sprite worm.


    He waved his hand and called out to the crowd: I am going to examine the field in the middle.


    The crowd tiptoed to the peanut field in the middle, where the peanut sprouts were still full of vigor. Liszt rummaged through the memories of his predecessor; when he was little, he had witnessed the harvest of a silkworm-looking sprite worm, which hid inside the flower of a nt or inside a bud.


    Different sprite worms had different patterns.


    At present, he had four sprite worms  one tulip sprite worm, one thorns sprite worm, one maize sprite worm, and one alfalfa sprite worm. The cultivation of sprite worms required matching farnd. At present, Gort was still searching for suitable farnd to cultivate the sprite worms.


    After a moment of looking, Liszt had yet to find a peanut sprout pregnant with a sprite worm.


    It might still be too early. If the nourishment does not keep up, than the peanut sprite worm might fail to be bred. Liszt could not help but to clench his fists. Sprite worms represented productivity; this mission could not end in failure.


    Thinking till here.


    He said to the crowd: I believe I have already understood the reason behind this issue. Old George, treat the peanut fields ording to the instructions I am going to give you now.


    Praised be the Sir Lord! Old George cried tears of joy.


    Gort asked in astonishment: Liszt, have you really discovered the reason behind this issue? When have you cultivated peanuts? What is the cause of the peanuts wilting?


    It is still too early to say. It will be clear in a few days. To not get ahead of himself, Liszt did not expound on the reason behind this issue. He was worried that if his guess was wrong and there was no sprite worm, that he would make a fool of himself.


    Therefore, he first wanted to treat the peanut sprouts before saying anything more.

 Chapter 10: The Great Peanut Fields Fertilization Campaign

    Chapter 10: The Great Peanut Fields'' Fertilization Campaign


    The birth of sprite worms required copious amounts of nutrients. The infertile farnd was restricting the growth of the sprite worm. Also, after the nutrients from the farnd were gathered on the field in the middle, the peanut sprouts of the remaining fields were nearly dead.


    The way to treat this issue was very simple; just spreading some fertilizer on the peanut fields was enough.


    Liszt recalled the things he knew about farming, and then said to Old George.


    Old George, listen well. First, mobilize the serfs to go gather firewood and withered gra.s.s; set them on fire, and then collect the ashes. Second, mobilize able-bodied serfs to go dig up mud from the ponds, dig up the entireyer of mud from the bottom of the ponds. Third, let the children go gather manure; regardless of the type of manure, gather it all.


    Old George did not doubt the Sir Lord''s instructions: Alright, Sir Lord. I will make sure that the Sir''s orders are executed.


    After theme Old George left.


    Liszt turned to Gort, saying: Teacher Gort, I reckon that the peanut settlement''s manure will not be enough. Please go to the town and organize the serfs to gather manure Hmm, right, as the administrative officer, purchase the manure at the price of one copper coin for onerge wicker basket of manure.


    Copper , silver coins, gold coins, and dragon coins, this was themon currency of this world.


    However, the gold, silver and copper coins issued by different empires, kingdoms, and grand duchies were different to some extent. The copper coin Liszt had mentioned was the currency of the Sapphire Grand Duchy, with one copper coin having the purchasing power of about four box-sized ck breads, which would suffice an adult for a few days.


    One silver coin could be exchanged for one hundred copper coins, while one gold coin could be exchanged for one hundred silver coins.


    As for dragon coins, the full name being sapphire dragon coins, were magic gems of the sole sapphire dragon attached to Sapphire Gran Duchy, which could be exchanged for ten thousand gold coins. They were themselves were magic goods.


    After Gort heard that, he could not help but toin: Whoa, Liszt, why do you have to spend so much on purchasing some filthy and inexpensive manure which does not have any other use apart from smelling bad.


    No, manure is quite useful. Just announce it. By the way, find a ce to store the manure, preferably some far away, upwind, uncultivated piece ofnd. Liszt was quite clear about the worth of manure. In the absence of chemical fertilizers and with ack of sprites, the best source of nutrients for farming was manure.


    As the owner of arge tract ofnd, the one who owned Flower Town and all thends a.s.sociated to it, Liszt had a lot of fields to cultivate; therefore, there could not be ack of fertilizer. Besides, he did not want to have feces and urine on the streets of his little town. Such a thing was basically an affront to civilization.


    He was prepared to purchase feces long term, forpost and for hygiene. To promote toilets and the like was temporarily not feasible; therefore, purchasing manure was the most cost effective as well as required the least effort.


    But this price is too high. A copper coin should buy ten, no, twentyrge wicker baskets.


    Do as I said, Teacher Gort. Liszt''s tone was a bit harsh.


    Gort stoppedining, spreading his hands: As you wish.


    Nowadays, the lord was the authority.


    Once Liszt gave his orders, no one would dare to stonewall. Thus, the clerk and the serfs acted very quickly, piling up the mud, manure, and ashes that he had ordered in the peanut settlement.


    Very good, Old George. Now, send people to mix these things together. Next, dig a small hole next to the roots of each peanut sprout, put inside a bit of the mixture, and then cover the holes. Finally, pour some water and do some weeding. I reckon that in no time, the peanut sprouts will recover.


    While on top of Fierydragon, Liszt readily directed the peanut settlement''s serfs.


    As the lord, he naturally would not do the work himself; the aristocratic system did not permit it and he himself was not willing.


    The overall area of the peanut settlement''s peanut fields was about 100 mu (1 mu = 666.6667 m2), which was equivalent to about 10 football fields, or 7 or 8 primary schools. Altogether, there were 23 households, 92 people, in the peanut settlement.


    Not considering the children among the 92 serfs, who could not do manualbor, while adding the serfs that were moved from the town, there were a total of 120 people busy working.


    Teacher Gort, what is the poption of Flower Town?


    Oh. I am sorry, Liszt, I have been in the town for too short of a period of time and have yet to sort this out. As Gort had yet to figure this out, he turned to a clerk, You have lived in the town for many years, do you know what the number of households and the number of people in the town is? Is it more than 1,000 people?


    I do not know, Sir. The clerk shook his head.


    Gort then looked at another clerk.


    This clerk also shook his head.


    It seemed like no one in Flower Town knew exactly how many people there were in the town. Liszt was speechless. Was Flower Town forgotten, had the Coral Ind''s administrative officials nevere over to take a census? The former administrative officer had never taken a census?


    A lord who had not done a thorough census, who had not figured out the poption under his jurisdiction, that is really too much.


    Following this train of thought, he started giving instructions: Teacher Gort, organize some people, then hurry up and carry out a census. I want to figure out the number of households, the number of people, and each person''s name, family name, family ties, upation, age, gender as well as marital status.


    It is too rushed. Liszt, you know that there are too few officials in the town. We have no treasurer, no defense officer, now officer, no diplomat. In fact, we do not even have an administrative officer; I am supposed to be your adviser and not the small town''s administrative officer.


    The civil officials of an aristocratic territory basicallyprised of the head of the civil official, the adviser, followed by the administrative officer, the treasurer, the defense officer, thew officer, and the diplomat.


    The military officials were the knightmander and the administrator knight.


    As a dest.i.tute chevalier, Gort was at the bottommost of the aristocratic system, yet he was still an aristocrat. The reason why he had followed Liszt was because he was certain to hold the post of the adviser. The other, the knight teacher Marcus, was certain to hold the post of the knightmander As for whether Flower Town could give rise to knights, that was another story.


    Teacher Gort, do not worry, there are many things waiting to be done in Flower Town, my castle is also awaiting its rise. First manage Flower Town''s administrative affairs on my behalf. We will talk again after youplete the census.


    The adviser had too much authority. Liszt did not want to outright hand it over to Gort, not because he was afraid of bing just a figurehead, but because Gort''s mind was filled with the aristocratic system, because he was too full of himself and could not keep up with Liszt''s development ideas.


    So be it. Liszt, you have alreadye of age, are a lord, and are ent.i.tled to your own ideas. I will obey. Gort saluted with one hand, expressing his self-restraint and patience as an aristocrat.


    For three consecutive days, the great farming campaign of frenziedly spreading fertilizer in the peanut settlement had been carried out. The 100 mu ofnd had very quickly organic fertilizer, a mixture of mud, manure, and ashes applied to it.


    The field in the middle, in particr, had fertilizer applied to it a few times more than the rest.


    Liszt had also been on the site for thest three days,manding the operation. After everything was finished, the only thing left to do was to wait, wait until there was a change for the better in the peanut fields.


    Everything that could be done had been done. Now I can just hope for the mission to be quicklypleted. He was not an indecisive person. Since the work in the settlement was finished, he quickly shifted his sight to other affairs in his territory.


    Among others, the most important being the issue of the sprite worms.

 Chapter 11: The Recovery of Peanuts, Flower Bud

    Chapter 11: The Recovery of Peanuts, Flower Bud


    Teacher Gort, what about the search of suitable locations for settling down the sprite worms? They have already been dormant for a month. I hope that they can be woken up as soon as possible, as to not to squander their potential.


    Sprite worms were a type of small magical life form.


    Sprites could acknowledge their masters by biting them on their finger to draw a bit of blood, and then establish a magic contract. They were the spirits of nature, the essence of nts, as well as the emissaries of magic.


    nting their worm stalks would affect the growth of the surrounding nts.


    The worm stalks were the true bodies of sprite worms born from nts, they were regarded as the sprite worms'' life-essence talismans, which could be detached or reattached, could grow or hibernate.


    The growth of worm stalks was the growth of sprite worms.


    Once the worm stalk died, the sprite worm would die with it.


    As the worm stalks were inside the bellies of the four sprite worms, they did not provide any nourishment; therefore, the sprite worms had no choice but to hibernate. This was not only a waste of their productivity, but also dyed the possibility of the sprite worms'' evolution. Sprite worms could not evolve into lesser sprites by just hibernating.Only bycontinuously absorbing nutrients and affecting the growth of crops could sprite worms evolve into lesser sprites.


    Despite there being very little hope.


    Liszt still wanted to try his luck and see whether his sprite worms could evolve into lesser sprites.


    Gort answered: For the alfalfa sprite worm, it is suitable to be nted on the dairy farm as it has a vast stretch of pasture; the gra.s.s could be reced with alfalfa. For the maize sprite worm, it is quite difficult to find a suitable ce for it as Flower Town mainly cultivates wheat, with no one cultivating maize. For the tulip sprite worm, it should naturally be nted on the flower farm; although, that ce is about to be abandoned As for the thorns sprite worm Liszt, as you know, this sprite worm is worthless.


    I do not care whether they have worth or not, all I want is a field for them to grow!


    Then I will go ahead and dispatch the idle serfs to nt the alfalfa and tulip sprite worms. But Liszt, Ick manpower; the clerks are idle and incapable!


    You can conscript themoners at your discretion; the castle will pay them.


    Heavens, the castle will pay them? You truly are a generous lord. However, there are almost no literate people in Flower Town. You also want me to organize a census; but they cannot even write their own names. I can guarantee that they are incapable. We cannot count on themoners.


    This is a problem.


    Flower Town had no school, and with uneducated and illiterate people as officials, it was truly unreliable.


    Then, Teacher Gort, do you know any literate people willing toe over and settle down in Flower Town? As long as they are willing to serve as officials, then I will pay them twice the pay of other town''s officials My castle still should have a lot of gold coins.


    No matter how little he was liked, Liszt was still the count''s son. When he came of age and was enfeoffed, he was given a sizable amount in gold coins.


    Gort went silent for a moment, seemingly thinking things over: Liszt, I can tell that you have great ambitions for Flower Town. I do know some unappreciated talented and capable people. However, as your teacher, I must remind you that it is already strenuous for Flower Town to support a lord; increasing the number of people would be extremely burdensome.


    I am clear about this issue. Do not worry, I will solve it. You can invite them all. Liszt said readily. He could create wealth with talented people.


    In his opinion, Flower Town was an unexploited pristinend.


    Even though it was very difficult to get rich from farming without sprites, but creating wealth was not limited to farming.


    At the same time, he still thought inside: Also, I have my cheat, the smoke missions; it might me even more wealth!


    As they were discussing work.


    The old butler Carter knocked on the door and came in: My Lord, peanut settlement''s Old George would like to have an audience with you.


    Oh, what is it?


    He said that peanut settlement''s peanuts have recovered their green color overnight. While the middle field, that you have instructed to pay attention to, has a peanut with a veryrge flower bud.


    I see, let him in. Liszt was quite pleasantly surprised.


    Before applying the fertilizer, he did not expect the peanut fields to return to normal so quickly. He could not wait to find a quiet ce to see whether the smoke mission had already been updated.


    When Old George had nervously and cautiously entered the castle, Liszt had already regained his calm: Old George, give me a detailed ount of the peanut settlement''s affairs.


    Yes Sir Lord Your glorious radiance had shone on every corner of peanut settlement


    As Carter had reported, the peanut settlement had recovered its green color overnight, and a peanut crop had given rise to a mutation, with a veryrge flower bud growing from it. The serfs were besides themselves with joy, and Old George, without caring about hisme leg, ran over alike the wind, to the point ofheavily panting, to requested an audience with the lord. His formerly numb and despairing eyes have already been reced with hopeful ones.


    Gort had already reacted, his mouth wide open: Oh heavens. Liszt is the peanut field giving birth to a a peanut sprite worm?


    Liszt gave a faint smile: It is quite possible.


    Oh heavens. Liszt, you are an aristocrat favored by the heavens! For such a remote countryside small town like Flower Town to give birth to a sprite worm is truly unfathomable!


    We will know whether it is unfathomable or not after taking a look ourselves. Mr. Carter, prepare my horse, I am going to the peanut settlement.


    As you wish, My Lord.


    At the entrance of the castle.


    Liszt and Gort had each mounted their horses. Carter inquired: My Lord, your retainer knights have yet to arrive, do you want to wait for them for a while?


    Thomas stepped forward. He wanted to say something, but did not dare to open his mouth.


    Liszt noticed it. He gave Thomas and Old George a slight look, before saying: Thomas, ride with me. Right, you and Old George can mount the same horse.


    Liszt''s words were like music to Thomas'' ears. He was trembling from excitement: At your service, My Lord!


    This was the first time the sir lord allowed his gentleman''s valet to wait upon him when going on a journey. The idea of a gentleman''s valet was of an aristocrat''s trusted aid always following closely behind. The gentleman''s valets of many greater aristocrats fought alongside them on the battlefield, serving them as knights.


    Four people and three horses.


    With Fierydragon at the lead, swift as the wind and quick as lightning, they arrived at peanut settlement.


    As far as the eye could see, the peanut fields, that were greenish-yellow just yesterday, had be verdant, with the peanut sprouts joyfully spreading their branches and leaves.


    It was currently spring, but it still was not blooming season.


    However, on the field in the middle, thergest peanut sprout had a fist-sized flower bud of a delicate green color on its root stem.


    It is indeed a sprite worm''s flower bud! Liszt, Flower Town was blessed by the heavens! Gort shouted somewhat exaggeratedly.


    Liszt was actually very excited, but the expression on his face was stillposed as he said with a mild smile: Sprite worms are crucial for Flower Town''s agriculture; therefore, this peanut field must be protected. Old George, I want people guarding the field 24/7.


    Sir Lord, I will guard it without eating nor resting!


    There is no need to go to such lengths, just rotate the people on duty. Liszt then turned to Thomas standing behind him, saying, Go back and tell my retainer knights that I want one of them to be stationed in peanut settlement to watch over the sprite worm.


    Very well, My Lord!

 Chapter 12: Flower Towns Census

    Chapter 12: Flower Town''s Census


    The sprite worm had yet to be truly born. Liszt could not stay there, waiting foolishly; therefore, before returning to the castle, he had arranged for people to keep watch. Flower Town''s only contact with the outside world was via theThorns Ridge''s road, with very few peopleing and going.


    Only when the count came to collect taxes, would there be caravansing over by following the procession of knights.


    Now that Flower Town had be Liszt''s territory, there would be no oneing over to collect taxes; therefore, the caravans would also not be willing toe over. As such, there would be no one entertaining ideas regarding the sprite worm.


    As for Flower Town''s inhabitants, no one dared to entertain any ideas regarding the sprite worm.


    Sprite worms were the darlings of nature, they could only establish master-ve contracts with humans who possessed magic power; magic beasts were also a possibility, but theycked such practice.


    Magic power referred to qi and magic; although they differed in manifestation, yet were the same in essence.


    In Flower Town, there were only three people with magic power  Liszt, Marcus, and Gort. Marcus and Gort were well-known in Coral Ind. Even if they where to steal the sprite worm, they would have nowhere to run to. In Coral Ind, no one dared to touch things that belonged to Tulip Family, and Liszt was a member of Tulip Family.


    Therefore, there was no need to fret about the safety of the peanut sprite worm.


    He arrived at his study, closed the door, and then focused for a moment, waiting for the smoke to appear. Following repeated trial and errors, he had already grasped the rules behind the appearance of the smoke. He just had to calm down, and then he could see it.


    Just as expected.


    One minuteter.


    Twisting Serpentines appeared before his eyes.


    Missionpleted. Reward: one peanut sprite worm.


    As I thought, the peanut sprite worm was the reward for this times mission I do not know how the smoke missions appear. It does not seem like the rewardse out of thin air, but rather, have a basis in reality, or possibly were things on the verge of happening The advancement in battle qi took ce probably because of my .u.mtions, and the peanut sprite worm had emerged because it was supposed to.


    However, without the smoke missions, these rewards would probably have been wasted.


    He would probably still be an Apprentice Knight and the peanut sprite worm would have secretly died.


    At this moment, the smoke Serpentines had already twisted into new content.


    Mission: How can the lord of a territory not even know the number of residents residing in their territory? Please carry out a census of your territory, and figure out the basic circ.u.mstances of the residents. Reward: a new type of tulips.


    Census? Is this not exactly what I am nning to do? It seems like the content of the smoke missions is updated ording to my real-life circ.u.mstances What is the deal with this new type of tulips, is it a magic ingredient? Liszt guessed.


    The rise of Tulip Family was hinged on tulips.


    Tulips were not only a kind of flower, but also a kind of magic ingredient, an ingredient with magic power. Magic ingredients were important auxiliary materials capable of aiding in cultivation of magic and qi. ording to Liszt''s memory, tulip magic ingredients could reach a sky high selling price of 10 gold coins.


    In case the new type of tulips was a magic ingredient, then it would be a great trump card for invigorating a territory''s economy.


    And even if it was not a magic ingredient, it could still contribute to Tulip Castle. Letting the family''s tulip greater sprite a.s.simte it would increase the greater sprite''s evolution and growth potential.


    Then, the next step is to urge on the census! Is there anything tricky about a small vige with a poption of one or two thousand people? Gort has disappointed me. While I have no time to supervise it myself.


    On Liszt''s birthce, one or two thousand people was about the size of a school. As someone who had been the student body president of a school, he was quite confident in his supervising capability.


    But it was an extremely tricky task when it came to Gort.


    At the time of transfer of power, he had questioned the former administrative officer, who had been a knight dispatched by the sir count. This knight had only done a single thing in Flower Town, which was, collecting taxes.


    Anything else, the knight did not care about. The knight was almost never in Flower Town, letting a retainer knight of his to supervise the town on his behalf.


    The retainer knight had also only done a single thing, which was, collecting taxes, not caring about anything else.


    The taxation of Flower Townprised of peanuts, milk, wheat, barley, oats, tomatoes, and tulips. The Count of Coral Ind would collect taxes every three months, taking away most of the crops that Flower Town produced. After collecting taxes, the knight stopped concerning himself about Flower Town.


    This backwards cecked the amenities of Coral City.


    Therefore, Gort had to sit in the dpidated administrative office of the small town and look at the four clerks and the six rangers under his administration, feeling like the census was a task impossible to aplish.


    None of you have ever read a book, nor do you know how to read? Is there not a single person in this town who can read?


    A clerk said in embarra.s.sment: Sir, there is no school in this small town, nor had we ever left this small town


    A ranger with a red nose said: Old Cobbler might know how to read. He hase from another ind. I had once seen a book in his home, it was this thick. While flipping through the pages, I had seen small drawings of people. However,Old Cobbler had roughed me up. Though he is blind, but his leather shoe is particrly effective, quite good for beating up people.


    A blind person, without even thinking about it, Gort ignored Old Cobbler.


    Since there were no literate people, he had no choice but to say: Each person shall go to a settlement to count the total number of households and people!


    It should have been a simple a.s.signment, but when the clerks and rangers returned with their reports a dayter, Gort felt like he was going insane.


    He berated loudly: What? Peanut settlement has 18 households and 56 people? Mr. Teacup, are you kidding me!


    Mr. Teacup, a clerk, whose full name was Davy Teacup, had an indecisive expression on his face: Sir, I am not. I have counted them several times, but each time, the numbers were different


    The peanut settlement had 23 households and 92 people, Gort had personally counted them when Liszt was upied with the peanut fields.


    He could not figure out why Davy Teacup woulde up with 18 households and 56 people.


    There was no point to think about it.


    The numbers the others came up with were definitely also not reliable.


    Thinking until this point, Gort waved his hand weakly: Alright, stop reporting, keep the numbers to yourselves. Get me my horse, I am going to the castle to have an audience with Baron Liszt.


    After hurrying over on horseback, Gortined exaggeratedly to Liszt: You have no idea, these clerks and rangers cannot even count from one to ten! There is no way we can rely on them to aplish the census. Liszt, I have already written the letters, I just need to send them out. How about we wait until they arrive and then do the census?


    How long will it take?


    There is no need to worry. Liszt, we have enough time, do we not?


    I cannot wait. Liszt tapped his fingers on the the table, Mr. Carter, is there anyone in the castle who can read?


    Carter bowed faintly, saying: My Lord, I can write and read, Thomas can also do it right, Mrs. Mawson should be able to.


    Then I will have to trouble you to ask Mrs. Mawson and Thomas toe over. Also, go tell Teacher Marcus and my four retainer knights toe over; I recall them also to be capable of writing and reading.


    When everyone had gathered, Liszt dered: Now, drop everything you are doing, and help me aplish Flower Town''s census. The town, mushroom settlement, peanut settlement, tomato settlement, barley settlement, wheat settlement, flower farm, and dairy farm, each person is responsible for a settlement.

 Chapter 13: Black Tulip

    Chapter 13: ck Tulip


    Come on, hurry up, f.u.c.king oafs! Dillydallying, you are courting death! Sir Lord wants an ount of your families'' circ.u.mstances! Harry up! Put on your clothes, take your women and children, and a.s.semble in the open s.p.a.ce! Anyone who is missing, will have their legs broken by me!


    A ranger strutted about as he knocked on the gra.s.s huts'' doors and yelled.


    Before long, all of barley settlement''s serfs came out of their homes and gathered in the open s.p.a.ce amidst the ranger''s verbal abuse.


    Whispering in groups of two or three.


    From time to time, they would raise their heads and look at the table in the middle of the open s.p.a.ce. Behind the table sat a forty-year-old woman dressed in a fitting dark green dress sorting out a stack of thick bast paper pages. Behind the women was still a young maid helping out with mixing ink in a mug.


    Who are they?


    I have never seen them before.


    Fool, they surely are maids from the castle!


    Yeah, look at their clothes, they were ironed. Unlike our smelly and wrinkled clothes, only Sir Lord''s maids would dress such neat and tidy clothes.


    What is Sir Lord up to? From listening to his henchman, he wants to count count what?


    It is to count the poption. An elderly serf chewed the roots of some kind of gra.s.s, Ten years ago, Sir Count had sent over people to do a count. At that time we had had had many households and serfs, we had much more people than we have now. Ugh, many people have starved to death seven years ago during the heavy snowfall.


    In front of the table.


    The ranger, who had been strutting about just a moment ago, bowed to the two maids, saying: Mrs. Mawson, Young Lady Michonne, everyone in the barley has a.s.sembled.


    I am not ady, I am just a maid of the castle. Michonne Oxtail was actually very happy with being addressed as youngdy. She asked with a smile. Is everyone present? Do not miss a single person, or Sir Lord will punish us, you included.


    Of course, of course, I guarantee that no one would dare to hide.


    Mrs. Mawson nodded. Very well, then let them approach one household at a time. Once the serfs are counted, then send them home immediately. They must not return, so that we do not registered them again.


    Alright.


    The ranger started to let the serfs approach the table one household at a time.


    Mrs. Mawson followed Liszt''s long-prepared questionnaire, You are the head of the household? What is your name?


    Ho Hopper, Mrs..


    Do not be nervous. I want your full name, including your family name, Mr. Hopper.


    Oh, al alright. My name is Hopper Rancidwater.


    So, Mr. Hopper, is everyone of your family here, a total of five people? What are the names of your wife, your two sons and your daughter How old are you, what is your vocation, and what are you responsible for? What about your wife? Is your eldest son working?


    Before long, Mrs. Mawson finished with her questions and started recording the information on the thick bast paper pages.


    Serfs'' household head  Hopper Rancidwater, age  37, grows barley, no handicap; wife  Simone Rancidwater, age  34, grows barley, no handicap; eldest son  Rob Rancidwater, age  20, grows oats,me; second son  Peter Rancidwater, age  17, grows barley, no handicap; daughter  Lily Rancidwater, age  15, raises chickens, no handicap.


    After recording the information, Mrs. Mawson checked it once.


    After she was certain that there were no mistakes, she said gently: Mr. Hopper, Mrs. Hopper, your family can go back.


    Oh, al alright.


    This sight onlysted for a day. Stacks of thick bast paper pages were delivered to the castle and piled up on Liszt''s desk. The work rted to Flower Town''s census was finished.


    Liszt, it is truly unfathomable. This troublesome task was easily settled by you. You are definitely qualified to be lord. Gort praised.


    Teacher Gort, it is too early for praises. I want you to summarize the data of each settlement and then give it to me.


    At your service.


    Perhaps the swift and decisive actions of Liszt had put Gort under pressure, resulting in him acting as a follower instead of an adviser. He worked at night under the light of candles, which was really a rare sight.


    Early the next morning.


    The statistical data had appeared before Liszt after he was done with his breakfast and had finished with his knight cultivation lesson''s practice.


    My Lord, Sir Gort had worked through the night. He had blood-shot eyes when he delivered the data. Carter held the thick bast paper pages with both hands, saying.


    Good wine, good food, and entertainment require some reciprocation. Flower Town has to grow. I do not want my fief to be as lifeless as it used to be.


    Carter was absent-minded for a few seconds before agreeing: My Lord, it feels like I am seeing Sir Count in his youth, the high-spirited viscount who had obtained the t.i.tle of count and established Tulip Family as the ruler of Coral Ind within five years. With you as their lord, the inhabitants of Flower Town are truly fortunate.


    Perhaps. Liszt was not modest.


    He quietly looked through the thick bast paper pages. The thick stack had actually not much content. Even if one were to use a goose feather pen to write in very small symbols on the thick bast paper pages, one still would not record many symbols.


    Thick bast paper is really backwards.


    My Lord, we already do not have much thick bast paper left. We have already used up four fifth of thick bast paper from the warehouse.


    I know, I will think of a method to solve this. Papermaking had already been ced on Liszt''s to do list, only awaiting the right time to be aplished.


    It took half an hour for Liszt topletelyprehend all of Flower Town''s data.


    Eight settlements in total.


    Vige, 257 households and 907 people, of which, 41 households and 125 people were freedmen, with the rest being serfs.


    Peanut , 23 households and 92 people, all serfs.


    Mushroom , 68 households and 211 people, all serfs.


    Tomato , 30 households and 152 people, of which, 10 households and 28 people were freedmen, with the rest being serfs.


    Barley , 48 households and 155 people, all serfs.


    Wheat , 101 households and 342 people, all serfs.


    Flower farm, 21 households and 54 people, all serfs.


    Dairy farm, 18 households and 60 people, all serfs.


    Flower Town in its entirety, a total of 584 households and 1973 people, of which, only 51 households and 153 people were freedmen, with the rest being serfs. The castle, 10 servants, 4 retainer knights, 2 followers  Gort and Marcus. 17 people including Liszt.


    Gort and Marcus still had their own family members. However, they had yet toe over. They were staying in Coral City, they might be unwilling or taking some time toe over


    Therefore, the poption of Flower Town was at a total of 1990 people.


    Most of them being engaged in agriculture  nting barley, wheat, oats, tomatoes, mushrooms, peanuts and tulips, and raising dairy cows as well as a small number of chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, dogs and sheep.


    Only 7% of the poption was engaged in handicraft.


    There was a tailor shop, a cksmith shop, a carpenter shop, a bakery, a mill, a grocery store, a cobbler shop, a barber shop, and a locksmith shop.


    The census is detailed enough, it should be enough toplete the mission. Liszt pushed away the thick bast paper pages releasing a faint fishy stench, thinking.


    Just at this moment, the old butler, Carter, came over: My Lord, great news, the flower farm''s manager hase to report good news.


    Hearing the two words flower farm'', Liszt''s eyes lit up. He realized that it should probably be the reward for the mission: Where is he? I want to see him What are the good news?


    It is a never before seen ck Tulip. My Lord, I will go get him.

 Chapter 14: Tulip Sprite Worms New Home

    Chapter 14: Tulip Sprite Worm''s New Home


    The flower farm had a longer history than Flower Town.


    Starting eighteen years ago, not long after Leewilliam Tulip had obtained Coral Ind, he had mobilized his knights to explore the entire ind. Among others, he had discovered a flower field.


    Among the flowers, two new types of tulips were thriving.


    For Tulip Family, tulips were their lifeblood. As a result, the count had moved his subjects over to grow them. However, because of the inconvenience in transportation, the count had ultimately moved the new types of tulips into Coral City. Then just a few yearster, the flower farm had fallen into disuse.


    Nowadays, besides the few tulips in the flower field, the vast expanse of flowers had been rooted, giving way to other crops  barley, wheat, and others.


    Therefore, once Liszt arrived, what met his sight was not a rainbow of flowers but just the verdant of wheat and barley sprouts.


    Sir Lord, only 20 mu of tulips remain. The red ones are the Sundance Tulips, they serve tomemorate Sir Lord''s elders; the yellow ones are the William I Tulips, they serve tomemorate Sir Lord''s supreme glory. The grizzle-haired manager, Victor, sighed incessantly.


    At its peak, the flower farm was 800 mu in size, but now, it was only 200 mu, with wheat being grown on 180 mu.


    There are no magic ingredients?


    It is a pity, but there are no more magic ingredients here. As a result,ter on, Sir Count had rather seldom picked tulips here. But now, the tulip field shall be revived! Sir Lord, look over there, do you see the ck Tulip in the middle of the tulip field, I have never before seen this purple-ck flower before!


    Liszt looked over, and indeed, the color of the tulip surrounded by the yellow and red was out of tune, it was purple-ck.


    Alike a proud ck swan quietly grooming its feathers amidst a flock of geese


    Is it a magic ingredient?


    I do not know, Sir Lord.


    I will go take a look. By brushing aside the ordinary tulips, Liszt arrived before the ck Tulip. He touched a purple-ck petal with his fingers. Immediately after, he perceived a strange and familiar aura.


    His eyes suddenly lit up.


    Liszt revealed a satisfied smile: It is a magic ingredient!


    Magic ingredients were ingredients with magic power.


    The mysteries of wizards'' spell casting and knight''s qi cultivation were inseparable from the a.s.sistance from magic ingredients. All kinds of mystical treasures required magic ingredients as auxiliary materials to some degree.


    Although the prices varied greatly due to different effects of magic ingredients, but even the cheapest magic ingredient could be sold for at least 1 silver coin.


    Liszt had never heard of a magic ingredient being cheaper than 1 silver coin.


    Taking control of a type of magic ingredients was equal to taking control of great wealth.


    Now that the ck Tulip grew in Liszt''s territory, this wealth certainly belonged to him. ording to the aristocratic system andws, even the count had no right to forcibly seize a lesser lord''s property. Loyalty was one thing, while interests were another. Once the lord enfeoffed the lesser lords, then everything inside the lesser lords'' territories was theirs.


    It seems that not only have I gained a fortune, but I have also found a new home for my tulip sprite worm. Liszt took a deep breath, The flower farm shall be revived!


    With a hint from Liszt, the manager, Victor, and the retainer knights withdrew themselves from the tulip field.


    He squatted next to the ck Tulip by himself.


    He focused his mind.


    Shortly after, faint smoke appeared before his eyes and twisted into symbols.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a new type of tulips.


    Next.


    The smoke distorted, and the symbols changed.


    Mission: the deteriorating flower farm seems to have its fate changed by the new type of tulip. Together with the tulip sprite worm, you must take on the heavy responsibility of reviving the flower farm. Please help the tulip sprite worm to settle down its worm stalk. Reward: one magic beast cub.


    The mission had already been updated.


    There was no difficulty involved, just ripping the benefits.


    What made Liszt''s eyes brighten was that the reward was a magic beast cub.


    The mostmon low-ranked magic beasts were already as strong as Apprentice Knights and could even contend with Earth Knights. The Windde Wolf Liszt had run into a while ago was such a low-ranked magic beast, slightly inferior to the Earth Knight Marcus. Some low-ranked magic beast were even capable of going toe to toe against Sky Knights.


    What sort of magic beast''s cub will it be? Can it be raised or should it butchered? Liszt was very much looking forward to it.


    My Lord, I brought the tulip sprite worm. The butler, Carter, was escorted to the flower farm by a retainer knight before solemnly handing Liszt a jade box.


    After receiving the jade box, Liszt could feel that there was a a small life form connected to his bloodline inside it.


    The box was opened.


    Inside, he saw a light yellow silkworm-like life form with cyan stripes on its back. The sprite worm was shorter than an index finger and as thick as a thumb. It had a jade-like l.u.s.ter to it, looking like a long and wiggling jade strip. It was extremely pretty.


    The sprite worm was currently sleepingzily inside jade powder.


    During its transntation period, the worm stalk inside the sprite worm''s belly had no way to supply it with nutrients; therefore, to preserve its vitality, it had to gnaw on the jade powder. Jade, also known as magic jade, was a stone with magic power. Although it was much cheaper than gems produced by dragons, it was none the less a rare treasure-grade mineral.


    Little fellow, you have rested enough, take a look at your new home. Liszt reached out with his index finger.


    In response to Liszt''s mental urge, thezily sleeping tulip sprite worm slowly climbed up his finger before resting on his palm. Its sesame-sized shining ck eyes looked about, as if examining its new home.


    What a beautiful life form. Regardless of how many times I look at it, I cannot get enough. Gort sighed aloud as he watched the sprite worm.


    As a dest.i.tute chevalier, he could not possess sprite worms.


    Chevaliers, as the lowest-ranked members of the aristocratic system, often had their own fiefs. Those that did well could purchase a sprite worm. However, Gort''s fief had declined and had to be sold off, while he became a dest.i.tute chevalier without a fief. Naturally, he could not afford a sprite worm.


    Liszt went to the middle of the center of the tulip field, and the pointed to the ck Tulip, saying softly: Little fellow, just set up your worm stalk here, okay?


    With the link established by the contract, the sprite worm understood Liszt''s meaning.


    It slowly opened its mouth and released a green ray of light. The light fell onto the open s.p.a.ce next to the ck Tulip. Immediately after, a tulip sprouted, growing a stalk and leaves. The cyan stalk and leaves culminated in a light-yellow flower. This was its worm stalk, capable of influencing the growth of nearly 10 mu of the surrounding tulips.


    As a sprite worm, it could make the tulips sprout two times a season.


    Besides, the quality of the tulips would be improved to some extent.


    Liszt ced the tulip sprite worm on the flower of its worm stalk, which was its home. It seemed like the release of its worm stalk and the consequent imntation had greatly consumed its stamina. The tulip sprite wormzily reclined inside the flower, not budging. Liszt could not help but to urge it: Little fellow, there is a new type of tulip nearby; how about having a taste of it?


    The tempted tulip sprite worm slowly crawled out of the flower, climbed along the stalk until it reached a leaf, then continued to climb until it reached the tip of the leaf.


    It was going to fall, yet instead, it started crawling midair.


    There was a faint glow beneath it. As if crawling on something transparent, it crawled'' little by little towards the nearby ck Tulip, before finally entering inside its flower.


    It twisted its fat body.


    The tulip sprite worm sent back a sense of excitement''. It rolled about inside the purple-ck flower, performing a.s.simtion.


    It symbolized the tulip sprite worm gathering the ck Tulip''s pheromones'' as well as applying its abilities to the ck Tulip.


    Of course, Liszt was more willing to think that the tulip sprite worm was gathering different genes, improving itself.


    After it gathered enough, it would have a chance at evolution.


    In Tulip Castle, there were three tulip sprite worms which had evolved into tulip lesser sprites relying on this method. One of them was given to Liszt''s sister, Lvera. In his memory, there was envy, jealousy, resentment, and even more envy by the time he was conferred the t.i.tle of baron.


    Because he did not get a lesser sprite.

 Chapter 15: Marcus vs. a Wild Dogs Sneak Attack

    Chapter 15: Marcus vs. a Wild Dog''s Sneak Attack


    After the tulip sprite worm had finished its a.s.simtion, it could be put back into the jade box and be raised in the castle. Besides, there was no longer a need to eat jade powder as the worm stalk could absorb nutrients, supporting the sprite worm.


    The process took about a day.


    Back at the castle.


    Liszt started writing letters.


    Liszt started drawing Serpentines with a goose feather pen dipped in ink on spread open thick bast paper pages. Without phone or fax, he could onlymunicate via the most primitive correspondence.


    He was writing letters to the Count of Coral Ind and the Baroness of Falcon Town, that is, his father and sister.


    The count had one tulip great sprite, one tulip lesser sprite, and several tulip sprite worms, while the baroness had one tulip lesser sprite. The ck Tulip on Liszt''s territory was of vital importance to sprites, meaning that the count and the baroness were certainly willing to pay a certain price to a.s.simte this new type.


    Here, ounts should be settled without ambiguity even between brothers, the same was valid between father and son.


    Using this opportunity of a.s.simtion, I might be able to get a sprite worm from the count and living supplies from the baroness. He already knew what he wanted to get in return.


    Sprites were the number one productive force; a chance to get one could not be missed.


    Next were thecking living supplies, In fact, the castlecked everything. Liszt was not someone who led a in life, he likefort.


    Next, I can discuss the cultivation and sale of ck Tulips with the count. As a specialty good, ck Tulips could only be cultivated in my territory. However, the right to sell could be given to the count. Um, there should be no problem I getting 20% of the proceeds However, it would take at least two years before the ck Tulips could be ma.s.s produced.


    His pen stopped for a moment as he mused, before continuing writing.


    Perhaps I could get an advance payment, that is not right, get a sales representative down payment from the count. I have to get some more gold coins as it would be quite difficult to develop Flower Town without start-up capital.In particr, a safe and wide road has to be opened trough the Thorns Ridge; building a road is the first step to getting rich.


    This was the gist of the content.


    Once both letters were written, Marcus had rushed over. The only person qualified to deliver the letters was the Earth Knight Marcus. Liszt still had not practiced cultivation ording to a mid-ranked qi secret manual, his fighting strength was rathercking.


    Teacher Marcus, I have two letters I need you to help me deliver.


    At your service. Marcus replied cordially. His tone seemed to have changed. Before Liszt had promoted to an Earth Knight, he would only reply with yes'', yet now he replied with at your service''.


    Liszt had noticed this change, but he said nothing: One more thing, I need a mid-ranked qi secret manual. The Tulip Castle''s [Thousand Ripples] secret manual does not suit me. Please bring me the Knight College''s [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual. Right, please ask the butler Lewis whether there are any other fire-attributed qi secret manuals in the Tulip Castle.


    No problem.


    Have a good rest tonight, then leave tomorrow. Be careful when crossing the Thorns Ridge. Liszt thought for a moment, Your horse is not good enough, take my Fierydragon instead.


    Marcus bowed in grat.i.tude: Thank you for your kindness, but my horse has been together with me through thick and thin. This old partner of mine, with whom I share a connection, is more suitable for me to ride.


    Be my guest.


    If there is nothing else, then I will take my leave, Sir Baron.


    Go ahead.


    Teacher Marcus, good afternoon. Tom Pigsty carrying buckets of water came across Marcus leaving the castle and gritted him respectfully.


    Marcus nodded lightly: Good afternoon.


    Tom was greatly ttered. Usually, Marcus and Gort would never say to him good afternoon''. He was just the castle''s servingman responsible for heavy manualbor; people lower in status than him might only be the a.s.sistant servingman, Jesse Ricewater, responsible for feeding horses and chopping wood, and the kitchen maid Irene Fourfingers.


    He wanted to bow to Marcus, but he forgot that he was carrying buckets of water on his shoulders. When bending down, the carrying pole slipped, spilling half of the water inside the buckets.


    Be a bit more careful.


    Oh, okay, okay, Teacher Marcus.


    When Marcus left on horseback, Thomas appeared out of nowhere: You''re really clumsy. To spill half of the water, Mr. Tom Pigsty, perhaps the lord should let you feed the pigs, that would be more suitable for you.


    Tom raised the buckets, not looking at Thomas: I am going back to fill the buckets.


    Although he was taller than Thomas by a head, yet he habitually held his head low.


    Thomas sneered: Can you do anything else apart from drawing water?! No, you cannot even do that properly! You have been a heavy manualbor servingman your entire life! I am the lord''s gentleman''s valet! Sooner orter, I will rece Old Carter and be the castle''s butler! By then, the first thing I will do is to send you to feed the pigs.


    You will not, only Mr. Carter is the lord''s trusted aid. Tom whispered.


    Humph, the lord has already let me go out with him, he already trusts me. I am still young; sooner orter, I will rece Old Carter!


    You will not. Tom spoke no more. He turned around and left.


    When pouring the water into the great water vat from the buckets, the maid Debbie Window hade over to draw water. She looked at Thomas strolling outside the castle: Tom, is Thomas bothering you again?


    It is nothing.


    You should not be afraid of him, there is nothing special about him. The lord will recognize your efforts.


    I know, I am not afraid of him. The lord is a great personage. The lord and Mr. Carter can see my hard work. Tom wiped the sweat from his forehead, Thank you none the less, Debbie. Need any help in carrying the water upstairs?


    If it is not too troublesome.


    It is not. The work Mr. Carter has arranged for me is quite easy.


    Tom you are really a good person.


    Early in the morning, Marcus had his breakfast; he had fed his horse an ample amount of beans and hey.


    He carefully examined the two letters of Liszt and the five letters of Gort, and then looked through the few symbols written on a thick bast paper page.


    The symbols reminded him of the things he should not forget; Liszt needed a fire-attributed qi secret manual, Old Carter entrusted him with the purchase of thick bast paper, Gort wanted a box of cigars, the retainer knight Oden Insole entrusted him with the purchase of scabies ointment, and he himself required a bowstring.


    When facing the Windde Wolf with bow and arrows, he had pulled too ferociously, breaking the bowstring; he had to rece it.


    Then, he polished hisnce and one-handed sword, counted the feather arrows in the quiver. With everything ready to go, he mounted his horse, left the small town, and hurried towards the Thorns Ridge.


    The Thorns Ridge was a sinuous hill, going up and down.


    In fact, it should be two hills joined together. One hill stretched from north to south, while the other stretched from south to west. Between them was a path, the only path to ess Flower Town.


    Magic beasts roamed between the hills and thicket.


    But not many. Particrly in this season when food was abundant, magic beasts rarely wandered off. Therefore, the path between the hills was still rtively safe. And as an Earth Knight, he did not fear themon beasts.


    However, just 1 li into the path.


    Suddenly, he detected the aura of a magic beast.


    Not again! Previously, I havee cross a Windde Wolf, and now, I havee across another magic beast, so unlucky! Marcus grasped thence in his hand, nervously looking in the direction from where the beast aura hase from.


    After waiting for a while.


    The magic beast still had not appeared.


    Marcus had narrowed his eyes. Magic beasts that lurked behind a cover were more dangerous than those in in sight. He tapped his horse and pretended to leave, trying to lure out the magic beast.


    After going for roughly 0,5 li.


    The magic beast tailing him had finally be impatient, taking the initiative to reveal itself and attack. A lofty figure rushed out of the thicket beside the path, ferociously pouncing at him.


    Marcus was on his guard the entire time, so naturally he would not be taken by surprise. Practically at the same time, he had turned his horse around and trusted hisnce to meet the attack of the magic beast.


    Next, he saw the magic beast clearly, which was an enormous wild dog.

 Chapter 16: Dog Call

    Chapter 16: Dog Call


    Flyingdust Dog!


    Marcus was greatly startled and hisnce trembled.


    But the next moment, he suddenly discovered that hisnce had left a small b.l.o.o.d.y hole on the Flyingdust Dog. The Flyingdust Dog''s momentum was also blocked by the strike and it heavily dropped to the ground.


    Once the Flyingdust Dog reached the ground, it turned around to conceal itself.


    However, Marcus did not give it any chances. He cast away thence not suited in melee battle, drew the one-handed sword from the back of his horse, and shed at the Flyingdust Dog.


    The Earth Knight''s strength was amazing and he had also trained systematically with the one-handed sword.


    Suddenly, the Flyingdust Dog, who''s figure wasrger than that of the Windde Wolf, yelped from being shed at. It retaliated chaotically, without any rhyme nor reason. Besides, from start to finish, the Flyingdust Dog had not released any magic, only fighting at close quarters with Marcus.


    Howe Thorns Ridge''s most formidable magic beast, the Flyingdust Dog, is no different from amon beast and is so weak? A myriad of doubts pa.s.sed through his mind.


    However, the sword in his hand did not stop. A short whileter, the Flyingdust Dog was seriously wounded and slumped to the ground, bleeding all over.


    The only thing left was it drawing itsst breath.


    Marcus did not dare rx. He picked up thence on the ground, pointed at the Flyingdust Dog''s throat, and struck out.


    Sqwelp!


    Uh uh


    The Flyingdust Dog''s eyes dimmed as it took itsst breath.


    Marcus took out the rope he was carrying, tied rope on the Flyingdust Dog''s tail in a practiced manner, mounted his horse, then turned back and followed the path he hade from. He did not dare to continue staying in the Thorns Ridge, in particr with the body of the Flyingdust Dog reeking of blood, capable of drawing in beasts and even magic beasts.


    ording to thews of the aristocracy, all the yield inside a territory belonged to the lord.


    Therefore, even though Marcus was the one to kill this Flyingdust Dog, it was still Liszt''s property. While sprinting, he quickly returned to the two-story-tall castle.


    Teacher Marcus. Karl Eisenhammer was on duty. The retainer knights were required to guard the castle.


    Quickly, notify the sir baron, I have killed a magic beast!


    What? A magic beast!


    In no time, the entire castle was alerted. Whether retainer knights, or servingmen, maids, butler, housekeeper, and cook, everyone followed Liszt to look at the magic beast. Magic beasts were not umon, with the Tulip Castle raising their own magic beasts. But in this insignificant ce, they were still a rarity.


    Not to mention that magic beasts were valuable, with every part being a treasure!


    Teacher Marcus, is this the king of Thorns Ridge, a very formidable low-ranked magic beast  the Flyingdust Dog? Liszt''s eyes flickered as he contemted.


    It is indeed a Flyingdust Dog. Normally, even if there were two of me, I still might not be capable of defeating a Flyingdust Dog. With it releasing its impossible to guard against earth-attributed magic  Rock Thorns  one can only escape upon meeting one. But the one I had killed had only attacked alike amon beast, not even once releasing its magic.


    It had not released its magic, what do you think might be the reason?


    Marcus had evidently pondered over this issue as he observed the magic beast: I think that when I came across the Flyingdust Dog mother, it might have just given birth. Look at its abdomen, shriveled and loose, those are postpartum characteristic, still at the breastfeeding period. Also, I have discovered quite a few bite marks on its body.


    Breastfeeding period? Bite marks?


    "Here, here, and here, those are bite mars. Sir baron, remember the Windde Wolf we had previouslye across? The bite marks had already started healing and are not too distinct, but I think that they were made by a Windde Wolf.


    That is to say Liszt conjectured, The Flyingdust Dog was attacked by a Windde Wolf while pregnant, it may have won and given birth to its offspring, but it had drained its stamina and magic power during the fight, and as a result, it had no choice but use its beastly instinct to hunt, beforeing across Teacher Marcus.


    Quite likely.


    Liszt suppressed his excitement and said calmly: Since this is the case, then, Teacher Marcus,pared to the worth of the Flyingdust Dog''s body, the real treasure is its cub. Can you still fight? Do you want to enter the Thorns Ridge together with me and search for the Flyingdust Dog''s cub?


    I am always ready to fight. Marcus stuck out his chest, before immediately adding, However, the Thorns Ridge is very dangerous. I can go look for it alone.


    Let us go together, I am also an Earth Knight.


    Sir baron


    Do not forget, aristocrats also have to fight. Think of this as an actualbat knight lesson. Liszt said righteously.


    In fact, what he was thinking about was the mission reward, how could he not be willing to go?


    Moreover, the weak Flyingdust Dog being capable of surviving until it had attacked Marcus indicated that there were no magic beast capable of threatening it; or else, would have already be feces.


    No one could deter Liszt once he made his decision.


    Marcus. .h.i.t his chest with one hand, respectfully putting to use the knight etiquette and conveying his respect for Liszt''s courage.


    The butler old Carter bowed: My lord, your courage is splendid! You shall be glorious!


    It is only natural.


    Liszt changed into his magic beast leather armor, mounted his horse, and then said extremely valiantly: Set out!


    Two Earth Knights, followed by four retainer knights, sprinted along. Before long, they had entered the boundary of the Thorns Ridge. With Marcus leading the way, they reached the ce where he had first detected the Flyingdust Dog''s aura


    Sir baron, it was here that I have detected the aura. Shortly after, the Flyingdust Dog followed me for 0,5 li (italico), before attacking me.


    Then, itsir should be nearby. Let us start the search.


    The hill was sinuous, going up and down, the woods were in disorder, without any rhyme nor reason.


    A procession of six people searched for half an hour without finding the Flyingdust Dog''sir, feeling a bit impatient and disappointed.


    Sir, perhaps the Flyingdust Dog had just randomly pa.s.sed through, itsir might be some ce else, or it might not even have had air. Said Karl.


    Liszt insisted: I believe itsir is somewhere around.


    He was convinced that the reward granted by the smoke mission existed.


    After thinking it over, he asked, Who of you knows the Flyingdust Dog call?


    Flyingdust dogs are also dogs, their call no different from that ofmon dogs. Marcus answered.


    Then, Karl, Rhm, Gray, Oden, the four of you do a dog call. If there are any Flyingdust Dog cubs out here, then they will certainly respond. They are bound to take your dog calls for their mother''s call.


    Good idea. Marcus agreed.


    At once, he also joined the four retainer knights in a variety of dog calls as they proceeded in searching the vicinity.


    A quarter hourter.


    Marcus suddenly raised his hand: Silence!


    When the other stopped making noise, he whispered: Sir baron, can you hear that?


    Liszt listened intently. A few secondster, he heard a very faint whimper behind the call of an unknown bird.


    Over there.


    Yes, it is over there. Marcus hinted to Karl, Your dog call is the most genuine-sounding, call them.


    Karl did just that.


    He called out. In response, came a whimper from not too far away. Following the call, Liszt and the others had finally found the Flyingdust Dog''sir inside the shrubs.


    After brushing aside the gra.s.s at the entrance of a cave and then exploring its interior, Marcus picked up a very small puppy, its eyes not yet opened.


    He carefully handed Liszt the puppy: Sir baron, this is a puppy of the Flyingdust Dog, a priceless treasure! It has yet to open its eyes, but once it does, it will recognize its master! Not all magic beasts would recognize a master, but dog-type magic beasts did exhibit such a behavior.


    The first thing they ever see would be what they approve of.


    Most of the time, what they would see was their mother. Perhaps, them recognizing a master was in fact them recognizing their mother


    The puppy shivered in Liszt''s bosom and from time to time, it would also whimper. It seemed to be extremely scared, probably because it smelt Liszt''s unfamiliar scent, which was different from the one it smelt when it was being fed breast milk.


    Persevere, you will be drinking breast milk soon enough. Liszt caressed the puppy''s s.h.a.ggy fur, then mounted his horse, Return!

 Chapter 17: Tremblingwoods, Dragonhorse

    Chapter 17: Tremblingwoods, Dragonhorse


    Because of the matter with the Flyingdust Dog, Marcus had decided to postpone his departure by a day.


    As he rested, he informed Liszt about some of the things to keep in mind when raising a magic beast.


    Even if magic beasts recognize their master, they are still very dangerous. Theyck the concept of good and evil and are temperamental. Once they be proficient at using magic power, they are quite likely to inadvertently harm people. Therefore, Sir Baron, you have to proactively guide and train the Flyingdust Dog puppy when raising it.


    Alike the hunting dogs raised in the Tulip Castle?


    Yes, obedience has to be instilled in it since little, so it listens to yourmands. Also, it is imperative that it continuously uses up its magic power. With its magic power consumed during training, it will not be able to use magic to hurt people. The Flyingdust Dog''s Rock Thorns is an exceptionally lethal magic.


    When will it be able to release magic?


    I am not too sure. But in general, the magic of magic beasts is weak before reaching adulthood. Flyingdust Dogs take about one year and a half to reach adulthood; in other words, you have one year and a half to tame it.


    Very well, I will treat this as a cultivation lesson and train it relentlessly.


    Marcus was obviously in a pretty good mood. Once he finished listing the things to keep in mind, he said something which he rarely did, he said ttering words: A peanut sprite worm, a magic ingredient, and a magic beast, Sir Baron, you are bound to shock everyone in Coral Ind.


    Liszt smiled.


    The surprise was yet toe.


    He asked: What about the Flyingdust Dog mother''s body, how should I handle it?


    Perhaps you should ask Chevalier Gort; as someone who had once managed the sir count''s marketce, he should be the one most clear about the worth of magic beasts.


    Mr. Carter, please go call Teacher Gort.


    As you wish, My Lord.


    Gort hastily came over. When he saw the body of the Flyingdust Dog, he cried out: Whoa, what am I seeing, is this the king of the Thorns Ridge, the Flyingdust Dog? Heavens, it is a low-ranked magic beast. But the aura being exuded from it is as terrifying as that of mid-ranked magic beasts. Marcus, I have to admit, you are one of Coral Ind''s top knights.


    Coral Ind''s most formidable knight was undoubtedly Liszt''s father, a Sky Knight and the Count of Coral Ind, Leewilliam Tulip, the sole knight with formidable high-ranked qi.


    The rest were at most Earth Knights.


    As for magic beasts on Coral Ind, there seemed to be only a single mid-ranked magic beast, the Purple Sand Crocodile in the Shallow Water Beach on the southern part of the ind. The other magic beasts were only low-ranked magic beasts. TheThorns Ridge also only had low-ranked magic beasts, with the Flyingdust Dog being the most formidable type of low-ranked magic beasts in the ridge.


    Teacher Gort, how should I handle this magic beast? Liszt asked.


    Gort used a walking stick to poke the body of the Flyingdust Dog, which was the size of a calf. The bloodstains covering its body had already coagted; it was a horrible sight to behold: The fur is ruined. Otherwise, the Flyingdust Dog''s fur would be the most precious good, worth at least 20 Naldas.


    Nalda was the name of Sapphire Grand Duchy''s gold coins as well as the name of the first Sapphire Grand Duke.


    It should still be worth a few gold coins, rights?


    By selling the fur in pieces, I guess that some profiteers may be willing to produce 5 Naldas, while some conscientious merchants may be willing to produce 10 Naldas.


    Gort continued a.n.a.lyzing: Its meat, I think there should be 600 jin (0,5 Kg) of it. In the marketce, 1 jin of magic beast meat generally goes for 1 silver coin, while Flyingdust Dog meat should be capable of going for 2 silver coins, 12 Naldas in total. However, Liszt, you should keep it for yourself to eat. What you need now is to stabilize your qi.


    What Teacher Gort said is right; selling its meat is not worth it as the castle originally had to purchase meat from outside. Carter interposed. As a trusted aid, a butler, he could partic.i.p.ate in this kind of discussions.


    Apart from the fur and meat, what remains are the bones and viscera. The magic beast''s viscera could be sold to those wizards that deal with half-truths. I know a ce where there are wizards. They are fond of purchasing magic beast''s viscera and all kinds of mysterious flowers and nts. But it is hard to say for how many Naldas the viscera would go. While the bones could be used for soup.


    Speaking until this point, Gort gave a chuckle: Unfortunately, it is a female. Where it a male, whoa, that would be a great supplement.


    The difference between males and females lied in whether they had the member or not.


    Liszt said: Then peel off the fur of the Flyingdust Dog, tan it, and then find time to sell it. Tidy up the viscera neatly and marinate it. Teacher Gort, are there any Wizards on Coral Ind?


    There seem to be none.


    Then the viscera can also be kept in the castle for food.


    "Haha, we are lucky to get something nice to eat! The generous Baron Liszt be praised!


    Nighttime.


    A small barbecue party was held in the castle.


    The servants, retainer knights, Liszt who was the master, and the two teachers, they all ate delicious barbecue and chatted merrily.


    Liszt was really not a fan of such revelry, he was a quiet person.


    However, this was part of living in a castle. The majority of castles were dark and somber, living in them for long periods of time being quite depressing. Therefore, it was necessary to find opportunities to give vent, and parties were the best for just that.


    After eating and drinking their fill.


    The servants tidied up the messy tableware. Liszt went upstairs, straight to the originally idle recreation room. The recreation room had already been converted into the Flyingdust Dog cub''s den. To ensure that the first person it saw was Liszt, the suckling would be raised inside the recreation room until it could open its eyes.


    Therefore, Liszt had to do the feeding and bathing himself.


    The puppy had been shivering; therefore, Liszt had given it the name Tremblingwoods''.


    h.e.l.lo, Tremblingwoods, time to suckle. Liszt put a cow leather pouch filled with milk next to Tremblingwoods'' mouth. The pouch''s mouth part was tailored to resemble a particr shape.


    Sensing the scent of breast milk, its desire to suckle prevailed over its fear of the unfamiliar scent. Tremblingwoods hurriedly crawled over, fumbled about with the pouch''s mouth part, and then greedily swallowed.


    Despite it only being the size of a poodle, the enthusiasm with which it ate bore the demeanor of a magic beast; in other words, it ravenously devoured its food.


    In the blink of an eye, the pouch of milk was eaten clean by Tremblingwoods.


    Also, thanks to this pouch of milk.


    Tremblingwoods became familiar with Liszt''s scent. Now, when Liszt caressed its fur, not only did Tremblingwoods not evade, it even rubbed against his palm, expressing affection. Unknowingly, Liszt felt like he was just raising a dog and not the king of the Thorns Ridge, the magic beast Flyingdust Dog.


    When will you open your eyes?


    As if it understood what Liszt had said, Tremblingwoods issued light yelps.


    Liszt entered a faint state of trance, and smoke once more appeared in front of his eyes. The smoke quickly changed into symbols: Missionpleted. Reward: Flyingdust Dog cub.


    Sure enough, Tremblingwoods is the reward. I have already figured out the mechanism behind the urrence of smoke missions.


    While Liszt was musing, the smoky Serpentines in front of his eyes changed.


    Mission: as an Earth Knight, you have to a.s.sume the mantle of one charging on horseback. Please practice cultivation ording a mid-ranked qi secret manual and be a genuine knight capable of going into battle. Reward: a dragonhorse with a meager dragon bloodline.


    Dragonhorse? Liszt eyes lit up.

 Chapter 18: 1/2,500,000,000 Probability

    Chapter 18: 1/2,500,000,000 Probability


    Dragonhorse.


    Liszt was no stranger to this concept.


    Because his father, the Count of Coral Ind, Leewilliam Tulip, his current ident.i.ty in the court was that of the court''s groom, responsible for raising the Sapphire Grand Duke''s beloved mount, a precious horse with dragon bloodline.


    There were dragons in this world.


    Unlike the eastern divine dragons and different from the western evil dragons, they were the matchless and magnificent essence of the world. This kind of dragon essentially had no gender, nor did it mate to leave offsprings;just like it could produce gems and metals, it could also influence other species to posses dragon bloodline.


    There were busybodies who had .s.sified dragons, sprites, and magic beasts based on the degree of preciousness.


    The most precious, of course, were dragons, who were symbols of states.


    The second most precious were dragon sprites, representing the power of greater aristocrats.


    The third most precious were greater sprites, representing the power of intermediate aristocrats.


    The forth most precious were dragon type magic beasts, who were magic beasts with dragon bloodline.


    The fifth most precious were lesser sprites, representing the power of lesser aristocrats.


    The sixth most precious were dragon type beasts, who were ordinary animals with the dragon bloodline.


    The least precious were sprite worms, who were representatives of basic productivity.


    In fact, there was still a kind of sprite, whose degree of preciousness was equal to that of dragons, the sprite king, the legendary final evolution of dragon sprites. Its true body, the worm stalk, was infinitelyrge, it was a tree that could breed a forest, with countless amounts of magic beasts, sprites, and even dragons living inside its true body, the worm stalk.


    However, most people treated the sprite king as a legend.


    Sprite worms evolving into lesser sprites, nearly one in several dozen might seed; lesser sprites evolving into greater sprites, one in one hundred might seed; greater sprites evolving into dragon sprites, one in several hundred might seed; dragon sprites evolving into sprite kings  so far, there was not a single case reported.


    When Liszt was bored, he had calcted the probabilities.


    He conjectured that the probability of sprite worm evolution was 1/50, the probability of lesser sprite evolution was 1/100, the probability of greater sprite evolution was 1/500, the probability of dragon sprite evolution was 1/1,000. Then, the probability of a sprite worm evolving into a sprite king was 1/2,500,000,000.


    With a 1/2,500,000,000 probability, which was close to zero, no wonder there have been no sightings of sprite kings.


    Looking at the smoke Serpentines in front of his eyes.


    Ardor once more rose inside Liszt. In theory, dragonhorses were more precious than sprite worms. Perhaps in terms of skill, because it did not possess magic, a dragonhorse could not defeat a magic beast, but because it possessed the rare dragon bloodline, its worth was not low.


    In this world, anything rted to dragons was in great demand.


    And besides, the dragon bloodline improved the attributes of other species. Taking an inferior horse as example, with dragon bloodline, it would promptly turn into a fine steed.


    Dragonhorse was definitely an excellent breed of war-horses.


    Why did the Sapphire Grand Duke cherished its dragonhorse so much, to the point that even the Count of Coral Ind wouldpete for the position of its groom? It was of course because this dragonhorse was a Blueblood Horse, which was the standard mount of the Blueblood Knights  Sapphire Grand Duchy''s most elite knights with a 240 years long history.


    It was partly thanks to the great contribution of the Blueblood Horses that the Blueblood Knights had garnered brilliant achievements in thethe Sapphire Family''s campaigns.


    The Sapphire Grand Duke, of course, had to ride a Blueblood Horse to win over the knights and show that he was one of them.


    Dragonhorse, ah. If I have a dragonhorse and then it multiplies in numbers, will I be able to establish an order of knights alike the Blueblood Knights?


    Just imagining it would make one very excited.


    However, Flower Town only had Liszt, Marcus, and Gort with qi; therefore, even if he gotrge numbers of dragonhorses, an order of knights would still be nothing more than a pipe dream.


    A long way to go.


    After a moment, he came back to his senses and the smoke Serpentines in front of his eyes vanished. Looking at Tremblingwoods about to fall asleep, he suddenly felt like an order of knights was too distant of an image, but strolling about while riding a dragonhorse and leading a magic beast dog, this image was still easy to achieve.


    Tomorrow, Teacher Marcus will leave for Coral City, and then visit Falcon Town. He will return roughly three dayster. By then, I will be able toplete the mission  practice cultivation ording to a qi secret manual. Liszt got up and left the recreation room.


    Marcus once more left Flower Town.


    Liszt would not sit around and wait in the castle; therefore, after he got up, he had busied himself. He had arrived at the flower farm early in the morning; the tulip sprite worm on top of the ck Tulip had nearly finished the a.s.simtion.


    There are still about two hours left. After taking a look at the tulip sprite worm, Liszt mounted his horse and made a beeline to the peanut settlement. His peanut sprite worm was still gestating.


    Karl Eisenhammer was standing guard: Sir!


    How is my peanut sprite worm doing?


    It is still asleep. Every day, Old George sends people over with a lot of manure and water. The peanut sprite worm is growing very well.


    Guard the peanut sprite worm well, I do not want it to have any idents.


    Sir, please rest a.s.sured!


    Leaving the peanut settlement, he returned to the flower farm. After waiting for half an hour, the tulip sprite worm had sessfully finished the a.s.simtion. Once he retrieved the tulip sprite worm, Liszt could detect its merry mood as well as the extra trace of aura on its body. This trace of aura was the aura of the ck Tulip, signifying that the tulip sprite worm was already capable of influencing the ck Tulip.


    From the moment they were born, the Tulip Castle had arranged all of its sprite worms to a.s.simte as many types as they possibly could to increase their strength.


    Liszt''s tulip sprite worm had already a.s.simted all of the tulip types cultivated by the Tulip Family.


    After a.s.simting the ck Tulip, is it excitement'' that I detect from the tulip sprite worm?Is it because you feel like evolving? This brazen thought bubbled up inside his mind.


    He quickly rejected it.


    The tulip sprite worm he had gotten was the weakest among the Tulip Family''s few tulip sprite worms, with the possibility of its evolution being exceedingly low.


    The new type of magic ingredient was still not enough to let it evolve.


    After retrieving the tulip sprite worm, he handed it to the butler Carter to raise. With its worm stalk already nted, the sprite worm would not die even if it did not drink or eat. It was very easy to raise.


    Before long, Liszt arrived at the milk farm together with Gort.


    There are a lot of alfalfa seeds. I n to gradually rece the two-leaf clover with alfalfa. When the timees, the worm stalk of the alfalfa sprite worm can be nted. The cows can adapt to the new pasture, and the horses can be brought here to be raised.


    The surroundings of a worm stalk have to contain nts of the same type as it was; otherwise, it would not be capable of absorbing nutrients and would die.


    With the issue of nting the alfalfa sprite worm''s worm stalk solved, Liszt had nothing more to add: Then let''s just execute Teacher Gort''s n. However, what about the maize sprite worm and the thorns sprite worm?


    Regarding the maize sprite worm, I think that we should first clear a tract of wilderness, nt maize, and see whether the crops can survive.Regarding the thorns sprite worm, I can only think of the Thorns Ridge''s thorns woods. Liszt, I do not think that there is any use to the thorns sprite worm.


    Thorns were a kind of th.o.r.n.y shrub.


    They were usually used as fences. A lot of aristocrats liked to nt thorns on their estates to act as hedges. Liszt also felt like there was no use to the thorns sprite worm. At most it could cultivate th.o.r.n.y shrubs to be used as the castle''s fences, protecting the manor from the invasion from small animals. As for magic beast, the Windde Wolf''s winddes could cut downrge tracts of thorns.


    Fierydragon leisurely ate the two-leaf gra.s.s.


    Liszt looked at the few extremely skinny cows grazing not far away and said: Anyhow, the sprite worms have major production capabilities, it is crucial to find suitable ces for them to nt their worm stalks.

 Chapter 19: Red Crab Islands Longtaro Family

    Chapter 19: Red Crab Ind''s Longtaro Family


    The milk produced by the dairy farm was a rare luxury good of Flower Town. Originally, the dairy farm''s milk was used to produce powdered milk, which was then given as taxes to the Count of Coral Ind once every three months.


    After Liszt arrived, milk was sent to the castle every day.


    There was a total of ten cows.


    Among them, three were young, just short of two years of age, and still had not started producing milk; two were old, and already incapable of producing milk; one was male, and could not produce milk; the remaining four were mature, and could produce milk, producing some everyday. I was unknown whether it was because the breed was toocking or the feed was not too good, but the production of milk was very low.


    Bigflower is at her peak milk production period and can give milk three times a day, for a total of 20 liters; Littleflower is at her low milk production period, and can only give 4 liters a day; Bigck is at her low milk production period, and can give 5 liters a day; Bigyellow is currently at her milk resting period. The old manager was not too old, but he was already hunched and looked quite old.


    Liszt approached a cow. The cow was very docile, slowly eating the gra.s.s.


    Do you have to keep raising the cows that are incapable of producing milk?


    Gan is needed to impregnate the females. Milkflower, Milkck, and Milkyellow are still small, and can only get pregnant and start producing milk next year. Oldflower and Oldck are old; we have already sent a report to Sir Lord that they could be ughtered for their meat at any time. The old manager said respectfully.


    Milkflower, Milkck, and Milkyellow were the names of the not yet mature cows.


    Littleflower and Littleck were the names of the cows that had just matured.


    Bigflower, Bigck, and Bigyellow were the names of cows in their prime.


    Oldflower and Oldck were the names of the old cows.


    Garlin was the name of the male.


    Liszt recalled the butler Carter mentioning a while ago that the dairy farm had two old cows that could be ughtered for their meet. Rearing cows that were incapable of producing milk was equivalent to wasting food. Ordinarily, they would be immediately butchered. It was extremely heartless. The cows, which had been producing milk their whole lives, had still to contribute their flesh at old age.


    For the time being, there were norge banquets to be held in the castle and there was still enough meat. Therefore, the two old cows continued to be raised on the dairy farm.


    Is the farm''s current pasture enough to feed the cows?


    It is enough. Sir Lord, we only have ten cows, yet there is 150 mu of gra.s.nd.


    Old manager, how many mu of gra.s.nd do you think should be enough for the ten cows to graze on?


    Sir Lord, a cow needs 10 mu of gra.s.nd to graze on. However, we often take our cows to go graze on the wilderness outside. Therefore, 8 mu of gra.s.nd should be enough for a cow to graze on.


    With 8 mu for one cow; meaning that the ten cows would require 80 mu. Then, Teacher Gort, first subst.i.tute 70 mu of the two-leaf clover for the alfalfa.


    On it, leave it to me. Gort patted his chest.


    During the census, Liszt''s swift and resolute att.i.tude gave rise to a sense of crisis inside Gort, and his work att.i.tude had finally be a lot more upright. He had already figured out that Liszt was not a pompous and hedonistic but rather a down-to-earth aristocrat. If Gort wanted to gain authority, he would have to change his ways.


    Feeding Tremblingwoods.


    Inspecting the peanut sprite worm.


    Two days pa.s.sed in a sh; the third day was a rainy one.


    It was still deep into the spring, with summer yet toe. Rain was as precious as oil. Each settlement''s agricultural production was busily progressing. The seeds of alfalfa had already been sown. A maize field had also been drawn out in the wilderness, ready to be cleared and cultivated. The thorns woods still had not been outlined; it was necessary to wait for Marcus'' return, before going to search the Thorns Ridge.


    The fourth day.


    After having lunch in the castle, the butler Carter hurried into the study: My Lord, Teacher Marcus is back, he is waiting for your summon outside the castle.


    Please go invite him posthaste.


    Sir Baron, Marcus hase to pay his respects! The travel-worn Marcus had brought two mid-ranked qi secret manuals, to receive which Liszt was looking forward to.


    One was the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual, with which Liszt was already familiar, the other one was the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual from the Tulip Castle.


    After receiving the two secret manuals, Liszt asked: Teacher Marcus, what about the the Count''s and the Baroness''replies to my letters?


    Here are the replies from Sir Count and Madam Baroness as well as 10 Naldas from selling the Flyingdust Dog''s fur.


    Teacher Marcus, please sit down. I will read the letters first.


    He had first opened the letter from the Count of Coral Ind. There were not many symbols written on the thick bast paper; therefore, the content was also few. In his reply to Liszt, Leewilliam Tulip stated that he would shortly send people over to aplish the a.s.simtion of the ck Tulip as well as to discuss the selling of the ck Tulips.


    He also agreed to purchasing a batch of supplies, which Liszt was running short of, as a down payment for the transaction.


    The other letter was from the Baroness of Falcon Town, Lvera. She was congratting him on discovering a new type of tulips. She would send her people over along with the Count''s, and use supplies to exchange for the opportunity of a.s.simtion.


    The replies were of official and cordial nature.


    Without much affection. After the pa.s.sing away of Liszt''s mother, the Count''s first wife, with theck of motherly love, the affection between the three siblings gradually waned. The affection the Count had for Liszt had waned even more after his hopes for him had turned into disappointment.


    But it is better this way. This wain affection is more to my liking. Instead, it would be unbearable being showered with affection. After reading the letters, Liszt felt slightly emotional.


    Putting down the letter.


    Liszt said gently: Teacher Marcus, it was hard on you. Have youe bearing any news from your trip?


    Coral Ind is as calm as ever. The grand duchy also is not involved in any wars. However, there is something, But I do not know whether it is newsworthy or not. It is regarding the family of Sir Baron''s mother.


    My mother''s family?


    Liszt had almost forgotten that his mother had also been born an aristocrat. He inquired: Did something happen at the Longtaro Castle?


    The Longtaro Castle''s master, the Marquis of Red Crab Ind, had resigned from his post ofmander of the court fleet because of an illness and had returned to Red Crab Ind. Sir Count is preparing to send people over for a visit. When the envoyes to a.s.simte the ck Tulip, this matter should discussed with Sir Baron.


    Perhaps. After searching through his predecessor''s memories, Liszt recalled the memories regarding Longtaro Castle.


    Sapphire Grand Duchy was an archipgic state. Its inds, which were of various sizes, were enfeoffed to many aristocrats. One of therge inds, the Red Crab Ind, belonged to the Longtaro Family. Its lord, the Marquis of Red Crab Ind, Merlin Longtaro, was a hereditary peer marquis of the grand duchy as well as Liszt''s grandfather.


    The Longtaro Family''s family name came from the long taro greater sprite in their possession.


    The castle they resided in, the Longtaro Castle, was by far bigger and more luxurious than the Tulip Castle, it was a splendorous and majestic pce towering into the sky.


    Marquis Merlin had one son and two daughters. The son, and the eldest of the three, was named Messil, followed by the daughter named Melinda, and finally the daughter named Melissa.


    Melissa Longtaro was Liszt''s mother.


    When Leewilliam Tulip was still a viscount, Marquis Merlin had seen how extraordinary he was and had married his youngest daughter  who in turn had given birth to Levis, Lvera, and Liszt  into the Tulip Family. To this day, Liszt had gone to the Longtaro Castle every year to congratte his grandfather on his birthday.


    However, ever since Leewilliam had remarried, the Tulip and the Longtaro Families had gradually be estranged.


    In any case, Marquis Merlin was Liszt''s grandfather.


    And since the grandfather had fallen ill, the younger generation had toe visit.

 Chapter 20: Peanut Sprite Worm, Fierydragon a.s.sault

    Chapter 20: Peanut Sprite Worm, Fierydragon a.s.sault


    Liszt recovered from his recollections after seeing off the exhausted Marcus. Admittedly, expanding one''swork of connections was of great importance to aristocrats, with Longtaro Family being a major connection-resource of his, but such a diplomatic approach was not part of his character. He was more fond of staying put in his own territory.


    I should first practice cultivation ording to a qi secret manual to finish the mission before thinking about anything else.


    He first opened the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual. Through a ton of ill.u.s.trations and descriptions, the expansion of fire-attributed qi as well as the operation of qi in rapport with the release of formidable moves and techniques were exined in the secret manual. The [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual tended towards big motions, with the majority of the moves relying on the forming and spreading of fluctuations. It was .s.sified as a crowd attack secret manual.


    Crowd attack? It is suitable for charges on the battlefield. However, should charging not be done by my knights instead? Directing them from behind would be just fine.


    Liszt mused, and then opened the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual.


    This was a targeted attack secret manual. Its moves were extremely lethal when targeted at a single opponent, while slightlycking when performing a charge on the battlefield. Still, Liszt soon decided to practice cultivation ording to the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual. Compared to the battlefield, he was more concerned about a.s.sa.s.sinations. In this case, the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual''s targeted attack was more fitted than the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual''s crowd attack.


    Coming to a decision is so enjoyable Anyway, I can find some time to study the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manualter.


    There were no miraculous secret manuals in this world. While cultivating qi, there were no particrly bad nor good secret manuals. Everything hinged on the person''s innate talent andprehension ability.


    Commoners could give rise to experts, while the descendants of experts could also be reduced to mediocrity.


    Liszt practiced cultivation ording to the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual while awaiting the caravan''s arrival.


    In the blink of an eye, three days had pa.s.sed.


    The rain had already stopped.


    There was a series of good news.


    The peanut settlement''s peanut sprite worm had nearly ripened. The retainer knight Karl Eisenhammer reported in excitement: Sir, the peanut''s flower bud has already opened by a crack; the pink peanut sprite worm inside is about to awake. It already started twitching.


    Is that so? I am going over!


    While Liszt was rushing over, the flower bud had already finished blooming, revealing a tender and adorable sprite worm with a jade-like sparkling l.u.s.ter all over its body. The peanut sprite worm was crawling about its peanut worm stalk,plying with its unending curiosity towards the world.


    The peanut settlement''s serfs surrounded the sprite worm, throwing it inquisitive and nervous looks.


    Liszt took out the jade powder that he had on him, and sprayed it in front of the peanut sprite worm. The peanut sprite worm gave the jade powder a whiff, and then quickly started nibbling it. After a while, the jade powder on the leaf had been eaten. Then, the peanuts sprite worm followed the smell, and climbed Liszt''s outstretched finger, before nibbling the bit of jade powder on his finger.


    Along with a slight pain, the peanut sprite worm bit Liszt''s fingers.


    At that moment, there was a connection,which was a sign that the master-ve contract had already been set up, between Liszt and the peanut sprite worm. Possessing magic power, sprite worms were naturallypatible with master-ve contracts.


    Come with me, little fellow.


    Liszt raised the sprite worm, and put it inside the jade box, intending to bringing it back to the castle to raise. It was fine to just leave the worm stalk in the peanut settlement.


    The fifth sprite worm. With the peanut sprite worm, the peanut settlement''s yield is going to be bountiful. Liszt was in a great mood. He could not help but to warn Old George: Old George, take care of the peanut worm stalk. Do not forget to water it or to apply manure. The more manure is spread, the more will the yield be.


    Sir Lord, please be a.s.sured, we will definitelyply with your instructions and frequently water, apply manure on, and weed the peanuts!


    The peanut sprite worm was collected.


    Another piece of good news followed. The Flyingdust Dog cub raised in the castle had finally opened its eyes on the seventh day of Liszt feeding it. The first thing itid its eyes on was Liszt. While yelping, it pounced at Liszt and rubbed itself against his legs intimately.


    Tremblingwoods, from now on, you will have to live outside of the castle.


    Liszt called Thomas over as he pulled the rope tied to Tremblingwoods'' neck.


    My Lord.


    Thomas, I have a task for you. Raise Tremblingwoods in my stead. Right, is Tremblingwoods'' kennel finished?


    It is, My Lord. Thomas took the rope, ready to take Tremblingwoods to the kennel.


    Tremblingwoods recognized Liszt, but it did not mean that it had recognized other people. When Thomas pulled it by the rope, the perhaps not even one month old Flyingdust Dog cub immediately bared it fangs, snarled, pounced at Thomas, and bit his shoe. Its wild nature was very prominent.


    However, Tremblingwoods'' fangs were still small, and it was not capable of biting through Thomas'' shoe.


    Take good care of it.


    My Lord, please be a.s.sured. I have experience in raising hunting dogs.


    The Flyingdust Dog is much more dangerous than a hunting dog. It is of a magic beast bloodline. However, it does not matter. It should not be crazed. Lets wait until it grows up a bit before training everyday to make it exhaust its strength.


    After arranging someone to raise Tremblingwoods.


    Liszt went to the top of the castle, from where, he overlooked the several li of uncultivatednd in the vicinity of the castle. He had been neglecting the fact that thend around the castle could actually be cleared for cultivation. Only a few mu ofnd next to the castle had been cleared and turned into a small garden, while the rest of thend was a uncultivatednd covered in tall gra.s.s.


    Peanut settlement, tomato settlement, mushroom settlement, barley settlement, wheat settlement, flower farm, and dairy farm, as well as the town and the castle. In fact, Flower Town has nine settlements, with each settlement having its use However, without mechanization, and with Flower Town''s poption of less than 2,000 people, it seems like so muchnd cannot be cultivated.


    Although machines could keep clearing thend, yet manpower was very slow-moving and definitely could not keep up.


    With less than 2,000 people, cultivating tens of thousands of mu ofnd was indeed an impossible undertaking. Large tracts of the cultivatednd were just sprinkled with seeds, leaving them to fate.


    Is this not like the African agriculture? Poption, ah, poption is the most precious resource! But how do I increase the number of people?


    It is a bit difficult.


    Despite the difficulties, Liszt was still quite confident that Flower Town could be developed and expanded. As a transmigrator with a cheat, if he could not even achieve this much, then he had bettermit suicide and not loose face for transmigrators.


    Fierydragon a.s.sault!


    Holding a one-handed sword, Liszt stood in the middle of the small garden in front of the castle, disying a move of the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual. A me was suddenly ignited on the sword''s edge. With a whistle, the me spread to a diameter of one meter alike a fan of fire before sending sparks flying along with faint crackling sounds.


    The me was not real, just the result of attaching qi to the one-handed sword.


    Liszt''s fire-attributed qi was explosive in nature.


    There were different emphases in nature even among the same type of qi; like his fire-attributed qi, which emphasized explosiveness. Other people''s qi, on the other hand, could emphasize high temperature, fire intensity, condensibility, and others.


    Finally, I have mastered the Fierydragon a.s.sault! With this, only thest move, the Heart of Fierydragon Drill, is left to be mastered for me to get the reward!


    Liszt was quite pleased.


    His talent was great. The [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual was divided into two groups of techniques. One was a qi operation method, while the other consisted of sixteen battle moves. Liszt mastered the qi operation method quite easily, and was currently in the process of learning the sixteen battle moves.


    Others would take at least half a month, while I had finished in less than a week.


    It is hard to imagine that my predecessor had not broken through to Earth Knight beforeing of age; could it be that hisprehension ability was just toocking?


    There was nock in physical talent; therefore, it could only be an issue inprehension ability. Beforeing of age, his predecessor had probably beencking in mental capacity. Now, Liszt would not im being highly intelligent, but he was definitely not dimwitted.


    Lets keep learning, and try to master the Heart of Fierydragon Drill by today.

 Chapter 21: Wild Maize, Wonderful

    Chapter 21: Wild Maize, Wonderful


    The qi operation method described how to refine, expand, condense, release, and attach qi. The set of sixteen battle movesprised of.


    Five agility moves: Fierydragon Rush, Fierydragon Leap, Fierydragon Jump, Fierydragon Soar, Fierydragon Dive.


    Five basic moves: Fierydragon Pierce, Fierydragon Strike, Fierydragon Smash, Fierydragon Twist, Fierydragon Drill.


    Five violent moves: Fierydragon Swing, Fierydragon Sweep, Fierydragon Gale, Fierydragon Roll, Fierydragon a.s.sault.


    Andstly, its ultimate meaning, the Heart of Fierydragon Drill.


    That was the entirety of the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual. The names of the moves were rather interesting, as if they and his mount,Fierydragon, were part of a set.


    At this moment.


    Liszt rode his Fierydragon, his body moving slightly up and down along with Fierydragon''s gallop. In his left hand was a shield forged from fine steel protecting in front of him as well covering half of Fierydragon, in his right hand was a more than a three meters longnce raised horizontally.


    The uncultivatednd near the castle had its gra.s.s cut, exposing the infertile, yellow earth beneath.


    Fierydragon''s hoofs stepped on the still somewhat damp ground, leaving hoof prints of varying depths behind. It had turned into a red-colored fire speedily galloping into the distance. Liszt, who was on its back, emitted qi from all over his body, attaching it to the shield, thence, and Fierydragon.


    Soon, the person and horse werepletely enveloped by mes.


    Following Liszt''s bellow: Heart of Fierydragon Drill!


    Fierydragon gave a vigorous leap and he violently trusted thence. In an instant, a number of man and horse phantoms quickly shed and struck a huge rock ahead of them.


    A shocking blow!


    Boom!


    The rock, which was as tall as a person, exploded into broken pieces. mes shot in disorder and, along with the broken pieces of rock, fell to the ground alike raindrops. When the dust settled, Liszt, who was sitting on Fierydragon, had already moved away from the st site. He and Fierydragon were wrapped in full-body armor.


    The silver-white full-body armor was covered in scratches and ck traces.


    Liszt opened the helmet''s visor, revealing his handsome face. There was a light smile on his lips: The power is not bad. I reckon that when hit with this move, it should be capable of beating a magic beast like the Flyingdust Dog half to death.


    Tabdak tabdak tabdak.


    The clip-clopping reverberated in the air. With Liszt''s four retainer knights on their heels, Marcus and Gort rode over atop their horses.


    My goodness. Liszt, you are a genius. Was that move the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual''s ultimate meaning, the Heart of Fierydragon Drill? You have mastered this secret manual in less than a week? Gort liked to speak with a tone of amazement.


    Marcus looked at the broken pieces of rock scattered in a circle on the ground. He was equally astonished: The scope of the strike was very uniform. There is not a single piece of rock bigger than a fist, testifying that the move you just performed had reached its maturity. It is something very difficult for Earth Knights to aplish.


    After saying that, he looked at Liszt with some incredulity.


    In the past, this third child of the count had been a good-for-nothing. Whether he ate chicken, fish, eggs, or even magic beast''s meat, yet his qi cultivation could not even reach the standard of amon knight. It was unexpected that in less than a week after his advancement to an Earth Knight, he would fully master a mid-ranked qi secret manual.


    It reminded him of the time he practiced cultivation ording to the [Cleaving Against the Wind] secret manual. It had taken him one month and a half to finally muster the secret manual''s ultimate meaning.


    For a moment, manyplicated feelings raced through his mind: Is this the real gap betweenmoners and aristocrats?


    Liszt handed the shield andnce to a retainer knight. He took off the helmet and breathed in the fresh air; his excitement had not yet vanished: Initially, I was under the impression that it would take me a few months to master the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual. Unexpectedly, it was not difficult. It seems like I can take the time to learn the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual. It is always good to have more moves.


    You are so talented, so of course you have to study a few more secret manuals. Liszt, if I have to say, you have your father''s bearing. In the future, you are bound to make Tulip Family shine brightly.


    Teacher Gort, thank you for you kind words.


    On the way back, Gort spoke highly of Liszt; it was his specialty. Marcus''s mind wandered off, not knowing what to think.


    Straight until he entered the castle for supper, mindlessly ate the food in front of him, and was seen off by Liszt. Only then did he recover.


    He waited for Gort to leave on horseback as he hummed a tune.


    He looked at Liszt, who, as if waiting for him to speak, was still standing at the castle''s gate. He said seriously: Sir Baron, could you tell me where you have set your sights on?


    Where I have set my sights


    Marcus was inquiring whether Liszt had any ambitions. Marcus, who wanted to be an aristocrat, was naturally unwilling to curl up in this small rural town and follow a baron with no aspirations.


    However, Liszt did not answer him directly: Teacher Marcus, one should be judged by their deeds and not by their words. Words can be either true or false, but only deeds can be transparent, right?


    I understand!


    Marcus suddenly knelt down on one knee, pressed his right hand against his chest, and professed his loyalty ording to the etiquette: Willing to be Sir''s vanguard!


    Teacher Marcus, please rise. My territory is still rather puny; I need your help to develop it. With a serene expression, Liszt helped Marcus up, yet secretly, he had a sense of aplishment. Being capable of getting an Earth Knight''s loyalty was a testament to his charisma.


    He returned to the castle.


    Took a shower.


    Then once more saw the smoke Serpentines: Missionpleted. Reward: a dragonhorse with a meager dragon bloodline.


    The smoke twisted in the blink of an eye, announcing a new mission: Mission: not only cows like eating the fresh, juicy, and tender alfalfa, horses also like to eat it. This is the basis for setting up a horse field. But first, please find a ce for the alfalfa sprite worm to settle down its worm stalk. Reward: three units of wild maize.


    Liszt was considerably excited after reading the Serpentines.


    He was already rewarded a dragonhorse, he just still did not know where it was or who would discover it. Tomorrow morning, he wanted to go look for it. However, after taking notice of the reward of the new mission, the maize, he was no longer excited about the dragonhorse.


    There was no such crop as maize in this world, at least not on Coral Ind. ording to the memories of his predecessor, there were no nts rted to maize.


    Maize, ah. It is a high-yielding crop. Reportedly, it has the highest per unit yield in the world. Additionally, it does not require any management. It is enough to just nt its seeds and let it grow on its own. It is said to be a G.o.dsent nt capable of naturally performing C4 type photosynthesis and is easy to deta.s.sel. The future of cereals belonged to maize. In Interster'' (movie), the about to go extinct humans only nted maize.


    Liszt had nted fields during his childhood. He knew that maize''s yield was high, just that its taste was not as good as that of wheat and rice.


    However, here, the taste was not a priority. The best crop was the one that could allow people to eat their fill. In Flower Town, the yield of wheat was one or two hundred catties per mu. Once maize was nted, there was no need for it to yield several thousand catties per mu. So long as the yield exceeded 500 catties per mu, then it would be more than enough to feed the people. Clothing and food would no longer be an issue.


    By then.


    Maize would be grown on a wide scale, supplyingmoners with coa.r.s.e maize flour. A bit of wheat would also be grown, supplying him with fine wheat flour. Would that not be wonderful?

 Chapter 22: The Almost Gelded Blackdragon Horse

    Chapter 22: The Almost Gelded ckdragon Horse


    Without waiting for Liszt to give the order to search for the dragonhorse, Gort, who was responsible for changing gra.s.s for alfalfa in the dairy farm, had hurriedly rushed to the castle early in the morning.


    Liszt, good news! The newly nted alfalfa has sprouted and is growing quite well. Most importantly, a wild horse was drawn over from somewhere. It hade to eat the alfalfa. It is very majestic. Oh, it is even grander and more majestic than your Fierydragon!


    Call Teacher Marcus. We are going to the dairy farm to take a look at the wild horse. To eat the alfalfa, it has to sell itself to pay for the food expenses, right?


    Good point. It is responsible for its own food expenses, ha ha.


    Everything inside a fief belonged to the lord. Without a doubt, the wild horse was Liszt''s private property.


    A group of people quickly arrived at the dairy farm. Sure enough, they saw a ck wild horse leisurely eating the newly germinated alfalfa on the pasture supposedly belonging to the cows. This wild horse was grand, its fur glossy, its physique majestic, its muscles clearly distinguishable.


    Teacher Marcus, you are an expert when ites to horses. What do you think of this wild horse?


    The wild horse had already discovered Liszt and the others. However, it seemed to be rather bold. Seeing that they did not approach, it lowered its head, and grazed leisurely.


    Marcus'' eyes shed, and he said in excitement: Sir, it is an excellent steed! The bones are fine yet the skeleton isrge, the shape of the bulging muscles is quite beautiful, the limbs are quite long, and the tendons are also very long. The neck is long and straight, nting forward. The back is upright. The fur is unusually glossy, proving that it is healthy. Most importantly, the eyes are sharp!


    How does itpare to the Blueblood Horses?


    I am sorry, Sir, but I have never seen a Blueblood Horse. The best horse I have ever seen was Sir Counts'' White Leopard, which is said to have the bloodline of the Dry Wood Leopard magic beast. However, this wild horse is far more majestic than White Leopard.


    The horse''s forehead was white, which was why it was called White''. (The character, , used for white'' is used to describe horses with a white forehead  )


    White Leopard was the Count of Coral Ind''s mount. Naturally, Liszt was also familiar with it.


    The ck wild horse before them was by far more grander than White Leopard. After all, dragons were the most sacred life forms, and dragonhorses had a special status among horses.


    How can I capture it?


    Marcus replied: As it is just a horse, I could knock it out while unarmed. However, if Sir wants it as a mount, then Sir should subdue it personally. Wild horses only yield to people who can subdue them.


    Liszt did not want to subdue the dragonhorse and take it as his mount, he wanted to turn it into a stallion to breed his own dragonhorses,


    However, taming a wild dragonhorse was an interesting affair. Liszt did not let Marcus do it.


    He walked towards the wild horse.


    As he approached, the wild horse, which was grazing, immediately became vignt and turned around. It fiercely stared at Liszt, as if warning him not to cross the line.


    As Liszt was getting closer, the wild horse had finally be impatient and rushed to bite at Liszt.


    With his fine equestrianism, Liszt''s body twisted and he instantly mounted the wild horse. Being ridden by a human, the wild horse felt greatly humiliated. It madly shook and jumped about in an attempt to throw Liszt down. However, Liszt, who had hooked his arms around its neck, remained unmovable as he erupted with his qi.


    Earth Knights could go toe-to-toe with genuine magic beasts, let alone a horse.


    Half an hourter, the tossing wild horse got tired and finally stopped. As it gasped for air, it allowed Liszt to ride it, directing it left and right.


    Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Lisztughed: This big fellow is rather stubborn. Its fur is purely ck, without any blemishes. I will just call you ckdragon.


    The horse was purely ck, which was why he had called it ck''. (The character, , used for ck'' is used to describe ck horses)


    The dragonhorse with a meager dragon bloodline was appropriately named ckdragon.


    Karl, get me a wheat bran cookie. Liszt dismounted the horse. Although taming the wild horse was not too difficult, but he still got very tired. He was sweating all over.


    At this moment, Fierydragon had so happened toe over. It was a young mare.


    While rubbing against Liszt''s shoulder, it looked at the tall ckdragon with widened eyes. However, ckdragon did not look Fierydragon in the eyes. It still held its head high, not going to fawn on Liszt. It still preserved a trace of unruliness.


    Even though Liszt had taken out a wheat bran cookie to feed it, but it still did not show any intimacy.


    Sir, ckdragon is an adult horse. If it is to be kept as a war-horse, then it would be better to geld it so as to avoid weight loss because of estrous. Said Marcus.


    Geld it? Liszt waved his hand, That will not do. I have decided to use it as a stallion in Flower Town. It would be a huge loss if such an extraordinary steed could not have offsprings.


    To use it as a stallion? Marcus nodded in approval.


    Even though he did not know that ckdragon was a dragonhorse, but he still could see that it was extraordinary. To geld it would indeed be a pity.


    Without showing the slightest intention of escaping its cmity, ckdragon ate the wheat bran cookie. It had already regained its previous feeling of contentment.


    asionally, it would nibble the alfalfa on the ground.


    Gort wanted to step forward to stroke it, but was scared back by a snort of ckdragon''s. He had no choice but to change the subject: Where did ckdragone from? Was it from Thorns Ridge?


    Perhaps there are other ckdragon Horses There are wild horses on the ind. Come to think of it, it really is strange. Marcus conjectured.


    Horses generally lived in gra.s.nds.


    Coral Ind did not have enough gra.s.nd to sustain wild horses; the natural breeding of wild horses was not very realistic.


    Maybe it had wandered over from another ce, or it was a horse raised by the ind''s residents that had turned wild. In short, it could not havee out of nowhere. Besides, Liszt, I think that there might be other ckdragon Horsesing over from Thorns Ridge. By that time, there might be a ckdragon Horse herd.


    That would be great.


    Liszt had also his doubts.


    He did not know whether ckdragon had lived on thisnd or it had been created by some kind of being behind the smoke missions. He preferred it to have lived on thisnd instead of being just created, with the smoke mission being merely a kind of trigger mechanism.


    As for the mystery behind the smoke missions, it temporarily could not be unraveled.


    It could only be postponed and be slowly answered some time in the future.


    He looked at the beautiful meadow formed from the tender alfalfa before suddenly thinking about the uncultivatednd outside the castle: Teacher Gort, say, how about we nt alfalfa on the uncultivatednd surrounding the castle? By then, we could establish a horse field outside the castle and raise a ckdragon Horse herd.


    Oh, it should be feasible. We might as well try it.


    Then, I will let you take care of it, Teacher Gort.


    Liszt rode ckdragon back to the castle.


    Gort and Marcus were also intending to go back. On the way, Gort suddenly asked: Marcus, you now address Liszt by sir?


    I do.


    To make up your mind so quickly, it is unlike the usual you.


    I do not have many choices, Mr. Gort. Marcus looked into the distance, at the radiant little castle bathed in the sunshine, Besides, do you not often say that he has the demeanor of Sir Count? I do not believe that he would seclude himself in Flower Town, this deste ce, forever.


    Perhaps. Gort could not dispute it.

 Chapter 23: The Convoy Arrives

    Chapter 23: The Convoy Arrives


    The dairy farms'' idle serfs were summoned by Liszt to clear open the uncultivatednd around the castle and to cultivate alfalfa.


    As the lord''s serfs, Gort had intended to make theme over and work unconditionally.


    Liszt, however, did not go so far as to exploit them. He had decided to give the serfs three meals a day. Commoners generally ate two meals a day. Therefore, the serfs had rushed over to do the work.


    The excess wheat bran in the castle was evenly distributed to the serfs. Wheat bran was the hard outeryer removed from wheat. The fine wheat flour was solely for Liszt to enjoy. The wheat bran was generally used to feed horses, yetmoners were also used to eat it. The wheat bran cookie he had previously fed to the wild horse was what quite a lot of serfs were used to eat.


    Supposedly, the nutritional value of wheat bran is higher than that of wheat flour. Liszt remembered that in his previous life, he had bought wheat bran cookies. The seller had imed that wheat bran contained rich dietary fiber and Vitamin B, could soothe constipation, and could lower the cholesterol, However, wheat bran is unptable and is difficult to digest.


    As an aristocrat, he was notcking in nutrition. Thus, he did not have to force himself to eat the rough wheat bran.


    Naturally, aristocrats ate white bread.


    Here, bread was an absolute staple food. ording to different materials and taste, it could be divided into nine grades. There were four grades of white bread, and five grades of ck bread.


    The finest white bread was made from multiple-times-sieved fine wheat flour. Only greater aristocrats had the financial, physical, and human resources to make this kind of white bread. The price of this white bread was astonishing, with one loaf going for quite a few silver coins.


    The next grade of white bread was made from sieved fine wheat flour. Because the coa.r.s.e particles were sieved out, its taste was exceptionally exquisite. Usually, one loaf would go for one silver coin.


    The following grade of white bread was made from unsieved fine wheat flour. The taste was a bitcking, with two to three loafs going for one silver coin.


    Thest grade of white bread was made from crude, simply processed wheat flour. The taste was even worse, with one loaf going for ten copper coins. The white bread Liszt currently ate was of this grade, while the white bread eaten in Tulip Castle was of the grade above.


    Commoners ate ck bread.


    Wheat bran whole wheat bread'' going for a few copper coins was what well-off freedman among themoners ate; no wheat bran whole wheat bread'' going for one copper coin was what ordinary freedman could eat; serfs ate blend ck bread'' made from a blend of no wheat bran wheat flour and other kinds of flour, with four big loafs going for one copper coin.


    Serfs a bit poorer either ate grains ck bread'' made from peas and other grains ground into flour, or ate wheat bran cookies made from whole wheat bran.


    Additionally, Liszt still knew of a kind of ck breadmonly made bymoners.


    This ck bread, after fermentation, would be very hard. Commoners would carve it into slices, and then use as tes or as table leg pads


    Reportedly, the ck bread tes could be used for quite a few months.


    Evils of a feudal society, ah. Liszt sighed hypocritically, then recovered his train of thought. He had no intentions of smashing the aristocratic system. Where one stood depended on where one sat. Aristocrats enjoyed great status, so of course they were not willing to be pulled down from their high chair.


    Besides, it was very hard to smash it. Without dragons or sprites, what could be used to smash it?


    My Lord, do you want Fierydragon to be brought? Thomas inquired very cautiously. He had always been so cautious in Liszt''s presence.


    There is no need. By the way, Thomas, how is ckdragon doing in the stables? Did he loose his temper?


    My Lord, that big fellow that you had just subdued had bullied Fierydragonst night. In the morning, however, Fierydragon could already approach it and eat the straw.


    Liszt nodded, not finding it unexpected.


    There could not be two tigers on the same mountain, unless one was male and the other was female.


    ckdragon was a stallion and Fierydragon was a mare, it was inevitable for them to get along. Besides, it was highly probable that the first batch of ckdragon''s offsprings would be born by Fierydragon, to which Liszt was not opposed. Fierydragon was also of a fine breed as it had the bloodline of the low-ranked magic beast, me Horse. Abination of the strong was bound to give birth to better offsprings.


    No longer concerned.


    Liszt began to practice the moves of the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual.


    Generally, Earth Knights would not practice other secret manuals before being proficient in the manual best fitted for their qi. Liszt''sprehension ability was good, he was still familiarizing himself with the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual and could concurrently practice the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual. Unlike the targeted attack [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual, the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual emphasized crowd battle.


    The moves tended towards sweeping with a sword at arge area, and thrusting with ance at arge group.


    Unwittingly, he had immersed himself in his practice. Fire-attributed qi was being incessantly released, burning the surrounding air. The power of the move was not yet known, but at least it looked formidable.


    Great Fire Wave!


    A sword shed, shooting mes about.


    He saw the butler Carter hurriedly walking towards him.


    He had to restrain his qi, and then inquired: Mr. Carter, did something happen?


    My Lord, Jesse has juste back from reaping gra.s.s outside the castle for the horses. He ims to have seen a caravan. My guess is that it is the groups sent by Sir Count and Madam Baroness.


    Liszt''s spirit was stirred: Have they finallye? I have to trouble you to go summon the two teachers to wee the caravan with me. I am going to first take a shower and have a change of clothes.


    He rushed upstairs to take a shower.


    Marcus and Gort arrived before long.


    The castle was located on a slope and had a decent vantage point. From up there, the caravan slowly hurrying over from the direction of the distant Thorns Ridge could already be seen.


    Teacher Gort, remember to remind me to reorganize the patrol. When the caravan appeared, no one had taken notice of it. Only after my servant had discovered it was I made aware of it.


    The patrol members are all scoundrels. Lend me your retainer knights to train them.


    No problem. Liszt mounted a horse. Instead of riding Fierydragon, he rode his newly subdued ckdragon to show off: Follow me to wee the caravan. Father should not havee in person. The one to apany the tulip great sprite might be my big brother.


    The trio urged their horses over.


    Carter hurriedly informed all the servants: Attention everybody, remember to tidy up your clothes! You cannot look dirty and loose Lord''s face! Jesse, I am talking to you. Oh heavens, there is mud on your trousers. Do you want us to hang our heads in shame? Quickly go change your trousers!


    Yes, yes, Mr. Carter. The a.s.sistant servingman with x-colored hair, Jesse Ricewater, hurried back home to change his trousers.


    Carter shouted again: Mrs. Mawson, notify Mrs. Abby to prepare dessert, tea and snacks. Also, remember her to prepare good food, to prepare a most sumptuous banquet; people that require Lord to receive them personally areing.


    Are you saying that there will be aristocrats?


    Of course there will. As you know, the ck Tulip is very important, so the family has sent sprites to a.s.simte it. Perhaps the one apanying them is Young Lord Lytton. Anyway, it is an important figure. We cannot make Lord loose face. There are still those of the same upation as Thomas.


    People of the same upation as Thomas were also gentleman''s valets of aristocrats.


    After busying themselves, the servingmen and maids quickly arrived at the castle gate under the butler Carter''s leadership. With the servingmen on the left and maids on the right, they stood on both sides of the gate, awaiting the arrival of the n.o.ble guests.

 Chapter 24: The Three Siblings Reunite

    Chapter 24: The Three Siblings Reunite


    1, 2, 3 8, 9 and 10, a total of 10 carriages under the protection of a team of knights followed the yellow soil road before arriving below the castle''s hillock.


    Sir Baron The head knight darted to in front of Liszt, and then saluted ording to the knight''s etiquette, I have escorted the convoy from Tulip Castle to Flower Town to trade.


    Chevalier Lhden, so it is you. It was hard on you. Who hase with you? Liszt returned the greeting.


    Chevalier Lhden replied: Sir Viscount and Madam Baroness of Falcon Town havee.


    I see. Sister has alsoe.


    During their conversation, a luxury carriage climbed the slope before stopping in front of Liszt and the others. The apanying servingmen standing on both sides of the carriage opened the door, and one man and one woman came down. The two people were youngsters wearing aristocratic attire.


    The young man looked somewhat simr to Liszt, however, a bit less good-looking. He also had light golden hair and sapphire-blue eyes.


    The young woman also looked somewhat simr to Liszt, and was also not as good-looking as Liszt. Simrly, she also had light golden hair and sapphire-blue eyes. She did not wear the attire of aristocratic gentlewomen, and instead, wore the attire of male aristocrats alike the young man. When going on a journey, having appropriate clothing was essential. The attire was simr to a swallow-tailed coat, but more gorgeous.


    My dear brother, Lord of Flower Town, Baron Liszt, look who hase. The young man, Levis Tulip, said while all smiles.


    Liszt dismounted his horse and went up to Levis: Brother, I did not expect that you woulde personally. And sister, how is your life in Falcon Town?


    Lvera Tulip slightly raised her slender eyebrows: Liszt, have you be an Earth Knight?


    Yeah, I had a lucky breakthrough. A bitte though.


    Apparently, leaving Tulip Castle''s binds and staying in the free Flower Town was a liberation to you. You have promoted to an Earth Knight, found a new type of tulip magic ingredient, and I heard that the town has also produced a peanut sprite worm Your luck is so good that it makes me envious. With a smile on his face, Levis patted Liszt on the shoulder.


    In fact, the rtionship between the siblings was not very good.


    The enthusiastic greeting was more of a pleasantry between aristocrats than anything else. Anyway, the three siblings have already turned into genuine lords anddy.


    At this moment, ckdragon, which was led by Liszt, suddenly snorted. It rushed towards the several horses pulling the carriages and neighed. The few tall horses were spooked. They backed up again and again, nearly wanting to flee with the carriage.


    Hmm?


    Only now did Levis and Lvera took notice of the bright ck ckdragon.


    Lvera''s eyes lit up: Such a good horse. Liszt, was your mount not a date-red mare father gifted you on your birthday? Where did this fine horsee from. Also, could you part ways with it and give it to your older sister?


    It came from the Thorns Ridge. I''m sorry, sister, but I have no intentions of selling it.


    I am not surprised to be rejected. However, to reject so straight-forwardly, Liszt, you have improved. Lvera was a little surprised. In their childhood, Liszt had always been somewhat submissive and very timid when dealing with her.


    People change constantly. I have grown up, and therefore also had to change somewhat. Liszt eximed, The sun is too ring outside and you are worn out from your journey. I invite you to take a rest in the castle. Mr. Carter should have already prepared tea and snacks. There, we can rx and have a nice chat.


    Then, Mr. Lhden, please bring the greater and lesser sprite elves. Levis turned around.


    The knight Lhden quickly went towards the carriage. Hemanded a few knights to take out three fine boxes'', one bigger than the other two, from apartment.


    The boxes were not big, with the bigger box being merely the size of a cradle. Inside lied a beautiful life form as big as a baby. It looked simr to a human, but its body was bright and translucent, alike a glowing multi-colored gem. Furthermore, there were wings folded behind its back. This was the Tulip Family''s most precious a.s.set, the tulip greater sprite.


    The two smaller boxes had one lesser sprite the size of an adult''s foot each. Simrly, they were also beautiful, yet not as bright as the greater sprite.


    The tulip greater sprite, seemingly because of the ruckus caused by the knights'' actions, had awoken. It stretchedzily inside the box, and then rubbed the sleep from its eyes.


    Its wings fluttered and it rose into the air. It had no gender-defining appendages, and naturally had no use for clothing. With its bright eyes, it looked around before quickly locked onto Levis: Levis, are we there yet? Where is the ck Tulip? It said with its sweet voice, which resembled that of a little girl.


    We have already arrived. Little Fragrant, this is Flower Town. Soon, you will be able to see the ck Tulip. Levis responded.


    At this time, the tulip greater sprite looked at Liszt: Waah, Liszt, long time no see.


    Liszt nodded with a smile: It have been two months since we havest seen each other, Little Fragrant.


    Before they could finish talking, the two tulip lesser sprites also woke up and flew out from their boxes. They circled around the greater sprite, asionally saying waah''. Lesser sprites had already developed intelligence, though their IQ was limited and they could not speak.


    They entered the castle along with the sprites.


    The castle''s living room.


    Those who had t.i.tles sat around a table, while the knights without t.i.tles were entertained by Marcus downstairs.


    Liszt, Levis, Lvera, Gort, Lhden, and another chevalier, Blues, the six people were seated together. Carter directed the servants to keep serving tea and snacks.


    The cook, Abby Ladle, gave her all toe up with fine snacks time and again.


    The tulip greater sprite sat on Levis'' shoulder, rocking his short, chubby legs. It had already started dozing off. Of the two tulip lesser sprites, one was resting on Levis'' head, while the other was resting on Lvera''s shoulder. Additionally, there were still quite a few small jade boxes with tulip sprite worms inside.


    Upon seeing this sight, it dawned on Liszt: The count has already transferred the greater and lesser sprites to Levis. Otherwise, they would not have been so close to him.


    He was secretly very jealous.


    No matter how many times he had seen them, the sprites were so beautiful! They were so beautiful yet belonged to others, it was unbearable!


    But this was a matter of course. Levis, after all, was the next Count of Coral Ind.


    I did not expect Flower Town''s castle to be so simple and crude. Liszt, you should renovate it. Levis held a teacup as he casually looked around.


    Compared to Tulip Castle, this little castle was no different from themoners'' thatched cottages.


    I feel the same, but Ick money, manpower, and materials.


    You have not requested construction materials for the castle. There is food and drink stuff, and even more seeds inside the carriages. After enfeoffing you, father gave you a lot of food. Howe you still need so much food?


    Flower Town is even more deste than I have thought. I have stockpiled a bit of the food; or else, I really would have to go hungry one day. Liszt gave a simple exnation.


    One would never go wrong with stockpiling food. Ascend the throne only after the provisions were full and the ramparts were built, this was the way since ancient times.


    If he wanted to develop Flower Town, he would first have to solve the issue of food.


    Well, I think that such boring topics should be continued during the meal. The most important thing now is to see the ck Tulip. My lesser sprite is already getting impatient. Lvera interrupted them.


    Liszt nodded, he also did not want to feign being friendly.


    Levis and Lvera probably had no affection towards him. While to him, the both of them were no different from strangers: Sister, since you are in a hurry, then let us go first to the flower farm to a.s.simte the ck Tulip.

 Chapter 25: What Are the Qualities of a Knight

    Chapter 25: What Are the Qualities of a Knight


    In the center of the flower farm, the tulip greater sprite along with the tulip lesser sprites as well as six tulip sprite worms surrounding the ck Tulip were absorbing its aura as they carried out the a.s.simtion.


    Liszt stood to the side, watching the tulip great sprite.


    In his predecessor''s memories, the greater sprite called Little Fragrance was estimated to be over sixty years of age. Twenty some years ago, it had merely been a lesser sprite, before sessfully evolving into a greater sprite in the hands of Liszt''s father. It was with the help of Little Fragrance that Tulip Family developed rapidly and had exchanged a great number of tulips for copious amounts of wealth.


    A battle hardened order of knights was recruited using the .u.mted fortune. In under a few years, Leewilliam had be a count because of outstanding military service.


    Coral Ind had be his family''s territory.


    That sprite Despite my predecessor''s memories of him watching Little Fragrance since little, no matter how many times I look at it, I still cannot have enough. Things as beautiful as sprites should not exist Unfortunately, it is not mine. I only have five sprite worms, no, I am about to have six.


    In his letter to the count, he expressed his desire to exchange for a sprite worm. Clearly, the count had agreed, as Levis had brought a wheat sprite worm with him.


    Dear brother, father instructed me to give you this wheat sprite worm as a reward for discovering a new type of tulip magic ingredient. Levis took out a jade box and handed it to Liszt.


    Is this reward part of the deal?


    It is not. He he. Liszt, do not think of us as outsiders. Levisughed mildly, his aristocratic temperament being no worse than Liszt''s, Anyway, the blood of Tulip Family flows through our veins. The importance of a magic ingredient, a tulip to boot, has great benefits to the family. When father heard of it, he became very d.


    Then I will ept it. Thank Sir father for me.


    You can thank him yourself.


    Hmm?


    Lvera came over: Grandfather was afflicted with an illness and is bedridden. Father wants the three of us to pay him a visit. Therefore, tomorrow, you will have to go back to Coral City together with us.


    Is that so? Liszt nodded. He had no reason to refuse.


    So let us set aside our reminiscing for lunch, and first settle the formalities. Lvera, go ahead and negotiate with Liszt first. I will go take a look at Flower Town''s scenery I have never been to this little town. While riding his mount, Levis left together with his retainer knights and Lhden, who was responsible for his safety.


    Watching Levis go further away.


    Lvera suddenly said: Will you not reconsider parting with that ck horse?


    I am sorry, sister.


    It is quite extraordinary, you found it?


    Yes.


    You are determined not to sell it?


    I will not sell it.


    Well, it seems like not only your luck has improved, but your character also has improved. Lvera narrowed her eyes. When they were little, she had beaten Liszt up not a small number of times. The previous Liszt was a good-for-nothing who got often beaten up and had his toys taken away by his older brother and sister.


    Liszt did not want to recall the past as it was not what he had experienced himself: Sister, what have you brought me? Business is business, do not try to fool me.


    I will not interfere in the selling of the tulip magic ingredient. I have juste for my lesser sprite and two sprite worms to a.s.simte it. Yourpensation will be 500 catties of wheat, 800 catties of maize, 100 catties of pig iron, and 50 catties of wrought iron. Besides those, I have still brought a bag of seeds of Falcon Town''s specialty, the sugar vegetable However, whether you can cultivate them without a sugar sprite worm is none of my concern.


    It is less than what I have expected, but so be it.


    Do not be greedy. If it was Lytton, then I would only be willing to pay half of it.


    Lytton was the youngest son of the count. His mother was the current countess, a daughter of a lesser aristocratic family. Children relied on their mother''s honor; Liszt''s and the other two''smother was a marquis''s daughter, to which Lytton could notpare to. The crucial points to a person''s aristocratic status were their connections and the t.i.tles of their father''s and mother''s families.


    It seemed like Lvera was dissatisfied with Liszt''s current att.i.tude. After the negotiations had concluded, Lvera suggested them having a match.


    What is you qi attribute?


    It is fire-attributed.


    What secret manual do you practice?


    The [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual.


    Let''s have a fight. Show me your current strength. Lvera took a pike from a retainer knight, It had been long since west exchanged pointers, not since I had advanced to an Earth Knight.


    Exchanging pointers was an excuse.


    Her goal was just to teach Liszt a lesson.


    But the Liszt of today was no longer that submissive Liszt, only saying with a faint smile: I am sorry, but I have yet to master the secret manual. The match will have to be postponed to ater date.


    Lvera''s gaze turned cold: Are you shirking? This is not a quality worthy of a knight.


    Fairness is also among a knight''s qualities. Sister, why not wait until I master the [Fierydragon Drill] secret manual and then continue with this topic? Liszt gently diffused her cutting remark.


    With her eyebrows slightly raised, Lvera put down the pike: You are as timid and weak-willed as ever.


    It is called wise and farsighted.


    You are just blowing your own trumpet.


    Lvera was neen years old and had yet to be married, she was still full of youthful energy. Liszt''s mental age, though, had already reached the next stage. He would not get angry because of a few words.


    He was bored with this exchange.


    Before long, Levis had returned from his stroll.


    Filthy, chaotic, poor. He shook his head. Liszt, I already have an understanding regarding your request of food. Flower Town if far worse off than any other small town I had ever seen.


    It is indeed as you say. However, I will govern it into prosperity.


    By relying on the ck Tulip? Let''s talk about it Firstes the a.s.simtion of the great sprite, lesser sprite, and six sprite worms. For that, Tulip Castle willpensate you with 3,000 catties of wheat, 2,000 catties of barley, 500 catties of wheat flour, 1,000 catties of wrought iron, 30 barrels of beer, and a variety of crop seeds.


    After checking, Liszt did not haggle and approved the deal.


    Carriages with supplies were transported to the castle''s warehouse, instantly filling up the once unsightly warehouse. Just the food was enough to sustain the castle for half a year. The pig iron and wrought iron could be used for forging utensils and armor. The seeds he had specifically requested were to be nted in Flower Town.


    Without sprite worms, the barrennd could only be irrigated with fertilizer made by the serfs. The oue had to be waited out.


    In fact, the small town was no longer very filthy. There were people picking up manure every day, selling it to the castle. Liszt had a.s.signed people to distribute the manure between the settlements and use it to fertilize the fields. It was still early and the quant.i.ty was also limited, so for the time being, except for the peanut settlement, the other ces still had not much to show for.


    The lunch went by harmoniously. Gort was quite good at keeping the feast lively.


    After the meal, Levis and Liszt started their negotiations regarding the cultivation and sell of the ck Tulips: Father wants to buyout the cultivation and sell of the ck Tulips in one go. In return, you will get 1,000 gold coins. At the same time, you can also cultivate them in Flower Town, and then sell them to Tulip Castle at the appropriate time.


    That will not do. The ck Tulips are the cornerstone of Flower Town''s development. I will not give up a steady stream of revenue because of some miserly 1,000 gold coins.


    That is 1,000 gold coins we are talking about, it is not a small amount. Flower Town might not even be capable of collecting such a sum with 50 years of taxes.


    By cultivating magic ingredients inrge quant.i.ties, I might reach a yearly ie of 1,000 gold coins in a few years with the ck Tulips alone. Magic ingredients are scarce products for which there is never a shortage in demand.


    You should know that without the family''s means, the ck Tulips cannot be transported through the Thorns Ridge.


    This was why I wanted to speak with Father, or with you, brother, regarding the cultivation and sell I can provide the seeds to Tulip Castle, but in return, I want a cut from the cultivated ck Tulips.


    What you want is for us to do all the work while you stay inside your castle and count gold coins?


    Liszt replied calmly as he raised his cup of milk tea: That is the case in a nutsh.e.l.l.

 Chapter 26: A Big Business of Two Thousand Gold Coins a Year

    Chapter 26: A Big Business of Two Thousand Gold Coins a Year


    That is an exorbitant price, I am beginning to question your sanity. Levis raised his voice, expressing his dissatisfaction.


    Hold your horses, brother.


    Okay, I will listen quietly to your justification for urging me to agree to such a ridiculous condition. But Liszt, my dear brother, you should know that although the ck Tulips are very important to the Tulip Family, but they are not indispensable. We already have three types of tulip magic ingredients.


    I am quite clear on this point, and I also understand that the magic power contained inside the ck Tulips is better than that of the other three types of tulip magic ingredients. It is fit to be the family''s pir of support.


    Although magic ingredients were miraculous, but they also were exceptionally troublesome. They had to be cultivated by sprites in order to multiply. Without sprites cultivating them, their progenies would gradually loose their magic power and degenerate into ordinary nts.


    However, all this did not interfere with their value.


    The brewing of magic potions, forging of magic equipment, cultivating of magic and qi, all these were reliant on magic ingredients. Coral Ind''s Knight College offered magic pharmacology .s.ses specialized in the research of magic potions. Once the cultivation of Earth Knights became stagnant, they had to rely on magic ingredients to strengthen themselves, and then charge towards a Sky Knight.


    Every Sky Knight was a medicinal pot, who only through the consumption of an unknown amount of magic ingredients managed to achieve high-ranked qi.


    Without the support from the family''s tulip magic ingredients, Leewilliam might not have broken through so easily and be one of Sapphire Grand Duchy''s few Sky Knights.


    Therefore, Liszt was very clear that the value of magic ingredients was immeasurable. His brother, an extraordinarily talented Earth Knight, would not miss out on the ck Tulips.


    After a pause, Liszt said with an easygoing att.i.tude: My talent is quitecking, my promotion to a Sky Knight basically a pipe dream. But brother, your talent canpare to father''s in his youth. I reckon that with the ck Tulips, with the unceasing production of this magic ingredient, your path to a Sky Knight would be even smoother.


    He then looked at Lvera: Sister, the same goes for you. I believe that Sky Knights are by far more valuable than 1,000 gold coins, are they not? Brother, sister, I sincerely wish for you to be Sky Knights. Tulip Family needs you to rise. As for me, I only want to earn some money to improve my life.


    When there was a mention of Sky Knights, Levis'' breathing became slightly rushed.


    He had be an Earth Knight at the age of thirteen. He was already twenty one years old. ording to others, he could be a Sky Knight of Tulip Family just like his father. Only, he knew that there was a huge divide between Earth Knights and Sky Knights, that his family''s resources might not be enough to breach it.


    Not to mention that there was still his brother, Lytton Tulip, whose talent was equally extraordinary.


    The family of Lytton''s mother was only a lesser aristocratic family, not worth mentioning. But he had to admit that his (Lytton''s) mother was the current countess, her pillow talk still quite formidable, as a small portion of Tulip Castle''s resources was given to Lytton. This made Levis'' heart bleed. He was somewhat dissatisfied with his father.


    Should the family not go all-out to nurture him into a Sky Knight, then why were resources being squandered?!


    He slightly narrowed his eyes, saying solemnly: Liszt, if you are really sincere in your support of me, then you should not make such a harsh condition.


    Then, let me put it another way. Regarding the business with the ck Tulips, I will only coborate with brother and and sister, okay? Sir father, in all likelihood, will not care about this magic ingredient. When read between the lines, Liszt insinuated that by evading the Tulip Castle, Lytton would also be evaded. Hereafter, the yield of the ck Tulips would only be divided among the three siblings.


    The half-brother, Lytton, was arrogant. He looked down upon Liszt and had given Liszt quite a few contemptuous looks.


    Liszt did not hesitate to throw him under the bus.


    Levis contemted for a while before asking: Lvera is also involved?


    Previously not. But when Liszt had invited me, I just went with the flow. Although Lvera''s talent was not as good as Levis'', but she was equally thirsting to be a Sky Knight, Do not forget, I also have sprites.


    Might as well. Then, how do we divide it?


    After several probings andpromises, the three siblings sessfully reached an agreement.


    After harvesting the seeds, the ck Tulips would be bred in the vicinity of Coral City by relying on the tulip greater sprite. Once the new batch of seeds was harvested, then an extensive cultivation would take ce in Coral City, Falcon Town, and Flower Town.


    For the first three years, all the ck Tulip magic ingredients would be handed over to Levis to manage, with Liszt receiving a cut of the profits. Flower Town and Falcon Town would respectively receive 30% and 20%.


    Three yearster, Falcon Town''s ck Tulips would no longer be handed to Levis to manage. Lvera would manage them herself, while Liszt would receive a cut of 25%.


    Ten yearster, Liszt would stop receiving any cut.


    At present, Tulip Castle''s yearly profit for the Gold Tulip magic ingredient is roughly at 5,000 gold coins. The ck Tulips should be able to surpa.s.s that. Supposing that it was 7,000 gold coins, then my cut could be 2,000 odd coins per year, which is far batter than the one-time offer of 1,000 gold coins.


    Liszt reckoned after the agreement was officially signed.


    Originally, he was going to be satisfied with a cut of 20%, but as Levis had tried to y him for a fool by treating him to a one-time buyout of 1,000 gold coins, he had raised the cut to 30% in retaliation.


    ounts should be settled without ambiguity even among family, not mentioning that Liszt did not consider them family. Apart from the blood coursing through his veins, there was practically nothing else connecting them.


    A tacit understanding seemed to have formed between the three siblings once the agreement had been reached.


    Outside the castle, the serfs were still busy clearing the uncultivatednd for cultivation.


    Are you going to grow crops outside the castle? Is it wheat or barley? Lvera gazed into the distance from a window.


    Alfalfa, to raise horses.


    Levis came over: Raise horses? You want to form your own order of knights?


    I hope to form a small knight squad. The Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts are a great threat, with every winter some people having the magic beasts'' maws as their burial ground. There are no people with qi in the small town Brother, can we talk in private? Liszt suddenly thought of something.


    The two went to a quiet room.


    Why so mysterious?


    I remember that when I was little, Coral Ind''s poption was quite small. Has father used the fleet to move people over from outside?


    That''s right. When father was bestowed the t.i.tle of count, Coral Ind had just a few thousand natives, the rest of the poption had been trafficked from outside. Otherwise, how could 90% of Coral Ind''s poption be the family''s serfs.


    So, brother, have you though about continuing with the human trafficking?


    Continuing with the human trafficking? Levis carefully sized Liszt up; Can Flower Town even provide for more people? I am skeptical whether this rundown little town can even provide for you, and now you want it to provide for even more people? Or, do you want to traffic people to somewhere else?


    Human trafficking was not something glorious, but when reimingnd, aristocrats were always in need of people.


    Basically, to some extent, quite a lot of aristocrats would involve themselves with the trafficking of people.


    Flower Town is indeed quite small. Therefore, I am going to develop the Thorns Ridge, which in turn requires a great number of manpower. With the yield from the ck Tulips, I believe that I could sustain the development of Flower Town for a while, at least until it is no worse-off than sister''s Falcon Town. Said Liszt half-truthfully.


    The strategy of ascending the throne after provisions were full and ramparts were built was clearly ingrained in his mind.

 Chapter 27: A Barbecue Party

    Chapter 27: A Barbecue Party


    It is not impossible to traffic people. The family''s fleet is going out into the sea to trade every year. However, dozens to hundreds of people is not worth the risk.


    5,000.


    What?


    I want 5,000 people.


    5,000 people, you sure you can swallow them?


    I am sure.


    Levis narrowed his eyes: I will consider it once I return.


    After returning to the living room, human trafficking was no longer mentioned. The afternoon tea''s atmosphere was very lively under Gort''s efforts.


    The people from the caravan stayed at Flower Town for the night, with the majority of knights and retainers staying inside the town. Levis and Lvera, along with their gentleman''s valet anddy''s maid respectively, stayed inside the castle.


    The old butler, Carter, was very busy today.


    Tom, where is Jesse, I need his help! His legs, which were no longer as nimble, were already sour from all the repeated going up and down the stairs. He wiped the sweat from his forehead as he entered the kitchen, Jessie is not helping out in the kitchen?


    Jessie should be carrying fodder for the horses. With the dozens of additional horses, there is not enough horse fodder in the castle. Tom carefully ced a bag of flour next to the hearth.


    When hees back, tell him to go find me at the warehouse. I need people to carry food into the castle, to store it in the cer.


    Will do, Mr. Carter.


    The kitchen maid Irene looked up as she washed vegetables: Mr. Carter, do you need my help?


    Not waiting for Carter''s reply, the cook Abby berated: You have yet to finish the work in the kitchen, where do you get the time to help out others?! Irene, do you want to change jobs?!


    Carter spread his hands: Irene, you probably cannot help.


    I see Heavens knows how long I will have to stay in the kitchen today. It is hot and stuffy in here, and my clothes are drenched wet. Mrs. Abby has heated up the hearth''s stove too much.


    Oh, is it so?! Are you the cook or am I the cook? The Lord is entertaining distinguished guests for dinner, do you want me to let you be the cook instead?!


    You are the cook.


    Then shut your trap and work quietly!


    The kitchen was not a ce indicated for respite. Carter went out; the kitchen was too hot. He felt a pressure on his chest, not knowing whether it was from a heatstroke. Although it was not yet summer, but it was getting hotter and hotter. He took out a handkerchief, wiped away the sweat from his face, then leaned against a wall to take a break.


    When Mawson Paddyfield carrying buckets of water saw Carter''s face, she asked concernedly: Do you feel unwell, Mr. Carter?


    I am just a little bit hot.


    Is it? But you do not look too well, might you be too nervous? There are so many guests in the castle today that you are required to work all over the ce.


    How can I be nervous, Mrs. Mawson. I have witnessed more lively moments in one of Sir Counts vis. I can handle this.Carter stowed the handkerchief, Are the rooms of Young Lord Levis and Young Lady Lvera tidied up?


    Young Lady Lvera''sdy''s maid hadined that the walls have dust falling of and that the sheets are shabby.


    The quality of the implements is not something we have control over. We cannot becking in work ethic, the rest does not matter. Real aristocrats will not feel enmity because of this.


    People from the Tulip Family are real aristocrats. Mrs. Mawson nodded. Mr. Carter, you should take a break.


    Do not worry about me.


    The Lord is a nice person, he would not want to see you overwork yourself.


    I am not overworking myself. In fact, I am enjoying it. It is not often that the castle receives guests, and I get a chance to perform. Alright, I am going to sort out the warehouse. Yesterday, I was stillining about the food dwindling, today, the food is so much that it cannot be stored in the warehouse.


    The castle was quite small,cking any entertainment.


    After drinking the afternoon tea, some knights were ready to go hunting in the Thorns Ridge. Liszt had readily a.s.sented to this. He had also invited Levis and Lvera to go hunt together with him.


    With so many Earth Knights, it would be best if we could solve the problem of the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts in one fell swoop. He was secretly thinking, And even if we cannot kill any magic beast, getting familiar with the Thorns Ridge''s terrain will still be good.


    Dressing his armor neatly.


    He mounted his horse. This time, he rode Fierydragon. He still was not used to ckdragon, which affected his disy of strength.


    He did not allow Thomas apany him, only taking Marcus and the four retainer knights along: Thomas, take good care of my ckdragon. Also, do not forget to feed Tremblingwoods, it is still growing and cannot be hungry.


    What is Tremblingwoods? Lvera inquired.


    A dog.


    You are also raising a dog, what breed?.


    Flyingdust Dog.


    Flyingdust Dog?Magic beast?


    Yes, a Flyingdust Dog cub. Teacher Marcus had caught it in the Thorns Ridge. Liszt casually said.


    Earth Knight, the ck Tulip, a peanut sprite worm, a Flyingdust Dog cub, and a majestic wild horse, Liszt, have you received the favor of the G.o.d of Fortune? I am getting a bit envious of you.


    All I can say is that the countryside life is colorful.


    Falcon Town is also in the countryside, but it is not as lively as Flower Town.


    That is because you,sister, are often staying at the Tulip Castle, neglecting the countryside life.


    If you want, you can also keep staying at the Tulip Castle. Father did not want to drive you away. Levis rode his horse over, inserting himself into the conversation.


    Liszt thought it to be just a polite gesture: I like Flower Town. Here, I am quite free, I can do anything I want


    Including seeding gra.s.s at the castle''s gate Levis pointed at the serves cultivating alfalfa, jesting, In the future, your castle can be called Horse Field Castle.


    It was basically impossible for such a castle to receive a name.


    Liszt raised his horsewhip: Let''s go, the sun is already nting to the west. I reckon that we will have to turn back before entering the depths of the Thorns Ridge. Fierydragon ran off ording to Liszt''s will.


    He brought this group of knights into the Thorns Ridge to hunt at least a few magic beasts. Sooner orter, he would conquer the Thorns Ridge, integrating this track of hills and woods into Flower Town''s territory. Therefore, the greater the number of magic beasts were killed now, the lesser the danger would beter.


    Unfortunately.


    In this hunting trip, only ordinary beasts were hunted.


    Magic beasts were much smarter than ordinary beast, they hid as soon as they felt the qi surge inside the Earth Knights.


    Even so, the prey hunted was enough to start a grand barbecue party. Aristocrats, knights, and servants gathered together, with beer foam andughing sshing about.


    Waah, Mr. barbecue, give me another rabbit leg. The tulip great sprite cheerfully flew about. Sprites had no need for food or water, yet they could still digest the things they ate.


    Thomas, who was busy with the barbecue, hurriedly handed the great sprite a roasted rabbit leg sprinkled with seasonings.


    The two lesser sprites, without saying anything, ran off with two pieces of barbecued meet in their mouths.


    Little Fragrance, you eat too fast. In order to appreciate the delicious food, you have to chew more. Liszt tore off the rabbit''s head and said with a smile.


    Sprites were quite fascinating to look at, brightening one''s day.


    Besides, he was also eating barbecue, which he liked very much. Among this world''s dishes, probably only barbecue was to his liking.


    I like to eat in big mouthfuls.


    Little Fragrance was covered in fat from eating roasted meat. The fat was flung away once it shook its body lightly alike a puppy shaking off water, not leaving a single stain behind.

 Chapter 28: The Tulip Castle amid Blood

    Chapter 28: The Tulip Castle amid Blood


    It was already deep into the night. After the barbecue party had concluded, the knights had went to the town to rest.


    Levis and Lvera had also retired into their rooms. The old butler, Carter, entered the study holding a cup of apple juice instead of red wine.


    My Lord, you look quite sober.


    Thank you. He took the apple juice and gave it a sip, tasting its fruity fragrance. The alcohol content of beer made it quite hard to get intoxicated. It was only good against an upset stomach.


    Under the candle light, Carter''s face looked very unnatural.


    Liszt had discovered this during the day: Mr. Carter, do you feel unwell?


    I am fine, My Lord.


    There is something that must be said  please do not force yourself. Even though a castle cannot do without a butler at the helm, but your health is more important, so take care of yourself.


    Thank you. Old Carter teared up.


    Tomorrow, after the sprite wormsplete their a.s.simtion, I will follow the caravan to Coral City. I might leave Coral Ind for several days. The castle''s matters will be left at your discretion.


    My Lord, please rest a.s.sured.


    In fact, there is nothing to worry about. Apart from the few sprite worms, Tremblingwoods and ckdragon also need to be taken care of. The ck Tulip should also be checked up on everyday. The establishing of the horse field outside the castle should not stop. I hope that when I return, I will be able to settle down the alfalfa sprite worm.


    The mission had the greatest priority.


    He went to bed after a brief chat. And so, the night went by.


    The next morning, the eight tulip sprite worms hadpleted their a.s.simtion of the ck Tulip, following which, the caravan immediately set off. Liszt, apanied by Marcus and Thomas, rode Fierydragon. The castle was entrusted to Carter, the town was entrusted to Gort and his four retainer knights.


    Teacher Gort, when I return, I want to see a patrol patrolling the area from the Thorns Ridge to the East Coast.


    I will train them ording to you wishes. Gort said lightly.


    Then I am leaving. Right, when I return, I will bring back a few bottles of Juniper.


    Whoa, that would be great!


    Liszt turned around while atop Fierydragon. The butler, Carter, along with a servant, quietly watched at the castle''s gate. He no longer hesitated, lightly kicking the horse on the belly. Fierydragon immediately rushed out and caught up with the caravan.


    He felt a bit excited.


    His predecessor was very familiar with Coral Ind, but he, strictly speaking, was leaving Flower Town to see the outside world for the first time.


    A medieval terroir wrapped in magic power; an aristocratic system under the knights'' rule.


    After leaving the Thorns Ridge, the majority ofnd that they trod upon belonged to the Count, with a part belonging to some towns  territories the Count enfeoffed to Barons. There were still viges and settlements enfeoffed to Chevaliers. Coral Ind only had a single enfeoffed Viscount, who had been a follower of the Count from very beginning, Jonas Cobblestone.


    However, outside of Coral Ind, there was a small ind enfeoffed to another Viscount, who was also a follower of the Count, Trix Wildhop.


    On Coral Ind, there was a total of five big and six small cities, with Coral City at the foot of Tulip Castle being thergest city. Northvalley City, Whitebirch City, Elmwood City, and Snakefang City belonged to the count, while Cobblestone Castle and its anciry,Cobblestone City, belonged to Viscount Jonas.


    Going to Coral City from Flower Town, one had to pa.s.s trough Northvalley City and Whitebirch City.


    Along the way, the caravan pa.s.sed by two small cities without making a stop. Only when it reached Northvalley City, did the caravan make a stop at the castle''s vi to eat a simple meal before making a beeline for Coral City. At three o''clock in the afternoon, when the hoofs trod into a sea of flowers, had the caravan finally reached Coral City.


    The sea of flowers wasprised of a variety of tulips.


    Most were magic ingredients, while a minority were ornamental flowers. In Sapphire Grand Duchy, the tulips cultivated by the Tulip Family were famous.


    The sea of flowers rose and fell along a hillside.


    To the left of the road towered Coral City''s defensive wall. The city bordered the sea and had a bustling wharf. While staring into the distance, Liszt saw the cutting-edge'' brig sailboats on the wharf.


    This world had started to slowly transition from the age of paddle to the age of sail.


    It was by relying on sailboats that Sapphire Grand Duchy had arrived from the continent, started its conquest of the archipgo, and established an archipgo state.


    Only by sailboat could the sea be crossed.


    Unfortunately, sailboats is probably it for now. Without steel, the age of irond ships or even the age of steamboats cannot be achieved.


    Liszt sighed lightly, retracted his gaze, and turned to the right side of the road.


    To the right was a mountain range. One side of the mountain range, which bordered the sea, was a steep cliff, while the other side was a gentle slope. Tulip Castle was built on top of the precipitous cliff, with a wide cobblestone-paved road wriggling down the hill from the castle''s gate to Coral City. The lofty castle, alike a g, towered at the highest point of Coral Ind.


    A pointy tower piercing into the sky.


    The thick rocks connected in a line to the mountain range surrounded by flowers painted the scene of a solemn, deferential, and imposing fortress. Ten years. ording to Liszt''s memory, when the family came to Coral Ind, it only took it ten years to build such a tall, firm Tulip Castle. During that period, hundreds of serfs were worked to death.


    Even to this day, the castle was still sporadically being expanded.


    The glory of the aristocracy had always been established atop blood. It was only a count''s castle. Reportedly, the Sapphire Grand Duke''s castle took one hundred years to be built, with the bones of serfs'' piling up into a dozens of meters tall heap below the castle''s precipice.


    Looking at the pale gray which is actually blood red; instead of living here, I still prefer Flower Town''s small castle. At least the life there is peaceful.


    Liszt was heavy-hearted.


    Following behind his brother and sister, he went towards this familiar yet unfamiliar castle.


    On the way, they met a party of knightsing out of the castle. The leader knight saluted Levis deferentially: Young Lord Levis, smooth journey.


    Smooth journey, Captain Mickey. Levis returning the salute, returning the salute.


    Captain Mickey also saluted Lvera: Young Lady Lvera, smooth journey.


    Smooth journey, Captain Mickey.


    At this time, Captain Mickey looked at Liszt and also saluted him perfectly in tune with the etiquette: Young Lord Liszt, wee back.


    Long time no see, Captain Mickey. Liszt returning the salute. The knight in front of him was the captain of the knights stationed in the Tulip Castle responsible for the castle''s safety and protection. Mickey was a baron himself, with his family managing his fief in his stead while he himself held office in the Tulip Castle.


    Led by the group of knights, they arrived at the castle''s gate after a while.


    Standing at the gate, the butler, Lewis, weed the three siblings. His old face was filled with a warm smile: Oh, what a happy asion. It had been forever since Ist saw My Lord''s son. Like a tired bird returning to the nest, you have returned to the castle.


    Grandfather Lewis, long time no see. You look as healthy as ever. Liszt handed Fierydragon''s reins to a servant, and then greeted Lewis.


    Lewis was at least sixty years of age. He had been the earliest follower of Liszt''s grandfather, serving him as a gentleman''s valet.


    Nowadays, he served as the Tulip Castle''s grand butler. Even if it was the Count, he also greatly respected him. This person had invested his entire life into the Tulip Family, naturally being deserving of his honor and status.

 Chapter 29: Liszts Conversation with the Count

    Chapter 29: Liszt''s Conversation with the Count


    We have not seen each other for two months. Young Lord Liszt looks more spirited than ever. Is Flower Town treating you well? Louis asked with a smile.


    Everything is fine.


    Good. My Lord has reminisced about Young Lord several times, he is very concerned about your current life.


    The Count of Coral Ind would reminisce about him? Liszt felt very skeptical. Were the Count really concerned about him, the Count would not have enfeoffed and sent him to such a ruined small town like Flower Town.


    Returning home, Lisztcked the feeling of nostalgia.


    The soul in the body hade from another far away world, with the predecessor''s memories being just a collection of videos and images, not having any influence on his current state of mind. He had no affection towards the Tulip Family, with blood is thicker than water'' not being applicable. It was more like a game'', where he took the ce of the character Liszt.


    The servants busying themselves inside the castle bowed in salute once they saw the Young Lords and the Young Lady.


    The Tulip Family members residing in the castleprised only of the Count, the Madam Countess, Levis, Lytton, and Lvera, who often returned, yet there were more than two hundred servants.


    The servants had little free time, being busy from dawn to dusk.


    Their work could be summarized  maintaining the luxurious life of the aristocrats.


    I want to take a bath, I cannot stand the smell of my body. Lvera entered the castle, then turned and left, If father asks about me, tell him that I wille after a while.


    Levis acted as the castle''s master: Liszt, do you want to take a bath first?Father has ordered some servants to specially preserve your room, including the clothes you had left behind.


    I am not a clean-freak like Lvera, I will wait here for father. Brother, if you have things to do, then go ahead, I do not need to be entertained.


    Well, the castle is also your home. Alright then, I have to go have a talk with Teacher Frank about the ck Tulips. He will help me manage the cultivation and sail of the tulips as well as medicine production. In addition,I still need to find a good ce to settle down the sprites, these little creatures cannot be neglected.


    Levis also left.


    Marcus followed a servingman to find a ce for the horses, leaving only Liszt and a few servingmen responsible for receiving guests in the living room. With his hands behind his back, Liszt appreciated the crystalmp on a stone column. As gems came from dragons, a castle''s crystals and other gems represented the wealth of an aristocrat.


    In Liszt''s birthce, the purpose of gems was to look good.


    Here, gems were naturally endowed with magic power, containing mystical powers. Gems were manufactured into magic items. They were indispensable. The crystalmp on the stone column in front of him mas a magic item manufactured from a low-quality crystal. It could dispense light until before the magic power inside was consumed. Then, the magic power could be replenished by a wizard or a knight.


    This cycle would continue until the crystal was worn out, bing an ordinary stone.


    Is a crystalmp without any engravings worthy of being appreciated for so long? Along with the sound of boots falling on the ground came a voice from behind Liszt.


    Liszt turned around. On the staircase leading to the second floor, he saw the Tulip Castle''s master  a middle-aged man with light golden hair and a pair of not good-looking ash-green eyes which werepletely different from the sapphire-colored eyes of Liszt and his two siblings.


    An ordinary face without any distinguishing features.


    In a crowd, Leewilliam Tulip would probably be inconspicuous. But he was Coral Ind''s master, a Sky Knight who had gained the t.i.tle of count through his own efforts.


    Levis and Lvera resembled more their father than their mother, which was why they were not good-looking. They had only inherited their sapphire-colored eyes from their mother.


    Liszt had inherited his mother''s looks, which was why he was overly handsome.


    It is probably because I got ustomed to candle lighting, so some time is needed for me to get used to crystalmp light.


    What, are youining about your life in Flower Town? Leewilliam stood on the staircase, not proceeding downwards.


    The life in Flower Town is extraordinarily free. I am very pleased with it, Sir father. Liszt bowed in salute, You are as strong as ever, your surging qi nearly overflowing.


    I can see that your qi has risen, very good. Being content with a poor life and notining, is also quite good. Leewilliam nodded. What about your brother and sister?


    They had things to do. They wille in a while.


    Then follow me into the study. Leewilliam turned around and went up the stairs.


    Liszt followed upstairs into the Count''s study. The study was quiterge. One of its walls waspletely hidden behind a bookshelf with many thick bast paper books. The books were sprayed with deodorant and freshener,cking the distinct fishy smell of thick bast paper. The bookshelf stood directly opposite to the window. There was still a mahogany desk with many books stacked on top of it.


    POP!


    The Count uncorked a vintage bottle of La Crescent, then poured the crystal clear wine into two crystal goblets. The amber-red liquid rocked inside the goblet alike blood.


    Picking up the goblet and handing it to his third child, the count seemed somewhat surprised: The two months of independence seemed to have tempered your temper. The previous Liszt was very self-conscious when in front of him, with the father-son rtionship being awkward. Yet now, Liszt seemed quite calm.


    Thank you. Liszt took the wine, After realizing the responsibilities of a lord, I had to change ordingly.


    This was a positive change.


    I think so too.


    After exchanging a few words, both father and son discovered that there seemed not to be a lot of topics to talk about. Hence, the Count raised the goblet and took a sip of the red wine, and then unnaturally changed the subject: Was the matter of the ck Tulip handled properly? How much had Levis paid you?


    The Tulip Castle was going to be responsible for the cultivation and sale. I will get a cut of 30% for the next ten years. This cooperation will just involve I, Levis and Lvera.


    The count mused for a moment: The cooperation is going to be only between you three siblings?


    Right.


    You should not leave out Lytton, he is also your brother.


    He is still young, and being always sheltered under father''s wing is not that good. I, Levis, and Lvera are adults, our cooperation is quite a natural thing. Liszt smiled lightly, deliberately not exining or rifying his thoughts. Lytton looked down upon him, so how could he think highly of Lytton?


    As if just now remembering, Liszt asked: What about Madam and Lytton? I have not seen them.


    Madam took Lytton to Snake Fang City. Today is the birthday of Lytton''s uncle. The Madam Countess came from a Coral Ind''s baron family. The family was located in a small town near Snake Fang City.


    After that, there was another moment of silence.


    Liszt had not seeded the father-son rtionship with the Count, and he could also not chat with him as if with a stranger. It was quite difficult to grasp a bnce; therefore, might as well apply the concept of less is more.


    The Count was somewhat unustomed to Liszt''s current temperament. Compared with his previous submissiveness, it was currently more like talking with an equal. He could not grasp the sense of him being capable of reprimanding the other.


    After a while, he said: It is still quite a while until dinner. You can go have a look around, or go to Coral City to meet your friends.


    No, I want to stay in the study to take a look at the books.


    I can not recall you being so fond of reading. The Count had finished drinking the red wine in his goblet, and then turned to leave, If there are any books you want to read, then I will let someone prepare a carriage. You can bring them with you when returning to Flower Town.

 Chapter 30: Madam Penélopes Dislike

    Chapter 30: Madam Pen¨¦lope''s Dislike


    There were no historical recordings. Only through some knight novels could the local customs and practices as well as social development be conjectured.


    This was Liszt''s perception of the matter.


    He equally did not know when humans had risen in this world.


    The only thing that he knew for certain was that the Sapphire Grand Duchy had been founded 150 years ago. Last year, a grand celebration was held tomemorate the anniversary, leaving an impression on Liszt.


    There were many knight novels about the Sapphire Family. In some novels, it was recorded that the Sapphire Family had a heritage of 1,000 years.


    As for the Tulip Family, there was no such thing as genealogy. ording to Liszt''s knowledge, during the time of a great-great-great-grandfather of his the family still had no tulip greater sprites or tulip lesser sprites. Therefore, the family''s name had still not been Tulip.


    Originally, their family name had been Tiles'', indicating that their family had originally belonged to themoner .s.s. ording to the history pa.s.sed down in his family, the great-great-great-grandfather had extraordinary power. He had followed an aristocrat of the Sapphire Family, which at that time had just recently founded its state. With the contributions .u.mted in battles, he had been conferred the t.i.tle of chevalier.


    Since then, the family had risen in the ranks of aristocracy.


    The great-great-grandfather had be a baron, the great-grandfather had be a viscount, and the grandfather had obtained a tulip lesser sprite.


    It was not until Leewilliam had inherited the family that the lesser sprite had evolved into a greater sprite, hereby changing the family name to Tulip. A few yearster, Leewilliam had be a Sky Knight, and then, through meritorious deeds, had been conferred the t.i.tle of Count of Coral Ind by the Sapphire Grand Duke.


    In order to express that the family had reached the ranks of upper .s.s aristocracy, the Serpentine L'' in Leewilliam''s name had been used at the beginning of his offsprings'' names. Every descendant of his would have the Serpentine L at the beginning of their names to show respect for the family''s founder. They would be called LXX'', Lx.x.x'', or Lx.x.xX'' As for the number of X'' (Serpentines) used, that would depend on the mood of the people giving the names.


    ording to Liszt''s understanding, the symbol L'' was roughly equivalent to a family name.


    His mother''s family also had this custom, but they used the symbol M'' instead.


    Therefore, the Tulip Family only had a history of six generation, spanning 150 odd years.


    Going further back, it was not known who the ancestors were.


    The magnificent count family, not even mentioning eighteen generations of ancestors, only had six generations of ancestors recorded, how barbaric. Liszt scoffed. A civilization without history, was there any heritage to show for?


    In his birthce, his family''s genealogy, with the exact names and surnames, could be traced back to the period of the Ming Dynasty.


    As for tracing back his bloodline, it could be traced back to the period of the Yellow Emperor.


    Also, these boasting knight novels regarding the Sapphire Family were quite nonsensical, with the family''s millennium of heritage being an agglomeration of fantastic oddities of every description. ording to them, the family had originated in the southern part of the Steel Ridge Kingdom, migrated to the st Furnace Kingdom, then wandered towards the distant Blue Dragon Empire If it was the Sapphire Family blowing their own horn in these novels, then it was too careless.


    He really wanted to sort out the general history of this world, but felt that it was hopeless. In the knight novels he had read, the furthest dated history was recorded in the novel [Knight Daitou vs. the Redtailed Fire Dragon]


    ording to this novel, the tale had taken ce 10,000 years ago in the Unsetting Radiance Empire. However, Liszt had confirmed that the Unsetting Radiance Empire was founded not more than 3,000 years ago.


    Also, the Unsetting Radiance Empire was the longest-running state of the continent.


    Many states were founded along with a dragon''spanionship. The death, departure, decline of the dragon, or even a dragon ying battle, couldmonly result in the state being destroyed.


    When the Sapphire Grand Duchy was first founded, a dragon ying battle had taken ce.


    At that time, the sapphire dragon was almost killed by the invading Eagle Kingdom. It was unable to gain a foothold on the wastnd of the continent. During its escape, its dragon blood had dyed a mountain range, giving rise to countless sapphires amidst the mountain range. Following that, the mountain range,the Blue Blood Mountains, had be an important mine of the Steel Ridge Empire.


    Although the dragon did not die, but the Sapphire Grand Duchy had taken a serious. .h.i.t. It had not choice but to leave the continent and escape to the distant inds.


    Of course, this period of history was inferred by Liszt.


    In the knight novels ttering the Sapphire Family, the Blue Blood Mountains had originated and turned into a mine when they were dyed with the blood of the hostile Eagle Empire''s white iron dragon after being bitten by the sapphire dragon.


    As for why the white iron dragon''s blood would bring about a mountain range where sapphire could be extracted


    Different people had different views, it was okay to fool themon people.


    Knock-knock, the door was knocked.


    Pleasee in. Liszt looked up from a book called [Guidebook for Developing Fire-Attributed Qi].


    The one who came in was the castle''s a.s.sistant butler, Silva, Lewis'' a.s.sistant and sessor.


    Young Lord Liszt, your grandmother, Madam Penlope, is in the living room chatting with Young Lord Levis and Young Lady Lvera.


    Grandmother hase? Then I will go greet her.


    Liszt rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit vexed. His grandmother did not like him.


    His father''s loathing was based on the disappointment he felt towards Liszt. Now that Liszt had returned and his temperament had changed, the Count to longer showed any loathing, obviously happy with the change. But his grandmother was different. She did not like Liszt simply because he reminded her of Melissa, that is, her daughter-inw.


    Penlope lived in a small castle inside Coral City. The reason why she did not live together with her son was because she and Melissa did not get along.


    Liszt greatly resembled his mother, and as such, had be the target of Penlope''s wrath.


    No matter how vexed he was, he still had to go downstairs to greet her.


    Grandmother, you havee? I am d to see you in good health.


    Oh, look at who hase! The wrinkles on Penlope''s face were already quite p.r.o.nounced. She was nearly sixty years old, Liszt, had you not spoken, I would have believed that Melissa hade back.That pretty face of yours Thank heavens that she had already went to the Heavenly Kingdom. Which is why I, this old woman, dare to paymy son''s castle a visit.


    Liszt''s facecked any expression as he sat down calmly, not saying a word.


    The olddy did not like him, so why should he ask to be snubbed. Anyway, he rarely met her, so just like with a stranger, keeping a respectful facade was good enough.


    Lvera smiled and said: Liszt, grandmother had immediately rushed over when she heard that you have returned. Usually at this time, she would be in the middle of her several-hour-long prayers for the family.


    Penlope turned her head, no longer looking at Liszt. She whispered, I did note to see him.


    Was that saying one thing and doing another?


    Liszt thought that Madam Penlope probably loved her grandson, it was just that she had a habit of attacking Liszt because of his striking resemnce with Melissa. This habit had been fostered for more than a decade. In fact, it did not matter whether she loved or disliked him as Liszt only wanted lie low.


    After listening to your sister, the Flower Town seems to be even cruder than I imagined, practically resembling a small vige, is that right? Madam Penlope asked.


    It really is somewhat crude, but it is quite suitable for expansion and development. I already have ns to develop it.


    Look at you, that majestic tone has little to do with the Tulip Family''s temperament. Do not learn from Melissa and a.s.sume that tranquil att.i.tude of someone who is a cut above others. You already look like her. If your temperament were also to be like hers, that would be an impossible to get rid smudge on this old woman''s life.


    Liszt did not answer.


    He did not have much of an impression of his mother as she had died from an illness when he was little.


    Madam Penlope proceeded to long-windedly enumerate Melissa''s shorings. To sum it up, the Marquis'' daughter looked down upon me and was always at loggerheads with me, do not seed her many shorings.

 Chapter 31: Coral Citys Feces Road

    Chapter 31: Coral City''s Feces Road


    The past events regarding Melissa and Madam Penlope were already ancient history in the castle.


    Madam Penlope criticized Melissa. She believed that Melissa could not stand her. Backed by the Marquis, Penlope did not dare to provoke her, having no other choice but to move out of the Tulip Castle.


    Liszt, however, felt that it was actually Madam Penlope who was too acrid, stillining more than a decadeter.


    Moreover, more than a decade after Melissa pa.s.sed away, Madam Penlope still could not move on as she also did not get along with the new Madam Countess.


    You are lucky to have returned today as the daughter of the baron family is not in the castle. Otherwise, I would have turned around and left at first sight. That woman emits some kind of smell, making me ufortable. I do not know how your father can put up with her. Now, the whole castle smells of her. I feel ufortable just by staying here for a bit.


    Hearing that, Lvera, who had been sitting beside Madam Penlope, winded her arm around her grandmother''s and, unlike her usual strong facade, said in a spoiled tone: Grandmother, you cane to my Falcon Town if you do not like the Tulip Castle. There is an exceptionally beautifully manor and a hot spring. You would definitely like it there.


    Little girl, as a aristocratic gentlewoman, seat properly. Look at you, you are already neen years old and still have not found your better half. This is not worthy of a gentlewoman.


    Grandmother is right. Lvera, you have to learn to be a gentlewoman, and not y with swords like us. Levis teased before saying to Madam Penlope, Grandmother, if you think that the castle smells bad, then I can add some more freshener.


    The two women entering the family is not something that could be solved with freshener. I am already weary. If it is not necessary, then I do not want toe to the castle. Said Madam Penlope, then turned towards the butler, Lewis, standing to the side, saying, Lewis, you will help me convey these words to the daughter of the baron family, right?


    Wordsced with quite the provocation.


    Lewis smiled gently: Old Madam, you know that I prefer to keep my mouth shut.


    Lewis, you have always been so boring.


    Since Madam Penlope entered the castle, the conversation was centered on her. Of course, 80% of the conversation was her speaking.


    Liszt just smiled politely.


    Not until the Count returned and dered that dinner could start, that Liszt was freed from this awkward atmosphere.


    Dinner in the Tulip Castle was obviously not something to which dinner in the Flower Town''s small castle couldpare to.


    There was a huge contrast just in the number of people.


    At dinner, the castle''s aristocrats consisting of the count family, the teacher, the captain of the knights, as well as a few of the Count''s followers who were guests in the castle were already all seated. Altogether, there were sixteen aristocrats, with chevaliers, barons, viscounts, and counts being all present.


    At the dinner, Madam Penlope naturally would not keep quiet, constantly chatting.


    Liszt was focused on enjoying his food. Despite him not being used to Western style cuisine, yetpared with the Flower Town''s crude food, the food here could be called delicious. He was not very involved in the discussions, and just like in his predecessor''s memories, he had be invisible in the castle.


    However, he previously used to want to interject yet could not.


    But now he did not want to interject. After all, he was just a transmigrator inside someone else''s body and could not blend himself into the Tulip Family. He could only watch everything calmly alike a spectator. Being low-key, doing things ording with the times, and immerse himself into development. Perhaps one day he might no longer have to be low-key, doing as he pleases.


    Liszt had gotten up early the following day. The three siblings had to set out with the fleet towards the Red Crab Ind to visit their grandfather, Marquis Merlin Longtaro.


    Give my sincere regards on my behalf The Count had also gotten up early, enjoying the breakfast together with his three children.


    As a son-inw, he should go visit himself, but since he was just a former son-inw, his rtionship with the Longtaro Family had be estranged. It would be inconvenient if he were to go visit.


    Madam Penlope had already returned from her walk, her tone bleak: Levis, Lvera, Liszt, give my regards to Marquis Merlin. I recall a handsome and n.o.ble aristocrat who was strong and outstanding, I did not expect that a few yearster, he would fall ill to the point of not being capable performing his work and his position as the captain of the court''s fleet being stripped from him.


    Birth, death, illness, and old age are the rules governing the world. Mother, do not brood over it.


    You want to tell me that I am also a wretched old woman?


    Why would you think so, I hope that you can live until one hundred years old.


    From the two women you have married, one can tell that you are hoping for me to die sooner thanter, so keep quiet. No one is bothering you regarding the matters of the Coral Ind.


    The Count could only reveal an awkward and polite smile.


    Liszt took Marcus along, and there was still a castle''s servingman responsible for his luggage. The three siblings set out together for the wharf. The wharf was part of Coral City. Although it was said to be a city, but Liszt was more willing to call it arge toilet'' as the foul stink from fermented feces and urine was ever present.


    Because of this, a tulip with a strong aroma produced by the Tulip Family was widely popr among the city residents.


    The city residents who went on long journeys trough the city would have such tulips tied around their neck to dilute the nauseating odor on the streets.


    There was no way to get rid of the smell of feces though.


    Such a big city like the Coral City was not even as grand as a small county town from Liszt''s birth ce.


    Without high-rise buildings or mansions, it was just a random agglomeration of wooden and stone houses, with streets of varying width extending into the distance. Along the streets were various shops. The hurrying pedestrians could not avoid stepping into excrement as the city residents liked to dump their feces on the street.


    If it was just a piece of dog excrement, then one could of course choose to avoid it.


    But if it was the entire street covered in dog excrement, then creasing one''s eyebrows and stepping on it would be the only way to go.


    Therefore, after being constantly stepped on, theyers uponyers of feces had already integrated themselves with the pavement, creating the unique feces road'' with a natural stench.


    Why was sanitation so bad?


    It was because the city residents were busy with their livelihoods and did not care about sanitation. Additionally, the aristocrats living in the castle on the verge of the city also did not care about the mess inside the city.


    Thankfully, the Coral City was only a city on an ind with a limited poption, and the scale at which the feces and urine were produced was still bearable as they were being naturally weathered.


    If the city were to berger, it might have been flooded by feces and urine.


    Their horizons were so restricted because of the sprites'' abilities that they did not think of using excrement in farming? When surveying the Coral City, Liszt fantasized, If I could collect all the excrement on the ind, take it all to the Flower Town, and then in the town No, around the small town construct a few methane-generating pits.


    He understood the theory behind the methane-generating pits. However, it would be a bit troublesome to use methane for lighting and cooking.


    After a simple fermentation, the quickest way to use excrements would be to fertilize thend. The Flower Town''s barren soil wasparable to yellow earth soil, it was in an urgent need of fertilizer.


    With the inconvenience of transportation, using carriages to transport the feces would be more costly than the feces themselves Forget it, there is no need to pollute my Flower Town. The small town is self-sufficient in this regard.

 Chapter 32: Brig Sailboats in the Sea

    Chapter 32: Brig Sailboats in the Sea


    The city was not worth looking forward to. Only the castle was worth looking forward to as the aristocrats payed particr attention to sanitation. There werebathrooms and toilets, with servants moving the excrements and refuse outside the castle.


    Because no one knew of their usage as fertilizer, the feces were randomly discarded in the wild and then naturally weathered.


    Effective usage of feces as fertilizer could reduce the dependence on sprites. But due to the sprites'' natural ability to improve crops, the relience on sprite could only be reduced though.


    With the brig sailboats traveling along the azure sea, the Coral City had gradually disappeared from view and the towering peak of the Tulip Castle had also started to sink below the sea level.


    This seemingly indicated that this world was also spherical.


    Liszt would asionally think about the circ.u.mstances of the world he had transmigrated into, yet to no avail because of ack of information.


    Sir, what are you looking at? Marcus walked up to him.


    At the sea, at this azure sea concealing countless treasures.


    I grew up at the seaside, but I do not have such wonderful dreams towards the sea. There are sea monsters in the sea, and maybe some fish. However, there are also fish in rivers andkes, and it is not dangerous there. On the continent, there is a limitless reserve of riches, withglorious knights and aristocrats vying over it.


    The Sapphire Grand Duchy was an archipgo state, but it had never given up on its conquest of the continent, every few years organizing an order of knights to go vie over the continent''s minerals.


    Creating batches after batches of aristocrats.


    The Tulip Family had also risen to power in that ce. Marcus dreamt of going to the continent to fight, to gain merit and to be conferred the t.i.tle of chevalier.


    Now that he had set his mind on serving Liszt, he naturally tried to influence Liszt from time to time.


    Liszt still looked at the deep sea, not caring about the continent''s riches'' speech. The battlefield was full of danger, why would he want to go there?! Quietly pa.s.sing his time as a lord in the countryside while cultivating the fields and performing other tasks; it was much better to do things steadily, taking one step at a time. If talking strictly in terms of him being a transmigrator, he did not think that he could stand out above the aboriginals, but with the help from the smoke missions, him bing strong was just a matter of course.


    As for what the smoke missions were, he was bound to unravel this mystery one day.


    Teacher Marcus, I heard that there arerge uninhabited and not yet exploited inds outside the grand duchy''s archipgo.


    Right. After chatting with some old sailors, I was informed that there are otherrge inds outside the archipgo. However, those inds are located deep in the sea. With the many submerged reefs and the frequent storms, it is difficult to ess those inds. They have no development value.


    Perhaps.


    Liszt could not deny it.


    Supposedly, as long as deep sea fishing was developed, then the veil over the sea''s riches would be lifted by a bit. At that time, the contest over inds might not be inferior to that over the continent.


    It was currently still impossible to pull of. He was just the lord of a small countryside town. Therefore, before anything else, he had to first expand and develop.


    Raise the sails! Sail ahead!


    Raise the sails! Sail ahead!


    The crew''s roars were heard from below the mast. Currently, the wind was rising from the south and blowing from the stern, creating rustling noises. The captain ordered the sailors to raise the sails to get greater windforce.


    The emergence of sailboats allowed humans to enter deeper into the sea. The Sapphire Grand Duchy''s fleet wasprised of sailboats. However, they were brig sailboats. Schooner sailboats had yet to emerge. The advantage of brig sailboats was that they were very fast during tailwind, the disadvantage was that they had practically no effect during headwind and paddles had to be used.


    There was currently tailwind. With the sails risen, the fleet took a triangr formation on the sea. It looked magnificent.


    They set off in the morning and arrived at the Red Crab Ind in the evening.


    The Red Crab Ind was ten times bigger than the Coral Ind. The Longtaro Castle was not at the seaside, but was halfway up a mountain in the middle of the ind. Therefore, after getting off the boat, Liszt and the others had to stay in the city near the wharf, the Sea Crab City, overnight. Next, they would have to take a carriage to the Longtaro Castle, arriving on the third day.


    There were still no pigeons trained to deliver letters. Also, the thick bast paper was presumably to heavy for pigeons to carry.


    However, because knights had been sent beforehand to deliver a letter saying that the Tulip Family''s younger generation wasing to pay a visit in the near future, the Longtaro Castle had arranged a vi near the Sea Crab City, with servants specially waiting for Liszt and his party. Once they arrived, they were immediately arranged to stay in the vi. They did not have to stay in the filthy city.


    After dinner, Liszt took a bath, and theny down on a bed.


    He was slightly seasick.


    In his birthce, he was ustomed to airnes and trains, yet he was not used to ships. Fortunately, his predecessor was an inder with some seasickness resistance, which was why he could somewhat ovee it and had not be fully seasick.


    As an inder, to be seasick, Liszt, I cannot help but to say that you made the Tulip Family loose face. I thought that you have matured, but unexpectedly, you are still so unreliable. This reminds me of your previous cowardly behavior. You are indeed that stupid little brother of mine. Not knowing when, Lvera had appeared inside Liszt''s room.


    She had not knocked on the door.


    Liszt was startled. He had been observing the smoke Serpentines. He often checked whether there were any changes.


    But soon, he settled down. Lvera did not seem to see the smoke Serpentines. Only Liszt could see the smoke Serpentines. Therefore, there was no need to fear being exposed.


    You forgot to knock on the door.


    I did not knock? It is not of importance. Lvera crossed her arms in front of her chest as she watched Liszt, showing her disdain.


    It is very important to me. You do not respect my privacy. Also, doing so is not gentlewomanly. Aristocrats are fond of gentlewomen, dear sister.


    I do not want to change myself to carry favor with aristocrats! Besides, Liszt, since when do I need you to give me advice? I would be teachimg you a good lesson were we not on the Red Crab Ind to let you understand that advancing to Earth Knight is nothing special!


    Liszt was bullied by Lvera from an early age.


    He believed that Lvera''s jealousy of his appearance, which was beautiful enough to make the majority of women feel ashamed, was the root of this behavior!


    Have you juste to tell me that I am still very weak?


    I just wanted to see that disgraceful appearance of you being seasick.


    Now that you have already seen it, would you please leave?


    Lvera gave him a look, then turned and left. Liszt got up and locked the door. The other was neen years old, still a girl, her behavior unpredictable.


    Liszt did not care too much. ording to his memory, Lvera was an offhand, or rather, a rash and frivolous person.


    The Count often felt like he and Lvera should exchange tempers.


    One was more elegant than a girl, the other was more boisterous than a boy.


    Liszty down again. As he did not feel sleepy, his thoughts wandered to some boring stuff: My predecessor hase to the Longtaro Castle five months ago for the New Year Festival. At that time, Marquis Merlin was not on the ind, still holding the post ofmander of the court fleet. It has been around four to five years since he hadst seen him.


    Given that aristocrats practiced monogamy, the aristocratic families were often not too thriving.


    Marquis Merlin had one son and two daughters. The youngest daughter, Melissa, was deceased, while the oldest daughter, Melinda, was married off to a follower of the Marquis, Viscount of Longwall Ind, Laurent Pinecone. There was only one heir, his eldest child and son, Messil Longtaro, who only had a son, Meopal.


    Cousin Meopal seems to be almost twenty five years old, and still not married? Apparently, he is in pursuit of the Sapphire Grand Duke'' daughter? The princess of this little state, reportedly, is promiscuous.


    Grand duchies were anciry states of empires or a kingdoms, with the t.i.tle of their supreme rulers being that of grand dukes. In a strict sense, a grand duke was not a king, and his daughter could not be called a princess. Moreover, because of his inability to be a dragon knight, the newly ascended Sapphire Grand Duke had his t.i.tle already lowered to that of a duke.


    In the aristocratic system, infante, grand duke, and duke were ranks of aristocratic t.i.tles, but only dragon knights could be conferred the t.i.tles of infante or grand duke. Otherwise, only the t.i.tle of duke could be conferred.


    However, rules were meant to be broken. Inside the Sapphire Grand Duchy, the aristocrats called their ruler grand duke. Naturally, his daughter would also be treated as a princess and sought after as such.


    Liszt had a wicked thought: If by chance Meopal were to take the princes as his wife, then it would be quite possible their children turning out not be his Hehe.

 Chapter 33: Master of the Longtaro Castle

    Chapter 33: Master of the Longtaro Castle


    The rocking carriage made Liszt drowsy.


    Rocking all the way from the Sea Crab City to the Red Rock City. They stayed overnight at the Red Rock City before once more departing at the break of dawn. Two hourster, they finally saw the Longtaro Castle towering half up the mountain.


    The Longtaro Castle was nearly four times bigger than the Tulip Castle. It had a two hundred meters tall guard tower. Because of its location being half up a mountain, the castle was practically integrated with the mountain.


    In his birthce, Earth, Liszt had once went to Europe. There, he had toured the Neuschwanstein Castle.


    The Neuschwanstein Castle was simrly majestic as the Tulip Castle, onlycking a steep precipice at its back. Butpared to the Longtaro Castle in front of them, the Neuschwanstein Castle looked like a small household. Only the White City of [The Lord of the Rings] could bepared to the Longtaro Castle in terms of grandeur.


    A city stood below the castle.


    The carriages did not need to go through the city, directly following a slightly precipitous mountain road towards the castle. Halfway through, they met a group of knights of the Longtaro Castle. Learning that they were rtives from the Tulip Family, the group of knights immediately escorted the carriages to the castle.


    A knight dashed up the mountain to ry the news in advance.


    Therefore, when the carriages had arrived at the castle''s gate, the Longtaro Castle''s sessor and cousin of the three siblings, Meopal Longtaro, was already waiting for them along with servants.


    Levis, Lvera, Liszt. Meopal was a man of a striking appearance and a graceful demeanor, with his sapphire-like eyes being particrly beautiful, I have received a letter regarding your arrival. I have already been waiting for you for quite a while. Was your journey smooth?


    Liszt had to admit.


    Whether in therms of appearance or temperament, his cousin was very outstanding, not putting on airs. Standing together with him, it felt like he was more of a brother to him than Levis.


    Cousin Meopal, everything went smooth.


    Cousin (Lvera), you are more beautiful thanst year.


    Thank you for yourpliment, cousin, butpared to your pretty face, I feel like I am being mocked. Lvera looked at Meopal, saying half-jokingly and half-seriously.


    Meopalughed out loud: This is not something I can refute, am I right, Liszt? The second half of the sentence was directed at Liszt.


    Liszt smiled slightly.


    He had finally confirmed that the reason Lvera had bullied him for so many years was because of her jealous towards his appearance: Cousin, you are right.


    Haha, great men do indeed have identical standpoints. Now, let''s go inside. Father is currently outside presiding over the quarterly taxation. He has yet to return. Grandfather is recuperating. He was very happy when he heard that you came.


    How is grandfather?


    Meopal sighed: Grandfather''s illness is in fact aplication caused by the recurrence of old injuries, it has its ups and downs. The grand duke had already sent a court doctor to treat grandfather. I am sure that he will get better soon.


    On the bed inside a gorgeous bedroom sat the master of the Red Crab Ind, one of the grand duchy''s seven marquises, the previousmander of the court fleet, and Longtaro Castle''s most distinguished personage.


    Merlin Longtaro.


    He was an old man past seventy years of age with a pale and wrinkled face. Despite his long-term fostered majesty, it was still not capable of concealing his ageing and the illness-incurred weakness.


    Even tough he was a Sky Knight once capable of soaring thends, yet he still could not escape the erosion of time.


    His sapphire-colored irises were suffused with white, leave alone the head full of white hair.


    He rested quietly by leaning against the bedhead. A short-legged coffee table was ced on the quilt. Using quill pen and ink, heboriously wrote symbols on the thick bast paper.


    The age spots on his face were particrly eye-catching.


    My Lord, Young Lord has brought the Tulip Family''s two Young Lords and Young Lady. The butler, who was almost as old as Marquis Merlin, used a particrly light tone as not to disturb the marquis.


    Marquis Merlin faintly paused his pen before continuing to write, all the while not raising his head: Melissa''s children? Let theme see me, this half-dead old fogey.


    My Lord, you are only temporarily sick, soon you will recover. As you had said, you have to live until one hundred years of age, you still have to boil the neighboring marquis, Wace, alive.


    Haha, I have also threatened to ughter the grand duke''s sapphire dragon for not letting me be a dragon lord. However, there is no use. This time, I am definitely loosing to that old fart. Marquis Merlin smiled heartily. He quickly wrote the final few symbols and put down the pen.


    The servant waiting upon him to the side immediately took the coffee table away.


    The old butler supported the marquis to steadily lean against the bedhead, he then leaned over and arranged the red bow tie around the marquis'' neck.


    A servant fetched a bronze mirror.


    Other servants brought over water, a towel, and a hair clip to service the marquis in session.


    The marquis had his image carefully brushed up, quickly recovering his dignified appearance from that of an old man with a foot in the grave. Then, he waited.


    When he heard the familiar footsteps outside the door, his turbid eyes could not help but emit a glimmer of light.


    Which was rapidly concealed.


    Meopal entered the bedroom along with the three siblings.


    Levis took the lead and, along with Lvera and Liszt, quickly walked to the bed before following the etiquette of a junior: Grandfather, I, Lvera, and Liszt came to visit you. Father had entrusted me to give you his sincere regards. He hopes that you will recover soon and resume the graceful bearing of the Longtaro astle''s master.


    Your father is considerate. The Marquis nodded faintly. Was your journey smooth?


    The journey was smooth.


    Good. Since you came to visit your grandfather, then stay a few days in the Longtaro Castle.


    Yes, grandfather.


    The marquis'' gaze swept through Levis, Lvera, before finally resting on Liszt, his eyes revealing a look of found recollection: Liszt, you grew up.


    Yes, March 9th was mying of age.


    I heard that your father had enfeoffed you as a baron, which town is your fief?


    The Flower Town.


    Hmm, he had not conferred you the t.i.tle of viscount. It seems that Leewilliam, that count, is quite the failure. Marquis Merlin''s a.s.sessment was very rude, and then his tone turned sorrowful, I have not witnessed youing of age, Melissa will definitely rebuke me. Looking at you is like having Melissa standing before my eyes.


    Meopal echoed the sentiment: Grandfather, cousin Liszt has indeed a striking resemnce with aunt Melissa. When I was little, I have seen aunt Melissa, thinking that the flower of Longtaro was the most dazzling flower of the grand duchy.


    I have no distinct recollections of my mother''s appearance, leaving me to only view her portrait in the Tulip Castle. Said Liszt. His predecessor indeed did not remember his mother.


    Melissa had pa.s.sed away when Liszt was two years old. A two year-old child had not much memory to show for.


    Although there was a portrait of Melissa in the castle, but he had not often seen. Moreover, even if it was a portrait, it was highly distorted and had difficulty conveying the bearing of the actual person.


    It was regrettable.


    The marquis quickly curbed his mood: Although it was more than a decade ago, yet sometimes, I feel like it had been just yesterday You should be weary from the journey. Meopal, take your cousins to their quarters to rest. At the lunch feast, I hope to see the youngsters in high spirits. In addition, if time permits, you youngsters should hold a ball tomorrow night.

 Chapter 34: A Lesser Sprites Spittle

    Chapter 34: A Lesser Sprite''s Spittle


    Waah.


    Waah.


    Strange calls came from the castle''s winding corridor. Liszt, who was ready to rest until noon and then go to join the lunch feast, pushed open the door. Not far away, he saw a blue lesser sprite flying in zigzag around the corridor''s pirs.


    A few maids were waiting upon the lesser sprite.


    The lesser sprite seemed to have discovered Liszt. It cried out cheerfully as it flew over, before stopping 1 meter in front of Liszt mid-air. With its big eyes, it looked at Liszt in curiosity as it issued waah'' from time to time. It was unknown what it meant by it.


    Young Lord Liszt. The maids came over and greeted him deferentially.


    Liszt inquired: What lesser sprite is this?


    It is a pachyphytum lesser sprite, it is just three years old. A good-looking maid replied. Her brown eyes were audaciously looking into Liszt''s.


    Her eyes were burning scorching hot.


    Liszt did not pay attention to the person looking at himself. He pointed at the pachyphytum lesser sprite mid-air: Does it have a name?


    The lesser sprite tilted its head in confusion: Waah?


    The maid answered: It has no name. There are many lesser sprites in the castle, calling them by their type is good enough. However, the pachyphytum lesser sprite is the most naughty among the lesser sprites, which is why we several maids have to follow it around to prevent it from stirring up trouble.


    Sprite was a mystical life form born from nature. Although most were quite meek, yet some had queer temperaments.


    What sort of trouble can it cause. Liszt felt that they were just making a fuss over nothing. Having more than a single maid follow a lesser sprite was a bit suspicious.


    Not waiting for the maids to exin.


    The hovering lesser sprite suddenly pursed its lips, took aim, and then spat a mouthful of spittle at Liszt''s face.


    It was so abrupt that he, an Earth Knight, did not manage to react.


    When Liszt came back to his senses, the lesser sprite flew away as itughed waah'', waah''.


    Young Lord Liszt, the pachyphytum lesser sprite is very naughty, it often spits at the castle''s guests. I am very sorry. I hope that you will not mind it. The maid whose eyes were burning scorching hot turned to herpanions, Hurry and follow Pachyphytum, do not let it disturb other people. I will help Young Lord Liszt wash his face.


    Finished speaking, she gracefully motioned with her outstretched hand: Young Lord Liszt, please allow me to go fetch water to wash your face as an apology for the pachyphytum lesser sprite''s behavior.


    Alright.


    Liszt wanted to simply wipe it away as the lesser sprite was not a filthy life form, he did not mind its spittle. But since the maid had said that, then he might as well wash his face.


    Once the maid brought the water to wash his face, she wrung out a towel, and wanted to wipe his face with it.


    Thank you, I will do it myself.


    This is what we maids should do.


    I am used to doing things like washing my face myself. Liszt coughed. Although he understood that the upper .s.s society distinguished itself by living quitefortably, with the servants waiting upon their daily necessities, but he would never get used to it.


    After wiping his face.


    He handed the towel to the maid.


    The maid''s eyes were beaming: Do you need another one?


    No need.


    A look of disappointment shed past her eyes. The maid picked up the washbasin and turned to leave: Then, I will go first Right, Young Lord Liszt, my name is Anna. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to call me.


    Liszt smiled lightly: Okay, Anna.


    There was a strand of wet hair across his forehead from when he just washed his face, making him look even more handsome. The maid was obviously bedazzled by Liszt. She lowered her head and quickly left.


    Only after leaving the room.


    Did she felt her chest pounding. There was a smear of scarlet on her cheecks.


    What are you doing? Suddenly,an inquisitive voice sounded beside her.


    It was a servingman, a gentleman''s valet arranged to Liszt by the castle, responsible for Liszt''s day-to-day necessities during his stay in the castle. He had just gone to get some milk tea for Liszt from the kitchen. When he returned, he saw Annaing out of Liszt''s room holding a washbasin. The one responsible for waiting upon this guest was him!


    Young Lord Liszt had to wash his face, so I waited upon him.


    Really? But it seems like it is not yet the turn of you maids. Anna, do not do anything that would make the Longtaro Castle loose face! The servant said fiercely in a low voice.


    Anna did not stop in her tracks: Leschi, you are not a butler, what I do is none of your business!


    Then I will tell the butler!


    I just do my work. Whatever you want to tell is your business.


    When Anna disappeared behind a corner of the winding corridor, Leschi snorted: A bunch of little wh.o.r.es! After finishing cursing, he hurriedly withdrew his angry expression and switched it for the calm and gentle bearing a servingman should have.


    He knocked on the door: Young Lord Liszt, I have brought the milk tea you wanted.


    Pleasee in.


    Anna returned to the group looking after the pachyphytum lesser sprite.


    The maids immediately made a hubbub: Anna, have you touched Young Lord Liszt''s face?


    Was Young Lord Liszt''s face very smooth and delicate? Did you blush, had your heartbeat quickened? He looks as handsome as Young Master Meopal.


    A few years ago, Lucy touched Young Lord Liszt''s face while washing it. Although at that time he had yet toe of age, but he was already so handsome.


    Anna shook her head, saying disappointingly: I have not. Young Lord Liszt washed his face himself. He does not like maids washing his face.


    How could this be, could he be like Viscount Ofeis, who likes likes man?


    He should not. Last year, I saw Young Lord Liszt stare at Luya''s behind.


    Luya has a fine behind. I am jealous.


    Then you have to spank it everyday. Otherwise, you will have no behind to speak of.


    That''s right, Young Lord Liszt is already an adult. He should already been enfeoffed. What is his t.i.tle? I think it should be viscount. The Tulip Family''s Coral Ind, I heard that it also is a big ind.


    I do not know about that. If Young Lady Melissa was still alive, then with Lord''s backing, he would definitely receive the t.i.tle of viscount. However, the Count of Coral Ind has already a new madam countess. Therefor, Young Lord Liszt should be in an awkward situation.


    I want to gofort him.


    Stop daydreaming. You, a maid, have no need to worry about matters of the aristocracy. I advise you to concentrate on your work and do a good job as maids. An ugly duckling will not turn into a white swan. The descendants of ducks will be ducks and the descendants of swans will be swans.


    So what? I have decided to never marry alike Mrs. Fini, but does it mean that I do not even have the right to a romantic chance encounter?


    The maid continued to indulge in her fantasy while propping her chin with both her hands: A dest.i.tute, handsome, and elegant aristocrat from another ce rides a tall horse into the castle, sweeps a maid off her feet Then, because of the familial and secr resistance, they have no other choice but to part. With an affectionate kiss at dawn, they part. Oh heavens, I almost feel like shedding a tear.

 Chapter 35: Self-Reliance Is a Quality of an Aristocrat

    Chapter 35: Self-Reliance Is a Quality of an Aristocrat


    Liszt was not aware of the maids'' thoughts.


    Also, he did not think like the majority of aristocrats. He would not be as irresponsible as to sleep around in someone else''s castle. His current body was that of a sixteen-year-old, it just came of age.


    But ording to thews of his birthce, only 18-year-olds were adults and only 22-year-olds could get married.


    He could set his mind on his still growing body, not needing to think too much about his energy being sapped.His predecessor was a good-for-nothing, but the current Liszt was quite confident at charging towards bing a Sky Knight. After all, hisprehension ability was notcking and he still had the help from the smoke missions. He might even be a dragon knight and ride a dragon.


    In this world, dragon knights stood at the summit in therms of fighting strength. They were beings which could easily destroy everything between heaven and earth.


    I cannot stop cultivating the [Fire Dragon Drill] and the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manuals. Although I can avoid going to the battlefield, but the ability to defend myself has to be cultivated at all times.


    The lunch feast was strictly a family feast, with not many people attending. As Messil and his wife were out presiding over the taxation, only the pair of grandfather and grandson, the masters of the castle, were left inside the castle. ording to the Longtaro Castle''s rules, the captain of the knights was not present during the castle''s meals, while Meopal''s teacher had already gone to the city in his capacity as an official.


    Therefore, only the pair of grandfather and grandson along with the three siblings sat around the dining table.


    Marquis Merlin sat in a wheelchair as it was not convenient for him to walk. The castle''s food was a grade higher than that of Tulip Castle. The bread on the tray was white bread of the best grade.


    Liszt picked up a loaf of white bread and took a bite. When it entered his mouth, the soft and fragrant white bread had at once turned into a wonderful vor. It almost seemed to be cake instead of bread.


    The wine was a red wine from the Razi Manor''s wine cer, it was a famous wine a grade above La Crescent.


    When the tes were opened, roast beef with pudding, salmon with golden sauce, woodc.o.c.k eggs, frozen rock lobster flesh with mayonnaise, roasted goose with lettuce sd, shepherd''s pie, asparagus leaves, and trout with lobster sauce were revealed. The degree of sumptuousness of this meal wasparable to that of Tulip Castle''s major holiday banquets.


    Although the dishes were rich, yet the atmosphere was rather stiff.


    The marquis'' conduct was rather solemn. Also, as someone who had wielded authority in the navy, his aura could be said to be intense. Levis and Lvera sat facing the marquis, they were self-conscious as they spoke carefully.


    Liszt also felt somewhat constrained. Although he did not think that this group of people was a big deal, but in fact, he also could not befortable around strangers.


    Therefore, striving to eat something delicious was more important.


    Especially the frozen rock lobster flesh with mayonnaise.


    Was very delicious.


    He had just finished a te and had already called for seconds.


    The rock lobster is the Red Crab Ind''s maritime produce. The family fleet seldom goes out into the sea to fish. The rock lobster is fished by some fishermen that take the risk by going out to fish. The output is not high, and practically all of it is delivered to the castle. Meopal took a small bite of bread and said, If you like it, then I will arrange for you a batch of live lobsterster.


    It might not be convenient to transport them from the Longtaro Castle to my Flower Town, it is quite far. It would take one and a half days of travel in the Red Crab Ind, one day of travel by ship, and then half a day of travel until the Flower Town. If amodations and other dys are put into consideration, then the voyage would take at least five days.


    Actually, the rock lobsters are quite easy to keep. Just make sure to apply some water on them every day. They have the bloodline of the sea monster Ornate Spiny Lobster, they do not die easily.


    Sea monster, in other words, magic beast of the sea.


    Liszt naturally would not object: Many thanks.


    Don''t mention it. Meopal smiled. Among the Tulip Family''s three siblings, he was closest to Liszt. Perhaps because they appreciated each other''s looks, or birds of a feather flocked together, but good looking people made friends with other good looking people.


    When the marquis heard the conversation between the two, he suddenly said: Liszt, tell me about the Flower Town.


    Grandfather, the life in the Flower Town isckl.u.s.ter.


    When speaking about the local customs and practices, and the living environment.


    Hmm, the small town''s poption is short of two thousand people. It started with the discovery of new types of tulips. Thereupon, father had moved some people to build the Flower Town. Nowadays, wheat is mainly cultivated there. Thend is rtively poor and the tax revenue is quite low. Fortunately, a new type of tulip magic ingredient has appeared in the town, which will lead to new growth and development.


    A new type of magic ingredient, this is a good thing. The marquis inquired, What did the Tulip Castle pay for this magic ingredient?


    The town cannot cultivate too many tulips. Therefore, I have reached an agreement with Brother and Sister. We will cultivate them together, however, they will have to give me a cut of 30% of the proceeds.


    Oh, a very interesting cooperation. Far better than just a sum of gold coins. Liszt, you have not only inherit Melissa''s beauty, but have also inherited the Longtaro Family''s shrewdness.


    The Longtaro Family''s shrewdness was quite famous in the grand duchy.


    The origin of this fame was the marquis'' father, in other words, the previous marquis. At the time when he had been just a count, the grand duchy wanted to go to the continent to vie over mines, and therefore was in an urgent need of funds to arm their order of knights. Thereupon, the count had spent his family''s wealth to support the Sapphire Grand Duchy''s operation, which was ultimatively exchanged for the Red Crab Ind and the t.i.tle of marquis.


    Now, the annual ie of the Red Crab Ind was probably even greater than the count''s family''s wealth spent at the time.


    It was a bargain.


    The Flower Town is just a small town. Therefore, I need to make money to keep up with the castle''s expenditures.


    Self-reliance, this is a quality of a qualified aristocrat.


    Courage, courtesy, loyalty, self-reliance Aristocrats had a great deal of qualities they kept mentioning over and over, with the most hypocritical one being self-reliance. Aristocrats were basically a bunch of Vampires squeezing the ordinary people dry. From young to old, they might not even know what a hoe looked like.


    Of course, the self-reliance mentioned by the marquis probably meant that he could rely on himself to squeeze'' instead of asking his family.


    After lunch came dinner.


    After dinner came rest, and then lunch the next day. After lunch, Meopal was busy because of the marquis'' instruction. He had to n a grand ball to be held tonight, where the aristocratic youths from the nearby towns and cities shall convene.


    An aristocratic ball could be simply seen as a blind date gathering.


    Particrly for the aristocrat''s second and third sons, they felt the most strongly about partic.i.p.ating in such b.a.l.l.s. The eldest son could inherit their father''s t.i.tle, and did not have to worry about their marriage alliance. The second and third sons had to strive hard themselves to find their perfect wives so they could continue enjoying their aristocratic lives.


    Otherwise, after a few generations, they might be ultimatively reduced to ordinary knights and drop from the aristocratic .s.s.


    Female aristocrats also felt strongly about the ball as not every youngdy could be married to an aristocratic family''s eldest son. They also had to aim for those aristocratic descendants with promising prospects to have a life of mour.


    Liszt, you have to prepare! Meopal brought a gentleman''s valet carrying a pile of formal clothing, These are my formal clothes that I will not wear. Your and my build are practically identical, they surely will fit you.


    Cousin, there is no need to try them one by one. I think that the clothes I am wearing right now are quite good.


    No, you have to strive for excellence. Think about it. Yesterday, I have arranged for knights to quickly send notice on horseback. The aristocrats of at least thirteen towns and cities have received the invitations. How many beautiful youngdies eager to try to form a good rtionship with you do you think will rush over. Perhaps you might even meet the one.


    I am still young and am not in a hurry to get married. Liszt was a bit speechless. Howe he had not discovered previously that this cousin of his was so keen on being a match-maker? You should dress up my sister, she is at the marriageable age. Or my brother, he also needs to find a suitable mistress candidate for the Tulip Castle.


    They do not need me to remind them. Levis had already borrowed a lot of formal clothes, and Lvera had already dressed up since early in the morning. You have not noticed?


    Is that right?


    Liszt really had not paid attention. At his spare time, he had been busy reading in the Longtaro Castle''s library. While during the meal, he was only preupied with the food before him.

 Chapter 36: The Salmon Familys Young Lady

    Chapter 36: The Salmon Family''s Young Lady


    The close-fitting tuxedo, the wavy hair-style, and the forcefully applied bright powder on his face, the freshly dressed up Liszt looked radiant.


    Perfect!


    Meopal patted Liszt on the shoulder: You will be the focus of all the women at tonight''s ball.


    Sorry cousin, but I do not have such intentions. Perhaps a few yearster, I will also be enthusiastic about it. But now, I have no intentions of meeting any aristocratic gentlewomen.


    Words that are not from the heart, I will not believe them. Rest a.s.sured, Liszt, the best thing in life is to find the right person at the right time. One should not let the nature take its course, but instead seize any avable opportunities.


    Then, Cousin, howe you have been unmarried for so many years?


    We are talking about you, do not change the subject.


    Liszt shook his cuffs. Meopal had been very good to him. In fact, he wanted to tell his cousin that instead of chasing after the Sapphire Grand Duke''s promiscuous daughter, which could lead to tumultuous upheavals in the Longtaro Family, it would be better for him to find another aristocratic woman to get married to.


    However, when he was about to voice his concerns, he ultimately chose to keep his mouth shut.


    The marquis'' will was bound to be behind this affair. The Longtaro Family boasted of their shrewdness; it was quite possible that the affair of marrying the Sapphire Grand Duke''s daughter was their attempt at cementing the status of the family.


    As a baron of a small town in the countryside who ate coa.r.s.e bread, he could not worry about the marquis.


    After dressing up, he followed Meopal to the hall where the ball was about to be held. The aristocrats had already hurried over, chatting in twos and threes in the hall as they enjoyed the drinks prepared by the servants.


    Sir Meopal, you are finally willing to appear? An aristocrat carrying a cup of wine came over.


    It is not yet time for the ball, no need to worry, Martell.


    Martell looked at Liszt: And this is?


    This is my cousin. His father is the Count of Coral Ind.


    So you are from the Tulip Family. Nice to meet you, I am Martell Crossbowsting.


    Liszt Tulip. Liszt maintained a polite smile. However, he was not very enthusiastic. He was not a gregarious aristocrat, yet had no other choice but to partic.i.p.ate in this ball.


    He could only helplessly endure and make acquaintance with the Red Crab Ind''s aristocratic youths under Meopal''s constant introductions. On the whole, these aristocrats were the Longtaro Family''s followers to whom the marquis had conferred a t.i.tle and who had vowed loyalty towards the marquis.


    The interesting thing about the aristocratic system.


    Aristocrats enfeoffed by the states'' rulers were va.s.sals of said states'' rulers, while lesser aristocrats enfeoffed by other aristocrats were va.s.sals of said other aristocrats. However, the lesser aristocrats enfeoffed by other aristocrats were not va.s.sals of the states'' rulers, nor did they have to vow loyalty to the states'' rulers. Take the Count of Coral Ind, Leewilliam, as an example. He was enfeoffed as an aristocrat by the state''s ruler and was a follower of the state''s ruler. However, Liszt was not, he only had to vow loyalty to his father.


    After his father pa.s.sed away, he would have to vow loyalty to his brother, Levis.


    Is there a pretty gentlewoman who had caught your fancy? If there is, then tell me and I will mediate for you. Do not stand on ceremony. Meopal, who had returned from greeting the guests, returned to Liszt''s side, Look at your brother, he has adapted to the ball scene and has already hit it off with three daughters from viscount families.


    Following Meopal''s gaze, he saw Levis say something, which made a young gentlewomanugh.


    And your sister, she also has people ingratiating themselves to her.


    There were two aristocratic gentlemen beside Lvera talking to andughing with her. Although she was not pretty, but with a little asking around, one could realize that Lvera had the t.i.tle of baroness. For chevaliers or those who could not inherit their families aristocratic t.i.tles, she was an excellent marriage partner.


    Marrying her, they could continue to enjoy the aristocratic status.


    Liszt raised the cup of fruit wine in his hand and clinked with Meopal: I wish them to soon find their happiness. As for me, Cousin, there is no need to worry.


    There is no need?


    None.


    Alright, but I will still help you keep an eye for the right gentlewoman.


    No need. Liszt was at a loss for words. This cousin of his was too much; was he that obsessed on ying the role of a matchmaker?


    Meopal shrugged lightly and whispered to him: Actually, this is what grandfather hopes for. He knows that you are not regarded with importance in the Tulip Family, so he wishes for you to move to the Red Crab Ind. Besides, I also need help. The Longtaro Family is low in numbers. As you know, I have no siblings. I quite hope that you would move here.


    Liszt felt that Meopal was being sincere.


    ording to his conversion of measurement units, he reckoned that the Coral Ind''s surface area was equivalent to that of a prefecture-level city, about 10,000 square kilometers in surface area.


    The Red Crab Ind was ten times the size of the Coral Ind, about 100,000 square kilometers in surface area.


    It was equivalent to the surface area of Zhejiang. Without highways and with transportation mainly relying on horse-drawn carriages, the bigger the surface area was, the more difficult it was to manage. Besides, aristocracy was not a centralized way of government, and the increase in the number of lesser aristocrats made the management all the more chaotic, to the point of even swaying the roots of the ruling family.


    Thinking about it, it would be a lie if he said that he was not intrigued. The Flower Town, that remote and deste ce, really did not have too many things of value to exploit.


    If he moved to the Red Crab Ind, then at the very list, the Longtaro Family would raise his t.i.tle by a grade, to that of a viscount. He could have a small city as his fief.


    However, a goal that had to be achieved by relying on a woman, Liszt was quite opposed to it: Let nature take its course. Cousin, if there is someone I like, then so be it, but if there is no one, then do not insist anymore.


    Alright.


    The ball began at nightfall.


    The soothing tunes of a piano came from below the fingertips of a pianist, giving rise to an appropriate ambience for the ball.


    As the host, Meopal along with the daughter of a viscount were first to jump into the first dance and then retreated, indicating that everyone should partner up at their leisure.


    Liszt sat in a corner, watching the young men and women dance gracefully in the middle of the dance floor.


    He was not moved


    He had already seen all the women partic.i.p.ating in the ball. Tall, short, plump, thin, beautiful, and ugly, he had seen all. But unfortunately, not a single one had moved his heart. Even though there were several mature women who agreed with his aesthetic standard, yet the age was an obstacle. After all, he was only sixteen years old.


    At this age, a lot of aristocrats had already started to live lives of debauchery.


    However, it was not a marriageable age, which was 20 and 18 for men and women respectively.


    His gaze moved past the crowd of people andnded in an unknown void. A momentter, formless smoke gradually emerged before forming twisting Serpentines.


    Mission: not only cows like to eat the fresh, juicy, and tender alfalfa, horses also like to eat it. This is the basis for setting up a horse field. But first, please find a ce for the alfalfa sprite worm to settle down its worm stalk. Reward: three stalks of wild maize.


    This mission had already been around for quite a few days, making him feel slightly anxious.


    After the hold up of quite a few days, the alfalfa should have already sprouted. I can probably settle down the alfalfa sprite worm upon my return Wild maize, ah. Although it is unknown what it is like, but the yield should at least be several times that of wheat, right?


    When he was pondering over the mission.


    Suddenly, a sweet voice, alike a tune from an Oriole, sounded beside his ear: Hey, Liszt, can I sit here?


    The smoke suddenly dissipated.


    Liszt came back to his senses. It was a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girl that looked a bit like Edith from [Downton Abbey]. She had beautiful x-colored wavy hair, a sharp nose, profound eyes, and thin lips which seemed to carry a smile.


    Very standard, 8 points.


    Previously, Meopal had introduced her to him. She was a viscount''s little daughter called Athena Salmon, whose family was famous for producing salmon.


    Liszt revealed a gentle smile and hinted with his hand: Beautiful Young Lady, sit wherever you like.

 Chapter 37: You Could Pay My Home a Visit

    Chapter 37: You Could Pay My Home a Visit


    Howe I did not see you dancing? Athena took a sip of her juice and asked.


    I am not very skilled at dancing. As a result, I prefer to quietly appreciate other people dance.


    Then you should go and dance. The steps are very simple, you can learn them by just practicing a few times. Blinking her eyes, Athena had an expectant expression, I can teach you if you want.


    As the gentlewoman took the initiative, it was not convenient for Liszt to outright refuse her. Therefore, he could only stand up and extend his hand: Can I invite you to a dance?


    It would be a pleasure. Athena gave Liszt her hand and stood up.


    Like this, Liszt led Athena to the dance floor. Apanied by soothing piano tunes, he took hold of Athena''s waist with his right hand, held her right hand in his left hand, and then started to dance with her on the dance floor. The pace of the aristocratic ballroom dances was always exceptionally simple. Liszt had never danced before, but his predecessor had quite a lot of experience in this regard.


    Your dancing is notcking. It seems that you have deceived me just now Athena smiled and said as they danced.


    Perhaps I am just on a roll.


    Is it? Then I will believe you.


    After a moment of silence.


    Athena asked away: I have never been to the Coral Ind. In fact, I have never left the Red Crab Ind. Is the Coral Ind very far from the Red Crab Ind?


    Not that far. The journey takes less than a day. If there is tailwind the whole journey, then it could take just half a day.


    "What does the Tulip Castle look like?"


    It was built on a cliff of the sh.o.r.e and is much smaller than the Longtaro Castle. However, the surrounding hillside is covered in tulips, looking very beautiful.


    It must be very beautiful. If there is a chance, I want to go visit the Tulip Castle.


    There will be a chance.


    Do you live in the Tulip Castle?


    I grew up there. But now, I live in my own town.


    Right, I heard from Sir Meopal that you have been enfeoffed as Baron of Flower Town.


    Yeah


    There must be a lot of beautiful flowers there. The castle you live in, is it also full of flowers?


    You may be disappointed. There is only a dozen or so mu of tulips, with wheat being grown everywhere else. As for the castle, hmm, I am nning on nting gra.s.s to set up a horse field and possibly raise some cows. Liszt said indifferently. He had the feeling that Athena was inquiring about his circ.u.mstances.


    Perhaps the girl was attracted by his handsome looks and wanted to be Baron Liszt''s Madam.


    Not letting her mull over it, he continued after a pause: Well, the town is in a very remote location, there is ack of wheat and milk, and even vegetables cannot be eaten often. Also, even if one has gold coins, it is still quite difficult to buy meat. Because it is separated by a mountain ridge from the rest of the ind and the mountain ridge has magic beasts, there are no caravans willing toe over.


    Athena opened her mouth in surprise: Are you an Earth Knight?


    I have just recently advanced and am still to practicing my qi secret manual.


    Liszt, who had the height of at least 1,80 meters, looked down at Athena, who had the height of at most 1,60 meters. Her expression was a bit stiff.


    She was probably disturbed because of the disparity between imagination and reality.


    Anyone who saw Liszt for the fist time,mainly women of course, would have a favorable impression of him. However, after getting acquainted with Liszt''s situation, they would avoid him like a gue. A baron of a deste and remote town who was not valued, was poor, and wascking in qi apt.i.tude, quite probably would have to sell their fief sooner orter and be driven to be another lord''s subordinate.


    Managing a fief was not a simple matter. Many lesser aristocrats went bankrupt, and then became teachers or knight captains.


    Gort was one such an example.


    And even greater aristocrats would also go bankrupt and loose their fief once they mismanaged their property.


    Next, she will probably let go of me, indicating that the dance is over. Liszt secretly mused.


    However, Athena did not let go of him. She quickly recovered her previous faint smile: Your father, the Count of Coral Ind, would not be indifferent to your situation in the Flower Town, right?


    My rtionship with my father is not too harmonious, possibly because my brother and sister are too outstanding.


    But I think that your temperament is more outstanding. When you and Sir Meopal stand next to each other, you look like a pair of brothers.


    I take after my mother in terms of looks.


    Your mother must be a n.o.ble and graceful Madam.


    I do not really remember what she looked like. She pa.s.sed away when I was two years old.


    Sorry, I should not have mentioned it.


    Never mind.


    With his hand around her waist, the two did not talk for the rest of the piece. Yet unexpectedly, when it was time to rest, Athena followed him to their seats.


    After sitting herself beside him, she looked for things to say: My family lies in the Whitefish City. Our castle has no name. I have a brother. He has already married. He is married to Lydia, a daughter of the viscount family Zewail. They metst year in the Longtaro Castle''s ball.


    Oh, no wonder I have not seen your brother here today. Liszt gave a somewhat perfunctory reply.


    He and Lydia have a very good rtionship. They rarely partic.i.p.ate in this kind of social b.a.l.l.s. Athena blinked her eyes. Liszt, if there is time, you could pay my home a visit. My father is very friendly.


    I am afraid that there is no time. Grandfather is recovering. Tomorrow, I am returning to the Coral Ind.


    When will youe again?


    Not until the New Year Festival.


    Oh.


    The piano sounded again, and Liszt and Athena went to dance once more. Then, with the pretext of the dance floor being too stuffy, he declined to continue to dance with Athena.


    After taking a walk around the castle, the ball had already ended when he returned.


    When the music stopped, as the host, Meopal announced that the ball would end here. Aristocrats that lived nearby rode carriages home, while aristocrats that lived far away were led by servants into rooms in the castle arranged for them to stay the night. Liszt was also preparing to return to his room.


    At this moment, Athena spotted him and came over, only saying: Good night, Liszt.


    Good night, Athena.


    Before returning to his room, Meopal walked up to him: Liszt, did you have a good time chatting with Athena?


    We just danced twice.


    I can tell that Athena is quite interested in you. What do you think?


    I have no idea.


    Seeing that Liszt was serious, Meopal nodded. Okay, I understand. Rest well. Right, Grandfather said that tomorrow he will give you youring of age present. He is very regretful that he had not witnessed youing of age. Therefore, he hopes to somewhat make up for it.


    Grandfather is too polite.


    Okay, good night.


    Good night.


    Deep at night, Liszt had yet to fall asleep. He was thinking about what the marquis would give him as hising of age present. It should not be too shabby.


    Perhaps a magic sword?


    Gifts among aristocrats, especially those bestowed from seniors to juniors, were for the most part weapons, implying that a knight''s honor had to be acquired through swords andnces.


    A weapon gifted by the marquis was bound to be at least a magic weapon.


    Magic weapons were very precious. He never had one. Therefore, the more he thought about it, the more agitated he was. To some extent, the agitation also included the enthusiasm leaked by Athena, who was interested in Liszt and wanted to be a Madam Baroness.


    Being liked, furthermore, by a pretty gentlewoman.


    Was always a delight.

 Chapter 38: The Gemstone-Inlaid Redblood Sword

    Chapter 38: The Gemstone-Iid Redblood Sword


    Early the next morning, Liszt, who had slightly visible dark circles under his eyes, had already packed his luggage.


    He enjoyed the breakfast  bread, omelettes, pastry, jam, milk, honey, and coffee  in his room.


    After Levis and Lvera also packed up, the three siblings were ready to say their farewells to the marquis. The marquis got up early. He sat in a wheelchair as he wrote something.


    Did you sleep well? The marquis stopped writing, raised his head, and looked at the tall figures of the three siblings, I heard that you had a good time atst night''s ball.


    Levis smiled and replied: It was a very soothing night, Grandfather. The ball held by Cousin was quite enjoyable. I have met quite a lot of aristocratic gentlewomen. Some of the beautiful gentlewomen have moved my heart.


    That is good. It is good to be young. If you have something on your mind, then just go for it.


    After exchanging a few simple sentences, the three siblings were ready to say goodbye. The marquis did not urge them to stay, only saying to Liszt: I have not witnessed youing of age. Now, in order to make up for it, I will give you a present. Meopal, take out the present and give it to Liszt.


    Meopal soon came with a long case in his hands.


    When Liszt saw the case, he immediately understood that he guessed correctly. The present the marquis was going to give him was sure enough that what seniors liked the most to give to juniors  a weapon.


    What sort of magic weapon is it? He was a bit impatient.


    Meopal handed over the case: Liszt, Grandfather gives you this Redblood Sword as a present, with the hopes that you can use it to clear away all the obstacles in your way, and that the dazzling radiance of knights shines upon you.


    Redblood Sword?


    Liszt opened the case. Suddenly, a bright, snow white double-handed swords entered his sight.


    The slender edges, crossguard, and hilt, it looked like a Zweihnder. A ming red gem was iid at the juncture of the crossguard and the hilt. Just by looking at it, one could feel the magic power emitted from the ming red gem coursing through the entire sword.


    One could even see minute red-colored traces, alike wisps of blood, emerge on the edges.


    No wonder it was called Redblood Sword despite appearing to be snow-white.


    Most importantly, it was not a magic weapon, but a weapon even better than a magic weapon  a gem weapon!


    Ruby? Lvera was greatly shocked when she saw the red gem located at the junction of the crossguard and the hilt. Dense glints of envy and jealousy shed through the depths of her eyes.


    An ordinary magic weapon was roughly worth 100 gold coins.


    A gem weapon, though, was worth upwards of 1,000 gold coins; ten times as much as a magic weapon.


    Just this Redblood Sword was worth as much as quite a few years of taxes of a well-off town. Her Falcon Town was also a well-off town. With a few years of tightening the belt, she could also barely buy a gem weapon. However, she was not capable of renouncing her luxurious life. Therefore, it was quite likely that she could never afford it.


    She felt envy and jealousy. With her straight forward temper, she said: Grandfather, you are too biased towards Liszt. Mying of age gift was only a piece of clothing.


    Has the Coral Ind''s little fellow not given you a lesser sprite as youring of age present? He then still enfeoffed you as baroness. Yet Liszt did not enjoy the same treatment. Are you saying that the Coral Ind''s little fellow can be biased but I cannot? With a matter of course tone, the marquis revealed his discontent with the Count of Coral ind.


    Liszt immediately pretended not to be excited: Thank you for the gift, Grandfather. I will treat the Redblood Sword well, not letting dust besmirch its radiance.


    A gem weapon, when sold, could be immediately exchanged for one or two thousand gold coins. Of course, he would not sell it. The Redblood Sword was iid with a ruby, so the sword was clearly of the fire attribute. It could help him practice cultivation, which would be even more effective than practicing cultivation with the help of magic ingredients.


    Dragon products were definitely quality goods.


    Carrying the Redblood Sword while being the focus of Meopal''s and arge group of servant''s gazes, Liszt was ready to return.


    The two short days of being a guest of the Longtaro Castle concluded like this.


    He was not too reluctant. After all, there was still a tone of things waiting for him to do at the Flower Town. There was no ce like home. Just when he was about to get on the carriage, someone had suddenly called for him to stop: Liszt, wait.


    Turning back to look, he saw Athena.


    Young Lady Athena, good morning.


    Good Morning. Athena was slightly short of breath, probably from running. Are you going back?


    I am.


    Levis, who was aboard the carriage, got off and suddenly interjected: If there was a beautiful gentlewoman looking forward to see me, then I would stay instead.


    Liszt looked back at him: Brother, please get on the carriage.


    Levis shrugged: Young Lady Athena, enjoy your talk.


    Thank you, Sir Levis.


    When there were only the two of them, Athena gripped the corner of her clothes: Will you not stay a few more days?


    There are a lot of matters waiting for me to be handled in the town.


    Then, will visit Whitefish City? She had a very expectant look in her eyes.


    Liszt declined with a smile: Sorry, I have no pretext to go visit your home. I am not acquainted with your father and besides, there has never been any contact.


    Contact between aristocrats always had to have a reason. One could not drop by without a good reason.


    You cane to see me. Athena lowered her head when she said that. She could not have been clearer, as there was only a single reason an unmarried man would pay an unmarried woman a visit.


    Liszt sighed inwardly.


    Although he thought that what he was going to say next might hurt the feelings of this adorable girl, but he still had to say it: Young Lady Athena, I am grateful for your affection towards me, but I do not think that it will work out between us. Please no longer concern yourself with me. You are so beautiful, there must be many people pursuing you who are better than me.


    Athena''s eyes quickly dimmed, but soon, she smiled again: Thank you for your honesty, Sir Liszt. I wish you a pleasant journey.


    Thank you. Take care. Said Liszt before turning around and boarding the carriage.


    The coachmanshed with the horsewhip. The horse pulled the carriage, speedily galloping down hill. There was no dust on the cobblestone road, with only the sound of wheels rolling on and hoofs. .h.i.tting the road lingering in the air.


    Liszt, you have rejected the affection of an aristocratic gentlewoman, you are so cruel. Lvera exposed a touch of ineffable emotions in her words, probably expressing her doubts towards her weak-willed little brother rejecting others.


    I do not see why I have to insist on hurting myself and others.


    He turned away and looked through the window, at the distant castle gate. Athena still stood there. The clothing adorning her pet.i.te and exquisite figure gently swayed in the wind.


    She was very courageous, yet he could not ept her feelings.


    He wanted this feeling of mncholy to persist for a bit.


    But Lvera''s cold snort interrupted this feeling: Is there even any need for things like feelings in the union between aristocrats?


    If there is none, then why have you yet to randomly chose a well-to-do fellow to marry?


    Because I do not want to be subservient to no one! Even if a marry one day, the other party will have toe to the Falcon Town! Otherwise, for me to abandon the Falcon Town and live in their castle, they have to woo me. If I really met such a person, then even if I handed them my body and mind over, so be it. Lvera stated haughtily.


    Liszt did notment on this.


    After a while, Lvera extended her hand: Let me see the Redblood Sword.


    The Redblood Sword, was a product of consummate workmanship iid with a ruby full of magic power. There was an undisguised look of jealousy and envy on Lvera''s face: Why is Grandfather so good to you. A gem sword! I will never be able to afford one! Liszt, it will be wasted on you! Give it to me! I will give you 100 Naldas!


    No way.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Liszt returned to the Coral Inds Flower Town three dayster.


    He had returned to the Flower Town under the escort of a Tulip Castles knight squad. Besides Liszt, Marcus and two dest.i.tute aristocrats, who were the descendants of aristocrats yet had not inherited an aristocratic t.i.tle and therefore could only be called knights, came also to the Flower Town.


    The two knights were friends of Gort.


    Enticed by the double pay, they came to the Flower Town to hold a post.


    Liszt, wee back. You have been away for more than a week. I have started to miss you. Gort said in a slightly exaggerated tone as he weed the towns lord.


    Although exaggerated, but his enthusiasm was thoughtful.


    And Marcus, the barons loyal knight, seeing your neat garments, I can tell that the journey went smoothly.


    Haha, look at who these two are. Isaiah, ir, my old friends, seeing you arrive together with the baron, I feel very happy. Evidently, you have chose the Flower Town.


    Next, a feast to entertain the knight squad, who had guarded Liszts party, was readied to be held in the small castle.


    Before the feast began.


    Without freshening up, Liszt quickly grabbed the jade box with the alfalfa sprite worm and went to the already established horse field in front of the castle. The ground was already lush green. The alfalfas speed of sprouting was very fast. With the quickly approaching of summer, the temperature would boost the alfalfas growth.


    Little fellow,e out.


    The chubby alfalfa sprite, along with its purple patterns, was very pretty.


    Compared to thezy tulip sprite worm, it was very spirited. It opened its mouth and spat out its worm stalk. As a result, an alfalfa very quickly sprouted, grew up, and then bloomed with a purple flower in the center of the horse field. Compared to ordinary alfalfa, the worm stalk was bigger and stronger.


    Do not forget to erect a fence around the worm stalk to prevent horses from damaging it. Liszt instructed his gentlemans valet, Thomas.


    The castle was directly in charge of anything rted to sprites. There was no need for the towns officials or serfs to involve themselves.


    My Lord, please rest a.s.sured, I will immediately start the construction of the fence.


    After waiting for Liszt to return to the castle.


    The old butler, Carter, greeted him: My Lord, the feast is ready, you cane to the table.


    Then lets begin.


    Compared to the feast a few days prior, the feast in the Flower Towns castle was toocking. However, he preferred the current atmosphere, because among those seated, he was the most distinguished one.


    First of all, I want to thank Chevalier Lhden and gentlewomen and gentlemen knights for escorting us. I would like to propose a toast to all of you.


    Sir Baron is too polite. The knights toasted.


    After the cups were emptied, servants immediately filled them with beer. Liszt raised his cup for the second time: With this cup, I would like to offer my best wishes to Isaiah and ir, I hope that you will lead cheerful lives in the Flower Town.


    Sir Baron, thank you for your well wishes. We hope to be able to contribute to the development of the Flower Town. We will do our best.


    Lastly, I would like to toast Teacher Gort, who had managed the affairs in my stead these days.


    It was my duty. Liszt, as long as there is good wine to drink every day, then I am willing to get drunk in the Flower Town. Gortughed.


    Be clear-headed when managing the Flower Town, drink your fill when appropriate. Said Liszt.


    Of course, work and wine, neither should be neglected.


    Haha.


    The atmosphere was harmonious, with everyone having a good time.


    After seeing off the knight squad, Liszt returned to the castle for a lunchtime break. Liszt focused while lying on the bed. As if following his prompts, the familiar smoke mission appeared. The Serpentines have finally changed: Missionpleted. Reward: three stalks of wild maize.


    In a sh, the smoke changed and a new mission was issued.


    Mission: as the lord, taking care of the sprites is your duty. Have you already forgotten about the wheat sprite worm and its ability of giving a boost to your territorys yield? Please settle down the wheat sprite worms worm stalk. Reward: information about the invisible dragon.


    Information about the invisible dragon? What is this reward?


    Liszt suddenly had a bold idea: Could it be that the smoke missions want to reward me with a dragon? They should not, it would be too good to be true! A dragon, ah! A being capable of deciding the fate of a state! However, what is the deal with the invisible dragon, invisible?


    ording to his predecessors memories, there were three types of dragons.


    One major type was the gem dragon. The Sapphire Grand Duchys sapphire dragon was a type of a gem dragon capable of producing sapphire. The Redblood Sword Marquis Merlin gifted Liszt was iid with a ruby, which was also a gem produced by a gem dragon. It had mystical power.


    Another major type was the metal dragon. The white iron dragon mentioned in the knight novel, which had battled with the sapphire dragon, was a metal dragon capable of producing iron ore. Metal dragons, were a bit more numerous than gem dragons. Iron dragons were particrly numerous. Through the various of knight novels, Liszt was aware of many dragons of this type.


    Thest major type was the elemental dragon, such as fire dragons and water dragons, which were quite difficult to tame. Furthermore, because of the strong magic elements, their destructive power was amazing. They could easily destroy towns and cities, injuring countless people. In the knight novels, they were often targeted by dragon yers. Humans were very strange creatures who worshiped dragons yet also wanted to kill them.


    Gem, metal, elemental, which type of dragon is this invisible dragon? Liszt could not figure it out.


    He decided to ask the others.


    He called the butler, Carter: Mr. Carter, have you heard of the invisible dragon?


    Carter thought for a moment: I have not heard of it, My Lord.


    In the afternoon.


    He took his retainer knights and went to the town to look for Gort and his two friends. On the way, he kept an eye out for clues regarding the three stalks of wild maize reward.


    Invisible dragon?


    Gort stroked his chin: I seem to have heard of it somewhere. Isaiah, ir, do you recall anything?


    Isaiah and ir carefully rummaged through their memories before simultaneously shaking their heads.


    Finally, half an hourter, Gort also could not recall whether he had actually ever heard of the invisible dragon: Old people get easily confused. Liszt, I am quite sorry. I might have been thinking of something else and might have never heard of the invisible dragon. Sorry for wasting your time.


    It is okay. Right, Teacher Gort, what are your arrangements regarding Isaiah and ir?


    I am in charge of administration, Isaiah is in charge of finance, and ir is in charge ofw and diplomacy.


    Very well, then I will leave the Flower Towns development to the three of you. Liszt did not linger in the town. He was confident about the Flower Towns expansion and development. However, he was limited to telling his intentions to Gort and his other subordinates, and then through them realize the specific work.


    Carrying out things himself would go against the aristocratic system. Aristocrats who worked the field were not called aristocrats. Aristocrats who ate with serfs were also not called aristocrats. Besides, him being also in charge of the specifics might be counterproductive, let alone being a waste of energy.


    For instance, as he could let his servantsplete the census, there was no need for him to do it in person.


    It was very difficult to cross the threshold of aristocracy, so how could he not enjoy himself and why should he tire himself to death?


    After returning to the castle, Liszt contemted: Since the reward is information about the invisible dragon, it means that I will not get the reward beforepleting the mission. In other words, no one knows anything about the invisible dragon. After I finish the mission, someone will probablye tell me the information.


    At once, without stopping to rest, he left the castle and rushed to the wheat settlement. The wheat sprite worm gifted to him by the count was waiting for him to help it settle down its worm stalk.

 Chapter 40: Why Is the Wild Maize so Tall?

    Chapter 40: Why Is the Wild Maize so Tall?


    Liszt had just helped the wheat sprite worm to settle down its worm stalk, when suddenly, the wheat settlement''s manager, Girge, told him: Sir Lord, I don''t know if I should say this.


    Pray tell. Liszt''s eyes lit up, thinking that the other might want to reveal information about the invisible dragon.


    Yet Girge said: Sir Lord, I have discovered three stalks of a very strange gra.s.s on the wheat settlement''s uncultivatednd. They look very tall, with two to three meters in height, and are lush green. Our chicken like very much to eat their leaves.


    It''s maize!


    Liszt immediately realized that the clues provided by the manager were not about the invisible dragons but about the three stalks of wild maizes. He immediately ordered the manager to take him there. Maize, he was looking forward to it.


    But when he arrived before the wild maze, Liszt became doubtful.


    Girge, how long ago have you discovered these three stalks of gra.s.s?


    Three months ago.


    Have they always been this tall?


    They have, Sir Lord.


    Out of habit, Liszt touched the Redblood Sword hanging from his waist.


    He had been keeping the sword on his body. The ruby''s magic power constantly stimted his fire-attributed qi, nourishing and strengthening it. Carrying the sword was equivalent to practicing cultivation. In the future, if he ate some magic ingredients, it might not be impossible for him to be a Sky Knight.


    He kept observing the three stalks of wild maize.


    The maize in front of him was not a straight pole with a few long leaves, cl.u.s.ters of silks on top and ears in the middle. Instead, each stalk had quite a few messily arranged poles culminating in cl.u.s.ters of silks. As for where the long ears should be, there were a few tiny toothpicks'' instead.


    The toothpicks'' were divided into sections, with each section being a seed.


    Don''t tell me wild maize looks like this. This is not maize, this is wheat! Liszt was quite hurt deep inside. He was quite clear, the three stalks of gra.s.s before his eyes were the three stalks of wild maize.


    But he could not ept it.


    What about the big and plump ears!


    This is basically livestock feed Hmm, I remember, these three stalks of wild maize seem to be called Zea mexicana?


    Liszt, who had cultivated crops in his birthce, remembered that some people in the vige cultivated this nt to serve as feed for pigs. It was called Zea mexicana. Supposedly, it was a very high yield fodder which pigs, cattle, and sheep liked very much to eat.


    That should be it. If it was true maize, there would be no need to put wild'' in front. Maize, which had been domesticated about ten thousand years ago, does not seem toprise any wild species. Once he realized this point, he could only sigh inside and console himself, Anyhow, it is a high yield type of fodder, so there is no loss.


    After sorting out his dejection.


    Liszt once more stered that reserved smile on his face: Girge, after careful considerations, I determined this gra.s.s to be called maize gra.s.s. It is of a very high yield and is a great fodder for livestock. Chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, cattle and sheep, they all like to eat it. From now on, look after it. I want its seeds.


    Yes, Sir Lord! I, Girge, will take good care of the maize gra.s.s! I will not let serfs or livestock near it!


    Very good. I will notify Teacher Gort; wait for his arrangements.


    Yes, Sir Lord.


    Giving the Zea mexicana another look, Liszt gave a deep sigh andshed with the horsewhip: Return!


    The wheat sprite worm''s worm stalk was smoothly settled down. So far, the peanut sprite worm, alfalfa sprite worm, tulip sprite worm, and wheat sprite worm were properly settled down.


    Leaving the thorns sprite worm, which still had no ce to nt its worm stalk, and the maize sprite worm, whose maize field was still in the ning stage.


    In any case, the sprites would get the best care.


    On the way back, Liszt ran into Marcus. Theter was going to the castle to see the former.


    Teacher Marcus, is something the matter?


    Sir, Sir Gort mentioned that you asked him about the invisible dragon?


    Oh, do you know about the invisible dragon?


    I read of it. Marcus said seriously, From a half-torn knight novel. I do not know the name of the novel. I was still very young at the time.


    Is that so? What was the description of the invisible dragon? Liszt knew that this was the reward from thepletion of the wheat sprite worm mission.


    Marcus replied: In the novel, in addition to the gem, metal and elemental dragons, there was still a type of dragon called the sacred dragon. The invisible dragon was a type of sacred dragons. It is transparent, with no one being capable of seeing its appearance. It brings endless disasters wherever it goes.


    Disasters? Then why is it called the sacred dragon?


    Because it is capable of producing a very special type of gems.


    A special gem Then it should be .s.sified as a gem dragon. Right, what is that special gem and what power does it posses?


    This gem is rted to a type of legendary equipment. Sir, have you heard of the s.p.a.ce ring? It is a ring that can hold a lot of things.


    This world also had s.p.a.ce rings?


    Liszt searched through his predecessor''s memories, yet he could not find any rted information. He said: I have not. So, does the s.p.a.ce ring really exist? Or in other words, can the gems produced by the invisible dragon be used to forge s.p.a.ce rings?


    I do not know if s.p.a.ce rings exist or not. But even if they did, they would be priceless treasures which only aristocrats could posses. Marcus continued, In the knight novel, it was said that apart from endless disasters, the invisible dragon still would leave gems produced by it behind wherever it went. Those who pick them up would have s.p.a.ce rings.


    And then.


    That is it.


    There was no more information recorded in the book pertaining to the invisible dragon?


    There was not. Besides, I think that this story was just a fabrication. As you know, quite a lot of those novels about the glory of knights meant to inspire us are nonsense. Although Marcus had made a trip just to tell Liszt this information, but evidently, he did not believe in the existence of the invisible dragon.


    Liszt did not deny it and instead continued to ask: So, are there other sacred dragons?


    I do not know. Half of the book was missing, and I only read a bit of the remaining half, which introduced the invisible dragon as a type of sacred dragon.


    Marcus left.


    Liszt still could not understand.


    The mission reward, information about the invisible dragon, what did it mean?


    Was it simply to tell him knowledge about the invisible dragon? Or did it mean that there was an invisible dragon nearby? Then could it be captured? Perhaps, the invisible dragon was going to attack the Flower Town and this reward was to help him prepare ordingly? Of course, it was also possible that the invisible dragon was going to deliver a piece of equipment, a s.p.a.ce ring?


    While lost in his thoughts, smoke once more emerged before his eyes.


    Missionpleted. Reward: information about the invisible dragon.


    After a bout of twisting and warping, a new mission was issued: Mission: the wild maize that had suddenly appeared in the wheat settlement had piqued your interest? As the lord, you have to ponder over the reason why wild maize would grow in the wheat settlement. Perhaps there is more wild maize nearby. Please find the origin of the wild maize. Reward: new information about the invisible dragon.


    Liszt''s attention was quickly ced on the new mission reward.


    More information about the invisible dragon. What the h.e.l.l? How much more information about the invisible dragon does it want to tell me?

 Chapter 41: Building a Road Is the First Step to Getting Rich

    Chapter 41: Building a Road Is the First Step to Getting Rich


    Looking at the issue calmly and objectively, Liszt extricated himself from his unrealistic fantasies regarding the dragon, thinking that the so-called information about the invisible dragon might not be a good reward.


    In light of the previous deductions.


    One, the smoke mission was just imparting knowledge to him. However, this should not be the case, A cheat should not be this boring.


    Two, there was an invisible dragon nearby that could be captured. If that was true, then it would be amazing news. However, Lisztcked the power to capture a dragon. The states with dragons, quite a lot of them had captured the young dragons, as adult dragons were too overwhelming. However, even if it was a young dragon, all of the Coral Ind''s knights still would not be its match.


    Three, the invisible dragon wasing from distantnds to deliver a piece of equipment. Liszt did not think that his fate with dragons was this good.


    Four, the invisible dragon might beunching an attack on the Flower Town.


    The fourth deduction was undoubtedly the most likely, as dragons attacking human settlements was nothing new. Otherwise, an upation like dragon yer'' would not hade into being. In the majority of knight novels, dragon yers were popr protagonist, only second to dragon knights.


    Basically, in a standard knight novel, the protagonist would either be a dragon knight or would y a dragon, following by taking a pretty princes as their wife.


    In other words, the rewards of these two missions mean to tell me that I have to oppose a dragon, strive to a.s.sume the role of a knight novel''s protagonist Dragon yer Liszt?


    Liszt looked into a mirror and chuckled: So, defeated the dragon, where is the princes? (''  defeated the dragon, where is the princes'', is a line of   , a character from the video game . The first part, '', is also the t.i.tle of this novel, The Defeated Dragon''.


    He was in a bitplicated mood, both worried that his spection mighte true and thinking that it was impossible toe true. After thinking it over and again, he felt that there was no need to worry about things that might not ur. He would firstplete the missions, look at the clues given by the mission rewards, and then finally make a decision.


    If an invisible dragon was really going to invade and he could not withstand it, that did not mean that he could not go ask for help.


    Once this information was given to the Sapphire Family, then it would not be difficult to exchange it for the t.i.tle of marquis, which was the highest t.i.tle that could be enfeoffed in a duchy.


    After calling Gort over, he immediately left the mission to him: It is unlikely that this maize gra.s.s had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It must have been carried over by either birds or wind. Teacher Gort, mobilize all the idle serfs to search each settlement. We have to find more maize gra.s.s.


    Gort did not quite understood the mission: Liszt, is this maize gra.s.s important?


    Of course it is. It is a very nutritious and valuable fodder, and even more fitting for the horse and dairy farms than alfalfa Anyway, the more varied is the fodder, the faster will the livestock grow.


    Since it is so valuable, then I will immediately arrange for people to go look for it. Every nook and cranny will be searched.


    In the middle of the other''s speech, Liszt suddenly saw a group of people outside ofthe castle, marching from the gate towards the south of the Thorns Ridge.


    Teacher Gort, is that the new patrol?


    It is. Your retainer knights were of great help. Those patrol scoundrels at first refused toply with my orders as an administrative officer, but after a few beatings, their bad temper was quickly curbed.


    Well done. Discipline is a patrol''s top priority, Teacher Gort. The supervision of the patrol has to be reinforced. I have a few ideas that need to be realized The patrol has to take on the administration of public security of the town and the settlements. Their remuneration shall be paid by the town. Also, they shall wear uniform clothing and follow a uniform code of conduct.


    Liszt stated some general concepts. His n was to turn the patrol into police, for them to temporarily to be only in charge of public security. In the future, they would also be in charge of domicile management.


    In this way, everything about the town could be thoroughly understood, and anyone suspicious would have no ground to stand in the Flower Town.


    But the town does not have more than a few Naldas (gold coins). Isaiah has alreadyined to me more than once that he cannot do anything without Naldas.


    The castle also did not have many gold coins. Previously, the butler had reported that there were roughly 150 left.


    However, the castle was now quite fat''. Just Liszt''s Redblood Sword was worth one or two thousand gold coins, and there was still the yearly profits from the ck Tulips as well as the great amount of supplies previously exchanged for the right of a.s.simtion.


    I will allocate 50 gold coins from the castle to maintain the development of the town. The gold shall be deducted from the annual taxes retained by the town.


    50 Naldas, that''s too much. Liszt, I have checked, the town retains each year only some miserly 15 Naldas each year in taxes.


    50 is not too much. Teacher Gort, tell Isaiah and ir that the Flower Town is about to enter a busy period. They have to be prepared.


    As you wish!


    Regarding the Flower Town''s development, it was not just talk the talk.


    Liszt was already working on a map, a very crude topographic map, of the town. The Flower Town was represented through a right-angled triangle.


    The two sides represented the Thorns Ridge and the hypotenuse represented the East Coast.


    The town was located in the center of the triangle, the castle was located near the right angle, and the dairy farm and barley settlement upied the other two corners.


    Building a road is the first step to getting rich. With the quill pen in hand, he drew the dirt road from the Thorns Ridge to the town, This road has to be made into a gravel road. Although there is no cement, but there is a lot of sand. The sand pave the road can be extracted from the East Coast.


    Then, there was the mud road between the settlements, which could also be paved with sand.


    However, sand paving alone was not a good choice as it would be difficult for water to drain, and the .u.mted water and sand would get into the shoes. Just that, it was a pity that there were not many stones near the Flower Town, so it was not possible to use a mixture of sand and stone. Only sand roads could be constructed. But it was still way better than mud roads, which were difficult to cross after the rain.


    Road construction was a major mater, while farming was another major matter.


    Sprites could influence the growth of crops, yet they could not be relied on exclusively. Previously, although the Flower Town had no sprites, but the town''s serfs still could farm.


    At present, barely the first step of the scientific farming  informing the residents that fertilizer had to be applied to the crops  waspleted. But this is not enough, I still need to forge a batch of farming tools to increase the serf''s productivity, so that more uncultivatednd can be cleared for cultivation. There is the iron exchanged from the Tulip Castle and the Falcon Town. The cksmith shop should be contacted.


    These two matters were urgent, but their results could not be perceived short-term.


    There was one other matter, which could quickly bear fruit  beacbing.


    Atop Firedragon, Liszt facing the endless sea and looked into the distance. A distinctive salty, fishy smell mixed into the sea water a.s.saulted his nostrils. The wave spray hitting the beach matching with the sunshine momentarily filed his vision with tiny stars.


    Thomas puling Tremblingwoods let it let loose on the beach.


    Tremblingwoods grew very quickly, growing bigger with each day. It was already as big as an average dog. It was unknown whether it was because of the food it ate was that good, but the fellow already had traces of magic power circting about its body. It might be capable of releasing magic before reaching adulthood.


    Liszt was ready to properly train it so to prevent its wild nature from being too p.r.o.nounced and it hurting people.


    Sir, does the East Coast has anything of worth to pay attention? It is not suitable for a wharf as there are no deep water gulfs. Marcus looked at the waves, still not thinking that there was any wealth in the sea.


    Liszt pointed to a reef which could be seen from time to time from under the waves: Teacher Marcus, do you see the reef? It has food. When the tide is low, the serfs shall go down and pick up the food It is called seafood and isparable to the fresh-water fish that we usually eat.

 Chapter 42: The Flower Towns First Beachcombing

    Chapter 42: The Flower Town''s First Beacbing


    The tide has started to ebb, My Lord. Said Thomas while pulling Tremblingwoods.


    Give Tremblingwoods to me. You, Tom, and Jesse go looking for seafood ording to the way I told you. Liszt took Tremblingwoods'' rope.


    Tremblingwoods still wanted to go for a run, to go chase the wave spray.


    Liszt suddenly shouted: Quiet, Tremblingwoods!


    Tremblingwoods did not listen.


    Liszt dismounted his horse. He pressed Tremblingwoods against the sand, making it unable to move. He ordered loudly: Tremblingwoods, quiet!


    Uh uh Tremblingwoods let out two unclear barks as it struggled before obediently lying down.


    Then, Liszt slowly loosened his grip.


    Tremblingwoods started struggling again, wanting to go for a run.


    Liszt once more pressed it down and gave it the order to keep quiet. After repeating it several times, Tremblingwoods finally no longer moved. At this time, the retainer knight, Karl, hurriedly handed Liszt a piece of dried meat, which was then given to Tremblingwoods as a reward: You will be given meat to eat if you stay quiet. Understood, Tremblingwoods?


    Uh uh Tremblingwoods frantically tore the dried meat apart and wolfed it down.


    Before going out, Liszt had specifically told Thomas not to feed it. Only hunger could make animals deeply remember things and form better conditioned reflexes, achieving the obedience training.


    Sir, you are quite talented at taming magic beasts. I can envision Tremblingwoods as a standard domestic magic beast in the future.


    Of course, I will ughter it midway if it fails to reach that standard. The Flyingdust Dog''s smoked meat tasted quite goodst night. Even in the Longtaro Castle, I have have not eaten magic beast''s meat many times.


    The Flyingdust Dog mother''s meat was not sold, but instead stored in the castle after being marinated and dried.


    It is really delicious. After being eaten, one can feel its magic power nourishing their body. Marcus had eaten it in the castlest night.


    After training Tremblingwoods for a while, Liszt handed Tremblingwoods to Karl. He galloped on horseback towards the sh.o.r.e to see how the servingmen were doing after the tide had ebbed.


    Thomas, Tom, and Jesse, the three servingmen each wore a pair of thick leather gloves. They busied themselves while carrying buckets, hammers, and iron shovels.


    Thomas was in charge of turning the rocks over to look for seafood above and below the rocks.


    Jesse was in charge of shoveling the sand to look for seafood under the sand.


    Tom was in charge of picking up all kinds of stranded seafood that did not manage to return to the sea.


    Teacher Marcus, do you know of the rtionship between the moon and the ebbing and flooding tides? Liszt was in a good mood and raised a question.


    Marcus shook his head: I do not know.


    The moon is constantly moving. It attracts the seawater, causing flooding or ebbing tides. Of course, the sun also has its own attraction, just that it is too far away and its attraction force is not as great as that of the moon.


    Sir, I cannot make head or tail of it.


    Marcus had already been polite.


    The moon and the sun being capable of attracting the seawater? If it was someone else, he would have definitely spat at the other party''s face. Then he would retort by saying you say that the moon and the sun attract seawater, then why do we humans do not attract the heavens? Would we not be capable of flight, would we not be Sky Knights? Stop lying and read less nonsense''.


    Seeing Marcus'' expression, Liszt felt it to be boring as well as fitting of an ignorant aboriginal.


    After sighing with regret, he secretly thought: Since the moon here can also cause the tides, does it mean that this world is indeed a? Then, can one circle around this and return here by sailing along the Azure Waves Sea?If it is indeed so, then perhaps one day I will be able to send a fleet to sail around the world?


    This idea was a bit distant, so Liszt did not continue to ponder over it.


    He rode his mount up toTom.


    Tom hurriedly saluted: My Lord.


    Be at ease, I am just look around. He saw at a nce that Tom''s bucket contained sea snails, starfish, crabs, mussels, ms, seaweed, as well as some bugs simr to sea centipedes and ligiidae.


    However, the sea centipedes and ligiidae werefalling out of the bucket as they tryied to escape.


    Thus, Tom had to clumsily pick them up again.


    The two types of bugs trying to escape are not seafood. They can be thrown away. Warned Liszt.


    Oh, okay, okay, My Lord. Tom panicked and threw the bugs away. If the lord was not around, he might have worked up a sweat by trying to catch them again and again.


    Not far away, Thomas, who was moving a rock, turned his head and smiled smugly when saw Tom''s stunned look. Among the castle''s three servingmen, only he was good enough to be the butler''s sessor.


    On the other side, Jesse, who was digging in the sand, had dug for a long time, with the result being that the lord had to exin to him that he had not found any razor sh.e.l.ls or pippi shrimps because of digging carelessly. Basically, he did not know that he had to dig along the small holes left for venttion by the seafood.


    Two good-for-nothings! He secretly said inside.


    Thus, he happily hit with the hammer below a rock, knocking down ms, mussels, and oysters one after another. asionally, he could also pick up a few small crabs.


    The oysters have to have their flesh extracted like this. Thomas broke an oyster''s sh.e.l.l with the hummer, and then dug out the soft flesh.


    Before leaving, the sir lord had said that the oyster''s flesh was delicious.


    Thomas did not think that this ugly, soft thing tasted any good. However, he followed the sir lord''s words to the letter.


    It did not take much effort.


    There were oysters and mussels everywhere on the exposed rocks after the tide ebbed.


    In just two hours, Thomas had filled up the two buckets he had brought, with one of the buckets being solely filled with flesh dug out from oysters.


    He looked at Tom again. Although his bucket was full, but the sir lord had to tell him several times not to pick up some things, yet he still picked them up.


    The bugs were obviously the same, yet he thought them to be different.


    So stupid.


    As for Jesse, that one could be ignored. He was covered in perspiration from all the digging, all the while only managing to cover the bottom of the bucket with a few plump shrimps and a few ms looking like sticks, which the sir lord called pippi shrimps and razor sh.e.l.ls respectively.


    He put down his bucket filled with oyster flesh and stuck out his chest, awaiting the sir lord''s inspection.


    While atop his horse, Liszt had spent most of the time enjoying the cool breeze below a coconut tree. Seeing that noon was approaching, that the sun was already scalding, he called to stop the beacbing experiment.


    He steered the horse over before looking into each bucket.


    Tom, you have to strive harder and learn to distinguish between pests and seafood, not everything thates from the sea is edible. Anything poisonous would be dangerous.


    Tom lowered his head in shame: I have let you down, My Lord. I am too stupid and do not know how to distinguish them.


    It does not matter. Tom, This was your first time beacbing, so it is normal being inexperienced. Do not worry about it. Liszt said a few words tofort Tom, then turned to Jesse''s bucket. Oh. Jesse, I can see that you are hardworking, but obviously, you had not managed to apply the method I had teached you.


    My Lord, I dug with all my strength. I dug and dug but did not see the holes. Said Jesse in fl.u.s.tration.


    You have to dig in the direction of the holes.


    I I can stay here digging. My Lord, I will definitely fill a bucket.


    If you stay here, there will be no one to carry water in the castle. Jesse, I am not ming you. Digging out pippi shrimps and razor sh.e.l.ls is not an easy matter.


    Lastly, Liszt went to the buckets in front of Thomas. One bucket was packed full with oyster flesh, while another one was filled to the brim with crabs, mussels, and other seafood.


    Nicely done, Thomas.


    Thank you for your praise, My Lord. This is what I should do. I will do my best to aplish the work entrusted to me by My Lord. Thomas had a beaming smile.


    Liszt returned an elegant, n.o.ble smile to Thomas, expressing his approval of his gentleman''s valet. He naturally had an idea regarding Thomas'' thoughts. Carter had long since told him that Thomas was ambitious. But as a lord, he paid it no mind. Because no matter how grand Thomas'' ambitions were, he would at most be thinking about bing the castle''s butler.


    If he had the ability and Old Carter did not act against him, then letting Thomas be the butler would not be a big deal.


    No servant could overturn the sky above them.

 Chapter 43: Seafood Feast in the Castle

    Chapter 43: Seafood Feast in the Castle


    After returning to the castle with the seafood, Liszt did not immediately let it be cooked.


    The seafood was indeed very simr to the one from his memories, yet it still had to be verified whether it could be eaten or had any poison. The verification was very simple. Marcus took several of the town''s few hunters and went toy traps in the surroundings of the Thorn''s Ridge. Consequently, several wolves, feral cats, and other carnivorous beasts were caught.


    The wolves, feral cats, and other carnivorous beasts trapped in cages were hungry.


    Raw seafood was thrown into cages before being immediately wolfed down by the beasts. Then, cooked seafood was given to another batch of beasts. After waiting for one day, apart from two beasts that had suddenly died from eating some kind of sea urchin, the other beasts were still lively, showing no signs of poisoning.


    This proves that apart from the sea urchin, this seafood is not much different from that of Earth. Then after discarding the sea urchin, samples of the remaining edible seafood should be provided to beacbing serfs for reference.


    After musing, Liszt was not anxious to have people beacb.


    He had to first make others realize that seafood was delicious and not something unptable.


    A lot of seafood could be eaten raw, but Liszt did not rmend this. He was of the thought that eating too much raw seafood could lead to one being easily infected by parasites inside it.


    Without the appropriate medical care, those afflicted with parasites could only wait to die.


    Therefore, he called for the cook, Abby Ladle: Mrs. Abby, let me tell you how to cook seafood. Have you seen this crab? Brush it clean with a brush and then steam it. This pippi shrimp has also to be brushed clean and then boiled. Use boiled water.


    Now look at this shrimp, you can use it in a soup or stir-fry it. There is still the oyster flesh. It can actually be eaten raw, but I do not eat raw seafood. You have to boil or stir-fry it. There is quite a lot of oyster flesh, let''s just call it oyster. The oyster that is not eaten can be dried in the sun. By decocting the sun dried oyster, its fat can be extracted.


    Oyster, scientific name ostreidae, was a type of mollusc.


    It was a precious food ingredient.


    In his birthce, Liszt liked very much like to eat oyster because of it being rich in zinc. Zinc had a major effect on the human body''s secondary s.e.x characteristics. People with a trace of zinc in their bloodstream would be full of vigor


    Therefore.


    Oyster, as an indispensable delicacy, would inevitably be part of the baron''s diet.


    Fortunately, the Flower Town faced the coast. And without overfishing, the sea was densely packed with oyster, so there was no need to worry about ack of zinc.


    Liszt, who was sixteen years old, was still in a period of rapid growth and development.


    Liszt instructed Abby Ladle on how to prepare seafood. He was not looking forward to eating seafood in this world for the first time, or rather, in the Longtaro Castle, he had already eaten rock lobster caught by the fishermen in the sea.


    As an archipgo state, there were many fishermen in the Sapphire Grand Duchy.


    Serfs who lived in extreme poverty wanted to have a better life. It was normal for them to go to the sea to look for food, thus discovering that seafood was delicious. Just that the transportation was not convenient and the flux of information was blocked, so the way to consume seafood was unable to be transmitted to the various inds. In the Coral Ind, the Tulip Family had yet to finish reiming the uncultivatednd, which was why there was no motivation to turn to the sea.


    Therefore, the Flower Town''s residents had never thought about catching seafood.


    Mrs. Abby is preparing seafood for the first time, I am afraid that even the crabs might not be steamed well. I can only let her continue to explore ways to bring out the vor and slowly improve her cooking.


    Sure enough.


    At noon, Liszt found the familiar seafood on the castle''s dining table, yet he could not find the familiar vor.


    The crab was steamed too tough, the pippi shrimp was boiled too mushy, the oyster was fried too hard, and the m soup had sand. However, he still ate a lot with relish. Compared to the bread and roasted meat hemonly ate, this was more delicious.


    Marcus, Gort, Isaiah, and ir apanied Liszt in the seafood feast.


    Tasty! Marcus gave a simple evaluation and then immersed himself in the pippi shrimp and crab.


    Isaiah smiled: Delicious!


    ir expressed his approval: This is a rare delicacy!


    The one who was the most over the top was Gort. He initially avoided the oyster flesh because of its ugly appearance, but when he finally tasted it, he could not stop himself from emptying the te in front of him and then having two more servings.


    After drinking a mouthful of hops beer and eating a piece of oyster, his face full of wrinkles had an expression of bliss: I remembered, I remembered.


    What have you remembered? Liszt skillfully opened the sh.e.l.l of the crab.


    When I was young, I traveled through a small ind called the Flyingfish Ind. There, in the home of an inder, I have eaten this oyster. I was drunk and ate a lot of oyster at the time, and then had a wonderful night. I left Flyingfish Ind the following day. Since then, I never managed to find this delicacy again, yet unexpectedly, here it is before me.


    Then have some more. Perhaps something wonderful will also happen tonight. Liszt gave a smile that was not a smile.


    He already knew that Gort had found a young girl of only sixteen or seventeen years of age in the town. If the other had not voluntarily followed Gort, then Liszt would definitely prevent this behavior of robbing the cradle.


    Gortughed: Who knows. Anyway, I have fallen in love with oyster.


    Isaiah and ir issuedughs of tacit understanding.


    They were all adults and knew what was implied.


    Even Marcus had a look of expectation in his eyes as he shifted his attention towards the oyster.


    Aristocrats and knights were happily enjoying tasty seafood in the living room upstairs, while servants were also cheerfully enjoying seafood in the kitchen downstairs.


    The pippi shrimp is tasty. Without eating it for oneself, one would never imagine such an ugly bug to be this tasty. Irene Fourfingers gorged herself on the pippi shrimp.


    Abby said in discontentment: Girls must not eat so crudely. You eat like a boy.


    I am just a kitchen maid, so why can I not eat this way? I used to eat like this at home. Also, Mr. Carter had not said anything.


    Carter elegantly cut the oyster. As a butler, he always strove to conduct himself in line with the temperament a butler of the aristocracy should posses, which also included table manners.


    The other servants were also required to follow the aristocratic etiquette as closely as possible.


    Having heard what was said, he said a few words: Irene, you have seen Lady Lvera''sdy''s maid. Perhaps you should learn table manners from her.


    I do not want to learn from her. The way she held the knife between her fingers, unknowingly, I have believed her to be an aristocratic gentlewoman. Maisie''s manners have been praised by the lord, yet her table manners are far cry from those of Lady Lvera''sdy''s maid.


    Maisie smiled and said: I grew up in a settlement and had no one teaching me how to eat elegantly. However, I am learning from Mrs. Mawson. She had worked in the Tulip Castle. There, the maids understood aristocratic etiquette better than a lot of aristocratic gentlewomen.


    Mawson Paddyfield held a pippi shrimp''s head between her fingers before exerting strengths and squeezing out the flesh: That is because the aristocrats have the right to break the rules, while we the servants must strictly abide by them. Otherwise, harsh criticism and punishment would follow.


    Irene suddenly made an uproar: The lord would not punish servants. Tom broke yesterday a flower vase in the castle, but the lord did not scold him.


    The lord is benevolent. I will not break anything again. A respectful expression adorned Tom''s face.


    Eating the oyster he had dug out himself, Thomas sneered in disdain: Not necessarily. Clumsy Tom, breaking the flower vase is just the beginning. You will break many more things in the future. The lord should just ban you from going upstairs.

 Chapter 44: The Sir Lord Wants to Build a New Settlement

    Chapter 44: The Sir Lord Wants to Build a New Settlement


    When the feast was over.


    Liszt brought up work: I am going to build a new settlement on the East Coast to house some serfs to do beacbing.


    Serfs were quite busy during nting season, but they would be quite idle once the crops were nted.


    Liszt thought that this distribution of human resources was unreasonable. It was better to move a part of the farmers to the coast and develop offsh.o.r.e fishing, no, coastal fishing.


    He currently had no ships, so going into the sea to fish was out of question.


    We really should catch more of this delicious seafood. However, Liszt, the Flower Town''s poption is to small. It is less than 2,000 people. The agricultural production of each settlement is inseparable from the serfs.


    I will think of a way to solve the issue of poption. Liszt did not say much.


    In fact, he had already negotiated with Levis. By using the the ck Tulips'' cut as remuneration, he would purchase serfs from Levis. Thenext time the count''s fleet returned from going into the sea to trade, it would be loaded by many serfs.The serfs woulde from war-torn inds or even the continent.


    Gort seemed to understand: Since you say so, then I will immediately start nning the new settlement.


    Sir Baron, what should the new settlement be called? Asked Isaiah.


    Just call it oyster settlement.


    Liszt had great expectations towards the oyster settlement. Once the settlement was established, he hoped to turn a group of serfs into fishermen to have a steady flow of seafood to supply the Flower Town with food and provide material basis for future constructions. Every winter, the Flower Towns'' residents would hide in their homes and sleep a lot so to reduce food consumption.


    But with food aplenty, the cold winter was nothing.


    A lot of constructions could start in the winter.


    In the evening, Gort came to the castle again: Liszt, we found maize gra.s.s! The patrol finally did something right. Southwest of the town, at the edge of the Thorns Ridge, they found fodder that looks like the maize gra.s.s.


    Take me to take a look.


    Before nightfall, Liszt saw arge tract of maize gra.s.s mixed with other weeds. Perhaps because of malnutrition, but this maize gra.s.s looked quite shorter thanthree stalks of wild maize in the wheat settlement.


    Liszt was a bit disappointed after taking a look around.


    This ce was probably the origin of the maize gra.s.s. However, there were no signs of a sprite worm being born. It would be quite difficult to develop the maize gra.s.s without a sprite worm.


    Moreover, it was not possible to slowly breed maize with ears without the support from sprite worms.


    Look after them. Collect the seeds, then choose a suitable ce in the town to clear a field and sow the seeds. They will serve as a new type of fodder for the horse field and the dairy farm.


    At night, Liszt was reading in the study aftertaking a bath.


    Smoke Serpentines gathered before him: Missionpleted. Reward: new information about the invisible dragon.


    In a sh, the smoke twisted and issued a new mission: Mission: fishing has been put on the lord''s agenda, and a group of serfs is about to be relocated to the sh.o.r.e. People management is a necessary skill of a lord, but sustainable development is of more importance. Please update the fishermen''s equipment. Reward: arge tract of smoke gra.s.s.


    Arge tract of smoke gra.s.s. Is it tobo?


    The update the fishermen''s equipment mission was quite simple. Even if this smoke mission had not been issued, he would still do it. There were no tools meant for beacbing. The fishermen could not be always using their hands.


    The rocks revealed after the ebbing of the tide were very sharp, they were capable of cutting the fingers of those not careful enough.


    The mission reward was no longer information about the invisible dragon, which somewhat rea.s.sured Liszt. He started to look forward to the smoke gra.s.s.


    Smoking was popr among aristocrats. The Tulip Family had nted a lot of tobo; the family also had a tobo lesser sprite.


    Therefore, the smoke gra.s.s should not be tobo. Tobo seeds are among the seeds obtained in the transaction with the Tulip Castle. I can sow them at anytime.


    Liszt no longer mulled over it. Sooner orter, he would learn what the smoke gra.s.s was.


    He waved his hand to scatter the smoke Serpentines before continuing to read. The count honored his words, sending Lisztoff along with a carriage full of books.


    He was currently reading an autobiographic novel called [Earth Knight-Errant Griff''s Travel Notes].


    In the first person, the novel introduced an Earth Knight called Griff and his experience traveling the Maple Leaf Grand Duchy. The story was very interesting, and although it had a lot of content, it was pure fictionin Liszt''s view  having a love affair with a madam countess, eloping with a youngdy marquis, having jovial chatter with the Maple Leaf Grand Duke, and the like.


    This was not a treatment that a dest.i.tute aristocrat who was not even a chevalier would enjoy.


    However, the author of the novel must have been a very experienced person as they introduced many local customs and practiced different from those of Coral Ind, the decadent lives of some aristocrats, and quite a lot of hearsay.


    Quite interesting.


    Liszt liked novels that were informative in addition to being entertaining.


    Hmm?


    As he read, the story abruptly jumped to a part about a dragon ying battle, saying that Griff traveled to a town being invaded by an invisible creature. The town''s lord had already fled, while the people were powerless to resist, this was when Griff had decided to save the suffering people.


    After some observations, he came to the conclusion that it was an invisible dragon. The novel did not mention how he came to that conclusion.


    The invisible dragon was a mystical dragon hiding in another world that only the most courageous and honest knights could see. I was still not courageous enough! If I wanted to see it, I had to muster my courage! I had to find it, confront it, and then find its weaknesses!


    Thus, Griff was seeking death by facing the invisible dragon. He spat blood from a signle strike of the invisible dragon, but it was also because of this that he finally saw the invisible dragon.


    Ah, what a beautiful dragon it was. It was like a liquid crystal, colorless and transparent. The blood I spat unexpectedly pa.s.sed through its body. That''s right, I could not touch it. I was very dismayed because I might never be able to ride it.


    Liszt was quite admiring of Griff''s gull. He was about to be beaten to death by the invisible dragon, yet he still regretted not being capable of riding the dragon.


    Fortunately, Griff was still self-aware.


    I knew it was going to kill me. Although I could not see its eyes  I could only see a vague ma.s.s of water  but I knew that it was going to kill me as I could feel its mood.I no longer thought about survival. In this final moment, I just wanted to draw two puffs. Oh, sorry, I did not have any tobo leaves. I carelessly grabbed a piece of gra.s.s beside me and chewed on it to resist my vice.


    Liszt''s eyebrows rose at this point.


    Continuing to read.


    Iter learned that the gra.s.s I grabbed was called smoke gra.s.s, a kind of nt very simr to tobo. However, its unique vor tasted like my unwashed socks worn for sixteen or twenty days. I quickly vomited. That''s right, at this moment, I sessfully quit smoking. I vowed to stop smoking!


    I have been smoking for seventeen years. When I was little, my father liked to smoke his rolled leaf tobo. He would ask me hey, Griff, do you want to have a puff''


    Theter part of the storyrgelyprised of his memories of his father teaching him to smoke.


    Liszt got a headache from reading: A bunch of nonsense! I want to read about how you yed the dragon!

 Chapter 45: Smoke Gra.s.s and Cows Reaping Friendship

    Chapter 45: Smoke Gra.s.s and Cows Reaping Friendship


    Fortunately, after more than 500 symbols of reminiscing, Griff finally returned to the main plot of the dragon battle.


    I want to stress that at the time, I have sincerely vowed to quit smoking. Butter, because I was so shocked by the invisible dragon''s actions, I forgot all about it. Heavens, it actually s.n.a.t.c.hed the smoke gra.s.s in my hand and ate it. I think that it should not have bathed in many years, giving rise to a misconception in its senses of smell and taste.


    Sorry, I said bad things about the invisible dragon, but in fact, weter became friends. Because it ate my smoke gra.s.s, it did not kill me. I seeded in using a bundle of smoke gra.s.s and two cows to exchange for the invisible dragon''s friendship. Honestly, the invisible dragon was not big, just a little bigger than a house.


    I have seen the Maple Leaf Grand Duke''s bronze dragon, a beautiful 30 meters long metal dragon. The invisible dragon looked to be a cub. Oh, dragons have no offsprings.


    We spent a pleasant afternoon together. In the evening, it came before me and shook its body, following which, a gem fell onto my hand. It then flew away. But the gem it left me, which was the seize of a fingernail, waster worn on my finger.


    Haha, now you know where my s.p.a.ce ring came from. There have been countless n.o.ble sirs and madams willing to pay anything in exchange for my ring, but I would not agree as it is an attest of our friendship!


    The part with the invisible dragon ended here.


    Griff quickly moved on to the next tale about outwitting a headless knight.


    Liszt very quickly flipped through this novel of only 50,000 odd symbols. There was no more information about the invisible dragon and the s.p.a.ce ring was only mentioned once.


    It was as if Griff had forgotten about the invisible dragon after finishing writing about it.


    It seems that the reward is the knowledge written down in the novel [Earth Knight-Errant Griff''s Travel Notes] Only courageous and righteous can see the invisible dragon? Then I guess it is impossible for me, since I am neither courageous nor righteous. He was quite self-aware.


    However, he seriously doubted the veracity of this information. How could one rely on indistinct and unclear moral qualities such as courage and righteousnessto see the invisible dragon?


    This story feels like another take on pure maiden can see the unicorn''.


    Many female leads of knight novels were aristocratic women riding on unicorns. Liszt had read a few books, all stating that only pure, beautiful, innocent, and kind-hearted women could be approved by unicorns. As for whether the legendary creature unicorn existed, Liszt was skeptical about it.


    He was equally skeptical about the existence of the invisible dragon.


    Particrly because of the fantastical setting of only courageous and righteousknights being capable of seeing the invisible dragon.


    Nevertheless, he quickly grasped the usable information: Griff used the smoke gra.s.s to avoid being killing by the invisible dragon. Later, he still mentioned that he used a bundle of smoke gra.s.s and two cows to exchange for the invisible dragon''s gem My current smoke mission reward is smoke gra.s.s. Apparently, this is still part of the chain mission.


    The first reward was information about the invisible dragon.


    The following reward was new information about the invisible dragon.


    The current reward was smoke gra.s.s, which the invisible dragon loved to eat.


    The contents of those rewards were linked, resembling the unlocking of arge chain mission. Then, the goal of the missions was quite easy to infer  there may be an invisible dragoning to invade the Flower Town.


    Cows? Liszt thought of another link, It seems like the dairy farm has two old cows that can no longer produce milk, just that the castle has plenty of food and they are still to be used to entertain guests. Perhaps these two old cows are the dinner I have to prepare for the invisible dragon?


    The information was still not clear enough and the preparation was still not adequate.


    Liszt felt that it was imperative to continue toplete the missions and get more details regarding the invisible dragon chain mission so to facilitate the formtion of the coping strategy.


    Knock-knock.


    The door was knocked.


    Pleasee in.


    The old butler, Carter, walked in with an oilmp: Master, it is alreadyte, you should rest early.


    I am about to go to bed. Liszt closed the book and put it back on the bookshelf. He frowned slightly because his hands smelt bad. Mr. Carter, by the way, apply more freshener in the study. I really cannot stand the strange odor of the thick bast paper.


    The carriage full of books the count had gifted him carried a strong fishy stench. Although Liszt had already applied a bit of freshener, but it still was not able to conceal the stench.


    There was no such thing as white paper


    Here, there was only the hard, yellow thick bast paper carrying a longsting stench.


    This kind of paper was made by peeling off the inneryer of animals'' leather and tan it. Its manufacturing cost was quite high. However, it was not easy to preserve and it was not convenient to write on. Liszt really wanted to quickly manufacture the white paper to rece the thick bast paper, but he was aware that it was not the right time.


    Firstly, the white paper was not an urgent requirement.


    Secondly, there was no copyrightw. The greater aristocrats could steal the papermaking technology at any time.


    Simrly to how he had not studied anything about horseshoes, saddles, or cement but still had a general structure in his mind, he also had a general structure of schooner sailboats in his mind. Once invented, they would definitely promote the development of the age of discoveries.


    In fact, the most pressing matter was theck in manpower.


    The entire fief had poption of 1990, no, 1991. Recently, two old people had died and four babies were born, among which one died.


    Among the 1991 people, apart from the not fit to work old and young, it was quite hard toe up with 1,500 fit to work people. They had to farm, build roads, and now still had to establish the oyster settlement. A batch of people had also to be allocated to sew glows, cast hammers and shovels, and produce fishing equipment for the fishermen.


    As for Liszt, he was also very busy, constantly cultivating.


    He had already grasped the [Fire Dragon Drill] and the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manuals, but it took time to master them. After obtaining the Redblood Sword, he was all the more diligent in practicing cultivation. He hoped to break through the fetters of earth and leap into the sky.


    Carter applied the freshener.


    He blew out themp and said: Master, should the castle hire a few more servants?


    Is there not enough manpower? Liszt was a little surprised. Ten servants serving him alone, that should be enough, right?


    Carter replied seriously: The wheat sprite worm, peanut sprite worm, tulip sprite worm, and alfalfa sprite worm are precious, but their worm stalks require a servingman to inspect and tend to everyday. This work was given to Jesse. Now maize had also started to be nted, while the thorns sprite worm still needs to find a ce to settle down, but Jesse has his hands full already.


    He continued after a pause: Tremblingwoods, ckdragon, Firedragon, and the other few horses need to be taken care of.Before the establishment of the oyster settlement, the seafood in the castle is gathered by the servants. There is also the kitchen. Mrs. Abby has alreadyined that she is up to her ears in work with the increase in variety of dishes.


    Castles, cities, and towns had quite a lot of ovepping functions.


    However, castles were more inclined to self-sustenance, while cities and town''s were inclined to govern the entire fief and collected taxes. Liszt was not satisfied with this system, feeling that castles  twisted monsters that firmly bound productivity by controlling all sprites  were the biggest obstacles to the development of productivity.


    After all, the purpose of a castle was to provide the aristocrats with luxurious lives and not to liberate productivity.


    He understood this point, yet had no intentions of changing much since he himself was an aristocrat!


    Since there is not enough manpower, then, Mr. Carter, you will be in charge of recruiting new servants.


    Very well, Master!

 Chapter 46: Recruitment of Servingmen and Maids

    Chapter 46: Recruitment of Servingmen and Maids


    Big Lily, where is Little Lily?


    What is it, Old Abe? Little Lily is feeding the chicken in the yard. Big Lily was a middle-aged woman stooped from a life of work.


    A brilliant smile covered Old Abe''s wrinkled face: Good news, Sir Lord''s castle is recruiting new servants. From listening to the butler, Mr. Carter, the castle is recruiting three servingmen, one maid, and one kitchen maid. Big Lily, Little Lily should go apply to be a maid.


    Really, Sir Lord wants to recruit a new maid, is this true? Great. Big Lily rushed into the house. I am going to tell Little Lily.


    Hurry and go. When Old Abe finished speaking, Big Lily had already disappeared from his sight. He smiled, shook his head, and muttered, I have to go back and tell everyone the good news. In the castle, ah. Drinking milk everyday, what a wonderful life. The children are blessed.


    Soon, the barley settlement''s 48 serf households all learned of this news.


    This is truly good news. I have beenining that Malfoy had no more fields to cultivate and could only clear uncultivatednd for cultivation. He is strong and healthy as well as hardworking and capable. Apart from eating a bit too much, he is definitely capable of performing the work of a servingman.


    Not necessarily. Parker is more hardworking and polite. I think that he will definitely be able to apply for it.


    Is it true? Will Sir Lord recruit servants from the countryside?


    That was what Old Abe had said. As someone who had spent these past few days in the cksmith shop forging tools for Sir Lord, do you think that he would y a joke on us?


    Old Abe is a master of his craft, but can he still wield the hammer?


    He doesn''t have to. There is bound to be an apprentice arranged by Sir Lord wielding the hammer. Remember theme Peter? He went to the cksmith shop to act as an apprentice, and Sir Lord is paying him a copper coin a day!


    Is the cksmith shop not owned by Old Drunkard?


    Old Drunkard has sold the cksmith shop to Sir Lord. Heh heh, he sold it for three Naldas(gold coins)!


    Three Naldas, heavens, Sir Lord is really generous!


    Good news were like a virus, quickly spreading into everyone''s ears.


    Little Lily, who was feeding chickens in the yard, was so excited that her face had turned red: Mother, can can I really go apply to be a maid?


    This piece of news was brought by Old Abe, he would not lie. Little Lily, you have to be well prepared. You will be able to lead a good life as long as you can enter the castle. Said Old Lily happily.


    But would Sir Lord choose me?


    Have a bit of confidence in yourself, Little Lily. You are the most outstanding girl in the barley settlement. You are hardworking and capable, and are the pride of your mother. Of course, you do not need to aim that high. Sir Lord is recruiting both a maid and a kitchen maid. You can go apply to be a kitchen maid as you wash the dishes the cleanest.


    Yeah, I know how to do that, Mother. A look of determination shed past Little Lily''s eyes.


    In order to have a good life in the future, she had to exhibit sufficient excellence to be recruited into the castle as a maid. Without a father and with her mother raising her and two younger brothers, their lives were quite impoverished. She had already grown up, and had to share the burden of her family. The seventeen-year-old girl secretly clenched her fists.


    In the cksmith shop, Liszt watched the few old cksmiths with their apprentices busily forging iron ingots.


    Liszt took out the iron ingots traded for the a.s.simtion of the ck Tulip, using them to forge the fishermen''s equipment.


    Shovels, hammers, and awls, with these three kinds of equipment, the fishermen could harvest seafood.


    The Flower Town''s East Coast''s seafood resource had not been exploited, nor had there been any pollution. The copious amounts of sh.e.l.lfish and crab could be easily caught, not requiring much skill.


    Teacher Gort, has the fishermen selection already beenunched? Liszt took the handkerchief handed by Thomas and wiped the perspiration from his forehead.


    He had already gotten used to having a gentleman''s valet serve him. So long as there was no physical contact, it was quite enjoyable being served.


    Gort had to take out his own handkerchief to wipe off his perspiration: As per your request, the information spread by the clerks to each settlement states that the new settlement only epts the elderly, women, and some children who have yet to grown up.


    Yes, that''s it. It does not take much physical strength to beacb, it just takes patience. Letting the serfs whose farming efficiency is not high to do beacbing is a reasonable allocation of human resources. However, you need to make it widely known that poisonous seafood should not be touched and raw seafood should not be eaten.


    This world''s medical and hygienic methods were extremely underdeveloped.


    Aristocrats cultivated qi and rarely got sick. Therefore, there was no motivation to study medicine. Liszt also had no understanding of medicine. The only thing he could do was to caution his subjects about hygiene, drinking of boiled water, and eating of cooked food.


    It is their fortune to have you as their lord. Liszt, you have an out of the ordinary charm about you. Gort said a few words of ttery.


    Ordinary aristocratic youngsters were likely to be smug from a few words of ttery, yetLiszt had the soul of an adult and his three views (world view, philosophy of life, values) were already matured. There was no way a few words of ttery would go to his head. He just instructed: Do not stop with the forging of tools, but also do not let the several cksmiths overwork themselves. Raise their wages from five to six copper coins and the apprentice''s to two copper coins.


    Unskilled apprentices got one copper coin a day.


    Experienced masters got five copper coins a day.


    These wages, which Liszt''s had previously paid the workers, were fairly high. Nowadays, as a baron with deep pockets, he disdained exploiting themon people because of a few copper coins.


    After all, the Redblood Sword at his waist was worth one or two thousand gold coins.


    In other words, more than one hundred thousand silver coins, or more than ten million copper coins.


    Besides, the Flower Town was his, so his subjects being well-off was no different from him being well-off. He could adjust the tax rate at a whim, collecting as much in taxes as he so wished.


    Six copper coins a day, oh, these cksmiths are quite fortunate. Gort muttered.


    Following which, he walked into the casting room, shouting: Messrs. cksmiths, Sir Lord has just decided to raise your wages from five to six copper coins a day, while the apprentices'' wages will be raised to two copper coins a day. Work hard! Sir Lord''s generosity is beyond your imagination!


    Wow!


    Six copper coins a day?


    Long live Sir Lord!


    Praise be Sir Lord! I, Old Jack, want to forge tools for Sir Lord for the rest of my life!


    Apprentices can get two copper coins a day, heavens, father and mother will be ecstatic.


    Joy andughter filled the cksmith shop, dissipating theints regarding the sultry environment. Everyone buckled down to work, wanting to repay Sir Lord Liszt''s generosity.


    Liszt shook his head after listening to the cheersing from inside.


    He may be kind and be unwilling to oppress the serf .s.s, but he was not against using some incentives to drive up the production efficiency of the serves. Compared to oppression, he preferred to create a rational allocation of production resources and vigorously improve work efficiency so that the town''s poption of less than two thousand people could be wlessly utilized.


    Master, are you going back?


    Go to the tailor shop and take a look at the gloves, towels, and masks being sown for the fishermen. I hope that they meet my requirements. Liszt mounted Firedragon and gentlyshed with the horsewhip.

 Chapter 47: Clothing Revolution

    Chapter 47: ClothingRevolution


    Lily Bathtub, Wendy Bigtoe, Jim Oxdung, Parker Rednose, Johan Doork.n.o.b, have pa.s.sed. The five of you shall get a chance to work in the castle.


    After three days of trials, the butler, Carter, finally announced three men and two women who met his servant-selection-criteria to have be the castle''s new servingmen and maids respectively.


    The remaining seven or eight partic.i.p.ants of the trials were unwilling, asking: Mr. Carter, please give me another chance, I will do better!


    I am awfully sorry, but once the decision was made, it cannot be altered. However, you needn''t be dejected. For the three-day trial period, each of you will be remunerated ording to the standard of the kitchen maid, that is, you will get three copper coins. Besides, your excellence is already recorded in my mind. The next time the castle has to hire servants, I will give you priority.


    Strictly speaking, the castle''s servants were Liszt''s property.


    But they were not unpaidbor. The servants could save up their remuneration and use it to buy food, drinks, and clothing, or send it back home.


    The wages of kitchen maids and a.s.sistant servingmen were one copper coin a day, of maids and servingmen were two copper coins a day, of the number one servingman and the cook were three copper coins a day, of the butler and the housekeeper were four copper coins a day.


    Apart from Carter and Mawson who were all alone in this world, the castle''s other servants chose to send back some money and help out their families.


    Besides, when the servants got weary, they could apply for a buyout, in other words, buy their freedom. Of course, whether the buyout was consented or not was at the discretion of the aristocracy.


    The young men and women who were screened out left the castle in dejection. For them, losing the opportunity to work in a beautiful castle was a major blow.


    The five who were chosen, were besides themselves with excitement.


    Heavens, I was picked!


    II can stay in the castle?


    Mother, I did it!


    Carter watched the five new servants with a smile, recalling that time in his youth when he had been chosen by the viscount family''s castle and had risen from the ranks of serfs to be a servant.


    Starting as the lowest a.s.sistant servingman, gradually bing an outstanding servant, and then following the Tulip Family''s rise, being a.s.signed by the count to manage the family''s estate in another city.


    Then when Liszt came of age, following him to this ce and bing a butler.


    The years left a lot of traces on his face. He almost could not remember how jubnt he was when he became a servant. These past decades, he had all along been working in the castle. His rtives had long since pa.s.sed away. There were regrets as well as contentment.


    Now, his biggest desire was to apany Liszt, until the day that the sun no longer rose and he chose eternal rest.


    Young Messrs. and Mesdames, please be quiet. He gestured with his hand, indicating to the new servants to not to be too excited, Next, I will announce your work posts.


    Lily and others quickly calmed down.


    Lily Bathtub, Mrs. Abby is quite appreciative of you. Your post will be that of a kitchen maid. Mrs. Irene will help you familiarize yourself with everything for a period of time. a.s.sist Mrs. Abby as soon as possible.


    Little Lily immediately nodded alike a chicken pecking rice, I will familiarize myself with the kitchen work as soon as possible.


    Good. However, do not put yourself under too much pressure. Mrs. Abby is straightforward, but when you get familiar with her, you will realize that she is a good person. Carter was a bit worried about this young girl, not knowing whether she could bear with Abby Ladle who had no control over her sound box.


    Proceeding with the announcement: Wendy Bigtoe, Mrs. Mawson will help you familiarize yourself with the work of maids.


    Okay, Mr. Carter.


    Next, Jim Oxdung, Parker Rednose, Johan Doork.n.o.b. Carter looked at the three emaciated-looking young fellows.


    Mr. Carter. The three stuck out their chests, trying to make themselves look a bit more elegant.


    Carter was satisfied with the bearing of those three. Compared to the eyesore Thomas, those obedient young fellows were more agreeable to him: Next, I will help you familiarize yourselves with the work of servingmen as quickly as possible. Soon, you will be busy, not only inside, but also outside the castle.


    He raised his head and looked at each new servant: From now on, you not only represent yourselves, but more importantly, you also represent the castle. Fitting garments and civilized conduct, you have to quickly familiarize yourselves with the aristocratic etiquette. You have to shed your former negligent appearances of serfs. Understood, Messrs. and Mesdames?


    Understood, Mr. Carter!


    In that case, you have half a day off. Go back and share this good news with your families. Starting tomorrow, you will live in the castle.


    Mr. Carter, congrattions, you are about to be a grand butler. Mrs. Mawson chatted with Carter after the new servants impatiently hurried back home to report the good news.


    Well, it does not feel bad. Carter showed a rare yful smile, I have to live a little longer to prevent Thomas from taking my ce. I do not want him to enjoy this feeling.


    I think that Thomas is more than willing to follow Master. He is more clever than Tom and Jessie.


    Carter said with a hint of mystery: Master inherited the Tulip Family''s courage and the Longtaro Family''s shrewdness. Sometimes, being a bit more slow-witted in front of Master might be batter.


    Speaking until here, he suddenly perked up his ears and said: The pping of hooves, Master is back. I am going to wee Master.


    Go ahead, slow-witted and clever butler, Carter.


    Carter tilted his head.


    He had formed a tacit understanding with Mawson, with the butler and housekeeper neatly and tidily managing the castle.


    After reaching the gate, he saw the tall and handsome Liszt approaching atop Firedragon. The sun behind him bathed his slightly curly light golden hair in golden radiance, painting a picture of rivers of gold.


    Master looks like a born aristocrat possessing of all the traits of aristocracy. Thought Carter.


    Bowing slightly: Wee back, Master.


    Mr. Carter, have the new servants been chosen? Liszt handed the reins to Thomas, and then untied the bow tie on his neck. It was already summer. The aristocratic garments were a bit stifling. He did not like this attire.


    The style of the grand duchy''s aristocratic garments derived from the continent.


    The female aristocrats mainly wore long skirts with bustle and cushions on the b.u.t.tocks. The skirt was held by a pyramid-like framework.


    Lvera never wore such garments. She liked to wear the clothes of male aristocrats.


    The full set of male aristocrats'' garments called frac habill'' wasprised of a swallow-tailed-coat-like jacket, frac'', a sleeveless vest, quile'', and a pair of skin-tight shorts, bastet''. Of course, the garments were matched with Wellington boots and stockings.


    Also, the male aristocrats had to wear a piece of clothing, a decorative emblem symbolizing the aristocratic authority on their necks.


    Ordinarily at home, they wore a bow tie; when going out to handle affairs, they had to wear a piece of clothing simr to a necktie, krabate'', which Liszt called neckerchief; for grand ceremonies, they wore arge disc around the neckf'', which Liszt called ruff.


    With the bow tie untied, he immediately felt the heat leaving from below his clothing along his neck. Liszt could not help but grumble: I need tounch a clothing revolution!

 Chapter 48: Coconut Stealing Monkeys

    Chapter 48: Coconut Stealing Monkeys


    Ties, shirts, vests, sleeveless shirts, boxer shorts, suits, trousers, hats, leather shoes, there was a range of clothing that Liszt wanted to produce.


    However, he could not be that unconventional. After all, he was just a baron in the countryside. If there was a day when he became the head of a state, then he could freely perform reforms and lead trends.


    Now he could only endure the c.u.mbersome clothing to preserve the so-called aristocratic dignity.


    Master, I have given the servants half a day off. Starting tomorrow, they will work for the castle.


    Oh, do as you see feet.


    Yes.


    Sweating all over from the heat, Liszt was not too interested in chatting: Mr. Carter, please instruct someone to prepare bath water. This weather is not too agreeable with people.


    As you wish. Carter hurriedly left to instruct a maid to prepare bath water.


    Nowadays, the small castle always had bath water ready. The servants knew that their lord was an aristocrat extremely fond of cleanliness. Taking bath once a day was normal, taking bath twice a day wasmon, taking bath thrice a day was also not unprecedented. What was not normal was going a day without taking a bath.


    After taking a bath, he changed into his home clothing, a loose robe.


    This robe was a type of night gown. Aristocrats were also aware that always wearing tight fitting formal clothing was quite c.u.mbersome. Therefore, the nightgown was changed into home clothing.


    Liszt still felt it to be c.u.mbersome and ufortable.


    In the summer, he liked wearing half-sleeve shirts and T-shirts. Therefore, he rolled up his robe''s sleeves, exposing half of his arms. Although this did not conform with the aristocratic etiquette, but in the small castle, who would dare to pursue this minor indiscretion of his. The countryside also had its benefits.


    Master, unfortunately, we do not have ice. Otherwise, I could brew you a cup of cold sugar water to dispel the heat.


    Even the Tulip Castle does not have much ice to squander in the summer. I can bear this much. The unfortunate thing is that I am no longer able to drink cold bear. He did not like to drink alcoholic beverages. He drank wine in feasts because his predecessor loved to drink and it was a requirement in social gatherings.


    However, he liked to drink cold beer in the summer, refreshing his body and soul.


    Seeing that the height of summer was imminent, that the days were getting hotter and hotter, he recalled the period when the Coral Ind was at its hottest, when eggs could be cooked on the ground. He estimated that it had reached 40C.


    Quite a few serfs died each year due to the heat.


    I heard that ice could be produced with saltpeter. However, saltpeter is difficult to make and there seem to be no source on the Coral ind. I also don''t know I remember reading in a book that in the countryside, ces where buildings were in contact with earth, they would be rich in saltpeter. However, the Flower Town''s buildings are made of wood


    Liszt had no means of reproducing the saltpeter production method.


    He could only do alike the other aristocrats and store ice in an ice house in winter, then take it out in summer: Mr. Carter, don''t forget to remind me to build an ice house this winter.


    Very well, Master!


    At dinner.


    Gort, Marcus, Isaiah, and ir were invited as usual. In the Flower Town, only the four of them were qualified to eat at a table with Liszt.


    Liszt, the n for the oyster settlement has already beenpleted. Tomorrow, the first batch of oyster settlement''s fishermen will go to the East Coast to fish while wearing the new equipment prepared by you. There are old people, women, children, imbeciles, and impetuous people, they have been collecting sh.e.l.ls on the coast thest couple of days.


    The lord had used seafood to make a feast. As soon as the news spread, themoners followed suit and got ready to go catch seafood.


    They always followed the lord''s example.


    Liszt said seriously: Teacher Gort, the introduction of how to safely handle seafood is a priority. I do not want themoners put in danger because of improper handling of seafood. As the administrative official of the town, you have to attach great importance to the notion that poption is the Flower Town''s most important productive force.


    Althoughdeep down they might disagree.


    But Gort and the others were already clear regarding Liszt''s bearing, nodding unhesitatingly and expressing their understanding.


    Then tomorrow, if you have time,e with me to the oyster settlement to see how the fishermen will do in their first attempt at beacbing. At the same time, the kinds of seafood that can and cannot be caught as well as the instructions on how to preserve them must be proactively spread.


    Sir Baron, when we organized the clerks, we have repeatedly emphasized this point. Besides, the clerks have also tried seafood in the castle. They are very conscientious regarding this.


    Very good.


    The next day, at low tide, Liszt took his retainer knights to the oyster settlement. Houses had yet to be built in the oyster settlement. However, a leveled, uncultivated tract ofnd not far from the beach was already selected as the location where the wooden houses would be constructed.


    At the moment, there were about two hundred old, weak, women, and children incessantly rummaging trough rock and sedimenton the East Coast''s t beach while carrying baskets or wooden vats.


    The production of the town''s tailor and cksmith shops was not able to keep up. Therefore, many of the fishermen stillcked gloves, shovels, hammers, or other tools, and had to entirely rely on their hands.


    Sir Lord!


    The fishermen saluted after seeing Liszt.


    Liszt nodded slightly in response. Riding Firedragon, he strolled around. The beacbing was quite troublesome because of the whether conditions, yet the workload was not too big. Therefore, whether they had experience or not, the fishermen, who had previously felt like a burden'', had their enthusiasm surge as they busied themselves.


    After just taking a look for a moment, Liszt felt too hot and hurriedly hid under a coconut tree.


    Feeling that something was wrong, he raised his head and looked at the tall coconut tree, before realizing quite a whileter: There are no coconuts!


    Thereupon, he turned to a clerk standing beside him and asked: Does this tree bear no fruits?


    It bears fruits, Sir Lord. This is a fragrant coconut tree and its fruit is called fragrant coconut. However, when the fruit is still very small, it is taken away by the Thorns Ridge''s monkeys.


    Monkeys?


    They are yellowish-gray colored monkeys which we call fruit stealing monkeys. They are quite fierce. At times, they form groups ande to our farnds to wreck the crops.


    Fruit stealing monkey Liszt nodded, saying no more.


    He suddenly remembered seeing in the news that some countries of Southeast Asia had the tradition of training monkeys to pick coconuts. The coconut trees were very high. Humans found it quite difficult to climb them, yet monkeys could easily pick the fruits from them. If the town were to also train a group of fruit stealing monkeys, then perhaps a coconut undertaking could be developed.


    Of course, he was still not sure whether this fragrant coconut tree was actually a coconut tree. In the winter, the Flower Town was covered in snow for more than two months. If it was truly a coconut tree, then it should have already frozen to death.


    How do the fragrant coconuts taste?


    I had once picked up a fragrant coconut dropped by a fruit stealing monkey. Inside, there was quite a lot of a milk-like juice. It tasted sweet and sour, quite delicious.


    Liszt felt a craving.


    There were many such fragrant coconut tress on the East Coast. If they could be protect, then quite arge numbers of fragrant coconuts could be harvested. It could be regarded as a kind of beverage and could even be developed into a specialty product.


    He turned his gaze to the distant Thorns Ridge: Sooner orter, I will put Thorns Ridge under my control and eliminate anything threatening the Flower Town!


    The fruit stealing monkeys could be trained to pick fruit.

 Chapter 49: Forgotten Qi Secret Skill

    Chapter 49: Forgotten Qi Secret Skill


    If magic beasts could be trained, then a few monkeys could naturally also be trained. To knights who cultivated qi, there was no difference between beasts and kittens or puppies.


    However, there were currently only five people, Liszt, Marcus, Gort, Isaiah, and ir, who cultivated qi in the Flower Town.


    Each one had their own responsibilities, and could not also act as beast tamers.


    It seems like it is time to pick a few physically strong youngsters from among themoners and teach them qi and let them be my retainer knights.


    As long as Liszt could afford to raise retainer knights, then he could even establish an order of knights.


    However, with the castle''s financial and material constraints, he could at most raise about a dozen retainer knights, forming a knight squad. He had ned this since a while ago. The knight squad''s greatest use would be to suppress the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts. The Thorns Ridge would be incorporated into the Flower Town and be his territory.


    Once the oyster settlement''s output is stabilized and the castle''s tax revenue starts to stabilize, that will be the right time to immediately start to train retainer knights.


    The potential of Karl Eisenhammer and the other three retainer knights without qi was already wasted, there was no value in nurturing them. The new retainer knight, on the other hand, would be nurtured from young. They would cultivate qi and be genuine knights.


    While cooling off in the shade, Liszt was contemting his grand development ns.


    Beside him, Gort could not help but wipe the perspiration off his face with a handkerchief. Always wearing an aristocratic three-piece-suit, he felt quite hot: Liszt, the inspection of the fishermen had already been concluded, everything is progressing smoothly. Should we not go back?


    Liszt also felt quite hot.


    Today''s weather was really not appropriate to go out, so he nodded in acknowledgement: May as well return. He was not a spoiled brat, but he was also not against taking it easy. As the lord, he had authority over everything in his territory. There was no need for him to feign dedication'' or feign being in touch with the people''.


    Only bloodline and qi were the foundation of aristocracy.


    On the way back, Liszt casually inspected the construction of the roads of the settlements. Although there was quite a lot of sand, but it was quite difficult to transport it. Themoners could only use buckets or basins to transport the sand, which was not efficient.


    But anyway, the roads were taking form.


    When pa.s.sing by the flower farm, a stenching from the distance suddenly floated over and a.s.saulted Liszt''s nose, nearly making him vomit.


    Firedragon beneath him was sneezing incessantly, looking like it also could not stand it.


    Ah, so smelly! What is this stench?!


    Who is responsible for this strange odor?


    The few retainer knights covered their noses, forcing themselves not to vomit.


    Who is drawing feces from their toilets? Liszt recalled that when he was little, he had drawn feces in the vige, though the smell was not as intense as the one being spread right now. He quickly reacted, The Flower Town has no toilets nor septic tanks, and drawing feces should not have such a smell.


    Consequently, he held his nose, saying to the retainer knights. Karl, the four of you go look for the ce from where the smell ising.


    Before long, Karl returned with a stalk of gra.s.s in his hand: Sir, the cause has been discovered.


    He raised the stalk of gra.s.s in his hand: It is this gra.s.s. A few children were fooling around, pulling out a lot of this gra.s.s from a tract of uncultivatednd. Who could have thought that it would produce such a nauseating stench.


    When the other was speaking, a more concentrated stench a.s.saulted Liszt nose. The source was the stalk of gra.s.s in Karl''s hand.


    Liszt endured the stench, yet his eyes glimmered: Is the tract of gra.s.s big?


    It is.


    Good, very good! Karl, go immediately inform Teacher Gort to protect the tract of gra.s.s! No one is allowed near the tract of gra.s.s, let alone damaging it!


    Although doubtful, but the retainer knight still epted the order and went away.


    Liszt was in a good mood after giving his order.


    The gentleman''s valet, Thomas, could not help but ask: Master, why are you happy because of such smelly gra.s.s?


    You don''t understand, but this gra.s.s has great use.


    He took a cold water bath when he returned to the castle. Simultaneously, he checked the smoke Serpentines to see whether the mission was updated. He previously believed that he had to switch the equipment of all the fishermen toplete the mission. Yet now, the mission reward arge tract of smoke gra.s.s'' was clearly already in his possession, indicating that the mission had already beenpleted.


    Sure enough, the Serpentines were updated once the smoke appeared: Missionpleted. Reward: arge tract of smoke gra.s.s.


    A momentter, the smoke Serpentines had changed into: Mission: the newly cleared maize field has already been sown. The maize sprite worm, a courageous little fellow, is itching to breath fresh air. Please settle down the maize sprite worm''s worm stalk. Reward: forgotten qi secret skill.


    Forgotten qi secret skill? It''s not a qi secret manual, but a qi secret skill. Does it mean that the reward is just a single special move? Guessed Liszt.


    Secret manuals included qi refinement and operation methods as well as qi moves.


    Qi secret skills were fairly formidable and over-the-top moves, with some being simr to ultimate meanings of secret manuals, also known as special moves.


    However, due to being cryptic, hidden inheritances, or very difficult to learn, it was very difficult for lesser aristocrats to preserve and pa.s.s on secret skills through generations.


    The Tulip Family did not pa.s.s on secret skills, while Red Crab Ind''s marquis family''s abrupt rise was not too long ago and it still had no secret skills.


    Only old marquis families would have a section of a secret skill.


    However, there was no denying that the value of secret skills was enormous. The ultimate meaning was the strongest move of each qi secret manual, yet was only limited to mid-ranked secret manuals or high-ranked secret manuals. Naturally, their might had restrictions. Secret skills, on the other hand, were different, their might rising with the rise of qi.


    Liszt was very satisfied: Not bad, not bad. Although I am not fond of fighting and killing, but with a secret skill, I can greatly increase my fighting strength and reduce the possibility of running into danger.


    I just don''t know what kind of qi secret skill it is going to be, but that''s going to change soon.


    So far, there was no smoke mission with extremely difficultpletion requirements. On the whole, thepletion requirements epa.s.sed day-to-day work that Liszt should do. This time''s mission was no different. The reason why the maize field was cleared was to settle down the maize sprite worm''s worm stalk. Regardless of the mission, Liszt would do it anyway.


    Later, he thought of another question: Is this mission still part of the invisible dragon chain mission?


    Three dayster, the beacbing of the oyster settlement''s fishermen had been stabilized. Large quant.i.ties of seafood were harvested with each attempt.


    As a subst.i.tute for the fishermen''s requirement of bread and a means of minimizing the town''s consumption of cereals, part of the caught seafood quickly joined themoners'' tables.


    However, even more seafood had nowhere to be stored.


    Liszt, you must think of a way. There is too much seafood on the East Coast. The seafood caught by the fishermen that cannot be finished eaten will spoil. Gort expressed his worry when he found Liszt


    Liszt was quite speechless: Since it cannot be finished eaten, then just think of ways to preserve the seafood as dry goods. Now is not a good season to make dry goods, it is more suitable to wait until the end of summer and beginning of autumn Stop catching too much seafood when not in dry goods season. Anyway, the seafood will not go anywhere.


    Without cold storage warehouses and without enough salt to pickle, making dry goods was the best way of storage.


    Now that the weather was too hot, the dry goods would get easily spoiled. Therefore, catching less seafood, catching as much as was necessary for consumption, would be enough, not bringing about the overharvesting of the sea.


    Next, Liszt''s tone was a bit harsh, expressing his dissatisfaction: Teacher Gort, I am the lord and you are the administrative official, I need you to manage the Flower Town in my stead instead of looking for the lord whenever something happens, understood?


    Gort smiled embarra.s.sedly: I naturally understand. Liszt, please believe me when I say that I will not carelessly repeat this mistake.

 Chapter 50: Dragon Invasion Reward

    Chapter 50: Dragon Invasion Reward


    The oyster settlement still didn''t had its wooden houses built, but the fishermen''s work of catching seafood progressed smoothly.


    The speed of the construction of the roads in the settlements and the town was not fast, but there was some progress each day.


    The low-yielding and low-nutritious two-leaf clover of the dairy farm was alreadypletely exchanged for the high-yielding alfalfa. The ten cows were very fond of the new pasture, with their milk output increasing greatly.


    The alfalfa in the horse field surrounding the castle had also started to grow vigorously, just that there were no pregnant mares and ckdragon had yet to enter its breeding season.


    The peanut settlement''s peanuts were growing well, while the peanuts near the peanut sprite worm''s worm stalk were nearly ripe. Presumably, getting a harvest twice a year would not be an issue.


    The flower farm''s ck Tulip had already began to bear small capsules, which had yet to crack open. Once they cracked open, there would be many ky seeds. With the effect from the tulip sprite worm''s worm stalk, the ck Tulip would bear upwards of thirty capsules.


    ording to the estimations, a few mu of farnd could be cultivated with those seeds. Not until half a year after delivering the seeds to the Tulip Castle for the greater sprite, Little Fragrance, to cultivate, could therge scale cultivation begin.


    If an ordinary farming method was applied, thenrge scale cultivation might not even be possible several yearster. This ill.u.s.trated the sprites'' ability.


    However, although sprites were a great help, but they were also a kind of limitation, restricting the perspective of humans regarding the cultivation of nts and research on fertilizers. To this date, they still adopted the primitive fire-fallow cultivation.


    Liszt was changing the way of farming in the Flower Town, with the fertilizer made of manure, ash, and pond mud starting to be popr in the settlements.


    The wheat settlement''s wheat was still in the process of growing. With the help of the wheat sprite worm, it was possible to raise the yield of wheat by 20% to 30%. At the same time, the three stalks of maize gra.s.s were given a specialized care. However, there was still much more maize gra.s.s in the barley settlement. The barley settlement''s serfs cultivated the maize gra.s.s, collecting fodder and seeds.


    Previously, the barley settlement mainly cultivated barley and outs. But recently, uncultivatednd was cleared in the barley settlement for a maize field to cultivate maize gra.s.s. The settlement''s serfs seriouslycked in numbers.


    The mushroom and tomato settlements were still at their original scopes. There were not many changes.


    The biggest change in the town was theck of feces. Also, on Liszt''s order, no one dared to litter the streets with trash. There were patrols patrolling the town everyday. Anyone who dared to litter in the town, would be punished with severe whipping. Liszt selectively preserved the various torture methods meant for aristocracy to punish themoners.


    At the beginning, Liszt felt like adopting the police detention method, but after thinking some more, he came to the conclusion that imprisonment without physical punishment would be a blessing for the serfs.


    Not working, yet still being capable of eating and drinking every day.


    Therefore, physical punishment was inevitable.


    I have part.i.tioned 50 mu of uncultivatednd for the cultivation of maize, which is the maximum surface area the maize sprite worm is capable of influencing. Currently, the barley settlement''s manpower is already unable to meet the cultivation requirement. Also, it is quite difficult to transfer serfs over from other settlements. A batch had already been transferred to the oyster settlement. Therefore, temporarily, the maize field only has 10 mu.


    Gort exined to Liszt.


    Today, they were going to settle down the maize sprite worm. The maize had sprouted. There was ayer of green covering 10 mu of the newly cleared uncultivatednd.


    So be it 10 mu. Lets wait until oats and barley are harvest, and then switch to sowing maize. Anyway, cultivating barley and oats without sprite worms is not worthwhile. Nodded Liszt.


    Following which, he proceeded with settling down the maize sprite worm''s worm stalk.


    The maize sprite worm''s worm stalk was that of maize. Therefore, the sprite worm itself was of a bright yellow color. It was very beautiful and blinding to the eye.


    Little fellow,e on, take a breath of fresh air.


    The maize sprite worm was indeed a brave little fellow. It crawled out of the jade box, opened its mouth, and spat out its worm stalk, nting it in the center of the field. Very quickly, the worm stalk grew into a stalk of maize covered in grains.


    Thus, the mission waspleted.


    Five of the six sprite worms were settled down, leaving only the thorns sprite worm.


    Liszt was in a good mood. While riding on horseback, he started to focus his mind. Shortly after, smoke Serpentines twisted in front of his eyes: Missionpleted. Reward: forgotten qi secret skill, [Magic Eyes] secret skill.


    Immediately after, the content changed, issuing a new mission: Mission: nearly all sprite worms have been properly settled down, only leaving the thorns sprite worm without a new home. As the lord, you cannot waste the production capability of any sprite worms. Please settle down the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk. Reward: invasion of the invisible dragon.


    After skimming over the contents of the new mission, thecent mood from just a moment was quickly shattered.


    If it was not for his entourage of retainer knights and servants, he would have already started cursing: Smoke mission, are you toying with me? Can the invasion of the invisible dragon also be regarded as a reward?


    ording to the previously obtained information, there was a chance that the invisible dragon would leave a priceless s.p.a.ce ring.


    However, one had to risk their life to get it!


    A dragon could easily destroy a city or a town. Liszt did not want to test whether he could use the two old cows and a bunch of smoke gra.s.s to send the invisible dragon on its way. In his view, how good one had depended on how capable one was. If he was the lord of the Coral Ind, then even if he had to sacrifice a city, he would still want to give it a go with the invisible dragon.


    Bus sadly, he only had the Flower Town.


    Presumably, the dragon could destroy the town by just rolling about. Liszt would loose his home, let alone the luxurious aristocratic life.


    For a split second, he even entertained the idea of giving up on the thorns sprite worm, never toplete the mission, so that the invasion of the invisible dragon reward was not triggered.


    However, after calming down, he became unwilling.


    The smoke missions seemed to just go with the flow, pushing things that should exist towards him. But if there was not this going with the flow'', it was unknown how much more difficult it would be for him to develop the town. Besides, he already could not do without the quick benefits brought by the smoke missions. Getting a reward with eachpleted mission was just wonderful.


    He felt tangled inside right until he reached the castle, and then made up his mind.


    f.u.c.k it, isn''t it an invisible dragon?!


    The smoke gra.s.s was already obtained and the cows are also ready. If worsees to worst and the Flower Town gets destroyed, then I''ll just shamelesslygo to the Tulip Castle and request another fief.


    The count is unlikely to sit idly while his son is starving!


    For the s.p.a.ce ring, and even more for the smoke missions, Liszt went for broke.


    The next course of action after making up his mind was to make ample preparations.


    For this reason.


    He spent the night in the castle''s study designing ns. He didn''t let anyone partake. It was better for only him being privy of the secret regarding the invisible dragon. Otherwise, if other people were involved, and in case he obtained a s.p.a.ce ring, there would be the danger of information leakage as well as the divine armament being taken away by others.


    s.p.a.ce rings deserved to be called divine armaments.


    a.s.suming defeat, survival is the most crucial thing. This was the core idea behind Liszt''s ns. No matter the oue, he wanted to first ensure his safety.


    He looked at the sketch of the Flowers Town he drew as he contemted for a long time. He circled the dairy farm: The invisible dragon shall invade here. The cows shall be left as bait. All the smoke gra.s.s shall be cut down and piled up on the dairy farm to attract the attention of the invisible dragon.


    It is impossible to fight it. No one can beat a dragon, let alone y the invisible dragon.


    Reportedly, dragons possess Dragon Breath, which is a special magic substance  fire, acid, poison, and so on  they belch. Half of a dragon''s battle strength relies on Dragon Breath. Therefore, above ground is very dangerous. Only by digging bellow the ground could one escape from in front of the invisible dragon at the first indication of danger.


    Dragons are unlikely to dig in the soil just to catch a few bug-like humans, right?


    I probably am not capable of seeing the invisible dragon. There should be no one in the Flower Town capable of seeing the invisible dragon. In order to make sure of its position, I should scatter flour in the dairy farm. Like this, the invisible dragon will leave footprints behind wherever it pa.s.ses But do dragons even need to walk? Can they not just fly?


    Liszt grabbed at his hair, thinking about ways to discover the position of the invisible dragon, After much thought, he could note up with anything that would allow him to see a dragon that was invisible.


    From irritation, he hit the desk with his fist.


    Thud.


    Themp was knocked over from him hitting the desk, spilling the oil. The oil flowed to a knight novel lying on a corner of the desk. mes swallowed the knight novel in a sh.

 Chapter 51: Spying on Magic Power

    Chapter 51: Spying on Magic Power


    He hurriedly put out the mes. However, the knight novel''s exterior was already burned yellow.


    The knight novel was called [Vulture Knight Staffener''s Expedition Notes]. Strictly speaking, it resembled more a biography. The novel narrated the tale of a Sky Knight called Staffener Vulture soaring the sky atop a dragon-type magic beast, a Vulture, and zing a trail for the st Furnace Kingdom.


    The story was quite dull, but the content was quite detailed and reliable.


    Among the mult.i.tude of chaotically-fabricated knight novels, this novel could be said to be clear and orderly. Liszt had already read it three times. He believed the story to be mostly true.


    Even the Vulture Family might still exist in the st Furnace Kingdom.


    A pity, this was a good book. I don''t know if I can get a new copy the next time I go to the Tulip Castle. Lisztmented as he held the scorched novel.


    Good books were hard toe by.


    Suddenly, his eyebrows jumped up. Looking at the burnt cover, he noticed that ayer of the cover wasing off, exposing a golden color at the corner. The cover seemed to have something hidden inside.


    When he lightly brushed with his fingers, ayer of the cover split open with cracking sounds and came off, revealing the golden color beneath.


    There was indeed is something hidden inside! Liszt''s sense of loss was reced with surprise. This should be the so-called forgotten qi secret skill!


    The process ofpleting the maize sprite worm mission during the day and receiving the mission reward at night felt so natural.


    The outeryer of the cover waspletely rubbed off. Hidden underneath was a hand-sized gold-colored sheet of paper. Not really paper though. After Liszt studied it a bit, he found it to be a foil alike an aluminium foil, just that it was made from gold. The gold foil had closely packed minute symbols and a qi operation diagram of the human body engraved onto it using the relief technique.


    Magic Eyes qi secret technique  Staffener Vulture. Slightlyrger Serpentines were engraved at the top most of the gold foil.


    Sure enough, it is the qi secret skill Magic Eyes, a secret skill heritage of the Vulture Family. It seems like the novel I got is quite possibly a unique copy. This gold foil weighs as much as a gold coin. There should not be anymore such sheets in other copies of the book.


    After that, he took his eyes off the gold foil and fixed it on the study''s bookshelf: Is there something else concealed inside these books apart from the information regarding the invisible dragon and the [Magic Eyes] secret skill?


    In order to verify his thought, he used a knife to make a cut on the cover of each novel.


    However, he found nothing else concealed behind the covers.


    Obviously, there was only one this qi secret skill.


    The content of the [Magic Eyes] secret skill is veryplicated and the qi operation involved is fairly fine andplicated. it is moreplicated than the ultimate meaning of qi secret manuals It is a bit difficult to learn.


    Liszt felt that hisprehension ability was not bad.


    He had quite quickly learned the [Fire Dragon Drill] and [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manuals and was nearly proficient at them. He still ned to learn archery from Marcus as he preferred long-range over melee attacks.


    Should I postpone the [Magic Eyes] secret skill and learn itter? The thought just welled up in his mind, when he looked at the introduction of the secret skill on the gold foil and immediately decided not to follow it.


    The introduction said: The [Magic Eyes] secret skill can directly pry into the operation of magic power. Not even Great Wizards''s Stealth can conceal one from the Magic Eyes.


    He instantly realized that this qi secret skill was still part of the chain mission regarding the invisible dragon: Does it mean that I will be able to see the invisible dragon once I learn the [Magic Eyes] secret skill?


    Liszt was clear about what he had to do next.


    He first experimented with the smell from the smoke gra.s.s. He found out that the juice the gra.s.s exuded a very strong and pungent smell, yet it still fell short to the smell released when the gra.s.s was ignited.


    He gave orders for the smoke gra.s.s to be reaped and dried under the sun. Also, a beacon'' specially prepared to ignite the smoke gra.s.s and attract the invisible dragon was built on the dairy farm.


    A tunnel meant for taking refuge was being excavated underneath the beacon.


    Also, the beacon was used to tie the cows around it. Before the invasion of the invisible dragon, the cows would be smeared with the juice from the smoke gra.s.s.


    Liszt had also ordered the excavation of a tunnel on a slope slightly away from the beacon. The entrance to the tunnel would be a camouged bunker.


    ording to his n, he would hide there and supervise the invasion of the invisible dragon. After seeing the invisible dragon, he would let the servants ignite the smoke gra.s.s in the beacon and then have them hide in the tunnel. After confirming that the invisible dragon was satiated and flew away, he then would go above ground to see whether the invisible dragon had left its gem behind.


    While standing on the slope where the tunnel was being excavated, Liszt was still reflecting on whether there was anything that he had overlooked.


    If it is thepletion of the mission that triggers the reward, that would mean that the invisible dragon woulde to the Flower Town after I settled down the thorns sprite worm Is the mission controlling the invisible dragon or is it a coincidence guided by the mission? I can attempt to settle down the thorns sprite worm at any time and the invisible dragon still will invade the Flower Town following thepletion of the mission?


    Quite enigmatic.


    There was no answer for the time being.


    He had to strive toplete every smoke mission, so that he would strengthen himself and develop his fief.


    Liszt, it is not a simple job to dig a tunnel from here to the Thorns Woods. And I still don''t know what your reason for doing this is. Gortmanded themoners to excavated the tunnel ording to Liszt''s wish.


    Teacher Gort, you don''t need to know. It is not that I do not trust you, but rather that it is a secret of mine. You only need to move all the dairy farm''s serfs to another ce for a day when I notify you.


    Alright. The Flower Town is your fief, and no one can go against your wishes. I will naturallyply.


    That''s good.


    So, you really want to settle down the thorns sprite worm in the Thorns Woods? That piece of woods is not big. It is not a good ce for settling down.


    I have my reasons.


    Oh, it doesn''t matter. Anyway, the thorns sprite worm is not a useful sprite worm as it has no influence on the agricultural development.


    Every sprite worm has a unique role, it is just that we have yet to find it. Perhaps one day a magic ingredient born in the thorns will be discovered.


    Haha, I hope so.


    The project was in full swing. Although no one understood why Liszt wanted this done, but there was no one who would dare to defy him. In the Flower Town, no matter what Liszt wanted to do, including murder and arson, there was no one who would dare to oppose him.


    The tunnel was being excavated day in day out.


    He started practicing the [Magic Eyes] secret skill in the castle. This qi secret skill was quiteplicated. However, with hisprehension ability, he very quickly got the hang of it.


    Long story short, using the eyes as a bridge allowed him to produce a resonance between his qi and the magic power of the outside world. Magic power was a fairly mystical power that emitted fluctuations at all times. He preferred to call this sort of fluctuation radiation emitted by magic power.


    Perceiving the radiation by treating the eyes as radars, this was the theory behind the [Magic Eyes] secret skill. It was a secret skill with a nonbat nature.


    After delving into it for five days straight, Liszt had finally aplished the final qi operation technique, employing the Magic Eyes for the first time. Right at this moment, looking at his eyes in the mirror, he seemed to see the irises of his sapphire-colored rotating, with countless stars flowing inside the rotating irises. They looked very mysterious and abstruse.


    Enchanting and beautiful.


    Can my eyes charm any girl?


    He cast his gaze out the window. Marcus was teaching qi to the four retainer knights. Although they were already past their prime, but with hard work and dedication, they still had a chance at attaining qi.


    At this moment, Marcus looked like a cyan figure to Liszt.


    Not far away, Tremblingwoods matching itself against a stone looked like a dull yellow figure.


    This is how the wind-attributed qi of Marcus and the earth-attributed magic power of Tremblingwoods are perceived by the Magic Eyes Will it be also effective against the invisible dragon?

 Chapter 52: Growing Ambition

    Chapter 52: Growing Ambition


    The Magic Eyes consumed quite a bit of qi. Liszt found out that he could only maintain them for five minutes. Going past this limit would not only result in his qi not being capable of keeping up, but also his eyes feeling sour.


    However, whenever the qi within his body got used up, the Redblood Sword on his waist would send a tepid aura, making up for his loss in qi.


    The dragon-produced ruby contained mystical magic power.


    He used his Magic Eyes to look at the ruby, only to see it as a slowly spinning, blood-like vortex of light.


    I can see a gem''s magic power, so I also should be able to see a dragon''s magic power. During the time that I have left, I will practice hard and strive to employ the Magic Eyes at will.


    Liszt was very high-spirited after pulling out the Redblood Sword.


    In the near future, he had to be prepared to battle with a dragon''.


    Gort, why do you think Sir Baron wants a tunnel to be dug here? Isaiah used his fingers to calcte the number of copper coins that would be given to the serfs.


    Liszt never demanded freebor from the serfs, always paying them a certain remuneration. Consequently, the serfs were eager to register for the various productions and constructions.


    The drive for benefits and the power of the lord worked like a charm.


    To be honest, I am also in the dark. Gort looked detached as he held a pipe in his mouth, Liszt is already an adult, and is no longer that timid youngster in the Tulip Castle. I cannot understand what he is thinking most of the time. I don''t even know what he is nning to do with the Flower Town.


    You didn''t say it like that in your letter. You said that the Flower Town is thriving.


    Would you havee if I did say it like that? Besides, even though the Flower Town is not thriving but at least we have seafood to eat everyday, right?


    I admit that catching seafood is a novel undertaking and picking up the feces is a major undertaking. But what is the deal with digging a tunnel below the farm, is it meant to be a cer to store fodder?


    Gort took the pipe and knocked the ash off: Don''tin. ir neverins, so every dinner, Liszt has one more drink with him.


    That''s because he is already old. He just wants to find an aristocratic patron, so that he can spend the remainder of his life infort. He has no ambitions.


    You are also not young.


    But I still hope to return one day to the rank of aristocracy. I must struggle for my son. He is too stupid, and will never be able to marry an aristocratic gentlewoman. Isaiah grabbed his hair in vexation, I originally wanted toe here to see if I could get a chance to go to the battlefield as you said that Liszt had great ambitions.


    I am not sure about that. However, you can talk to Marcus. That guy wants to be an aristocrat more than anyone else, yet he had quite quickly vowed loyalty to Liszt.


    Isaiah narrowed his eyes: I will.


    Soon it was evening, it was time to distribute the wages. Isaiah checked the register as he gave the serfs their copper coins in exchange for their work one at a time: Next, Aleva Dogs.h.i.t.


    Sir, it''s me, it''s me. Aleva, whose family name was Dogs.h.i.t, rubbed his hands before receiving the two copper coins with tion from the clerk.


    With them, he could by eight big loafs of ck bread!


    However, he had no intentions of buying ck bread as his wife had joined the oyster settlement. Every day, she would go to the beach to catch seafood. Apart from the portion that she had to give to the castle, there would still be seafood for him to eat at home. He had eaten a lot of seafood these past few days. He felt like his body was full of power. The time that he couldst at night had doubled, reaching upwards of six minutes.


    His wife had praised him for his ability, letting him eat more seafood.


    He was ready to have his third child now that he could strive to get more copper coins. In the future, he would send his child to the cksmith shop to act as an apprentice. ording to the sir lord, serfs skillful in particr fields would be valued.


    Praise Sir Lord! After collecting the copper coins, Aleva couldn''t help but to say his prayers inside. He liked this current lord of his as every consecutive day was changing for the better. He didn''t had to worry about having to eat his fill and still could save some copper coins, Just that, why does the sir lord wants to dig a tunnel here?


    He was a serf of the dairy farm responsible for raising cows.


    Previously, he was still very worried,ining to his wife that he might have to lose his work, that the sir lord might not want to raise cows. Otherwise, why else would he want to dig a tunnel in the dairy farm.


    But he was scolded by his wife: You can go raise horses if you cannot raise cows, you can go build roads if you cannot raise horses, or you can go cultivate maize if you cannot build roads. Sir Lord is an extremely good person, giving the old, women, and children easy work and letting them eat their fill. Dogs.h.i.t, stop your whining! You must believe in Sir Lord!


    Aleva took his wife''s words to heart and quickly changed his train of thought.


    Now he thought that it did not matter where the sir lord wanted to dig. He was a great lord. How could mere plebs understand what an n.o.ble lord was thinking?


    Practicing the Magic Eyes and supervising the construction projects had be Liszt''s main tasks these past few days.


    All the preparations in the dairy farms werepleted over the past few days.


    The beacon was ready, the bunker was well camouged, and the pa.s.sage was repeatedly crossed. There were no obstacles. The smoked gra.s.s was reaped and stacked on the beacon, ready to be ignited at any time. The young cows were kept not far away, while the two old cows, Old Flower and Old ck, were tied to the edge of the beacon.


    List had also crossed the path from the thorns woods to the bunker to ensure that he could immediately hurry over to the bunker after settling down the worm stalk.


    The bunker also had an U-shaped pa.s.sage connecting to another shelter.


    If the invisible dragon did not behave as expected and did not leave the Flower Town after eating the cows and gra.s.s, he would immediately follow the U-shaped pa.s.sage to hide in the shelter and then block the pa.s.sage.


    The shelter had breathing holes connected to the outside as well as quite a lot of food- and drinkstuff deposited inside.


    At least he could ensure his safety.


    There could be no missteps when dealing with a dragon.


    Liszt performed his final inspection of the project. The project was not big, so the inspection progressed quickly. It was up to standard. Everything was made ording to his wishes, nothing fancy.


    I like this world and this era.


    He climbed onto the beacon, surveying the entire dairy farm: Things get in motion with a word from the lord. In the past, I managed a five-person team in apany, yet they gave me lip. Here, no one dares to question me, with Gort and Marcus being no exception.


    For men, power was an irresistible desire.


    Those who had never enjoyed power might think that there was nothing special about it, but after enjoying it for themselves, they would be addicted, unable to resist the wonderful feeling it gave.


    Liszt could not give up the ident.i.ty of the Flower Town''s baron.


    At the same time, the ambition at the bottom of his heart was growing. The Flower Town was too small to satisfy his thirst for greater power. Fortunately, it was only ambition. Reason was the one prevailing over his thought. Following his policy of ascend the throne only after the provisions were full and ramparts were built'', he slowly plotted.


    Are kings and aristocrats born with their standing?

 Chapter 53: Invasion of the Invisible Dragon

    Chapter 53: Invasion of the Invisible Dragon


    The weather was dry in early June.


    The sun rose early in the morning. Following which, the refreshing cold was swept away and reced by the blistering heat, which persisted through the entire day.


    Wearing the ck, magic beast leather armor, having thegem weapon Redblood Sword hang from the waist, the sapphire-colored eyes shining brightly, and the handsome face adorned with a solemn expression.


    When Gort, who went to the castle early in the morning to receive his orders, saw the Flower Town''s lord, he became absent-minded for a second. Even if it was the Coral Ind''s count, he still could notpare with the captivating, n.o.ble temper Liszt was currently exuding.


    Just in terms of the visual impact, with 100 points being full marks, Liszt might be 1 point short of the full marks because of his pride.


    Looks could not satiate a person, but they could make them feel delighted.


    Looking into the mirror every morning put Liszt in a good mood.


    The gentleman''s valet, Thomas, carefully straightened out the creases on Liszt''s leather armor. Grooming the aristocrats they served was the main responsibility of gentleman''s valets anddy''s maids.


    Teacher Gort, ording to the n, the dairy farm settlement''s serfs shall be moved to other settlements. A curfew is to be implemented for the entire day. No one, no matter the reason, is allowed to leave their homes. The patrol is to put all activities on hold and await my order of removing the curfew in the administrative office.


    Understood, Liszt, I am going to pa.s.s down your orders.


    Gort turned and rode away.


    Everyone was in the dark regarding their lord''s decision, yet obedience had long since been ingrained deep in their bones. Therefore, once the order was pa.s.sed down, the entire Flower Town quickly ground to a standstill.


    A silence, which usually would be present at night, permeated the town. asionally, only dog barks could be heard.


    There were not many people who could afford to raise dogs. Therefore, this bit of noise was insignificant.


    The sun was still climbing in the east. Liszt put a mouthpiece on Firedragon so as to stop it from making any noise: Mr. Carter, do you remember what I said?


    Master, you said that today the castle''s gate must be closed, and Tremblingwoods and the horses must be locked away. We must do our utmost to stop them from making noise. If in danger, the servants are to be taken into the cer. No one is to go out. Only when Master returns can the castle resume its normal activity.


    Very good.


    Carter had a worried expression: Master, is this endeavor going to be dangerous?


    There is going to be some danger, but I have already done extensive preparations, so there is no need to worry about me, Mr. Carter.


    Thomas hesitated before saying: Master, you should bring me along. Although I have no ability, but I might still be useful to buy you a bit of time in a time of danger.


    You saying this pleases me, Thomas. But there is no need. Lisztshed lightly with the horsewhip. Following which, Firedragon sprang alike a me.


    Wind whistled in his ears as the hoofs raised a trail of dust.


    No one could be seen traveling on the road. Evidently, themoners stayed indoors after receiving the order.


    With a storm raging in his chest, he scurried to the dairy farm. Wearing a mask, Liszt climbed the beacon. Originally, he had ned to have a servantignite the beacon, but then decided to do it himself in order to reduce the possibility of information being leaked.


    There were two jars filled with smoke gra.s.s juice on the beacon.


    Liszt raised his hand to block the sun and looked around. No longer hesitating, he opened the jars and poured the juice onto the two old cows down below.


    A pungent smell suddenly spread.


    In an attempt to escape, the two cows twisted and moved like crazy, but the tightly tied ropes around their necks let them no other choice but to endure irascibly.


    Even with a mask, Liszt still nearly vomited from the smell. Restraining the urge to vomit, he quickly ignited the dried smoke gra.s.s atop the beacon. Once the fire rose.


    He immediately jumped down.


    Riding the simrly irascible Firedragon, he made a beeline to the Thorns Woods.


    When he arrived at the Thorns Woods, he tied up Firedragon. He took deep breaths to suppress the urge to vomit.After taking a look around and making sure that it was safe, he took out the jade box with the thorns sprite worm.


    Preparations can only take one so far, now is the moment of truth. Opening the jade box, he whispered to the chubby thorns sprite worm inside, Little fellow,e out and settle down your worm stalk.


    With their minds connected.


    The thorns sprite worm climbed onto his hand, opened its mouth and spat out its worm stalk. The worm stalknded amidst small shrubs before quickly taking root and germinating.


    Meanwhile, Liszt quickly hid in the tunnel, rushing towards the bunker whilst hunched. The thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk had finished growing approximately at the same time as he arrived at the bunker. Liszt forced himself to calm down, then focused his mind and summoned the smoke mission.


    The smoke twisted for a moment before forming Serpentines.


    Missionpleted. Reward: invasion of the invisible dragon.


    When he confirmed that the mission waspleted, he dispersed the smoke without waiting for the new mission to be issued. Operating his qi, he released the Magic Eyes and looked into the sky.


    The thick smokeing from the smoke gra.s.s swayed lightly as it rose into the sky.


    In the bunker, he could sense the smell of unwashed socks worn for half a year, preserving his nausea. He could only rely on his sight without binocrs. Below the beacon, the two old cows were frothing from their mouths from the unbearable smell. Liszt was worried that they could die from the smell before the invisible dragon appeared.


    Time pa.s.sed slowly.


    Liszt was approaching his time limit regarding the Magic Eyes, yet there was still no trace of the invisible dragon to be found.


    In principle, the rewards emerge at the same time as the missions arepleted before sooner orternding in my hands. So why had the invisible dragon not yet invaded the Flower Town?


    Is there a dy in the emergence of the reward?


    If the information about the invisible dragon is true, then it should be attracted by the smoke gra.s.s as soon as it emerges.


    His eyes were getting tired. Just as he felt like he could no longer sustain the secret skill and was about to dispel it, a faint phantom in the sky beside the column of smoke suddenly attracted Liszt''s attention.


    The phantom was quite small and indistinct at first; it started to erge before finally taking the form of a faint ash-grey dragon.


    It had a pair of huge wings and a streamlined body.


    It circled around the column of smoke as it descended.


    Liszt''s mind was in a turmoil: An invisible dragon!


    It really is an invisible dragon! Liszt clenched the Redblood Sword. In order to observe the invisible dragon, he exerted himself greatly to operate the remaining bit of qi in his body to keep supporting the Magic Eyes.


    It was the first time he saw a dragon!


    Dragons were the representatives of this world''s peak powers!


    Despite only seeing the dragon''s magic power and not the dragon itself, his blood still boiled from excitement: As stated in the [Earth Knight-Errant Griff''s Travel Notes], the invisible dragon is not big. It is only as big as a thatched cottage, or as big as two to three thatched cottages when including its wings.


    Yet its proud stance exuded a prestige unparalleled under the heavens.


    Even though there was a considerable distance separating Liszt from the dragon, but he still could feel his body stretch taut because of the dragon''s prestige. This was Dragon Might!


    ording to legend, all creatures would submit wherever dragons pa.s.sed through


    It descended following the smoke exuded from the smoke gra.s.s Liszt''s Magic Eyes copsed as he no longer could support the secret skill and the figure of the invisible dragon disappeared without a trace.


    The information provided by the smoke missions was correct, the invisible dragon liked the smell of smoke gra.s.s.


    After rubbing his sore and swelled eyes, Liszt used his naked eyes to look at the beacon. He could not see the invisible dragon. But the activity at that side indicated that the invisible dragon was tossing about. The smoke was in a turmoil, the old cows were wailing as theyy on the ground, and even the beacon started to copse and catch fire.


    Roarrrr!


    A strange, sharp, and gooseb.u.mps-inducing howl raged amid the mes. It came from the dragon.

 Chapter 54: Diamonds Are Forever

    Chapter 54: Diamonds Are Forever


    Moo


    Old Flower whined and copsed in a pool of blood.


    Tightly gripping the Redblood Sword, Liszt operated the bit of qi he had just recovered and released the Magic Eyes.


    His sight changed. Next to the mes, he saw the ash-grey invisible dragon formed from magic power tearing into the old cows. It had already finished eating Old ck and was currently enjoying Old Flower. While eating, it would raise its head from time to time and look around. It was very alert.


    Its shape was no different from the depictions ofdragons Liszt saw in books.


    It had the physique of a standard Western dragon, just that it was a bit slender.


    It had four limbs. However, when on the ground, it did not close its wings. Its wings were simr to the wings of a bat as they simrly adapted a forelimb-like structure, with the fingers supporting the membranes. The wings would open and retract with the opening and closing of the fingers.


    However, because the wings adopted a forelimb-like structure, they could not be folded alike the wings of birds.


    The wings could be folded by bending the elbows. There still were fingers resembling hooks or sickles in the middle of the wings at the position of the metacarpal bones.


    The invisible dragon used the hooks of its wings to cut the flesh and bones of the cow and then stuff the mincemeat into its mouth.


    It had a very long tail, which was much longer than what was normally depicted in ill.u.s.trations of dragons. It also had horns on its head, not a pair, but rather an entire row of long and short horns. Reportedly, dragon horns symbolized power. When attending grand ceremonies, the kings'' scepters were generally made from dragon horns.


    However, when using the Magic Eyes, Liszt saw that the ce where the invisible dragon''s magic power was most concentrated was not at its horns nor its heart.


    Instead, it was at its teeth.


    The magic power of each dragon tooth was exceptionally clear. There was a total of forty-two teeth. Besides the four huge canines, the remaining teeth were also fairly sharp.


    Reportedly, a dragon''s soul was concealed in its teeth. Extracting a dragon''s soul, forging a divine armament from its teeth, and then pouring the soul inside would result in the most formidable of weapons. For a split second, Liszt was eager to ughter the invisible dragon and pull out its teeth.


    Of course, that was just wishful thinking.


    Hurry up eating and leave. Liszt dispelled the Magic Eyes and continued to observe the dairy farm.


    The invisible dragon took its time eating, allowing him to recover his qi, summon the smoke mission, and then finally take a look at the new mission.


    Mission: the invisible dragon has appeared in the Flower Town. After preparing the things that it loved to eat, smoke gra.s.s and cow meat, the only thing left to do is to wait for it to eat its fill and leave. Please evade the invasion of the invisible dragon. Reward: a gift from the invisible dragon.


    What should be done has been done. Now, sit back and rx, and the mission will bepleted. His heart was stirred as he set his sight on the gift from the invisible dragon'', What will it be?


    Inside, though, he had already an inkling of what it might be.


    Next, Liszt quietly observed the invisible dragon using the Magic Eyes when his qi had recovered and indirectly observed using the naked eye when his qi was depleted.


    About half an hourter, the mes were already extinguished and only broken pieces of bones remained from the cows.


    Seeing that the alfalfa on the ground was being blown by wind, Liszt promptly operated the bit of qi that he had just recovered. Enduring the pain in his eyes, he once more unleashed the Magic Eyes.


    He saw the invisible dragon flying in the direction of the East Coast, away from the Flower Town. Liszt saw it getting further and further away, until his Magic Eyes copsed.


    It''s gone Liszt had mixed feelings.


    There was relief after tension, loss after the departure of a beautiful thing, expectation of the gift, and a sense of aplishment forpleting the invasion of a dragon.


    As a precaution for the invisible dragoning back, lets wait a bit more.


    After staying in the bunker for nearly half an hour, he released the Magic Eyes and carefully looked around to make sure that there was no trace of the invisible dragon.


    Liszt pushed open the camouge above the bunker and came out.


    He stretched while facing the scorching sun: My first contact with a dragon is over, ah. He still didn''t know what sort of dragon the invisible dragon was, but as long as it was a dragon, it was an unfathomable existence, especially as it was a sacred dragon that was invisible.


    The word sacred, to some extent, indicated that such a dragon was extraordinary.


    Going back to the Thorns Woods, he checked the on the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk. After untying Firedragon''s reins, he discovered that it had sullied itself. The mare must have been scared witless by the Dragon Might just now.


    Fortunately, its back was clean.


    Riding Firedragon, Liszt headed for the dairy farm. However, even when being whipped by Liszt, Firedragon still was not willing to approach the beacon.


    Dragon Might No, the scent of the dragon can scare you this much? Luckily you have the bloodline of the low-ranked magic beast me Horse. Helpless, Liszt could only dismount it and go on foot.


    He could not sense the scent left behind by the invisible dragon as the ce was still filled with the smell of smoke gra.s.s.


    It was unknown to where the dairy farm''s other eight cows had ran to. Liszt just hoped that they did not entered the depths of the Thorns Ridge. Otherwise, they would surely end up as food for magic beasts.


    With utmost care, Liszt looked through the remains of the beacon. He even took a hoe and carefully rummaged through the ground. On one hand, he was looking for the gift from the invisible dragon, while on the other hand, he was destroying the footprints and any other traces left by the invisible dragon.


    People could get into trouble because of treasures.


    So he had to be careful.


    Found it! A momentter, Liszt found the thing that he was looking for, a transparent gem, underneath cow bones.


    It was not big, roughly the size of a fingernail. It was much smaller then the ruby iid in the Bloodred Sword, which was the size of a baby''s fist. Also, it was not of a gorgeous color. It looked simr to a diamond. It was crystal clear and had an irregr shape, looking t with multiple edges. It could refract sunlight into fragmented shes.


    Inexplicably, Liszt thought of an advertising slogan.


    Diamonds are forever.


    It was indeed a good material for making a ring, though it was unknown whether the s.p.a.ce part was true or not. He did not immediately inspect it, but instead carefully put it away, and then proceeded with rummaging through the ground. He hoped to find a second one. Unfortunately, after rummaging through a scope of fifty meters, which was also the scope of the invisible dragon''s footprints, he did not find a second gem.


    He was unresigned. But even after opening the Magic Eyes, he still could not find anything.


    Apparently, the so-called gift is really just this gem. Liszt wiped the sweat off his forehead. The leather armor he wore was dirty, greatly reducing his aristocratic demeanor. Still, there was a radiant smile adorning his face, In any case, this chapter of the invisible dragon has ended, and the Flower Town is safe.


    He walked into a serf''s thatched cottage to cool off and take a look at the new mission.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a gem of the invisible dragon.


    Mission: tomatoes grown by the tomato settlement''s John Shoulderpole household are better,having a greater yield and growing faster, than the tomatoes grown by the other households. As the lord, there is no way you would not go figure out the reason for this. Reward: a sprite worm.

 Chapter 55: Testing the Gems s.p.a.ce

    Chapter 55: Testing the Gem''s s.p.a.ce


    The origin of John Shoulderpole household''s tomatoes being so different is quite simple; it''s because a tomato sprite worm is about to be born amidst this household''s tomatoes!


    Liszt skimmed through the content of the mission, then looked at the reward to be given, and made the above-mentioned judgement.


    Here, tomatoes were the main vegetables. Without a sprite worm, the Flower Town''s yield of tomatoes was not high. Now, finally, there was a tomato sprite worm. it was worth celebrating: After going back, I will investigate the tomato sprite worm. There cannot be any issues with the birth of the tomato sprite worm.


    Liszt raised the gem dropped by the invisible dragon in his left hand.


    It flickered with radiances.


    Liszt took a deep look at the gem, griped it, and stowed it away. Next, he left the serf house, mounted Firedragon, and left the dairy farm. Everything was over. The traces regarding the invisible dragon had been erased.


    After a while.


    The butler, Carter, brought the servants to the castle''s gate to wee their master: Master, you returned safely. I can finally be at ease. He heaved a long sigh once he said that.


    No need to worry, I can handle anything. Nodded Liszt, Thomas, go to the town, notify Teacher Gort to lift the curfew and let the Flower Town resume its original order. Mrs. Mawson, prepare bath water. I am tired and sweaty, I needed a nice bath.


    As you wish, Master.


    The oppressive atmosphere was swept away and the castle immediately became bustling.


    Thomas rode to the town to notify Gort, Tom took the new servingmen to feed the horses and tend to Tremblingwoods, the maids had to doundry, and the kitchen was bustling with lunch preparations. Just for the aristocrat Liszt, fifteen servants had to work nonstop to ensure that he could enjoy himself.


    Although he bathed frequently, yet the baths did not take longer than five minutes. This was Liszt''s principle.


    He put on home clothes, went to the study, and locked the door.


    Next, he took out the invisible dragon''s gem and started studying it.


    Judging by its appearance, there was no way to determine what made it unique. When opening the Magic Eyes, he could only see countless stars wandering about the gem''s magic power vortex. Aside from a different color, the invisible dragon''s gem did not look much different from the Redblood Sword''s ruby while using Magic Eyes.


    So, how does it rte to a s.p.a.ce ring?


    Or, how do I open the s.p.a.ce inside the gem? Do I use blood for it to recognize me as its master or pour magic power into it?


    Using blood involved self-muttion, which made Liszt a bit scared. Therefore, he tried to first pour his qi into the gem. When his qi made contact with the gem, then alike concluding a contract with a sprite worm, he immediately felt a subtle connection being quickly established. Following which, the gem started to fiercely absorb his qi.


    Once about one tenth of his qi was absorbed, the gem stopped absorbing. The subtle connection had expanded into an invisible portal.


    Following the sense of connection, Liszt suddenly found himself discovering a neither big nor small s.p.a.ce.


    The s.p.a.ce had anirregr, circr shape. In the s.p.a.ce, the four directions  up, down, left, and right  where not clear. The wall'' surrounding the s.p.a.ce was of an unknownposition, it had no gaps and was indestructible.


    It looks like a sphere with a diameter of 5 odd meters, which is equivalent to the surface area of a bachelor pad. Liszt was clearly looking at the shiny gem in his hand.


    Yet meanwhile in his mind, he could perceive the s.p.a.ce.


    It was quite the fantastic feeling.


    He also found out that this state would persist for as long as he supplied the gem with qi and that keeping the portal open consumed magic power at about the same speed that his qi recovered automatically.


    When severing the supply of qi.


    Shortly after, the portal leading to the s.p.a.ce and the fantastic feeling in his mind would dissipate, with the spheroid s.p.a.ce disappearing without a trace: By relying on qi, or in other words, magic power, the s.p.a.ce would be opened. By consuming magic power, the s.p.a.ce would be kept opened. By severing magic power, the s.p.a.ce would suddenly close. Then the invisible dragon''s gem is indeed a s.p.a.ce ring.


    Its size was suitable for a ring.


    More crucially, magic power had to be provided nonstop. The had was the optimal output location for supplying qi.


    However, I don''t intend to embed it into a ring, that would be too conspicuous. For the time being, I cannot use it whenever. For safety reasons, I should make it into a pendant and hang it around my neck.


    The s.p.a.ce ring was a priceless treasure, particrly for greater aristocrats. It was of enormous importance for concealing secrets.


    But for Liszt, at present, there was nothing worth storing inside the s.p.a.ce ring. It was not a priority for him. Honestly speaking, if he could get a greater sprite for it, then he would not hesitate to part with the s.p.a.ce ring. No matter how great the s.p.a.ce ring was, it would still not be as important as the promotion of productivity.


    In any case, it had to be further studied.


    He reopened the s.p.a.ce and started trying to store things inside. This pose not a problem for him. After simple testing, he grasped the method. He had to wrap the things he wanted to store inside the s.p.a.ce ring in magic power.


    Holding the s.p.a.ce ring in the left hand while releasing qi from his right hand to wrap it around an item, a book for example, he wanted to store.


    The book disappeared from the desk and appeared inside the s.p.a.ce ring in an instant. Apparently, he had to will it and the book would appear anywhere he wanted inside the s.p.a.ce ring. Thereupon, he delightedly put all the books in the study inside the s.p.a.ce and, as if there was a bookshelf, hung them midair.


    Inside the s.p.a.ce, the books were static,cking any motion.


    Is this simr to a vacuum environment? He ignited amp and then put it inside. Following which, he saw an incredible scene  themp motionlessly kept its ignited state.


    Next, by spreading the qi keeping the portal open, he moved themp until its me was bent from meeting the cover of a book. However, themp still didn''t went out nor was the cover of the book ignited. It seemed like anything that entered this s.p.a.ce was immersed in a static environment.


    Does it mean that even the movement between atoms is halted? Liszt tried toe up with a scientific exnation, but quickly gave up. This world seemed to have a scientific foundation, but anything rted to magic power was already beyond the scope of science. The s.p.a.ce ring had no scientific exnation.


    He wrapped themp with qi, willed with his mind, and took it out.


    Only now did the me continue burning.


    After several tests, Liszt had determined that the s.p.a.ce inside the s.p.a.ce ring was fairly static.


    What would happen if I put living things inside? He wanted to try it quite badly, yet his qi was already depleted.


    Opening the s.p.a.ce, storing things inside, taking things out required the consumption of magic power. Also, as an Earth Knight, his reserves of qi were somewhatcking.


    At lunch, Gort, Marcus and the others came.


    Teacher Gort, had the fief''s order been restored? Sitting in the seat of honor, Liszt cut a piece of roasted meat with a knife. He had already adapted to the Western-styled cuisine.


    Gort took a swig of beer: The curfewsted just a single morning, so it had no impact on the fief. However, Liszt, the dairy farm has two less cows.


    In other words, eight cows have returned?


    That''s right. They actually returned from the Thorns Ridge, which is crazy. While only bones remain from the two old cows. Gort obviously wanted to inquire about this matter, yet did not dare ask. Liszt had previously said that no questions were to be asked about what was to happen in the dairy farm.


    Liszt had no intentions of exining himself: Well, the bones of the old cows can be made into stew for serfs who return to the dairy farm to fill the tunnels, letting the dairy farm resume its original appearance.


    Gort shrugged: As you wish.

 Chapter 56: The Tomato Settlements Bright Prospects

    Chapter 56: The Tomato Settlement''s Bright Prospects


    After lunch, Liszt said to Gort: There is a serf called John Shoulderpole in the tomato settlement. The tomatoes of his household''s field are bigger and better than the rest. Come with me to take a look, to see whether there is anything interesting.


    Gort was baffled: Liszt, howe you know of this?


    I pay attention and listen to what people are saying, Teacher Gort. A qualified lord cannot be ignorant regarding their fief, they have to pay attention to everything.


    Alright.


    Gort could not figure out how Liszt could know something about the fief that he didn''t. Had Liszt made arrangements for watchdogs in the fief?


    Was it perhaps a.s.sociated with the mysterious activity this morning as well as the tunnel excavation matter?


    He felt that he had to do his work more earnestly, that Liszt was clear about any activity of his.


    This was bad, it meant that he could loose the lord''s trust at any time.


    Sir Lord, this is John Shoulderpole. Pointed a clerk at a reserved serf and said.


    John Shoulderpole hurriedly took his wife, son, and daughter to kneel before Liszt in salute: Sir Lord. He was very nervous as he did not know what for the lord was looking him for.


    If it were the former tax collector knight sent by the count who came to see him, then he might had already peed himself. Having an aristocrating to look for one was definitely no a good thing. However, aftering to the Flower Town, Liszt''s reputation was quite good. Therefore, John was just nervous.


    Sure enough.


    The Flower Town''s lord smiled softly at him: Don''t be nervous, John. I heard that your household has the best tomatoes. Is it true?


    Answering, answering Sir Lord: it is true.


    Do you know why it is so?


    I don''t know, Sir Lord. But it was this season that my household''s tomatoes got better and better. The town''s freedmen like to by my household''s tomatoes and even Mrs. Abby from Sir Lord''s castle has praised my household''s tomatoes as being the best. Said John very proudly.


    There was no greater praise a serf could get than receiving recognition from the castle.


    Liszt did not continue with the next question, instead saying directly: In this case, take me to the tomato field cultivated by your household.


    Following John Shoulderpole, the group quickly arrived at arge tomato field in the center of the tomato settlement. Tomatoes, unlike wheat, were not cultivated in arge farnd, but rather in small fields. The tomato field allocated to John''s household was located at the center of the tomato settlement. Clearly, it was doing better than the fields of other households.


    Of course, no matter who cultivated the fields, all of them still belonged to Liszt.


    Sir Lord, these are my household''s tomatoes. John had a look of exultation when he mentioned his tomato field. Ever since the town''s officials taught us how to cultivate, I have been scooping out pond mud and picking up manure every day before spreading them on the field. Like this, the tomatoes grew better and better.


    The tomato sprouts on the field were very strong and healthy. He was unable to tell which one of them might be pregnant with a sprite worm.


    However, Liszt now had a way to tell which sprout was pregnant with the sprite worm.


    He quickly unleashed his Magic Eyes and looked at the tomato field. Before long, he found a dark green cirction of magic power amid the tomato sprouts. It was definitely a worm stalk.


    I believe that I have already figured it out.Liszt dispelled the Magic Eyes, turned to Gort and said, This is a sign that a sprite worm is about to be born. Teacher Gort, you have work to do. Protect this household''s tomato sprouts, particrly the one that is going to bear the sprite worm.


    Oh, heavens, is this true, is the fief going to bear a sprite worm? Gort shouted exaggeratedly, Sir Baron, you are beloved by the glory of knights! The Flower Town has risen! Please be at ease, I will protect this adorable little fellow, letting it develop in peace.


    Next, Marcus sighed in pleasant surprise: Two sprite worms in a short span, Sir, you are indeed beloved by the glory of knights!


    Marcus felt that it was worthwhile being Liszt''s loyal follower.


    There were clear signs that Liszt was not an ordinary lesser aristocrat. His temperament, his train of thought, and his luck were all indicative of this.


    Luck in particr; at times, luck was more important than strength.


    Liszt smiled. With smoke missions, there was no need to worry about ack of pleasant surprises. He was still calm. He dered in a gentle tone: A tomato sprite worm is about to be born. With it, a brighter future is awaiting the tomato settlement. As a reward for John Shoulderpole''s diligence, I decided to bestow upon him 1 Nalda (gold coin).


    Lucky serf.


    Gort was a bit jealous. With his wages of 10 copper coins a day, he would take more than three months to collect 1 Nalda, if he did not buy drinks nor food, that is.


    A sprite worm?


    A Nalda?


    Sir Lord rewarded me with a Nalda?


    Right until Liszt took his people away, John was still stunned as if in a dream. Cultivating tomatoes over and over could result in a gold coin? After all, serfs could not even gather a silver coin from a year of cultivating crops. They might not even see a Nalda in their lifetime. However, he actually got one from cultivating crops.


    Daddy, daddy, show me the Nalda, wow, I have never seen a Nalda! The eight-year-old son shouted, wanting to s.n.a.t.c.h away the gold coin from his father''s hand.


    John finally sobered up. He gripped the coin and looked at his son: Go away, you think that you can touch the Nalda?!


    He looked at his wife and extended a trembling hand: Anya, look, Sir Lord has given me a Nalda, we are rich! We have a Nalda!


    Anya was also trembling, saying excitedly: Oh heavens, John, is this real? Am I dreaming?


    You are not dreaming, I also am not dreaming, it is real, Sir Lord has personally given it to me! Anya, we are rich!


    Oh haha, oh haha, our family is rich! The four-year-old daughter pped her little hands as she cheered.


    Daddy, show me the Nalda! The son still had his hand outstretched, askiing for the coin.


    John ignored his son, only caring for his excited wife: Thank heavens, thank Sir Lord beloved by the glory of knights. With Sir Lord, our Flower Town will get more and more prosperous.


    Anya took the Nalda and carefully put it on the palm of her hand. A tender expression adorned her not good-looking, square face: John, we can use the Nalda to be freedmen!


    Be freedmen? John shook his head. I don''t want to do that.


    Why? Have you not always wanted to be a freedman, to leave the Flower Town, and go live in another town?


    That was because we could never eat our fill in the Flower Town. But Anya, what about now? We have seafood, very cheap seafood at that. A copper coin can buy arge pile of m. Look at Karl and Lucy, they always it its flesh! We can eat our fill in the Flower Town because Sir Lord is benevolent, this Nalda is also a token of Sir Lord''s benevolence!


    He said zealously: I believe that Sir Lord will make the Flower Town better and better! I want to cultivate the fields for Sir Lord, for the rest of my life! Anya, will you support me?


    John, you are the head of the family, whatever you decide is good. Besides, I am also used to living in the Flower Town. Anya replied with a smile. I am going to prepare dinner. How about we have a loaf of white bread tonight?


    Haha, sounds great. I miss the sweet and fragrant white bread from our wedding anniversary.


    The daughter pped her hands andughed: Ohhhhh, we are going to eat white bread tonight!


    The son began whining: Mommy, show me the Nalda, mommy

 Chapter 57: Selection of Young Knight

    Chapter 57: Selection of Young Knight


    Missionpleted. Reward: one tomato sprite worm.


    Mission: the fief has no knights guarding it, it is perpetually on the verge of meeting danger. The four retainer knights are good-for-nothings. However, with the seafood as nutrients, many more seedlings wait to be discovered. Please pick suitable youngsters for knight training. Reward: a bird-type magic beast''s egg on the verge of hatching.


    The smoke Serpentines gradually dissipated.


    Liszt came back to his senses. The tomato settlement mission was quite easilypleted. In fact, the smoke missions were not difficult, only involving thepletion of a set of sequences by exploiting given circ.u.mstances.


    A bird-type magic beast''s egg on the verge of hatching, that is to say, you want to give me a flying-type magic beast? Liszt looked at Tremblingwoods prostrated next to his feet. It had its tongue stuck out alike a dog. Suddenly, he envisioned a marvelous scene.


    Left hand leashing a yellow hound, right hand lifting a grey falcon.


    Rejuvenated, my fiery zeal I disy. (The two verses are from the poem , by )


    He had no yellow hound, nor a falcon, yet he had a magic beast that was even more outstanding. The Violent Dog[1], Tremblingwoods, had conditioned reflexes already drilled into it. With amand from Liszt, it would lunge, bite, sit, lie down, jump, and climb. Compared to a dog, Tremblingwoods was smarter and therefore could be better trained.


    Just that Tremblingwoods, a Violent Dog, was still not capable of sessfully releasing its magic, the Rock Thorns.


    I have trained dogs, but have yet to train falcons. The bird-type magic beast that is about to be my pet, I don''t know whether it is smart, nor whether it will be easy to train it. If it cannot be tamed, then it can only be roasted and eaten. While feeling rueful, Liszt still licked his lips unconsciously.


    There were very few chickens kept in the Flower Town, and they were relied upon for eggs. Even for him, it was not easy to get a chicken, let alone the even rarer ducks and geese.


    He was already salivating.


    The Thorns Ridge, on the other hand, was full of wild animals. Although Marcus'' archery was pretty good and he was easily capable off shooting down a few birds, but with the haughty temper of someone aspiring to rise to aristocracy, he would not lightly act as a hunter.


    For aristocrats, hunting was a st, but for him, to go hunting would be demeaning.


    For Liszt, it was a marvelous concept, but for people like Marcus, it was their lives'' quest. Therefore, Liszt would find it awkward ordering Marcus to go catch a few birds to satisfy his gluttony.


    Originally, I did not intend to form a knight squad so soon as currently the are too few people and there are not many outstanding seedlings to choose from. But since the mission was issued, then so be it. There should be hundreds of youngsters ranging from ten to sixteen years of age in the fief. Lets choose twelve to form a squad and then see how it goes.


    A twelve people knight squadprised of a captain, a deputy, and ten members.


    Greater aristocrats set up knight colleges. From young, children would be chosen to enter knight colleges to practice cultivation, before being phased out in batches. Those left at the end would be qualified to be the lords'' retainer knights and join knight orders. Marcus was such a knight. His father had sent him to a knight college when he was still very young.


    The sons of many barons and chevaliers would practice cultivation in knight colleges. Liszt had also been in a knight college.


    The Flower Town did not have such a foundation and therefore, could only resort to picking a few healthy youngsters to nurture a nondescript knight squad. The cleverest housewife couldn''t cook a meal without rice, and Liszt also felt helpless. For the time being, he would first y along toplete the smoke mission.


    Sir, you want to choose new retainer knights and form a knight squad? At dinner, after learning of Liszt''s intentions, Marcus immediately became excited.


    The food in the Flower Town is aplenty, so there is no need to be sparing with it. The patrol can be hardly counted on, they are just a group of ordinary people, while Karl and the other three have not attained qi so far. Therefore, I need a new force to safeguard the Flower Town Only half a year is left until winter.


    Liszt winked, saying: In fact, I will put the Thorns Ridge, which is a hindrance to the Flower Town''s development, under my control sooner orter. Teacher Marcus, I need you to take charge of the selection and training of the knight squad. The count had not set up a boundary for Liszt''s fief. Therefore, he naturally could choose to annex the thorns Ridge.


    Thomas at once acted ording to the knight etiquette, saying solemnly: Sir, please rest a.s.sured. I, Marcus, will definitely select qualified preparatory knight squad members and then train them up to standard!


    I will let Teacher Gort cooperate with you. Train them well, Teacher Marcus.


    As you wish, Sir!


    Marcus held his head high when leaving the castle, not restraining the graceful bearing of an elite Earth Knight. He had been dispirited ever sinceing to the Flower Town. Day in day out, apart from protecting Liszt, he could only train Karl and the other three retainer knights.


    After experiencing Liszt''s wisdom and luck and ascertaining Liszt''s boldness and ambition, Marcus decided to devote his life to him, awaiting a chance to get aplishments.


    And after hearing Liszt''s statement, riches in the sea'', he became even more convinced.


    But from start to finish, he felt a bit awkward, not knowing what role he could y in the town. In at least the following few years, Liszt would not go to the battlefield. There was no point to go to the battlefield without knights. Although Liszt intended to clear the Thorns Ridge, but he basically stood no chance at it by relying on Marcus, a single Earth Knight.


    He lived with the regret of not being able to serve his state''.


    Now that Liszt chose to form a knights squad, the opportunity to take a step in the direction of gaining achievements had finally arrived. He was itching to promptly go choose the most suitable retainer knights, train them, and then at once clear the Thorns Ridge. Then, when it was time for the grand duchy to set off for a new war, they could partake in it.


    After dinner, he requested the Flower Town''s census roster from Gort.


    All the youngsters ranging from ten to sixteen years of age were singled out. The next day, the four retainer knights were dispatched to bring back these youngsters from their households.


    Under the scorching sun, a total of two hundred and thirty three youngsters of different physiques stood upright.


    Mixed expressions, such as eagerness, nervousness, worry, fear, yearning, and so on, were present in their eyes. They were told that the sir lord was ready to pick retainer knight.


    They understood the implication which came with being retainer knights. And even if they didn''t understood, their parents and neighbors would have exined it to them.


    Retainer knights were divided in two categories.


    One category wasprised of Karl Eisenhammer, Rhm Weinfa.s.s, and other retainer knights which were mainly retainers''. They were serfs sold into servitude to the aristocracy. Their main task was to follow aristocrats. On the battlefield, they were responsible for carrying equipment, doingundry, preparing food, and so on.


    The other category wasprised of Marcus and other retainer knights which were mainly knights''. Most of them were freedmen, and their main task was to fight.


    The sons of many lesser aristocrats would go to the fiefs of other aristocrat to act as retainer knights to study knight''s battle techniques and aristocratic etiquette. After thepletion of their studies, they would either go home to inherit their family''s t.i.tle or go to the battlefield to gain achievements.


    Basically.


    Being a retainer knight was an admission qualification into aristocracy; they were the reserves of aristocracy.


    After being chosen as a retainer knight, with enough achievements, even a serf could be a freedman or even be conferred a t.i.tle.


    And even without gaining many achievements, by following an aristocrat, one could eat and drink their fill and even save some money to help out their family.


    Therefore.


    In an attempt to perform a bit better, the youngsters stood straight and held their chins high. They hoped to be chosen as retainer knights. They were clear that this was a chance to change their destinies, perhaps even the only chance they would be ever given.


    From atop his horse, Marcus could faintly see his reflection as he surveyed the youngsters. Many years ago, when he was taken away the the sir count''s knight captain, he had not gone through such a selection as he had already been studying in the knight college for two years.


    However, the youngsters before him, they had no foundation. [1]  Flyingdust Dog was changed to Violent Dog

 Chapter 58: Learning Magic through a Forceful Method

    Chapter 58: Learning Magic through a Forceful Method


    Liszt did not interfere in the selection. Although he wanted the new recruits to have discipline drilled into them, but with magic and qi endlessly magnifying one''s strength, discipline could no longerplement for ack of strength.


    An elite Earth Knight like Marcus was more than enough to beat one hundred ordinary knights.


    Even a rookie Earth Knight like Liszt could beat twenty to thirty ordinary retainer knights. So long as he had enough qi, ordinary retainer knights could not evene near him and could only wait for him to exhaust his qi first.


    As someone who was taught in a knight college, Marcus had his own method of training novice knights.


    It was too hot outside, so Liszt just stayed in the castle and trained Tremblingwoods.


    Tremblingwoods, sit!


    Tremblingwoods was already as big as a wolfdog. Hearing the order, it immediately sat on the ground. It looked at Liszt with its tongue stuck out. Liszt threw it a small piece of dried meat and rubbed its head.


    When releasing the Magic Eyes.


    He could see that magic power inside Tremblingwoods'' body was already abundant.


    Theoretically, Tremblingwoods is not low on magic power. It is being fed well in the castle and growing quickly. It should already be capable of releasing magic. But unfortunately, there is no Violent Dog adult to guide it. It probably doesn''t know how to control the magic power inside its body. Should I be the one to guide it?


    By observing magic power with the Magic Eyes, he was confident that he could guide Tremblingwoods to drain its magic power.


    Just that it could be dangerous and Tremblingwoods could identally die if not careful.


    After hesitating for only a moment, he quickly came to a decision: If I don''t guide it, then once it .u.mtes too much magic power, it will die just the same from not being capable of draining its magic power. Instead, it is better to let it learn magic a bit earlier. Like this, even if it died, then at least less food would be squandered Most crucially, I am not too attached to it.


    Before transmigrating, the dog Liszt raised had died of old age and sickness. Consequently, he had grieved for a long time.


    Now, it was not easy for him to grow attached to a pet.


    Half of the pain people suffered originated from their emotional investments. People whose spirits and thoughts had matured knew to stop in time.


    Come here, Tremblingwoods.


    After being beckoned, Tremblingwoods immediately shook its tail and moved closer.


    Uh uh, woof woof!


    Truth be told, Violent Dogs were just oversized dogs, with their behavior and nature being close to those of dogs. Perhaps they were called Violent Dogs because they were more violent than dogs.


    Next, I will teach you magic! Liszt pacified the Violent Dog, letting it calm down. He released the Magic Eyes and observed the magic power circting inside its body.


    Magic and qi were forms of magic power.


    The difference lied in that magic was magic power wizards refined from the outside world, while qi was magic power knights refined from within them. Therefore, wizards could wield magic of a variety of attributes. They could use a Fireball in one moment and then use a Water Arrow in the next one. Knights, on the other hand, could only wield qi of the attribute of their bodies.


    As for magic power of magic beasts.


    Half of it was refined from within them and the other half of it was absorb from the outside world. Their speed of recovery was by far faster than that of human wizards and knights.


    As for the release of magic power, wizards only had to guide the elements in the air to form a variety of magic spells, while knights had to attach their qi to weapons to prevent it from vaporizing into the air.


    Magic beasts definitely would not learn the wizards''plex methods of spell casting and abstruse magic teachings. Therefore, the way they release magic is more like an instinctive reaction If I guide it to drain its magic power, then it would involuntarily release Rock Thorns


    It should be the same way that knights released their qi.


    In general, knights released their qi through their hands. Liszt mused: Through which parts of its body should Tremblingwoods release its magic? From its ws perhaps?


    Its ws should not be too appropriate, as it needed them to walk. There was never any mention of a knight releasing their qi through their legs.


    Suddenly, he recalled when he had just arrived at the Flower Town, he had met a Windde Wolf when patrolling the Thorns Ridge. The Windde Wolf had released its magic, Winddes, from its mouth.


    Judging from the structure of animals'' bodies, the best ce to release magic from was their mouths.


    Therefore, I have to channel Tremblingwoods magic power into its mouth, and then force open its constrains. There should be no difficulty to it Although my predecessor was fairly clumsy, but ording to his memories, he did not meet any difficulties the first time he released qi. As he thought this, he put his hand on Tremblingwoods and poured his qi into it, guiding its magic power.


    Uh uh!


    As if being burned, Tremblingwoods struggled madly. However, it was still only a few months old puppy. It was incapable of struggling free from the binds of an Earth Knight.


    It could only suffer the baptism from Liszt''s qi. His fire-attributed qi was scorching and explosive in nature. It was equivalent to putting Tremblingwoods into hundreds of degrees Celsius hot sauna.


    The puppy''s eyes instantly turned bloodshot.


    Its body temperature rose rapidly and it started emitting steam.


    I forgot that my qi is of the fire attribute. It seems that it is not suitable for guidance But since I have already started, then it is sink or swim. He suddenly exerted his force and shouted, Tremblingwoods, release your magic power!


    Burst!


    Via the Magic Eyes, he saw the magic power inside Tremblingwoods gather in its mouth under the guidance and pressure of his qi. Following a bursting sound, alike a balloon filled with water being punctured, the magic power forced open a certain ce inside Tremblingwoods mouth.


    What followed was a miraculous scene.


    On thewn next to them, three bamboo-shoots-shaped giant rock thorns emerged with thuds. The rock thorns were as thick as an adult''s thighs at the base, as sharp as needles at the top, and at least 1 meter in length.


    Beautiful!


    Liszt grinned: Well done, Tremblingwoods! You have learned magic! Looking at the rock thorns, he felt quite proud inside. This magic was quite powerful when used for ambushing. Imagine, Rock Thorns piercing an opponent''s a.n.u.s the moment he shouted Tremblingwoods, release your magic''.


    That scene was incredibly picturesque.


    Suddenly, the voice of the gentleman''s valet, Marcus, came from behind: Master, Tremblingwoods seems to be hurt.


    Hmm? Liszt only now noticed that Tremblingwoods was lying limply on the ground and that there was arge amount of blooding out of its mouth. Its mouth was a mess, looking as if it had suffered from an explosion.


    Fortunately, Tremblingwoods seemed to only have received superficial wounds from its magic power being drained. Its limp state was more due to the excessive release of magic power.


    Liszt felt relieved after figuring out Tremblingwood''s condition.


    He said to Thomas: This is the danger of magic Why do those mysterious wizards number so few? Is it because they are not impressive enough? No, it is because their magic experiments are always full of dangers, where explosions can ur at any time. They don''t understand the meaning of science, yet furtively try to master its rules.


    The previous paragraph sounded more like thinking aloud.


    Thomas did not understood what he heard, so he asked in curiosity: Master, have you seen wizards?


    I haven''t.


    You are so great. You have never seen a wizard, yet you still taught Tremblingwoods magic. Praise you, Master! Eximed Thomas in the tone of a mad believer.


    Liszt smiled lightly.


    This bit was not worth mentioning.


    Liszt took out a handkerchief and wiped his hands: Thomas, take care of Tremblingwoods. Tend to its wounds. Also, mash its food before feeding it.


    Very well, Master!

 Chapter 59: The Ultimate Meaning Raging Conflagration Sever

    Chapter 59: The Ultimate Meaning Raging Congration Sever


    Liszt felt quite the sense of aplishment after teaching Tremblingwoods how to release magic through a forceful method.


    I am someone who has an understanding of science, after all.


    Experimenting and even more experimenting, this was the basis of science, just like when he simply tested the s.p.a.ce ring. It was static and could absorb ordinary items. However, any living organism that was absorbed into the s.p.a.ce ring, would have its soul immediately obliterated. Liszt believed that the soul was also a kind of substance in motion, which would cease to exist once its motion was halted.


    He also repeatedly put things in and took them out in order to test the consumption of magic power.


    At present, the consumption when using the s.p.a.ce ring was a bitrge.


    Life felt quite fulfilling while busy.


    Yet two dayster, he started to feel bored.


    The sprite worms had been properly settled down, agriculture and fishing was thriving, the road construction was slow yet steady, the foundations for the oyster settlement''s houses had started to be excavated, and the knight squad''s candidates were being tested by Marcus  everything was being taken care of, so there was nothing to worry about or pay attention to.


    Alike the majority of aristocrats, he was bored.


    If there were a city nearby, then he could still hold a ball, a banquet, or a hunt, expanding his aristocratic connections. The Flower Town was quite luded. There were only four people qualified to have a meal with him; he could not be preparing a banquet for the four of them every day.


    Therefore, Liszt decided to find something else to do.


    He intended to implement his offensive against the Thorns Ridge in advance.


    The Thorns Ridge is the Flower Town''s greatest obstruction. It has to be broken through. Otherwise, it will be very difficult tomunicate with the Coral City. In here, it is tantamount to having my arms tied.


    As a person from the modern Earth, Liszt was quite clear about the importance ofmunications.


    He had talked with Levis about human trafficking, yet he could not guarantee that Levis would take it seriously. The Tulip fleet had almost returned, but if Levis forgot or neglected to do the appropriate arrangements, then he would have to wait at least three months to get another opportunity.


    When going into the see to trade, the fleet had to pa.s.s through many inds. A trip would usually take at least three months.


    If this opportunity was missed, then the Flower Town''s development would be dyed by three months. Although he was not in a rush, but Liszt still did not want to waste time.


    Magic beasts are quite difficult to deal with for the time being. In the woods, they canunch sneak attacks at any time. If I were to chop down all the trees in the Thorns Ridge, would the magic beasts be capable of beating Teacher Marcus in the open wilderness? Besides, I am also not to a vegetarian (I am not to be trifled with). And even if I was a vegetarian, the Bloodred Sword still has to drink blood!


    A gem weapon was of great help against low-ranked magic beasts.


    It might not be razor-sharp, but with the resonance between the ruby''s magic power and List''s qi, it could at least increase his fighting strength.


    Whoosh, nk!


    He pulled out the Redblood Sword, holding it with his two hands. It was a two-handed sword suitable to be used on horseback.


    The silver-white sword radiated cold light.


    Heart of Fire Dragon Drill!


    Liszt shouted lightly and brandished the sword in his hands forward, releasing the [Fire Dragon Drill] secret manual''s ultimate meaning. mes rose from the Redblood Sword and charged ahead, burning the air. The burned air crackled. This movebined man and horse into one. After delving into it for this entire time, Liszt could already unleash it by himself.


    He condensed the attack in a single direction, not harming himself.


    Liszt put away the sword as he stood with his chin held high.


    The me in the air dissipated and everything returned back to the normal calm, with only the still burning-hot temperature proving that someone had just used a special move. He exhaled faintly: If the Windde Wolf were to face this attack, then it would be already dead.


    He was already proficient at the [Fire Dragon Drill] secret manual.


    Now, he was no longer considered a rookie Earth Knight. He could already put up a fight, onlycking in realbat experience. He ned to continue delving into the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual. The [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual was a crowd attack qi secret manual suitable for charges, with the rapport between knight and mount being its prerequisite.


    Three of the four retainer knights went with Marcus to pick the new recruits.


    Only Gray Sickle was with Liszt.


    Gray, bring mynce, I want to practice with it on horseback.


    Yes, Sir!


    They went to the horse field.


    The green alfalfa stretched as far as the eye could see. The alfalfa near the alfalfa sprite worm''s worm stalk was the lushest. This track of pasture was imed by ckdragon, and the other horses did not dare to graze on it. asionally, Firedragon would sneak in and graze on it a bit, but then it would be discovered by ckdragon and bitten.


    Before entering the breeding season, ckdragon did not care whether the other party was a stallion or a mare.


    Master, you want to ride? Do you want me to bring the horse tack? Tom, who was carrying water back to the castle, hurriedly came over to ask when he saw Liszt without a servant following behind.


    There is no need, you are busy as is.


    Yes, Master!


    Liszt whistled. Suddenly, a pure ck steed rushed over with the wind. It was ckdragon, the dragonhorse with dragon bloodline.


    Its shoulder height was at least 1,90 meters, a bit taller than Liszt himself.


    Therefore, he had to jump up in order to mount it.


    Riding such a big horse was awe-inspiring. It had no reins, saddle, or stirrup  ckdragon''s temperament did not allow it to be bond by horse tack. Liszt did not force it as his physique was that of an Earth Knight and his equestrianism was getting more and more exquisite.


    By relying on the exquisite equestrianism, man and horse could be as one without relying on horse tack.


    ckdragon, cooperate with me. After petting ckdragon on its neck, Liszt took the nearly three-meter-longnce handed to him by Gray. Only with formidable strength could one use it freely.


    Thence was forged from fine steel. A retainer knights would oil and maintain it every day, which was why it shimmered.


    Snort!


    ckdragon seemed to disy its strength as it lifted its forelimbs off the ground and reared. It neighed at the sun.Then, with Liszt on its back, it went into gallop on the horse field. Following Liszt''smands, it sped along, briskly halted, jumped, or turned around. While on horseback, apart frommanding ckdragon, Liszt also unleashed the moves of the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual.


    Thence was too long to be used like a one-handed sword. However, following ckdragon''s rhythm, each move carried boundless might.


    Raging Congration Sever!


    The furious shout made Liszt''s qi surge, before pouring into thence. The ckdragon beneath him moved ording to his will as it madly leaped forward.


    The qi ignited the air. The entirence seemed to be on fire.


    Alike raindrops, yellowish-red mes swept from high above ckdragon and fell to the ground. The alfalfa was burned to ash in a sh.


    Hum!


    When ckdragonnded firmly on the ground, Liszt tilted thence and inserted it into the ground, and then pacified the chaotic qi inside him. The Raging Congration Sever was the ultimate meaning of the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual. Although this move consumed a great deal of qi, but it could epa.s.s arge area. This move could kill tens of opponents in a charge.


    Especially ckdragon''s strength, speed, and temper could allow this move to be disyed to its greatest degree.


    This degree could not be aplished when working with Firedragon.


    Unfortunately, you are to be a breeding stallion, so I cannot ride you to the battlefield Of course, I am not too likely to go to the battlefield in the first ce.


    Liszt dismounted ckdragon and patted its thigh, letting it to go graze. Next, he used another type of whistle to call Firedragon.


    He rode Firedragon to the castle.


    Gray, go and call Teacher Gort.


    Yes, Sir!


    A momentter, Gort arrived at the castle: Liszt, is something the matter?


    I intend to cut down the trees in the Thorns Ridge to reduce the magic beasts'' habitat and remove the obstruction that hinders the development of the Flower Town Said Liszt with enthusiasm.


    Gort frowned: When cutting down trees, it is inevitable to encounter magic beasts  would that not be too risky?


    If I and Teacher Marcus personally act as guards, then there will be no danger as long as we don''t encounter arge number of magic beasts. After all, we will fight in an open field. Magic beasts are rare in the Thorns Ridge. And besides, I only n to cut down the trees on both sides of the road.


    First cut down a part, then step by step reduce the magic beasts'' living s.p.a.ce, then wait for the appropriate preparations to be done before ending things in one fell swoop.


    This was Liszt''s n.

 Chapter 60: Gorts Inner Struggle

    Chapter 60: Gort''s Inner Struggle


    Liszt wants me to do more and more things. During the day, I cannot even rest for a quarter of an hour. Isaiah, I haven''t had a good night''s sleep for an entire week.


    In the town''s administrative office, Gort vented by mming a stack of thick bast paper: Originally, I believed that I would be doing some idle work aftering to the Flower Town. I didn''t expect to wear myself out so quickly.


    Obviously, Liszt does not expect his officials to rest on theirurels. Isaiah calcted this quarter''s taxes by using his fingers. He said without lifting his head, Gort, you should strive to work hard. Leading afortable life would only sap at a knight''s fighting spirit.


    It seems that, alike ir, you started to like the life in the Flower Town. I remember how you alwaysined when you first arrived.


    It was really disappointing when I first arrived. The fief was run down, crude, and didn''t had many people.Isaiah''s fingers were a bit numb from all the counting, However, after getting used to living here, I started to think that the Flower Town had an unprecedented vigor. ording to Marcus, Liszt is an aristocrat that stands out from the ma.s.ses.


    He really stands out from the ma.s.ses. Gort spread his arms.


    Thus, I think that Marcus'' desire to rise to the rank of aristocracy and my wish to rehabilitate my family might be aplished by staying with Liszt.


    It seems that you are serious.


    I can no longer lead a vain and humdrum life. For the sake of my stupid son, I have to pull myself together.


    Well then, I am also going to pull myself together. I am going to see how the construction of the oyster settlement''s houses is progressing. Now that the fiefcks in manpower, I better rack my brain ande up with a way to gather a team of loggers.


    Though he said that, yet after he left the administrative office, Gort didn''t go to the oyster settlement and instead returned to his house.


    The two-story-tall building had once been the residence of the knight responsible for collecting taxes dispatched by the count. In the castle, only the lord could reside there.


    Sir, you''re back. The work for today has been done? A girl in a x colored cloth dress hurriedly went up to Gort to help him remove his coat.


    Gort groped the girl''s b.u.t.tocks: How can work be done? Yet life still has to continue.


    The girl was red in the face: Then won''t Sir Lord rebuke you if you don''t go to work?


    I am Liszt''s teacher and the fief''s administrative official, I have the authority to grant myself a half-day-long vacation Freya, I missed you, and therefore was not in the mood to do work. Said Gort before embracing Freya, kissing her on the cheeks, and then pushing the girl to the bedroom.


    Freya quickly struggled free before hurriedly saying: S Sir, it is daytime.


    What about it? I have been eating too many oysters recently, so nighttime is no longer enough. Gort selectively forgot that he could only persevere for one time per night, with each time not surpa.s.sing thirty seconds.


    Freya was a little frantic. It seemed that she was looking to change the topic: You seem to be in a bad mood, is it because of the position of adviser?


    Of course I am in a bad mood. He is the lord and has the right to put me to work, even if it is from dawn till dusk.It has already been three months since I came to the Flower Town, yet I still have not gotten the position of adviser. f.u.c.k. Here, who can be the adviser besides me?


    Gort hit a wall before saying full of indignation: I regreting to the Flower Town!


    Freya''splexion changed: Sir, are you leaving?


    Not yet. Freya, It is because of you that I am still lingering in here. Gort regained hold of Freya and started kissing her.


    Freya pushed him away.


    Gort''s expression immediately turned gloomy: Freya, what is the meaning of this!


    Freya took a deep breath and once more stered a smile of her face: I know that you are not happy. These days, you always have something to worry about. I guess that you want to go back to the Coral City, which is a big city and is countless times more flourishing than the Flower Town I want to let you know that I will stay in the Flower Town and raise your child, so please don''t mind us.


    What are you saying? Gort''splexion changed.


    I''m pregnant.


    Freya''s soft words made Gort look distracted for quite a while before regaining his senses: You are pregnant?


    Yeah Freya touched her belly. Although it was still t, yet she felt a strong little heart beating.


    When she said that, she suddenly retched.


    Gort was convinced that Freya was indeed pregnant, yet he did not know whether he should be pleasantly surprised or startled. He had wife and child in the Coral City. The child had already grown up and got married. Furthermore, he had be a grandfatherst year. The rtionship he had with Freya only served to ovee his loneliness.


    Never had he expected that such a day woulde.


    Oh heavens, Freya, I, I It is too sudden. Sorry, I don''t know how to face this news. Stammered Gort.


    Freya just smiled: Sir, it doesn''t matter. I know that serfs like me cannot hope for a better tomorrow. I am very grateful to Sir for giving me fairly happy memories. I will bring up this child alone, it will grow healthily and vigorously My only wish is that you can provide the child with the ident.i.ty of a freedman before you leave.


    Freedman?


    Gort hesitated. Freya just smiled at him.


    After a while, he exhaled deeply a mouthful of turbid air. He had finally made a decision: Sorry, Freya, I let you down


    Freya''s smile quickly dimmed.


    But Gort''s following words prompted an even more brilliant smile to rise on her face.


    I just hesitated, that was not right of me. I promise you that I won''t, at least for now, I won''t leave the Flower Town. I want to see the child born, tell it the name of its father  Gort Mast I think I know what should be done. The reason why I had never integrated into the Flower Town


    Gort drew Freya into his arms before saying with warmth instead of l.u.s.t: Was because I already am an aristocrat and am used to enjoy myself rather then to struggle. I keepining that Liszt does not give me the position of adviser, yet I don''t work hard. But now, I have to work hard to earn an aristocratic t.i.tle for our child!


    Sir, really? Freya opened her eyes wide.


    Of course, I swear on my t.i.tle!


    After a moment of warmth.


    Gort broke away from the gentle embrace, then once more put on his frac habill (a three piece suit) and strode out of his house. This time he really went to inspect the construction of the oyster settlement''s houses.


    At night, the castle held a small banquet.


    Before the banquet was officiated, Marcus, ir, and Isaiah chatted among themselves. Gort, on the other hand, reported the progress of the work to Liszt in the study.


    At present, the main road leading to the Thorns Ridge has already beenpleted halfway. The amount of sand is adequate. However, there is ack of stone. I have already started to single out able-bodied serfs to organize a team of loggers, who would simultaneously be responsible for breaking stone in the Thorns Ridge and then move the gravel to the road construction site. If the stone in the Thorns Ridge permit it, then the dirt roads between the settlements could also be filled with gravel.


    A very good n. Implement it just like that, Teacher Gort. Nodded Liszt with satisfaction.


    He was not only satisfied with the n, but also with Gort''s att.i.tude. Previously, at banquets, Gort would just fill his pie hole and crack some jokes, never taking the initiative to talk about work.


    Yet today, he unexpectedly took the initiative to make a work report.


    As the lord, Liszt certainly liked subordinates who were hard-working rather than subordinates that cared more about filling their pie holes.

 Chapter 61: Boiled Peanuts and Hops

    Chapter 61: Boiled Peanuts and Hops


    The staple food tonight is peanuts? Marcus skillfully peeled the peanuts. Although wheat was the default choice for staple food, but wheat production was generally low. Therefore, peanuts and peas were required to feel the gap.


    How does it taste?


    Liszt asked as there were no boiled peanuts in front of him.


    Liszt didn''t like to eat boiled peanuts. Therefore, as the castle''s master, Liszt had oatmeal specially prepared for him by the cook, Abby. As for the others, they were not as lucky.


    Its moderately soft, and tastes a bit nd.


    Gort interjected: That''s how boiled peanuts taste. Having them asionally feels quite good as they improve the vor, yet eating them often would get annoying. However, have you noticed that the peanuts tonight are bigger than usual?


    Marcus came to a realization: The peanut settlement already had a harvest?


    This is the first batch of peanuts from near the peanut sprite worm''s worm stalk. The yield is 30% higher than usual and the cultivation period had been shortened by a month. This year, there will be no shortage of peanuts in the castle. When Mrs. Abby has time she should churn some peanut b.u.t.ter to smear on bread.


    No one was more worthy than Gort to be called Flower Town''s sole food connoisseur; the dest.i.tute chevalier talked non-stop about drinking and eating.


    Liszt smiled lightly: If matched with Juniper (wine), wouldn''t that be just wonderful?


    Oh, Liszt, you know me, haha.


    Unfortunately, the Juniper that was brought back from the Coral City has already been finished.


    Truth be told, I really didn''t want to hear this news.


    In fact, there are even more frustrating news. Liszt sipped his oatmeal. The amount of red wine in the cer has reached a critical point. Mr. Carter does not rmend that we continue to drink red wine. Otherwise, there won''t be enough for the holidays in theter half of the year. Also, hops beer will soon run out and only sour beer will remain.


    Heavens, is this true?


    Liszt didn''t respond.


    The butler, Carter, who waited upon the banquet, answered: It is getting hotter and a lot of beer is being consumed. However, there is no caravaning our way nor are we capable of producing hops beer ourselves. If it was not for Sir Count''s caravan bringing a lot of beer barrelsst time, then by now, the castle would alsock sour beer.


    Gort had a bitter expression: I think that we should build a wharf and go directly to Viscount Trix''s abode to purchase hops.


    Unfortunately, only shallow waters were adjacent to the East Coast, so there was no way to build a wharf.


    As for Viscount Trix, he was a follower of the Coral Ind''s count, his full name being Trix Wildhop. He owned a small ind called the Beer Ind.


    There was a magnificent castle on the ind, the Beer Castle.


    The Wildhop Family''s beer relied on hops. It sold quite well on multiplerge inds.


    Beer was the mostmon kind of beverage in the grand duchy. There were two kinds of beer  one was beer with hops and the other was beer without hops.


    Hops were a kind of wild hop that yed a huge role in beer, giving beer a refreshing aroma, bitterness, antiseptic properties, and the ability to form excellent foam. Hops were good for rifying the wort and their intense aroma could bnce the natural sweetness of the wort, stimting the appet.i.te.


    Beer without hops would quickly be sour-tasting and difficult to swallow.


    The Coral Ind''s hops beer was brewed by the Wildhop Family. Thanks to this industry, the Wildhop Family had the wealth to build the named Beer Castle.


    It is not possible to build a wharf. Therefore, we have to thoroughly open the road through the Thorns Ridge. Only then would caravans venture to the Flower Town Now that there are no knightsing to collect taxes, there would be no one protecting the caravans where they to cross the Thorns Ridge. Said Liszt before looking at Marcus, Teacher Marcus, the knight squad selection is not over yet?


    Marcus put down the boiled peanuts in his hands and said: Tomorrow is the final selection date. I already have chosen some preliminary candidates. Unfortunately, their physical const.i.tutions are still toocking. Among them, only two can meet the entrance criteria of the knight college.


    It''s probably because of theck of food. With the support from the castle, I''m sure that their physical const.i.tutions will improve greatly.


    Then I will stop worrying about food and concentrate on the training.


    Right, they have to grasp qi as soon as possible. The Flower Town should not just have five knights with qi. In the future, we''ll have to rely on knights for many matters.


    To his surprise, Liszt saw the logging team the following day.


    He thought that Gort would at leas take two or three days toplete the transfer of the able-bodied serfs.


    While on horseback, Gort personally led the logging team to a.s.semble in front of the castle. There was a total of thirty able-bodied serfs, yet only half of them carried new, or perhaps old, axes in their hands. There were only two saws, which were brought by a carpenter''s son from his home.


    Iron tools were hard to procure.


    Metals were controlled by the nations with dragons and were quite hard to procure.


    This was also the reason why the Sapphire Grand Duchy often organized knight orders to go to the continent and wage war. The grand duchy''s iron ore was basically all piged from the Eagle Empire before being transported to each ind bit by bit.


    In the Flower Town, a lot of serfs used wood, stone and bone tools.


    The team was different from the neat and serene team in his imagination.


    The group of able-bodied serfs had expressions of great uneasiness on their faces. The lord had asked them to go to the Thorns Ridge to cut down trees. It was too dangerous. Were they to encounter magic beasts, then their wives might have to remarry.


    Teacher Gort, you haven''t told them that I will send people to protect them?


    Of course I have, but they are still scared.


    Liszt expressed his understanding: Wordsck strength.


    Just as he said that, a group of people shouting war cries ran over to the castle from the horse field. At the sides, there were four retainer knights supervising the group; at the head, there was a knight. The knight was Marcus.


    Sir! Marcus dismounted his horse and saluted Liszt.


    How are these thirty people?


    They will protect the logging team. Through today''s performance, I will make my final judgement. Marcus exined, Their physiques are about the same and they are not to stupid. Now, the final criterion  courage  will be judged. Knights cannot be without courage.


    Hearing what was said, Gort chimed in: Liszt, won''t you say a few words prior to setting off?


    Liszt nodded. He naturally had to say something.


    Liszt had a heroic air about him as he slowly approached the two teams while sitting atop ckdragon and wearing the ck magic beast leather armor. With a solemn expression, Liszt swept everyone with a nce, and then said with a clear voice: Subjects, I am your lord, Liszt Tulip.


    He suddenly did not know what to say.


    He had yet to properly master the skill of putting a positive spin on things. After a while, he decided against a long-winded, inciting speech. He just calmly said: Today, you will be cutting down trees in the Thorns Ridge for me, opening a path between the fief and the outside world! In return, I will protect you!


    Wordscked strength. Faced with the still uneasy serfs, he just gentlyshed with the horsewhip. ckdragon lifted its forelimbs and neighed.


    Liszt rode ahead when ckdragon''s forelimbsnded on the ground.


    Set off!

 Chapter 62: Monkeys a.s.saulting a Bird

    Chapter 62: Monkeys a.s.saulting a Bird


    Keep your chins up! Marcus'' bellows constantly rang in the woods at the edge of the Thorns Ridge. From time to time, his bellows were apanied by the crisp sounds from the horse whip in his hand.


    The thirty youngsters, with wooden sticks in their hands, nervously patrolled every corner of the woods.


    They could hear the cries of various birds and beasts, among which even the cries of magic beasts might be included. After staying in this ce for more than a quarter of an hour, the youngsters, who grew up with stories about scary magic beasts, felt chills down their necks, feeling as if a magic beast could bite at their necks at any time.


    Tony was such a fearful youngster.


    His legs shivered ever so slightly as he tightly grasped the wooden stick in his hands and leaned against a big tree. Last winter, he had nightmares for several days in a row after a Windde Wolf attacked the wheat settlement and ate two serfs. Now that he recalling those nightmares, he could not help but to pray.


    Don''t eat me


    He kept looking at the grownups cutting trees, as if only by doing so could he get a sense of security.


    Suddenly.


    A thud echoed above his head. At an unknown point in time, Marcus appeared next to himatop his horse and whipped the tree trunk, sending some tree bark flying.


    Tony, I told you to look in the direction of the woods and not to look at the loggers working!


    Right, right, Mr. Marcus.


    Show that you''re a true man. Don''t let me down, let alone Sir Lord. Said Marcus coldly.


    Tony hurriedly replied in a loud voice: Right, I will not let Mr. Marcus down, let alone Sir Lord!


    Marcus went somewhere else.


    Tony heaved a long sigh of relief once he saw the other leave. He was quite afraid of this cold-faced and heavy-handed Earth Knight. During the previous several days of selections, he had endured not a small amount of whippings from the other.


    Marcus didn''t pull any punches, leaving b.l.o.o.d.yceration with each whip.


    If it was not for the chance to be a retainer knight and get a better destiny, he would not want to face Marcus, let alonee to this ce to confront magic beasts.


    What he didn''t know was that Marcus was shaking his head as he left.


    The Earth Knight had already rejected him as a knight. If he could not meet his inner fears head on and could not ovee the pressure exerted on him by the environment, then he had no potential. In his view,moners could only be aristocrats through a baptism of blood and fire. Those not prepared, had better to return home early and farm in peace.


    So as to void the battlefield strewn with corpses.


    While roaming through the woods, in addition to monitoring them, Marcus also inspected the youngsters. After an uneventful morning, he had already drafted 12 candidates.


    Thus at noon.


    He reported the results of his selection to Liszt: Sir, the following twelve youngsters shall be your new retainer knights: Philip Wool, Xavier Oxdung, Jacob Footsole, York Baldman, Wayne Haystack, Zakkary Littlefinger, York Schumacher, Ivon Handkerchief, Sean Redface, Tracy Hunchback, Myron Pantscrotch, Theodore Rottensocks.


    Xavier Oxdung, he might be the younger brother of the servingman Jim Oxdung. York Baldman and York Schumacher have identical names. Lets call one Big York and the other Little York Then, inform their households that from now on, the twelve youngsters are to withdraw from agricultural production; they will be supported by the castle.


    Yes.


    With the results of the knight squad selection in, Liszt found some time at noon and summoned the smoke mission.


    Sure enough, the mission had beenpleted and updated.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a Wind Peregrine Falcon on the verge of hatching.


    Mission: apart from message bottles, there still might be unexpected, pleasant surprises drifting in the sea. Currently, there is a sailboat drifting towards the East Coast. Please find and rescue the drifting sailboat that had met with misfortune. Reward: an increase in poption.


    Hmm?


    Liszt did not pay attention to the Wind Peregrine Falcon reward.


    Because he next saw poption''. Lack of poption was currently the Flower Town''s most pressing issue. The town had altogether less than two thousand people, which could notpare to therger viges from his birth ce. With ack in poption, lords were restricted in the implementation of their ns. Thus, what Liszt thirsted the most for was poption.


    The increase in poption reward is rted to the sailboat met with misfortune, in other words, a ship carrying people is about to drift to the East Coast? After his train of thought reached this point, Liszt hurriedly called for Gort.


    Liszt, do you have any instructions?


    I suddenly thought of the oyster settlement''s fishermen facing the sea. There are a tone of sea monster in the sea, which makes it very dangerous. This issue has to be taken seriously.


    Sea monsters should not go to the sh.o.r.e, right? Said Gort with some disapproval.


    Sea monsters were indeed quite dangerous, often attacking ships, yet they rarely went to the sh.o.r.e since they would be left to die once the tide was low.


    As he had an ulterior motive, Liszt didn''t let up: No bit of danger can be neglected. Immediately inform the patrol to focus on the East Coast. They are to report any changes to me. Let them do so for a while. If there are really no sea monstersing ash.o.r.e, then readjust the focus of the patrol.


    Very well, I will go notify the patrol.


    Only after Gort left had Liszt the mind to concern himself with the mission reward  the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s egg.


    He had heard of the Wind Peregrine Falcon, a low-ranked, falcon-type magic beast. Itmonly appeared near the seaside and fed on fish from the sea. Because it was a rtively small creature, it rarely a.s.saulted humans. Although, rtively speaking, it did not posed much danger, but that did not meant that it was weak. On the contrary, its fighting strength was quite outstanding.


    The magic it released  Winddes.


    Was the same as the magic released by the Windde Wolf. However, as a falcon-type creature, with its natural advantage of flight, it could shoot the winddes from nearly any direction.


    In other words, it could use kiting to attack its opponents from a safe distance.


    So, where is my Wind Peregrine Falcon? Liszt turned his attention to the big tree being felled as he braced himself, Would it hide in some big tree about to be cut down?


    If there really was a Wind Peregrine Falcon, then it would definitely pose a great threat.


    He hurriedly called Marcus: We cannot just pay attention to ground beasts and should also pay attention to flying beasts in the woods. There may be flying magic beasts.


    Marcus took bow and arrow from his back and grasped them in his hands before saying with a firm gaze: Sir, flying magic beasts are weaker than ground magic beasts! My arrows are ready for them at a moment''s time!


    Confidence surged inside Liszt.


    I was going to learn archery from you, yet I never had the time for it.


    Sir can learn from me at any time.


    Hmm, once this is over, I want to learn archery. Liszt made up his mind. He had to learn archery as long-ranged offensive was in line with his disposition of tackling enemies from a distance.


    Melee offensive was too crude and a had high probability of leading to injuries.


    As someone who arrived into this world as a lord, he should enjoy life and not endure hardship.


    In the afternoon, Liszt kept looking at trees, hoping to spot the tree with his reward. However, as the sun was setting to the west, Gort had rushed over with unexpected news: Monkeys are a.s.saulting a bird at a fragrant coconut tree in the oyster settlement.

 Chapter 63: A Bountiful Haul

    Chapter 63: A Bountiful Haul


    Monkeys fighting a bird.


    Gort quickly described the scene in detail. As a matter of fact, a group of fruit stealing monkeys had attacked a falcon: The bird nested on the fragrant coconut tree. There seems to be an egg in the bird''s nest, and the fruit stealing monkeys are not out for fruit but instead out for the egg.


    He treated this as an amusing story.


    Yet Liszt mounted his mount, promptly dering: Today''s logging work ends here. Everyone is to leave the Thorns Ridge. Teacher Marcus,e to the oyster settlement with me. There was no doubt in Liszt''s mind that the bird was the Wind Peregrine Falcon and that in the nest was a chick about to be hatched.


    In other words, it was his mission reward.


    Once the lord issued hismand, the logging team immediately stopped working and returned to the town along the half constructed gravel road. Liszt took Marcus and the four retainer knight and rushed ahead to the oyster settlement. When they arrived at the East Coast, they saw a patrol surrounding a fragrant coconut tree.


    There were a lot of monkey bodies lying under the tree.


    Sir Lord! Saluted the members of the patrol.


    Liszt raised his head and looked at the canopy of the fragrant coconut tree. Trees of this type were tens of meters tall, with the shortest and tallest being as tall as four-story-tall and twenty-story-tall buildings respectively.


    The particr tree before his eyes was the tallest, growing at a 60-degree angle facing the sea. Looking at it from below, the canopy had nearly turned into a small point.


    The canopy was quite lively at this moment. asionally, monkeys would fall down. Whether they died or not, they would be covered in wounds. These wounds looked is if they were cut open by a de.


    There is a magic beast above. The wounds look like they were brought about by Winddes. Marcus became vignt after inspecting the body of a fruit stealing monkey.


    Liszt pointed out: Those are from a Wind Peregrine Falcon. This group of fruit stealing monkeys is attacking the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s nest, so there should be an egg inside. The fight is quite intense. Teacher Marcus, is there any way to get the egg? It is quite likely that it will hatch into a new Wind Peregrine Falcon.


    It turned out to be a Wind Peregrine Falcon. Marcus suddenly nodded and then frowned. It is quite easy to climbing the tree, but there are a group of fruit stealing monkeys and a Wind Peregrine Falcon atop the tree, which makes it quite a dangerous endeavor. Magic beasts are the fiercest when protecting their nests, while the fruit stealing monkeys themselves are a group of fierce beasts.


    Then let''s first wait for a moment. If we are lucky, both sides will exhaust themselves. Said Liszt with uncertainty.


    Since it was a mission reward, it should not be difficult to acquire. Otherwise, if the group of fruit stealing monkeys or the Wind Peregrine Falcon had their fighting strength intact, then taking the egg from either of them would be an impossible to aplish task.


    After waiting for about a quarter of an hour.


    There were more and more monkey bodies below the tree. The patrol members felt delighted while collecting the bodies, which were first-rate game. Even though they could not eat them as everything in the fief belonged to the castle, to Liszt, but the lord would certainly reward them with some benefits.


    Liszt thought it through and then told the patrol: Collect the bodies of the dead fruit stealing monkeys. Give the heavily injured ones the finishing blow and tie up the ones that are not heavily injured; I want them alive.


    He did not forget his previous idea  to train the fruit stealing monkeys to pluck fragrant coconuts from trees.


    Yes, Sir Lord!


    Marcus suddenly said: Sir, be careful, the remaining monkeys want to flee!


    He had just spoken, when Liszt saw more than a dozen fruit stealing monkeys quickly fleeing downwards along the trunk of the fragrant coconut tree. Behind them, a bird gave chase as it pped its wings with, its feathers falling off.


    Teacher Marcus, follow me, we will intercept the Wind Peregrine Falcon! The patrol is to intercept the fruit stealing monkeys; don''t let them run away! Try as much a possible to catch them alive!


    When the snipe and the m quarrel, the fisherman benefits.


    It was a golden opportunity, so Liszt made a prompt decision.


    Yes. The patrol members were very excited when presented with the opportunity to beat a drowning dog'' as they took out their weapons and blocked the monkeys'' paths of escape.


    Marcus took out bow and arrow, nocked two arrows, and pulled back the bowstring, ready to shoot at any moment. Liszt also took out the Redblood Sword he carried. The gem weapon made him confident.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Once the more than a dozen fruit stealing monkeys jumped off the tree, the patrol members rushed to fight them whilst screaming. The fruit stealing monkeys were already exhausted from the fight with the Wind Peregrine Falcon and could not put up any decent resistance. They just ran aimlessly alike headless chickens, taking a beating.


    After taking a few strikes from the pikes, the monkeys crumpled to the ground, not moving.


    On the other hand, the Wind Peregrine Falcon missing some feathers was chasing after a fruit stealing monkey, when suddenly, it was a.s.saulted by Liszt on horseback. Raging mes adhered to the Redblood Sword as he used the [Fire Surge Fluctuations] secret manual''s ultimate meaning  Raging Congration Sever.Alike raindrops, arge tract of mes mmed down. Although the Wind Peregrine Falcon was quite agile, but it still got struck by the rain of mes, igniting the remaining feathers.


    The Wind Peregrine Falcon sensed danger after suffering this attack. It gave a long cry, pped its wings vigorously, and flew into the sky.


    Liszt couldn''t let it run, so he shouted: Teacher!


    Marcus was long since ready. He released the bowstring and shot the two side by side arrows. Following a brief, piercing whistle, the arrows ran through the Wind Peregrine Falcon and blood spilled into the air.


    The Wind Peregrine Falcon swayed and fell onto the beach.


    When thest fruit stealing monkey was smashed to the ground by a pike, the patrol members swarmed it and caught it. In the fight between the monkeys and the bird, there was ultimately no winner as the fisherman, Liszt, got everything.


    After doing a count.


    There was total of forty-six fruit stealing monkeys, among which a total of thirty-nine had either fallen to their deaths or been given the finishing blow after being seriously wounded. The remaining seven, which had not suffered serious injuries, were tied up.


    The body of the Wind Peregrine Falcon was also retrieved. It was not big, about the same size as a dog.


    An agile patrol member carefully climbed to the top of the fragrant coconut tree, found the nest, and fished out an egg a bit smaller than a pineapple.


    Sir Lord, there is indeed an egg! With excitement and devotion, the patrol member presented Liszt the egg.


    Liszt extended his hands and took the egg. Before he could appreciate it, the egg suddenly made a light cracking sounds.


    Sir, the egg hatched! Marcus was taken aback.


    Liszt was also taken aback, thinking that the smoke missions were indeed amazing. He had just touched the egg and it hatched. Cracking sounds rang incessantly. After a while, the sh.e.l.l was pecked open and a bald, ugly bird head was exposed. The chick opened its beak, issuing unpleasant to the ear tweet'', tweet'' cries.


    The chick looked at Liszt with its huge eyes as it kept crying. It looked like it wanted to eat.


    Liszt coughed lightly: Teacher Marcus, what do Wind Peregrine Falcon chicks eat?


    It should be small fish and small shrimp?


    Then, the patrol is to go to the oyster settlement and get some small fish and small shrimp. Remember, they have to be alive. He indistinctly remembered seeing in [Human and Nature] (a Chinese Discovery Channel like program) that the small fish seabirds fed their chicks were still swaying  the fish were obviously alive.


    However, he also remembered that some birds swallowed the small fish, then regurgitated them, and finally gave them to their chicks to eat.


    Not getting ahead of himself, he first wanted to try feeding it live fish.


    Today''s harvest was already huge, to the point that he didn''t care that much about the magic beast chick. Fruit stealing monkeys, this big problem, was finally settled. Now, the fruit of the fragrant coconut trees could be picked, and he even got fruit picking workers''. The Wind Peregrine Falcon''s body was also worth plenty of Naldas (gold coins). Whether eaten or sold, it was a huge haul.


    There was also the mission, that rewarded what the fiefcked the most  poption  about to bepleted.


    Such a wonderful day! Looking at the Wind Peregrine Falcon chick greedily eating the small fish and small shrimp, Liszt felt particrly happy, Teacher Marcus, let''s go back to the castle. Tonight, let''s hold a banquet of roasted fruit stealing monkey!

 Chapter 64: Blessedcurls in the Castle

    Chapter 64: Blessedcurls in the Castle


    Tweet!


    Tweet!


    Tweet!


    In the castle''s study, unpleasant to the ear bird cries could be heard from time to time. The Wind Peregrine Falcon chick was quite ugly. With its fine, difficult to make up, curly plumage covering its skin, it looked like a plucked chicken. Compared to the streamlined body of an adult Wind Peregrine Falcon roaming the sky, the gap was hundreds of thousands of li (li = 0,5 km) apart.


    Yet Liszt was quite fond of it. After all, it was a flying-type magic beast.


    There was already a Violent Dog in the castle. From time to time, he would take it for a walk to release Rock Thorns a few times, which was a feast for the eyes. If there was also a Wind Peregrine Falcon, then Winddes could be summoned whenever. That definitelywould be shy.


    Unfortunately, falcon-type magic beasts did not recognize masters. Liszt still had to think of a way to domesticate it.


    He could only start by feeding it first.


    However, he already instructed a maid to sew a leather glove. He had previously seen videos of birds of pray. In the videos, birds of praynded on leather gloves. There still seemed to be some kind of a small toy involved. Once the toys were thrown, birds of pray would rush after them, and then retrieve them. Birds of pray would only circle in the vicinity, not flying away.


    If there is time, then I should do some research on this toy, or even better, I should go to the Coral City to ask whether there are hunters who raise birds of pray and how they tame them.


    At the banquet, there was roasted fruit stealing monkey meat to eat.


    It was not as delicate as roasted cow meat, it was a bit lean and a bit difficult to chew. It was unknown whether it was because the monkeys often ate fragrant coconuts, but the monkey meat exhibited a faint, fragrant coconut juice aroma after being roasted. This unique aroma was different from that ofmon roasted meat, making it quite popr at the banquet.


    If the fruit stealing monkey meat could be made a bit more delicate, then it would definitely be a rare delicacy. I suggest that the fief raises fruit stealing monkeys inrge quant.i.ties. Gort had his mouth covered in grease.


    Liszt looked much more elegant as he chose not to eat roasted fruit stealing monkey meat, just watching the others gorge themselves on it: Raising them inrge quant.i.ties is naturally a good idea and I am also in favor of it. However, raising them for their meat is not a good idea. Monkeys are rtively intelligent, so instead, they should be trained to pick fruit from trees.


    ording to the Theory of Evolution from his hometown, humans and monkeys hadmon ancestry. They were both primates.


    There was no such a notion in this world. People in this world believed that humans were always the way they were. They believed that apart from dragons and sprites, all other creatures were inferior to humans. In fact, there were even quite a few of them that believed dragons and sprites to merely be a bit more mystical creatures that still could notpare to humans.


    Humans eating dragons sprites and even other humans was not unheard of.


    Although he himself would not eat, yet he also would not stop others from eating.


    Isaiah asked in curiosity: Sir, can monkeys be really trained to help out with fruit farming?


    Of course they can. Dogs and horses can be trained, and so can monkeys. The reason why Liszt was so sure was because he had seen many monkey shows.


    Also, he had seen in news that the locals in Mysia or Thand trained monkeys to pick coconuts from trees. A fruit farmer had mistreated his monkeys, and as a result, the monkeys got angry and crushed him to death by throwing wild fruit at him.


    As the fruit stealing monkeys belonged to Liszt, once they were sessfully trained and then given to the fruit farmers to employ, no one would dare to mistreat them.


    There would probably be no monkey rted deaths.


    If fruit stealing monkeys can really be trained, then that would certainly be an interesting development. I never thought about letting monkeys work for us. ir seemed to have envisioned the scene of monkeys picking fruit as heughed heartily.


    Liszt said with a smile: In this case, ir, you shall be in charge of training the fruit stealing monkeys.


    Uh, okay, I think I can do it.


    At this moment, Marcus suddenly said: How does Sir want to deal with the corpse of the Wind Peregrine Falcon? Do you want me to make a trip to the Coral City to sell it?


    Wind Peregrine Falcons were low-ranked magic beasts, so getting ten gold coins for the body of one would not be a problem.


    Previously, Liszt would naturally want to sell it to buy some supplies.


    But now, the town was not short on money. The proceeds from the ck Tulips were enough for him to enjoy an aristocratic lifestyle for decades.


    The rich him stated immediately: There is no need to sell it. Lets dry the meat first and then hold a Wind Peregrine Falcon barbecue party next time. As for the other parts, does Teacher Marcus has any good suggestions for their usage?


    Bird bones are hollow. Also, the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s bones carry wind-attributed magic power. Therefore, the joints can be used to forge bone whistles with very resounding sound, while therger bones can be used to manufacture light and st.u.r.dy tools that are even better than iron tools. Moreover, the feathers are an excellent material for making arrows.


    Marcus very quickly used the pretext of the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s materials to give a suggestion: Sir, you are about to learn archery and are in need of arrows.


    Liszt inquired: Is there someone in the fief capable of making arrows?


    Marcus promptly replied: I can. I make my own arrows.


    I will have to trouble you, Teacher Marcus. Liszt picked up his cup filled with hops beer. I want to propose a toast to Teacher Marcus. Thank you for the two arrows this afternoon, thank you for taking care of the Wind Peregrine Falcon. Otherwise, it would be a huge pain.


    I am willing to serve Sir!


    Marcus happily raised his non-hops beer (sour beer) and drained it in one go.


    The sky was filled with brightly lit stars when the bonfire went out.


    Gort, Marcus, and the others had already returned.


    The servants were busy tidying up the mess left by the banquet. Liszt received the milk tea handed to him by the butler, Carter. He was used to drinking a cup of milk tea before going to sleep.


    Milk''s rich nutrients was what his body, the body of a 16 year-old which was still in the growth period, needed.


    Master, the bath water is ready.


    How is the Wind Peregrine Falcon chick?


    It is still crying with all its might, yet it is definitely not hungry, I have already fed it with quite a lot of small fish and small m. However, Master, the little bird is really ugly.


    I agree with your statement. Then, let''s go take a look at that little fellow. If it is going to cry for the entire night, then take it somewhere else. I don''t want to be woken in the middle of the night. Liszt finished drinking the milk tea, handed the cup to Carter, and went to the castle. Whenever he came across a servant, they would stop and bow towards Liszt in salute.


    It felt pretty good.


    He got more and more ustomed to his aristocratic ident.i.ty. His standing had already nted to the side of the aristocratic .s.s. Anyone who dared to rock the foundation of the aristocracy, would offend Liszt!


    Good night, Messrs. and Mesdames. Liszt showed an impable aristocratic smile and said, I hope you have good dreams tonight.


    Thank you, Master.


    Following which, Liszt went to the second floor. The second floor was exclusively his.


    Carter pushed open the door of the study. Following which, unpleasant to the ear bird cries  tweet'', tweet'', tweet''  sounded in the just a moment ago quiet room.


    No matter how many times I listen to it, I still find it unpleasant. Liszt looked at the ugly little bird in the simple nest cushioned with a bit of hey, Mr. Carter, what do you think it should be called?


    Tremblingwoods, that was found in the woods outside the castle, was shivering all over. And this little bird, that was found atop a fragrant coconut tree, is also shivering all over. Perhaps we could call it Tremblingcoconut?


    Even though Carter misunderstood the meaning behind Tremblingwoods'' (  Tremblingwoods is a h.o.m.onym for Tom Hiddleston''sst name, and is what Chinese fans call him), Liszt still chuckled: Mr. Carter, you are getting more and more humorous. But I don''t like the name Tremblingcoconut. It has fine, curly plumage; I hope that it will be blessed to soar into the sky one day It shall be called Blessedcurls (  Blessedcurls, among others, is what Chinese fans call Benedict c.u.mberbatch).


    Oh, Blessedcurls Master, I think the name sounds nice.

 Chapter 65: Leaking Sailboat

    Chapter 65: Leaking Sailboat


    Early the next morning, Liszt brought Blessedcurls'' nest into the castle and put it on a window sill so it could bask in the sun. He was fed up with the bird''s cries.


    He did not know what happenedst night, but it still cried in the middle of the night.


    Blessedcurls had just eaten some small fish and small shrimp, so it was very lively as it tumbled around in the nest and issued tweet'', tweet'' cries.


    In the kennel outside the castle, Tremblingwoods stuck its head out, salivating as it stared at Blessedcurls on the window sill.


    Woof woof! When it saw that Liszt went outside, it immediately shook its tail lively, and pulled on the iron chain tied around its neck, making the chain rattle. Liszt was indeed raising a dog, leashing it since it was little.


    Liszt untied the chain and then took it in his hands.


    Tremblingwoods immediately dashed out like crazy. Whenever Liszt took it for a walk, that was probably the happiest time of its day.


    Liszt started the training when they reached the horse field.


    When Tremblingwoods was fairly small, Liszt generally trained it once a day, currently, the frequency had been reduced to once every three days. He had seeded in teaching Tremblingwoods not to hurt people or release its magic without amand. Also, he forbade it to eat or drive away the horse field''s horses.


    Of course, apart from ckdragon, other horses would make detours when they saw Tremblingwoods.


    Tremblingwoods, sit!


    Tremblingwoods was happily running just a moment ago, when it suddenly squatted down, looking at Liszt with its tongue out. It was not much different from a dog.


    Liszt threw a small ball made of leather: Tremblingwoods, fetch.


    Tremblingwoods immediately dashed out alike an arrow. After a few steps, it jumped into the air, made a 180 turn, smoothly catching the leather ball in its mouth, then hurried back and ced the ball on Liszt''s hand.


    Very good. He rewarded Tremblingwoods with a small piece of dried meat.


    Next, he repeatedly drilled a few things into it, which included the release of Rockthorns. He only stopped when Tremblingwoods was tired and out of breath. Then, he once more chained it and gave the chain to Thomas: Take it back.


    Yes, Master.


    Looking at the position of the sun, Liszt felt that the logging team should have arrived. However, the one who came was a patrol, notthe logging team.


    Sir Lord, there''s an urgent report!


    Speak.


    There is a tilted sailboat floating in the sea near the East Coast, with people waving gs aboard. Sir Gort believes it to be a ship that had met with misfortune. He had immediately sent me to give Sir Lord a report, and is currently in the process of organizing people for the rescue.


    Once he heard the news.


    Liszt''s spirit was stirred. He at once said to the patrol member: I wille as soon as possible. Go tell Teacher Gort to save the misfortune befallen ship, especially the people aboard.


    Liszt changed into the appropriate to go out frac habill (a three piece suit), took the four retainer knights and Earth Knight Marcus, and hurried to the East Coast. Once they arrived, they saw a group of people pulling ropes on the beach, dragging a not big or small sailboat to the sh.o.r.e.


    There were several unfamiliar faces among the people pulling the ropes.


    Sir Lord! Isaiah, who directed the ship rescuing operation, bowed in salute.


    Gort also came over from the beach: Liszt, they are refugees from the Small Kerchief Ind. They fled the Small Kerchief Ind by ship, ning to seek refuge in the Big Kerchief Ind. However, on their journey to the Big Kerchief Ind, they ran into a storm and their ship was damaged. Next, they were taken by the sea wind all the way to the Coral Ind before being stranded on the East Coast.


    Liszt nodded. He had heard of the Small Kerchief and the Big Kerchief Inds.


    At this moment, a somewhat stooped old man went up to them from the distance before prostrating himself ceremoniously on the ground: Respected Sir Baron of the Flower Town, I, Burnell Poisonfeatherbirdeggs (Poisonfeather bird, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhenniao), a person in distress, offer you my sincere regards. I am very much apologetic for troubling your n.o.ble self.


    Poisonfeatherbirdeggs? Liszt had heard of a lot of exotic family names, yet he still felt that this family name was quite exotic.


    Sir, my family gathered sea poisonfeather bird eggs for the Small Kerchief Ind''s Sir Lord for generations.


    It was difficult to guaranty the agricultural harvest, which was why food was scarce in many ces. Also, the ignorance and fear of the sea had led to little to no development in fishery. Meanwhile, to earn their living and to guaranty the luxurious lives of the aristocrats, serfs had to find ways to acquire food.


    Among others, sea poisonfeather bird eggs had be a source of food.


    Sea poisonfeather birds wereridae-type seabirds that usually built their nests on cliffs by the sea. The harvesting of sea poisonfeather bird eggs was done at the risk of one''s life. Climbing hundred-meter-tall cliffs and wrestling away the eggs from sea poisonfeather birds, it could be said that it was not easy for those serfs to survive and leave behind offsprings.


    I see. Liszt gestured for Burnell to get up. Why have you fled the Small Kerchief Ind?


    The Small Kerchief Ind was attacked by a group of pirates, the castle has fallen. It is unknown whether Sir Lord Smallkerchief is still alive. We had no choice but to steal a ship from the pirates and flee the Small Kerchief Ind. We wanted to take refuge in the Big Kerchief Ind, but because of a violent storm, the ship was nearly capsized. Eventually, we drifted to Sir''s fief.


    Liszt unconsciously frowned: The Small Kerchief Ind was attacked by pirates?


    The Small Kerchief Ind was the fief of Viscount Smallkerchief''s family. If memory served him right, the current lord was called Vince Smallkerchief. This family and the Big Kerchief Ind''s Viscount Jenner Bigkerchief''s family were one and the same family  the Kerchief Family  one hundred years ago. The family was very famous for sewing handkerchiefs.


    Later, the one who had inherited the family t.i.tle and another one who had rendered meritorious deeds on the battlefield and had be a viscount had changed the family name to Bigkerchief and Smallkerchief respectively.


    The pirates piged the castle and ughtered on the ind; we could only escape.


    Have you decided on what to do now? Liszt looked at the damaged sailboat; the sails were torn and the hull had multiple holes. The ship had already been puled ash.o.r.e. A group of stooped figures disembarked the ship as they supported each other, Do you persist in taking refuge in the Big Kerchief Ind or do you stay in the Flower Town?


    A ray of hope suddenly shed through Burnell''s murky eyes: Sir, can can we stay in the Flower Town?


    This was the increase in poption mission reward, so Liszt would naturally not let it slip past his fingers: If you stay, I can grant you the ident.i.ty of serfs. The Flower Town has a lot of uncultivatednd that can be conferred to you for cultivation. Also, serfs skilled in different crafts will be valued. If you decide to stay, then report to Chevalier Gort.


    They could not continue with their journey as the ship was stranded. Moreover, what difference was there between going to the Big Kerchief Ind and staying in the Flower Town.


    Therefore, after a simple discussion with the other refugees, Burnell reported to Gort that everyone was staying, bing the Flower Town''s serfs and vowing loyalty to Liszt.


    As they became serfs, it meant that these people, including the broken ship, had be part of Liszt''s capital.


    Teacher Gort, check the ident.i.ties of the new serfs and then a.s.sign them to the various settlements. Additionally, the sailboat is to be thoroughly investigated, I want to known if there is anything inside. A ship stolen from pirates is bound to have some weapons, right?


    Gort said energetically: Liszt, please rest a.s.sured, these serfs can''t even hide a loaf of bread. Anything they carry as well as their circ.u.mstances will be clearly presented to you It will only take half a day''s time.


    Don''t forget about the ship. Repair it if possible.


    Certainly.

 Chapter 66: Brainstorming at the Banquet

    Chapter 66: Brainstorming at the Banquet


    At the banquet.


    It seemed like a banquet was held everyday at the castle. For aristocrats, wining and dining was an ordinary urrence.


    The Small Kerchief Ind encountered pirates. Teacher Marcus, is piracy popr in the Sapphire Grand Duchy? Inquired Liszt as he ate a piece of roasted meat.


    Marcus replied: If only going by the modus operandi of pirates, then many small inds have suffered from the baptism of pirates. However, there may be another reason.


    What reason?


    These pirates were quite likely fake. Not every aristocratic family can run profitable estates. On the verge of bankruptcy, taking risks out of desperation could be a shortcut to their self-redemption. Particrly if there was hatred between aristocrats, they would go as far as borrow the ident.i.ty of pirates to loot the riches of the other party


    Listening to this gory information.


    If it was his predecessor, a 16-year-old youngster, then it was very likely that he would take issue with it  aristocrats took pride of their n.o.ble bloodline and their countless aristocratic qualities, for them to actually concurrently stoop into piracy, this was inconceivable.


    However, the current Liszt just slightly creased his eyebrows before quickly rxing them: Fortunately, there is a strong knight order on the Coral Ind, so for the time being, there is no danger of the Flower Town suffering an attack from pirates. However, we cannot becent. Teacher Marcus, the knight squad must be trained well.


    Sir, please rest a.s.sured. I will pull no stops in the training of the knight squad. I will train every one of them into knights qualified for the battlefield.


    Next, Liszt turned to Gort: Teacher Gort, give me the report on the new serfs. I think that it is best to talk about official maters during the meal.


    If you like, then we can do it now. Gort signaled for a servant to bring his coat before taking out a piece of thick bast paper from inside a pocket and unrolling it, There is a total of 50 new serfs. In fact, they were all freedmen originally. After the pirate attack, they very cleverly chose to escape.


    On the Small Kerchief Indy the Small Kerchief City; the fifty people were residents of and had their estates in the city.


    The rtionship between freedmen and their lord was more like the rtionship between a tenant and theirndlord. Serfs, on the other hand, were .s.sified as ves. For aristocrats, serfs wererades'' while freedmen were outsiders''. Once a conflict between lords escted, lords would choose to protect their serfs as they were part of their riches.


    Freedmen could not get such a protection, not to mention that lords would earn a bit of extra ie should they die.


    Therefore, the ident.i.ty of freedmen had advantages as well as disadvantages. Not everyone wanted to be a freedman.


    Seeing that Viscount Smallkerchief was defeated and that they could be killed by the pirates'' at any time while their belongings were piged, some of the Small Kerchief Ind''s freedmen hurriedly fled. They cleverly chose to capture a sailboat while the pirates were still fighting in the castle.


    Unfortunately, although there was a captain to stir but there were no skilled crew to man the vessel, which eventually led to them loosing control in the storm.


    So they are craftsmen and not farmers. Liszt was very satisfied. For the development of his fief, craftsmen were more important than simple farmers.


    Farmers and other ves could be procured as much as needed in the future, yet craftsmen were hard toe by.


    There is a cksmith, a cooper, an embroiderer, a tailor, a baker, a winemaker, a shoemaker, a carpenter, a dyer, a soap maker, a tanner, a sugar worker, a salt worker, a locksmith, and a cook as well as their families. Oh, there is still an innkeeper, a coper, and a few peddlers.


    What is Burnell''s craft? Liszt recalled the old man who spoke to him during the day.


    He is a soap maker who can produce a variety of flower scented soap.


    Very well, I''m already fed up with the honey locust powder. It is best to let him make the honey locust powder into soap as soon as possible. As someone who liked to bath everyday, Liszt had a great demand for soap, yet there was not that much soap in the castle; there was just some honey locust powder, which was a powder ground from honey locusts'' fruit.


    The honey locust powder could be used in baths, but it was very troublesome and did not feel good when bathing.


    In fact, Liszt had knowledge of an even simpler cleaning item  pancreas soap.


    Pancreas soap was a kind of soap, a blend of pings'' pancreas and nt ash. It was quite easy to make. The most basic pancreas soap could be produced by mixing and stirring mashed pig pancreas and nt ash; just that no one in the Flower Town raised pigs


    He cut a piece of roasted meat, lifted it with a fork, and dipped it in a bit of tomato sauce.


    Roasted meat tasted pretty good with tomato sauce.


    After swallowing the piece of roasted meat, he drank a mouthful of seafood soup, and then wiped his mouth with a napkin: Teacher Gort, Mr. Carter,e up with the appropriate work arrangements for the new serfs. Those that are suitable can be arranged to the town. Help them establish their shops. They are to especially cater to the castle''s needs.


    There were too few residents in the fief and there was not much demand, so as the lord, it was his obligation to enjoy everything.


    Only in this way could these craftsmen have a role to y in the short time.


    Carter bowed, saying: Yes, Master. I will ask Mr. Gort for guidance.


    After the matter regarding the new serfs was settled.


    Liszt brought up another official matter: The efficiency of the logging team has to be improved. However, new issues are arising and there will be often other matters drawing I and Teacher Marcus away. At such times, the logging teams'' defensive strength will be as good as nonexistent. This is very dangerous.


    But we really can''te up with more man power to go protect the logging team from the Thorns Ridge''s magic beast.


    Therefore, I think that we need to find a way for the logging team to have the ability to protect themselves even if they encounter magic beast. Said Liszt indifferently.


    No one answered immediately, pondering.


    Liszt was not in a hurry, so he continued to eat his dinner.


    In fact, he was testing the few people sitting beside him. He had already thought of a method that was highly likely of dealing with the magic beasts.


    This method originated from a smoke mission.


    He hadpleted a mission after rescuing the sailboat in the morning.


    Missionpleted. Reward: 50 people.


    Mission: the dangers in the depths of the Thorns Ridge may erupt at any time, to which the logging team is vulnerable. As a lord who owns a tract of smoke gra.s.s, you should reasonably exploit your resources to guaranty the safety of your subjects. Please withstand an offensive from magic beasts. Reward: an extremely small ore deposit.


    The mission pointed out quite clearly that smoke gra.s.s could be used to resist the magic beasts.


    Liszt had quite the deep understanding of the smoke gra.s.s'' smell. Magic beasts might really not be capable of standing it, specially some magic beasts with particrly sensitive noses.


    Therefore, he intended to use the smoke gra.s.s to make a simple magic beast repellent'', which would be ignited once magic beasts appeared.


    He was determined to get the extremely-small ore deposits''.


    However, he had not mentioned the n outright, instead hoping that someone woulde up with it by themselves. Otherwise, he would feel like he was raising a group of good-for-nothing freeloaders


    After a while, no one had thought of a good method.


    This made Liszt very disappointed. When he was about to announce his n, Isaiah suddenly said: Sir Baron, maybe we can use fire! Beasts fear fire. Pine trees, which burn quite easily, are among the cut down trees. We could cut down the branches and leaves of pine trees and burn them. Like this, magic beasts would be afraid of approaching!

 Chapter 67: Fire, Traps, and Smoke Gra.s.s

    Chapter 67: Fire, Traps, and Smoke Gra.s.s


    Were beasts afraid of fire?


    This was a very interesting topic.


    Gort shook his head, expressing a different opinion: Beasts are not exactly afraid of fire, some beasts may even be curious about fire, let alone the naturally intimate with fire fire-attributed magic beasts.


    Marcus mused: I think this method might still be feasible. Beasts would naturally not be afraid of a small fire. However, if the fire ignited from pine tree branches was big, then I believe that even fire-attributed magic beasts would not want to approach. The pine tree branches are not worth much, what we want are the tree trunks.


    The discussion around lighting a fire persisted for a quarter of an hour.


    Then, ir added: We can let the town''s hunters also partake in this endeavor, letting them install traps in the surroundings. The traps might not work against magic beasts, but at least they could be used as warning mechanisms that couldplement the bonfires. I believe that it would be enough to guarantee the safety of the logging team''s serfs.


    Finally, Liszt gave a verdict: Fire, traps, those measures are worth trying, but there is a crop in the Flower Town that you should not overlook.


    What crop? Everyone was curious.


    Smoke gra.s.s.


    Smoke gra.s.s? Oh, heavens, how could I have forgotten about this dreadful gra.s.s. Gort immediately iled his hands exaggeratedly, I believe that as long as the smoke gra.s.s is lighted, then even a dragon would run away. That smell Liszt, that smell from the time you ignited the smoke gra.s.s on the dairy farm is still fresh in my memory!


    A dragon would not run away, but on the contrary, would be attracted over.


    Liszt narrowed his eyes slightly as he paid attention to Gort''s expression. He was sure that the other had brought it up involuntarily instead of trying to lure out some details.


    On the day of the invasion of the invisible dragon, the others had misgivings regarding the burning of the smoke gra.s.s, the violent deaths of the dairy farm''s cows, as well as the resounding and prating dragon roar.


    However, Liszt had told them not to ask questions.


    Therefore, they could only suppress these misgivings in a corner of their minds until they faded away from their memories.


    I am also convinced. When researching the smoke gra.s.s, I had smeared a bit of smoke gra.s.s juice on the nose of Cyanrabbit. As a result, Cyanrabbit was unwell for two days, nearly falling sick. Isaiah echoed the sentiment with a strong conviction. Cyanrabbit was his mount, a horse of a cyan color.


    Therefore


    Liszt put down the knife and fork and wiped his mouth, stopping eating: Fire, traps and smoke gra.s.s, these three measures will protect the logging team and guaranty that magic beasts cannot harm anyone. Teacher Gort, Teacher Marcus, I leave the implementation to the both of you. Make sure that that nothing goes wrong.


    Yes, Sir! a.s.sented Marcus.


    Gort also nodded quickly: Leave it to me, Liszt.


    Liszt still mentioned: Additionally, we have finally figured out the use of smoke gra.s.s. Therefore, I decided to clear a tract of uncultivatednd to the north of the flower farm''s tract of smoke gra.s.s to expand the cultivation of the smoke gra.s.s. Teacher Gort,e up with a n and implement it as soon as possible.


    We might have enough uncultivatednd to clear for cultivationGort hesitated before saying, But there is a seriousck in the number of serfs. There were not many serfs to begin with, but now a batch was transferred to the oyster settlement, and many serfs were transferred to the logging team, the road construction team, the town''s shops as apprentices, and even to the knight squad and the castle as servants.


    He extended his hands and counted on his fingers: Maize gra.s.s, maize field, tulips and the many seeds  sugar beet, turnip, onion, coriander, and others  you traded for, they all require serfs to be cultivated. I think that we need at least another 1,000 serfs.


    Without farm tools, the sh-and-burn method was the way to open uncultivatednd for cultivation.


    Cultivation took a lot of effort, requiring many serfs to maintain the normal growth of crops and vegetables. There was no way to work the fields without serfs.


    With mechanized cultivation, a dozen people would be able to cultivate all of the Flower Town''s fields.


    Liszt often fantasized about leading the Flower Town to adopt the farming model of the U.S farmers, havingrge machinery traveling along a boundless farnd.


    He could only fantasize. At the moment, the Flower Town only had a few shovels and hoes.


    As such, he did not insist on Gort rapidly broadening the scope of cultivation: In this case,e up with a n and demarcate the fields first, then wait until there is sufficient man power before beginning with the cultivation.


    As you wish!


    At the logging site.


    The thirty loggers formed groups of two as they cut down the trees using their axes. It had to be said, the serfs who worked hard all year round were quite strong and efficient.


    While atop ckdragon, Liszt slowly patrolled the area.


    On the other hand, Marcus was leading the knight squad to pick up the cut down pine tree branches and drag them to the three bonfires in the woods. The bonfires raged with tall mes as they guarded the logging site in a triangr formation.


    Hunters were making traps around the bonfires.


    asionally, bird cries could be heard from deep in the woods. Instead of an oppressive atmosphere, there was just a bustling scene of activity. However,Liszt did not rx. The smoke mission had very clearly pointed out that there would be magic beasts attacking the logging site. Just that he didn''t know when the attack would ur.


    Magic beasts, heh, two were killed since arrival to the Flower Town.


    However, one was a Violent Dog that had just given birth and had yet to recover its strength and the other was a Wind Peregrine Falcon that had be weary from its fight with the fruit stealing monkeys. Therefore, no fierce fights had taken ce. It was like getting a freebie.


    The only head-on confrontation was against the Windde Wolf, which only pretended to attack before fleeing into the Thorns Ridge.


    He was somewhat looking forward to the uing magic beast attack. This time, it was unknown what kind of magic beasts they would face, whether a fight would take ce, and whether another magic beast could be killed. Magic beast meat tasted much better than that of ordinary beasts, further coupled with the nourishing magic power, Liszt liked it a lot.


    The sun was scorching hot and there was not the slightest bit of wind. Even under the shade of trees, one still would not feel refreshed.


    His fire-attributed qi circted through his meridians and his hand rested on the Redblood Sword''s sword hilt as he observed the mottled shadows on the ground. He felt his fighting spirit soar.


    With his character, it was not likely that he would perform charges on the battle field. Therefore, if he wanted to disy an aristocrat''s heroic demeanor, he probably could only aplish it in fights against magic beasts. With the many people, ample preparations, and the a.s.sistance provided by Marcus, was it not the best opportunity to disy an aristocrat''s heroic demeanor?


    Magic beasts, hurry over, my sword thirsts for you!


    Shiiiing!


    Feeling like disying his skills for a bit, he suddenly half-unsheathed the Redblood Sword. But then, he thought that it would not be too appropriate. Just as he was about to sheath his sword, a rattle'' slightly standing out from the crackle'' of the burning pine tree branches abruptly came from the distance, quickly attracting his attention.


    Marcus, who was patrolling the surroundings, had obviously also discovered this sound, shouting in a hushed voice: Look out!


    With the short spear in hand, he approach the direction from where the sound came.


    Liszt sped the Redblood Sword''s hilt. His sapphire-colored irises turned like vortexes as he released the Magic Eyes.


    Shortly after, he saw a few faint traces of magic power in the underbrush.


    He quickly recognized there to be a total of three magic beasts!


    Teacher Marcus,e back! With a shiiiiing and nk, Liszt unsheathed the Redblood Sword. He shouted, There are three magic beasts 50 meters ahead!

 Chapter 68: The Three Wolves Trick

    Chapter 68: The Three Wolves'' Trick


    Against one low-ranked magic beast, Marcus could handle it and even look for opportunities to kill it.


    But against three, blindly stepping forward would only result in a dismembered body.


    Without thinking about how Liszt knew that there were three magic beasts, Marcus at once puled the reins and retreated. At the same time, with extreme agility, he inserted the spear back into thence rack on the mount''s back, took out bow and arrow, nocked arrows and pulled the bowstring. He shot four arrows in session ant the underbrush 50 meters away.


    The arrows. .h.i.t thin air, yet they had clearly achieved their purpose.


    Suddenly, a Windde Wolf had jumped out from the underbrush before staring coldly at Marcus. It didn''t attack lightly and instead continued to stare coldly as it observed the logging team''s serfs drawing closer towards a bonfire.


    Karl and the other retainer knights took out the dried smoke gra.s.s leaves given to them, ready to throw them into the bonfire at any time. The magic beast would be scared away once the smoke gra.s.s leaves were ignited and the fierce fumes were released.


    Liszt urged on ckdragon to join with Marcus, confronting the gray Windde Wolf.


    Sir, are you certain there are three magic beasts?


    I am. Clenching the Redblood Sword, Liszt kept the Magic Eyes released. There is one in the underbrush to the left and one behind the underbrush to the right of this Windde Wolf. It obviously wants to attract our attention, letting the other two to mount a sneak attack.


    Marcus once again nocked arrows and pulled the bowstring: Wolves are naturally sly and prudent! I will force them out first!


    Two arrows were shot at the still underbrush.


    In the tense situation, Liszt suddenly wanted tough. The three Windde Wolves wanted to y a trick on him, thinking that they would not be discovered by hiding in the shrubs. However, under the scrutiny of the Magic Eyes, they had basically nowhere to hide.


    For the one on the left, shift one meter to the left below the underbrush. For the one on the right, shift one and a half meters to the right.


    After hearing the instructions.


    Marcus took out one arrow instead of two this time and shot it at the underbrush to the left.


    Sqwelp!


    Awhoo!


    The sound of flesh being pierced followed by the howl from a Windde Wolf came from the underbrush. Next, the bushes swayed and a Windde Wolf with an arrow stuck in its shoulder ran away with its tail between its legs, very quickly fleeing deep into the woods.


    On the other hand, the Windde Wolf that had the purpose of attracting their attention also turned around and ran away.


    Now only the Windde Wolf to the right was still concealed, probably still awaiting its chance for a surprise attack.


    But the next moment.


    A sharp arrow brushed past its back, scaring it out of the bushes, before turning around and fleeing.


    Only a few arrows were used in the short confrontation before the three Windde Wolves turned tail and disappeared without a trace. All the while, the smoke gra.s.s was still to be used.


    The Magic Eyes could no longer perceive traces of magic power, Liszt summoned the smoke mission. When he saw the updated content, he waved his hand with regret: Stand down, the Windde Wolves had already escaped. Proceed with the cutting down of trees. Not a single magic beast stayed behind, nor could he disy his elegant demeanor.


    However, the mission waspleted, which was good enough.


    Missionpleted. Reward: an extremely-small saltpeter mine."


    A saltpeter mine?


    Metals and gems came from dragons. As for the other minerals, they were supplied by the drynd. Some time ago, Liszt was stillining that ice could not be produced without saltpeter, that cold beer could not be drunk in the height of summer. Unexpectedly, the current reward was a saltpeter mine, how considerate.


    However, is it not too wasteful to use saltpeter to make ice? I remember saltpeter being one of the ingredients for producing gunpowder. He recalled learning in middle school, in the physics .s.s, the form for gunpowder  sulfur, charcoal, and pota.s.sium nitrate (saltpeter).


    Only sulfur was missing now that saltpeter was settled.


    It is better to first produce ice as it is getting hotter and hotter. Without ice to lower the temperature, there is no cold beer, making it difficult to go through the day.


    The smoke Serpentines changed just as thoughts welled up in his mind.


    Mission: the danger of the magic beast attack was lifted. It is about time to make an all out effort to chop down trees, to broaden the road through the Thorns Ridge, to reintegrate the Flower Town into the Coral Ind''s tradework, and to gain development opportunities. Reward: a new type of mushrooms.


    A new type of mushrooms?


    Liszt immediately thought of the shiitake settlement [1]: Alike the ck Tulip, is a magic ingredient going to sprout in the shiitake settlement''s shiitake shed ?


    Shiitake were a very important kind of ingredient in the aristocrats'' diet.


    Shiitake were categorized as a specie of mushroom. In this world, mushrooms were called spriteless, meaning that they were nts abandoned by sprites.


    Because they could not give birth to sprite worms.


    In this world, even weeds had a chance at giving birth to sprite worms, with mushrooms being the exceptions. Therefore, people were quite doubtful whether they were nts. However, there were a lot of magic ingredients among mushrooms. Only nts could give birth to magic ingredients. Therefore, looking at things from this side, they were nts.


    In the end, it was inconclusive.


    ording to what Liszt knew, mushrooms were of the Fungi kingdom. However, in this world, it was meaningless to know whether they were of the Fungi or the ntae kingdom as this was not a world of science.


    Although mushrooms don''t give birth to sprite worms, that is, there is no way to use to raise their yield through supernatural powers, but they would grow very quickly by themselves so long as the conditions were right. If I really get a new variety of magic ingredient mushrooms, that would definitely be great news, it would be equal to the Flower Town getting a specialty product.


    The ck Tulips originally could be regarded as a specialty product. However, because he only had a tulip sprite worm, he could not expand the scope of cultivation.


    Yet magic ingredient mushrooms were different as they did not require the help of sprites and could expand the scope of cultivation by themselves. They were definitely the perfect choice for specialty products.


    Just a type of magic ingredient mushrooms was capable of attracting an endless stream of caravans.


    Or at the very least, Levis and Lvera would definitely not miss a new magic ingredient. In order to fulfill their dream of bing Sky Knights, they aimed to be medicinal pots.


    Then chopping down trees I shall! During this period, I have to supervise the cutting down of trees every day. I must open the road through the Thorns Ridge as soon as possible! Liszt was excited as he made the decision.


    The heat emitted by the scorching summer sun was unbearable; he was ready to return to the castle ahead of time.


    Yet now, he was all fired up. He sent Thomas to the castle to pack the food and bring it back to have a pic at the logging site as well as to guard against the Windde Wolves.


    Just the pic ended.


    Suddenly, not far from the logging site, came tabdak'' sounds from hoofs as several knights spurred their mounts ahead. The knights seemed to have seen the logging team as they made a beeline for the logging site.


    Karl and the other three retainer knights immediately went to wee them, before shortly aftering before Liszt together with them.


    Sir Baron. Liszt was acquainted with the leading knight. Chevalier Lhden, the Tulip Castle''s knight captain, saluted ording to the knight etiquette, I, Lhden, give you my regards.


    Last time Levis andpany hade to conduct the a.s.simtion trade, Chevalier Lhden was the one escorting them.


    Liszt returned the salute: Chevalier Lhden, we meet again. What has brought you here this time?


    Five days from now, on June 26th, is the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival. Sir Count had sent me to deliver a message  all members of the Tulip Family shall go to the Flower Town to celebrate the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival together with you.

 Chapter 69: The Strangely Missing Saltpeter Deposit

    Chapter 69: The Strangely Missing Saltpeter Deposit


    Going-out-to-the-sea Festival.


    It was not that Liszt had forgotten about it.


    The Sapphire Grand Duchy''s two most important festivals were the New Year Festival and the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival.


    The New Year Festival was a custom from the continent that celebrated the beginning of the new year. On the whole, every state''s aristocrats andmoners celebrated the New Year Festival.


    The Going-out-to-the-sea Festival was a festival unique to the Sapphire Grand Duchy that celebrated the first time the Sapphire Family went out to the sea. After their dragon was defeated, the Sapphire Family had to migrate from the continent to the archipgo and establish there their state. In order to whitewash their defeat, the day they went out to the sea was promoted as the day they sat sail to pursue their dreams.


    Commoners might prefer the New Year Festival, which was a festival pa.s.sed down through countless generations, but the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival was a festival that the archipgo state''s aristocrats had to celebrate.


    Thank you, Chevalier Lhden, for braving this hardship and pa.s.sing on the message.


    This is what I should do, Sir Baron.


    Are Grandmother, Father, Brother, Sister, as well as Madam and Lytton all right?


    Everyone is fine.


    That''s good.


    On their journey to the castle, Liszt chatted with Lhden about the Tulip Castle''s recent developments. He inquired in pa.s.sing whether the Tulip Family''s fleet had returned yet.


    Lhden''s group still had not eaten lunch. Thus, he had the kitchen immediately prepare lunch to receive this group of people.


    Sir Baron, the Flower Town is preparing to cut down all the trees in the Thorns Ridge? Lhden gave vent to the doubt born on the way to the castle. In these two days, the logging team had already cleared arge open s.p.a.ce.


    I do n to cut down the woods and destroy the magic beasts'' habitat. However, for the time being, there is not enough manpower. Therefore, I can only start by cutting down the trees on both sides of the road first to clear out a s.p.a.cious empty area so that the risk of magic beast attack is lessened.


    It is a rather good method. It the woods, magic beasts are frightening existences, but in the open, they are but a bit stronger beasts.


    In open areas, knights with horses would not be caught off guard by magic beasts and could even evade their magic. Furthermore, horses were very fast. Magic beasts might not be capable of catching up to them. In open areas, with man and horse as one, knights couldunch charges andrelease a variety of qi secret manual moves.


    The etiquette and courtesy between aristocrats was upheld.


    Lhden''s group departed after lunch.


    Liszt had to make arrangements: Mr. Carter, five days from now, the Tulip Family wille to the castle to celebrate the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival together with me. I am not very keen on such noisy events, so you do the arrangements.


    Master, please rest a.s.sured. In my youth, I partic.i.p.ated in the of the Tulip Castle''s Going-out-to-the-sea Festival many times. The scenes of the butler, Lewis, managing the festival banquet is deeply ingrained in my mind. Apart from ack in beverages, there is an endless supply of seafood as well as some magic beast meat in the castle. A perfect banquet can be held.


    I remember there being a winemaker among the new serfs.


    Right, his name is Frank Distillersgrains, but he can only brew fruit wine. He can''t brew white wine, red wine, or beer. Besides, we also have no hops.


    Liszt frowned: How much beer with hopes do we still have?


    We still have half a barrel stored in the cer. Only you, Master, can enjoy this bit. I am reluctant to take it out otherwise. Said Carter regretfully. In his mind, Liszt already upied the most important position.


    Then don''t take it out. Winked Liszt.


    Carter gave a knowing smile in return: I think so too.


    Unfortunately, I forgot to have Lhden pa.s.s Levis a few words when he left, to ask him help me procure some beverages and foodstuff In the end, this is still the result of the obstructed road. Otherwise, the castle''s gold coins would have been spent instead of catching mold.


    Perhaps you could instruct Mr. Marcus to go pa.s.s on the message?


    That won''t do. Teacher Marcus has more important things to do; he has to attend to the logging team and train the knight squad. Also, a shabby Going-out-to-the-sea Festival would allow Sir Father see the Flower Town''s plight. I don''t think that it would do any harm. A crying baby would be breastfed.


    Once the count saw that the Flower Town had no beer with hops, would that not weigh on his conscience?


    Carter said with a smile: Master, you are getting more and more unrestrained.


    Liszt smiled lightly: I recently read a short poem in a knight novel  If by life you were deceived, don''t be dismal, don''t be wild! In the day of grief, be mild; Merry days wille, believe! Heart is living in tomorrow; Present is dejected here


    In a moment, pa.s.ses sorrow.


    That which pa.s.ses will be dear. (If by life you were deceived, a poem by Pushkin)


    The count did not pay attention to his second son, Liszt. This was not a big deal. Although life was quite miserable and poverty-stricken at times, yet Liszt was still optimistic. Compared to the majority ofmoners and lesser aristocrats, life in the Flower Town was already very fulfilling.


    Eating white bread every day was a dream that many could not hope for.


    In the following few days, the fief''s projects road construction, logging, and the construction of the oyster settlement''s houses  were in full swingas before. Receiving the copper coins paid by Liszt, the serfs were full of vigor. Even the blistering hot weather could not weather their enthusiasm.


    The castle was likewise in a frenzy. The butler, Carter, was busy instructing the servants to clean the castle inside out and decorate it. The cook, Abby Ladle, all day long instructed the two kitchen maids, Irene and Little Lily, in her loud voice to busy themselves with various ingredients.


    Marcus led the knight squad to guard the logging team as well as to practice the fundamentals of qi.


    Gort, Isaiah, and ir were also working hard.


    Liszt was the exception. He was troubled with theextremely small saltpeter deposit, with the fact that he could not find it anywhere!


    The mission waspleted, yet the discovery of the mission''s saltpeter deposit reward waste. There were no reports of unusual stone findings or abnormalities worthy of his attention. There were no clues for thest three days, leaving Liszt very confused.


    Not mentioning how much the saltpeter deposit was worth.


    Apart from ice production, he didn''t know what other uses saltpeter had for the time being.


    Rather, the situation was quite pessimistic, leaving him to worry whether there was an issue with the smoke mission itself. The previous mission rewards hadnded in his hands basically the same day.


    Could it be that my cheat is about to expire? At night, while lying in bed, he looked at the still issued shiitake settlement''s mission. He was quite worried.


    Fortunately.


    His worry onlysted until the fourth day.


    On this day, another team, the gravel transport team, followed behind the logging team that Marcus took into the Thorns Ridge to work. The team was responsible for crushing stone and then transport the resulting gravel to both sides of the road to be used as pavement.


    Just as they were looking for stone to crush, they suddenly found a pile of stones embedded in the ground with a lot of white crystalline stuff. They believed it to be salt at first. Salt was very important in the daily life. Thus, the serfs were very excited. The sir lord would definitely reward them if they found something good.


    But after sampling it, they realized that the white stuff didn''t taste the least bit salty and instead tasted a bit bitter.


    Regardless, they still sc.r.a.ped a lot of the white stuff and handed it to Marcus to have a look. Marcus could not tell what it was and told Liszt of it.


    Liszt looked at the white crystalline powder in his hand. To be honest, he also didn''t know if it was saltpeter, but that could be easily solved with an experiment.

 Chapter 70: For the Cold Beer, Cheers

    Chapter 70: For the Cold Beer, Cheers


    When dissolved in water, saltpeter could absorb a lot of heat. This was the principle behind saltpeter produced ice. Thanks to the novels he previously read, Liszt knew a lot of simrmon sense.


    Besides, he also knew that saltpeter could be used repeatedly.


    Saltpeter is an amazing substance that can dissolve in water and then turn said water very cold before freezing it. Liszt instructed a servingman to pour the white powder into a basin of water.


    Next, the powder could be seen gradually melt.


    Tom put a finger into the water and shouted in surprise: Master, Master, the water, the water has really be cold, it''s cold!


    Gort pushed Tom to the side. Curious yet hesitant, he ultimately put a finger inside: It really is much colder than before. Liszt, is this a method of wizards? I have once seen a wizard proficient at ice-attributed magic. In the summer, he would always producerge quant.i.ties of ice to make money.


    However, after waiting for a while, the water was only a bit cold and did not freeze.


    Liszt, howe it didn''t turn into ice?


    Teacher Gort, this bit of powder is not enough to produce ice. Now was just to confirm that it is indeed saltpeter.Liszt smiled lightly, Since it was confirmed, while collecting gravel, also collect all the saltpeter and send it to the castle. None can be missed.


    Okay, I am looking forward to the moment when you make ice. Ice in the summer; aristocrats should enjoy this much.


    Tomorrow was the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival and the castle was going to host a banquet.


    Nighttime.


    Looking at the saltpeter powder collected through the day, which was a barrel worth, Liszt rather excitedly instructed the servants to start the genuine production of ice.


    When dissolved in water, saltpeterwould absorb the water''s heat before turning it into ice.


    However, the ice produced from the water where saltpeter had dissolved was poisonous. Therefore, it was necessary to prepare a tank and a copper basin. Thecopper basin had a fairly good thermal conductivity. The copper basin was put in the tank, then water was put both in the tank and in the copper basin and finally, saltpeter was poured into the tank''s water. Now, what remained was to wait for the saltpeter to dissolve, absorb the heat, and turn the water into ice.


    Because the saltpeter powder was quite sufficient, its effect was quite strong.


    Less than a quarter of an hourter, the water in the tank started to slowly freeze. Quite a whileter, the water in the copper basin also started to freeze.


    It froze!


    It really froze!


    What an amazing scene. This is a method of legendary alchemists!


    On the sidelines, Marcus, Gort, Isaiah, and ir sessively eximed in amazement. They were under the impression that only in winter would there be ice. Only by building ice houses could aristocrats enjoy ice in summer. However, ice houses were a luxury; only the rich lords could organize huge ice-collecting teams to extract ice fromkes and rivers in winter.


    A dest.i.tute aristocrats like Gort could only have a few pieces of ice each year in the Tulip Castle.


    While Marcus, ir, and Isaiah were not even qualified to have ice in summer.


    Liszt was simrly excited. Although he heard that saltpeter could be used to produce ice, but this was the first time he had tried it for himself. The impact of witnessing water turn into ice was quite striking.


    Master, it turned to ice. Standing next to therge tank, Thomas'' eyes lit up.


    Go get the ice. NoddedLiszt. With a reserved aristocratic smile stered on his face and a dignified bearing, he continued, Cut it into small pieces. Tonight, everyone can get a small piece of ice.


    Carter whispered: Master, ice is too precious, why give it to servants?


    It doesn''t matter. Mr. Carter, just do what I said.


    Yes, Master. On behalf of all servants, I want to express sincerest respect and thanks for your generosity. Bowed Carter in salute. Meeting a generous aristocratic master was the servants'' fortune.


    After saying that, he directed Thomas to carry the copper basin with ice into the kitchen so that it could be cut.


    Liszt then called for Tom: Store the tank of ice. Tomorrow, when the sun rises, take the tank outside to weather the ice. Don''t waste a single drop.


    Gort was puzzled: Liszt, could the ice not be just used as is? Why weather it?


    When dissolved, saltpeter can be used to make ice, but it cannot be eaten. By weathering the water content, saltpeter can be turned back to its powder form. It can be used repeatedly to make ice.


    Is saltpeter that magical?


    It is far more magical than you imagine. Thought Liszt. Were he to find sulfur, then he would be capable of configuring gunpowder.


    Perhapspared to TNT, gunpowder was not strictly an explosive, but it was still highly mmable and explosive. It was suitable for making some IEDs (improvised explosive devices) with might at least not inferior to magic released by low-ranked magic beasts. In low-level battles, it was quite effective in catching opponents off guard.


    Of course, gunpowder had no decisive advantages in a world with dragons, sprites, and magic beasts.


    The dishes at the banquet were not sumptuous as Liszt could not bear to receive Gort and the others withvish meals every day. The castle''s supplies were for his enjoyment.


    The beverages  sour, non-hops beer were also fairlycking.


    However, because everyone had a few pieces of ice in their cups, the banquet was quite lively. The ice melted and cooled the beer. After downing a cup of cold beer, the entire person would instantly feel refreshed. These days, as the weather was getting hotter and hotter, this was the peak of enjoyment.


    Liszt, I propose that we drink for the cold beer! Gort happily raised his cup.


    Liszt picked up his cup and responded: Then, for the cold beer. Cheers.


    Cheers!


    Gulp'' gulp'' sounds from swallowing big mouthfuls of beer sounded above the dining table.


    In the kitchen.


    On the dining table.


    Irene used a spoon to fiddle with a piece of ice on the te in front of her, making whoosh'', whoosh'' sounds.


    Abby Ladle couldn''t help but berate her: Irene, stop making unpleasant sounds! Master has granted you the piece of ice, so why aren''t you eating it?!


    Compared to eating it, I prefer to watch it melt, Mrs. Abby. Don''t you think that the temperature in the kitchen has dropped? Irene Fourfingers continued to fiddle with the piece of ice. She looked at Lily Bathtub sitting next to her, Little Lily, don''t you think so too?


    Of course; each one of us has a piece of ice. Said Little Lily before licking the ice on her spoon. She could not bear to eat it all at once.


    Although the ice had no taste, but it was cool and felt veryfortable and refreshing.


    Abby said angrily: Little Lily, you''re not permitted to talk with Irene while eating! Your clumsy and crude table manners will make the kitchen loose face!


    Cough cough.


    The butler, Carter, crushed the ice in his mouth. He was already in his fifties, but his teeth were still very good: Mrs. Abby, they are still children, it is alright to let them be a littlecking in manners when dining.


    Mr. Carter, it is not that I am ignoring your instructions, but you should not condone their behavior. Otherwise, they will be unruly. Being clumsy is already bad enough, but if they don''t even learn a bit of etiquette, then they will never leave the kitchen; forever unable to be maids upstairs. Said Abby seriously.


    Carter and Mawson looked each other in the eyes. They knew that deep down, Abby was a good-hearted person.


    However, Irene was clearly not convinced: Mrs. Abby, I don''t want to go upstairs. There, I could not feel the least bit at ease, always minding my surroundings. Instead, I will be the cook in the future. I like to work in the kitchen.


    You can forget about that! Abby immediately went off, As long as I am in the kitchen, you will have no hope of bing the cook. Little girl, remember, don''t offend me!


    But there wille a day when you are too old.


    Even if therees a day when I am old and stiff, but currently, I am still the cook! What I say goes!

 Chapter 71: The Going-out-to-the-sea Festivals Festive Atmosphere

    Chapter 71: The Going-out-to-the-sea Festival''s Festive Atmosphere


    It was still dark, yet the voice of the butler, Carter, constantly sounded upstairs and downstairs of the castle.


    Tom, snap out of it!


    Thomas, prepare Master''s festival best frac habill (three piece suit)! Don''t make any mistakes!


    Mrs. Mawson, the window on the second floor is a bit dusty, tell the maids to wipe it clean as soon as possible. We can''t leave azy impression on our soon toe honored guests.


    Heavens, why does the kitchen have to carry out the oyster flesh to dry! Take it quickly away No no no, Irene, definitely not today!


    I want to see the castle''s water tank overflow! But Jesse, you don''t have to go pick water, Johan and Parker shall do it! You have to hurry and check on the worm stalks! Even though today is the festival, but we also cannot neglect the most important matters!


    Don''t take the entire thing to weather. First break it into pieces, that way it will be easier. Carter took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat off his face. Today was indeed busy. There was still arge pile of precious crystal dinner service to be wiped clean, yet he had to clear up some trivial matters first.


    Seeing the new servingman, Jim, struggling to move the tank with the ice to weather under the sun.


    He couldn''t help but to tell the other to use his brain.


    Jim was big, but also quite clever, just that he hadn''t had much experience yet. After Carter made the remark, he immediately apologized: Sorry, Mr. Carter, I didn''t think this through. I will break the ice and put it into several buckets and basins.


    Don''t spill it. This was an instruction from Master. There is saltpeter inside, which is very precious.


    Please rest a.s.sured, Mr. Carter.


    After patrolling around the castle, Carter went to the second floor, where he happened to see Thomas enter Liszt''s bedroom while holding the frac habill.


    He knocked the door and also went inside.


    Master, you woke up very early today.


    With Thomas'' a.s.sistance, Liszt put on the annoying clothes as well as the particrly ufortable disc-shaped ruff, thef''.


    He was in a poor mood: The ruckus in the castle was so big that I would find it a bit difficult even if I wanted to sleep.


    Carter immediately bowed, his expression a bit uneasy: I am sorry, Master, the noise was my fault.


    Liszt was merely a bit annoyed after getting out of bed, but when he saw Carter apologize, his annoyance quickly waned. He should not me this old man loyal to him for this little transgression: It''s not rted to you, Mr. Carter. Don''t me yourself. Today is the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival, so I have to get up early.


    Carter heaved a sigh of relief.


    Thomas narrowed his eyes in disappointment. He was quite looking forward to see the master rebuke the butler.


    After dressing up, Liszt ate a simple breakfast before mounting Firedragon, ready to patrol around the fief. Today was the festival. Even though only aristocrats celebrated it, but he still had to congratte themoners and enjoy their support and ttery.


    Right at this moment, he saw the simrly dressed up Gort.


    Marcus, ir, Isaiah also wore fairly grand attires. The three were not aristocrats with t.i.tles.


    Sir Baron, I, Gort, congratte you on the festival.


    Sir, I, Marcus, congratte you on the festival.


    Sir Baron, I, Isaiah, congratte you on the festival.


    Sir Baron, I, ir, congratte you on the festival.


    The four meticulously disyed the aristocratic etiquette as they congratted Liszt in session.


    Liszt simrly responded ording to the aristocratic etiquette: Merry festival.


    Next, the four retainer knights and the twelve quasi-retainer-knights sessively stepper forward to salute him and congratte him on the festival. Lastly, under Carter''s lead, the castle''s servants stopped what they were doing and simrly congratted him on the festival.


    He led Gort and the others as well as the retainer knights to patrol around the fief.


    The sentence Sir Lord, I, x.x.x, congratte you on the festival'' constantly sounded from both sides of the road, with freedmen kneeling on one knee and serfs kneeling on both.


    With this etiquette, the authority of the aristocrats had been continuously strengthened and deeply rooted in themoner''s hearts.


    Oncemoners got used to kneeling on one knee, the foundation of the aristocratic rule would be unshakable.


    Master, good news. When he pa.s.sed through the tomato settlement, Liszt saw Jesse Ricewater who had been promoted from a servingman a.s.sistant to a servingman and could receive two copper coins a day as wages.


    Jesse, what are the good news?


    I just examined the tomato settlement''s tomato worm stalk and discovered that the tomato sprite worm has been born.


    Right, this is indeed good news. Liszt was very happy with the arrival of the castle''s seventh sprite worm. Next, he took the patrol directly to John Shoulderpole household''s tomato field.


    The tomato worm stalk in the center was clearly quite big, bearing red tomatoes.


    Atop a small yellow flower, a red-colored, chubby, adorable sprite wormzily basked in the sun. John Shoulderpole was nervously looking at the sprite worm. He had the duty to protect the sprite worm in the lord''s stead, making sure that it was not harmed as well as that no one contracted it.


    Only the lord was qualified to contract the sprite worm.


    Also, only a person with qi or magic could establish a contract.


    Sir Lord, I, John Shoulderpole, congratte you on the festival.


    Merry festival, John.


    Liszt simply greeted the man. Then, he walked up to the tomato sprite worm and sprinkled a bit of jade powder to attract it. Next, he put a bit of jade powder on his finger and extended it to the little fellow. By operating qi on the tip of his finger, the joint charm of magic power and jade powder was unleashed. The tomato sprite worm bit down without hesitation.


    The contract between the tomato sprite worm and Liszt was established along with a fleeting feeling of connection.


    Gort looked enviously at the tomato sprite worm before saying merrily: Today is indeed a day of celebration. It looks like the tomato sprite worm has chosen this day to be born so that it could congratte you on the festival, Liszt. If there had been a sprite worm in his fief at the time, then perhaps he might have forgone bankruptcy.


    It is a clever sprite worm, I can feel it. Smiled Liszt. He turned to John Shoulderpole. John, the tomato field with the worm stalk is, as before, your''s to cultivate. Remember, nothing untoward is to happen to the worm stalk. It is the most important existence in the tomato settlement.


    Sir Lord, please rest a.s.sured! I, John, am willing to protect it with my life!


    He spoke with great enthusiasm. The tomatoes close to the worm stalk were of a high yield and quality, which meant that there would be an abundance of tomatoes left after paying taxes. For him, his rich life that had began with the Nalda (gold coin) rewarded by Liszt has started to take off.


    Hence forth, it will get better and better.


    I want to cultivate tomatoes for Sir Lord for the rest of my life!


    As he watched the patrol in the distance, his gaze was fixed at the n.o.ble, untouchable back. He was besides himself with excitement: I hope that the glory of knights always shines on Sir Lord.

 Chapter 72: The Count Pays a Visit to the Flower Town

    Chapter 72: The Count Pays a Visit to the Flower Town


    Around 10 o''clock in the morning, the count''s convoy appeared in the Thorn''s Ridge.


    Having learned the lesson from thest time a convoy came, which was only discovered not far from the castle, the patrol team wandered the Thorn Ridge''s road.


    Nowadays, arge number of trees on both sides of the road had been felled.


    The logs had yet to be transported away. As they lied level on the ground, they looked like a floor. This, undoubtedly, provided the people with a very good field of view, reducing the risk of magic beast attack. However, this was not the end, the logging work had yet to bepleted. In addition, Liszt also intended to erect palisades on each side of the road to cut off the route for magic beasts.


    Although wood-made palisades had zero effect on cutting off magic beasts, but magic beasts still had the brains of beasts and were quite likely to turn around upon seeing the palisades obstructing their path instead of destroying them.


    After being notified by the patrol team.


    Liszt took Gort and the others to wee therge group. Although there were only five carriages, but they were escorted by a knight squad.


    The neatly dressed and equipped with shiny weapons knight squad had originally followed the count on his campaign to the continent.


    Many knights were conferred aristocratic t.i.tles because of outstanding military service, and therefore left for their fiefs to enjoy the good life of rentiers. Then, to replenish the numbers, a batch of rookies from the knight college was selected.


    Thus, the knight order was kept intact.


    The count did not ride in a carriage. He rode on his beloved mount, White Leopard. Also, he did not wear a festive attire, wearing a martial attire instead. Liszt believed that he deliberately wore a martial attire, so that he could avoid wearing the stifling frac habill and particrly the disc-likef.


    At the peak of summer,fs were not too user-friendly.


    No one would like to wear a scarf in the summer.


    Sir Father, I, Liszt, congratte you on the festival. The aristocratic etiquette still had to be observed.


    Merry festival. After Leewilliam replied, he looked at the castle not far away. He felt a bit emotional, This little castle hadn''t changed much over the past ten plus years There is no need for pleasantries, let''s first go to the castle. The weather outside is far too hot and your grandmother has to cool off as soon as possible.


    Alright. Liszt led the way.


    A short whileter, the convoy stopped at the castle''s gate. Under Carter''s lead, the servants stood on both side of the gate to wee the honored guests.


    Gort stepped forward in a very exaggerated fashion: Sir Count, I, Gort, am so excited to see you! Compared to a few months prior, your graceful bearing is even more refined. Even tough my qi is already feeble, but I still can sense the strong pressure exuded by you; the pressure from a Sky Knight!


    Leewilliam quite enjoyed such boot-licking. He said with a smile: Gort, your face has be even rosier. Is life in the Flower Town treating you well?


    Gort gave a deep bow in salute: I, Gort, congratte you on the festival. The life in the Flower Town is full of vigor; I enjoy working here.


    Suddenly, the voice of Madam Penlope came from behind: It was so dusty along the way, I need water to clean up. Going on a long journey is like going through a nightmare, where one wants to end it, yet perseveres and continues ahead.


    Grandmother, I, Liszt, congratte you on the festival.


    Merry festival. Madam Penlope sized the castle up with a few nces as she entered with the help of herdy''s maid, It is really hard on you to live in the countryside, to live such a poverty-stricken life The only thing worthy of envy is perhaps this small house''s smell. It has the earthy scent of the countryside.


    She added: It is morefortable than the smell in the Tulip Castle.


    If you feelfortable, then why not stay here for a few more days?


    That won''t do. The servants don''t know how to tend to the flowers I raise; I will go mad if i don''t see them in a day.


    Following behind Madam Penlope was a gorgeously adorned middle-aged woman. The talldies hat she wore was covered in a variety of feathers. This sort of hat was originally called the flying bird hat  the feathers symbolized the sky''  and only Madam Sky Knights could wear it.


    Later, it became popr with aristocratic gentlewomen. A variety of exaggerated and fantastic hats were worn to festivals.


    In addition to the conspicuous hat, this woman also had a hint of slyness about her, especially in her eyes. In the memories Liszt inherited from his predecessor, the impression of this pair of eyes was the most profound.


    Liszt at that time.


    Was always under the impression that this pair of eyes was secretly observing him, never revealing their true colors. However, when smiling, they had the sweet charm of a girl next-door.


    Now that Liszt took a look at the pair of eyes, he easily concluded them to be a pair of sly eyes.


    They were slightly narrow with risen corners. When smiling, they would bend into crescent moons.


    Madam, I, Liszt, congratte you on the festival. A faint smile was stered on his face, routinely observing impable aristocratic etiquette. Even tough he was secretly disgusted, but his expression was still as amiable as the spring breeze.


    Merry festival. Liszt, you have be taller. The middle-aged woman smiled back. She was the current madam countess, Marie Missingtiles.


    The madam was holding a very young boy by the hand.


    The boy was quite obviously in contempt regarding the castle''s circ.u.mstances. He reluctantly adopted a slightly respectful expression before observing the etiquette: Brother Liszt, I, Lytton, congratte you on the festival.


    Merry festival.


    Liszt gave a dull response and continued to say to Madam Marie: Madam, please take Lytton and enter the castle to have a rest. I will go congratte Brother, Sister, and Chevalier Lhden.


    For Levis and Lvera, this was not their first visit to the Flower Town.


    Therefore, after wishing each other a merry festival, they entered the castle. Liszt kept congratting the other aristocrats that came with the convoy. These aristocrats were lesser aristocrats holding office in the Tulip Castle. They were mainly chevaliers, with a single baron  the Tulip Castle''s knight captain, Mickey.


    Although the position of the Coral Ind''s knightmander was personally held by Leewilliam, but in peace time, the captain, Mickey, was the one responsible for the knight order''s training and the Tulip Castle''s safety; he was the de factomander.


    Once the greeting of guests was finished


    The castle became more lively.


    Because too many people hade  there were a lot of aristocrats upstairs and even more knights downstairs  the fifteen servants couldn''t cut it. Fortunately, the count''s group had also brought a lot of servants along with quite a lot of foodstuff and beverages. They were probably aware that the countryside was barren.


    They treated this as a cookout.


    As the butler, Carter was the one in charge of all the servants, even if the Tulip Castle''s a.s.sistant butler, Silva, was among them.


    Carter, if there is not enough food in the castle, then you needn''t worry about it. Master brought a few days worth of food from the Tulip Castle. Silva was younger than Carter. With the tailcoat fitting him just right, he looked just like a n.o.ble aristocrat when standing among the servants.


    Carter used to be the butler of one of the castle''s vis.


    Whenever he had dealings with this a.s.sistant butler, Silva, he had toply with the other''s instructions.


    But now.


    He represented Liszt.


    Therefore, he couldn''t help but to straighten his back and keep his chin up, which made him look a bit more spirited: We are grateful to Sir Count for his thoughtfulness. However, even without the food from the Tulip Castle, the Flower Town still can provide a variety of delicacies. We have prepared a feast, Mr. Silva, so just leave the rest to me.

 Chapter 73: A Successful Banquet

    Chapter 73: A Sessful Banquet


    The ck Tulip is really beautiful.


    His face brimmed with gentleness as Leewilliam gently stroked the lone ck Tulip. It was by relying on tulips that the family had risen. Naturally, he had a distinct fondness for tulips.


    Madam Penlope also gently stroked the purple-ck flower: A new type of magic ingredient and a tulip to boot, this is a sign that the family continues to thrive. I previously believed Liszt not to be lucky, yet now it seems that he is the luckiest one in the Tulip Family.


    For the sake of the family, the ck Tulips should be promoted vigorously. SaidMadam Marie seemingly casually.


    Lytton followed up by saying with a trace of innocence: It''s so beautiful. Father, can I have a ck Tulip? I want to nt it on my bedroom''s window sill so that I can see it every day.


    In due time, Lytton. Levis interrupted Lytton. Next, he looked at the plucked capsule and asked Liszt, How many seed have been plucked?


    There is a total of thirty five ripe capsules with about thirty seeds each. With Little Fragrance''s help, it should be possible to cultivate them on arge scale within half a year''s time.


    But of course, Little Fragrance''s cultivation speed is top-notch among greater sprites.


    I will give you the seeds on your return.


    Alright.


    The two casually exchanged a few sentences before reaching an agreement regarding the cultivation of the ck Tulips, not leaving any leeway for other people to interject. The brothers were of one mind: Lvera coulde on board, but never Lytton. As they were not brought by the same mother, there would naturally be no affection between them.


    The count looked at Madam Marie and Lytton.


    Then looked at Liszt, who was already much taller than he was. He ultimately didn''t say a word.


    Madam Penlope whispered in Lvera''s ear: The two boys have already formed their own views; Leewilliam''s expression is really pleasing to the eye.


    Although it was said in a hushed tone.


    But everyone was close to each other, so there was no privacy.


    Leewilliam had no choice but to act as if he hadn''t heard it, saying to Liszt: The flower farm has declined. When I first discovered tulips here, there was a sea of them. I hope that you can reproduce the scene from that time.


    The revival of the flower farm has always been part of my ns.


    I can see that you understand how to be a qualified lord. The Flower Town has a thriving atmosphere to it, I hope that it continues this way.


    After seeing the ck Tulip, the group of people immediately returned to the castle. It was too hot outside. On the way back, Leewilliam saw ckdragon on the horse field outside the castle. As a Sky Knight, he had a very keen discerning eye regarding horses. He could tell with a nce that ckdragon was more majestic than his White Leopard.


    What is its bloodline?


    I don''t know. Liszt didn''t say that it was of dragon bloodline. Where he to say that, then the count would definitely s.n.a.t.c.h ckdragon away. Aristocrats paid great importance to dragonhorses.


    Perhaps it is of mid-ranked magic beast bloodline. If you manage to breed a herd of equally majestic horses, then I will buy a batch from you to rece my knight order''s mounts.


    That may have to wait for a long time.


    Leewilliam looked meaningfully at Liszt: Don''t worry, time is on your side.


    In the castle.


    The servants had already made ample preparations for the banquet. After a bit of washing up, the banquet had been formally initiated.Servingmen brought dining tes after dining tes before putting them in front of each aristocratic guest. Carter gave his all in instructing the servant team to be well organized.


    The guests had no reaction to the food brought by the count as it was what they often ate.


    But when seafood was brought, what should have been a in banquet entered a climax. There were a lot of delicious-looking dishes that they had never eaten before.


    What is this? Under the guidance of a maid, Madam Penlope dug out m flesh from a sh.e.l.l and took a bite. A delicious and soothing vor, vastly different from that of the drynd based dishes, excited her taste buds, Hmm, it is quite delicious. It is so tender that there is almost no need to chew it.


    This is m, a kind of seafood from the seaside with very delicious flesh. Not only is it very tasty, but can also prevent the urrence of some diseases.


    After learning how from a maid, Lvera peeled a pippi shrimp: And what is this?


    As the host, Liszt continued to exin: This is mantis shrimp, perhaps the name pippi shrimp is more interesting. It is of a sweet and delicate vor andis in no way inferior to the Longtaro Castle''s rock lobster. Unfortunately, it is already summer. If it were spring  the eggsying season of the pippi shrimp  then it would taste even more delicate and delicious.


    Seafood does ite from the sea?


    That''s right. The Flower Town has no specialty products. In order to improve on the recipes, the only choice was to cast the gaze to the East Coast''s Azure Waves Sea. Fortunately, there are countless tasty seafood waiting to be explored.


    Seafood was an important source of nutrition.


    Currently, there still weren''t many aristocrats that had noticed this, but after today''s banquet, the Coral Ind might wee a seafood craze. Of course, there was also a chance that it might not. In the eyes of the aristocracy, drynd was much more important than the sea.


    At times, what restricted development was not the field of view.


    But inertia.


    This was what Liszt discovered in the endless words of praise that the people present had for seafood. The count and the others did indeed give seafood quite the high evaluation, but what they wished for was to purchase it from the Flower Town instead of catching it themselves. Perhaps in their view, it would be a waste to let serfs act as fishermen.


    Of course I can supply the Tulip Castle with seafood. In fact, you should have also seen that I am in the process of clearing the road through the Thorns Ridge. Once the road is cleared, I will establish the Flower Town''s caravan to travel to and fro the Coral City to sell the Flower Town''s specialty products at regr intervals.


    The count took a sip of red wine and nodded: Once the restriction of the Thorns Ridge is removed, the Flower Town may also develop into a prosperous town just like your sister''s. Train a group of knights as the glory of the aristocracy is all along striven for on horseback.


    After the seafood.


    Another delicacy, dried Wind Peregrine Falcon meat, was served. This was also the final main course. With magic beast meat drawing the main course to an end, it was befitting of a finale.


    Seeing that the guests had a good time eating and that no oneined.


    As the butler, Carter stood with his back strait and his chin raised to the side. He was filled with pride. Everyone thought that the Flower Town was a barren, shabby town and that the lord ate lousy food and lived a humble life. However, this banquet was enough to disy the Flower Town''s riches.


    Only a rich aristocrat was a dignified aristocrat.


    Besides, the servants he led were hard working, which in turn reflected the castle''s aristocratic disposition. He was convinced that there was no longer anyone that still believed Liszt to be a countryside baron''.


    The Flower Town was a ce beloved by the glory of knights.


    Master, can the dessert be served? Mrs. Abby has already made enough ice cream.


    Go ahead.

 Chapter 74: Ice Cream at the Limelight

    Chapter 74: Ice Cream at the Limelight


    Ice cream, what kind of dessert is that?


    As expected of a girl, when Carter mentioned ice cream, Lvera immediately took notice, asking: Is it made of ice?


    Carter signaled the servingmen to go to the kitchen and bring back the ice cream before giving an exnation to everyone: Ice cream is a very delicious, cold delight. It is the kitchen''s specialty product prepared ording to a unique recipe to relieve the summer heat and is an exceptional dessert. Master was the one toe up with this exceptional idea.


    It sounds like some kind of cold cheese. Madam Penlope was a bit aversed. I don''t like cheese, it will make me nauseous for the entire afternoon.


    Levis shrugged his shoulders: I also don''t like cheese, perhaps you can give me a .s.s of cold juice.


    Ice cream is not cheese. Have a taste of it first. I believe that you will be charmed by ice cream, this enticing delicacy. Said Liszt indifferently.


    You also study fine food? Madam Marie asked with a smile, A dessert personally made by an aristocrat, this I have to try.


    The count was originally just eating the roasted meat on his te.


    But when he heard Madam Marie''s words, his expression immediately became a bit gloomy and he said in a solemn tone: Liszt, you have grown up and have been enfeoffed, the things that you should do consist of the development of the Flower Town and the acquisition on the glory of knights. Do not put your focus on food, that would be a breach of the aristocratic etiquette! The kitchen is a ce for servants!


    The aristocrats would never enter the kitchen as that was where the lower .s.s stayed.


    Liszt took a sip of the cold beer, not paying attention to the count''s scolding: Sir Father, ice cream was just an idea of mine, and Mrs. Abby was the one who made it based on my idea. Besides, as an aristocrat, I just need to taste it and make suggestions ordingly.


    Next, he gave Madam Marie a smile: In a moment, if you like it, then you can praise Mrs. Abby. She is a diligent cook.


    With pleasure. Smiled Madam Marie.


    Following which, she lowered her head and proceeded to cut the seafood on her te. The smile had quickly faded away.


    In just a few sentences'' time, the servingmen brought cups of colored ice cream atop tes, went behind each aristocrat in session, and put the ice cream on the table.


    The cups were of precious crystal. Crystal was an ore often produced along with dragons'' gems. Crystal of some quality had magic power and could be made intomps, crystalcking in quality had no magic power and would often be made into a variety of crystal vessels. It was the symbol of status, power, and wealth of aristocracy.


    There were twenty crystal goblets in the castle.


    They were originally used in the banquet to hold red wine and now were being used to hold ice cream.


    Oh, so this is ice cream? It looks quite good and has quite the fragrant aroma. Lvera picked up the cup of ice cream and carefully scrutinized it. There were three b.a.l.l.s in the cup.


    One pink, one light yellow, and one light green.


    There were also two small, purple wild fruits on the top.


    She then looked at cup beside Levis. It also had three b.a.l.l.s, but the colors were different. They were light yellow, pink, and dark brown.


    On the whole, there were only four colors: pink, light yellow, light green, and dark brown.


    It was just that the arrangement of colors was different for each person''s cup.


    Carter said elegantly: Sirs, Madams, Young Masters, and Young Lady, there are four different kinds of vor of ice cream. The pink b.a.l.l.s are strawberry-vored, the light yellow b.a.l.l.s are bananvored, the light green b.a.l.l.s are matchvored, the dark brown b.a.l.l.s are chocte-vored. Different ice cream can be selected ording to your preferences.


    It''s very cold. Captain Mickey picked up a cup carelessly and asked in curiosity, Liszt, is it made of ice? If I remember correctly, there is no ice house in the Flower Town. Forgive my curiosity, but I don''t understand how this ice cream can be made.


    There is indeed no ice house in the Flower Town, but that doesn''t mean that there is no ice. Liszt looked at everyone''s inquisitive eyes. He didn''t conceal this from them, I found a very small saltpeter mine in my fief. I remember reading in a knight novel that saltpeter could be used to make ice. Thus, the Flower Town has ice.


    Saltpeter? Ice making? The count looked at the increasingly unfamiliar Liszt and couldn''t help but ask, Is this a method of wizards?


    Wizards can make ice directly, but saltpeter-made ice is a natural phenomenon. When dissolved in water, saltpeter can absorb heat, it turn, turning water into ice.


    Can I see this magical saltpeter?


    Of course you can, but unfortunately not today, it has been used up.The requirement for saltpeter is too great to turn just a bit of water into ice. The flower Town only has an extremely small saltpeter mine and all of it has been collected. No more than two buckets of ice can be made a day.


    Captain Mickey sighed: That''s a pity.


    Lvera said straightforwardly: Liszt, sell me a bucket worth of saltpeter!


    Lvera, try the ice cream, see whether you like it. Liszt stiffly changed the topic. This sister of his got too used to taking away his toys since little, so she was desirous of anything good that was of his.


    Lvera took a look at Liszt.


    This younger brother of hers. whom she bullied since little, had already grown to ignore her.


    Even if only two buckets of ice a day can be made, that is still quite terrific. The Tulip Castle cannot open the ice house everyday to take out ice. In summer, ice is more precious than gold coins. Madam Marie turned to look at the count, Dear, saltpeter may be worth investing. As you know, there are always a lot of aristocrats eyeing our ice house in the summer.


    The count scooped out an ice cream ball with a spoon and said without lifting his head: Saltpeter is admittedly magical, but two buckets of ice a day are only enough for Liszt''s personal use. It is of little worth.


    Once he said that, he tried the chocte-vored ice cream. His eyes suddenly lit up: It has a very unique taste.


    Levis gave his input: It really is quite delicious. It is called ice cream? I like the strawberry-vored one. Compared to the cold cheese, it has a rich vor of milk, is not as sweet, and is softer. It melts in the mouth.


    I prefer the matchvored one.Lvera had already eaten the light green matchvored ice cream ball.


    It''s a good dessert, especially in the summer after a banquet. Commented Captain Mickey.


    The delicious ice cream conquered the taste buds of almost everyone present in a sh.


    Only one person at the table shook their head; it was Madam Penlope: Oh, I''m very sorry, but it doesn''t agree with me. It isn''t anything like food. Mr. Carter, bring me a .s.s of rock candy drink instead.


    Grandmother, you don''t like it? I like it though. Mr. Carter, give me another cup of ice cream. I want the chocte- and bananvored ice cream. Lytton had already finished his cup of ice cream.


    Ice cream was just a dessert.


    Liszt invented'' it just so that he could use it to relieve the heat of the summer. He could not drink beer all day long, but the same was not true for ice cream.


    Anyway, at today''s banquet, the ice cream was at the limelight.


    Apart from Madam Penlope and the not so keen about it Captain Mickey and the count, the rest had their taste buds subdued by ice cream.


    The fourrge portions of ice cream Mrs. Abby made were eaten clean.


    Atst, the lunch banquet had ended with the delicious ice cream.


    Carter straightened his back and lifted his chin as he busied himself directing the servants to clean up the mess; his nervousness waspletely relieved. When he met the a.s.sistant butler, Silva, he said with a very bright smile: Mr. Silva, Sir Cont be thanked for bringing food. The sirs and dames quite enjoyed the lunch banquet.

 Chapter 75: Twenty Silver Coins Serfs

    Chapter 75: Twenty Silver Coins'' Serfs


    The ice cream had propelled the festival''s banquet into a climax. It was very good for alleviating the the heat from the scorching hot weather.


    However, although the banquet had terminated, the aristocrats, who were reclining in their chairs to aid the digestions, were still discussing the ice cream. Lvera was the most enthusiastic one. She had fallen in love with the ice cream''s delicious taste.


    Liszt, tell me how ice cream is made.


    Ask Mrs. Abby, she will tell you. I just had the idea, Ms. Abby was the one to figure out the remaining procedure. Liszt had no intentions of keeping it a secret.


    If he could produce ice on arge scale, then the ice cream recipe would have to be kept safe as a means of fundraising.


    However, there was no way to produce ice on arge scale, and therefore, there was no way to produce ice cream on arge scale. Also, there wasn''t even a way to transport it a long distance to then be sold. Thus, there was no use keeping the recipe secret.


    Of course, extorting Lvera was still a must.


    I will tell the ice cream recipe only to you and in turn, you are not allowed to disclose it to anyone else. Besides, for it to be a fair trade, you can''t take my things for free, right?


    What do you want?


    I want pig iron or wrought iron.


    One hundred catty (catty= 0,5 Kg) of pig iron, I can only give you this much. If you want more, then I would rather not having the ice cream recipe.


    This much is fine. If he could take advantage, then he would. Liszt understood that giving things free of charge was but foolish generosity  perhaps the other still treated him as a fool. But being too fierce was also not good. After all, they were blood rted siblings and were supposed to watch out for each other.


    When speaking of this small trade, he suddenly felt a little emotional.


    He recalled that in his youth'', in other words, on Earth, he made ice cream by hand to win over girls. Although it was not enough to win over a belle, but the craft of making ice cream was learned. Now it could be seen that it was not in vain.


    Even if ice can be produced on arge scale, it would be still troublesome to make ice cream. It would be better to make popsicles instead. That would certainly be a money-maker Even just the ice itself would be a money-maker.


    The ice cream recipe was sold to Lvera.


    But when Levis came, he was directly offered the recipe.


    Levis, when will the Tulip Family''s fleet be back?


    ording to the usual schedule, it will probably be back at the Coral City''s wharf in a week. Levis took out a cigar and lit it. You want to talk about ves?


    That''s right. The next time the Tulip Family''s fleet goes out to into the sea to do business, I hope that you can help me purchase a batch of serfs.


    With the recipe secured, Levis was very affable: It is possible, but what price are you willing to spend?


    Ten silver coins per serf?


    That was in the past. But now that there is no in fighting in the grand duchy, it is difficult to procure serfs.


    But just a while ago I heard that the Small Kerchief Ind''s lord was killed by pirates and that the fief fell.


    The Sapphire Grand Duke is very angry with this, he had already requested of all the major fiefs to help besiege these pirates. However, after the piratesid the Small Kerchief Ind waste, they have disappeared without a trace. Some believe it not to be the work of pirates, but rather that of some lord under the guise of pirates. The Big Kerchief Ind had put a bounty of three hundred gold coins to gather clues on the pirates.


    Levis simply stated the repercussions brought about by the Small Kerchief Ind''s incident before adding: However, apart from this incident, the grand duchy is tranquil. Therefore, to deal with ves, one has to venture further. The best would be to go search at the borders of the opposing Eagle Kingdom and Steel Ridge Kingdom.


    Then give me a price and I will agree to it if I can.


    Twenty silver coins per serf, I can''t go lower than this. Otherwise, I won''t make any profit. Levis gave his price, In addition, if the number of serfs is toorge, then you will have to pay upfront. Otherwise, I will not be able to justify the ounts to Father.


    Liszt contemted for a moment and then nodded in agreement: I will give you one hundred gold coins to help me bring back five hundred serfs.


    No problem.


    I have a little request. These five hundred serfs, I want them to be mainly young people. Also, purchase more female serfs. Additionally, prioritize skilled serfs if possible.


    You mean cksmiths, tailors, cobblers and the like? Those are not easy to procure. Many craftsmen are freedmen. Thew of each state protects freedmen, so it is very difficult to sell them as serfs. All aspects of urban operations were inseparably linked to freedmen. Therefore, it was normal for states''w to protect them.


    Liszt clenched his teeth: I have twenty more gold coins. Among the five hundred serfs, there are to be at least one hundred craftsmen.


    That can be done.


    Begrudgingly, he gave Levis one hundred and twenty golden Naldas.


    Looking at his shriveled coin pouch, Liszt was quite disconste. He originally had one hundred and fifty odd gold coins. With the continuous payment of themoner''s wages, he had already spent not a small amount of gold coins. Now, there were only sixteen gold coins left in the coin pouch. He was running the risk of it being emptied out at any time.


    Fortunately, the road through the Thorns Ridge was being quickly cleared. So long as he established a caravan, then the Flower Town''s seafood could be sold to the Coral City.


    He was convinced that the delicious seafood could bring him a nice amount of wealth.


    When the negotiations regarding the serfs were settled, Levis suddenly mentioned the saltpeter: Liszt, can the production of ice be scaled up?


    I wish it could, but the regretful thing is that it can''t.


    More saltpeter mines could be found.


    Levis, it is not that there would be saltpeter mines for me to find just because I want so. In fact, after searched through the Flower Town, there was only this bit of saltpeter mine. I can give you a bit of saltpeter powder and the original ore from when saltpeter was found so you can look for it yourself. Perhaps there are other saltpeter mines on the Coral Ind.


    Very well, I will go look for myself. As long as ice can be made in the summer, then lots of gold coins can surely be earned. Levis took a puff at the cigar. Once I find more saltpeter mines, then I won''t treat you badly. Could you tell that Madam Marie was instigating Father to meddle in saltpeter ice production?


    I could tell. Liszt was clear.


    Fortunately, Father does not care about saltpeter produced ice. In summer, he often goes to the court to a.s.sume the post of the grand duke''s groom. In the court, there is a lot of ice to enjoy. There are many ice houses on the Blue Dragon Ind. The biggest ice house, ording to hearsay, is like abyrinth, with the workers transporting ice loosing their way and freezing to death.


    Liszt didn''tment.


    The greatest aristocrat he had ever met was Merlin Longtaro. Higher than that, he didn''t know how the aristocratic life was like, especially of aristocratic families with dragons.


    The sun had begun to nt to the west once digestion was concluded.


    The count and entourage were ready to return. If they didn''t leave now, they would not reach the Coral City before nightfall. Before leaving, the count followed behind Liszt. Both were on horseback.


    The Flower Town is not bad. I hope that you can maintain this entrepreneur spirit. However, merely bing a qualified lord is not enough. The rise of the Tulip Family is due to military exploits. The grand duke is in the prime of his life and his pioneering spirit is yet to extinguish. Therefore, if you want to leave the Flower Town, then you must not renounce the craving for the glory of the knights.


    Wouldn''t it be faster to enfeoff me as a viscount?


    Liszt secretlyined. The count was clearly fond of him, yet still yed the role of a strict father. Liszt felt a bit ufortable: I understand.


    Then, the both of them had nothing to say. They just quietly rode their mounts.


    A momentter, the count nced at ckdragon below Liszt: This is a good horse, take good care of it. As a lord, it will be your most important partner.


    Yes.


    Following which, the two returned and the count joined with the convoy. Under Carter lead, the servants stood at the castle''s gate and respectfully sent the honored guests away.


    Liszt said his goodbyes to them one at a time.


    Grandmother, be careful while boarding the carriage.


    My little boy, if life in the Flower Town treats you badly, then return to the Tulip Castle. Despite the bad smell, there is everything one would need. Said Madam Penlope in return.


    I will be frequently visiting the Tulip Castle.


    Lvera hugged him and said: One hundred catty of pig iron, it will be waiting for you in the Coral City.


    Alright.


    Madam Marie pulled the sulky Lytton, who wanted to ride a horse yet wasn''t allowed, and just exchanged a smile and a goodbye'' with Liszt.


    Captain Mickey and the other knights saluted ording to the knight etiquette.


    Probably to create a scene of affection between brothers in front of the count, Levis also hugged him: Liszt, the Tulip Castle''s gate is open to you at any time.


    Thank you.


    Liszt sent the convoy away as it slowly set out on its journey.

 Chapter 76: The Fiefs Three Merchants

    Chapter 76: The Fief''s Three Merchants


    The castle restored its calm when the convoy left the Flower Town. Although there were a lot of tes, cups, and other tableware left to be tidied up and the small garden outside the castle was ruined from being stepped on by knights, but Carter could organize the servants to slowly take care of all this.


    The castle had fifteen servants, which was enough to tackle this.


    Teacher Gort, the festival will soon be over. As such, we have to extricate ourselves from the festive atmosphere. The fief''s construction progress cannot be halted. Continue to expand the scope of the logging and gravel transport operations. Also, there is still the palisade construction operation. Make an all out effort to clear the road earlier.


    As you wish. Replied Gort. Inside, however, he longed for more.


    At the banquet, he was like a duck to water when he talked with the count animatedly. It had been ages since thest time he had so much fun.


    The Flower Town stole the show. This was how he described today''s lunch banquet that featured a superb array of seafood as well as the soothing and tantalizing to the taste buds ice cream.


    Liszt, however, had another thing on his mind.


    In the evening, he drank a cup of red wine with Carter: Mr. Carter, I originally intended to show the impoverished side of the Flower Town in hopes of getting a.s.sistance from the Tulip Castle, yet identally, a grand banquet was thrown. With seafood, ice cream, and magic beast meat, there were no grounds toin about poverty.


    Carter smiled and said: Master, you revealed your graceful bearing. Your disy in the banquet was captivating. If I was a knight, then I would quite likely stay in the Flower Town and follow you.


    Aristocrats unted their wealth'' as a show of strength to attract followers.


    Viscount Trix Wildhop was attracted by the count''s disy of charisma and became his follower, helping the Tulip Family partic.i.p.ate in the grand duchy''s campaigns and ultimatively establish the great foundation of the count of Coral Ind.


    However, no knights have stayed behind, haven''t they?


    I believe that the seeds have already been sown. Perhaps one day, they will suddenly sprout and bloom.


    Those words are quite philosophic, Mr. Carter. Let''s drink on them.


    Master, cheers.


    After moistening his throat with a mouthful of red wine, Liszt asked: How much food did my father brought today?


    There was a lot of food. However, most of it was used during the banquet. What remained is mainly beer and fine wheat flour as well as some spices like anise, ginger, pepper, liquorice, salt, and sugar.


    How much wheat flour and beer is there?


    There are about five hundred catties of fine wheat flour and thirty barrels of beer.


    The fine wheat flour was obviously meant for Liszt to eat white bread. He was lost in thought, he could tell that the count still cared about his son.


    Some details were telltales.


    For instance,ing to the Flower Town to celebrate the festival was a disy of affection. If he really didn''t care about Liszt, then there was no reason for him toe to this deste small fief to celebrate the festival. Also, deliberately not caring about saltpeter at the banquet might be his way protecting Liszt, especially after Madam Marie intentionally mentioned that the saltpeter deposit was worth developing.


    He had further brought a lot of food and gave it to Liszt.


    Could it be that the count is a tsundere? This is a bit troublesome. He felt a bit uneasy. If the count and the others paid him no heed, then he could easily follow the principle of a hedge between keeps friendship green'' and leisurely live his life.


    What he feared the most were entanglements of familial love.


    ording to his current status, he didn''t know how he should act, should he blend into the familial love or should he keep his individuality and continue to keep his distance.


    Is this the restraint of familial love? So long as one is a person, they cannot escape this.


    He finished the cup of red wine and decided not to think about this troublesome matter, to wait it out and let nature take its course. After throwing those thoughts to the back of his mind, he asked: Mr. Carter, was seafood food sent to the Tulip Castle as a return gift?


    I gave Mr. Silva first-rate dried seafood.


    Very good. Courtesy demands reciprocity.


    He put down the wine cup.


    Carter had also finished drinking. He collected the two cups and bowed slightly in salute: Master, rest early. I wish you a good night. I will take my leave first.


    Good night, Mr. Carter. Pleasant dreams.


    The following few days were uneventful.


    In addition to the supervision of the logging work, Liszt still paid attention to another matter  the training of fruit stealing monkeys.


    Originally, seven not heavily injured fruit stealing monkeys were caught alive. They all recovered. However, two ended up withme legs and had difficulty climbing trees.


    The remaining five were handed over to the fief''s hunters to be trained.


    With ropes, whips, and fruit employed together, the cruel and obstinate fruit stealing monkeys were quickly sorted out and turned obedient, climbing trees and entering cages when instructed.


    Three female and four male monkeys, I think that there will be ten fruit stealing monkeys half a yearter. Monkeys usually gave birth twice a year with one infant per birth.


    Looking at the more and more obedient fruit stealing monkeys, Liszt was very satisfied: Without the havoc from the fruit stealing monkeys, fragrant coconuts can ripe this year. I think that the fresh and sweet coconut juice can be drunk in two months time. There was no season for the fragrant coconuts. Except for winter, the fruit would be constantly borne throughout the year.


    The Coral City does not seem to have fragrant coconuts for sale, so perhaps they could be developed into a specialty product of the Flower Town. A pity that there is no fragrant coconut sprite worm.


    When he was outlining the future for the fragrant coconut trees, the hunters had begun training the fruit stealing monkeys to pick fruit.


    They had tied fake fruit to branches and let the fruit stealing monkeys pick it; the monkeys were rewarded with a peanut when they did as they were told and with a whip when they didn''t. The fruit stealing monkeys couldn''t run because of the ropes around their necks. If they tried to run, they would be dragged back and whipped.


    Bear in mind, animals also get angry and hold grudges. You must not arbitrarily whip them so long as they work earnestly. If I ever find out that you strike the fruit stealing monkeys without cause or reason, then you will be struck back by me. Stressed Liszt with a serious expression. He didn''t want for there toe a day where the fruit stealing monkeys rebelled and killed a few fruit farmers.


    Sir Lord, please rest a.s.sured, we would never dare to forget your instructions. The part-time hunters were clear that hence forth they were fruit farmers instead of peasants and that they had to use the fruit stealing monkeys to work. They were ted.


    If it was not for the sake of training, they really couldn''t bear to whip them. To them, in other words, to fruit farmers, fruit stealing monkeys were as vital as mounts to knights.


    Liszt returned to the castle after taking a look at the fruit stealing monkeys before calling for the few merchants among the new serfs.


    Old Grandet, Shylock, Harpagon, you three were merchants on the Small Kerchief Ind? Inquired Liszt again.


    That''s right, Sir Lord.


    Was there a merchant called Plushkin on the Small Kerchief Ind? (Grandet, Shylock, Harpagon, and Plushkin are characters from different novels collectively known in China as the Four Famous Misers)


    Old Grandet replied: Sir Lord, on the Small Kerchief Ind, only we three specialized and engaged in peddling of small goods. Besides, I can name everyone in the city and I am sure that there was no one called Plushkin.


    Alright, it was just a random question. Liszt gave Old Grandet an appreciative look. The other had said I can name everyone in the city'', indicating that he was outstanding, The reason I called you today is that I want establish a caravan belonging to the castle and I wish to put the three of you in charge of it.

 Chapter 77: The Milk Tea Is Getting Better and Better

    Chapter 77: The Milk Tea Is Getting Better and Better


    Liszt had no intentions of letting the fief''s residents establish a caravan for themselves and instead intended to establish one that belonged exclusively to the castle. Without the ideas and drive for reform and innovation, no free trade system could be established. Therefore, it would be better to run his fief by just following the practices of most aristocrats.


    Old Grandet was chosen as the caravan''s leader.


    While Harpagon and Shylock were to a.s.sist him.


    What you can currently peddle is only seafood. I hope that starting from the Coral City, the Flower Town''s seafood will gradually be sold in every town and city. Said Liszt.


    As you wish, Sir Lord.


    Then, let''s talk about how you intend to sell seafood. This product is new, so it is obvious that the people, who had never before eaten it, would be guarded against it.


    Old Grandet replied after contemting a bit: Sir Lord, we could publicize that Sir Count is full of praise for seafood. I''m pretty sure that countless people would rush to the food praised by Sir Count alike a flock o ducks. This was the principle of promoting a product via a celebrity. Although it was not creative, but it was very effective.


    Shylock supplemented: Also, we can get in touch with the kitchens of arge number of aristocratic families and send them a bit of seafood for free to sample.


    There is arge number of freedmen, which are potential consumers, in the Coral City. We could set up a street stall to offer cooked seafood free of charge to give pa.s.sersby freedmen a taste. Before long,everyone in the Coral City will be aware of seafood''s allure. Proposed Harpagon.


    Liszt felt that the two methods were quite good: It seems that you have already formted a n for this operation. You can begin with it once the road through the Thorns Ridge is cleared.


    Old Grandet hesitated for a moment before saying: Sir Lord, we don''t have a carriage, so how do we transport seafood to the Coral City?


    I will purchase several carriages once the road is cleared. Muttered Liszt. The castle still had sixteen gold coins. Generally, a roofed carriage could be purchased for one gold coin.


    He could only purchase six carriages as there were not enough horses for more.


    Liszt sighed lightly after sending Old Grander and the other two away.


    He was originally under the impressions that the castle had enough gold coins, yet now, he discovered how wrong he had been. One hundred and twenty gold coins were spent for five hundred serfs. Therefore, to scale up the fief''s poption to five thousand people would require six hundred plus gold coins, while to scale it up to ten thousand people would, even more so, require nearly two thousand gold coins.


    I could sell the Bloodred Sword to Levis or Captain Mickey? No, they couldn''t afford it. But if the price was lowered to one thousand gold coins, they should be capable of affording it, right?


    However, as his hand gripped the Redblood Sword hanging from his waist, the gentle magic power he felt made him unable to make this decision.


    It was a gem weapon.


    Dragon-produced gems represented power.


    Besides, itplemented his qi attribute. Even after he became a Sky Knight, the Redblood Sword would still be worthy of being paired with him.


    One step at a time. I hope that by fertilizing the farnd, the Flower Town''s yield this year is high. Moreover, with the sprite worms I brought as well as the ones that were born by themselves, the next quarter''s taxes should surpa.s.s fifteen gold coins, right? This quarter''s taxes had already been collected by the castle.


    After careful calctions, Isaiah came to the conclusion that the variety of crops and handicrafts collected in the spring quarter roughly amounted to seven gold coins.


    Previously, the spring quarter''s taxes generally amounted to about three gold coins.


    The winter quarter''s taxes were nearly non-existent, while the summer and fall quarter''s roughly amounted to four and seven gold coins respectively. On the whole, less than fifteen gold coins would be collected each year.


    This year, however, with sprite worms, fertilizer, and seafood, Liszt was confident that the summer quarter''s taxes would reach the sum ofst year''s taxes.


    While in the fall, the taxes would be even higher and might even surpa.s.s those of Lvera''s Falcon Town.


    Master, your milk tea is ready. The butler, Carter, walked into the study while carrying a cup of milk tea brewed with fresh milk. Having a cup of milk tea everyday before going to bed was Liszt''s habit.


    Thank you.


    After he received the cup of milk tea, the thirsty Liszt directly drank half of it in one breath.


    After licking the bit of foam off his lips, he asked a bit hesitantly: Mr. Carter, was today''s milk tea brewed by Mrs. Mawson?


    It was, Master. Is there a problem with the milk tea? Carter was a bit nervous.


    Liszt shook his head: There is no problem. However, I feel like Mrs. Mawson''s handicraft is getting better and better, the milk tea is getting better and better.


    I will convey Mrs. Mawson your praise. I think it will make her very happy.


    July 1st. The afternoon sun hungzily in the sky. From time to time, alike mischievous children quietly blindfolding the eyes of their friends, clouds would cover the sun.


    The weather was not too hot. Furthermore, the wind was blowing.


    Liszt, who was inspecting the logging work, stood on the other side of the Thorns Ridge. With a dashing and elegant smile covering his face, he solemnly proimed: On both sides of the road, the trees one hundred meters away from the road were all cut down. The logging team has aplished my instructions in an exemry fashion. As the lord, I pay you my respect.


    They were just empty words.


    Next, themoners still had to keep working: Now that the road through Thorns Ridge is cleared, the Flower Town is linked to the rest of the world and is no longer luded in a corner of the Coral Ind. Anyone can go outside and take a look. However, in order to further strengthen the road''s security, you must persevere and construct palisades.


    After a pause, he continued: Therefore, the logging team will temporarily not disband and will immediately start with the construction of palisades. The palisades shall thoroughly separate the Thorns Ridge''s woods on both sides of the road.


    The wood needed for the palisades was readily avable as there were stillrge numbers of felled logs on the ground.


    The best wood was transported to the castle for storage, the second best wood was transported to the oyster settlement to be used in the construction of the houses, the third best wood was to be used to construct the palisades, and the rest was taken away by themoners to cook food.


    Clearing the road was worth celebration.


    Liszt summoned Gort, Marcus, Isaiah, and ir to make arrangements for the following operations.


    First of all, of course, there was the issue of the caravan; the peddling of seafood would immediately begin once the chariots were purchased. Next was the purchase of goods; Liszt intended to use thest ten gold coins to purchase food, which also included hops beer, that the castle was short on. Lastly, the information that the Flower Town was freely essible was to be disseminated to each city''s caravan.


    The castle''s caravan was responsible for bulk purchase and sale on Liszt''s behalf. In general, it wouldn''t involve much trade betweenmoners.


    Once the caravans from other fiefs entered the Flower Town, they would enliven the fief''s atmosphere, bringing about the cirction of wealth and daily necessities.


    Finally, there is one more thing to take note of  the Flower Town shall lower taxes in order to attract freedmen. This information is to be disseminated in each city. Liszt currently had a yearning for an increase in poption as the development of the fief was his top priority. In contrast, he didn''t feel like taxes were that important.


    Several people were busy carefully writing down Liszt''s instructions.


    Marcus suddenly said: Sir, I would like to take a day off to bring my family back to the Flower Town.


    After hearing that, Isaiah heaved a long sigh: My stupid son might not want toe to the Flower Town, he is too used to fool around in the Coral City.


    ir, on the other hand, said happily: Then I also would like to bring my family back. Although life here is a bit monotonous, but the air is fresh.


    Gort smiled embarra.s.singly: Liszt, I also want to bring my family back, but Freya is pregnant. I don''t know how to handle this.


    Liszt said seriously: Teacher Gort, although keeping a mistress on the side when going away is amon practice of aristocrats, but in the end, it is still immoral. I have no intentions of persuading you to stop and besides, Freya is already pregnant. Therefore, in the Flower Town, Freya will be regarded as your wife.


    After muttering for a moment, he continued: Her child, if it''s a boy, is to be a retainer knight of mine in the future.


    Sir, your generosity puts me to shame!I, Gort, am at your service! Gort stood up, walked up to Liszt, and solemnly saluted.


    This was the same etiquette that Marcus had previously observed when he had resolved himself to truly follow Liszt.

 Chapter 78: The Fiefs Real Estate Plan

    Chapter 78: The Fief''s Real Estate n


    Missionpleted. Reward: a new type of mushrooms.


    Mission: as a knight, you not only require courage and wisdom, but also ample survivability. Only then can you get the most out of your life. Please learn Marcus'' full set of archery. Reward: a ck pearl from the deep sea.


    The smoke mission was promptly updated once the logging work along the road through the Thorns Ridge waspleted.


    The new type of mushrooms growing somewhere in the shiitake settlement was about to be discovered, so Liszt was not in a hurry.


    A ck pearl from the deep sea, what''s that about? He had a bit of a guess. Pearls were not cheap, they were fairly popr ornaments in the aristocratic circle. The ck pearl, on the other hand, should be even more expensive. It should be capable of fetching a high price.


    Recently, he was getting poorer and poorer, to the point of almost not being capable of affording to pay themoners their wages. He was in a great need of money.


    Learning archery from Marcus was something that I had wanted to do since quite a while ago. Then starting tomorrow, I shall formally learn archery However, it looks like tomorrow won''t do. That is when Marcus is going to the Coral City to bring back his family. Then be it the day after tomorrow. For now, I should send the caravan to the Tulip Castle to purchase bow and arrow on my behalf.


    On the Coral Ind, only a few aristocratic families were allowed to sell weapons.


    Liszt, however, didn''t had to bother with that, he could directly go to the Tulip Castle to buy them. After all, he was a member of the Tulip Family.


    Early the next morning.


    The newly established caravanprised of three merchants, six coachmen, and seven young fellows, while being pulled by the six horses, set out towards the Coral City. The horses had a few bundles of seafood, a few pots, and some firewood hanging from their backs. Those were meant to cook the seafood on site.


    Marcus rode his yellow-grey horse and set out together with the caravan, guarding it.


    The knight squad''s training was temporarily handed to the retainer knight Karl Eisenhammer. Among the four retainer knights, he was the only one who could perceive qi and was on the verge of attaining it.


    The other three retainer knights so far exhibited no signs of qi.


    As for the knight squad, the youngsters, who had been eating their fill and training relentlessly, had their muscles starting to bulge. Philip Wool and Xavier Oxdung, who had the best physical const.i.tutions and met the standard criteria of the knight college, already started to perceive qi and could cultivate it at any time.


    ir also followed the caravan as he also wanted to bring his family back to the Flower Town.


    Isaiah and Gort, whose families were either unwilling toe or it was inconvenient for them toe, continued to maintain the fief''s administrative operations. There was still a lot of work to do  the road construction was still in progress, the oyster settlement''s houses were still being built, uncultivatednd was still being cleared, and there was still another major task, to start the ning.


    Teacher Gort, Isaiah, the fief needs to be re-nned. The families of Teacher Marcus and ir should arrive tomorrow. I want you to arrange their housing as soon as possible. As influential families, they cannot just live in the administrative office.


    Sir, please rest a.s.sured. I have considered thisst night and have already rented two houses next to the administrative office for the families of Marcus and ir to temporarily stay. Gort''s tone was getting more and more respectful. For the sake of his soon to be born b.a.s.t.a.r.d child, he had resolved himself to follow Liszt.


    Following meant that he became a subject of Liszt''s.


    The rtionship was no longer that between equals, between a t.i.tled aristocrat and a teacher.


    I am very d that you thought of this ahead of me. Liszt was pleased with Gort''s current att.i.tude, Then continuing with the fief''s nning. About three monthster, there will be five hundred serfs and freedmening to settle in the Flower Town. Therefore, more houses have to be built in each settlement and the town even more needs to be expanded.


    Gort had long since known that Liszt wanted to buy ves, so he immediately inquired: How are thesemoners to be distributed? How many of them will the serfs?


    If everything goes ording to n, then there will be four hundred serfs, which are to supplement the settlements. The remaining one hundred people will be freedmen, mostly craftsmen. Therefore, at your discretion, n some workshop lots into the town''s n.


    Liszt spread the crude map of the town.


    Liszt used his finger to make a cross with the town''s only street before saying: We shall build another street, making the town''syout cross-shaped.


    This is not a small project, three month''s time might be not enough to execute it.


    Let''s first start it, the rest can be discussedter. Liszt was by no means a specialist. Therefore, he could not make uratejudgments regarding budget or long-term nning. Most of the time, he did things that came to mind, The streets must be s.p.a.cious, dividing the town into four areas  east, south, west, and north. The west side shall be nned as amercial area. In the future, I want a trading post and a food market built there.


    The development of this world''s social system seriouslygged behind, with the cities and towns looking more like dense cl.u.s.ters of houses. There was no concept of nning areas.


    However, Liszt didn''t want to do things this way: The south side shall be nned as a workshop area. In the future, the mill, ughterhouse, cksmith shop, and the like must be moved to this area. The north side shall be nned as the serf residential area and the east side shall be nned as the freedmen residential area. Additionally, to the west of themercial area, that is, near the castle, that tract ofnd shall be nned as the aristocratic residential area.


    It was quite immoral to divide people into ranks and grades.


    But that was part of the social system. Aristocrats could not live withmoners, while freedmen were also not on the same boat a serfs.


    Carefully thinking about Liszt''s words, Gort couldn''t help but to sigh in admiration a momentter: Sir, your idea is really unique, it is an eye-opener. So cities and towns could be constructed in such a fashion. If arranged this way, then it would attract merchants from far a wide.


    Isaiah was a little slower, but after hearing Gort''s exnation, he also understood the benefits of urban nning: It is indeed an eye-opener! The Flower Town is bound to be the Coral Ind''s jewel!


    Liszt smiled lightly: The most important point, though, is that more toilets must be built! I don''t want to see anyone urinating nor defecating anywhere in the town! Not even three-year-olds!


    He immediately added: Hang up conspicuous signs in each store, each toilet, and even at the entrance of the roads. No matter whoes to the Flower Town in the future, they mustply with the rule of not urinating nor defecating anywhere except in the toilets!


    He felt strongly about this.


    Because a few days prior, on the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival, there were more than ten of the count''s knights defecating in the surroundings of his castle in the afternoon!


    It was normal for many knights to defecate whenever and wherever they felt like.


    But Liszt was against it, he didn''t want to identally step on a piece of feces when strolling across his horse field.


    As an aboriginal, Gort and Isaiah did not care about this, they were used to having urine and feces everywhere.


    However, now that Liszt gave his order, they nodded, replying: Sir, please rest a.s.sured. We shall ce the fief''s hygiene as the top priority.


    Liszt suddenly recalled another matter: Oh, Isaiah, by the way, the youngsters in my knight squad don''t know how to read. I would like to hire you as a teacher for the knight squad to teach them somemon symbols so that they could read at least. There was no knight college in the Flower Town. Therefore, he could only hire a teacher.


    Isaiah didn''t hesitate: I, Isaiah, am at your service.

 Chapter 79: Crookedneck Bobs Mistake

    Chapter 79: Crookedneck Bob''s Mistake


    It was not until the following afternoon that the caravan returned.


    Of the six carriages, two were filled with goods and the other four carried the families of Marcus and ir. The six horses were weary as the carriages were a bit overloaded.


    Sir!


    Marcus dismounted his horse and saluted. Very quickly, arge group of people alighted the carriages behind him.


    Teacher Marcus, if I remember correctly, your family doesn''t have that many people, right? Liszt counted carefully. Just Marcus'' family had 22 people.


    My two sisters and their families were willing to follow me back to the Flower Town. Replied Marcus, They lived in poverty in the Coral City mainly because they had too many children. Even though I often helped them out, but it was still quite difficult for them to lead a good life.


    Liszt nodded, he was always weing to an increase in poption.


    Next, ir''s family also saluted him. ir''s family was not numerous, onlyprised of his wife and four children. The eldest son had just married not too long ago and still had no children.


    After letting Gort settle down the two families.


    Liszt began to inquire about the caravan''s venture.


    Old Grandet replied a bit nervously: Sir, we didn''t sell much seafood. Half of what we had was given away to the Coral City''s residents to sample. In fact, many people who sampled seafood said that it to be delicious. However, one person had gotten red spots all over their body from eating seafood. The person also vomited and had diarrhea. This incident caused the people to fear seafood.


    Harpagon added: If it was not for the patrol realizing that the caravan belonged to you, Sir Lord, then we would probably have our goods confiscated there and then.


    Allergic to seafood?


    Liszt pondered. Some people were indeed allergic to seafood. However, the fact that no one in the Flower Town had gotten sick because of eating seafood made him think that in this world, no one was allergic to it.


    He hadn''t antic.i.p.ated that there would actually be people allergic to seafood.


    It is indeed quite unexpected, but you needn''t take it to heart. Very few people would feel unwell after eating seafood. Yet once someone felt unwell, they would have to immediately stop. They would very quickly feel better. Remember to make this point clear the next time you sell seafood.


    Yes, Sir Lord.


    Were the things that I asked procured?


    Thick bast paper, powdered milk, hops beer, red wine have been purchased. Pig pancreas, however, we were not able to buy. There are only a few ughterhouses in the Coral City and none keep pig pancreas. I have already contacted them, asking to keep as much pig pancreas as possible. We will purchase it the next time we go there.


    Pig pancreas was used to make pancreas soap.


    Currently, honey locust powder, which was a powder ground from honey locusts'' fruit, was used in the castle. Among the new serfs, there was a soap maker who,by adding flower petals, could make flower-scented soap from honey locust powder.


    However, soap making was quiteplicated. As the soap maker Burnell didn''t had the appropriate facilities, he had yet to make soap.


    Therefore, Liszt wanted to make pancreas soap first.


    After giving his report, Old Grandet wanted to give Liszt the money that remained. Liszt, however, would not receive it himself, that would be beneath him. He picked up a cup from the table and said indifferently: Mr. Carter, take the money from Old Grande. Next time the castle is in need of purchasing anything, you and Old Grandet will be in charge.


    As you wish, Master. Carter a.s.sumed the responsibility.


    Regarding the matter of settling down the families of Marcus and ir, after handing this responsibility to Gort, Liszt didn''t had to inquire about it any longer during dinner.


    As the lord, his most important task was to enjoy life.


    Master, there is a small issue in the shiitake settlement. I don''t know whether you are interested to hear about it. SaidMrs. Mawson to Liszt,who was reading a knight novel to pa.s.s the time, when she brought Maisie to clean the study.


    Shiitake settlement?


    Liszt instantly a.s.sociated it with his mission reward  a new type of mushrooms: What happened in the shiitake settlement?


    The shiitake used in the castle mostlye from Crookedneck Bob household as they are the most tender. However, in the past few days, Bob had been worried. In the shed where he cultivated shiitake, a bright red shiitake keeps sprouting even though he tried to remove it a few times.


    Not waiting for her to finish.


    Liszt stood up from the chair and went out of the study without looking back. When he reached the stairs, he shouted: Thomas, prepare my horse!


    Thomas, who was about to fall asleep, ran out of his room in a flurry. He went to hurriedly prepare the horse.


    Carter also quickly came over: Master, is there something important that requires you to go out at night?


    There is indeed something very important. I have to make a trip to the shiitake settlement. Send someone to notify Teacher Gort. He suddenly remembered something, then turned to the housekeeper, who was still in the study, and said. Mrs. Mawson,e with me, lead the way to the Crookedneck Bob household.


    A short momentter.


    Thomas had prepared his horse.


    With torch light and moonlight illuminating the way, they headed towards the shiitake settlement.


    The servingmen, Jesse, went to the town on horseback to tell Gort and Liszt''s four retainer knights to go meet Liszt in the shiitake settlement.


    There was amotion in the shiitake settlement.


    Crookedneck Bob was very nervous when Mrs. Mason knocked on his door and told him that the sir lord wanted to go to his house hold''s shiitake shed. He thought that the sir lord hade to hold him ountable because of the problem with his household''s shiitakes. As a serf, it was his responsible to cultivate for the lord. However, if he did a poor job, then the whip would be meted out.


    Bob, don''t be nervous, Master is benevolent. You have not deliberately made a mistake, so he won''t easily punish you.


    Mrs. Mawson, are you sure? Please ask Sir Lord for mercy on my behalf, I implore you! Bob was still nervous.


    Liszt had already entered his household''s shiitake shed.


    With a torch in hand, Thomas followed closely behind him.


    Master, what are you looking for?


    I already found what I was looking for. Liszt''s irises spun alike whirlpools, with specks of starlight, which resembled stars in the boundless universe, flickering inside. In his field of vision, atop the rotten wood where several shiitake grew, there were traces of light red magic power drawing the outline of mushrooms.


    After dispelling the Magic Eyes, under the torchlight, he saw that what emitted the magic power were bright red mushrooms.


    They looked a bit like b.l.o.o.d.y brittlegills as they grew among arge number of shiitake. Obviously, the surrounding shiitake had wilted, with only the red mushrooms looking quite fresh and bright.


    Sure enough, it is a magic ingredient mushrooms. Asthe mushrooms'' magic power looked red, which was the color of fire-attributed magic power, Liszt really wanted to have a heartyugh, My qi is also of the fire attribute. Therefore, as far as I am concerned, this red mushroom is a great supplement!


    Sky Knights were basically medicinal pots. Without using a lot of magic ingredients, it would be quite difficult for them to charge towards higher boundaries of qi.


    Thomas, tell Mrs. Mawson to bring Bob.


    When the restless Bob appeared before him, he said with a smile: Are you Bob? Don''t be nervous.


    Bob was so frightened that he knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly: Sir Lord, I, I made a mistake, I messed up the shiitake''s recipe, I Sir Lord, please forgive me!


    Bob, please get up, I will not only not punish you, but will even reward you.

 Chapter 80: Starting to Learn Archery

    Chapter 80: Starting to Learn Archery


    Crookedneck Bob was so excited that he didn''t sleep that night.


    Not only did the sir lord not rebuke him, but he still rewarded him with ten silver coins!


    It was like manna from heaven. Besides, the sir lord had still told him to look for ways to expand the cultivation area of the red mushrooms, which the sir lord named me Mushrooms. It would be best to rece all the shiitake with the me Mushrooms; the more he cultivated, the more rewards would he get in the future.


    Be quiet! John from the tomato settlement was rewarded a gold coin (=100 silver coins) by Sir Lord! Bob''s wife hated seeing Bob that excited, so she couldn''t help but to pour cold water on his excitement.


    Yet Bob paid her no mind: What do you know? The ten silver coins reward is just the beginning. Sir Lord wants me to figure out the recipe for cultivating the me Mushrooms. I, Bob, am the best at cultivating shiitake in the shiitake settlement. ording to Sir Lord, I will get even more rewards so long as I figure out the recipe!


    With an expression of longing, he continued: It will definitely be more than John''s gold coin! Maybe even two gold coins? Heavens, how wonderful would it be to have two gold coins!


    But you have to figure out the recipe first. If you don''t figure it out, then Sir Lord might take back the ten silver coins and even whip you!


    Of course I will figure it out, I am going to figure it out!


    To figure out the me Mushrooms cultivation recipe, Liszt, of course, didn''t just bet on Bob. After talking it through with Gort, who had hurried over, he convened all of the shiitake settlement''s shiitake cultivation experts, giving them the same a.s.signment. The one one to figure out the recipe would be the one to be rewarded.


    Although Liszt was currently short on money, but he would not be stingy with his rewards.


    He wanted to use the magic power of money to arouse an enthusiasm for exploring new things in his subjects, rather than just continue to repeat the stale old cultivation methods.


    Teacher Gort, the me Mushrooms'' cultivation recipe is .s.sified as the Flower Town''s first-rate secret, it must not be disclosed to anyone. Hence forth, all ces where the me Mushrooms are cultivated must be listed as restricted areas that can only be essed with the castle''s authorization. Said Liszt solemnly.


    Ordinary nt magic ingredients had to be matched with sprite worms. Therefore, they were very difficult to duplicate.


    For example, tulip magic ingredients could basically be only cultivated by the Tulip Family. Even if outsiders were to steal their seeds, without the help from tulip sprites, the tulip magic ingredients would inevitably degenerate into ordinary tulips a generationter.


    Mushroom secret ingredients were different, they could multiply without end. Once their spores and recipe were stolen by outsiders, with a bit of research, they could be cultivated at arge scale.


    Gort understood the importance of this matter: Sir, please rest a.s.sured. I will discuss it with Isaiah ande up with a set of confidentiality measures in order to guaranty that there won''t be the slightest chance of the me Mushroom''s cultivation method leaking.


    The more careful the better. This is a mushroom magic ingredient were are talking about, it''s of paramount importance.


    Understood. Nodded Gort before sighing, In a short period of time, the Flower Town has changed greatly, giving birth to two sprite worms and two types of magic ingredients. This is definitely and beloved by the glory of knights! Sir, you must be the sessor of the glory of knights!


    The glory of knights was the slogan that aristocrats liked to repeat the most.


    This world was very simr to Europe''s Middle Ages. However, itcked a religion that ruled nearly everything. This was probably because humans could practice cultivation and reach the realm of unparalleled strength, not fearing disease or disasters. Therefore, they disdained the notion of G.o.d'' and even thought of themselves as G.o.d''.


    Aristocrats only believed in the glory of knights!


    Cultivating qi, getting stronger and stronger, everything was for their taking!


    Of course, there were exceptions. Wizards certainly didn''t believe in the glory of knights. Reportedly, they believed in knowledge''.


    Liszt''s gaze was as tranquil as the clear moonlight.


    If there truly was such a thing as the glory of knights, then he believed himself to be indeed beloved by it  it gave him a wonderful life.


    I hope to ride a dragon one day.


    Marcus came to the castle early in the morning. Starting today, he would teach Liszt archery.


    The archery I practice is called [Multiple Arrows], which is an advanced extension of [Fundamental Archery] that focuses on the control of multiple arrows instead of the power of the arrows. Sir, as you haven''t learned the fundamentals of archery, you cannot learn [Multiple Arrows] for the time being. You have to first start with [Fundamental Archery].


    Said Gort before handing Liszt some arrows.


    This is? Liszt already had the bow and arrows  a firm bow that was suitable to be used by Earth Knights and one hundred white birch arrows  purchased from the Tulip Castle.


    Those are falcon feather arrows I made myself from the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s feathers and oak from the Thorns Ridge. There are twenty four arrows altogether. Among them, six are falcon tail arrows made from the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s tail feathers. I drew a red circle on the arrow shaft to differentiate them. The falcon tail arrows have a better bnce than the falcon feather arrows.


    Marcus said a bit regretfully: Unfortunately, most of the feathers of the Wind Peregrine Falcon were ruined by the monkeys. Otherwise, I could have made many more falcon feather arrows. They are much better than the feather arrows made from ordinary bird feather sold on the market. The trace of magic power inside the feathers makes the arrows fly faster and steadier.


    Many of the Wind Peregrine Falcon''s feathers were torn off in the fight with the monkeys before being burnt by the special move released by Liszt.


    It was not easy toe up with that many feathers, to make the twenty four falcon feather arrows.


    However, Liszt didn''t ept the falcon feather arrows: I have yet to learn archery. Therefore, I cannot use the falcon feather arrows for the time being. Teacher Marcus, keep them. When the timees to deal with the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts, I will have to rely on Teacher Marcus'' urate archery.


    Marcus didn''t decline: Yes, Sir!


    Next, it was time to teach archery.


    As a divine archer, Marcus had a deep understanding regarding archery and was also clear on how to teach it to others. Liszt was quickly engrossed in learning archery.


    As an Earth Knight, his physical const.i.tution was outstanding.


    As such, he could shoot arrows without stop, which made it easier for him to learn archery.


    The smoke mission requires me to learn Marcus'' full set of archery, that is to say, just learning [Fundamental Archery] won''t cut it, I will also have to lean [Multiple Arrows] I have to speed up the learning pace. Otherwise, this mission will take too long toplete.


    For this reason, Liszt had even suspended his cultivation of qi.


    Wholeheartedly engrossing himself in archery.


    As a result, on the horse field outside the castle, there were numerous shadows constantly speeding ahead, which were the arrows Liszt constantly shot at the various targets from atop his mount.


    He learned very fast. One dayter, he could already hit thebullseyes ofstill targets, hitting the seven or eight point rigs nine times out of ten. An Earth Knight''s control over their body could faster improve their muscle memory, allowing him to quickly improve his uracy.


    Two dayster, he could already hit the bullseyes of targets five times out of ten from atop his mount.


    On the fourth day.


    Liszt came to the horse field, ready to practice mounted archery (previously, the mount was still), yet what met him was the shameful act of ckdragon mounting Firedragon. After more than four minutes, it came down from atop Firedragon, feigned leisure, and lowered its head to graze.


    Oh, the season of pa.s.sion is upon the horse field. I should let the caravan reduce the number of trips it makes. The mares should be brought to ckdragon, to let it mate with them Although the quality of these horses is bad, but by mixing their blood with blood containing a trace of dragon blood, the future generations of horses are bound to be much more formidable.

 Chapter 81: Groom One-Eyed Barton

    Chapter 81: Groom One-Eyed Barton


    ckdragon was a dragonhorse. Therefore, in order to get a team of ckdragon horses, the mares should not be toocking.


    Firedragon was the most suitable breeding partner, but it was only a single mare.


    Marcus'' mount, the yellow-grey horse, was a breed that could be used on the battlefield, but it was a stallion.


    The horses of Gort, Isaiah, and ir were also suitable for the battlefield and they were mares. Generally, mares didn''t go to the battlefield. They were tamer, and therefore, were suitable to serve as mounts for aristocrats and descendants of aristocrats who weren''t particrly fond of the battlefield.


    Before long, we won''t have horses to ride. Gort had an inscrutable expression as he looked at his horse being ravaged by ckdragon.


    The most crucial point was that this mare clearly had yet to enter its breading season, so ckdragon was forcing itself on it.


    This was the consequence of Liszt''s perverse side. As his mount, Firedragon, had already been defiled by ckdragon, then the mounts of the others naturally could not be spared.


    Marcus had a light smile stered on his face.


    It was unknown whether he was taking joy in seeing Gort''s mount being defiled, or he was looking forward to the day there was arge number of horses in the Flower Town.


    He simply said: Even if pregnant, the mares can still be ridden for the first seven months of their eleven months long pregnancy. After that, the frequency of them being ridden should be reduced. Additionally, they should not be speeding along for long distances, that would increase the risk of the mares having a miscarriage.


    Marcus was quite knowledgeable about horses, but he was not the person most knowledgeableabout horses in the Flower Town.


    That would be the serf called One-Eyed Barton, who fled from the Smallkerchief Ind. He used to be a horse dealer for the Smallkerchief Family. He had extensive experience and had seen many breeds of horses.


    Sir Lord, I have never seen a horse more majestic than ckdragon, it must have an extraordinary bloodline. One-Eyed Barton was about forty five years of age. He had a thick beard and was missing an eye.


    In order to examine his expertise.


    Liszt let him appraise ckdragon.


    What bloodline do you think it has?


    I have seen horses with low-ranked magic beast bloodline. Firedragon, the mount that Sir often rides, has low-ranked magic beast bloodline. I have also seen a hybrid of the mid-ranked magic beast Nightmare and an ordinary horse, which was a new breed bread on a horse field in the st Furnace Kingdom.


    Barton shook his head and then continued: However, that breed of horses was not as majestic as ckdragon Although it was taller than ckdragon, but it wascking in spirit. Therefore, my guess is that it must have a bloodline higher than that of a mid-ranked magic beast Perhaps it has the bloodline of a high-ranked magic beast. But I can''t say for certain.


    He already had a high estimation of ckdragon''s bloodline, but it still was short of the truth as it was a dragonhorse.


    But Liszt had no intentions of mentioning this as he had to be low-key. He asked One-Eyed Barton a few more questions, to which he received clear and reasonable replies.


    Next, he said: Barton, tell me your family name.


    One-Eyed Barton''s expression turned gloomy: Sir Lord, I was an orphan, without a family name, raised by a horse dealer. Later, Lord Smallkerchief purchased me from the st Furnace Kingdom and employed me as a horse dealer.


    Is that so? Nodded Liszt, Have you married?


    I have not.


    Not having a family name didn''t matter if one didn''t marry. But once he were to marry and have children, then would Barton change his name to Barton Oneeyeddragon?


    Since this is the case, then you don''t need to cultivate the farnd. I will hire you as the castle''s groom. You will be responsible for managing the horse field as well as taking care of the castle''s horses.


    Barton happily kowtowed: I, Barton, will definitely take good care of Sir''s horse field!


    Being a groom didn''t just meant that he would raise horses, it also meant that he would be a servant belonging to the castle. From now on, so long as he didn''t make mistakes, he wouldn''t have to worry about his basic necessities.


    In the aristocratic system, servants were a very important link, shouldering all the work in and preserving the inner workings of the castle.


    On the whole.


    Servants could be divided into five categories: upstairs servants, retainer knights, downstairs servants, kitchen servants, and outdoor servants.


    Upstairs servants included household teachers, household doctors as well as care takers of elderly aristocrats. They generally didn''t live in the castle. However, they could go upstairs to have meals together with the aristocrats.


    Retainer knights included retainers that did odd jobs and retainers that fought alongside the aristocrats. They had their own households.


    Downstairs servants included butlers, housekeepers, servingmen, and maids. They were the main staff of the castle and lived downstairs.


    Kitchen servants were servants working in the kitchen.


    There were still outdoor servants. This was a general term that included grooms, coachmen, foresters, hunters, gatekeepers, gardeners, and so on. They generally lived in separate houses outside the castle. Ordinarily, they didn''t work inside the castle, instead they raised horses, grew flowers, hunted, and so on.


    If it was a greater aristocrat, then the servants would be further subdivided.


    Concierges, caterers,undry servants, dressers, secretaries, horse trainers, dog trainers, clowns, violinists, drummers, utists, and so on. In short, so long as aristocrats required it, servants of any specialization could be hired.


    Formoners, bing servants was worthy of aspiring to.


    Compared with serfs, servants clearly led better lives and did easier work. Furthermore, aristocrats still established servant rtionships among themselves. It wasmon to see lesser aristocrats acting as servants of greater aristocrats. Taking Gort as an example, as a dest.i.tute chevalier, he was Liszt''s household teacher.


    Even the count of the Coral Ind, a Sky Knight with absolute power on the ind, felt honored to serve the Sapphire Grand Duke as a groom.


    The longer Liszt lived in his fief''s castle, the more he felt that there was no equality between people.


    Barton, I want you to first take care of ckdragon, it has been very troublesome recently. I don''t want to see it one day copsing atop some mare. Liszt looked at ckdragon, which exerted itself day and night, and said solemnly.


    Barton carefully observed ckdragon''s teeth through its open mouth: This is still a young steed, so it is normal for it to e a bit restless, but as the weather is getting hotter and hotter, its estrous will weaken over time. However, it is necessary to properly divide up the number of times it mates with each mare.


    First of all, you must ensure that Firedragon gets pregnant.


    Understood, Master. Barton quickly blended into the role of a groom by calling Liszt master.


    In order for Firedragon to get pregnant as quickly as possible, Liszt decided not to ride ckdragon or Firedragon. He changed to an ordinary horse and continued with his practice of archery.


    In mid July, he managed to hit the targets one by one while speedily moving atop a horse, with the arrows not straying far from the bullseye. At this point, Marcus announced that he had officially graduated from [Fundamental Archery] and could start practicing [Multiple Arrows]. When all was said and done, it had merely taken him a week to learn it.


    Therefore, he was very confident in learning [Multiple Arrows], expecting topletely grasp it before the beginning of August.


    Master, here is your ice cream. Thomas carried a cup of fragrant ice cream.


    Liszt, who even in this extremely hot weather still worked hard on his archery, took the ice cream and finished it with a few big mouthfuls. Following which, a slight chill ran trough his entire body. Its refreshing taste was too wonderful for words. If it were not for ice cream, cold bear, and cold juice, he would not be able to practice archery at the height of summer.


    Fortunately, the extremely small saltpeter mine had been discovered. Altogether, three hundred catty of saltpeter had been mined, which was enough for the castle to produce enough ice everyday.


    At night, a few pieces of ice would be ced in Liszt''s study and bedroom to lower the temperature.


    With ice, the summer was not hard to bear.

 Chapter 82: The Most Difficult Mission

    Chapter 82: The Most Difficult Mission


    [Multiple Arrows] didn''t touch upon cultivation of qi, it was not regarded as a qi secret manual, but as a qi move, so knights of any qi attribute could practice it.


    It was divided into three levels: double arrows, triple arrows and multiple arrows. Also, it had an ultimate meaning, Multiple Phantom Arrows.


    On the horse field, while atop his yellow-grey horse, Marcus carefully disyed [Multiple Arrows] once, then matched every move with an exnation.


    There are five ways to execute double arrows. What I mostmonly use is Double Arrows Release, which involves to simply shoot two arrows at the same target. Next is Double Arrows Cross Strike, which uses magic power to guide two arrows shot side by side to strike each other and thus change their trajectories midair. The others, Double Arrows Spiral, Double Arrows Chain, and Double Arrows Burst are not very practical.


    It was very difficult to simultaneously control the mount and double arrows.


    Therefore, in Marcus'' opinion, as long as one was proficient in Double Arrows Release and Double Arrows Cross Strike, they could already be called a divine archer and would be sessful on the battlefield.


    The other moves could only be effective while standing on the ground and carefully reckoning.


    He continued: Triple arrows is basically an advanced type of double arrows. Triple Arrows Release, Triple Arrows Spiral, Triple Arrows Chain, and Triple Arrows Scatter Shot, the principle behind these moves is the same, just that they are more demanding in terms of control. The same is true for multiple arrows  Multiple Arrows Release, Spiral Shadow Arrows, Multiple Arrows Chain, Multiple Arrows Scatter Shot, and Multiple Arrows Cross Strike. Simrly, they are even more demanding in terms of control.


    After dismounting, Marcus disyed the moves of triple arrows and multiple arrows one after another.


    Marcus shook his head after emptying his quiver. He was dissatisfied with his archery: I am proficient at triple arrows, but not at multiple arrows, the difficulty is too great. And there is still the ultimate meaning, Multiple Phantom Arrows, which I can only employ with at least a quarter of an hour of preparations.


    With one hand.


    Holding an arrow was easy, holding two arrows was not a problem, holding three arrows was also possible as it just so happened that there were three s.p.a.ces between one''s fingers to hold arrows.


    However, more than that wouldn''t do. It was very difficult to hold two arrows together between two fingers, let alone a.s.signing magic power to guide each arrow.


    Earth Knights didn''t had such a minute control over their qi.


    A retainer pulled the arrows out of the targets and returned them to Marcus.


    Marcus released a long breath of turbid air, soothing his emotions: Sir, I am not too proficient at controlling multiple arrows, let alone the the ultimate meaning. Therefore, I broke it down into two shots, with three arrows per shot. Like this, I can barely achieve the effect recorded in [Multiple Arrows].


    He drew three arrows from the quiver: For the first three arrows, I use less strength so that they fly slower. For theter three arrows, I use more strength so that they fly quicker and strike the first three arrows. Thus, achieving a uniform speed for the six arrows. The disorganized trajectories make them look like phantoms.


    After finishing speaking.


    He clenched three arrows between his teeth. Next, he took out another three arrows, nocked them on the bowstring, pulled the bowstring, and then released. In a sh, the arrows flew upwards.


    Then, with an incredible speed, he released the three arrows clenched between his teeth into his hand, before once again nocking the arrows on the bowstring, pulling the bowstring, and then releasing it. This time, the bowstring nearly formed a full moon with the body of the bow. The arrows were instantly shot out along with fierce whistling sounds.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    In midair, theter three arrows with straight trajectories just so happened to strike the former three arrows that were on their descent and in a sh, the six arrows spun in midair.


    Looking at them with the naked eye, it seemed like dozens of arrows appeared suddenly, shooting chaotically at three targets.


    It took a while to describe, but it had actually happenedvery quickly. Before Liszt could blink his eyes, the arrows suddenly dissipated, leaving only six arrows striking at the targets. Five arrows directly hit the targets, while one just brushed against the target and flew away.


    I still can''t fully control the trajectories of the six arrows. Said Marcus with some disappointment.


    Although Liszt pped: Teacher Marcus, your archery is already quite amazing. Let''s quickly get started. I can''t wait to release Multiple Phantom Arrows. But in fact, he felt a bit bitter inside, Marcus'' archery was simply incredible.


    He originally believed it just to be a standard method of shooting arrows in pairs of two and three that he could easily learn without caring for proficiency.


    But now he discovered that before being proficient at double arrows and triple arrows, he might have no chance at learning multiple arrows, let alone the ultimate meaning, Multiple Phantom Arrows.


    This might be the most difficult smoke mission I have ever encountered


    Now, he was unsure whether he could learn [Multiple Arrows] before the beginning of August. Despite the difficulty, he still would do what he was supposed to. He decided to empty his head and concentrate on learning archery. There was bound toe a day when he would grasp the tedious [Multiple Arrows].


    Precisely as the count had said during the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival  Don''t worry, time is on your side.


    He was only sixteen years old.


    And still had a long life ahead of him.


    The Flower Town was getting more and more prosperous and there was no crisis that couldn''t be dealt with, so he could easily lead a happy life. Being impatient would not help him realize his dream of riding a dragon.


    In the blink of an eye.


    August had arrived.


    For more than half a month, Liszt had been madly learning archery. He had already seeded in grasping triple arrows and had begun to advance towards multiple arrows. The mares on the horse field had all been impregnated and ckdragon had visibly slimmed down from exerting itself nonstop. Due to the dragon bloodline, it couldn''t hold back.


    Master, the utility of the horse field''s alfalfa had already reached a critical point. At present, there is a total of fifteen horses, five stallions and ten mares, all of which graze at the horse field. Apart from the three old mares that had lost their fertility, the other seven, including Firedragon, have been impregnated.


    One-Eyed Barton continued: There are too many pregnant mares and ckdragon had also strained itself. Therefore, they needrge quant.i.ties of nutrients. Merely horse field''s pasture definitely won''t do.


    If it is for the sake of properly keeping the horses, then feel free to state what you think is needed. Liszt was very concerned with the horses.


    For the sake of their health and nutrition, they require fodder of better quality. The best would be oats, barley and wheat bran, while peanuts and peas would also be quite good.


    This fodder was no worse than the food ofmoners, and might even be better, in quant.i.ty at least. A horse''s daily rations equaled to that of three people.


    Liszt immediately promised One-Eyed Barton: Alright.


    He had the confidence to make this promise because the road through the Thorns Ridge was cleared and the Flower Town''s caravan could freely trade with the outside world.


    At present, it mainly sold seafood, taking the first step into the market. The Tulip Castle was the main buyer, purchasing half a gold coin worth of seafood every three days. The Coral City''s residents also began to enjoy the delicious seafood, also buying half a gold coin worth of seafood every three days.


    Additionally, the many lesser aristocrats residing in the Coral City as well as the aristocrats andmoners of the city nearest to the Flower Town, the Northvalley City, added up to a gold coin every three days.


    In other words, the Flower Town''s caravan could earn two gold coins every three days.


    On average, with sixty six silver coins a day as profit, the costs of seafood and transportation were almost negligible. Of course, every time the caravan earned a bit of money, it would immediately be spent on goods, like condiment, cloth, soap, beer, and other, that the castle was in need.


    There was still the pig pancreas.


    He let the caravan purchase ten piglets and gave them to the barley settlement''s serf to raise and then ughter in the future! Chicklings and ducklings could temporarily not be purchased as it was not their season. Foals, calves, andmbs were too expensive, so they also were not purchased. For the time being, the fief had to rely on its own production for animal husbandry.


    This time the caravan brought back After finishing the transfer of finances with old Grandet, Carter returned to the castle to report to Liszt.


    Mr. Carter, I have a question. Liszt was not interested in the c.u.mbersome ount. While holding a cup of milk tea, he frowned and started pondering, Why does it feel like the milk tea that Mrs. Mawson brews for me tastes better with each pa.s.sing day?

 Chapter 83: Fate Changing Opportunity

    Chapter 83: Fate Changing Opportunity


    Why did the milk tea tasted better with each pa.s.sing day?


    Liszt had discovered this issue half a month ago. At first, he believed it to be an improvement in Mawson Paddyfield''s handicraft, but it didn''t make sense for him to have the same feeling each day.


    Actually, Master. SaidCarter, Recently, the creme used to make dessert also tastes better. Mrs. Mawson and Mrs. Abby think that it should be rted to the dairy farm''s cows. Both Bigck and Bigyellow are with calf, so their milk production is continuously improving and the quality has risen.


    Being with calf can improve the quality of milk?


    Alfalfa cultivated in the dairy farm is probably the cause of it. Compared with two-leaf clover from before, alfalfa is more nutritious. I went to the dairy farm to take a look. The eight cows are in very good shapes, especially the three calves, they are growing very quickly and are about to enter the milk production period.


    Very good. When the calves mature, the castle won''tck milk. Liszt downed the cup of milk tea, Also, the cows with calf must be fed well.


    Cows were pregnant for about nine months. In order for them to keep producing milk after they gave birth, they had to be impregnated anew.


    Therefore, a cow could basically give birth to a calf each year.


    However, due to restrictions on nutrition, health, disease, and so on, it was quite probable for calves to die before maturing. In this era, even human children had a great risk of dying. Even with the strong bodies of aristocrats and doctors providing treatment, there was no 100% guarantee that children would survive.


    After more than a decade of raising cows on the dairy farm, there were merely ten cows to show for.


    Now that the two old cows were eaten by the invisible dragon, now that only eight remained, the pasture was enough to provide for a few more cows. For aristocrats, milk was as indispensable and just as important as bread and beer.


    Liszt also couldn''t do without milk.


    He quite liked to drink milk tea, drinking a cup after waking up, for lunch, and dinner as well as before going to bed. The nutrients provided by the four cups of milk tea made up for his daily expenditure of qi. A knight''s qi originated from their bodies. Therefore, without nutrients, there would be no qi.


    After using a handkerchief to wipe the milk tea''s foam from the corner of his mouth.


    Liszt suddenly had an urge to make bubble tea.


    However, there were no purple sweet potatoes nor pumpkins on the Coral Ind and thus, there was no way to make bubbles''. Therefore, he could only continue to drink milk tea without any toppings. When he first came to the castle, Mrs. Mawson not only used milk and ck tea, but also used minced meat, eggs, salt, sugar, sd, and more. Later, these ingredients were muscled out by Liszt.


    Restoring the original vor of milk tea.


    Next, Liszt said cheerfully: Once the castle''s ie increases, I n to raise more cows so that the castle''s servants and retainers can have a cup of fresh milk every day.


    Carter replied with a smile: Master, you are always so generous.


    It was true that showing a bit of favor could acquire the servants'' loyalty and devotion. But the most important reason behind this, however, was that he wanted to raise the nutrition intake of the knight squad.


    Early the next morning.


    He went to the horse field to continue the practice of [Multiple Arrows]. He no longer had a need for Marcus'' guidance. Marcus was not far away, still training the knight squad. Rhm Weinfa.s.s, Gray Sickle, Oden Insole, these three retainer knights trained along the knight squad.


    Only Karl Eisenhammer no longer trained with the squad, returning to Liszt''s side. He had already sessfully cultivated qi and became an Apprentice Knight.


    His qi was very feeble. ording to Marcus, there was no potential to unearth.


    But Karl was already very satisfied. In the past few days, he had been smiling nonstop. Having qi meant that he was strong and that he would be a.s.signed to an important position.


    Karl, you have cultivated qi toote. Therefore, you have no future. After the knight squad is trained, it will be difficult for you to procure any chances at promotion while staying at my side as a retainer knight. Therefore, I intend to let you go to the town to work. Liszt spoke to Karl while practicing archery.


    Karl was not too young, he had wife and children in the Coral City.


    He said solemnly: Sir, I, Karl am willing to follow you!


    I know of your loyalty, but the position of a retainer doesn''t suit you. It would be very disadvantageous for you topete against the knight squad''s youngsters with your strength.


    Sir, I Karl was also clear that he was not their equal.


    There were already two teenagers, Philip Wool and Xavier Oxdung, that had cultivated qi ahead of him. Besides, the quant.i.ty and recovery speed of their qi exceeded his. The remaining ten youngsters had already perceived qi and could cultivate qi any time now. Also, they had more time to progress to Earth Knights.


    He was a little panicked.


    He was not a very bright person. Therefore, he became uncertain regarding his future prospects.


    Liszt sighed lightly inside. It was not that he was heartless, more like, there was no ce for emotions when it came to retainer knights. They had to guaranty their own safety and could not be the slightest bit careless: Go to the patrol. The patrol isprised of ordinary people, but public security requires an Apprentice Knight to oversee.


    Yes, Sir! Karl was a bit disappointed.


    The patrol couldn''tpare with being the lord''s retainer knight.


    Liszt saw Karl''s disappointment and just said indifferently: I will grant you the status of a freedman and appoint you as the Flower Town''s defense officer to help Teacher Gort administrate the fief''s public security. The patrol shall be directly subordinated to you. This position is very important, don''t let me down, Karl.


    His expression instantly changed from disappointment, to a pleasantly surprised one.


    Karl gave a deep bow: Sir, thank you for the promotion! I am willing to serve Sir for the rest of my life!


    In the afternoon, the news that Karl was promoted to a freedman and took the post of the Flower Town''s defense officer spread through the entire horse field. Marcus took advantage of a gap between the knight squad''s training to go over and guide Liszt in archery.


    They also chatted.


    Sir, Karl''s story prompted the knight squad to train more earnestly, especially Rhm, Gray, and Oden, they train as if their lives were at stake.


    Qi changes fate. In the past, this was more like a slogan than anything else. But once there was a living example, they would realize that it was not just a slogan but a real opportunity. Liszt rotated his sore wrists. Even if it was him, he also was working hard to get stronger.


    Marcus nevertheless said: Sir, you have granted them a fate changing opportunity.


    Marcus was right, Liszt expressed his approval.


    Next, Liszt didn''t continue with this topic and instead took out four arrows to practice multiple arrows'' Spiral Shadow Arrows'', which would give the four arrows spiral trajectories. This move was a prerequisite for learning the ultimate meaning Multiple Phantom Arrows and its key point lied in producing phantoms of arrows.


    Holding two arrows between the index finger and the middle finger and the other two arrows between the middle finger and the ring finger.


    He pulled the bowstring into forming a full moon with the body of the bow.


    Aimed at the not distant target and suddenly released. The four arrows were shot pari pa.s.su. Midair, the magic power attached to them spread out, propelling the four arrows to rotate.


    Unfortunately.


    When the magic power spread out, there was an error in the direction of an arrow, destroying the entire arrow formation. The airflow was disturbed and the other three arrows were also affected, causing all four arrows to be off target.


    Still a bitcking. Liszt put down the bow, thinking about where he had gone wrong. There were too many things to consider in archery; such as the bowstring''s power, the arrow''s direction, equilibrium of magic power, wind resistance, and gravitational eleration.


    Marcus'' eyes lit up as he looked at the arrows''nding trajectory.


    Sir, your talent in archery exceeds that of many people. I started to learn archery at your age, but it took me three whole years to familiarize myself with [Fundamental Archery]. After bing an Earth Knight, I have been practicing for nearly fifteen years to reach my current level of archery. You already nearly caught up to me.

 Chapter 84: When Was the Mission Completed?

    Chapter 84: When Was the Mission Completed?


    This was no ttery.


    Liszt also felt that he was talented.


    Perhaps this body of his had a very strong lineage, an excellent gic makeup, far beyond that of ordinary people. With reason and line of thought not restricted by this world''s era, he could even more distinctly touch upon the essence of cultivation.


    Others might learn archery by simply honing themselves.


    Not thinking about wind resistance, parabolic trajectory, inertia, Newton''s threews of motion, and other knowledge.


    He, however, could get a clear idea of an arrow''s motion trajectory by means of some simple rules of physics. Thus, he could get a quicker understanding of how to shape muscle memory and quickly learn archery.


    He justcked in the control of technical details.


    Failure.


    Improvement of technique.


    Shooting arrows once more.


    Liszt felt that once one got immersed themselves into this kind of simple practice, one would take joy in the suffering.


    Sir, I would like to ask you for a leave of absence for a day in order to buy out my family and bring them back to the Flower Town. Karl smoothly took over the post of defense officer. In the afternoon, he had sessfully established his authority within the patrol, and in the evening, he partook in the castle''s upstairs banquet for the first time.


    He was restless from excitement.


    Liszt took a bite at a loaf of bread and responded: I give you the permission for this leave of absence. You can feel free to bring you family here, Teacher Gort will arrange appropriate work for them That''s right, do you have enough money for the buy out?


    I managed to sc.r.a.pe it together by borrowing a bit from Rhm and the others. My family is onlyprised of four people: myself, my wife, my son, and my daughter. I have just enough to buy them out.


    If you don''t have enough, then don''t hesitate to tell me. I can give you an advance on your sry or give you a low-interest loan.


    Karl used to be a retainer knight and his family were serfs of the Tulip Family. Now that he obtained the status of a freedman, he wanted for his family to also leave their ident.i.ties as serfs behind.


    As a follower of an aristocrat, he had enough strength to protect his family.


    Gort toasted Karl in congrattion: The families of ir and Marcus lead new lives and are doing quite well, your family will be the same.


    Karl downed the beer and said excitedly: The Flower Town will get better and better as it and Sir are beloved by the glory of knights!


    I second that! Marcus followed suit and downed his beer.


    ir and Isaiah did the same.


    Gort waited for a servant to fill his cup before impatiently toasting once more: In that case, let''s drink for the Flower Town and for Sir!


    Downing the cup.


    Next, Gort said: Karl,e back as soon as possible. There will be a caravaning to the Flower Town from the Northvalley City three dayster. The patrol needs to be on top of and inform it of the Flower Town''s rules.


    I will return as soon as possible and won''t dy the work. Said Karl hurriedly.


    Tremblingwoods, release your magic!


    Outside the castle, while pulling Tremblingwoods by the leash, Liszt gave amand.


    Tremblingwoods immediately barked and released a Rockthorn from under the ground in the direction he pointed. When Liszt took Tremblingwoods away, the castle''s servingmen immediately came over and dug the Rockthorn out of the soil using iron shovels.


    The Rockthorn was soil condensed by earth-attributed magic power into a solid rock.


    It was very hard, as hard as granite.


    Each day, Tremblingwoods could produce a lot of these Rockthorns, after which, servingmen would collect them and use them as pavement. Liszt demanded that the main road between the castle and the town be made into a cobblestone road, that it be also pa.s.sable during rainy days. Otherwise, it would be impossible to even go out during rainy days.


    This road was currently forty meters long.


    Tremblingwoods, catch! Liszt continued to train Tremblingwoods. He deliberately bought hares from hunters in order to train it.


    Hares were very quick and they also performed a variety of evasive maneuvers.


    Even if it was Tremblingwoods, a magic beast known as the king of the Thorns Ridge, it still took it a lot of effort to catch up to the hare. Only after running for about a kilometer could it press the hare to the ground and bite at its neck.


    After killing the hare.


    Tremblingwoods immediately threw the carca.s.s aside.


    It didn''t eat raw food, it had been raised by Liszt to only eat cooked food.


    Tweet!


    Arge bird covered in down feathers stood atop the leather glove Liszt wore on his left hand. It was Blessedcurls, the Wind Peregrine Falcon chick. It still couldn''t fly, yet was still very noisy, issuing tweet'', tweet'' calls nonstop. Also, its food intake wasrge, it could eat quite a bit of fish.


    Hearing Blessedcurls'' calls.


    Tremblingwoods immediately gamboled, turned back, rushed to beside Liszt, and then drooled over Blessedcurls. It looked like it really wanted to eat the bird, to have a taste of it.


    Tweet!


    Tweet!


    Blessedcurls pped its wings. It was eager to fly andwould probably try to fly once the down feathers were reced with feathers.


    Liszt had a headache; birds yearned for the sky, so it was difficult to bind them to the ground.


    However, they didn''t exhibit the behavior of recognizing a master. Also, there had never been anyone capable of domesticating birds on the Coral Ind.


    Stop calling. Do it again, and I''ll fry you. Liszt handed Blessedcurls to Thomas. Afraid that it could fall and be eaten by Tremblingwoods, Thomas hurriedly put on a leather glove and took Blessedcurls.


    Blessedcurls was currently roughly the size and weight of a sausage dog, so Thomas found it difficult to hold it with a single hand.


    Liszt was considerate, saying: Take it back to the nest.


    Yes, Master!


    When Thomas returned, Liszt had already trained Tremblingwoods into exhaustion: Take Tremblingwoods back and tie it up, I am going to practice my archery.


    Yes, Master!


    Two robust youngsters quickly stepped forward and handed bow and arrows to Liszt: Sir, here are your bow and arrows.


    They were Philip Wool and Xavier Oxdung. These two youngsters from the knight squad had already cultivated qi. Therefore, they didn''t had to train with the knight squad and instead a.s.sumed their position as retainer knights.


    Liszt received the bow and arrows.


    And then quickly entered the right state of mind to practice multiple arrows. Currently, he only had the Spiral Shadow Arrows left to learn. The other four moves, on the other hand, he had already learned sessfully, but was not very proficient at.


    Today, I will try to grasp the Spiral Shadow Arrows, and tomorrow, I will begin practicing the ultimate meaning Multiple Phantom Arrows!


    After practicing from morning till afternoon.


    He was already dripping with sweat.


    Finally, when the sun set, he seeded in releasing the Spiral Shadow Arrows. Four arrows spiraled midair, instantly changing into mirages, and then finally hit the target.


    Whew!


    He sighed in relief.


    He rubbed his wrists, calling it a day: After another week of practice, I should be able to grasp the ultimate technique Multiple Phantom Arrows. He called out the smoke mission, taking a look at the content as per habit.


    But as he did so, he discovered that the Serpentines had changed.


    Missionpleted. Reward: ck pearls from the deep sea.


    Mission: a caravan is about to arrive at the Flower Town. This is the first time a caravan ising to your fief. Please make sure that the trade totals at least three gold coins so as to attract the caravan over again. Reward: a bottle drifting in the sea.


    Hmm?


    Liszt was surprised: When did I finish the mission? I obviously haven''t learned the ultimate meaning Multiple Phantom Arrows.


    Suddenly, it dawned on him.


    When he first performed [Multiple Arrows], Marcus'' Multiple Phantom Arrows had an arrow off target.


    Is this the reason? In fact, Marcus also has not grasped the ultimate meaning. He has divided it into two sets, but still had one arrow off target. Therefore, I only need to learn the proceeding double arrows, triple arrows, and multiple arrows toplete the mission?


    That was certainly the case.


    Liszt was pleasantly surprised, smiling. Then, he immediately turned his attention to the reward and the new mission: ck pearls from the deep sea? A bottle drifting in the sea? Are they connected?

 Chapter 85: A Captain Offering His Services

    Chapter 85: A Captain Offering His Services


    The mission was an excellent opportunity.


    There was no need to manage how many goods the fief''s residents traded, so he decided to just purchase three gold coins worth of goods for the castle.


    Recently, seafood had started to be profitable, so the East Coast had be a continuous source of gold coins for the castle.


    He seeded in stopping the shriveling of his coin pouch and even managed to have it recover slightly. Currently, there were about five gold coins inside.


    Old Grandet, I called you over because I have something to tell you. Tomorrow, Northvalley City''s caravan will being to the Flower Town. Here are three gold coins, make sure to spend them, purchase anything that can be purchased.


    Old Grandet was quite sharp: Sir Lord, you want to use the charm of gold coins to attract the caravan over again?


    Exactly.


    Understood, leave it to me.


    Okay, you can go back.


    Yes, Sir Lord, have a good night.


    Old Grandet turned and left. At the castle''s gate, he saw Burnell, so he greeted him: Burnell, Sir Lord also called you over?


    Oh, no, I made soap, so I came to deliver it. Burnell jolted the pouch in his hand, Has Sir Lord called you over because of the caravan that ising tomorrow?


    Old Grandet said with some pride: Of course. I am the leader of the castle''s caravan and Sir Lord trusts me.


    I really envy you. Let''s stop here, I have to go inside. Burnell bade Old Grandet farewell and then, under a servingman''s lead, entered the castle and came before Liszt.


    After a deferential salute, he gave the soap to the servant.


    The soap has finally been made. From now on, I no longer need to purchase soap that has a production cost of one copper coin yet is sold for two silver coin. Liszt picked up a piece of soap, thinking that Burnell''s handicraft was not bad. The soap was not much worse than what he purchased from the Coral City, Thank you for your hard work, Burnell.


    It is my fortune to be of use to Sir Lord.


    I still have one more thing for you.


    I am awaiting your instructions, Sir Lord.


    I have heard of a recipe that uses a mixture of pig pancreas and nt ash to make a kind of soap that is even better at cleaning than honey locust soap. Liszt didn''t call it pancreas soap as that wouldn''t sound nice. Anyway, it was a new product, so he could call it whatever he wanted.


    There is soap even better than the honey locust soap? Sir Lord, pig pancreas can also be used for cleaning? Burnell was surprised.


    That is what it is. However, I can''t recall the specifics. Therefore, I will give you the task of making this soap. I want you to find out the way to make soap from pig pancreas and nt ash as soon as possible. I will generously reward you once youplete this task.


    Burnell hurriedly said in response: It is my fortune to be of use to Sir Lord. Sir Lord, please rest a.s.sured, I will do my best.


    Also, continue to make honey locust soap, the castle cannot do without it.


    Please rest a.s.sured, Sir Lord.


    The smoke mission''s reward didn''t take long to appear.


    Early the next morning, Liszt received a report stating that the oyster settlement''s fishermen found a huge sea monster stranded on the East Coast. Liszt immediately made the connection between the sea monster and the ck pearls from the deep sea and immediately left for the East Coast.


    On the beach, he saw the stranded sea monsters apanied by a fishy stench.


    Sir, do you know what sea monster it is? Gort and the others had arrived earlier, but they didn''t know what species the stranded sea monster was.


    Liszt took a closer look. The sea monster was a kind of mollusk. It was veryrge, at least ten meters long. With its intertwined tentacles, it looked a bit like a squid. It already had signs of rot. Therefore, it was difficult to tell how it looked when it was alive.


    He released Magic Eyes and found that there was no flow of magic power in the sea monster''s body.


    Strictly speaking, it was just some kind of marine animal and not a sea monster.


    It is probably arge squid and not a sea monster. Liszt fanned the air in front of him. The stench emitted from the rotting squid was very strong.


    Can it be eaten? Asked ir suddenly.


    Gort made an expression of aversion: I can''t stand the smell, let alone eat it! I don''t think it''s seafood, but a monster! It might be poisonous and might have even eaten people in the sea. I''ve heard of sea monsters that could wrap themselves around ships. With this squid''s arms'', it certainly could wrap itself around a ship.


    Even if it wasn''t poisonous and hadn''t eaten people, Liszt wouldn''t .s.sify it as seafood.


    Rotten things should be just throw away.


    However, as the ck pearls from the deep sea rewards might be rted to thisrge squid, he ordered: Teacher Gort, find people to dissect thisrge squid to see whether there is anything of interest inside the carca.s.s. If there isn''t anything, then cut it to pieces and throw it into the sea so as to avoid the stench.


    Gort started to organize the fishermen to dissect therge squid.


    Liszt went to where the sailboat was stranded on the beach not far away. This sailboat, which initially had a few holes, had been repaired by a carpenter. When the tide was low, it could be moved to the seabed and then when the tide was high, it could once again roam the sea However, although there was a captain who could steer it, but there were no qualified sailors to man it.


    Sir Lord, I, Kosto, give you my regards.


    Just as Liszt was admiring the sailboat, his retainer knights, Philip and Xavier, stopped a fisherman. The fisherman hurriedly knelt on the ground and yelled out loud.


    Kosto?


    Liszt remembered this name. He turned around and said to Thomas standing behind him: Let him through.


    Kosto was a tall middle-aged man, his suntanned face marked by weather and time: Sir Lord, I, Kosto give you my regards.


    You have already said that once. Liszt sized him up, Stand up and talk. If I remember correctly, you are the captain who steered this ship.


    Sir Lord still remembers my humble name, I am greatly honored. Kosto stood up and continued respectfully, I used to work for Lord Smallkerchief as the captain of Soar, which was a barque sailboat that could reach the speed of three knots during tailwind. This sailboat, on the other hand, is better than Soar, it can reach a speed of five knots during tailwind.


    Knots was a unit of speed used in maritime navigation. Liszt wasn''t too familiar with this unit, so he couldn''t imagine how fast one knot really was.


    However, he knew that the Tulip Family''s fastest ship could reach a speed of seven knots, and reportedly, the fastest sailboat of the court''s fleet could reach a speed of ten knots.


    Kosto raised his head and, with an inscrutable glint in his eyes, looked at the sailboat: Sir Lord, don''t you want to let it roam the sea again?


    You want to steer this ship again? Liszt looked at Kosto with interest. Apparently, the other wanted to offer his services, However, there are no sailors in the Flower Town.


    They can be groomed. I was originally a sailor, traveling the sea for years on end. I know how to groom qualified sailors. Sir Lord, if you put your trust in me Give me twenty people. In three months'' time, I can train them into sailors qualified to sail offsh.o.r.e, and in a year''s time, they should be capable to sail the open sea.


    Liszt looked at him: There is no ce suitable for a harbor in the Flower Town, so how do you intend to train them?


    But there is! Sir Lord, there is a ce very suitable for building a harbor in the Flower Town! There, the terrain is t and the water level is very deep! It is appropriate for med-sized ships to anchor!

 Chapter 86: Cant Open the Giant Clam

    Chapter 86: Can''t Open the Giant m


    Kosto crouched on the beach and drew a crude drawing of the East Coast''s coastline with his finger in the sand. Next, he made a circle at one end of the coastline: Sir Lord, this is the ce suitable for building a harbor.


    Liszt understood the crude map.


    The location of the ce suitable building a harbor, strictly speaking, was no longer within the scope of the Flower Town. The dairy farm was the northernmost part of the Flower Town, and further north was the part of the Thorns Ridge that extended into the sea.


    The ce Kosto mentioned was at the junction were the Thorns Ridge and the sea met.


    Between the Thorns Ridge''s low hills, there is a traversable, t path. I came upon it when I traversed the entire East Coast. From there, the path widens into a t valley. There, the water level at the coast is deep. I personally dove in and explored it. The terrain and path are suitable for building a harbor.


    You dare to go deep into the Thorns Ridge? Liszt was a little surprised.


    Kosto''s tone was a bit fanatical: Ever since I took refuge in the Flower Town, I always wanted to let the sailboat sail again. But there is no harbor or wharf in the Flower Town. I was not resigned, so I went to explore even farther I was quite lucky not to encounter any magic beasts. There were only some beasts, but I had a some smoke gra.s.s.


    Saying until here.


    He suddenly knelt once more: Sorry, Sir Lord, I went to the smoke gra.s.s field and picked up some leaves that fell on the ground. Please punish me.


    The smoke gra.s.s belonged to Liszt. And even leaves that fall off naturally, they also belong to Liszt. Anyone picking them up would be considered a thief, let alone if the perpetrator was a serf.


    Get up first, we can talk about this issueter.


    Liszt gestured for the second time for him stand up before continuing: You''ve got guts. Not only do you dare to enter the Thorns Ridge, but you also dare to go to the sea alone. It seems that magic beasts and sea monsters cannot put a stop to your yearning for the sea.


    I like the sea!


    Kosto took a deep breath and looked at the waves.


    I grew up on the coast. When I was a youngster, I went out into the sea. I spent more time on the sea than I spent onnd. I''ve seen narwhals'' long tusks, which was a tooth growing from their mouths, sh through the sea. I''ve seen the mirage of a prosperous city, which could not be reached, in the sea. I''ve heard pleasant singinging from the mist, which was the singing of Sirens


    After a pause, he swallowed before continuing in a serious tone: I like navigating ships and I like crossing the sea. Sir Lord, I wish to be at the helm of your sailboat and for the it to go out into the sea to trade.


    After this brief conversation.


    Liszt could tell that Kosto was a knowledgeable, savvy, decisive and adventurous person. If ced during the Age of Discovery, such a person might be able to mingle with adventurers like Columbus''. People with dreams were worthy of awe.


    This talent was being wasted in the Flower Town.


    Kosto, I hereby appoint you as Flower''s captain. He looked at the other from above, You can recruit sailor apprentices and drill sailing skills into them on the East Coast.


    Flower?


    Flower is the name I gave this sailboat, it is the Flower Town''s first ship!


    Kosto was overjoyed: Sir Lord, when are you going to build the harbor and when do you n to go out into the sea to trade? I can train a batch of qualified sailors so long as I am given a year''s time!


    Before the Thorns Ridge''s trees are felled, you are not allowed to enter the thorns woods again. There is no need for you to worry about the harbor. When the timees, I will naturally build one. The captain position is temporarily unpaid, so you will have to be self-reliant, such as collecting tuition fees Of course, you can choose to apply to be a teacher and teach my knight squad how to sail.


    Marcus taught qi, Isaiah taught the writtennguage, and Kosto would teach sailing. Liszt attached great importance to the knight squad''s education.


    Even if only a few people made it to the end, they could also be instructors qualified to teach the next batch of knight candidates for Liszt.


    The oue was even better than expected  Kosto knelt on the ground and kowtowed: Sir Lord, I am willing to apply to be a teacher!


    Then, captain, introduce me to Flower.


    Flower was a brig sailboat, which was clearly much smaller than a barque sailboat andcould barely be used to go into the far sea to trade. There were many brig sailboats in the Tulip Family''s fleet. They were most suited to sail inside the archipgo, where they would not encounter storms that were too great, which greatly improved their security.


    There were no cannons.


    So when encountering sea monsters, they could only flee. Although there were often stories of ships being attacked by sea monsters, but in fact, sea monsters rarely attacked ships.


    As he was admiring Flower, the fishermen that were dissecting therge squid''s body suddenly cried out.


    The news that the fishermen dug out a veryrge sh.e.l.l monster from the squid''s innards quickly reached Liszt. Wavy sh.e.l.l'', as big as a person'', was what a clerk used to describe the sh.e.l.l monster.


    Liszt at once alighted Flower.


    He was clear, the ck pearls from the deep sea should be inside the sh.e.l.l monster.


    When he saw the sh.e.l.l monster, he had a sudden realization: This is a giant m!


    The huge sh.e.l.l, the wavy form, and the colorful, gorgeous mantle, everything pointed to it''s ident.i.ty  a giant m. In his birthce, giant ms were thergest bivalvia. Their sh.e.l.ls could be processed into very expensive jewels and their flesh was also particrly delicious.


    In his home, he had a vase made of giant m''s sh.e.l.l on the table.


    Of a small giant m''s sh.e.l.l of course.


    The enormous giant m in front of him was at least two meters in diameter and five hundred catty in weight. With its sh.e.l.l closed, it was unknown whether it was alive or not. Its gorgeous mantle was digested by the squid, leaving some mottled, loose traces.


    Sir, what is this sh.e.l.l monster, do you know? Gort made circles around the giant m.


    It''s a giant m, a type ofrge bivalvia. When he spoke, he released Magic Eyes and carefully looked at the giant m. He didn''t see any traces of magic power. Therefore, it was probably just an ordinary giant m and not a sea monster, Open it, I want to sea whether there are pearls inside.


    Pearls? Giant ms can also produce pearls? I thought that only cid Lake''s Pearl ms could produce pearls.


    cid Lake was a hugeke on the Blue Dragon Ind and was part of the Sapphire Family''s estate, with the Pearl ms raised inside being one of its specialty products. Pearl ms were a kind of small sea monster, or strictly speaking, a river monster, that only lived in fresh water and could produce pearls. It''s pearl''s had traces of gentle, water-attributed magic power that could calm the mind.


    These pearls were favored as ornament by the aristocracy.


    Many gentlewomen wore a pearl ne around their neck.


    Liszt pointed at the giant m: We''ll know after it is opened.


    Gort hurriedly organized the manpower to pry open the giant m''s sh.e.l.l. However, after a long time, the group of people still couldn''t pry open the giant m''s hard sh.e.l.l.


    Heavens, haven''t you eaten your fill?! Gort could only stare, A sh.e.l.l made you loose your masculinity?


    Mr. Gort, this thing is too firm, even the poles got broken.


    I dare say that it is as firm as a stone, it is impossible to open.


    Perhaps we should put it atop a fire. When cooked, it might open its sh.e.l.l alike oyster.

 Chapter 87: A Princess Bed

    Chapter 87: A Princess'' Bed


    The giant m''s sh.e.l.l was very difficult to pry open. Without appropriate tools, the fishermen were helpless.


    Liszt didn''t insist. Anyway, the ck pearls had nowhere to run. After therge squid was broken apart and its rotten carca.s.s was thrown into the sea, Liszt gave the order to bring the giant m back to the castle, where it could be investigated at leisure.


    The enormous giant m was quite odd-looking.


    Along the way, it attracted the gazes of numerousmoners, and when it reached the castle, the servants also went to take a look at it. No one had ever seen such a strange thing.


    Teacher Marcus, what are your thoughts on how to open it?


    Marcus pondered for a moment before saying: It''s very strong, the two halves of the sh.e.l.l are firmly fixed together, but its sh.e.l.l is irregr and there are many gaps, so it should be possible to open it with poles. Wooden poles won''t do. It would be best to use a thick iron pole, but there should be no iron poles in the fief.


    Iron tools were very precious, no one would use iron ore to forge a thick iron pole just to pry open the giant m''s sh.e.l.l.


    Perhaps we could use fire. Suggested Carter.


    As the sh.e.l.l is too thick, it would be quite difficult to harm it. Rejected Liszt. With the ck pearls inside, if it was to be cooked


    We could use hooks, hooking two hooks, one to each half of the sh.e.l.l and then use horses to pull them in opposite directions to pull open the sh.e.l.l. Marcus eventually thought of a stupid method.


    However, its effect was not bad.


    Two horses pulled a rope each. When the rope was about to snap, the horses finally managed to pull open the giant m''s sh.e.l.l. The giant m looked just like a flower in bloom. Although the degree to which it was opened was not too great, but the sh.e.l.l''s ligament and flesh could already be seen.


    Marcus grasped his two-handed sword, poured qi into the sword, and cut off one of the ligaments.


    POP!


    The horses pulling the giant m''s sh.e.l.l immediately pulled it open into two halves, which no longer tried to close themselves. Liszt''s gaze fell on the protrusions atop the inner surface of the giant m. The plump protrusions concealed pearls.


    Cut them out. Be careful, there are pearls wrapped inside. Don''t scratch them.


    Yes, Sir!


    Marcus personally took a de and carefully cut open the membrane of the protrusions. When the membrane of thergest protrusion was cut open, a ck, shiny pearl the size of a washbasin was revealed inside.


    There are still others next to it, taken them all out. Liszt was very excited.


    Although he still hadn''t figured out the use of the ck pearls, but finding such a big ck pearl was still an incredible thing. If it was ced in his birthce, it could be auctioned for an jaw-dropping price.


    When Marcus finished, a total of sixteen ck pearls of different sizes were taken out.


    The biggest one was the size of a washbasin.


    Two were nearly the size of a basketball, three were the size of a big bowl, and the rest were the size of oranges, apples, and table tennis b.a.l.l.s.


    After cleaning them up, Liszt took thergest ck pearl into his hands. He suddenly felt like there was a trace of magic power flowing inside the pearl. He quickly released Magic Eyes. Next, he saw a whirlpool of magic power deep inside the ck pearl. It was of a light blue color, which was the color of water-attributed magic power.


    It has magic power?


    He previously used Magic Eyes to examine the giant m. However, he didn''t find any trace of magic power. Who would have thought that the ck pearl actually had magic power.


    Sir, these ck pearls seem to have magic power? Marcus also discovered this anomaly. However, he couldn''t use Magic Eyes and therefore was not sure.


    They have indeed.


    While overturning the ck pearl, a knight novel that he had read came to Liszt''s mind. In the knight novel, it was mentioned that the song of Sirens was capable of calming down storms in the sea, that a mighty knight had captured a Siren and made a magic equipment out of it.


    A ship equipped with this equipment would float calmly in the sea even amidst a storm.


    No one knew for certain what Sirens were, but there were people who imed to have heard the song of Sirens  Kosto had just said that he heard the song of Sirens. However, there were no records of what Sirens were. Most people believed them to just be stories that sailors made up.


    Although the ck pearls had no rtion to this story.


    But what made Liszt draw an a.s.sociation was the Siren made equipment that could shelter ships from storms.


    Could this ck pearl also be made into magic equipment capable of resisting storms? After all, it is an item with water-attributed magic power and its magic power is unusually rich, not much inferior to that of dragon-produced gems. I don''t know if it could suppress storms in the sea, but it should be possible to make it into a magic equipment.


    Without wizards, there was no way to study the ck pearls.


    Liszt felt that there were still other uses  for example, as air conditioners.


    Teacher Marcus, Mr. Carter, everyone, don''t you think the air is much cooler?


    Marcus sensed carefully: I don''t think it is cooler. However, the moisture in the air seems to have increased somewhat.The ck pearls should have condensed the surrounding water vapor.


    In any case, they are good stuff. If one would want to sell them, how many gold coins do you think they would go for?


    I''ve heard people say that a fist-sized white pearl would go for at least five gold coins. Therefore, a ck pearl of the same size should go for ten gold coins, I guess. As for thergest ck pearl, Sir, I can''t estimate its value, it is a novelty.


    They are quite rich in terms of magic power. Therefore, they should definitely be more valuable than white pearls. However, as the castle is temporarily not short on money, their appraisal should be reevaluated Liszt was not very satisfied with Marcus'' appraisal.


    He felt that the appraisal of ck pearls being twice as valuable as white pearls still didn''t do the ck pearls justice, that their worth might be greater than expected.


    Therefore, he said to Carter: Mr. Carter, move them to my study. He kept scrutinizing the ck pearl the size of a table tennis ball in his hand.


    Very well, Master!


    A momentter, Carter came back and asked: Master, what about the giant m''s flesh, can it be eaten?


    I think it can Hmm, let Tremblingwoods try it first. If its poisonous, then throw it away.


    What about the two halves of the sh.e.l.l?


    Wash the inner surface of the sh.e.l.l clean. I want to see whether it had jadefied.


    In Liszt''s birthce, jadefied giant ms were gemstones, they were one of the seven gemstones in Buddhism, and were known as one of the four great organic gemstones along with pearls, corals and amber in the ident. Jadefied giant m was the whitest material in his birthce, it was formed from the jadefication of the inner surface of the giant m.


    Such a big giant m is bound to have a part of it jadefied.


    Very quickly, however, Liszt realized that he had made a mistake. Although the giant m was enormous, yet there were no marks of jadefication on the inner surface. Only at this point did he recall that it was impossible for a living giant m to be jadefied. Jadefication took time. Just like jade, it took it ten million years to arise.


    Jadefied giant m was gradually formed over ten million years after a giant m died and was buried in the sand.


    Without jadefication, it couldn''t be made into jewels, yet Liszt had a fantastic idea: Mr. Carter, could it be made into a bed?


    As he said that, the scenes of a cartoon  Disney''s The Little Mermaid  he had seen in his childhood appeared in his mind. In the cartoon, she had a sh.e.l.l as a bed.

 Chapter 88: The Black Pearls Worth

    Chapter 88: The ck Pearls'' Worth


    The giant m''s sh.e.l.l was veryrge, more than two meters long and nearly two meters wide. Liszt had been growing, and at present, he was nearly 1,85 meters tall. He could fit in the giant m''s sh.e.l.l.


    Of course, he had not given much thought to it.


    The shape of the giant m''s sh.e.l.l was too weird. With therge waves adorning its surface, it was not suitable to be made into a bed. He let people set up the giant m''s sh.e.l.l at the castle''s entrance to serve as a huge sculpture. It had to be said, the giant m''s sh.e.l.l without its flesh and washed clean was very beautiful.


    Having dealt with the giant m, Liszt retreated to the study and began to study the ck pearls.


    Carter had moved the ck pearls to the study, but now, apart from the small ck pearl in Liszt hand, there was no other ck pearl in the study. They were already stored inside the s.p.a.ce ring hanging around his neck. When it came to precious articles, he chose to have them on his person.


    Thus, when Carter brought Liszt a .s.s of juice, he said in surprise: Master, I clearly put the ck pearls on the shelves, so howe they are no longer here?


    I hid them, so stop worrying


    Very well. Carter asked no more. As a butler, he didn''t need to know where Liszt had hidden the ck pearls. All he needed to do was to serve his masterwell and manage the castle properly.


    After drinking the juice.


    He experimented with the ck pearl for a while.


    Liszt gradually gained a basic understanding of the ck pearl: It is very rich in magic power, and in fact, it is not much inferior to dragon-produced gems. Butpared to the constant flow of magic power those gems provide, the ck pearl''s magic power apparently has to be artificially replenished. I don''t have water-attributed magic power and therefore am unable to replenish it myself.


    The ck pearl the size of a table tennis ball in his hand constantly exuded fluctuations of magic power.


    These fluctuations werepletely different from those of dragon gems.


    He used terms that he could understand to distinguish between the two: Dragon gems employs magic power to form a stable maic field-like form that contained their magic power. The ck pearl, on the other hand, is more like a radioactive material, constantly radiating its magic power outside; its loss of magic power can be felt after some time.


    So in essence, ck pearls were of a much lower grade than dragon gems.


    A dragon gem going for seven or eight hundred gold coins would not be an issue, while a ck pearl, as Marcus had said, could probably go for ten gold coins.


    However, the washbasin-sized ck pearl Only heavens know what sky-high price it could fetch! I believe that greater aristocrats, who madly look for treasures and collect antiques, would be willing to use a dragon coin to purchase it. Dragon coins, which were worth ten thousand gold coins a piece, were not something that people who weren''t particrly well-off greater aristocrats could use lightly.


    Following this train of thought.


    He became agitated: I think that this time''s mission reward is the one with the most tangible benefit Although this reward is not too generous, yet it is no different from receiving cash.


    So far, although he hadpleted a total of eighteen missions, he still didn''t figure out the rules that governed the missions and the rewards.


    But for the most part, the mission rewards were very valuable.


    If one were to quantify their value, then the magic beast rewards, Tremblingwoods and Blessedcurls, were worth upwards of one hundred cold coins each; the productivity rewards, sprite worms, were worth one to two thousand gold coins. It was true that sprite worms were magical and rare, but their ten year lifespan was a huge restriction.


    The ck Tulips, the me Mushrooms, a ckdragon, these being worth one dragon coin each should not be an exaggeration; the qi secret skill, [Magic Eyes], was worth three thousand gold coins; maize gra.s.s, smoke gra.s.s, the extremely small saltpeter mine, the fifty people, although their worth was a bit difficult to measure, but they still were very valuable.


    As for the information about the invisible dragon, it was a different cup of tea.


    The most valuable reward was the gem of the invisible dragon, a gem with its own s.p.a.ce. It was priceless.


    Just that, these rewards either required a long time before they could fully disy their worth; or, because of various restrictions, they couldn''t disy their worth; or, simply because they could bring trouble, they could not be exposed to the outside world.


    However, the ck pearls were different.


    They were quite valuable, with the sixteen ck pearls of different sizes adding up to at least upwards of ten thousand gold coins. The key point was that they could be sold separately. After all, they were not a set.


    Do I really sell them, I better sell them, but do I really sell them? After pondering for a moment, Liszt decided to first take out the ck pearl the size of a big bowl to test the market''s waters.


    Yesterday, Carter mentioned that Levis'' birthday was on August 19th, asking what gift he should prepare.


    When the time came, he would go to the Tulip Castle to attend the other''s birthday banquet.


    As for the gift, top grade seafood should suffice. I can just ask him whether he wants to purchase ck pearls. The Tulip Family''s qi is of the water attribute, so they should be in need of ck pearls They can ask a wizard to help them forge a magic equipment. At that time, I can get some ideas on how the ck pearls should be used.


    There was no one more adept at studying magic items than wizards.


    There were no wizards on the Coral Ind, but the Tulip Family certainly could contact them.


    If the price was right, then Liszt was ready to sell a few ck pearls to raise some funds and then hand it to Levis so that he kept helping him purchase ves.


    He also wanted to buy some pig iron and wrought iron for the cksmith shop to create some more farm tools.


    The farming efficiency of the fief''s serfs was too low, making him very dissatisfied. For the time being, there was no way to get draft animals and the research on plows took time. Therefore, he could only forge some more shovels and hoes so that the serfs could soften the soil at a higher efficiency and consequently, part of the serfs could be moved from the farnd to be used in other roles.


    If I can get a high price for them, then I can buy some calves, foals, andmbs as well as some concentrated feed for the pregnant mares.


    By the way, I should also do some repairs in the castle and should build a kang bed-stove for the winter, it would be a good solution for the cold days.


    Someone who nned far ahead, was a good way to describe Liszt.


    It was still in the height of summer, yet he was already thinking about life in winter.


    The Northvalley City''s caravan had arrived at the Flower Town before eight o''clock in the morning. After more than eight months, a caravan entered the Flower Town again. In the past, caravans would follow the knights that came to collect taxes to the Flower Town every quarter; except for the winter quarter, of course. In other words, caravans had visited the Flower Town trice a year.


    Every time a caravan arrived, the fief would be just as lively as when it celebrated the New Year Festival.


    This time was no exception. When the impressive caravan arrived, it quickly attracted the fief''s residents. The residents dropped the things they were doing and went to take a look.


    Liszt, who no longer had to practice archery and by this time, had finished his morning exercise, had returned to the castle, and had finished taking his bath, stood before a window. He could see the bustling crowd in the town.


    In particr, the skit the clowns started to perform atop a stage set up by them attracted the attention of most of the fief''s residents.


    Theughter and cheers could even be heard from the castle.


    Maisie, go call Mr. Carter. Said Liszt to the maid, Maisie, who was cleaning.


    Yes, Master.


    Before long, Carter hurried over: Master, you called?


    Today the town is very lively. Tell everyone that today, if they want to, they can have a break. They don''t need to stay in the castle, they can go to the town to see the skits or buy some snacks and rx.


    You are truly a generous aristocrat. I will let the servants know it.


    Mr. Carter, it also includes you.


    Carter chuckled: I don''t need to, Master. Let the young servants enjoy Master''s benevolence. The castle needs someone to look after it and Master cannot do without servants waiting upon you.

 Chapter 89: Raising a Foal

    Chapter 89: Raising a Foal


    Mrs. Abby, I and Little Lily are going to the town to watch the skits, do you want to join us? Irene carried arge piece of the giant m''s flesh inside a basket to outside the castle to dry.


    Tremblingwoods had eaten arge piece the giant m''s flesh yesterday and was not only alright, but had be even more lively and vigorous.


    Proving that the giant m''s flesh was edible.


    Oh heavens! Master is too generous, he even gave you a day off. Mrs. Abby was busily sorting out the various seasonings on the stove. If you like working as kitchen maids that much, then you should obediently stay in the kitchen. There are a lot of things to do everyday.


    ording to Mr. Carter, Master only needs a fried steak for lunch, while we servants can just eat peas and bread. Therefore, there is not much work to do. Little Lily also carried a piece of the giant m''s flesh.


    The giant m weighed more then five hundred catties (catty=0,5 Kg). Excluding the three hundred catties of sh.e.l.l, there was still more than two hundred catties of flesh left.


    Mr. Carter is just like Master, always condoning the unmotivated working att.i.tude of you young servants. Being kind is not appropriate of a butler. When I was young, I was busy everyday in the kitchen and had no time to be idle. That was the work att.i.tude that kitchen maids should have.


    Cough cough.


    Carter''s coughs came from the doorway. He had arrived at some point: Mrs. Abby, although I can understand your serious att.i.tude towards work, but you shouldn''t always be so uptight. Have a stroll around the town with the youngsters. It is rare that we can see a caravan.


    Sorry, Mr. Carter, I didn''t mean to offend you. Mrs. Abby felt a little embarra.s.sed, she had been caught criticizing the other behind his back.


    It doesn''t matter. In fact, you said that I am kind; I regard that as apliment. Go with Irene and Little Lily to take look at the skits. Just thinking about those clowns makes me smile.


    That won''t do, I have to prepare lunch for Master.


    Thene back before eleven o''clock. It is currently nine o''clock, so you still have two hours to take a stroll.


    But


    Not waiting for Mrs. Abby''s refusal, Carter interrupted her: Just treat it as a task I gave you and have fun for two hours.


    Haha, Mr. Carter, nice one. Irene happily pulled Abby by the arm. Let''s go, Mrs. Abby, I can''t wait to see the clowns.


    Little Lily pulled Abby by the other arm: That''s right, let''s go!


    Mrs. Abby could only yield and go along: I don''t want to take a stroll, but I better watch the both of you, to prevent you from going crazy and forget to go back to work Also, wait a moment first, I have to change clothes. I can''t go out dressed like this, that would bring disgrace to the castle.


    Carter curled his lips as he looked at the, one old and two young, noisy women.


    Although he was a bit more busy when working in the fief''s castlepared to when he worked in one of the count''s vis, but the life here was livelier. The youthful vigor of the youngsters infected him with an ineffable force, making him feel younger thanst year.


    He heard footsteps.


    He turned around and saw Mrs. Mawson: Maisie and the other girls already went to take a stroll in the town?


    They did, along with Tom, Thomas, and the other boys. Mr. Carter, aren''t you also going?


    Mrs. Abby, Irene, and Little Lily went to change clothes before going to the town to see the skits. I think you should go with them. As for me, I will stay in the castle to wait upon Master. As you know, even Thomas has left; Master has to have a servingman serve him at all times.


    Then I will also stay behind. If there is anything, call me.


    Are you sure you don''t want to join in the hustle and bustle?


    I am old, too old for the hustle and bustle.


    Don''t say that, Mrs. Mawson, I feel like I am getting younger and younger. Carter straightened his back, looking a bit more spirited.


    Alright, youngster Carter.


    Anya, have you already sold most of the tomatoes? John Shoulderpole walked up to his household''s booth.


    The stalls were located in the southwestern part of the town, where a veryrge, t ce had been cleared for the caravan to open shop and do trade.


    Close by, there were also a few wooden toilets.


    The patrol and clerks shouted repeatedly: Sir Lord ordered that no one is allowed to urinate or defecate wherever they like! Offenders will be fined and whipped! To get to the toilet, follow the arrows. Toilets marked with the sign depicting a circle below and an arrow above () are for men, toilets marked with the sign depicting a circle above and a cross below () are for women, don''t get them wrong!


    John had long since got used to this order.


    It had been a long time since thest time he dumped feces and urine on the street. At home, he had a manure bucket, which served to store feces and urine. Later, the manure would be used as fertilizer at the tomato fields. This was a miraculous farming method, capable of increasing the harvest by two to three times, imparted by the sir lord for the serfs to use to fertilize the farnd!


    Previously, there had been officials charged with organizing the acquisition of manure.


    But now, there was no longer a need to collected it, as each and every household would keep the manure and then use it in the cultivation of their fields. After the harvest, the benevolent, generous, and n.o.ble sir lord only collected a portion of it as taxes. Unlike the previous knight responsible for collecting taxes, who would milk the serfs as much as he could.


    Ever since the arrival of the sir lord, John felt that not only his life, but also the lives of his neighbors had undergone tumultuous transformations.


    Of course, he was the luckiest one.


    Because the sir lord had rewarded him with a Nalda (gold coin) for giving rise to the tomato sprite worm!


    John, you''re not going to work today along with the house building team? Anya asked her husband inquisitively. Now that there was not much work to do at the fields, her husband had temporarily joined the house building team to get paid a copper coin a day.


    The house building team is on leave, no one wants to work today. They all came here to themercial area. John pointed at a person not far away. Look, Wenger is also strolling around with his son.


    Alright, then go see the skits. When I finish selling the tomatoes, I will also go take a look. It had already been a long time since Ist saw them.


    John didn''t go, saying instead: That''s right, Anya, when I was on my way toe here, I saw someone selling kittens, I want to buy one. Now that we have foodstuff stored at home, mice and rats will soon start to proliferate! These filthy rodents always eat our foodstuff!


    Really, someone is selling kittens? Wait for me here until I finish selling the tomatoes and then let''s go together to buy a kitten. We have to choose the one that is the best at catching rodents.


    After hesitating for a moment, John added: In fact, I still want to buy a foal. I want Little Jack to learn riding a horse from an early age. Like this, he can be Sir Lord''s retainer knight earlier.


    Oh Heavens, John, do you know how much a foal costs!


    It costs fifty silver coins. But Anya, we are talking about a foal! John exined longingly, I don''t know when we can get another opportunity to get a horse if we miss this one. I want to farm tomatoes for Sir Lord for the rest of my life. Little Jack, however, doesn''t like this work. He wants to be a retainer knight.


    But John, you have to understand that the fifty silver coins is just what we would pay for the foal, but it still has to eat, and a lot at that. Each day, a horse has to eat several times as much as a person, can we afford raising it?


    We can!


    With a firm expression in his eyes, John continued: Our household''s tomato field is the best there is, it provides us with a steady ie. I can still do temporary work. I asked the manager of the house building team, he is an a.s.sistant of Sir Isaiah. And ording to him, there is more and more work toe; Sir Lord has lofty aspirations, he is going to change the fief beyond recognition. As long as I can continue to do temporary work, then we can afford to raise a foal!


    Are you serious, John?


    Of course I am. Believe in me, Anya.


    Anya looked into her husband''s resolute eyes and finally couldn''t bear to refuse: Okay then, but you have to promise me that the foal won''t drag us down, alright?


    I promise!

 Chapter 90: Att.i.tude Towards Life

    Chapter 90: Att.i.tude Towards Life


    Liszt originally didn''t want to disturb the town''s lively atmosphere, but s, he still couldn''t hold back and made a trip to themercial area, where he watched a skit.


    On the stage, clowns were juggling small bulls, spitting fire, or somersaulting.


    In his opinion, it was nothing new, yet the town''s residents apuded happily. Liszt wanted to go up and perform the cups and b.a.l.l.s magic crick, to let these people from another world experience the charm of China''s ancient culture and tradition.


    But of course.


    He could merely entertain this idea in his mind as aristocrats could not do things that were beneath them.


    Moreover, as there were wizards in this world, magic tricks didn''t look anything special.


    After finishing watching a skit, he left themercial area and went to the town''s administrative office lest the fief''s residents be ufortable. With the lord in front of them, they would not be able to rx, and when speaking, they would try not to make noise.


    Although he left, but he didn''t stop paying attention to the caravan.


    He was currently listening to Isaiah reporting the prices of the goods the caravan had brought, particrly paying attention to the prices of production goods and daily necessities.


    Fifty silver coins for a foal, this price is too high, right? He frowned before inquiring.


    After all, in the deal with Levis, he had only spent twenty silver coins per serf.


    It is indeed very expensive. Sir Baron, the Coral Ind is far from the continent and has no suitable breeding areas. The production of horses is limited. Therefore, their price is always high. Even on the Blue Dragon Ind, the price of horses is not much different. On the continent, however, a foal might cost just a few silver coins.


    The archipgo state wasposed of inds and was naturally not suitable for raising horses.


    Liszt understood this, but was unwilling to ept it for a moment. When he gave Old Grandet three gold coins, he had thought that he could buy a lot of goods.


    But now, it seemed that the money would only be enough to purchase six foals.


    How many livestock younglings did the caravan bring? Asked Liszt. He was a bit disappointed. He originally wanted swallow all the the livestock younglings, but now it seemed that it was just a pipe dream.


    Except for him, themoners unfortunately didn''t had the purchasing power.


    They have five foals, two calves, threembs, eight piglets, six puppies, five kittens, and ten bunnies.


    I gave Old Grandet three gold coins, but it seems to be to no avail. He can''t buy more than a few livestock. At this moment, he was eager to sell the ck pearls and exchange the money for livestock. Not taking seafood into ount, meat was the most nutritious food. He wished he could eat it every day.


    With little to no breeding of livestock in his fief, where would he get the meat from to eat everyday?!


    Three gold coins can''t buy many livestock, that''s true, but you can buy quite a lot of other goods. The caravan brought a lot of specialty products from outside.


    However, I told Old Grandet to prioritize horses. With five foals, two gold and fifty silver coins would be spent, that would nearly deplete the castle''s funds. Liszt still had two gold coins left. He thought that perhaps he should take them also out and spend them on a few more livestock.


    Isaiah said with a smile: Sir Baron, I''ve read the trading record. Old Grandet had only purchased two foals. The other three were purchased by other people.


    By whom?


    John Shoulderpole bought one. I''m sure that you still remember him.


    It turned out to be the serf that farms tomatoes. I rewarded him with one gold coin, so he obviously could afford it. What about the other two?


    ir''s family bought one and Marcus bought the other one  Gort had lent him the money.


    Liszt''s mood turned for the better. All the horses were purchased, and although the castle hadn''t purchased all of them, but it was good enough that they would stay in the Flower Town. If necessary, the horses could be requisitioned at will.


    But soon, he couldn''t help but smile.


    He felt that his field of view was too shallow, only casting his gaze on the few livestock brought by the caravan. And after selling the ck pearls, he would go to other cities to purchase more livestock. This was his original n. However, did it mean that he could purchase the things that he wanted so long as he had gold coins?


    Isaiah, how big do you think the caravan''s turnover will be today?


    About six gold coins, I guess.


    A turnover of six gold coins, I think that many of the caravan''s peddlers would want toe back next time.


    This is only a metter of course. Peddlers are like flies, any ce where they can make money is indispensable for them. Said Isaiah with contempt. This was an unparalleled sense of superiority the aristocratic .s.s had over themoner .s.s, which was apanied by the desire tobat the rising momentum ofmoners.


    No matter the .s.s, the aristocracy wouldn''t permit anyone to sway their rule.


    At times, aristocrats felt like they were being provoked by merchants -some of them were even wealthier than aristocrats. Money was all powerful. There was nock of aristocrats, about to go bankrupt, that would marry their daughters off to merchants, take the daughters of merchants as their madams, or other simr humiliating incidents.


    Liszt smiled.


    Regarding the merchant .s.s, his ideas were in line with the aristocracy  both of support and opposition.


    Back at the castle.


    At lunch time. Although he told the kitchen that a steak would suffice, that there was no need to make the meal sumptuous, but when it was time to take the meal, there still was meat, vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, milk, and white bread as per usual.


    Mrs. Abby didn''t go out to take a stroll?


    Master, Mrs. Abby did go out, but half an hourter, she returned to the kitchen. Perhaps the town was to lively and she wasn''t used to it, or she wasn''t able to take a break from her work in the kitchen  she is too dedicated, always busying herself.


    Tell her that I don''t consider raising the sry for the time being. Therefore, she doesn''t need to busy herself that much. She should have her own life.


    Although he had adapted to and liked the aristocratic ident.i.ty.


    But Liszt still retained the conscientiousness of a modern person from another world, hoping that even servants could have their own lives instead ofpletely dedicating themselves to the lord. Life shouldn''t be just work, work, and even more work, but should also epa.s.s the entire range of human feelings as well as a family.


    Carter waited upon Liszt as he ate.


    Saying: For a cook, the kitchen is their life; for a servant, the castle is their life. Master, you don''t have to keep thinking about us. Everyday, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, servants are busy from dawn till dusk; in life, everyone has to do their part.


    That was quite philosophical.


    Liszt was left speechless.


    His train of thought was still divorced from this world and this era. There was an urge to pursue freedom inside him. But in this world, the concept of .s.s was already deeply ingrained inside every person''s bones.


    Could servants that weren''t working still be called servants?!


    Could aristocrats that weren''t enjoying themselves still be called aristocrats?!


    Thinking about this, he didn''t refute or correct Carter. And on the contrary, although he may have some qualms, but he still felt quite good about it. If everyone though like that, than the life of aristocrats would be even morefortable and stable. Such people were great!


    Just as he finished lunch and was ready to tease Tremblingwoods and Blessedcurls before taking a nap.


    Gort suddenly came from the town on horseback. After seeing Liszt, he immediately handed the other a wine-bottle-shaped metallic bottle: Sir, take a look at this. Oyster settlement''s fisherman picked it up from the sea, they believe it to be made out of gold. However, after inspecting it, it doesn''t look like gold.

 Chapter 91: Cant Open the Bottle

    Chapter 91: Can''t Open the Bottle


    The metallic bottle looked a bit like a high-end spirit container, very unique.


    Although it was of a golden color, which was simr to that of gold coins, but it was a bit browner. It was engraved with patterns, which formed aplex design resembling an abstract picture of a sun and a big tree, a bow and arrow, some kind of string instrument, as well as a bear and a soaring eagle.


    Overall, the metallic bottle resembled a prized piece of art part of an aristocrat''s collections.


    Knock knock knock.


    He tapped the metallic bottle with his fingers. The resulting sound was peculiar. Different from the sound that shoulde from a metal, it was instead a bit simr to the sound that came from stic. Appearance wise, however, it was quite clear that this brown-yellow bottle was a metallic product. It also felt like a metal to the touch.


    Teacher Gort, do you know what metal this is made from? Liszt shook the bottle.


    It should be empty inside as there was no sound or motion.


    Gort spread his hands: Gold, silver, copper, iron, this metal doesn''t look like anything I have ever seen. Please forgive me for not knowing what it is.


    It doesn''t have an opening?


    It looks like a whole. I carefully checked the ce where there should be an opening, but there were no cracks. Twisting the bottleneck also had no effect.


    Liszt tried himself and it indeed didn''t budge. It seemed like there was really no cap and the bottle was a whole: What do you think is inside?


    Fine wine?


    Teacher Gort, dreams don''t alwayse true. I don''t think that there is liquid inside.


    Gortughed heartily: Haha, I can always fantasize, before it gets opened, that is.


    Liszt handed Carter the bottle, telling the other put the bottle in the study: Put it away first. Later, I''ll slowly ponder over how to open it.


    Yes, Master.


    When Carter left, Liszt gestured for Gort to take a sit.


    Liszt inquired: How is the trade of the caravan?


    Everything is going well. Ever since you started developing the Flower Town, you have provided a variety of paying work, so the residents have gradually .u.mted some extra money and can purchase a few small goods at the caravan''s stalls. Nearly half of the caravan''s goods have been sold and there were even a few copper coins thrown on the stage.


    In general, so as to attract customers, a caravan''s merchants would chip in and hire performers to perform skits free of charge.


    Only when the spectators were very cheerful would they throw some coins onto the stage to reward the clowns who worked hard to perform their skits. The Flower Town was poor, so even if the residents held their stomachs fromughing, they still would be reluctant to throw a copper coin on the stage. He didn''t expect that there would be people rewarding the clowns.


    Who were the people that threw copper coins?


    I only saw a single person throwing a copper coin. It was your kitchen maid Irene Fourfingers.


    Irene Fourfingers?


    Liszt didn''t had much contact with this kitchen maid. On the whole, they couldn''t see each other even once a day. Kitchen maids were very low is status. They were forbidden to go upstairs, appear in the hall, and even wander in front of their master. Only by listening to the butler Carter did he had a rough understanding of Irene  a frank and straightforward young girl.


    Youngsters are always very generous. Commented Liszt.


    Gort wanted to say you are also a youngster of only sixteen years of age and the young girl is even older than you'', yet he didn''t. The current Liszt was as mature and steady as a middle-aged person and the way he dealt with others made them nearly overlook his slightly conspicuous young and tender face.


    Perhaps it is the result of being of n.o.ble lineage. Gort often had this thought.


    At first, he followed Liszt to the Flower Town just to idle and freeload as an adviser. At his age, he no longer hoped to revitalize his family and restore its aristocratic glory. But unexpectedly, Liszt changed the Flower Town as well as changed his mind.


    Freya''s pregnancy was just a lead-in, Gort was quite clear about it.


    Ultimately, it was Liszt''s will that determined the behavior of the people around him. Otherwise, a b.a.s.t.a.r.d was just that and in fact, there was no need to pay any attention. Which aristocrat didn''t had a few b.a.s.t.a.r.ds? But for the sake of harmony in the family, many b.a.s.t.a.r.ds of aristocrats could only live their lives as serfs.


    Teacher Gort. Seeing that Gort was a little distracted, Liszt couldn''t help but call for his attention.


    Gort immediately sat up straight: Yes.


    Officials have to supervise every trade the caravan makes. The merchants are not allowed to take advantage of the people and the patrol and clerks are also not allowed to seize the property of the caravan.


    Please rest a.s.sured, I have emphasized this point.


    It must be well publicized that the Flower Town wees foreigners to settle down and that the taxation here is the most favorable. Also, inform the people from the caravan about the next step of Flower Town''s development and show them the n for themercial, workshop, and residential areas to let them have a sense of the Flower Town''s bright future.


    As you wish!


    After seeing Gort off, Liszt didn''t immediately took his lunchtime break and instead went to the study to fiddle with the metallic bottle, which was ced on the desk. The message in a bottle picked his interest.


    He focused for a moment and summoned the smoke mission.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a message in a bottle.


    Mission: because of a gap in knowledge, the bottle can''t be opened and the symbols can''t be understood, but it doesn''t mean that there is no solution. The leathersmith shop''s [1]blind Old Leathersmith [2]feels his body getting worse and worse. Give him a son and he might be willing to give you a certain book in exchange. Reward: an unknown book.


    As expected, the metallic bottle the fishermen picked up was a smoke mission reward.


    The caravan''s three gold coins turnover mission waspleted early.


    However, when Liszt saw the new mission, an expression that was neither that of humor nor annoyance crept onto his face: The bottle can''t be opened  does it refer to the message in a bottle that I can''t open? The symbols can''t be understood  does it mean that there is a piece of paper inside, possibly written with symbols of a foreignnguage? However, what is it with that strangeter part of the mission content  to give Old Leathersmith a son?


    If the other had a pretty and charming wife who was in her prime.


    Then Liszt wouldn''t mind giving the other a son and a hat (in china, wearing a green hat has the connotation of being cuckolded).


    However, after he conducted the census, he had carefully read the information regarding the town''s craftsmen. The old leathersmith had given him the impression of a widower without any rtives. Ten years ago, he arrived at the Flower Town through begging and settled down. Then he picked up the handicraft of a leathersmith.


    How was he going to give such a person a son?


    Give a son Perhaps I''m a bit off-track, so its better to have Old Leathersmith investigated first. He rang a bell, calling Carter.


    Master.


    Mr. Carter, send someone to give Teacher Gort a message  I want him to investigate the town''s old leathersmith. The information has to be detailed. If the other has any difficulties, then help him if its not a bother.


    After hearing that, Carter said: Master, maybe you should ask Jesse, he is quite familiar with Old Leathersmith.


    Jesse?


    Jesse Ricewater was previously an a.s.sistant servingman. He had been promoted to a servingman and was mainly responsible for running errands outside the castle.


    A momentter, Jesse, who had been enjoying himself in the town, was called back.


    Master, you were looking for me? Even though he became a servingman, but when faced with Liszt, he still felt a bit ill at ease, not knowing where to put his hands.


    Liszt asked directly: You are quite familiar with Old Leathersmith? Tell me about him.


    Do you mean Uncle Phil? I met Uncle Phil when I went to the leathersmith shop to repair my shoes. He is blind, which is very inconvenient when he works. Currently, his body has been getting worse and worse, so I''ve been visiting him often to help him out.


    I heard that Old Leathersmith wants a son? [1], [2]  cobbler shop and Old Cobbler were changed to leathersmith shop and Old Leathersmith respectively

 Chapter 92: The Old Leathersmiths Book

    Chapter 92: The Old Leathersmith''s Book


    Uncle Phil wants a son? Jesse was first taken aback before immediately nodding, I seems to be the case. I heard himin that he has no son, no one to take care of him were he to fall sick.


    Liszt looked at Jesse.


    Before suddenly asking: Jesse, if I remember correctly, you are an orphan, right?


    That''s right, Master. I grew up in the Coral City''s orphanage. Thanks to the Tulip Family''s generosity, we orphans could survive. Said Jesse sincerely.


    Orphanages were inst.i.tutions where the aristocracy gathered orphans. There would always bemoners meeting with idents, leaving a few children unattended. In order to disy their kindness, some well-off aristocrats would establish orphanages in their fiefs to gather those orphans and then have them work in their castles after growing up.


    Jesse was such an orphan.


    Is Old Leathersmith currently at the leathersmith shop?


    He is, Master. I wanted to invite Uncle Phil to take a stroll, but he refused.


    Then, Jesse,e with me to go see Old Leathersmith. There is something I need him for.


    Alright, Master. I will go prepare your mount.


    On the horse field outside the castle, there was a crudely built shed, where Philip and Xavier stood guard. As retainer knights, they could not have a day off.


    Seeing Liszt atop Firedragon, they each mounted their horses and followed Liszt.


    Going together to the leathersmith shop.


    Each town had its own leathersmith shop. Leathersmiths were craftsmen who manufactured leather, sew and repaired leather wear. They could be divided into helmet leathersmiths, armor leathersmiths, shoemakers, and so on. Generally, though, most of them were shoemakers.


    Flower Town''s Old Leathersmith Phil was a shoemaker.


    In big cities, shoemakers were often well-off freedmen. But in small towns, shoemakers had it though as only few people could afford to wear leather shoes  most serfs and freedmen wore wooden shoes and straw sandals.


    Of course, even more people wore no shoes.


    Is it you Jesse? The old leathersmith''s somewhat hoa.r.s.e voice came from behind a desk. He was currently repairing a pair of shoes. Although he was blind, but his hands were still nimble.


    Jesse hurriedly replied: Uncle Phil, Sir Lord is here, there is something he needs you for.


    Ah, Sir Lord, I, Old Phil, give you my regards. The old leathersmith hurriedly stood up, bowed in salute, and alike an averagemoner, had his hands tremble from nervousness.


    Liszt sized up the narrow, dark leathersmith shop. He could see that the shop had not been repaired in years. Through the roof, he could see the sun in the sky.


    Alike the old leathersmith, the shop brimmed with signs of old age and decay.


    Old Phil, don''t be nervous, I am here just to talk to you.


    No emotional changes could be read from the old leathersmith''s turbid eyes.


    But Liszt detected that the other''s hands had quickly stopped trembling  it was not that he had be less nervous, but was more like he stopped pretending. The previous nervousness might just be a farce. This was quite easy to understand. After all, aristocrats liked to see themoners tremble before them.


    The old man had long since learned how deal with others: Sir Lord, it is an honor for me to talk to the n.o.ble you.


    Ten years ago, you begged to settle down in the Flower Town. Where are you from originally?


    I was born on the Dodo Ind, Sir Lord.


    The Dodo Ind?


    It was a deserted Ind, without a lord, to the north of the Coral Ind. Dodos, birds that couldn''t fly, lived on the ind. They made dodo'' sounds when they called. There were also very tall trees with a very terrifying name, called skull trees. The fruit they bore was called skull fruit.


    Skull trees?


    That''s right, Sir Lord. Its fruit was very white and from the distance, resembled human skulls. But it tasted very good. The ind''s indigenous people satiated their hunger with the skull fruit. Dodos also ate the skull fruit, but they themselves, however, were very unptable. Life on the ind was very difficult.


    Dodos with calls that sounded like dodo.


    They made Liszt recall dodos, birds that were already extinct on Earth.


    It was unknown whether the dodos in this world were the same as the dodos on Earth.


    So, how did you get to the Coral Ind from the Dodo Ind? As an indigenous person of the Dodo Ind, do you know where the indigenous people came from? Inquired Liszt.


    In the outskirts of the Sapphire Grand Duchy, there were still many unexploited, deserted inds. The Dodo Ind should be one of them.


    Although I am an indigenous person of the Dodo Ind, but I don''t know where we came from. Everyone whom I knew was born on the Dodo Ind. Later, the Dodo Ind''s volcano erupted, destroying arge number of the skull trees. Without food, we had to cut down the trees to make them into canoes and drift along the sea I was taken to the Hotspring Ind, where I became an apprentice of a leathersmith shop.


    Subsequently, the Hotspring Ind was met with the chaos of war and he was sold as a ve to the Coral Ind. On the ind, he was bought by a baron. Later, the baron followed the count into the battlefield, never to return. When all of the fief''s sprite worms died, fearing being punished, the serfs started to flee.


    The old leathersmith also fled.


    Going all the way to the Flower Town.


    At the time, there was a rumor among the serfs that the baron had died in battle because he was betrayed by his serf-born retainer knights, that the baron''s followers were very angry and had decided to kill all the serfs in the fief to avenge the baron The old leathersmith sighed endlessly as he spoke of these past events, perhapsmenting his ignorance from that time.


    This was a lowly rumor, not to mention that aristocrats attached great importance to serfs.


    The correct att.i.tude should be  the baron died in battle and had no heir; therefore, the lord he followed, which was the count of the Coral Ind, reimed the ownership of the fief, including its serfs.


    In short, the old leathersmith''s life had no ups and downs, he had no interesting past, and even his sight was naturally lost during his time in the Flower Town.


    What was barely worthy of interest was his ident.i.ty of the Dodo Ind''s indigenous person.


    Liszt carefully inquired about the circ.u.mstances of the Dodo Ind. He discovered that it was just a very small ind with no more than three hundred inhabitants and that in the end, it was destroyed by the volcano eruption. Apart from the few skull trees, there was probably nothing worth exploiting.


    He was a bit disappointed.


    He had believed that a person specifically mentioned by the smoke mission should be a bit mysterious, but unexpectedly, the other was just an in indigenous person.


    He still intended toplete the mission and get rewarded the book. The reason he brought Jesse along was so that he would make him the son of the Old Leathersmith. An orphan and a widower without any rtives, the two were definitely kindred spirits and should easily form bonds of son and father.


    But suddenly, he had a brazen idea.


    Why should I follow the smoke mission to the letter? I am not its puppet! I can just ask Old Leathersmith to give me the book directly instead of getting it through the mission!


    Liszt didn''t think that the old leathersmith would have a lot of books.


    Therefore.


    He said directly: Old Phil, I heard that you have collected some books, is it true? I hope that you can sell them to me.


    As it was the sir lord who asked, the old leathersmith didn''t dare to notply, agreeing at once: It is true, Sir Lord. However, I have just a single book. I will offer it to Sir Lord as a tribute. When he finished speaking, he bend down and, with the help of Jesse, took out a wooden box from a cab filled with leather shoes.


    Jesse, the book is in the box. Quickly take it out and give it to Sir Lord.


    Jesse opened the box, took out a very thick book, and handed it to Liszt. Liszt swept it with a nce. He discovering that the book was not printed, but was handwritten instead. On the cover, there were Serpentines along with symbols from a foreignnguage.


    He didn''t knew the foreignnguage.


    The Serpentines stated  [Diary of Philip Sunprogeny].

 Chapter 93: The Suns Progeny

    Chapter 93: The Sun''s Progeny


    Serpentines weremonly used in the Steel Ridge Kingdom and as the Steel Ridge Kingdom''s anciry state, the Sapphire Grand Duchy also used Serpentines.


    In addition to the Serpentines, there were still many othernguages on the continent, such as the Eagle Kingdom''s Windlect, the st Furnace Kingdom''s Rockscript, the Unsetting Radiance Empire''s Highertext, the Blue Dragon Empire''s Dragonlect, and so on and so forth.


    Liszt''s predecessor had didn''t knew this foreignnguage. Therefore, he had no knowledge these strange symbols. If fact, upon a careful look, rather than calling them symbols, it would not be wrong to call them distorted, little drawings of people


    The [Diary of Philip Sunprogeny], what a strange name. Old Phil, whatnguage are these symbols from? Inquired Liszt.


    I don''t know, Sir Lord. In fact, I can''t read them. This book is a keepsake of an indigenous person from the Dodo Ind. He was my good friend. We rode the canoe together, but he died in the sea, leaving only this book behind. I kept the book as a keepsake.


    So its a keepsake and has sentimental value, then I''ll return it to you once I''m done reading it.


    No, no, no, Sir Lord reading my book makes me honored. I wish that you keep it. Thanks to Sir Lord, the leathersmith shop does much better now.


    Alright, then I''ll buy it.


    I wish to give it to Sir Lord as a tribute.


    I ept your tribute, but I''ll stillpensate you for it.


    Liszt returned to the castle with the diary.


    He instructed Carter to take out three silver coins and hand them to Jesse. No matter how expensive, a book would not cost three silver coins. However, it was a keepsake and had sentimental value, after all: Jesse, give these three silver coins to Old Phil as apensation for the book. Also, tell Old Phil that I liked his story very much. He can supplement it at anytime if he wants to.


    Yes, Master.


    Liszt didn''t immediately open the book once Jesse left and instead summoned the smoke mission.


    After a while, faint smock appeared before his eyes and twisted into Serpentines. Liszt was pleasantly surprised as well as apprehensive; the Serpentines no longer conveyed the usual meaning.


    Changing to.


    The mission has changed.


    The Serpentinessted for a few seconds before the smoke slowly twisted and formed new Serpentines: Mission: unlike safety, the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk doesn''t enjoy an abundance of nutrients. It had already lived for eight years and is about to get old. However, it is still unwilling. Please supplement its worm stalk''s nutrients. Reward: a new type of thorns.


    His apprehension faded, with only the feeling of pleasant surprise remaining.


    He had taken a bit of risk by stirring trouble with the smoke mission to make a statement  he was not just a puppet led by the strings. But inside, he was really worried that this would make him lose the smoke missions. Whether the smoke missions were a cheat or the manifestation of some kind of backstage maniptor, it wasn''t something he could refuse.


    Moreover, there was no need to refuse it.


    So far, the smoke missions only had advantages, helping him to grow quickly. Even if there was a backstage maniptor, he probably couldn''t resist them.


    If he couldn''t resist, then why not enjoy?


    He even had a despicable thought lingering in his my mind: If I can ride a dragon, then even if I were to sell myself to the backstage maniptor, so what?Backstage maniptor, so long as you let me enjoy glory, splendor, wealth and rank, then I am willing to do your bidding! There was no response. At times, he felt like the smoke missions were very low-key.


    Now it seemed that.


    Even if he stirred trouble with the smoke missions, the smoke missions would not stir trouble with him.


    It also proved that the mission rewards were not creations of the smoke missions.


    That they existed all along.


    At most, the smoke missions took advantage of favorable trends by fiddling with the threads of karma and nudging their trajectories for a short period of time. Alike a gust of wind, they gently blew at the long river of fate, giving rise to wave spray. But no matter whether the wave spray was rotated to the left or moved to the right, it would ultimately fall back into the river and return to tranquility.


    Maybe one day, I will understand the meaning behind the smoke missions But for now, enjoying the cheat is just fine. Withan optimistic att.i.tude, he shook off the unnecessary worries.


    What remained was joy.


    He looked at the new mission reward and the familiar wording  a new type''.


    Previously, there were two instances of missions mentioning a new type''. The new type of tulips brought about the magic ingredient ck Tulip and the new type of mushrooms brought about the magic ingredient me Mushroom.


    What kind of magic ingredient would the new type of thorns bring about?


    Itcks nutrients? Then tomorrow, I''ll let serfs transport finepost to supplement its worm stalk''s nutrients!


    He was a bit regretful, though.


    The thorn sprite worm had lived for eight years, which meant that it only had two years left.


    It seems that I have to find a way toe up with another thorns sprite worm The Tulip Castle seems to still have a young thorns sprite worm. I wonder, when will I be able to purchase it? Thorns were just small, weed-like shrub, so there was not much use to thorns sprite worms. Consequently, they should not be too expensive.


    He scattered the smoke Serpentines with a wave of his hand.


    Liszt regained his focus and then cast his gaze back to the [Diary of Philip Sunprogeny]: Philip Sunprogeny, his family name is rather domineering. A retainer knight of my is also called Philip, but his family name is Wool. Compared to the author''s family name, the disparity is as obvious as that between a chicken and a phoenix.


    Turning to the first page, the first thing that caught his eye was a very abstract picture of the sun.


    As it was drawn by hand, the outline of the sun was not quite round, the surrounding rays of light were triangr smears, and the interior of the sun was filled with various messy stripes.


    It looked like doodle''s of a seven-year-old.


    Below the drawing were Serpentines, which might be a prose.


    Such a tattoo was on my grandfather''s back.


    He said that his father also had such a tattoo on his back.


    I asked him why my father and I don''t have such tattoos on our backs?


    He said that the ancestors have abandoned us and that we no longer could inherit it.


    I didn''t understood what he meant by that.


    My grandfather said that we were exiled from our home into thisnd of sin and could only return five hundred yearster.


    There would be big ships sailing in the sky to wee us back under the sunshine five hundred yearster.


    Five hundred years have pa.s.sed, but there were no ships in the sky.


    Looking at the prose.


    Liszt found it quite interesting. The content of the prose was roughly the following  the author''s ancestors were sinners exiled to the Dodo Ind for five hundred year.They would tattoo designs of the sun, which represented their bloodline, on their backs. However, five hundred yearster, the ships in the sky, that were supposed toe for them to take them back, didn''t came.


    As a result, the author''s grandfather felt abandoned and thus didn''t give his son a tattoo.


    Progenies of the sun


    If what is written is true, then the Dodo Ind''s indigenous people should be the progeny of the continent''s greater aristocrats. Only greater aristocrats, especially the offsprings of the royal family, would be exiled as a consequence of wrongdoings, while lesser aristocrats would be directly executed. However, without the habit of recording history, the royal family would probably forget all about the exiled offsprings about one hundred yearster.


    The first page was a drawing and a prose.


    The second page was a preface.


    My name is Philip and I am twenty six years old. I have just returned from work outside the ind, but I don''t intend to leave the ind anymore. Although it is quite bustling outside, but life is also difficult there. I am going to stay on the Dodo Ind and marry Walissa, with whom I''m going to nurture a son. I am a carpenter. Therefore, I can build a big house for him to live in!


    From today on, I will keep a diary, so that when I''m old, I won''t be like my grandfather, who forgot our story and where we came from. My son, thanks to my diary, will be clear about his father''s experiences.


    However, I don''t have much thick bast paper or ink, which is why i will have to wright sparingly. Oh, I will wright the symbols smaller.


    Philip Sunprogeny.

 Chapter 94: The Diarys Last Page

    Chapter 94: The Diary''s Last Page


    The grand duchy, year 119, February 15th.


    This was the date when he started the [Diary of Philip Sunprogeny].


    It is currently the year 151 of Sapphire Grand Duchy. In other words, this diary began 32 years ago? Liszt used simple subtraction.


    The Sapphire Grand Duchy didn''t have a definite official calendar, yet it also didn''t use the calendar of the Steel Ridge Kingdom. The concept of history was not popr in this world. In general, people had no idea about the events that took ce in the past and thus could not learn from it.


    As a result, the Sapphire Grand Duchy didn''t even have a national day.


    The Going-out-to-the-sea Festival and the New Year Festival were the most important festivals. At times, the national day would be celebrated on the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival, at other times, it would be celebrated on the New Year Festival, and at even other times, it would be celebrated at random dates. It all depended on the whim of the Sapphire Grand Duke. Liszt guessed that the concept of patriotism had yet to spread.


    The ingenuity of the aristocratic system was reflected in the structure of enfeoffment, with the greatest implication being that the subject of my subject was not my subject and the master of my master was not my master.


    For instance, Liszt''s master was the count of the Coral Ind and not the Sapphire Grand Duke.


    Therefore, as a subject of the count, he was not required to care about the Sapphire Grand Duke and the Sapphire Family could not order him around. For him, the state was the Coral Ind and not the Sapphire Grand Duchy. If he had to care about something than that would be the Coral Ind and not the Sapphire Grand Duchy.


    All n.o.bles were lords and even kings were just a bit greater lords.


    Naturally, there was no extensive patriotic sentiment.


    This was also the reason why the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival was onlymemorated by the aristocracy, while themoners basically didn''t care about it. In the Flower Town, the celebration of Liszt''s birthday was surely more important in the minds of the people than the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival  the sir lord granted mend, he is just like a parent to me, who is the grand duke, could he be eaten, steamed in broth or fried?


    Interrupting his train of thought.


    Liszt continued to browse the diary.


    It was a clear day, so I climbed trees to pluck fruit, for a total of ten skull fruits. Next, I felled three trees and dug out a foundation in preparations to build a house. Coting what my grandfather taught me, the Sunscript X'' stands for I''. I am a progeny of the sun and my ancestors used the Sunscript.


    This X'' was a very distorted symbol.


    It was veryplex and looked like a little drawing of a person with wings joyfully dancing while holding some kind of implements in its hands.


    The symbol is a drawing. Which state would have such exotic symbols? I dare im that even with one hundred years of learning, one would not be able to learn five hundred of such symbols! Sighed Liszt. Of course, it was an exaggeration, but it was true nheless as the so-called Sunscripts'' were reallyplex.


    There were quite a lot of pages of irrelevant day-today events  picking fruit, felling trees, building a house, trading some things, sighting some beats, and so on and so forth.


    However, at the back of each page had a recording using Sunscripts.


    Philip had specifically exined some of the symbols, which referred to some kind of cereal, a unicorn, a sunflower, and more, that weremon for his ancestors. He had not seen them himself, but had heard his grandfather describe them.


    A Unicorn? Does such a legendary animal really exist?Liszt expressed his doubt.


    He even doubted the Sunscripts. The symbols were just a variety of little drawings of people, nothing more. He could not link them to writtennguage. Perhaps Philip''s grandfather hade up with them in his boredom, fooling his grandson.


    The diary was thick.


    And wasprised of boring day-to-day events on the Dodo Ind as well as lessons about the Sunscripts nearly in its entirety.


    asionally, he would recall his time outside the ind, such as meeting the daughter of an aristocrat, a very kindhearted young gentlewoman who had taught themoners how to read and wright. Philip was very proud, iming that he was the fastest at learning, that the young gentlewoman regarded him highly, and that they were even on the verge of eloping.


    But unfortunately, it was recorded on some page in the diary that their rtion was discovered by the young gentlewoman''s mother, who consequently wanted to kill him.


    Thus, with the help of the young gentlewoman, Philip escaped from the ind. He didn''t mention which ind it was, iming that he didn''t want to tarnish the reputation of the young gentlewoman.


    Apart from this.


    asionally, the diary mentioned Philip''s ancestors  mainly stories told by his grandfather.


    Such as, the ancestors raised two-headed mystical dragons, the ancestors once shot down the sun from the sky, the ancestors drew extraordinary power from wells, the ancestors resided in cities that grew on trees, the ancestors were friendly with wolves, bears, eagles, and tigers, and the ancestors had immersed themselves in music.


    His grandfather called their ancestors  Children of the Sun.


    The question that arises is why would the Children of the Sun want to shoot down the sun? Wouldn''t that be patricide?


    The story was very fragmentary as well as vague, the main reason being that Philip was very brief in his writing. He was worried about running out of ink and thick bast paper. Theter into the diary it was the less he recorded, to the point of skipping a few days between recordings. At this point, he had already used half of the thick bast paper and had probably be aware that he could not record every single minor detail of his boring life in the diary.


    The t.i.tle of the book could be changed to the [Private Teaching Record of Sunscripts]. Liszt was ready to close the diary as he hadn''t found anything that could help him open the message in a bottle;thinking about using brute force to smash the metallic bottle open to take a look at what was inside.


    But when he was closing the book, as it was being closed from back to front, when thest page was finally being closed he suddenly discovered that the page was not nk from the corner of his eye.


    He turned the page open.


    Thest page looked like an essay.


    My final words.


    Before leaving, grandfather told me that if one day I were to find a golden bottle in the sea, that it would be the letter the ancestors wrote us. The ancestors grasped a special method of sending letters in the sea where a bottle filled with magic power would follow the guidance of bloodline as it crossed the sea. With a single drop of blood, the bottle could be opened and the letter could be taken out.


    I''m not convinced. However, my descendants, if one day you find it, then remember to reply.


    This was the testament'' that Philip Sunprogeny had left to his descendants, which was why it was left at the end of the diary. When Liszt finished reading it, he became agitated.


    The bottle that Philip mentioned was definitely the bottle that the fishermen picked up at the coast and was currently on his desk.


    Does this mean that the story of Philip and his grandfather is actually true, were they really descendants of some n.o.ble family in exile? Are the Sunscripts also true?


    He recalled what was stated in the previous mission the bottle can''t be opened and the symbols can''t be understood'', that he required the help from a book!


    There was no doubt that this was the book.


    Picking up the message in a bottle, Liszt immediately exited the study.


    Master, are you going out?


    I''m going to the leathersmith shop. Mr. Carter, you stay in the castle. Tell Jesse toe with me. Right, is Jesse back yet? He recalled that he had sent Jesse to deliver the silver coins.


    Not yet, he should have gone to the town to watch the skits. As you know, young people always like to get in on the fun.


    Forget it, don''t look for him. I am going to the leathersmith shop with Philip and Xavier. After saying that, he rushed out of the castle and, along with the two retainer knights, made a beeline for the leathersmith shop.

 Chapter 95: The Thorns Sprite Worms Longing

    Chapter 95: The Thorns Sprite Worm''s Longing


    Old Phil, cut your finger, I need you to smear a bit of your blood on this bottle. Said Liszt with a tone that left no leeway. Philip was already dead and it was not know how many indigenous people of the Dodo Ind still remained; the old leathersmith before him was one of them.


    As for whether the other was of the Sunprogeny'' bloodline, he did not know.


    He could only try it.


    Although the old leathersmith didn''t understand what was going on, but he had to follow the sir lord''s instructions. Using a needle, he p.r.i.c.ked his finger, squeezed out a bit of blood, and then smeared it on the gorgeous, gold-colored bottle.


    Liszt had already released Magic Eyes and fixing his gaze on the metallic message in a bottle.


    When the blood came into contact with the metal bottle, his pupils suddenly expanded and his spiraling irises shrunk. What he saw was incredible. It appeared that the metallic bottle was stirred by the blood. Faint magic power gushed out of the bottle and spread along the decorative designs carved into it, quickly outlining a sun, a big tree, a bow and arrow, a string instrument, a bear and an eagle.


    A design of a man emerged from the bottle, lifted the bow and arrow, and then shot at the sun.


    A design of a woman emerged from the bottle, lifted the string instrument, and then yed it gently under the big tree.


    The eaglended on the man''s shoulder, the bear snuggled against the woman. The magic power outlining the designs made theme to life.


    Before long, with the arrow sticking out of it, the sun dropped and gave way to a well. Next, a fountain gushed out of the well and flowed towards the mouth of the bottle.


    POP! There wasa brittle sound.


    The designs formed by magic power dissipated without leaving any visible traces of magic power on the metallic bottle. The mouth of the bottle, which had no cracks, unexpectedly cracked open. Liszt pulled gently and the bottle cap came off. He shook the metallic bottle and a small scroll dropped out of it.


    It turned out to be a very delicate, light, and thin piece of paper when Liszt unfold it.


    On the piece of paper, there were a series of little drawings of people. No, to be urate, there were a series of Sunscripts. Liszt had an impression of these little drawings of people, but he was not clear about what they meant.


    Although he was eager to unravel this mystery, yet on the surface, he appeared unperturbed. He rolled the piece of paper up and then looked at the old leathersmith: Old Phil, are you a rtive of Philip?


    I might, Sir Lord, but I''m not sure. ording to Philip, we all were exiled sinners.


    In fact, they should be rtives.


    Looking at the old leathersmith''s stooped figure as well as his aged face, Liszt felt that although he hadpleted thest smoke mission on his terms, but at least he should give the old leathersmith a son, or at least help help him forge a father and son agreement with Jesse. Whether it was because of moral reasons or the mission''s a.s.sistance, it seemed like he should help him.


    Old Phil, what do you think of Jesse?


    Jessie is a very good child. He alwayses to help me with things like drawing water, sweeping the floor Thanks to him, the leathersmith shop feels much better.


    Jessie is an orphan, you know that, right?


    I know.


    Have you ever thought about forming a father and son agreement between the two of you?


    What, this The old leathersmith clearly became a bit rmed, Jesse is a servant of the castle, while I am just an old leathersmith. He has better conditions there. I don''t want to drag him down. Sir Lord, Jesse is a sensible child, he likes to work in the castle and is hard working. I will tell him not to visit me anymore so as to not interfere with his work.


    The other thought that his rtionship with Jesse bothered the sir lord.


    You misunderstood. My intention was not rebuke Jesse, but was just a suggestion. Liszt suddenly felt that doing this himself disagreed a bit with his aristocratic status  a lord should not care about trivial matters ofmoners.


    He got up to leave the leathersmith shop and said: Decide it among yourselves. I will let Mr. Carter preside over it.


    If you cannot seed, then just give a suggestion.


    After returning to the castle, he mentioned it to Carter, and then directly put this trifling matter out of his head and threw himself into tranting the message in a bottle''s note.


    In contrast to the [Diary of Philip Sunprogeny], he had to find out the meaning of the little drawings of people one by one.


    Before long, the note was tranted.


    The tower was toppled, the tree city went up in mes, the XX died, and the Children of the Sun rose into the sky along with the mes. Children wandering outside, you are free.


    The XX'' was a set of Sunscripts that had no corresponding trantion in the diary. Moreover, their style was more abstract. Although Liszt couldn''t make out their meaning, but he could roughly guess that they should stand for thend of the Children of the Sun, a state, or a continent.


    In other words, the message in a bottle brought bad news.


    Which state''s aristocrats would call themselves the Children of the Sun? Liszt had read many knight novels, more than one hundred at least, but none mentioned anything rted to the Children of the Sun.


    While caressing the piece of paper in his hands, he suddenly felt that this state was probably not a state on the continent, The paper on the continent is thick bast paper made of leather, which is difficult to preserve and is not convenient to write on. But the piece of paper in my hand does not seem to be made of leather. It is very light and thin. At present, technology capable of producing such paper has yet to appear on the continent.


    And besides, apart from the continent, the Sapphire Grand Duchy was the first state established out in the sea.


    Following this train of thought, apossibility came to mind: Could it be that the Children of the Sun are not from the continent, but from the other side of the Azure Waves Sea?


    The Flower Town''s East Coast faced the Azure Waves Sea andthe Azure Waves Sea faced the legendary Devil Sea, which no man could sail.


    The legend was not really credible.


    If this world was also a, then taking the Earth as a reference, the so-called Devil Sea might just be a bigger sea, an ocean.A continent might be on the other side of the ocean.


    Continents were separated by uncrossable oceans. Therefore, there really might a continenton the other side and there might be humans living on it.


    Well, there is too little information to make a judgement. But for the time being, I can just a.s.sume that there is a continent on the other side and there are people known as the Children of the Sun. Liszt decided to no longer follow this train of thought, As far as I''m concerned, I''m currently incapable of unraveling this mystery.


    He put the metallic message in a bottle inside the gem s.p.a.ce. However, he didn''t cover it with the bottle cap in order to avoid the pain of having to open it again.


    The light, thin piece of paper as well as the [Diary of Philip Sunprogeny] were also put inside the gem s.p.a.ce.


    Now, I should shift my focus to the thorns sprite worm!


    The eight-year-old thorns sprite worm was not willing to die of old age in solitude, it wanted to struggle and defy its destiny. Liszt could sense that the thorns sprite worm was indeed somewhat different from the other sprite worms.


    He went to the worm house, which was being taken care of by Carter, where he saw the thorns sprite worm soundly asleep inside a box  sprite worms could sleep twenty four hours a day.


    With the indistinct spiritual connection, Liszt could sense his sprite worms at all times.


    Little fellow, I can sense your body getting weaker, but I can also sense that you crave for evolution. Although I know that the chances of your evolution are slim, but I am still willing to do my best to help you. And that is not for the sake of the magic ingredient thorns, nor is it for the sake ofpleting the smoke mission. Thought Lisztaloud as he gently stroked the ash-gray thorns sprite worm.


    The thorns sprite worm seemed to sense Liszt''s arrival. It opened its small, sesame-seed-sized eyes and turned its head to look at Liszt.


    Among the seven sprite worms, this one was the ugliest one, with its color being duller, its body being more nder, and its skin being harder. As a rule, sprite worms born from shrubs, trees, and other woody nts looked cruder than sprite worms born from herbaceous nts.


    Although the sprite worm''s ck eyes were inscrutable, but Liszt could sense that the thorns sprite worm was intimate and docile towards him.


    I have already told Gort to stop the settlements from supplying theirpost to their fields. So long as your worm stalk can absorb the nutrients, it will supplied withpost.

 Chapter 96: Lawbreakers Must Be Severely Punished

    Chapter 96: Lawbreakers Must Be Severely Punished


    The tract of thorns woods on the edge of the Thorns Ridge, next to the the dairy farm, where the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk was settled down, was not veryrge. The name Thorns Ridge came to be from the numerous short thorns littering the ce. However, there were very fewrge-scale growths of thorns, with the majority just being growths of two or three thorns.


    Liszt conjectured that the reason behind this was probably because thorns were shrubs  short cl.u.s.ters of stems without a distinct trunk.


    To be more urate, thorns woods should be called thorns shrubs.


    Tall trees stood on the edge of the thorns shrubs, sheltering them from the sunlight and restricting their development.


    The thorns sprite worm is unresigned. In addition to the insufficient nutrition, the thorns wood''s tall trees might also hinder the expansion of the thorns shrubs.


    To the south of the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk was the dairy farm.


    Liszt would not rece the pasture on the meadow with worthless thorns.


    Therefore, he ned to once more organize the logging team to cut down the trees in the surroundings of the thorns shrubs to allow them to expand outwards. The more thorns there were, the wider the scope of influence of the thorns sprite worm would be, the more pheromones there would be, and the likelier it would be for the thorns sprite worm to evolve. In fact, he was clear that it was extremely difficult for the thorns sprite worm to evolve as there were too few types of thorns and collection of pheromones was difficult.The probability was too low.


    Although I don''t know what the princ.i.p.al causes behind the evolution of sprite worms are, but in general, the more types of nts there are subordinated to a worm stalk, the more likely it is for the sprite worm to evolve. Apart from that, the increase in the number of nts that it affected would also increase the sprite worm''s odds at evolution.


    This was verified through experience.


    The Tulip Family had operated for generations, gathering arge variety of types of tulips. It was by relying on the variety of types of tulips that they managed to raise the greater sprite Little Fragrance as well as three lesser sprites and eight sprite worms.


    Of course, that didn''t mean that the thorns sprite worm had no chance at evolution.Nothing was impossible.


    I will do everything I can to help, what remains is to see whether the thorns sprite worm is truly unresigned and whether it can defy its fate.


    After caressing the thorns sprite worm, Liszt left the worm house.


    At around four o''clock in the afternoon, the manager of the Northvalley City''s caravan came to the castle to bid Liszt goodbye.


    The manager, a bearded middle-aged man called Gabriel, gave a deep bow: Respected Sir Baron, under your management, the Flower Town shines brightly. Thanks to your generosity and benevolence, the caravan had spent a wonderful time in the Flower Town. Now, I, Gabriel, bid you goodbye.


    Are you satisfied with the trade your caravan had in the town today? Inquired Liszt with a smile.


    I am very satisfied. Sir Baron, the caravan members are all full of smiles from today''s yield. We sold much more goods than what we had expected and purchased some of the Flower Town''s specialty products. Also,I''m very much fond of themercial area and itsck of excrements.


    So, Gabriel, do you know if and when your caravan will return?


    Not yet. However, as the road through the Thorns Ridge is safe, I think that it would not be long before our caravan returns. Perhaps a monthster, our caravan filled with goods will return to the Flower Town.


    The Flower Town is always ready to wee your caravan.


    Thank you, Sir Baron!


    Gabriel bowed in salute and left the castle.


    After returning to themercial area, the caravan, which had already sorted out its goods, started its journey. While bathed in the sunlighting from the sun nting to the west, the horse-drawn carriages following the main road, which was built from a mixture of gravel and sand, headed towards the Thorns Ridge.


    When the caravan arrived, it was full of goods, while when the caravan left, it was full ofughter and chatter along with the wonderful soundsing from gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins colliding with each other.


    After a while.


    Old Grandet came to give a report regarding his purchases. Apart from the pair of foals, the three gold coins were spent on a bunch of stuff, which were already handed to the butler Carter to be stored in the castle''s cer.


    Liszt had no interested in such mundane affairs. Therefore, he went to the horse farm to take a look at the foals instead.


    On the horse farm, the pair of foals, that were presumably born not too long ago, were very afraid of the new environment. They hid in a corner of the stable, not daring to run around. They were of a very ordinary breed. One looked reddish-brown and the other looked light brown. Even Liszt, who had no knowledge of horses, could tell that they were not fit to go to the battle field.


    Are they mares or stallions?


    One is a mare, while the other is a stallion, Master. Replied Jim as he fed fodder to the foals.


    Take good care of them and don''t let them be bullied by the other horses.


    Yes, Master.


    Next, Liszt turned to the few pregnant mares isted by a fence eating wheat bran and peas; he could not spot any changes.


    Firedragon saw himing and it intimately stuck its head out of the fence.


    Liszt reached out to pat it. He was quite looking forward to its foal, wondering whether it would be as majestic as ckdragon. When mixed with magic beast bloodline, the colt might be more majestic than ckdragon.


    At the banquet.


    The celebration of the caravan''s sessful trade in the Flower Town was also used for doing reports.


    Sir Baron, today''s tradeprised of a total of seven gold coins, sixty three silver coins, and twelve copper coins. Following your low tax rate policy, the fixed stall tax and the 1/20th turnover tax, a total of eighteen silver coins and fifteen copper coins were collected Isaiah gave a detailed tax report.


    Taxes had to be collected from the trade of caravans.


    In general, lords taxed caravans from outside their fiefs at a rate of 1/10th of the turnover, while some harsh lords might adopt a rate of 1/5th of the turnover. In the Flower Town, however, Liszt had greatly reduced the tax rate in order to attract caravans.


    He had set up two standards.


    One was the fixed stall tax, where, no matter the turnover, one would have to pay one silver coin as taxes.


    The other was the 1/20th turnover tax, where one would have to pay 1/20th of the turnover as taxes.


    ording to this tax policy, if merchants felt like their turnover was going to be more than twenty silver coins, they could choose the fixed tax and if they felt like their turnover was going to be less than twenty silver coins, they could choose the turnover tax.


    At present, the Flower Town''s trade tax revenue was not much, which was why Liszt didn''t count on it to fatten his coin pouch.


    There is no need to direct this trade tax revenue to the castle''s ount. Just direct it to the construction of more stalls, s.p.a.ces for carriages and animals as well as hotels and toilets in themercial area and their timely repairs. In addition, wells and sewers have to be nned. Although we are not short on time, but I hope that the work can bepleted as quickly as possible.


    Sir, please rest a.s.sured. Gort nodded in agreement.


    Karl, where there any issues with public security today.


    There were, Sir! It was not the first time that Karl attended the banquet, but he was still overcautious, The patrol performed very well overall. We arrested a total of thirteen merchants relieving themselves in public, whom we punished with a whipping. Additionally, we also arrested a thief, whom Gabriel redeemed. Lastly, among the fief''s residents, we arrested two peoplemitting theft as well as three peoplemitting extortion.


    Liszt inquired: Did you tell the manager of the caravan,Gabriel, that first time offenders of theft could be redeemed with money, but if they were to be arrested again, they would be demoted to the fief''s coolies?


    I did, Sir. He a.s.sured me that he would teach the thief a good lesson after going back and that when the caravan came next time, there would be no one viting Sir''s regtions. Karl hesitated before continuing, Sir, what should the punishment for the fief''s five offenders be?


    Are they freedmen or serfs?


    Two are freedman, onemitting theft and the other extortion, while the other three are serfs.


    Liszt looked at Gort.


    Gort said immediately: Sir, you attach great importance to the caravan trade, which was repeatedly disseminated, yet there were stillmoners brazen enough to ignore your regtions! They have to be severely punished! I think that the serfs should be whipped fifty times and have their property confiscated, while the freedman who hadmitted theft should be whipped ten time and pay a fine ten times the value of what he stole, and the freedman whomitted extortion should be directly demoted to a serf.


    Do as you like. Consented Liszt.


    In the town, his will wasw. Those who didn''tply with his will, would be punished, while knowingly breaking thew required a harsher punishment.

 Chapter 97: Continuous Failure in Cultivating the Flame Mushrooms

    Chapter 97: Continuous Failure in Cultivating the me Mushrooms


    The next day. Before it was bright, there were already serfs busy drawing manure from the settlements'' manure deposits and carrying it in the direction of the fairy farm.


    Early in the morning, under the protection of the knight squad, the once disbanded logging team regrouped and went to the shrubs where the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk was located. With falcon feather arrows at the ready, Marcus went to scout the underbrush to make sure that there were no magic beasts hiding before turning around and nodding at Gort:Chevalier, the surroundings are safe.


    That''s good. Gort turned and shouted at the serfs. Liven up and get to work! Sir Lord treats you well and pays you copper coins! Who ever dares toze about will have some sense whipped into them! Remember to leave the thorns alone. Cut down all the trees; not a single one is to be left behind.


    Thus, the serfs started to cut down the trees.


    They didn''t know why they had to cut down the trees here, but since they were ordered to do so by the fief''s official, they had to do it. Besides, they would still get rewarded two copper coins a day.


    A short whileter, the manure carrying team arrived. Gort was busy instructing the serfs to fertilize the thorns.


    The treasurer Isaiah followed. He had to calcte the remuneration of each serf as well as check the number of people that went to work, recording the data on a sheet of thick bast paper. He stretched himself and chatted with Gort: What do you think Sir Baron wants to aplish by taking such care of the thorns sprite worm?


    I don''t know, but Sir has always a reason for anything he does.


    Gort, you are getting more and more invested in the Flower Town.


    Why wouldn''t I? I will probably spend the theter part of my life here. Therefore, if this ce is thriving, then that would be good, wouldn''t it? A barren country side, I cannot get used to that, but a prosperous countryside, that still has many interesting things to look forward to.


    That''s only natural as no one likes poverty.


    For Sir''s sake as well as for our own sake, we have to work hard, Isaiah. Gort looked at his old friend. The other had recently gone through some changes, wanting to follow Liszt.


    I think so too.


    Several of the fief''s officials  Gort, ir, Carl, and Marcus  had be Liszt''s followers. As the only official who had yet to be a follower, Isaiah of course felt the pressure.


    Gort didn''t continue on this matter as the final decision could only be made by Isaiah himself: Isaiah, let''s go check on the thorns shrubs to see whether there are any unusual thorns among them. As Sir had exined, the thorns sprite worm had been a little restless recently and there might be some changes in the thorns shrubs.


    Then what are we waiting for? I have to look carefully. If I were to find a magic ingredient thorns by chance, tsk That''s right,haven''t the bed ingredients of the shiitake settlement''s me Mushrooms been figured out yet?


    Gort spread his hands: How would it be that easy. All kinds of beds have failed to grow the me Mushrooms. If it were not for the me Mushrooms still growing in Crookedneck Bob household''s shiitake shed, then the me Mushrooms might have already been botched. Sir thinks highly of the me Mushrooms, which is why I don''t know how to report this to him.


    The work regarding the cultivation of the me Mushrooms was at an impa.s.se.


    Gort had already mobilized all of the shiitake settlement''s cultivation households and distributed the me Mushroom seedlings to let them have a try.


    Unfortunately, nothing came to fruition. Reportedly, Crookedneck Bob had been obsessing over this issue, always staying in the shack and watching the me Mushrooms grow without stopping for rest or sleep. He just couldn''t understand why his household''s shack could grow the me Mushrooms, yet when his cultivation bed was replicated, it would not work and the me Mushroom seedlings would dry out and die.


    Perhaps you should just tell Sir Baron, he might have a good advice for you.


    Why do you say that?


    Gort, don''t you think that Sir Baron is extremely knowledgeable? He knows a lot and his field view is broader than ours.


    Oh, you have such a high opinion of Sir?


    In fact, Marcus, the retainer knight that wants to be an aristocrat, said that he greatly admires Sir Baron.


    Gort pondered for a moment: Perhaps I should really report to Sir Lord. The matter with the me Mushroom is too important for me to try to show off.


    He wanted to use the matter with the me Mushrooms to win the position of adviser.


    However, if he botched the me Mushrooms, Liszt would probably kill him. Thus, the importance of a magic ingredient for a lord could be imagined.


    At noon, Liszt arrived at the thorns woods to inspect the shrubs surrounding the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk as well as to inquire whether any unusual types of thorns were discovered.


    The officials had no gains and Liszt himself also didn''t see any unusual thorns while releasing Magic Eyes.


    He had confirmed that the smoke missions couldn''t create reward items out of thin air, that rewards were things that already existed in the world. Therefore, so long as he was willing to unearth them by himself, then even if it was not through the missions, he could still get the reward items.


    This gave him a choice.


    He could choose toplete the smoke missions and let the send him the rewards, which was quitefortable. Or, he could choose not toplete the missions and directly get the rewards, which would refresh'' the missions.


    The second choice, however, could lead to a failure of the missions. He didn''t know what the penalty'' for failing missions would be; whether the penalty would be to keep the rewards from him or some other kind penalty. There was also the possibility that the missions would be discontinued once he failed one of them.


    Perhaps one day I can see the oue of failing a mission. However, if I can help it, I should try toplete the missions to the best of my capability and potentially avoid creating an unfavorable oue.


    After shaking his head, Liszt stopped over-thinking it. Since he couldn''t find any unusual thorns himself, then that meant that he could only get the new type of thorns once hepleted the mission.


    Gort came over: Sir, there is a problem with the cultivation of the me Mushrooms.


    What is the problem? Liszt immediately tensed up.


    We mobilized all the serfs that cultivated shiitake and gave them the me Mushroom seedlings, yet none of them managed to seeded in cultivating them. Apparently, the me Mushrooms can only grow in Crookedneck Bob household''s shiitake shack. However, we cannot discover what made his household''s shiitake shack different from other household''s shiitake shacks.


    It had nearly been a month, yet the me Mushrooms still could not be cultivated.


    Liszt thought that it was indeed a big problem. In fact, he had been paying attention all along, but he was willing to give the serfs time to solve it themselves; the lord could not be always taking care of everything himself.


    However, he didn''t think that after a moth, the distributed me Mushroom seedlings would show no signs of survival.


    By right, the cultivation of mushrooms was very fast. After germination, the spores could grow into fruiting bodies from mycelium in a few days'' time and be harvester in less than two month''s time. However, the me Mushroom seedlings (mycelium) could not survive at all. The serfs had tried a variety of bed ingredients, including making changes in the environment, yet it still wouldn''t do.


    Without professional scientific research personnel, Liszt could only let Gort lead the way to the shiitake settlement to do an on-site investigation.


    He wanted to see whether he could deduce the cause with his knowledge.


    Once he arrived at the shiitake settlement, Liszt saw Crookedneck Bob with blood-shot eyes and a haggard figure. The other knelt immediately, trembling all over: Sir Lord, I''m trash, I didn''t manage to cultivate the me Mushrooms with a month''s time.


    Liszt didn''t me Bob. He just asked the other about the process of cultivating the me Mushrooms.


    After he finished listening, he looked at the me Mushrooms and released Magic Eyes to look for the root of the problem. He looked at the interspersed me Mushrooms growing on the shiitake bed and then looked at the me Mushroom seedlings on the other beds. He discovered something suspicious.


    The me Mushrooms as well as their seedlings constantly condensed magic power.


    However, once the me Mushroom seedlings were moved to another bed, they could no longer condense magic power and in fact, would slowly loose magic power.


    What is the cause of this?

 Chapter 98: Conjecture Regarding the Flame Mushrooms Cultivation

    Chapter 98: Conjecture Regarding the me Mushrooms'' Cultivation


    Although Liszt could see the loss of magic power, but as he was not a wizard, he could not investigated the cause of the loss. However, as a scientific-minded transmigrator, he had his own unique insights.


    What is the biggest difference between the old and new shiitake beds?


    ording to Crookedneck Bob, the conditions of most shiitake are about the same, with some differences in temperature, humidity, and nutrition ratios at best.


    Therefore, the fact that the me Mushrooms could grow in the Crookedneck Bob household''s shiitake bed indicated that they should not be so strongly rejected by the other shiitake beds. However, after such a long time of configuring the new beds, each ratio tested had still failed to support the me Mushroom seedlings. It should not be an issue of bed ingredients.


    If it''s not an issue of bed ingredients, then of what?


    After short timeter, he deduced that the biggest difference between the old and new shiitake beds lied in the shiitake growing on the shiitake bed!


    The shiitake settlement had been cultivating shiitake for a very long time and there had never been cases of invasion of other types of mushrooms. Yet suddenly, the me Mushrooms appeared. This indicated that the me Mushrooms were quite likely a variation species of shiitake. This variation might not be an independent new species but rather, an a.s.sociated species of shiitake.


    Mushrooms were fungi, and fungi were always strange. Perhaps there was a symbiotic rtionship between the mycelium of the me Mushrooms and ofshiitake.


    Therefore, he said: Teacher Gort, tell the serfs to try cultivating the me Mushroom seedlings together with shiitake seedlings .


    Cultivating them together? Although Gort had no idea what was going on, but he still did as he was told.


    When Crookedneck Bob heard what Liszt had said, he became very energetic: Sir Lord, I will try cultivating them together! I will definitely cultivate the me Mushrooms for Sir Lord!


    Remember not to tamper with the shiitake shed as to not to damage the me Mushroom''s cultivation environment. Warned Liszt.


    It didn''t matter that the speed at which the me Mushrooms were cultivated was slow as he still hadn''t reached the boundary of having to rely on magic ingredients to promote his qi.However, if all the me Mushrooms were to dye out, then he would go mad.


    In the blink of an eye, five days had pa.s.sed.


    Every day, Liszt would go to the shrubs where the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk was located to take a look at the progress of the fertilization and logging. The logging team was experienced, and now that they were equipped with the sharp axes forged by the cksmith shop, they became even more efficient. They managed to clear rge area around the shrubs.


    Basically, the trees inside the area of influence of the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk had been cleared.


    Firedragon horse quietly grazed on the weeds. Although it was already pregnant, yet it didn''t show. It still could be ridden normally. ording to Marcus, riding it for the next few months would not be an issue.


    Inside the box, the thorns sprite worm reclining atop jade powder wiggledfortably.


    These days, Liszt could clearly feel that the thorns sprite worm was in a good mood, which was quiteabnormal. In general, the mood swings of sprite worms were very minute. After all, no matter how mystical sprite worms were, they were still essentially worms and thus could not express a great range of emotions.


    Does this little fellow really believe that it can evolve?"


    He quickly ignored this thought once it manifested itself in his mind as the chances of the sprite worm seeding were too slim. Therefore, the more hopeful he was, the greater the disappointment would be once the sprite worm failed. It was better not to hold unrealistic delusions.


    At this time, ir, who was in charge of supervising the work, came over.


    Sir.


    Have you found anything?


    ir said with some hesitation: I don''t know if it is of importance Many thorns sprouts, which are already half a finger long, appeared in the surroundings of the shrubs.


    Raising his brows, Liszt followed ir to take a look at these thorns sprouts.


    Indeed, tender yet spirited thorns sprouts appeared from below dead leaves on the open field where trees were cut down.


    Thorns, unlike those from Earth, simply looked like barbed shrubs. At best, they were as tall as a person. They weren''t poisonous, didn''t bloom, and didn''t bear fruit. They reproduced through expanding their roots and growing new sprouts from them. Strictly speaking, thorns were wild nts and thorns sprite worms were wild sprites.


    Untouched wild thicket always had a small number of naturally born sprites. With its messy wild vegetation and poornd, the probability of sprite worms being born from wild nts was very low and was by far lower than that of sprite worms being born from nts cultivated long-term by humans.


    Moreover, the types of wild sprite worms that would be born in a wild thicket were quite difficult to guarantee as they could be randomly born from some weeds or some poisonous fruit trees. They were of a rtively low exploitation worth.


    After being contracted, thorns sprite worms could be used to build hedges at most.


    In particr, some greater aristocrats would grow hedges outside their manors to iste themselves from themoners.


    In the Flower Town, the thorns sprite worm had no real use as the area outside the castle had been transformed into a horse farm and therefore, there was no need for hedges.


    Anyway, it was also a sprite worm, so Liszt still wanted to nurture it.


    Such a big tract of thorns seedlings sprung into being in a spun of two days? He gently pulled out a seedling. It was very tender. However, it had no traces of magic power circting inside of it.


    At first, I didn''t notice them. ir shook his head, Not only me, but the serfs also didn''t notice them. It seems as if they sprung into being overnight.


    Liszt carefully examined the seedling.


    It really wasn''t as he had imagined, it wasn''t a magic ingredient thorns, but an ordinary thorns seedling instead.


    Nevertheless, he decided to first summon the smoke mission to have a look. Once the smoke twisted and turned into Serpentines, he became stunned  Missionpleted. Reward: a fast-growing type of thorns.


    This meant that the mission of supplementing thenutrients of the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk had beenpleted. However, the rewards was rather disappointing. He got a type of fast-growing thorns instead of magic ingredient thorns.


    What do I need these fast-growing type of thorns for? SighedLiszt inside. Not every smoke mission would bring about a generous reward.


    He stopped over-thinking it and instead turned his attention to the newly issued mission.


    Mission: without the devastation from the fruit stealing monkeys, the fragrant coconut trees can atst bear mature fragrant coconuts. However, one of the fragrant coconuts seems to be a bit different. Please find out the reason for this. Reward: a sprite worm.


    After he finished reading the mission, the regret that he had felt just a moment ago had quickly dissipated, giving way to excitement.


    The reason why a fragrant coconut was different? Wasn''t it because a fragrant coconut sprite worm was about to be born?!


    Seeing the familiar reward, Liszt shifted his sight away from the thorns seedlings and said to ir: Continue fertilizing the shrubs. The logging team, however, can stop cutting down trees and instead should start building a fence. As for you, carefully observe the thorns sprouts and record their growth.


    As you wish.


    A short timeter, Liszt appeared in the oyster settlement.


    The construction of the oyster settlement''s houses was not progressing quickly, but it was already sufficient to barely settle down the several hundred serfs. The houses were no longer built in a disarray and instead were orderly arranged into lots ording to the n personally formted by Liszt.


    The lots near the sea were turned into a huge public square.


    On the square stood a small hill built from multi-colored sh.e.l.ls symbolizing the oyster settlement''s specialty product  seafood.


    Tall fragrant coconut trees littered the East Coast''s beach. Below the cl.u.s.ter of fragrant coconut trees closest to the oyster settlement stood a slightly bigger house with a courtyard, which was the fruit stealing monkeys'' training ground.


    The few serfs most proficient at raising the fruit stealing monkeys lived there. They, who were liberated from the fields and the sea, were a.s.signed with the task of raising and training fruit stealing monkeys. They were the glorious fragrant coconut farmers.


    Sir Lord!


    When the several fragrant coconut farmers saw Liszt, they sessively knelt in salute.


    Rise. You''ve beentraining the fruit stealing monkeys for a while. Can the monkeys already be used to pluck fruit from trees?

 Chapter 99: A Strange Fragrant Coconut

    Chapter 99: A Strange Fragrant Coconut


    The few kilometers long East Coast had a total of one hundred and seventy one fragrant coconut trees of different sizes.


    The short fragrant coconut trees might be only a few meters tall or even seedlings that had just sprouted about. The tallest fragrant coconut tree  where the Wind Peregrine Falcon and the fruit stealing monkeys had their epic battle  was nearly sixty meter tall and leaned toward the sea.


    While atop Firedragon, Liszt hid in the shade below the tallest fragrant coconut tree. He guessed that if there really was a sprite worm to be born, then it surely must born from this tree king''.


    Compared to ordinary nts, its worm stalk was taller, stronger, and more vigorous.


    If it was before, he would have to search one tree at a time to ascertain the worm stalk. But now, he directly released Magic Eyes and looked at the top of the fragrant coconut tree.


    Slight changes appeared in his field of view.


    Faint light-blue-colored magic power circted atop the canopy. It was not very distinct, but was proof enough.


    There are traces of magic power. Just as expected, the fragrant coconut tree has turned into a worm stalk. My eighth sprite worm is about to be born! This sprite worm, however, had climbed a bit high. Liszt had no intentions of investigating it in person as climbing trees was beneath a lord.


    Instead, he turned towards the fruit farmer beside him: You are called Giggs, the manager of the fruit stealing monkeys'' training ground, right?


    Giggs nodded hurriedly: I am, Sir Lord.


    Can you climb trees?


    I can, Sir Lord.


    Then climb this tree, but be careful not to damage the bark. Check for me whether there is anything strange with the fragrant coconuts.


    Yes, Sir Lord. Giggs immediately started climbing towards the canopy of the tree by using his hands and feet.


    Although his movements were not as agile as those of fruit stealing monkeys, but he still steadily approached the canopy bit by bit. After a while, Giggs climbed down and began to report: Sir Lord, there is indeed something quite odd. There is a fragrant coconut that looks ripe, gives off a very fragrant scent, and is very big. In fact, it is as big as a washbasin.


    Normally, fragrant coconuts were the size of a big bowl.Now, however, there was a washbasin-sized fragrant coconut. Certainly, the sprite worm was concealed inside.


    Liszt smiled lightly: Giggs, remember, this tree is a worm stalk and that fragrant coconut is gestating my sprite worm. In my stead, you have to take good care of this tree. You are not permitted to touch the fragrant coconut. Besides, I want to have someone go up once a day to take a look.Immediately notify the castle once the fragrant coconut splits open, understood?


    Oh heavens, is it a sprite worm? That''s incredible! Giggs was astonished, before hurriedly replying, Sir Lord, please rest a.s.sured, I will take good care of the sprite worm!


    After giving a slight nod, Liszt focused his mind and summoned the smoke mission.


    He felt a bit ted. He had justpleted a smoke mission half an hour ago, and now, hadpleted another one. This kind of efficiency was great.


    Just as expected, the smoke Serpentines that appeared before his eyes stated: Missionpleted. Reward: a fragrant coconut sprite worm.


    Next, the new mission appeared in a sh: The new milk bread brought by the caravan inspired the bakery''s Renal and now he wants to make a new type of bread. Perhaps adding a bit of meat would be a good idea. Just that, he is quite fed up with selling ck bread. Please help him develop a new type of bread. Reward: a treasure shipwreck.


    A treasure shipwreck?


    Liszt''s eyes lit up as he looked at the word treasure'' and he couldn''t help but to be excited. Was there anything more exciting than finding a treasure, than getting an unexpected windfall?


    This mission had to bepleted.


    Renal wants to make a new type of bread; adding a bit of meat? Is meat floss bread about to be invented?


    In this world, cuisine was still limited to a very primitive food processing,prising of roasting meat, roasting fish, boiling eggs, cooking meat, frying steaks; once sauce was invented, it became popr to add a bit of it to the meals; milk was only limited to producing cheese and pudding, it was popr to stuff them with minced meat.


    The most frightening thing was that it was popr to mix intact ingredients, cover them in flour paste, and then bake the thing. The thing was given the nice sounding name of pie''.


    Previously, Mrs. Abby was very good at making the dish'' called shiitake pie. It involved mixing flour, sugar and grease into a paste, then covering intact shiitake with it and baking the thing in an oven. The pie would be ready just like that.


    Liszt was not used to eat this kind of pie''. It felt like an insult to his taste buds and even his intelligence.


    However, there were many times when he had to endure such unptable cuisine. He deeply regretted that he previously hadn''t gone to the New Oriental to study for a career as a chef.


    Eight hundred beds of stainless steel, two hundred (a line from an advertis.e.m.e.nt for New Oriental)


    In this world, bread was the staple food; from kings to serfs, everyone ate bread. Just that, aristocrats ate white bread and the poor ate ck bread. Although the aristocracy''s dietary requirements were certainly pursued, yet with the limited talent of the cooks, white bread was still white bread and ck bread was still ck bread no matter how many years pa.s.sed.


    How is meat floss bread made? Liszt recalled the meat floss bread he had eaten, It seems like there was a bit of meat floss sprinkled atop the bread.However, how is the meat floss made? Lisztwasn''t clear about it.


    He quickly put this thought at the back of his mind, told the fruit farmers a few more things, then mounted his horse and left the oyster settlement. A retainer knight had already been sent to notify Gort. Therefore, Liszt didn''t had to bother with the protection work for the fragrant coconut sprite worm''s worm stalk. He was on his way to the town''s bakery in order to inspect themoner''s circ.u.mstances.


    The bakery, a rarely seen two-story-tall wooden house, was situated in the most prominent ce of the town.


    The first floor served to sell bread while the second floor served as the residence of the baker''s family.


    The bakery mainly provided two types of services, one was to sell a variety of ck bread and the other was to bake bread on behalf of others. Not all serfs could afford to purchase ck bread. Most serfs woulde over with bran and other ingredients to use the bakery''s oven to bake their own ck bread.


    Renal was a freedman and in fact, he was the richest freedman in the town. Reportedly, he already had more than five gold coins as part of his property.


    He was deserving to be t.i.tled as the Flower Town''s richest person.


    However, some people imed that the old drunkard was the richest person. He had sold the cksmith shop to the lord for three gold coins and, although he liked to drink, hestill earned a great amount of wealth as he was skilled at forging iron tools.


    At this time, Renal was keeping an eye on the oven, waiting to take out a new batch of freshly-baked bread. However, he was a bit absent-minded. He was one of the few people in the town who could often have a taste of white bread. A few days prior, when the caravan came to the town, he had bought a piece of milk bread, which had a wonderful vor.


    This made him understand that the taste of bread could be improved upon.


    Can I make a better-tasting bread? Previously, he had never entertained such thoughts as no one in the fief would be able to afford such bread.


    Now, however, was different. The road through the Thorns Ridge had been already cleared open and the castle''s caravan would go outsideto trade practically once in three days.He could go outside together with the caravan to sell his bread  he just had to go to the Northvalley City as there lived many aristocrats.


    Besides, I could still sell it to Sir Lord. Renal recalled that he had met Mrs. Abby on the day the caravan came and had a chat with her, learning that the other would only make the most basic of white bread, Sir Lord should be tired of the monotonous white bread. The caravan''s milk bread was mostly purchased by the castle.


    At this moment.


    He suddenly heard his wife shouting: Renal,e out quickly, do you here me Renal, Sir, Sir Lord is here!

 Chapter 100: Developing a New Kind of Bread

    Chapter 100: Developing a New Kind of Bread


    In the bakery, Liszt saw the plump Renal.


    Without any false pretenses, Liszt got straight to the point: Renal, how long have you been making bread?


    Ever since I came to the flower farm eighteen years ago, Sir Lord. Renal continued respectfully, My mother used to be a kitchen maid in the Tulip Castle and was the one who taught me the craft of bread-making. I came once Sir Count established the flower farm in the Flower Town.


    There was no way to figure out the history of the Coral Ind''s development. But reportedly, people had already been living on the Coral Ind before the grand duke went oversees to establish a state.


    Later, the Sapphire Grand Duke dered the Coral Ind to be part of his state and sent officials to manage it.


    Twenty years ago, because of outstanding military merit, Leewilliam Tulip was enfeoffed as the Coral Ind''s count. As that time, Levis was just two years old, while Lvera and Liszt had yet to be born. The following few years, the count purchased serfs without restraint to enrich the Coral Ind and clear uncultivatednd.


    Eighteen years ago, a new type of tulip was discovered in the Flower Town, which was why the count reimed the flower farm.


    At its prime, the tulips in the flower farm had reached a surface area of more than two hundred mu (mu = 666.7 m2). It was at that time that the small castle was built.


    The following year, or in other words, seventeen years ago, following the increase of serfs in the flower farm, the Flower Town was established. Renal, who had previously been a baker in the flower farm, moved to the town and settled down. Life in the town had been quite hard, but Renal still rather enjoyed it.


    Eighteen years had pa.s.sed in a sh and he had be the Flower Town''s richestmoner.


    Liszt continued inquiring: Do you only make ck bread?


    asionally, I would also make a bit of white bread, especially when it was time for the New Year Festival. When marrying, themoners would also order a bit of white bread.


    How is your white bread handicraft?


    I I don''t know, Sir Lord. Renal was a little embarra.s.sed. He bowed his head, continuing, However, Mrs. Abby had tasted my white bread and ording to her, the white bread I make is quite good.


    Renal''s wife, who was beside him, suddenly interjected: Sir Lord, Mrs. Abby also said that she would research the milk bread with Renal. ording to her, Sir Lord, you really like milk bread.


    Sir Lord didn''t ask you, who told you to speak!? Renal red at his wife and then hurriedly apologized. I''m sorry, Sir Lord, Reba is a foolish woman. Please forgive her for this offense.


    Liszt didn''t care about it, he wasn''t a p.r.i.c.kly aristocrat who couldn''t tolerate the slightest offense. Besides, he wasn''t offended by Reba''s interjection.


    On the contrary, he was very happy that Abby was already cooperating with Renal in order to reproduce the milk bread.


    He was supportive when it came to the research on food. Therefore, he said with a smile: Renal, the castle is in need of better tasting bread. I''m d to see that you have entered in contact with Mrs. Abby and hope that you manage toe up with a few types of different-tasting bread. Fear not, the castle will purchase it inrge quant.i.ties as long as it is tasty.


    Renal was ovee with joy as this was exactly what he wanted to hear. He agreed at once: Sir Lord, please rest a.s.sured, I and Mrs. Abby, we will definitely replicate the milk bread ande up with more types of delicious bread.


    I am looking forward to it.


    Liszt got up and added: I like to have a bit of meat added into the bread. However, roasted meat is too dry and too hard; it is not suitable to be matched with bread. Perhaps you could try to make the meat very soft and then mix it with bread. The taste might not be bad.


    I will bear this in mind!


    Renal and Abby would probably have to spend at least ten to fifteen days in order to figure out the meat floss bread or another type of bread. Therefore, the current mission would not be finished at least before Liszt attended Levis'' birthday party.


    Before long, it was August 16th. In other words, there were three days left until Levis'' birthday, until he became twenty three years old. At this age, the count and Melissa were already pregnant with Lvera. Levis, however, hadn''t even found a suitable mate yet, still remaining single.


    Chevalier Lhden came from the Tulip Castle to deliver Levis'' birthday invitation.


    After receiving the invitation, the butler Carter started to get busy with the gift preparation: Master, are we really just going to use seafood as the birthday gift? Caster inquired with some uncertainty as Liszt had instructed him to just use seafood as the gift.


    However, in the Flower Town, seafood was the most inexpensive foodstuff, which was even cheaper than ck bread. Not just fishermen, but also serfs would go to the East Coast, which was full of seafood, to pick some to take back home to eat.


    Liszt was looking at a book. Without lifting his head, he replied: Mr. Carter, besides seafood, is there any other presentable specialty product in the Flower Town?


    Carter was left speechless by this question.


    This extremely remote town had nomendable specialty product, yet he still tried toe up with something: Master, what about the Thorns Ridge''s wild fruit?


    No, no, no. I was previously poisoned by eating wild fruit. Although we already can distinguished the edible types of wild fruit, yet it is still not without risk.


    I''m sorry, Master, I was rash.


    It''s nothing. After all, the castle plucks wild fruit every day. We are used to it. Just that, I thing that giving wild fruit as a gift would not be a good omen.


    It was because of wild fruit that Liszt had taken possession of his predecessor''s body and memories, so naturally, he would not overlook wild fruit.


    He had ordered for the Thorns Ridge''s wild fruit to be tested one by one before finally discovering two types of poisonous fruit. One was the ck date that poisoned his predecessor to death, the other was a fist sized, slightly purple, ck fruit.


    Although the rest was edible, but there still might be other poisonous fruit in the depths of the Thorns Ridge. He could not guaranty that there would not be some serfs daring enough to venture that deep to pluck the wild fruit.


    There were also some fruit trees in the town, but not many and they could not bear much fruit.


    Liszt had already ordered some serfs to gather the seeds of a variety of wild fruit in order to nt them at the beginning of next year''s spring. But unfortunately, there was no way to guaranty the rate at which the seeds would germinate. Without sprite worms, cultivating wild fruit trees was doomed to be a difficult undertaking. It was not that serfs hand''t thought of cultivating wild fruit trees before, just that, their attempts were not fruitful.


    For the time being, the castle''s wild fruit could only be plucked from the Thorns Ridge.


    With wild fruit being rejected as a birthday present, Carter couldn''te up with anything else that would be more suitable than seafood as the gift.


    Although Thorns Ridge''smon wild fruit was not proper, but Liszt recalled that there were still many fragrant coconuts in the East Coast: I reckon that there should already be some ripe fragrant coconuts. Mr. Carter, contact the fruit farmers  they are to pluck a sack worth of fragrant coconuts. Seafood paired with fragrant coconuts shall serve as the gift.


    Yes, Master!


    August 19th.


    Early in the morning, Liszt put on a leather armor and wore the Redblood Sword. Just as the sun started to rise, he took his retainer knights and left for the Tulip Castle  they were greeted by a warm breeze.

 Chapter 101: Levis Birthday Party

    Chapter 101: Levis'' Birthday Party


    While crossing the road through the Thorns Ridge, Liszt felt very satisfied. When he first arrived at the Flower Town, crossing this road would give one heart palpitations, fearing that magic bests could appear at any time. Now that the field of view was expanded, people no longer had to fear sneak-attacks from magic beasts. Also, although still b.u.mpy, the dirt road had changed beyond recognition, turning into a gravel road.


    While atop his already pregnant mare, Marcus,gging by half a horse, followed Liszt who was atop ckdragon.


    Fully armed and fearless of the hot weather, he carefully scrutinized their surroundings. He was not only a household teacher responsible for giving Liszt knight cultivation lessons, but was also a knight who was instructed to protect Liszt by the count. In some states, such a knight would be called a chief knight, yet this system was not espoused by the grand duchy.


    Behind Liszt and Marcus followed the fiefs defense officer Karl Eisenhammer.


    He didnt had toe, but  perhaps just taking advantage of this opportunity to do some sightseeing around the Coral City as well as dering his loyalty  he still volunteered to protect Liszt.


    On both side of Karl, going side by side with him, were Philip Wool and Xavier Oxdung. The two young retainer knights, whose talents were not bad, took the lead in their squad in cultivating qi.


    Further in the back was Rhm Weinfa.s.s, who had also seeded in cultivating qi the day before yesterday. As one of Liszts four earliest retainer knights, with his hard work and diligence, Rhm had finally made a progress. Liszt immediately appointed him as the patrol captain to a.s.sist Karl in the control of the patrol.


    It was a pity that the other two of the four earliest retainer knights, Gray Sickle and Oden Insole, had yet to cultivate qi.


    Marcus had already given up on teaching these two. As they were toocking in terms of talent and had missed the period of youth, they were hopeless. Liszt let them take posts as a.s.sistant officials  one was to a.s.sist thew officer ir and the other was to a.s.sist the treasurer Isaiah.


    Liszt was not indifferent to his people, a.s.signing them good positions.


    At the far back of the procession were four young knights. They were part of the knight squad and were only second to Philip and Xavier. They also seeded in cultivating qi and were simrly transferred to serve as Liszts retainer knights. As for the other members of the knight squad, they were still hard at work in the town.


    There was still the gentlemans valet Thomas.


    The processionprised of eleven people and eleven horses left a dust cloud in its wake.


    As there were many mares, the procession didnt travel too fast, but it still arrived at the Tulip Castle surrounded by tulips at about half past ten oclock in the morning.


    Oh, dear Brother, you have finallye, I have been here waiting for you for a while already. Levis, dressed in a festival best frac habill, had an aristocratic smile stered on his face.


    With open arms, he weed Liszt.


    Liszt descended from his mount and, while adopting a simrly warm wee etiquette, also opened his arms, and embraced Levis: Dear Brother, I wish you a happy birthday.


    Thank you for your well wishes.


    Liszt beckoned Thomas and his retained knights standing behind him: Bring the gift I prepared.


    The gift was handed to the a.s.sistant butler Silva standing behind Levis.


    What is it? The package is big, it seems like you have spent a lot on this gift. Levis let a servingman open it. ording to the social custom, presents had to be opened in front of the party who gifted them.


    The gift was very beautifully packaged.


    First were big-bowl-sized coconuts wrapped in cloth. They looked very outstanding, carrying the faint fragrance of coconut milk.


    These are fragrant coconuts, the coconut milk inside is very fragrant and sweet. Open one and have a sip to see how sweet and delicious it is. Exaggerated Liszt. Yet in fact, it was just a bit better than the ordinary coconut milk from Earth.


    However, fruit juice that could be directly drunk was quite unique.


    Levis, as expected, became curious: Coconut milk? There is milk inside this fruit?


    Thats right.


    Amazing, I cant wait to taste it. Then, Levis turned to look at the other side of the package, which had a small pouch containing some things, What are these?


    Its seafood.


    Seafood?


    Brother, dont think of it as themon seafood. This is the most precious seafood salvaged by the fishermen. Especially the oysters Liszt moved closer to Levis, With it, you can do it all night long, if you know what I mean.


    Levis eyes lit up: Right, this is indeed very precious. Thank you, Liszt, dear Brother. This is the best gift I received on my birthday.


    Although still hadnt married, but there was nowhere written that an unmarried aristocrat could not have a bunch of mistresses.


    Once the gift was received, the pair of brothers walked side by side into the castle.


    The castles hall had already been crowded with aristocrats of different statuses.


    Apart from the two viscounts, who had sent their sons, the barons and chevaliers came to congratte in person. After all, Levis was the sessor to the Coral Ind, the future count of the Coral Ind, their next ruler.


    Its quite lively. Liszt had to adopt the standard aristocratic smile and greet the aristocrats who came to partic.i.p.ate in the birthday banquet. Although he was not fond of such social intercourse that required the disy of a persona, but as a member of the aristocracy, such a charade was essential to maintain the aristocratic dignity.


    After a round of greetings, Liszt was ready to go pay the count a formal visit. However, after asking Levis, he learnt that the count had already left the Coral Ind: A messenger brought Grand Dukes order  the directly subordinated lords are to leave for the Blue Dragon Ind to discuss this years expedition decree. In fact, I am already training a knight order in preparations to follow Father to the continent at any time.


    The expedition decree was the most popr decree among the Sapphire Grand Duchys aristocrats.


    The decree was very simple. In response to the Steel Ridge Kingdoms call, leave for the continent to plunder reaches and in particr mineral mines. The goal was to fight over gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminium, and the various gems.


    The Steel Ridge Kingdom and the Eagle Kingdom were in feud, with the dragons of both states frequently engaging each other. Therefore, almost every year, arge-scale war would break out between both states for the purpose of plundering the other partys minerals. The Sapphire Grand Duchy was a va.s.sal state of the Steel Ridge Kingdom, and although it was not strong, but its hara.s.sment from the sea was quite menacing.


    In those days, the count had gone deep into the Eagle Kingdoms hintend, plundered at least two hundred thousand tons of an iron mines iron ore in one fell swoop.


    Reportedly, the ships carrying the iron ore at the time were so numerous that they resembled ants.


    With such a great loss, the Eagle Kingdoms king was furious, sending a dragon knight to intercept the fleet. Yet, the dragon knight was blocked by the Steel Ridge Kingdoms dragon knight. It was also thanks to this military achievement that Marquis Merlin Longtaro, the captain of the courts fleet, became impressed with Leewilliams capability and married his daughter Melissa to him.


    Liszt had been hearing this tale from a young age. At each banquet, the aristocrats recalling the past would always bring this tale up in order to tter the count.


    Unfortunately, however, the Eagle Kingdom had been attaching great importance to its coastline defense ever since that military achievement, depriving the enemy of a opportunity to replicate such a glorious military achievement.


    Since then, by spilling the blood of knights, they could only redeem a small amount of metal and gem ore every year.


    Brother, are you also going to the battlefield? Liszt was a little surprised.


    Thats right. I am twenty three years old and although I am still not married, but I am already old enough. If I dont go to the battlefield, it will be a blemish of mine.


    Liszt shook his head, feigning to be pitiful: I dont have a qualified knight squad and dont even have a chance to go to the battlefield. Brother, I would really like to fight side by side with you and seize the glory of knights.


    In fact, he didnt want to go to the battlefield. He was satisfied with smoothly and steadily cultivating the fields at home. There were so many neglected inds in the sea to be developed; therefore, what was the point in insisting on going to the continent and spilling blood there?

 Chapter 102: The Wildhop Familys fatty

    Chapter 102: The Wildhop Family''s fatty


    The count and Madam Marie had left the Coral Ind for the Blue Dragon Ind, andMadam Penlope had note to the Tulip Castle, just sending her well wishes.


    Thus, without the constraints of the lord and the old madam, the atmosphere of the Tulip Castle''s luncheon was fairly hearty, particrly when it came to the young aristocrats, who had a st socializing.


    Liszt was also inevitably implicated.


    A lot of aristocrats were aware that the count didn''t care much about this fairly untalented son of his. However, no matter what, Liszt was still of a n.o.ble lineage  count lineage from his father''s side and marquis lineage from his mother''s side  of whom he was a direct second-generation descendant.


    Liszt, I haven''t seen you in quite a while. Now that the road through the Thorns Ridge had been cleared, how about paying my ytiles Town a visit?


    Brook, I will find some time to visit your ytiles Town. It only takes two hours from the Flower Town to the ytiles Town. Moreover, you can alsoe pay me a visit at the Flower Town. I will entertain you with the best seafood there is.


    I will definitely go. I like seafood, especially oysters.


    Certainly, everyone likes oysters.


    Haha.


    After the sumptuous meal, came the dessert  ice cream. TheTulip Castle had eight vors, four more than that of Liszt''s fief.


    Ice cream had yet to gain traction.


    Thus, although the dessert had amazed many aristocrats, yet,as ice wasn''t something that lesser aristocrats could afford, not many people inquired about its recipe. Only the sons of the two viscounts, whose families could afford it, offered to purchase the recipe from Liszt.


    Liszt was not courteous, directly citing a price to Brandon Gravel, the son of the viscount of the Gravel City: Three hundred catty (catty=0,5 Kg) of pig iron and the recipe is yours. Compared with his sister Lvera, the price was doubled. He didn''t give discounts to outsiders.


    Brandon clenched his teeth: Deal!


    Next, Liszt cited a price to Aubrey Wildhop, the son of the viscount of the Beer Ind: One hundred and fifty barrels of hops beer.


    The rich and overbearing sessor to the Wildhop Family didn''t hesitate at all: No problem. Once I return, I will send a fleet with the more than fifty barrels of beer and you send your caravan, the transaction shall be carried out in the Coral City.


    Great.Liszt was quite happy with sessfully exchanging this showy but unsubstantial recipe for a lot of stuff. In the next moment, however, hisplexion nearly changed.


    Aubrey suddenly said: That''s right, Liszt, I am going to catch seafood on the Beer Ind''s sh.o.r.e and then sell it outside, what do you think about it?


    Still with a smile on his face, Liszt inquired indifferently, all the while wishing he could kill Aubrey: Seafood? Why would the Wildhop Family be interested in seafood? Haven''t hops brought enough riches to the Wildhop Family?


    There are never too many gold coins, right? Aubrey was very fat, his belly bulging alike that of a tenth month pregnant woman. It could be seen at a nce that he was well fed since little, Seafood is good stuff, especially oysters, what a bliss. The flower Town''s seafood trade makes me envious.


    At present, only the Flower Town was catching seafood on the Coral Ind on arge-scale and selling it outside.


    The profits were huge, nearly one gold coin per day. Just a few days ago, Liszt bought three carriages, adding up to a total of nine carriages, all selling seafood.


    Currently, the caravan had divided into three, with Old Grandet frequently leading a team to and fro the Coral City and the Tulip Castle, Harpagon leading a team in the direction of the Whitebirch City, and Shylock leading a team in the direction of the Snakefang City. With the current trend, the ie reaching two to three gold coins per day in the future would not be an issue.


    He was preparing to unify the Coral Ind''s seafood market, yet unexpectedly, his ns were about to be foiled midway by Aubrey, who wanted to intervene in the seafood trade.


    If it was just a lesser aristocrat like amon baron intervening in the seafood trade, then Liszt wouldn''t mind toin to the count to have the other party realize that they could not afford to offend the Coral Ind''s most n.o.ble lineage. But the Wildhop Family was different. The viscount of the Beer Ind was one of the count''s earliest followers, having distinguished himself with toilsomebor and great merits. It would be very difficult to coerce him.


    If he was the count''s sessor, then the Wildhop Family would certainly mind not to overreach. The crucial point was that he was just the baron of the Flower Town.


    He narrowed his eyes slightly.


    As he contemted the many copping methods, Liszt''s expression was still as unperturbed as ever: Is that so? It seems that the Coral Ind''s seafood market will be much livelier hence forth.


    Aubreyughed out loud: Liszt, sorry for making you misunderstand, but I don''t intend to sell seafood on the Coral Ind. That is your turf. For the sake of our friendship, I don''t want to encroach.


    This switch of gears was a bit too abrupt for Liszt.


    There was no friendship between the both of them. Aubrey was twenty seven or twenty eight years old and was one of Levis'' buddies. Yet surprisingly, Aubrey didn''t intend to intervene in the Coral Ind''s seafood market.


    You''re not going to sell seafood on the Coral Ind, what are you up to then?


    Our family has several good trade channels.You were the one to first discover the seafood market. Thus, naturally, the Coral Ind is your turf. I don''t wan''t to be in a hostilepet.i.tion with a fried. Aubrey sounded quite frank. If Liszt wascking experience, then he might be moved and led astray.


    No wonder the Wildhop Family could monopolize the hops trade. Adaptable and insightful as they were, it would be hard for them not to seed.


    He picked up and raised his .s.s of red wine: Let''s toast for our friendship.


    Of course, cheers.


    Although the seafood trade was a false rm, yet Liszt was not rea.s.sured. Today, Aubrey''s friendly reminder made him realize what it meant  wealth begets envy.


    At the beginning, seafood was just a rare curiosity for the aristocrats. Now, however, the profits of the seafood trade, one gold coin per day and even more in the future, might have already caught their attention. Thinking about it, one gold coin per day was equivalent to more than three hundred gold coins per year, and if the profits were to reach three gold coins per day, then that would be more than one thousand gold coins per year.


    Wasn''t it the same as s.n.a.t.c.hing money from under the aristocrats'' noses?!The revenue would be nearly as great as the taxes collected from a small city for half a year.


    If it could be said that the lesser aristocrats still took Liszt''s lineage into consideration, not daring to be presumptuous, then his sister Lvera might have already started toe up with ways to s.n.a.t.c.h this trade from him. Liszt was quite clear that his sister was not a goodhearted person who cared about her brother as s.n.a.t.c.hing Liszt''s toys was her favorite pastime since she was little.


    Besides, Lytton and Madam Marie were also eyeing covetously from behind.


    There was no difficulty involved in catching seafood.


    That won''t do, I can''t be careless! At the end of the luncheon, Liszt was still deep in thought, Perhaps I should enter into a partnership with Levis.


    Levis, Lvera, Lytton, and Madam Marie were not goodhearted people.


    When all was said and done, Levis was still the count''s sessor and Liszt''s future lord. He could safeguard the trade by roping Levis in.


    I can give Levis some shares and directly cooperate with him instead of cooperating with the Tulip Castle. I think that he would be willing. Levis must be distressed as half of the Tulip Castle''s resources are given to Lytton. Therefore, he would not miss a trade from which Lytton would be excluded.

 Chapter 103: A Talk of Cooperation Between Siblings

    Chapter 103: A Talk of Cooperation Between Siblings


    Liszt, have you seen? I''ve cultivated ten mu (mu=666.7 m2) worth of the ck Tulips!


    The great sprite Little Fragrance flew amid a sea of tulips. Behind it was a tract of tulips that had yet to blossom. Under the ring sun, the rows of tulips stood there a bit listlessly.


    At noon, apart from people, nts would also be dispirited.Only sprites would still be this unrestrained and energetic.


    Waah!Waah!The two lesser sprites following behind Little Fragrance made some meaningless sounds. Although sprites were not social creatures, but sprites of the same type, would y together and even share the different types of nts they a.s.simted among themselves. These two tulip lesser sprites were the followers of Little Fragrance.


    The Tulip Castle hoped that these two lesser sprites would break through their fetters and evolve into new greater sprites.


    It hadn''t even been two months since the seeds were nted at the end of June, yet they have already budded. Liszt walked between the rows, looking at the budding ck Tulips. He felt excited. In about a month''s time, these tulips would turn into gold and flow into his coin pouch.


    Little Fragrance raised its beautiful head, saying proudly: That is only natural. These tulips are being cultivated by me, with each seed germinating under my care.


    Its expression quite clearly said  praise me''.


    Liszt praised it with a smile: Little Fragrance, you are really amazing.


    Hee hee, I am amazing! Little Fragrance gave two somersaults midair.


    Waah!Waah!The two lesser sprites mimicked the movements of Little Fragrance and also somersaulted midair.


    Liszt, these ck Tulips grow unusually well and contain plenty of magic power. Their magic power has no distinct attribute. Compared to the Tulip Castle''s two types of magic ingredients, they are even more outstanding. There have already been wizards cing orders. Levis'' household teacher Frank apanied Liszt.


    These tulips will be the Tulip Castle''s new backbone, allowing the family to grow further. By relying on them, Levis will follow in Father''s footsteps and be a Sky Knight.


    I couldn''t agree with you more. Levis is extremely talented and, without a doubt, can be a Sky Knight.


    At this moment, the noisy Little Fragrance flew before Liszt and saidughingly: I will help Levis break through. Afterwards, I will take him flying, just like I took you guys flying when you were little! When Liszt and the others were little, Little Fragrance liked to grab them and then take them flying. It liked to see the small children cry from fear.


    But when they got used to the heights and no longer cried, Little Fragrance lost the interest in taking them flying.


    This sprite was quite the mischievous one.


    Liszt feltfortable as he recalled these memories. Although Little Fragrance loved to y tricks on others, but it did so without the intention of doing any harm. Because of the contract, it felt intimate with the lineage of the Tulip Family.


    Remember to scare Levis to tears.


    Little Fragrance said regretfully: Ugh, I can no longer scare Levis to tears, let alone when he bes a Sky Knight. At that time, he will be capable of conquering the sky.


    The reason why Sky Knights were called Sky Knights was because they had grasped high-ranked qi. By releasing their qi in bursts, they could leap into the air for a short period of time. Although they could not fly alike birds, but by leaping into the air for a short period of time already ensured that they could almost instantly attack anyone, whether man or beast, several hundred meters away.


    When Liszt finished visiting the ck Tulip field, Levis had already seen off most of the aristocrats, with only those that were truly on good terms with him staying behind.


    Liszt had no intentions of stating in the Tulip Castle overnight. Therefore, he invited Levis to the study for a chat.


    Liszt, do you have something to say that can''t wait until evening? There are still many people in the living room that require my hospitality.


    Brother, I won''t be staying overnight. I''m going back after finishing discussing a few things with you.


    Why so anxious?


    There are a lot of matters awaiting my return in my fief.


    Very well. What do you have to discuss with me? Teacher Frank had already shown you the ck Tulips, while the fleet with ves will still take more than a month to return.


    Of course, I have other things to discuss with you. Although Liszt wanted to talk about seafood, but doing that outright would not be too impactful.


    He had to firsty some groundwork for Levis to work up an appet.i.te before discussing seafood shares.


    After thinking it over, he said: I have a new magic ingredient.


    What? Levis was shocked, You have a new tulip magic ingredient?


    It''s not a tulip but a mushroom magic ingredient  the me Mushrooms. Liszt was very pleased with Levis'' expression, Dear Brother, do you want to cooperate with me?


    I do! We are brothers and therefore, are the best cooperation partners, aren''t we?


    Of course we are.


    So, how do you n to do this cooperation? Do you want to follow the ck Tulips'' model? Do you want to cooperate with just me?


    I don''t like to give benefits to Madam Marie and Lytton. Therefore, I still want to cooperate with just you, Brother. This time, however, I am only going to provide you with the finished product, the me Mushrooms, and you will be responsible for selling them. You will not be involved in the cultivation of the me Mushrooms. Liszt stated his desired cooperation n.


    He wanted to develop the me Mushrooms into the Flower Town''s specialty product and thus, had no intentions of selling their cultivation method.


    That won''t do. How many me Mushrooms can the Flower Town cultivate? Sell me the cultivation method and in return, I will give you a share of the proceeds.


    As I am short on gold coins to buy serfs, a share of the proceeds is not on the table. But if you can give me five thousand gold coins, then I can directly sell you the cultivation method without requiring any subsequent share of the proceeds; I will just ask you to help me sell the me Mushrooms produced in my fief.


    Five thousand gold coins? Levis sighed, Currently, I can''t evene up with one thousand gold coins. Forget it. Just sell me the finished product directly.


    Without haggling too much, an agreement was thus reached.


    Next, Liszt said: Brother, have you found any saltpeter mine?


    I haven''t, I searched each city inside out, yet to no avail. You''re such a lucky fellow Why are you the one toe across all the good stuff?


    One reaps what one sows, perhaps.


    Ha ha.


    That''s right, Brother, I still have another deal for you.


    Levis'' eyes shone: What deal? This younger brother of his, who had suddenly be mature, had already brought him too many surprises. Just the ck Tulips and the me Mushrooms were equivalent to raising his chances at promoting to a Sky Knight by 20%, cementing his confidence in turning his body into a medicinal pot.


    It''s about seafood. I am preparing to have caravans peddle seafood in every city of the Coral Ind. However, catching seafood has not much technique to it and therefore, there are bound to be people fighting over this piece of meat with me. Thus, Brother, I want to give your a 20% share and in return, you will help me out with a seafood sale statute.


    He wanted exclusive rights to the sale of seafood, directly severing the possibility ofpet.i.tion.


    The seafood market is not small. Reportedly, you can earn several gold coins per day. Said Levis indifferently.


    Brother, I don''t know where you heard that, but for now, I can''t even earn a gold coin per day. Perhapster, when I start selling to all the cities, I might be earning two gold coins per day. Liszt first feigned to have it hard and then followed up with a threat, If you don''t help me out, then I''ll ask Father for help. I just want to make some money to buy white bread to eat, Brother.


    Although the count might not like Liszt, but if Liszt were to really plead with him, the count should not refuse him. After all, Liszt was the one that developed this business.


    Alright, but I want 30% of the shares. The statute will be officially introduced tomorrow. When Father left, he temporarily left me with the administrative authority over the Coral Ind. Levis took out a cigar and said with a beaming smile.


    Greedy! Although Liszt was secretly disdainful, yet he said: Alright, 30% then.


    Next, Liszt took out a handkerchief from inside his pocket and unfolded it, revealing a fist-sized ck pearl. He put the ck pearl gently on the desk: Brother, take a look at this.

 Chapter 104: Fair Beauties Could Be Attained Through Books

    Chapter 104: Fair Beauties Could Be Attained Through Books


    What is this? Levis picked up the ck pearl and weighed it in his hand. Does it contain magic power? It feels like it contains water-attributed magic power.


    It does indeed contain magic power, it is a pearl.


    A Pearl?Levis shook his head, Don''t think that I haven''t seen pearls. The pearl ornaments that pa.s.sed through my hands were not few. Once, I took a ship to the Blue Dragon Ind, where I took a look at the cid Lake and even personally dug out pearls from inside sh.e.l.ls; they were white and besides, none of them was this big.


    This is a ck pearl, dug out from a giant m, another type of sh.e.l.l.


    Giant m? Was it produced in the Flower Town?Levis grasped the key point, the Flower Town''s production was too plentiful.


    As a matter of fact, the ck pearl was dug out from inside a giant m that was inside the body of arge squid which was carried ash.o.r.e by the waves. Brother, regardless if it is a pearl or not, how much do you think it is worth? This treasure with water-attributed magic power should be more precious than white pearls.


    Do you want to give it to me as a present?


    Don''t be so greedy, I have already gave you your birthday present. This ck pearl is a treasure I carry on me, it helps me to calm my mind  the effect is dozens of times greater than that of white pearls. Say, are you interested in buying it? As you know, my qi is of the fire attribute, while yours is of the water attribute.


    You are right,pared to white pearls, this ck pearl gives me a morefortable feeling. How much do you want for it? In the market, a white pearl of the same size would roughly go for a few gold coins. I can give you ten gold coins for it, how about it?


    That''s too little.


    No, that''s already a lot, Liszt. What can it do apart from calming the mind? It is merely an ornament.


    Perhaps a wizard could forge it into a magic equipment. It has an excellent magic power storage property and therefore, is suitable to be forged into a magic weapon. Although I cannot, but I believe that you, Brother, surely can enter in contact with wizards. How about asking a wizard to help you forge a magic equipment?


    Levis shook his head: If its magic power was a bit more abundant, then indeed, it could be forged into a magic equipment. But as it stands, it will be difficult to forge it into a useful magic equipment.


    Cough, in fact Liszt only now said his peace, drawing a circle the seize of a big bowl with his hand: I still have a ck pearl of this size. It has plenty of magic power stored inside and is definitely suitable to be forged into a magic equipment. Its water-attributed magic power naturally suits you, Brother.


    A bigger ck pearl? It is that big? Levis was no longer calm.


    The fist-seized ck pearl was admittedly rare, but at the most, it would be regarded as a fairly interesting ornament. A big-bowl-seized ck pearl, however, was different. If there really was such arge ck pearl, then, coupled with its rich magic power, it would be definitely a good material for forging a magic equipment. For the sake of researching this rarity, wizards wouldn''t mind spending a lot of money.


    Five hundred gold coins and the ck pearl is yours.


    I want to see it first.


    Alright.


    Liszt called his gentleman''s valet Thomas and asked him to bring back the big-bowl-seized ck pearl from Marcus. A momentter, arge ck pearl with a slightly irregr round shape was ced atop the study''s desk.


    Levis eyes shone brightly as he gently stroked therge ck pearl.


    Compared with the fairly inexperienced Liszt, he was much clearer regarding the value of this treasure. Therefore, he gave a counter-offer: I''ll give you one hundred gold coins for it. This is a novelty and although it is very rich in magic power, yet there is noway to guaranty that it really has development value. I cannot risk buying something that cannot be used.


    What he said was quite reasonable as Liszt was also not sure if the ck pearl could really be forged into a magic equipment.


    However, haggling was still a must. After several rounds, they finally settled on two hundred and eighty gold coins. The fist-sized ck pearl was also included in the deal.


    Once the deal waspleted, Liszt, who was pleased with counting the gold coins, said with a smile: Brother, notify me when the magic equipment is forged, I want to see what it does Coming into contact with these ck pearls is also a first for me. Only after he determined their usefulness, could he reckon the real value of the remaining ck pearls.


    No problem.


    When he was about to leave the study, Liszt suddenly remembered something and asked: That''s right, Brother, has the Tulip Castle purchased any new books recently?


    We haven''t. Since when do you like to read so much, Liszt? I''d rather drink till down than stay in the study and look at those blinding symbols.


    There is a lot of interesting knowledge concealed inside books.


    Knowledge? Levis broke intoughter, Liszt, do you want to change upations, do you want to be a wizard? That''s not a good idea. I often deal with wizards and I can tell you that all of them are entric maniacs that only have knowledge and experiments on their mind. Never forget, the glory of knights is seized on horseback!


    Liszt walked out of the study.


    Fair beauties and wealth could be attained through book  as a cultured person, he didn''t want to bother arguing with the likes of Levis.


    With their cooperation confirmed, Liszt bade Levis goodbye and left the Tulip Castle.


    However, before returning, he still followed the path to a castle outside of the Coral City. It was the abode of Madam Penlope. As he made a trip to the Coral City, he had to pay his grandmother a visit.


    Grape ivies crept on the surface of the castle, adding a touch of ineffable gloominess to the castle as well as greatly supplementing its air of antiquity.


    On the second floor, there was a tform filled with flowers and nts. Madam Penlope, apart from when she socialized with aristocrats, spent most of her time amid those flowers and nts.


    She watered the nts while chatting: Leaving the castle so early, Levis didn''t invite you to the banquet to continue the celebration?


    I refused his invitation. There are still many things in the Flower Town that cannot do without me.


    Qualified lords always keep themselves busy. Only by keeping themselves busy can people feel fulfilled and effectively prevent themselves from falling into depravity. Since he was little, your father has always been by your grandfather''s side, keeping himself busy all day long. It was thanks to this diligence that he could be a count before the age of thirty.


    Madam Penlope turned around, continuing to water the nts: Unfortunately, ever since marrying these two troublesome women, he was no longer able to go any further I really hope that your older brother can sober up a little; that little fellow is also muddle-headed. Marquis Rodrigo''s daughter is trouble.


    Marquis Rodrigo was one of the grand duchy''s seven marquises, he held the post of vicemander in the Blueblood Knights


    It was no wonder that Levis was still unmarried, he had his sights set on the marquis'' daughter.


    Cousin Meopal is deeply in love with the princess and Brother adores Marquis Rodrigo''s daughter, they seem to have ulterior motives.


    Aren''t you the same?


    Me?


    Don''t think that news about you guys don''t reach me just because I''m old. Athena Salmon, right? ording to Lvera, she is a very adorable young girl and she admires you quite a lot. Yet unexpectedly, she was rejected by you. She is the daughter of a viscount. Although it is fairly vulgar to sell fish, but with gold coins aplenty, eating white bread won''t be a problem, am I right?


    Ha ha.


    Liszt didn''t want toment on this.


    Madam Penlope continued on the subject of young people are not sensible'' in her long-winded manner, but soon, she shifted her attention to a flowerpot.


    Oh, poor thing, myck nightshade is really going to die!

 Chapter 105: I Want the Ill Black Nightshade

    Chapter 105: I Want the Ill ck Nightshade


    ck nightshade was said to be a close rtive of eggnt, it was a nt that bore small, ck berries. The fruit was delicious. When he was little, Liszt liked to eat this fruit very much. There were a lot of wild ck shades growing in the fields where he lived at the time.


    It was unknown whether the ck nightshade in Madam Penlope''s flowerpot was the same type that he was familiar with.


    But when he heard that the nt was ill, he immediately, as per his habit, stepped forward, released Magic Eyes, and looked at the dying ck nightshade. When his gaze was sweeping through the nt, he seemed to perceive a faint flow of magic power sh past and quickly disappear.


    That was quite the surprise.


    The magic power meant that the ck nightshade was unusual.


    Is it going to conceive a sprite worm? Liszt was secretly excited, yet on the surface, he looked calm and collected. He kept looking at the ck nightshade.


    This dying ck nightshade had yellow leaves, ck spots on its rhizome, and its several flower buds appeared to be on the verge of withering.


    However, under the gaze of Magic Eyes, he quickly discovered the flow of magic power again. It was very week and intermittently visible. If one was not observing carefully, one would miss the traces of magic power.


    He came to a conclusion: It is unlikely to be a magic ingredient. It is very likely that the ck nightshade is going to conceive a sprite worm.


    Poor ck nightshade, it has contracted some unknown illness. It has already been a week and yet, I still haven''t managed to nurse it back to health. Watching it wilt more and more with each day reminds me of myself getting older. This is really ufortable. Madam Penlope continued to talk long-windedly as she watered the ck nightshade.


    Grandmother, you are quite healthy and don''t look old at all. Liszt said with feigned gentleness, Since looking at this ck nightshade gives you grief, then give it to me, let me take care of it instead of you. Perhaps the climate in the Flower Town will be beneficial to its recovery. If not, then I''ll send you a new one.


    It fills me with joy to see you so considerate, Liszt. Take good care of it.


    Certainly.


    Thus with ease, the flowerpot with the ck nightshade suspected of conceiving a sprite worm fell into Liszt''s possession. In his anxiety to settle down the ck nightshade, Liszt quickly bade his grandmother goodbye, joined his retainer knights, and headed back to the Flower Town.


    They arrived at the Flower Town by sunset.


    Red sky in the morning, shepherds take warning. Red sky at night, shepherds delight.


    Without even taking a moment to rest, Liszt immediately gave Gort an order: Teacher Gort, I want all serfs mobilized. They are to search for ck nightshades, dig them up,and bring them back to the horse field. Bear in mind, it''s best to dig up the roots along with the soil. The roots ofck nightshades must not be damaged.


    Before the sky turned dark, cl.u.s.ters of several wild ck nightshades were quickly found near the horse field.


    The ill ck nightshade was removed from the flowerpot and then nted next to a cl.u.s.ter of wild ck nightshades. Next, people were ordered to apply manure and water next to the roots of the ck nightshade. Lastly, other wild ck nightshades were dug up and then nted in the surroundings of the ill ck nightshade, forming a small field of ck nightshades.


    Sir, these were all the ck nightshades that could be found before the sky turned dark. Now we can only wait until tomorrow for the serfs to resume their search.


    Alright.


    Looking at the field of ck nightshades undermp light, Gort inquired: What is the use of these ck nightshades?


    Although many people knew that the berries of ck nightshades were edible, yet the fruit was to small and the yield was too little. They didn''t had much development value. Therefore, no one cultivated them. They usually grew on their own in fields. Generally, only children liked to look for the berries of ck nightshades.


    There might be some use, but it is still too early to tell. However, no matter what, any ck nightshade that is found tomorrow is to be transnted here.


    As you wish.


    After returning to the castle and while waiting for dinner, Liszt leaned against a chair in the living room, opened a coconut, and merrily drank the coconut milk inside as he rxed. After today''s time spent on horseback, and despite Earth Knights having very strong physical const.i.tutions, he still felt a bit fatigued. However, he was in a very good mood, even a bit excited.


    With his worries regarding the seafood market settled, selling seafood on the Coral Ind alone could support hisvish aristocratic lifestyle.


    With the sale channel regarding the me Mushrooms established, he only had to wait for the serfs to solve the issue with the cultivation method. The ck Tulips, on the other hand, were still one month away from harvesting season.


    With the two hundred and eighty gold coins obtained from the sale of the two ck pearls, the castle''s tight capital situation was nicely solved. He intended to buy a few more horses and horse drawn carriages to expand his caravan. As soon as possible, he was going to strive for the seafood trade to reach a scale where it would epa.s.s each city and a magnitude of over three gold coins a day in sales.


    Naturally, these were already set. What really excited him was the ck nightshade sprite worm.


    Apart from the four sprite worms and then another sprite worm, which the count had respectively given Liszt as a present upon his enfeoffment and a reward for discovering the ck Tulip, Liszt still had the peanut sprite worm, tomato sprite worm, and fragrant coconut sprite worm, which he discovered through smoke missions.


    However, only the ck nightshade sprite worm, which he personally discovered, gave him a great sense of aplishment.


    It turned out that even if he didn''t rely on the smoke missions, he could still get his own opportunities. However, it seemed like it would be quite difficult for him to discover the secret behind the ck nightshade without Magic Eyes, and Magic Eyes was a consequence of a smoke mission.


    In the final a.n.a.lysis, it still seemed to be thanks to the smoke missions.


    In any case, this is a good sign Perhapster, when I have nothing to do, I can release Magical Eyes to search for sprite worms that might be hidden in nts!


    Originally, he had been under the impression that sprite worms were very rare. After plowing and weeding the Coral Ind for twenty years, the Tulip Family only managed to acquire over one hundred sprite worms. The probability of acquisition was very low.


    But in the Flower Town, in this small ce, three sprite worms were discovered in just six months.And after he made a trip outside, he returned with a ck nightshade sprite worm.


    This could no longer be described as good luck.


    In fact, it seems like the probability of sprite worm conception was not low. However, due to restrictions in environment, therge majority of sprite worms seem to be miscarried''.


    Without the smoke missions.


    The peanut sprite worm would have long since died. The helpless serfs simply could not provide the peanut sprite worm with the necessary nutrition.


    The tomato sprite worm might be conceived. However, Jon Shoulderpole might have plucked thergest tomato and eaten the yet to be born sprite worm.


    The fragrant coconut sprite worm might have to embrace death. It was located too high up on the tree and there was still the threat from the fruit stealing monkeys.


    Without Magic Eyes to discover its traces, even the ck nightshade sprite worm would be destined to die, to never be born.


    Now that I have the smoke missions and Magic Eyes, there is bound to be a steady stream of sprite worms for me to discover. Getting rich is inevitable!


    After dinner, Liszt summoned the three managers of the caravan to brief them about the seafood trade.


    The Coral City, the Whitebirch City, the Northvalley City, the Elmwood City, the Snakefang City, and the Gravel City, apart from the Gravel City, which was too far away to do trade, trade routs had been established with the other five cities of the Coral Ind.


    The Flower Town was at the northeasternmost end of the ind and the Gravel City was at the southwesternmost end of the ind, they were separated by over one hundred kilometers.


    Tomorrow, the Tulip Castle will issue a seafood sale decree, giving us the exclusive sale rights. With his hands behind his back, Liszt looked at the night scene outside the window.


    There were still only a few sources of light in the Flower Town at night. Therefore, the stars were particrly bright and shiny.


    A faint silver band could be seen spanning across the sky, which seemed to indicate that this strange world was also part of the Milky Way.


    He continued to say: The seafood market is solely ours, so make good use of it. I want you to set up a fishing team in the vicinity of the Coral City to catch seafood on the beaches in the vicinity and then sell the seafood in the Coral City.

 Chapter 106: Inspecting the Fief

    Chapter 106: Inspecting the Fief


    Although the East Coast was only a few kilometers long, but it contained a lot of seafood. However, if it was overfished, then there would be no seafood to catch for an extensive period of time.


    To kill the goose thatys the eggs, Liszt was not willing to do such a thing.


    He was going to adopt a fishing ban in the Flower Town, or at least, implement a summer fishing ban. In other words, during the reproduction and growth season, which spanned from mid June to mid August, the sea''s resources were to be protected.


    Of course, the summer fishing ban was just a stop-gap measure. He would promote offsh.o.r.e fishery once the Thorns Ridge offensive n was executed and the deep water bay wharf was constructed. The East Coast''s resources were too little and therefore, had to be protected. However, offsh.o.r.eresources were definitely enough to feed the entire Coral Ind.


    Currently, there was no docks, no fishing boats, no fishermen, and therefore, only coastal fishing could be developed.


    Isaiah, I leave the establishment and supervision of the Coral City''s fishing team to you. Have everything ready as soon as possible. Choose the guards and managers for each trade route, and dispatch them as soon as possible. Old Grandet will a.s.sist you. Here are fifty gold coins, use the money to rent warehouses and purchase horses and horse drawn carriages.


    Yes, Sir Baron. epted the order Isaiah.


    Shortly after, the details regarding the caravan''s project were ironed out.


    On the whole, the project was divided into two parts.


    One part consisted of establishing the Flower Caravan'', with Old Grandet and Harpagon respectively serving as the caravan''s captain and vice-captain. The caravan was to be stationed in the Coral City.


    Old Grandet would be mainly responsible for running the Coral City  Whitebirch City'', Coral City  Elmwood City'', and Coral City  Snakefang City'' trade routes.


    Harpagon would be in charge of the fishing team'' and the castle''s purchasing team'', which would be responsible for purchasing and bringing back anything that the castle needed.


    The other part consisted of establishing the Thorns Caravan'', with Shylock serving as the caravan''s captain. Shylock would be mainly responsible for the Flower Town  Northvalley City'' daily trade route.


    Although the caravans emphasized different points, but both were very important. One focused on the seafood trade, responsible for providing the Flower Town with gold coins; the other focused on the daily trade, responsible for providing the Flower Town with a variety of daily necessities.


    After getting up early, Liszt engaged in physical exercise and the cultivation of qi.


    Now that the archery mission was over, Liszt no longer worked as hard. Leisure was a poison that quietly infected people, letting them degenerate and wear down their fighting spirit.


    Tremblingwoods, release your magic!


    While walking back the dog, Liszt could see servingmen breaking apart Rockthorns to continue the road paving.He felt emotional: Game fowl, dog walks, that''s more like it.


    The Tremblingwoods Path'' had currently reached a length of sixty meters and would probably be sessfullypleted before the end of the year.


    Being well fed and diligently trained, Tremblingwoods'' physique was even st.u.r.dier than that of its mother despite it still not having grown into an adult Violent Dog. Its magic release was fast and urate, and itsmand execution was meticulous. It was already a very good fighting a.s.sistant and loyal guard.


    Tweet!


    Tweet!


    From atop the castle''s windowsill, ear-piercing calls following a familiar melody weed Liszt''s return. It was Blessedcurls singing'' at the top of its lungs. This Wind Peregrine Falcon recently had the color of its feathers turn deeper and its size be bigger, much bigger than it had been as a chick. It was eager to take flight. As a result, Liszt tied a rope to its ankle.


    He still hadn''te up with a good training method for Blessedcurls.


    In the end, he might have to kill it for its meat as well as to silence a nuisance.


    After tying up Tremblingwoods, Liszt went to the ck nightshade field. The wild ck nightshades transntedst night looked a bit off, they had yet to adapt to the new environment. The ck nightshade, which was very likely to conceive a sprite worm, was even worse off, looking a lot more feeble than yesterday. It was on the verge of wiltingpletely.


    He released Magic Eyes. After careful observation, he found a vague flicker of magic power at the location of a flower bud of the ck nightshade: I hope that you don''t die. Otherwise, everything would be in vain.


    All that could be done had been done, the rest would be up to luck.


    There were still a lot of wild ck nightshades in the town. After one day of transnting them one by one, nearly all of the town''s wild ck nightshades were transnted into the ck nightshade field, which reached one mu (mu=666,7 m2) in area.The serfs cared the best they could for the ck nightshades, watering, fertilizing, and weeding them, so that the ck nightshades could live on.


    Sir, you should go to the shrubs with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk to take a look. The thorns there have already grown to half a person''s height.


    ir gestured with his hands to ill.u.s.trate the madness of the fast-growing type of thorns.


    In just a few days, the thorns sprouts had turned into thorns trees.


    But he was also a bit confused: Just that Sir, I wonder if they can be of any use as they don''t bear any fruit and can''t provide wood. Perhaps we could nt these thorns on both sides of the road through the Thorns Ridge to supplement the palisades. Like this, beasts and even magic beasts would be forced to detour, not daring to trample them.


    That would certainly be of use Let''s let them grow first, though. Liszt also wondered if they would be of use.


    Next, he inspected the circ.u.mstances of the fragrant coconut sprite worm''s worm stalk and the cultivation of the me Mushrooms.


    The fragrant coconut sprite worm''s worm stalk was still gestating, not exhibiting much development. The cultivation of the me Mushrooms, on the other hand, gave him a surprise.


    Your wisdom and insight are simply amazing, Sir. After your pointer, the shiitake settlement''s serfs tried cultivating shiitake together with the me Mushrooms and seeded! Although I can''t figure out why, but the me Mushrooms do indeed require shiitake in order to be cultivated. Gort pointed to the me Mushrooms that had already started to grow into fruiting bodies from mycelia as he spoke excitedly.


    The amazement of his subordinate left him with a sense of aplishment.On the surface, though, he just adopted a faint smile: After finding the cause, the next step is to cultivate the me Mushrooms on arge scale, Teacher Gort. The shiitake settlement is to expand as much as possible. If there is anyck of the me Mushrooms'' cultivation ingredients, then the caravan is to at once purchase them from outside.


    He said solemnly: I need magic ingredients!


    As you wish. I''ll squeeze the serfs dry in order to cultivate enough me Mushrooms. These wonderful, red mushrooms, they will bring unimaginable riches to the Flower Town!


    Squeezing them dry is a must, but their treatment cannot becking. Inform all the shiitake serfs thatthe tax put on shiitake will be halved so long as they cultivate enough me Mushrooms!


    Oh heavens, these lowly serfs will go mad from happiness. You really are benevolence incarnate.


    I am a benevolent lord, of course. However Liszt changed his tone, You have to also inform them that anyone whozes about or carelessly damages the me Mushrooms, I will let them understand that apart from being generous and benevolent, an aristocrat also wields the authority to whip them bloodied.


    Gort nodded: Naturally, it is imperative for them to understand this point!


    People weren''t machines who worked monotonously and diligently, there were bound to be some parasites who wouldn''t raise a finger after barely sc.r.a.ping a living.


    Liszt didn''t like suchmoners, which was a trait worthy of an aristocrat.


    Crookedneck Bob was at a loss as he watched the retreating figure of the sir lord.


    A Nalda, heavens, the old fellow Nash was actually rewarded a Nalda! How did that old hoodlum manage to cultivate the me Mushrooms before me?! Cursed Crookedneck Bob indignantly.


    Of course, he didn''t have the courage to curse Liszt and only cursed Nash. The reason for his displeasure was very simple.Liszt rewarded Nash with a gold coin for cultivating the me Mushrooms, for being the first person to figure out the appropriate recipe.


    Everyone in the shiitake settlement was greatly jealous and envious of Nash. In particr Bob, who was determined to get this reward.


    After cursing for a moment, Bob clenched his fists, not resigned: ording to Sir Lord, for this me Mushroom harvesting season, the household that cultivates the most and the best me Mushrooms will also be rewarded! This time, I must get the reward, I will make everyone understand that the me Mushrooms I cultivate are the best!

 Chapter 107: Correction of the Knight Squads Att.i.tude

    Chapter 107: Correction of the Knight Squad''s Att.i.tude


    The next day.


    The sun was rising from the east.


    On the court, Liszt shouted: Multiple Phantom Arrows!


    While issuing hissing sounds, theter three arrows chased up to the former three arrows and instantly collided midair. Next, the trajectories of the arrows became disorderly, not entering formation.


    Only two arrows managed to hit the target one hundred meters away.


    Failure. He shook his head. It was only natural for him to fail again, his archery had yet to reach the level at which he could disy [Multiple Arrows]''s ultimate meaning  Multiple Phantom Arrows.


    Additionally, because it had been quite a few days since hest touched his bow and arrows, his level had even regressed a bit.


    A boat sailing against the stream must forge ahead lest it will be driven back, this was both true for cultivating qi as well as mastering techniques. Fortunately, he was already very skilled at the most basic part of [Multiple Arrows]  double arrows.


    For Earth Knights, effectively disying double arrows was good enough.


    He looked at Marcus training the knight squad not far away. Just yesterday, another youngster managed to cultivate qi, bing a retainer knight of his. Of the twenty people, half of them had already be Apprentice Knights with low-ranked qi. What remained was to wait until all of them cultivated qi.


    At that time, he could initiate his campaign against the Thorns Ridge.


    The Thorns Ridge must be taken down before winter! Without disturbing Marcus'' teaching, Liszt handed his equipment to a retainer knight and strode back to the castle atop a horse.


    After taking a shower, Liszt was ready to take his breakfast.


    The butler Carter standing aside reported: Master, the town''s baker Renal and Mrs. Abby seeded in making a new type of bread. Would you like to try it?


    So they finally seeded. Bring me some.


    The new bread didn''t look like what he had imagined, it didn''t look like meat floss bread and instead, looked like a round steamed bun. When its surface was split open, a thick cream could be seen flowing inside.


    What bread is this?


    It doesn''t have a name yet, waiting for you to name it, Master. ording to Mrs. Abby, flour, eggs, and cream were used to make it. It is divided into two parts, inner and outer. Although the outer part is troublesome to produce, but once the backed bread is split open, it looks very appealing. Narrated Carter the method for making the new bread in detail.


    Liszt picked up a piece and took a bite.


    The fragrance of the cream immediately blended with the fragrance of the bread, stimting his taste buds. It was much better than the simple white bread.


    This vor, this appearance Liszt stated directly: Mr. Carter, tell Mrs. Abby and Renal that it shall be called  pineapple bread!


    Pineapple bread, what an imaginative name.


    Hence forth, for breakfast I want pineapple bread to subst.i.tute for white bread. As for lunch and dinner, in can be as is. Contact Shylock, the Thorns Caravan is to cooperate with Renal to see whether there is an appet.i.te for pineapple bread in the Northvalley City. Arranged Liszt the sale n for pineapple bread in a sh.


    He continued after contemting for a moment: Additionally, tell Renal and Mrs. Abby, that as a reward for inventing the new bread, they each will receive ten silver coins. Also, if they want to, they can continue to invent new types of bread. The more vors there are, the better.


    Initially, he wanted to reward them with one gold coin each.


    With the recent sale of ck pearls, his coin pouch was bulging and thus, he felt magnanimous.


    However, whenpared with the discovery of sprite worms and the cultivation of magic ingredients, a reward of one gold coin was too exaggerated. After all, it was just bread, a means to please the tongue. It was not worth too great of a reward.


    Therefore, he changed the reward to ten silver coins.


    Once Carter departed, Liszt slowly savored the pineapple bread. He was very pleased with himself for having reigned in his urge to be magnanimous: He who takes charge knows responsibility. Even a lord doesn''t have extra food to spare.


    Unhurriedly, faint smoke rose before his eyes and twisted into Serpentines.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a treasure shipwreck.


    After a while, the symbols dispersed into smoke before issuing a new mission: Mission: Recently, Kosto has been quite distressed. Ever since he became the knight squad''s sailing teacher, he had been working hard, yet the knight squad''s youngsters don''t take sailing knowledge seriously. Please correct the youngsters'' att.i.tude. Reward: a variant type of thorns.


    The treasure shipwreck has arrived atst The knight squad is not willing to learn sailing knowledge? There might be some connection between the mission reward and the new mission. Perhaps only Kosto can discover the treasure shipwreck. He rang a bell to call the old butler, who had yet to go far.


    Master.


    Send for Captain Kosto, I have something to ask him.


    Yes, Master.


    Kosto arrived at the castle about half an hourter: Sorry for the hold-up, Sir Lord, I was diving.


    Diving?


    I was exercising my swimming ability and underwaterbat capability. Although I''m not a knight, but I''m also eager to do battle.


    How has the knight squad been doing?


    This Kosto hesitated.


    You can speak freely.


    Your retainer knights show great animosity towards learning sailing knowledge. They aren''t too excited about learning how to swim, let alone alone learning how to sail. They keep saying that knights rely on horses, not sailboats''. Moreover, Mr. Marcus ims a great deal of the knights'' time.


    Liszt instantly understood the situation.


    Although Marcus had already been subdued and had started to follow Liszt loyally as well as had realized that the sea could provide riches, yet deep down, he still revered the glory of knights, having his mind set on charging into battle on horseback. As for ships, he believed that they only served to send them to the continent to battle; there was no need to learn any sailing knowledge.


    Thus, he transmitted his ideals to the knight squad and even seized some of Kosto''s teaching time.


    Liszt sighed lightly. It was quite easy to change a person''s ident.i.ty, but not their ideals.


    Fortunately, as the lord, he couldpel the other.


    He immediately summoned Marcus and the knight squad and convened them outside the castle''s gate.


    Liszt started to admonish: Starting today, you are to learn sailing knowledge from Captain Kosto for half a day''s time each day. Within three days, you are to learn how to swim; otherwise, you''ll receive fiftyshes! A weekter, I will examine you regarding your sailing rted knowledge; wrong answers will be rewarded with tenshes!


    The youngsters wanted toin, but they didn''t dare.


    Liszt ignored them. He called Marcus to the study: Teacher Marcus, you should know the reason why I called you, right?


    Marcus said solemnly: Sir, I don''t think that knights need to be distracted by learning how to sail. It''s true that we need to use ships to cross the sea to go to the continent, but they can be operated byordinary sailors. Let us knights concentrate onbat. That is also the modus operandi of the Coral Ind''s knight order.


    He made some sense.


    Knights belonged tond forces, yet Liszt wanted them to act as sea forces. The other was naturally unwilling.


    However, Liszt had his own reasons: Of the twenty people in the knight squad, how many people can be Earth Knights? When do you think they can be Earth Knights?


    I think that before the age of twenty, there should be two people able of bing Earth Knights  Philip and Xavier are rather talented. Answered Marcus.


    Two After putting great efforts into raising them, only two Earth Knights can be harvested. Can they form a knight squad and go to the battlefield on the continent?


    I am willing to fight to the death for Sir!


    I appreciate it, but that would be a foolish act. The Flower Town is still developing. I already purchased arge number of serfs. In the future, I will periodically select outstanding youngsters to be trained. Currently, what I need are instructors adept at a variety of basic skills and not good-for-nothings proficient inbat.


    What do you mean?


    Teacher Marcus, among these youngsters, some will be the knight squad''s backbone, while others, will be a.s.signed to steer ships. In the future, they will transport my knights to the continent to vie over minerals Each doing their part while working together, this is what I mean, do you understand?


    Although Liszt''s adopted a cid expression, but his gaze was severe.


    Marcus took a deep breath, knelt on one knee, lowered his head, and replied bluntly: I have misunderstood Sir and have been pa.s.sively resisting Sir''s arrangements for the knight squad! Sir, please punish me!

 Chapter 108: Highly Poisonous Purple p.r.i.c.kles

    Chapter 108: Highly Poisonous Purple p.r.i.c.kles


    As punishment, Liszt simply fined Marcus a month''s sry.


    His main purpose for helping Kosto was toplete the smoke mission. Therefore, he ordered the knight squad to learn how to swim within three days. Swimming would surely be taught at sea, which could possibly lead to the discovery of the treasure shipwreck  he wanted to know what the treasure shipwreck was as soon as possible.


    Was it full of gold coins, or full of bright gemstones?


    Or, did it conceal a dragon egg?


    However, are dragons even born from eggs? In knight novels, the opinions regarding the origin of dragons differed. There was no urate answer to this question.


    He had asked the count this question, yet the count was also oblivious regarding the origin of dragons.


    It was a mystery.


    The knight squad quickly started their swimming lessons. Liszt didn''t go over to do an inspection, that could wait until the treasure shipwreck was found.


    Instead, he headed to the underbrush with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk. He wanted to do an inspection, to see whether he could get the reward for the new mission, the variant type of thorns, earlier. Although the previous fast-growing type of thorns was not a magic ingredient, but this time''s variant type of thorns was quite likely to be a magic ingredient!


    Arge tract of half a person''s tall thorns.


    Yet after releasing Magic Eyes, he hadn''t discover any traces of magic power, leaving him disappointed.


    There are no magic ingredients Maybe the mission has to bepleted before the variation can seed and the magic ingredient can appear. He summoned the smoke mission, discovering that the mission had yet to bepleted.


    In other words, the att.i.tude of the youngsters still has to be corrected.


    Their ideological education is stillcking. It seems that I have to make a trip to the beach to see who is still shing with the sailing teachings. He turned to the gentleman''s valet Thomas. Go back to the castle and fetch my horsewhip, thene meet me at the beach.


    Yes, Master.


    Empty words were not very effective as ideological education.


    In order for the lesson to be ingrained in their minds, it first had to be engraved on their bodies. A whip would do just fine.


    Wapeesh!


    Wapeesh!


    With a gloomy expression, Liszt ruthlessly whipped two young knights who were afraid of water. Unexpectedly, these residents of a coastal town were afraid of going into the water.


    Between the whip and water, the two young knights had atst chosen water.


    As they began swim using dog paddle under the instruction of Kosto, Liszt summoned the smoke mission. There was finally a change.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a poisonous variant of fast-growing type of thorns.


    Mission: the newly rooted ck nightshade doesn''t seem to adapt to the Flower Town''s soil. Although there is enough nourishment, yet it cannot absorb it very quickly. Its magic power, which is as mild as water, is being drained bit by bit. It is about to die. Please help it gather magic power. Reward: a sprite worm.


    Now that the ck nightshade was included in the mission, it was proof that the sprite worm was conceived. The problem, however, was rather serious: Hasn''t adapted to the soil, cannot absorb enough nutrients, and the magic power is being drained. In other words, the sprite worm is about to be miscarried How should I help it condense magic power? It''s not Tremblingwoods, which managed to release its magic after being stimted.


    He was baffled by this problem.


    At this moment, Kosto, who was giving the knight squad swimming lessons, suddenly swam out of the sea and shouted: Sir Lord, Sir Lord, I found a shipwreck!


    He trotted up to Liszt: A shipwreck! Not far away in the sea, there is a shipwreck half buried in the sand!


    A shipwreck? Liszt roused himself and quickly reacted, Captain Kosto, salvage it.


    For that, I need manpower to cooperate.


    I will let Teacher Gort a.s.sist you. How long will it take you to salvage the shipwreck?


    Please rest a.s.sured. The shipwreck is not located deep underwater, and when the tide is low, it will be only about five meters below the sea level. At that time, I will dive and tie a rope to the shipwreck, so that people can pule it ash.o.r.e.


    When is the tide going to be low today?


    After three o''clock in the afternoon.


    Get ready.


    With the countdown for the treasure shipwreck started, a weight was lifted off his mind.


    As the shipwreck was temporarily unsalvageable, Liszt returned to the underbrush with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk. He wanted to look for the the smoke mission''s reward  the poisonous variant of fast-growing type of thorns.


    Poisonous variant, hmm


    I will just call it fast-growing poisonous thorns.


    It was still not a magic ingredient, which was a bit disappointing.


    Still, Liszt thought that the reward might go far beyond that: This seems to be a chain mission  a chain mission pertaining to the evolution of the thorns sprite worm. First was the fast-growing thorns reward and now is the fast-growing poisonous thorns reward, this thorns underbrush is bing more and more interesting.


    After returning to the underbrush, he didn''t release Magic Eyes again.


    Early in the morning, he used Magic Eyes to look for magic ingredients, yet now, he was searching for poisonous thorns. The vast tract of bushes, all thorns, was a bit overwhelming. He didn''t know how fast-growing poisonous thorns looked like nor where to start to look for them.


    Thus, he deployed his retainer knights: Look for any strange thorns. Remember not to randomly touch them, they might be poisonous.


    After receiving their orders, the six retainer knights started their search in the bushes.


    Liszt and his gentleman''s valet Thomas also partic.i.p.ated in the search.


    The search went on for a few hours.


    The underbrush wasbed three times and even their meal was brought over by servants. Of course, Liszt himself didn''t search for that long, and in fact, he had hidden himself in the shade of a nearby wild fruit tree early on. He watched the others work as he enjoyed the ice cream brought over by servants.


    Atst, in the afternoon, when the cruel sun reached its zenith, a serf, which was part of the group looking for strange thorns, found an unusual thorns.


    This thorns had blended with the bushes. Unlike the cyan stems of regr thorns, it had a purple-striped stem. The purple stripes added a bit of mystery to it. Additionally, the p.r.i.c.kles growing atop the purple stripes were equally purple.


    Is this the fast-growing poisonous thorns?


    Liszt decided to give it a try.


    He let someone bring a rabbit raised in the castle, then used a p.r.i.c.kle atop a purple stripe to scratch the rabbit. The p.r.i.c.kle instantly broke off, pouring purple juice into the rabbits wound.


    After a while.


    The rabbit twitched, fell to the ground and died.


    Tsk, Sir, this thorns is highly poisonous, the rabbit didn''t evenst a quarter of an hour. If it was a person who was scratched by this thorns instead,I''m afraid that they would also have died.ir, who was responsible for recording the conditions and growth of the underbrush with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk, clicked his tongue and eximed in amazement.


    Liszt was satisfied with the experiment: Reward the serf with ten silver coins.


    The serf was very grateful, expressing his thanks upon departure.


    Other serfs also expressed their thanks upon departure. Although they didn''t receive the ten silver coin reward, they were still remunerated with a copper coin. Earning one copper coin for less than two hours of easy work was a score in their books.


    Looking at this fast-growing poisonous thorns, Liszt already came up with a way to use it: ir, I have a new task for you.


    Awaiting your instructions.


    Concentrate on cultivating these fast-growing poisonous thorns. In the future, I want to use these fast-growing poisonous thorns as adeterrentand nt them on both sides of the road through the Thorns Ridge as well as around my castle.


    ir epted the order: As you wish.

 Chapter 109: Five Large Chests

    Chapter 109: Five Large Chests


    East Coast.


    When the tide started to retreat,rge quant.i.ties of cowrie, starfish, crab, and other seafood were left behind on the sandy beach soaked in seawater. Fishermen had already started to salvage seafood.


    From atop ckdragon, Liszt watched a big crowd of barefooted men busying themselves on the beach. They were busy tying together all the ropes they could find, which nearly included all of the town''s ropes.


    Kosto dove underwater and tied one end of the rope into a noose around the shipwreck''s keel.


    Then, he swam to the surface and waved to everyone: Pull! You can pull now!


    Dozens of serfs, alike the people depicted in the Barge Haulers on the Volga, took heavy steps and instantly stretched the rope taut. Under Gort''s prompts, they shouted and exerted their strength: One, two, three!


    One, two!


    Three!


    The shouts followed a rhythm.


    The rope tightly tied to their shoulders ckened and stretched taut ording to the people''s rhythm. With each step they took, their feet sank deeply into the sand. The were old men and youngsters among the crowd of people performing this task. With ragged clothes, suntanned faces, hair sticking to foreheads, and sweat dripping down, they did really resemble the people depicted in the Barge Haulers on the Volga.


    But they were not.


    Liszt had seen Ilya Repin''s famous painting Barge Haulers on the Volga'' in a textbook. The barge haulers depicted in the painting, who dragged barges on the riverbank all year long, had expressions numbed from a life of misery. The Flower Town''s temporary barge haulers, on the other hand, had smiling expressions, even with the scorching sun over their heads.


    This barge hauler task would yield them one copper coin each.


    The sir lord, who came from the great Tulip Fortress, was generous and benevolent! He brought them enough food, jiggling copper coins, and even silver and gold coins!


    Their lives had never been this hopeful.


    One, two, three!


    Put your backs into it! Gort roared, Youzy fellows, haven''t you eaten yet?!


    In the sea, Kosto kept diving, swimming to the surface, and shouting loudly: Use more strength! The hull has been pulled out! Use more strengths and pull out the bow!


    After several encouraging shouts, Kosto shouted again: Sess, the shipwreck has been sessfully pulled out of the sand!


    After the shipwreck was pulled out of the sand, the barge haulers became more and more rxed, easily pulling the worn-out shipwreck ash.o.r.e. It was difficult to make up the ship''s original appearance. The shipwreck was covered in green algae, it only had a single mast remaining, which was broken to boot,and the hull was covered with holes, from which crabs crawled out now and then.


    Sir, the shipwreck has been salvaged! Said Gort excitedly.


    Kosto also came over: It''s an old-fashioned brig sailboat. From its shape, I surmise that it''s a ship from one hundred years ago. Sir Lord, this should be a ship of the Sapphire Grand Duchy. Only the grand duchy was capable of building brig sailboats one hundred years ago.


    While on horseback, Liszt circled the shipwreck: A shipwreck from one hundred years ago you say? Then, is it a merchant ship? Or is it a warship?


    It should be a merchant ship. It has a sealed cabin, which is used for transportation of goods.


    What are you waiting for, Teacher Gort? Have people tear open this cargo ship from one hundred year ago. I want to see what''s inside.


    As you wish!


    It was very difficult to build a ship, yet it didn''t took much time to tear it open. Before long, the cabin was forcibly opened. Some patrolmen went inside, pulling out some soaked, ruined cloth and some cereal remains. This was probably a cloth and foodstuff merchant ship that sank somehow.


    If it is a treasure shipwreck, then it can''t be carrying just that. Doubted Liszt.


    Just as expected.


    A patrolman suddenly shouted: There are chests, there are a few chests inside! They are in excellent conditions and are locked!


    Get the chests out!


    Give me a hammer, the chests are stuck to the keel.


    After a great deal of trouble, a total of fiverge chests were dragged out of the shipwreck''s cabin and ced on the beach. Kosto circled the chests and sized them up before arriving at a conclusion: Sir Lord, this should be redwood. Besides being st.u.r.dy and durable, it clearly was also waterproofed. These chests must be hiding something valuable.


    Liszt smiled: In this case, carry them to the castle That''s right, double the pay of everyone involved in this operation. Also, since it was Captain Kosto who discovered the shipwreck, reward him with a gold coin.


    Although he had yet to pry the chests open, yet he already started to mete out rewards in order to encourage his subjects to discover, explore, and contribute more good stuff to him. At the same time, the gold coin served to encourage Kosto to recruit apprentice sailors, to see whether he really coulde up with a group of up to par sailors.


    Fiverge chests, each one as big as a desk, were neatly ced in the castle''s hall.


    The locks, which were probably bra.s.s casts, had already rusted.


    Carter guarded the chests, keeping the servants at bay.


    Therefore, the maids and servingmen could only crowd at the entrance to the hall to look at the chests in curiosity.


    Debbie, say, what do you think is inside? Could there be Mermaids?


    Maybe there are Sirens. There are Sirens at the sea.


    These chests are quite old already. If there had been any Mermaids or Sirens inside, they would have turned into bones long ago.


    Not necessarily. I heard that Mermaids can live for hundreds of years!


    My guess is that there should be gold coins, no, dragon coins inside! A chest full of dragon coins could be used to buy the entire Flower Town.


    Jim, you should use your brain a bit more. The entire Flower Town, including you and me, could be sold for a few dragon coins at best! A chest of dragon coins could be used to buy the entire Coral Ind!


    Carter turned towards the murmuring servants and chided: Have you forgotten about the aristocratic etiquette? Go back to work and mind your own business, understood?


    Mrs. Mawson also came downstairs. She swept the few maids with a nce, and then fixed her gaze on Maisie: Master''s study has not been properly cleaned, especially in the corners. You were negligent, Maisie. Go clean it again.


    Yes, Mrs. Mawson. Maisie nodded in agreement and quickly went to get the cleaning utensils.


    After being chided by the butler and the housekeeper, the servants didn''t dare to linger. They returned to their duties. Only Carter and Mawson were left in the hall.


    Master still hasn''t returned?


    Master went to the ck nightshade field. The ck nightshade is not faring well, so Master is trying to solve the issue.


    I went to see the ck nightshade. It is in quite the predicament. Mr. Carter, do you think that it will survive?


    I believe it will. Carter smiled lightly. Because Master will save it. The Flower Town is beloved by the glory of knights, which is even more true for Master.


    Liszt didn''t know that his butler had so much faith in him.


    At this time, he was looking at the dying ck nightshade. With his brows knitted, he wondered how he could help it gather magic power: ording to the mission, its magic power, which is as mild as water'' is being drained. Does that mean that the ck nightshade has to be supplemented with water-attributed magic power? In the fief, only myself and Marcus have attributed qi, yet they are respectively of the fire and wind attributes.


    Suddenly, he had a sh of inspiration  he thought of the ck pearls. There were fourteen water-attributed ck pearls inside his s.p.a.ce ring: Perhaps I could grind a ck pearl into powder and apply the powder to the ck nightshade''s roots, letting it absorb the water-attributed magic power by itself I don''t know whether it''s the right idea, but it''s the only one that seems to be feasible at the moment.


    Going for broke, he immediately took out a fist-sized ck pearl, ground it into powder, and then applied it to the ck nightshade''s roots.


    Whether you live or die, ck nightshade, now it''s up to your luck. He mounted his horse and anxiously galloped to the castle. There were still five chests concealing treasures waiting to be opened.

 Chapter 110: Alchemy Vanishes in a Puff of Smoke

    Chapter 110: Alchemy Vanishes in a Puff of Smoke


    There were lighter and heavier chests.


    Although the locks were quite st.u.r.dy, but they couldn''t keep Liszt away. By applying qi to his sword, he effortlessly cut open a chest''s copper lock. Now the chest could be opened.


    No one else was in the hall. Everyone was sent away by the butler Carter and Carter himself also went out. As the chests might contain precious goods,Carter, as the butler, should not concern himself with them.


    Liszt was very satisfied with Carter''s actions.


    Although he was convinced that Carter was loyal to him, but the same was not true for the other servants. If they were to see something they shouldn''t have and then were to tell someone about what they saw, that would be troublesome.


    The principle he that shows his purse longs to be rid of it'' should not be underestimated.


    Unlike the other chests, this chest is very light. What does it hold? Or is it perhaps empty? Liszt extended his hand and slowly opened the lid.


    Suddenly, there was dazzling, nearly blinding radiance. The chest was filled with highly reflective white metal ore, which reflected the light raysing through the window in every direction.


    Liszt rubbed his eyes. After adapting to the messy rays of light, he carefully scrutinized the white metal ore inside the chest. He took a piece of ore and weighed it in his hand. Although it hardly weighed anything, but it definitely felt like a metal to the touch. It was cool and very hard.


    This is


    He had never seen such a light metal. ording to what he knew, metals were generally quite heavy.


    Of course, he also had knowledge of a very light type of metal, lithium, which was half as heavy as water. But even lithium was heavier than the metal ore in his hand. He felt like he was holding foam instead of a piece of metal.


    When squeezed hard, the metal ore showed no reaction.


    When hacked with a sword, it could not be cut. Only a light impression was left behind.


    It''s definitely not foam, nor is it stic. As he looked at the metal ore in his hand, he recalled what he had read in knight novels. His eyebrows jumped up lightly and a smile crept on his face, I probably already guessed it. What metal is as light as a feather and as hard as iron It''s a magic metal  mithril!


    In this world, metals like gold, silver, copper, iron, and aluminum were also present.


    But there were also a few special types of metals, which had an affinity with magic power. These metals were very good magic conductive materials and were essential for forging magic equipment.


    Currently, there were three types of known magic metals  mithril, adamantine, and orichalc.u.m.


    Mithril was as light as a feather, adamantine was invincible, and orichalc.u.m was indestructible.


    These three types of magical metal originated from dragons. Reportedly, the Unsetting Radiance Empire had a mithril dragon. In knight novels, silver knights'' often followed the protagonist into battle. These knight, as a rule, were adorned in very bright mithril armors and were very swift.


    Mithril is very valuable, it is even more precious than gold. This chest of mithril ore is at least worth one dragon coin! Liszt licked his lips.


    It was worthy of being called a treasure!


    He quickly put all the mithril ore inside the s.p.a.ce gem, only leaving an empty chest behind. Just the chest worth of mithril ore was already a great harvest. However, he didn''t n on selling it. It would be kept until the day came that he needed it to forge equipment.


    He touched the Redblood Sword at his waist, thinking that it should contain a small amount of mithril as its magic conductivity was far beyond that of ordinary fine steel weapons.


    Even without the dragon gem embedded in it, a weapon using a mixture of mithril was at least a magic weapon.


    Next, lets take a look at the contents of the second chest I wonder if there is any adamantine or orichalc.u.m. Liszt raised his sword, cut open the rusty copper lock, and opened the lid.


    Suddenly, a stench a.s.saulted his nose, nearly causing him to vomit.


    Inside, he found an impressive pile of neatly stacked books. After being kept sealed for an unknown amount of time, the stench released by the thick bast paper could be called as a human repellent.


    While holding his breath, Liszt looked at the topmost book. The handwritten t.i.tle using Serpentines read  [Rudolph''s Alchemy Diary].


    Alchemy diary? A glint flickered in his eyes.


    Alchemist was considered as a legendary upation and was probably equivalent to chemist or Chinese alchemist. ording to legend, Alchemists could refinemon stones into gold by means of miraculous alchemic methods. Those grasping the mysteries of Alchemy could possess riches rivaling those of states.


    Alchemists were quite often depicted in knight novels.


    But in reality, there were many people holding the t.i.tle of Alchemist who never disyed genuine Alchemy and just cheated their way to food and drinks.


    Liszt, who studied physics, didn''t believe in Alchemy.


    Of course, in this world with magic power, heavens know whether alchemy existed. Now, for example, he was looking at a diary with an impressive t.i.tle which contained the word Alchemy''.


    Is this really a recording of Alchemy, will it enable me to grasp the rhythm of Alchemy? Am I going to reach the pinnacle of life so soon? Liszt felt his heartbeat elerate.


    The Alchemist was not inferior to first-rate existences like Dragon Knight, Dragon Domain Lord, Archwizard, Dragon yer. Such people were beyond wealthy and could do as they pleased.


    However, just as he touched the [Rudolph''s Alchemy Diary], the book disintegrated into fine powder. Liszt''s fingers went straight through the fine powder.


    I


    Son of a wh.o.r.e. Thought Liszt, lost for words.


    In the blink of an eye, the books inside the chest turned into fine powder. Liszt still tried to gently rummage inside, but anything he touched gave way. It was no longer possible to make up any text, nor was there any semnce of books left.


    Wind blew through the window, stirred the powder, and lifted it into the air along with the stench.


    Liszt came back to his sense after a long time. He sped his chest, nearly going to spit out blood: My Alchemy! The thick bast paper books had decayed after being stored for a long time.


    The diary that recorded Alchemy vanished in a puff of smoke.


    He felt as if there was a de being twisted in his heart.


    Although he thought that Alchemy was not too likely to be real, but he still suffered a heavy blow when the slight possibility of it being real slipped past his fingers.


    Thus, what should have been a chest filled with the treasure of knowledge turned into a pile of waste.


    After heaving a sigh, Liszt restrained his emotions: Forget it. If it isn''t meant to be, then so be it. Who knows if Alchemy was really recorded in the diary. This is a windfall, so loosing some isn''t enough to shake me. The chest worth of mithril ore is already enough.


    Afterforting himself, he then carefully raised his sword and opened the third chest.


    This one was also filled with books.


    What faced him were the covers of five books.


    Liszt learned his lesson. Instead of touching them, he carefully memorized the cover of each book..


    [Steel Ridge Kingdom''s Magic Bests Guide], [Close Contact with a Multi-Horned Rhinoceros], [Goldshire Tower''s Anecdotes], [Red Monkey Forest''s Colorful Mushrooms], [Fawkes Manor''s Stormy Night].


    The Serpentines atop the covers were not written by hand, but were printed instead. These books were clearly published to be sold on the market.


    Goldshire Tower? Red Monkey Forest? Fawkes Manor?


    Although he had never heard of these three ces, but he could conclude that they were located in the Steel Ridge Kingdom. Only Steel Ridge Kingdom and its anciry states used Serpentines. Including Rudolph, who wrote the Alchemy diary, they should have been people from the Steel Ridge Kingdom.


    He carefully reached out to touch the book, hoping to turn the page.


    But it still failed. As soon as the book was touched, it immediately turned into fine powder.


    What a pity, the two chests worth of knowledge vanished. Liszt shook his head and then focused on thest two chests. Do these two chests also hold books?

 Chapter 111: Gems, Crystal, and Magic Jade

    Chapter 111: Gems, Crystal, and Magic Jade


    Thest two chests didn''t hold books.


    What surprised Liszt was that one chest held jade and the other held crystal: Jade and crystal, these two chests are definitely not as valuable as the chest with mithril!


    Once he picked up a piece of milky white jade, the regret he felt for the books dissipated somewhat.


    Although jade and crystal could be roughly .s.sified as kinds of gems, but they had entirely different origins. Jade originated from the earth, it was a mineral naturally urring in the earth alike saltpeter and sulfur. Crystal, on the other hand, originated from dragons, it was a mineral produced alongside gems.


    Although dragons could produce gems and the gems were very rich in magic power, but gem mines were rare. Crystal mines produced in the vicinity of gem mines, on the other hand, were much moremon. There was citrine in the vicinity of topaz and ruba.s.se in the vicinity of rubies among others.


    Crystals also contained magic power, yet their magic power was much weaker than that of gems.


    Aristocrats were fond of using crystal to sculpt wine .s.ses. In his castle, Liszt had such a set of crystal goblets to entertain distinguished guests. Crystal was alsomonly used to manufacture magicmps, which could give off light day and night until their magic power was depleted. Named castles usually had such crystalmps.


    Crystal was also a great beloved by thearistocratic gentlewomen as an essory. A crystal ne could add a great deal of elegance to a gentlewoman.


    Jade originated from the earth was also known as magic jade and possessed magic power. However, the magic power jade contained was greatly integrated with jade itself, which made it very difficult to be used. It could not be forged into a magic item.


    However, jade was the best food for sprites.


    When transnting their worm stalks, sprites had to rely on jade to maintain their lives; when forming a contracted with sprite worms, jade had to be used as bait; and, using containers forged from jade for sprites to dwell in increased their probability at evolution.


    Therefore, jade was not any less valuable than crystal.


    Liszt opened the gem''s s.p.a.ce and put the chest worth of jade and crystal away. Next, he rang the bell to call his battler: Mr. Carter, I''ve already put away the treasure inside the chests. For the most part, it was seriously damaged, only leaving a bit of residue behind. Call someone to throw these away.


    He had carefully rummaged through the two chests with book, yet the books were all rotten, not leaving anything that could be identified as text behind.


    One of the drawbacks of thick bast paper was that it could not be preserved for too long. Liszt thought that there should be a connection between thick bast paper and theck of recorded history in this world. During its production, thick bast paper would undergo acidification'' so that it could be smoothly written on.However, things treated with acid were p.r.o.ne to chemical reactions, which was the reason why thick bast paper could not be preserved for too long.He understood this much.


    Despite some regrets, this treasure shipwreck was a windfall overall! Excellent! Mused Liszt.He was gradually feeling more and more pleased.Therefore, for the banquet, he let the kitchen hold a barbecue.


    Gort, Marcus, and others came to partic.i.p.ate. They knew that Liszt''s harvest was bountiful. Hover, they didn''t ask about the details of the treasure.


    For thest three days, Liszt had been paying attention to the ck nightshade.


    The wild ck nightshades had adapted to the new soil and environment, and had began to revitalize  the green leaves were roused, the blossoms continued to bloom, and the fruit continued to be born. Only the ck nightshade gestating the sprite worm was still at deaths doors, with its magic power flickering on and off. It gave off the impression that it would die and any time.


    Nevertheless, it didn''t die. It continued to persevere.


    There was also no changes in the smoke mission, which meant that the mission was yet to bepleted.


    The magic power of the ck pearl should be sufficient. I can see signs of magic power below the soil I can''t do much more than this. Now, whether you keep on living or not depends on your desire to survive, ck nightshade.


    He could only wait, wait for the ck nightshade to die and the mission to fail, or to live on and the mission to bepleted.


    Liszt stood up and looked towards the castle. A yellow-gray horse was galloping towards the castle.


    Marcus is back. He mounted ckdragon and rode back to the castle, meeting Marcus at the gate, Teacher Marcus, how was your trip?


    Everything went smooth, Sir. Tomorrow, along with the Flower Caravan''s transport team, the crystal craftsman Brad wille to the Flower Town to serve you for a month.


    Thanks for your trouble, Teacher Marcus. Nodded Liszt. After he got therge amount of crystal, he came up with the idea of making a telescope. Although .s.s was the most suitable material for making telescopes, but .s.s production was fairlyplicated and Liszt was temporarily incapable of producing it. Thus, he could only use crystal to make the telescope.


    It would be quite simple to make a telescope from transparent rock crystal with polished smooth surface.


    The Coral City had craftsmen who specialized in making crystal ornaments. Perhaps these craftsmen could not make crystal into crystalmps, but polishing crystal into convex and concave lenses would certainly not pose them a problem.


    Were the telescope''s two lenses concave or a convex? Liszt no longer recalled some knowledge regarding physics. However, he still remembered that a telescope was formed from two lenses and that the range of the telescope would vary along with the distance between the two lenses. Hiring a crystal craftsman for a month should be enough to produce a good telescope.


    The crystal craftsman Brad arrived as scheduled the next day.


    He was a bald, middle-aged man with with quite the impressive mustache. He said in a m.u.f.fled voice: Respected Baron of the Flower Town, I, Brad, give you my regards.


    Brad, do you know why I hired you?


    ording to Mr. Marcus, you want me to create a few crystal articles for you.


    I want you to create several lenses for me. Liszt handed him several pieces of rock crystal, which was produced alongside white sapphire. Liszt didn''t know what kind of gem white sapphire was. Although there was a lot of information pertaining to dragons in cirction, but most of it was vague. States kept a wail of mystery around their dragons.


    Is this rock crystal? I can sense magic power from it. Brad was a frence craftsman as well as an Apprentice Knight who possessed qi. In order to craft gems and crystal, one had to possess qi.


    Liszt revealed a sheet of thick bast paper: I need you to create several of such lenses from rock crystal. They must have polished surfaces, identical thickness, and round shapes. The lenses are to be of two specific sizes with varied thickness.


    The structures of concave and convex lenses were drawn on the sheet of thick bast paper.


    As he was unclear regarding the focal length of concave and convex lenses as well as how tobine them into a telescope, Liszt decided to have the crystal craftsman make several lenses and thenter test thebinations one by one.


    As you wish, Sir Baron.


    In that case, you will stay in the Flower Town. The sooner you finish with polishing the lenses, the sooner you can leave. The sry will still be one gold coin, as promised.


    Crystal craftsmen were fairly high-end craftsmen. Usually, their ie was quite good, with twenty to thirty silver coins a month being the norm. In order to hire one such craftsman and have the other partye to him, Liszt had to provide a higher remuneration.


    From here one, Brad began to carefully polish the concave and convex lenses.

 Chapter 112: Tribute to a Maid

    Chapter 112: Tribute to a Maid


    The telescope was still being polished, the ck nightshade was still half dead, the fragrant coconut sprite worm was still gestating.


    New seedlings of the fast-growing poisonous thorns were sprouting each day amidst the shrubs with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk.


    The various settlements still had houses being built sporadically, the towns four areas also had buildings built, the road construction had yet to be finished, and the castle''s Tremblingwoods Path was also being expanded every day.


    Shooting arrows, practicing with thence, performing charges with man and horse as one, Liszt''s everyday life was very fulfilling. Mrs. Abby''s cooking had been rapidly evolving. Not only could she make pineapple bread, but she still learned several new dishes. The Thorns Caravan made daily trips to and fro the Northvalley City, purchasing supplies needed for the castle. With gold coins, anything they wanted could be purchased.


    And soaks everything noiselessly (an excerpt of the poem  written by . The poem is about rain) I''ve been in this world for almost half a year. And although I haven''t done anything major, but under my guidance, the Flower Town still had taken a step on the path of rapid development. Despite still being barren, the fief at least has a new look to it now.


    Previously, he only had Gort and Marcus to a.s.sist him. Today, Gort and Marcus temporarily held the positions of administrative officer and knight captain respectively, Isaiah held the position of treasurer, ir held the position ofw officer, Karl Eisenhammer held the position of defense officer; Old Grandet and Harpagon held the positions of the Flower Caravan''s captain and vice-captain respectively, and Shylock held the position of the Thorns Caravan''s captain; Kosto held the position of the Flower''s captain.


    The initial dream team had been established.


    The numbers of sprite worms grew from four, whichprised of the tulip sprite worm, maize sprite worm, alfalfa sprite worm, and thorns sprite worm; to seven, with the new additions being the tomato sprite worm, wheat sprite worm, and peanut sprite worm; there were still two sprite worms to be born, which were the fragrant coconut sprite worm and ck nightshade sprite worm.


    The number of horses in the fief, including the horses of the new officials and their families, increased by the seven that were to be born by the pregnant mares, two purchased foals, and eight adult horses from the initial fifteen. There were still the twelve carriages a.s.signed to the caravans. The horse field''s pasture was already not enough. Therefore, fodder had to be purchased from outside.


    Besides, there were magic ingredients, smoke gra.s.s, fruit stealing monkeys, seafood


    Only the development in poption had been slow. From the initial number of 1991 people,there was merely an increase of 83 people to the current number of 2074 people. However, at the end of September, five hundred serfs would supplement thebor force.


    In fact, the greatest gains are on me. Liszt leaned against the back of a chair and leisurely sipped on a cup of milk tea without any additives.


    Behind him was an apple tree, which stood outside the castle. Although the output of the apple tree was little, its apples were small and tasted sour, but at least the tree threw a nice shade.


    He was in a very good mood.


    Perhaps Mrs. Mawson''s craftsmanship had improved, or there was an improvement in the quality of milk produced by the pregnant cows, either way, the milk tea was getting better and better. After drinking up the milk tea, he could feel his body be particrlyfortable and his spirit be roused from the milk tea''s nutrients,sweeping away theziness of the hot summer day.


    Tremblingwoods is an excellent protector, and its Rockthorns have a very strong offensive power. Blessedcurls could probably be kept for its meat. The s.p.a.ce gem is a priceless treasure. The value of mithril ore, jade, crystal, and ck pearls should be calcted in the order of dragon coins. The Redblood Sword is a gem weapon. And there is still the message in a bottle of the Children of the Sun.


    His personal wealth, if evaluated, would probably be second to none other''s in the Coral Ind.


    I still learned the qi secret skill Magic Eyes. Although I don''t know why the Vulture Knight Staffener hid Magic Eyes in a book, but I should thank him. This auxiliary qi secret skill is by far superior to any qi secret skill with tremendouf power.


    Tremblingwoods gamboled.


    Woof woof!


    Thomas followed behind it while holding its rope. He was sweaty from all the running. With Tremblingwoods'' strength, Thomas, as an ordinary person, had no chance to make it stop.


    Liszt shifted his gaze away from Tremblingwoods and looked at the small garden next to the castle.


    In the small garden basking in the sun, a maid was sorting out dried meat. The ck and white maid uniform was very eye-catching.


    Is that Little Lily? Liszt was a bit far away and thus could''t make up the maid''s facial features. But looking at her figure, he made an educated guess.


    Little Lily, the kitchen maid, was the tallest maid in the castle. She was about one meter seventy tall.


    When he first saw Little Lily, the seventeen-year-old girl looked as thin as a bamboo pole. Whether or not it was because she ate well, lived well, and felt rxed in the castle, but nowadays, some curves could already be seen on her body.


    The girl is all grown up. The scene of a maid busying herself is really pleasing to the eye.


    After feeling rueful for a moment, Liszt retracted his gaze and started to operate the his qi. Just now, his body felt a bit agitated, which seemed to be a tribute to the maid.


    His body was still rapidly developing.


    He had already made a leap in terms of his height, which should be around one meter eighty three. The Earth Knight Marcus was one meter eighty six tall. Standing beside Liszt, there was already not much difference between the two.


    The count was about one meter eighty one tall and his deceased mother, Melissa, was said also to be tall.


    Thus, Liszt concluded that he would still grow taller, that surpa.s.sing Marcus should not be an issue, and that he might even reach one meter ny.


    It was quite difficult to appease the agitation.


    Liszt stood up, drew the Redblood sword hanging from his waist, and began to practice [Fire Dragon Drill].


    Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, it was September.


    The count had returned from the Blue Dragon Ind. Upon his return, the count summoned all of his followers to convene in the Tulip Castle. As Liszt was conferred the t.i.tle of baron of the Flower Town, he naturally also had to go.


    The Coral Ind''s system was not big. Itprised of two viscounts, sixteen barons, eighty two chevaliers. Additionally, there were still one life peer viscount (Levis) and several life peer barons.


    Life peerage, or lifetime t.i.tles, enjoyed the same treatment as hereditary t.i.tles, yet they came withoutnd and the t.i.tles themselves could not be inherited.


    Not every state adopted this practice.


    In the Sapphire Grand Duchy, life peerage was generally awarded to the heirs of some major families who came of age  heirs could only seed t.i.tles after their fathers died. Some heirs would grow over forty years old without seeding t.i.tles, which was a bit embarra.s.sing.Thus, life peerage came into being.


    Of course, some wizards, craftsmen with contributions, and even wealthy merchants might also be conferred life peerage.


    The grand duke issued an expedition decree. In autumn, we are to attack the Eagle Kingdom''s coastline in rapport with the Steel Ridge Kingdom. After seeing Liszt, Levis told the other the concrete news, Father decided to ept the expedition decree and partic.i.p.ate in this war.


    Will you also go? Asked Liszt.


    Of course. I have to go, this is my trial. I need to prove that I can seed Father''s will and that I am beloved by the glory of knights. Levis was not nervous, but was excited instead. The grand duke arranged for Father to cooperate with Marquis Rodrigo. I will act as a liaison officer to coordinate the actions of the two families'' knight orders.


    Marquis Rodrigo? Liszt recalled Madam Penlope mentioning that Levis was pursuing the other''s daughter, What is the name of Marquis Rodrigo''s daughter?


    Levis eyes lit up: Roliya, Roliya Goldcerealears!

 Chapter 113: The Use of Black Pearls

    Chapter 113: The Use of ck Pearls


    The family names of greater aristocrats were always very elegant.


    While also a marquis family, the Longtaro Family''s family name, long taro'', was a level below the Goldcerealears Family''s family name, gold cereal ears''.


    This was a disy of their foundation.


    A few decades ago, the family name of the Goldcerealears Family was still just gold cereal''.


    It was a powerful family. The reason why this family''s family name was not barley'' or wheat'', was because the family not only possessed a wheat greater sprite, but still possessed a barley greater sprite. Before the Sapphire Grand Duchy was established, the Goldcereal Family had risen by selling cereal.


    Later, they followed the Sapphire Family and together established a state, bing the earliest marquis family in the grand duchy.


    However, just like the Kerchief Family, which had split into the Smallkerchief and the Bigkerchief Families, the Goldcereal Family had also experienced a split a few decades ago.


    One descendant of the family got the wheat greater sprite; on ount of great military merits, they were enfeoffed as count and changed their family name to gold cereal grains''. The other descendant got the barley greater sprite; they seeded the t.i.tle and changed the family name to gold cereal ears''.


    Each change in a family''s family name predicated on growth, upgrade in lineage, or change in status of the family.


    If one day, I cultivate a tulip greater sprite and am enfeoffed as count due to outstanding military achievements, then ording to the aristocratic custom, the Tulip Family might change their family name to red tulip'', while I''ll change my family name to ck tulip'' Liszt cktulip.


    Because of boredom, Liszt fantasized at times.


    Then, dear Brother, I hope your wishes true. After inquiring about the name of the marquis'' daughter, Liszt gave his well wishes with a light smile.


    I will seed unlike Cousin Meopal. Roliya and I have beenmunicating for half a year already, and I know that she isn''t indifferent towards me. What I need to do now is to beat the otherpet.i.tors with an excellent performance. Cousin Meopal, on the other hand, suffers from unrequited love. That princess has a lot of male visitors. Said Levis, not forgetting to make fun of Meopal.


    How to put it, this cousin of theirs had impable personality, looks, and family background, yet he had to fall in love with the loose princess.


    Liszt felt quite close towards Meopal. Therefore, he didn''t echo Levis'' teasing: That''s right, Brother, regarding the ck pearl I sold youst time, have you forged it into a magic equipment ?


    It has been sessfully forged. After a wizard carved special magic runes on top of it, this unusual article became capable of stifling wind.


    Stifling wind?


    The ck pearl''s water-attributed magic power can suppress the flow of wind and in particr stifle wind-attributed magic. I personally saw the the Windde released by the wizard dissipate upon reaching a distance of five meters from the ck pearl. Although it is a bit big, but when worn in battle, it can withstand sneak attacks from wind-attributed qi.


    He looked at Liszt and continued: Especially knights like Marcus, who have wind-attributed qi and are fond of archery, would find it futile to use qi on bow and arrows toplete a deadly sneak attack. Now, I don''t need to be nervous when running into elite wind-attributed Earth Knights.


    It seems that the ck pearl is quite useful. All along, I have been feeling that I have got taken advantage of.


    Two hundred and eighty gold coins is not a small amount. It merely can stifle wind, that''s all. If it could stifle magic power of all attributes, then it would really be valuable. Levis moved closer. You still have more ck pearls, don''t you? As far as I know, several pearls can be extracted from pearl ms. Giant ms should be no different. Therefore, you must have more ck pearls.


    Liszt replied with a question: It can stifle wind in a range of five meters?


    Right.


    This ability made Liszt contemte. He sold Levis a ck pearl the seize of a big bowl, which could epa.s.s an area with a radius of five meters. If it was a ck pearl the seize of a basketball, how big would it its stifling area be? And what if it was the ck pearl the seize of a washbasin?


    Perhaps it would reach the scope of tens of meters to one hundred meters in radius.


    Such an ability might only prevent wind-attributed sneak attackson the battlefield.


    But if used on a ship, if for instance, the Flower were to be equipped with the ck pearl the seize of a washbasin, then it would stifle the wind in its surroundings, which was a kin to making it stormproof. In this way, wouldn''t sailing on the sea be as simple as treading on firm ground? Even if it would be impossible to calm the waves and stop the wind, it would still greatly reduce the risk.


    As for whether the ship could move with wind being stifled weren''t there paddles for that? Also, the ck pearl could just be taken out when there was a storm.


    He made a decision after an instant: The washbasin-seized and basketball-seized ck pearls can never be sold! One day, they will be essential to equip my fleet!


    As a result, he replied in a casual tone: Of course I still have more. I was going to keep them as collectibles. After all, ck-colored pearls aren''t easy toe by.


    Sell me another one.


    You want another one?


    That''s right. I want to forge it into a magic equipment and gift it to Roliya What do you think, will she like it?


    Liszt replied casually: Women usually have little to no resistance to jewelry. I think it is a good idea. How much are you going to spend this time, I still have one bigger and several smaller ck pearls?


    Two hundred and eighty gold coins.


    Levis called the previous price of the bigger ck pearl (including the smaller one).


    It has the function of stifling wind, you cannot get such a treasure for just two hundred and eighty gold coins. Said Liszt unhurriedly. After all, it was regarded as seller''s market. Therefore, he had to raise the price.


    After a bout of haggling, the final verdict was four hundred and thirty gold coins for a bigger ck pearl.


    Liszt, you are as hard-hearted as a merchant.


    It doesn''t matter if I''m hard-hearted or not. Instead, what matters is to show Roliya that you are soft-hearted, right?


    At the luncheon, the count announced the expedition decree.


    Next, he began to call on his followers to follow him into battle. This was nothing new. Every one or two years, there would be an expedition decreed.


    Therefore, in one afternoon, all the followers epted the call.


    The count would dispatch the most elite Coral Ind Knightsprised of ten knight squads, one hundred people in total; as well as a temporarily formed garrison knight orderprised of fifteen knight squads, one hundred and ny five people in total. His followers would send a total of twenty six elite and ordinary knight squads, adding up to three hundred and forty two people.


    A total of six hundred and sixty seven knights would mix into four knight orders.


    The count himself would lead the elite Coral Ind Knights; Levis, who would simultaneously serve as a liaison officer, would lead one mixed knight order; Viscount Trix Wildhop would lead another mixed knight squad; and Viscount Jonas Gravel would lead thest mixed knight squad.


    Rest and reorganize for three days. Three dayster, all knights are to a.s.semble in the Coral City and embark for the Gold Ind to meet up with Marquis Rodrigo''s knight order. The count, dressed in a military attire, his hand on his saber, and his ash-green eyes seemingly shining, said in a powerful and resonating tone.


    All the n.o.bles who would partic.i.p.ate in the war put one hand on their left chest and made a knight''s salute: Willing to follow Sir!


    Liszt stood in a corner, he didn''t had to partic.i.p.ate in the war. The Flower Town''s knight squad wasn''t presentable. Although a regr knight squad didn''t had to be solelyposed of Earth Knights, yet its members had to at least posses qi. Of the twelve young knights in Liszt''s knight squad, six had yet to cultivate qi.

 Chapter 114: The Worm Stalks Protection Task

    Chapter 114: The Worm Stalk''s Protection Task


    As the count was very busy, Liszt only said h.e.l.lo and gave his well wishes beforeleaving the Tulip Castle and returning to the Flower Town.


    When Liszt was about to leave, the count said solemnly: The Flower Town''s development is very good. I''m paying particr attention to the training of your knight squad. Come next year''s expedition order, I hope that you and Levis can fight side by side.


    I''m also looking forward to it.


    Although this was Liszt''s response on the outside, but on the inside, he was nomittal. It was impossible to fight all your life. If ttery wouldn''t do, then only farming would keep you alive.


    However, the future was not set in stone.


    He was not intent on holing up in the Flower Town as a countryside baron for the rest of his life. Riding a dragon was his big goal in life, while possessing an ind of his own was a small goal of his. It took some effort to have an ind as one''s fief. For that, one would have to at least be a viscount.


    ckdragon went into gallop on the way back.


    While on horseback, Liszt was slightly distracted.


    At the banquet, the aristocrats'' excitement regarding the exploration decree had also infected him. Although aristocrats might be a bunch of parasites, but their thirst for glory was very pure.


    They wanted to battle, wanted to charge, wanted to vie over wealth while putting their lives at stake.


    Am I really not going to the battlefield? How can I be promoted in t.i.tle without going to the battlefield? Rebel? Without the strength to fight a dragon, rebellion is tantamount to seeking death.


    The Sapphire Family''s sapphire dragon was no ornament. Dragons were this world''s first-rate power, equivalent to nuclear weapons. Best not to probe them.


    Performing meritorious service on the battlefield is the most effective way to be promoted As a lord, I don''t have to take the lead in a charge. To ensure my safety, I can just let the knights do all the fighting and killing. In the worst case scenario, although being captured and then redeemed by others would be somewhat humiliating, but keeping my life is the most important thing.


    Or I could tread themon path of an aristocratic second son and vie over prominent aristocratic gentlewomen?


    Some aristocrats only gave birth to daughters. Therefore, their t.i.tles were bound to be inherited by their daughters. The grand duchy recognized hereditary peer dames. Such prominent aristocratic gentlewomen were the best marriage targets for aristocratic second sons.


    Some prominent aristocratic gentlewomen who were favored by their parents, just like Lvera, would themselves get enfeoffed and be hereditary peers. Such prominent aristocratic gentlewomen were also optimal marriage partners for aristocratic second sons.


    Unfortunately, the number of suitable prominent aristocratic gentlewomen in the Sapphire Grand Duchy There are many chevalier or baron prominent aristocratic gentlewomen, yet there are very few viscount or count prominent aristocratic gentlewomen. The archipgo state itself is not that big, it only has seven marquises and over twenty counts.


    Besides, there was another serious issue  prominent aristocratic gentlewomen aspired to marry up.


    I am very handsome, my father is a count, my grandfather is a marquis, I myself was enfeoffed as a baron. Among aristocratic second sons, I am probably a verypet.i.tive marriage prospect. Thinking about it, are there any single, marriageable viscount gentlewomen in the grand duchy After thinking it over, he didn''t came up with a single one.


    Aristocrats wanted to give birth to a boy to inherit their t.i.tle. Therefore, very few aristocrats only had daughters.


    As the battlefield was too dangerous and hereditary peer dames were too rare, Liszt thought of a third method to get an upgrade in t.i.tle  to make a great contribution. If he were to contribute the technology of papermaking to the Sapphire Grand Duchy, he might get a count or even a marquis t.i.tle.


    But t.i.tles granted by virtue of contributions were all life peer t.i.tles without a fief. This method is simply not worthwhile.


    After thinking it over, he came to the conclusion that all these methods were faulty.


    He gave a self-mocking smile and sighed inwardly: It''s too much trouble, it''s better to wait until the count and Levis Halt, I feel like I shouldn''t entertain such thoughts. After all, they are my rtives.


    After returning to the Flower Town, Liszt sank into a leisurely pace.


    As the count was pressed for time to go to war, he couldn''t even hold his birthday party, on the 14th of September, on the Coral Ind. Therefore, there was no need to worry about having to be diplomatic for now; he could continue to develop his fief in peace.


    The ck nightshade was still half dead. However, as long as it didn''t die, it meant that the sprite worm had a desire to survive, that there was still hope.


    What brought him joy was the fragrant coconut tree. The fruit farmer Giggs came to report that the fragrant coconut cracked open, yet instead of coconut milk, what emerged was a milky white, plump sprite worm.


    With jade powder and jade box in hand, Liszt hurried to the oyster settlement. He climbed the tens of meters tall fragrant coconut tree himself, where he saw the long-awaited fragrant coconut sprite worm. It was very plump, plumper than all the other sprite worms in his possession, and it''s body was particrly white. It seemed to be covered in a faint glow, looking as if it had just bathed in milk.


    Little fellow,e, eat some jade powder, it''s my treat.


    He sprinkled some jade powder on the fragrant coconut to lure the sprite worm. Acting on instinct, the newborn sprite worm was quickly attracted towards the jade powder containing magic power.


    It dug into the jade powder.


    Next, Liszt only had to put a bit of jade powder on his finger and reach out to the sprite worm''s mouth.


    With a bite, the contract waspleted.


    The connection brought along a pleasant feeling. Now that Liszt and the fragrant sprite worm were connected, they shared a great range of feelings.


    After putting the fragrant coconut sprite worm into the jade box, Liszt rewarded the fruit farmers, who had been patiently looking after the fragrant coconut sprite worm, with one silver coin each: Giggs, you guys still have to look after the worm stalk, understood?


    Understood, Sir Lord.


    Upon returning to the castle, he handed the fragrant coconut sprite worm to Carter to put in the worm house.


    Carter was very d, but he also voiced his concern: Master, we already have eight sprite worms, I''m afraid that the castle''s servants might not be capable of meticulously tending to all of the worm stalks. Do you want to hire more servants to take care of the worm stalks?


    This reminded Liszt of an issue.


    Admittedly, no one in the Flower Town dared to disobey him, let alone to damage his worm stalks. However, if by chance, amoner were to go mad and destroy a worm stalk, or if a domestic animal were to identally eat a worm stalk  he could not expect a fence to stop everything.


    Your concern is very reasonable. However, I''m not going to recruit servants to look after the worm stalks. Instead, I''m going to establish a regr team to watch over the worm stalks.


    After he decided on it, he immediately called for Gort, Marcus, and Karl Eisenhammer.


    Sir.


    Teacher Gort, Teacher Marcus, Karl, I called you here because there are more and more sprite worms in my possession. The various ces with the worm stalks, which are dispersed across the fief, need better protection.


    You want the patrol team to frequently patrol the worm stalks, Sir?


    Just patrolling won''t do. What I want is a long-term, focused protection. Do you have any good ideas? Liszt had alreadye up with an idea, but he didn''t reveal it.


    Don''t show your hand  this was the principle people with authority followed while managing their inferiors.


    Gort thought for a moment before saying: At present, the protection of the worm stalks is mainly reliant on the care provided by the castle''s servingmen, the monitoring of the local serfs, and the patrol of the patrolmen as well as the istion from the fences. Perhaps we could train more patrolmen and let them patrol the worm stalks.


    Marcus suggestion was more straightforward: We can have the knight squad do the patrolling.


    Karlstly said: Sir, I think we could arrange some patrolmen to keep watch in the surroundings of the worm stalks. At present, we have twenty patrolmen. However, to patrol the fief, we don''t need that many. We could a.s.sign eight patrolmen to keep watch over the worm stalks. Thus, they would be guarded at all times.


    Karl''s suggestion is more in line with my thinking. However, there is no need for the patrolmen to keep watch. That would be too wasteful in terms of the human resources. Choose some able-bodied serfs from each settlements and arrange them to watch over the worm stalks in shifts. They shall be paid one copper coin a day by the fief''s administrative office.


    He paused for a moment and then continued: In addition, Teacher Marcus, arrange for the knight squad to teach the serfs some simple fighting skills.

 Chapter 115: Thorns Chain Mission

    Chapter 115: Thorns Chain Mission


    Rhm had been feeling very excited recently.


    Previously, he thought that, alike Oden and Gray, he would be incapable of cultivating qi and eventually be abandoned by Mr. Marcus.


    Being abandoned as a good-for-nothing without qi would be terrible.


    He, Karl, Oden, Gray, the four of them were serfs hired to serve as Baron Liszt''s retainer knights. But now, Karl had be an Apprentice Knight and the Flower Town''s defense officer with twenty patrolmen under him, riding the crest of sess.


    When he saw Karl, he had to call him Mr. Karl.


    The change of status made him feel a lot of pressure. There was a sense of suffocating urgency, as if the hand of fate was gripping at his throat, trying to strangle his hope at progress. He was afraid that he would aplish nothing. Therefore, he not only earnestly practiced cultivation during the time he was taught by Marcus, but in his desperation, he even practiced cultivation in private.


    Finally, he seeded in cultivating qi, low-ranked qi, and became an Apprentice Knight.


    His wish came true, his hard work and diligence bore fruit  the sir lord appointed him as the patrol team''s captain. He were to a.s.sist Karl and take charge of the fief''s public security.


    Although his position was not as high as Karl''s, but Rhm was already quite satisfied. He was not as talented as Karl, he managed to cultivate qi muchter than Karl. Therefore, he ought to be under Karl.


    The patrol team originally had a captain, who was an ordinary person. The captain was very dissatisfied with the other party''s arrival. However, Rhm let his fists do the talking, teaching his opponent how to behave.


    This strength on mine, although I merely possess low-ranked qi, ordinary people cannot match this strength of mine. How powerful is an Earth Knight with mid-ranked qi?


    Before he got qi, he was not very familiar with knights. He only knew that they were strong. But how strong they were or how fascinating qi was, he had no way to know. Now that he had qi, he finally fully understood the tremendous qualitative changes that qi brought to knights.


    Earth Knight I have no hope at obtaining mid-ranked qi in my lifetime. Yet still, Sir Lord gave me a chance to change my destiny. And I, Rhm Weinfa.s.s, have seized this chance! In the future, I must let my son start cultivating qi from an early age!


    Although he had yet to marry, but there were many girls in the town showering him with affection.


    An Apprentice Knight was still very popr.


    My son, just like Mr. Marcus, will be an Earth Knight! At that time, he will have hope to climb his way to the aristocracy!


    For the sake of a better tomorrow, Rhm was diligent in his work, never cking off at the patrol work. He was particrly satisfied with this position of his.


    But what Rhm didn''t know was that Liszt had noticed his diligence.


    Liszt disliked trifling matters, he disliked having to worry about the fief''s daily affairs. This was not his style. He didn''t want to be like Han Xin, good at leading troops. Instead, he wanted to be like Liu Bang, good at employing people. Therefore, he appreciated hardworking subordinates the most. [1], [2]


    Rhm was one such hardworking subordinate.


    Rhm, given your performance, I have a new a.s.signment for you.


    Sir, please instruct me!


    You and Karl have be Apprentice Knights, so you can a.s.sume more responsibility. I am going to establish the position of worm officer'' and its subordinated worm protection team''. The team will beprised of able-bodied serfs transferred from the various settlements. As for you, you will take the position of the worm officer. Your task will be to lead the worm protection team to protect the worm stalks.


    After thinking things through, Liszt decided to set up an independent worm protection team.


    This team''s basic model was roughly equivalent to that of China''s militia, being a supplement to the patrol team. In the future, when the Flower Town''s poption surged more and more, when just relying on the patrol team for public security wouldn''t do, the worm protection team would be part of the public security force.


    The patrol team  police.


    The worm protection team  militia.


    The knight squad  army.


    This was roughly his train of thought. As a sessor of fetchism, Liszt''s thoughts kept turned towards it. [3]


    Rhm immediately knelt on one knee, giving a knight''s salute: I, Rhm, am willing to follow Sir for the rest of my life! He trembled slightly from excitement. Not in a million years did he think that he would get one after another chances to change his destiny.


    Now, he formally stepped into the ranks of officials.


    Official was not a .s.s in the ordinary sense. However, bing an official was akin to entering the ranks of the aristocracy''s reserves''.


    When he left the castle, he was still in a trance, feeling as if his body was floating: To be able to swear allegiance to Sir, I, Rhm, must be greatly cherished by the glory of knights!


    Perhaps it sensed Liszt''s earnest affection for sprite worms, but less than two days after the establishment of the worm protection team, he saw the leaves of the ck nightshade sprite worm''s worm stalk in the ck nightshade field regain their vitality. The ck spots were greatly reduced.


    It persevered?


    Liszt hurriedly summoned the long time not seen smoke mission.


    As expected, the smoke Serpentines had changed: Missionpleted. Reward: a ck nightshade sprite worm.


    Sure enough, the ck nightshade had conceived a sprite worm. This is my ninth sprite worm, very good Even though I don''t know what use the ck nightshade has. Although the ck nightshade''s berries were edible, but they could only be regarded as a snack. Even with the ck nightshade sprite worm''s blessing, it was still impossible to produce a lot of berries.


    Nevertheless, it was still a sprite worm.


    The smoke twisted and issued a new mission: Mission: a long overdue, heavy rain is about to pay the Flower Town a visit. Most houses of the fief''s inhabitants are in disrepair and cannot withstand the cleanse form the heavy rain. As the lord, how could you sit by idly and remain indifferent? Please repair the fief''s houses. Reward: a variant type of thorns.


    Another variant thorns? Liszt mused, This is already the third mission rted to thorns. It must be a chain mission! Previously, the reward for the invisible dragon chain mission was a s.p.a.ce gem. I wonder what the reward for this time''s chain mission will be?


    He had a hunch  thorns lesser sprite!


    Will it be a thorns lesser sprite?


    As there was no guaranty that it was the case, Liszt pushed this idea in the back of his mind. There would be no disappointment without expectations. However, if it really were to be the case, then it would be a greatly wee surprise.


    For now, doing his best toplete the mission was enough.


    Repairing houses, it seems that the time for another major project a.s.sembly hase.


    He immediately convened all the officials to arrange the repair work for the fief''s houses: This year, it hardly rained in the summer, which is umon. ording co my spection, there might be an intense rainstorm several dayster. Most of the Flower Town''s houses are old wooden houses, which is very unsafe.


    There are already new houses being built. As for the serfs, we can dispatch them to repair their own wooden houses. It was inevitable that Gort would look down on serfs.


    ir ttered: What we need to repair the most is the castle. The ce where Sir resides should be safer and prettier.


    Regarding the castle''s repair work, let''s discuss it after the harvest in the fall, when thebor force is idle. Now that you were a.s.signed your task, be sure to properly reinforce each dpidated wooden house. Allmoners, whether serfs or freedmen, must ept the work arrangements.


    After a pause, Liszt continued: Themoners won''t be remunerated. They have to work for free and repair their own wooden houses. However, the expenses for the repair materials will be covered by the castle. It is my treat.


    It''s very generous of you. I''ll do the arrangements, making sure that all the wooden houses are properly repaired in a week''s time. [1]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Xin


    [2]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Gaozu_of_Han [3]  in short, borrowing ideas/technologies from other nations or ethnic groups

 Chapter 116: Demolished His House

    Chapter 116: Demolished His House


    Tabdakdak.


    The sound of horse hooves. .h.i.tting the gravel road reverberated. Its head raised, ckdragon''s ck mane waved in the wind.


    The main road had been already under construction for over two months. Each day, one hundred and eightymoners worked on it, with each person being paid one copper coin per day. In other words, this road cost the castle one hundred and eighty copper coins a day. For the over two months of work, a total of over ten thousand copper coins, or about one gold coin, were spent.


    At times, manpower was amazingly inexpensive.


    The stones transported from all over the fief were broken into fingernail-sized gravel,id t on the ground, and then mixed with the East Coast''s sand, making the entire road look very clean and tidy.


    Without cement, treading on gravel and sand would always lead to some of it unwittingly enter the shoes.


    Unfortunately, the Thorns Ridge is just a stone-covered mound, with the stones being so small that there is no way to cut them into gstones. Otherwise, the main road would be built as a gstone road instead, making it look much nicer. Mused Liszt regretfully. The town was indeed quite poor, and the surrounding resources were extremely scarce.


    He had sold ck pearls twice until now. Therefore, his coin pouch was currently bulging. It was filled with more than five hundred gold coins.


    However, they could not be immediately converted into resources  no more livestock could be bought because of the limited pasture; no more construction projects could be carried out because of theck in manpower; the roads could not be repaired regrly because of theck of stone; no more uncultivatednd could be cultivated because of the scarcity of tools.


    Today, the entire town started to repair the wooden houses, leaving no workers to work on the road.


    Under the supervision of the patrol team and some clerks, themoners started to check whether their houses were st.u.r.dy. Cracked beams and pirs had to be reported to be reced, roof damage had to be reported to patch the holes, loose windows had to be reported to be reinforced, rotten corners of walls had to be reported to be repaired.


    Themoners were quite enthusiastic as the sir lord was the one providing the repair materials, making them feel that it was a bargain, not taking advantage of which would be akin to taking a big loss!


    Perhaps I should start baking bricks as there are not enough stones. Thought Liszt as he saw wooden houses being repaired in the vigorous major project a.s.sembly.


    Stonemasons and carpenters were construction workers from different worlds;moners lived in wooden houses while aristocrats lived in stone castles.


    In the Flower Town, the only castle belonged to Liszt. It was built from stone, with sticky rice used as the binding agent. Sticky rice was very precious and the sprite it borned was known as the wall sprite''. Its value lied not in it being edible but in its strong cohesive properties.


    Without cement, either mud or sticky rice was used as binder.


    Fortunately, the Tulip Family had a sticky rice lesser sprite. Therefore, the castle built by the count was extravagantly built using sticky rice as binder.


    Such a castle was much firmer than a castle built using mud as binder. Additionally, it could be built much taller.


    Liszt''s castle, for instance, could have the spire roof dismantled and then a few more storiesadded to it.


    There is not much technique to baking bricks. With suitable y, appropriate bricks can be backed However, to bake bricks, a kiln has to be built and coal or, at the very least, charcoal has to be used. Without figuring things out,I might not be able to burn appropriate bricks.


    Liszt, who liked to read, to think about things in his free time, knew quite a lot of stuff.


    He knew about saltpeter-produced ice, y-backed bricks, handmade paper, gunpowder recipe, soil cement, distilled spirit, pancreas soap recipe, telescope, fused .s.s, and so on. With gunpowder figured out, even grenades could be made. In addition, he also knew the general principle behind waterwheels, plows, and windmills.


    But it was by no means a simple matter to turn knowledge into a physical reality, with the biggest constraints being materials andbor.


    Saltpeter-produced ice required saltpeter. If the extremely small saltpeter mine hadn''t been discovered, then producing ice would be a pipe dream. Fused .s.s was the same, requiring quartz sand and sodium ash. To get quartz sand, a quartz mine probably had to be found. ording to his memories, quartz looked like a slightly transparent stone.


    But what about soda ash?


    He remembered that when making congee, a bit of alkaline water had to be added. nt ash contained traces amounts of alkali. However, where could he get soda ash?


    In addition to saltpeter, gunpowder also required sulfur.


    Cement required limestone.


    Strictly speaking, it doesn''t seem like I know what sulfur and limestone look like. Liszt suddenly remembered a very serious problem.


    He merely knew that saltpeter could produce ice, quartz could be fused into .s.s, limestone could be made into cement, sulfur could be mixed into explosives.


    However, what did limestone and sulfur look like?


    Previously, he only knew that saltpeter was white and that, ording to many books, it appeared at toilets, in the corners. Later, the prompt of a smoke mission indicated that there was an extremely small saltpeter mine. Only then was saltpeter discovered.


    If he were to search for saltpeter on his own, chances were that his search would be fruitless.


    The name limestone is fairly vulgar, probably because it''s just somemonly seen stone. Is it rted to marble or granite? As for sulfur, is it found near volcanic craters? Reportedly, it smells like sulfur near volcanic craters. [1]


    Liszt felt that he was more ignorant than he had thought: This is a bit embarra.s.sing But I definitely know about soil used in baking bricks!


    In theory, y was necessary to bake bricks. y was a type of soil that could be baked into red bricks.


    However, if high quality was not imperative, then most types of soil could be used to bake bricks. ASlightly sticky soil was a good material.


    Such soil was abundant in the Flower Town.


    After this mission ispleted, I''ll gather a group of serfs to bake bricks for me. I will build houses using bricks. He wanted to build big me Mushroom sheds, toilets, barns, industrial buildings. He also fantasized about building a football field, a basketball court, raising a group of professional yers, and having matches when there was nothing to do.


    Although cement and .s.s have a very wide range of utility, but looking for quartz, limestone, and soda ash will take time.


    Next, he suddenly thought: In fact, I am an aristocrat, I should be enjoying life. Why am I thinking about inventions and research all the time?


    He used to be a humanities student, not a STEM student. He studied information management in the university.


    Life is so beautiful, why should I live it as a wizard?


    While on horseback, his mind drifted away.


    On the street, not far away, a house copsed along with a cacophony of noise.


    Liszt raised his hand to cover his eyes from the sun and looked over, seeing a group of people at the scene. He instructed a retainer knight: Find out what happened.


    The retainer knight quickly brought a supervising patrolman over.


    The patrolman knelt on the ground and answered Liszt''s question: Sir Lord, the one to make this ruckus was Hent, who demolished his house.


    Demolished his house?


    That''s right. We saw Hent, while holding a rod, pound at his house. He broke several of the supporting pirs before the house fell and buried him below. However, he was not crushed, he just broke an arm.


    Why did he demolish his house?


    Well, Hent heard that the castle was going to provide the materials necessary for the repair of the houses and therefore, wanted to exchange his old house for a brand new one [1]  marble and granite have respectively the characters  and , which mean stone and/or rock, in their names.

 Chapter 117: The Late Summer Rainstorm Is Here

    Chapter 117: The Late Summer Rainstorm Is Here


    What a brazen person! Thought Liszt after listening to the patrolman''s report. That was akin to stealing right under the lord''s nose.


    However, Liszt didn''t directly made his judgement from the one-side ount of the patrolman.


    Sean, go ask Hent if he demolished his house.


    Yes, Sir!


    The retainer knight Sean quickly returned along with Gort. The result was affirmative. After hearing that the costs for the repairs would be covered by the castle, Hent stated his intention to rece every piece of wood in his house. Then  when the cup of happiness overflows, disaster follows  the house copsed.


    Teacher Gort, how do you think he should be dealt with? Instead of indignation, there was a faint expression of inquiry on Liszt''s face.


    Abominable people deserve being beaten to death! Gort replied loudly, Sir, the greedy freedman Hent dared to covet the castle''s property! For that, he should be heavily punished! I think that he should be demoted to a serf and then receive one hundredshes!


    There were many onlookers.When they heard Gort, they couldn''t help but to shrink back. Being demoted to a serf was not that bad. However, receiving one hundredshes was akin to a death sentence. Severalmoners who had alsoid hands on their houses in order to take advantage of the situation, when they heard Gort, their legs nearly started trembling.


    Their greed faded in an instant. With uncertain steps, they quietly moved toward their homes to mend the damage they had caused


    To be frank, the one hundredshes was a bit much.The crime didn''t warrant death.


    However, Hent''s behavior displeased Liszt quite a bit. He had been striving to lead the Flower Town into prosperity, yet some ungrateful person actually tried to take advantage of him.


    This kind of practice could no be tolerated in the least and had to be nipped in the bud.


    Seeing as he has a broken arm, the whipping shall be postponed for now. After he recovers, the whipping is to be meted out in two batches of fiftyshes each.


    He swept the nervousmoners with a nce before telling Gort: Properly disseminate this case. I don''t want there to be anyone else doing simr things.


    As you wish, Sir!


    Gort revealed a cruel smile: I will let these stupidmoners know whether a few pieces of wood are more important than their little lives.


    With such a disturbance, Liszt was no longer in the mood to continue inspecting the repairing of the houses.


    He turned his mount around and headed back to the castle.


    The ck nightshade sprite worm''s worm stalk in the ck nightshade field had recovered gradually, its magic power started to flow steadily, and the ck spots and dried up parts of leaves were slowly reced with green.


    After taking a look at the ck nightshade, Liszt took his mount for a stroll around the horse field.


    In the end, he returned to the shade below the apple tree.


    Carrying a bunch of keys, Carter, who had just exited the cer and locked its door, came over. His pace was very slow, carrying the calm of an elderly person. He was meticulously dressed. His clothes were a bit worn out, albeit very neatly ironed,cking any creases or loose threads.


    Master, your don''t seem to be in a good mood.


    It looks like my mood is written on my face.


    Is there anything I can do for you? Asked Carter with a smile. The smile was very amiable, capable of making people''s hearts warp up at once.


    Liszt signaled Thomas to bring a stool for Carter before continuing to say, Mr. Carter, am I a qualified lord?


    There is no doubt in my mind that you are. You have the courage of the Tulip Family and the mercy, fairness, humility, and honor of the aristocracy. You are beloved by the glory of knights.


    Has the Flower Town changed much in the past half a year?


    It has changed quite a lot. I remember that when I first came to the Flower Town, the people had numb expressions, yet now, they look like they got a new lease on life. I have never seen as many smiles as I have seen here. Everyone is grateful for your kindness, Master.


    Not everyone. Liszt took a cup of cold juice and took a sip from it. A cooling sensation spread through his entire body, Today, I came across amoner who, without taking the kindness he had received from me into consideration, tore down his old house in order to get a brand new house from the castle for free.


    Suchmoners don''t deserve your anger. Unlike n.o.ble aristocrats, pettymoners have a lot of bad habits.


    Alright, I''ll epted your reasoning. Liszt put his displeasure at the back of his mind, In fact, Teacher Gort''s proposal of punishment has already dispelled my anger.


    He might not be yet aware of it himself, but he had been more and more looking at things from the stand point of an aristocrat.


    Although he was a transmigrator, but Liszt stillcked the capability to change the world. Instead, little by little, he was integrating into this world, betraying themunist ideology and shifting his allegiance to the side of the exploiting .s.s.


    He was not far from bing a standard aboriginal.


    Regarding this point, Liszt had a retort: My dream is to ride a dragon, not to change the world!


    The repairssted for five days. On the sixth day, however, the repairs could no longer continue.


    On this day, the north wind whistled and dark clouds obscured the sky, and the horse field''salfalfa swayed in the wind without respite.


    To keep the wind and rain away, the castle''s servants were busy installing wooden nks on the windows.


    Just like the windows in the Tulip Castle, Liszt could have crystal carved into thin sheets and then use the sheets to cover the windows. However, he was not such a spendthrift. The chest worth of crystal was reserved for the future to be carved into magic articles. For the time being, detachable nks were used to block the castle''s windows.


    In addition, each window still had a straw-woven curtain, which was ordinarily used to block sunlight and mosquitoes.


    Now, however, the curtains could be blown aside by the strong winding from outside.


    After installing the nks, the interior of the castle, which was not bright to begin with, turned even dimmer. Carter was busy instructing the servants to putmps in the study, living room, and other rooms to let the inside of the castle recover some brightness. Now that Liszt''s coin pouch was quite plump, there was no need to be too frugal with themps. The study alone had five or sixmps lit.


    Mr. Carter, don''t worry about the expenses. I want my room to be well lit as reading under dim light is very harmful for the eyes.


    Liszt was flipping through a novel in his boredom.


    There were one hundred and eighty-two books in the castle, and he had already read each of them at least twice. On the whole, the thicker books had tens of thousands of symbols, while the thinner books only had thousands of symbols.


    He admired the authors who wrote these knight novels. In a few thousand words, they had to write aplete story with twists and turns. Moreover, their books had to include dragons, princesses, knight orders, kings, wars, banquets Otherwise, no aristocrat would purchase their books.


    If aristocrats didn''t bye their books, then the dest.i.tute lesser aristocrats who made their living by writing all kinds of made up stories would starve. Basically, only dest.i.tute aristocrats wrote knight novels.Commoners could''t write.


    Master, considering the current weather, there should be a torrential rain today.


    A torrential rain is also good. Several of the Flower Town''s ponds have dried up and are in an urgent need of water.


    I hope that the crops won''t be damaged, which would affect this season''s taxes. Carter took off a nk, took a look at the overcast sky outside, and said worriedly.


    Don''t be nervous. Nowadays, the castle doesn''tck food, nor does the town. The East Coast is the Flower Town''s canteen. Said Liszt indifferently.


    While leaning against the back of his chair, Liszt focus didn''t lie on the cover of the knight novel in front of him.


    Instead, he watched as smoke twist into Serpentines: Missionpleted. Reward: a spiky variant of fast-growing type of thorns.

 Chapter 118: Shipwreck, Paranormal Thing

    Chapter 118: Shipwreck, Paranormal Thing


    The rainstorm arrived in such a fierce fashion that he Flower Town swayed in the strong wind and sand flew all over. Suddenly, for a moment, the entire world became quiet.


    Then, as if pouring from a basin, bean-sized raindrops mmed into the castle''s spire roof in a cacophony of pitter-patters, sshing everywhere.


    From the kennel came Tremblingwoods'' loud barking.


    In a room downstairs, Blessedcurls also cried out tweet'', tweet''.


    Outside and inside the castle were two distinct worlds.


    p.r.i.c.king up his ears, Liszt could hear the servants chat in the kitchen''s dining room down stairs. They had nothing else to do due to the strong rain.


    Mr. Carter was going up and down the stairs, wandering around incessantly, as he inspected the castle. When Mrs. Mawson, who was inspecting whether the maids cleaned well, and Carter met, they seemed to have exchanged a few sentences, evaluating the performances of the maids and servingmen. The butler and housekeeper were very diligent.


    The fifteen servants didn''t always get along that well.


    Thomas'' att.i.tude towards the servingmen was rather bad. However, as he was Liszt''s gentleman''s valet, his status was very high and therefore, they didn''t dare to talk back.


    Not only did he often give the servingmen a hard time, meting out some sarcastic remarks from time to time, but at times, he wasn''t even that respectful towards Carter.


    Carter couldn''t understand why Liszt would put up with the nasty character of Thomas, who continuously undermined the feelings of camaraderie between the castle''s servants.


    As Carter and Liszt had different statuses, their perspectives were also different.


    Carter strove to achieve harmony in the castle.


    Liszt, however, didn''t want that to happen. If the servants were united, then he, as the master, would be ill at ease. For instance, if a servant made a mistake and, because of their camaraderie, the other servants helped them to conceal the truth, then they could hoodwink Liszt any way they pleased.


    Without Thomas, this t.u.r.d in the punch bowl, the servants would be more and more indulgent.


    Only with Thomas breathing down their necks and giving them a hard time at all times,, would the servants do their work in fear and trepidation.


    Those on top always ced a few trusted aids amidst their subordinate organization for this precise reason. Even the teachers in schools, they also knew that they had to foster a few of the students adept at snitching.


    After choosing not to eavesdrop on the servants, Liszt''s expression turned a bit solemn and his mind wandered off: Are there actually Specters in this world?


    In his childhood, his predecessor had listened to bedtime stories with Specters in them. ording to legend, after a person''s death, their soul would continue to exist outside of their body. In a state of unconsciousness, the soul would wander aimlessly.


    Practically no one had ever seen a Specter.


    After going through all of his predecessor''s memories, there seemed to be no mentions of Specter sightings on the Coral Ind. Among the over one hundred knight novels he had recently read, a few of them had Specters mentioned. Most of the small-time mobs, like Specters, Vampires, Werewolves, Mine Jiangshi and the like were fairly unpopr, rarely appearing in novels. [1]


    Previously, when reading about these mobs, he just smiled, not taking them seriously.


    But now, because of the smoke mission, Specters once more came to mind.


    Mission: although it has been warm, but whenever fishermen pa.s.s by the old, worn-out shipwreck, they often feel a chill on their backs, like there is something watching them from inside the shipwreck, making them afraid toe near it. Please find the reason behind this. Reward: a broken bone.


    After retrieving the five treasure chests, Liszt didn''t let anyone take the shipwreck apart for firewood.


    Feeling like the shipwreck could barely be regarded as a tourist attraction, he ced it in the oyster settlement to add some historical gravitas to it. Also, when there was time, he intended to have people restore the shipwreck.


    Unexpectedly, the shipwreck still concealed a secret.


    What might there be inside the shipwreck? Previously, patrolmen had already turned the shipwreck inside out while looking for anything of value. Besides some cloth, cereal remains, and the five treasure chests, there was nothing else Or, there was something, something which could not be easily perceived?


    It was easy for him to make the connection  paranormal thing, shipwreck, ghost ship, andstly the legendary existence known as the Specter.


    RUUUUUMBLE!


    A bolt of lightning, followed by a thunderous rumble, shed outside the castle.


    The howling of wind and the pitter-patter of raindrops resumed, isting the castle from the outside world.


    Liszt walked up to the window, took down a nk, and looked at the curtain of rain outside. A sense of mncholy overcame him as he felt isted from the world. A feeling of loneliness welled up inside him and it suddenly dawned on him that it had already been half a year since he came here, since he came from a world of science and technology to this world of magic and qi.


    He couldn''t tell whether it was good or bad.


    In his birth ce, although the standard of living was higher, but he had merely been a hardworking office worker working overtime.


    Here, although the standard of living was fairly poor, but he was an aristocrat with supreme authority. Moreover, there was still qi strengthening his body, making him immune to all kinds of illnesses.


    Comparatively speaking, I prefer the present life. I like having maids busy themselves in front of me His lips curled into a light smile, no longer feeling that tangled inside.


    His thoughts quickly returned to the smoke mission.


    If there really is a Specter in the shipwreck, then it must be eradicate as soon as possible so as not to endanger the lives and safety of the fishermen Is the mission reward, the broken bone, rted to the Specter?


    He really wanted to go to the shipwreck now, to find out the reason behind this phenomenon andplete the mission.


    But the rain was too strong to go outside. Therefore, he could only stay inside the castle and wait idly.


    The wait, however,sted three days.


    The heavy rain flooded the entire town. Fortunately, a town-wide repair of houses had been carried out in advance. The patrolmen, who braved the rain to patrol, didn''t find any copsed houses. The worm stalks were also safe and sound, and even the most vulnerable ck nightshade sprite worm''s worm stalk, because of the protective measures in ce, was still intact.


    However, there were two deaths during the three-day-period of heavy rain.


    An old serf went outside to pick some vegetables, identally slipped on the ground and fell, never to stand up again. A mother of three braved the rain and went to the beach to gather some cowrie, fell seriously ill upon her return, and died.


    She went to the beach to pick up some cowrie?As he listened to Gort''s report, Liszt mused: Is it rted to the shipwreck?


    He asked at once: Teacher Gort, has the body of the deceased woman been examined? Was there anything wrong with it?


    Examine the body? Sorry, Sir, I have''t examined the body. I thought that it was just a serf who died of illness. This kind of thing is verymon.


    Perhaps Liszt was too sensitive, however, he still decided to personally examine the body of the deceased woman: Teacher Gort, you have to be more perceptive. Recently, there were some fishermen who had found the shipwreck quite strange, as if there was some paranormal thing. I suspect that the death of the woman might be rted to the shipwreck.


    The shipwreck? Gort was doubtful.


    Although he hadn''t heard anything of the sort, but since it was Liszt who mentioned it, he had to take it seriously. He believed that Liszt had many informants in the Flower Town and that nothing could escape Liszt''s attention.


    In that case, Sir, I''m going to do the arrangements. Do you want to go examine the body together?


    Yes, let''s go together.


    [1]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiangshi

 Chapter 119: Keel, Chilly Magic Power

    Chapter 119: Keel, Chilly Magic Power


    A vast group of people trod across shallow bodies of water on horseback.


    Liszt, surrounded by retainer knights and his gentleman''s valet, was closely followed by Gort, Marcus, and the other officials. Compared to the poor devils he started with, he had a rather imposing retinue'' escorting him now.


    In fact, there was no need to have so many people escort him inside the fief.


    However, Liszt did it anyway. He really liked such aristocratic conduct. Compared to the count and even his brother Levis, who traveled while under the escort of knight squads, his escort still had ways to go.


    It would be best to bring Tremblingwoods and Blessedcurls along  left hand leashing a yellow hound, right hand lifting a grey falcon.


    Sir, the roads in the Flower Town are better traversable than those in the Coral City. Isaiah admired sincerely, Every time it rains in the Coral City, it feels like a city of feces, with feces floating on the streets. So disgusting. But in here, there are no feces, not even mud.


    The main road, a gravel road, basically wouldn''t have any mud.


    The roads between settlements, dirt roads, would have mud, but not much.


    Gort chuckled timely,plimenting: Without Sir''s sagacity, the Flower Town would not be as beautiful as it is now. Before, I could not understand the benefits of mending the roads, yet little by little, they unfolded before my very eyes. I hope that in the future, every road will be built as a gravel road.


    Liszt smiled. However, there was no smugness on his face. This little bit was nothing. Later, when he produced cement, there would be more instances of amazement.


    The sky hadn''tpletely cleared up yet, and there was still some drizzle. Riding the pitch-ck ckdragon while draped in a s.p.a.cious ck cloak, this scene was quite gloomy at first nce. However, the handsome, elegant face as well as the several strands of light golden strands of hair on the forehead added some brightness to this scene.


    He could probably pa.s.s off as a Ringwraith from [The Lord of the Rings].


    A short whileter, the group arrived at the barley settlement. The deceased woman was a serf of the barley settlement.


    The body was still located at her home. Although, ording to the Sapphire Gran Duchy''s burial custom, the dead were supposed to be buried right after death, yet due to these several days of heavy rain, the body could not be buried for now.


    Of the three children of the deceased woman, two, who were already of age, were led by their wooden father to kneel on the ground to wee Liszt.


    Liszt had a retainer exin their reason foring here.


    With his retainer taking over to exin their purpose foring, Liszt only had to walk up to beside the body to examine it. Marcus and Gort checked the body first, yet the both of them didn''t manage to find anything out of ce.Liszt then examined the body himself.


    As this was the first time for him to face a dead body, he was somewhat nervous. However, he restrained himself well, showing no emotions. When observing using the naked eye, he didn''t found anything fishy with the body, but when he released Magic Eyes, he discovered ck magic power shing inside the body.


    When he took a closer look, the ck magic power had vanished. Liszt chose to believe his eyes and continued to quietly observe. About one minuteter, ck magic power once more flickered inside the body before vanishing again.


    Sir, have you discovered anything? Asked Marcus.


    There is something wrong with the body. I can sense signs of magic power from it. She didn''t die from catching amon illness, but from some paranormal thing.


    Gort was shocked: Is there really some paranormal thing? What would it be? If she caught it from the shipwreck, then could it be a Specter? ording to legend, there are ghost ships in the sea. Is the shipwreck that we salvaged a ghost ship?


    Whether it is the case or not, we''ll know after inspecting the ship That''s right, how should we dispose of the body?


    We should burn it to be on the safe side.


    Here, there was no such concept as honor the dead'', nor was there such a practice like lighting incense and offering sacrifices at the graves of one''s close ones. After people died, they would just be buried, specially if they weremoners.


    After dying, the body would be rolled up in a straw mat and then buried in a deep pit, effectively cutting all ties.


    Somemoners weren''t even willing to dig a pit, directly disposing of their rtive''s body on a hill or in a river. Therefore, when Gort proposed to burn the body, the wooden husband of the deceased woman had noints and instead, was even a bit excited.


    Because Liszt instructed Gort to give the other party ten silver coins aspensation.


    The paranormal thing brought by the shipwreck was the cause of the woman''s death. Ultimately, it was Liszt''s fault for not letting anyone dispose of the shipwreck.


    But as he was the lord, there naturally would be no punishment for him. The ten silver coins served to appease his conscience.


    After a while, a fire was ignited, burning the body to ashes.


    After ascertaining that the remains had no traces of the ck magic power, Liszt heaved a sigh of relief. It turned out that even paranormal things could be burnt to naught by fire.


    After disposing of the body, the group hurried over to the oyster settlement before stopping near the shipwreck.


    Liszt wanted to go even closer, yet Marcus said to stop him: Sir, the shipwreck is dangerous, you should keep your distance from it. Let us examine it in your stead.


    Gort also said righteously: Yes, Sir, you shouldn''t put yourself at risk. Mr. Marcus is an elite Earth Knight, he certainly will be able to cope with the shipwreck. He stood beside Liszt as he spoke, showing no intention in approaching the shipwreck.


    The shipwreck looked like it had been cleansed by the heavy rain. The seaweed attached to its surfaces was inrge part washed away, exposing the mottled wood nks and rusted metal frame underneath. The ship was not big, and in fact, it was much smaller than the Flower. Besides, it was also heavily damaged, with the cargo hold being inly visible from the outside.


    Marcus led the members of the knights squad to surround the shipwreck, preparing to enter the cargo hold.


    Liszt suddenly said: Teacher Marcus, there is no need to go through so much trouble. There is something wrong with the shipwreck. In order to avoid idents, it should be directly dismantled and its nks checked one by one.


    As there was some paranormal thing inside the shipwreck, he no longer intended to use it as a tourist attraction.Therefore, dismantling was the safest and quickest way.


    Marcus naturally didn''t refuse. He immediately led people to take the shipwreck apart, dismantling the nks and the iron frame parts one by one and piling them on the beach.


    During this process, Liszt periodically released Magic Eyes.


    Just as two retainer knights were carrying a severed piece of the keel, Liszt saw ck magic power flicker at the severed area of the keel.


    Magic power generally came in colors. For instance, fire-attributed magic power mostly appeared red, water-attributed magic power mostly appeared blue. It was particrly apparent when magic power manifested as qi. But there were no absolutes. Some magic power manifested a variety of attributes mixed together and appeared in wondrous colors, some magic power manifested no attributes and also appeared in a mult.i.tude of colors.


    Even Archwizards, who studied magic to a profound degree, did''t understand the essence and mysteries of magic power.


    Although Liszt didn''t know what the ck magic power stood for, but what he did know, was that he probably found the root of the shipwreck''s problem: Teacher Marcus, carefully inspect the piece of the keel. I can sense traces of magic power from it.


    After Liszt''s reminder, Marcus quickly picked up the keel with both hands, carefully observing and sensing it. After a moment, Marcus'' eyes lit up. He also could sense the magic power: Sir, there really is something wrong! I can sense chilly magic power!


    Liszt''s tone was deep: Smash the keel open! I want to see what''s hidden inside!

 Chapter 120: A Very Voluptuous Specter

    Chapter 120: A Very Voluptuous Specter


    The keel was located in the center of the base of a ship. From the bow to the stern, it was the main load-bearingponent.


    After discovering that there was an issue with the severed keel, it was easy to find what made the keel so unusual. Marcus discovered that the keel was not aplete piece, but had marks of being joined together.


    After disa.s.sembling the keel along the joint marks, it was divided into halves.


    The two halves looked like a mold, with a bone being the cast. The bone was about one meter long. One end of the bone was broken, while the other end was a joint.Densely packed magic runes were carved on the surface of the bone.


    What bone is this?


    There are magic runes, it is the work of wizards!


    This is a magic equipment.


    The bone is rather big. Is it a magic best''s bone? Do mid-ranked magic beasts have such big bones? Is it perhaps a high-ranked magic beast''s bone?


    Looking at the bones, Gort and the others rushed to chime in.


    Liszt''s pupils were as deep as whirlpools. Via Magic Eyes, he could see the dense flow of magic power inside the bone.


    The magic power seemed to want to be released outwards, yet it was firmly locked by the magic runes on the bone''s surface, unable to pour out. Only a little bit o magic power flowed out from a few ces with slightly dim magic runes.


    At this moment, Marcus reached out with his hand, wanting to pull the bone out of the keel.However, just as his hand just touched the bone, the magic runes suddenly lit up one by one. Then with a crash, the lit up magic runes quickly went out and agloomy light gushed out of the bone and headed straight for Marcus.


    Marcus'' reaction could not be said to be slow. He threw the keel in his hand away and then rolled on the ground. It might not have looked too elegant, but the action was swift. In a practiced manner, he drew his sword by the time he finished rolling, poured his qi into it, and struck back at the gloomy light.


    Boom!


    The gloomy light was sessfully blocked.


    The light suddenly dispersed and a humanoid figure exuding a faint radiance was formed midair. It only had an upper body, with the lower body looking like a rotten cloth waving in the wind. Although its facial features couldn''t be seen clearly, but from its figure, from itsvoluptuous chest, it could be seen that it was a woman.


    It had a pair of arms hanging from its shoulders. Its palms were slender, and it even had nails formed from dim light. The nails were at least ten centimeters long.


    Protect Sir! Bellowed Marcus.


    As it was the first time the retainer knights came across such a weird scene, they were a bit panicked. However, they quickly formed a circle around Liszt and drew their pikes, nervously looking at the humanoid thing floating in the air.


    Gort retreated by two steps, swallowed, and said with a shaky voice: What is that?


    A Specter!Liszt had been looking forward to the Specter, and now that he saw one in the flesh'', he was not nervous and was even a bit excited.


    He found this world more and more interesting.Not only was there magic and qi, not only were there dragons and sprites, but there were still all kinds of mystical beings. Now that he saw for himself that Specters were real, did it mean that Vampires, Werewolves, Unicorns, Sirens, and other life forms described in knight novels were also real?


    Giants and Gnomes were also depicted in knight novels, were they real?Even humanoid sprites, which were also called sprites yet were of a higher intellect,were they also real?


    A Specter? Gort screamed, Is it really a Specter?! Specters are actually real, incredible! Marcus, you can kill the Specter, right?!


    Marcus felt also nervous as he confronted the Specter.In fact, it wasn''t a confrontation, because ever since its unsessful attempt at attacking Marcus, the Specter just floated midair, not moving.If it wasn''t for the slight undtion and the dim radiance, it would look just like a projection.


    I can''t guaranty that I can kill it. I have never met a Specter before. It has no physical form, it is just made of light. Marcus had a cautious look on his face as he gripped his sword with both hands.


    While under the protection of the crowd, Liszt kept Magic Eyes released.He discovered that the magic power inside the bone was seemingly unrted to the Specter. The Specter didn''t seem to have much magic power. No matter whether Magic Eyes or the naked eye were used to look at the Specter, it wasstill a humanoid upper body formed from dim light.


    He quickly recalled all the things he knew about Specters.Specters didn''t seem to be ferocious bogies. In knight novels, the fighting scenes were limited to Specters being defeated by a single strike from the MC''s de alike small fries. Even in bedtime stories, Specters were depicted as mere rare mascots instead of existences that harmed people.


    Just as Marcus started to be restless, ready to attack the Specter.


    Liszt suddenly had a sh of insight. The Specter, which stayed in the keel, resembled the magicmp''s genie in [ddin]. Thus, he gently stroked his chest under the cloak, took out the message in a bottle forged from an unknown metal from the s.p.a.ce ring, and threw it to Marcus.


    Teacher Marcus, try to put the Specter inside this.He did this just on a whim. However, to his surprise, when the bottlended in Marcus'' hand, the Specter suddenly rushed towards Marcus. Just as Marcus was was going to use his sword to intercept the other party, the Specter had speedily entered the metal bottle.


    Uh Liszt looked distracted.Never had he imagined that he would manage to restrain the Specter. It was simply incredible.However, when Marcus walked over while carefully holding the bottle, he quickly restrained his amazement. With an unperturbed expression, he handed Marcus the bottle cap.


    Marcus quickly closed the bottle.Several threads of magic power shed, and the metal bottle and the cap joined into one, leaving no visible gaps.


    Sir, here is your magic bottle. Marcus respectfully handed Liszt the bottle. This lord, of whom he was a follower, was bing more and more inscrutable, as if everything was under the control of the other party.


    The shipwreck''s Specter had been taken care of just like that.


    Liszt received the bottle back, ced it under the cloak, and, while avoiding the gazes of others, sent it into the gem''s s.p.a.ce. He was unwilling to be in close contact with the Specter. Therefore, he sent it into the gem''s s.p.a.ce, where everything was static. It would not be toote to study the Specter after he ascertained the information regarding Specters.


    However, this Specter was at least a 36D.


    The blood from the Sunprogeny lineage was required to open the metal bottle.


    At present, the sole source of blood was the leathersmith shop''s old leathersmith. Although the Old Leathersmith Phil and the servingman Jesse had yet to forge a father and son agreement, but the both of them were very close, no less than a genuine pair of father and son.


    The old leathersmith, after all, was getting old. Therefore, Liszt only drew a small amount of his blood and sealed it in a jade bottle. He didn''t need any more blood for now. At the same time, the old leathersmith received a lot of food aspensation.


    Jesse, take good care of the Old Leathersmith. The bit of blood I draw from him is because I want to study it, and not because I want to hurt him. Regarding your work load in the castle, the other servingmen can take some of it over; I''ll let Mr. Carter do the arrangements. The most important thing for you now is to take good care of the Old Leathersmith.


    Yes, Master. Nodded Jesse.


    The old leathersmith said: It is my honor to be of use to Sir Lord.


    Liszt smiled lightly: I''m d to hear that.


    He would regrly draw the other party''s blood until there was enough to open the metal bottle an unlimited number of times.

 Chapter 121: Keel Fixer, Bloodline Fruit

    Chapter 121: Keel Fixer, Bloodline Fruit


    With the shipwreck incident being properly resolved, the smoke mission was alsopleted.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a broken bone.


    Without a doubt, the mission reward was the big bone engraved with magic runes found inside the keel. The bone naturally belonged to Liszt, yet he was not too clear about its use. It was reckoned to be a magic equipment.


    As the bone was found inside the ship''s keel, it might be rted to sailing.


    Soon after, Captain Kosto, the person most familiar with sailing in the Flower Town, exined the bone''s use to Liszt: Sir Lord, this bone is indeed a magic equipment. It''s called Keel Fixer''. It can stabilize a ship''s keel, making it st.u.r.dier. But its greatest use, however, is as a deterrent against sea monsters.


    Keel Fixer? A deterrent against sea monsters?


    There was zealotry in Kosto''s tone: Most Keel Fixers are made using the bones of high-ranked dragon type magic beasts. Once the dragon bloodline is excited via magic power, it would give rise to a faint Dragon Might, thus scaring sea monsters away Sir Lord, the Keel Fixer is tailor-made for the Flower!


    A high-ranked dragon type magic beast''s bone.


    High-ranked dragon type magic beasts were more precious than greater sprites. In the Sapphire Grand Duchy, there were very few high-ranked dragon type magic beasts and in fact, even high-ranked magic beasts were notmon. On the Coral Ind, there was only a single mid-ranked magic beast  the Purple Sand Crocodile.


    The bone was very precious and it was even engraved with runes by a wizard.


    Liszt poured his qi into the Keel Fixer at once. Gradually, the magic runes above the Keel Fixer lit up before turning it into a dazzling bone wand.


    The bone wand started to exude a faint, heartrending pressure.


    Liszt had once felt this kind of pressure. At the time when he faced the invisible dragon, its Dragon Might made it difficult for him to operate his qi. However, the Dragon Might released by the bone wand was much weaker, it couldn''t affect his operation of qi. Besides, this Dragon Might was already amplified by magic runes. After all, dragon type magic beasts were not dragons, their bloodline was thin.


    It''s a bit nd. The impact of such Dragon Might is somewhat weak.


    It actually isn''t weak, Sir Lord. I have gooseb.u.mps all over my body and feel suffocated. When sea monsters detect Dragon Might, no matter how weak or strong, they are sure to run as far away as possible.


    Humans were not the only ones that understood the might of dragons. Simrly, dragons were predators of magic beasts and sea monsters. Upon feeling their predator''s aura, it was natural for them to flee. The Keel Fixer was a treasure.


    Liszt handed a retainer knight the Keel Fixer and then turned to Kosto: I''ll store it away for the time being. In the future, when the Flower goes into the sea, I''ll see whether to install it on the ship or nor.


    Kosto was somewhat regretful, but he still bowed in salute. He didn''t dare to question the lord''s decision.


    That''s right. Captain Kosto, since the shipwreck has a Keel Fixer, then why doesn''t the Flower? Liszt suddenly thought of a problem.


    The Keel Fixer''s manufacturing technique has been lost along with the destruction of Marquis Cohen''s family. I''ve seen once a ship manufactured by Marquis Cohen''s family and therefore, I know about the Keel Fixer, which is a magic equipment whose manufacturing technique was solely grasped by wizards of Marquis Cohen''s family.


    The Keel Fixer''s technique probably lied in the magic runes carved on the surface of the bone.


    Marquis Cohen was the founder of a Sapphire Grand Duchy''s marquis family more than one hundred years ago as well as one of the followers of the first generation''s Grand Duke Sapphire.


    Later, however, Marquis Cohen''s family seemed to have involved itself in a coup d''etat, andter there was noter.


    As there was no official record of this incident and it was already more than one hundred yearster, there was no longer anyone that cared about Marquis Cohen. There had been too many aristocrats that fell into oblivion. Only the living had value, while the dead could only be forgotten.


    Presumably, the wizard technique became history along with Marquis Cohen.


    What a pity. The Keel Fixer still has great use in sailing It would certainly be of great help when sailing towards the Devil Sea. If one were to find a dragon bone and then forge it into a Keel Fixer, then even the fiercer sea monsters might just flee.


    ording to legend, the Devil Sea had strong storms and huge sea monsters, and no ship could sail on it.


    Liszt was very curious about the Devil Sea, or rather, about what was beyond the sea: One day, I''ll recruit some wizards to study the Keel Fixer''s technique for me.


    That would mark the begin of the age of discoveries!


    There were still many secrets that had to be uncovered.


    Why was there a Specter hidden in the Keel Fixer, how did the Specter kill the woman, why did the Specter get into the metal bottle, could it survive inside the gem''s s.p.a.ce, what was its state of existence, who was the person during her life, what did she look like, and why did she posses such a grand 36D  these were his questions.


    For the time being, however, Liszt didn''t continue to dwell on them.


    A new mission waited him.


    Mission: after the rainstorm, the magic power in the Thorns Ridge is more abundant than ever before. A lone growing magic ingredient is in the process of bearing a fruit capable of altering a magic beast''s bloodline. Perhaps, a new mid-ranked magic beast will be born. A crisis is about to befall the Flower Town. Please settle the crisis. Reward: a Bloodline Fruit.


    The Bloodline Fruit was not a nt type, but rather, it was a fairly special existence among magic ingredients, a mutated form of amon nt without any means of reproduction. Even with the corresponding sprite, it still couldn''t be cultivated.


    When the fruit condensed enough magic power, it would ripe and fall to the ground, and the nt would die.


    The fruit was called the Bloodline Fruit because the highly condensed magic power inside it was capable of stimting the evolution of beasts'' and magic beasts'' bloodlines. Reportedly, a beast that ate a Bloodline Fruit could condense magic power and be a magic beast, a low-ranked magic beast that ate more Bloodline Fruits could evolve into a high-ranked magic beast.


    The Bloodline Fruits could not be cultivated, they were very precious and very difficult toe by. After ripening, their magic power would gradually dissipate, until they degenerate intomon fruit a few minutester.


    There were many greater aristocrats looking for the Bloodline Fruits in order to raise breedable magic beast livestock. ming Rabbits were small magic beasts artificially bred by relying on the Bloodline Fruits, they were specially raised for consumption.


    Of course, the Bloodline Fruits had amazing reserves of magic power. After being ingested, there was not a small number of beasts and magic beasts dying from the great nourishment''.


    Liszt couldn''t keep his calm after seeing this mission: I must have the Bloodline Fruit! Otherwise, the Thorns Ridge will give rise to a mid-ranked magic beast and the Flower Town will suffer! I don''t want to live under the shadow of a mid-ranked magic beast!


    Mid-ranked magic beasts could contend against Sky Knights. Besides, with their tough hides,mon Sky Knights had no methods to cope with them.


    The Purple Sand Crocodile had been discovered in the Shallow Water Beach in the south of the Coral Ind a long time ago, yet it was still alive and well.


    It wasn''t that the count didn''t want to hunt it down. Rather, the risk involved would be too great. If by chance, he were to be killed by the Purple Sand Crocodile instead, then everything would be for naught. Might as well leave the Shallow Water Beach to the Purple Sand Crocodile to lord over. So long as it didn''t cross the border, there would be no need to take risks.


    The count had a huge estate and therefore, he could afford to cede a tract ofnd to magic beasts.


    Liszt, on the other hand, couldn''t do it. Once the Thorns Ridge gave rise to a mid-ranked magic beast, the Flower Town''s peaceful life woulde to an end.


    Teacher Marcus, the knight squad has been groomed for a few months already. It is time to start clearing the Thorns Ridge of magic beasts! All threats shall be eradicated!

 Chapter 122: Taking Tremblingwoods on a Campaign to the Thorns Ridge

    Chapter 122: Taking Tremblingwoods on a Campaign to the Thorns Ridge


    As you wish!


    Marcus saluted solemnly, his eyes sparkling: Knights have to be baptized in blood and fire toplete the transformation of their nature! Atst, it''s time to test the members of the knight squad!


    Knights were born to fight, that was Marcus'' belief.


    Nowadays, he had convinced himself to stay secluded in the Flower Town, to wait for his chance to distinguish himself and seize the aristocratic glory. However, that didn''t mean that his boiling blood had cooled down. He had been looking forward to implement the n set for the Thorns Ridge.


    Liszt also wasn''t idle.He started to ama.s.s weapons after his coin pouch was fattened. To date, he had ama.s.sed fifteen sets of knight''s full body armor and weapons.


    A set of knight''s equipmentprised of a horse, ance, a sword, a shield, a full body armor, as well as a set of horse armor, a mace, a il, and other weapons. If one was not set on superior quality, then such a set of equipment, which barely met the standard to be used on the battlefield, would cost more than five gold coins.


    Maces and ils were regarded as anti-siege weapons and therefore, they could be foregone.


    As fornces, however, there had to be some spares. On the battlefield,nces were easily snapped during charges. In general, a knight should be equipped with threences.


    Knights were expensive. It took money to train, feed, and equip knights as well as maintain their equipment and raise the horses.


    A baron with an ordinary town as their fief could at most support a single knight squad. The once barren Flower Town couldn''t afford to support a knight squad. Yet now, with the daily ie from seafood, Liszt could finally groom a knight squad.


    Sir, I heard that you want to eliminate the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts! I wish to lead the patrol team and join the campaign! When the town''s defense officer Karl heard this news, he rushed to the castle at once.


    Shortly after, the worm officer Rhm Weinfa.s.s also rushed to the castle: The worm protection team isposed of serfs, with their fighting strength practically being nonexistent. However, I wish to serve as Sir''s retainer, to fight in the Thorns Ridge for Sir!


    Karl and Rhm were also rathercking in terms of fighting strength, yetLiszt was very pleased with their intent none the less: I''m very pleased with your loyalty and courage. However, I need you to preserve the Flower Town''s affairs.There is no need for you to follow me on this campaign against the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts. Defend the Flower Town well. If a magic beast were to escape into the town, I need you to stand out.


    As you wish!


    I swear to guard the Flower Town!


    Next, Gort, ir, and Isaiah sessively came to express their loyalty by requesting to go to the battlefield. Liszt sessively encouraged them to stay. If he were to take this group of five good-for-nothings to the battlefield, they would just drag him down instead.


    As the mission was urgent, Liszt had prepared in advance. Despite the road still being muddy, when the sky cleared up, Liszt was ready to set off.


    With Thomas'' help, he put on the ck magic beast leather armor and equipped the gem weapon Redblood Sword. When he exited the castle, his leather boots stepped on the still wet horse field''s alfalfa. With a whistle, the grazing ckdragon galloped over from the distance.


    Two retainer knights, Philip and Xavier walked, over with Liszt''s equipment.They carried nonces, just bringing a pair of swords and a shield. The battle was going to be carried out in the woods, which weren''t suitable for charging withnces.Of course, there were still bow and arrows. Liszt''s archery was second only to Marcus''.


    Master, here is a smoke gra.s.s flint package. Thomas handed over a small paper package wrapped in several sheets of thick bast paper. Inside, there was dried smoke gra.s.s and a flint.


    In a pinch, the package could be ignited with just a bit of friction from the flint and in turn, smoke gra.s.s'' fumes could be released. Itcould be a life-saver at a critical moment.


    Admittedly, removing the danger that might arise from the Thorn''s Ridge was important, but keeping one''s life was even more important. However, the smoke gra.s.s flint package just served to deceive the others. In fact, he had arge bundle of smoke gra.s.s concealed in the s.p.a.ce gem. To stop magic beasts'' offensive, the bundle of smoke gra.s.s could be released and ignited at a moment''s notice.


    With bow and arrow on his back, Lisztmounted ckdragon. Suddenly, he looked at the kennel, where he saw Tremblingwoods wagging its tail.


    His eyes lit up. Tremblingwoods could already release Rockthorns, it was strong and healthy, and its fighting strength was not inferior to an Earth Knight''s. It was an excellent helper.Most importantly, it was trained to be very obedient and loyal to him.


    Thomas, bring Tremblingwoods over.


    You want to bring Tremblingwoods to the battlefield?


    That''s right.


    Tremblingwoods immediately lunged towards ckdragon when Thomas untied the rope. ckdragon was not nervous, it was quite familiar with Tremblingwoods. Tremblingwoods, naturally, didn''t attack ckdragon. It just wagged its tail.


    Tremblingwoods, keep pace with me.


    Liszt spurred the horse forward. Tremblingwoods soon caught up obediently.


    Everything was ready.


    When they reached the junction of the horse field and the main road, they saw Marcus and the knight squad already a.s.sembled, waiting to set off. Gort and the others also stood there to send them off.


    Tremblingwoods was not the least bit nervous when they merged with the squad, as it followed ckdragon.


    Sir, Tremblingwoods is outstanding. Praised Marcus.


    Which is why I''m taking it to the Thorns Ridge. It''ll have a natural advantage in the Thorns Ridge, and might bring us some unexpected help.


    Right. For the fief, for the castle, for Sir, it should also contribute. Said Marcus, before putting his right hand on his chest and saluting Liszt, I''m willing to charge at the enemy for Sir!


    The other retainer knights followed suit, saluting together.


    I''m willing to charge at the enemy for Sir!


    Liszt''s expression turned solemn, his sapphire eyes under the helmet swept his knight squad with a nce, and he said in a spirited tone: Set off, to the Thorns Ridge!


    ckdragon advanced in big strides. The other horses followed suit, closely cl.u.s.tering around Liszt.


    In their wake, there was no dust, just sshes of water.


    Under the cheers of Gort and the others, the knight squad treading on thepuddle-filled road gradually receded.


    Standing at the castle''s gate along with the servants, the butler Carter watched the backs of the knight squad. With his hands on his chest and his face carrying nervousness, gratification, and expectation, he cheered out loud: The glory of knights shines on you, Master, you will return glorious.


    That''s right, Mr. Carter, that''s what we all believe. Said Mrs. Mawson solemnly.


    Not far away, at the stables, One-Eyed Barton muttered with tobo in his mouth: The horses in Master''s knight squad are a mess. It''s best to raise a team of ck horses, so that they would look more imposing However, Master is worthy of the Tulip Family''s lineage. His brilliance cannot be overlooked. May the glory of knight always shine upon him!


    When the knight squad had gone far, Gort, Isaiah, and ir turned around and went to the town together.


    Is seems like the Thorns Ridge''s threat is going to be solved soon. Said Gort lightly.


    Isaiah had a somewhat worried expression: Magic beasts are not that easy to deal with. Gort, do you really believe that Sir Baron can settle those adept at hiding magic beasts?


    Pretty much. Liszt is far moreposed than you imagine, don''t think of him as a sixteen-year-old youngster. He is a qualified lord and a qualified knight. Also, I''ve seen his archery, it''s already at Marcus'' level. His sword is a gem weapon gifted to him by Marquis Merlin.


    ir said cheerfully: Sir is a child of glory beloved by the glory of knights. The Thorns Ridge doesn''t pose a problem, it''s merely a whetstone meant to sharpen his sword.


    He turned his head, looked at the already empty gravel road, and said in a slightly frivolous tone: Let''s have a bonfire when Sir returns.

 Chapter 123: Another Violent Dog

    Chapter 123: Another Violent Dog


    Liszt decided to spend this time amid thorns.


    He publicly imed that he was going to eliminate the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts and in fact, he indeed wanted to eliminate them, yet his true purpose was to seize the Bloodline Fruit.


    An extensive search was a must.


    Hunt any beast that you see! The thorns woods are destined to be cut down! As such, there is no need to keep the beasts!Marcus was themander of the knight squad.


    He loudly berated the retainer knights: Wayne, Ivon, you two idiots, who have yet to cultivate qi, are in charge of collecting, stacking together, and hanging on trees the beasts'' carca.s.ses, understood?! Upon our return, we need to bring back all that food!


    This was a sinister measure.


    ording to Liszt''s n, apart from keeping wild fruit trees, any other tree in the Thorns Ridge was to be felled. Not only magic beasts, but beasts were also to be exterminated. In the future, farnds would be opened, stones would be extracted to repair roads, and wood would be used for housing and cooking.


    There was no such a thing as protecting the environment.


    With his hand pressed against the Redblood Sword''s hilt, Liszt''s pupils changed into spiraling whirlpools from time to time as he released Magic Eyes to watch out for hidden magic beasts.


    It was on Magic Eyes that Liszt banked the most to eliminate the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts.


    Despite not knowing about the mysterious qi secret skill Magic Eyes, Marcus still guessed that Liszt had some kind of ability to see through magic power  the lord was from the Tulip Family, it was normal for him to have some secret means  which was where his confidence came from.


    Tremblingwoods was probably the most fearless one. As it was it''s first time going to the Thorns Ridge, it trembled from excitement and jumped back and forth with joy.


    Tremblingwoods, quiet! Called Liszt lightly.


    In Magic Eyes'' field of view, Tremblingwoods was a blur of yellow qi, Marcus was a blur of cyan qi, and,as their qi had yet to reveal its attribute, the other retainer knights were blurs of ash gray qi.


    Rustle.


    A hare jumped out of the underbrush.


    Marcus didn''t act. One of the retainer knights who had cultivated qi suddenly spurred his horse before easily stabbing andkilling the hare with his sword.


    The action waspleted in one go. With the help of qi plus the constant knight training, the merely twelve years old retainer knight had be far more fit and nimble than an adult.


    With a flick of the sword, the hare''s carca.s.s was thrown at the back of the team.


    Wayne, who had yet to cultivate qi, hurriedly caught the carca.s.s, pulled out a rope, tied the hare by its legs, and hung it from the rear of his horse.


    There were already several carca.s.ses of small animals hanging from the rear of the horse, with thergest one being that of a dwarf musk deer.


    In this way, the knight squad had forged ahead in the morning of journey and, although they hadn''t met any magic beasts, had hunted arge number of beasts. After reaching a certain number, the beasts''bodies were tied together and hung on trees. Like this, most beasts would have no way to steal them.


    There was nock of food in the town. Part of the game would be marinated and smoked, and then stored in the castle; another part would be distributed among his subordinates and their families to win them over.


    The rest, which couldn''t be eaten, would be sold in the seafood shop. The seafood shop was a property of the castle meant to provide the residents with seafood. List had already decided on the price of the game, which was only a bit higher than that of ck bread. Like this, the town''s residents could have a taste of the Thorns Ridge''s game.


    It could be regarded as a gift from their lord.


    Liszt was a good person, that was what he believed himself to be one, that was what his fief''s residents also believed, as there had never been a lord that treated their serfs that well.


    Lunch was roasted game. Some of the retainer knights brought seasonings. After being cleaned, the meat was sprinkled with seasonings, skewered on sticks, and then roasted on the spot.


    The mes quickly roasted the meat, leaving the interior tendered and the exterior charred.


    The fragrance drifting from the meat was appetizing. It also seeded in attracting nearby beasts, which consequently became the retainer knights practice targets. In this one morning, the retainer knights'' swordsmanship had risen rapidly. The realbat experience made them mature quickly, and they no longer panicked and made mistakes.


    It will take us roughly three days tob through the south part of the Thorn''s Ridge. Inevitably, there will be some beasts that slip through the cracks. They are likely to head to the Flower Town now that there isn''t much food in the woods. Marcus, while eating roasted meat, a.n.a.lyzed the consequences of fight.


    Liszt didn''t let the retainer knights roast his meat. Instead, he roasted a dwarf musk deer leg himself. He used a dagger to cut the meat, then sprinkled some seasoning over it and basted it several times with oil. The skin was roasted golden yellow, while the oil and the seasoning infiltrated into the meat.


    This handicraft had been tested several times in the castle, it was quite outstanding. Although aristocrats never went into the kitchen, but in the wild, it was verymon for them to roast meat by themselves. After all, roasting meat was elegant and fun.


    Before setting off, I had told Teacher Gort that in the near future, the fief''s residents shouldn''t go outside if not necessary and if they had to go to work, then they should not go alone. After this endeavor, the logging team is going to cut down all the trees in the Thorns Ridge, leaving the Flower Town with aplete peace of mind.


    After poking the dwarf musk deer leg with the dagger, he ascertained that the meat was cooked.


    He blew on the golden yellow skin and took a gentle bite. As if biting a crispy biscuit, the skin made cracking noise. The meat was well cooked, easily reaping apart. The aroma apanied by a scalding heat erupted on his tongue. It was too hot, making Liszt want to spit it out, yet he was reluctant, as it was very fragrant.


    He consumed the meat while exhaling.


    Delicious! Liszt secretly praised himself.


    After finishing half of the dwarf musk deer leg, he remembered that he should check the surroundings for lurking magic beasts. Upon releasing Magic Eyes, he suddenly found that there was a Violent Dog formed from yellow magic power on the front-left of the bonfire  if it wasn''t for Tremblingwoods nestling against the side of his leg, he would have believed that it was Tremblingwoods!


    Teacher Marcus, do you see the tree with the big trunk on the front-left? While maintaining his cool, he warned Marcus, then put down the dwarf musk deer legs and touched the bow and arrows on his back.


    Marcus raised his eyebrows: I do. Is there something wrong, Sir?


    In the underbrush, on the left side of the trunk, there is a magic beast, possibly a Windde Wolf or a Violent Dog. Liszt didn''t say outright what magic beast it was.


    Marcus nodded with a serious expression, then turned around and made a few simple hand gestures to the retainer knights beside him. He told them to be alert, that there was an enemy nearby in the direction he pointed at, and that they should inform the others. This was amonmunication method that knights employed on the battlefield. After all, they couldn''t always speak loudly.


    While maintaining their cool, all retainer knights received the hand signals. With weapons clenched in their hands, they started to slowly move toward the surrounding underbrush.


    Tremblingwoods seemed to feel the tension in the air, as it stood up in a split second and its hair also stood up. Lisztforted it softly: Be still, Tremblingwoods, listen to mymand.


    Tremblingwoods restrained its impulse. It looked around and started to sniff the air  it was previously engrossed with the smell of roasted meat.


    Afterying a snare, Liszt and Marcus looked at each other, then raised their bows, nocked two arrows each, and aimed at the underbrush.


    Along with a curt shout, Fire!, the two instantly released their arrows. Four arrows shot lightning-fast at the shrubs from different directions. Marcus didn''t know the magic beast''s exact position, so his arrows were a bit off target, but Liszt''s arrows were very urate, aiming at the magic beast''s head.


    Sqwelp!


    Not surprisingly, Liszt was the only one on target, with one of his arrows. .h.i.tting the back of the magic beast. At the crucial moment, the magic beast reacted extremely fast, twisting its body to dodge a critical hit.


    With this action, the magic beast jumped out of the underbrush. The arrow on top of its back wasn''t inserted too deep.


    Next, it made a beeline for a retainer knight, wanting to retaliate.


    It''s a Violent Dog! Marcus raised his bow and arrows again and shot to intercept the Violent Dog in order to save the retainer knight.


    Liszt also shot from his bow. Simultaneously, he issued an order: Tremblingwoods, release your magic at the enemy!

 Chapter 124: A Dead End for the King of the Thorns Ridge

    Chapter 124: A Dead End for the King of the Thorns Ridge


    The Violent Dog was the king of the Thorns Ridge, a formidable low-ranked magic beast.


    It was quite probably a blood rtive of Tremblingwoods. Although Tremblingwoods mother was dead, but its father was quite likely the one facing them now.


    Although it was possibly its rtive, yet it didn''t prevent Tremblingwoods fromunching an attack under Liszt''smand.


    Magic power gushed from its mouth, crossed the s.p.a.ce, and urately gathered at the location of the target to form the earth-attributed magic  Rockthorns.


    Whoosh!


    Rockthorns shot from the ground underneath the Violent Dog''s abdomen, nearly impaling it. The Violent Dog quickly dodged, avoiding Rockthorns. With its nimble movements, it persistently avoided the four arrows. After adjusting its posture, it rushed at the retainer knight again.


    After getting a break, the retainer knight put a shield in front of him, ready to defend.


    However, he suddenly heard the sir lord bark at him: Zakkary, roll to the side! His body involuntarily followed themand of the voice, as he fell to the side and rolled twice on the muddy ground.


    During the knight training, Marcus repeatedly brainwashed them, instilling them with the idea that ''the lord was supreme'', that the sir lord''smands were to be obeyed unconditionally. Therefore, Zakkary didn''t need to think it over. His body had developed a conditioned reflex and acted in ordance with Liszt''s order.


    This time, obeying orders saved his life.


    In his former position, arge Rockthorn pierced out of the ground. If Zakkary hadn''t dodged to the side, then the Rockthorn would have pierced into his body, probably into a critical ce.


    Breaking out in a cold sweat, Zakkary swallowed with difficulty. He was grateful for the sir lord''s warning. However, there was not much time to express his grat.i.tude. After missing, the Violent Dog rushed at him once more. It seemed like it wouldn''t stop before killing that retainer knight.


    Sir, continue shooting while I''ll charge at it!


    Marcus couldn''t help but yell out when he saw that he couldn''t hit the Violent Dog with bow and arrows.


    Liszt had no objection to this instruction. At this moment, he was the embodiment of a qualified archer. Staying at the rear was the overriding principle.


    Moreover, he also had tomand Tremblingwoods to release his magic and was responsible for warning the retainer knights to dodge Rockthorns.


    His task was heavy.


    There was order in the chaotic battle scene. The Violent Dog was admittedly fierce and its Rockthorns were unpredictable, but under the scrutiny of Liszt''s Magic Eyes, its every move wasid bare. Apart from scratching a retainer knight that didn''t dodge on time, its several other Rockthorns didn''t achieve any results.


    The bout took roughly ten minutes.


    The Violent Dog''s magic power had fallen to the bottom. ording to the experience from Tremblingwoods'' every day release of magic, Liszt knew that this Violent Dog would find it very difficult to release Rockthorns within a short period of time.


    He suddenly drew the Redblood Sword: Charge, kill it!


    ckdragon raised its head high and rushed at the Violent Dog, which was surrounded and had nowhere to escape. Tremblingwoods charged as well. It had no notion of its kind. Liszt''smand was its code of conduct.


    Two Earth Knights, ten Apprentice Knights, plus two handymen, a total of fourteen people besieged the magic power exhausted Violent Dog. It was doomed. The retainer knights had practiced joint attack routines; they firmly stood in their positions, as Marcus made up the frontal resistance and Liszt struck from time to time.


    Heart of Fire Dragon Drill!


    With unparalleled momentum, the Redblood Swordbined with the [Fire Dragon Drill]''s ultimate meaning severed the Violent Dog''s line of retreat, thoroughly locking it inside. mes burned all over, which was the product of Liszt erupting with his qi.


    Whimper!


    The Violent Dog whined repeatedly.


    The king of the Thorns Ridge, while being hunted by humans, could only begrudgingly ept its end.


    It didn''t take much effort for it to go down. Liszt calmly put the Redblood Sword away and waited for the mes to go out to take a look at the tragic end of the magic beast that he personally killed.


    But just as everyone rxed a little, a ck shadow burst out from amid the mes and rushed out of thex encirclement. Surprisingly, it was the Violent Dog that should have been killed by Liszt''s special move. Bruised all over and even exuding a faint charred smell, it still had the ability to run.


    Give chase!


    Liszt couldn''t bear to have this fat piece of meat escape from under his nose.


    Without bothering about tidying up the barbecue setup, the entire knight squad gave chase. As a dog in the first ce, Tremblingwoods closely chased after the scorched Violent Dog.


    Sir, be careful, you may encounter other magic beasts. Marcus was in a gloomy mood, I didn''t expect the Violent Dog to be so difficult to deal with, it even feigned death in order to escape. I was negligent! I won''t be able to rx before making sure that the magic beast is dead! Magic beasts are so cunning!


    Magic beasts are indeed cunning! However, it won''t live, it''s body is nearly burned! Liszt''s vigor was still surging, not having suffered much of an impact.


    On the battlefield, he was indeed cowardly, always hiding in the rear. However, once he focused on something, he would give his all to aplish his goal. Take the Violent Dog as an example, he wasn''t going to give it any break.


    With Magic Eyes, he could clearly see through magic released by magic beasts, which meant that any magic beast he faced would have no way of taking his life with its magic.


    A magic beast without magic was no different from a beast!


    Liszt could go anywhere in the Thorns Ridge!


    After a while, the fleeing Violent Dog finally stopped running away, stopping in front of a nt. It panted heavily and bled from the burn wounds all over its body. Turning its head, it looked at Tremblingwoods and therge number of knights behind it rushing over. It seemed to have made a decision, and ts gaze moved towards the fist-seized golden fruit hanging from a branch of the nt.


    It leaped at the golden fruit with the intention to eat it.


    However, a sharp swishing sound came from behind and in the next moment, the Violent Dog could only feel a force propelling it forwards by half a meter as it jumped. The Violent Dog''s mouth pa.s.sed by the golden fruit and it bit at empty s.p.a.ce. Afternding, pain spread throughout its entire body. It could no longer hold on and died.


    Not far behind it, Liszt lowered his bow and heaved a sigh.


    What a b.a.s.t.a.r.d, it really can run Fortunately, I was notte.


    Via Magic Eyes, he discovered that the fruit was gathering magic power. Evidently, the Bloodline Fruit was not ripe yet. It would be a real waste if it was eaten by the Violent Dog just now.


    Tremblingwoods squatted down next to the Violent Dog body and started drooling as it stared at the golden fruit.


    It also perceived the Bloodline Fruit''s attraction force.


    Tremblingwoods, don''t! Liszt scolded Tremblingwoods, which had approached the Bloodline Fruit, and called it back.


    Woof woof! Tremblingwoods immediately started to wag its tail at Liszt, while looking at the golden fruit. Obviously, it was fawning on Liszt, hoping that it could eat the Bloodline Fruit.


    Don''t be impatient, it''s not ripe yet. Liszt dismounted his mount and then scanned the surroundings. Only after making sure that there were no other magic beasts nearby, did he shift his gaze to the Bloodline Fruit.


    He didn''t know what the nt was called, but it was probably some kind of fern.


    With its single golden Bloodline Fruit, it looked a bit odd.


    The fruit was very beautiful, round and plump, and in addition to the brilliant golden color, the peel still looked a bit translucent. There was no fragrance or any sign of magic power spreading out of it, yet via Magic Eyes, he could see the ma.s.sive amount of magic power stored inside.


    The magic power had nearly solidified into substance.


    This is a Bloodline Fruit? Marcus, who had already taken care of the Violent Dog body and checked the surrounding terrain, arrived beside Liszt, and then eximed in a low voice.

 Chapter 125: The Turning Point of Tremblingwoods Fate

    Chapter 125: The Turning Point of Tremblingwood''s Fate


    Marcus was somewhat aware regarding the Bloodline Fruit''s worth. Greater aristocrats were willing to spend upwards of one thousand gold coins in exchange for the site with a growing Bloodline Fruit.


    If it wasn''t for the risk of failure involved in the growth of Bloodline Fruits, then their worth would be very possibly calcted in dragon coins.


    He was both excited and rejoiced: Fortunately, weunched the campaign against the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts early. Otherwise, if we waited until the Bloodline Fruit matured, then this Violent Dog was likely to have a further breakthrough, making the consequent hunt of it even more difficult.


    It was precisely because of this reasoning that Liszt decided to campaign against the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts in advance.


    He reached out with his hand and touched the Bloodline Fruit. Unfortunately, humans couldn''t consume this fruit: It looks like this Bloodline Fruit is about to mature. The Violent Dog wanted it for itself, yet now, it belongs to me.


    Sir, after this treasure ripes, it will inevitably attract the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts. Those magic beasts have keen senses, they must be nearby, waiting for the Bloodline Fruit to ripe.


    Isn''t it just perfect? Liszt suddenly had a sh of inspiration, We can use the Bloodline Fruit as bait. We can install traps in the surroundings and then wait for the magic beasts toe to us.


    Then I''ll bring the knight squad to install the traps! Said Marcus in high spirits.


    Before entering the Thorns Ridge, the knight squad made ample preparations, bringing ropes, shovels and other items. The knight squad had also learnt many skills from hunters., as they not only had to go to the battlefield, but also had to go into woods to hunt magic beasts.


    Marcus was a veteran,ying a lot of nooses in some strategic location. Although those nooses couldn''t stop magic beasts, but in the spur of the moment, they could hinder them quite well.


    To hunt, they had to mainly rely on him and Liszt.


    It was already evening when they finished setting up the traps. During that whole time, Liszt stayed next to the Bloodline Fruit, waiting for it to ripe.


    All the while, he pondered whether he should let Tremblingwoods or ckdragon eat it.


    Tremblingwoods was a low-ranked magic beast. After eating the Bloodline fruit, it was possible for it to evolve into a mid-ranked magic beast. Of course, it was also possible that the evolution would fail, but it should not die.


    ckdragon was a dragon type beast. After eating the Bloodline fruit, it was possible for it to evolve into a low-ranked dragon type magic beast. Simrly, it was also possible that the evolution would fail. However, it could even die.


    It''s better to have Tremblingwoods eat it. ckdragon is an exceedingly rare dragon type beast with the heavy responsibility of breeding ckdragon Horses. It''s indispensable. After some considerations, Liszt came to a decision.


    As for Blessedcurls, which stayed in the castle, it waspletely ignored.


    By the time the sun set, a bonfire was ignited again.


    Liszt received a Violent Dog leg from a retainer, which he skewered on a stick and prepared to roasted. This was his dinner. His physical const.i.tution was getting stronger by the day and his qi was constantly rising. At the Earth Knight stage, his progress was so rapid that there was noparison between him and an ordinary Earth Knight.


    The reason for it being that he ate well!


    Although, cultivation relied on talent, but the essence lied in the intake and utilization of nutrition. If one had magic beast meat for meals, then even a pig might turn into a magic pig.


    If one didn''t eat their fill, then even with a peerless talent, they still wouldn''t be able to cultivate qi.


    Woof woof! Tremblingwoods called at him, drooling over the magic beast meat in his hand.


    Liszt patted Tremblingwoods on its big head: You can''t eat it. It''s probably your father''s meat, and even if it''s not your father''s, then it''s your uncle''s Anyway, it''s rted to you. Father and son killing each other was cruel enough, let alone father and son eating each other, he couldn''t stand for it.


    Therefore, Tremblingwoods could only get a roasted hare.


    While watching Liszt gorge himself on the Violent Dog leg, Tremblingwoods gnawed on an extremely thin hare, drooling.


    You don''t have to be so envious, there''s something good for you as well. Liszt pointed at the Bloodline Fruit, which represented a major opportunity to Tremblingwoods, From it''s magic power, which has nearly solidified into substance, it should mature soon, probably by tonight. Tremblingwoods, recharge your strength. I hope that after tonight, you can be a mid-ranked magic beast.


    Mid-ranked magic beasts wereparable to Sky Knights.


    Besides, trained magic beasts could be taken to the battle field. Having a mid-ranked magic beast was equivalent to having a Sky Warlock as their retainer, an unambitious retainer at that. As a master of a mid-ranked magic beast, one would have smooth sailing in achieving meritorious military service, one would only have to wait to have their t.i.tle promoted.


    Can Tremblingwoods evolve? Mused Liszt.


    He couldn''t tell.


    There were all kinds of powerful magic beasts in this world. But on the Coral Ind, magic beasts were practically all low-ranked, with the exception of the Purple Sand Crocodile, which was a mid-ranked magic beast. The Violent Dogs were known as the kings of the Thorns Ridge, yet they were essentially still low-ranked magic beasts. It was difficult to tell whether seizing this chance would result in the revision of the bloodline or failure as well as the waste of a Bloodline Fruit.


    Sir, aren''t you going to have a rest? Asked Marcus after he finished patrolling the surroundings.


    I''m not. Staying upte once in a while isn''t a big deal.


    As time went by, the night was getting darker and darker.


    Apart from the bonfireintermittently issuing crackling sounds, the entire Thorns Ridge was only left with the sound of wind and the cries of some insects as well as asional calls of some small critters.


    Tremblingwoods nestled itself against Liszt''s leg, giving off even snoring sounds.


    While leaning against a tree trunk, Liszt watched the Bloodline Fruit. He still felt energetic. A long whileter, Liszt''s eyes suddenly lit up in excitement: I''ts going to ripe soon, I can sense that the Bloodline Fruit is going to exude magic power soon! It''s at a critical point!


    He gave Tremblingwoods a kick, waking it up.


    He also called Marcus: Teacher Marcus, the Bloodline Fruit is going to ripe! Remind the knights to be mindful of possible magic beast attacks!


    It''s about to mature? With a grave expression, Marcus quickly informed the knight squad to be alert.


    Meanwhile, the b.l.o.o.d.y fruit suddenly fell down and a fascinating aroma spread from it.


    It matured!


    Liszt quickly picked up the Bloodline Fruit and gave it to Tremblingwoods: Tremblingwoods, eat it, quickly! The Bloodline Fruit only had a shelf life of a few minutes, loosing part of its magic power with every pa.s.sing moment, which in turn had a great impact on its effectiveness.


    Tremblingwoods understood that it was something good. It opened its mouth and instantly swallowed the Bloodline Fruit.


    Meanwhile, Liszt, who had released Magic Eyes, noticed several figures of magic power quickly rushing over in the surroundings: Teacher Marcus, enemy attack! There are magic beasts in the east, southwest, and northwest!


    Crackle!Crackle!The traps yed their role, ensnaring two magic beasts.


    Marcus took the lead and rushed at the magic beast in the east. This magic beast was not unfamiliar to him. It was another Violent Dog! It turned out that there more Violent Dogs in the Thorns Ridge than just Tremblingwoods'' family. Momentarily, a berserk output of wind-attributed qi dealt a heavy blow to the Violent Dog, which had yet to free itself from a noose.


    It immediately struck back with Rockthorns, forcing Marcus to nervously dodge and be momentarily incapable of killing the Violent Dog.


    The magic beast in the southwest was also caught in a noose. Several retainer knights a.s.saulted it while roaring.


    Liszt drew the Redblood Sword and looked at the magic beast, which looked like a boar. In the Thorns Ridge, there was only a single type of magic beasts that looked like a boar and had attacked the Flower Town in winter  the Thundertusk Boar. It was a thunder-attributed magic beast whose tusks could release thunder-attributed magic  Thunderbolt sh


    Rumble!The Thundertusk Boar released Thunderbolt sh without hesitation and a stream of lightning illuminated the woods.


    Retreat! Approach! Raise shield! Insert sword! Release qi! Liszt issued five orders in a breath. Following their conditioned reflexes, the retainer knights retreated, drew closer, raised their shields, inserted their swords into the ground, and releasing their qi, attaching it to their shields.


    Boom!


    A lightning whip hit the shields, sending two retainer knights flying.


    Ah! Ah! Sounded two screams.

 Chapter 126: The Strength and Valor of Elite Earth Knights

    Chapter 126: The Strength and Valor of Elite Earth Knights


    The screams were heartbreaking.


    However, after falling to the ground, the two retainer knights still managed to climb. Obviously, there was no serious problem. It was a good response to diffuse the powerful magic. They practiced counteract routines to counter the magic beasts they could meet in the Thorns Ridge.


    And the Thundertusk Boar was one of them!


    The purpose of retreat'' was to wait for Thunderbolt sh to dissipate. Thunder-attributed magic had the most serious dissipation of magic, its power weakening with the distance. Besides, it took the Thundertusk Boar fairly long time of preparation to release Thunderbolt sh.


    The purpose of approach'' was to disperse Thunderbolt sh struck against a single target.


    The purpose of raise shield'' was to expand the area of Thunderbolt sh and protect the body.


    The purpose of insert sword'' was to channel the power of thunder-attributed magic into the ground.


    The purpose of release qi'' was to use qi to dispel the remaining power of thunder-attributed magic.


    Although two retainer knights were sent flying, yet the group of Apprentice Knights managed to dispel the strike, the strategy was already sessful.


    Everyone, head mymand, strike at will! Stall the Thundertusk Boar, wait for me to join you! Marcus finally managed to momentarily take away his attention from the strikes of the Violent Dog''s Rockthorns before hurriedly ordering the retainer knights.


    As the battlefieldmander, he had to coordinate the whole situation.


    Sir, there''s still one magic beast left!


    Leave this one to me! Liszt''s voice was cold. With Magic Eyes, he was much safer than others, It''s just a snake magic beast!


    After being attached with fire-attributed qi, the Redblood Sword gradually released mes.


    He was already rushing to the northwest to intercept the snake magic beast. There were no records of snake magic beasts in the Thorns Ridge. Regardless, Liszt still had to face this snake.


    Tremblingwoods couldn''t be counted on.After consuming the Bloodline Fruit, it crumpled to the ground, appearing to have fallen into a deep sleep.


    Fire Dragon Pierce!With Magic Eyes locked on the opponent, Lisztunched an attack without hesitation. The Redblood Sword turned into a blood-colored arrow and pierced at the snake magic beast''s weak point.


    The weak point was obviously the confluence of magic power that he could perceive via Magic Eyes.It was the snake''s weakest ce, striking at which would certainly result in death.


    The snake magic beast evidently sensed a fatal threat, as it twisted its stocky body into a circr shape and evaded the strike. Simultaneously, it opened its maw and spat out its magic power.


    Liszt quickly jumped away and evaded the magic attack.


    In the ce he had stood on just a moment ago formed a pitch-ck whirlpool, rapidly eroding the withered gra.s.s and dead leaves on the ground into dregs.


    ck Magic Whirlpool! So it''s a Shadow Snake! He swiftly identified the snake magic beast he was facing as a Shadow Snake.


    The Shadow Snake was a darkness-attributed magic beast that mostly lived in swamps and dark, damp woond. The magic it released was called ck Magic Whirlpool''. Darkness-attributed magic power had a corrosive property to itself. Once hit by ck Magic Whirlpool, a person''s body could be instantly corroded into nothing. Its magic beast was very vicious, yet its body was fairly weak.


    If it was Marcus instead, then he might have lost his legs just now and then be devoured by the Shadow Snake.


    But the one it came across was Liszt, who could easily dodge its magic. Its death was just a question of time.


    Heart of Fire Dragon Drill!He started with the special move, enveloping the Shadow Snake in a rain of mes, forcing it to coil itself and giving it no chance to release its magic. Liszt''s motto was to do his utmost even when dealing with a minor problem, his style being to either stay at the rear or madly attack at the front line.


    Sqwelp!


    The Shadow Snake''s skin went up in mes.


    The pain prompted the Shadow Snake to roll on the ground in order to extinguish the mes. Whether it was because the mes disturbed its judgement or whatnot, but the Shadow Snake recklessly released its magic within a small area, releasing ck Magic Whirlpool three times in a row, yet to no avail. Liszt was far away.


    Facing the Shadow Snake which had lost its reasoning, Liszt gave a relieved smile, then raised his Redblood Sword high into the air, aimed at the snake''s weak point, and explosively brandished the sword downwards.


    Sqwish!


    The strike chopped the Shadow Snake in two halves. The lower half squirmed madly while the upper half was still, just that snake''s maw still opened and closed.


    It could no longer release its magic and the only thing left for it was to die.


    Haaaah Liszt exhaled a breath of turbid air. He was absent-minded for a split second. Not too long ago, he was just a good-for-nothing, yet now, he easily killed a magic beast.


    Admittedly, the Shadow Snake wasn''t very strong, but it was still a low-level magic beast, it wasparable to an Earth Knight strength-wise.


    Yet in front of him, it could only be beaten, be chopped in half in under ten moves: I''m really strong, I''m alreadyparable to an elite Earth Knight.


    Magic Eyes, which could discern things clearly, and the Redblood Sword, which could increase his power, were enough to prove that Liszt''s fighting strength had changed.


    This feeling of ruefulness onlysted for a moment. In the next moment, despite the chopped in half Shadow Snake still twisting, he went to ckdragon with the Bloodred Sword in hand, mounted it, and then made a beeline towards the Thundertusk Boar. Some magic beasts had to be dealt with infantry, while others were suitable to be dealt with cavalry. The Thundertusk Boar had arge, resilient body, it had to be hunted down with the help of a warhorse.


    Charge!


    With man and mount as one and qi gushing out, the Redblood Sword pierced through the air, issuing piercing noise.


    When he rushed into the battle scene, the Thundertusk Boar was just about to release its magic, yet it was sent flying by Liszt''s move Raging Congration Sever'', spraying the site with its blood and interrupting the release of its magic.


    But with its resilient body, the Thundertusk Boar didn''t took much damage. It stood up and rushed at Liszt while groaning.


    But after only taking two steps, it was sent flying again. Marcus, who had already settled the Violent Dog, charged at it with man and mount as one. His left leg was wounded, with blood flowing from it. Apparently, he was sc.r.a.ped by the Violent Dog''s Rockthorns. However, that didn''t affect his charge on horseback.


    Sir, joint attack!


    I''ll take the left and you take the right, let''s alternate in charging at it, listen to my cue, don''t let it release its magic!


    Alright!


    The two men exchanged a few words. Next, Lisztunched another charge, knocking the Thundertusk Boar away once more. Before the Thundertusk Boar climbed up, Marcusunched another charge as well, knocking to the ground the still unsteady Thundertusk Boar.


    Two elite Earth Knight alternated in charging at the Thundertusk Boar.


    With them gradually getting the hang of it, the Thundertusk Boar no longer got a chance to climb back up or release Thunderbolt sh. Like this, it kept issuing stifled howls as the injuries on its body stacked up. Before long, its fur and the the mud on the ground were dyed blood red and ck respectively.


    The originally exhausted from being battered by the Thundertusk Boar retainer knights sessively ignited torches and surrounded the battle scene in order to prevent the Thundertusk Boar from breaking through the encirclement and escaping.


    When they looked at the two Earth Knights toying with the Thundertusk Boar, their blood boiled. They wished they were the ones to trample on the magic beast.


    After a dozen charges, the warhorse underneath Marcus was too tired to lift its hoofs, ckdragon was panting heavily, and the Thundertusk Boar finally groaned no more as it lied on the ground, no longer breathing.


    We finally killed it. Liszt breathed heavily. The Thundertusk Boar did not pose a great threat to an Earth Knight as it was clumsy, and its magic release speed was slow and easy to dodge, yet its thick hide made it so that one could only kill it by pestering and wearing it down.


    Marcus''plexion was pale and his left leg bled a bit. Evidently, his strength was impaired, yet the first thing he did was still to shout: Everyone, stop daydreaming! Hurry up and clean up the battlefield, we''re leaving!


    Finished speaking, he dismounted his mount, ready to dress his injury.


    However, Liszt suddenly urged: Teacher Marcus, we''re in trouble. One, two, three We are being surrounded by a total of seven magic beasts.

 Chapter 127: Tremblingwoods Fights the Windblade Wolves

    Chapter 127: Tremblingwoods Fights the Windde Wolves


    They were Windde Wolves.


    The pack of cunning fellows didn''t attack right away to rob the Bloodline Fruit. Instead, they appeared after the fight was over, wanting to be the fisherman. [1]


    The previous three magic beasts were already a handful.


    Now that they confronted seven magic beasts at once and at night at that, their conditions were not favorable. It was difficult for them to prevail over the pack of Windde Wolves.


    Sir, let''s retreat? Marcus took out a smoke gra.s.s flint package: A night battle is very unfavorable for us. The traps can''t stop the pack of wolves. Besides, my left leg is injured, making it impossible for me to disy my full strength. I''ll ignite the smoked gra.s.s and use [Multiple Arrows] to cover Sir''s retreat. Let''s evacuate towards the main road.


    Liszt replied in straightforward fashion: Alright!


    Best to be conscientious in everything, flight included.


    Before the package was ignited, a prating wolf howl pierced everyone''s ears: Awuuuuuuu


    Liszt turned his head to look. But Tremblingwoods, which slept on the ground, had stood up at some point before raising its head and issuing a wolf howl.


    Its body seemed to have been inted alike a balloon, which was the muscles underneath its fur bulging. Besides, its eyes were bloodshot and its fangs turned fiercer and sharper.


    Liszt hurriedly released Magic Eyes.


    He saw Tremblingwoods'' earth-yellow magic power rising alike a me, making it look like a fierce beast bathed in fire: Tremblingwoods!


    When Tremblingwoods heard Liszt''s shout, it turned its head. Momentarily, there was a hint of confusion in its eyes.


    The next moment, a feeling of familiarity inundated its mind as it heard Liszt''s order: Attack! Involuntarily, it rushed in the direction that Liszt pointed.


    There were two Windde Wolves there.


    Seeing Tremblingwoods rushing over, they hurriedly retreated. However,Tremblingwoods'' current speed was too fast. It caught up with a Windde Wolf in two steps, opened its maw, and released its magic.


    A Rockthorn thicker than usual sprouted from the ground and directly skewered the Windde Wolf. From its pierced through abdomen, intestines and blood leaked out.


    Yelp, wu The Windde Wolf cried out in pain.


    The other six Windde Wolves rushed over, dabbing at Tremblingwoods. The fight started without any prelude. The chaos of Winddes thrown by the Windde Wolves chopped at brunches and trunks as well as cut gashes in the ground. Tremblingwoods urately released Rockthorns, each time wounding a Windde Wolf by a bit.


    With its unparalleled strength, Tremblingwoods was like a tiger released amid a flock of sheep. Often times, whenever a Windde Wolf wanted to take a bite at it, it would send it flying with a p.


    Even if it was bitten, it would just have its skin pierced a bit. Its bulging muscles made it so it could avoid being injured by the Windde Wolves'' sharp fangs.


    Tremblingwoods also bit back. Windde Wolves bit by it found it unbearable, as they jumped away and cried out in pain.


    Blood and magic flew everywhere as dog and wolves fought desperately.


    Tremblingwoods has evolved? Marcus trembled slightly, clenching the smoke gra.s.s flint package in his hand. The scene of the Violent Dog taking on six Windde Wolves was really spectacr.


    Liszt''s breathing was a bit hurried. Just now, he saw Tremblingwoods'' eyes, which seemed not to recognize him. There was even a faint bloodthirsty, cruel glint, which was innate to beasts. Without a shadow of a doubt, Tremblingwoods would have attacked him the following moment.


    Fortunately, he didn''t panic, his mind remained clear at that crucial moment.


    He swiftly issued an order to attack, shifting Tremblingwoods attention to the Windde Wolves.


    As expected, his orders were a conditioned reflex to Tremblingwoods. It subconsciously attacked the Windde Wolves. What he hadn''t antic.i.p.ated was that Tremblingwoods could take on six Windde Wolves without falling the slightest bit behind.


    I don''t know. Its magic power has gone berserk. Whether it evolved or not, it needs to vent! Liszt''s tone was serene, yet contained a trace of detachment, Teacher Marcus, the Bloodline Fruit seems to have unleashed Tremblingwoods'' beastly nature. It''s out for blood.


    Ifter, Tremblingwoods still didn''t recognize him, then it wouldunch an attack at him as well.


    Obviously, he wouldn''t be soft-handed.


    Marcus gave a heavy nod, then drew his bow and arrows and retreated to the vicinity of the still intact traps, all the while paying close attention to the battle scene: Understood!


    The retainer knights stood in formation, guarding Liszt in the center.


    Everyone waited patiently.


    The battle didn''tst too long.


    The berserk-eyed Tremblingwoods, found the opportunity stab a Windde Wolf to death with Rockthorns, destroying the wolf pack''s encirclement. Then, it started a ma.s.sacre. It suddenly captured a Windde Wolf. Without waiting for the Windde Wolf to twist its body and escape, it released a Rockthorns, impaling the other party.


    It knew far better how to effectively use its magic than the Windde Wolves, as it had been trained by Liszt for a long time. Also, Rockthorns was particrly suited for sneak-attacks.


    One by one, the Windde Wolves were cruelly impaled to death.


    Its berserk aura also gradually subsided. When it was time to kill the final Windde Wolf, it turned out that it had exhausted its magic power and could no longer release Rockthorns.


    Staring nkly, it watched as the Windde Wolf took the chance that presented itself to it and fled into the distance without looking back.


    As it breathed heavily, it momentarily forgot to give chase.


    But in the next moment, four sharp arrows were shot, nailing the already injured Windde Wolf to the ground. It was Liszt and Marcus tying up a loose end.


    After shooting dead the Windde Wolf that was about to slip away, the two men once again nocked arrows and pulled back bowstrings, aiming at Tremblingwoods.


    They didn''t fire right away.


    Liszt gently called out to the gasping Tremblingwoods: Tremblingwoods, sit.


    Tremblingwoods stared nkly as its bloodthirsty eyes flickered. It seemed like it no longer understood Liszt''smands, nor recognized Liszt. It just panted and stared at Liszt and the others motionlessly.


    Liszt maintained the shooting position with mixed feelings.


    Even if he didn''t regard it as a pet, but after raising it for half a year, he still developed some feelings for it. He didn''t want to kill Tremblingwoods, which would not only spell the loss of the Bloodline Fruit, but also many other wonderful things.


    Time pa.s.sed little by little. Liszt''s mood was getting gloomier and gloomier.


    At this moment, however, Tremblingwoods slowly sat down on the ground and called at him twice, woof woof''.


    In a split second, the heavy mood suddenly cleared up. Liszt beckoned with a chuckle: Tremblingwoods,e back!


    Tremblingwoods immediately wagged its tail and, with a limp leg, rushed over. Liszt dismounted his mount and patted its fur. In turn, Tremblingwoods extended its tongue and licked his palm. The bloodthirsty glint had already retreated from its eyes, giving way to the original spirited and clever look.


    Marcus smiled, then turned back and shouted: Clear the battlefield, tidy up the prey, we''re leaving!


    After the tension was cleared, the retainer knights started to collect the magic beast bodies and hang them on their horses, all the while talking andughing. After this campaign, there might be no more magic beasts in the south of the Thorns Ridge. The Thorns Ridge was divided by the main road and the palisades, thoroughly splitting it into two parts, the south and the north.


    How''s your leg? Inquired Liszt.


    Marcus replied while dressing his wound: It''s just a superficial wound. Sir, had Tremblingwoods evolved, has it be a mid-ranked magic beast?


    I don''t know, but it looks a little bigger.


    [1]  The saying goes: when the snipe and the m quarrel, the fisherman benefits''

 Chapter 128: Glory Belongs to Sir Lord

    Chapter 128: Glory Belongs to Sir Lord


    Tremblingwoods had indeed berger by a size, which was mainly the result of its muscles bulging. As if inted by the Bloodline Fruit''s magic power, it felt a bit bloated.


    Mr. Marcus, have you seen a mid-ranked magic beast before?


    I haven''t.


    I haven''t either.


    Mid-ranked magic beasts could not be seen by just anyone. Take the Coral Ind as an example, it only had the count as a Sky Knight and the Purple Sand Crocodile as a mid-ranked magic beast. This was not a crocodile in the zoo, to visit which one only had to buy a ticket. Mid-ranked magic beasts no longer possessed a single type of magic.


    ording to the Tulip Family''s records, the Purple Sand Crocodile was a water-attributed magic beast. Once, in a confrontation against the knight order, it released three types of magic.


    They were Water Arrows Scatter Shot'', Water Fluctuations Shield'', and the very powerful Waterfall'', which could raise dozen-meter-tall waves onnd that could smash Earth Knights to death.


    Therefore, Liszt wasn''t sure whether Tremblingwoods had evolved into a mid-ranked magic beast. ording to the present state at least, Tremblingwoods hadn''t changed too much. And even in its berserk state, it still didn''t have an overwhelming superiority against the pack of Windde Wolves, with the wounds littering its body being proof of it.


    In any case, the Bloodline Fruit should bring some changes to Tremblingwoods. It will be further strengthened under the Bloodline Fruit''s imperceptive influence. Liszt consoled himself.


    After half a day, the knight squad still hadn''t finished tidying up the magic beasts'' bodies.


    Primarily because the Thundertusk Boar was too big. It weighed about the same as an adult hippopotamus, that is, close to three tons. The horses couldn''t bear the Thundertusk Boar''s weight. And there were still two Violent Dogs, seven Windde Wolves, and one Shadow Snake. Today''s harvest was bountiful.


    First send back some of the magic beast carca.s.ses, and then bring the caravan''s carriages. There are still many beast carca.s.ses in the Thorns Ridge. Marcus mused out loud.


    Liszt had no objections, he didn''t bother to think about such trifles.He just wanted to go back to the castle, take a nice bath, and sleep.


    On the way back, he summoned the smoke mission.


    Missionpleted. Reward: a Bloodline Fruit.


    Mission: youunched an offensive with the intent to suppress the Thorns Ridge and create a new peaceful environment for the Flower Town. In one go,plete the ughter of the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts. Reward: ckdragon Horses'' tracks.


    The new mission stirred Liszt''s spirit.


    The reward turned out to be the ckdragon Horses'' tracks. He wondered all along whether there were more of ckdragon''s kind. It stood to reason that there would be no horses on the ind, yet there was no guarantee that there were really none. After all, this was a world full of wonder. Unexpectedly, the smoke mission gave a clue.


    There were indeed ckdragon Horses.These were dragonhorses, their worth was self-evident.


    After finishing the suppression of the south of the Thorns Ridge and finding the Bloodline Fruit, I intended to take a break. Now it seems that I can''t take a break. I have toplete the suppression in one go to wee my ckdragon Horses!


    The sun had set, the star-filled sky sparkled.


    Under the starlight, Liszt and his knight squad returned to the castle with their bountiful harvest.


    There weremps ignited in the castle as the old butler Carter waited. He didn''t know when the castle''s master would return. ording to Liszt''s instructions before his departure, if he didn''t return by evening, then there was no need to wait for him. However, Carter would still get up from bed, go to beside the window, and look outside from time to time.


    At this moment, he saw torches.


    Master is back. With the ineffable feeling in his heart loosened, Carter hurriedly dressed himself, and then knocked on Mrs. Mawson''s door, Mrs. Mawson, Master is back. Wake up the maids and prepare bathwater for Master. Have the kitchen prepare ate-night snack without dy, they''re already on the Tremblingwoods Path.


    Alright, Mr. Carter, I''ll get up now. Responded Mrs. Mason.


    Carter swiftly called the servingmen one by one and then ignited themps, waking the entire castle from the darkness. The master liked light. Now that there was money, he encouraged the old butler not to be afraid to waistmp oil!


    The castle swiftly lit up with lights, making the lord feel particrlyfortable upon his return.


    Liszt couldn''t help but think of a song: the shining stars light up my home, showing a way to the lost child.


    Feeling that it wasn''t too fitting, he thought of a poem: The hooves of my horse tter  it''s a beautiful mistake. I''m noting home, I''m only pa.s.sing through


    Alright, it still wasn''t too fitting.


    Momentarily, he couldn''t find a suitable sentence to describe his current mood. In short, he was very excited. At the castle''s gate, the servants had already lined up to greet him.


    The glory of knights shines on you! Master, seeing you return safe and sound finally puts my mind at ease.


    No need to worry, Mr. Carter, we just went to hunt in the woods, we haven''t met any danger. Liszt smiled and said indifferently, Tom, take the caravan''s carriages, go to the Thorns Ridge with my retainer knights and bring back the hunted game You will be very busy tonight.


    Yes, Master. Replied Tom


    Carter saw the carca.s.ses carried by the retainer knights and realizing that it would be a sleepless night: It''s our honor to serve Master.


    Has Mrs. Abby prepared thete-night snack?


    The kitchen is on it. I told Mrs. Abby to prepare it for the entire knight squad.


    Very good. When we return again, we must celebrate today''s rich harvest to our heart''s content. Liszt didn''t dismount ckdragon, Thomas, take Tremblingwoods to dress its injuries.


    As you wish, Master.


    Liszt nced at the unloaded game and said: Mr. Carter, tell Teacher Gort that he can divide this batch of game. Part is to be kept in the castle, another part is to be distributed among the families of officials and retainer knights, and the rest is to be provided to the seafood shop, selling it at the same price as seafood.


    The game that was mentioned were beast carca.s.ses.


    As for magic beast carca.s.ses, they obviously couldn''t be handled the same way. Liszt wasn''t that generous. Apart from selling them, the magic beast carca.s.ses were for his private consumption. At most, he would have his subordinates have a taste at banquets.


    Two consecutive tripster, today''s harvest had finally beenpletely retrieved and piled up into a hill in front of the castle.


    The hall on the first floor was very lively.


    In ordance with the aristocratic system, the lord and his retainers would be seated at the same table once in a blue moon.


    Tonight''ste-night snack was worthy of a festival''s feast. Liszt let the kitchen prepare the entire Shadow Snake, giving the officials and retainers a big piece each.


    Magic beast meat had plenty of magic power, it was extremely nourishing. It wasn''t something they could normally eat. Therefore, everyone eagerly gorged themselves on it. They were even itching to lick the te.


    Tremblingwoods outside the castle also got a big piece.


    The glory of knights shines on the Flower Town, shines on Sir Lord! Wisdom and courage are with you! I propose that we raise our cups to Liszt, who is beloved by the glory of knights! Glory belongs to Sir Lord! With cup full of Juniper in hand, Gort set the mood of the entire banquet.


    Social intercourse and setting the mood were his forte.


    The others raised their cups and shouted: Glory belongs to Sir Lord!


    Sitting on the seat of honor, Liszt''s face no longer carried the formal aristocratic smile and instead, carried a smile of excitement as he enjoyed the atmosphere. He raised the cup in front of him and said, Glory belongs to me and to you!

 Chapter 129: Fast-Growing Spiky Thorns

    Chapter 129: Fast-Growing Spiky Thorns


    Although it was said that he had to take the entire Thorns Ridge in one go, but he still took a rest of two days, mainly because some of the knight squad''s members were slightly injured. Even Marcus had receive a light wound to his leg.


    With qi, the recovery of minor injuries was swift.


    Two days was enough to relieve physical fatigue and scab the wounds.


    Liszt suffered ho injuries. After a night of sleep, his vigor was thoroughly restored and he reached his optimal state. Besides, he was in a great mood as he galloped on the horse field and earnestly practiced [Fire Dragon Drill], [Fire Surge Fluctuations], and [Multiple Arrows] all over the ce. He gained a lot of realbat experience.


    He felt that the qi inside his body had also risen by a margin. Originally, he was just a delicate aristocrat, a rookie among Earth Knights. Now, he consolidated his foundation and took a big step towards an elite Earth Knight.


    He was nearly tied with Marcus. Although he was less experienced and had less qi, but with Magic Eyes and the Redblood Sword, it was hard to say who would win in a real fight.


    I feel like if I had a duel with Marcus, my chances would be 50-50! He reckoned.


    Shifting his gaze, he saw Tremblingwoods with its glossy fur running on the horse field like mad, as if its strength had no limit. He mused again: With Tremblingwoods'' help, Marcus is definitely not my match. In fact, I think that Tremblingwoods alone would have a 50-50 chance against Marcus.


    After consuming the Bloodline Fruit, it was not clear whether Tremblingwoods'' bloodline evolved.


    He still had too little knowledge regarding this point.


    However, the number of times Tremblingwoods could release its magic rose by a margin. Previously, it could release twenty Rockthorns per day at best. Now, it might not be capable of releasing fifty Rockthorns per day, but thirty five definitely wouldn''t be an issue.


    For this reason, the construction progress of Tremblingwoods Path was improved greatly.


    Tremblingwoods, release your magic!


    Whoosh!


    A Rockthorns, more that half as big as Rockthorns previously released by Tremblingwoods, pierced out of the ground. Currently, the amount of stone produced in one day wasparable to the amount previously produced in three to four days. It was just like a small rock dragon. ording to the knight novel called the [Mercenary World], in its childhood, the dragon looked a bit like a dog.


    In short, after consuming the Bloodline Fruit, Tremblingwoods strength doubled, but it was still incredibly far from the strength of a mid-ranked magic beast. Its recovery capability also increased, with the injuries littering its body having nearly healedpletely.


    Looking at Tremblingwoods'' current disy, the Bloodline Fruit wasn''t wasted. At least it''s much better than if the evolution had failed.


    He was satisfied with yesterday''s campaign.


    The Shadow Snake''s skin was a first-rate material for manufacturing leather armor lining. Although it had some traces of burn marks, but it was still in a good condition. It could be at least sold for ten gold coins.


    Among the two Violent Dogs, one was burned ck; only its meat could be kept for Liszt''s consumption. The other had more than half of its fur destroyed by Marcus, which could not be sold for much. The viscera could be sold to wizards, yet it was mostly kept for his consumption. After all, the castle currently didn''tck gold coins.


    The two tusks of the Thundertusk Boar were first-rate forging materials very suitable for forging magic equipment and could be sold for at least five gold coins each. In addition, the boar''s skin was a good material for manufacturing leather armor, it could be sold for ten gold coins. Its meat and bones could be kept for consumption or could be sold for seven to eight gold coins.


    The Thundertusk Boar''s huge, resilient body was a treasure.


    Additionally, there were seven Windde Wolves. Because they were killed by Tremblingwoods, their injuries weren''t too big, leaving their furs intact. Selling each fur for over ten gold coins wouldn''t be an issue.


    Liszt estimated that this batch of magic beasts could bring him at least one hundred and thirty gold coins.


    The south of the Thorns Ridge has been more or less cleared, but there should still be a lot of magic beast in the north, which can amount to a harvest of over one hundred gold coins. Clearing the Thorns Ridge will not only magic beast meat and materials that could be exchanged for gold coins, but also could hone the knight squad and decrease the threat to the town. In short, it''s a bargain.


    It was indeed a bargain. However, once the magic beasts were no more, then that would be it.


    The Thorns Ridge''s thorns woods would also disappear. He already instructed Gort to re-establish the logging team. The Thorns Ridge would be a thing of the past.


    Additionally, ir was also preparing to establish a tree nting team, to nt two kinds of thorns  fast-growing poisonous thorns and fast-growing spiky thorns  along the edge of the Thorns Ridge.


    As their names would suggest, fast-growing types of thorns grew very fast. So long as there was manure and water, they could grow a dozen centimeters a night.


    Fast-growing poisonous thorns were already being cultivated, covering a few mu (666,7 m2) ofnd. They could be transnted somewhere else at any time. Fast-growing spiky thorns'' were discovered not long ago. That was the name Liszt gave to the mission reward spiky variant of fast-growing type of thorns. Their branches were covered in closely packed spikes of different sizes, looking quite terrifying.


    Using these two kinds of thorns as hedges wouldn''t pose great danger to people, as a gap could be opened with a few shovels. Beasts and magic beasts, however, would definitely feel despair.


    In fact, once the thorns woods'' trees are cut down, magic beasts would no longer be able to stay. At that point, the thorns hedges'' defense would no longer have any use. However, in order to let others know that the Thorns Ridge is part of my fief, it''s still best to delimit it with thorns.


    When he was enfeoffed, the count said that the Flower Town was Liszt''s fief.


    However, there had never been an official boundary delimiting the Flower Town''s territory. Simrly, the Thorns Ridge was previously an independent danger zone and didn''t belong to any town.


    Once Liszt took over the Thorns Ridge, it would de facto be the Flower Town''s territory, which would be regarded as a reasonable exploit of the loophole.


    The Thorns Ridge''s area is at least as big as the Flower Town''s. In other words, my territory will be doubled! At least half of thend can be reimed for cultivation! Liszt''s face showed no embarra.s.sment regarding this bandit-like practice. Instead, he was ted.


    If he did this after Levis inherited the t.i.tle, then Levis might have fallen out with him. After all, aristocrats valued theirnd very much, to the point where even siblings would take advantage of one another.


    However, since his father was still the count, would he say anything if his son made a reasonable exploit of the loophole, if he conquered the Thorns Ridge with much toil?


    It was unlikely that he would bicker with his son over that originally useless''nd.


    After taking a sip of fresh coconut milk, Liszt counted on his fingers.


    Today is September 14th, the count''s birthday is on September 19th. He and Levis had already lead the Coral Ind Knights to the continent tounch an a.s.sault. Therefore, the birthday party won''t be held The Tulip Family''s fleet should return by the end of this month. At that time, the 500 serfs I bought will also arrive


    He nned to spend a week to thoroughly overturn the Thorns Ridge, to hunt down all the magic beasts.


    It would take another month to cut down all the trees. Once the serfs arrived, he would quickly reim the wastnd and nt winter wheat before winter arrived.


    The 500 serfs still won''t cut it. Once the magic beast materials are sold, plus the gold coins from the seafood business, I can sc.r.a.pe together 600 gold coins and purchase 2,500 serfs!


    Previously, 500 serfs, including 100 craftsmen, required 120 gold coins to be purchased.


    ording to this exchange ratio, 600 gold coins were just enough to purchase 2,000 ordinary serfs and 500 craftsmen.


    I don''t know whether the expedition decree will lower the price on serfs or not. Once Levis'' confidant Frankes back, I have to have a good talk with him War always breeds countless refugees, perhaps I can even purchase a few knights who can''t afford their ransom and establish a real knight squad.

 Chapter 130: Strange Calls

    Chapter 130: Strange Calls


    Two days pa.s.sed in an instant. The knight squad set out once more, heading towards the north of the Thorns Ridge. The sessful suppression of the south of the Thorns Ridge roused the moral of the team. The young and tender faces of the retainer knights even carried a trace of killing aura.


    However, the main force of the suppression team were not the retainer knights, nor Marcus or Liszt. Instead, it was Tremblingwoods.


    It turned warlike and energetic, almost tireless. Whether it was something as small as a squirrel or as big as the magic beast Ice Tree Frog, all were trampled on by it.


    The low-ranked magic beast Ice Tree Frog, in particr, crouched on a tree branch as it released its magic, Icedes'', and randomly bombarded Tremblingwoods. However, Tremblingwoods even climbed up the tree, which it learned by itself. Even with the Ice Tree Frog jumping madly about, it was still caught by Tremblingwoods and bitten to death. It didn''t even have to use Rockthorns.


    The graceful bearing of king of the Thorns Ridge''s had already taken form.


    Even if Tremblingwoods isn''t a mid-ranked magic beast, it isn''t far away either. Sir, It''s fighting strength is getting stronger and stronger, I feel like it''s still growing stronger. Said Marcus in admiration as he watched Tremblingwoods hold the Ice Tree Frog between its fangs. While wagging its tail, it eagerly ced the spoils of war beside ckdragon.


    Raising a strong, loyal, and brave magic beast was indeed practical.


    Liszt happily threw Tremblingwoods a fried cutlet as reward. Tremblingwoods was a picky eater. It didn''t eat anything raw. It like fried food the most.


    At first, I thought that the Bloodline Fruit failed to change its bloodline, that it was still a Violent Dog. But now, things don''t seem that simple. Teacher Marcus, don''t you think that over the past two days since entering the Thorns Ridge, Tremblingwoods has be a size bigger?


    It really is a size bigger. Currently, Tremblingwoods is as big as a tiger.


    An adult Violent Dog could at most reach the size of a leopard. However, Tremblingwoods was now as big as a tiger, and it still was growing.


    Liszt waved his hand and Tremblingwoods scurried away, continuing with the hunt.


    In any case, Tremblingwoods is only half a year old, it still hasn''t reached adulthood, yet it''s already this strong. Once it reaches adulthood, magic beasts below the mid-rank might no longer be a match for it. In general, although magic beasts developed faster, yet Tremblingwoods was clearly developing even faster than normal. Liszt had never maltreated it or skimping on its meals.


    Compared with ordinary magic beasts in the the woods, which ate raw food to satiate their hunger, Tremblingwoods had been eating cooked food, which had a higher nutritional efficiency. When it was less than three months old, it could release its magic, and when it was half a year old, it could best adult magic beasts. After eating the Bloodline Fruit, its body swelled and its magic power surged. It could trample on low-ranked magic beasts.


    Once Tremblingwoods reached adulthood, apart from the Purple Sand Crocodile, no other magic beast of the Coral Ind would be its match.


    As they talked, Tremblingwoods found yet another magic beast. It was a huge Thundertusk Boar followed by four small Thundertusk Boars.


    In all likelihood, the Thundertusk Boar they met in the south of the Thorns Ridge was part of this family.


    Faced with Tremblingwoods, the big boar was quite violent, yet Tremblingwoods was far more cunning than imagined. It rushed into the midst of the small boars and unleashed a ma.s.sacre.


    It didn''t confront the big boar head on.


    After the big boar depleted its magic power from indiscriminately unleashing its magic Thunderbolt sh, Tremblingwoods started to hara.s.s it by releasing Rockthorns. Eventually, it found the opportunity to knock the Thundertusk Boar to the ground. It followed up with a Rockthorns, impaling the Thundertusk Boar''s leg, before reuniting it with the rest of its family.


    Marcus had his bow drawn, yet he didn''t got the chance to use it: The timing of magic release is just right. Tremblingwoods'' intelligence is very high. Sir, your training is very effective.


    Liszt also had nothing to do: It''s indeed very clever. Magic beasts rely on instinct, while it relies on its brain. He was getting more and more satisfied with Tremblingwoods.


    With Tremblingwoods, the clean-up mission was child''s y.


    Marcus didn''t let the retainer knights stay idle either. When they met a lone Windde Wolf, he asked Liszt to call Tremblingwoods back before having the retainer knights surround and attack the Windde Wolf: This is an old, weak Windde Wolf. Its fur started to fall off. It should have been driven away by its wolf pack and delivered to you.


    Eventually, after three retainer knights sustained injuries, the ten retainer knights killed the Windde Wolf.


    After suspending the game from a tree, the team continued onward.


    Seeing as they were going to reach the seaside, it implied that the suppression of the north of the Thorns Ridge was nearing its end. This time''s harvest wasn''t too bountiful. They only managed to hunt one big and four small Thundertusk Boars, one Ice Tree Frog, and one Windde Wolf, for a total of seven magic beasts. They had also hunted a lot of beasts, but Liszt wasn''t interested in them.


    After getting used to magic beast meat, beast meat started to be regarded as subpar.


    Unfortunately, the thorns woods are about to disappear. There is no ce for magic beasts to stay in the Flower Town. Afterwards, in order to get magic beast meat, I will have to purchase it from outside.


    Magic beast meat harvested from the suppression of the Thorns Ridge wouldst him for about half a year.


    After finishing it, he would have to spend a lot of money to purchase magic beast meat.


    Marcus looked on the bright side: When the Thorns Ridge is cleared for cultivation, the castle''s tax revenue will increase by a substantial margin. Sir will naturally be able to afford magic beast meat. Besides, at that time, the two kinds of magic ingredients, the ck Tulips and the me Mushrooms, will also bring a substantial ie. The Flower Town will be more and more prosperous.


    It''s still necessary to establish more sources of ie. In the future, we''ll not only need to eat but also to nurture the knight squad. The sessful hunt of magic beasts left Liszt with ambitions. I hope thate next expedition decree, my knights will be able to achieve true glory for me! A lord needs morend!


    Marcus''s eyes lit up: I''m willing to serve Sir!


    Woof woof!


    Tremblingwoods suddenly called, interrupting the beautiful vision shared by lord and knight.


    Liszt seized the opportunity to release Magic Eyes and take a look around. In the distance, he saw a sign of magic power. A magic beast was hiding not too far away.


    I didn''t expect to reach the seaside so soon. We even discovered a magic beast. Tremblingwoods, go.


    After receiving the order, Tremblingwoods lunged towards the magic beast. Evidently, it sensed the magic beast ahead of Liszt.


    Liszt and others followed in a measured pace.


    From time to time, Tremblingwoods'' and another dog''s calls could be heard.


    I didn''t expect there to be another Violent Dog. Marcus inferred from the noise that the magic beast was a Violent Dog.


    It''s only normal. For the Violent Dogs to breed in the Thorns Ridge, there cannot be only two or three of them. In fact, I think that there still might be some that slipped through the cracks. It''s impossible for the Thorns Ridge to only have one Shadow Snake or one Ice Tree Frog. There even might be some Wind Peregrine Falcons in the vicinity.


    Liszt continued after a pause: Of course, that''s only my spection. Eighteen years ago, before the Flower Town was built, there was a forest there, which was then cleared by the Coral Ind Knights. The Shadow Snake and the Ice Tree Frog may have slipped through the cracks at that time After all, magic beasts can live for a long time.


    Magic beasts had a longer lifespan than ordinary beasts.


    In theory, it was possible for them to survive until now. Violent Dogs, Windde Wolves, and Thundertusk Boars had all found mates and could reproduce. The Shadow Snake and the Ice Tree Frog, their kinds would very likely go extinct, yet their bloodline could still be pa.s.sed down as they could mate with beasts.


    There was no absolute reproductive istion between magic beasts and beasts of the same kind.


    Magic beasts could force themselves on beasts. The birth of magic beast type beasts was quitemon. Take Liszt''s mount Firedragon as an example, it was the offspring of a magic beast me Horse and an ordinary horse.


    The reproduction of species had ups and downs.


    At times, they would evolve, at other times, they would decline. Magic beasts didn''t always stay magic beasts.


    Suddenly, Liszt felt that something was wrong. He didn''t hear Tremblingwoods'' calls. He only heard the other Violent Dog''s calls, yet they seemed a bit strange. The calls did sound wretched, yet they were prolonged, unlike the usual calls of magic beasts being hunted by Tremblingwoods.

 Chapter 131: The Bound Birth Machine

    Chapter 131: The Bound Birth Machine


    When Liszt got closer, he saw a scene that was hard on the eyes and he frowned in displeasure.


    Unexpectedly, Tremblingwoods was mounting the Violent Dog.


    He turned his head and asked: Teacher Marcus, Tremblingwoods should be only a half-year-old puppy, right?


    When we found Tremblingwoods, it still hadn''t opened its eyes. It definitely hadn''t been long since it was born. Therefore, Tremblingwoods shouldn''t be too old. At most, it''s seven months old.


    Can a seven-month-old dog do this kind of thing?


    Marcus gave a rare smile: Sir, dogs are different from humans. Although with Tremblingwoods'' age, it''s indeed a bit early, but it''s not umon. It can only be said that with its outstanding growth plus the stimtion from the Bloodline Fruit, Tremblingwoods should have fully matured.


    In his homnd, Liszt had raised a dog, but that was child''s y.


    Besides, who would care about a mutt?


    He set his surprise aside after listening to Marcus'' exnation.


    Standing not far away, they enjoyed the big action.


    Sir, do you want me to take this chance to shoot the Violent Dog? Marcus eagerly drew his bow and arrows. At this moment, the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h was a living target.


    Don''t! Liszt immediately stopped him.


    Teacher Marcus, think of a way to capture the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h alive, to raise it in the castle. It seems that Tremblingwoods had matured and can breed offsprings. Perhaps I can get a pack of Violent Dogs.


    But the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h is wild and difficult to tame, it''s very dangerous.


    Then shackle it. Shackle it with iron chains, delimit a restricted area of 20 meters in diameter and build a rock wall around it. After it gives birth to puppies, take them away In any case, there aren''t many Violent Dogs on the Coral Ind. Tremblingwoods will eventually need a b.i.t.c.h.


    In that case. Marcus nodded, then turned back and said to the retainer knights, Take out the. Jim and York take the left tree, Philip and Sean take the right tree, and Xavier and Tracy take rear tree Surround the Violent Dog. Once it tries to run away, cast the!


    The knights cautiously approached and climbed up the trees, with one person pulling at one end of a rope in the, ready to throw it.


    About twenty minutester, the two Violent Dogs naturally disengaged.


    The Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h immediately turned to run. Marcus, who had been prepared, gave the order: Throw the!


    The knights immediately threw the ropes in their hands,unching a big at the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h. The Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h was very fast, yet not fast enough. The knights were prepared. It was covered by the big. It hurriedly released its magic. Rockthorns pierced out of the ground, yet they only managed to stretch the. It struggled, yet it only managed to entangle itself more and more, until it could no longer move. It exhausted its magic power fromunching Rockthorns in disorder, yet it still couldn''t free itself.


    Woof woof!


    Tremblingwoods watched it from the sidelines, neitherunching itself at it nor walking away. Just that, from time to time, it would call towards the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h.


    It''s magic power should be exhausted. Go tie it up. Tie its maw first. It took Marcus several attempts before he came to this conclusion.


    Soon the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h was tied up, including its maw. Even if it recovered its the magic power, it still couldn''t easily release its magic.


    Uh uh


    With its maw and limbs tied, the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h issue angry growls, yet its fate was already sealed. It would be Tremblingwoods'' ything and a Violent Dog birth machine.


    Woof woof!


    Tremblingwoods shook its tail as it circled the Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h and called at it. It was unknown if it wasforting the other party.


    This should be thest magic beast, right? Liszt quietly summoned the smoke mission. Making a judgement through the smoke mission was his go-to instinct.


    However, there was no change in the smoke Serpentines.


    Mission: youunched an offensive with the intent to suppress the Thorns Ridge and create a new peaceful environment for the Flower Town. In one go,plete the ughter of the Thorns Ridge''s magic beasts. Reward: ckdragon Horses'' trail.


    He frowned involuntarily: There are more magic beasts?


    The Thorns Ridge had already been thoroughly swept once. With Magic Eyes, it was reasonable to say that every magic beast that could be found within his line of sight, was found.


    Apparently, there had been magic beasts that avoided being cleared during the times he didn''t had Magic Eyes released.


    Sir, we''re about to reach the seaside, do you want to go back? Asked Marcus.


    Liszt mused for a moment before saying inly: It''s okay, let''s keep going. Let''s take a look at the seaside. ording to Kosto, there''s a deep water bay near the seaside. Let''s just have a look. We have to n and build the wharf as soon as possible.


    As you wish.


    The team continued onward.


    Attracted by the beauty, Tremblingwoods lost interest in hunting. It kept circling the bound Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h. Fortunately, the journey was very smooth, they didn''t met more than three beasts before reaching the seaside. After crossing the stony path along the seaside, they reached the ce mentioned by Kosto.


    It was a hundreds of meters wide rocky beach sandwiched by a rocky ridge. There were only crushed rocks of different sizes between the ridges. With a bit of work, this ce could be cleared into t ground.


    Kosto didn''t lie.


    Although this ce was no good for building a big harbor, but building a medium or small wharf wouldn''t be an issue.


    While walking around the rocky beach, Liszt suddenly had a sh of insight: On the way back, we''ll go directly to the dairy farm. We''ll first look for a t path, then let the logging team start cutting trees from there and open the road to this ce as soon as possible. The stones near the wharf can be retrieved to build roads.


    Here shall be the starting point for the Flower Town''s future. He reached out with his hand and gestured at the rocky beach.

 Chapter 132: Great Progress in the Exploration of the Universe

    Chapter 132: Great Progress in the Exploration of the Universe


    As the mission had yet to bepleted, Liszt returned to the castle first to take a day off before once more setting out for the Thorns Ridge, with Tremblingwoods and the retainer knights in tow, in order to tie up loose ends.


    The Violent Dog b.i.t.c.h was still tied up. In order to curb its fierce nature, Liszt decided to starve it for three to five days so that it couldn''t release its magic and hurt people. At the same time, the Thorns Caravan had set out for the Northvalley City to order an iron cage. It was destined to spend theter half of its life inside an iron cage.


    Perhaps one day it could familiarize itself with its new life, subjugate itself to Tremblingwoods, and consequently, regain its freedom.


    Tremblingwoods should be able to set it straight. After all, Tremblingwoods is almost a mid-ranked magic beast! Liszt was very confident about this. Although Violent Dogs might not be social magic beasts, but submitting to the strong was still consistent with the nature of magic beasts. Besides, one was male and the other was female.


    Woof woof! In the distance, Tremblingwoods was a bit dizzy as it chased its tail. It was still young!


    Since it has be your wife, then it''s time to give it a name It is a Violent Dog and it''s your wife, then let''s call it Stupidwoman''! Liszt picked a name seriously, Tremblingwoods, do you approve of this name? Bark twice if you do. [1]


    Woof woof! Still chasing its tail, Tremblingwoods expressed its approval.


    Back in the Thorns Ridge.


    Without Stupidwoman drawing its attention, Tremblingwoods regained its bearing as the king of the Thorns Ridge, hunting for beasts the whole journey. These intersperse beasts were ones that previously slipped through the cracks.


    Unfortunately, three days pa.s.sed, yet they still didn''t find any magic beasts. Liszt felt like he was nearly skilled enough to be capable of seamlessly releasing Magic Eyes, to maintain them released 24 hours per day. Still, there was no sign of magic power, as if the magic beasts had hidden under the ground and began hibernating.


    Currently, it waste summer to early autumn. It was way too early for hibernation.


    So, where are the magic beasts that slipped through the cracks hiding? From atop ckdragon, Liszt watched the logging team cut down trees not far away. He felt a slight knot in his chest.


    If the mission was notpleted, then the ckdragon Horses'' tracks that he desired would not appear. The tracks were probably hidden somewhere in the Thorns Ridge. Although he had already swept it twice, yet he still hadn''t found the track. Therefore, he could only rely on thepletion of the mission.


    If they couldn''t be found, then so be it.


    In the end, Liszt could only order: Teacher Marcus, lead the knights to continue their training and guard the logging team in the Thorns Ridge. If youe across a magic beast, then beat it if you can. Otherwise, flee.


    Yes, Sir!


    The problem with the smoke mission rained down on his mood.


    However, it wasn''t that there were no good news in the past few days. The crystal craftsman had finished polishing the concave and convex lenses, for a total of twenty.


    After randomlybining the lenses, Liszt discovered that a convex lens could form a telescope with a a concave lens. Two convex lenses could also form a telescope, just that the image would be inverted.


    He picked abination of convex and concave lenses and had the cksmith shop''s cksmiths and carpenter shop''s carpenters jointly create a drawtube. The drawtube was approximately one meter long. Its magnification was not high when it was embedded with lenses, yet Liszt was already quite satisfied. He named it Lisztscope''.


    At night, he pointed the telescope at the moon in the sky.


    After fine-tuning the distance between the lenses, the dark spots on the moon immediately entered his line of sight. However, to Liszt''s surprise, the moon he saw had a faint halo around it. Liszt, who had a superficial knowledge of astronomy, quickly recognized it for what it was.


    Atmosphere!


    This moon has an atmosphere!


    There''s an atmosphere, there shouldn''t live any intelligent life forms, right? He suddenly remembered that this world had various legends about the moon.


    In some legends, the Unsetting Radiance Empire''s royal family came from the moon.


    In other legends, the sprite king lived on the moon.


    In yet other legends, the moon was the homnd of dragons.


    In still other legends, the Muh Gaod Mountain'', a mountain in the center of the continent, had a magic teleportation array leading to the moon on top of its peak. Those who could climb the Muh Gaod Mountain and lit the magic teleportation array, could seize the boundless wealth on the moon. This legend resembled a bit Changer''s ascent to the Moon. [2]


    Although everyone knew that it was just a legend, but their hearts still very much yearned for it.


    Magic teleportation array was reportedly a great magic capable of traversing across time and s.p.a.ce invented by ancient Archwizards. However, it hand long since been lost and only existed in legends.


    The Muh Gaod Mountain, which was tens of thousands of meters tall, was the highest mountain in the continent. It was impossible for ordinary people to climb up to its top. Even if one were to ride a dragon, they still wouldn''t be able to fly to its top. The endless storm halfway up the mountain, which was more terrifying than the strongest wind-attributed magic, could shred man and dragon into pieces.


    As for the name Muh Gaod'', it came from a foreignnguage, the ancientnguage Moonlect'', to be precise. Moonlect was thenguage of the long gone Moon Empire'', it was a deadnguage. However, many states had Moonlect integrated in theirnguages and even had directly adopted some of its words.


    The term Muh Gaod meant the guardian knight of moonlight''.


    Some people imed that Muh Gaod Mountain meant  the knight who guards the Moon Empire.


    Other people imed in a far-fetched fashion that Muh Gaod Mountain meant  the knight who guards the magic teleportation array to the moon.


    In any case, Muh Gaod Mountain can lead to the moon'' was a legend known to everyone.


    So, are these legends true or false? To judge this world with Earth''smon sense would be out of touch! It''s difficult to tell whether there are really people'' on the moon! Liszt used to be a staunch atheist, but aftering to this world, he became an agnostic.


    There was no worship of G.o.ds in this world, but there various bizarre legends, which were very suitable for the development of agnosticism.


    Although it wasn''t clear what the moon represented, but at the banquet the same night, Liszt still announced loudly: The invention of the Lisztscope is a great progress in humanity''s exploration of the universe. It will uncover the veil hanging over the universe and present it in front of us.


    He was very excited about his discovery and wanted to share his excitement with his people.


    However, the feedback of his subordinates, who rushed to the telescope to watch the moon, was a bit disappointing.


    Gort looked at the moon and muttered: Is this the moon? It looks really beautiful. Is it a big cake? Why are there no dragons or sprite kings?


    ir looked at the moon and whispered: The moonlight is so weak, it''s so much weaker than sunlight. Some ces seem to be nearly extinguished.


    What he called extinguished were areas of the moon with fairly heavy shadows, which might be ins or genuine lunar mares alike those on Earth''s moon. The Lisztscope''s magnification was stillcking. At best, it''s magnification was at over thirty times. Thus, the image of the moon wasn''t that clear. Besides, there was still the obstruction from the atmosphere.


    Isaiah didn''t look at the moon. He wanted to see the stars. Yet, with the moon in the background, few stars were shining.


    After Marcus looked at the moon, he said with a serene expression: Sir, why are we looking at the moon?


    Ignorant indigenous!


    Liszt''s excitement had dissipated. He felt lonely, as if he was the only sober person among drunks.


    Fortunately, he was very good at adjusting his frame of mind. The aristocratic self-restraint allowed him to calm himself quickly. He said with a formal smile: It can not only be used to look at the moon, but into the distance in general. With a telescope, things that are far away can be observed. You can use it to watch magic beasts.


    Marcus'' eyes suddenly lit up: That''s true! Sir, you really are a child of glory favored by the glory of knights! The Lisztscope is indeed a great invention!


    [1]  , Stupidwoman, is what Chinese fans call Lady Gaga;  = Violent Dog () + wife () [2]  /view/a8f290f80242a8956bece4e4.html

 Chapter 133: Good Afternoon, Gort

    Chapter 133: Good Afternoon, Gort


    The Lisztscope was divided into two types, the long tube and the short tube. The long tube, whose magnification reached over thirty time, was the telescope used to observe the moon. The short tube was a portable telescope that he was going to forge for the knight squad; it could be lengthened and shortened and its magnification was about fifteen times at best.


    The twenty convex and concave lenses could only form one long tube and three short tubes. The remaining lenses were substandard.


    He gave the lenses to Carter: Mr. Carter, try them out and see which of them can magnify. You can use them to read.


    Carter was old and had poor eyesight. It was natural for him to be ted when he received magnifying lenses.


    The long tube stayed in the castle. Of the three short tubes, Liszt carried one, Marcus'' knight squad got one, and Karl''s patrol team got thest one.


    Originally, Liszt still nned to detain the crystal craftsman Brad with a high sry, but the other party declined without hesitation. Although, the Flower Town was developing quickly, but whenpared to the Coral City, there was still a great gap. It could not attract a freedman craftsmen with a good social status like himself.


    Isaiah''s family came to the flower town to visit him, but when he tried to persuade them to stay, they simrly declined without hesitation. His son even said: You must be kidding! There isn''t even a single brothel here!


    Gort''s family also came to the Flower Town to visit him. They stayed for two days before leaving.


    Anyway, as an aristocrat, his descendants weren''t bad off and naturally didn''t want to live in the countryside. His wife, on the other hand, wanted to stay in the Flower Town. However, she was refused by Gort due to a very good reason  the Flower Town was too barren and he didn''t want her to go through hardship.


    In fact, he was afraid that his wife would discover Freya. Freya''s belly was already protruding by a bit. Sir Lord, I heard that you invented a telescope that can be used to see far away? Captain Kosto had hurried to the castle once he heard of this news, Can the Flower be equipped with a telescope? Sailing the sea requires a very good field of vision. A telescope can provide us with tremendous help.


    It was a very reasonable request.


    Liszt felt a slight knot in his chest. The long tube Lisztscope'', which stayed in the castle, should be suitable for sailing. But it was what he used to explore the universe.


    After thinking it over, he said: Captain Kosto, go back and train your apprentice sailors first. The logging team will soon open the road to the wharf. The Flower Town''s wharf is about to be established. You can familiarize yourself with the the wharf and its vicinity first. As for the telescope, you''ll get one.


    After sending Kosto away, Liszt reluctantly took out a crystal and handed it to Thomas: When the Flower Caravan''s transport team returns, hand it over to the person in charge. Tell them to ask the crystal craftsman Brad to carve two sets of number 3 and number 17 lenses. Number 3 and number 17 lenses were the lens models necessary to a.s.semble a long tube telescope.


    For Liszt, the matter with the telescopes was more akin to busywork.


    After figuring out what he could, he no longer fiddled with the telescope and in fact, had no interest in it any longer. He spent an entire day looking at the moon and stars, yet he didn''t find any secrets regarding how the universe operated.


    In order to relieve his boredom, he took Tremblingwoods to inspect the work of the logging team.


    To the north of the dairy farm was arge tract of thorns shrubs, which was the area covered by the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk. Besides ordinary thorns, the majority were fast-growing types of thorns, whichprised of the fast-growing poisonous thorns and fast-growing spiky thorns. It was unknown whether the thorns sprite worm chain mission would have a follow-up.


    To the northeast of the thorns shrubs was the work site of the logging team.


    The site was buzzing with activity and thick smoke surged.


    A number of serfs shed beads of sweat as they cut downrge trees. Some chopped down tree trunks with axes, others saw branches with saws, yet others hacked leaves with machetes, still others stacked tree trunks together, stacked branches together, and carried leaves to bonfires to be burned.


    The bonfires served both to threaten the beasts and magic beasts as well as to produce nt ash, which would be used as fertilizer when reiming uncultivatednd in the future.


    The clerks and patrolmen shuttled among the serfs, frequently berating, scolding, and urging them to work hard. Gort, Isaiah, ir, and Karl, each of themmanded arge group of serfs to maintain order at the scene. Marcus took the knight squad to patrol the surroundings.


    Gort trotted over when he saw Liszt: Sir, good afternoon.


    Good afternoon, Teacher Gort. Liszt greeted him, There should be a quarter of the town''s poption here. How long do you think it will take to cut down the trees in the Thorns Ridge?


    With enough tools, it would only take twenty weeks, no, it might only take two weeks. However, there aren''t enough tools, Sir. Many people have to share an axe, a saw, or a machete. This is too wasteful. Even though the serfs responded enthusiastically to your call, but they still can''t disy their full strength.


    I already had the Flower Caravan purchase tools from various cities. Iron tools are very expensive, while bone tools are very brittle I hope that Father can plunder some iron ore. Otherwise, the currentck of iron will never be solved.


    Without metals and gems, and with few sprites, this was the reason why aristocrats were keen on vying over the continent rather than staying safe and secure on their inds. Oftentimes, it was ast resort. If they weren''t so narrow-minded, they might have developed technologies to make up for this gap, but they were, so they could only go plunder resources from the continent to make up for the deficiencies.


    Why had the Eagle Kingdom been repeatedly hara.s.sed by the Sapphire Grand Duchy? That was because they had a white iron dragon, which was capable of producing a lot of iron ore.


    Steel was probably the most useful metal among all metals.


    Therefore, as long as the Steel Ridge Kingdom issued a call to arms, the Sapphire Grand Duchy would promptly issue an expedition decree and the aristocracy would rush like a swarm of bees to burn, kill, and pige.


    Liszt mused at times: Why do I always feel like the Sapphire Grand Duchy is a bunch of j.a.panese pirates in a different world? [1]


    Taking advantage of the fact that they were an overseas state and that their fleet was developed, they attacked the continent''s kingdom in an unbridled fashion. Hit and run, they repeated this y every year. Despite beingcking in skill, they still seeded every year. The count had been to the continent a lot of times. Little by little, he c.u.mted such arge property like the Coral Ind.


    Sir, because of the logging work, the town''s construction projects have temporarily been suspended. The autumn harvest is around the corner and the barley settlement and wheat settlement mightck manpower.


    When the harvest date is confirmed, it won''t be toote to transfer back the manpower. Liszt suddenly thought of something and looked at Gort, Teacher Gort, how long has it been since you followed me to the Flower Town?


    Gort was taken aback for a moment before responding: Sir, you were enfeoffed as the Flower Town''s baron on March 9th. We set off the next day and arrived at the Flower Town on the afternoon of the same day. Today is September 23rd. It''s been six months and two weeks.


    Six months and a half pa.s.sed by in an instant.


    However, the Flower Town of today is not the Flower Town of six months ago. It''s full of vigor. That''s right, I''m very satisfied with the Flower Town''s development. While atop ckdragon, Liszt slowly rode ahead. The world in front of him had already integrated into a whole. But what I''m satisfied with the most is the change in mentality, Teacher Gort. Six months ago, you were always ready to have a drink, yet now, you know to first finish your work before having a drink. You''ll even dy drinking for your work.


    Gort smiled embarra.s.sedly: People ck off after getting older. Fortunately, I came to the Flower Town and recovered the confidence and fighting spirit of my youth.


    I''m very pleased with your change. Liszt looked into the distance and continued: A group of 500 serfs should arrive in a few days. I want you toe up with a settlement n. Instead of just settling the serfs, I want you toe up with aprehensive n that takes the future of the Flower Town into consideration, Adviser.


    When he heard the word adviser'', Gort''s pupils suddenly erged.


    [1]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokou

 Chapter 134: The Flower Towns Adviser Takes Office

    Chapter 134: The Flower Town''s Adviser Takes Office


    The Sapphire Grand Duchy followed the system of the Steel Ridge Kingdom  knights were headed by the knight captain and officials were headed by the adviser.


    As Liszt''s household teacher, Gort was appointed by the count to follow Liszt to the Flower Town after his enfeoffment. He wanted the post of adviser.


    After all, no matter how eloquent a household teacher was, they still wouldn''t be able to change the fact that they were someone else''s servant. This was Marcus'' case. Despite being a household teacher, he was still a retainer knight, a servant. Tough he was a lowest-ranked chevalier, but even Gort was an aristocrat. Marcus, on the other hand, wasn''t even that. He was better suited to mingle withmoners.


    Sir, you want to confer me the post of the Flower Town''s adviser? Gort was still a bit disbelieving. Through the past half a year, Liszt never mentioned the post of adviser. He had nearly given up on it.


    The unexpected, heaven-sent appointment caught him off guard.


    What''s wrong, Teacher Gort? Could it be that you''re unwilling to hold the post?


    I''m willing, of course I''m willing, how could I not be willing. Haha. Br.i.m.m.i.n.g with excitement, Gort was all smiles, I''m ready to serve Sir anytime, anywhere, and to manage the Flower Town in earnest. I''ll live up to the post of adviser and I''ll never ck off.


    Liszt said: I''ve noticed your recent att.i.tude towards work. Besides, you are my household teacher and I trust you. The Flower Town is my sole fief as well as the foundation of my future glory. It''s importance goes without saying. I hope that you''ll take it seriously.


    Gort restrained his bright smile, put his left hand on his chest, and solemnly performed a knight salute: As you wish!


    You are it charge of the Flower Town, my adviser.


    I''m willing to serve Sir!


    There was no grand appointment ceremony. The Flower Town was just a countryside town. Thus, the adviser, which was equivalent to the town''s head, was selected in this simple fashion.


    Strictly speaking, although adviser had a bit nicer ring to it than administrative officer, but Gort''s actual authority hadn''t increased much. Although as an adviser, he could appoint the town''s officials, which sounded quite imposing, but with the castle next door, no appointment could be carried out behind Liszt''s back.


    However, the ie had a substantial increase.


    His original sry of 10 copper coins per day was increased to 20 per day. With the higher ie, he could purchase a lot of extra wine, or purchase some furniture for his and Freya''s household.


    Sir Adviser, congrattions! Isaiah and others sessively congratted Gort.


    Gort was all smiles: For Sir Baron Liszt, for the glory of knights, and for our own future, let''s build a more prosperous Flower Town together!


    Everyone was in high spirits.


    As an adviser, Gort devoted himself to his work with great enthusiasm for the next two days. In addition to managing specific affairs, he didn''t forgot the task regarding theprehensive n for the future of the Flower Town that Liszt handed to him. For this reason, he made a request at the banquet.


    Sir, I''m going to conduct another census in the town, no, it should be called a resource census. Firstly, the farnd and its makeup should be clearly figured out and nned respectively, so that once the 500 serfs arrive, they can be quickly a.s.signed to fields. Secondly, we should inquire the caravans about the sale of goods and arrange the craftsmen to run the shops ordingly.


    Failing to attend to the aristocratic etiquette, Gort waved a dessert fork around as he continued pa.s.sionately: The Flower Caravan and Thorns Caravan will be able to peddle more of the town''s products! Soon, ourmercial area will prosper and bring the castle a lot of gold coins!


    Excellent idea, Adviser Gort. Draw a more detailed n, and then give it to me to take a look.


    Yes, Sir.


    Outside of the town''s administrative office.


    Kosto paced back and forth. From time to time, he woulde across pa.s.serby who would greet him and whom he would greet back. Kosto was now famous in the town, not because he was the captain of the Flower Town''s first ship, the Flower, but because of his tireless search.


    By now, he had tried to rope in the young sons of nearly every household: Youngster, you look quite outstanding, how about learning sailing from me?


    He even tried to rope in young bachelors: There are more men than women in the Flower Town, which is why you can''t take a wife. It''s better to learn sailing from me. There are countless women in the world. After a trip, you''ll be able to take a hard-working and capable woman with a big but as a wife and have many sons.


    Most people, however, scoffed at Kosto''s attempts to rope them in.


    The continentplex'' brought by the aristocrats bore a natural fear for and ignorance about the sea in the minds of the narrow-mindedmoners.


    Therefore, after numerous dead-ends, Kosto only managed to rope in 10 bachelors and 12 youngsters to learn sailing and be apprentice sailors. And that was him offering free teaching. If he charged a tuition fee, then he might have failed to rope in a single person. He even had to give them a lunch allowance.


    If it wasn''t for the sry the sir lord paid him for teaching his knight squad, he wouldn''t be able to recruit a single apprentice.


    Due to his yearning for the sea, Kosto wasn''t discouraged. He still enthusiastically trained these apprentice sailors of different ages.


    But for thest two days, none of his apprentice sailors had shown up.


    Kosto was getting impatient.


    Tabdakdak.


    Horseshoes stepped on the gravel road and made crisp sounds.


    He immediately went to greet the town''s adviser, who came back: Sir Adviser!


    If it isn''t Captain Kosto, is something the matter? Gort looked travel-worn and his face was a little purple from the sun.


    All my apprentices went to cut down trees. Sir Adviser, they need to learn sailing, and not to be transferred and do something as insignificant as cutting down trees.


    I''m sorry, Kosto, but cutting down trees is not something insignificant Sir Lord personally instructed it. It''s rted to the future development of the entire Flower Town. Your sailing undertaking can wait a few days. And in any case, you don''t need to go out into sea. It''s like you''re taking a vacation. I would like to take a vacation, but I don''t have the time for it.


    Gort didn''t care about Kosto, he just wanted to send the other party away. With the town''s fields still being cultivated, there was no time to ck off and do sailing.


    However, he underestimated Kosto''s determination. Theter kept saying that Sir Lord wants to develop the sailing undertaking''. Kosto spent his time following Gort around, he even followed him back home. Grudgingly, Gort was forced to acquiesce.


    I can transfer your 12 youngster apprentice sailors to let them continue to learn sailing from you. But the adult apprentices, they have to cut trees.


    Alright! Kosto hurriedly agreed. Getting the 12 youngster apprentices was already good enough.


    And by the way, the youngsters have earned 1 copper coin for two days of helping out at the logging site. You''ll have to make up for their loss out of your own pocket.


    Oh heavens, I can''t afford that!


    Are going to let the youngsters lose money? Otherwise, their parents will teach you how to behave, Kosto.


    The sailing undertaking is for the sake of Sir Lord''s glory. Is the town going to just watch with folded hands? The money shoulde out of the town''s pocket!


    After another wrangle with the scoundrel, Gort finally acquiesced. During the period of the logging a.s.sembly, the town would subsidize the apprentices'' lost wages.


    Kosto was quite content after boarding the Flower.


    He faced the 12 apprentices and shouted: When the tide rises, the Flower will sail to the site of the future dock! We will spend the next few days around the dock!

 Chapter 135: Kostos Carrot and Stick

    Chapter 135: Kosto''s Carrot and Stick


    Ready to jibe!


    Trim in!


    Bearing away!


    Lower the sails!


    All-up, left paddle!


    Jibe-ho!


    On the rocking sea, the Flower slowly sailed along the current, stopped, circled, and turned. As ifing from a loudspeaker, Captain Kosto''s voice continuously rang on the ship as he issued various instructions. The 12 sailors scrambled to control the big ship.


    ording to the Flower''s size and weight, the 12 sailors weren''t enough to maneuver it. To be fully operational, the ship required a crew of 30 sailors.


    The pressure the 12 youngsters, which were still newbies, were under by doing the work meant for 30 people could very well be imagined. The Flower''s movements were awkward and unsteadily.


    Nheless, under Kosto''s guidance, the Flower still stuck to the sh.o.r.e as it awkwardly sailed northward, towards the dock site. Half a dayter, they sessfully reached their destination  the rocky beach.


    The Flower was anch.o.r.ed in the bay for a short while to take lunch and have a swimming lesson.


    Unlike what is said in the legends, there are no sea monsters near the coast. Sea monsters don''t dwell in ces like this! Sea monsters dwell in the deep sea. While sailing near the sh.o.r.e, there is practically no way one woulde across sea monsters Of course, there are no absolutes. If you''re unlucky, you mighte across a sea monster that crawled onto the sh.o.r.e to sunbathe and be eaten. Kosto tried to dispel the fear the apprentice sailors had of deep waters. His approach, however, was obviously substandard, and the apprentice sailors were even less willing to go into water.


    Swimming on the beach could be stressful after a while, let alone swimming in the deep water bay.


    Captain, we already know how to swim. An apprentice sailor murmured.


    Deep waters and shallow waters are different! You have to ovee your fear of the azure seawater! It might save your life at a critical moment!


    Why would it? We''re on the boat, we won''t go into the water.


    Fool! When sailing the sea, sailors are often swept by waves into the water! If you don''t know how to swim, then you won''t have time to brace yourself for the rescue!


    About that. Captain, I just came to apprentice as a sailor, I have no intention to go sailing.


    You came to learn sailing without the intention to go sailing, are you making a fool of me? Kosto was furious. He pointed at the nose of the apprentice sailor, shouting, I was appointed as the captain of the Flower by Sir Lord! In the future, when I go out into the sea to do trade for Sir Lord, you will be the first sailors! You can fool me, but do you have the guts to fool Sir Lord?


    The apprentice sailors immediately became submissive. They felt as if they had boarded a pirate ship.


    Kosto gave up on persuading them and directly threatened them: Sir Lord gave me full authority regarding sailing affairs and the Flower Town''s Sir Adviser is to cooperate with me. Mark my words, anyone who tries to go around or against my orders will be handed to Sir Karl''s patrol team!


    The youngsters became more timid when they heard patrol team''.


    Although Sir Lord was indeed n.o.ble and untouchable, yet it wasmonly known that Sir Lord was the embodiment of kindness, which was why they didn''t fear him. They only revered him. The patrol team, on the other hand, had quite the reputation. Although Liszt wanted the patrol team to adopt the motto to protect and to serve'', but unfortunately, it was hopeless.


    The existence of corporal punishment such as whipping was doomed to bear fear.


    Karl was meticulous in the implementation of rules in order to pay the lord back for his trust. Therefore, offenders would be whipped without exception  onesh of the whip for refusing to go into water.


    Whenever someone talked about the patrol team, theirplexions would change.


    Seeing the faces of the youngsters, Kosto was very satisfied. After brandishing the stick, he started to wave the carrot: Don''t be afraid of the sea, the sea and thend are the same. We can farm on thend and sail on the sea. Going out into the sea was the best decision you had ever made. Overseas, there are boundless riches as well as big-chested and big-b.u.t.ted women!


    Really are there really women with big b.u.t.ts? A youngster overcame his fear. He swallowed.


    Of course there are. I''ve been to an ind that had just gone through a war. There, women stood in a row, and everyone could pick as they wished. I picked the woman with the biggest b.u.t.t Kosto recalled fondly.


    And next, Captain?


    Next?


    Yes, Captain, what did you do with that big b.u.t.t next?


    Next. Kosto licked his lips, Next, I gave her three copper coins. In fact, two copper coins would have sufficed to spend the nightfortably, yet I gave her one extra copper coin. That towering peek gave me an unparalleled experience. I swear, it could smother you!


    Kosto made a circle in the air, a veryrge circle.


    The youngsters were bbergasted. Gulp, gulp, they swallowed sessively.


    Alright, the rest is over, it''s time for the lesson,ds! If you want a woman with a rocking curves, you have to learn well from me. Once you be full-fledged sailors, you''ll also be able to spend a wonderful night for two copper coins! Now dive and swim!


    The youngsters immediately overcame their fear. While howling, they pounced towards the sea.


    Kosto took out a wooden jug from his bosom, uncorked it, and took a sip. He knew well what these youngster wanted. After all, he was also young once.


    After taking the sip, he returned to the great cabin, where he carefully took out a one-meter-long cylinder from a chest. It was the telescope, which the sir lord had a servant deliver yesterday. The sir lord gave his telescope to the Flower. It was this telescope that allowed him to understand what the sir lord thought about sailing!


    He has a greater thirst for the sea than any other aristocrat! Kosto thought that his future was bright. An aristocrat that yearned for the sea would certainly support his sailing.


    It was precisely because of this that he had the confidence to go to the administrative office, and pester and coax the adviser Gort over benefits.


    With the telescope in his hands, he walked to the deck.


    The wobbling deck felt steadier for him thannd. He raised the telescope and began to look at the distant scenery, which suddenly felt like it was right before him.


    The wondrous change felt incredible.


    Only n.o.ble aristocrats like Sir Lord can make such an incredible item!


    He looked at the sea in the distance, looked at the thick smoke rising from the distant Thorns Ridge, looked at several seabirds walking on the rocky beach, and then looked at the steep rocky ridge on the sh.o.r.e.


    Suddenly, his brows wrinkled slightly. He saw what appeared to be a cave eroded into the cliff by the sea: A cave? The ridge on this side isn''t tall, so howe there''s a cave? Just now, there seemed to be a seabird flying out of the cave. Are there perhaps guillemots?


    Guillemots wereridae-type seabirds that usually nested on cliffs by the sea, and their eggs were very popr among the aristocracy.


    Some aristocrats would even specially arrange for serfs to collect guillemot eggs at the risk their lives.


    Guillemot eggs are an indispensable delicacy on aristocratic dining tables. If I find a ce where guillemots nest and contribute it to Sir Lord, then Sir Lord is bound to be happy, Sir Lord is bound to reward me heavily! He felt excited, I''ll have the money to attract more apprentice sailors!

 Chapter 136: Releasing Two Rockthorns at the Same Time

    Chapter 136: Releasing Two Rockthorns at the Same Time


    For the guillemot eggs, Kosto wobbled towards the cave atop the Flower immediately after the swimming lesson was concluded. When they got near the cave, they could clearly see the cave''s appearance. It wasn''t big. After all, the ridge wasn''t tall. The t entrance resembled a gaping maw.


    It wasn''t deep either, its interior could be clearly seen at a nce.


    With the telescope in hand, Kosto saw it particrly clearly: Oh, heavens! There are bones! He saw decaying human remains along with some worn-out stuff and even a boat wreckage lying inside the cave.


    Drop the anchor!


    Release the canoe!


    He screamed and made preparation to take the canoe to see what was going on inside the cave.


    The castle, near the ck nightshade. Liszt was inspecting his ck nightshade. It''s about to be born, Mr. Carter, my ninth sprite worm is about to be born. He stroked the big budding flower. With Magic Eyes released, he could clearly see light blue magic power gathering towards a particr flower, where the ck nightshade sprite worm gestated, from the leaves of the ck nightshade.


    Favored by the glory of knights indeed! We all thought that it wouldn''t make it, yet it did. Master, ording to Mr. Gort, you are a child of glory. I firmly believe that it is the case! It was your glory that shone on the ck nightshade sprite!


    Perhaps, or I''m really lucky.


    The term child of glory was equivalent to the term Wen Qu Star incarnate'' on Earth. Liszt didn''t know if he was a child of glory, or a child of something else. The smoke mission brought him beyond extraordinary luck, which was probably the favor of the glory of knights''.[1]


    He wasn''t too concerned about this and just instructed indifferently: Make sure that it''s often looked after, and notify me right away once the ck nightshade sprite worm is born.


    Please rest a.s.sured. The castle''s servingmen will check on the ck nightshade once per hour. Replied Carter.


    By the way, is it time to feed Stupidwoman?


    It was almost one o''clock in the afternoon when we set off, it should be indeed its feeding time by now.


    Then let''s go back first.


    After returning to the castle, he took Tremblingwoods and some servants, and went to feed the b.i.t.c.h.


    The Violent Dog Stupidwoman''s iron cage was already set up, it was ced 500 meters away from the castle. With the iron cage as the center, the foundation for a 3-meter-tall wall was being excavated 20 meters away. In order to prevent Stupidwoman from breaking out, a tilted baffle was also going to be installed atop the wall.


    Currently, Stupidwoman had not eaten for three days.


    Only when Liszt came to inspect it, would he have the servants feed it some water so that it didn''t die of thirst.


    Uh! When it saw peopleing over, Stupidwoman, which had been lying on the ground, feebly climbed onto its paws. It stared daggers at Liszt andpany. Clearly, its fierceness hadn''t been curbed yet.


    Woof woof! Tremblingwoods darted forward and started circling the iron cage while wagging its tail and calling at Stupidwoman. It was very enthusiastic.


    Stupidwoman, on the other hand, didn''t reciprocate the enthusiasm. It turned its head to stare back at Tremblingwoods and kept issuing growls.


    The feeder hasn''t been delivered yet? Liszt looked at the cage and asked Thomas, who followed behind him, Even the stakes haven''t beenid yet, its too slow.


    The feeder was a feeding device specially designed for Stupidwoman.


    After all, Stupidwoman was not Tremblingwoods, it could injure one at any time. In order to prevent this, it was kept in a cage. It had to be fed as it couldn''t be left to die. Therefore, a feeding device was designed to send food into the iron cage from outside the wall via a rope.


    At the same time, the iron cage could be moved. Once feces .u.mted in the cage, the cage would be drawn away along with Stupidwoman, before being drawn back after the ground was cleaned.


    Although it appearedplicated, but in fact, it was very simple. It was a simple application of several ropes.


    For his future Violent Dog army, Liszt was very careful when formting this design.


    It has no magic power. It turns out that even if it''s a magic beast, it also can''t condense magic power when it''s starved. Mused Liszt.


    Half of a magic beast''s magic power was produced on its own, while the other half was absorbed from the outside world.


    However, when starved, not only couldn''t it produce magic power on its own, but it also had no strength to absorb magic power from the outside world. Thus, the importance of nutrition regarding cultivation could be perceived.


    Thomas, feed it water.


    Yes, Master. Thomas carefully moved to beside the Violent Dog''s iron cage with a bucket in hand. Even though he had already done this quite a few times, but he still couldn''t help but to tremble.


    Uh uh! Stupidwoman increased the volume of its growls.


    Thomas'' hands shook violently and half of thedle of water was spilt. When he extended thedle into the cage, Stupidwoman reached out with her head, and he spilt the rest of the water.


    He lowered his head and hurriedly apologized: Sorry, Master.


    Continue. Stupidwoman is no longer able to release its magic, it''s now equivalent to a wild dog. Remember this.


    Yes, Master.


    The second time, Thomas finally managed to pour the water into the basin without a hitch. Stupidwoman roared for a while. Seeing that it could no longer scare Thomas, it began to drink the water.


    When Stupidwoman finished drinking, Tremblingwoods was already whirling anxiously outside the cage.


    Having tasted the forbidden fruit, it yearned for more.


    Liszt coughed: Thomas, open the side cage. There were two iron cages, one was for Stupidwoman to dwell in and the other was for Tremblingwoods to enter through.


    Fearing that Stupidwoman could escape, the iron cages could be joined together before opening the cage door.


    Because it had already done it once yesterday, Tremblingwoods very naturally got into the small iron cage, which was then pushed towards the door of the big iron cage by Thomas and the other servingman. Next, the door was opened and the two iron cages were joined together. Tremblingwoods quickly rushed inside, pounced on Stupidwoman, and began to hump.


    The three-day-starved Stupidwoman had no strength to resist.


    Everything was over half an hourter.


    Stupidwoman was left lying inside the cage, looking absentmindedly at the meshed sky and the white clouds leisurely drifting in the horizon.


    Tremblingwoods, on the other hand, was full of vigor, gamboling in the horse field. Every day, it woulde to get a slice of heaven.


    Its body was getting st.u.r.dier, which could be perceived every day. Its muscles were no longer that swelled. It gradually recovered the normal figure of a Violent Dog. It looked a bit streamlined. However, it had already surpa.s.sed an adult tiger in terms of height and length.


    Its magic power was also rising, and it was capable of releasing 45 Rockthorns per day.


    Liszt felt more and more that there was hope for Tremblingwoods to evolve into a mid-ranked magic beast. Therefore, its meals were also getting better and better, short of giving it magic beast meat. It was tantamount to feeding it gold coins. Per day, Tremblingwoods ate at least seven times as much as Liszt.


    At least one gold coin per day. Tremblingwoods, you can''t betray my hopes. Thought Liszt aloud before issuing an order, Tremblingwoods, release your magic!


    Woof!


    While running, Tremblingwoods subconscious issued a call and released its magic.


    Thud! Thud! Two Rockthorns simultaneously pierced out of the ground in front of it.


    What? It released two Rockthorns at the same time?" Liszt was quite surprised when he saw that two Rockthorns were released at the same time. This was equivalent to apletely new kind of magic.


    Only mid-ranked magic beasts could release multiple kinds of magic!


    Without giving Liszt time toe back to his senses, the butler Carter''s voice came from behind: Master, Captain Kosto asked to see you. He ims to have found a treasure in a cave near the dock site.


    [1]  https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%96%87%E6%9B%B2%E6%98%9F

 Chapter 137: The Horse Island Found by Rats

    Chapter 137: The Horse Ind Found by Rats


    A treasure? Liszt became excited when he heard treasure. He immediately summoned Kosto, who was waiting in the castle: What is the treasure?


    Sir Lord, it''s a nautical chart to an ind. When I took the Flower for a test sailing, I discovered a cave with human skeletons not far away from the dock site. After inspection, I found out that these remains belonged to horse-dealing rats, who got trapped in the cave and died. Before dying, they left behind information about the ce where they got the horses from, which was an ind!


    Horse dealers? Liszt quickly made the a.s.sociation with the smoke mission  ckdragon Horses'' trail.


    He didn''t continue to study Tremblingwoods'' new magic, saying at once: Take me to the cave, I want to personally investigate it! During the preparation for the departure, he took the opportunity to summon the smoke mission, and found out that the smoke mission had already changed.


    Missionpleted. Reward: ckdragon Horses'' trail.


    Mission: with magic beastspletely cleared, the Flower Town has never been safer. As the lord, it''s time to go all out. In order for the Flower Town to do a leapfrog development, don''t mind the destruction of the environment. Please tten the thorns woods. Reward: a variant type of thorns.


    The magic beasts werepletely cleared and the thorns sprite worm chain mission was re-connected.


    Liszt felt that today was a really joyous day. The only thing missing was a goose honking high. Before long, he understood how the mission waspleted. The retainer knight Sean brought a dead Shadow Snake, which killed 3 serfs, to the castle.


    The logging site was in chaos at first, but under the suppression from Teacher Marcus, Adviser Gort, and the other Sirs, the serfs went back to logging. Reported Sean.


    The bonfire didn''t scare the Shadow Snake away. It sneak attacked three serfs in a row before eventually being shot dead by Marcus. Although the chaos was suppressed, but the efficiency of the panicked serfs dropped inevitably.


    Sean, tell Teacher Marcus to strengthen the logging team''s protection. Although the magic beasts werepletely cleared, but Liszt couldn''t tell others that, and could only strengthen the protection, In addition, tell Adviser Gort to bestow 10 silver coins upon the families of the dead serfs.


    At such a time, silver coins were the best way tofort and the best way to stimte the serf''s working spirit. Compared to threats, positive reinforcement was more efficient.


    Yes, Sir! Replied Sean before taking his leave.


    Wearing his magic beast leather armor, Liszt took the gentleman''s valet Thomas and Rhm Weinfa.s.s, who was notified toe serve as a retainer. When going out, a lord had to be apanied by a retainer.


    Sir Lord, in fact, we could also reach the cave bynd, but then we would have to cross the ridge and climb down a steep wall. It''s much more convenient to take the Flower.


    Kos...o...b..wed toward Liszt in salute and then began to give orders to set sail  weigh anchor, paddle, raise sails.


    After changing directions, the ship slowly sailed on the sea. Having made a trip already, the youngster apprentice sailors'' performance could be considered as eptable. The ship''s sailing speed had also increased greatly. It took them only about 20 minutes to reach the cave. After lowering the canoe, Kosto took Liszt and the others into the cave.


    The cave was very moist. It was almost level with the rising tide, which was why it had water pushed inside by the waves from time to time.


    But further inside, the ce was dry.


    It was in the afternoon, the sun had already crossed the ridge, so the sun rays could no longer enter the cave, leaving the cave a bit dim. Thomas ignited amp, which was prepared early on, to brighten the cave.


    Sir Lord, the boat wreckage is over there. Look at its shape, it should be a shuttle boat carried on arge ship. After being constantly eroded by seawater, only a bit of wood is left. Kosto turned over the boat wreckage. The wreckage broke, scattering wood chips.


    Next, he went to beside a few white bones: There''s a total of three human skeletons here. I checked them already and they''re still in good shape, they haven''t lost too many bones. They carry weapons, bone swords to be precise, and the bones are rather hard. They should have been rats as they don''t carry knight swords.


    Knights, as the name implied, were horse-riding warriors.


    Knights const.i.tuted the main fighting strength of an army. Whenever there was a conflict between lords, knights would charge at one another. However, not everyone who practiced qi chose to be a knight. Knights were the product of the aristocratic system. Some people chose not to a.s.sociate themselves with the aristocratic system.


    These people were smugglers, outcasts, and other sc.u.m.


    They didn''tply with the management of the lords. They were idle, unruly, and engaged in dealings that went against the aristocratic system  theft, robbery, smuggling, pimping, or being hired to carry out a.s.sa.s.sinations, very trades, and the like.


    These people were naturally called rats''. They, however, called themselves knight-errants''.


    Rats? Liszt was unfazed. He was no stranger to rats. In his cooperation with Levis regarding the ve trade, cooperating with rats was unavoidable.


    The aristocracy denounced and degraded people such as rats, yet that didn''t prevent them from cooperating with rats. After all, in order not to have to dirty their own hands with sordid affairs, aristocrats needed rats to step in. The pirates roaming the Sapphire Grand Duchy were also regarded as rats, yet they were basically disguised aristocrats.


    In other words, rats were another facet of the aristocracy. Ordinary people couldn''t afford so the many resources necessary to cultivate qi. Therefore, only aristocrats could raise rats.


    Liszt believed that the Tulip Family also had its rats.


    As a non-heir son of the count, he had no right to know.


    Are there any other things that betray their ident.i.ty? Liszt picked up a bone sword and asked.


    This bone sword should be forged from a magic beast''s bone. It was fairly curved. It wasn''t as long as a knight sword, it was more suited for close quartersbat.


    After the long-term corrosion of nature, the bone sword no longer had any traces of magic power.


    Their clothes and parcels have long since decayed. It''s very humid inside, so they didn''t got preserved. Only these Serpentines carved in the wall were preserved. Kosto pointed at a wall of the cave and said.


    With themp in hand, Thomas approached the wall, and illuminated the Serpentines.


    The Serpentines were already indistinct. They were divided into two pa.s.sages, which were partially recognizable.


    I  seriously injured. I  dying. Swed  traitor Greenlight   sunk .   take horses . But  underestimated me.  killed  .  can''t get out   .  steep  .  letter horse''s back. Find me.


    Ho   ind  nautical chart my family. Tell Molly  I love her  Caspar Iron.


    Among them, '' stood for a single indistinct Serpentine and '' stood for an entire section of indistinct Serpentines.


    The content of the two pa.s.sages could barely be guessed.


    After pondering for a moment, Liszt roughly understood what the pa.s.sages meant. There was a traitor among the horse dealers, who seemed to be called Swed. He sunk the ship and wanted to take the horses. As a result, he was killed by Caspar. But Caspar was seriously injured. Prior to his death, he sent a horse, which had a letter tied to its back, away.


    Then, he left the nautical chart behind.


    Given the smoke mission reward, Liszt came to a realization: Obviously, the group of rats found the ind were the ckdragon Horses dwelt. They should have been rats working for the Tulip Family My ckdragon should be the horse sent away by Caspar!


    At this point, his gaze couldn''t help but turn to the nautical chart next to the Serpentines.


    The nautical chart was rather deeply carved into the wall. Clearly, Caspar exerted himself greatly when carving the chart. Even though the Serpentines beside the chart were quickly eroded and became indistinct, but the nautical chart was still clear.

 Chapter 138: Dark Horse Island Fief Strategy

    Chapter 138: Dark Horse Ind Fief Strategy


    After realizing the meaning behind the treasure, Liszt suppressed his excitement and asked tly: Captain Kosto, can you read this nautical chart?


    Sir Lord, this nautical chart is amon nautical chart, it''s notplicated at all. The rat shouldn''t have been proficient in sailing. Thus, I can clearly understand the route depicted on the nautical chart. Said Kosto confidently. The distorted-looking nautical chart with strange symbols didn''t pose a problem to him.


    Then, how far away from the Coral Ind is this horse ind located?


    ording to the nautical chart, the ind is about 130 kilometers to the north of the Coral Ind. With a speed of 5 knots, it would take the Flower about 14 hours to reach the ind under the condition that it doesn''t meet any sea currents or storms. Kosto used his fingers to count before replying.


    Liszt wasn''t bad at math. ording to Kosto''s introduction, a rough a.s.sessment showed that 1 knot was equivalent to less than 2 kilometers per hour. Therefore, the Flower''s speed was roughly 9 kilometers per hour.


    Riding a bicycle would be faster than that.


    He hazily recalled that it its narrowest, the Taiwan Strait seemed to only have a width of 135 kilometers. In other words, the distance between the Coral Ind and the horse ind was about the same as the width of the Taiwan Strait.


    Captain Kosto, when can the Flower go out to the sea and sail to the horse ind?


    Sir Lord, if it''s simply going out to the sea, then the apprentice sailors are already up to the task. After all, the distance isn''t to great and it still belongs to the scope of offsh.o.r.e sailing. However, the apprentice sailors have too little experience. Once they meet a storm, they won''t be able to cope with the situation, greatly increasing the odds of an ident urring.


    How long will it take you to train them in order to be able to go out to the sea?


    Sir Lord, if you give me full reign over 30 apprentice sailors, then after a month of persistent training, I can take the Flower out to the sea and go to the horse ind!


    Liszt made a decision in an instant: I will have Adviser Gort fully cooperate with you. A monthter, set out to the horse ind The ind should be given a name, let''s call it Dark Horse Ind.


    Kosto said excitedly: I''m willing to serve Sir Lord!


    Make a copy of the nautical chart and then wipe off the image from of the wall.


    After this order was carried out, the Flower sailed back.


    Nighttime.


    At the castle''s banquet, it was amon practice to summarize the day''s work. Liszt wasn''t a petty lord, he didn''t mind his subordinates eating in the castle. This was also a way to rope people in.


    Sir, if the clues left behind by the rat are true, then we must take control of the Dark Horse Ind as soon as possible in order to prevent other forces from upying it. Next, we have to obtain enough aplishments as soon as possible in order for Sir to be conferred the Dark Horse Ind. As a resource, warhorses are more important than any other resource! Said Marcus gravely.


    In view of the fairlyrge number of uninhabited inds in the Sapphire Grand Duchy, a lord with aplishments could appoint an uninhabited ind as their fief.


    Before being conferred to others, all the uninhabited inds of the Azure Waves Sea theoretically belonged to the Grand Duke Sapphire. Of course, these inds could be run in secret, which was an unspoken rule. However, once the grand duke chooses to confer an uninhabited ind to some lord, any operation ran by others on said ind would have to be terminated right away.


    However, secretly run uninhabited ind were still quite rare.


    Firstly, aristocrats didn''tck arablend, what theircked was sprites and metals. Secondly, it''s very difficult to guaranty that the news of uninhabited inds being secretly run wouldn''t leak. Once an uninhabited ind was ran to a certain extent, the grand duke would inevitably get a wind of it and forcibly confer the ind to a third party. In theory, everything on the ind would be transferred to another lord.


    Therefore, secretly running an uninhabited ind wasn''t worth the ha.s.sle.


    Take the Tulip Family for example, it had been in charge of the Coral Ind for 20 years, yet it still hadn''t even reimed one third of thend.


    Prior to Liszt''s arrival, the Flower Town also had arge part of it''snd not being cultivated. And even as of now, a great deal ofnd was still not being cultivated, let alone the to be developed Thorns Ridge.


    There can''t be any leaks. Anyone privy to this information must be seriously warned. Otherwise, the Dark Horse Ind will inevitably be seized by another lord. Said Gort gravely as well.


    He and Marcus were quite clear about the importance of warhorses to the aristocracy. Warhorses with exceptional bloodlines like ckdragon, in particr, yed a vital supporting role on the battlefield.


    It could be said that during a charge on the battlefield, an elite Earth Knight riding an ordinary horse might not necessarily be able to beat an ordinary Earth Knight riding ckdragon.


    Only those sitting here as well as Kosto, Rhm, and my gentleman''s valet Thomas are privy to this information. Liszt continued readily, When theyplete their training, the sailors and their families will migrate to the Dark Horse Ind Of course, before anything else, we have to make sure of the Dark Horse Ind''s environment.


    Gort said optimistically: As an ind capable of bringing up such majestic horses like ckdragon, the Dark Horse Ind is bound to be a green, t ind. I think that its surface is should to be veryrge, perhaps it could even hold a count.


    Liszt cut a piece of magic beast meat, swallowed it, and then said: No matter how big it is, it''s destined to be mine Adviser Gort, regarding the training of sailors, you have to actively cooperate with Kosto.Amodate him as much as possible.


    Understood!


    The Dark Horse Ind''s strategy started to be secretly nned.


    The logging team''s work was still in full swing, with hundreds of people chopping down trees in groups. As they were limited by tools, the efficiency of a single person wasn''t high, yet the overall progress was still fast.


    One third of the trees in the northern part of the Thorns Ridge were chopped down in just 5 days.


    Arge tract of thorns woods in the surroundings of the future dock were cleared, with only a few wild fruit trees being left behind.


    It would take over half a month toplete the new smoke mission, there was no use rushing it. Since Gort became an adviser, his enthusiasm for work and his initiative had been off the charts, leaving Liszt oftentimes idle. Thus, the taming of Blessedcurls became his current research topic.


    Blessedcurls'' feathers gradually turned tough and it''s magic power gradually became abundant. If it wasn''t for the chain tied to its leg, it might have already learnt how to fly by now.


    Old Grandet, the Coral Ind is so big, yet you can''t even find a single eagle tamer?


    Sir Lord, I''ve already instructed the Flower Caravan''s people to ask around in each city and even in towns. There are indeed no eagle-taming craftsmen. Replied Old Grandet, the captain of the Flower Caravan, who came to the castle to give a report.


    Continue to ask around.


    Yes, Sir Lord.


    After sending Old Grandet away, Liszt ma.s.saged his forehead. Although Blessedcurls'' tweet'', tweet'' calls were beyond annoying, but it was a magic beast he had raised from little, after all. It would be a pity to have to kill it for its meat.


    However, he wasn''t distressed over Blessedcurls for too long.


    The servingman tasked with looking after the ck nightshade came back to report good news: Master, the ck nightshade sprite worm was born!


    Liszt hurried towards the ck nightshade field, where he saw the ck and shiny nightshade sprite worm, which looked like a ck gem.


    After simply tempting it with jade powder, the ck nightshade sprite worm bit his finger, sessfully forming the contract.


    His ninth sprite worm had finally settled in the castle.


    However, the good news didn''t stop at this. Just when he returned to the castle, a knight arrived from the Coral City to deliver an important piece of information  the Coral Ind''s caravan returned. Levis'' household teacher Frank asked him to go to the Coral City to receive the 500 ves.

 Chapter 139: The 500 Serves Arrive

    Chapter 139: The 500 Serves Arrive


    The arrival of the serfs left the town''s officials very enthusiastic. After all, there was a shortage of people at present.


    Liszt made preparations to travel to the Coral City to receive the 500 serfs. Although the weather ofte summer to early autumn was still hot, but the sun was no longer as cruel and the frac habill, the emblem of aristocracy, could be borne.


    He no longer had to ride a horse.


    The castle had just purchased a brand new carriage, which the servants decorated meticulously. They inserted a g that was embroidered with a purple-ck tulip on top of the carriage.


    The Tulip Family had its own g, a scarlet tulip, which was the first type of tulips to breed a tulip sprite worm. Unfortunately, said tulip sprite worm only managed to evolve into a tulip lesser sprite before dying. The current tulip greater sprite was bred from a tulip magic ingredient.


    After his enfeoffment, Liszt was no longer a formal member of the Tulip Family. Therefore, it was no longer appropriate for him to use the scarlet tulip g.


    He chose the ck Tulip as his design. The ck Tulip g was used by the convoys of the Flower Caravan and the Thorns Caravan.


    By now, everyone on the Coral Ind should be familiar with it. Seeing the ck Tulip g, people would know that it was the count''s third child, the Baron of the Flower Town, Liszt, who had been in the limelighttely.


    ck Tulip Carriage was the name of this new carriage.


    The coachman was the One-Eyed Barton. As there weren''t many horses in the Flower Town, his workload was rather light, so he served as a coachman asionally. Doing so, he could also see the world.


    Master, ording to your instructions, I picked the most healthy-looking ck nightshade, dug it out along with the earth, and then ced it into a pot. As you can see, its fruits are cyan, they have yet to mature and turn ck. There are also some flowers still blooming. Old Madam will love it.


    Very good, water it and ce it in the carriage. Instructed Liszt.


    The ck nightshade sprite worm originated from the ck nightshade grown by Madam Penlope. Therefore, Liszt re-created the potted ck nightshade for the olddy.


    Courtesy begets reciprocity.


    Conveniently, he would show off his capability before the olddy, who always disliked him just because he was handsome!


    Master, are you taking Tremblingwoods along?


    I''ll be taking Tremblingwoods everywhere I go, it''s my loyal guard. Earth Knights are no match for it. Said Liszt proudly.


    He was very pleased with Tremblingwoods. The Bloodline Fruit wasn''t wasted on it. It could already release several Rockthorns at the same time. At best, it could release 6 Rockthorns at the same time.


    ording to Marcus, Gort and the rest, Tremblingwoods could already be .s.sified as a mid-ranked magic beast! Although Tremblingwoods was a fairly weak mid-ranked magic beast. Specially whenpared to the Purple Sand Crocodile, which could suppress the Coral Ind Knights; it could only be regarded as a rookie. However, a mid-ranked magic beast was a mid-ranked magic beast nheless.


    It went beyond the shackles of low-ranked magic beasts and could release two kinds of magic  Rockthorns and Multiple Rockthorns''.


    Moreover, it still had room for growth. At the very most, it was merely 7 months old. Perhaps after a while, it couldprehend more kinds of magic.


    With Tremblingwoods, he had practically nothing to fear on the Coral Ind.


    Carter looked at the mighty and majestic Tremblingwoods, and said jokingly: It''s also good to take it along so that it doesn''t always hover around Stupid Woman. ording to Mr. Marcus, Stupidwoman should be pregnant by now. They''re no longer fit to mate.


    Indeed, Tremblingwoods is still growing, it shouldn''t be depleting itself. Liszt continued seriously, In addition, Stupidwoman should be supplied with adequate nutrients from now on If it''s determined that it isn''t pregnant, then it''ll be necessary to cut off the supply again to curb its fierceness.


    It went hungry for many days and could only asionally have a meal. After eating, it still had to be raped by Tremblingwoods.


    Stupidwoman had fallen on hard times and its fierceness was being curbed little by little. When it saw Liszt and the other humans now, it no longer chose to growl at them. It only showed fear.


    No matter how clever, a magic beast was still just a kind of beast.


    Using the boiling frog approach would teach Stupidwoman to fear Liszt and the other humans. Even if it recovers its strength in the future, it still wouldn''t dare to rebel against Liszt and the other humans. Just like lions in the circus, who were whipped from small by their trainers, didn''t dare to flee and had no imposing bearing. [1]


    Liszt got a lot of inspirations in view of Stupidwoman''s fast change in att.i.tude. Gradually, a vague idea on how to handle Blessedcurls was forming in his mind. It was about time for this Wind Peregrine Falcon that kept eating more and getting fatter to fall on hard times.


    He dressed appropriate clothing and the carriage was ready.


    Gort also hurried over along with Isaiah, ir, and Rhm Weinfa.s.s, followed by several clerks. They were going to receive the ves together. Meanwhile, Marcus also hurried over: Sir, do you need the knight squad to apany you?


    There''s no need, Teacher Marcus. The logging team''s work is equally important.


    The convoy set out after a simply farewell.


    Despite the st.u.r.dy physique of an Earth Knight, Liszt still felt that riding a carriage was much morefortable than riding a horse. With wind blowing from the opened windows on all side and the carriage shaking through the journey, Liszt was quickly rocked into asleep. Meanwhile, Tremblingwoods also wanted to get onto the carriage and make itselffortable, yet it was forcibly kicked down by Liszt.


    A dog that wants to ride a carriage instead of following after the wheels, preposterous!


    In fact, the main reason for this was that Tremblingwoods was too big. If it were to board the carriage, Liszt would be so squeezed that he wouldn''t have any s.p.a.ce to stretch his legs. Moreover, it weighed close to 800 catty. Once it got aboard, the two horses pulling the carriage would get quickly exhausted.


    After leaving the Thorns Ridge''s road, they entered the Coral Ind''smon dirt road, giving rise to a huge cloud of dust.


    After following the convoy for a while, Tremblingwoods turned into Tremblingdust''. Liszt hurriedly pulled down the curtains and covered the windows. At around 10 o''clock in the morning, the convoy smoothly reached the Coral City.


    Adviser Gort, take ir and Isaiah and go discus the details with Mr. Frank. I''ll go visit my grandmother first.


    As you wish, Sir.


    Separated from the rest of the convoy, the carriage proceeded to the vi adjacent to the Coral City. When the castle''s servants saw the ck Tulip g floating above the carriage, they knew who wasing. The butler quickly led the servants greet him.


    Young Master Liszt, I''m so happy to see you.


    Where''s Grandmother?


    Old Madam is chatting with Young Mistress Lvera in the castle. Earlier today, Young Mistress Lvera came to the castle to keep Old Madampany.


    Lvera came as well? Liszt wasn''t surprised.


    He he saw the carriage with a g with a particr design parked at the gate of the castle. It was Lvera''s carriage. The g''s design was designed by herself. Reportedly, it was an abstract a.s.sembly of a hot spring, birds, tulips, and a dame. However, Liszt couldn''t make those things out in the design.


    As he entered the castle, he said to the servingman Tom: Take good care of Tremblingwoods, don''t let it hurt anyone.


    Understood, Master. Tom looked a bit nervous as he pulled Tremblingwoods by the rope. Previously, the one looking after Tremblingwoods was Thomas.


    Today, Thomas had to follow Liszt, leaving Tremblingwoods to him.


    With his strength, he couldn''t restrict Tremblingwoods, he could only try to keep pace with it.


    Fortunately, Tremblingwoods was trained to be very obedient. As Liszt didn''t let it run around, it wouldn''t run around.


    Look who came to visit. When Madam Penlope saw Liszt and before he could say h.e.l.lo, the olddy had already called out, Lvera, didn''t I say that there were private dealings between this boy and the boy Levis. He couldn''t wait toe when the caravan returned. [1]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_frog

 Chapter 140: The Ox Horn College and Little Sulli

    Chapter 140: The Ox Horn College and Little Sulli


    Grandmother, your eyes can see through anything. Said Liszt with a smile.


    His deal with Levis wasn''t particrly concealed and it wasn''t difficult to uncover it. At least, the count was sure to know about the ve trade between the two parties. On the Coral Ind, so long as the count wanted to uncover something, he could do it at anytime.


    Lvera looked at the increasingly popr Liszt in dissatisfaction: Liszt, the Flower Caravan''s seafood trade has reached my Falcon Town!


    Congrattions, Sister, the Falcon Town''s residents can eat delicious seafood.


    I''ll organize my people to salvage their own seafood. Although you and Levis monopolized the seafood market, but the other lords will also dispatch their people to salvage their own seafood. Your trade won''tst long!


    Liszt sat on a chair, not minding Lvera''s childish provocation: The towns by the seaside, of course, can salvage seafood by themselves. It''s feasible for them. But Coral Ind is so big, not every town is located close to the sea. Also, not every beach is rich in seafood.


    In fact, the Flower Caravan no longer tried to catch seafood.


    Working directly with the lords of the towns by the seaside and letting them catch the seafood, the Flower Caravan would purchase the seafood from them and then sell it to the cities. With the seafood specialties of each town being different, the Flower Caravan would grasp the mostplete variety of seafood, which could be purchased at a low price and sold at a high price.


    Once thearistocrats andmoners of the Coral Ind got used to seafood on the table, the ie would rise from the initially estimated 3 gold coins per day to 4 gold coins per day.


    After ounting for the expenses and Levis'' share as well as the caravan''s consumption, Liszt would still make a profit of over 3 gold coins per day. With the seafood market, Liszt could rise to the ranks of the Coral Ind''s richest people.


    This windfall was beyond enviable.


    Although Lvera was envious, but she also understood why Liszt was so confident  he had Levis in his corner. On the Coral Ind, the two people with the greatest authority were the count and Levis. As Levis'' father, the count obviously wouldn''t meddle in his son''s business. Having acquired a stake in it, Levis issued the seafood license.


    Now, no one could vie over this windfall with Liszt.


    She was forced to stiffly change the topic: Why did youe so early in the morning?


    I came here to give Grandmother a flower. Liszt smiled and said to his gentleman''s valet Thomas, Go fetch the potted nt from the carriage.


    Yes, Master.


    Shortly after, Thomas returned with a potted ck nightshade in his hands.


    So it''s a ck nightshade. Madam Penlope suddenly realized. This is the ck nightshade I gave you. Have you nursed it back to health? No, it''s not the same ck nightshade I gave you Is the ck nightshade dead? What a pity, it still couldn''t avoid wilting and dying?


    Grandmother, you don''t have to be sad, the ck nightshade is still alive and well. Moreover it''s very healthy, far healthier than ordinary ck nightshades.


    What do you mean? Madam Penlope gestured for her servant to put the ck nightshade on the balcony before continuing, If you have anything to say, just say it. Liszt, don''t talk to me in such a tone of voice. It reminds me of Melissa. Despite that face of Melissa, I''ve already convinced myself that you have taken after your father.


    The resentment Madam Penlope felt for Melissa still ran deep.


    Liszt had no memory of his mother, nor did he know what her tone of voice was like, but he guessed that it was due to him being deliberately mystifying'' or his insufficiently intimate manner. Theter couldn''t be helped. After all, he wasn''t the original Liszt and he couldn''t be too emotionally-invested.


    Therefore, he kept on smiling: The ck nightshade that you gave me wasn''t sick, but rather, was pregnant with a sprite worm. The ck nightshade sprite has already been born.


    The news of the sprite worm shocked Madam Penlope and Lvera.


    Madam Penlope was genuinely happy. She already forgot about her dissatisfaction with Liszt''s deliberately mystifying tone of voice, and she praised her grandson: Liszt, you are favored by the glory of knights, you are the luckiest one of the Tulip Family. Take care of the ck nightshade, treat it as a gift from me.


    I''m very grateful, Grandmother. I''ll meticulously prepare a present for you on your birthday this year. Stated Liszt.


    Seeing that Lvera also wanted to say something, Liszt, who wasn''t interested in talking with this childish girl, got up: Grandmother, I have an appointment with Mr. Frank, I can''t stay here any longer. I hope to have a luncheon in the castle at noon.


    Go, lucky fellow, I''ll have the kitchen do the omelet you love.


    Mr. Frank.


    Baron Liszt, you look more mature, but still as handsome as ever. Frank had a rather receding hairline and an ugly, red nose, My Sulli has graduated from the Ox Horn College and has already returned. Upon return, she said that she wanted to see Brother Liszt.


    Little Sulli is back? Liszt thought for a while before recalling that Little Sulli was Frank''s daughter.


    In his childhood memories, Little Sulli was his little follower. They yed together as they were only 1 year apart. However, Lisztter went to the Knight College and Little Sulli was sent to the Ox Horn College by Frank. They hadn''t seen each other since then.


    As for the Ox Horn College, it was located on the Iron Hoof Ind.


    The Iron Hoof Ind was the fief of Marquis Bull, who was of the Sapphire lineage. His ancestor was the favorite son of Grand Duke Sapphire. Uponing of age, his ancestor was granted the t.i.tle of count, Count Bull. After the establishment of the Sapphire Grand Duchy, his ancestor was enfeoffed with Iron Hoof Ind and had his t.i.tle promoted to marquis.


    Originally, the Marquis Bull Family established the Ox Horn College in order to groom maids for the court.


    Gradually, aristocrats also started to send their daughters to the Ox Horn College to study. Aristocratic gentlewomen who underwent the Ox Horn College''s formation were very popr as marriage partners, they were thought to be civilized after learning etiquette, needlecraft, housekeeping, music, reading, writing, and the like.


    Of course, not all aristocratic gentlewomen went to the Ox Horn College to study. Lvera hadn''t gone.


    Not sure whether it was a misconception of his, but Liszt felt like Frank was selling Little Sully to him, as the other party kept mentioning her.


    It''s probably because I''ve be a hotmodity on the ind as a young bachelor aristocrat. Though Liszt. However, he was not the least bit interested in Little Sulli. The Little Sulli in his memories was chubby.


    After a while, seeing that Liszt wasn''t enthusiastic, Frank gradually returned to the main topic.


    Your officials and servants are making inventory.


    500 serfs were gathered in threes and twos on an open s.p.a.ce not far from the harbor. From their appearances, most of them looked sick. It was unknown whether they were genuinely sick or just seasick.


    Gort and the others led clerks to make inventory of the serfs, calcting the ratio of men and women as well as the number of craftsmen. They soon returned with a rough statistic.


    Sir, there''s a total of 476 serfs


    Frank casually exined: The serfs were shipped back from far away. Along the way, it was inevitable that some of them would fall ill or not limatize themselves. The fleet purchased 510 serfs and from among them, 34 people were lost.


    Liszt sighed inside and nodded in acknowledgement. He knew very well that the sale of serfs would inevitably be apanied by death.


    Teacher Gort, have the Flower Caravan transport these serfs to the Flower Town as soon as possible.

 Chapter 141: The Coral Citys Wizard

    Chapter 141: The Coral City''s Wizard


    From the 476 serfs, women ounted for about two-thirds. There were also many babies, children, and elderly. Able-bodied men, on the other hand, were very few in number. In serf markets, able-bodied men were considered as an excellentbor force and their price was much higher than that of the elderly, children, and women.


    Apart from the craftsmen, who were costly, women and children were c.u.mbersome. And these craftsmen were still elderly. They weren''t worth their money, not at all.


    But Liszt had noints. The women could marry thebachelors of the fief and offset the imbnce between men and women in the Flower Town. When raised properly, children and babies would be future knight candidates. The old craftsmen had superb skills, they could fully groom arge number of apprentices.


    Of course, the able-bodied men were equally important to the Flower Town. Whether it was farming, building roads, or building the dock, they all required a strongbor force.


    Though on the surface, Liszt still had toin: Mr. Frank, the quality of these serfs is not that good. I did said that I need women and having more of them isn''t really a problem. But there are too many children and all the craftsmen are elderly. Is this some kind of joke?


    Oh, Baron Liszt, I wouldn''t dare to y a joke on someone of the Tulip Family''s lineage. Frank continued with a smile, These serfs were gathered by the fleet from various serf markets. The strongbor force has been purchased by others early on. As you know, there are no quality serfs without war.


    Then, the next time the fleet sets out into the sea, it should be able to purchase quality serfs, right? The Steel Ridge Kingdom has already started fighting against the Eagle Kingdom. Father and the others also went to the battlefield.


    Frank shifted his gaze: You want to purchase more serf Oh, that''s right, the seafood market brings you a lot of gold coins.


    Regarding the profits of the seafood market, Mr. Frank, you should be quite clear about it, right? Liszt didn''t feign poverty. After all, the other party helped Levis collect the dividends, I''ll get the gold coins together as soon as possible. I hope that the fleet can bring me another batch of serfs.


    That shouldn''t be an issue. The Tulip Fleet is always ready to do business. Now, the war has begun and the serf trade is turning around. So, how many serfs do you n to purchase?


    1,000, which should include 200 craftsmen.


    1,000 serfs. ording to the usual pricing, they''ll cost you 240 gold coins.


    Previously, the serf trade was in decline, which was why I could ept the higher pricing, but now that war broke out, serfs still being that expensive, I can''t ept it, Mr. Frank.


    Whether there''s war or not, serf trade is always full of risks


    After some haggling, they finally settled on 210 gold coins.


    He took out the gold coins he saved up for a period of time, plus the profits to be diverted from the caravans, and gave them to Frank. The smile on Liszt''s face was no longer as mild. After this, he would go through another period of poverty. The feeling of a shriveled money pouch was ufortable, specially after getting used to spending a lot of money.


    After declining Frank, who used Little Sulli wants to see you'' as an excuse to invite him for lunch, Liszt had lunch in Madam Penlope''s castle.


    Madam Marie also sent a servant to invite him to the Tulip Castle, yet he didn''t go. He wasn''t too familiar with Madam Marie. Lvera also stayed for lunch. At the table, she kept pestering Liszt: Your Violent Dog is so big, how much do you want for it?!


    What a joke. Although Tremblingwoods didn''t release its magic, but just from its physique, others could tell that it was extraordinary. This couldn''t be measured in gold coins!


    Liszt responded coldly: Dear Sister, the first person Tremblingwoods saw when it opened its eyes for the first time was me. Beside me, it won''t acknowledge anyone else. Even if you use dragon coins, you still won''t be able to redeem its acknowledgement. Abandon this stupid idea.


    When she heard the word stupid'', Lvera''s expression turned gloomy: You''re getting more and more arrogant, you even dare not to listen to your sister.


    With a knife in his left hand and a fork in his right hand, Liszt calmly cut the steak on his te: I''m just stating a fact, please be sensible.


    Madam Penlope seemed to quite enjoy Liszt''s current domineering manner, and she spoke to help him, which was a rather rare urrence: Lvera, please eat like ady and stop trying to always s.n.a.t.c.h things away from Liszt. You can choose a suitable husband from the many excellent aristocratic gentlemen and get everything you want.


    Grandmother, you don''t love anymore.


    You''re all grown up, my girl and boys. I''m getting old and muddleheaded. I only wish that the three of you get along and take care of Lytton, so that the Tulip Family''s lineage flourishes."


    The luncheon wasn''t very harmonious.


    After the meal, Lvera drew her sword angrily and stopped in front of Liszt: Have a bout with me like a warrior. I want to prove that you are still the same gutless Liszt!


    Without waiting for Liszt to respond, Trembling woods,zily lying to the side suddenly broke free from Tom and rushed at Lvera. With the momentum of a tiger going down the mountain, it snarled and rushed alike a gust of wind.


    At this moment, Lvera''s face overflew with cold sweat. She felt herself being shrouded by a strong killing intent.


    This kind of killing intent could only be experienced in the face of irresistible power, with your life being at risk. Just like when she was 7 years old, when she whipped a horse, and as a result, it rushed at her, intending to bite her. The difference was that she was now an Earth Knight, yet she felt powerless all the same.


    Back off, Tremblingwoods! Liszt ordered indifferently.


    Tremblingwoods suddenly pulled the brakes and no longer rushed forward. Its glowing eyes glittered with a ferocious glint as it fiercely stared at Lvera, giving off the feeling that it would dash over and attack her at anytime.


    It''s a magic beast of the Thorns Ridge. Although it acknowledged me as its master, but its ferocious nature is not so easy to get rid off. I''m sorry for scaring you. I still have things to do, I have an appointment, dear Sister. Talk to you next time. He smiled and left the castle with Tremblingwoods in tow.


    With an ashen face, Lvera stood rooted to the ground. She didn''t continue talk big. Just now, she was really frightened by Tremblingwood''s attack. After all, she led a sheltered life.


    On the castle''s balcony, Madam Penlope watered the new ck nightshade. She saw everything that happened at the castle''s gate.


    She just muttered: That''s how it should be, girls should behave like girls and boys should behave like boys. Melissa and Marie, the two b.i.t.c.hes didn''tck in the ability to have children.


    Liszt didn''t lie to Lvera. He indeed had an appointment, or to be more precise, he had to find someone.


    He made a beeline for a town near the Coral City. Looking at the town''s ruined appearance, he wrinkled his brows slightly: Rhm, is it here?


    Sir, this is the Moss Town, I''ve been to this town before. Answered Rhm Weinfa.s.s.


    Who''s fief is it?


    It once had a baron. Later, it went bankrupt and was taken back by Sir Count. It hasn''t been granted to anyone since.


    It''s really here, I''ve found the two-story-tall house with a white spire that Gort mentioned. Liszt waved his hand, Let''s go meet Mr. Wizard.

 Chapter 142: The Eye of Truth, Exploration of the World

    Chapter 142: The Eye of Truth, Exploration of the World


    Whom are you looking for? The wooden door of the house opened and a youngster dressed in ck with messy hair and dark circle around his eyes extended his head out. Looking at the group of people and the huge dog facing him, he asked cautiously.


    Does Mr. nny live here? Well mannered, Thomas took a step forward and asked gently, Our Master, the son of the Count of the Coral Ind, the Baron of the Flower Town, Liszt Tulip, wants to meet him and consult him due to some magic-rted issues.


    Ah, wait a moment. The youngster stared nkly for a moment before closing the door.


    After a while, the door opened, revealing the youngster''s emaciated and wizened figure: Teacher invites the Baron in. The others are to wait outside.


    Liszt nodded: Stay outside.


    Sir Rhm wanted to say something.


    Liszt waved his hand. On the Coral Ind, even the mysterious Wizards had to give the Tulip Family face.


    Once he entered the house, a strange odor a.s.saulted his nostrils. It wasn''t amon, day-to-day smell, but rather, resembled an odor released by some kind of chemicals.


    Liszt couldn''t help but frown.


    It was dim inside. In the room, he could see a mess of various equipment''- metal, jade, and crystal tools. There were many vials and jars and even an iron pot atop a burningmp with boiling green juice inside. The strange smell was probably emitted from the green juice.


    The room was very messy, to the point that even crossing it was difficult.


    Teacher is upstairs, he''s waiting for you. The youngster was a bit wooden. Looking at Liszt, there was no fear and reverence from dealing with an aristocrat in his eyes, only awkwardness from dealing with a stranger.


    He probably lost his reverence towards aristocrats due to following a Wizard for too long. A major factor why Wizards weren''t popr was because these fellows, who believed in knowledge'', had contempt for the aristocratic authority. They thought that knowledge was the only truth in the world.


    It got brighter as he ascended the creaking stairs.


    Then, Liszt saw the Wizard nny Truth. The Wizard was covered in a wide cloak. He was about 40 years old and had a hook nose, blue eyes, and brown hair.


    He sat on a chair with a book in his hands.


    After seeing Liszt, he closed the book and put it on a messy desk. Liszt''s eyes were sharp, he could see clearly that the cover of the book read [Iron, Alchemy Conjectures  Dedicated to His Excellency Great Wizard Dembaba Truth]. Below, there was still a pattern of a triangle with an eye inside.


    Baron Liszt,pared to your brother Viscount Levis, you look more like an elegant and graceful aristocrat. nny stood up. He was taller than Liszt by a head. Underneath the cloak, his figure was also wizened. His voice was hoa.r.s.e, as if he hadn''t spoken for a long time.


    Mr. nny, you''ve seen my brother?


    Of course, I cooperated with Viscount Levis several times. Have a sit. I don''t observe the hypocritical etiquette of the aristocracy.


    Liszt found a fairly clean stool: The aristocratic etiquette isn''t hypocritical, it''s .s.sy.


    nny sneered: .s.sy, more like a way to look a bit more graceful when opressing others.


    Have it your way. Liszt didn''t like nny''s att.i.tude. He was used to be revered by others as an aristocrat. However, what the other party said was still quite reasonable. It was a world of oppressor and oppressed, The ce here isn''t much.


    Naturally, it''s notparable with a castle. I''m only a lowly Wizard, and my energy and financial resources are all used to explore the truth of the world.


    To explore the truth of the world was the slogan of Wizards.


    Wizards discarded their secr family names and uniformly took Truth'' as their family name. As for the triangle and eye on the book, it was called the Eye of Truth. Wizards discovered that triangle was the most stable structure, that everything in the world  mater, spirit, magic power  wasposed of triangles.


    They were the eye in the triangle, unceasingly exploring the truth.


    Can I ask you something, how do you release magic?


    There''s no difference between magic and qi. As a knight, why do you care about magic or qi, it''s all about mastering magic power.


    Okay, changing subjects, how many Wizards are there on the Coral Ind? Liszt casually inquired. Apart from a minor purpose, he came to visit the Wizard mainly out of curiosity.


    Levis is more clear about this than I am. I can only tell you that there are only 3 Wizards on Coral City that have contacted me.


    You don''t gather andmunicate regrly?


    The path of exploring the world is lonely. Magic power is the embodiment of truth. Only when you quietly listen, can you understand the knowledge it wants to tell you!


    Liszt asked a few more questions.


    nny finally asked in irritation: Baron Liszt, have you juste to ask these ignorant questions? If so, then please leave at once! Don''t waste my time! My time is to be offered to the great truth and not to be wasted to chat with you!


    Naturally, I didn''t came only to ask questions, I also want to propose a cooperation with you.


    Get to the point.


    If he hadn''t inquired Gort about nny''s temperament beforehand, Liszt would think that this fellow that disrespected him should be dragged outside and fed to Tremblingwoods. Of course, Tremblingwoods wouldn''t necessarily eat him. It liked to eat cooked food. He might have to cook the fellow first and sprinkle him with c.u.min.


    Have you ever forged a magic equipment for the Tulip Castle or other aristocrats?


    You need me to forge you a magic equipment? nny''s curiosity was piqued and his tone calmed down. There''s absolutely no issue with my skill. Even your father has asked me to fix a few magic equipment for him.


    In a straightforward fashion, Liszt took out a pre-prepared, fist-sized ck pearl from his bosom and ced it on the desk: Do you know what this is?


    A ck pearl, you have this thing, too?


    Have you seen such a ck pearl before?


    Certainly. Levis also brought me a ck pearl to forge a magic equipment. This should be a specialty of the Tulip Family, right? Compared to the Blue Dragon Ind''s white pearls, the magic power of ck pearls is more abundant and mild. It''s a good way to make a fortune.


    So Levis'' ck pearl magic equipment was forged by you. Then I won''t beat around the bush anymore. If there was a bigger pearl with more magic power, could you forge it into a magic equipment capable of suppressing storms on the sea?


    How big are we talking about?


    Liszt drew a circle the size of a basketball: This big. How about it?


    nny frowned. He pondering for a moment and said: I need to see the real thing to ascertain whether it is enough to forge an equipment capable of suppressing storms. But so long as the quality is up to standard, the manufacturing process won''t be an issue! I''m a Wizard with 20 years of practical experience with magic runes and spell formations!


    Magic cultivation was divided in the following ranks: Apprentice Wizards, who were equivalent to Apprentice Knights; Wizards, who were equivalent to Earth Knights; Great Wizards, who were equivalent to Sky Knights; Archwizards, who were equivalent to Dragon Knights.


    nny Truth was a Wizard.

 Chapter 143: Strong Desire for Knowledge

    Chapter 143: Strong Desire for Knowledge


    The real thing is in my castle. After all, it''s a valuable item. If you agree to the cooperation, thene to the Flower Town. Liszt didn''t trust the Wizard.


    He didn''t have enough power himself. By relying only on the name of the Tulip Family, he might not be able to suppress the other.


    In case the other ran away with the ck pearl, there would be no way to find him.


    nny shook his head. Do you think it''s that easy to forge a magic equipment? If your ck pearl is really big enough and good enough, then you will still need more materials to forge it into a suitable magic equipment In a rural ce like the Flower Town, you can''t even purchase the base materials!


    I have 2 caravans and can bring back any materials that you need in time. Liszt didn''t care that people looked down on the Flower Town. The tiger in him had a peace of mind naturally cut above others, Besides, Mr. nny, don''t you want to know what I''m willing to pay?


    Oh, how much are you willing to pay?


    How much did Levis pay for you forge the ck pearl magic equipment Tell me the real number, as I can always go ask Mr. Frank.


    Well, aristocrats are so cunning that it''s impossible to fool you. Viscount Levis paid me 3 gold coins, which was thebor fee, and he provided me the base materials. However, his ck pearl was only so big. Your ck pearl is bigger. Naturally, it won''t be that cheap


    In fact, I don''t have gold coins.


    You don''t have gold coins? nny red, Baron Liszt, are you kidding me?


    Liszt said faintly: But I have ck pearls, don''t I?


    nny''s eyes lit up rapidly: Oh, are you going to pay me with this ck pearl?


    You''re overthinking it. Do you know how much a ck pearl is worth? This ck pearl is worth at least 200 gold coins. With so many gold coins, I can ask a Great Wizard to help me forge the magic equipment. Liszt turned the ck pearl in his hand, Of course, if you want to earn it, that''s not too difficult.


    The ck pearl had clearly its grip on nny. He licked his lips, saying: Say what you want.


    First, help me forge a magic equipment capable of suppressing storms, and you are to provide the base materials. Second, teach me magic and provide me with knowledge and books. Third, I have several crystals; help me forge them into crystalmps. The change, the rest of the value of this ck pearl, is my support for you to explore the truth.


    For Liszt, ck pearls weren''t worth much themselves. On the Coral Ind, except perhaps Levis, no one would be willing to be a spendthrift and buy them.


    You want to learn magic? nny was a little surprised, That''s unlike you aristocrats. Besides, magic and qi repel each other. You want to renounce your aristocratic ident.i.ty and be a Wizard?


    Qi was magic power refined from within. Magic was magic power extracted from the outside world.


    Although both were magic power, but when cultivated, they would repel each other. It wasn''t that aristocrats didn''t care about magic, but that it was difficult to seed. Magic required you to keep your mind rational and clear at all times. Qi, on the other hand, required you to be able to be hotblooded. Practicing magic and martial dual cultivation would lead to a split personality.


    Liszt replied: I just want to understand how magic works.


    As a scientific-literate person from thew 21st century, he naturally had a strong desire for knowledge of this world filled with magic power. He already came into contact with qi cultivation and had fairly profound understanding of qi. However, he knew nothing about magic.


    He wanted to get close to a Wizard and get an understanding of magic.


    The development of his territory was right on track and he had some self-protection ability; he could finally pursue his desire to learn more about the outside world.


    It seems that you are an aristocrat with great curiosity. Then, I ept this ck pearl. nny thought for a brief moment and agreed.


    I hope that you will enjoy your stay in Flower Town. Oh, by the way, I already prepared a house for you to reside in the Flower Town. You can transport the materials and equipment you need to the Flower Town through the Flower Caravan.


    I won''t be staying in the countryside for too long. I''ll return after forging the magic equipment and teaching you some things about magic. The Moss Town is only a quarter of an hour away from the Coral City, and the prosperous city holds a great attraction. He went to the window and looked in the direction of the distant Coral City.


    In his view, the city filled with feces was a symbol of prosperity.


    From the corner of his eyes, he saw a group of people as well as the huge Tremblingwoods waiting outside his house: Is that your pet? A magic beast Violent Dog? Why is it so big? As far as I remember, Violent Dogs don''t get this big.


    It''s because it eats well.


    The Wizard nny Truth needed time to prepare before he could hurry to the Flower Town, so Liszt took his people back first.


    Meanwhile, the Coral City, in a 2-story-tall house with a garden near the Tulip Castle, Frank had just finished his nap. He went to the living room downstairs and sat down in a chair.


    A servant immediately brought tea.


    He was an aristocrat, a chevalier, with his own fief, which was a small vige. Compared with a bankrupt, dest.i.tute aristocrat like Gort, his fief was still well-off,ting him close to 10 gold coins each year. Coupled with his sry as Levis'' household teacher, he led a good life.


    Have the madam and youngdy returned from their walk to the sea of flowers, yet?


    They did. They are currently in the garden enjoying the shade.


    After a while, his wife and daughter returned to the house.


    Frank, you''re awake? Asked a middle-aged women wearing a fashionable skirt. Despite the heavy makeup, she still couldn''t conceal the fact that she was getting on in years, Are you going to the Tulip Castle in the afternoon to work? Sulli wants you to take her back to the manor, her clothes were left in a cab.


    Frank looked at his daughter: I remember that you brought a lot of clothes. Plus the clothes that you purchased on the Iron Hoof Ind, isn''t that enough?


    But I forgot to bring a ck dress. I like it very much, father. Sulli swayed her thin waist.


    Have a servant go back and get it. I don''t have time, dear. Frank spread his hands and exined to his daughter and wife, Levis is still on the battlefield, so I have to manage his estates. Also, the count gave him partial authority over the Coral Ind, and I have to manage that as well.


    I know that it''s a good opportunity for you to showcase your capability. However, I hope that you can take some time to show more care for Sulli. She''s already 15 years old, after all.


    15 years old meant that she was at the sociable age.


    An aristocratic girl should marry at the age of 16 or 17.


    Frank looked at his increasingly beautiful daughter, feeling quite gratified: Of course I know. Sulli is already a big girl. In fact, this morning, I was thinking about her situation. On the Coral Ind, there aren''t many aristocrats suitable for Sully. I hope that she can have a blissful life.


    His wife became interested immediately: Whom do you have in mind?


    Sulli also looked at her father expectantly. As an aristocraticdy, socializing was a skill she had to learn. There was no need to shy away when talking about marriage.


    In the Ox Horn College, how to choose a suitable aristocrat and get married was part of the program.

 Chapter 144: Ivans Numb Journey

    Chapter 144: Ivan''s Numb Journey


    Liszt. Continued Frank, The baron of the Flower Town, the third child of Sir Count. Sulli, you must still have an impression of him. After all, when you were little, you always yed together.


    Liszt? Of course I remember him. Sulli blinked her eyes and hazily recalled a slightly childish, handsome face.


    Liszt looked very handsome from a young age.


    However, it had been already a few years since she left the Coral Ind to study in the Ox Horn College.


    Due to the inconvenience of transportation, she didn''t even return for the New Year Festival. The impression she had of Liszt gradually turned faint. At the time, she had yet to develop the interest for the opposite s.e.x, so it was natural for her not to clearly remember a buddy of hers.


    What do you think of Liszt? Asked Frank.


    Sulli shook her head, Father, thest time I saw Liszt he was only a 12-year-old child. Now that he''s an adult, I don''t know what has be of him.


    That''s true. I should find an opportunity for you to meet.


    Frank''s wife asked at this moment: Liszt doesn''t seem to be valued by Sir Count, and his fief is the most remote Flower Town.


    Liszt indeed isn''t valued by Sir Count. By relying on himself, Sir Count forged ahead dauntlessly and established the Coral Ind line. He hopes that his children can also forge ahead bravely. Frank continued, Anyway, he''s of the Tulip Family bloodline. He was enfeoffed when he came of age, that''s not a treatment that aristocratic non-heir sons can enjoy.


    Sir Count is an affectionate and conscientious father, he even conferred Lvera the t.i.tle of baron. Said the wife enviously.


    Lvera was very influential from among aristocraticdies on the Coral Ind, as hereditary peer dames were rare in the Sapphire Grand Duchy.


    Sir Count didn''t value Liszt not because he was untalented, but because of his weak character. However, from the recent contact I had with him, it seems that Liszt turned a new leaf. He''s tranquil, dignified, and increasingly mature. Sir Count even went to the Flower Town to celebrate the Going-out-to-the-sea Festival, which is a sign.


    What sign?


    Of course it is the sign that the son has regained his father''s trust. Sir Count is still in his prime, so he naturally wishes to work with his sons and gain more glory of knights.


    Yes, but unlike Levis, he didn''t go to the battlefield.


    It''s just a matter of time. After all, he has the Tulip Family bloodline and Longtaro Family bloodline. Frank felt like his wife was as narrow minded as a countryside lesser aristocrat, so he just told his daughter, Sulli, Liszt is already making preparations for his own knight squad. He purchased a batch of knight squad equipment from the Tulip Castle.


    No unsubstantiated praise was convincing.


    A countryside lord with a knight squad was naturally unusual.


    Sulli''s eyes lit up: Father, mother, when can I see Liszt. I''ll make my own judgment.


    Our Sully is smart and beautiful, and naturally can make her own judgement. Father will soon find you a chance.


    His footsteps staggered and he was tired and hungry.Ivan wiped the sweat from his forehead and, with his numb eyes, looked at the people beside him who simrly had numb eyes. Their clothes were dirty and smelly, the hair was in a mess, and the dust on their faces could not hide the pale and sallowplexions. In the procession, you could not tell men, women, old, and young apart. Even the cries of babies were weak.


    Hurry up. If you don''t want to be whipped, then put snap to it and keep up with the procession! A clerk holding a whip shouted loudly.


    asionally, whips would be flung into the air and make crackling sounds.


    Ivan was jolted, then his murky head immediately cleared up and his heavy footsteps could not help but to elerate a little. Just now, someone next to him was whipped by a clerk. Their clothes were torn and they cried in pain.


    Wapush! Sounded anothersh of the whip.


    Ivan lowered his head and gritted his teeth to make himself go faster. He was very afraid of whips. When he was on the boat, a person, who came from the same town as he did, who slept in the same corner as he did was whipped to death by the first mate of the boat. The wailing before death left him with nightmares for quite a few days.


    He had nightmares in his dreams and reality was also a nightmare.


    He missed the days of hard work on the ind. Even though they could not eat their fill, and serfs who could not pay the taxes would be whipped by Knights. However, most of the time, he could move about freely and chat with others. He could even go into the town and have a look at the beautifulndy of the bakery.


    One day, however, everything changed.


    He heard the sounds of Knights yelling and killing, and then, a group of blood-stained Knights came to his vige and drove them away. Those who didn''t want to go were killed, those who didn''t want to be killed could only follow them. It was on that day that he left his homnd and the b.u.mpy nightmare began.


    He was taken to a market where serfs like himself were sold.


    He was kept in a cage, and had a little bit of rancid ck bread to eat. His life was a blur. Serfs were being taken away and brought in.


    Then he was also taken away.


    He followed a group of strangers to board a ship. He couldn''t understand the people aboard and dared not speak to others. Unexpectedly, there was someone aboard who knew him. They were from the same town.


    Sapphire people! Told him hispanion.


    He instantly thought of the legend of the barbarians''. Each year, barbarians from the sea woulde to the Eagle Kingdom to burn, kill, and pige. They were from the Sapphire Grand Duchy that lied in the sea.


    This is a ship of the Sapphire people! We were sold to the barbarians! We were caught by mercenaries, who are more abominable than rats! Thepanion continued resentfully, I swear! Someday, I will go back, find these mercenaries, and kill them all!


    Ivan was silent, he was frightened by the words of hispanion.


    He started farming since he was little. He hadn''t even so much as killed a chicken, as there were no chickens in his household. It was aristocrats who always killed serfs, yet serfs didn''t dare to kill anyone.


    Unfortunately, soon after making his vow, hispanion was flogged to death.


    Ivan, who had no one to talk to, kept having nightmares, from which he couldn''t wake up from. He had never been on a ship, so the seasickness nearly killed him. A few dayster, he finally set foot onnd. He arrived at an unfamiliar ce, where he couldn''t understand anyone.


    He didn''t know where he was going to be driven to.


    Tomorrow was an uncertainty. He didn''t know what he was persisting for or even if there was something to persistence for. Just like this, with the whip driving the way, he walked without think about death nor knowing what joy there was to life. His legs turned numb from all the walking.


    He heard the clerks wave the whip again and shout something.


    He didn''t understand what was said, but the procession stopped gradually. Since others stopped, he also stopped, and could finally rest his legs for a moment.


    Seeing that others started sitting down, he also sat down.


    n.o.body spoke. On the ship, they were forbidden frommunicating, so now they were ustomed to silence. Ivan raised his head and his gaze fell on a female serf, who was preparing to breastfeed her baby, not far away. She lifted her ragged clothing, revealed a wizened breast, and stuffed it into the baby''s mouth.


    The baby sucked hard. However, whether it could get any milk was unknown.


    In the past, Ivan would have swallowed and peeped greedily at the woman''s chest, as he was still young and had never touched a woman''s hand, let alone the bulging chest.


    But at the moment, the chest held no attraction over him, and he had no mind to think about it. He was so hungry that his intestines were about to stick together.


    The sun reached the zenith. It was noon.

 Chapter 145: Learning 3 Expressions in Serpentine

    Chapter 145: Learning 3 Expressions in Serpentine


    Ivan sat on the ground, and soon imitated others and lied on the ground to rest as much as possible and regain a little bit of strength. He didn''t know where they were going or how long it would take.


    Trundle, trundle, came the sounds of wheels turning.


    Ivan didn''t get up. He just slowly turned his head and looked in the direction from where the sounds came from, saving as much effort as possible. He saw a team of horse-drawn carriages with a blue g embroidered with a purple-ck flower fluttering in the wind. He recognized the g as a sign of aristocracy.


    Of course, he didn''t know to which aristocrat the g belonged to.


    He had just looked at the carriages absentmindedly, when the familiar whip sounded again. As if he had a spring installed in his body, he subconsciously climbed onto his feet. Not only him, but everyone climbed onto their feet, and stood shakily.


    With a whip in hand, the clerks shouted something that Ivan didn''t understand.


    However, he soon realized that someone shouted in the Eagle Kingdom''s Windlect: Line up! Follow the instructions of the clerks and line up behind the carriages! Don''t talk and don''t mess around! Just stand!


    Ivan began to panic. He didn''t know how to stand in line, nor did he stood in line. He just followed the crowd. After he got kicked in the b.u.t.t, a clerk scolded him, saying something he didn''t understood.


    The clerk seemed to have discovered his nk look, so he pulled him and shoved him behind a serf, cursed again, and then went to pull another serf.


    The messy procession soon formed 6 crooked queues under the arrangements of the clerks.


    The Sapphire person who spoke Windlect went to the front of the queues, talked to several people who looked like aristocrats for a moment, then faced the numerous serfs: You will get 2 meals per day. This is the Coral Ind. Soon, we''ll be going to the ce where you''ll live hence forth  the Flower Town!


    Ivan, like everyone else, looked numbly at the speaker, unresponsive.


    The speaker went on to say: The lord of the Flower Town, and your new master, is Sir Baron Liszt of the mighty Tulip Family bloodline! Remember, the ce you will be living is the Flower Town and your new master is Liszt Tulip of the mighty Tulip Family bloodline!


    Thest few words were yelled out with great momentum.


    However, the serfs still remained unresponsive.


    The speaker didn''t care, at all. He waved his arms and his grizzled hair danced chaotically in the wind: Remember, from now on, you have to speak the Sapphire Grand Duchy''s Serpentine. Of course, you are just a bunch of serfs, so no one cares whether you speak Serpentine or not. However, you have to remember 3 expressions in Serpentine  Flower Town'', tulip'', Sir Lord''!


    Now, repeat after me! He shouted, p.r.o.nounce the words correctly and you can enjoy a wonderful lunch, understood?


    Lunch, the silent queues were instantly stirred.


    The hungry serfs couldn''t stand the enticement of lunch. They only had 2 meals per day on the ship; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The rest of the time they had toy still.


    The bolder serfs trembled and responded: Understood, Sir.


    Very good. Now, repeat after me  Flower Town


    Flower Town.


    Louder, Flower Town!


    Flower Town!


    Ivan, who felt like he couldn''t utter a word due to his hunger, for the sake of theing lunch, stimted the little bit of strength that still was left in his body and shouted together with the others: Flower Town.


    The expression wasn''t a mouthful and was easy to learn.


    After shouting a few times, he even felt a bit excited, as he actually learned an expression in the foreignnguage.


    Very good, you seem to have mastered the expression Flower Town''. Next, repeat after me  tulip


    Tulip.


    It''s tulip, idiots. Don''t curl your tongue. Again, repeat after me  tulip


    Tulip.


    Louder, tulip!


    Tulip!


    Although your p.r.o.nunciation isn''t standard, but remember it well. Here, everything belongs to the Tulip Family! Your lord is of the Tulip Family bloodline! The person who spoke Windlect continued to teach, Next, you have to learn how to express your loyalty when you see your lord. First, you must kneel on the ground.


    A few serfs immediately went down on their knees when they heard it. Other serfs followed suit.


    In an instant, everyone in the 6 queues knelt on the ground.


    The speaker was startled. He wasn''t Liszt, so he didn''t dare to have the serfs kneel towards himself. He hurriedly dodged: Fools, don''t kneel now. Forget it Kneel down to the ck tulip g on the carriage. Take it as if you have seen Sir Lord. Now repeat after me  Sir Lord


    Sir Lord.


    Ivan knelt on the ground and shouted with the crowd, trying to keep his tongue straight.


    After a few tries, the person who spoke Windlect ran to the a group of people who looked like aristocrats nearby and asked in Serpentine: Is this all right, Mr. Gort?


    Dressed in a frac habill, Gort nodded: This will do for today, Now let the serfs eat their fill first. After all, the Flower Town isn''t so poor that we can''t afford to feed them. Old Grandet, thank you for your hard work. Later, we still need you to interpret in order to settle down the serfs.


    Old Grandet said with a smile: To serve Sir Lord is my honor. I''ll go tell them to serve the meal.


    Immediately after, he faced the still kneeling serfs: You can get up, but continue to stand in the queues! We''ll now begin to distribute the lunch! Come one at a time! There is enough for everyone! Stealing isn''t permitted! Otherwise, the clerks will whip you straight.


    When they heard Old Grandet, the serfs'' restlessness quickly turned into surprise  there was really lunch!


    Then, thepartments of the carriages opened, and they were served food they had never seen on bread tes.


    There was no tableware, only food and bread tes.


    When Ivan got his share of food, he recognized the bread te, which he frequently used. After using it for a certain period, it could be cooked and eaten. On the bread te, there was half a piece of ck bread as well as many big, small, round, and t things.


    He couldn''t help but touch them. They were very hard.


    He didn''t know how to eat them.


    Fortunately, he always emted others. He saw that apart from eating the ck bread, some people opened those things and ate the soft flesh inside.


    Thus, he sat on the ground with the bread te in hand and first took a bite of the ck bread. By learning from others, it was very easy to open those things. There was a crack. Those things opened after applying a bit of strength with your hands. Once opened, a very strange smell wafted from inside.


    When he swallowed the bread, he saw several people eat those things, so he summoned up his courage and took a bite.


    It was very soft and almost melted in your mouth.


    He didn''t know how to describe the taste, but it was delicious, so he stopped worrying and focused on eating. Perhaps he was hungry for too long, but he finished his food after a short while. When he ate the flesh of thest sh.e.l.l thingy, for the fist time in his life, he felt what was known as full''.


    At this moment, Old Grandet''s voice reached Ivan''s ears again: It seems that everyone has eaten their fill. You fellows are really lucky. Remember this feeling. Hence forth, in the Flower Town, so long as you work hard for the great Sir Lord, you will be able to eat such food everyday, to eat your fill!


    Ah! Ivan heard someone next to him exim.


    He also felt shocked that he could eat such food every day, that he could eat his fill!


    His mind went nk, with only a single thought remaining: The Flower Town, food.

 Chapter 146: Professing Loyalty to the Lord

    Chapter 146: Professing Loyalty to the Lord


    The next day after returning to the castle, the 476 serfs, who spent the night camping in the wilderness, slowly arrived at the Flower Town. After eating their fill for a few meals, although the serfs still looked very bad, but at least they improved greatly in terms of spirit.


    In the afternoon.


    When the sun was tilting to the west, serfs lined up on the main road of the Flower Town and waited quietly.


    Escorted by the Knight squad, Liszt rode ckdragon to the front of the queues. Thomas followed suit with Tremblingwoods in tow. Now, whenever he went out, Liszt would bring Tremblingwoods along. It was quite fun to intimidate others with a big dog.


    Sir, the quality of these serfs It''s very bad. Marcus scanned the serfs with a nce and frowned.


    There are indeed very few adult serfs. However, there are a lot of children, which, if nurtured well, can be Knights in the future. Stated Liszt simply.


    As they talked, Gort met up with them: Sir, the serfs finally came to the Flower Town, and none of them was lost.


    Well done. Even though there were some losses on the sea, but I don''t won''t there to be anymore losses on the Coral Ind.


    In this case, should we have them profess their loyalty to you now, Sir?


    Alright.


    When serfs saw their lord, they had to profess their loyalty, which was basically selling themselves into servitude as ves.


    After being instructed by Gort. Old Grandet immediately faced the serfs and shouted in Windlect: Lowly serfs, standing before you is the the lord of the Flower Town of the mighty Tulip Family bloodline. Now, kneel and profess your loyalty to Sir Lord!


    In the blink of an eye, the serfs knelt on the ground and loudly butchered the expression in Serpentine they just learned: Sir Lord!


    It wasn''t orderly, but was certainly loud.


    The cries of nearly 500 people, even though it was only a group of ragged, emaciated, and weak serfs, still had a significant impact.


    Liszt was already ustomed to such a scene. In the Flower Town, he came across such kneeling and shouting on a daily basis. Thus, he just looked at the serfs with a smile on his face. The kneeling serfs had their heads lowered, not daring to look at their future master.


    After a while, Liszt, who had prepared a script beforehand, started saying: I ept your profession of loyalty. From now on, you are a part of the Flower Town. Work hard and you will be sheltered by me. Next, he looked at Old Grandet, who served as the interpreter.


    Old Grandet immediately interpreted: Sir Lord epted your professions of loyalty, and said that you are part of the Flower Town from now on. Work hard and you will be sheltered by Sir Lord in the Flower Town. Understood?


    Understood.


    Yes.


    Thank you, Sir Lord.


    I will work hard.


    The serfs responded spa.r.s.ely, as many of them still didn''t know what to say. They just remained kneeling.


    Liszt then said: Old Grandet, have them get up.


    Thus, the short serf reception ceremony came to an end.


    Without lingering around, Liszt returned directly to the castle. Marcus proceeded to lead the knight squad back to the thorns woods to guard the logging team. Gort and the other officials began to busy themselves, as they had to make the living and work arrangements for the 476 serfs within a short period of time.


    Fortunately, there were many wooden houses built in the town and the settlements.


    There were many wooden houses in the yet to bepletemercial area, workshop area, and residential area that could be provided as temporary lodging.


    Food was even lesscking. Although there may not be much bread and vegetables, but there was enough seafood. And even if there wasn''t enough, the fishermen of the oyster settlement could justb the beach a few times to make up for any shortage.


    We have toplete the distribution of serfs as soon as possible. The autumn harvest ising. Said Gort loudly.


    The resource census has yet to bepleted. There are too many women, children, and elderly among the serfs. Thus, the original arrangements are inappropriate. We have to adjust them. Responded Isaiah.


    While watching the serfs barge into the wooden houses and prepare to spend the night, ir chuckled and said: Children and nursing women should be put aside first. Other serfs who can work can be sent to the Thorns Ridge to transport wood or stones and repair the roads.


    Gort interrupted: This is not a sensible distribution n.


    What I mean is that we shouldn''t make any arrangements before the resource census ispleted.


    Well, it''s not a bad idea. It really isn''t easy to make arrangements in a short time, and we cannot have them do nothing, so we might as well send them to the logging team.


    At the banquet, Gort conveyed Liszt ir''s suggestion.


    Liszt approved and added: Arrange the craftsmen to do some light work. Don''t arrange any work for weak and sick serfs. Instead, have them take a good rest. From among those serfs, he cared the most about the craftsmen.


    The skill of craftsmen was this world''s technology. Craftsmen were an indispensable of a prosperous fief.


    Suddenly, he thought of something and said: Later this evening, before going to rest,pile a list of the craftsmen, which should include what their craft is. I will have the castle''s servants a.s.sist you with the collection of data. I hope to see it tomorrow morning.


    In today''s Flower Town, Liszt''s authority was rock-solid.


    By the next morning, after he got out of bed and finished walking Tremblingwoods, a thick stack of thick bast paper was ced on the dining table. After taking a bath and changing into loose clothes, Liszt sat down at the dining table, ready to enjoy his breakfast.


    Timely, Carter told a servingman to bring the breakfast.


    A cup of very fragrant, fresh milk tea, a piece of pineapple bread and milk bread, a fried egg, arge piece of fried magic beast meat, a vegetable sd, and a few fruits, this was his standard breakfast.


    The breakfast was worth at least a dozen silver coins, with the magic beast meat being particrly pricey.


    However, as someone who recently became well off, he was unwilling to treat himself badly. Leading a in and hardworking life wasn''t his style. If he could enjoy himself, he would.


    He picked up the cup of milk tea and took a big sip


    The milk produced by the castle is still better. I think that the environment of the Flower Town must be suitable for raising cows. He licked the foam off the corners of his lips and made up his mind.


    Shylock already bought 3 calves, and an extent of the pasture is upied by horses, so no more cows can be raised, Master.


    Liszt''s tone was firm: When the Thorns Ridge is developed, the dairy farm must be expanded by at least 1 fold! I must raise more cows!


    Due to the increasingly tastier milk tea, Liszt specially investigated the dairy farm, yet found no reason for the improvement of the quality of the milk milk products. At least, it was not due to the cows being with calf, as previously spected. Compared with the milk from outside, the gap in taste could be clearly felt.


    The milk from the Flower Town''s dairy farm not only was very fragrant, but also was more refreshing.


    Later, Liszt guessed whether the reason behind this was the new pasture  maize gra.s.s. However, after an experiment, it was discovered that it wasn''t rted to maize gra.s.s. Thus, he became convinced that it was the climate of the Flower Town that was suitable for raising cows.


    After taking a bite from the pineapple bread, Liszt diverted his attention to the stack of thick bast paper on the table, and casually checked the information about craftsmen.

 Chapter 147: Macrosociology

    Chapter 147: Macrosociology


    Apart from those who engaged in farming,moners with technical skills were called craftsmen.


    Commoner craftsmen who relied on their skills to run their shops were called handicraftsmen. Thus, most of the handicraftsmen were freedmen and most of the craftsmen were serfs.


    ording to Liszt''s understanding, after running their business for a period of time, these people would turn into the bourgeoisie. However, with his understanding of this world''s society, he knew that it was temporarily impossible for craftsmen to evolve into bourgeois, as aristocrats wouldn''t allow this to happen.


    Taking Earth''s medieval Europe as a reference, with progress and the industrial revolution, the handicraftsmen who grasped the means of production would either .u.mte the means of production and evolve into bourgeois, or lose the means of production and be reduced to workers.


    In this world, craftsmen have existed for a long time, yet they were still craftsmen.


    There were no bourgeois orrge numbers of workers. No matter how they developed, they were still va.s.sals of aristocrats. The absolute disparity in individual strength that cultivation of qi brought about made it so aristocratic Knights could firmly grasp all power without fear of being overthrown by a new social .s.s.


    Of course, the development of the craftsman .s.s differed from state to state and from city to city.


    There was no fixed hierarchical division.


    Liszt summarized it thusly.


    Craftsmen could be roughly divided into 4 grades: specialist'', technician'', artisan'', and worker''.


    Technician  craftsmen of this grade generally lived in big cities. They were freedmen of very high status, reaching the same level of status as lesser aristocrats.


    Architect, shipbuilder, carriagebuilder, goldsmith, jewel master, caster, driller, and others were top craftsmen of various industries.


    Architects were responsible for the construction of castles,rge buildings, magic towers, and so on; shipbuilders were responsible for the design and construction of ships; carriagebuilders were responsible for the production of carriages, miner''s carts, and chariots; goldsmiths forged gold coins, silver coins, copper coins, and even dragon coins; jewel masters designed precious ornaments with crystals, precious stones, and even gems; casters could make all kinds of fine tools; drillers could excavate mines.


    On the Coral Ind, there were only architects, shipbuilders, carriagebuilders, and casters. There were no goldsmiths, jewel masters, or drillers.


    Artisan  craftsmen of this grade were the backbone of craftsmen as well as part of the most basic .s.s of major cities. They were of all walks of life and were the cornerstone of prosperity for cities and fiefs. Most of them were freedmen who could choose to run shops or sell crafts.


    Stonemason, carpenter, cksmith, leathersmith, and tailor were the 5 fundamental upations of artisans as well as the 5 industries with thergest number of people.


    Stonemasons built constructions, carpenters produced furniture, cksmiths forged tools, leathersmiths tanned leather, and tailors made clothes.


    Additionally, bonesmith, papermaker (thick bast paper), locksmith, shoemaker, cooper, crystal craftsman, jeweler, gem craftsman, precious stone craftsman, soap maker, winemaker, baker, barber, cook, sugar maker, condiment maker, and salt maker were also of artisans.


    Worker  craftsmen of this grade were also the backbone of craftsmen, but they had arge-scale presence in the manors of lords. Most were serfs, and practically no different from farmers, as they only engaged in slightly skilled work.


    Weaver, spinner, dyer, salt worker, sugar worker, grinder, miner, sailor, ship worker, handyman, and so on were all workers.


    Additionally, merchant upations like innkeeper, peddler, grocer, and coper, who themselves weren''t skilled in any craft but were responsible for the cirction of crafts, had generally the same status as artisans, namely,mon freedmen.


    Lastly.


    Specialist  people of this grade weren''t considered to be craftsmen and should be called artists.


    Author, bard, pianist, painter, minstrel, sculptor, and so on, they were mostly people of the aristocratic .s.s who could not inherit any t.i.tle, so they developed their artistic talents, and wandered among aristocrats and enjoyed a high quality of life.


    Strictly speaking, Wizards who made magic equipment and iron Knights'' who forged a variety of weapons were also craftsmen. However, they were either outside the system or were aristocrats.


    There are no technicians. There are very few artisan, while most are workers. It feels like I made a loss. Looking through the thick bast paperlist in his hands, Liszt mused regretfully. What he wanted was artisans. However, the serfs he bought were mostly workers.


    Obviously, these craftsmen were what was left, or, Levis'' subordinates were only willing to buy cheap craftsmen. In ve trade, the price of an artisan was obviously a bit more expensive than that of a worker, let alone that of a technician. No one would sell technicians, artisans, workers, and farmers at the same price.


    Anyway, with a group of skilled workers, I can barely add a few industries to the Flower Town I can make my own sugar, soap, cloth, sea salt, indigenous paper, and develop other industries. Lisztforted himself. At the same time, it couldn''t be considered as himforting himself, as skilled workers were still valuable.


    He had Thomas bring quill pen, ink, and nk thick bast paper, and then began to write and draw.


    He was going to do a sum up of the several industries that this batch of craftsmen could develop in order to see how many more workshops could be added to the town''s workshop area. However, as he wrote, he diverged from craftsmanship to the study of the social system.


    If I wanted, I could be a sociologist!


    He divided the social system of this world into different categories.


    The upper .s.s of society  aristocratic lords.


    The upper middle .s.s  Wizards who pursued truth, officials without t.i.tles, Knights, and indispensable artists.


    The middle .s.s  technicians who grasped irreceable skills and dest.i.tute Knights who served as mercenaries.


    The lower middle .s.s  castle servants, production and technology artisans, merchants, toiling workers, and rats walking in the shadows.


    The bottom of society  farming serfs and beggars, with whom even serfs wouldn''t mingle.


    It''s quite clear at a nce. He took a big bite of a piece of magic beast meat, then chewed and swallowed it before going on, If I expound further on the responsibilities of each social .s.s as well as the social mobility, I could probably be able to produce and publish a masterpiece of sociology.


    This was just an idea, as he hadn''t fallen so low as to rely on writing books to earn his keep. This was something that dest.i.tute aristocratic children would do.


    Moreover, works of sociology had no market.


    To write books, you would have to write Knight novels about ying dragons or contracting sprite kings


    The best start would be to open with a dest.i.tute prince with a lesser sprite, who would spend a romantic night at sea with a Siren, spend a few days in a marquis manor with a dissolutedy, single-handedly ughter an evil dragon by himself, or ride a dragon, and have the lesser sprite break through to a sprite king.


    Eventually, the hero would save a belle, who was a princess approved by a unicorn, and marry her.


    A Knight novel with these elements would be a best-seller. Youngsters who liked works of fiction would be very willing to pay a pretty penny for it.


    After he finished his breakfast, Liszt put away the stack of thick bast paper on which he had written and looked out the window at the rising sun: When nny arrives, maybe I can talk to him about sociology.

 Chapter 148: The Resource Census of the Flower Town

    Chapter 148: The Resource Census of theFlower Town


    nny Truth''s letter was delivered to the castle by thetransport team of the Flower Caravan.


    He dyed his arrival, as the materials for the ck pearl magic equipment werecking, and required some time to prepare. Thus, he would go to the Flower Town in mid October.


    Wasting my time! I should have paid another Wizard a visit instead! Liszt wasn''t too happy with the letter, as he felt that the Wizard wasn''t giving him face. For it to take over a week to prepare the materials was too inefficient. He was suspicious that thetter was just stalling.


    However, there weren''t many Wizards he could contact.


    Such people led semi-hermit lives, and generally avoided contact with ordinary people.If Liszt wasn''t a member of the Tulip Family, then nny might not have received him.Aristocrats didn''t let Wizards settle down in their cities and towns, as the tinkering of Wizards would asionally lead to explosions, frightening the people.


    Liszt threw away the letter and no longer concerned himself with when nny woulde.


    The resource census and the logging a.s.sembly were being carried out at the same time in the Flower Town. Although Gort worked hard after he became the adviser, but there were still a lot of things with which he had to trouble Liszt.


    Liszt had his own troubles.


    Standing in front of the castle''s window, he looked at Blessedcurls, who had an iron chain tied to its leg, and frowned tightly.


    Tweet! Tweet! Blessedcurls made noise and swung its plump wings.


    His sapphire-colored eyes turned into whirlpools, as Liszt released Magic Eyes. In his view, Blessedcurls be a fat bird formed from cyan magic power.


    Blessedcurls reached the stage of releasing magic power. In a few days, it might be able to release magic without my guidance Eating too well is also a burden. Should I cut down on its food? This bird eats thrice as much as a servant.


    Blessedcurls wasn''t big. When curled up, it was the size of a dog.


    Anyway, as a magic beast, it ate much more than ordinary birds: It isn''t worthwhile to continue to feed it like this.


    If he didn''t manage to find an eagle tamer, then Blessedcurls would just be a wild, hard to train magic beast. At most, it could be killed for its meat and materials.


    Shaking his head, Liszt decided not to kill it for the time being. After taking care of it for so long, they became familiar with each other. No matter how he teased it, Blessedcurls wouldn''t bite him back, and would just dodge instead. It didn''t like being touched.


    Anyway, there''s a sense of familiarity between us.


    The life in the Flower Town was busy and went on orderly.


    Taking charge of the resource census, Gort quicklypleted it, then sent thepiled data to the castle, where he started an enthusiastic discussion during the banquet.


    ording to Sir''s instructions, part-time farming serfs will be turned into full-time workers. Farming serfs will receive interest-free loans from the castle in the form of farming tools. Furthermore, the serfs will be coached in scientific farming.


    Gort read aloud his lengthy report. The resource census was his vanity project, so he naturally was full of pa.s.sion.


    The results of the current resource census of the Flower Town are as follows: The peanut settlement


    The peanut settlement  100 acres of peanuts, which contained a peanut sprite worm; 20 acres of maize gra.s.s; 500 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by weeds; 20 acres of housing area.


    The shiitake settlement  80 acres of shiitake sheds; 30 acres of shiitake and me Mushroom mixture; 800 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by underbrush; 30 acres of housing area.


    The barley settlement  50 acres of barley; 50 acres of oats; 150 acres of rye; 30 acres of maize gra.s.s; 50 acres of maize, which contained a maize sprite worm; 500 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by weeds; 1,800 acres of beach, which contained fragrant coconut trees; 50 acres of housing area.


    The wheat settlement  500 acres of wheat, which contained a wheat sprite worm; a pig farm, where 12 fat pigs were being raised; 300 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed upied , which was mostly covered by underbrush; 50 acres housing area.


    The tomato settlement  80 acres of tomatoes, which contained a tomato sprite worm; 20 acres of vegetables; 40 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by underbrush; 60 acres of housing area.


    The oyster settlement  4,600 acres of beach, which contained fragrant coconut trees as well as a fragrant coconut sprite worm; a fruit stealing monkey training field with 7 fruit stealing monkeys, 3 of which were pregnant; 30 acres of housing area.


    The dairy farm  150 acres of alfalfa pasture with 11 cows, 3 of which were pregnant; 180 acres of thorns woods, which contained a thorns sprite worm; 300 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by underbrush; 1,700 acres of beach, which contained fragrant coconut trees; 15 acres of housing area.


    The flower farm  200 acres of tulips, which contained a tulip sprite worm and included 15 acres of sundance tulips, 10 acres of William I Tulips, 20 acres of ck Tulips, and the rest was barren; 500 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by underbrush and weeds; 20 acres of housing area.


    The town  40 acres ofmercial area; 80 acres of workshop area; 150 acres of residential area; 120 acres freedman residential area; 80 acres of aristocrat residential area; 10 acres of administrative offices. Most of the s.p.a.ce was just a n, and the current number of houses was very small.


    The castle  120 acres of alfalfa pasture, which contained an alfalfa sprite worm and 22 horses, 7 of which were pregnant; 5 acres of ck nightshade, which contained a ck nightshade sprite worm; 20 acres of castle; 400 acres ofnd-to-be-reimed, which was mostly covered by underbrush and weeds.


    The Flower Town''s total  5,165 acres of arablend; 8,100 acres of beach; 775 acres of constructions. 15,000 acres ofnd in total, which included brooks, ponds, and roads. As for the term acre'', Liszt was not clear about it due to theck of contrast.


    If he transmigrated with his body as well, then with himself as a reference, he could easily understand the measurements here.


    Unfortunately, he transmigrated with just his soul, so he could not figure out how much bigger or smaller he was from before. Anyway, that wasn''t important, as he got used to the measurement units here.


    The Flower Town has roughly an area of 15,000 acres and the Thorns Ridge has roughly an area of 13,000 acres, which adds up to 28,000 acres. This is the area of my territory Well, when the tide is low, close to 5,000 acres of beach gets exposed from under the water, so I have 33,000 acres ofnd.


    On the Coral Ind, a town with 33,000 acres of area was regarded as arge town.


    He took the time to draw a detailed map of the Flower Town. Although the map was certainly not up to standard, but the basic framework should be correct.


    It had mountains and bodies of water, and the roads were clearly represented.


    His eyes wandered about the map before locking onto the north side of the Thorns Ridge: Starting from here, there are low shrubs and thenrge tract of uncultivated and untouchednd. Should I confine this tract ofnd, too?


    He gave up on this idea after thinking it over.


    Swallowing the Thorns Ridge was already greedy as is, and was enough to make a fortune. If he greedily swallowed another tract ofnd, that would likely backfire and arouse the displeasure of the count and Levis.


    The uncultivatednd of the Flower Town has yet to be reimed. I should fist be low-key and develop it, and steadily forge ahead. I have the smoke missions, so there is no need to take risks. Just like the old principle says: ascend the throne only after the provisions are full and ramparts are built. I''m 16 now, so I''ll set a small goal for myself  to have an ind of my own when I''m 20!!


    The message of the Dark Horse Ind appeared in his mind.


    Although the veil over this breeding ground of ckdragon Horses had yet to be lifted, but its charm had already intoxicated Liszt.

 Chapter 149: Quietly Reaching the Bottleneck of Qi

    Chapter 149: Quietly Reaching the Bottleneck of Qi


    Missionpleted. Reward: wooden variant of fast-growing type of thorns.


    The slowly changing smoke in front of Liszt''s eyes lifted his spirits. From the beginning of the suppression of magic beasts to mid October, after nearly a month, the logging team finally finished cutting down the trees of the Thorns Ridge.


    The once not particrly lush yet verdant woods had been turned into bare slopes ofnd.


    If there was an environmental protection organization around, it would certainly express a serious protest against Liszt. Destruction of vegetation,nd degradation, these were crimes against humanity. Unfortunately, this was Liszt''s domain, where he could do as he pleased. Besides, the Coral Ind was verdant and lush, so cutting down a few trees wasn''t worth mentioning!


    With sprites present in this world, there was no fear of desertification.


    Moreover, there was no industrial development here. No matter if it was an ind or the continent, no matter how barren thend was, at least 70% of the area was covered by forest, at least 95% of the area was covered by vegetation. Whether it was farnd or weeds; in any case, there was no shortage of vegetation.


    Therefore, Liszt didn''t care about environmental protection.


    Wooden variant? What''s that? This was a reward from the thorns sprite worm chain mission. Previously, he was rewarded with spiky variant and poisonous variant thorns. Spiky and poisonous were were easy to understand, but wooden was somewhat troublesome: Wooden Does it mean wood properties?


    His thoughts revolved quickly: There are different kinds o f trees. Some trees are suitable for making furniture and are unreasonably expensive, other trees aren''t suited for papermaking Wooden variant of fast-growing type of thorns, does it indicate that the wood properties of thorns changed?


    Apart from serving as hedges, ordinary thorns were of little use.


    As they could neither bear fruit nor were they very firm, they were of very little interest.


    No matter how I think, it''s of no use. I have to see the real thing. Once I study the fast-growing wooden thorns'', I can ascertain its worth. List came up with a name for the new kind of thorns in the blink of an eye.


    At this moment, the content of the smoke in front of his eyes changed.


    Mission: themercial area of the Flower Town is gradually flourishing. The workshop area, however, has been idle for a long time. There is not enough workshop support. Why are craftsmen being wasted on cutting trees or farming? Please build 3 new workshops to increase the prosperity of the town. Reward: bottleneck of qi.


    Hmm? When he saw the strange reward bottleneck of qi'', Liszt''s eyes suddenly opened wide.


    However, he didn''t found it strange, only surprising: My first mission reward was an advancement in qi, which allowed me to smoothly break through to an Earth Knight from an Apprentice Knight. This time it''s the bottleneck of qi, does it mean that I''m about to be an elite Earth Knight? That must be it!


    With reference to the low-ranked qi, mid-ranked qi, high-ranked qi, and dragon qi, Knights were divided into Apprentice Knight, Earth knight, Sky Knight, and Dragon Knight.


    Furthermore, Earth Knight could be roughly divided into two stages  ordinary Earth Knight and elite Earth Knight.


    Earth Knights who had just broken through were ordinary Earth Knights. Over time, with constant practice, the total amount of qi would gradually increase.


    Liszt was at this stage. Every day, he could feel his qi increase.


    When the total amount of qi reached a peak and no longer increased, it meant that you reached the level of an elite Earth knights. At this stage, it was very difficult to increase the total amount of qi simply by practicing cultivation.


    Many Knights were fettered by this stage, unable to take a step further. They could only continue to develop the use of their qi techniques. With age, after about 50 plus years of age, the body would decline and the total amount of qi would gradually drop, degenerating from elite Earth Knight to ordinary Earth Knight.


    Marcus was now pushing 40 and his body was still at its peak. A dozen yearster, his body would probably decline and his strength would be greatly reduced. This was the reason why he so urgently wanted to render contributions on the battlefield. He had to render contributions before it was toote.


    Half of the elite Earth Knights, which included Marcus, wanted to render meritorious service.


    However, some elite Earth Knights, such as Levis and Lvera, weren''t anxious to make contributions. They wished to continue to improve their strength.


    But solely relying on practicing cultivation was of little effect at this stage.


    By then, you had to rely on a great number of magic ingredients to stimte your body, continue to increase the total amount of qi until quant.i.tative change led to qualitative change, and break through to a Sky Knight.


    A Sky Knight could easily defeat 100 Earth Knights.


    If matched with a good mount, a Sky Knight was a killing and merit machine.


    When this mission ispleted, will I formally enter the elite Earth Knight stage? Liszt could not believe it, I thought that it would take at least 3 to 5 years of cultivation for me to step into the elite Earth Knight stage. Unexpectedly, it will take me over half a year to aplish this.


    He was getting more and more excited, feeling as if he was radiating the light of a genius.


    To build 3 new workshops in the workshop area is very simple. At present, there are 6 workshops in the workshop area  a cksmith shop, a leathersmith shop, a mill, a carpenter shop, a tailor shop, and a locksmith shop ording to the existing artisan serfs, I can build a soap making workshop, a brewery, and a cooper shop.


    The soap making workshop  the soap maker Burnell, who drifted over from the Smallkerchief Ind, could not only make scented soap, but could also make soap (pancreas soap). Although the soap form had yet to bepleted, but he already produced barely-usable soap.


    For Liszt, the soap making workshop not only served to get the reward, but also served to earn money.


    The brewery  the brewer Frank Graindistiller, who also drifted over from the Smallkerchief Ind, could brew fruit wine; 2 other purchased serfs could brew rice wine and beer respectively.


    Liszt had now a good rtionship with the sessor to the Wildhoop Family, Aubrey, with whom he often exchanged correspondence. He could get hops fairly cheep from the other party to make his own beer.


    Liszt didn''t hope to make a profit. If he sold what he produced, he could barely maintain a brewery.


    The cooper shop  there were quite a few coopers, who were craftsman serfs Liszt purchased. Cooper was amon trade that was a mixture of carpenter and cksmith. Buckets and barrels were indispensable in day-to-day life. Thus, after the cooper shop was built, sales would not be an issue. Even if there was no mission, he would still build a cooper shop.


    I just don''t know if the cooper shop counts as a workshop. It should be a handicraft workshop, right? Liszt had some doubts. He couldn''t tell whether the cooper shop, tailor shop, and the like should be regarded as shops or workshops.


    If it doesn''t count, then I''ll just build another workshop. Sooner orter, I''ll have to build a peanut processing workshop, where boiled peanuts, seasoned peanuts, fried peanuts, sauced peanuts, and peanut b.u.t.ter can be produced. The Flower Town should not sell primary agricultural products directly.


    Primary agricultural products weren''t worth much.


    At the very least, agricultural products should be processed first and then sold.


    When his train of thought reached this point, he summoned Gort, whose hairline had been receding from overwork: Adviser Gort, I want to see results regarding the development of the workshop area. Make arrangements for a soap making workshop, a brewery, a cooper shop, and a peanut processing workshop to be built.

 Chapter 150: Ironwood Quality Thorns

    Chapter 150: Ironwood Quality Thorns


    At the present stage, apart from the shops opened by the few freedmen, the remaining workshops and shops of the Flower Town were opened by Liszt. Anyway, there weren''t many freedmen. Liszt didn''t mind. He monopolized the business of the Flower Town, this was his turf.


    Since he said that he wanted to build workshops, then they would be built.


    Gort only had some misgivings: Sir, the soap workshop can be handed over to Burnell, the brewery can be handed to Frank, Burdin, and Huntel, and the cooper shop can be handed to the many coopers As for the peanut processing workshop, what is it? To whom should it be handed to?


    That would be to do simple processing of harvested peanuts. You can boil or fry them together with the sh.e.l.l and then sell them, you can just sell the kernel, you can make peanut b.u.t.ter, or you can develop some peanut recipes with unique vors. In a nutsh.e.l.l, nd peanuts should be made tasty. It''s the same principle as making pineapple bread.


    Who will make the tasty peanuts?


    Among the serf we purchased, aren''t there a few who had worked as cooks in a foreign castle? My castle doesn''t need so many cooks for the time being. Have these peoplee up with ways to make tasty peanuts There''s one thing to keep in mind, Adviser Gort.


    Yes?


    The prices of agricultural produce produced by the Flower Town are very low, and they are not worth trading. However, after being processed, they could be sold at a good price. We could even buy agricultural produce from outside to be processed. I hope that the Flower Town can be the processing center for agricultural produce.


    Gort understood him: The Tulip Castle very seldom sells whole magic ingredient tulips. Instead, magic ingredient tulips would be made into finished magic ingredient products and then sold outside. It''s the same principle, right?


    Your understanding is correct.


    I''ll go make the arrangements now.


    Shortly after Gort left, Liszt also left the castle.


    He rushed to the underbrush with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk to go look for the fast-growing wooden thorns. Standing amid the underbrush, apart from the thorns bushes, he could only see bare slopes in the distance. Among the thorns underbrush, there were fast-growing poisonous thorns and fast-growing spiky thorns, each upying arge tract ofnd separated from the rest.


    Sir Lord! 2 worm protection team members hurriedly stepped forward and greeted Liszt. They were serfs of the dairy farm. However, due to their robust physiques, they were selected by Rhm as worm protection team members, getting a good-paying part-time job.


    Liszt asked: Did you find any unusual thorns in the underbrush?


    He had asked Rhm to tell to the worm protection team members here to pay more attention to the growth of thorns. If there were any unusual thorns, they were to report immediately.


    A member hesitated for a moment: Sir Lord, I don''t know whether the thorns are unusual.


    Oh, what''s the matter?


    There''s a field of thorns. The thorns there became became very st.u.r.dy.


    Very st.u.r.dy you say? Take me to see them.


    The worm protection team members quickly took Liszt to the st.u.r.dy thorns.


    There, whether it was the color or the spikes, the thorns looked ordinary. However, whenpared with ordinary thorns, they were twice as thick. They clearly stood out, unlike what the worm protection teammember imed.


    Of course,moners had limited IQ, so Liszt showed understanding, saying: Cut off a thorns.


    The worm protection team had no iron tools, they only had fairly cheap bone weapons.


    They quickly pulled out their bone des and fiercely shed at the thorns. Thorns were small shrubs and were not difficult to cut. Besides, these thorns were still young. The worm protecting team members were confident that they could chop off the thorns with a strike, and show their valiance in front of the Sir Lord.


    However, they were embarra.s.sed instead. When the bone des shed at the thorns trunk, they issued a sharp and clear sound and bounced off, leaving only a very shallow mark.


    Uh. A little agitated, the 2 worm protection team members brandished their bone des again, chopping down vigorously. However, every time they chopped at the thorns trunk, they could only leave shallow marks. After striking a dozen times in a row, they could not even cut open a thumb-wide crack. Instead, they chipped off their bone des.


    The bone des were about to break.


    Stop. Thomas, give them Knight swords to have a try. His eyes shining, Liszt roughly understood the variation nature of the fast-growing wooden thorns.


    Taking the Knight swords, the worm protection team members continued to chop down. Yet they still were unable to cut the thorns off quickly. Fortunately, the Knight swords were made of fine steel and were very resilient. By chopping down continuously, they ground the thorns little by little until they finally cut off a wrist-sized thorns. Then they cut off the tiny branches until they had a bare thorns pole.


    Panting, they handed it to Liszt.


    Holding the thorns pole in his hand, Liszt could feel the impressive weight of the pole.


    It''s very heavy and very st.u.r.dy and resilient. If I''m not mistaken, its wood variation is likely to be in the direction of ironwood''.


    Ironwood, as the name implied, was wood as hard as iron. On Earth, many wood was known as ironwood  iron birch, redwood, and the like. They were harder than iron, sank in water, were inhospitable to insects, and even nails could not prate them. Many ships, vehicles, special buildings, and even s.p.a.cecraft parts were made of ironwood.


    The current fast-growing wooden thorns still could not meet the standards of ironwood.


    However, it was its fast-growing'' characteristic that determined its value. Even if it didn''t meet the standard of ironwood, it still surpa.s.sed ordinary wood by far and was superior to iron.


    With this quality, fast-growing wooden thorns is akin to iron that grows on its own!


    It wasn''t that there were no ironwood quality trees in the Thorns Ridge  rock tree, stone tree, among others. However, they were very few in numbers and grew very slowly, taking upwards of 100 years to mature. With every tree that was felled, there would be a tree less.


    As fast-growing wooden thorns could mature quickly, its value was great. Liszt himself found it hard to imagine.


    Previous poisonous and spiky variants cannotpared with ironwood, at all! This is a treasure of thorns! My thorns sprite worm, good job! As a treat, I''ll give you as much jade powder you can eat tonight! This was a thorns sprite worn chain mission reward, it was due to the influence of the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk that such a variation took ce.


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt like the thorns sprite worm had a fighting chance in terms of evolution into a thorns lesser sprite.


    I''ve decided!His spirits rose, and he could not suppress this idea: The 180 acres of shrubs influenced by the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk will bepletely dedicated to fast-growing wooden thorns!


    Ordinary fast-growing thorns, poisonous fast-growing, and wooden fast-growing thorns would either be transnted to other ces or cut down directly. They should not take up the influence of the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk.


    ckdragon went into gallop, taking Liszt back to the castle as fast as a gust of wind.


    He wanted to immediately summon Isaiah, the newly appointed administrative officer, and redesign the underbrush with the thorns sprite worm''s worm stalk. However, after his head cooled down from the gust of wind, a crucial issue came to his mind: The thorns sprite worm is still .u.mting power for evolution, and the chain mission is not over yet. The fast-growing thorns should have room for other variations.


    It would be very difficult to produce new variations if he were to cut down the ordinary fast-growing thorns.


    No, I can''t cut down the ordinary fast-growing thorns. Ironwood can wait, I''m not in a hurry. Now the most important thing is to let the thorns sprite worm continue to develop and the fast-growing thorns continue to vary Nevertheless, the name of the fast-growing wooden thorns has to be changed! Lets call it fast-growing iron thorns!

 Chapter 151: Fattening Period of a Thorn Sprite Worm

    Chapter 151: Fattening Period of a Thorn Sprite Worm


    The discovery of the fast-growing iron thorns were quite beneficial to Flower Town. It was beingpared to a catalyst in a chemical reaction, like how an athlete benefits from a booster injection.


    Even though it was necessary for the thorn tasks to bepleted before arge-scale nting canmence, this did not stop Liszt from bringing back the iron thorns back to the castle and have his town officials together for dinner and a council meeting to discuss and study the thorns.


    ir announced, "If it can grow to two meters high, it can be used to build a house. This is much harder than the Chinese fir we use. A house built with this material can surely survive a storm."


    "ir, you forgot that wood is not only strong, but also waterproof,insect-proof and immune to decay. "


    "I haven''tpletely thought about it, but you see, the wood is highlypact. This is quite simr to the rock wood being cut by the logging team. Such wood never grows worms," ir countered by saying that the tree he was referring to was the Iron Tree, one which grows in between gaps of rocks.


    Ironwood, wood from Iron Tree is highly precious, since a two-hundred year old Iron wood can easily be sold for fifty silver coins.


    The logging team only cut down less than ten Iron Trees, of which only three were 200 years old, while the remaining seven were less than two hundred years of age.


    Simr to Iron wood is Stone wood, both are extremely rare.


    Gort thought of an idea, "We can sink it into the water, and if it sinks, then it''s the same as a rock, if it doesn''t sink, it''s not good enough."


    "Yes! Let''s do that!"


    A servant then brought a basin full of water. A trunk was removed from the tree and thrown into the basin, immediately, the trunk sunk into the basin bottom.


    ir proudly eximed, "See? I never lie! These fast-growing iron thorns are as good as ironwoods!"


    Marcus, who has been silent through all this said, " The wood''s texture is strong and the trunk is straight. It seems suitable to turn into a knight''s shaft and arrow, much more suitable than a white birch. "


    Usually, a knight''snce and arrow would be made from birch.


    The barrel of an ordinary knightnce and the shaft of an arrow are made of birch.


    The Birch City on Coral Ind specializes in nting birch trees to produce birch wood needed for making weapons. The Tulip family also has a birch sprite.


    "If this iron thorn is truly superior to birch, we can supply the Tulip Castle with it. Surely the Count will like betternces and arrows."


    "This nt being fast-growing is a great advantage. An ironwood only grows a palm thickness after two hundred years. This iron thorn is just a seedling but is already the size of a wrist. "


    "It seems that this is a thorn bush full of gold coins. "


    "No, a tree of gold coins!"


    "No one could have ever imagined that these most useless thorns would be a useful wood indeed."


    Laughter filled the banquet halls which expressed expectations for the future of the fast-growing iron thorns.


    Liszt and the other finished the meeting with raising the wine .s.s and said, "For the time being, let''s not a.s.sume that this venture will bring a cash cow to our town. We have to give it full attention, study its properties properly and carefully a.s.sess its value. If it truly is a great financial gain for us, it must be cultivated in arger scale, which I imagine can only be in Thorns Ridge."


    The crowd raised a .s.s together and echoed loudly: As you wish, my Lord.


    After dinner, Liszt being a little tipsy from the banquet went to stroll around the castle. He yed with Tremblingwoods for a while then nned to head to his study to read. He had nned on trying to learn the Wind Language, which was the dialect of the Eagle Kingdom.


    At present, Flower Town only has Old Grandet who is proficient in both the Snake and Wind Language, and therefore has been the head of management of the Flower Town Caravan. He already works as a trantor, managing the 476 new serfs as well as teaching themnguage.


    Truly, one greatly benefits from mastering a foreignnguage.


    But since Old Grandet was busy with all his tasks, he cannot give a one-on-one teaching lesson with Liszt. Instead, the Old Grandet handedLiszt a notebook that he himself has used when he started learning the Snake Language.


    His notebook contained the mostmon words and how to p.r.o.nounce them in Snake Language.


    Liszt, at first nce, found it interesting but thenter on realized that studying Snake Language was boring. After two days, he had lost patience learning thenguage.


    He would instead go to the sprite worms'' room and tease them. All nine sprite worms were packed in a huge box.


    He realized that it was like raising silkworms, except that these batches of silkworms were colorful and exciting. He reached out and touched them one by one. The appearance of the sprite worms were smooth, and it felt very good to the touch. Some arezy, motionless, while some are energetic and walking around, including the thorn sprites.


    The off-white thorn sprite was not beautiful, but it was in fact the leastmon among the sprites.


    Liszt wondered if the sprite worm was perhaps getting a little bigger.


    "This is ", the alcohol was making his brain go slower and slower. He paused then suddenly jolted, "This sprite worm is bigger than the other sprites! It is a sign of evolution! "


    Tulip Castle has more than a hundred sprites.


    When Liszt was younger, he yed with sprite worms, and even witnessed two of them break into sprites. Before a sprite worm breakthrough, there is a ''fattening'' stage. This was unlike b.u.t.terflies, who be pupas before bing their final forms.


    In this ''fattening'' stage, the sprite worm will slowly decay and age.


    If one has bad luck, it will directly die and turn to gray.


    If one is lucky, one day, the sprite will break the skin, break out, and fly.


    The fattening age is over!


    Liszt''s drunkenness left his body and was now fully awake. Nervousness spread throughout his body mixed with feelings of surprise. The fattening of this sprite worm was surely a sign of evolution, but it could also be a sign of death. This sprite worm stage willst for a month or two. If it dies, then it means failure. There was no third option.


    "I only have a month or two left, which means I may not finish the thorn sprite mission, I must help it! "


    The fat thorn sprite was moving around the box. It looked up at Liszt, like it was expressing its feelings. Liszt also senses a restlessness in the sprite''s mood, perhaps it was due to that fact that was ready and in the brink of evolution, which affects four variants of sprites.


    There is no research done to corrte sprite worm mood to the growth of nts, but certainly it must have something to the sprite''s mood.


    At this time, the sprite was quite violent and constantly changing.


    How can I help it?


    Feed it and fertilize the sprite worms everyday?


    Expand the area of thorn bushes?


    It feels like these aremon means that help evolution, effective but not decisive The probability of evolution is more about luck. Adequate nutrition, to arge extent, can help breed the sprite worm, can give nourishment, but can not guarantee that the elf worm will breakthrough.


    If one has to really think about it, the only thing that can really help the thorn sprite is the smoke mission.


    We have to finish the Thorn Worm Sprite project as soon as possible, but first of all, the current bottleneck qi task has to be finished. Tomorrow, I will personally supervise the construction of the workshop!


    The decision has been made.


    Liszt dropped his nervousness and smiled at his sprites, especially the thorn worm sprites.


    The fate-deciding moment hade: Little guy,e on.


    As if it had sensed Liszt''s encouragement,, the thorn worm sprite lifted half his body, its sesame eyes locked onto Liszt''s with intense emotion.


    This has definitely fueled the sprite with confidence.

 Chapter 152: Mung Bean Soup for the Conscience

    Chapter 152: Mung Bean Soup for the Conscience


    Sir, why are you so anxious to build four workshops?


    I want to see results soon.


    On the open s.p.a.ce in the workshop area, Liszt was apanied by Tremblingwoods and inspected the construction of the workshop.


    Gort, who was in charge of the construction, was a little puzzled. Just this morning, Liszt repeated his orders and asked that the four workshops bepletely built within five days. Because of this, he had to call in more serfs for the construction.


    The whole construction site is in full swing.


    It was autumn, and the temperature ,though not as hot as summer, can still make one sweat.


    Tell the workers that if the construction ispleted within five days, the sry will be doubled, and if it will bepleted within four days, then sry will be tripled.


    "Oh my G.o.ds! The serfs will go crazy! " Gort eximed then spread his hands.  It is impossible to build a workshop in four days. The workshop is not a wooden house. It requires skilled people to build it.


    Liszt said apathetically, I only want it simple and ready for production. I don''t expect the workshop to bring me much ie. If it can contribute to the castle''s needs, it is already good.


    A serf''s skill level cannot be overestimated.


    But it would be a mistake to underestimate a serf''s pursuit for money.


    The four workshops can bepleted in four days, but in a chaotic manner and would require nonstop work from day to night. Furthermore, the quality of the work done cannot be guaranteed at all. However, for now, Liszt was not after the quality, but speed.


    The workshop could be in the shabbiest condition, but as long as it was apleted task, Liszt didn''t mind.


    The evolution of the thorn wormses first.


    Gort wasn''t following Liszt''s thinking, but he was only an adviser. All the power in the territory was granted by Liszt. He could only ept, Sir, I will pressure this group of serfs. I can''t guarantee for the workshops to be done in four days, but within five days, you will definitely see four workshops in the workshop area.


    Complete this task, adviser Gort , and I will reward you with a few bottles of gin and purchase the cer vintage from Tulip Castle just for you.


    Oh my G.o.d, the Juniper wine is so mouth-watering! I haven''t drank that wine from Tulip Castle for a few years now ! Haha, I won''t sleep until the workshops are made, sir! Please rest a.s.sured!


    The officials'' and workers'' att.i.tude were immediately corrected.


    Liszt walked Tremblingwoods back and forth in the area.


    Halfway through, he simply rode on Tremblingwoods'' back, treating him as a ride  Tremblingwoods'' was growing fast, already weighing more than a ton. A tiger could only be regarded as a bigger cat in front of him. Tremblingwoods could easily tear leopards apart.


    Even without magic, it can stand at the top of the Coral Ind food chain.


    At first, Tremblingwood''s was reluctant to let Liszt ride him, but after being given a hearty meal, Liszt had one sweet ride. It''s behavior did not change at all when mounted.


    When they arrived at Thorns Ridge, Liszt shouted the instruction: Tremblingwoods, multiple Rockthorns!


    There was a big roar, and then, in the originally nned but unconstructed section, seven thick rock thorns emerged from the ridges.


    Good-boy!


    Touching Tremblingwoods'' head, Liszt was very satisfied, and continued to give instructions, Go ahead, Tremblingwoods, multiple Rockthorns!


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Six more rock thorns pierced the ground.


    Good job, little one. Come on, one more Rockthorn!


    Whoosh!


    A single rock thorn came out. Tremblingwoods was able to understand the difference between rock thorns and multiple rock thorns.


    The beast had a piece of jerky as a reward.


    Liszt rubbed Tremblingwoods'' chubby neck and continued his training:  Tremblingwoods , throw out bigger, bigger, spiky thorns! .


    Whoosh!


    A rockthorn came out.


    Bigger rockthorns!


    Whoosh!


    Another rockthorn came out.


    "Unsatisfactory, Tremblingwoods! No jerky this time. When I say bigger, I want bigger okay ? ", Liszt dangled the jerky in front of him but did not give it to make the beast understand that its performance was not enough.


    More gradual training had to be done.


    Only when the thornse out bigger will Liszt give Tremblingwoods the jerky. He repeated the instructions, Bigger rockthorns!, to signal the best that the jerkyes as a reward for the bigger thorns. Tremblingwoods was not a dumb beast, but certain conditions had to be done for it to understandmands.


    The training was repet.i.tive and boring.


    When Tremblingwoods understands new instructions, Liszt would finally feel fulfilled since his ultimate goal was for the beast to release more kinds of magic.


    Tremblingwoods is a mid-level monster, sure, but it''s level is still a little far from the Purple Sand Alligator. Their difference isparable to that of an average monster that only leveled-up, since a natural monster is still higher in levelpared to it. How that happens depends on the beast''s master, how he trains it .In this situation, the learned skills will have to make up for the talent.


    Liszt trained the powerful Tremblingwoods himself, and he enjoyed it.


    However, the road construction team that followed was not so happy. Along with the soaring magic came the rock thorns being produced inrge quant.i.ties. This added to the workload of the road repair team.


    The hammers kept pounding, crushing the rocks and spreading them across Thorns Ridge  a difficult task, since List demanded that each piece of gravel be no bigger than a bottle cap. The serfs who were in charge of the rubble need to keep pounding, even knocking it into powder.


    It was only through this way that the roads built would be t.


    Looking at the serfs of the road-building team, their sweat dripping with dust, Liszt was a little emotional  forpared to them, he was tooid-back.


    Heforted himself by thinking that he also has good skills like transmigration, since it was a skill not easily learned.


    Seeing the housekeeper Cartere over, Lisztmanded, Have Mrs. Abby prepare the mung bean soup and deliver it to the serfs of the road repair team, one bowl each.


    Your kindness will take them by surprise, Sir Baron.


    As long as they work hard, I will never be stingy in rewarding and giving. In Flower Town, I hope that everyone works so they can feed themselves, eat enough to keep themselves warm, so that even when winteres, they can still live a healthy life. Liszt spoke with his vision for Flower Town in mind.


    Draining the serfs with too much work is a low-level kind of exploitation.


    Only by mobilizing the serfs'' enthusiasm for production can they work even harder andplete more work. He remembered this from Karl Marx''s book, Capital.


    If a capitalist has conscience  how kind it would have been if they gave mung bean soup to the workers!


    Many people have built roads with unpaid wages, worked for more than 12 hours a day, and yet remain kind. Most lords would never spend a single cent to pay their serfs who cannot count to more than three, and even make them pick up stones and build roads.


    While riding Trembingwoods, Liszt continued to train it, expending all its magic to produce more rockthorns as road-building material. They lead themselves out of the construction site and straight to the ce where Stupidwoman was being held  as a reward for Trembingwoods.

 Chapter 153: Refusal to Mate

    Chapter 153: Refusal to Mate


    The serfs waited for Liszt to leave.


    Sir Baron''s pet is so strong that I couldn''t dare to look at it, I was shaking when it roared.  A serf sighed with horror while looking at Tremblingwoods from afar.


    That''s right, of course, that Tremblingwoods is the King of Thorns Ridge. Only the great Sir Baron can tame it.


    "Yes, yes! The glory of knights has surely favored our dear Sir. He can conquer any beast with his sword. We won''t have to be afraid of that beast eating people this winter. "


    "Thorns Ridge  I didn''t expect us to cut down all these trees in Thorns Ridge. "


    Unfortunately my family is still not getting a lot and I don''t have enough tools. I still have to go through ten acres of wastnd this year  The town official said, the more fields you nt, the more food you will have! My son has to get married next year, and I have to prepare food and a house for him, or he won''t get a wife.


    Hey, old Brown, has your son found a girl he wants to talk to?


    "Of course, I entrusted the Flower Caravan captain, Old Grandet. He promised to find my son a girl that can speak the Wind Language, I hope she has a big a.s.s!


    Sir Lord bought new serfs, right? I hear they''re from the Eagle Kingdom, is that right?


    Only the people from Eagle Kingdom speaks the Wind Language, But here in Coral Ind, Sir Lord has taught them to speak in Snake Language. By the way, why haven''t you find a girl, Old Brown? There are several older women among the newly bought serfs who could be the right one to help you with housework and groundwork.


    Old Brown smiled shyly, Yeah, yeah, I know. I''m already looking.


    Women from the maind don''t speak Snake. If Brown gets married, they''ll have to gesture to each other.


    "As long as you''re busy in bed, it doesn''t matter if you can''t speak to each other, actions are enough, haha!


    "Old Brown''s good days have finallye!"


    "Praise the Sir Lord for that!"


    "All thanks to Sir Lord, our Flower Town has gotten better and better."


    The serf''s idea of a better life was simple. They are bought by their Lord and they praise their Sir for the fields he provides for them to work on.


    Walls and cages.


    When Stupidwoman lost her freedom, it seemed like her world shrunk too.


    She resisted being in this ce at first, yet slowly came to ept it. Now, she looks forward to Liszt''s visit. In the slightest, she even enjoys the peaceful days in her cage. Everyday, it''s eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating, and asionally gets up to mate with Tremblingwoods who was always bursting with energy.


    "Woooof!"


    The sound of Tremblingwoods could be heard from afar.


    Lying on the ground, the beast immediately got up, came to the edge of the cage, and responded with a cry, Woooof! Woooooof!


    Momentster, the gates were opened and the two beasts met each other. Liszt approached the cage with ease while riding Tremblingwoods. At this time, they were already in the hitting range of Stupidwoman''s magic. However, she did not release any magic, like she already forgot how to produce Rockthorns herself.


    Taming the beast was simple.


    If she attacks, she wasn''t provided with food.


    Within a few days, Stupidwoman understood that if she releases her magic, she would starve. If she doesn''t, food arrives.


    The beast''s animal nature told her that not starving was more important than magic.


    Liszt uses Magic Eyes so he can dare to enter the cage, while the servants wouldn''t even daree close.


    Tremblingwoods entered the cage and met with Stupidwoman.


    However, something strange was happening. Stupidwoman was resistive of Tremblingwoods, and won''t let hime close.


    "What is this? .. Are you pregnant, Stupidwoman?"


    Pregnant females will resist mating. But also, females not in the mood will resist as well. Usually, Stupidwoman was in the mood, and it has not been resistant to mating before.


    Now, since Stupidwoman resisted, it was either because she was not fertile or is pregnant, therefore no longer suitable for forced mating. Before, both beasts mated every day, but she did not get pregnant, all because she was not in her fertile cycle yet  all of these concepts involving animal ovtion.


    After all, if the eggs haven''t dropped, how can one get pregnant?


    "Tremblingwoods,e out!", Liszt said while knocking on the cage.


    He didn''t want toe out. He urged him a few times but he still didn''t go.


    "It looks like I''ll have to go to Coral City and purchase a female wolf magical beast. It''s not good for Tremblingwoods to have this unvented energy inside of him. But I have no idea if having the wolf magical beast and Tremblingwoods together will produce pups. "


    Liszt was already looking forward to the possibility.


    Maybe he will be able to produce a breed of wolf dogs with magical blood, just like the Fire Dragon horse.


    "Tremblingwoods is a mid-level magical beast, it''s blood is strong. If mixed with a normal magical beast, it might produce a breed of strong wolf magical beasts in the long run. If possible, I could breed a wolf-dog army!"


    The prospect of it all was delightful.


    A servant quickly reported to Liszt, " Sir, the wizard of Coral City,he''se to the castle with the Flower Caravan.


    "Go back!"


    Liszt turned and rode back to the castle with Tremblingwoods.


    The people of the Flower Caravan were moving and unloading the goods, moving cargo into the castle''s cer, while another carriage halted near Tremblingwoods. A tall man in a ck cloak came out of the carriage and nced at the town he has arrived at. Next to him was a skinny little boy in a cape.


    This was wizard nny Truth, and his magic apprentice.


    Mr. nny, wee to Flower Town!  Liszt, though not satisfied with the wizard''ste arrival, still had a diplomatic smile on his face.


    nny lifted the cloak over his head to reveal his messy brown hair. The road in Flower Town is good, it''s stone road, I thought it would be full of mud. Baron Liszt, building a stone road requires a lot of gold coins. Even though n.o.bles must disy dignity, is it really necessary to waste gold on building roads?"


    The whole time the wizard spoke, his eyes were on Tremblingwoods.


    His focus was solely on the beast. He could feel his magic aura, and he could even see the magic through his eyes.


    Well, you have one good dog. It''s extraordinary. It is worthy of being the King of Thorns Ridge. It is far better than low-level magical beasts. You are absolutely lucky to have it.


    "It really is lucky. Now, follow me. " Liszt stepped towards him and said, " Let us go inside the castle and talk. Mr. Carter has prepared us tea."


    nny didn''t move. Still looking at Tremblingwoods he said, Baron Liszt, Can I maybe have the honor to study this wonderful dog? Maybe I can pay for it, after all a magical beast''s value relies on the type of magical equipment it can create.


    The smile on Liszt''s face turned cold, Oh, you''re getting ahead of yourself.

 Chapter 154: Correct Your Work Att.i.tude

    Chapter 154: Correct Your Work Att.i.tude


    " I want to buy Tremblingwoods"


    " I want to make Tremblingwoods into a magical equipment"


    Liszt contemted if he should just let go of Tremblingwoods'' leash and let it teach nny how to be human, let him know that a mid-level monster is not something a wizard can easily get his hands on.


    The guests and host all sat in the castle living room.


    Perhaps it was the fame brought by the hermit status or that their magic is clearly powerful, that gave the wizard a high status in society, allowing him to belong to the upper and middle .s.ses and eligible to enter the second floor of the castle.


    Is this the famous ice cream of Tulip Castle that you allegedly invented? When the servant arrived to serve the ice cream, nny was attracted by the very different colors.


    Ice cream was regarded to be a high-end delicacy. Since a lot of ice was needed to produce even small amounts of ice cream, an average person simply could not possibly afford to eat it.


    Try it. Along with Flower Town of Coral Ind, only Tulip Castle, Falcon Town, Beer Castle, and Crushed Castle can eat this frozen deliciousness. Liszt sold the recipe to four people, Levis, Lvera, Aubrey Wildhop and Brandon Gravel.


    Other n.o.bles wanted to buy the recipe but couldn''t produce the money.


    Granny lifted the cup and tasted the ice cream, Oh, it''s funny, this food was not made through magic, just naturally. How is it made then ?


    "The ice cream recipe is highly valuable."


    "I wasn''t referring to the ice cream recipe, Sir Baron. I am curious as to where the ice came from. With the small size of your castle, it must be impossible to have an ice cer underneath it."


    Making ice from saltpeter was not a secret, hence it was no use withholding the information. However, the way nny was delivering his inquiries made Liszt ufortable so he came up with a different response, "Mr. nny, you know I invited you to Flower Town to create a magical equipment and teach me the art of magic, not the other way around. I hope you can realign your thoughts."


    nny scooped more ice cream from his cup and said, It is a wizard''s nature to always search for the truth. We are experiencing a warm weather on the ind and even I found ice-based magic to be difficult to cast, let alone use natural means to make ice. This information is significant. I hope you can teach me the ways.


    Teaching knowledge requires money.


    How many coins?


    Looking at the wizard''s posture, one could tell that he actually was willing to pay in gold in exchange for the simple information of how to make ice from saltpeter.


    Liszt''s eyes wandered for a moment and he came up with a n, " I have no need of your gold. But since I can tell that you really want answers, I''ll make you a deal. Finish the tasks I have required of you and I will tell you how to make ice. "


    nny frowned, " I don''t like working with uncertainty."


    "You can get rid of your doubts as soon as possible bypleting the tasks I gave you, with high quality results, of course. " Liszt said politely as he had figured out how to deal with the wizard. They were in Flower Town, which is his territory. The Wizard can''t shake him here.


    Well, let''s talk about work then. So you need me to make a magical equipment out of the ck pearl?


    Thomas, go and bring out the ck pearls from the cab in my study. Immediately , Thomas went into the study, took out the huge ck pearls from the jewel s.p.a.ce where they were shoved.


    Thomas quickly carried the ck pearls to the living room.


    The pearls were set on the table. The ck pearl was not exactly a thing of beauty. It wasn''t perfectly circr for it had gaps in the surface. But it was exactly to Liszt''s liking, and for nny Truth, it was perfect, for he has never seen a pearl as big as this one. It''s incredible, incredible! Amazing! It''s amazing how big this ck pearl is!


    He rubbed the ck pearl with his hands , The waters where this pearl was found must have been rich in magic. It must have been born in the deep sea. Oh, I can feel its rich history! I feel that it has existed for hundreds of years !


    Do you think it can be used as a magical equipment to suppress storms?


    Of course, in fact, it is even better than I thought. It is the best material for creating magical equipment  however there are some necessary materials I failed to bring with me. I have to procure them first.


    You''re leaving now?


    No, no, no, no, I don''t have to leave. I can just make a list and have Charlie acquire the contents. We''re justcking some essories, the core material is already here.


    Charlie was the thin wizard apprentice.


    nny happily got up, took a paper and pen and started writing. He wrote a letter to his fellow wizard that lives near Coral City. He then gave Charlie the letter and had his apprentice leave immediately with the Flower Caravan.


    Baron Liszt, I need a separate work s.p.a.ce. It takes a long time to make a magical equipment, especially one of this kind.


    There are a lot of new houses in town. You can pick one. Liszt stood up. I''ll now take you to town then you can pick your room.


    nny didn''t bring a horse since he can''t ride one, so Liszt had a servant take nny to town.


    nny''s eyes couldn''t stop wandering. He saw vast tracts of empty s.p.a.ces, s.p.a.ces with ongoing constructions including drains, rims, green belts but were already in the final stages . Some of the houses have been knocked down and reced by neat rows of new houses.


    At this time, most of the serfs were carrying stones to the docks. On the workshops , however, the serfs were loaded with work.


    Here  there''s no  feces? He looked for a long time and he was surprised.


    It is forbidden to urinate anywhere in Flower Town. There are toilets built here for all residents to use. Gort, who has just arrived, answered him. Mr. nny, it''s been a long time. I hope you''re liking Flower Town so far. The environment here is more beautiful than Coral City.


    "I admit the streets are cleaner here, but Flower Town is too remote and far behind Coral City in terms of prosperity."


    It depends on how you see it. There are no brothels, casinos or pubs here in Flower Town, therefore life is calmer. After all, Flower Town is just a small town.  Gort shrugged his shoulders, Get used to its serenity, and you''re sure to fall in love with this ce. But of course, a night of idleness will be hard for you at first."


    Freya''s been pregnant for more than four months now.


    Liszt told him, Take good care of Freya, adviser Gort. If Liszt didn''t remind him of Freya''s condition, maybe Gort would have looked for another girl in town to flirt with.


    Gortughed, Of course.


    They walked back and forth around town then to the castle.


    nny wasn''t able to choose a house to his liking. He said to Liszt, "My job needs peace and quiet, Baron Liszt. The construction noise in town is too much and not suitable, please provide me with a house in a remote area. nny liked the bustling city , but his work needs a quiet ambiance, so Gort decided for him to retreat to Wheat Vige.


    That being the case, adviser Gort, you can choose the house for Mr. nny in Wheat Vige as his residence and studio.


    As you wish.

 Chapter 155: The Embodiment of Truth

    Chapter 155: The Embodiment of Truth


    As carriages of materials and objects were moved into the new house, nny Truth''s settlement in Flower Town formally began.


    Liszt hosted nny for lunch in the castle. The town''s upper and middle .s.s n.o.bility came together, but the banquet atmosphere was quite sloppy.


    The mage did not mingle with the others.


    He couldn''t find anything to to talk about with the people in attendance, so most of the time, it was just Gort and the others enjoying themselves while nny just ate and drank, not really immersing himself in the crowd.


    The materials needed for the ck pearl magical equipment werecking.


    When the party ended that afternoon, Mr. nny''s work focused on teaching  he also had the task of building crystalmps, but he was in need of a crystal craftsman, since mages do not sculpt the crystals themselves.


    The Flower Caravan then invited Brad, a crystal craftsman, toe to Flower Town tomorrow if he wasn''t busy.


    "Qi is a form of magic."


    nny cut the nonsense and went straight to the lectures, " The world is a triangle, with matter, spirit and magic in its corners. We mages believe that those three make up the nature of our world and is also the source of all magic. For us, the mages are the matter, meditation involves the spirit, and thebination of both creates magic. "


    "So, what about knights?"


    "As I said, magic and qi both deliver spiritual strength to conjure all sorts of fighting techniques. What differs a magician from a knight is that the knight treats himself as a triangle, while the mage integrates himself into the bigger triangle of the world.


    He then asked, " Do you understand?"


    Liszt nodded, "Triangles? Because it''s the most stable structure.."In truth, he was confused about the idea of the small and bigger triangles.


    Moving on, nny continued to talk about this triangle, just as Taoism considers the universe to be the intery between five elements (i.e. metal, wood, water, fire and earth), and Buddhism''s great elements arend, water, fire, and wind, the mages believe that the world is spiritual, material, and magical.


    The concept was vast and filled with mystery, but at the same time boring.


    nny was not an engaging teacher, even more boring than the concepts he was teaching. The whole afternoon they talked about the triangle theory and Liszt couldn''t help but doze off several times.


    Liszt couldn''t stand it anymore and interrupted, "Mr. nny, I''ve understood the theory of triangles, and I can skip it. Now I want to know how magic is released, and why magic is divided into water, soil, thunder, ice and others. And I want to see real magic.


    nny frowned.


    It was displeasing to have his long lecture interrupted.


    However, he knew that Liszt''s element was fire, so he raised his left hand, his fingers spread slightly, and quickly rubbed them together to form a fireball. Fireb.a.l.l.s were created out of thin air, from small mes to that the size of a fist. With a sharp push of the hand, the fireball flew out of the castle window and bursted mid-air not from them.


    Fireball, the lowest level of fire magic.


    Do it again. Liszt squinted his eyes to cast Magic Eyes. He had to observe carefully-he had to witness how the mage released magic. It was the condensed magic in the body that spewed out and naturally formed magic.


    nny nodded.


    He raised his hand and rubbed out another fireball.


    This time, Liszt could see everything clearly. nny only had traces of magic inside his body. The magic aura inside him had no color, however the moment he released the fireball, the magic in his palm quickly turns red, which meant that fire magic was present. The air was filled with fire magic, all drawn together to the mage''s palm, condensed into a ball and oute a fireball.


    Whooosh!


    The fireball blew apart outside the castle.


    Using Magic Eyes, Liszt could see all these magic at work, but without it, it would''ve been impossible.


    He now knows the process of releasing magic.


    However, it remains unclear why it can fuse into a fireball, for the Magic Eye cannot see what drives it to do so.


    Perhaps, as nny says, it is the power of the spirit.


    He thought maybe it was simr to that of a human body''s process. One simply needed thoughts tomence movement. As for why the body follows what the mind wants, it was a little unclear.


    At this time, nny was still casting magic.


    Meditation, it builds a bridge between magic and your spirit. His voice was a bit erratic, his eyes stared at his palms, like his whole body fell into a certain state. Magic is the third existence beyond material and spiritual. It has emotions, you can feel it, nurture it, and even use it for your own desires


    Momentster, a gray-brown substance emerged from the palm of his hand, which looked like magical y.


    The y ball grew bigger and bigger, and nny could be heard saying, "Meditation is necessary to build the bridge. Only when you have a calm spirit can you grasp magic. It is everywhere! It cheers and moves around and when you find it, build a bond with it so you can experience it fully. Then, you can understand the world."


    Finally, the y ball expanded to a size of a fist, hardened and reformed to a rock with sharp edges.


    nny continued to cast magic, hepressed and hardened the rock until it cracked.


    His hand shook and the rock shatteredpletely.


    But unlike the earlier fireball, the broken rock did not disappear, it was still present in the form of debris. " This is the Flying Rock technique, a form of earth magic, a low-level one like the Fireball. I couldn''t master Earth magic, and only focused on water, fire and wind. I have been slightly involved, but I have not mastered it for sure."


    "How about thunder, ice, light and darkness ?"


    "Those are four spells I have not studied yet, and therefore cannot cast it."


    But I''ve heard that mages can master and release every type of magic.


    If I would venture closer to the truth and became a Great Mage, maybe I would have enough energy to study thunder, ice, light and darkness. But I''m too far from the truth now, and my spirit is not broad enough to master them all. It''s hard enough.


    What kind of existence does a mage have?


    I do not know.


    You do not know?


    Granny lifted his head, his hawk nose tilted up to the sky, " Great Mages are the world''s walking embodiment of truth. It is the existence every mage must look up to. Baron Liszt, why would you think I know everything about Great Mages? How about you, do you even know what a Dragon Knight is like? "


    Liszt could not answer, he has always thought that a Dragon Knight is just a knight on a dragon.


    Above a Sky Knight''s qi, is a Dragon Knight''s, it''s level must be that of a same level of a dragon''s qi. But no one knows anything about a dragon''s qi, Liszt does not know, and not even the great Sky Knight , Marquis Merlin has an idea.


    All n.o.ble knights have dreamed of bing Dragon Knights.


    However, reaching the Dragon Knight level is an extremely hard state to reach  for even the n.o.ble with a dragon, the Grand Duke of the Sapphire Duchy does not know what it''s like. The original Sapphire Grand Duke was a Dragon Knight, but now the Sapphire Grand Duke is just a dragonpanion and breeder.


    There was no chance of riding a dragon anytime soon.


    Well, let''s change the subject, the magic rock, why didn''t it disappear? He asked a question that has long been in his mind.

 Chapter 156: The Dragonlance Chronicles

    Chapter 156: The Dragonce Chronicles


    "You mean these rock debris?", nny poured the rock fragments on a table. "These are ordinary rock particles, they''re no longer magical."


    "Why is that so?"


    Why won''t these magically condensed rocks disappear? Granny stirred the fragments on the table with his hands. Your question is too broad, it''s like asking how dragons can produce gems and metals and why sprites can cultivate nts. This involvesws of nature, I can only impart to you what I already understand myself.


    Please tell me.


    Spirit, matter, and magic is a triangle.


    Of course, you''ve said it many times.


    "This is another theory, to put it in another way, spirit and matter can both influence magic, spirit can bring magic into matter, and matter can also be influenced by magic. A mage, using his spirit, can create magic, form matter, and matter and magicbine to form "


    He paused before he said, Dragons and sprites, I think they are created this way.


    Liszt nced at nny, this was a new concept  dragons and sprites were a product of matter and magic.


    nny antic.i.p.ated for Liszt to question what he just said.


    The mage went ahead and exined, "There are all just spections, Baron. A theory not yet founded on truth, it''s good to have an idea about it but you can forget it. I won''t admit to anyone that I ever said these things, for a mage hates lies and only seeks the truth."


    Liszt nodded.


    He didn''t confuse himself and instead asked another question, "I''ve seen sprite breeding so many times, but I have yet to see dragon breeding. Do you have any idea about this?"


    "I don''t know anything about dragon breeding Sir, I am just a mage, " nny said in a regretful tone. "However, I can rmend to you the book, ''The Dragonce Chronicles : Dragons of Autumn Twilight'' by Master Odom Truth. It describes dragons in great detail. "


    Did you bring this book?


    "No, I actually do not have a copy. I just read it when I was younger and was just a mage''s apprentice. It was one of the books my former master had in his collection. He sought more truth in order to find the truth. He traveled to the maind and I haven''t seen him in years.


    Without a book, Liszt could only let nny tell him the book''s contents.


    One can make money with just a few words, and nny would naturally not decline to do so. He then told Liszt the book''s contents.


    "Juvenile dragons are those who are less than a hundred years old, and they are the easiest to catch. It is said that most Dragon Knights are able to mount the young dragons by forming a bond with them as early as possible. An adult dragon is one aging between a hundred to eight hundred years. It is at this age when dragons are in their prime and able to produce precious gems and metal ores. Dragon blood, dragon dung, dragon saliva, dragon scale, dragon aura, can all influence the environment thus forming mineral deposits.


    When a dragon is more than eight hundred years old, it is considered old.


    During this time, most of the elderly dragons will leave their home and go to the Valley of the Dragons, a legendary ce."


    Some say that the Valley of the Dragons is in the Devil''s Sea, some say in the Whirlpool Sea, and some say that it is in the Molding Mountain, but no one has actually seen it, after all, it is a legendary ce. They say that dragons bury themselves in the Valley of Dragons. They do not actually die, for they will be reborn after hundreds of years."


    There are three major dragon types. Elemental Dragon, Gem Dragon and Metal Dragon.


    "Metal dragons can influence metal ores of gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminum.. etc. The book I said earlier recorded all twenty-three kinds."


    Bra.s.s dragon, bronze dragon, purple copper dragon, white copper dragon, white mouth iron dragon, makou iron dragon, gray-mouthed iron dragon, white heart iron dragon, ck heart iron dragon, golden dragon, tinum dragon, silver dragon, mercury dragon  Those are all the metal dragons I can remember.


    Gem dragons can influence gemstones ores, which are roughly divided into blue, red, yellow and green.


    There are sapphire dragons, ruby dragons and the like, as well as light sapphire dragons, deep ruby dragons, light emerald dragons and so on. The gems produced by Gem Dragon have extraordinary magical powers. They are low in yield but their value is much higher than that of metal dragon ores.


    The monstrous dragons are usually those of the elemental dragon type. They are incarnations of the elements. Fire dragons can influence volcanoes, water dragons can influence oceans, wind dragons can stir up storms, earth dragons can move mountains, and so on.


    Master Odom Truth once fought a wind dragon and its blood was spilled across a in. That ce is now called the Wind Roar Valley. At the Glorious Empire, strong winds blow all year around. mages who master the wind element all aspire to reach the valley to feel the dragon''s roar in the wind."


    How many years ago did this happen?


    It''s been 4,000 years, ording to the life of Master Odom Truth, before the time of the Glorious Empire.


    It has been three thousand years since the founding of the Glorious Empire.


    For four thousand years, the wind dragon''s magic in the Wind Roar Valley has not dissipated?


    Yes, this is due to the power of the dragon. They have the ability to change the world. Unfortunately, not even mages can understand this mystery," nny said regretfully while shaking his head.


    Liszt was equally shocked.


    He has read many knight stories about dragons in low-.s.s fiction works, and those portray dragons as magnificent creatures but having the IQ of a puppy.


    The records kept by the mages are sure to be authentic for it is true that the magic of the wind dragon has not dissipated for four thousand years.


    All these new information made him dizzy and eager to head to Wind Roar valley immediately to see and experience the magic himself. He might as well observe how a wind dragon''s magic is different from others.


    Momentster, Liszt''s eyes flickered and he asked the mage, "Mr. nny, I have read in some knight novels about another dragon type aside from elemental,metal and gem dragons called the Sacred Dragons. Is that true?"


    "The Dragonce Chronicles does not mention such, but I have heard of it. Huh, this is why I do not like knight novels. Most of them are loaded with nonsense ! Nothing is truthful, only lies!" nny made it clear he hated knight novels.


    "Can you tell me anything about Sacred Dragons? I have only heard of one kind, the Invisible Dragon."


    "People who believe in Sacred Dragons say that there are five types."


    For someone who''s dismissive of knight novels, nny sure knows a lot about them.


    The Fairy Dragon represents life and is believed to be immortal, which is obviously false. The Twilight Dragon which represents time, they say can stop time and that''s all I know about it. The Emerald dragon, which represents dreams, can sneak into dreams. I''ve seen lots of emeralds and jades. What does it have to do with a dragon?", nny said despised.


    Liszt listened to all this information carefully.


    The invisible dragon representing s.p.a.ce can make a s.p.a.ce ring, which is the kind of ring that can hold a lot of things. It''s like a cup storing an elephant. And then there''s thest, the Smoke Dragon representing destiny, which I read in the knight novels. They say it looks like a cloud of smoke."


    After sharing about the five sacred dragons, nny summed it all up scornfully, No one has ever seen a sacred dragon and no country has such a dragon. It is made up by those who have never seen a dragon and can only dream about it. There''s nothing more to say, let''s keep talking about magic.


    Okay. Liszt said absent-mindedly..


    Yet, this has set off a huge wave in his mind.


    Smoke Dragon representing fate!


    A cloud of smoke!


    Smoke mission!

 Chapter 157-158: The Smoke Dragon of Destiny

    Chapter 157-158: The Smoke Dragon of Destiny


    Seven months ago.


    Liszt woke up in the dark. He immediately understood his situation, epted his predecessor''s memories, and knew that the former Liszt already saw the smoke mission from a very young age.


    But at that time, the smoke was faint and could not be seen clearly.


    It wasn''t until he crossed over and merged with this body that he really saw theposition of the smoke, which turned out to be written tasks.


    Liszt was taken by surprise when he saw the words.


    It looked like a cheat, but the smoke was in Snake Language, not in Chinese characters.


    He didn''t recognize it as a cheat since it was not written like it was on Earth.


    He could only convince himself that he hasn''t actually transmigrated, and he''s just seeing cheats. There must be a ck hand at work or a conspiracy for him to see these smoke missions. But after nny Truth told him the existence of the five Sacred Dragons, he now understood that the smoke dragon represented fate.


    It was a huge shock.


    "Then perhaps my cheat, the smoke missions, is not some kind of conspiracy?", he thought. It didn''t appear as though he was forced to finish the tasks. From the start and up to now, the smoke only released simple tasks for him to follow.


    Sometimes, the reward is already existing, and can be easily looked over.


    This must be the reward system of the smoke missions.


    If one would think deeply about it, there is a strong sense of destiny- whether you brush past or embrace it fully ,it would lead to a different paths.


    Ordinary people believe that one cannot change their destiny, or that their destiny is unknown and full of uncertainty.


    But with the smoke missions, it seemed like Liszt has a choice.


    nny was still with Liszt at this point, talking about magic.


    But Liszt wasn''t paying attention to his surroundings anymore and was lost in his thoughts. He lowered his head and looked at his body: Representing destiny  a cloud of smoke  Is there a smoke dragon in my body? Since the smoke dragon is possessing me, do I get the right to choose my fate?


    All of these were against nny''s denial of the Sacred Dragons'' existence.


    However, he believed in the existence of the Invisible Dragon  he knew he saw the dragon eat two cows in front of him, and left a s.p.a.ce gem behind. This was undeniable.


    Since the invisible dragon exists, why can''t the Smoke Dragon exist as well?


    Elemental Dragons, Gem Dragons and Metal Dragons are magnificent creatures, but dragons and sprites are already extraordinary by just considering the things they are capable of. This is a worldpletely different from the earth, an extraordinary world full of magic.


    Liszt thoughts continued to wander. He has to find a solid proof of the Smoke Dragon''s existence.


    It''s not impossible that a smoke dragon lives in my body, after all, I can often see the smoke task. However, the smoke only takes the form of a snake, never that of a dragon, and I''ve never had anymunication with it.I don''t understand it, I''m just being influenced by it, you know?


    "Think about it this way, dragons can infiltrate ordinary animals into bing a dragon-type species. Although there are no dragon-type humans, it''s hard to say whether it is an ident that Smoke Dragons can invade an organism and make it a smoke dragon-type species.


    Liszt didn''t know if he should feel happiness or regret.


    While others have never seen a dragon, he has already encountered two of them and each has left him a valuable gift  the smoke of destiny and the s.p.a.ce gem. Unfortunately, the close contact between the two dragons did not make him a dragon knight or a dragonpanion.


    Baron Liszt.


    Baron Liszt!


    nny''s shout brought Liszt back from his trance: What?


    "I''m teaching you the basics of magic. Were you listening? ". It was clear that nny was upset. "Learning magic requires concentration and eagerness to pursue the truth! Although isting and boring, the joy of gaining knowledge of magic can make your heart full."


    "I apologize, Mr. nny. It''s not that I''m not interested in magic, but I think we learned enough for today. I haven''t had a chance to get my afternoon nap and I feel tired now. We''ll continue tomorrow. Thomas, please go with Mr. nny around Flower Town."


    Yes, sir. Mr. nny, this way.


    With that, both men left the castle.


    After nny left, Liszt stayed in his study and looked out the window, meditating to the sound of the wind.


    Smoke dragon.


    Smoke task.


    Fate.


    Many thoughts went back and forth in his mind.


    The smoke appeared in front of him, twisting and changing shape, but the text is always the same. "Task: Themercial district of Flower Town has gradually flourished, but the workshop area has been idle for a long time, and there is not enough workshop support. Why are craftsmen wasting their lives cutting trees and nting fields when they are capable of building three new workshops to make the town more prosperous? Rewards: A bottleneck of qi. "


    No matter how much he tried tomunicate with the dragon behind the smoke, the contents of the smoke mission has not changed.


    He couldn''tmunicate with the dragon, whether or not it existed on his own body.


    It was also impossible to change the smoke tasks. The so-called fate choices had endless options. It was like building a road in and with wonderful scenery where you can choose to build a straight road to from beginning to end. The smoke task will remind you where the attractions are, but it is one''s choice to include it in the attractions.


    However, the option to build a toilet or parking lot along the way is not part of the feature.


    "So, as far as I can tell, there are four possible exnations as to what happened to me.


    First, when I was a child, I had my first close encounter with the Smoke Dragon. I was influenced by it and I became a smoke dragon-type species, this enabled my fate selection ability.


    Second, the Smoke Dragon hid and hibernated somewhere inside me, and the little smoke emissions I see are little parts of it that escaped, therefore allowing me to choose my fate.


    Third, the Smoke Dragon may just be a baby dragon with weak abilities, hiding and waiting to grow.


    Fourth, I am thinking too much. The smoke task had nothing to do with the Smoke Dragon and the cheats are just part of a transmigrators'' perks."


    All four exnations were usible, and with the little information avable, it was impossible to tell which one is more likely. He tried hard to remember the memories of his predecessor as a child, trying to remember a physical encounter with the smoke dragon.


    There was a good chance that he has alreadye into contact with the Smoke Dragon before.


    "From what I can remember, I haven''t been to many ces. On Red Crab Ind, the only ce I''ve stayed on there is Long Taro Castle. The rest of my life I''ve been on Coral Ind. I visited some Coral Ind cities with the Count for holidays and spent a few days in each city. "


    A n.o.ble''s second son has always led a in life, with no waves to shake it.


    After half an hour, he gave up digging through his memories.


    He stopped meditating and eximed. "Never mind, the smoke dragon will reveal the truth to me one day! I''ll just do what I need to do, the rest destiny can choose for me. If there really is a Smoke Dragon representing fate, then I believe it is destined for me!"


    Liszt stretched his body.


    The idea of the Smoke Dragon was buried in his heart.


    For the two to three days that followed, Liszt''s schedule was full.


    In the morning, he was cultivating qi and supervising the workshop construction. In the afternoon, he was studying magic with nny Truth, focusing mainly on the magic nny has mastered, which was limited to fire and water magic. He had very little mastery of wind and earth magic and has no idea at all about thunder and ice magic.


    It''s much harder to practice magic than to practice fighting.


    The steps of magic are meditation, abstraction, characterization and release.


    "Meditation means mobilizing your spiritual power, connecting with magic; abstraction means activating the magical connection, start forming a bridge between the magic in the surroundings and inside you; characterization involves the use of inner magic to strengthen the bridge; and release means the bridge isplete,the channel is strong, and by guiding the spiritual force, the magic is released. "


    Every type of magic has a fixed model and character, and it takes time to master it. For example, I can instantly release two types of magic, Fireball and Water Arrow, then after thousands of releases, the details of the magic arepletely characterized in the body and brain, and it can be released naturally.


    I spent a lot of time developing the earth magic Flying Rock Technique and the wind magic Wind de technique, and by characterizing it, I am now able to release it with ease.


    I cannot reveal all my spells to you, but I can show you the Fireball, Water Arrow and Wind de technique.


    Every magician can easily conjure a magical equipment simply because making a magical equipment only requires a cast model. The core material can be regarded as a rough cast model, while the other materials are the symbols that make up the model. In addition, the core material provides the characterization.


    "Your dog beast is extraordinary. I bet if it''s ughtered and added to the ck pearl, it can produce a great magical weapon called a "sprite armament".


    nny eximed with his eyes shining.


    Sprite armaments are magical equipment more precious than gem weapons.


    As the name implies, a sprite armament is a weapon casted using sprites  sprite blood to be exact  the weapon is soaked in it hence fueling its power. Despite havingws that prohibit the ughter of sprites to be used for such reason, the killing of sprites and casting of sprite armaments has continued.


    After all, there are some sprite species not useful in agriculture.


    "I forbid you from talking about these sprite armaments ever again." Liszt abhors it, for sprites are gentle creatures and should not be exploited. "And don''t even think about harming Tremblingwoods, I don''t mind him going near you. "


    nny gave Liszt a scornful look.


    But in this situation, Liszt was being hypocritical. Many n.o.bles talk of banning sprite killings, but secretly use sprites to cast sprite weapons  not just sprite armaments, but also great sprite armaments and dragon sprite armaments.


    The mage licked his lips and said, "You would let me study the great beast, Tremblingwoods, right? "


    "I advise you not to entertain the thought. Tremblingwoods is dangerous."


    "All magical beasts are dangerous."


    "This one is extremely dangerous." Liszt lightly warned him, and if the mage won''t back down, he won''t mind letting Tremblingwoods have some fun. "Let''s discuss about the ck pearl instead, the task which I originally hired you for. I ordered you to design a device that allows me to easily control its powers like a switch."


    If it''s clear that a voyage cannot bepleted by oars alone, the ck Pearl would be useful in suppressing the storm.


    When there are no major storms, the ck pearl''s powers can be contained. But if storms are encountered, its power can be easily released.


    Granny thought about it. No problem, it''s very simple. I already have enough ideas on how to make an extraordinay magical equipment. In fact, I can''t wait. If you give me another Tremblingwoods, the ck pearl will be more excellent!  nny was bringing back the subject.


    Liszt picked up the cold drink on the table and ignored him.


    nny waited for a moment and said, I saw inside the castle, there was a cage and in it was another dog magical beast, we can use that instead.


    "Don''t."


    "There was another creature, it was chirping. It must be a falcon. Just let me try."


    Blessedcurls?


    Liszt stopped and refused to talk anymore.


    He still had no idea how to train Blessedcurls. He first nned to starve it so it can be tamed. But this was a bird, and birds are made to fly, so it was let out. The first falconer couldn''t find it anywhere and found out that it has returned to the castle by itself. Now, Blessedcurls has to learn how to use the Wind de technique before it can hunt.


    "Do you know any falconer?"


    You want to tame it?


    "I picked it up when it was only an egg. It can recognize people, but I''m afraid without training, it won''t be able to release magic."


    "Better kill it then, wind-type beasts make the best kind of magical runes. It can greatly a.s.sist the ck pearl in suppressing storms."


    "I asked you if you know of any falconer."


    nny nodded in silence for a moment, I know of one, but I still suggest you ughter it directly as a supplement to ck pearls.


    Liszt repeated the question until nny revealed the name of the falconer  Elkson Truth, another mage residing in Coral Town.


    He now knew of a falconer.


    Liszt was desperate of having the other mage in, so he forced the reluctant nny to write a letter of invitation since both mages already knew each other.


    "Blessedcurl''s destiny is about to change."


    He was now in a very good mood.


    The letter was sent out immediately.


    Now, they have to wait for the arrival of the falconer, Elkson Truth.


    The crystal craftsman Brad finally arrived at Flower Town and worked with nny on making the crystalmps.


    On the fourth night of workshop construction, Gort rode off to the castle and reported to List, My Lord, the workshop has beenpleted!


    "Good! You exceeded my expectations by finishing it in four days! As promised, adviser Gort, I will give the working serfs trice their pay."


    "Do you wish to visit the workshop in person, Sir?"


    No need.


    Liszt has no time to inspect, he was waiting for the smoke mission to appear.


    "Taskpleted. Reward: Bottleneck of qi."


    "No matter how many candles are lit, the shaking mes will still hurt one''s eyes. Now that you are studying up to thete hours of the night, you need to take care of your body by finding a new stable light source. Install ten crystalmps inside the castle. Reward: New thorn variety."


    Whenever he finishes a task, he was always looking forward to the task that follows.


    "Another variation of thorns again. Looks like I won''t be cutting any fast-growing thorns anytime soon. "


    Everytime a thorns serial mission ispleted , the probability that the thorns will evolve into sprites increases.


    "The tenmps task are for my own benefit. I have to urge Brad and nny to finish them as soon as possible."


    Immediately after, his attention shifted to his own body, "When will this bottleneck of qi arrive? I haven''t received it yet but I feel that my qi is slowly growing. "


    Momentster he called for Mr. Carter, the house butler. "Mr. Carter, for tonight, please have Mrs. Abby prepare me a meat steak, I''m starving. "


    His n was to eat, sleep and wait for the bottleneck qi.

 Chapter 159-160: Elite Earth Knight Liszt

    Chapter 159-160: Elite Earth Knight Liszt


    Liszt thought he must''ve ate a lot of meat for dinner.


    He propped himself up.


    He has tossed and turned all night, but can''t get himself to fall asleep. From the second floor of the castle, he could hear Stupidwoman''s whimpers, and it made him more irritated.


    Usually he finds it easy to fall asleep, but tonight, he has turned all over but an exuberant feeling seems to engulf him.


    "It''s only been six months and I have yet to cultivate that bottleneck qi. It seems like I''m breaking through too fast."


    He taught of reasons why one''s cultivation time can be shortened.


    In terms of total qi in the body, he has definitely no less than Marcus''. He came from a good bloodline and was eating well, there was no reason for him to be far behind Marcus who had amoner origin. Proper nutrition and training makes one breakthrough faster, but the n.o.ble blood requirement transcends all of that, making someone of a n.o.ble origin far superior.


    Even at the young age of ten, Liszt was very popr with the count because of his appearance. And though his step-mother came along, he nevercked food and clothing.


    But as he grew older, the count gradually became disappointed with him, he was treated less favorably, but it was never to the point of abuse.


    Because of this, despite having a good physical form, he stillcked the knowledge and failed to breakthrough to the first level until he became an adult. Only when he transmigrated did he reach the ordinary earth knight level. It would take more than half a year for him to be an elite earth knight.


    "Thinking about it, I think it woulde normally. I am well-fed, acquiring knowledge, and practicing way faster than normal." But he felt that he was still advancing too fast.


    What aspects could he have possibly ignored?


    A thought then crossed his mind, "Could it be because of the smoke dragon?"


    But he quickly negated this idea, "It couldn''t be. I have been seeing the smoke since I was a child and yet I was still slow in cultivating and couldn''t breakthrough to an earth knight level then. "


    What could be the other reasons for his quick ascension?


    "Magical beast meat?" He was eating a lot of magical beast meattely, and if it weren''t for his fast metabolism, he would''ve had a nosebleed. "Levis'' food is definitely not worse than mine and yetst year he was able to ascend to elite earth knight at twenty years old.


    Lvera doesn''t have bad eating habits, she even drinks and eats all day in her castle, and yet has not elevated to elite earth knight.


    Lytton is only twelve years old and Madam Mary has been boasting that her son will break through earth knight soon. If that is true, then he might be stronger than Levis and I am a little bit behind him. It should be no mystery since half of Tulip Castle''s resources was given to him."


    His thoughts wandered again and this time he thought of Tulip Castle.


    When he first transmigrated, he was anxious of going there. But over time he became more integrated into the real Liszt''s ident.i.ty. His stand about Tulip Castle gradually changed and now he considered himself a true member of the Tulip family.


    Or did he?


    His heart was not exactly yearning to be the Lord of Tulip Castle.


    Also, it is known that if you farm your ownnd, you won''t inherit your family''s property.


    "Looks like Lytton really is the Count''s favorite, he''s spending half of the castle''s resources just for the boy to cultivate qi faster. The count would do good to listen to the Madam''s words or else she wouldn''t share her pillow with him. "


    It was Leewilliam Tulip that founded the Tulip family.


    At his prime, the Count Sky Knight''s qi was also at its peak. He joined the Grand Duke''s annual adventures without hesitation.


    Liszt recalled his encounter with his father and even at that moment he felt the sky knight''s great valor and sharp wit and knew he was no match for it.


    The Count works with water magic. One would think that the water is calm and tolerant, but his water fighting is sharp and critical.


    There is no doubt that this has influenced the count''s character.


    Just like with Liszt who works with fire qi, one would expect that he was restless and full of vigor, but inside he was warm and calm like a spring breeze. He was not a fan of the battlefield, just the thought of it makes him retreat like a turtle''s head shrinking. All he wants to do is farm , farm, farm and farm in his Flower Town.


    He goes crazy just thinking about it.


    Mary and Lytton, the mother and son, did not like them, and Liszt didn''t like them either, so they stopped considering each other.


    Liszt thought of Lvera, his sister, a 19-year-old with a certain temperament, but was undoubtedly gifted. She broke through earth knighthood at her adult years and haven''t leveled-up again since.


    It must be rted to the female physical form , for a woman''s training is generally less intense to that of a man''s.


    It is even said that there are no female Dragon Knights in this world.


    "I can''tpare Lvera and Lytton. Basing things with Levis'' history, it would surprise people if I transcend to elite earth knight this early. Levis is a superior 21 year old elite earth knight but 16 year old elites are unheard of at all in the Sapphire Grand Duchy. "


    Liszt didn''t think that the bottleneck qi reward from the smoke mission should be highly regarded. It would just help him .u.mte qi until he reaches the next level.


    "There must be other factors I am not aware of."


    He was still tossing and turning in his bed.


    His thoughts were drowning him all night.


    Another thought entered his mind, "It could be the milk! Three cups of milk in the morning, midnight and evening, and one cup of milk in the middle of the night, four cups of milk a day, plus a variety of dairy products, that''s plenty of nutrition!


    He used to think that it was Flower Town''s pleasant climate that made the cow''s milk so delicious, but obviously, this was just his wishful thinking. Even if the weather was pleasant, milk taste would still not improve, after all, it was not the first time milk was produced here.


    The dairy farms here have existed for more than ten years. It should''ve been long discovered if the milk quality has improved.


    He thought again about nny''s talk about the smoke dragon earlier that day.


    "Maybe an invisible dragon came to the dairy farm and influenced the cows? The more I think about it, the more possible it seems. The milk''s taste has been improving, indicating what the bloodline of these cows is changing, they are probably already dragon-type cows!


    Flowermilk, Yellowmilk, and ckmilk are all pregnant, and their milk production has improved, indicating that the bloodline has improved.


    Maybe they were just ordinary cows but when they were pregnant they were influenced by a dragon and therefore the calves they will birth will be a dragon-type cows.


    Liszt sat up in his bed.


    He was now in a heated mood.


    Dragon-type cows sound very rare and might be of great value.


    Starting tomorrow, I''m going to focus on the dairy farms. I will provide them with more pastures, especially now with three pregnant cows that must be taken care of so that their calves can be sessfully produced!


    He couldn''t sleep anymore.


    He forced himself to calm down and began to practice his qi.


    The cells of all his four limbs are constantly producing qi and converging through his veins. He kept it up until the next morning.


    The first rays of sunlight came in as the sun rose the next morning.


    Liszt suddenly opened his eyes, and at that moment, he felt his body and qi in all his extremities, producing a fullness feeling.


    Exhausted but exhrated he said, I have absorbed the bottleneck qi and became an elite earth knight.


    The sun rose beautifully that day.


    Tremblingwoods who was chained to the wall was swinging it back and forth, he was waiting for Liszt to take him for a walk.


    At the castle table, Liszt enjoyed breakfast while looking through nny Truth''s notes. Breakfast was as rich as ever, but this time he focused on milk.


    He didn''t know if it was just psychological, but after tasting it once or twice, the previously already good milk was now extraordinarily good to him.


    It seemed like it came from a dragon-type cow!


    Mr. Carter, please let Mr. Gort know that he is toe to the castle after nine.


    Yes, sir.


    Also, tell Mrs. Abby that in the future, I would like to drink two cups of milk every morning and two cups of milk tea at night.


    As you wish.


    After finishing the cup of milk, Carter took the cup and went downstairs to have Mrs. Abby refill it. Liszt, above them, pondered on his notes t.i.tled, "Sixteen Tips for Conjuring Fireb.a.l.l.s", while leaning on the back of his chair.


    He was already in the the elite knight level.


    It was difficult to cultivate one''s qi by eating meat and drinking milk alone.


    At this point, he needs the a.s.sistance of magical potions to increase his body capacity and qi for this will help in furthering his fighting skills. When he reaches a certain level of qi and energy in his body, only then will he breakthrough.


    "Today, I will make a bottle of potion. "


    How does a sky knight break through and be a dragon knight? Liszt has no answer for this but he does know clearly how an earth knight breaks through to be a sky knight. His father''s sky knight breakthrough experience was unreservedly pa.s.sed on to his children.


    A simple method is to use potions!


    "This is difficult, I have to hand over my ck tulips to Levis for three years. But I can hold back the me Mushrooms. Those mushrooms have fire magic property and is an excellent potion material to enhance one fire''s qi." Liszt immediately thought of nny. "nny is proficient in fire magic and can make me potions."


    Magical potions are the finished products ofbining magic and nts.


    Most nt potion properties are unpredictable, but has a catalytic effect for one''s qi. A few nt potions, such as Fire Mushrooms, have specific properties and can make targeted magic potions. It can also enhance the effect of other chaotic magic potions.


    A potion''s effect is specific and therefore makes it difficult topare one potion to another.


    But for Liszt, the magic potion made by Fire Mushroom is the most suitable potion.


    A mage can conjure two things  magical equipment and magic potions. Because of these skills, mages are ranked among the upper and middle .s.s in society.


    However, when mages do not obey the rules of aristocracy, knights will run them over.


    In this world, regardless of quant.i.ty or strength, knights have absolute advantages. Mages im to be on the same level as dragon knights, but even though a mage can stand in a fight with a dragon, it is definitely not an opponent worthy of a dragon knight. Combining a dragon and a knight is not as simple as one plus one but rather a huge power difference is generated.


    This is the reason why knights are more highly regarded than mages.


    Liszt thoughts drifted again and this time he thought. "Although nny''s personality is a bit rough and is not as intelligent, he is still a person.Maybe I can find a wife for him in a brothel in Coral City."


    Mages do not marry, for in their pursuit of the truth, one should have to give up the pleasures of the world.


    But a mage is still a person, and it is more attractive to solve problems together than alone.


    "In any case, I still have to make money, and making money through selling potions is a good n." He slightly regretted selling his ck tulips to Levis . At that time, he felt that it would take at least three years before he could reach the bottleneck qi.


    He could''ve sold and produced magic potions, and at the same time save money.


    It is costly to reach a certain knight level. One would have to eat a lot of magical beast meat, and in order to maintain the cultivation speed, more meat will have to be procured. This would require one to buy outside and thus spend a lot.


    Lords of small towns find it difficult to support such endeavour with potions and magical beast meat being expensive.


    Even Liszt who has a seafood business cannot guarantee that he can keep up with the cost in the long run. One would have to save money or think of other ways to gather the necessary resources.


    Arge number of workshops would have to be built to make Flower Town a processing center for agricultural products.


    ck Horse Ind should be operational as soon as possible, and the selling of Dragon Horses can certainly bringrge number of gold coins.


    At the same time, it is necessary to speed up the formation of the Knight''s Squad. A territory not protected by a Knight''s squad is p.r.o.ne to dangers.


    Fortunately, we have dragon-type cows which provide me nutrition so I won''t have to eat a lot of magical beast meat A few .s.ses of milk a day from dragon-type cows can match the nutrition from magical beast meat intake.


    Of course, the dragon-type cows have reallye in handy now.


    After Gort has walked the dog, he came to the castle.


    There is no doubt that he has received Liszt''s task for him of improving the dairy farm -he has be ustomed to Liszt''s sudden orders.


    As you wish, the cows on the dairy farm will certainly enjoy a better treatment Sir!"


    Gort excused himself.


    Liszt rode on his horse and headed directly to Wheat Vige. He was going to inspect the nny and Brad''s work progress and urge them toplete the task as soon as possible.


    Twelve hors.e.m.e.n followed Liszt, whistling and marching in unison.


    Marcus and his group of knights'' mission ended when the logging team finished levelling Thorns Ridge. He returned to being Liszt''s protector after that, but now he was granted a new task. He was arranged by Liszt to train the children among the serfs.


    At present, there are 354 serf children aged 3 to 10 years old in Flower Town, either local or purchased.


    Marcus needs to divide them into groups ording to gender, age, physical fitness, IQ, etc. At that time, Liszt will arrange appropriate instructors to train the children-to be loyal to his court in the future and be earth knights in the future.


    "Sir Baron!"


    There were guards outside nny and Brad''s house. When they saw Liszt, they saluted immediately.


    The apprentice Charlie opened the door, bowed his head, and said, Sir Baron, would you like toe in? Charlie, who didn''t understand courtesies at first, now was awe in with Liszt- and for a very good reason. Liszt frightened him and he was shaking just from being near.


    Since then, everytime Charlies saw Liszt, he greets him as polite as possible.


    Is your master working?


    Yes, master is working on the second crystalmp.


    When Liszt entered the house, he immediately saw the busy nny and Brad. Brad had begun sculpting the fifth crystal while Granny had just finished amp.


    He couldn''t help but urge them, Make haste, Mr. nny, Brad. I''ve had enough of candles, I need those crystalmps immediately.

 Chapter 161-162: The Apple Table Meeting

    Chapter 161-162: The Apple Table Meeting


    Liszt took two of the finished crystalmps.


    Back at the castle, Liszt ordered his servants to install the crystalmps in his study. Themps made of white crystals emit a mild white light, much like natural light, although not as strong as sunlight. A single crystalmp gives out lightparable to that of ten candles.


    This looks like 50 watts of incandescent light, which is not strong enough. It is best to install two more."


    In a typical household, three crystalmps are most suitable, not too harsh on the eyes, but isn''t dim at all. Also, the crystalmps can operate for years. It could''ve been designed to switch on and off on its own, but that would require another level of technical design and also wasn''t cost-effective.


    Crystals have a high value but not high enough to an uneptable level.


    On Tulip Castle, with its hundreds of crystalmps ,it never falls into darkness. Many aristocrats liked to use crystal-carved cutlery, and after his exile from the castle, Liszt was given a fine crystal cutlery set. Although its magic was already exhausted, it still stood out and entertained guests.


    "The bedroom will need crystalmps and nightlights. In that way, the crystalmp can be turned off and it won''t be as dark since nightlights give a sort of dim light." He was used to sleeping in the dark, and he could not sleep with the lights on.


    Liszt was ordering sefs to correct the crystalmps'' position in the rooms.


    At nny''s speed, it would take about three to five days before ten crystalmps are ready. Ten crystalmps are only food for five rooms but he is not nning to add any more. He wasn''t trying to show off by taking too many crystalmps at once.


    Besides, the tenmps were enough for three study rooms , two living rooms, two dining rooms, two for a bedroom, and one bathroom.


    Carter came over and said, Sir Baron, Mr. Marcus is here waiting for you in the living room.


    Did Mr. Marcus say anything?


    He said he came to report on the knight training of serf children.


    Liszt thought for a moment, and said, "Have Karl Eisenhammer and Romm Winebarrele in here along with my knight''s squad. We will have a meeting. "


    Downstairs, Liszt and Marcus came across each other.


    "This one greets you, Sir."


    "Good day, Liszt said while letting Thomas tie his bow tie. Mr. Marcus, let''s talk under the apple tree. I also invited the others to discuss the knight training.


    The apple tree he was referring to was a wild fruit tree not far from the castle gate.


    There are stone benches and wooden tables under the tree, and Liszt often reads books or thinks about problems under the tree. Unfortunately, this season, the apples have been ripened. So he couldn''t learn like Newton, hit his head by an apple, and then formte thews of the epoch-making nature of gravity.


    By next year, when apples will begin blooming on the tree again , he will have the chance to think about thews of astronomy and physics.


    Apples are good things. As simple as three apples can change the world. Liszt sat down and pointed at the apple tree with a smile.


    Marcus didn''t understand, Apples are delicious, but how can it change the world?


    Do you know how humans came to be in this world?


    We are the rulers of nature, born at the same time as this continent, my lord.


    Liszt found Marcus''s serious answer to be boring so he said, There''s a myth that the first two people ate apples and created the human race.


    Marcus asked, So how would three apples change the world?


    Stealing forbidden fruits, gravitation, Apple phones  Liszt regretted starting the topic, and had to talk nonsense, Some people ate apples to cultivate their qi, and some people ate apples to create magic. Of course, these are legends. Writers of Knight Novels have really good imagination."


    Those mages? They can''t change the world, the world belongs to the knights!


    There was silence between them.


    Later on, Karl and Romm arrived, and the knights from the Knight''s Squad also circled under the apple tree.


    Looking at Marcus, Karl, Romm and the others sitting upright, Liszt suddenly thought of King Arthur and his round table. The fictional King of Ancient Britain liked to meet with his knights around a round table. Europeans write a lot about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.


    Liszt''s thoughts were wandering,If I would be king in the future, will this table under the apple tree be called the Apple Table and therefore be referred to by future generations as the Apple Table meeting? Will Marcus, Karl, and Romm be called the Apple Knights by their descendants? Maybe the Apple Riders?


    Instead, he said, "Marcus, are you done segregating the serf children?"


    Yes Sir, there are 354 young children, excluding 26 who were deformed or unable to train, we have 328 remaining, 169 boys and 159 girls. As suggested, I divided the girls and boys into groups, those that pa.s.sed and those that failed.


    The girls'' group is to be given to Romm for training. Liszt made the right decision. The purpose of training is to keep them physically fit and therefore fit for future work. If there are good seedlings, they can cultivate their qi and be arranged for other purposes.


    Rom immediately stood up and saluted: As you wish Sir, I will strictly train these girls!


    Women cultivating their qi was umon. Most lords when they choose knights almost always choose boys. However, this is not fixed, and there are still many lords training female knights. His sister, Lvera trained a group of girls to form a female knight''s squad, but she trained boys as well.


    However, Liszt didn''t want to train girls for a female knight''s squad.


    Instead, he hoped that the women will increase their strength and do some heavy work in the future to free up malebor work by taking over the job of nting in the fields. Men will then go to workshops to be hired as workers, do road repair, bridge repair, shipbuilding and other harder physical work.


    More importantly, with strong-bodied women, childbirth won''t be as difficult, and the survival rate of babies will be greatly improved.


    On another note, if some talented female knights do emerge, they will be appointed as knight warriors, while those that are fair and good-looking will be rea.s.signed as personal guards.


    The failed group will be given to Karl for training.


    Karl stood up and said, As you wish, Sir !


    Finally, the pa.s.sing group will be given to Marcus for training. They are the candidates for the Knight''s Squad in the future. Philip and Xavier, you will join Marcus in rotation to train the pa.s.sing group  I think we should further segregate the pa.s.sing group. They will be trained separately ording to age level.


    Marcus nodded: It can be divided into groupsposed of children less than six years old, mainly etiquette training and basic skills; a group for those between six to eight years old, mainly to improve qi and morale; and a group for those eight years old and above, mainly to develop courage and be taught to ride.


    As the meeting progressed, the number of partic.i.p.ants gradually expanded to Gort, Isaiah, ir, as well as Old Grandet and Kosto.


    The agendaposed of serf children training to nning the future of Flower Town.


    By midday, the Apple table meeting was adjourned.


    The meeting approved the formation of the Knights College of Flower Town, but since it was only a small town, the Knights College is kept a secret. The college was just an internal t.i.tle, not a permanent establishment. Anyone involved in the training of the serf children will be considered a part-time instructor and will receive a daily sry of two copper coins.


    The list of the first eight instructors is as follows.


    Ceremonial Instructor-Gort Mast, responsible for training young serfs to be loyal to their lords.


    Knights Instructor-Marcus Wheels, responsible for training the young knights selection, that is, the young serfs in the pa.s.sing group.


    The Patrol Instructor  Karl Eisenhammer, responsible for training patrol candidates, the young serfs who failed the group.


    Instructor of the Insect Squad- Romm Winebarrel, responsible for training the selection of the Insect Squad, which are the young serfs of the girls group.


    Administrative Instructor-Isaiah Moss, a.s.signed to teach administrative skills to young serfs.


    Snake Instructor-ir Steelnail, responsible for teaching young serfs to read and write in Snake Language.


    Wind Language Instructor- Old Grandet Shortbench, responsible for teaching young serfs to read and write in Wind Language.


    Nautical Instructor-Kosto Footprints, responsible for teaching young serfs to sail.


    At the same time, the meeting also readjusted the division ofbor among the officials of the Flower Town Administrative Office, as well as the sry rules. As agreed upon, 20 copper coins are to be given daily for consultants, 10 copper coins for officers and 5 copper coins for officers.


    The list is as follows.


    Flower Town Consultant and Diplomat  Gort Mast, Overseer of Flower Town and its Foreign Affairs.


    Magistrate and Legal Officer  Isaiah Moss, responsible for the administrative affairs of Flower Town as well as legal affairs.


    a.s.sistant to the Magistrate  Auden Insole.


    Finance Officer  ir Steelnails, responsible for the town''s finances.


    a.s.sistant Treasurer  Gerry Sickle.


    Defense Officer  Karl Eisenhammer, in charge of patrol affairs.


    Insect Officer  Rom Barrel, responsible for the insect protection team.


    Marine Officer  Kosto Footprints, responsible for navigation.


    It was agreed that a separate legal officer in charge of legal punishment and a diplomat in charge of foreign affairs will be established separately, although there were no suitable officials for the time being.


    Both Old Grandet and Captain Kosto were serfs acting as officials. They needed more credit to have Liszt grant them out of serfdom and into a full-time officer. As a result, they were still treated like serfs, much lower than that of appointed officials.


    Even so, the two men were still more than delighted to kneel on the ground and kiss Liszt''s shoes.


    For them, it was Liszt who gave them a chance to rewrite their destiny, and gave them a window into a n.o.bles'' life. And as long as their lord continue to gain glory in the future, they would have their followers be rewarded as officials. If it does not happen, their future generations will still have a higher status, fighting for the glory of the n.o.bles.


    May the glory of the knights greatly favor Flower Town, its Lord, and all of us. Gort was very excited at the luncheon.


    The more prosperous Flower Town be, the more important he was as an adviser, and the more power he had.


    He was not worried aboutpet.i.tion or anyone shaking his position, a consultant has always been a n.o.ble, and in Flower Town he was the only n.o.bleman other than Liszt.


    There was no chance of it changing, at least for a hundred years.


    He was so excited and drunk from the beer that his farts were getting louder, Under the leadership of Lord Liszt, the prosperity of Flower Town is just around the corner, so let''s raise a .s.s and toast for Lord Liszt!


    Cheers to Sir Baron!


    Despite having gone through a difficult start, Flower Town is now growing rapidly aided by the smoke missions, something that Mr. Gort and the others couldn''t have guessed.


    After lunch, the officials returned to their posts.


    Liszt and Kosto were the ones remaining when Liszt asked, Captain Kosto, how''s the sailors'' training?


    Soon to bepleted. I have already started a trial voyage and we''re just waiting for a heavy rain at sea to test the sailors'' ability to respond, and then I can sail to ck Horse Ind! Mr. Kosto answered with excitement.


    Do not share the matters of ck Horse Ind to the others in training, treat this withplete confidentiality."


    Sir Baron, rest a.s.sured, I have not mentioned a word about ck Horse Ind in front of the sailors.


    Good job, keep working.


    Yes, Sir Baron!


    -


    The sun was already tilting west.


    Time flew and another afternoon pa.s.sed.


    Liszt just returned from his visit of the thorn sprite worms.


    Tom, the valet, who came to find him and said, My Lord, the Flower Caravan merchants has brought with them a mage named Elkson Truth and is waiting for you in the castle.


    Thank you for letting me know.


    This was the falconer nny Truth invited.


    When Liszt arrived at the castle gate, he saw a person with the iconic ck mage capepletely covering his body  in truth, Liszt has always been curious why mages liked to wear the ck cape. He himself owned a ck cape, but he also had a red, gray and blue one.


    Sir Liszt, I am Elkson Truth, this one is delighted to see you. Mr. Elkson was more polite than Mr. nny, and he even slightly bowed.


    Liszt responded, Mr. Elkson, wee to Flower Town.


    The town is beautiful, quiet and peaceful. I would be happy to work here. By the way, I am here because I have received an invitation from the great mage nny Truth.


    He''s here making crystalmps.


    Inside the castle, the servant brought their tea, and Liszt asked directly, I heard you can tame magical beast falcons, that is why I asked Mr. nny to invite you. I was hoping you would help me train a magical beast, a falcon. It''s time for it to hunt, but it doesn''t release the magical Wind de power.


    Elkson said calmly, First of all, I have never trained a magical falcon. I''ve only trained a regr Falcon. It''s hard to guarantee that I can do the same thing to your beast as well.


    If it doesn''t work, it doesn''t matter. That Mr. nny wants to turn the magical beast into a magical equipment. If the training is sessful, I''ll give you two gold coins in return, and even if you fail, I''ll still award you one gold coin.


    You are too generous. Elkson was pleased with the price. I must do my best.


    Compared to nny, a bad-tempered and rigid-headed mage , Elkson was very good at chatting. His rich knowledge, interesting demeanor, slightly respectful tone, and forceful ent all made Liszt feel good about him. The ent that he used was popr in the upper .s.ses and is, in truth, much better than themenguage of Coral Ind.


    While chatting, Liszt regretted not having asked Elkon toe instead of nny in regard to the ck pearl business.

 Chapter 163-164: The Brutal Falcon Training

    Chapter 163-164: The Brutal Falcon Training


    "What a magnificent creature Falcons are said to be the birds of the G.o.ds, but is also a bird of prey. Even a bird of this kind that is raised since childhood by its master will still yearn for freedom than be a loyal dog. "


    Elkson observed the creature from the windowsill.


    You mean, it''s impossible for a falcon to obey orders? Liszt frowned, he had originally nned to train Blessedcurls to be loyal and obedient to him.


    They can form a bond with the person who raised it, but it is impossible to force them to recognize a master without making it surrender. Domesticating a magical beast falcon involves forcing it to change its nature by brute force.


    How do you change it?..How do we train..?..


    "Endurance!"


    "Endurance?"


    "Yes, endurance is very important. To defeat the falcon''s haughty behavior, the creature must not be allowed to sleep and must be kept hungry. To change its heart, we must break its habits. After that, it won''t escape even if let out."


    Elkson flexed his many years of falconry experience in front of Liszt.


    The falconer nned to take 40 days toe up with a training method for the Falcon, which includes tools,steps and different methods of dealing with the creature,all of which aimed to try to break the heart of the falcon and make it a string puppet of its master.


    After listening to Elkson''s words, especially the means of domestication, Liszt felt inexplicably baffled.


    When a falcon is without sleep, it loses its soul.


    The whole training process was ,in truth ,just repeatedly torturing the eagles.


    Liszt couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Elkson, are falcons really trained like this?"


    The question surprised Elkson and made himugh, "Baron Liszt, the falcon is just a beast. Humans domesticate beasts either to eat it, ride it, or to plow the fields. They are all used as tools. The use of falcons is just a moreplex tool."


    "Is there no moderate approach to do it? "


    Liszt thought of how he has been treating Stupidwoman. But it was different, Stupidwoman was cared-for, as she was no ordinary beast.


    Besides, there was a great smoke reward at stake.


    I apologize, Sir, Elkson said peacefully. I understand your point. It is true that the method of taming falcons is cruel, butpared with the benefits, this cruelty is nothing. The falcon is just a beast. If you don''t tame it,sooner orter, you will have to fight it yourself and it will only cause you trouble.


    Liszt thought about the whole situation for a while.


    But in the end, Liszt took away the goodness in his heart and responded, Well, starting tomorrow, Blessedcurls will be given to you for training.


    It also requires your cooperation. It is best that you take five hours a day to train it with me. Only then can it surrender to you.


    Blessedcurls was screaming on the windowsill.


    It had no idea at all that it''s destiny is about to go downhill.


    Liszt took a deep breath and suddenly changed his mind: Mr. Elkson, I think we can afford to wait for a day or two. You can instead help me make crystalmps. Mr. nny finds it difficult to make crystalmps in a short time .


    Half of him was hoping that Blessedcurls could enjoy two more days, and the other half hoped to speed up the progress of the thorn sprite worm mission.


    "If that is what you want Sir, I''d be happy to oblige."


    Elkson met with nny that night.


    Elkson have nny a warm greeting: nny, it''s a pleasure to meet you again. It''s been six months since west met. Several times I wanted to visit Moss Town, but things were dyed.


    nny showed no emotion, I wouldn''t write to you at all if it weren''t for Baron Liszt needing a falconer.


    I apologize if you have a negative preconception of me. I regret it. But Baron Liszt wants us to work together to finish all the crystalmps as soon as possible.


    Working with you? What a joke!


    Liszt wanted the two mages to meet, but seeing that it wasn''t going well, he interjected, "Mr. nny, be rest a.s.sured that your reward is not small. I just hope to hasten the process. The crystalmps and ck pearl magic equipment must be finished soon."


    I don''t think working with him can speed up the work, after all, not all mages know how to make a magical equipment."


    Elkson kept smiling: Great Mage nny, I agree that your technique is very good, but please don''t degrade me so much. Working withrades is good and even if my technique is not good enough, we''re just here to make crystalmps. Moreover, Baron Liszt has already said that he will pay me separately and I, therefore, will not rob you of your business.


    nny only stared him down.


    Liszt said impatiently, Well, this matter is settled, now, let''s start the dinner. Mr. Elkson, I hope you will be happy being with us here in Flower Town for a few days.


    Elkson smiled, Thank you for your hospitality. I took a stroll around Flower Town earlier and I already love the beautiful scenery and people here, as well as its flourishing facade.


    Liszt felt himself blush.


    He originally thought that all mages were like nny, but now he knows that among mages, there are also elegant and n.o.ble figures.


    By the time the dinner began, the town officials joined in.


    The atmosphere was more lively, and Elkson''s witty, humorous and erudite self quickly won the crowd. nny, on the other hand, with his cold face, drank and ate on his own, looking out of ce in the banquet.


    Two days have pa.s.sed.


    With the addition of Elkson in the group, the production of crystalmps has elerated. By the morning of the third day, ten crystalmps were sessfully produced.


    Also by then, the crystalmps have been installed in the castle.


    Mr. nny,your next task is to build the ck Pearl magical equipment as soon as possible. Liszt has long regretted choosing him to make the magical equipment. However, integrity is vital, so he did not change his way of engagement with nny.


    nny''s expression was still calm, yet his eyes were filled with pride: What name are you going to give it? It will be an excellent magic weapon, therefore, it must have a name that fits its temperament so that I will not have wasted my magic creating such!


    I''ve thought about it. The name is Calm Pearl.


    Calm Pearl? nny thought for a moment, and said politely, It''s better to call it Storm Eye. This is more imposing than Calm Pearl and more in line with its use.


    Storm Eye?


    Calm Pearl?


    Liszt had to admit in his heart that the name he came up with was indeed inferior to that of nny''s. But nny''s att.i.tude greatly displeased him, Just Calm Pearl, nothing else, Calm Pearl!"


    Liszt sent nny away so he wouldn''t see what he was about to do.


    He closed the door of his study, waved his hand so the smoke mission would appear.


    "Complete the task and your reward will be a potion from the fast-growing thorns. "


    "Potions!"


    Seeing this from smoke snake task made Liszt''s pupils dte, for his dream was that the fast-growing thorns would result to a potion. It was a wise decision for him to not cut-off the thorns before. Potions are definitely more valuable than the thorns.


    Things were timely as he was also in the elite knight level and could use some potion.


    It seemed like a rain came right on time to water his cold heart and refresh him.


    The smoke slowly changed in front of the eyes, forming a new snake text: Task: A thorn sprite worm''s violent thirst for evolution requires five thorn varieties. A battle of fate has began, and as its master, you should lend a helping hand to provide the thorn worm varieties. Reward: a sprite."


    Liszt''s pupils widened again.


    The thorn worm serial mission has finallye to the final stage. My first sprite is a thorn sprite! I thought it was unlikely of it to evolve on its own.. I didn''t expect it to be the most advanced new thorn species. However, there are no new thorn species in Flower Town. Looks like we have to source outside.


    There was no doubt in his thoughts.


    Liszt called on his own knights, Philip and Xavier. They were his first knights to practice their qi, and therefore are the most promising to breakthrough to earth knight level. Liszt kept his eye on their training.


    Philip, Xavier, I have a task for you.


    Both their young faces have been tanned from the sun. Their eyes no longer showed indifference but rather of perseverance. "We are willing to work, Sir!"


    Philip, you are to take a trip to Coral City and tell Captain Harpagon to scatter the caravan, look for thorns, but not just ordinary thorns. I want the unusual thorns species.


    Philip responded smartly, Understood!


    Xavier, you will follow the Thorns Caravan. The task is the same, to go looking for unusual thorn species. In addition, let Marcus know that I need him.


    As you wish.


    Xavier called on Marcus who was training serf children.


    Sir, I was told you were looking for me?


    Come with me. Liszt took Marcus directly to the wormhouse on the second floor, and showed him the fattening thorn worms, Mister Marcus, you are my most trusted person. Look at these sprite worms, what can you tell about them?


    Marcus rarely saw sprite worms.


    He was someone who is more interested in n.o.bles, and therefore has not searched information about Sprite Worms. This, however, did not mean that he knew nothing about them. After seeing the thorn sprite worm, he stumbled on the idea, Sir, this thorn sprite worm  has it entered the fattening period?


    "There are four thorn vairites in this row. This thorn sprite worm is not ordinary, and I feel that it has a strong desire to evolve. I must help it. I want you to visit Tulip Castle, as well as Beer Castle and Gravel Castle.


    "What task do you have for me, Sir?"


    Contact them and ask about their thorns. I am guessing there are thorns in all those three ces. At least two thorns must be found in Tulip Castle. If they also have thorns that are not of ordinary species, let me know immediately. I will have these thorn sprite worms to a.s.simte those thorn species.


    Thomas nodded, and then frowned again and asked, Sir, do you think it''s possible for the thorn sprite worm to break through into a sprite?


    "Why not? Nothing is for sure, but there is always a probability. Even if there''s only the slightest possibility, I would take it. I need the thorn sprite to take care of the fast-growing iron thorns, understand?"


    "I see. I will take my leave now, Sir."


    "Take these letters I have written with you."


    Marcus then left with the three letters.


    Meanwhile, Liszt also kept himself upied. He went to the thorn bushes with Tremblingwoods, and to Mr. Elkson who was itching to start the training as soon as possible.


    The new potion from the fast-growing iron thorns will be called Fast-Growing Magic Thorns.


    More fast-growing thorns, more fast-growing thorns, more fast-growing thorns, more fast-growing iron thorns, more fast-growing sprite thorns, and more thorns will benefit them greatly! Now it is about to break through. The benefits of thorns will be much better in the future.


    Liszt was riding on the back of a dragon-type horse.


    He suddenly came up with a very serious question: Since I finally have my own raised sprite, does this mean I can change myst name?


    Some n.o.bles do change their surnames for their sprite.


    Usually, after having their own sprite, families change theirst name to proim their glory But greater sprites are rare, so many small n.o.bles learned instead to get lesser sprites and change theirst name  a greater sprite''s lifests two hundred years, the lesser sprite''s lifests one hundred years, yet both can give the family several generations of glory.


    The Tulip family, which began in the Count''s days, evolved the Tulip lesser sprites into tulip greater sprites, and with that had theirst name changed from Watt to Tulip.


    The Weed family of Beer Castle has a Weed sprite, and theirst name was directly changed to Weed.


    The Broken Stone family in Broken Rock Castle also has a sprite, but didn''t change theirst name. Maybe they were aiming for another sprite species or maybe they were afraid of being criticized for having a sprite as ast name.


    "Thinking about it now, I can change my surname to Thorns  Liszt Thorns  Liszt Tulip sounds more n.o.ble-like. Forget it, I won''t change my name. I''ll just keep my Tulip surname, keep my distance from Tulip Castle, but continue to reap some benefits from the count..


    He arrived at the thorn bushes.


    Two guards saw him approach and gave a salute.


    Liszt cast his Magic Eyes and observed the thorns. Thorns are the most conspicuous and magical. Momentster, Liszt found new signs of magic in the corner of the bushes, and determined the location of the fast-growing magic thorns.


    Fast-growing magic thorns are not that easy to spot. It was smaller than the other worms around it. Even when it wasn''t in its seedling stage anymore, it still had a small structure. It grows to maturity in a month when its branches havepletely grown out but the nt only reaches calf height.


    It doesn''t have chaotic attributes like the ck tulip, which is good. I will have a new potion and it will have the magic of fast-growing varieties. This will surely give me a gold production line!


    Liszt touched the fast-growing magic thorn nt, it''s spine was small and unsharp, making itpletely harmless.


    However next to it was the fast-growing iron thorn with sharp stems, as if waiting to kill someone anytime.


    It is an absolute necessity to protect other thorns from this fast-growing devil''s thorn. It must be shielded from head to root, or shoveled away to allow the other nts to grow.


    Liszt muste up with ns on how to cultivate the fast-growing magic thorns.


    He , instead, came up with another problem, "Fast-growing magic thorns need thorns to increase production, and fast-growing iron thorns also need thorns to increase production. How can I have enough for both?


    One can''t have the best of both worlds.


    Liszt can only hope that the sprite worm will break through to thorn sprite earlier and will influence the other thorns immediately.


    He looked up and saw the hundred acres of thorn nts, thinking of the steady stream of magic potions and high quality wood that would be generated from this ce.


    The Sea of Thorns is a bit exaggerated; the Land of Thorns is a bit ordinary; the Forest of Thorns has no creativity  This bush will simply be called the Garden of Thorns. I want to treat this ce like a garden!

 Chapter 165: Flame Mushroom Magic Potion Cooperation

    Chapter 165: me Mushroom Magic Potion Cooperation


    "Oh, my Lord!"


    When Gort arrived at the Garden of Thorns and received the news, his mouth opened wide and he eximed, "I can''t believe this! Magical Thorns Potions! I thought Flower Town was the ce of the knight''s glory, but now I understand this ce is the birthce of the knight''s glory! "


    "Birthce of the Knight''s Glory? I like that Adviser Gort, and maybe this ce holds more surprises that you couldn''t have imagined. " Liszt said, being mysterious.


    The smoke mission was their ultimate cheat.


    Dragons!


    Smoke dragons!


    Nothing but a dragon could have given a town this kind of benefit.


    Any more surprises?


    Of course. You will know soon enough. Liszt was referring to the evolution of the thorn sprite worms. He believed that the news of a new species of thorns will be pa.s.sed around, then there will be the a.s.simtion of thorns.


    In the end, he will have a thorn sprite.


    He couldn''t tell Gort immediately since he knew that Gort had a big mouth incapable of hiding a secret. He wasn''t ready to announce anything about the evolution of the thorn sprite worm yet, except for Marcus. Liszt trusted Marcus, and Marcus'' family has already settled in Flower Town.


    Liszt then changed the topic.


    Mr. Gort, nning and transferring of nts here in the Garden of Thorns can begin. My idea is that fast-growing iron thorns and fast-growing magic thorns be transnted to the edge of Thorns Ridge so they can be surrounded by thorns and protected from the monsters and thieves outside."


    This is a very big project. Gort was distressed. It may not be possible toplete the task in a short time. The autumn harvest has just arrived. I have yet to organize the serfs to harvest this year''s crop.


    Then while you wait for autumn toe, start the ns for the Garden of Thorns. Where there are fast-growing thorns, you have to arrange for the servants to dig out themon thorns and let the Magic Thorns grow and breed.


    "As you wish.


    A few momentster, Romm Winebarrel, the insect officer who inspected the thorn sprite worm, also hurried in.


    Lister had to exin again, The protection of the Garden of Thorns should be strengthened, with at least one squad of four insect guards, divided into eight hours a shift, with three .s.ses of rotation."


    Understood!


    Also, I will procure a couple of big drums and put them in the patrol room where the rangers are on duty, and if there is a situation, the drums are to be beaten immediately.


    After proper arrangements, he reluctantly left the Garden of Thorns.


    Back in the castle, Elkson Truth has designed a full set of tools for training, including eagle braces, eagle stumps, eagle kettles, eagle gloves, eagle cage sleeves, cymbals, fake bait, and more. These are all made ording to the shape of Blessedcurls, fit for its precise measurement.


    It wasn''t too expensive, but not cheap either. All in all, the equipment cost a gold coin.


    Baron Liszt, in a few moments, the training will begin. Please do not feed Blessedcurls. I will take care of not letting the magical beast sleep. When all is done, this creature will bow to you."


    I know.


    Liszt reached out his hand to touch Blessedcurls. Although it did not attack Liszt, it dodged his fingers. It does not like anyone touching him.


    Momentster, Blessedcurls'' training started.


    After observing Blessedcurls and recording his every statistic, they locked the falcon in a different room and moved out of the castle.


    Liszt thought, "I have to say that it''s interesting that this peculiar mage, instead of doing magic, does the job of a feeder."


    "Mr. Elkson, what magic are you good at?


    Earth and water.


    I was just curious, how did you get on the path of being a mage?


    Elkson recalled, Baron Liszt, I was born in a serf''s house. It happened that my would-be mentor pa.s.sed through Snake Spear City to pick some nts and proceeded to the town where my house was located. He needed a helper and he picked me. After that, he asked me if I wanted to explore the truth with him, and I agreed.


    "So you''re from Snake Spear City?"


    My family were originally serfs from Midway Ind. When I was very young, the Lord Viscount re angered the Marquis of Deepthroat Ind and was exiled to a deserted ind. So my family and I came to Coral Ind and settled in Snake Spear City. My parents have died and I am alone now.


    Wace Pineapple , the Marquis of Deepthroat Ind was one of the seven marquis of the Sapphire Duchy.


    The Little Viscount, who has been annihted, and his elder brother, Great Viscount, are the n.o.bles of Deepthroat Ind. As for Midway Ind, Liszt had never heard of it, and knew nothing about Viscount re.


    However, Liszt knew that in the early years, the Tulip family acquired Coral Ind and bought a lot of serfs from various ces. It was safe to a.s.sume that Elkson one of the serfs bought at that time.


    They proceeded in their talk.


    Liszt asked, Mr. Elkson, can you do fire magic?


    I haven''t mastered itpletely, but I will.


    Hmmmm, I have some me Mushrooms. Can you turn them into magic potions? Liszt decided to give Elkson the task of potion production.


    Elkson frowned slightly and smiled, I won''t refuse work that promises money. On the road of searching for truth, gold coins are always needed for knowledge is never free.


    A mage experiments with bottles and cans to study all kinds of explosions and dangerous things.


    All of this required buying materials which also required gold coins, and as a .s.s not involved with the n.o.bles, they have to work on their own  making magic potions, making magical equipment. For example, a mage who specializes in ice magic might make some ice to earn gold.


    Of course, there are some mages who chose to join the aristocracy.


    They enjoy a n.o.ble''s life as a court master, or a magical adviser to an aristocrat.


    But a mage of Mr. Elkson''s and Mr. nny''s rank are certainly unable to enjoy such enshrined treatment. They can only work to earn money by themselves and purchase knowledge to explore the truth.


    Tulip Castle has a mage who specializes in making magical potions.


    The two men, Elkson and nny, had to work part-time and live a semi-reclusive life.


    "Good. I entrust to you my me Mushrooms. I will build a Fire Mushroom processing workshop in Mushroom Vige as you will be working there for a while."


    Liszt originally nned to let nny work on the potions ,but now, he thinks Elkson is a better choice.


    Elkson seemed a little hesitant, I''d have to stay in Flower Town for a long time?


    You don''t have to. The supply of me Mushrooms is limited. You can make all the me Mushrooms magic potions by a week or a month.


    That being the case, I ept the task, Sir, Elkson nodded, wondering again, Baron Liszt, why don''t you cooperate with Tulip Castle?


    Isn''t it the same to make a finished product through a cooperation? There is no loss through transportation costs, and maybe you can even earn more.


    Liszt squinted his eyes, and chose not to tell the truth. He has been gaining some attention on his part of Coral Ind. When one enters the elite knight level, your prospects improve as well.

 Chapter 166: Blessedcurls Misfortune

    Chapter 166: Blessedcurls'' Misfortune


    Elkson presided over the construction of the me Mushroom Workshop and the falcon training.


    nny threw himself into the production of Calm Pearl.


    Gort and other officials presided over the autumn harvest in Flower Town.


    The town''s civilians also joined the harvesting team that gathered wheat and barley, bared the seeds of wheat, leveled the wastnd, picked wild fruit and vegetables, and collected tulips. When autumn ends, there will be long snow and icy winter on the whole Flower Town, and by then, all crops will stop growing.


    Sir, this is the newly picked dragon sunflower today. The butler Carter brought over a te of small ck fruit.


    Thanks to the blessing of the dragon sunflower worm, the output of the sunflower field has soared, and a te of the fruit can be harvested every day. The fruit tastes really good, but one must not eat too much. Liszt only tasted it asionally, and the rest was given to his subordinates.


    Ever since the breakthrough of the thorn worm,


    the dragon sunflower sprite worm has be the most costly one.


    It is because the output of the sunflower sprite worm is low and cannot be sold in batches. It can only be used as a vor improving product.


    However, Liszt does not resent the dragon sunflower sprite worm due to his experience of the thorn sprite worms in the past. Who knows maybe one day, the dragon sunflower sprite worm will not only breakthrough, but will also trigger a series of missions and evolve into a dragon sunflower sprite.


    Taste this with me.


    Thank you.


    After eating a few dragon sunflower fruit, Liszt asked: Now that October is almost over and we''re two months away from winter, has the warehouse began h.o.a.rding food?


    I have entrusted Captain Harpagon and Captain Shylock to begin preparations on acquiring the newly harvested wheat.


    It''s not enough to rely on wheat alone. Corn, beans, salt, sugar, and others have to be acquired. Even in winter, I don''t want the castle''s food supply to run low. I''ll inform Adviser Gort that I will build a warehouse near the castle which will be used to store winter supplies.


    Something came up on Liszt''s thoughts, Yes, also,remind me to a.s.sign someone to build an ice cer here in Flower Town.


    "Yes, Sir."


    Making ice using saltpeter was very convenient. However, in anything, with regr usees the wear and tear. Initially, they had 300 pounds of saltpeter powder, but now they were down to 260 pounds, a loss of 40 pounds. In a year and a half, they''ll be no more saltpeter to use.


    They haven''t found a new saltpeter ore yet.


    In the end, they would have to dig a big ice cer and store ice there until winter next year.


    Warehouses, ice cers, barns, kennels, dog jails, apple tables, stables, m sh.e.l.ls, Liszt found that castles, which were supposed to be up on the hillsides and surrounded by green gra.s.s, were almost surrounded by various buildings it wasn''t supposed to.


    No, the warehouse and the ice cer have to be built far away; the kennel will then be moved to the gate of the castle; and a tform can be moved to the top floor of the castle to build a third floor in the form of an attic. Apple tables, apple trees and m sh.e.l.ls are considered a scenery, while the stables have to be moved a little farther away.


    No s.p.a.ce is to be spared around the castle.


    The buildings must form a circle of security areas to prevent a.s.sa.s.sins from entering.


    Not only will we have to remove the other buildings, but we will have to install fences and dig a moat. If financial and material resources permit, we will have to strengthen the castle walls as well, especially the gate. It is best for us to build a bridge-like gate.


    Depending on the terrain, a castle can build its gate in a very high position and then connect it to the outside through a bridge, which can only be essed by going under.


    This makes it difficult for any attacker such asrge number of knights to storm the castle at the same time, thus ensuring that the castle will not fall immediately.


    It was time to gain the support of some friends.


    The town is unlikely to be attacked, after all, because Liszt is the son of the Count, the bloodline of the Tulips is on the g on the ind. But if pirates do attack, a fortified castle may just save lives.


    If I want to perfect the castle, I will need a lot of money. I do have a lot of money. I have a lot of fixed a.s.setsBut if I count it all down, even with the support of the seafood business, I still can''t afford it, such a headache!


    A castle with its own name.


    To have a self-sustaining castle, it must have an adequate supply of food, water and a st.u.r.dy wall. The Tulip Castle was built on a cliff, and has a fountain thatsts for at least six months or even a year. Even if it was under siege, it will survive. Flower Town has a seriousck of such castles.


    There was no water, therefore one has to fetch water from a well in town.


    Did you find a chance to sell Mithril, Crystal, and Jade? Those are at least worth thousands of gold coins!


    The high-value items that he can sell to the outside world are a box of mithril, a box of dragon''s mineral crystals, and a box of magical stones and jade.


    They only had a dozen ck pearls left.


    ck pearls have an extremely high value, especially ck pearls withrge sh.e.l.ls, which are good for navigation. Smaller ck pearls can also be made into a personal defense jewelry. Selling them now is very uneconomical, and is not often seen.


    Especially that giant m.


    The remaining mithril, crystal and jade, all of which are priceless and are equally hard to sell.


    Forget it, I don''t want to be stuck in the middle of all this.


    I''ll struggle with itter !


    He got himself boiled up just by thinking about it and decided he couldn''t stay inside the castle.


    He ordered a squire knight to take Tremblingwoods and he took the beast sight-seeing with him. He went to the dog stable and looked at the pregnant Stupidwoman and he let Tremblingwoods near her. He also went to the dairy farm and checked the three pregnant cows that were most likely bearing dragon-type calves.


    He went ahead to the fruit-stealing monkey training site in Oyster Vige. He saw the very obedient fruit-stealing monkey climbing trees to pick coconuts. There were also three female monkeys with bulging tummies.


    He then went to Wheat Vige to see the twelve big fat pigs in the pig farm . In the winter these big fat pigs will be ughtered for their meat.


    His final stop was to check the growth of each gra.s.s sprite worm.


    After that, the day was over.


    He turned around to head back to the castle.


    -


    Three days went by like a trance.


    There wasn''t a word yet about the new breed of thorns Liszt had sent his knights for. Liszt has been working with Elkson on training Blessedcurls. After three days without eating or drinking, Blessedcurl''s voice was already hoa.r.s.e, it was unable to sleep and her eyes were red. When it saw Liszt, its cry was a tragic to hear.


    "WAAAAH!" "WAAAAH!"


    The appearance of a great falcon beast has disappeared. What''s left was an ugly bird with a bald head. Liszt didn''t feed it any food and Blessedcurls seemed to be very weak. It was partially falling off the tform it was on.


    Lister was about to help it get up but Elkson came out to stop him, Baron Liszt, now is the perfect time to break the soul of the falcon, don''t interrupt or you will have to spend more time to weaken it again.


    It really has to be like this? Hasn''t it been subdued yet?


    No, it didn''t bow its head yet, there is no surrender.


    Well, continue to work on the falcon. Liszt shook his head, nced up from the ground and turned around to head out. He had walked far, but his ear could still hear Blessedcurls'' faint cry.


    Waaaah

 Chapter 167: Free to Fly

    Chapter 167: Free to Fly


    By the end of October, the weather got really cold.


    The atmosphere of the castle was bing more and more bleak, mainly because the master Liszt''s mood was also getting worse and worse.


    Flower Town was flourishing and more than 400 new serfs were quickly settled into the town. The autumn harvest gathered arge amount of grain every day and the warehouse was full.


    In such an atmosphere, Liszt should be happy.


    However, there was finally news from the caravan. Although his face was calm, his tone was dreary, Harpagon, the Flower Caravan covers so many small towns as part of the seafood business. It has formed a veryrge news channel,and yet you cannot find even a single thorn specie? "


    Harpagon was on his knees, frightened.


    His master, an elite earth knight, had an angry voice and a dissatisfied tone. It was enough to put him under such enormous pressure.


    Sir Lord, I deeply apologize. This one has disappointed you. I have asked the caravan merchants to release the information toe up with new thorn varieties in exchange for rewards, but the thorns they sent were all ordinary types. There is no variety that meets your requirements.


    Have you really searched all the areas covered by the Flower Caravan?


    Birch City, Snake Spear City, Gravel City and the other surrounding towns have all been searched, Sir. If we would continue the search, we will have to go to the viges in the south".


    Then go to those viges one by one and search them one by one. Liszt''s temper was not directed at Harpagon, but he was very upset. You can take a tenth of the Flower Caravan''s money and use it to find new thorn varieties.


    Only when Old Grandet got promoted was Harpagon given the opportunity to be promoted to be the captain of the Flower Caravan. If he couldn''t do a good job now, Liszt would probably have him thrown back to the farm.


    Go on and get to work.


    Liszt waved and ordered Harpagon to leave.


    Liszt sat on his chair and rubbed his temple with his hand. Not only did the Flower Caravan not bring any good news, Shylock''s Thorn Caravan also turned up empty handed. He thought that the caravans would just casually ask around about new thorns. Who would have thought they would not find a single one?


    The caravan offered a lot of rewards to anyone who presents new varieties of thorns, Civilians would have gone crazy trying to look for thorns. But it has been several days without results, this indicates a great possibility that Coral Ind has really no new thorn species.. We can only wait for Marcus'' news.


    He let the caravan and Marcus go in separate ways.


    One has to find more thorn species, in order to increase the chances of thorn sprite worm breakthrough. The more information collected, the greater the possibility of an evolution.


    If Marcus doesn''t bring good news, where should I look then?


    When something cannot be found in Coral Ind, then the only choice is to source out. As a small aristocrat, his circle is basically limited on the ind. The Count is a n.o.bleman directly under the Grand Duke. Most of the surrounding inds are marquis and/or followers of the marquis. However, their rtionship with Coral Ind is not very harmonious.


    Contacting the other lords is a taboo.


    But there is an ind he cane in and out at will-Red Crab Ind.


    Liszt is the bloodline of Red Crab Ind, his mother was the daughter of Merlin Longtaro, a follower of the Grand Duke and one of the seven lords of the Sapphire Grand Duchy. When he visited Marquis Merlin, he was greatly epted by the Longtaro family.


    If I asked Grandpa Merlin, no, I just need help from Cousin Meopal, and I should be able to get the job done.


    Red Crab Ind was the size of a Chinese province, doesn''t it have other different species of thorns? "I''m afraid there are a lot of different kinds of thorns in the hedge of Taro Castle."


    He thought about it more deeply.


    His heart was anxious, If I won''t make it here in Coral Ind, I will go to Longtaro castle. I believe that grandfather will at least arrange for me a fief of a viscount.


    However, Red Crab Ind has a bigger business connection and is doing so much better than Coral Ind.


    Also, one shouldn''t get too close with one''s rtives.


    Liszt suddenly remembered Athena Salmon, and his mood slightly warmed up. "It''s been months.. She''s probably holding hands with other n.o.bles now Ah.. I''m just remembering this like the memory of running in an afternoon sun. It''s all just part of my lost youth." He was fondly remembering the n.o.bledy who boldly showed her interest to him.


    Maybe soon.


    His nostalgia moment was interrupted by a sad and bitter cry.


    The sound came from outside the castle, and it was like the sound of someone or something being tortured.


    His gloomy mood faded and he immediately got up and went to the falcon room. Elkson was sitting across the tform with bloodshot eyes.


    Seeing the arrival of Liszt, Elkson hurriedly said, Baron Liszt.


    Mr. Elkson, Blessedcurls, has it bowed its head?


    Your wind beast is so arrogant. It''s pride.. It''s beyond my imagination. Elkson exined with embarra.s.sment. He thought he had the magical beast subdued.


    But the falcon was resilient, it would rather starve to death than lower his head.


    Suddenly, Liszt saw red blood stains on the corners of Blessedcurls'' mouth, Is it vomiting blood?


    Yes, it''s been starving for a long time hence its body is already in danger. If you repeatedly hurt the wind beast a few times and it still won''t surrender, then you have failed. Sorry, Baron Liszt, this is a situation I haven''t encountered in my career of domesticating amon hawk."


    "Are you saying that Blessedcurls might starve to death now?"


    "It''s possible.. But it''s also equally likely that it will keep its head high until then. After all, Sir, it''s still a magical beast. It will s.u.mb to the threat of death. Maybe with a few more training, it will surrender to being your pet."


    WaaahThe Falcon''s blood was on the tform. It let out sad scream.


    But its eyes was without the look of submission. It remained stubborn still. Liszter looked past the eyes and searched if he could see a hint of disdain of its fate.


    Destiny.


    It is probably the effects brought by the smoke dragon. He had often a.s.sociated everything with destiny. There was something causing all of these like a person holding a car''s stick. He thought about the cause and effect of fate.


    Fortunately, the materialistic values that have been ingrained in him since childhood were still on the forefront.


    I don''t think Blessedcurls will surrender to anyone. Liszt shook his head. The falcon is not a bird in a cage. He saw from the beast''s early years that it will yearn and will always long for the sky. "That''s it for now, I need you to worry more about the me Mushroom Magic Potion.


    What!?


    Elkson snapped, Baron Liszt, if you give up now, all the efforts we''ve made before will be in vain. When the beast reaches adulthood, it is no longer possible to have a second chance to tame the falcon."


    "Rest a.s.sured, I will still pay you for your efforts." Liszt decided to settle with what was done and move on to another project.


    Liszt said, "Untie the chain on Blessedcurls."


    He brought with him meat and water to feed the falcon. The monster really had a strong resilience, he expects it will recover a lot of energy in only half a day.


    "Fly! Be free!"


    After opening the door, Liszt had to push Blessedcurls out. The falcon must''ve forgot the feel of sunshine as it flickered its eyes.


    But after a few moments of hesitation, it spread its wings and jumped off the tform.


    Soar.


    Boom.


    It started to fall.


    But it quickly found its flight instinct , and for thest time, using its wings as support, it jumped off the ground with its wings beating, two feathers fallen off, and Blessedcurls shot off to sky.


    Waaaaaah!


    Blessedcurls cried for thest time and never turned back as it rose to the blue heavens.

 Chapter 168: Evil Scientist

    Chapter 168: Evil Scientist


    "Sir, Blessedcurls is gone."


    I know.


    You must be in a very bad mood.


    Of course, these d.a.m.n magical beasts. Next time we see it, it''ll already have been turned to stew. Lisztined, I gave it food and water, keep it free, and took care of it for so long, and it still did not end well, and now it flew away! Beasts or magical beasts, there really is no difference.


    Woooof! Woooof!  Tremblingwoods protested in the kennel where it was kept.


    After Liszt vented out his dissatisfaction with Blessedcurls, he turned around but there was no anger in his face, Mr. Carter, have the Thorn Merchants bought a mother wolf dog back?


    "ording to Shylock, they will have to contact the Flower Caravan. They haven''t found a female wolf that matches Tremblingwoods'' size. " Carter was choosing his words carefully.


    "This must be done as soon as possible. Tremblingwoods has been eyeing those horses in the racetrack recently. I don''t like the way he is looking at them."


    "Well.."


    Liszt pulled back Tremblingwood''s leash.


    He has been training the magical beast harder, "Tremblingwoods, iron thorns!"


    Whooosh!


    A thick rock pierced the ground.


    "Tremblingwoods, more iron thorns!"


    Whooosh! Whooosh! Whooosh! Whooooosh!


    Arge group of spiked rocks pierced the surface.


    "It releases magic very well. Tremblingwoods is a great magical beast, Baron Liszt. It must be a mid-level magical beast. "Elkson, who had woken up from a nap, came over from a distance. He was looking at Tremblingwoods with his eyes shining, What a big, beautiful fellow. ''King of Thorns Ridge'' is not enough to describe it.


    It was evident that Elkson knew that Tremblingwoods has magic in its blood.


    Liszt touched the beast''s big head,Among the mid-level magical beasts , he is .s.sified under the weak category, especially since it can only release rock thorns. Multiple rock thorns are hardly the new magic, but after all, it is just an ovey of rock thorns, and the essence has not changed.


    Tremblingwoods turned his head, put his tongue out and licked Liszt''s hand.


    Liszt''s hands were suddenly full of drool.


    A servant quickly drew out a handkerchief and handed it to Liszt.


    "It just haven''t grown up yet." Elksonughed. "It still needs a lot of understanding about magic. Even mages like us need a long time to master a certain type of magic, let alone a magical beast. As it grows older, it will learn the power of its blood and will be able to control its magic."


    I wish it would. Liszt understood perfectly,  At least now, on Coral Ind, there is no natural enemy. In the future, I will train it to adapt to the battlefield and help me win battles and glory.


    You , like the Earl, will also achieve countless remarkable glory.


    Liszt smiled, I think so too.


    For Liszt, this was not bragging.


    It''s just self-confidence.


    n.o.bles have always had confidence and thirst for glory, while humility can only be considered as traits of the timid or unmotivated. Regardless of what Liszt thinks in private, on the surface he must pretend to be ready to go to the battlefield at any time and build his career. Only this way will his subordinates follow him.


    Life is a drama. It''s all about the acting.


    As an adult with experience ,bined with the aristocratic education of his predecessor, there is no doubt that he is proficient in acting.


    He asked, Mr. Elkson, how is the production of the me Mushroom potion?


    Reagents are being deployed, I believe that we will enter the production phase very soon. The me Mushroom is a good potion, it won''t be difficult to extract."


    Then produce it as soon as possible.


    Recently, Liszt has fully integrated into his elite earth knight level and he has also tried to practice magic without magic potions. However, he was no different than ordinary people, he was still constrained by his body''s qi, he was still unable to increase the amount of qi in his body by himself.


    Elite earth knights, who usually can''t afford magic potions, will instead begin to hone their fighting skills.


    One can still improve their strength by constantly practicing fighting skills, and then by carefully crafting the fighting spirit cheats, the strength gradually increases.


    An elite earth knight can easily defeat seven to eight ordinary earth knights with ease.


    As a rich aristocrat, Liszt was not in a hurry to master his fighting skills. He has already mastered twobat techniques, Fire Dragon Drill and Fire Surge Wave, partly mastered Multiple Arrows, andstly, Magic Eye was something he has done with great sess.


    With the Firedragon and ckdragon by his side, his strength far exceeds Marcus''. Among the elite earth knights, he is definitely the number one figure.


    If you count Tremblingwoods in, he might already be in the same level as the Count.


    Could I reallyYesI''m sure!  He has never seen the Sky Knight go all out, nor the Sky Rider go all out in a battle, so he can only make an estimate.


    After all, a lower-level magical beast is rtively strong and is said to have been able to work with the Sky Knight before.


    Tremblingwoods was already a mid-level magical beast capable of the Multiple Thorns Magic,


    surely he could hurt the Count in a battle. Liszt could just cheer in the sides, and it would be over in just a round or two.


    Town development was on track.


    There was no need for Liszt to deliberately do anything.


    So he spent most of his time looking for things to do by himself. A 16-year-old young body with so much energy, for him, he was either very bored with exercising and wasting his energy, or he could find something for himself.


    He decided to check on the ck pearls.


    In his new house, Mr. nny was seen eating in his studio with Charlie, the apprentice.


    At this point, Liszt must admit that nny was more dedicated than Elkson, "Both were mages, but had highly contradicting temperaments, arrogant and paranoid, and the other, funny and humorous. Mr. Elkson was better at socializing, and Mr. nny was focused on his job. Another thing, it looks like nny seems to be more knowledgeable?


    If Liszt was a typical young lord, he would think that Elkson''s witty humor is far more amusing than Granny''s dull personality. Liszt still appreciates Elkson''s demeanor. However, in terms of rational a.n.a.lysis  Elkson was empty in every way except for the way he tamed the eagles.


    In fact, his expertise was mediocrepared to nny''s.


    Sir Baron, the teacher is busy. He asked to not be disturbed. Charlie,nny''s apprentice said carefully, out of fear that he would anger Liszt.


    Rearranging his thoughts, Liszt said, I''m just going in and visiting, and I''m not going to disturb your teacher, take me in.


    Well..Okay, but please Sir, keep your voice down. The teacher needs silence to work, and he hates being disturbed. I''ve been scolded a lot.


    They went inside studio.


    The light of the crystalmp lit the table  Mr. nny had his own crystalmp shaped like a nightstandmp, and the idea was indeed brilliant.


    The table was littered with materials and tools.


    There were also ovens, withrge and small pots and basins, filled with different colors. However, the strange mixture of vor and smell inside the room could make someone feel ufortable.


    nny was at the table, with a small knife, and constantly carving a character on the basketball-sized ck pearl. His hair was brown and messy like feathers on a chicken coop . His cloak was dyed into camouge, and he had this whole evil scientist vibe on him.


    Fullmitment.


    There was no time to talk to Liszt.

 Chapter 169: Flower Towns Flower Soap

    Chapter 169: Flower Town''s Flower Soap


    He watched quietly for a moment.


    Liszt then left Mr. nny''s studio without saying a word  he couldn''t understand what Mr. nny was doing.


    Before he left, he told Charlie, "Take good care of your teacher, pay utmost attention to the bottles and cans that are cooked on the stove. Nothing must blow up. Your personal safety is far more important than your work."


    He was anxious that nny might cause some explosion.


    Nine out of ten of magical research idents were explosions  explosive forms, including but not limited to violent magic that became fires.


    Why did you think mages were so scarce?


    One reason is that the mages are secretive and don''t bring in a lot of apprentices. Another reason is that most of them die in various magical experiments. Knights get involved in fights and kill themselves in the process, while mages die out of an explosion ident, perhaps including their apprentice.


    It would be a shame if the mage was killed.


    Liszt''s pearl would be blown up, and it would be a heavy loss.


    The Calm Pearl will be a.s.signed to the Flower, which would have its first round of voyage to explore ck Horse Ind.


    He also has another ck pearl the size of a basketball, and a ck pearl the size of a washbasin. Both were reserved for his new ships in the future.


    Especially the basin-sized ck pearls.


    In the future, he will go to sea himself. This huge ck pearl will be his entourage.


    Ordinary small ck pearls can disperse the wind within five meters; The Calm Pearl, ording to nny''s estimates, can disperse the wind within 150 meters.


    But when the wind is dispersed, the waves would still continue to flow. The ship would remain in danger, but not as much.


    If the ck pearl the size of the basin was to be made into a pearl of the sea, it could dispel the wind within 300 meters. Therefore, even if the waves wererge and there is no wind to boost, the output will still be greatly reduced, and the threat to ships will diminish as well.


    Liszt left nny''s studio.


    He headed to the town''s workshop area, where he was preparing to inspect the three new workshops.


    He proceeded to the soap workshop first.


    The soapmaker, Burnell, produced several apprentices with him  the apprenticeship was imposed by Liszt. It prevented serfs from taking pride and monopolizing their craft, for their techniques would be pa.s.sed on to a qualified apprentice who would receive a certain reward from the castle. The introduction of this system of craftsmen and workers with apprentices was seriously imposed.


    He had previously bought the town''s old cksmith''s shop.


    Liszt gave the old cksmith a few gold coins that cksmith never would have earned in his lifetime, hoping that the veteran cksmith would bring out a number of qualified cksmith apprentices. This would have resulted in thousands of pounds of cast iron products, but not a single apprentice learned the cksmith craft.


    This made Liszt very angry.


    cksmiths are free people and their lives are not bounded by their Lord, that is, as long as they pay taxes. However, Liszt was still looking for a chance and he gave the cksmith a good meal. The memory was deep. The old cksmith now carries an apprentice and the apprentice was very eager to learn.


    What will it be?


    Carrots and sticks.


    Carrots and sticks can effectively implement the lord''s will. [1]


    The production of soap is stable, soap is limited by the pig''s pancreas. However, coupled with the waste from experimenting on a new form, the yield is not much.  Burnell reported on his progress to Liszt during the visit.


    "Well, continue your research until the soap feels good on the skin."


    Soap was made from the pods of the acacia tree and some mixed flowers. The cleaning effect is average, but the production cost is very expensive, especially because Coral Ind has a seriousck of acacia trees. These soaps can only be used by n.o.bles.


    Pancreas soap was made by mixing gra.s.s ash and pig pancreas. Pancreas of other animals may be used. The manufacturing cost is rtively low, and the cleaning effect is very good.


    But for now, Mr. Burnell''s soap still needed to be improved.


    Thus, the soap workshops were still at a loss, and the soap that were produced were only avable to those who lived in the castle and some officials and their families.


    Burnell suddenly said, Sir, when I was studying soap formtions, I had the idea that if I would mix soap with soap, would it make better soap? So I tried it, and I found that the resulting soap was very good, very lubricating, but I didn''t know if that was the soap you wanted.


    Soap mixed with soap?


    Liszt thought the idea was a bit innovative, Really? Show me the prepared mixed soap and bring another basin of water.


    Yes, Lord.  Burnell quickly sent an apprentice and brought out a te of pale pink mixed soap. The soap was pinched into a t oval shape. There were three pieces all in all and it looked a little rough.


    Another apprentice came with a basin of water.


    Liszt took the water with his hand, then put on the mixed soap, and suddenly there was a lot of foam. His hands were getting slippery and he could feel that it had a good cleaning effect. After washing, he felt his hands were clean and it even left a light fragrance.


    He had never seen this kind of soap, but it feels close to what he had felt on his skin before.


    "How much did it take to produce? What is the ratio between soaps?"


    "I believe it was a three to four soap ratio, Sir. However, I think that the direct grinding of the saplings into soap powder may be more economical. Mixed soap can reduce the cost to forty copper coins.


    The cost of a soap is a silver coin, right?


    More than a silver coin, the soap is too expensive.


    The cheapest soap is two silver coins, that is, two hundred copper coins. Soap powder costs a silver coin, the total cost of at least 110 copper coins. If the cost of mixing soap ispressed to forty copper coins and sold at the price of two silver coins, one could own the soap industry in the world.


    If one doesn''t use soap powder, there is another way.


    Buy soaps directly and make it into mixed soap. The cost is increased by a silver coin and you would''ve made a profit.


    Burnell, you are doing a good job. The mixed soap is better than I expected. You will study this mixed soap deeper. The workshop will immediately begin to make this mixed soap  Can you give a good name for the product, what do you suggest? I am very confident about the mixed soap. The hand feel and cleaning effect it has are higher than that of regr soap."


    Liszt was picky and he still liked the product. With that, it was definite that the other n.o.bles would like it as well. The n.o.bles were very willing to pay for items that improved their quality of life.


    Master, under your guidance, I can develop a mixed soap, and you should give it a name. Burnell said respectfully.


    This person was getting older, and speaking well was an art he had acquired over the years.


    Liszt was very satisfied with Burnell''s response. Then, let''s call it Flower Soap. I will make it a specialty of Flower Town. Burnell, you and your apprentices must strictly keep the form of the Flower Soap a secret.


    Please rest a.s.sured, Sir Lord!


    You do things well. I have rewards for any invention that can bring benefits to our town. Although the soap has not been fully developed, the Flower Soap is already qualified. Burnell, I reward you ten silver coins, your apprentices, twenty copper coins per person.


    "Thank you, Sir!"


    Burnell and his apprentices were thankful.


    Liszt was also very happy. Though it was uncertain whether the Flower Soap would bring much profit like the seafood business, it was still a sure hit in the soap market. Also, it can be easily be exported to the other inds.


    Most importantly, the transformation of Flower Town from agriculture to processing has begun to show results.


    [1] The phrase "Carrot and Stick" means a system in which you are rewarded for some actions and threatened with punishment for others.

 Chapter 170-171: A Leader With No Secretary

    Chapter 170-171: A Leader With No Secretary


    The soap-making workshops were about to bring good returns.


    The peanut-processing workshops were also looking good. Among the newly purchased serfs, several cooks were arranged to study delicious peanut products. At present, peanut b.u.t.ter, peanut crisps, salted peanuts, and fried peanuts have been developed, and they are handed over to the Thorns Caravan for selling.


    The response was good, and many aristocrats had tasted these delicious peanuts and said they would buy them inrge quant.i.ties next time.


    However, Flower Town peanut production was insufficient since there were not enough workers. The peanut processing workshop director, Lucas, had entrusted the Thorn Merchants Team to purchase peeled peanuts from the North Valley City.


    Well done. Liszt left leaving behind only a few words of praise. The whole peanut-processing workshop was his idea, after all. These people were justborers and not very creative.


    He liked to use gold, silver and copper coins to encourage creativity, discovery rather than encourage serious work  after all, serfs should be working hard in the first ce.


    Frank Distiller was a.s.signed fruit wines, Aberdeen Pudding for rice wine and Hunt for beer, and now they''re all rushing to finish the job early to make money for the workshop. Currently, none of them in the workshop can sessfully make white wine, or any wine in general.


    Ordinary wine was no different from fruit wine.


    But fine wines have high craftsmanship requirements and selective of the grapes to be used. Also there are different techniques for dry, semi-dry, sweet and semi-sweet wines.


    Only Tulip Castle on Coral Ind has mastered the technology of making sweet wine. La Crescent wine was well-known in the Grand Duchy.


    The red wine that Liszt had in the cer of the Lacy Mountain House in the Longtaro Castle is the best dry wine.


    These techniques were secrets that were not spread around and only mastered by the n.o.bles.


    The same was true for liquors.


    Compared to distilled liquor, the brewing process of white wine is much moreplicated and monopolized by the higher n.o.bles. Spirits like gin were not always avable.


    The Flower Town Brewery can only make some simple fermented wines.


    After inspecting the workshop, Liszt began to think, If I remember it correctly,more distition is required of distilled alcohol than fermented alcoholIt''s like using alcohol and water at different gasification temperatures to purify alcohol, and one can get higher alcohol-level spirits by repeated distition.


    Liszt actually doesn''t like drinking, so he did very little research on alcohol.


    "I have read a lot of novels before, most of them make use of a bridge to distill spirits. It looks like very simple but the instructions were fairly vague."


    Perhaps, I can ask the brewery to study the technology of distilled alcohol, maybe I can make white wine and increase the specialty of FlowerTown.


    Rice wine is fermented with grains.


    Liquor was also made from grains.


    Liszt thought that if the rice wine was further distilled, would they get white wine?


    He called out the three winemakers, "You are each a.s.signed tasks and remember, that task is highly confidential. Anyone who spreads the word, their whole family will be flogged!"


    The three winemakers clenched their b.u.t.ts in response, We swear to death to keep our mission a secret!


    Very well, I have a recipe. Liquor is said to be obtained by distilling rice wine, heating it until it turns into steam, and then introducing the steam elsewhere to cool it into water. The water in the rice wine can be removed, and what''s left would be liquor. Do this several more times, and you''ll be close to making the first Flower Town alcohol!


    The three winemakers did not fullyprehend.


    However, they simply responded, Master Lord, please rest a.s.sured that we will brew liquor as soon as possible.


    The task began.


    Liszt felt that another specialty in Flower Town was waving at him. He even had a name for it already at that moment, It''s called Flower Brewing , um.., grade. If you have a low-grade Flower Wine, it''s just five years old, or a high-grade one, it can be ten years old, twenty years old, or even a hundred-year cer, or five hundred years old..


    It suddenly urred to Liszt that the Duchy of Sapphire only had a history of more than 150 years, and before that, he feared only monkeys had lived on the ind.


    Five hundred years of aging must mean that it was brewed and founded on the day as the ind . It is said that in the year of founding, a winemaker came to Coral Ind and brewed a jar of wine  there was only one jar, but it was made every year since then.


    When he thought of selling alcohol, he immediately came up with many .s.sic cases.


    But he also found a risk: Liquor is a lucrative industry, which is difficult to secure without a strong backing. For this, we must work with Tulip Castle.


    With the banner of Tulip Castle, business was easy to do. Leewilliam Tulip, the earl of the Grand Duke in the Sapphire Grand Duchy is definitely one of the high-level figures.


    Also, he serves as the Grand Duke''s groom, therefore makes close contact with the Grand Duke every year.


    If one would make use of Tulip banner, he must share the benefits to Tulip Castle. Liszt didn''t care  the more he would be integrated into this world, the more he would understand the importance of n.o.ble connections.


    Levis, Lvera, and even Lytton, no matter how intriguing, are rtives. It is the existence of a family that can help in times of crisis.


    The Little Viscount of Deepthroat Ind was destroyed, and his brother, the Great Viscount, had been separated. He was still on the run, investigating and urging the Grand Duke to find the killer.


    Liszt certainly hopes that the Tulip family will grow into a towering tree capable of shelter against the wind and rain.


    The dragon horse was walking very smoothly and Liszt can hardly feel the ups and downs.


    Liszt could think very clearly while on horseback. His thoughts were jumping around, and while thinking of other ways to gain profits, he jumped to another thought: Speaking of monkeys, maybe I can hype monkey wine? It didn''t matter if monkey wine exists or not, it was just a gimmick.


    n.o.bles like extravagance.


    However, extravagance includes not only gold and silver, precious stones and horses, but also art and the pursuit of rare things. Monkey wine is obviously a rare thing.


    But there are too few n.o.bles with rich heritages. They are all neers who are not rich in the third or fourth generation, like the Tulip family. They would prefer gems and gold coins.


    In any case, one can start a hype by selling fruit wine.


    Liszt then inspected several other shops and workshops.


    At present, there are only three shops in themercial area, including bakery shops, grocery shops and barber shops, and only cksmiths, leather shops, locksmiths and tailor shops in the workshop area, and the newly built brewing, soap-making and peanut-processing workshops.


    A lot of built wooden houses were empty.


    If it weren''t for a lot of serfsying roads, building houses and growing gra.s.s, Flower Town would seem like a ghost vige.


    Four hundred seventy-six serfs settled in the town and were distributed to various fields, causing a few waves. More than a hundred of them were highly antic.i.p.ated craftsmen. But since theycked the ability to independently support shops and workshops, they were temporarily forced to work on a farm and ignore their craft skills.


    In a short period of time, the business district can only be used as a trading market to receive asional business teams. You have to develop the workshop area and be a manufacturing and processing center before you can drive the development of the business area, Liszt said, looking at the empty house.


    He began pointing fingers around the business district.


    He was drawing lines with his hand and imagination about "How can we build here" and "How can we build there", and turning around, only Thomas and some knights were following him.


    He found it to be very indecent.


    He suddenly slowed down in his moment of ambitions.


    "Whenever there are leader inspections, at least two secretaries must follow me and keep a small notebook and jot down whatever I say. The lowest officials and the ma.s.ses have to be gathered, in the least. "


    "Secretary"


    Liszt was feeling lost having no secretary around.


    The n.o.ble .s.s has always been painted as without shame or impetuous since they have secretaries who ''do all these'' and ''do all that''.


    But in truth, Liszt even doesn''t have his own secretary. The social system strictly imposed monogamy withplete adherence when n.o.bles were fooling around having lovers and illegitimate children.


    This was not an official system.


    It was the custom of society.


    In order to ensure the continuation of the monogamy system, the female n.o.bles can only have one maid, and the male aristocracy can only have a male servant, thus preventing the destruction of the monogamy system in the name of an a.s.sistant.


    He explored the formation of this ethos, and eventually spected that it was probably due to the matriarchal system of the Moon Empire.


    This long-lost empire was like the ancient Roman Empire of Europe. Although the Roman Empire was destroyed by the barbarians, its cultural system has already deeply affected the entire continent. The same was true of the Moon Empire, the strongest empire of its time, whose cultural influence still remained.


    In most countries,nguages have more or less absorbed the Moon Language.


    Most customs originated from the Moon Empire including the rank of knights, the rtionship between lords and va.s.sals, and even the matriarchal system has also been preserved. In many countries, women once served as leaders. The Grand Sapphire Duchy has not yet had a queen, but it has adopted monogamy.


    Moon Empire  What happened to you..


    As the town''s leader, Liszt has plenty of leisure time. He liked to read knight novels and countless times has he heard about the Moon Empire  knights have always found remains of the Moon Empire somewhere, and when they acquire the said treasures, they are often met with immediate disapproval.


    However, there was no recorded history to read.


    Much of the information that was known about the Moon Empire was just spread by word-of-mouth.


    This kind of information spread has a high percentage of distortion and so the Moon Empire was reduced to being a legendary kingdom which was undeniably beautiful and prosperous. It was now in the same level as the ancient Greeks in the European poption, the ancient kings of Confucius, all kinds of beautification, all kinds of subsidies, all of it reced what was actually real, and became the official history of the people.


    It''s annoying not having history books I''m afraid to read more knight novels and be the messenger of inurate readings." Liszt shook his head.


    No more thinking about these mess.


    Liszt studies history not just to satisfy his curiosity, but because he also wanted to learn the history of power and strategies and the situation of the world. But all he has is nonsense stories.


    He returned to being upset about not having a secretary .


    He felt that he had to speed up the training of the female knights as his close guards, otherwise he would lose the atmosphere and pa.s.sion to give speeches and give directions.


    After inspecting the town''s buildings, Liszt returned to the castle.


    He went directly to the study, took out a thick paper and a quill pen, and organized his ideas on how to revive Flower Town.


    If we are to turn Flower Town into an economy dominated by the processing of agricultural products, then the current structure of the town will have to be remapped and the trade routes will have to be revised. The conditions fornd transport are far less favorable than sea transport, and shipping directly from the sea to Coral City is more efficient.


    He first drew a rough map of Coral Ind.


    He remembered a map of Coral Ind was hung in the study of the Count in Tulip Castle. The whole ind had a distorted 8 shape.


    Flower Town was in the northeast corner of the ind. The narrow part in the middle of the 8 was a deep water port. Coral City was built next to the deep water port.


    From Flower Town to Coral City, it was impossible to take a straight line due to the terrain. Instead of going through the middle, one must pa.s.s through North Valley City and ytiles Town in a zigzag route, which is a total waste of time.


    Flower Town has a remote location, therefore the dock must be quickly constructed to open up the sea. As a supplement tond operations, checkpoints can be built at the entrance of Thorns Ridge. In this way, the main areas of Flowers Town can be divided into three: the dock, the town, and Thorns Ridge. It will undertake trade and processing tasks respectively.


    He wrote several snake texts in the town''s workshop area.


    These were the workshops he nned to builtsugar workshops, spice workshops, textile workshops, leather workshops, paper workshops, tofu workshops, tulip flower workshops as well as shoe shops and bone craft shops.


    He also wrote what workshops were to be built in the docks  brick factory, cement factory, pottery kiln factory, salt farm, .s.s workshop and so on.


    Near the Thorn Ridge, what he nned were wood workshops, ughterhouses, horse markets and so on.


    Some of these workshops didn''t have artisans to support it yet and some requires some technology that has yet to be developed. But in Liszt''s vision, these should all worked out.


    Momentster.


    He lost interest in writing again.


    Kosto has reported that the Flower is ready to go out to sea. We''re just waiting for nny toplete the Calm Pearl then the exploration of ck Horse Ind can begin.


    Once ck Horse Ind is taken over, his future strategy will focus on ck Horse Ind.


    The importance of Flower Town will surely decline. If he sessfully turns ck Horse Ind into his own fiefdom, he will surely hand over Flower Town to somebody else. He will take root in a new territory just as the Tulips gave up their originalnd and moved to Coral Ind.


    When I obtain the financial and material resources to solve the technical problems of paper making, cement, tofu, .s.s and others, I''m afraid I''ll be the ck Horse Baron by then.


    The thorn sprite will be born anytime soon. Once a n.o.bleman acquires his own sprite,it''ll be easy to generate a steady stream of financial resources. It would not be difficult to arm a knight squad.


    It won''t be difficult anymore to fight on the battlefield and build a sessful kingdom.


    It would be better to save a sprite than to study technology.


    The Gra.s.s Family and the Gravel Family all obtained their ranks due to their respective elves. As the son of the Count, as long as he seeded, the Count would have no reason not to name his son the Viscount. At that time, ck Horse Ind could be .s.sified as its own fiefdom  n.o.bles could take credit for the desert ind.


    In the event that one makes a great contribution in the battlefield, it will be impossible for the Grand Duke not to see it.


    It was favorable to be a direct minister of the Grand Duke since it is more prominent than a being a marquis'' or an earl''s minister. One would also be more eligible for promotion in the future since the rulers would always prefer to promote new n.o.bles to counterbnce the old n.o.bles.


    But once I be a minister, I would be independent from the Tulips.Will I be Liszt Thorn, the Prince of ck Horse Ind?


    Of course, this possibility is rtively small. He was just a baron and the Grand Duke would not be impressed with his credits. Moreover, he is originally a va.s.sal of the count, and the Grand Duke usually would not cross the border and win over another''s va.s.sals. Furthermore, the Earl and the Grand Duke has a quite good rtionship, therefore one will not do anything to even slightly offend the other.


    Anyway, I''m going to make a decision on ck Horse Ind, and the Dragon Horse Herd will not be touched by anyone!


    If you want ck Horse Ind, you have to win it.


    Lisztid down the quill pen, looked up outside the window. He could see in the distance on the horse farm a few horses leisurely eating gra.s.s, Those who go to war will die   At that point, I''ll see if I can find the same job as Levis, act as a liaison, do logistics, develop some fighting skills.


    He paused.


    Liszt spoke to himself again in a calm voice, But the Knights must be trained as soon as possible, and my own qi has to be elerated, and Tremblingwood''s training has to be strengthened as well!


    Once a person has ambition, many of his ideas change unconsciously.

 Chapter 172-173: The Last Stage of The Thorn Sprite Worm

    Chapter 172-173: The Last Stage of The Thorn Sprite Worm


    Just after crossing this world, Liszt felt as if he had to keep a low profile; be a country baron and deal with eating and wearing fancy clothes.


    As his quality of life improved and his rank changed, he began to embrace the aristocratic knight system, but he was unwilling to go to war and was only worried about his town''s growth.


    Flower Town was growing fast, and the thorn sprite ising. His ideas have changed again, his impulse for glory, his desire for his own ind, all of it has deepened. The idea of not going to war has been reced by the idea of going to war, doing logistics, andbat.


    He is bing like a real n.o.bleman.


    To be engulfed by the world, or actively integrated into the world, into the knight system.


    Some people aremon fighters who have dedicated their whole lives to the liberty of all mankind. I admire such people, but I will never imitate them. Liszt''s mind is still clear. His integration into this world must not be a pa.s.sive decision, but the result of his initiative. My goal in life is to ride a dragon and be my own master.


    He wanted to be king, not a va.s.sal.


    The smoke task, the modern knowledge in his mind, plus his risingwork in the social system gave him enough confidence to aplish his big goals in life.


    Liszt went to the window where originally he could hear the squealing of Blessedcurls, but it was no longer there. Nostalgia shed across his eyes.


    He just had to look away.


    Just as Blessedcurls was unwilling to be a pet, he was also unwilling to be a servant, not even to the king.


    One can be corrupted by the life of the n.o.bility, but one should not bend the knee to others, except to your parents.


    The road is tortuous, and the future is bright: First set yourself a small target, find a secretary, ehem, no, be a Viscount!


    This world''s medieval knighthood system was centered around lords, courtiers andnd but its social customs, cultural production, are far from the European Middle Ages on Earth.


    Here, productivity revolves around dragons and sprites, which is entirely different from Earth''s.


    It was essentially a deformed medieval European serfdom system.


    An economic system established by feudal lords on their territory, which exploited ve-owning serfs and was very brutal in its exploitation  serfs and free people have very little means of production because the real means of production were dragons and elves which were firmly monopolized by the n.o.bility.


    It was a very exploitative system.


    But the world''s feudal serfdom was much more moderate than the dark medieval world that the barbarians built on the Roman Empire''s dead bodies, or the Tibetan serf system that brought about the legend of the Sister Drum.[1]


    At least serfs and civilians have a chance of climbing up the system.


    Fighting is like an ancient imperial examination in China where most people can''t take the exam, but there are always so many civilians who hope to change their fate by relying on it . Most people in the world are not fed enough and have no extra nutrients to develop their fighting skills, but there are always those who are chosen by their leaders since they are physically qualified.


    If only qi was continuously cultivated for years, it would''ve not been difficult to produce an earth knight.


    After a few generations of struggle and a little bit of opportunity, one can secure a ce among the n.o.bles the Tulips had followed this path. The early ancestorsst name was "Tile", and judging from their surnames, they were probably either free people or serfs, but were irrelevant to the aristocracy anyway.


    His great grandfather was chosen by the aristocracy to be a knight of the throne and to serve the newly formed Sapphire family.


    Several wars were fought, he was knighted, and their family made it into the aristocracy. From then on it was several generations of advancement, from his great grandfather''s generation, bing a baron, a viscount, and finally in Leewilliam''s generation, serving the Grand Duke of the Sapphire Duchy.


    Thest name was also changed to the n.o.ble Tulip.


    After generations and generations, it''s essentially about mutation!


    The rich depended on technology, while the poor depend on mutation  the mysterious existence of qi requires .u.mtion of nutrition, and if there is no nutrition to be strong, then the body can only be changed through mutation.


    For example, the innate strength of the great grandfather of the Tulip family was a mutationprobably a greater power and his natural ability, was the ability to attach himself to it.


    Now I don''t need to rely on mutation, I can count on technology.


    Nutrition is technology. Magic is technology as well.


    When he came to the me Mushroom Workshop, Liszt saw the mage Elkson smoking, Mr. Elkson, my me Mushroom magic potion, are they done?


    I''m sorry, not yet, but it''ll be done soon, you won''t have to wait too long. Elkson replied.


    Liszt was slightly dissatisfied with the mage''s willingness to smoke and not work, but he did not let his dismay show, When you finish a potion, give it to me first.


    Yes.


    He quickly moved out of arge box containing magic potions wrapped in strips of cloth.


    Lister opened a magic potion strip, revealing a small thin crystal tube, which contained a light red sticky liquid.


    It was a very small piece, but it was worth at least a gold coin.


    Baron Liszt, you can taste its effect. Although I am not a mage appointed by Tulip Castle to make potions, I still have confidence in my methods.


    Liszt opened the stopper of the crystal tube, and cast a Magic Eye to observe the concoction for a while. He then poured the potion directly into his mouth and drank it like jelly, leaving no drop.


    The change was instantaneous.


    Immediately afterwards, he felt a me-like magic rising from his stomach, impacting his limbs. The whole impact processsted for a full three minutes before gradually toning down. Liszt''s eyes were shining, and he felt a level of qi he hadn''t raised for a long time.


    Liszt couldn''t help but exim, It''s very addictive!


    I''m happy that you''re satisfied.


    Mr. Elkson, I won''t bother you with your work any further. If there is anything you need, I will try to do what I can. Liszt said, holding Tremblingwoods and a box of magic potions, and returned to the castle .


    In that very moment, the road to magical potions has officially opened.


    A dayter.


    Marcus, who had been on business for several days, finally returned to Flower Town.


    Well, have you found new breeds of thorns?


    I''ve contacted Tulip Castle and Gravel Castle, and I haven''t found any new varieties of thorns. Only Beer Castle on Beer ind has new thorn varieties. Sir Trik said you are always wee in Beer castle and Sir Aubrey asked me to bring you a letter.


    Aubrey, the son of Trik and heir to Beer Castle, has a good rtionship with Liszt because of the seafood business.


    Hearing that there are new varieties of thorns on Beer ind, Liszt sighed with relief, So, I need to take the thorn sprite worm with me and go to Beer ind.


    Marcus replied, Of course you can Sir, or we could just stay here since I have brought back the new species of thorns with me so it can be nted directly here in Flower Town.


    Liszt was very pleased, he appreciates a qualified subordinate who understands how to worry for his leader, Yes, then nt it quickly! The thorn sprite worm''s fattening period is nearly over, it urgently needs a.s.simtion!


    A momentter.


    Not far behind the castle, the new species of thorns have been nted. After watering and fertilizing, Liszt put the thorns in.


    [1] It is about a Tibetan girl who discovered that her sister had been killed in a religious ritual, and was made into a drum with her skin. So, she went to pursue the drum.


    This is how a thorn sprite worm looks in their fattening period; their body shape is already three times the size of other sprites, and the original shine of their skin gradually dim, as if it has turned old.


    It is true that the fattening period means evolution and death.


    In a short period of one or two months, if the worm can not break through to the sprite evolution, it will consume its remaining energy and turn gray.


    It has felt the pheromones of the new thorn species!


    Liszt picked up the thorn sprite worms in the jade box, connected to the worms'' mind and could deeply understand the emotions of the thorn worms at that moment.


    It was aplex emotion full of excitement, anxiety, fear and courage. An ordinary sprite worm would never have so many emotions. It can only grow when it evolves.


    The new species of thorns was just a thorn that has a mutated branch and different leaf colors, which was not much different from ordinary thorns.


    Moving forward.


    It was moving slowly at first but when the thorn sprite wormnded on the branch of the thorn, it began moving quickly. climbing along the branch of the thorn.


    It had no legs, only tiny flesh-like protrusions, so even when it climbed on a trunk it would not fall off.


    This magical creature can crawl in the air, defying the rules of physics. In particr, it wants to climb from one thorn, climb to another thorn, not stepping on the ground but directly in the air, easily across the gap between the two thorns, and collected the next thorn pheromone.


    Marcus, who''s on guard with the knights, rushed over.


    He looked at thorn worm''s behavior was equally nervous: My lord, the thorns..Will it seed?


    Of course!


    Liszt''s mouth suddenly revealed an arc,ughing as brilliant as the March sun, Don''t be nervous, Mr. Marcus, the thorn sprite worm has seeded  I feel the restlessness inside it, it''s a whole new force in the process, it''s evolving!


    In fact, Liszt felt nothing at all.


    He was just certain of the evolution because smoke missions were emerging.


    Complete the task and be rewarded a thorn sprite.


    Thanks to Marcus''s interruption, the smoke quickly dissipated, as if nothing had appeared before his eyes.


    Sometimes Liszt feels that there really was no smoke at all, and the reason why the others can''t see it is because it is just a projection of fate in his mind -or the Smoke Dragon must have been to earth so it could present itself in the form of a mission, with a familiar style.


    Just like how the invisible dragon cannot be seen, only people with integrity and courage can see it.


    The smoke form of the smoke dragon, like the invisible dragon, is a special existence beyond the magic. The other special dragons, emerald dragons, and twilight dragons may all exist in some special form.


    This also exins why all sacred dragons are just legends-people haven''t actually seen what they really look like.


    Even the three types of dragons, and the elves.


    They were all special in itself.


    At this time, the thorn sprite worm''s skin was gray and it can be seen that its l.u.s.ter waspletely dissipating at a speed visible to the naked eye. The originally tight skin was now covered with wrinkles, as if all of a sudden it came to the end of its life.


    But its emotions were intense and exhrating, with unspeakable joy and happiness.


    Using Magic Eye, Liszt can see the chaotic magic in its body that was constantly generating bubbles like boiling water. The bubbles would explode, and an invisible change urred. It seemed to be blown up by boiling magic bubbles, and the size of the thorn worm was still growing.


    Therger its body became, the more its appearance declined and grew older.


    The more exuberant the mood, the more intense it became.


    Excited, Liszt also followed the mood and anxiously sang a song.


    Marcus, who was next to him, couldn''t feel this excitement, but he saw the thorn sprite worm grow as big as a balloon. His eyes were piercing, his fists clenched tightly, and he sweated looking at the evolution of the thorn sprite worm.


    Time seems to be running so slow.


    The wind blew on Liszt''s forehead and pale gold curly hair a few times, and the thorn sprite worm had swelled into arge gray worm with thick legs.


    The sunset dyed the clouds in the sky with fire red.


    In the distance, there was Tremblingwoods'' barking, followed by Stupidwoman''s response to the barking.


    The castle was bathed in the sun, as if ted with a golden glow. One would be unable to distinguish between the windows and the rock walls, with only the outline of the spire roof being visible.


    The dusk brought silence which made that moment especially peaceful.


    Liszt kept his eyes on the Thorns. He remembered having witnessed the birth of the Tulip''s sprite. He was a teenager now and that memory seemed so long ago. Now, he could clearly witness with his own eyes the birth of his own sprite.


    In a sh, his heart was a bit more connected with the sprite and Liszt blurted out: Here we go.


    That moment.


    There was a sound like a piece of paper tearing  hiss.


    The gray-colored skin of the thorn worm cracked open, and then a little pink and white hand came out from under the thorn worm''s skin. After, a white sprite directly broke through the thorn worm''s skin and jumped as it came out. In a blink of an eye, the white sprite spread its translucent wings on his back and flew into the air.


    Wow!


    Wow!


    Its shout was as crisp as that of a three-year-old child''s cry. It was rippling in the air, flying around Liszt, it''s speed not too fast, but it had a graceful posture, the movement was agile, and it can turn countless times.


    Wow!


    Wow!


    Even without telepathy, its cheerful mood can be felt just by listening to its shouts.


    Liszt''s gaze was firmly locked on the shape of the thorn sprite, and a sweet smile pervaded the corner of his mouth. He finally had a sprite bound to him, connected by blood, and connected to the soul.


    They did not disturb the thorn sprite.


    He felt the joy of the little guy''s evolutionary sess.


    His eyes moved to the ground, squat and touched the thorn sprite worm skin gently. But even so, the molted skin turned to dust and disappeared with the breeze, leaving no trace.


    He couldn''t see how the sprite worm evolved into a sprite under this skin. It was just the magic boiling, and then it turned into a sprite. It was so crude and simple, without any reason.


    Liszt came back to his senses.


    The thorn sprite had finished expressing his emotions andnded on Liszt''s shoulder. He held on to Liszt''s hair and stabilized its body. He had big eyes filled with curiosity about the world. Liszt turned his head and saw its eyes wererge, different from human eyes, ck and bright, such beautiful pupils.


    Wow.


    Come here.


    Liszt stretched out his hand, and the thorn sprite crawled to his hand, Liszt holding out a finger.


    If one would look carefully, one would see on top of its round melon head a small thorn, which was amon thorn, representing that the sprite''s spirit came from amon thorn.


    The little hands were fat, the little feet were fat.


    It was very delicate.


    It looked like it was made of water.


    It had no genitals.


    "Mr. Marcus, what do you think of my thorn sprite?", Liszt smiled proudly.


    Marcus eximed, Beautiful!

 Chapter 174-175: Opportunities in the Eyes of the Earth Knight

    Chapter 174-175: Opportunities in the Eyes of the Earth Knight


    The importance of a sprite goes without saying. Even the Tulips considered the harvest of a new sprite as a festival worth celebrating.


    Liszt quickly a.s.sembled officials like Gort after the birth of the Thorn Sprite.


    They had their meeting in the castle.


    Whoo-hoo!


    Whoo-hoo!


    Whoo-hoo!


    The thorn sprite flying around in the living room undoubtedly attracted everyone''s attention. It was bold and was not afraid of people. The little guy was pretty fierce.


    Thomas, who was serving tea, blocked the sprite, and the little guy immediately jabbed his teeth at Thomas, waving his palms, as if ready to shoot straight past him.


    It was giving Thomas a big mouth.


    Despite the fact that Thomas avoided the sprite, the sprite still held his head up and his chest forward and was shouting at him.


    It was as if it was saying, I am the master, and this is my territory! Open your dog''s eyes, despicable ve!


    In fact, Liszt can feel it, and the thorn sprite was indeed dissatisfied with Thomas. Because of its bond with Liszt, it immediately regarded the castle as its own home. Except for Liszt, everyone else was an unwanted presence.


    These ''unwanted'' people in the living room praised the thorn sprite without realizing it.


    Its beauty is like the stars in the sky. I can''t think of a better word than this to describe it! Gort danced. The advent of it just proves what I said before that Flower Town is not only a ce blessed with the glory of the knights, it is also the birthce of knight''s glory!


    It is not only an ordinary sprite, but also a sprite that brings endless wealth. Under its care, it will be a tree full of gold coins for us.


    Marcus has always beenpet.i.tive with words, The thorn sprite will show our path for glory!


    The praises were endless.


    The thorn sprite , however, does deserve such praise-it can grow a potion, a kind of wood, and its strategic value is almost as important as that of the food crop sprite.


    Liszt waved his hand.


    The thorn sprite flying all over suddenly obediently fell on Liszt''s shoulder and yawned, Wow. It was probably tired of ying.


    Liszt nced at his gaudy followers and slowly said, There is a lot of time for praise in the future. What I want to know now is how we should hold a celebration.


    Sir, please give me the task of presiding over the celebration. I am the best at this. Gort said indifferently.


    So tell me, how do you n to celebrate?


    Every time Tulip Castle gets a sprite, you invite the following n.o.bles to a feast ; you as the Flower Town baron, the blood of the Tulip Family, you can invite the n.o.bles of the North Valley City toe to the feast. Meanwhile, rtives in Tulip Castle, as well as the Baroness of Falcontown, should also be invited.


    Gort first determined who should be invited.


    Then he said: In order to celebrate the thorn sprite, all the civilians in the territory should be involved. I think it should be a holiday  Well, it''s fine, it should not be a holiday. The autumn harvest is keeping everyone busy, and all the projects are short of manpower. Letting thezy serfs go on vacation is simply unforgivable.


    The civilian holidays just pa.s.s by so fast.


    Even while celebrating, they still work.


    ir heard this and added, Perhaps we should give each serf a copper coin to show the Lord''s concern.


    Do you really need to treat serfs this way? Gort disagreed. He has always looked down on the civilian .s.s.


    Liszt gave the final word, It is decided that each serf would be given a copper coin, and the free people would take a day off. As for everyone who works on the day of celebration, they will be paid double.


    Double the wages, s, that''s a good idea, Gort nodded quickly and praised.


    Thank you for your generosity! Karl, Romm, and others quickly expressed their grat.i.tude. They liked the lords they followed for they were generous lords.


    Liszt was satisfied with his subordinates'' response so he let out a slight smile.


    Throwing money was not an act of generosity, in a deeper meaning, the act of distributing money is done to stimte the cirction of goods in Flower Town.


    After all, he has the soul of a modern man in the 21st century and has learned more or less the theories of economics.


    After all, one can feel intion every day from the rising prices, devaluing yuan, and increasing wages. As a result, people find themselves getting farther and farther from affording a house. It is also from these intuitive feelings that one would slowly understand and care about the country''s economic policies, and know what stimtes consumption.


    The purpose of stimting consumption is not for consuming products alone, but to stimte demand as well. Once there is demand, it can promote the development of various industries.


    As it is said, money can only produce actual value when it is in cirction.


    If Liszt would follow other lords and h.o.a.rd all gold coins in his own warehouse, then the territory would stay in its original farming stage where the people cannot eat and go hungry. People would not talk about buying items or wanting to start a small business or do some sideline business and the like.


    When one has money in hand, there will be a desire to consume, and one''s territorynd will thrive.


    The original farming phase will shift to handicraft and the production industry which will bring a steady stream of wealth  but it will bring a negative effect as well, their Lord''s desire for wealth would grow.


    But Liszt was not that stupid.


    Liszt believes that as long as he holds firmly on to the Knight''s system and regrly collects first-born fat pigs as tax, thend cannot rise to any waves  after all, a world ruled by personal power and wealth only thrives under the protection of power.


    Adviser Gort, please continue.


    As you wish, my lord. Thest and most important point of the celebration, you should announce your eptance of new followers!


    Lister raised his eyebrows and chewed, Recruit followers?


    Yes, everyone knows the importance of the sprites to the n.o.bility and with a sprite, you will go further and gain more glory. It is a good time to recruit followers now. There are always people like me, Marcus, ir, Isaiah who are willing to follow in your footsteps!


    He just gained a sprite, why so much celebration?


    On one hand, of course, it is a festivity, on the other hand, it is showing off; showing off the power of the lord and attracting the knights. In this world, n.o.bles and free peoples have cultivated a lot of earth knights, but only a small part can getnds and t.i.tles, and the rest were tirelessly looking for opportunities to be n.o.bles.


    I have a thorn sprite, and this is the opportunity for these earth knights. Liszt instantly realized that the birth of his thorn sprite would be his voice to certainly rise to higher levels.


    A huge leap from being a baron in the countryside to bing the future Viscount!


    A Baron who has his ownnd and city will be an upper .s.s member of the aristocracy.


    Falcon Town was located in Birch City, not far from Coral City.


    Riding her own horse, Lvera, dressed in a military uniform, practiced a group of young female knights on thewn near the castle.


    A knight flew in.


    My Lady!


    What is it?


    The Flower Town emissary hase to the castle to convey to you an invitation from the Flower Town Baron.


    Invite?Let him wait, let''s keep training!


    Xavier Oxdung waited in silence in front of the castle of Falcon Town.


    Before he arrived, his Lord told him that perhaps that he would be met with some cold treatment in Falcon Town  List knew the character of his sister  so Xavier just brushed the fur of the horse he was riding quietly, a young female horse at the age of three.


    It''s not a good breed, it''s just amon horse that can''t go to the battlefield.


    But he loved the little mare, it was a more importantpanion to a knight than his own wife. Perhaps when he will be promoted to an earth knight, the Lord will reward him with a new horse that will be good in the battlefield, but he will never forget the little mare that he raised.


    Poof!


    The little mare snorted.


    Xavier was a little worried. He felt the pony''s belly, trying to determine if it was pregnant. Just a few days ago, this mare was just grazing in the farm but was raped by the Lord''s dragon horse. He felt very much in pain with what the mare has gone through, it was just a child after all!


    But a dragon horse in Flower Town had the same authority to that of Liszt himself. It will do what it wants to do and no one can stop it. Xavier can only stare and watch it rape the little mare.


    Hopefully you''re not pregnant for you''re too young to produce ponies." Xavier whispered to himself, When the Lord enlists me on the battlefield and win glory, I will buy you, keep you at home, and give you to my future son!


    The average life expectancy of an ordinary war horse is 30 to 35 years. Unusual war horses, such as magical beast horses or dragon horses will more likely live up to 60 years old, or even 100 years old.


    The age at which a regr horse is best suited to ride for battle is 5 to 15 years old, known as the golden decade.


    The horse would be old after that.


    Xavier believed that his children would be born soon  he already has a girl he loves. When the children grow up, they can ride. The mother was still in her prime, and can follow the children until they go to war and change horses.


    Thinking of this, Xavier became full of energy.


    He was extremely convinced that under the leadership of Sir Baron, he has a bright future to look forward to. Flower Town is the birthce of knight glory, and Sir Baron is the son of glory.


    The knight who just sent the message just looked at me and my horse with contempt in his eyes. I know he is riding a good war horse for Falcon Town is a wealthy town, but he knows nothing about Flower Town. The town is only part of the Lord''s journey for someday he will own a city!


    Xavier looked at the knights who were hurriedlying in from a distance, and guessed that it should be Lord''s Sister, Lvera Tulip and her knights.


    There is a tulip sprite in Falcon Town, and there is also a thorn sprite in Flower Town!


    A momentter.


    The party has arrived in front of Xavier.


    Led by a woman in a military uniform, Xavier met her and bowed immediately: The messenger of Flower Town, Xavier, sends his regards to the Baroness.


    So Liszt asked you toe. What is he going to invite me to? With her head up, Lvera looked down on Xavier, I hope it''s an important invitation. I am extremely busy and have no time to go to a boring country party.


    Xavier still replied with respect,  In two days, on November 5th, the Sir Lord will celebrate the birth of his little Sprite.


    Celebration for the birth of a sprite? Lvera was stunned, her face changed dramatically, and she repeated, Celebration for the birth of a sprite, he has a sprite? How is it possible?! He only has a few sprite worms, how could he have been born a sprite? A sprite? There was a deep question in her tone and a hint of jealousy she didn''t even notice.


    It is a thorn sprite worm that evolved into a thorn sprite.


    A thorn sprite? Lvera''splexion was slightly distorted, but she managed to slightly calmed down. So it turned out that the thorn sprite worm has evolved. Indeed, it is necessary to hold a celebration. At least he can now monopolize the hedgerow business on Coral Ind. The thorns cultivated by the sprite must be more suitable to be made into hedges.


    Baroness, Flower Town has more to offer than thorns that can be a hedge." Xavier remembered that Sir Lord told him that he must exin to Lvera that Flower Town has potions and iron wood aside from the thorns. He also said, There are iron wood-quality thorns, and magic potion quality thorns, these are thetest variation of the species.


    Iron wood!


    Magic potion!


    Hearing both words, Lvera''s face was distorted.


    She wanted to say, " How is that possible?!"


    These series of blows made her difficult to ept it all. But after all, she was a well-educated aristocrat. Her face shed for a moment, then returned to being calm. She then said indifferently, Tell Liszt I will attend the sprite birth celebration on time  Morris, you are responsible for receiving this knight .


    After that, Lvera went straight into the castle.


    She changed her clothes and drank a .s.s of milk but she was still a little sullen.


    She sat in her chair and started thinking.


    At a very young age, she hated Liszt, or was it jealousy?  Why is that she wasn''t as beautiful? As Liszt''s talent was left behind, she became psychologically bnced, and as a woman who had been promoted to an Earth Knight years ago, she was confident enough against Liszt''s beauty.


    But all of this changed when List was exiled.


    First, Liszt''s promotion to Earth Knight level was a bitte, but not too much. At least a lot earlier than many people, including the count.


    Then came the discovery of the ck tulip, a peanut sprite worm, a dragon horse and a beast dog.


    Liszt''s luck has exploded.


    Most importantly, Liszt began to respond to her straight on the eyes like an equal.


    Sons don''t even look at their fathers in the eye. It made Lvera very ufortable.


    People are turning to dogs!


    She gritted her teeth and cursed.


    But she has to admit that she can no longer get along with Liszt in the same way she used to  now List has a Thorn Sprite, the equivalent of preparing for a Viscount. She also has a sprite, but the chances of women going to war are very low, and in her lifetime she''ll probably be at most a baron.


    At least it''s Liszt, not Lytton!


    After rubbing her face, Lvera took a deep breath, and the expression on her face finally returned to normal. She turned and shouted, Mrs. Phoebe!


    Miss, I''m here.


    Prepare my present for the celebration in two days, and I will give it to Liszt.


    Mrs. Phoebe asked, What should we prepare specifically?


    WithLike the one on Levis'' birthday.


    As you wish.

 Chapter 176: Gorts Specialty

    Chapter 176: Gort''s Specialty


    Independence Castle was outside Coral City.


    "My Lady, you look so much younger than thest time I saw you, Gort exaggerated his praises.


    Madam Penelope said happily, No, I''m old. I''ve even heard Greg call me in to the other world and go back to Tahiti with him.


    Greg Tiles was the Count''s father, Liszt''s grandfather, and the Viscount of Tahiti.


    In his hand, the family had the first tulip elf, and they began collecting different kinds of tulips so that more tulips were produced. The Great Sprite, Little Fragrance, waster cultivated and it created the family of tulips on Coral Ind.


    But eventually Greg Tiles died on the battlefield.


    The tulip sprite bonded to him also died.


    Fortunately, he only bonded with that single sprite as a memorial. The rest were handed over to Leewilliam to keep the tulip species together.


    As of now, Leewilliam has transferred the sprites to Levis, who is prepared to sacrifice his life on the battlefield.


    And as the future count, Levis went to war often, but this was more like gilding. The heirs of the aristocracy needed to prove to the world that they were qualified to inherit the t.i.tle. Otherwise, the followers who yearn for the glory of the n.o.bles were likely to lose their hearts following a lord who cannot see the light .


    As a Tulip family member, a contractor of all elves, Levis'' safety must be a priority.


    This is because once Levis dies, the sprites and sprite worms will die as well, and even if that doesn''t happen, the sprite and sprite worms would still be devastated  also, the sprites won''t be able to rescind their contracts repeatedly and hand them over to others, or the sprites will be as devastated.


    A sprite worm can only be released from a contract once in his life.


    That is, it can only be bonded with two people.


    A lesser sprite can only be released from its bond three times in its lifetime.


    That is, it can only be bonded with four people.


    A Great Sprite can only be released from a bond seven times in its lifetime.


    That is, it can only be bonded with eight people.


    A dragon sprite. this information is not known by the general public for it solely shared among the great n.o.bility.


    The sprite worm has a ten-year life span, which is very suitable for dividing and sealing to its followers. The lesser sprites and the great sprites, because of the increased number of bonds, are highly suitable for family heritage. However, the bond must also be saved. Generally, after the heirs reach adulthood, their fathers must give their approval before the sprite bonds are transferred.


    Madam Penelope mentioned Greg to Gort even though Gort hasn''t met the man before.


    Even so, Gort continued to follow, I think the boss, even though he misses you in another world, must want you here to continue to look after the blood of the Tulip family and make sure it thrives.


    The olddy was very happy to hear it, Yes, I must reject him, I have to watch the count''s four children thrive, for they are a bunch of worrisome young people.


    In fact, it''s only because you care so much that you feel like they are worrying. But as the bloodline of the Tulips, each of them is a leader among peers! I followed Baron Liszt for I believe that the glory of knights is with him!


    Madam Penelope replied, Liszt, he''s a lucky young man, he has grown up.


    Lucky is not enough to describe Sir Baron. He inherited the excellent qualities of the Count and is destined to be an outstanding and great lord. I came to see you today as I was asked by Lord Baron to invite you to Flower Town for the sprite birth celebration to be held the day after tomorrow.


    Sprite birth celebration?


    Yes, a sprite. It was the thorn sprite worm that evolved into a thorn sprite. It not only brings joy, but also endless wealth. Aside from that, we also have some thorn potions and ironwood thorns. If you would see it with your own eyes, you''ll love this little sprite and its beauty will burn your eyes!


    Rao, who has been with Madam Penelope through all the ups and downs of life, was also shocked by the news, "Is it true, Gort? That Liszt has acquired and cultivated his own sprite? And he also has potions and ironwood?"


    That''s amazing, that''s a Tulip kid right there! Mrs. Penelopeughed, I''m starting to like Melissa a little bit now for her children have never let me down.


    Madam Melissa brought the glory of the Longtaro family to Coral Ind, and the Baron Liszt brought together the glory of the two n.o.ble families.


    Gort is good at the art of ttery, and it''s enough for an olddy to praise her grandchildren.


    It took half an hour before Gort left.


    His next stop was Tulip Castle-here, where his art of ttering will not get a chance to show. After giving Liszt''s invitation to Madam Marie, she simply asked why, and the temporary owner of Tulip Castle sent him away with a smile.


    It was impossible to tell what in the world she was thinking when she heard the news.


    No wonder she''s the Countess. That kind of character makes it difficult for me to guess what goes on her mind Sir Liszt gave me an impossible task. Gort shook his head and left Tulip Castle.


    Liszt told him to observe Madam Marie''s expression when she gets ahold of the news.


    Gort understood what Liszt wanted. However, the result was disappointing. Madam Marie did not show any expression of surprise, shock, jealousy or anger.


    Good thing the task was something that Liszt asked in bad taste.


    It wasn''t really required to report results.


    A momentter.


    He showed up at the home of Frank, Levis'' tutor. Both are tutors and are no strangers to each other. But in the past, Gort''s status was much lower than Frank''s, Gort was only a tutor for the country baron, while Frank was a tutor for the future count.


    Things were different now.


    After exining his arrival, it seemed that Gort and Frank was finally feeling themselves after some pleasantries.


    Adviser Gort, please pa.s.s on my greetings to Baron Liszt. On November 5th, I will take my wife and Shirley to the sprite birth celebration of Flower Town.


    Of course, on behalf of the Baron, I thank you foring.


    It''s already noon. I have a simple meal here, and we haven''t had a drink together for many years. I have a bottle of gin that I''ve kept for so long.


    Gort wasn''t offered a meal at Tulip Castle and he had originally nned to linger there anyway so he did not decline, "Wow, gin! I was anxious to invite other n.o.bles to partic.i.p.ate in the celebration and rush back to my town. But my legs may not be capable of walking at the moment, thanks for the hospitality, Mr. Frank!


    Lunch time.


    Frank and Gort sat with each other.


    On the dining table, Shirley, a charming young girl, would ask questions about Liszt from time to time: Uncle Gort, does Liszt have a name for the thorn already?


    It doesn''t seem like had, maybe at the ceremony he will announce the name of the Thorn Sprite.


    The wind beast he raised, can he fly it?


    I''m sorry, the falcon has returned to the blue sky, and the Baron was not willing to restrain its proud soul.


    Frank''s wife was surprised, A magical beast and he let it go? That was too wasteful, it would have been worth a lot of gold coins!


    Gort has nevermitted any misdemeanor but admitted to himself that throwing away those gold coins was a waste. Instead he said with a calm face, "Flower Town is no longer the same as it used to be. A few gold coins doesn''t matter too much to us.

 Chapter 177: The Focus of the n.o.bles

    Chapter 177: The Focus of the n.o.bles


    November the 5th.


    It was cloudy, with some cool breeze still left from autumn.


    The autumn harvest in Flower Town has beenpleted. This year, with the improvement brought by the sprite worms, the wheat harvest was quite abundant with 50% more producepared to the previous years. Farmers in Wheat Town have bright smiles on their faceslower taxes, increased harvests, and a lot of stored grain. They do not have to worry about getting hungry in theing winter.


    Farmers who grew oats and rye were also very happy. Fertilizing the crop with manure, pond mud, nt ash and others has also increased their yield by 10% -20%pared with the previous years'' harvest.


    Today, the town''s serfs were still working, but with a smile of joy on their faces. Today was the great Lord''s celebration of the thorn sprite. Everyone supports and loves the bloodline of Tulip family, because under his leadership,Flower Town has had beautiful expectations for the first time.


    What''s more, they were each given copper coins as festival benefits.


    "Praise the Sir Baron! Praise the Thorn Sprite! Flower Town will have a better tomorrow!"


    With the thorn sprite , Sir Baron will gain more glory. The glory of the knights is in Flower Town! My nephew Philip, is already a loyal knight of Sir Baron. He will follow the Sir Baron and gain so much glory!


    Will Philip be an Earth Knight?


    Definitely.


    Not necessarily he''s just a serf after all. An Earth Knight t.i.tle is a luxury for him.


    Bob, you''re just jealous your son was eliminated, you''re just jealous of Philip! Philip and Xavier, who have won the Lord''s favor will have a bright future!


    The casual fight proved that the serfs were not busy enough and there was room for further exploitation.


    During this time, the servants in the castle were too busy to have a chit-chat.


    Butler Carter wiped his handkerchief over and over his forehead as soon as he saw sweat dripping. After sessfully hosting the sea festival banquet, he was regarded as the steward who was capable of the big scenes, but he was still nervous.


    No n.o.bleman would bring food from Tulip Castle.


    The ingredients for the banquet were prepared in the castle after Carter bought them one-by-one from North Valley City two days ago. Liszt was never stingy on the castle''s spending. Carter had the confidence to rely on the castle''s financial resources to sessfullyplete the banquet.


    Mrs. Abby, free a pot for Lucas as soon as possible. He needs two dishes for the pot.


    Tom, be careful bringing the water to Jim. Now you bring Parker and John in and have them trim thewn at the gate of the castle, and you''re going to be the one to greet the guests."


    Mrs. Morrison, I need your help, theyout of the restaurant is out of order. The Lord doesn''t agree that we use the ck tulip logo, so the curtains are to be reced by the red tulip banner from Tulip castle We and Tulip Castle are a family after all.


    Jesse, Jesse, where are you? I need you to go out and tell the baker Renard today about the quant.i.ty and style of bread he should make. Here''s the list I wrote, and you give it to him.


    There will be a lot of guests today, their horses will stay around the castle. Barton, you have to make sure you take care of them.


    The busyness of the castle''s servants did not affect at all the castle''s owner, Baron Liszt.


    He got up as usual and walked the dog.


    Blessedcurls has flown away, and only one of his pets is left, Tremblingwoods. He was holding a walking stick made of fast-growing iron thorns and walking along Thorns Ridge.


    He pointed his cane on the end of the soon-to-bepleted Thorns Ridge and said, "Tremblingwoods, rock thorns!"


    Whoosh!


    A thick wood pierced the earth.


    He pointed the cane on another side and rock thorns also came out.


    And he just kept pointing, and Tremblingwoods kept releasing the rock thorns, almost instantaneously, without stopping. Soon on either side of Thorn Ridge, two rows of rock thorns will be added like trees, one on each side and it would look beautiful.


    Importantly, after the celebration, the workers would go back to breaking rocks andying the road.


    Good morning, sir! Gort wore a festive costume and a jabot [1] wrapped around his neck, looking like a jar was put under his head.


    Good morning, adviser Gort.


    Your Tremblingwoods seems to have grown up a bit.


    It hasn''t reached adulthood yet, and it looks like it will continue to grow. Liszt patted Tremblingwood''s shoulders. He had be more and more satisfied with the dog.


    It was no longer easy for him to shake its head.


    If one would take Liszt''s own height using a measuring tapemonly used in maind China, the measurement was 1.85 meters.


    Tremblingwoods measured from head to tail while stretched is 4.26 meters, its forelimbs have a height of 1.41 meters while the back limbs have a height of 1.25 meters. In rxed conditions, the head is 1.97 meters high.


    Tremblingwoods was three times bigger than the average tiger on the Coral Ind.


    The average human weight is about 130 pounds, a typical Coral Ind tiger weighs about 500 pounds, while the weight of Tremblingwoods, has reached 1,300 pounds.


    In the case of canines, Tremblingwoods was worthy to be called a giant.


    It''s going to continue to grow, my G.o.d! Will it be the biggest beast on Coral Ind? Gort exaggerated and looked surprised.


    In fact, Liszt was just enjoying showing off Tremblingwoods.


    He knew that the other side was expressing ttery but Liszt was just willing to fall for it, Perhaps it''s unlikely to be the biggest beast. We know that the weight of the Thundertusk Boar is several times to that of Tremblingwoods. But if he fights with the Purple Sand Crocodile, it should be a 50-50 fight.


    The Purple Sand crocodile has a thick skin and was rich in magical means. Tremblingwoods only has rock thorns, but was impressively agile.


    Of course, both of them are mid-level magical beasts. There is no realparison between the two, and no one can not guarantee which one is more powerful. Only the condition of the ce and the timing will determine the oue of a battle between them, but the truth remains that the Purple Sand crocodile is just a rogue magical beast while Tremblingwoods is backed by Flower Town.


    Gort eximed, It would be a remarkable achievement to be able to fight the Purple Sand Crocodile. I remember a time when the Count could not kill the Purple Crocodile. Although the Count did not think it was important, it is enough to exin the might of a mid-level magical beast. Tremblingwoods will be the strongest guardian of Flower Town!


    "He just eats a lot," Liszt smiled.


    Before, Tremblingwoods was given a meal only once. Now, he has a lot of meals in a day. Adding to that is the fact that Tremblingwoods was very picky with its food. He doesn''t eat any ordinary food, it must be chicken, fish, eggs, some tomatoes asionally, wild fruits, and vitamins.


    Liszt was just a country n.o.bleman.


    He almost could not afford to feed Tremblingwoods.


    Even Liszt had a little regret: The forest of Thorns Ridge should not have been cut off at the beginning. It should have been used as a canteen to keep those ordinary and magical beasts.


    It was the cost of happiness.


    A few momentster, Isaiah, ir, Marcus and the others rushed to the castle one by one, and everyone had put on their festival costume, the frac habill (a three piece suit).


    Even the two mages changed into tuxedos and came to the celebration.


    Liszt took a bath and changed into his own frac habill.


    The aristocratic clothing was a bitplicated to put on. Even with Thomas'' help, it took him a full quarter of an hour to put on the clothes as neatly as possible. It felt a bit tight in his body, but fortunately, the weather was cold and he doesn''t feel stuffy.


    My Lord, the frac habill was indeed made for n.o.bles like you. Itpliments your n.o.bility and greatness. Thomas eximed.


    It was true.


    When the n.o.bility of North Valley arrived one by one, Liszt in his frac habill still stood out and was the focus of the crowd.


    The handsome appearance, the tall figure, the n.o.ble temperament, and the slightly gentle smile.


    The men were ashamed of themselves, while the women were tearful.


    [1] a decorative clothing essory consisting ofce or other fabric falling from the throat, suspended from or attached to a neckband or cor; or simply pinned at the throat. (from Wikipedia)

 Chapter 178: Beautiful, Of Course

    Chapter 178: Beautiful, Of Course


    It was already midday.


    On thewn in front of the castle, there were horse-drawn carriages and a lot of horses.


    Gort was stationed at the gates of the castle weing the guests. He enthusiastically spoke with every n.o.bleman who came to the ceremony. Only important guests will be greeted by Liszt himself.


    His grandmother, Madam Penelope, was an example.


    Grandmother,it must have been hard for you toe all this way. I am sorry to have let youe from such a distance. Liszt and Madam Penelope gently hugged.


    A sprite birth is something the Tulips have not celebrated for years, of course I''ming. Madam Penelope''s body remains stiff, d in a ck dress and a ck hat, It''s just the road was so long, and the carriage was shaking my old bones.


    "Howe? Your body is so strong that even riding should be easy for you. Liszt smiled and gave Madam Penelope''s arm to Mrs. Morrison and said, Help the olddy to rest upstairs, careful of the steps of the stairs.


    Master, please rest a.s.sured.


    Mrs. Morrison apanied Madam Penelope, holding the olddy to go upstairs to rest.


    Liszt watched his grandmother enter the castle. When he looked back he saw Lvera who came with her grandmother, My dear sister,I haven''t seen you for a long time. Thank you foring.


    It hasn''t been that long.  Lvera was dressed in a gorgeous outfit and her face was painted with heavy makeup such that she looked more beautiful than usual.


    She looked at Liszt, her eyes shed with manyplexities.


    But finally sheughed and with a warm, normal, sister-caring-for-his-brother tone and said, Congrattions on the harvest of a sprite, it will bring you countless glory, but you also want to think ahead ahead and not fail the knight''s glory of the Tulip family.


    Liszt was a little surprised.


    However, Liszt responded quickly with a gentle smile: I understand that glory should be achieved by charging on the battlefield. I believe that soon, I will be on the battlefield like our father and brother.


    After speaking, he and Lvera gently hugged.


    He and Lvera went into the castle together.


    Many aristocrats were already eagerly talking in the castle''s living room. Most n.o.bles knew each other from the battlefield so most of the n.o.bledies were chatting with Lvera as she was a cheerfulmunicator. Lister didn''t speak much and most of the time was being a quiet but beautiful man.


    But he was always the focus of the conversations.


    He wasn''t just a pretty face.


    Everyone on Coral Ind knew he was the son of the Count who was hidden behind Levis and Lytton, and even behind Lvera, like a little transparent paper. However, in the past six months, even the most reclusive n.o.bles have often heard Liszt''s name, apanied by the words seafood, potions, and magical beasts.


    Everyone also knew that the rise of Liszt can no longer be stopped.


    One should not wait any longer to form a good rtionship with him.


    It''s a pity my daughter is too young, or I would introduce her to List immediately and see if they somehow spark. A n.o.bledy was looking at the portrait of Liszt and contemted whether she would just do the job herself.


    Lister felt the eyes of thedy, but didn''t respond.


    Half an hourter,Gort ushered in a new n.o.ble, Frank, his wife, and a bright young girl.


    Mr. Frank, Madam, thank you foring. Liszt stood up, greeted them with a smile, and then set his eyes on the girl. And you are?


    Brother Liszt, this is Shirley, Little Shirley.


    The sweet smile of the young girl instantly reminded Liszt of a fat girl in his predecessor''s memory. She was now 18 and so much has changed. The chubby child was now a slim and beautiful girl.


    You''ve changed so much that I didn''t even recognize you Little Shirley, I haven''t seen you for a long time.


    Shirley winked and boldly asked, Do you think I''m beautiful or ugly?


    "Beautiful, of course. Liszt responded to the girl with a slightly exaggerated affirmative tone. The girl reminded him of the princess yed by Elle Fanning in The Sleeping Beauty. Even her hairstyle is very simr, except that Shirley''s hair was a little browner, and the princess''s hair was a little more golden.


    Such asions were not suited for catching up.


    After greeting, Shirley followed her parents and sat down, talking skillfully with the n.o.bles around her. Liszt took part in a few words, and had to go outside to greet the new arrivals.


    Knights were huddled in a magnificent carriage with the Red Tulip g. There was no doubt that it was Madam Marie and Lytton of Tulip Castle who had just arrived.


    They waited for the carriage toe to the castle gate.


    Liszt walked out of the door with a standard aristocratic smile on his face, Thank you foring, ma''am.


    This is your festival. If your father had not been on the battlefield, he will have surelye to celebrate with you in person. Madam Mary also had on a standard n.o.ble''s smile.


    Lytton had grown taller than before.


    He looked thin as a stick with a very in look on his face. When ites to appearance, Liszt can definitely win against his Flower Townpet.i.tor with one hand.


    Lytton turned his face full of e and looked at Liszt, Brother Liszt, where''s your sprite?


    Sleeping, you will see it soon.


    I envy my brother. He has his own sprite, a thorn sprite. Did it evolve in Thorns Ridge? I heard that Thorns Ridge has many thorns.


    Liszt heard Lytton.


    He raised his eyebrows slightly.


    The annexation of Thorns Ridge was barely a stain on Liszt-after all, it was a count''s prerogative. He didn''t know if Lytton was saying it unintentionally or intentionally, referring to the rtionship between Thorns Ridge and the Thorns Sprite.


    It was best not to dwell on it.


    He responded with a smile, It evolved on the gra.s.nd next to the castle. I got some new species of thorns from Beer castle, and it hastened the thorn evolution.


    Liszt exined it casually.


    He then said, The guests are all here. Madam, Lytton, please go up to the second floor. The banquet is about to begin.


    The restaurant was situated on the second floor.


    The n.o.bles gathered together, sitting in the arranged position ording to their t.i.tles and ident.i.ties, while chatting and waiting for drinks and dishes.


    Gort, as the host of the banquet, stood up and pped his hands.


    As his voice subsided, he began to say in an emotional tone, Ladies and gentlemen, thank you foring here in Flower Town, with our Baron Lister, to celebrate the birth of the thorn sprite. Before the banquet begins, let''s invite today''s main character  the thorn sprite!


    As soon as the speech was over, the butler Carter walked in with a jade-tiled box.


    He opened the box, and the sleeping Thorn Sprite woke up, rubbing his eyes, pping his wings and flew right to Liszt''s shoulder. It didn''t seem as if it hadpletely woken up, and it yawned.


    Wow.


    It opened its mouth and made a very crisp sound.

 Chapter 179: Ella

    Chapter 179: E


    Everyone, witness this beautiful, amazing, n.o.ble creature! Gort cheered loudly.


    The thorn sprite did not look shocked. In fact, the little guy who just woke up ignored the n.o.bles, just sat on Liszt''s shoulder and burped.


    It was just born, curious about everything, and went to rest veryte yesterday.


    But this did not prevent the n.o.bles from praising the thorn sprite with loud apuse. At the same time, the eyes of envy, jealousy, appreciation, longing, etc. were all projected on Liszt and the sprite on his shoulder.


    The apuse obviously made a noise for the thorn sprite.


    It suddenly flew up, yelled at everyone apuding, made a fierce expression, waved its fists, opened his mouth and screamed, Wow, wow, wow!"


    It was clearly not intimidating anyone, and the apuse got louder.


    A lively sprite is obviously more pleasing than a sleeping one.


    It''s so beautiful!


    Beautiful little creature!


    I feel like I''m already seeing the glow of gold coins.


    The Knight''s Glory is in the Tulip family, and Baron Liszt has inherited the n.o.bleness of the Count!


    Beautiful! Just as lovely as those sprites of Tulip Castle.


    The human beings were still pping and seeing that its intimidation did not work, the thorn sprite got angry. It stretched out pink small fist, opened its fat little palm and yelled, WOOOOOOOOW!


    Suddenly, there was a sh of light.


    It flew right into the crowd.


    The light quickly stained many people''s clothes, at a speed visible to the naked eye, dispersed green buds, and actually began to grow and spread branches.


    Oh my G.o.d!


    It''s the seed of the sprite!


    The thorn sprite sprinkled seeds on our clothes!


    The n.o.bles stood up in a hurry, patted the buds off their clothes, and the whole banquet scene was chaotic for a while.


    Just then, Liszt suddenly said, Stop, little guy! Momentster, the thorn sprite closed his mouth, reluctantly flew back, and fell to Liszt''s shoulder again.


    The buds on the clothes of the n.o.bles also stopped growing.


    The n.o.bles were still pping their clothes and ripping the buds off.


    Eventually, they were able to clean themselves.


    Because she was seated next to Liszt, Madam Penelope was not sprinkled with seeds. She looked at the sprite and said with a smile, The naughty little guy reminds me of the Count''s elves. It''s just as naughty.


    I like these little sprites, they''re more wild and aggressive,Lvera interjected. A little seed was thrown on her clothes, but she shot them off without breaking them.


    If I had a sprite, I''d be willing to be teased by it every day, said a Baron from North Valley City, shaking his cor.


    The sprite doesn''t y tricks on its master, it just likes to y.


    The mischievousness shows that it''s full of energy.


    Lister and others put their clothes in order and re-seated. Liszt only smiled and apologized without sincerity, I''m sorry, it has just been born. It isn''t used to strangers yet and it has some temper issues. I''ve restrained it, please forget themotion just now and let''s continue the party.


    The n.o.bles said they didn''t mind.


    If one doesn''t mind, then it really doesn''t matter.


    Gort cleared his throat and continued to preside over the celebration, We have seen our mischievous hero,no doubt, it is a vibrant sprite. It brought the Knight''s Glory to Flower Town, it is Baron Liszt''s treasure!


    So, what''s its name? A n.o.bledy, suddenly asked.


    What''s its name Gort looked at Liszt.


    Liszt responded, "It''s called E , for the name means  the rise of the thorns. And the rise of the thorns will start with it."


    "E?"


    Everyone was familiar with the name.


    Good name, which matches the temperament of the th.o.r.n.y sprite.


    Yes, it''s a good name, but it''s a bit feminine. A sprite has no gender and any name would have suited it.


    E, is that what it saysEl..La, it''s strange, but it''s interesting, it''s a name with a lot of vor.


    Everyone thought the name was good, and even if they didn''t agree, it still sounded good.


    Only Madam Penelopeined, E? It sounds like a name like Mary or Melissa, Liszt, can you change it?


    Madam Mary, sitting next to her, gave an awkward and polite smile.


    Liszt got embarra.s.sed for Melissa was his mother. This old grandmother was really indifferent. He could only say, Grandmother, E likes her name.


    Wow!


    The th.o.r.n.y sprite felt Liszt''s call in his heart and shouted at him.


    Just so. Mrs. Penelope was not reluctant. She just wanted to take the opportunity to express her own point of view.


    The introduction of Little E the Thorn Sprite has brought the celebration out.


    It was almost time to eat. After Carter consulted Liszt, he signaled the servants to start serving drinks and pour a .s.s of wine or fruit wine to each guest.


    Liszt picked up the red wine in front of him, looked around, and slowly said, Thank you all foring to the Sprite Birth Celebration here in Flower Town  Everyone knows what the birth of a sprite means, especially the magic potion brought by sprites  My father and brother are already on the battlefield, continuing the glory of the Tulip family.


    The n.o.bles looked at the young, handsome baron.


    They were all listening carefully.


    Liszt''s speech was general and of an uninspiring quality."I, Liszt Tulip, as the bloodline of the Tulip family, has been sheltered by the family. I hope I will also win glory for the family!"


    People were nodding.


    He increased his volume, "Flower Town is just a small town for now, but with the thorn sprite, ck tulips, me mushrooms and fast-growing magic thorns, a lot of things can be looked forward to. And I will also recruit a group of followers to help me govern Flower Town and form a Knight''s Squad to charge on the battlefield!


    He thought about what to say next.


    He added, Flower Town is capable of obtaining glory from the battlefield, as all of you have seen the magical beast dog at the gate of the castle.It has been through blood, and has evolved into a mid-level magical beast! And it will be my most important partner on the battlefield!


    Mid-level magical beast!


    This was the first time that Liszt has announced this information to the public.


    In a sh, he heard the n.o.bles sitting around the table mumbling in the air. It was generally epted that a mid-level magical beast is not as valuable as a sprite. However, if this magical beast exists as a pet, it is another matter.


    It was at least half a Sky Knight in level!


    This kind of mid-level beast is almost as important as the sprite.


    Tremblingwoods is a mid-level magical beast? Lvera eximed in disbelief, and then breathed a long sigh of relief. The knot of shame she felt was silently lifted.

 Chapter 180: Celebration with Food

    Chapter 180: Celebration with Food


    Chapter 180  Celebration with Food


    The news of Tremblingwood''s abilities kept the celebration at its peak.


    If the thorn sprite and fast-growing iron thorns represent Liszt''s potential, he could fight for the t.i.tle of viscount and even until his next generation. Adding his mid-level magical beast into the picture, it was no longer a question of whether he would get the t.i.tle, it was already guaranteed.


    Jealousy.


    Envy.


    The people''s burning eyes were about to burst.


    Liszt felt that it was worthwhile being watched with very strong emotions, but he couldn''t help but think, "No wonder everyone is working tirelessly towards being part of the n.o.bility and the aristocracy under the rule of the knights. It''s not only for the system, but also for the social atmosphere.


    This was like the society in China where everything was good as long as you were among the highest in .s.s.


    In this world, a knight is the only one who has value in the society.


    At that moment, Liszt realized that he, like the rest of the world, has developed a desire and ambition for the aristocratic glory.


    But, of course.


    Blind ambition was never a good thing.


    He had sent a message that he was prepared to recruit followers, leaving the rest to be under their consideration. When his speech was over, the crowd raised their .s.ses, and the party formally opened. A meal was served by servants, and, while there are few expensive ingredients, there are plenty of chicken, fish and eggs.


    They were also served peanut rice produced by peanut-processing workshops, various kinds of bread developed by bakeries, fruit wine and rice wine produced by wineries, and various kinds of seafood dishes.


    More or less because of Liszt''s order, Mrs. Abby has researched a few delicious dishesgreen vegetable egg soup, tomato scrambled eggs, tomato egg soup, onion scrambled eggs, bean curd eggs, seafood scrambled eggs


    "Grandma, please taste this tomato scrambled egg. This dish was made by Mrs. Abby and is very appetizing. Liszt motioned to Madam Penelope to taste it.


    Looking at the table, Liszt was satisfied to see that wasn''t just exotic dishes that were served.


    The Chinese all pay attention to food. And Liszt does as well. When he first arrived, he wasn''t able to cook since n.o.bles should not enter the kitchen. He tried to suppress his desire for food. It wasn''t until he created a seafood craze and encouraged Rainer to invent new breads that he gradually tapped on to Mrs. Abby.


    Mrs. Abby has sessfully learned the Chinese dishes such as scrambled eggs and egg drop soup.


    With Mrs. Abby''s constant exploration, she found out the right scrambled eggs and egg soup materials and she has made a lot of scrambled eggs and egg soup.


    Even a few times, Liszt''s lunch was all scrambled eggs and egg soup.


    Unfortunately, the oil-salt ratio is stillcking, and no scrambled eggs are as delicious as those in my hometown.. After taking a bite of the tomato scrambled eggs, Liszt recalled his life before crossing, and a little sadness appeared in his heart.


    It''s still a long way before he can influence Mrs. Abby.


    While the fried eggs are delicious, Chinese cooking techniques has a lot to offer such as fried, boiled, stewed, simmered, braised, roasted, baked,poached, boiled, steamed, mud roasted and many other dozens of practices.


    Liszt can''t cook and can''t fully learn these cooking skills one by one, but the basic frying and cooking was still familiar to him.


    In addition, he was also very familiar with hot pot [1]. In this year''s winter of Flower Town, it was absolutely necessary to bring out the hot pot.


    And tofu!


    Tofu must be invented. Mapo tofu [2] is my favorite!


    Tofu did not exist here yet, only beans, and most of them were only peas and other beans. While they were present, it was not many. These beans were indigestible, eating a lot would cause one to fart, and are usually eaten by serfs.


    Liszt has eaten boiled beans a few times and it was really bad.


    He wanted to do more research on tofu. But he only knew how to eat it, not actually make it. He has heard about tofu brine and gypsum (calcium sulfate). But generally, he has an idea that the beans were ground to be soy milk, brine or gypsum is added, and it coagtes into tofu.


    As to why it bes tofu in an instant, he didn''t understand.


    Also, what is brine, and how does it rte to brined trotters? He knew that (gypsum) ster was used to support broken hands and feet, but how does ster exist in nature?


    As a result of all these questions, tofu has been difficult to produce in this world.


    He will just have to wait for a long time.


    Having scrambled eggs on his table was already a step forward. He told himself to not always think about the big steps. It was easy to pull off the eggs  heforted himself.


    Well, it''s really delicious. It''s called tomato scrambled eggs? Madam Penelope was very satisfied with the tomato scrambled eggs.


    Liszt smiled, If you like, you can send your chef to us to learn from Mrs. Abby. This recipe is not confidential to you.


    Baron Liszt, can we send our chefs to study as well? asked a n.o.bleman.


    If Mrs. Abby agrees, of course. Liszt used Mrs. Abby as a shield. He would not allow these n.o.bles to learn the recipe for free. They must exchange money for the recipe.


    There was no reason to just eat white food alone.


    The fresh dishes won praise from everyone, and the elves'' birth celebration also had a perfect curtain call. The lunch was over, and after a short rest, it was time for the n.o.bles to leave.


    They all pa.s.sed by Tremblingwood''s kennel.


    They couldn''t help but stare at the magical beast.


    Oh my G.o.d, it''s so big. Only mid-level magical beast can have such size.


    As a low-level monster, the beast became the King of Thorns Ridge. And now it has be a mid-level monster."


    The stone pirs on both sides of the road are its masterpieces?


    By the Knight''s glory, the rise of Flower Town ising.


    It''s incredible. I was standing in front of a mid-level magical beast and it was so crazy.


    Tremblingwoods didn''t feel like this group of people. He didn''t even bat an eye, but justy on thewn,zily basking in the sun. There was still a half bite of the bones around his mouth.


    On Thorns Ridge.


    The carriages were being pulled away one by one.


    Madam Penelope kissed Liszt''s forehead, You did a good job not disappointing your father. I still remember how you and him are alike when he was still a kid. When hees back from the maind, he will be pleased to see Flower Town''s development.


    Liszt slightly smiled, I will continue to work hard. He didn''t quite understand the rtionship between the count and his predecessor, probably because he never had a father.


    Lvera also stepped forward and patted Liszt on the shoulder, I hope that one day I will be proud to be Baron Liszt''s sister.


    He was a bit ustomed to being in second ce to her, "I think you will be one day.


    Thest to leave was the Frank''s family.


    I was going to give you the first proceeds of the ck tulips today, but today was a day of celebration, so I''ll just do it tomorrow. Have Gort or someonee to Coral City and check the ledger. I already did the calctions and for this batch of magic potions, you will be given 210 gold coins.


    I''ll let Adviser Gort follow up on this.


    Frank thought, and asked, So, the magic potion from the thorns, what are you going to do? Will you continue to work with Levis on that?


    I haven''t figured it out for the time being. I''ll talk more about it soon.


    Of course, cooperation or not depends on your will. Frank said, letting himself go. I think Shirley has a lot of things to say to you, I''ll get in the carriage first.


    [1] It consists of a simmering metal pot with broth at the center of a table, and all raw ingredients ced beside the metal pot, so people can add and cook whatever they like in the broth.


    [2] A popr Chinese dish from Sichuan province. It consists of tofu set in a spicy sauce, typically a thin, oily, and bright red suspension, based on douban and douchi, along with minced meat, traditionally beef. (I''m getting hungry, y''all.)

 Chapter 181: The Huge Wolf

    Chapter 181: The Huge Wolf


    Frank understood that he had to let Liszt and Shirely have a chance to get along.


    If Liszt were a little more rxed, he might be able to leave Shirley in Flower Town that night.


    Liszt was, after all, a decent gentleman.


    Liszt remembered talking with Shirley when they were younger. Well, mostly Shirley was talking and he was just listening. Because the memory of the predecessor was blurred, there were many details that he could not remember.


    After a while.


    Shirley said, Brother Liszt, can I return to Flower Town?


    You''re very much wee to.


    If Brother Lisztes to Coral City, you cane to me any time. I''m just helping my mom do some needlework at home so I have plenty of free time.


    Okay.


    I''ll have to go back now. My parents are waiting for me in the carriage.


    Liszt said, Be careful on the road.


    Shirley turned and walked towards the carriage, and when she was about to step in the carriage, she turned her head again to see if Liszt was looking at her.


    However, what she saw was Liszt heading toward Tremblingwood''s kennel. With Liszt, the magical beast would behave like a puppy, spinning around him like it wasn''t a mid-level magical beast.


    She suddenly felt lost.


    With the help of the driver, she got on the carriage.


    Shirley, how was your chat with Liszt?  Frank''s wife started asking just before the carriage hit the road.


    "I don''t know, Mother. Brother Liszt was very polite, but it''s like we had just met for the first time. There was no sense of familiarity at all."


    "You haven''t seen each other for years, that''s all. You''re all grown up now."


    "Maybe. Brother Liszt is still as pretty as he was when he was a child, and he still has thatugh that makes me feel warm.


    Then take advantage of it, said Frank''s wife with a smile. With a thorn sprite and a magical beast, Liszt is the best bachelor on Coral Ind.


    Well, I will. Shirley nodded generously.


    Here, men chasing women and women chasing men are the same. There is no norm that a man must take the initiative and a woman must be pa.s.sive about it.


    Looking at the smiles of his wife and daughter, Frank also had a smile on his face, but there was a hint of regret in his eyes. He has been serving the Tulip Castle for many years, and he knows that the people of the Tulip family are not ordinary n.o.bles who are at ease. Lvera was more proud than male n.o.bles in her family while Levis was bent on courting the daughter of the Marquis of Roderick.


    The mother and son pair, Marie and Lytton has never relented squeezing Levis'' resources.


    Liszt was previously considered to be the weakest among the children, and the count was disappointed because of it. But now Liszt was gradually showing a strong temperament.


    His ambition was evident with his disy of the thorn sprite, mid-level magical beast and recruiting new followers.


    Is this n.o.bleman gonna look after her daughter? Frank was a little worried. He learned from Mr. Reeves that in Red Crab Ind, Mr. Liszt had refused even a Viscount''s daughter, not to mention that Shirley was just a daughter of a lord knight.


    Fortunately, he saw that Shirley was doing good and that put him in a good mood.


    Maybe Shirley can get a hold of Liszt. These young people have never seen the world and have been nesting on Coral Ind for so long. Shirley, on the other hand, graduated from Ox Horn College, and she is smart  even if she can''t seed with Liszt, on Coral Ind, there are so many n.o.bles who are after Shirley.


    He thought about it more.


    Frank suddenly ordered, "We will stay one night in North Valley City. I have some colleagues to catch up with."


    The guests have all left.


    Flower Town was restored to peace, and the castle servants have began to clean the trampledwn.


    Liszt loosened Tremblingwood''s leash and as soon as hepletely let it go, the beast ran around and chased the horses. The horses ran away in horror while the dragon horses weren''t bothered at all.


    He even wondered if Tremblingwoods would mount the two horses.


    Tremblingwoods was also afraid to bother the dragon horses since Liszt has forbidden it from bullying them.


    While riding a dragon horse, Liszt said, "Tremblingwoods,e on!"


    A man, a horse, a dog and several other men were then headed to the Flower Farm.


    Themon tulips have barely grown in Flower Farm as the fields were being prepared for nting ck tulips. They were trying to grow the tulips under the influence of the ck tulip sprite worm.


    In the wilderness, there was a lonely building that catches the eye.


    Tremblingwoods was excited to pounce on the building, for it could hear dogs barking inside. It was a recently built dog farm, which has twenty female wolf dogs. They were all good wolf dog breeds with a good helper to take care of them.


    However when they arrived to Flower Town, they were immediately put in a dire situation.


    "Sir Lord, old Defoe sends you peace. The serf in charge of the dog farm, after saluting, opened the door to the dog farm and let Liszt and Tremblingwoods in.


    The dog farm was big.


    There were rows of kennels and iron cages, and in each iron cage was a big wolf dog.


    As soon as they smelled Tremblingwoods, the originally cheerful dogs hid to the corner of their cages.


    Tremblingwoods, on the other hand, was happily pouncing around.


    Old Defoe, fearing Tremblingwoods, carefully opened the door of the first cage. The beast rushed in,ending the sorrowful cries of the wolf dog. Comparing the size of the mother wolf dog to Tremblingwoods was like the size disparity of a teddy bear and a Tibetan Mastiff [1].


    But nature''s Creator, has endowed living creatures with the wealth of creativity, diversity and adaptability.


    The female dog has strong adaptability skills and it wasn''t long before Tremblingwoods was done mounting.


    Tremblingwoods kept his posture for a quarter of an hour, and finally he stepped out happily.


    The female wolf dog was left sort of paralyzed in the cage, it''s face showing disdain. [2]


    Old Defoe, remember to feed it more and pay attention to whether it''s pregnant. Once youpletely confirm it''s pregnant, go to the castle and inform me immediately, okay?


    "Old Defoe understands perfectly Sir. Old Defoe has worked with dogs for so many years and can easily tell by sight which dog is carrying a pup."


    "Good."


    They soon left the dog farm.


    Liszt has sent Tremblingwoods to the dog farm where it mounted the female dog. The mother''s belly hasn''t bulged, but the pregnancy has already been confirmed by many experts, including Old Defoe.


    Liszt also released Tremblingwoods with Stupidwoman and they mingled for a while.


    Perhaps there was a reason why Tremblingwoods did not care about the dogs in the dog farm, but with Stupidwoman, he had a certain enthusiasm.


    Liszt squatted next to Stupidwoman and reached out to touch her ck fur.


    She didn''t have any reaction. It had s.u.mbed to fate. It has forgotten magic and enjoyed this kind of life without wind and rain, without hunting. Just eating and sleeping every day.


    [1] You can Google images of a Tibetan Mastiff. Clue: It''s a huge dog.


    [2] This is just horrible

 Chapter 182: Maggie Praises Sir Baron

    Chapter 182: Maggie Praises Sir Baron


    It seems that the violence of Stupidwoman has been controlled and she can be released to move around. But we should be careful and let she stays in the dog prison until she produces the magical beast pup.


    Liszt stared at the tamed Stupidwoman.


    He remembered Blessedcurls and felt regret. Maybe if he was more insistent on taming the falcon, it would''ve yielded eventually. After all, Stupidwoman and Blessedcurls were both magical beasts.


    He seemed to fall into a trance.


    In front of his eyes, the faint smoke appeared, and the illusion formed a snake text.


    Mission: When autumnes, winter won''t be far behind. Snow-covered flower town will be trapped. Wheat is an indispensable staple food. Please h.o.a.rd ten tons of wheat to stabilize the serfs'' heart through the winter. Rewards: The serf''s goodwill.


    This year, wheat in the vige has been a.s.sisted by the wheat worms. All in all was a yield of nearly 240 jin per mu, a total of 500 mu of wheat, with a yield of 120,000 jin or 6 tons.


    I only need four more tons and the task will bepleted. The Thorn and Flower Caravan are already buying new wheat from all over the country. Liszt thought over and looked at the task, but he couldn''t guess why there was such a reward as serf goodwill.


    He even dismissed the idea, Why would I need the good will of a serf? They just have to work hard to build mynd for me so I can enjoy luxury.


    He considered himself a kind lord to the serfspared to other lords.


    Even though other n.o.bles often beat and curse their serfs and even beat them to death, they have never seen the serfs resist, so in Flower Town, he felt that his position as the leader was quite secure. The n.o.bles under the knighthood system do not need any public opinion at all for they only needed to meet everything with strength and they can get away with it.


    It was still a reward, even if it doesn''t look like it.


    Liszt now has toplete the task. And even if the smoke mission did not require him to, he was still nning to h.o.a.rd for the winter.


    Thinking about it, he waved his hand and the smoke mission text disappeared.


    His gaze was back on Stupidwoman. With no knight to order around since they all stayed outside the dog prison, he took a meat jerky from the s.p.a.ce gem on his chest and fed it to her.


    When he saw the meat, Tremblingwoods tried to steal it. It didn''t care that it was Stupidwoman''s.


    Go away. Lister blocked Tremblingwoods and watched Stupidwoman swallow the meat.


    He was getting used to the moment.


    "Dogs are humankind''s bestpanion. I bet it''s even better than white wolves, Tremblingwoods and Stupidwoman. It might be perfect to have another dog beast. When I go to war, I''ll just let the dog go, and I''ll have Tremblingwoods in the lead. He seems to have gotten used to releasing rock thorns violently."


    He then walked Tremblingwoods home.


    By the time he returned to the castle, the butler, Carter had led the servants, sorted the castle, and the gifts from the guests were collected into the castle''s coffers.


    n.o.ble gifts were usually either food or iron. Since these two kinds of goods were always in short supply, it is most suitable for gift-giving.


    However, the gifts one acquires won''t make the receiving n.o.bleman any richer. After all, one will have to spend money having some n.o.bility over, and Liszt was just being returned the favor.


    Sir, do you need to check the ounts?


    No.


    Liszt was not a financial ve counting how much money he has every day. He just talked to Carter and went back to the upstairs study, quietly preparing for today''s potion output.


    The me Mushroom Magic Potion was opened and it was exhausted.


    Suddenly the me-like magic spread.


    Taking advantage of this magical collision, he kept running his qi, letting his body work hard to grow, amodating the magical power, and then cultivating his own qi.


    He described the process like filling a cup with stones.


    Ordinary Earth Knights practiced filling the cup with little stones, but no matter how it was filled,there were still unfilled crevices. The Elite Earth Knights relied on constant movement, friction and stone, to make the gaps tighter. The elite earth Knights who use potions, on the other hand, reced the stone with sand and filled the cup.


    He was now repeating that process.


    It was not that difficult, but it required a constant supply of patience.


    Once you take the magic potion, don''t stop, at least not intermittently. Otherwise, the Magic Potion''s qi will shrink, and eventually fall into the standard of the ordinary Knight. But you can''t take it too often. You will have to find the right fitness, or else you''ll go back and forth.


    He remembered from memory that this was what the count told his sons on how to take magical potions.


    The count himself did full ten years of magical potion to break the body''s intermediate qi into a high-level qi. This valuable experience will be the most central secret of the Tulips family, which no one can reveal except their immediate bloodline.


    One must silently refine the magic of the magic potion to influence the qi.


    At the same time, Liszt wasparing his own experience with the secrets taught by the Count. He has to find a degree that suits his body.


    The Count once said, Everyone takes a magic potion differently. He needs to judge ording to their own body and master the degree that works for them.


    Exceeding degrees will not only waste the potion, but would also damage the body.


    One would waste their time and their body''s resistance would increase meaning all of it would just not be worth it.


    Not every wealthy elite earth knight can rely on magic potions to be a Sky Knight Otherwise the great n.o.bles will never fall Smart mind, keen touch, and fearless despite difficulties are all the qualities that a Sky Knight needs to possess.


    These words, the predecessor firmly remembered, like a tiger hidden in his heart.


    But probably what the predecessorcked most was a sense of understanding, now everything was very much in Liszt''s grasp.


    -


    The days of festivities were over, and life in Flower Town continued.


    A carriage carrying wheat, one by one, transported the newly harvested wheat to a granary not far from the castle. In order to aplish the task of stabilizing the serfs, he asked Karl Hammer to lead his patrols to publicize this year''s harvest. He must announce the lord''s love for the people by h.o.a.rding wheat to make way for a worry-free winter.


    The winter of previous years was a dim memory that the residents of Flower Town could not extinguish.


    This year was the mostfortable year for Flower Town residents, who had been hopeful about winter, and no serf was afraid of it, let alone Liszt.


    It''s going to be a good year, Maggie. Don''t worry. Harriet, a peasant woman from Barley Town, told the frail girl at the table.


    The little girl Maggie was a ve from the Eagle Kingdom.


    Maggie wasn''t proficient in Snake Language yet despite Old Grandet''s lessons. She said, "What, Mrs. Harriet?"


    Eat full, stomach. Harriet was very kind and touched Maggie''s little head, pointed to the bread, then pointed to the stomach, smiled and said, Our Lord is merciful, this winter, we can all eat to a full stomach. We will have a very happy winter, no hunger, no fear of magical beasts.


    She talked through gestures, which made Maggie understand.


    Maggie''s little head couldn''t help nodding, and responded with the snake text that was not yet familiar to her, Sir Lord, kindness, greatness, Maggie praises Sir Lord!

 Chapter 183: Maggies Mage Sister

    Chapter 183: Maggie''s Mage Sister


    It was after lunch.


    Maggie was collecting dishes like a sprite, that is, as fast as her small little body would let her.


    Let me do it, Maggie, you go for a nap, and in the afternoon you''ll follow Master Romm in training, and remember to do well in the training session. Mrs. Harriet liked little Maggie, she didn''t have a daughter so she took Maggie in and treated her as her own daughter.


    Because Mrs. Harriet spoke too quickly, Maggie could only understand a few snake words, such as nap, Master Romm and training.


    But she was very clever guessing what Mrs. Harriet meant, and hurriedly replied in snake text, Master Romm is rxed in training, Maggie is happy, three meals! Flowers Town, great!


    They had agreed on how they wouldmunicate with each other so everything would go on smoothly.


    Mrs. Harriet smiled and her eyes were ebbing away, It wasn''t the case here before in Flower Town. We only had two meals a day, and in the winter, we only had one meal a day. It was the Lord who brought everything, made Flower Town great, and now we can eat three meals a day.


    In a time of scarcity, two meals a day are the norm, and three meals are the standard of the aristocracy.


    Maggie lived in the countryside while she was in Eagle Kingdom and had two meals a day with her family. It brought great happiness to her to have three meals a day after arriving in Flower Town.


    She was young and has not been arranged for farm work. All she needed to do every day was to take training .s.ses and female needlework .s.ses. In the training .s.s, some hardcore fighting techniques were taught, and in the female needlework .s.ses, serf dyers and spinners were invited to teach printing ,dyeing, and textile skills.


    Maggie learned everything very carefully.


    She knew that learning a skill was very costly. It would take a lot of money to pay someone to teach you a certain craft.


    She preferred to be a textile worker than be involved in the empty prospect of fighting.


    By the time she finished her needlework .s.s, she returned to Mrs. Harriet''s house where dinner was just about to start. However, this time, the atmosphere at home seemed a little more tense.


    Mrs. Harriet''s husband sat on the bench with a solemn expression.


    Mrs. Harriet''s son and daughter-inw who have already separated were present.


    It wasn''t until the bread and seafood were served that Maggie learned from Harriet''s daughter-inw that it was the death anniversary of Mrs. Harriet''s daughter.


    Mrs. Harriet and her husband used to have a young daughter, but she became ill in the winter and along with malnutrition, died three years ago. She was only a little older than Maggie when she died.


    It was the reason why Harriet and her husband were willing to take Maggie into their own home.


    The next day, Harriet and her husband invited Old Grandet into their home.


    With Old Grandet around, they were able to easilymunicate, "Mrs. Harriet, Maggie, I hope to form a contract with you.


    Ah


    Maggie was caught off guard, and she shuffled about how to get back.


    "The past has already happened and there''s nothing we can do about it. Now I know you came to Flower Town with no family left. I had hoped it would be better if we could form a mother-child contract between you. It would be convenient as someone would take care of you like you are their child. They can also help you end your serf contract and restore your freedom. "


    This was great news.


    The Harriet family, which runs the grocery store in the town, was a wealthy family. She knew she would have a great future.


    But she somehow faintly resisted, Master Grandet, I have rtives  I have an older sister.


    Old Grandet frowned. He checked Maggie''s ident.i.ty information and found no rtives of hers among the serfs. ording to Maggie''s own ount, her parents were killed by mercenaries.


    You have another sister? Where is she? Why didn''t you say it before?


    I  my sister left home years ago. She said she woulde back to me when she had learned magic  My sister wille back to me.


    Learn magic?


    Could she have been chosen by a certain Mr. Truth to be a magic apprentice?


    The idea shed by, and Old Grandet didn''t care. Even though Maggie''s sister actually became a mage, and it would be almost impossible to find her with Coral Ind being so far from Eagle Kingdom.


    Besides.


    Perhaps she has died long ago in an explosion. Being in the magic industry, the probability of dying in an explosion was quite huge.


    He only thought that maybe Maggie was thin-skinned and had felt embarra.s.sed, so he asked her to think about it for a few days. Harriet and his family did not mention it again, and continued to maintain the previous atmosphere.


    But Maggie couldn''t calm down for a long time.


    At the same time.


    The Eagle Kingdom, thousands of miles away, was in mes.


    The Iron Ridge KIngdom invaded heavily and the Eagle Kingdom was forced to resist while the Dragon Knights roamed around to support in the battlefield. On the other side, on the Eagle Kingdom''s hintend, the Grand Duchy of Sapphire''s army, seemed like a locust crossing, searching for castles along the coast and plundering wealth and minerals.


    Against the backdrop of the war, abat ship with the Red Tulip g slowly approached the port. Red tulip gs were also hanging from the harbor''s lighthouse.


    Alone.


    The Tulip army naturally upied the bridgehead along the Eagle Kingdom coastline.


    The servants of the Tulip family have long joined the servants of the fleet to organize the goods. They were all special products of the Grand Duchy of Sapphire. While there was fighting around, there was also robbery, trade and smuggling without dy. Throughout the harbour, people who were busy loading, unloading and transporting goods were running around.


    In a shabby pub at the pier, a female maid with a face scarf, holding a .s.s looked out the window and asked, Is this the boat of the Tulips?"


    She was whispering.


    Across from her, a rat-eyed thief looked at her chest pressing on her armor and responded wretchedly, "Of course, this pier and most of the surrounding castles have been upied by the sea sword Leewilliam. The Red Tulips have be a nightmare for many n.o.bles.


    Has Leewilliam''s fleet been engaged in very?


    Hey, Sapphire people are a bunch of serf traders. It would be weird if they don''t sell ves.


    When will the fleet return?


    It depends on how fast your mercenaries are catching serfs. If you are fast, maybe you can sell a batch of serfs back this month.


    For you. The maid flicked her finger in the air and a shy silver coin spun into the air, before slipping on the table.


    She did not get up to leave.


    The rat-eyed thief with weird eyebrows stretched out his hand and held the silver coin, licked his lips, picked it up greedily, held it in his palm, and smiled brightly, "My Lady, if you need any more information, pleasee to the Old Ford Hotel and ask for me, Mr. Three EarsHey, howe she suddenly disappeared?! "


    When he looked up, the maid was gone.


    But he didn''t care. He got a silver coin in exchange for some few information. This business was exactly what he wanted.

 Chapter 184: Unexplained Kindness

    Chapter 184: Unexined Kindness


    "I don''t know how my father and brother are doing in Eagle Kingdom right now and how much they''re gaining."


    Liszt took a bow and arrow and began practicing "Multiple Arrows".


    It has been days since he had taken the magic potion that turned him into a powerful elite earth knight. He felt his blood tingling, he has to go the battlefield more now and demonstrate his might.


    He feels like a man who had suddenly made a fortune.


    Of course, reason would tell him to keep a low profile, but psychologically, it would be good for him.


    Thinking about fighting techniques, I know I''ll have to fight with Marcus one day. I already have a red sword and a dragon horse, and even if I''m not experienced enough and not as skilled as Marcus, I can fight and win! He was confident that his strength was sufficient.


    Of course, the fight must be done in private.


    In case Liszt loses, it will not damage his image as long as the other party would not mention it.


    With this mentality, he was more engaged in his cultivation ,with a bow string and two arrows flying side by side. His qi guided the arrows'' collision in the air, slightly changing the flight path, and he directly hit two arrow targets 10 meters away.


    Bang! Bang!


    Two crisp sounds.


    Liszt looked up, and the arrows, 10 meters away, have beenpletely embedded in the center of the thick target. One target and two arrows.


    His eyesight has greatly improved through the long-term use of Magic Eyes.


    It was fairly easy to point out the area in which he wanted the Multiple Arrows to go. It''s just that, because the target was quite far , the qi attached to the arrow would vanish in the middle of the air and can only fly further with the kic energy generated by the arrow itself.


    Both the attack power and trajectory were somehow reduced and changed.


    Many earth knights will practice Multiple Arrows , but most of them are not skilled archers. Marcus is one, but I am more talented. In Flower Town, Liszt likes topare with Marcus. "With this double arrow skill alone, my skills are definitely better than Marcus."


    He continued to work on Multiple Arrows.


    Liszt hasn''t fully developed the Multiple Arrows, but he has indeed fully grasped the basic Double Arrows technique.


    Slip.


    In the distance came the movement of the caravan carriage, the team carrying the new wheat, had crossed the castle and headed straight for the granary. Officials have led arge number of serfs waiting for work, to move wheat and pile it up in the warehouse.


    Everyone had a smile on their faces.


    Although the food h.o.a.rded in the castle was the Lord''s private stock, the castle had food, and the serfs would naturally be affected with it  at least the Lord would not collect the winter food from the serfs.


    In the past, Flower Town tax knights were likete autumn vampires, eager to collect the serf''s food storage clean.


    The caravan carried all the wheat into the warehouse.


    There should be a hundred tons of wheat, right?


    As Liszt finished Multiple Arrows, he watched the Merchant Team return, and as soon as he moved, he summoned the smoke mission.


    Complete the task and reward the kindness of the serf Maggie.


    The kindness of the serf Maggie?


    Listening to the name, he knew it was a female serf.


    Liszt was confused about this, and he said directly to Thomas who was behind him, Go and find out if there is a serf named Maggie  don''t make a big scene, just ask about her discreetly.


    Thomas responded.


    As Liszt walked towards the castle, he continued to guess the content of the mission reward, What does a serf''s kindness mean? Does this serf have a problem or a talent? I will find out It''s a woman.. It''s a female serf.."


    Could it be that the smoke tasks were so keen on getting me secretary these days, so it told me that there''s a beautiful woman serf in Flower Town who would let me take it as a secretary?


    That''s not a good idea.


    But what if it''s true?


    Fortunately, with some peace of mind and a little bit of caution, he read the new task.


    Mission: Sailors are well-trained, the captain has great ambitions, and the Calm Pearl is about to bepleted. The only ship in Flower Town, Flowers, is weing sails and the ambitious goals of the sea. Please personallyplete the first voyage of the ship. Reward: Dragon Horses.


    The reward did not surprise him.


    The ck Horse Ind was, after all, the home of the Dragon Horses.


    But the content of the mission was a bit of a surprise to Liszt, Me? Finish the first voyage in person? Even with the help of Calm Pearl, Kosto and his crew are still in danger at sea. The smoke task wants me to do something dangerous, irresponsible!


    His original intention was just to let Marcus and others go to ck Horse Ind to explore.


    He had to learn how to sail andnd safely.


    After thinking about it, he was relieved, The fact is, I have to go. My subordinates will search for the Dragon Horse team, collect the reward in advance, and the task will eventually change.But before we go, they must prepare well for the sea to reduce any risk. There shouldn''t be a problem.


    The refugees from Little Papa Ind , under Kosto''smand, were even able to drift thousands of miles to Coral Ind. Coral Ind and ck Horse Ind lie between the width of the Taiwan Strait. With a group of trained sailors, it should not be difficult to navigate.


    It has been decided.


    Liszt stopped hesitating and quickly found Kosto, Captain Kosto, I''m going with you to ck Horse Ind, and during that time, you and my obedient knights should work together as a team.


    Please rest a.s.sured that Kosto will ensure the safety of the Lord!" Costo then asked, My lord, do you know when the Calm Pearl would be finished?


    "It should take no more than three days."


    "I will have to ask you Sir to have your knights train well in that three days so they can ensure the safety of our trip if we would be faced with danger."


    Yes, Liszt suddenly thought, I actually n to let Tremblingwoods join us to sea. What do you think?


    Kosto thought carefully and said, Tremblingwoods is and magical beast. It''s first sea voyage will definitely cause him to be seasick. Even three days of continuous training will not guarantee oveing seasickness.


    "Let''s see first if Tremblingwoods really does get seasick."


    He had never thought about sailing to ck Horse Ind, let alone Tremblingwoods. But the beast will surely go to war with him in the future for it was the most suitable bodyguard for him. Therefore, a voyage in the future is inevitable and it''s reasonable to train it in advance to prevent seasickness.


    There was no time to be indecisive, so the next day, Liszt brought in Tremblingwoods.


    It was clear that as soon as Tremblingwoods climbed the ship that it was curious as it jumped around on the deck. Every time he jumped, one could feel the Flower tremble on the sea.


    It was so huge and powerful.


    However, Tremblingwoods was afraid of the water, and he dared not approach the ship''s side. Liszt dragged it to approach the ship''s side but it wouldn''t leave. It wouldn''t even dare to look down from the side of the ship.


    Flower was tied to the dock which was formed together by some tied logs.


    Riding the waves of the sea, Tremblingwoods'' original active character immediately shriveled. Hey on the deck in a sulky state, unable to move.


    And sometimes it would go, Whoo-hoow.a.n.gWhoo-hoo

 Chapter 185: Castle Maid Recruitment

    Chapter 185: Castle Maid Recruitment


    Shaking and wobbly.


    That was how Tremblingwoods looked after it disembarked the ship.


    "So even a mid-level magical beast gets seasick and faint, " Liszt has no choice but to probably let the beast remain ind.


    Sailboats and ships swayed. When he first went out to sea after his crossing, he fainted once and he was out.


    However, the powerful resilience of the magical beast quickly manifested. When he took Tremblingwoods back to the castle, its signs of seasickness quickly subsided. It''s legs didn''t shake anymore, it''s eyes did not tear up and its barks and cries were so much louder. Everything was back to normal like nothing had happened.


    Whether or not it can ovee seasickness, we must bring Termblingwoods out to sea again the day after tomorrow."


    The Flower''s speed is 5 knots, and it takes 14 hours to get to ck Horse Ind. It also takes at least an hour or two to find a ce to dock.


    It was imperative to camp on ck Horse Ind on their first day.


    Liszt felt unsafe without Tremblingwoods, for in the event of a middling monster on ck Horse Ind, Tremblingwoods can resist at least one or two enemies after it has recovered from the trip.


    Liszt and Tremblingwoods were about toplete their stroll near Thorns Ridge.


    Behind them came the sound of horseshoes.


    Thomas, who Liszt asked to dig about the serf Maggie, returned and brought the paper that recorded her ident.i.ty in the office, Sir, you have asked for Maggie''s ident.i.ty. She is a new serf from Eagle Kingdom who joined Flower Town. She has no rtives, no family name, and is currently housed in the grocery store owner''s family.


    Lister picked up the thick leather paper, and was keen to grasp the key, Housed? She''s a child?


    Yes, sir. Maggie''s just nine.


    It was also clearly written on the thick paper  Maggie, nine years old, has no rtives among the serfs, lives at the grocery shop owner''s home. She is currently training in the girls'' group and partic.i.p.ating in the female needlework lessons organized by the town officials.


    He had seen the record.


    Liszt handed the thick paper back to Thomas, Return it to the office.


    He didn''t say anything, his mood was as spiritless as Tremblingwoods at that time.


    He thought the smoke mission was being thoughtful, handing him a pretty secretary to take in. He did not expect it would be a nine-year-old girl.


    What does this mean, what does it want me to develop? Liszt tied Tremblingwoods into the kennel, walked into the castle by himself, and went directly to his study.


    The study was the one ce where he could think.


    The smoke task will not be this simple. After all, it is the product of the smoke dragon, and it is all about fate. There must be something else involved with Maggie


    Invisible dragon serial tasks, thorn sprite worm serial tasks, many seemingly messy tasks and rewards, but often have a.s.sociation with one another.


    Therefore, for this nine-year-old serf Maggie, he naturally would not consider it a messy reward for the smoke mission, There''s too little information, I have to continue to pay attention to this Maggie. In that note, Mrs. Morrison hasined to me about the castle maid''s workload. It''s too big, especially since we have banquets every day. We need to recruit more maids.


    His thoughts shed, Maybe I can recruit Maggie as a maid and train her from a young age?


    No matter what she was involved in, there will always be a day of unveiling next to her. Even if she is not involved, she can also be trained as a candidate for the secretariat job.


    Liszt shook a bell.


    He wanted to talk to Carter and Mrs. Morrison.


    "What do you need, Sir?"


    Mrs. Morrison has told me that the maids in the castle were understaffed. Are the number of male servants enough?


    Carter and Morrison looked at each other and said, The daily life of the castle is barely maintained by the servants, but there is indeed a shortage of people for a grand event like that of the birth of the sprite..And, Sir Lord, being a ce of a knight''s honor, the castle has no name. But we all know you''ll give it a name sooner orter..


    Mrs. Morrison said, Castles with names require a lot of servants to maintain, especially serious and skilled servants, It''s hard to recruit in a short time, and we''d preferably train them on our own.


    Yes, we should train our own servants. Carter smiled and looked relieved. You need more people to wait on you, Sir for the knight''s glory belongs to you.


    Liszt lived alone in the castle.


    He was served by fifteen servants and the two housekeepers were stillining about insufficient staffing.


    In the past, it was hard for Lister to imagine what a luxurious life would be, but now fifteen people were not enough to take care of one.


    However, he does agree with the two housekeepers, It is true that we should train a group of servants on our own, especially now that Flower Town is not short of food and clothing, and the castle is not short of gold coins and profit. The training of servants will be left to you, Mr. Carter and Mrs. Morrison. We will allocate twenty internship ces for the first batch.


    After, he said politely, "I b.u.mped into this little girl named Maggie. She was careless but polite. Mrs. Morrison, give her a slot in the internship."


    -


    Dinner. Dinner every day.


    Liszt had told everyone that he was going out with the Flowers, saying, The Flowers will probably stay on ck Horse Ind for a few days in search of the Dragon Horses.


    My Lord, I wish I could go with you to ck Horse Ind. Gort immediately expressed his loyalty.


    Liszt refused, It''s just a trip, and when I''m sure I''m going to develop ck Horse Ind, I''m going to send you over to arrange my affairs.


    "I will always be willing to serve the Lord."


    "Has Flower Town been developing well these past two days?"


    Very well. It is expected that the construction of all roads and houses will bepleted before the arrival of the first winter snow. I believe serfs will have afortable winter.


    Are the winter coats and quilts ready?


    The Administrative Office was not prepared, but the caravans going to and from Flower Town have started selling quilts and coats. I went to the market to check. A quilt sells for 12 copper tes. As long as the serfs are notzy, they can afford it. With 25 copper tes a serf family sc.r.a.ped together, they should be able to buy two quilts.


    Gort added, You don''t really have to worry about these serfs freezing to death. They''re thick-skinned, As long as you give them something to eat, even if they''ll be thrown into a snow pit, and they won''t freeze to death.


    Liszt did not agree.


    Mr. Gort, do you know how much I paid for every serf?


    Um20 silver coins.


    Since you know it''s twenty silver coins, do you now think of them as twenty silver coins? Are they worth dozens of copper coins, or twenty silver coins?


    Liszt asked in a bad tone.


    He didn''t care that Gort looked down on serfs and thinks they are all the same. However, it was important to attach importance to the serf''s value and the value that serfs create. He reprimanded Gort by saying, "This winter, for every serf frozen to death, I will deduct 20 silver coins from your sry."


    Oh, no, my G.o.d, my LordPlease, I will take care of every serf so that they can live through the winter without a single one freezing!

 Chapter 186: Off to Black Horse Island

    Chapter 186: Off to ck Horse Ind


    Wheat Town.


    nny''s studio.


    Glenny, who has not had a bath for five days, held a basketball-sized ck pearl with his stained hands. His eyes were bloodshot and burning like it could burn people, I seeded! I seeded in making a magical equipment that is more precious than a jewel of the Han Dynasty!


    nny held up the Calm Pearl like he was the scientist that created Frankenstein.


    "By water magic, it can suppress winds and storms by within 182 meters! It should be called the Eye of the Storm! No the Storm Master! "


    The impatient Liszt grabbed the Calm Pearl, "Mr. nny, thank you very much forpleting the Calm Pearl for me. I will now experiment on them myself. You can have your rest now, take a good shower, sleep, and when you have rested enough, I will host a dinner here in the castle."


    After, Liszt let Thomas wipe a handkerchief on the greasy Calm Pearl.


    Granny looked at Calm Pearl very reluctantly. His tone was full of regret, It was one step closer to being a sprite armament. Had you not let the Falcon go, I would have added it into the pearl to make an excellent magical equipment! Unfortunately, your vision is too short.


    "Ha ha.


    Liszt really wanted to punch him to shut him up.


    But he still had a n.o.ble temperament and told Charlie. Take care of your teacher, remember to remind him to attend the banquet tonight.


    Understood, Lord Baron.


    Mr. Elkson has finished making his magic potion and returned from Coral City to test the pearl, an opportunity that fell on thebative Marcus.


    Ready?


    Ready!


    Let''s get started, Mr. Marcus.


    Yes, sir!


    The Pearl did not prevent Marcus from initially releasing his qi.


    But after doing so, his power quickly waned, and his qi was dispelled almost a meter from his body.


    When Marcus did Multiple Arrows, the qi on the arrow dissipated even faster.


    It is a tricky magical equipment. Within the envelope of the Calm Pearl, I can feel that I can achieve at most 10% of my strength. Its suppression effect is very strong. Marcus said with a frown, he didn''t like this feeling.


    Liszt slightly smiled and a.n.a.lyzed, If you are close enough, it can''t prevent you from exerting your strength, however, it will attenuate the qi and magical power of a wind-attribute magic.


    I gave half of my strength in Multiple Arrows , but it was sc.r.a.pping my Multiple Arrowspletely."


    Karl Hammer, who had partic.i.p.ated in the experiment, asked curiously, My Lord, Mr. Marcus, why can the water-attributed pearl suppress wind-attributed magic? I have always felt that the water-attributed magic should restrain fire-attributed magic.


    Magic suppression is a veryplex magic subject.


    Liszt was in a good mood to confuse Karlin fact, the same could be said of nny. He didn''t understand it himself, but it didn''t prevent him from relying on good memory to flex his knowledge.


    It''s not that water can fight fire, it''s the magic of water that can fight fire magic. All the magic in the worldes from the magic of chaos, which just shows a variety of properties. One could pry on the structure of magic and achieve magic suppression.


    Karl still looked confused, but nodded as though he had understood, "Ah.. so it is."


    The experiment then continued.


    After three hours of exploration, Liszt had fully figured out the suppression nature of Calm Pearl.


    Within 182 meters range, wind magic waspletely repressed. But the farther away from the center, the greater was its suppressing power. The said effect was even stronger at the edges. Taking Marcus as a reference, his qi in the marginal zone can be three meters away from the body, but in the central zone, the qi can''t be dispelled even by half a meter.


    Whether he was releasing full strength or just an ordinary level, his magic would still be repressed by the Calm Pearl.


    On the surface of the pearl was a magical rune. As long as it senses qi, the pearl would produce the suppression effect. If not, the suppression power would be confined.


    When it is in use again, the magical rune would unveil the confinement.


    When Calm Pearl was ced in a pond near the castle, the water waves that were originally caused by the breeze quickly fell into calmness, and no waves could be seen.


    It was Karl who would make waves again by dipping his sword into the water.


    It doesn''t suppress the movement of the water, so in the event of a storm, navigation can still be dangerous." Marcus said.


    Liszt nodded, Yes, but by eliminating the effects of the storm, we can focus on the waves and reduce the risk of the hull capsizing.


    All in all, the power of the Calm Pearl has made Liszt very happy, "Today''s hours have been spent. Tomorrow we will bring the Calm Pearl with us and set off to ck Horse Ind."


    Early the next morning.


    nny Truth, along with apprentice Charlie, gathered near the Flower Caravan, ready to leave the town.


    "Hopefully we will have the opportunity to work together again in the future, Mr. nny." Liszt solemnly sent Granny off to the maind. Although he did not like nny''s att.i.tude, he did appreciate the mage''s knowledge  he has indeed told him a lot about magic and without restraint.


    I also hope to work together in the future, Baron Liszt. nny had washed his hair, changed his clothes, and returned to his original mage temperament. He put on the hood, and concealed the expression on his face. Well, I hope by the next time we meet, you already have the n.o.ble t.i.tle that you want.


    A tick sound was heard and the carriage started to move.


    The caravan left.


    The sailing will soonmence.


    Butler Carter yelled, Thomas, do remember to take care of our master properly and don''t ck off.


    Thomas was humbled in front of Liszt, Please rest a.s.sured that I will do my job with due diligence.


    Carter turned and bowed deeply to Lister: Sir, we all hope for your safe return.


    I will return, Mr. Carter.


    Liszt led Tremblingwoods and headed to the dock along with Marcus, Thomas and some knights.


    When they arrived, they found Gort, ir and the others who had already been there hours ago. Kosto had already taken the sailors to busy themselves and prepare for the voyage.


    There was no time for talking nonsense.


    Liszt led his men onboard the Flowers, while the sailors were in their stations waiting for Kosto to give out instructions. A few momentster, a Red Tulip g was seen onboard, representing the Tulip Family. The Flowers, under the hands of officials like Gort relied on oars to sail off.


    They were off to sail to the depths of the deep blue sea.


    As the ship entered deep waters, Captain Kosto immediately roared, Release the sails!


    The sails were waving in the wind, and the swelling wind supported the Flowers which cut through the sea, leaving behind two white waves in its wake.

 Chapter 187: Suspicions About Alchemy

    Chapter 187: Suspicions About Alchemy


    Sir Baron, Trembingwoods is very adaptable. It no longer fears the swaying of the ship and can walk freely on the deck. Marcus looked at Tremblingwoods with his eyes lit up.


    It was the look of longing and desire.


    The mid-level magical beast along with the Thorn Sprite will no doubt help Liszt ascend to the t.i.tle of Viscount. And him, following Liszt, will storm into battle, and a knighthood will surely be at hand.


    The aristocratic aspirations of his family''s generationsy on Marcus, who also counts on Liszt.


    Liszt relied on Tremblingwoods and E.


    Liszt didn''t answer, but pointed at the sea and gave the order, Tremblingwoods, rock thorns!


    Tremblingwoods opened his mouth and spit out magic.


    Immediately on the water surface, a thin rock thorn emerged, and as soon as it appeared, it sank into the sea and disappeared.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Tremblingwoods did not understand why his own rock thorns disappeared in an instant.


    Liszt touched Tremblingwood''s head and said to Marcus, There is nothing out of the box here. Although restricted by the environment and the rock thorn is much smaller than onnd, the magical nature it presented is still awesome. I have a little faith in what nny calls triangle theory now.


    Spirit, magic, matter, all three can be transformed.


    Deep down, he was not impressed with the theory, but there was no better exnation.


    But Marcus obviously did not have the spirit of exploration, Dragons can produce metals and gems, and sprites can increase nts. This is thew of nature. Tremblingwoods can create rocks, just like a magician can rub together fireb.a.l.l.s. That''s my take on it.


    So do you think alchemists exist?


    Alchemists? Marcus thought for a while and said solemnly, I don''t know, but I don''t want them to exist. All the glory of the knights can be obtained from charging in battles. Relying on alchemy means gaining something for nothing. It would degenerate us.


    Liszt sighed.


    Marcus was clearly not the right person to talk to. His head was full of chivalry and aristocratic glory.


    I think alchemy exists, and the means of turning stone into gold sound moreplex than ''nothing'' He said simply, having lost interest in chatting.


    He looked out to the blue waves on the sea, imagining.


    All the raw materials for gold coins came from the gold dragon that produces gold. If someone has the secret of how the gold dragon infects gold, maybe he can master alchemy.


    Thinking of this, he remembered the two boxes of books that he had collected when salvaging the wreck treasure.


    Among them was a book on alchemy.


    It was a pity that after touching them, the books turned immediately to ashes, which was his greatest regret. When he feels distressed about it, he often wonders what if he had put the books in the gem s.p.a.ce, maybe it would''ve preserved them and he could''ve opened the books'' pages.


    It wasn''t unlikely, if one would think about it.


    With candles, the me is twisted once it is touched  With books,after it is touched, it is not as broken  maybe after peeling over the rotten pages, one will be able to read what''s inside.


    But unfortunately, he doesn''t remember anything.


    Liszt pushed aside his regrets about alchemy and his mind jumped to the s.p.a.ce jewel he found on the ship''s keel.


    A dragon''s remains were rooted on the ship''s skeleton. But without a shipbuilder, they couldn''t fit one in the Flowers to drive out sea monsters.


    When I have money, I will build a brand-new,iconic ship and I will embed the dragon''s bones into it."


    -


    The sun had risen.


    The sea breeze blew with three to four winds.


    With the northeast wind, the Flowers blew with a speed of more than five knots.


    After everything went smoothly, Kosto came out of the captain''s room and reported to Liszt, The ship is now five and a half knots fast, if we keep at this speed, the Flowers will reach the ck Horse ind in thirteen hours.


    You are an expert in this regard and is responsible for everything to ensure safe navigation. If you encounter a storm, remember to use the Calm Pearl. I am now ready to rest, but report to me when needed.


    The Flowers was only a medium-sized merchant ship.


    The room wasn''t s.p.a.cious. Thomas put the fruits on the table, turned away, and went to see Tremblingwoods.


    Only Liszt was left in the room. He took the me Mushroom magic potion from the gem s.p.a.ce and started today''s potion dose.


    The potion took effect immediately and the burning magic spread to his limbs.


    Qi silently ran through his body evenly and on every part. Compared to the people in this world, he had a clearer understanding of the structure of the body, including those meridians that can amodate the qi. He had self-knowledge in ancient Chinese culture.


    Meridians were unproven on Earth but Liszt studied them.


    Here, the meridians are real for it is the route and channel of qi.


    The magic stimtes the growth of qi. The total amount of qi in the body increases little by little. Everything was so smooth and Liszt was addicted to it.


    He couldn''t help but feel that he was a genius.


    ording to the experience shared by the Count and Levis, the elite earth knights often feel various physical diforts in the early stages of taking the potion. This is a consequence brought by the magic potion''s impact on the body and it takes a long time to run and find the bnce.


    Liszt opened his eyes and said to himself, "Why don''t I feel it? When I take the me Mushroom magic potion, I feel the effects immediately but without the physical difort."


    Soon, he inferred why he has been practicing so smoothly


    I understand the Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory. I must learn from it and grasp the details of how it works with qi and find a bnce pointThere are really many simrities between these two theories.


    I know the structure of the body, and how qi adapts to the body structure.


    Also, I am afraid that my mind will be stronger than that of an ordinary knight. After all, I am a traverser. My soul absorbed the soul of the predecessor and even had an unclear rtionship with the smoke dragon.


    In this case, knowledge is power.


    The Count, Levis, and others, probably know only about the structure of their bodies like the heart, the spleen, the kidney, the bone muscles and the fat. The world''s research on the microscopic level didn''t exist at this time yet. They probably don''t even know what bacteria and cells are, let alone atoms or electrons.


    No one knew or cared about medicine, physics, everything focused on fighting and magic.


    "But it can be said that a mage is a type of scientist, but its research is on magic." Liszt slightly smiled, "I have the knowledge of both worlds and a good bloodline, being called a ''genius'' is not an exaggeration at all."


    It was like a Sky Knight level was waving at him.


    After feeling proud of himself, he sank back and went to work.


    Just then, the door unlocked and Thomas asked outside the door, Sir, it''s lunchtime, would you like to have your lunch now?"

 Chapter 188: First Chapter at Black Horse Island

    Chapter 188: First Chapter at ck Horse Ind


    Sailing was uneventful.


    Liszt still had to maintain the aristocratic routine. However, it was impossible to mingle with the sailors or the knights, so after lunch, he just took a nap. After taking a nap, he continued to practice his qi in the afternoon.


    He would practice the whole afternoon.


    The Flowers arrived at the location marked on the chart at about 1:30 p.m.. But they found no trace of ck Horse Ind and had to continue searching at sea.


    It took another three hours for them to find the exact location of ck Horse Ind.


    This navigation chart is offset by a full ten kilometers, those rats must have learned navigation from from dogs! Kosto gritted his teeth and growled angrily.


    But they were lucky, they wouldn''t have found the ind until midnight.


    "Don''tin. We''re lucky that we even found the ind." Liszt opened up, he was feeling the effects of the potion more and more. "Now, are we looking for a ce to dock?"


    Yes, my lord, ck Horse Ind is an undeveloped wastnd after all, and we need to find the rightnding site. The contours of ck Horse Ind are muchrger than I thought. It may be the same size as Beer Ind. This area is full of beaches and it has a difficult sh.o.r.eline.  He pointed at the ind horizon outside the window.


    "It''s as big as Beer Ind?"


    "Just from looking at it, Sir. But I shouldn''t be that far off in estimation."


    That a.s.sumption about the ind being the same size as Beer Ind made Liszt very happy. It was the right size for a fiefdom of a Viscount. Too big to be ignored and too small to be shared with other aristocrats. If it was too small, it''d be bad, but it wasn''t at all.


    They half-turned around.


    When the sunset had begun to fall towards the horizon, a ce suitable fornding was finally found. The Flowers started to draw in close, anchor down and the small boats as well. Some sailors were left behind to man the Flowers while the rest disembarked on the small boats. The sh.o.r.e was full of rocks, like Flower Town.


    Looking out, there wasn''t much vegetation on the ind, there were only a few trees in the distance.


    There were lots of weeds.


    There were some deers and donkeys looking at Liszt and his party from a distance, but they were more intent on watching the mighty Tremblingwoods.


    From far away, they couldn''t sense that Tremblingwoods was a mid-level magical beast. But from its appearance, it was easy to discern that the beast should not be provoked.


    "Mr. Marcus, let us explore along the sh.o.r.eline. We only have an hour before it turns dark. We all should be back before then. We will spend the night on the Flowers."


    Yes!


    Without horses, everyone was walking. Except Liszt because he could ride Tremblingwoods .


    Tremblingwoods'' body was so big that Liszt was veryfortable riding him.


    Many knights, especially powerful ones, were no longer limited to horse riding for their rides have been reced by powerful dragon beasts and monsters. For example, the holder of the Magic Eye secret skill, Stephen Vulture,rides a dragon-type vulture on his flight to the heavens.


    A Sky Knight''s fighting power is greater than a knight''s charge, therefore his mount must highlight his fighting power.


    Ordinary knights rely on side-by-side charges to form a strong flood of force. For this riding standard, horses were most suitable.


    Of course,Liszt looked conspicuous riding on a dog''s back. But it was so umon that even mid-level mages would be envious of such a ride, even the higher .s.s of mages.


    He would grasp on Tremblingwoods'' ck fur to keep himself in ce.


    Liszt was off for a moment and called for the smoke mission to appear.


    The smoke condensed and formed the snake text, Complete the mission and be rewarded Dragon Horses. There was no doubt that the voyage to the sea has beenpleted after the Flowersnded on the sh.o.r.e. They need not wait until their return for the mission to bepleted.


    A momentter.


    The smoke changes.


    A new task was released.


    Mission: You have set foot on a newnd. A lord with a pioneering spirit cannot leave ck Horse Ind so deserted and unmanaged. Please establish a temporary stronghold on ck Horse Ind and settle in a hundred serfs. Reward: Several decaying bones.


    Temporary stronghold?


    How many decaying bones?


    Liszt quickly recalled a smoke mission, the one which involved a ghost and its prize was a broken bone.


    It was eventually identified as dragon bone made from the bones of a superior dragon species.


    "What would these bones look like?" It was not easy to make a.s.sumptions, and sometimes with these smoke tasks, Liszt would getzy. Most of the time, whenever the task was done, the rewards would juste as coincidence. "Building a temporary stronghold requires nning. I will have to split my time on these tasks."


    The team only walked a few miles.


    The rocky coast had disappeared and was reced with a sandy beach.


    "We have probably stopped at the east-west junction. ck Horse Ind''s west side is mostly sandy beaches while the west is mostly rocky cliffs." Kosto often goes out to sea and has been to many inds, so he could infer about the ind spots from the details.Look at the central location of the ind, there are no more contours, only more gentle slopes."


    Kosto narrowed his eyes, and looked carefully into the distance, adding, Sir, I find ck Horse Ind to be perfectly round.


    Round?


    Yes, the ind''s topography is consistent, at least on this side. We don''t know yet what is on the other side. Maybe we can sail again tomorrow and circle the ind to observe the shape of ck Horse Ind thoroughly.


    Liszt looked up at the sun that had disappeared from the sky, and said, We will have to wait till tomorrow, our situation is unknown right now. We have to go back to the Flowers.


    -


    There was not much talk that night, and nothing changed.


    Liszt was not used to sleeping on a boat. The sound of waves crashing and the snoring of sailors and knights in the cabin made it difficult for him to fall asleep.


    Tremblingwoods stayed outside his door.


    Dogs also snored, so it was no surprise that Tremblingwoods snored bubbles.


    Liszt himself never snored and liked a very quiet environment when he slept. Unable to sleep, he sat up, pulled out a crystalmp, and put it on the table.


    He had purchased the crystalmp from nny. It was very portable, simr to a shlight.


    With the light, he continued to pull things out of the gem s.p.a.ce to y with  a red sword, a waistcoat he wears during the day and back into the s.p.a.ce at night, bows, arrows, a set of steel knight equipment, three steelnces for emergencies , mithril ore, crystal, jade, all of which neatly stacked.


    Also present were ck pearls, dragon bones, a drift bottle, a telescope and tobo.


    There was also a whole bunch of food including plenty of milk, eggs, meat, vegetables, fruit, bread and all kinds of condiments. The gemstone s.p.a.ce was static, it doesn''t deteriorate matter and food can stay good as long as you want.


    With this supply, even if he was thrown to a deserted ind, he wouldn''t have a problem staying alive for a few months. He even put in a few soap bars.


    Thirty me Mushroom magic potions made by Elkson were also present in the gem s.p.a.ce.


    "It wasn''t easy but with a little bit of saving, I have gathered a lot." Satisfied with how he arranged the materials, he closed the gem s.p.a.ce,y down in bed and started counting sheep.


    He didn''t notice how long it took, but when he could not resist the exhaustion anymore, he soon fell asleep.

 Chapter 189: The Dragon Horse Herd

    Chapter 189: The Dragon Horse Herd


    They went around the ind for a week, and as Kosto spected, ck Horse Ind was indeed a less-than-perfect oval-shaped ind.


    There was no natural sheltered harbor and the best ce they found to build one was the rocky pier that they moored on tost night. However, that area was difficult to parkrge vessels on since it wasn''t deep enough. Medium-sized merchant ships such as Flowers was difficult to harbor.


    The sun started to get hotter.


    The crew gradually moved deeper into the heart of ck Horse Ind, looking for the Dragon Horse herd.


    The ind was spa.r.s.ely wooded and the mountains are not asrge,so the field of vision is wide and one''s view can go far. Marcus continued to use his own binocrs along the way to find the traces of the horses. Without much effort, he found the desired trace.


    Sir, this is horse dung, the Dragon Horses are not far! When he bent down, he opened a ball of small ck b.a.l.l.s in the gra.s.s with a stick, exhrating.


    Knights were definitely more familiar with horse manure than that of their wife''s moles.


    Liszt was no stranger to horse manure as well. He looked up and at the t hill in front of him, It should be on the opposite side of the hillside, we''ll have to go around.


    Tremblingwoods took the lead, taking Liszt by small steps.


    Marcus and others didn''t ride so they had to trot along. A few momentster, the group sailed across the weeds to the other side of the hill. Without a telescope, one can see a group of ck horses on a remote hillside, enjoying a rxing meal of gra.s.s.


    Dragon Horse herd!


    The horses are ck, these are Dragon Horses!"


    Don''t rush over, look closely and count how many horses there are. Liszt took out his telescope and looked at the dragon horse herd.


    In the lens.


    Each of the steeds were no less than the steeds and horses from the castle, and didn''t seem to notice them pa.s.sing by. The horses were only eating and ying.


    One, two, threeThere were 37 ck horses.


    A small herd, but for Liszt, it was a big gain. Because every ck horse here was also a dragon horse as well!


    After Marcus counted the horses, his excitement was difficult to restrain, Master, there are 37 horses in total. There are nine foals, and the remaining 28 horses are enough to arm two knight squads !


    Teacher Marcus, you can own one now.


    Thank you! Marcus was anxious to go up immediately and catch a ck horse to be tamed. But this would rm the horses so he said, There must be aHorse King in this wild horse herd, Sir. You should personally tame the Horse King so that the remaining dragons will not run away.


    The Horse King is a popr term, for there must be a leader among the wild horses. It''s usually the bravest male, leading and protecting the herd.


    Other horses will still habitually obey the king''s leadership. Therefore,after taming the Horse King, the entire herd will be tamed.


    Can you be sure which is the king? Liszt was very eager to try. The Horse King belongs to him since only the Lord is qualified to ride it.


    It''s quite simple. We scare the horses, and the one that leads is the Horse King.


    The task was directly handed over to Tremblingwoods. As soon as Tremblingwoods appeared, the breath of a mid-level magical beast scared the ck horses. All of them refused to eat gra.s.s, turned around and ran.


    Do you see which one?


    Look clearly Sir. The Horse King is the ck horse with a little purple on its forehead. It has the longest mane and is also the tallest. It certainly looks more handsome than a regr ck horse."


    Liszt heard the words, We will study the surrounding terrain first. After the horses rx, we will round the horses but leave the Horse King to me!"


    The dragon horse herd was already slow-moving so there was no need to be nervous.


    They were positioned in the the rough southern part of the ind while the northern hillside of the highest hill was the feeding pasture of the Dragon Horse herd. The gra.s.nds included from this hill to another including the valley, all were spa.r.s.ely wooded.


    This is a natural pasture area for them. I found four high-quality pastures in total. Please take a look  Marcus said.


    This is sheep gra.s.s which is most suitable for sheep. It''s small in quant.i.ty but high in nutrition. This is needle gra.s.s, the one which horses like to eat the most, but they are not growing well here. Without a sprite, it will be difficult to grow. This is ice gra.s.s, a good forage, but unfortunately it is also not growing well and the nts are short.


    The meadow on ck Horse Ind has the absolute potential to be a top-level pasture, with its rich variety of pastures. However, the poor soil, and theck of sprites to manage it, resulted in poor gra.s.s growth.


    This was probably why there are only 37 horses in the Dragon Horse herd. The pasture cannot feed more wild horses.


    The team continued exploring,


    They went deep into the middle and northeast side of ck Horse Ind. They climbed the highest hill, barely glimpsing the appearance of the ind.


    The four hills, distributed in a ''mouth shape'', make up the terrain of the ind.


    The oval-shaped indcked contours. They were on the foot of a hill, which was estimated to be no more than 300 meters high. There were three other smaller hills.


    Let''s mark it. This will be called Sheep Gra.s.s Hill, Needle Gra.s.s Hill, Alfalfa Hill, and Ice Gra.s.s Hill here at the foot. Liszt responsibly named the four hills.


    Standing on the top of Ice Gra.s.s Hill, one could see the hillside of Needle Gra.s.s Hill where the dragon horses began to graze again leisurely. Pastures ranged from Sheep Gra.s.s Hill to Needle Gra.s.s Hill and half of Alfalfa Hills. From the slopes of Alfalfa Hill to Ice Gra.s.s Hill, random trees began to increase and forages gradually decreased.


    Cut down all the other trees here, grow the gra.s.s and expand the size of the Dragon Horse poption.


    Liszt could already see the magnificent scene in the future when the Dragon Horses would run back and forth between the four hills. Of course, now is not the time for imagination, he and Marcus must n together how to tame the Horse King.


    There was not much technical detail.


    The crew of the Flowers will be divided into four teams. All of which would approach the Dragon horse herd from four directions. This would cause the horses to fall back and forth, panic, and break into confusion. This would then be Liszt''s opportunity to ride the Horse King and tame it  for it is an elite knight''s duty to do so.


    It was settled.


    An hourter.


    Liszt had put his arm around the Horse King''s neck. He let the Horse King jump around and take him across the hillside.


    He even thought of humming a song: Spin, jump, I close my eyes


    Half an hour had pa.s.sed and the Horse King still did not stop scurrying around the hillside. It was obviously stronger than a regr dragon horse.


    But surrender was still at hand in the end.


    Shortly afterwards, the King lowered his proud head and let Liszt ride and lead.


    It is indeed stronger and taller than a normal Dragon Horse. Liszt took the handkerchief that Thomas handed in, wiped his sweat, and threw it back. There was unbelievable excitement in his tone. He touched and touched Horse King''s neck. See this purple hair on its forehead. Doesn''t it look like lightning?


    He smiled.


    Liszt announced, "The Horse King of the Dragon Horses is called Lightning!"

 Chapter 190: Leaving the Black Dragon Horses

    Chapter 190: Leaving the ck Dragon Horses


    Lightning was a stallion, no doubt.


    To know how old it was, Liszt forced his mouth open and let Marcus look inside.


    A normal male horse has 40 teeth, including 12 incisors, 4 canine teeth and 24 mr teeth. A mare has no canine teeth, therefore only 36 teeth.


    It was possible to determine a horse''s age by only looking at its teeth.


    The incisor teeth are divided into the central, intermediate and corners teeth. The main incisors are the central incisors, the corners teeth are the incisors at the edge, and the intermediate teeth are the incisors between the central and corners teeth. There are two stages of incising, one is the deciduous teeth, which we call milk teeth, and the other is the permanent teeth.


    Marcus exined while Liszt and the other knights observed. He did not forget his duties as Liszt''s tutor and the knight''s instructor.


    Within one year of age, the foal grows deciduous teeth in 1-2 weeks, intermediate milk teeth in 3-6 weeks, and the corners in 6-8 months.


    At two and a half years old, the central incisors fall off and permanent incisors grow. At the age of three, the upper and lower permanent front teeth contact, as the saying goes.


    At three and a half years old, the intermediate milk teeth fall off and the permanent middle teeth grow out. At the age of four, all the intermediate teeth are permanent. At four and a half years old, the corners teeth are removed, and the permanent corners grew out. At the age of five, all corners teeth will be permanent.


    Marcus pointed an incisor, saying, The incisors of Lightning are neatly in contact. These are permanent teeth, so it is over five years old. After five years of age, we need to determine the dark cups of the tooth, which is in the middle of the tooth."


    Depending on the depth and the duration of wear and tear, the dark cups can be used to determine the age between 6 to 11 years old. After the dark cups havepletely disappeared, ording to the shape, size, and position of the incisor marks of the incisors, the age could be between 13 to 18 years.


    If Lightning is an ordinary war horse, it should be about 8 years old. Marcus made his own judgment after the observation was over.


    He also added, "However, there are many excellent dragon horses who are a mix of magical beasts and dragon stallions. Determining their age by teeth will not be as urate. But counting in such errors, Lightning could be ten years old or older."


    A magical beast and dragon stallion mix horse was not much different from that of a normal horse, but the enhanced bloodline makes their teeth better and wear-resistant.


    The rate of the dark cups grinding and the rate of the disappearance of the tooth marks would also slow down ordingly.


    Marcus did not know that about the dragon horse lineage so he presumed it was 10 years old. Liszt quietly corrected him and said that Lightning should be around 12 years old.


    The horse was in its youth and still had great strength.


    "Lightning is mine to mount, Mr. Marcus. You will have the pick of a dragon horse that you want to tame." Liszt watched, reluctant to leave the Dragon horse herd.


    Marcus took a deep breath and knelt down, Thank you, my Lord!


    In its present condition, a dragon horse would perhaps be worth more than a hundred gold coins, which is a huge gift. If he knew it was a dragon horse breed, he would''ve exploited its breeding ability and the gains would be calcted in terms of dragon currency.


    Marcus dropped on his knees and paid respect.


    After being bowed to by Marcus, Liszt said, "The blood of the dragon horse is very strong. Before going to the battlefield, they will be kept as stallions for the time being to continue to expand the herd.


    "As it should be, Sir! " Marcus thought deeply.


    Then, with legs shaking, he walked towards the dragon horses. He has always wanted to tame a dragon horse and now one belonged to him!


    The knights looked at Marcus with envy. They were not qualified to ride such valuable horses and could only ride the ordinary horses.


    The breeze was blowing, the sun was warm.


    Riding another horse, Liszt let Lightning walk beside him.


    His mind jumped on another matter, My stallion in the castle, since I thought it was only one, I named it ckdragon'' based on its sheer darkness. Now there are so many ck Horses, is ck Horse the name of a horse or the name of a bunch of horses?


    Eventually, his bias for ckdragon prevailed.


    ckdragon is a separate horse name, just like my Firedragon horse  the current horse group should have a new breed name  The Sapphire Duke maybe has a blue race dragon horse herd, maybe I can have a group of ck race dragon horses?


    Everyone could be likened to a dragon-breed horse. No one is more n.o.ble than anyone else.


    But it looks like the blue race horses are not blueAnyway, ck race dragon horse is still very nice, it''s the name that top-tier horses deserve.


    In that fashion, the ck race dragon horse got its official name.


    ckdragon still belonged to Liszt, but in the foreseeable future, it''s status will fall as it gives way to Liszt''s new ride, the King of the Dragon Horses, Lightning!


    Lightning was technically not pure ck, as its forehead has a small amount of purple hair.


    It was as big as a palm and shaped like a sh of Lightning.


    It had the look of prestige.


    Liszt didn''t know if Lightning was a smart horse when he tamed it, but it seems to have deducted that Tremblingwoods and Liszt has a connection. It''s fear of Tremblingwoods soon disappeared. Even with Tremblingwoods'' big mouth and loud roar, Lightning did not run away.


    It even raised its head and snorted at Tremblingwoods.


    Tremblingwoods was almost two meters high while Lightning was at least four meters high ,which was double the height. One had to look up to face Lightning. This undoubtedly made Tremblingwoods feel humiliated, and coupled with the resentment of being robbed of his master, it made Tremblingwoods anxious to bite the ck horse, but it couldn''t.


    "Woooof! Woooof!"


    Pooh-pooh!


    A dog barking, and a horse neighed. It was unclear whether they were reallymunicating.


    The first expedition to ck Horse Ind hase to an end since Lightning''s capture.


    Liszt and Marcus, and one ck race dragon horse, rushed back to the rocky pier along with the knights and sailors. Unexpectedly, the dragon horse herd followed along to the dock.


    They were still bonded to their Horse King.


    The ck Race Dragon Horse herd has been found. This voyage''s mission ispleted. We leave tomorrow." Liszt ordered, "From now on, we will add the development of ck Horse Ind to our agenda. We will first need to establish a temporary base. For now, while it''s still not dark, we will clean up the pier."


    Yes, Sir!


    The temporary base will be established first. Sailors and their families will be relocated to ck Horse Ind to prevent news leaking about the ind.


    Once the news of ck Race Dragon Horses is revealed, it is likely to attract spies.


    If others discover the value of ck dragon horses, they will definitely spare no time to steal it. The reveal of ck Horse ind''s value can only be revealed when Liszt haspletely learned fighting skills and has the t.i.tle of Viscount and the corresponding fiefdom. For now, ck Horse Ind will develop slowly while being secretly funded by Flower Town.


    Time went by in a sh. The night came and went quickly.


    The next morning, Liszt was riding Lightning in circles near the pier. It was eager to return to the herd while he was not prepared to bring the ck dragon horse herd back.


    So did Marcus, who let go the horse he named ck Magic.


    Lightning and ck Magic quickly merged into the horses, but they would raise their heads, look at the seaside, watch the sailing ship slowly turn around and eventually disappear into the skyline.

 Chapter 191: Accompanied By A Monster

    Chapter 191: Apanied By A Monster


    The waves were sparkling and the breeze came.


    It was not exactly a windy day, so the Flowers did not cruise fast. The sailors in the paddle room have begun to slide in the oars to elerate sailing.


    Liszt ordered a servant to bring him a stool so he could sit on the bow deck and admire the sea view.


    Tremblingwoodsy on the side of the ship. So far,it was a sess bringing the dog for it to ovee its fear of the sea. At first, it did not adapt well, not even dared to look at the seawater, but now, it was admiring the sea. It''s adaptability was superb.


    In the near future.


    Tremblingwoods could easily be a qualified sailor, no. A water dog!


    Dogs, in general, can swim. Tremblingwoods was still a dog.


    The waves rolled.


    There were small scattered inds around ck Horse Ind , perhaps they shouldn''t be called inds yet, for they were more like islets. A single wave could easily flood the said small ma.s.s ofnd.


    Some of these islets have trees while some only have sand.


    The scenery is really beautiful! Blue sea, blue sky, seagulls, sand, coconut tree. If this was on Earth, ck Horse Ind with its nearby islets, it can definitely be opened up as a resort in the Maldives Unfortunately, the Grand Duchy of Sapphire is an ind state, where the n.o.bles are inders, and therefore would not be in the mood to enjoy a beach scenery."


    The n.o.bles were too busy robbing Eagle Kingdom.


    "The Count and Levis, I don''t know how much wealth they have stolen  I don''t know when the Tulip fleet will return. There should be no shortage of serfs this time. Their return trip should be fast."


    Liszt''s heart heated up.


    His territory has more than 2,500 serfs, and even so, Flower Town was still understaffed. Now there is ck Horse Ind to be developed, causing more inadequate manpower. Many of his ideas could not be fully realized because of hisck of people. They were farming slowly, causing slow piling up of gold coins, hence he could not get rich in a sh.


    "The potions should be enough for my use. With the amount I currently consume, I cannot rely on the me Mushroom potion alone, and fast-growing magic thorns are still not enough. The revenue I would get from the ck Tulips must now also be used to buy potions."


    "There weren''t a lot of businesses making money from selling magic potions. After six months, I think I''ll have to withdraw in the seafood business since some n.o.bles are secretly fishing on their own, but not selling. I don''t know when it''ll surely happen though."


    At present, the new money-making project was the Flower Soap produced by the soap workshop.


    Liszt hoped that he would monopolize the soap market in Coral ind in three months'' time. He would then work with the Tulips or the Beer Family to tap the offsh.o.r.e market.


    With the quality and cost of Flower Soap, the operation should be good. It can be a pir industry of Flower Town.


    "First, the money I''ll make from the Flower Soap would be used to buy more serfs. With more serfs, the factories would be manned. More industries lead to more money lead to more serfs. When I am fully armed, I''ll ride to battle, gain the t.i.tle of viscount, and I will continue gaining like a s...o...b..ll."


    He started imagining.


    Viscount, Count, Marquis and then Duke! And also ride a dragon!


    He was still imagining being a dragon rider when suddenly the Flowers started shaking and his visions became tasteless. "It really is poverty that is preventing me from achieving my dreams. My ultimate goal is to ride a dragon and I am willing to struggle to reach that goal for other than that, I desire nothing else."


    Just then.


    Liszt heard a sailor exim, Leviathan!


    It''s a Leviathan!


    Oh my G.o.d, we met a sea monster!


    We''re going to be eaten by a Leviathan, ah!


    Wooof Wooof!


    It''s over!


    Leviathan?


    Liszt, at first, did not respond. He did not know what a Leviathan was.


    But then, he heard Costo''s roar, Don''t panic, don''t panic, do your job! This is not a Leviathan, it''s just a sea monster, they are friendly and never hurts ships sailing at sea!


    Perhaps Mr. Kosto''s rea.s.surance was working.


    The sailors were no longer panicking.


    Thomas also managed to calm down from a panic and ran to Liszt''s side, My Lord, we''ve encountered a sea monster!


    I saw.


    Liszt stood up to calm down Tremblingwoods who was incessantly barking at the port side of the vessel. There, a sea creature was waving its huge pectoral fin as it jumped in the sea, its body rolling in the waves and as it fell back in the water, it would set off huge waves.


    It was some kind of whale, and he recognized it at a nce.


    It was a sea animal, not a sea monster, for the Magic Eye did not see any signs of magic.


    The sea animal was simr to the humpback whale he saw in Man and Nature,. If the sea animal''s fins were any closer to the Flowers, it could easily snap the ship in half.


    Though it was not near the Flowers, it wasn''t too far either.


    My Lord! Marcus rushed over, followed by the knights who felt the danger and came to protect Liszt.


    But there wasn''t any danger.


    Liszt quickly restrained himself from the tension brought by the sea animal. The day was light and windy, he pointed his finger at the humpback whale: It is majestic and magnificent, for it is rare to see the sea beast at a close range. Teacher Marcus, everyone, please sit down and enjoy this view.


    My Lord, would you like to get into the cabin first? Marcus was worried.


    It''s a sea animal. Don''t worry, Captain Kosto told me the story about these sea beasts. They are friendly. Lisztughed, he was calm and rxed.


    Liszt gained the admiration of his knights that very moment  the Lord was the embodiment of courage, honored by the knight''s glory!


    After listening to Liszt''s a.s.surance, Marcus bowed, his body rxed, no longer making a fuss. He joined Liszt and admired the rare spectacle.


    It was like walking with a beast!


    However, the walk was only for a moment. The whale somehow lost its interest in the Flowers, or it just simply climbed up to the surface to breathe. Momentster, with another body roll, it sank to the ocean andpletely disappeared.


    After the waves.


    The sea was calm.


    Tremblingwoods'' fur rxed. It started looking for the shape of the humpback whale in the water.


    Captain Kosto left the captain''s room and rushed to the deck, breaking the atmosphere still immersed in the huge shadow of the humpback whale, My Lord, that was a sea beast just now, you can often see them at sea. They are actually very friendly, rarely attacks ships and even escorts vessels.


    I know it is not hostile. I also know that the giants that appear at sea are called sea beasts, but what is a Leviathan? he asked Captain Kosto.


    Kosto replied, A Leviathan is a sea monster, just a legend among seamen. A sea snake that preys on ships, but I''ve never seen it before I''m d I haven''t seen it, or I won''t see the sun rise anymore.

 Chapter 192: Zambrotta Has Toured the World

    Chapter 192: Zambrotta Has Toured the World


    Onnd, a creature that releases magic is called a magical beast. At sea, there are also sea creatures that release magic, which are called sea monsters.


    Without marine experts, there was no way to .s.sify whales or sharks, or any sea creature for that matter. The great creatures encountered in a ship''s voyage were called sea animals. A Leviathan is clearly not a sea animal. Legend has it that a Leviathan is a sea snake that unleashes storm magic and sweeps past pa.s.sing ships.


    The emergence of humpback whales has provided some topic for the crew''s boring sailing.


    That afternoon.


    The Flowers smoothly returned from their voyage and docked at the pier. It took them three and a half days. When Liszt returned to the castle, Gort introduced two strangers to him.


    My Lord, Randy Kettle and Russell Scale are both earth knights, and they want to follow you. Gort introduced. Randy is the son of Sir Leoden, and Russell graduated from the Knights Academy. They''re young, but they have a good sense of chivalry and ambition.


    Sir Leoden was the captain of the Tulip Castle Knights, who often guarded Levis.


    Randy is the son of Leoden, which means that he is an illegitimate son. Otherwise the introduction should have been ''Leoden''s second son'' or ''third son'' and so on.


    As for Russell, who graduated from Knights Academy, his family background was not mentioned, which meant he was probably a freeman.


    Randy, Rusell, since you are all earth knights, why didn''t you join the Count''s Knights Squad and follow the Count to war?


    Liszt was interested in these two, for he did not expect for someone to respond to his invitation too soon.


    Randy was a handsome young man and he politely replied, I am not needed at home, not valued, not qualified to partic.i.p.ate in the Knights Squad. He did not hide his ident.i.ty as an illegitimate son, but instead acknowledged it.


    Russell went on to say, The Count picked the knights to bring on the battlefield, and I was eliminated because I had just broken through and my fighting power was not qualified. But please rest a.s.sured Lord Baron. I will be diligent in training, masterbat techniques sincerely, and strive to be a qualified battlefield knight.


    Both spoke with confidence and att.i.tude.


    As a first impression, Liszt felt that both of them were good. But he would not ept followers easily, so he immediately said, "The knight chooses which Lord to follow, and the Lord chooses which knight to go with side-by-side in battle. I hope that in the course of time toe we can build friendship.


    We are willing to be examined by the Baron! Russell and Randy echoed together.


    Liszt nodded, Since you have followed me as knights, then I will not send you into the office. You will a.s.sist Marcus as an a.s.sistant in training the children and teenagers of my territory.


    He directly threw Randy and Russell to Marcus ''hands-on'' was not his style. The superiors only need to work, while the lower ones need to work harder.


    He was done dealing with the earth knights.


    Gort then reported, "Sir, I have received a letter two days ago. It was from Zambrotta, you might remember him as Lytton''s tutor. He indulged Lytton in beating innocent civilians so the Count punished him by taking away his t.i.tle."


    Liszt only remembered because Gort reminded him.


    Mr. Zambrotta was a knight of the Count. He was hired as a family tutor for Lytton a few years ago and has been in and out of Tulip Castle. It didn''t matter that Lytton was beating civilians, what outraged the Count was that Lytton wasn''t learning anything at his young age. As a result, Zambrotta lost his t.i.tle and his job.


    "Zambrotta wrote to you? What did he say?"


    He was just talking about the past, but he revealed his thoughts between the lines. He may have wanted toe to Flower Town, hoping to get a job as an official.


    Flowertown is indeed short of officials, but Liszt would not hire that easily,Do you know him?


    I don''t deal with him very often, I don''t know much about his personality, but I know he is a very talented person, also,he travels around the Iron Ridge kingdom and the seven nations and can always say a lot of amazing and rare things.


    Traveling around eight countries?


    When Liszt heard it, he was impressed. "Is that so? Adviser Gort, continuemunicating with him. If he wants to work in Flower Town, do not bother me. You will be responsible for receiving him yourself."


    After all, Zambrotta was directly revoked of his t.i.tle personally by the Count.


    Nullification of knighthood is the secondrgest sin next to exile against the n.o.bility. As the son of the Count, it was not easy for him to ignore the will of the Count and recruit such people as officials of his territory. Liszt can maybe only appoint the said official privately to save face from his father.


    In one day, three subordinates were added to his court.


    Liszt was in a good mood, and so many people are looking after him, which shows that his promotion to the Viscount was imminent.


    By the way, Adviser Gort, you and Marcus will have to work together to build a temporary stronghold on ck Horse Ind as soon as possible, don''t dy.


    "Please rest a.s.sured Sir that I will make this ck Horse Ind task my top priority."


    "By the way, keep the news of ck Horse Ind deep in your heart and out of mind, okay?"


    "Understood."


    After handling the business, Carter came to report the affairs of the castle.


    Master, in the three days you left, Mrs. Mason and I have selected twenty children, ten boys and ten girls. They have begun the internships in the castle, mainly working in the afternoon for a period of time. During the day they go to training, and stay in a boarding house at night."


    Carter finished and asked, Would you like to meet them, Sir?


    "Only if they''re done with their ch.o.r.es. Let theme and give me a list of their names. " Liszt said, but in fact,he was mainly trying to know what kind of girl little Maggie was, who the smoke mission specifically mentioned.


    The young servants, who had been working downstairs, were led by Carter in line and he lined them up in front of Liszt.


    Me, my name my name is Polly, I am twelve years old.


    Soon, Liszt finally met Maggie.


    My name is Maggie, Sir. The girl who talked was short among her peers. She looked cute and had freckles on her face.


    Looking at her, Liszt knew she would be pretty when she grew up. But other than that, her features were quite standard.


    It didn''t meet the secretary standards Liszt was seeking.


    There was some disappointment in his heart, but he also confirmed that since it was not a secretary, Maggie must have other clues that would be involved in the follow-up tasks of the smoke mission.


    So instead, Liszt smiled gently, I hope you live happily in the castle, Little Maggie.


    Yes, I have a great life here, my lord. Maggie was blushing. Shy perhaps because she has never seen a handsome aristocrat smiling so gently before.


    She waited until Carter told her that she could leave.


    Outside the study, she could still feel her heart wildly beating.

 Chapter 193: A Change in a Girls Heart

    Chapter 193: A Change in a Girl''s Heart


    "Master is a real n.o.bleman!"


    In the kitchen, the kitchen maid Irene Fourfingers said proudly to Maggie who followed her internship, Little Maggie, you will like this castle. I have never seen a Lord more n.o.ble than our master. He''s born with such n.o.bility in him. We look up to him!"


    Yes, Sister Irene. Maggie nodded seriously.


    In truth, Irene was speaking too fast that Maggie only understood the words "n.o.ble" and "master".


    Don''t add too much flour, otherwise the pineapple bun will burn and it''ll taste bad.Irene stopped Maggie from pouring flour while saying, We have a whole range of new types of bread in our kitchen, co-invented by Mrs. Abby and Mr. Rainier. Master liked them as well.


    She suddenly got close to Maggie''s ear and said, Every day Mrs. Abby makes a variety of bread vors. If the Master doesn''t eat it, we can eat some.


    Maggie was surprised, Ah, master, servant, good bread? Her snake text stumbled and had to be apanied by gestures to make Irene understand.


    "Hmmm, you''ll understand Master''s kindness and generosityter."


    That night, Maggie did understand her Master''s generosity. While eating in the kitchen, she was given a small pineapple bun. There was a lot of bread made that evening since the Baron had a feast for his two guests. Eventually, there was a lot of food left from the celebration and each servant had small pieces of bun to eat.


    Compared to ck bread, this curious white bread was the best food Maggie had ever tasted.


    "Little maids, little maids, please keep up. It''s already dark and there are snakes on the road." The patrolmen have announced that they will escort the youngsters back to their host families tonight.


    Maggie followed the patrol with great peace of mind.


    She knew that the snakes only scared little children.


    After tasting the delicious pineapple bun, she kept whispering Praise the Master. Then she suddenly thought that she had eaten the pineapple buns, but forgot to leave some for Mrs. Harriet''s family. Although boarding waspulsorily arranged by the town administration, Mrs. Harriet''s family was really good to her.


    "Would you like to form a mother-daughter contract with Mrs. Harriet?" She had thought about the matter for days.


    As a nine-year-old whose parents were killed by mercenaries, of course she was sad and yearning for a family.


    But in her heart, she also cared about her older sister, who was ten years older than her. Her taller, curly-haired sister. She always remembered what her sister said when she left home, Maggie, when Ie back, I will teach you magic. Let''s be mages together, mages who can conjure fireb.a.l.l.s!


    The next day, she just ran away from home.


    Her sister has always been her most admired idol.


    Maggie, you''re back. Unconsciously, Maggie had returned to town and the kind Mrs. Harriet was standing at the door to meet her.


    Oh, yes. Mrs. Harriet, you don''t have to wait for me every day.


    It''s okay. Come on in.


    That night.


    The moon formed a crescent in the sky. Maggie was lying on her bed, thinking about the goodness of Mrs. Harriet''s family and the delicious food of the castle. Somehow, the appearance of her sister in her childhood suddenly became blurred and distant while some decisions quietly resurfaced in her heart..


    If Mrs. Harriet asked me again, I''d say yesShe''s like my mother now.


    The air was fresh early in the morning and Liszt gulped in as much as he could.


    He had begun his practice early, walked the dog and visited his territory  he was not in the mood to make friends with the n.o.bles in North Valley City. There were several birthday parties he was invited to. He had sent some gifts, but he did not go in person.


    After all, it was his brother Levis who was Coral Ind''s heir.


    It was not required of him to a.s.sociate with other n.o.bles.


    ckhorse, with its head held high, stepped on the gravel road, unaware that its use would soone to an end. Perhaps when ck Horse Ind is revealed, it will still learn that his master will still be his master today and tomorrow.


    "The towncks stonemasons who could sculpt or polish stones, or else the town and castle roads can''t be lined with stone."


    Liszt was apanied by Isaiah. As he was a town official, one of his jobs was to report on Flower Town''s progress.


    The stone road is a big project. Thebor force in town should be used for urgent aspects.


    Yes, sir, the autumn harvest has beenpleted, and roads and houses have beenpleted as well. I am arranging serfs to concentrate on reiming the wastnd in each of the viges. I am waiting for the next batch of 1,000 serfs to be delivered to take over on the fields and also so we can start sowing next spring.


    "How is the expansion of the me Mushroom workshop?"


    We have expanded to 20 mu, with a total of 50 mu. The serfs are now skilled at growing me Mushrooms and now we have double the output we hadst time. We expect that in a month, the new shed will be able to double its output again. Isaiah was delighted.


    But he raised his doubts as well, "Sir, will the ie of the ming Mushroom workshop be sent directly to the castle and not tothe town administration?"


    No, but with regard to the tax and welfare issues of mushroom serfs, the town''s administration will arrange them while the castle will subsidize. So far, the me Mushroom potions were all in Liszt''s belly.


    Isaiah didn''t ask again. It was expected for the Lord to not want others to intervene about the potions.


    Unconsciously, the party came to the Garden of Thorns.


    The thornworm gra.s.s has grown into a four-meter-high thorn tree, leafy and very eye-catching. Two-thirds of the surrounding ring cl.u.s.ters are fast-growing magic thorns, and the remaining one-third is the fast-growing iron thorns. There is only a small ce, left to the ordinary fast-growing thorns.


    It was unknown if there were any new varieties of thorns developed.


    Before Liszt asked, Isaiah said, Sir, the thorn garden was originally 180 acres. With the birth of E, I have made 800 acres ofnd for the expansion. ording to the present proportion, one-third is fast-growing iron thorns and another one-third for fast-growing magic thorns.


    He also pointed to the direction of the Thorns Ridge. The fast-growing magic thorns and fast-growing iron thorns transnt to the edge of the Thorns Ridge has begun. There are not enough serfs,Sir. There are only 50 serfs currently responsible for the transntation of thorns. I have calcted their workload so that about one-third of the road should bepleted before winter.


    "Don''t worry about the magic thorns and iron thorns, just grow as much as you can." With his attention focused on the magic and iron thorns, he has forgotten about the other thorn varieties.


    Especially the poison thorns.


    The poisonous thorns are very dangerous, but they can be extracted and made into poison, which can be applied to swords,nces, or to tips of flying arrows to be used in battles.

 Chapter 194: Critically Acclaimed Flower Soap

    Chapter 194: Critically Acimed Flower Soap


    Wow!


    Wow!


    When Liszt returned from visiting hisnds, he saw E teasing Tremblingwoods. The lively and active elf, who has a very aggressive temperament, would fly in and out of the castle and punch anyone who would dare block its way.


    It also sowed seeds.


    It seemed that wood or nature magic allowed the sprite to sp.a.w.ns seeds everywhere and entangle people. It looked like the thorns were growing quickly, and the huge wooden thorns could stab people bluntly. Of course it has not stabbed anyone yet, but Liszt banned it from sowing seeds at will as a precaution.


    It may seem scary, but such magic only affects ordinary people.


    A knight''s qi can easily fight the magic and destroy the germination of the seeds.


    Therefore, the qi of an elf is generally very weak and almost close to none-even ordinary people, when run by anger, can kill it if it is caught off-guard.


    It''s just that E doesn''t feel weak, and its overbearing temper has never changed. It doesn''t help that it met another grumpy character  Tremblingwoods .


    When Tremblingwoods first saw E, he was curious to stretch his tongue and lick the smooth, glittering sprite.


    The dog didn''t want to provoke the sprite, but when E waved its hand to sow seeds, it frightened Tremblingwoods . One wouldn''t know how such magic ured that it bound Tremblingwoods . But since it was a mid-level magical beast with a rough skin and thick flesh, it left no injuries.


    After throwing off the thorns, he chased E around.


    A little creature, a big creature no one wasining about it but when both creatures met each other, it tore up the possibility of peaceful coexistence. A few dayster, Tremblingwoods realized that its magic could not hurt E. In the same way, E discovered that Tremblingwoods has a bond with Liszt.


    However,E didn''t let it go. It was still teasing the magical beast until now.


    E would sprinkle a handful of seeds to germinate the sprouts and give Tremblingwoods a bundle of art.


    When Lister returned.


    He saw E teasing Tremblingwoods once again, filling him with thorns. The thorns sprouted quickly, growing around his body, and soon dyed the big ck dog into a big green one.


    Tremblingwoods didn''t bother reacting.


    It only barked weakly at Liszt, "Woof..Woof.."


    E, stop!" Liszt red at the thorn sprite, which reluctantly stopped the thorns and fell straight on his head.


    It yawned, signalling that it wanted to sleep.


    Liszt was not polite. He handed the sprite to Thomas, "Put it in a jade box and into the thorn worm room to sleep."


    Wow!


    Wow!


    E was resisting.


    Liszt stared at it again,municating with his soul for it to understand that it must stop resisting to avoid being beaten. At that moment, the thorn spritey down in the jade box ,ready to sleep after all, sprites spend most of their time sleeping for their body is literally like a worm''s.


    Liszt removed the thorns from Tremblingwoods'' body.


    Tremblingwoodsy on the ground, groaning his pain to Liszt.


    A mid-level beast that can''t even hit a sprite is a waste! Come on, go find your wife and tell herI''ll take you to the dog yard.


    In the dog farm, it was a quick job to make Tremblingwoods sessfully resume its active temperament.


    But Liszt has some regrets.


    Dog manager Old Defoe, shook his head and said,  Sir, I''m afraid Tremblingwoods can''t get these female wolf dogs pregnant. In normal mating situations, several female wolf dogs that are in a period of being in a rtionship are p.r.o.ne to bearing pups. But here, there''s no movement.


    Don''t let it go. Keep taking care of them.


    Ordinary low-level magical beast that mate with the same species of wild beasts, but a level higher, produce more variation in blood and a unique offspring.


    At least Tremblingwoods was supposed to be a unique mutation from a werewolf dog.


    It''s a good thing there''s Stupidwoman. Seeing Tremblingwoods and Stupidwoman cozying with each other, Liszt''s regret quickly turned to expectations.


    He was looking forward to the future of the Wolf Army. I just don''t know whether the offspring of Tremblingwoods and Stupidwoman would be mid-level or lower .s.s magical beast.


    Thinking about it, he suddenly remembered what had begun in Flower Town.


    The town has entered the breeding season  the town''s civilian life is settled, more and more babies are born, Stupidwoman is pregnant, the cows are pregnant, the fire dragon horse is pregnant, the fruit-stealing monkeys are pregnant,Gort''s lover, Freya whose belly is getting bigger and bigger, and he heard Marcus was getting busy with his wife.


    He seems to be alone.


    He shook his head.


    Liszt stopped thinking about it, and continued to tame Stupidwoman, tempting her to obey his instructions using meat jerky.


    The study was brightened with the light from the crystalmps.


    There were a few knight novels at the table. Liszt was looking at it, and from time to time, he would record something on a thick sheet of paper.


    There was a knock on the door.


    Carter came in with a cup of milk tea, Sir, Mrs. Morrison has brewed milk tea. I will put it on the table for you.


    Liszt didn''t look up and went on writing and drawing, Okay.


    Mr. Burnell would like to report to you on the progress of the production of the Flower Soap.


    Please let hime in.


    A few momentster, Burnell Egg was brought into the study by Carter. He knew that Liszt did not like nonsense, so after the pleasantries, he said directly, Master, I havepleted the transformation process of Flower Soap and can now be put into production in batches. At the current rate of the soap-making workshops, with raw materials abundantly supplied, 50 pieces of Flower Soap can be produced in a day.


    What are you waiting for? Full production immediately starting tomorrow.


    Liszt sent Burnell away and asked Sherlock of the Thorns Caravan toe in. Have you tried the Flower Soap in the soap workshop?


    Not yet, my Lord.


    The effect is very good. You can try it once and then you write down its benefits. I will give you a batch of Flower Soaps and you will give it to all the n.o.bles in North Valley City for free so that they will experience the benefits of the soap. After, you and Abagn will work out a sales n for the Flower Soap.


    Master Liszt, don''t worry, Sherlock knows what to do.


    Liszt took a second sip of his second cup of milk tea, I have high hopes for the Flower Soap. I hope you can open up the market as soon as possible andpletely squeeze out the other normal soap from the market until we monopolize the soap sales on Coral Ind."


    Sherlock hesitated and wanted to say something.


    Liszt motioned for him to speak.


    Master, the soap business has always been the main industry of Baron Henderson of Snake Spear City. The selling of Flower Soap will inevitably impact Baron Henderson. Don''t we need to give him a heads up?


    If Liszt remembered it correctly, Baron Henderson was on the battlefield with the Count.


    However, even if the other party was not on the battlefield, Liszt did not need to care about him at all. He was the son of the Count. He was doing proper business and no one should dare to talk nonsense to him about it. If Baron Henderson is to go bankrupt because of this, it would be due to his inability to manage the territory, and he could not me Liszt.


    It was strange that Liszt was not afraid. If the Baron would indeede at him , Liszt was willing to shake his hand.


    Bur of course.


    It would be a bit too much to leave him dead on the road.


    After all, for all the good he has done for the Tulip family,Liszt felt that he could instead turn Henderson into a supplier of raw materials for Flower Town. Sherlock, coordinate with Abagon. After the Flower Soap defeats Henderson''s business and he bes desperate, tell him that he could be Flower Town''s exclusive soap powder supplier."

 Chapter 195: The War of the Dragons

    Chapter 195: The War of the Dragons


    Give a stick and then a sweet date. [1]


    There was no easy way for Liszt to do it. This world has vast resources, but now, those resources were limited and one would have manypet.i.tions.


    Liszt could not develop on Coral Ind withoutpeting for resources and channels.


    Kindness is for themon people, while plundering resources is the essence of the aristocracy. Obviously, Liszt now adapts to the ident.i.ty of the n.o.bility and their rules of conduct.


    After reminding Sherlock, he kept his thoughts under control and stopped paying attention  he still had Mithril, Crystal, Jade and ck pearls in hand. If he sold a little, he could get a lot of gold coins.


    "Gold coins are in hand. I have them everywhere."


    Why focus on one or two small businesses?


    Carter took away the milk tea cup and closed the door, leaving the study roompletely quiet. The light from the three crystal lights converged, and the room was as bright as daylight.


    He opened the knight''s novel and continued his writing until Carter knocked on the door again, reminding him that it was gettingte.


    I''m going to rest now, Mr. Carter. You should also rest early, good night.


    Good night, sir.


    He shook the thick paper on the table where he had written a pile of snake-text characters. He then closed the knight''s novel and put it back on the shelf.


    Looking at the small prints written with quill pens, he felt a sense of aplishment.


    As a visitor of a civilized world, his knowledge in its culture and history was a desert. So he nned to write in his own handwriting a truly timeless bookhe had an idea like this before to write a sociological book, but it was never put into action.


    But now,he has moved the pen.


    Of course, Liszt wouldn''t write any sociological books like ''Das Kapital''.[2]


    He intends topile a chronicle based on the history and customs of various countries involved in Knight novels.


    Master Confucius revised the important events recorded by Lu''s [3] officials into the Confucian .s.sic Spring and Autumn, which influenced Chinese values for thousands of years. Confucius himself has also be a saint of a generation, both toppled and reborn, and has be one of the symbols of Chinese culture.


    Liszt thought he should have a bigger dream after he would sessfully ride a dragon.


    His work won''t be celebrated until a hundred yearster. Once it would be written in a version simr to that of the Spring and Autumn Annals, it can endure for thousands of years and would influence the generations toe.


    Of course.


    Liszt would have no way to replicate the historical text " Spring and Autumn", which is based on historical records  he has no strong grasp of this ce''s history, and no history book to base on.


    Hepiled the history based on the content of Knight''s novels, more like writing Homer''s Epics. Most of Homer''s Epics are based on myths, folklore, and street songs, but they did not hinder Homer''s work to be hailed as a timeless work of the Greek civilization.


    It was sort of boosting history.


    Maybe a few yearster, Liszt and his dragons will vanish. The world would be developed, and through all kinds of changes, some people will regard this book of history that he has written now as true history.


    Inventing history?


    That was exactly what Liszt was doing and he found it to be very exciting.


    Unfortunately, there are too few materials to base on. Even if I would copy all the ridiculous stories of Knight''s novels, there is no way to fill in the gaps in history  This book may be my lifetime story.


    He even suspected that he could only keep the heat for three minutes when he would write his own book.


    After all.


    It''s veryborious to make a story, no, to record history.


    Now, the book has no name yet. I have to think of a name that can go down for ages..It would best be called The Dragonce Chronicles. As Liszt pondered, he remembered a wizard named Odom Truth wrote a book called The Dragonce Chronicles: The Dragon of Twilight.


    The book would be a record of the dragon species , and would not be rted to history.


    He came up with other names in his mind such as  Dragon History, Sprites and Dragon History, Dragon and Sprite Chronicles, Dragon Riding History, Knight Chronicle and so on.


    But they were all rejected one by one.


    Until another t.i.tle came up.


    "The War of the Dragons in the Wild"


    He chewed out the words and he liked how it sounds. Confucius revised the historical materials of the Kingdom of Shandong, named Spring and Autumn because the historical materials were recorded in four seasons, namely, spring, summer, autumn and winter. In this world, the battle of the Dragon urs frequently, and the state-to-state battle is also dominated by the battle of the Dragons.


    "The War of the Dragons" has a very rich style.


    Aha!


    Lifting the quill, he wrote the t.i.tle of the book directly on the thick paper. After writing, he put all the thick paper into the gem s.p.a.ce to prevent it from being decayed by the years. The white paper is not ready for research and development, and the thick paper cannot be stored for a long time. After all, this history book would be his life''s work.


    He held on to his ambition of creating history.


    Liszt then got up to stretch outside his study.


    -


    Just a few days after, Liszt made history.


    Under Burnell''s leadership, the soap-making workshops were producing Flower Soaps everyday at full capacity. Other types of soaps have been forgotten in the corner. Expensive soap powder and cheap pig pancreas were continuously refined, mixed, and then pressed into pieces of pink, fragrant flower soap.


    The finished flower soaps were then quickly sent to the Thorns Caravan.


    Sherlock is a very thoughtful businessman. With Old Grandet rising to the ranks, Abagon taking over the huge Flower Caravan, he was still left in the Thorns Caravan. He was unwilling to fall behind, so he spent a lot of time selling Flower Soap and tried to be famous.


    The Lord has to see his abilities.


    To do so, he invited a sculptor from North Valley City. A working-.s.s carpenter who carved exquisite patterns on wood.


    He asked the sculptor to carve a tulip on the front of the soap, and then to carve the word Flower Soap in Snake Language.


    On the back, a small line of snake inscriptions was carved: Flower Town Special Flower Soap, Product of Soap Master Burnell.


    Then he asked the town''s carpenters to make soap boxes with a ck tulip and the name of the soap.


    Through this, the quality of the Flower Soap immediately raised by several degrees.


    In this way, Flower Soap is not just a soap, but a product of ident.i.ty, and I believe that the n.o.bles will love it! Sherlock presented his beautifully packaged soap to Liszt for review. As expected, Liszt highly praised it.


    The Lord also called him a natural business man.


    The excitement was always swirling around Sherlock, who could not wait to visit the n.o.bles in North Valley, carrying the fine bouquets under the banner of Liszt.


    "To the most honorable Lord Gelt! Burnell, Flower Town''s Great Craftsman has made the most perfect bath soap. It has the best cleaning effect and it''ll be the top soap in the markets! We hope you will feel its charm, and we hope you''ll enjoy this as a gift to you, along with a bouquet of flowers."


    [1] I think this has the same meaning as ''carrot and stick''.


    [2] by Karl Marx


    [3] a state in China during the warring states period

 Chapter 196: The Flower Soap Caused an Accident

    Chapter 196: The Flower Soap Caused an ident


    Soap is a n.o.bleman''s staple, but the degree of importance one gives to it varies. Respectable n.o.bles like Liszt can''t function without soap while some questionable n.o.bles don''t care about soap at all.


    Baron Gelt was clearly an unsophisticated n.o.ble, judging by the fact that his hair was oily.


    After receiving the Flower Soap, he just opened the box and looked at it. He then asked his housekeeper to ce the soap in the bathroom then went hunting on horseback.


    Time went by fast and soon it was night.


    Gelt didn''t go back to the castle for dinner but went on to have drinks with a knight; his wife did not have dinner at the castle either, the couple were used to spending time outside. It was not until the moon rose high that the Lady Gelt drew away from the aristocratic conciliators and yawned back to the castle.


    Is your master back?


    Master hasn''t returned yet, ma''am.


    "I know that man has been drinking outside again. Leah! Help me put the bath water in!" Thedyined and ordered the maid to help her prepare the bath water.


    A momentter she went into the bathroom.


    But soon she shouted again, Leah! Leah! d.a.m.n it, my soap!


    Leah ran in in a panic.Ma''am, the soap is in the wooden box on your left hand. She said, picking up a wooden box with ck tulips and opening the lid to reveal the pink Flower Soap inside.


    When did you change the soap? Madam frowned, her anger revealed.


    She has be ustomed to using soap with a rough surface and kneaded soap powder. When she first saw this kind of soap, she felt ufortable.


    The most triggering thing for her was to change her favorite items without her permission.


    Leah hurriedly exined, It''s the Master.. The Master who received the new soap from Flower Town today and changed to this Flower Soap.


    Did it reallye from Flower Town? Thedy heard the words, picked up the Flower Soap, and her mind came to the image of a handsome man that made even women jealous of his gorgeous face . Baron Liszt''s town, that young man always likes to drum up something new  Go on, you go down now.


    Leah leaving the bathroom, sighed with relief.


    In the bathtub, the steam of hot water was swirling and the Lady was holding the Flower Soap. She doesn''t know what to think of it yet but her eyes were about to close. She sowed it with water and began to apply it to her body, expecting to feel roughness and friction, but instead so it was so slippery and there was so much foam.


    Women liked to be surrounded by foams when they take a bath.


    She unknowingly reached out and touched the skin on which the Flower Soap was applied. Lady Gelt was already forty years old, her skin gradually sagged over the years, and her pores began to expand.


    But at this moment, under the lubricity of the Flower Soap, it felt as delicate as a baby''s.


    It made her keep stroking and rubbing her skin with the soap. The feeling was extraordinarily wonderful, and the rising foam added a lot to the sultry atmosphere.


    Not knowing how many times she rubbed, she began to take some water and wash the foam off.


    What was left was clean, dry skin.


    The bathroom lit candle''s light was not too bright, but she could still see that her skin was fairer than usual. She had not experienced a clean skin texture in the past using the old soap. It only ''looked'' clean.


    Now with Flower Soap, even the deeper part of the skin was cleaned.


    It''s unprecedentedlyfortable! She held a small piece of the new soap. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it, This is a much better soap, I like this feeling.


    The Lady Gelt usually finishes showering after thirty minutes.


    This time, she asked the maid to add hot water twice and washed for an hour.


    When she finally washed her body and wrung her hair, even the maid helping her get to her pajamas felt something was different. Madam, tonight.. you look much younger, it''s really beautiful. The Lady Gelt was not beautiful at all. This was not an easy thing to say, but Madam''s skin truly felt firm when she touched it.


    It used to be sagging, but that night it became firm.


    The contrast was quite strong.


    It put the Lady in a good mood, It''s amazing, isn''t it, Leah? You can hardly believe that a piece of that Flower Soap actually made me feel young again.


    Is this Flower Soap really so magical?


    Of course magical! Like Liszt of Flower Town magical. Seafood, mid-level magical beast, thorn sprites, and that kind of scrambled eggs and egg soup, as well as a variety of breads. As many n.o.bles say, Flower Town is the ce of the knight''s glory.


    Leah had followed her Lady to Flower Town and also tasted the new food, Flower Town is indeed a different ce.


    Whilebing her hair, the Lady touched her face and looked at the crystal copper mirror for a moment before getting up and leaving the bathroom.


    She called out to the housekeeper andmanded, Remember when your Masteres back, let him bathe using the Flower Soap.


    Yes, ma''am.


    Baron Gelt returnedte. Engulfed in alcohol, he was helped into the bath with his servant and the servant used the Flower Soap for him asmanded by his wife.


    However, he did not have the patience to rub himself well with the Flower Soap, but just hurriedly wiped it off before rushing into the water.


    Leaving the bedroom, he saw the Lady Gelt holding a paper bill and checking the proceeds of the town estate. He felt as if he were in a trance, his clearly old and ugly wife seemed to give off a radiant illusion tonight.


    He shook his head to throw the illusion out.


    Look at it again during the day. Go to bed now. He reminded himself beforeying in bed, But when he nced again, he really saw his wife''s arms were much more fair and tender.


    He could not hold back anymore and reached out to touch.


    Suddenly, the usual saggy feel was reced by the firm feeling in his hand, which made him make out a strange hmmmm sound. The body seemed so good to touch, perhaps alcohol yed a role and even raised more by their long-lost s.e.xual contact. With that hand, he had climbed the already crooked mountain peak.


    I''ll sleep when I''m done What''s wrong?  They haven''t paid taxes in a month. Thedy was a little surprised by the sudden attack on her chest.


    Nothing.  Gelt said but his body didn''t stop and he held his wife down.


    Strange as she felt, instead of pushing her husband away, thedy threw away the thick paper and began to respond to Baron Gelt''s initiative. This was a scene they haven''t done in the years that pa.s.sed, and it was rare to feel it again.


    A few minutester.


    Everything was calm.


    Baron Gelt turned over,y in bed, too tired to speak, gasped for air, and went to sleep. Beside him, thedy was drawing long breaths. She then covered her husband with a quilt, and then took advantage of the restless waves she felt to persuade herself for a while to resolve their sorrows and worries.


    After calming down, she touched her tight skin, and a smile appeared on the corners of her mouth, It is a necessity to always have a Flower Soap in the bathroom.


    She turned to blow out the candles.


    She also slipped under the covers and went to sleep.

 Chapter 197-199: The Battle Between Abagon and Sherlock

    Chapter 197-199: The Battle Between Abagon and Sherlock


    "Yes, My Lord. There has been an overwhelming response to the Flower Soap. Many n.o.bles have offered to buy it."


    Sherlock travelled often between Flower Town and North Valley City. As a merchant under Liszt, and Liszt having a thorn sprite, he became a prominent member of North Valley City''s tradingmunity.


    He immediately reported to Liszt the feedback about the Flower Soap.


    All merchants are good at observing and watching. Sherlock knew that the young Lord might not be keen on power andmon affairs. But he likes to have all the information he could get and doesn''t like anyone to blind his eyes. Therefore, he always looks for opportunities to gather information that he could to report to Liszt.


    It seems that the Flower Soap has brewed a good start and we have to keep it going. I look forward to seeing a Flower Soap-dominated Coral Ind soap market.


    As you wish, my Lord!" Sherlock answered loudly. Sherlock is willing to give all his strength for the Lord''s wish!


    Liszt looked at Sherlock, who he suspected was just full of ttery, but since he was in a good mood, Liszt just said, Don''t let me down, Mr. Sherlock.


    Sherlock left the castle feeling ambitious.


    He knew that he was about to obtain a status no less than Abagon''s in the Lord''s heart and with the help of Flower Soap, he may even be on the same level as the Old Grandet.


    I need people to spread the news for me ! They could do this through word of mouth spreading the news of Flower Soap across the six cities on Coral Ind and every small town below  First , I must let the caravan merchants who sell the soap understand that there some soaps are cheaper than the Flower Soap but the quality couldn''t get close to ours. For every Flower Soap sold, they make money as well.


    Clearly, Flower Soap cannot be given away inrge quant.i.ties for free. Sherlock was anxious to spread the news through word of mouth to unify the market soter on, he could decide to lower the price of shipments.


    No advertising effect is as good as letting the seller make more money for them toe quickly.


    What? Flower Soap is better than the usual soap? Just a silver coin plus 50 copper tes? A foot merchant burst out in surprise.


    Yes, if you buy soap from Baron Henderson, you would need a silver coin plus 80 copper coins. With that, you''ll only get 20 tes for the transfer. But selling the Flower Soap means a return of 50 coppers, and that''s the equivalent of selling two and a half of the other soap. You can do the Math yourself.


    "Is this soap really good?"


    You can rest a.s.sured! The n.o.bles of North Valley City have already used it and every one of them is praising it. In addition, I also have a used Flower Soap myself, here, I can let you try it once.


    Of course, the foot merchants wouldn''t believe the words Sherlock blurted out from thin air. So they brought out some water and tried the soap themselves.


    The sheer number of bubbles, the slippery texture, the clean effect and the skin-tight experience after use have taught those merchants that the Flower Soap really does outshine any ordinary soap.


    It will for sure rece all the other soaps in the market.


    Sherlock added in a winning coupon in the mix, "If you n to order, better do it quick now! The soap factory in Flower Town has a limited output. When the n.o.blespete to get some Flower Soap in their hands, we most probably will have to raise its price as well.


    The threat of a price increase defeated the final hesitation of the dealers.


    He nodded his teeth and said, So, Captain Sherlock, I want to order five  no, I want to order ten Flower Soaps!


    Striking a finger, Sherlock recorded the foot merchant''s order on a thick leather paper as he said, A wise decision. A deposit was then collected from the foot merchant and his order will be for delivery in three days.


    Sherlock quickly got up and left.


    His hands tightly held onto a thick paper which contained seven orders belonging to the seven traders in The North Valley City, who mainly ran themercial road among the small towns around the city.


    Among the seven foot merchants, a total of 58 Flower Soaps were ordered.


    There were also many n.o.bles, who went above and beyond to that of foot dealers and ordered Flower Soaps directly from Sherlock. For example, Baron Gelt''s butler ordered eight Flower Soaps from Sherlock.


    Sherlock''s smile at his heart was evident.Looking at the numbers of people who used the soap, North Valley City will procure 300 pieces of soap a month, about the same as Snake Spear City, Gravel City, Jade Forest City and Birch City, adding up to 1,500 soaps all in all. Coral City, which has the highest number of aristocrats, Lord''s Knights, n.o.bles-in-training, and rich free people, they could use at least 2,000 soaps a month.


    It was sure that Flower Soap would dominate the soap market.


    Coral Ind consumes 3,500 soaps a month, plus Beer ind can also consume at least 300 pieces. Lastly, counting in Flower Town''s own use, a month''s shipment should be close to 4,000 pieces.


    Four thousand Flower Soaps!" Sherlock thought of such a picture but he could not hold it in and could only grin, A Flower Soap costs a silver coin plus fifty coppers, this is more than enough


    He couldn''t figure it out.


    Using his fingers to calcte, he finally got a number, a monthly sales of 6,000 silver coins! The cost of manufacturing a single Flower Soap is only forty coppers, which means that one could make 4,400 silver coins a month.


    Without the unified market of Flower Soap, the price would increase to the price of one silver coin plus eighty copper tes, which was the original wholesale price of the soap.


    But if they would continue to crush down Baron Henderson''s and the price of soap powder would go down, they would potentially reduce the unit priceter on.


    He roughly estimated that the unit price could bepressed further to thirty copper tes.


    The profit of a Flower Soap is one silver coin plus fifty copper tes, and the total profit for one month would reach sixty gold coins.


    He could earn two gold coins a day.


    "A profit of two gold coins a day is slightly lower to that of the seafood business'' at its peak. But this business has a lower operating cost, and it is under me! The Thorns and Flower Caravan don''t have a choice but to cooperate with me!"


    With such confidence, Sherlock met Abagon from Coral City and discussed with him how to unify the Coral Ind market.


    But Sherlock did not expect that Abagon was prepared as well.


    The fellow from Little Papa Ind, squinted at him, Sherlock, your vision is too narrow. It is not a skill to unify the coral ind market. With the advantage of Flower Soap, you don''t even need to do much to eliminate the ordinary soap. I think we should set our sights on the outer inds and the regr everyday people!


    Outer inds? Ordinary people? Sherlock froze.


    Flower Soap can be made into a special product of Coral Ind. It can be exported to the outer inds through the channels of Tulip Fort and Beer Fort. At the same time, I asked Burnell and he said that Flowers Soap is made of a variety of materials. However, if we reduce the materials used to produce the soap, it''ll also produce poor results. Because of this, some ordinary soaps can be supplied to civilians at a lower cost.


    Abagon smiled proudly and gave Sherlock a proud look, I have already reported this to Sir Baron and he supports my ideas and ns!


    Sherlock took a hit!


    It made him very confused.


    Abagon is a lot bolder, more of a visionary and hard-working than Sherlock. With Captain Kosto incharge of sailing, I n to let Abagon preside over the cross-sea trade.


    It was night time in the castle study.


    Liszt and butler Carter each held one .s.s of red wine, slowly tasting it and were preupied talking about the past, the present and the future.


    Carter''s hair is a lot whiter now, but his spirit is much better than when he first arrived in Flower Town, Master, will you take a big step in cross-sea trading now?


    For now we will rely on the foreign trade channels of Tulip and Beer Castle. I''m not eager to take over channels that will belong to Flower Town." Liszt smiled, Flower Town is only temporary, in the near future, I will have my own city or ind.


    He took a sip of the red wine and said, I can''t always be sheltered under the wings of my family. Though my father may not mind, but Levis Leighton, they will always have something to say.


    It turns out that your eyes have seen more ces, Sir. Please forgive me for my short-sightedness.


    It''s one thing to look far ahead, and another to be focused on the now. I need you to remind me from time to time about that, Mr. Carter.


    The two, master and servant, were praising each other and the atmosphere was harmonious.


    After a while, the topic was about the Flower Soap.


    Carter said, I was very surprised to hear your conversation with Mr. Abagon. I did not expect Flower Soap to be so popr and to upy such a huge market.


    Poprity is expected.


    Liszt said calmly.


    In truth, there was not much variety in the soap content and its cleaning effect was middling. But the addition of the pig pancreas and the gra.s.s ash added some chemical to the Flower Soap and made it so smooth, foamy and a have skin-firming effect. Those characteristics were enough to wipe out the old soap in the market.


    A person ustomed to bathing with ordinary soaps, when he touches the Flower Soap, would feel the big contrast between the two. They would be cleaner, but what''s more important is the seemingly natural glow effect.


    For the n.o.bles, this was enough for them to discard the old soap and switch to Flower Soap.


    As for the other benefits of Flower Soap, it seems can also provoke a husband''s s.e.xual interest. It can be estimated that many people have not understood it yet, but Lady Gelt surely has her own experience.


    Naturally.


    With the Flower Caravan deliberately spreading the news, the Flower Soap''s reputation began to spread from North Valley City to the entire Coral Ind. Coral City, in particr, has always had a vain poption.


    The Flower Soap did note cheap hence it was impossible to give every n.o.bleman or woman a trial product. Abagon did not take Sherlock''s wideting idea, but instead preferred specific delivery.


    Miss Shirley, Ie on behalf of my master, Baron Liszt. He has sent me to deliver to you a gift, two Flower Soaps made by Flower Town. It is better than any soap and will go with your stunning beauty and n.o.ble temperament.


    Ahhh! It''s from Brother Liszt? Thank you! Shirley happily took the gift and saw a thick sheet of paper attached to it.


    Written on the thick paper was some snake-text written by Liszt himself.


    Dear Little Shirley, I have a lot of business to attend to here in Flower Town hence I cannote to see you in Coral City. I can only give you two of my specialty Flower Soap. May you always be radiant and beautiful. Yours, Brother Liszt.


    "Dear Madame, this one is named Mr. Abagon of Flower Town."


    "Abagon? The head of the Flower Caravan? Did Liszt send you?" Madame Penelope let Abagon in.


    Master Baron Liszt misses you so much. He has sent me to deliver to you two specialty Flower Soaps from Flower Town. He hopes you would like it. Abagon said respectfully. The Baron has said that if you like, you can send a message through the caravan, and the Flower Soap will be avable to you for free.


    Special flower soap? Is it a kind of soap? Madame Penelope was not a little girl like Shirley. With the movement of her eyes, she understood everything. "This boy, getting more and more clever, no wonder she looks like Melissa, this sharp-witted one is truly worthy of being the grandson of the Marquis Merlin.


    Abagon smiled and refused to answer. He would not dare to appraise a n.o.bleman or his lord for the fear of saying something wrong.


    Finally, Madam Penelope said, Yes, I will receive the gifts. If they''re really good, I''ll say nice things about it. With my old face at least I know a lot of people.


    "Thank you, Madam. I will now take my leave."


    Flower Soap was undoubtedlypleting its impact on the soap market.


    This was a big deal for Sherlock and Abagaon, but for Liszt, it was just an extra means of making money, dialing subordinates and leaving them behind.


    Now, Liszt has a new mission.


    Just this afternoon, the smoke changed, Complete the mission and be rewarded five decaying bones.


    Unsurprisingly, Marcus and others who were far away on ck Horse Ind havepleted the construction of a temporary stronghold on the ind and have amodated a hundred serfs.


    New missions were formed.


    Mission: Raising horse herds requires arge number and rich variety of pastures. ck Horse Ind is not capable of more pastures at this time. Why not cultivate corn gra.s.s in Flower Town to increase nutrition for the ck blood dragon horse? Please cultivate 100 acres of corn gra.s.s. Reward: A sprite worm.


    A task that gives sprite worms as a reward absolutely needs to bepleted for each sprite worm is a treasure.


    However, Liszt frowned when he saw the content of the mission. He called the manager of Wheat Town.  Geiger, how many acres of corn gra.s.s are currently nted in Barley Town?


    My Lord, there are thirty mu of corn gra.s.s in total.


    If Corn Gra.s.s would be cultivated now, will it grow and safely survive the winter?


    This  Geiger hesitated a little. Master Baron, Geiger hasn''t looked after corn gra.s.s in winter, and doesn''t know if it can survive.


    So how much corn gra.s.s seeds did you harvest?


    The seeds were handed over to the agency, probably a few hundred pounds. A lot of corn gra.s.s was cut directly for grazing, and only a small part was reserved for nting.


    Liszt looked at the weather outside. It was almostte autumn, and the weather was no longer warm.


    The climate was not suitable for nting crops anymore, but the smoke task is here, and it must be done, otherwise it will be difficult to ensure that the sprite worm would be born. Liszt was certain that it would be a corn gra.s.s sprite worm, but can it be bred out. It was hard to say for it depends on how the task progresses.


    No matter how difficult it is, getting the ducks on a row will have to continue.


    He immediately said, Open up 70 mu ofnd, expand the cornfield to 100 mu, Geiger, and hurry.


    Yes, Master. Geiger will set up a new field.


    The mission has begun.


    There, Liszt also took time to inspect the corn gra.s.s field in Wheat Town. He was constantly exerting his Magic Eyes, trying to find signs of breeding sprite worms.


    Even if the mission fails, as long as he found signs of the sprite worm, he was confident of the sprite worm reward.


    But unfortunately, there was no sign of magic. This corn gra.s.s field was just ordinary corn gra.s.s; none of them looked special.


    Sighing, heforted himself, I hope the corn gra.s.s can still grow in this weather and it would let me finish the task again.


    The next day, the Flowers returned.


    Marcus brought him news about the mission rewards.


    The servants were sent away but there were those who listened to him solemnly by the door. Sir, we found a skeleton of an unknown animal on a valley on the ind. Most of the bones havepletely decayed, but five remain. Huge bones. Each one is as thick as a person, half buried in underground rocks.


    What kind of bone do you think it is?


    Liszt asked curiously. An average person has a height of about 1.7 meters. Marcus reports that each bone was almost a height''s person in thickness, which would be close to 1.7 meters.


    One can only imagine how big those skeletons were.


    Marcus turned his head and looked at the door, making sure that no one was eavesdropping behind, then he replied , I think it may be a dragon bone!


    A dragon bone!


    Liszt was startled. He pressed down his surprise and excitement and asked his doubts. If it was a dragon bone were there any mineral deposits found in that valley?


    It  it seems that there were no mineral deposits found. We dug bones so we dug a few more meters deep until we were blocked by the bedrock. No metal-like ore was found, and no crystals and gems were found either.


    Really? Dragons can infect the surrounding area, and if it were the bones of a metal dragon or a gem dragon, ck Horse Ind could be a mine. If it is not a mine, then that means the bones are not that of a metal dragon or a gem dragon.


    Marcus spected, Maybe those are the remains of an elemental dragon?


    "It is also unlikely to be an elemental dragon. I have talked with Elkson about this, he has a book about how to deal with magical beings. The book says that an elemental dragon will also infect its surroundings even after a very long time. Take for example the Wind Roar Valley of the Glorious Empire which was founded after the battle of the wind dragons. The winds are still roaring there today. "


    They ended their discussion.


    They ruled out half of the dragon species.


    "Could it be an Advanced Level Dragon? " Marcus raised another possibility, I have only heard of Advanced magical beasts, but no matter how big those monsters are, it is impossible for its bone to be 1.7 meters thick  So I guess it is a Superior Magical Beast, but a legendary species of it.


    There are four divisions of magical beast levels, low-level, mid-level, advanced and superior.


    In truth, the difference between an Advanced and Superior Magical Beast is very vague. There was no standard to refer to since not many people have seen them. To effectively differentiate an advanced and superior magical beast, it should be in terms ofbat skills or physical form. But of course, humans are not willing to provoke any powerful monster.


    All of their information were just rumors.


    There has been no record of a Superior Magical beast in the Grand Sapphire Duchy.


    The maind is infinitely vast. Only knight novels would often mention superior magical beasts. Every year the Count invades the Eagle Kingdom, which means he knew more than anyone. But even he has never heard of a Superior Magical Beast there.


    Let alone a Superior Dragon.


    However, a superior magical beast must have been infected by a dragon to achieve such a level. This is only a theoretical possibility though.


    After a long discussion, the two did not discuss any more clues. It was impossible to guess what kind of creature would leave behind five huge bones.


    Tomorrow I will go to ck Horse Ind in person and take a look at these five bones. What could be so amazing about it!


    It was time to leave.


    The town officials have been urging the Wheat Town serfs to cultivate corn gra.s.s.


    Liszt took Tremblingwoods, boarded the ship, and went with Marcus to ck Horse Ind. After half a day of sailing, they sessfully reached their destination.


    A simple dock has been set up. It was suspended on the sea surface with wood and would slightly shake when walked on. As for Tremblingwoods, he would have to take a wooden boat ash.o.r.e. The floating dock could not withstand its overweight physique.


    Afternding, they saw a row of new wooden houses no more than one hundred meters away from the pier.


    The serfs were clearing rubble and weeds around.


    It was a very shabby stronghold.


    But it was a stronghold nheless, and it meant Liszt had a foothold on ck horse Ind.


    Since they still had time, Liszt headed straight away to the valley where the five huge bones were found. Halfway through, they encountered the ck Blood [1] Dragon Horses. Lightning was being strange to Liszt, but when Liszt rode on it, it quickly became familiar. Carrying Liszt, he sprinted and folded back along the way.


    On the way, Marcus reported to him the current conditions of ck horse Ind.


    There is no magical beast on the ind. At least no magical beast has been found. There are only some small carnivores and herbivores. Thergest animals are the ck blood dragon horses. The vegetation is also very monotonous. Some unknown trees with not so many branches.


    He pointed to a tree by the side of the road.


    It was the tree he was referring to ; a very straight trunk, long branches but not lush. There were no flowers or fruits, and the tree was not tall at all. The leaves have slightly yellowed, suggesting that it could be a deciduous tree.


    Just ordinary.


    Marcus continued, There are a lot of weeds on the ind. Except for the gra.s.s on the gra.s.s field while the rest are just somemon weeds. ck blood dragon horses do not eat these kinds of weeds. Removing them would be the best option.


    Finally, he added, Sir, I''m drawing a map of ck Horse Ind but I have yet to finish it.


    Liszt asked,"Have you chosen a spot where we can build the castle?"


    Not yet. There are not many defensive terrains on the ind. The hills are not high and the terrain is not steep. It is impossible to build a castle as tough as Tulip Castle with a terrain simr to that of Beer Castle. I think if we would proceed to build a castle, we can only build it on t ground. We''ll just have to fortify the city walls and excavate a moat.


    After all, not every castle can stand on a cliff, most castles are built on t ground.


    Liszt was getting concerned.


    Soon, the group came to the valley where five bones were found just as the sun was falling in the west. The valley was located between the Ice Gra.s.s Hill and Needle Gra.s.s Hill.


    Since the weeds were tall and the bones were buried deep, it was difficult to find.


    I was riding ck Magic to inspect the terrain and I found this wreckage and these five bones. Marcus patted ck Magic under the saddle when they came to the center of the valley where weeds had been removed.


    Behind him was arge hole that had just been dug. In the center of which is a giant, gray, broken bone that lies obliquely beneath the surface.


    There were also four huge bones exposing a small section, and bone fragments scattered all over the ground.


    It seems that some kind of creature fell down here. As time pa.s.sed, most of the bones gradually decayed, and only these five bones remained strong. But it should have decayed as well. It was clear that these were the decaying bones the smoke mission reward indicated.


    Liszt dismounted Lightning.


    He approached the pit, stepped on the rock at the bottom of the pit and stepped closer to the bone.


    The closer one gets to the bone, the more one would feel small, as if standing in front of a huge stone pir. He reached out to touch the surface of the bone; it was hard as a rock. He knocked on it and he could hear a stone-like sound.


    Liszt released Magic Eyes to observe the five bones and the fragments of the bones all over the earth.


    No signs of magic were found.


    This bone, shouldn''t it have be a fossil?


    But he quickly shook his head to dismiss the idea since he knew that fossils were integrated with the stones. Obviously, there was still a part of this bone that was exposed outside.


    Mr. Marcus, have any other bone fragments been detected on the ground?


    Hardly suitable to be part of good bones. Marcus responded shortly, enough to exin that the quality of bones were of at least the bones of low-level magical beast.


    Knock!


    Liszt knocked on the bones again. In addition to being surprised, he was left scratching his head. He didn''t know why the smoke task would give these bones as a reward.


    Is it because I know that mynd iscking iron that the smoke task knew it would make me bring these fragments back to Flower Town and build a good batch of bone tools?


    [1] This sounds much better.

 Chapter 200: Flying Dragons, Asian Dragons and Dragon Beasts

    Chapter 200: Flying Dragons, Asian Dragons and Dragon Beasts


    The five huge remains of the unknown creature must have an extraordinary use, and Liszt is yet to find out what. He wanted to put the bones in the gem s.p.a.ce, but the bones were too big to fit and they were all embedded in the rocks and couldn''t be pulled out.


    Teacher Marcus, remember, if you can arrange people to dig these out, they can do so. But if they can''t , just protect them in ce.


    Understand.


    In addition, I will send people to pick up the other bones from this ce and ship them back to Flower TownI''m just going to open a bone shop in Flower Town.


    Marcus nodded, saying, These bone fragments will make high quality bone tools. With the amount of debris here, the serfs of Flower Town will no longer be short of farming tools, and the patrols and the rangers will be able to split up the bones to two or three pieces to make weapons.


    Speaking of bones.


    Liszt suddenly remembered that there was a dragon bone in his gem s.p.a.ce. ording to Kosto, the dragon bone should be from the bones of a superior dragon magical beast.


    Teacher Marcus, do you remember the dragon bone? It is said that the dragon bone is from the skeleton of a superior magical beast, but there''s a huge difference between those bones and these bones in front of us. I don''t think the gap between an advanced and superior magical beast is that big at all.


    This negates their previous spection.


    Marcus remembered and it made him frown, " If it is not a dragon bone nor a superior magical beast''s, then to what kind of creature does it belong to?"


    There seems to be no answer formted in that short amount of time.


    The sun was about to set and the group had to leave the valley and return to the temporary stronghold. There was no need to sleep on the boat at night. Liszt had to drag Tremblingwoods the whole way down. Without the dog''s snoring, Liszt can rest quietly for a night.


    But he stilly on a hardwood bed.


    Liszt couldn''t sleep right away, he was still thinking about the bones.


    Five decaying bones indicate that they must be from ancient and absolutely strong creatures. In a biological standpoint, these creatures must be legendary superior magical beasts. ording to the .s.sification of creatures, Superior magical beasts are second only to some dragons.


    In many knight''s novels, the Superior magical beasts still make frequent appearances.


    But they have another name  Asian Dragons.


    Other high, middle and low-level dragon species of beasts have a unified name-Dragon Beasts.


    Even some knight novels believe that dragons are actually a kind of monster, forcing the flying dragons into another kind of breed. This also forced the flying dragons, asian dragons, and dragon beasts together into one breed.


    This undoubtedly degrades the n.o.ble ancestry of the dragon, so this type of knight novel was not popr and now only belongs to a niche category. Liszt also disapproves. He dreams of riding a dragon, and telling him that a dragon is just a kind of monster defiles his lofty ideals in life.


    This knight novel should be listed as a banned book!


    If it is not a dragon or an Asian Dragon, what exactly are these five bones? The thoughts in his brain were getting mixed up and various ideas kept surfacing.


    He paused for a while and a.n.a.lyzed the right and wrong.


    Asian Dragons are magical creatures. It is difficult to say whether it exists or not. It should be ruled out first  I have excluded gem dragons, metal dragons and elemental dragons. Only sacred dragons are left  Could they be smoke dragons? He suddenly thought of his cheats ; the smoke task a.s.sociated with destiny.


    He always believed that the smoke task was the product of the smoke dragon.


    But he is more inclined to have contacted the smoke dragon when he was a child, and then be infected by the smoke dragon. But now, a new idea rises. If it is a smoke dragon that died and its magic infected me, did that form the smoke task? Did a dragon die on ck Horse Ind and infected a group of ck blooded dragon horses?


    Those ideas cannot be said to be without logic and rationality.


    But if one would think about it, there are some things that do not conform tomon sense. After all, the bones have decayed therefore, maybe thousands of years have pa.s.sed. And for no reason, it suddenly infected a little puff of smoke on Coral Ind next door. In the memory of his predecessor, he has not visited other inds except Red Crab Ind and Beer Ind.


    This did not include ck horse ind that was just discovered.


    Furthermore, the description of the smoke dragon, which is generally described as a cloud of smoke, does not contain any ims of bones or flesh, and may disappear directly after death.


    There''s no reason for it to leave such a skeleton.


    It shouldn''t be a smoke dragon, invisible dragon is not right either. The shape of the invisible dragon is very small  Fairy dragon? No, the fairy dragon has unlimited life and can''t die  Twilight dragon? Emerald dragon?


    Liszt still can''t figure it out.


    The night ended.


    The next day, just after dawn, he rode Lightning and came to the valley to observe the bones.


    The serfs who lived on ck horse ind also soon arrived in a team, and started to pick up each piece of bone fragments on the ground. They packed the bones and transported them to the temporary base. Marcus took the other team and started digging the other four bones to see if they could be dug out and to get a full picture of the bones.


    Since the bones did not turn into fossils, they did lose some of their properties.


    Tremblingwoods , a bone-loving creature, had no interest in bone fragments on the ground. He followed Liszt while staring at Lightning the whole time and drooling on the floor.


    Lightning ignored Tremblingwoods and continued eating the gra.s.s roots leisurely.


    Not far away, the ck Blooded Dragon Horse herd grazed on the hillside. From time to time, some dragon horses would raise their head and look in the direction of Lightning. After all, Lightning was still their leader.


    Sir, the second bone was dug halfway but again the other half was stuck in the bed rock. It was impossible to dig. Marcus came to report.


    It looks like underneath this ck Horse Ind is ayer of rock. Liszt walked towards the new dug pit, jumped to the bottom of the pit, and stepped on the solid rock.


    He squatted down, reached out to wipe the dirt off the rocks, and wanted to see carefully what kind of rock it was.


    However, he didn''t know much about rocks. He just felt that this kind of rock was rtively hard. It seemed to have dense small holes on it, like bubbles.


    Bubbles?Liszt suddenly thought of something, but couldn''t grasp the root of it.


    So hemanded the serfs who were preparing to dig the third bone. Expand this big pit, I want to see more rocks. He didn''t believe that the rockyer would be a whole rock. There must be a broken ce where they could pry open a piece of bone and study it carefully.


    As expected.


    After the serfs expanded the exposed face of the rock at the bottom of the pit, Liszt saw the gap between the rocks.


    Only as the bottom of the pit was continuously erged, the soil was removed and more and more rocky surfaces were exposed. He suddenly found that the rocks were very orderly, like a basin-sized hexagon. And there was a high and low distribution between the rocks, like a staircase in a row.


    ItLister finally seized the inspiration he had juste up with, It''s a basalt column!

 Chapter 201: The Fallen Fire Dragon

    Chapter 201: The Fallen Fire Dragon


    Before Liszt crossed, he was once fascinated by the HBO drama, Game of Thrones, which featured a very magnificent structure, the Wall.


    With the help of giants [1], humans built a 300-mile-long, 700-foot-high ice wall.


    Since the beginning of the show, he was very interested in The Wall, so he looked up a lot of information, and found out that the original shape of the Wall was a cliff formed by a basalt rock pir in Western d. And so he learned about the great wonders the basalt columns of nature can create.


    Irnd''s Giant''s Causeway, America''s Devil Tower, Scond''s Fingal''s Cave, and Nanjing''s Liuhe Guizi Mountain Stone Column Forest are typical basalt columns.


    It would be hard to believe that these neatly arranged pirs were derived from volcanic eruptions.


    When a volcano erupts, its magma cools and gradually contracts with pores due to the bubbles to form basalt. The cracks form a very regr geometry. In most cases, hexagons are formed, as if they were co-processed.


    This is a basalt column, for sure!


    With the continuous excavation of therge pits, the appearance of the basalt columns was revealed little by little. Hexagonal stone pirs in an orderly manner, one after another reveal their true colors.


    Kosto, who was behind List, suddenly shouted, I remember, my Lord, I remember this rock, I saw it on an ind!


    What ind?


    An uninhabited ind I encountered on a voyage to Deep Throat Ind. It has dense stone pirs, shaped in the same way as the stone pirs here.


    Kosto''s words supported Liszt''s ideas.


    The rock underfoot is a basalt pir, a geological structure formed by a volcanic eruption. Looking again at the huge skeleton, he suddenly thought of a possibility.


    Liszt had an idea in his heart, Perhaps my previous judgment was wrong. This is not the remains of just any dragon, maybe this is the remains of a fire dragon!


    Like how wind dragons can form wind roar valleys with strong winds all year round.


    Fire dragons can naturally form volcanoes.


    If it was a dragon, thest moments of its life would be falling here along with its magic. It would have caused a volcanic eruption and the dragon''s body would be swallowed by the volcano. It may have been tens of thousands of years ago, and the magic of the dragon has dissipated. The volcano had died and the upperyers have weathered or blown away by the wind and created thendma.s.s that now forms ck Horse Ind .


    ck Horse Ind does not look like a volcanic ind.


    But Liszt feels reasonable and thinks it might have been the deep sea. Since the fall of the fire dragon, there have been continuous volcanic eruptions and it created magmayers that cooled down. Eventually it surfaced from the water and became the ind.


    If I could dive down now and see what''s going on beneath ck Horse Ind, it''s probably shaped like a volcano. The exposed ind of ck Horse Ind is just part of the crater.


    Not to mention, it looks a little bit like the shape of a mouth'' formed by the four hills forming a low lying valley fitting the structure of a crater. The location of the bones, between the Needle Gra.s.s Hill and the Ice Gra.s.s Hill, it''s not far from the crater. It may be the remains of the dragon that caused the volcanic eruptions.


    Liszt thought so.


    Even though his Magic Eyes couldn''t really detect fire magic in the area.


    Liszt still gradually felt that the fire properties in his body were fighting and bing agitated, as if the fire element was very active here.


    Of course, it seemed like an illusion. After calming down, he did not feel such signs anymore, and his restlessness returned to normal.


    Dragon!


    Fire dragon!


    Liszt stood up and stepped on the basalt rock pir close to the bone.


    He reached out and stroked the rough surface of the bones. There were too manyplex and unspeakable emotions at y and he vented out, I know I have a rtionship with dragons ; invisible dragons, smoke dragons, fire dragons. It is rare for ordinary people to see them. But I am destined to ride a dragon in my life.


    Unfortunately, it was not a metal dragon or a gem dragon that fell here, for it left no metal or gemstone deposits.


    But if one would think about it, if there was no metal dragon or gem dragon and there was no volcanic eruption, maybe ck Horse Ind is justposed of silt from the bottom of the sea. No matter how rich the mineral deposits were, Liszt couldn''t touch it.


    Everything a person sees has a reason.


    He thought again, If the Fire dragon fell here and it was not killed, then it should prove the existence of the Valley of the Dragons  ording to the "Dragonce Chronicles: Twilight Dragon records, when a dragon turns old, it will fly to the Valley of Dragons. It''s just a sea, there''s no dragon valley.


    At that moment.


    Marcus, the supervisor in charge, came up with an idea. My Lord, I''m guessing since there are five bones embedded in these rocks, does that mean that there are more bones also embedded in the rocks below? It''s just that these parts decayed since it came up to the surface?"


    It makes sense, it seems that you have to clean up this area  this ce where the bones are buried. Suddenly, Liszt felt that this name was very inspirational and very stylish. Here is the ce where the bones are buried. Dig straight ahead and see how much more bones can be collected.


    The bones of the fire dragon, though it has decayed, was still very hard and could be an excellent raw material.


    The uing bone shop won''t have to worry that it''ll run out of suitable raw materials.


    Liszt felt that there was no need to study anymore about the bones in the pit and how it came that way. So early morning the next day, under the bright red sun, he set off to leave ck Horse Ind.


    Of course, he brought a group of bone fragments back with him.


    He kept on thinking what else can these bones do in addition to being made into bone tools  it seems a huge waste to just make them into bone tools for the serfs to use.


    Back in Flower Town, Liszt saw Elkson Truth again.


    The mage came back to Flower Town to prepare the next batch of me Mushroom Magic Potions.


    As soon as they saw each other, Liszt handed the bones to Elkson. "Mr. Elkson, I recently came across these relics and bone fragments. You will help me study them, find out which creature they belonged to and how it can be useful." It was not important how such old bones were exposed.


    What''s important was to find out its use.


    Elkson took the bone fragments and nodded, Please rest a.s.sured that I will have time to study it. In addition, Lord Baron, you have entrusted me to purchase works by magicians. I have brought them. Six books. As for Knight novels, you can easily let the caravan procure them.


    Liszt was hungry for knowledge.


    He was going to write a chronology of The War of the Dragons in the Wild, and he''s going to need a lot of data to copy*cough*, to refer to. Magicians who seek the truth and refuse lies write books that are rtively authentic, broad and highly valuable.


    Thank you very much. I will ask Mr. Carter to pay for the book as soon as possible.


    Elksonughed. "I''m not in a hurry, Sir. I''m a.s.sured by your credibility."


    [1] and with the Children of the Forest (uhhh, i watched GOT a lot)

 Chapter 202: Alchemy is a Popular Research Topic

    Chapter 202: Alchemy is a Popr Research Topic


    Magic books are not the same as knight novels.


    Knight novels are storybooks created by the n.o.ble aristocracy in order to make a living and are meant for arge number of readers in pursuit of fun, refreshment and mystery.


    Magic books are very simr to dissertations, mainly research reports andboratory notes of mages.


    Most of the magic books are hardly readable, some even upside down and logically confusing. The print quality is rtively poor and with even many of the magic books circting in handwritten copies  few are willing to buy it , so naturally there is no financial gain for publishers to print them.


    Fifty-six magic books were sent by Elkson.


    Twenty-one of them were ma.n.u.scripts.


    "Is ''The Slither Truth : Diary of the Extraction of Eighteen Species of Red Pit Viper Venom from Red Python Ind'' even worth reading?" He looked at the ma.n.u.script in his hand, and felt a little loss. The book cost him two silver coins. Forget it, I bought this manual about snake venom.


    After turning a few pages, he lost his patience and stuffed the book into the gem s.p.a.ce.


    Liszt continued to open the next ma.n.u.script.


    ''Fredo''s Fireball'', a book about how to unleash fireb.a.l.l.s and improve the craft of fireb.a.l.l.s. The author Fredo Truth was a mage''s apprentice whose only magic is the fireball. The book records his attempts to expand his fireball skills, in more than a hundred ways.


    In the end, he improved the technique of the fireball  which he could now rub out on his back.


    He called the improvement andmark and thought it would certainly push the edge of magic.


    Unfortunately, it was a second-hand book and there was another mage''sment written in it. The mage left a mockery of disdain: When you are an advanced-level mage, you will understand that any part of the body can be used as a casting medium, the only difference is that using the palm is faster.


    So this is a negative textbook? Liszt was quite speechless, throwing it straight into the gem s.p.a.ce.


    Looking at all the books, he observed that most of the handwritten copies of the magic books are of the most bizarre experiments, which are of little value and more suitable to be used as paper weight.


    When he turned to thest ma.n.u.script, he suddenly raised his eyebrows.


    The t.i.tle of the book is ''Kennedy''s Alchemy Diary''.


    Another alchemy diary! Liszt instantly remembered the shipwreck treasure he had acquired where the original box also had an alchemy diary. He remembered that it was called ''Rudolph''s Alchemy Diary'', and its cover had handwritten snake text on it. It seems that this book he was holding was also a handwritten magic book.


    He began to read the diary.


    The author was a newly advanced mage. He used many methods trying to turn stone into gold under the influence of magic. For this reason, he even melted down the only seven gold coins he had in order to observe the difference between gold coins and stones. In the end, he still did not work out a method of turning stones into gold.


    So, this was also a negative textbook that recorded constant failure.


    Closing the book, Liszt stood up and went to the me Mushroom Workshop to find Elkson. Do mages like to study alchemy?


    Elkson put down his work and exined, Baron Liszt, the triangle theory is a truth recognized by all mages. So we always hope to find the most direct evidence to prove the truth of this theory. The art of turning stone to gold is its best proof."


    Why?


    Because the process of turning stones into gold can be dposed into two sets of steps. The material stones are first transformed into spirit by magic, and the spirit is transformed into material gold again by magic. Truly, this is one of the ideals that us mages will pursue for life.


    So that''s the case. Liszt felt a little contradictory. But have you seeded in your research?


    I don''t know, but many mages believe there were real alchemists in the olden days who could make stones into gold.


    Why do you have to choose to turn stone into gold? If you wanted to verify the Triangle Theory then you could refine the properties of other things, isn''t that right?


    Elkson smiled. Baron Liszt, you do not understand. Alchemy is just a general term. It is popr to turn stone into gold because we mages need a lot of money for our experiments.


    Elkson showed his hand slightly helplessly, But it''s not that no one has attempted to refine other items, it''s just that they haven''t seeded When I first got into magic, I chose to study alchemy, but finally gave up.


    Alchemy was quite rough to understand.


    A little bit disappointed, Liszt went on to ask, So a lot of mages wrote an alchemy diary?


    Yes.


    Well, you keep working. I won''t bother you. He was about to go out but turned around again. The bone fragments I gave you, have you studied it yet?


    "I haven''t had the time."


    Research as soon as possible. I''m curious about these bones.


    Of course, as soon as I have the time. He shook the crystal tube in his hand, signaling that he needed to make the me Mushroom Magic Potion first.


    Back at the castle, Liszt groaned.


    Because of the decay of Rudolph''s Alchemy Diary, the feeling of heart knots that he head before has disappeared. It turns out that mages liked to tinker with alchemy and write alchemy diaries.


    If it really was refined, it would not be spread in the form of handwritten ma.n.u.scripts .


    If a mage would seed in alchemy, he will leap into the sacred presence of all mages and stand with the sun. Dragon Knights would even be at par with him in battle.


    The heart knot dissipated.


    After rxing for a while, he thought that maybe alchemy was just good for imagining.


    Numerous mages have studied alchemy in session, but ultimately did not get any useful information. Seeing the difficulty of alchemy, Liszt knew his dream of overnight riches would continue to be a dream. For him, it also meant that his dreams were shattered.


    After tangling his thoughts for a moment, he quickly adjusted his mindset. Forget it, I''m not a mage practicing alchemy. He threw Kennedy''s Alchemy Diary into the gem s.p.a.ce.


    He continued to read the next magic book.


    The handwritten copy has been finished while the rest was printed.


    There are three possible exnations why a magic book is printed. One is that the author is rich and prints at his own expense. Second is that the books are valuable and the mage is willing to buy them; andstly, is that books are interesting, and the aristocracy is willing to buy them.


    Wild Sprite Worm Market Selling Price, The Blind Windde Wolf King, How to Safely Live Through The Midoro Mangroves, Hignd White Tower -Carrick Truth


    These magic books were obviously of much better quality than the handwritten ones.


    Liszt picked up the Wild Sprite Worm Market Sale Price with great interest. The mage who wrote the book lived in the capital of Iron and Steel Kingdom  Steel City. There was arge wild sprite trading market there. Mages would go to the market every day just to observe those wild sprites.


    Interesting, a flytrap sprite worm actually sold for 3,600 gold coins because of the flood of mosquito flies in Steel City and the flytrap was in short supply.

 Chapter 203: Liszts First Battle

    Chapter 203: Liszt''s First Battle


    Sprite worms are generally priced around one to two thousand gold coins. Sprite worms with a lower value, even as low as a few hundred gold coins, are still expensive depending on the species.


    The most expensive sprite worm, the Red Sage Sprite, sells for 5,800 gold coins. The reason is that the Red Sage is a valuable magic drug, and it is essential to rely on the Red Sage Sprites to grow more of it. Sprite worms only live for ten years,hence they''re at such a high price.


    Sprite worms can be sold. Sprites, however, are not up for sale.


    They are pa.s.sed down from generation to generation as heirlooms.


    Even the least valuable weed sprite would not be sold by anyone.


    All in all, the Wild Sprite Worm Market Sale Price is a reference magic book.


    The dozens of printed magic books that followed were all good and can be used as references. Liszt was ready to take it slow. "The War of the Dragons in the Wild" could not possibly be finished in a day. He had to keep in mind his ident.i.ty is a leader who looks forward to riding a dragon, not an aristocrat who lives by writing a novel.


    Cultivate fighting skills and acquire qi potions.


    He took tremblingwoods to visit Stupidwoman.


    He also visited the thorns and inspected the workshop.


    When his daily itinerary was over, he would write his history book. asionally inspired, he would return to the study and write down the inspiration.


    These days, he has put more energy into the corn gra.s.s field.


    The serfs in Wheat Town lost no time in opening up the fields and sowing the seeds of the corn gra.s.s, while Liszt continually wandered near the already growing corn gra.s.s, exercising his Magic Eyes and observing any sign of a sprite. He believed he would be the first to know when a sprite is born.


    -


    By the end of November, it seemed that a cold current struck, and the temperature in Flower Town suddenly dropped.


    The servants in the castle changed into new custom work clothes.


    Some servants still used traditional tuxedos to show elegance.


    The maids ordered Coral City''stest popr improved maid outfit-a headband called a Katyusha for the head, a loose ck skirt on her body and a white waistband ap.r.o.n on the outside, plus a pair white tights and two round ck leather shoes.


    Simple but minimal, cute and yful.


    Liszt liked it.


    It was a pleasure to watch the maids clean with a broom, rag, and with their own hands every day. In particr, the former kitchen maids, Little Lily, now Lily Bathtub, worked very well in the kitchen and was transferred to be an upstairs maid by Mrs. Morrison, often working in front of Liszt.


    With the improvement of her quality of life, her originally straight body grew fuller and wider. At the age of sixteen, she was full of charm. Pleasant to look at it in the front and back, paired with a good face, Liszt had to force himself to be respectful.


    But sometimes, he can be an animal.


    He''s the only one in the castle who can do whatever he wants.


    But he has managed to calm his restlessness and turn it into a drive to improve his morale. Dragon Diamond and me Wave have been deeply remembered. Multiple Arrows is also bing more and more sophisticated, with aplete mastery of double arrows and a near mastery of triple arrows, but he became proficient in those too.


    The realm of Multiple Arrows is almost close. As for the Ultimate Multiple Phantom Arrows, he was almost finished.


    When I finish the Multiple Phantom Arrow, it will be the moment when my Multiple Arrows would go beyond Marcus''.  Liszt holding a bow and arrow, sharp eyes, staring at the arrow target a hundred meters away, with three arrows in his left hand, three arrows in his mouth, wind speed  humidity gravity eleration qi calcted, shoot!


    The wind blew.


    The three arrows were like three parallel lights.


    His hands kept moving, taking off three arrows in his mouth, and again hanging on the bow string and firing out.


    The six arrows follow back and forth, and because of the different speeds, they soon be intertwined,pleteplex collisions, turning together, changing the angle of flight.


    Then, six arrows seem to be hitting the center of the target at the same time.


    No miss!


    Liszt was stunned and said with ecstasy, I did not miss the target! Ipleted Multiple Phantom Arrows! My archery has surpa.s.sed Marcus! I, Liszt Tulip, have be a G.o.d archer!


    After the surprise, there was a sense of loneliness like in the midst of being defeated-in Flower Town, he was already another level ofbat power, an extraordinary earth knight.


    In the entire Coral Ind, he was already in the top ten.


    I''m afraid Levis is no longer my opponent. He is just an ent.i.tled elite knight, and although I haven''t been to the war, I am a superior archer. [1]


    Being a G.o.d archer means that his fighting ability is far beyond that of an ordinary knight.


    However, considering Levis'' rising experience on the battlefield, he decided to use Marcus asparison. Elite earth knights such as Marcus represent the vast majority of helpless knights on the ind. The only way they can improve theirbat effectiveness is to constantly polish their fighting skills.


    My total fighting energy has surpa.s.sed Marcus by arge margin. My archery skill has surpa.s.sed his, and I have the power of Red Blood Sword to increase my qi.


    He pulled out the Red Blood Sword.


    Liszt held it up at a 45 degree angle and whispered, "I can hit Marcus ten times with this."


    Marcus was still on ck Horse Ind and couldn''t fight with Liszt, but there were two new Earth Knights in Flower Town, Randy Kettle and Russell Scale.


    You''ll train with me for battle. Randy will go first.


    Yes, Baron!  Randy answered seriously.He was older than Liszt so he wasn''t nervous at all, instead looked a little rxed.


    After all, everybody knew that Liszt broke through the earth knight level only six months ago. He relied a lot on Tremblingwoods whose power was infinite. But on his own, hisbat power was limited. There was no need to be afraid about riding a horse, no matter how divine it was.


    Are you ready, Randy?


    Master Baron can start anytime!


    So, Russell, you are in charge of being the referee!


    Yes. Lord Baron, Randy, please listen to my orders! In the name of the knight''s glory, ready, begin!


    With an order, Liszt and Randy, 100 meters apart, controlled their mounts and began to charge. At this moment, Randy was rxed because he had a lot of experience. The opposite Liszt was a little nervous. After all, this was the first time he had an actual fight, and he was feeling a lot of tension.


    He took a deep breath.


    He waved the knight''snce, and as the two sides were about to pa.s.s by each other, he exims, The dragon sweeps!


    Bang!


    The knight''snce surged into mes, moved fiercely, and collided with Randy''s knightnce. Then the mes dissipated and the two spears were slinged apart. Randy''s body swung slightly on the horse''s back, but he soon stabilized himself. Liszt didn''t shake, but he held thence tightly and was almost sprained by the shock.


    Because he was nervous and not sure of his strength, it resulted in half of the attack force actuallying from his own strength.


    I made a mistake. His heart was clear. Although he was annoyed by his rookie mistakes, his tension has dissipated a lot. I imagined Randy''s strength to be much weaker or my strength to be far superior to his!


    Elite earth knights should have crushing momentum against ordinary earth knights.


    Liszt has to figure this out.


    Without any nervousness, he yelled, Come again!


    With the dragon in mind, Liszt turned and once again rushed to Randy.


    [1] Woah, slow down, cowboy.

 Chapter 204-205: The Two, Together

    Chapter 204-205: The Two, Together


    Bang!


    The knights''nces collided again and Randy felt that his hands had begun to tremble. The strength of the spears was beyond imagination, and it was hot.


    After only two strikes, he had understood that he had underestimated the young lord of Flower Town.


    Is this the age gap? I am twenty-one years old and he is only sixteen, but even his two shots are enough to stop me. Randy felt cold, and his despair was rising.


    As an illegitimate son, the only thing he was proud of was his n.o.ble blood. But even his proudest point was nothing to be proud of in the presence of Liszt, the son of the Count, the blood of a Sky Knight, the grandson of the Marquis.


    Charge again!


    Liszt''s shout pulled Randy''s thoughts back. He hurried back to his horse, restrained the trembling of his arms, and prepared hisnce.


    The rxed mentality was no longer there, only full caution and bitterness remained.


    As an earth knight, Randy has always been good at defense. An earth knight of the same rank trying to beat him in a short time would be facing a real problem.


    But facing Liszt, he had serious doubts that he could take the third shot.


    That was indeed the case. When the two steel longnces collided, he felt only a strong force but it was followed by the fiery heat, forcing him to hold down thence.


    Bang!


    The knight''snce flew high, and Randy flew along with it. The sky was spinning violently. He couldn''t turn his head feeling he had fallen heavily on the ground. His heart was pounding really fast and his breathing felt tight in his chest. Randy looked up at the sky in disappointment. For a long while, he didn''t stand up, figuring out how he lost with three shots. On the other side, Liszt shook his head.


    He felt Randy''s strength getting weaker and weaker after every shot. He didn''t even use more than half of his attack energy and yet Randy had flown. If he had used his full force, he could''ve stabbed the knight''s body and left a hole in him.


    Unhappy, he set his sights on Russell, Russell,e.


    Russell felt numb. He saw how Liszt defeated Randy with three shots. He could see clearly that he was also no match but had to fight. Russell challenges Baron!


    The two mounted their rides.


    Russell''s qi erupted, but seeing the mes of his opponent, his body flew out like a kite tracing broken lines followed by a long trail, following Randy''s example.


    Moreover, Liszt attacked only once.


    I  Russell was lying on the ground, trying to say something he opened his mouth, but he was speechless.


    A few momentster, Randy and Russell finally recovered from the blow. They looked at Liszt but no longer had a mental att.i.tude, but in awe of their Lord''s strength. Liszt''s blood is more n.o.ble than theirs, his ident.i.ty is higher than theirs, and his strength is stronger than theirs. They have no choice but to be in awe.


    I''m stronger than I thought I was, and I''ve always underestimated myself.


    He felt proud.


    On the surface, Liszt did not reveal his emotions because a Baron must restrain his emotions. He just said calmly, Since leaving Knights Academy, we haven''t practiced training with anyone yet. We haven''t shown our full strength, just now. This time, you two team up and we fight again!


    Yes, Lord Baron! The two answered in unison.


    Another round began and this time, a double attack struck, and Lister was initially rattled. But the gap in strength was too obvious and after two rounds of a.s.sault, he adapted to the double attack. He used hisnce, which looked like a tower in mes.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    After two blows, Randy and Russell, each flew again and fell heavily on the ground. The two of them were not enough to pose a threat to Lister.


    When the two got up, Liszt did not show the joy of winning.He still showed the standard aristocratic smile, Today''s training ends here. Before you came to Flower Town, there were not enough knights to train with each other. But now,you''ll have to polish your skills. If you want to be on the battlefield, your fighting skills should be on a higher level.


    Randy and Russell were both bean-pickers. When they heard that Flower Town wascking people, they signed up early to take some credit.


    But today''s training made them suddenly realize that their strength was not enough. There won''t always be good results wherever they go. Feeling light-hearted, they solemnly responded, Yes, Lord Baron!


    They have not chosen allegiance, and likewise, Liszt has not epted them.


    Whether or not they would follow the master-ve rtionship in the future will depend on their performance- and from Liszt has seen, he wasn''t really inclined to.


    But of course, he did not directly deny them.


    He ns to wait for Marcus toe back and have Marcus fight them to see how strong they are. Marcus''sbat effectiveness has obviously reached the level of the elite knights of Coral Ind. The Count even designated him to guard Liszt and serve as Liszt''s tutor, which was what he valued.


    Therefore, Marcus can be used as a standard.


    -


    Dismissal.


    Everyone had left.


    The battle.


    It may not be too enjoyable, but the process is hearty. After showering, Liszt leaned on the back of his living room chair, recalling the details of the battle and thinking about what could be improved. One must be good at summarizing details to identify shorings, improve on those and eventually progress.


    But he got distracted.


    The smoke mission came out quietly but quickly attracted Liszt''s attention. Missionpleted. Reward: Corn gra.s.s sprite worm.


    No surprise on the reward, no surprise on the corn gra.s.s sprite worm either.


    It seems that the cultivation of a hundred acres of corn gra.s.s has beenpleted. Very good. Corn gra.s.s sprite worm, my tenth sprite worm  No, it is the ninth sprite worm. The thorn worm has evolved into a thorn sprite.


    He waved his hand.


    A new smoke mission came up.


    Mission: Haven''t you eaten enough roast meat and seafood yet ? As a n.o.ble, you can''t have enough chicken, fish, and eggs in your diet. This year''s harvest is good, please raise more than 1,000 chickens in Flower Town to provide enough eggs and chicken. Rewards: Special mineral vein [1].


    Hmm?


    "Special mineral vein?" Liszt was pleasantly surprised. Thest time he was rewarded with a mineral of some sort it was the saltpeter mine, and it benefited him. He had no idea what this new special mineral would be But on the other hand, could it have something to do with the basalt pirs?


    He could think that the connection with the ore was that probably the main body of ck Horse Ind was made up of the basalt pirs.


    Perhaps, the special ore is buried in these basalt rock columns.


    No matter what.


    As long as it is a mineral ore, it must be taken. Just raising chickens! One thousand chickens will be distributed to the serfs houses. One household must have a dozen chickens. Good enough!


    [1] In geology, a vein is a distinct sheetlike body of crystallized minerals within a rock. [wikipedia]


    With Magic Eyes, the birth of a sprite worm will not escape Liszt''s eyes.


    A corn gra.s.s sprite worm will also not escape his senses. A in corn gra.s.s at the edges of the corn gra.s.s fields was found to have the slightest trace of magic.


    I finally found you. Grow and work for me.


    After Liszt confirmed it, he immediately called in the Worm Officer, Romm Winebarrel, and told him, This corn gra.s.s is breeding a corn gra.s.s sprite worm. Remember to arrange the worm guards to take care of it day and night. Do not make any mistakes.


    Please rest a.s.sured that Romm will be personally involved in the care and sessful breeding of the corn gra.s.s sprite worm with no disturbance at all!" Romm rejoices in the birth of new sprite worms that has be the routine of Flower Town, a ce that has indeed been blessed by the knights'' glory.


    Liszt also ordered the head of Wheat Town, Geiger. Don''t forget to fertilize and water this corn gra.s.s, and notify me immediately if there is any sign of disease or decay.


    The normal course of the breeding of a sprite worm is ten and a half days, given that it is provided with nutrition and cared for. The vast majority of those who have suffered from hard birth or even abortion was because they have not been discovered or had poor cultivation.


    But in Flower Town, there was no such problem.


    "One sprite, nine sprite worms, my sprite poption is about to catch up with Lvera''s. Liszt thought happily, surpa.s.sing her sister was only a matter of time.


    When Lvera moved out, she was given a sprite and twelve sprite worms. In the next three years, she lost a sprite worm, but she gained two more sprite worms as well. Now she has thirteen. These sprite worms keep Falcon Town rich.


    But the potential of Falcon Town is far from that of Flower Town.


    There was no monopoly business that brings in cash flow, such as the seafood business and Flower Soap nor is there a rich variety of potions. She only has the tulip potions, or the ck tulips Liszt has given her. No mid-level magical beast or dragon horses  only ordinary horses enough for a knight''s squad.


    With the ck blood dragon horses in Flower Town, its future knight''s squad will surely rival the Coral City Knights.


    Of course, surpa.s.sing Lvera was not Liszt''s goal.


    He doesn''tpare himself to women, he cares more about when he can surpa.s.s Levis. Levis broke through the Earth Knight level years ago, and his talents are praised. But I have already caught up with them, as well as the elite Earth Knights! Now my goal is the same as his, to be an advanced-level Sky Knight!


    The road to being a Sky Knight with the magic potions would make his journey smooth and it made Liszt feel proud. "A Sky Knight level ising for me The Count is known by the people of Eagle Kingdom as the Wave Swordmaster, and I will be famous as the me Swordmaster in the future!"


    A knight charges mainly withnce.


    But when alone, the sword is the best weapon.


    The Sky Knight no longer has to charge with arge troop. A Sky Knight with a sword can sweep an ordinary hundred-man knight group, thus you would be referred to as being ''holy with a sword''.


    At that moment.


    The future me swordmaster, Liszt Tulip, was on his way to the office to have a meeting with his officials.


    Mr. Gort, and everyone else, I n to promote chicken farming in Flower Town. He didn''t bother to give an excuse of why he had ordered such. The smoke task asked him and he just pa.s.sed down the mission. No one dared question him anyway. In the next half month, the scale of cultivation will reach 1,000, no, 1,500.


    Taking care of chickens is not a simple task but the mortality rate is low.


    He went on, The chicken will be raised for the castle, and the castle will subsidize the chicken feed and other expenses. Once the chicken is grown, it will be taken back by the castle. However, during the growing period, the eggs from hens will be sold at market prices in the castle, which will then be given to the farmers for their chickens. Do you have anything to add?


    "Sir, what if the farmers will not want to raise c.o.c.ks, only hens? Will that be eptable?" Isaiah asked, knowing that even without a rooster, the hen wouldy eggs.


    But without rooster mating, the eggsid by hens cannot hatch to chicks.


    Liszt answered without hesitation, "To set a standard, a farmer willing to raise a chicken must raise nine hens and one rooster.Those who have the capacity can try to hatch their own chickens. These chickens belong to the farmers themselves Of course, you also have to do inspections. If there is no suitable condition for raising chicken in the family, raising one will not be allowed for them. "


    With wintering, if one cannot afford raising a chicken, proceeding to do so will only freeze it to death Raising chickens should be a.s.signed to families who could amodate it.


    After a brief discussion, the chicken farming campaign began.


    One thousand and five hundred chickens are to be distributed to households, hence, only one hundred and fifty households are required. It was easy to select farmers suitable for raising chickens. At the same time, the Flower and Thorn caravan were also notified to buy chicks from major cities, even grown chickens as well, and sent to Flower Town.


    In half a month, before the winter snowes, it is not a problem to raise chickens'' poption to a thousand.  In the past, Flower Town will start to get cold and snow in mid-December, and then intermittently for two months, the temperature will start to rise in mid-February of the following year.


    Liszt swirled the red wine in his .s.s. This was at that night''s dinner at the castle. It''s not just in Flower Town, snow will fall in half of Coral Ind, but Flower Town is at the northeast corner, hence, it is the most affected. He guessed that the snowfall was probably brought by the cold current.


    On Earth, temperatures often plummet with the advent of cold currents.


    It was unclear how the weather is in this world, but the general principles should not be very different. Coral Ind is deeply affected by the cold current, even if it is only a small cold one.


    By the way, Adviser Gort, how are our preparations for the winter?


    Oh, please rest a.s.sured, for my poor sry, this year, Flower Town will have no freezing serf, I swear to the knight''s glory! Whenever one freezes, I will run to Eagle Kingdom and catch one. Herees the serf!  Gort exaggerated.


    In truth, he wanted to have fun and adjust the atmosphere of the banquet.


    Since Liszt gradually turned the banquet into a working meeting, the violent atmosphere of the normal aristocratic banquet has rarely reappeared. Everyone was used to eating and drinking while talking about work.


    This probably has something to do with Liszt''s quiet temperament.


    And Gort prefers everything to be lively.


    Cutting the steak elegantly, Liszt was not affected by Gort''s speech. He continued to maintain a quiet temperament. The winter clothes preparation is only a part of the winter strategy. This winter, serfs cannot be left idle. We must continue to open projects and transform Flower Town''s infrastructure.


    The element of infrastructure mania has long been deep into Liszt''s soul  to be rich, he must build a road first!

 Chapter 206: Fire-Attributed Veins and Nodules

    Chapter 206: Fire-Attributed Veins and Nodules


    Elkson took time to study the bones that Liszt had given him.


    He was not a scientist after all, but a magician who is more enthusiastic about being sociable than the exploration of truth. After a few days of trouble, he returned the fragments to Liszt.


    Baron Lister, in my judgment, this is a ma.s.sive creature''s skeletal remains. It is so old that the magic attached to the bones haspletely dissipated So, you will probably be able to build tools from the bone, hardness is very good, it can''t be much worse than iron.


    He gave an elegant salute, "In addition, thank you for your generous hospitality. I havepleted a new batch of me Mushroom Magic Potion, so now, I would like to say goodbye to you.


    Well, don''t forget to continue to buy magic books for me next time.


    No problem.


    Mr. Elkson went away, presumably back to Coral City, where he can continue being a magician, and can go to a brothel without getting married and continue to talk about the truth of life.


    -


    At the Apple table, there were snacks and pastries.


    Tremblingwoodsy on the edge of the table, its eyes stared at the pastry, but he didn''t dare to stretch his head even when he wanted to eat.


    On the apple tree also was the beautiful white sprite, E. Liszt observed it. Instead of ying, she slumbered on the tree peacefully.


    ke, the cksmith would join them from time to time.


    The good news came from Isaiah, who said that Flower Town officially pa.s.sed the 1,000-chicken threshold. All farmers, after hearing about the benefits of raising the chicken, signed up, knowing that the eggs were good business.


    But the chicks were not easy to buy. Most of them were from the farmers'' homes in the countryside and had to be bought one by one. It was barely enough before the winter snow came.


    "Complete the task and be rewarded with a fire-attribute mineral vein. [1] "


    The smoke mission was followed up in a timely manner, and the reward for the task was a mineral vein that Liszt had never heard of.


    The fire is condensed in the veins? What kind of ore is this? It sounds very expensive, and seems to have something to do with the dead fire dragon. It should be on ck Horse Ind, probably when Marcus led someone to dig the debris and found the underground with this kind of fire properties mineral vein.


    Fire Dragon and Fire Attribute Mineral Vein, Lister can''t help but a.s.sociate the two.


    However, remembering what he read about dragons, an elemental dragon does not produce minerals. He has not heard about a fire dragon that can produce this kind of fire-attribute mineral vein.


    When Marcuses back, I will ask him again what mineral veins he found. If he doesn''t find them, he will have to send someone to look for them and dig continuously until found. It always feels like fire is flowing. And it is important to me since I have fire-attributed qi!


    His thoughts flickered.


    The smoke in front of him changed, forming a new snake text.

 Chapter 207: A Thief Spying on the Lord

    Chapter 207: A Thief Spying on the Lord


    Looking at the contents of the smoke snake text in front of him, Liszt frowned deeply.


    "Task: the female fruit-stealing monkeys will soon be giving birth, and soon will make use of the techniques taught to them by the fruit farmers on how to pick coconut. But their natural breeding rate in the wild is not fast enough to expand the monkey poption, so please expand their number to 30. Reward: A thief spying on the Lord."


    The task itself was not a problem, as it was not hard to increase the monkey poption. As long as hunters were gathering monkeys abroad, then there will always be monkeys avable.


    However, he was confused with the reward. "What is this? A thief spying on the Lord?"


    He has always believed that on Coral Ind, Flower Town was a paradise in the world. It was protected by the Tulips, therefore, no one would think of harming Flower Town.


    But this task reward was pointed directly at Liszt.


    There was a thief ready to spy on him.


    Is it to remind me that there are thieves who are against me? Liszt shook his head and didn''t believe the possibility. Obviously the smoke mission won''t be so straightforward. Perhaps, it''s the same as the Invisible Dragon serial mission? Just when I thought the reward of the invisible dragon invasion was clear, it actually rewarded me with a s.p.a.ce gem.


    With his experience and knowledge of the smoke tasks, the possibility was extremely great.


    But in any case, the security and defense of the territory must be strengthened. Although the essence of the smoke mission is to reward me, in this case, if the thief does break-in, I will have to bear the losses.. The smoke mission is just a choice of fate, I will not be afraid but be prepared."


    He informed the caravan to buy the monkeys.


    He called Karl and Romm at the same time and ordered the two to strengthen the management of the patrol, the insect protection team and pay close attention to all movements in the territory.


    Marcus was in charge of ck Horse Ind, so Liszt temporarily let Philip and Xavier from the knights squad maintain the castle patrol security.


    He also told the housekeeper Carter to pay attention and check the personnel who have ess to the castle, whether they were servants,territory officials, officers, one should pay close attention.


    As soon as there were suspicious people trying to mix in the castle, he was to be notified immediately.


    Master, did you notice anything? Carter was puzzled by Liszt''s orders and looked a little nervous.


    Liszt nodded, "The development of Flower Town is very rapid. In less than a year, the town has lookedpletely different. Someone who has seen such drastic changes would have evil ideas brewing in his mind, especially now that winter ising [1]. I don''t want unpleasant things to happen here when we least expect it. "


    I see. I will tell the servants to strictly guard the castle.


    Okay.


    Liszt responded absently.


    He went to the window and looked at the gloomy sky outside.


    The temperature has begun to drop, the cold currents havee, and the sunny days of Flower Town are about to end. Soon they will be weing an annual snow-covering period of more than two months.


    His eyes looked farther away, to the dragon sunflower field [2].


    On the edge of the dragon sunflower field, a group of serfs were working tirelessly. They were building an ice ceran ice cer is not easy to build. To build a cer underground that can store ice cubes requires many construction techniques. More importantly, a lot of gold coins would be consumed during the construction process.


    Liszt dared to build an ice cer, of course, because he was confident it was a profitable business.


    To that end, he contacted Tulip Castle and invited a master craftsman architect of the ind to preside over the construction of the ice cer. The architects were Tommy and Jonas Gravel from Gravel Castle, both distant rtives of Liszt, who presided and built the magnificent Tulip Castle.


    When he came to Flower Town, he nced at the rock thorns.


    Baron Liszt, with the rock thorns, the difficulty of building an ice cer will be greatly reduced and the construction speed will be greatly elerated. This is a natural cer support column.


    The rock thorns released by Tremblingwoods now reach a height of 2.5 meters (3.3 feet), each with a thick upper tip and a lower diameter, with the thickest diameter reaching about 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) . It could release at least two hundred rock thorns every day, like a small rock dragon.


    Thorns Ridge has already beenpleted and the rock thorns are still being produced every day. They are almost piled up like mountains.


    In the future, when Liszt would decide to build a new castle, there would be no shortage of material  but then again, the basalt on ck Horse Ind is already a good building material.


    This year, we will build three ice chambers for your cer, which is enough. If you want to continue to expand, you can wait until next year. As long as you have money, you can build as many ice chambers as possible. The ice cer of Tulip Castle has twenty-five ice chambers.  Tommy Gravel didn''t pay much attention to this small project.


    He only came to work asionally, only the serfs and his apprentices will do the actualbor.


    An ice chamber is a room in an ice cer used to store ice. A standard ice chamber can store 300 cubic meters ( 10,595 cubic feet) of ice, the size of a 100-square-meter (1,077 square-feet) house.


    With three ice chambers, stocked with 900 cubic meters (31,783 cubic feet) of ice, added with a little bit of nitrate, there will be no need to worry about ice in Flower Town until next summer.


    Carter brought him a cup of coffee.


    Liszt retracted his eyes from the window and sat back in the chair, smiling with a hint of self-deprecation. Mr. Carter, do you think we look like squirrels facing the winter? As soon as autumn arrives, we start to look for food and hide it. Then we eat it in the winter.


    Carter responded yfully, I think the squirrel is a very clever little animal. Other animals can only go hungry during the winter, but squirrels can hide in the cave and eat a little bit of their own hard-earned food every day. Such a life is actually what the civilians in the town expect.


    He went on. Your arrival has enriched the town of flowers and brought them the life they wanted.


    Liszt liked to listen to this kind of nonsense.


    His thoughts were not pure at all, all his efforts were for his benefit and his n.o.bility, but he thinks that he really has given the civilians in Flower Town a good life.


    It is only natural that the people should thank him, respect him, and worship him.


    If one doesn''t have the above three feelings, he is considered an ungrateful white-eyed wolf [3].


    "I am their Lord, and as their Lord, it is my duty to lead them to a good life," Liszt said.


    His expression was calm.


    No pride, nopa.s.sion, only his n.o.bility showing.


    If one would look what an unpleasant n.o.bleman looks like, it was Liszt at that moment. But due to his handsome face, it seemed like he had a great personality.


    Carter was immediately thrilled. You have inherited all the grandeur of the Tulips and the Taro family. May the Knight''s glory always favor you.


    The moving in the castle continues.


    Meanwhile, in the vast sea off Coral Ind, several sailing ships with Red Tulip gs were riding the waves.


    The cabin was smelly and packed with ragged, thin-skinned serfs. These serfs seemed to be deprived of energy and spirit, and were lying weakly on a wooden board for a long time without moving.


    Dinner''s ready! The sailor''s cry came from far and near.


    The serfs who were just about to die quickly changed state, running out of the cabin.


    A young female ve, about eight or nine years old was not standing firmly, and was suddenly knocked down by a nearby serf and she fell on the ground.


    Watching everyone else squeeze out of the cabin to eat, tears swirled in her eyes and quickly rolled down her dirty cheeks.


    Suddenly.


    A slightly rough but delicate hand touched her face.


    [1] House Stark okay i''ll stop now


    [2] or ck nightshade


    [3] The expressions  (bi yn lng) - literally "white eyed wolf" and  (lng xn gu fi) - literally "heart of a wolf and lungs of a dog" are both used to describe a particrly cold-hearted, cruel person.

 Chapter 208: Captain Swan

    Chapter 208: Captain Swan


    Wiping off the tears of the ve girl with her thumb, the owner of the hand said in a husky voice, Get up.


    The little ve looked up and saw a face covered with a face scarf, her hair messy and her face scarf dirty. But her pair of eyes that were exposed were so bright that the little girls struggled to keep hers open.


    She was wearing years-old leather armor with the edges worn out. Behind her was arge sword with a rag wrapped around the hilt. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were squeezed by the leather armor. Due to the squatting and her knees being squeezed it broke the leather armor''s thread head.


    After wiping away the tears of the little girl, she stood up.


    She was tall.


    Her dress was ugly, but she had a strange wild temperament. It made the little girl remember the mercenaries who raided their viges, killing, robbing, which caused her to be separated from her family and sent her off to the ve market. ording to the other serfs in the market, these kinds of people were evil.


    The woman in front of her did look like a mercenary.


    Ahhh. Frightened, the little girl seemed to immediately have strength to get up from the ground and apologized in a panic, Sorry, Maam.. I didn''tI didn''t fall on purpose.


    The maid looked at her, and her hoa.r.s.e voice was heard again. You did nothing wrong, why apologize?


    I  The little ve girl didn''t know how to answer. She panicked again and wanted to cry.


    Follow me.


    The maid said in an authoritative tone, turning around and leaving the cabin. The little girl hesitated, but did not dare not to follow the maid. She lowered her head and did not even dare to look at the maid''s back.


    The mercenary seemed to be walking towards the cafeteria.


    On the way.


    She suddenly said in a hoa.r.s.e voice, Girls must learn to be strong, especially when walking alone.


    The little ve girl didn''t know how to answer, but it seemed that the maid did not expect her to answer anyway. They arrived in the cafeteria in a sh. The mercenary pushed through the crowd of serfs, brought the little ve girl to the dining window and shouted, Fat Jack, give her a meal!


    Ah, yes, Captain Swan.


    While talking, the mercenary had turned around and was about to leave.


    The little female ve stood in front of the window, wondering whether it was time to have a meal or to follow the maid. Just then, Fat Jack the cook, stuffed a half-decent piece of food into her arms with a wooden dish. Here, I don''t know what''s gotten into Captain Swan, she''s feeding the serfs again.


    With a fragrant meal, the little ve girl felt like crying again, but this time for happiness.


    She had a meal today, she had never felt so full before.


    In a mosquito-like voice, she whispered, Thank you. She didn''t know if she was talking to Fat Jack or Captain Swan.


    Crouched in the corner of the deck eating food mixed with beans and flour, she firmly remembered the name Captain Swan. She didn''t understand the difference between ''maid'' and ''captain'' in snakenguage, but only remembered the p.r.o.nunciation that Fat Jack uttered.


    -


    "So Captain Swan has a soft spot for little girls?"


    On the bow deck, the mercenary faced the blowing sea breeze. The second mate on the ship stepped forward and asked elegantly.


    Why not?


    Of course there''s no problem with that. On the contrary, such a move is heart-warming. I can see that under the tough mask of Captain Swan, there lies a soft feminine heart.


    The maid didn''t answer and just continued looking out on the water.


    The second mate refused to give up and said, I saw you help several of these little ve girls. Are you helping because you see your own shadow in them? People always remember their past.. Was your childhood like that?  I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to mention it, I just wanted to know more about Captain Swan.


    Moments pa.s.sed.


    Just when the second mate thought he had failed to keep the conversation going, the maid looked at the seagulls at sea and opened her mouth slowly. I have a sister whom I have not seen for four years. If she is still alive, she would be of the same age as that little ve girl.


    So it turns out that you were separated from your family, it is


    She didn''t wait for the second mate to continue.


    The maid suddenly changed her tone, impatient, she said, Now that you''ve satisfied your curiosity, can you leave?


    Ah, don''t do that, Captain Swan, I know you''re in a bad mood. The second mate said, reaching out and was about to pat her shoulder, I just want tofort you, or I can lend you my shoulder


    But she didn''t wait for his hand to touch her shoulder.


    The mercenary suddenly made an elbow hit and threw the second mate two meters away. Go!


    You! The second mate was angry.


    He was greeted by the maid''s cold hard eyes and with her hoa.r.s.e voice she said. "If you don''t want to die, don''t bother me again. I don''t think the captain would mind if I threw out some bodies at sea."


    The second mate was angry. He got back, rubbed his chest, and reluctantly walked down the deck.


    After entering the cabin where the sailors rested, he was immediately ridiculed by a group of disheveled sailors. "Spike, look! Your best performance yet!"


    Haha, even with yourrge face, you dared to provoke Captain Swan andugh.


    Don''t lose heart, Spike. You''ve been in there two minutes longer than Fox.


    "I''m not willing to gamble just to lose. Spike didn''t even try to talk for more than five minutes, I just lost money with my eyes open!"


    To celebrate Spike''s failure, I have decided to take another sip of gin, haha!


    The sailors in the cabinughed rudely.


    The maid didn''t hear it. Shey on the railing of the deck, watching the bow break the waves. Her thoughts drifted away: Coral Ind  Flower Town  Little Maggie


    Meanwhile.


    While she was staring at the open water.


    In the castle, the white-haired butler Carter approached his Lord Baron who was preupied creating the historical epic chapter of The War of the Dragons in the Wild and said, Master, I have something you should be happy to hear.


    What''s up? Liszt, who was creating a piece of historical material Evil Fire Dragon and Mighty Dragon Knight fought in the Bibo Sea Ten Thousand Years Ago", asked without looking up.


    The trainee maid Maggie has agreed on the contract with Mrs. Harriet of the grocery store".


    The news was about Maggie.


    Liszt put aside the quill pen, raised his eyebrows and asked, , So, do the Harriets n to take Maggie back and make her stop the internship? Maggie was involved in the smoke mission clues. Liszt had to take some excuses to bring Maggie to his side.


    He was not going to let go of Maggie casually.


    Carter''s answer gave him a sigh of relief. Of course not, sir, working in a castle is an extremely glorious thing for civilians. The Harriet family can''t bear to loose such a good opportunity.


    Well, Mr. Carter, you congratte Maggie for me. By the way, is she still here for her afternoon internship?


    There was no news of a leave, so she should have a normal internship this afternoon.


    Well, give her a grilled steak for dinner. "


    As you wish.

 Chapter 209: The First Winter Snow in Flower Town

    Chapter 209: The First Winter Snow in Flower Town


    Early morning of the 13th of December.


    For the fruit-stealing monkeys, the first snow of the year also came with the arrival of their new members. The monkeys that the Lord had ordered haven''t arrived yet, but three of the pregnant monkeys gave birth to monkey babies. There were four all in all, with one mama monkey giving birth to twins.


    Perhaps Flower Town really is a ce of the knights'' glory. All four monkey infants survived.


    They could see the first snow in Flower Town mix with the whistling north wind.


    "Skreeeek!!"


    "Skreeeek!!"


    The monkeys have their own words to cheer the arrival of the snow. When the snowfalles, the coconut tree will stop growing and no coconut will mature anymore-something they knew very well since they have been eating the coconut fruit all year round.The coconuts will no longer mature which means they won''t have to work this winter.


    Unfortunately.


    This idea is ridiculous. In the early morning, Giggs, the manager of the training field, took out some fake coconuts and started training the monkeys day after day.


    Sir Baron will buy more monkeys. By then, this group of fruit-stealing monkeys will be imitated by the new monkeys, so everyone, you must train your monkeys well to make a good fruit-stealing monkey example! Giggs yelled, In the training ground, he enjoyed the authority of leadership.


    Several other fruit farmers listened to him.


    The female monkey I trained can no longer be trained today. It has to feed its children.


    Then you go shovel some snow.


    Why shovel snow? We don''t shovel snow every year. It is better to stay in the house. A fruit farmer said indifferently.


    Giggs said angrily, Correct your att.i.tude. The Adviser Gort has announced to the town that all farms and workshops must shovel the snow in front of their doors and training area. After the job is finished there, the snow on the nearby roads must be shoveled as well! You idiot, do you dare to disobey the orders of the Adviser?


    The fruit farmer certainly didn''t dare to disobey, but he dared toin to Giggs. Why don''t you say it earlier? If you said it earlier, I won''t have let snow pile up in the training ground!


    He grumpingly took his broom and began to sweep some snow.


    The snow only startedst night so the pile was not so thick, it could be swept off with a broom.


    Just like the fruit-stealing monkey training, the whole town began a mighty snow shoveling battle at dawn. The patrolmen banged on gongs and went from house to house to urge the serfs to get up and shovel snowthe snow on the road must be removed first to prevent dys in the carriages and construction in the territory.


    They were destined not to be calm this winter.


    In the castle and in the administrative office, meetings have been held to work out the projects to be built in winter.


    Ahhhhhhhhh!


    Stretching, Lister was a bit reluctant to get out of bed.


    It began snowingst night, and the temperature had fallen to the point where he needed a coat, so he covered himself with a cotton quilt  an earth knight was resistant to cold and heat, but no knight was foolish enough to freeze himself and thus needed a warm quilt.


    However, with strong willpower, he resisted the bed''s temptation and got up to open the door.


    The servant and maid outside were waiting early.


    Thomas, the servant, waited for him to dress, while the maid was responsible for cleaning the room.


    Master, good morning. Thomas saluted while he presented Liszt with a leather jacket.


    Lily holding a bucket, a handle and a mop bowed to Liszt as well. Good morning, sir.


    Good morning.


    Liszt was now ustomed to being a.s.sisted while dressing . He carefully groomed himself in the mirror and hurriedly left the bedroom to walk the dog outside.


    Before he left the house, he heard a Woow! Woow!. E, the thorn Elf, flew out of the wormhole and went out with him.


    Liszt smiled and touched E''s small head. E, I''ll show you snow.


    Wow! E''s eyes opened wide. It was curious about it because it had never seen snow. This was the first time it had seen snow since its birth.


    As soon as it came out of the castle''s door, it flew around excitedly, poking the snow on the ground, trees and windows.


    Wooooooow!


    Tremblingwoods stood at the door of the kennel and was also excited and barking. It was also the first time he had seen snow. However, he should have already seen it sincest night. But he probably knew that since Liszt was around, he could have more fun.


    Liszt unhooked Tremblingwoods'' leash.


    The mid-level magical beast who was raised to be a watchdog flew out like a single arrow, wagging his head and tail in the snow and ying.


    St!


    A small s...o...b..ll fell on Tremblingwoods'' head. E followed Liszt and formed a s...o...b..ll to engage in a s...o...b..ll fight. But it had very small hands, and the s...o...b..ll was even smaller.


    Seeing that Tremblingwoods ignored it, it became furious and raised its hand to sow the seeds.


    But the telepathic Liszt felt the emotion and immediately stopped its behavior. E, y with snow, do not scatter seeds.


    The sprite''s energy was enough to make it nt a tree in Thorns Ridge.


    It made a huge s...o...b..ll, threw it andnded on Tremblingwoods head. It was dumbfounded and started to turn around. He didn''t know who it was. A few secondster, its attention shifted and began rolling in the snow.


    The snow was so thin. With a single press, the snow would melt and reveal the gra.s.s underneath.


    It was supposed to be ''rolling in snow'', but it is actually ''rolling in gra.s.s''.


    It''s childish behavior, but given that it''s not yet one year old, it was normal.


    With tremblingwoods and E ying in the snow, Liszt began his daily routine. The n for a day lies in the morning, and the n for a lifetime lies in diligence.If you want to be a flying sky knight, and be called holy with a sword, you must pay with hard work and sweat.


    After the qi practice .s.s, Liszt returned to the castle to take a bath and change into formal n.o.ble clothes.


    He asked the servant to move the dining table to the window. He would have breakfast leisurely and admire the view of the servants shoveling snow. This solemnity he only found in the countryside is something he could not have enjoyed before crossing. Of course, the prosperous charm of a modern civilization is also unmatched by this backward world.


    Liszt sometimes asks himself if he was given a choice now, would he go back to his original life or stay as a n.o.bleman?


    If this was two months ago, he would most certainly choose to go back.


    Now, he would not hesitate to stay and continue his unfinished dragon riding career.


    It''s just that I miss the soy milk fritters, and the porridge buns  By the way, why don''t I let Mrs. Abby and Rainer of the bakery ''''invent  the bun?


    Like pasta, it was made with wheat and water, but it was more than just bread.


    Steamed bread, buns, rolls, dumplings, ravioli, noodles, tbread, fried dough sticks, wonton, roasted wheat, ramen, these are allmon pasta dishes. Although Lister was originally a southerner and didn''t eat much pasta, dumplings and buns were clearly more in line with his taste than eating bread every day.

 Chapter 210: -Pursuing Girls Lined Up

    Chapter 210: -Pursuing Girls Lined Up


    Steamed buns, fermented flour, knead with water, then steam out.


    Liszt had breakfast, took a thick sheet of paper and began sorting out what he thought of as pasta.


    Most pasta is very simple. Even if he doesn''t eat much, he knows the basic method. The most important thing for noodles is fermentation. Fortunately, bread is also fermented, so the rest is a creative problem.


    Liszt thought more about it.


    His fear was not just about the matter of creativity.


    Although there is magic and fighting spirit in this world, food preservation was still a serious constraint. Bread has a long shelf life, especially the dark bread that civilians eat, it can still be eaten even after half a year. But steamed bread and buns, if not eaten for two days, would grow some kind of hair. Even if the ordinary people came up with this kind of dish, they would still be reluctant to make it.


    If it wasn''t finished right away, it would be a huge waste.


    Knights still use bread as the main food when they go out to fight. It is easy to carry and does not spoil easily The most unfortunate thing to do would be to bring some biscuits and baking pie. You can''t take dumplings and churros to the battlefield. He summed it up, and felt that some foods are a little taken for granted. Pancakes, noodles, crepes, their shelf life is also quite long, only needs water, and can be eaten anywhere.


    Just so.


    After all, it is poverty that limits the imagination of the civilians.


    He continued to study the recipes and write down his limited memory of pasta techniques.


    Steamed buns, fermented flour, knead with water, then steam out.


    Dumplings,fermented flour, dough rolled into strips, cut into small pieces, roll using a rolling pin and into dumpling wrappers, wrap in vegetables, and cook in a pan.


    Noodles, flour fermentation, the dough is constantly pulled, and pulled into long strips. He didn''t finish the entry, and he suddenly felt that this approach seemed to be a practice with ramen, Ramen and noodles should be different  s, I can''t think of the difference, forget it, i''ll merge it into one entry.


    After writing these recipes, Liszt thought about it, and realized he ns tounch too many at one time, a bit of an overreach.


    He picks out the simplest, steamed bread. He was prepared to dial Mrs. Abby and the baker Rainier for the invention. With steamed buns, the subsequent buns will be easy to make.


    Of course.


    Pasta was not List''s favorite food after all, but he''s just going to make it and improve the vor. There wasn''t really pa.s.sion involved for his favorite is the authentic Sichuan and Huaiyang cuisine. It is a pity that these dishes are too demanding on knives skills and ingredients and Liszt cannot do anything about it.


    It was not easy for Mrs. Abby to make the scrambled eggs and egg drop soup in the first ce.


    At one point, he called out Rainer and Mrs. Abby, told them that he had encountered a pasta meal from another ce and described to them the appearance of a steamed bread.


    Mrs. Abby, Rainer, study the bread when you have time.


    Master, just leave it to me. The method of buns sounds simple. I will steam out buns soon. Since inventing several new types of bread and the scrambled eggs and egg soup, Mrs. Abby felt a star chef''s momentum and was full of confidence.


    Rainer was also busy nodding. I will do my best to a.s.sist Mrs. Abby.


    He heard others say that Mrs. Abby had invented egg soup and scrambled eggs. The chefs of Coral City all learned from Mrs. Abby on how to cook the said recipes. With admiration, he was willing to cooperate with Mrs. Abi for food research.


    How to cook steamed bread.


    All that was to do was write and write.


    The morning pa.s.sed like it was just a short amount of time.


    Just as Liszt thought it was another leisurely day, a knight came from Coral City. Master Baron, the Tulip Caravan has returned, Sir Frank asked you to send someone to Coral City to talk business.


    It didn''t say anything that the serfs had arrived.


    But Liszt naturally understood. I''ll send someone right away, go have a rest first.


    Thank you, Baron.


    A few momentster Gort rushed in and was instructed by Liszt to immediately arrange how to hand over the serfs. This time is different from thest time. Since it was colder and snow had fallen, one of the serfs would surely be frozen to death. Fortunately, he had already prepared for the arrival of the caravan. They had brought a pile of winter supplies, and set off for Coral City.


    Liszt intended to go there in person, but he remembered that ck Horse Ind mineral deposits still needed to be calcted. In time, Marcus will return with the ship this afternoon, which will likely bring news about the fire-attributed mineral nodules.


    He handed over the 300 coins he had saved these days to Gort. Adviser Gort, this batch of 1000 serfs I have bought with 210 gold coins. It''s eptable that the number of losses would not be more than 150, but if it''s more than that then they''ll have to make it up to me.


    I''ll talk to Frank carefully.


    These three hundred gold coins are the cost of buying a new batch of serfs but do try keep the prices of serfs as low as possible. War will definitely bring innumerable serfs. I believe that there is still room for the price to be further discounted. How to talk that through is up to you.


    Please rest a.s.sured that I am familiar with Frank and that even if I can''t reach his bottom offer, I won''t make him get away much of a bargain By the way, can I take advantage of  certain things? Gort was a little hesitant but was not too embarra.s.sed to say.


    Liszt said, Say whatever you want.


    Your charm is unmatched on Coral Ind and is the ideal marriage partner for many n.o.bledies. I can see that the Franks are hoping to get your favor. Maybe I can use this to reduce the price to the bottom line, to buy more serfs.


    n.o.bles are mostly elegant people, but for the benefit, it is normal to use all the resources avable to them.


    That''s why Gort came up with the beautiful man n.


    However, Liszt couldn''t get over his conscience and directly denied it. Frank is a distinguished n.o.bleman, I believe he has his own code of conduct, so, do not involve little Shirley. Try to fight for the difference between a few gold coins and a dozen gold coins, but do so with no harm.


    He was in a liquidity crisis and did not have much fixed a.s.sets, there wasn''t really much he could do.


    But when ites to manipting feelings, Liszt wants to keep his innocence.


    "s, when I reach 30 years old, I''ll be alone and troubled. But now, that I am 16 years old with girls chasing me and lining up, it annoys me a little."


    -


    Liszt guessed right.


    The Flower came back from the sea when the snow stopped in the afternoon.


    In addition to half a ship of dragon bone fragments, Marcus also brought information about the fire-attribute mineral nodules. My Lord, this is the rock that I dug out from the cracks in the rock columns as I dug up the bone fragments, which is very strange. I vaguely sense the existence of magic on it.


    He handed a brown irregr rock.


    The surface of the stone is smooth, and regr lines of concentric circles can be seen on the fracture surface, just like the sh.e.l.l surface of a m sh.e.l.l. There is a .s.s texture on the whole, and the edges are even transparent, but it is far less transparent than gems and crystals. At first, it feels lighter than ordinary rocks. If one would look closely, they would see that there are many bubbles inside.


    Such shape and characteristics immediately reminded Liszt of volcanicvavolcanic .s.s.

 Chapter 211: Fire Dragon Magic in a Bubble

    Chapter 211: Fire Dragon Magic in a Bubble


    Volcanic .s.s is a natural .s.s formed during a volcanic eruption.


    Liszt does not know the principle of .s.s formation very well. If he knew he would need the concept, he would have studied .s.s long ago. As for the red-brown stone in his hand, it being a volcanic .s.s or not was just his spection.


    He was not an expert after all, and therefore could not judge.


    The smoke mission said that this thing was a condensate of fire properties. Marcus said that he felt signs of magic. I have to make sure if there really are fire magic properties in this.


    Liszt immediately cast the Magic Eye.


    His pupils spun like a vortex, the deep eyes gazed at the red-brown stone, and suddenly the red-brown stone changed. In his field of view, it turned into a little red light. The light seems very thin, but exudes a gorgeous texture, a far cry from the usual fire magic.


    It


    Liszt''s mind suddenly came up with a thought. Isn''t this dragon magic?


    Since it has been inferred that ck Horse Ind was created by a fallen fire dragon, it is not surprising that the magical stone that is embedded in it belongs to a fire dragon.


    He even suggested the possibility that a volcano formed by a dragon could be an active volcano that erupts from time to time.


    After all, the magic of dragonssts forever.


    But if there were rocks wrapping up the magic and losing its effects, the volcano would surely die. This rock, called the Fire Property Condensate, contains bubbles that encircle the magic, and most likely the magic of the dragon is entrapped, so that it can no longer drive the eruption.


    The magic of the fire dragon!


    Liszt felt that he was going to make a fortune, and everything rted to the dragon was of great value. The fire dragon is an elemental dragon. Although it is not a metal dragon, a gem dragon, or a sacred dragon, it also has the magical power to infect surroundings. So the magic it has left is of great value.


    He tried to tone down his excitement.


    He asked indifferently, Mr. Marcus, how much of this ore is distributed on ck Horse Ind?


    I don''t know exactly how many there are on the ind,but there are lots of these rocks scattered through the cracks in the pirs buried in thend.


    "Mining.. Always mining.. Your hunch was right. I can also see magic in this." Because Marcus did not know that this was a dragon product, Liszt chose to keep it a secret. I believe this will be a good batch for forging materials, building equipment or whatever.


    However, he still underestimated Marcus'' IQ and a.s.sociative power. This magic stone, sir, doesn''t this look like a gem produced by a dragon?


    Liszt raised his brows, but rxed them again.


    He was surprised. "Why would you think this is a dragon''s? It doesn''t look like that kind of a gem at all."


    My Lord, maybe it''s not a gem from a gem dragon, nor a metal from a metal dragon, but a stone left by an element dragon. Those five huge bones, aside from dragons or superior magical beasts, I can''t think of anything else. There are no other creatures left to consider. Plus these magic stones, it must be the product of a dragon!


    At this point, Marcus was increasingly sure that his inference was correct. Perhaps many years ago, a dragon warrior ughtered a dragon and it happened on ck Horse Ind!


    This series of inferences.


    Liszt suddenly developed aplicated mood. He should be lucky to have savvy subordinates, but their superior IQ was something he clearly underestimated.


    But now that Marcus had guessed the answer, he thought for a moment and decided not to keep it secret. Do you really think this is an elemental dragon?


    Yes, my Lord. Marcus''s eyes were shining with a hint of inspiration. " And I also thought that the ck blood dragon horses on the ind were extraordinary and we thought they were just magical beasts, but why not a dragon species? They are living on ck Horse Ind and have had long-term contact with the remains of an Elemental Dragon, maybe it has infected the dragon stallions!


    Once the hole was opened, it couldn''t be stopped. Even the secret of the dragon horses was spected about.


    Drawing a deep breath, Liszt said with a heavy voice. Marcus, you should know what it means to us if that is true.


    Marcus thought seriously for two minutes, and said loudly. Master, this means that you are the son of glory that Gort believes you are, and the glory of the knights will always look after you! I am deeply honored as your follower, I hope to follow in the footsteps of the Baron and make achievements!


    His tone was full of excitement.


    After that, Marcus kneeled on one knee, and Liszt performed the solemn knight allegiance etiquette.


    Seeing such a reaction, Liszt suddenly found himself sometimes too cautious. The world''s knight system is so entrenched that the knight''s glory was brainwashed as liberal democracy, and the authority of the Lord is almost unshakable  especially for a n.o.bleman like Marcus.


    To maintain the authority of the Lord is to uphold his ideals and ideas -this is vital to make sure the n.o.ble maintains his position in the future.


    So a lot of secrets can actually be shared with his subordinates.


    However, still wanting to be cautious and stay away from harm as much as possible, there are still some secrets he would keep, such as the gem s.p.a.ce, the smoke mission, and how much money he has on hand.


    The corner of his mouth arched and he said lightly, May the knights'' glory look after you and me.


    The show was over and they were back to business.


    Liszt said, I feel the fire magic property contained in the stone, perhaps it is a product of a fire dragon. However, looking at the extent of bone decay, I am afraid that the death of the dragon has been more than tens of thousands of years,and it''s difficult to say how much of the magic remains and if we can still benefit from it. ''


    It''s true, but basing from the fact that the ck blooded dragon horse is a dragon specie is a huge gain. We don''t pay enough attention to the ck blooded dragon horse!


    The ck blooded dragon horses really need more attention to it. It is up to you, Mr. Marcus, to take charge of the domestication work.


    I will work hard for the Baron!


    There is also this kind of stone, which is called a volcanic .s.s. Its mining work must also be followed up. Liszt felt that the ''fire attributed mineral nodule'' was more verbose, and he irresponsibly confused the name.I will ,as soon as possible, study its role, so as to measure its value.


    Marcus nodded, and suddenly asked, Sir, isn''t it too wasteful to use those keel fragments as farming tools?"


    "I have initially felt that too. But I have let the mage study it and he said that it''s magic has long dissipated. It''s only advantage is its hardness."


    The five keels should have some magic.


    Well, focus on protecting them and leave them forter.


    As you wish.


    The discussion between the fire dragon and the volcanic .s.s was over, and Liszt remembered a previous thought. Mister Marcus, I matched against Randy and Russell. Their strength was slightly inferior and they failed to prove my strength. I believe that only you can prove my strength in Flower Town.


    Marcus was surprised. Master has honed his cheats?


    In fact, I am not only proficient in Dragon Wave and me Wave , but also the ultimate mysterious multiple phantom arrows of Double Arrow have been sessfully cultivated! Liszt was very proud of his cultivation results, and said with great spirit, Teacher Marcus, how about a real battle!

 Chapter 212: Struggling to Fight Alone

    Chapter 212: Struggling to Fight Alone


    Bang!


    Bang!


    The steelnce gets bent and defromed with each collision of the two elite earth knights. Fire particles were rubbed out with each impact, and a harsh impact sound was heard as well, like both weapons could break anytime.


    Even if the two weapons were not broken, bothnces were on the verge of being sc.r.a.pped and needed to be refurbished.


    The spirit of Liszt''s fire attributes surrounded him, like a G.o.d of war in mes; the spirit of Marcus''s wind attributes entangled him as well, like a cloud drifting indefinitely.


    Russell and Randy watched in the distance and saw the collision of mes and clouds.


    Clouds are on the defensive, mes are on the offensive, now the sky is full of fire clouds.


    Marcus is an elite earth knight. The Baron has not fallen in the slightest, and every charge could suppress Marcus, I can''t believe it! Randy was stunned.


    Russell smiled bitterly. I know that the Lord Baron is very strong. I couldn''tnd a hit at him when I charged, but I didn''t expect him to be so strong that even Marcus was not a worthy match.


    Maybe that is his talent. The Count, who started Coral Ind, was a gifted knight. His bloodline, Sir Levis, Baroness Lvera, and Leighton, had shown exceptional talent since childhood. The worst was the Baron, who only had thick hair.


    We should consider the Baron''s hard work. Every morning I could see Lord Baron cultivating qi on the racetrack.


    At this point, the two of them looked at each other, all silently. A person who tries hard everyday is better than a naturally talented person.


    At this time, the two men saw the sixth charge in the distance.


    The mes were still fierce, but the clouds were gradually thinning. At the moment when the knight''snces. .h.i.t, the violently bursting mes broke the thin clouds in one fell swoop. The two horses staggered, and Marcus''s figure flew from the horse''s back and fell heavily to the ground. His knight''s spear was also cut in two.


    Lifted!


    The dragon horse raised its forefoot and hissed loudly.


    Liszt held the curved knight''s spear with one hand, His chest was constantly breathing hard as he rushed for six times in a row. His elite earth Knight''s body felt a lot of fatigue.


    But his spirit was so uplifted that he gasped and said, Teacher Marcus, I won.


    Marcus got up from the ground. There was a moment of confusion, then his eyes calmed down again. He was also panting. The strength of Sir Baron has exceeded my imagination. Although you do not have enough charging experience, the rest is just a matter of time . May victory be with you from now on!


    I took advantage of the horses. Liszt humbled.


    Even without the Dragon Horse, it''ll happen soon. My total fighting qi is far behind yours." At this point, Marcus seemed to think of something, opened his mouth and swallowed it back in his stomach  he probably wanted to ask Liszt if he had be an elite earth knight.


    Marcus didn''t ask, and Liszt was not nning to say anything anyway.


    Liszt turned over and dismounted, he signaled for someone to take away the damaged knight''s spear. I have already proven my strength in battlefield charge, but I hope to fight with Teacher Marcus again tomorrow with a sword. Battle charging is more than fighting skills but sword fighting is more dependent on fighting skills.


    Marcus nodded. It''s better to do so in the evening, I will be able to recover my fighting power at night after training as I need to go to sea tomorrow morning.


    While talking, Randy and Russell had alreadye over and congratted Liszt.


    After that battle, Liszt understood the gap between an ordinary earth knight and an elite earth knight. With reference to Marcus''s strength, he has a clear understanding of the strength difference of the two. I fought with Teacher Marcus and I had a lot of insights, you can ask Marcus for as much advice as needed in the future.


    Yes, Lord Baron!


    Let''s have a cup of milk tea. Liszt walked under the apple tree first, and a servant quickly brought four cups of milk tea, which were all made with fresh milk.


    The cows were abundant with milk recently and can produce several barrels a day.


    Every day, apart from being served in the banquet and Liszt''s personal consumption, knights rewards the well-trained children with a .s.s of fresh milk each. There was still a lot of milk left every day, and so the serfs on the cow farm mix flour and milk to make dry milk.


    The original dried milk powder was all collected by Tulip Castles, but now the dried milk powder product naturally enters Liszt''s castle and is being stored.


    Whether it is eaten in the off season or sold, it is still a revenue.


    In the afternoon, the sun appeared briefly for a moment, then disappeared again. Later on, it began to snow.


    This situation wouldst all winter.


    With the nutritional supply of milk, Marcus'' recovery speed was faster than expected, so the sword fight would be held ahead of time.


    Liszt did not use the Red Blood Sword. If he would be using the Red Blood Sword, it is estimated that he can crush Marcus easily.


    He chose a steel sword, one in each hand. Marcus had the same equipment-but Liszt wore magical beast leather, and Marcus could only wear ordinary leather.


    Lords and followers certainly cannot enjoy the same treatment.


    This time, there was no nonsense.


    Nor did Randy and Russell watch them again.


    The two men were in the middle of the horse field, facing heavy snow and lifting a pair of swords. Liszt, who has been inspired to be a me Swordmaster, was no longer intimidated by such training. No one would want to lose without putting up a fight.


    "Fire Dragon!"


    s, the steel sword in his hand stabbed upwards a ming st, as if a fire dragon was flying.


    Wind whirlpool! Marcus turned the long steel sword entangled with qi, and with the sword movement, a vortex was formed, directly engulfing Liszt''s me qi.


    Bang!


    The steel sword that lost the fire magic was struck by Marcus''s sword. The wind-like spirit still entangled on it was released instantly, and almost knocked Liszt''s sword into flight.


    Liszt tried so hard to hold on to it.


    "Wow!"


    "It''s dangerous!"


    Liszt''s palms were sweating. The feeling of sword battle waspletely different from the battle charge. Marcus looked like a hedgehog in front of him. He had a stern defense and was not speaking. If he had a chance , he could stab Liszt and twist him.


    The two of them approached like this twenty times.


    No one could do anything about it.


    Marcus''s fighting experience has long matured. Defense is his main strength, and was supplemented by sneak attacks. Every time he attacks, it is also the moment when his old techniques and Liszt''s new fights sh, and it makes him ufortable.


    However, Liszt has a strong foundation, a lot of fighting spirit, and a fast recovery speed, to barely support it.


    One is fierce and the other is old.


    The number of fights went straight to more than 30 times, then the two of them were unable to keep up with their fighting energies, and they fought ten more times, eventually ending up in a tie.


    Both were carrying steel swords and panting in the heavy snow.


    Teacher Marcus, are you letting me? Liszt suddenly asked, with his almost zero sword experience, he could support a tie with Marcus, which is a bit exaggerated.


    Before the sword fight, he was arrogant and thought that Marcus would be resolved in ten minutes.


    At the beginning of the fight, Marcus''s mind was shaken several times, and he was killed off by his fear of being careless.


    After a while, Liszt thought Marcus was already helpless, his counterattack was no longer sharp, and there seemed to be no effort to do so anyway, so he stayed dead.


    He felt that, at the end of the fight, Marcus had exhausted his qi.


    Marcus shook his head, panting constantly and was speaking intermittently. Ten times in the fight, the Lord  the Lord attacked too fiercely, leaving no room for me no opportunity to defeat the Lord. But the progress of the Baron is amazing. Later on, I was looking for an opportunity for a sneak attack, but I couldn''t find one.


    Really? Liszt felt that his waist was not sore, his legs were no longer painful, and even his breathing was calm-indeed a genius!

 Chapter 213: Volcanic Gla.s.s Experiment

    Chapter 213: Volcanic .s.s Experiment


    Liszt benefited a lot from the charge and sword battle with Marcus.


    Although it is possible to build a car behind closed doors, it is still necessary to take it out and do actual tests on it. It would be difficult to judge its performance as good or bad without doing so.


    Moreover, this kind of actualbat also allowed Liszt to have a clearer understanding of his strength.


    He believed that he could once again fight Marcus, and that he could crush the other sidepletely, whether in charge or sword battle.


    An elite earth knight who uses magic potions versus those that rely onbat skills alone the rich and can really do whatever they want.


    Just so.


    The continuous days ofbat gave him the most experience, but not how to fight, in the sense of the word.


    It was still all about making money and taking magic potions.


    Soon, a batch of fast-growing magic thorns can be harvested, and Elkson will make more magic potions, which will lead to more me Mushroom magic potion, which will speed up my path to evolution! Liszt had understood the essence of knighthood cultivation. There is also magical beast meat, while some even have to borrow money just to eat a few pounds every day!


    Knock Knock.


    My Lord, Carter said as he knocked.


    As Liszt recollects his thoughts, he picks up the thick leather paper, which reads, Take potions, eat meat, drink milk, and inserts it into a magic book he recently leafed through, and responds, Pleasee in.


    The caravan carriage has returned. The serfs children were carried back as well. Mr. Isaiah asks you how you would like to arrange the serfs.


    Let him follow the original n.


    Yes, Sir. Carter took a letter from his arms and handed it to Liszt. There is also a letter from the caravan here, which was written for you by Adviser Gort.


    Gort did not return with the caravan. Arge number of serfs were stranded outside, and he was required to arrange a ce for these serfs to stay at night.


    So he sent a letter to the merchant team about the serf handover.


    Looking at the letter, the number of serfs was recorded. The original order was one thousand serfs, including two hundred craftsmen, but only 836 serfs came to Flower Town alive, leaving only 144 craftsmen. The amount of damage was too much, exceeding the indicators given by Liszt.


    Frank promised to supplement us with one hundred serfs and twenty craftsmen on the basis of the serfs to be sold next time. The letter also recorded the results of the bargain between Gort and Frank.


    The report followed a transaction record of three hundred gold coins.


    Frank didn''t agree on a discount because he received a letter from Levis. As mentioned, the war will stop as soon as winter approaches. The Count was already packing up plundered resources and is preparing to withdraw from the Eagle Kingdom. Frank wanted to wait for Levis toe back before deciding whether to continue selling serfs.


    The Count ising back? After reading the letter, Liszt had to calcte the remaining time.


    It was already December. The Count left in September, therefore he had been gone for three months. This year''s break was not as longpared to the previous years or even during the Lunar New Year.


    I have no idea if this year''s harvest is rich or not. Eagle Kingdom is a big iron-producing country. If I can plunder more iron ore, I can buy a batch and leave it for the serfs to forge weapons and equipment  We might have the opportunity next year to follow the Count to the battlefield to pick up some beans.


    Dinner was set up for Liszt alone.


    Town officials were busy epting the serf children. Children without rtives were directly sent to the serf homes in Flower Town.


    Children with rtives were temporarily thrown into a new house in a residential area while waiting for their parents toe and arrange the housing situation.


    Food was distributed to the serfs'' homes early on, and then served by the serfs to the children. The extra clothes and bedding were then borrowed from the serf''s home to keep the children warm, and will be returned to each serf when the castle buys new clothes.


    There were also a number of children who have been caught in the cold, or who did not agree with the water and earth and needed to be cared for by the elder serfs to prevent untimely death.


    The night was windy and snowy, but Flower Town was destined to be lively.


    Tomorrow will also be a busy day. More than 800 serfs will need time to integrate into the life in Flower Town. One of the biggest obstacles is thenguage issue. Snake Language was spoken here, while most of the new serfs speak Eagle. Fortunately, the earlier batch of new serfs had learned basic Snake Language and couldmunicate with them.


    After dinner, Liszt went on a tour around town.


    It was not very pleasant to see a thin, yellow-faced child shaking in the cold and being instructed by the senior officials to salute him  it was a direct collision of two world views.


    He sighed.


    After he showed up, he returned directly to the castle. He was in no mood to stay outside any longer.


    After returning to the castle, Liszt went straight upstairs, just to see the maid Little Lily bending down to clean the corridor. She had on a modified version of the ck and white maid overalls. The skirt was stretched, revealing a pair of straight white long tights. There was now a rounded curve under the skirt, which is very respectable.


    Hearing footsteps, Lily quickly turned around and stood at the corner, letting Liszt pa.s.s by. Master.


    Just continue. Liszt retreated regretfully, entered his study, calmed his mood for three minutes, and grabbed a volcanic .s.s on the table.


    He studied it for a while before the noon break.


    No matter how he maneuvers his qi, it cannot prate into the volcanic .s.s ande into contact with the magic in the bubbles. The magical power of these fire dragons was trapped in the bubbles, as ifpletely frozen, and cannot be let out.


    But after exploring, he found something.


    The fire magic around the volcanic .s.s was obviously agitated a lot, as if pulled in by the magic of the fire dragon in the bubble. It was a bit like a maic field. It was obviously not essible through volcanic .s.s, but it can cause agitation of fire magical properties. This was probably why Marcus can feel its magic.


    With this feature alone, it feels right to build a magical equipment with it.


    He quietly wondered. If there were arge number of volcanic .s.s arranged together, could it form a magic array? And then would the fire magic in the magic array create an environment full of fire magic? If you put a magician into it, would he be able to roll out a fireball?


    This doesn''t seem to make much sense.


    He even wanted to break open the volcanic .s.s and release the magic of the fire dragon. However, after being released, it was difficult to guarantee the consequences of the kind of magic that belongs to a fire dragon.


    Will it infect the surrounding environment, such as causing a fire? He wasn''t sure, but it was obviously not suitable for release in the study, where there were still many books on the bookshelf as furnishings.


    It is best done during the day.


    One will have to put on armor, find an open area, and release the fire dragon magic.


    But when thinking about it, it was just a little bit of a bubble in a volcanic .s.s. How much magic can it actually store? How much reaction can it cause?


    After tangling for a while, he still didn''t break the volcanic .s.s.


    Several possibilities and potential uses had to be predicted first and will have to be validated tomorrow.

 Chapter 214: Little Fire Dragon Bursts

    Chapter 214: Little Fire Dragon Bursts


    The next day.


    After thebat course waspleted, Liszt continued to devote himself to studying the volcanic .s.s.


    He first carried a piece of volcanic .s.s to the wastnd near the castle and smashed the volcanic .s.s. The bubbles shattered along with the volcanic .s.s. Using Magic Eyes, he saw that the fire dragon''s magic power escaped immediately.


    The next event surprised Liszt.


    The escaping fire dragon magical powers were entangled, and under his watch, they condensed into the shape of a tiny dragon! The wings expanded, fanned up and down. Though the figure was hazy, as if it could be blown away by the wind at any time, it turned back and forth in the air, as if it was a red dragon flying.


    This


    Liszt never thought that dragon magic would have such a mysterious transformation.


    He quickly remembered when nny Truth exined the triangr theory. nny believed that dragons and elves were derived from thebination of magic and matter.


    Now thinking about it, it is quite possible indeed. It is even very likely that the dragon is simply derived from magicthe fire magic attribute produced the essence, and the essence condensed into the fire dragonthere could be no other exnation why the magic of the fire dragon after so many years can still form a small magic fire dragon.


    After thinking.


    As the Little Dragon was still floating in the air, even the snow could not extinguish its light. Liszt grabbed the Little Dragon with his hand in a Magic Sheath.


    He just touched it.


    Boom!


    With a burst, the little fire dragon exploded in ce, turning into mes, sting Liszt''s gloves on the spot. He felt pain in the palm of his hand. The skin was burned by the bursting mes, and the epidermis was almost burnt. The part that wasn''t burnt showed two more blisters in the palm of his hand, and the pain was fiery.


    It. It''s powerful." Lister squeezed the blisters with his hands, gritted his teeth, and ran the qi to that point of his body to heal the pain of the wound  the knight''s qi has the effect of warming the body and healing the wound.


    Magic Eyes was still casted.


    Liszt was still observing.


    The exploding fire dragon''s magical power quickly gathered together into a new magical little fire dragon. Looking at the size of the dragon, he observed there was almost no change from before.


    This unscientific situation caught Liszt a little caught off guard.


    He felt that this magical fire dragon would be like the winds of the Roaring Valley, which wouldst forever and would linger in this wastnd near the castle.


    If a serf pa.s.ses by here and identally touches the small fire dragon, there may be an immediate explosion. It wouldn''t be seriously dangerous, but it can still cause scorching the skin or blistering.


    I have to wait for something to absorb the magic of the dragon. He nced at the broken volcanic .s.s on the ground. Probably when the volcano erupted, the heat caused liquid magma and wrapped the magic of the dragon. Now that it has condensed into solid .s.s, the magic can''t be wrapped inside it again.


    Suddenly.


    Liszt thought, Why don''t I let the crystal artisans mold the volcanic .s.s into a bottle or jar? And then use it to capture the magic of the dragon and store it? This volcanic .s.s, which clearly has the effect of blocking the dragon magic, would be a natural storage container.


    Such thought relieved his worries.


    He would continue to study the magic of a flying dragon.


    The flight path of the little fire dragon was not fixed, but it seems that there are some restrictions in its flight, restraining it within a fixed range. This range was the area where the first small fire dragon was crushed by Liszt and the fire dragon''s magic burst and spread.


    He dispelled Magic eyes.


    The little fire dragon disappeared from sight immediately.


    When Magic Eye was casted again, the small fire dragon appeared, naturally slowly pping its wings to fly, turning around within a fixed range, all while doing so very leisurely.


    Liszt touched it with his fine steel sword, which directly crossed the small dragon. The dragon directly crossed the long sword, but it was without collision or reaction.


    "Why is there no reaction?"


    Thinking deeply, he thought of a possibility. He immediately ran qi to attach to the steel sword, and touched the little fire dragon with the sword again.


    Boom!


    It burned instantly


    Sparks were widely observed without using Magic Eyes.


    After a moment, everything calmed down, and a small fire dragon appeared again in the Magic Eyes vision range. This time, the movement range of the small fire dragon was more limited by the new burst range. It was flying in a circr s.p.a.ce within 50 cm. Its size and total magic power were still intact.


    Liszt observed no loss.


    It''s really not scientific, why is it that work was done but I don''t see the loss of energy? It''s the same as the dragon''s gem. Dragons produce precious stones that also have almost infinite magic, but no matter how infinite, there will eventually be a day of exhaustion.


    Perhaps if the little fire dragon exploded a thousand times, its magic would bepletely annihted.


    By the way, will it fly underground?As soon as he thought of doing it, Lisztr waited for the Little Dragon toe close to the ground, and touched it with his sword.


    Boom!


    It blew up.


    This time,the center of the explosion was only ten centimeters from the ground. When the new little fire dragon condensed, it actually flew towards the ground. The original remaining snow on the ground was melted by the little fire dragon instantly, and then the wet ground had its water evaporated at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Soon, the little fire dragon flew out of the ground again, flying for a moment, and again into the ground.


    Because it was only the size of a palm, it can only steam a small area at a time, but it brought changes to the dried area.


    The dried soil gradually turned ck and became burnt.


    He dissolve the little dragon, dug up the ground''s scorched earth, knocked on it, and found it as hard as a brick.


    Bricks? At that moment, an aura of light fell from the sky and into his mind. The magical fire dragon is just burning the bricks. I can use it to burn bricks,do pottery and porcin! Once the fire dragon has more magic, it would be absolutely many times more powerful than a high-temperature furnace!


    In addition, there would be no smoke generated since no physical fuel was needed.


    The idea overjoyed him since there were a lot of this volcanic .s.s dispersed all over ck Horse Ind. He would condense the magic of the fire dragons, build a brick kiln with the volcanic .s.s, and use it as energy source to burn bricks. Pottery and porcin can also be burned.


    It is said that firing bricks and ceramics requires different temperatures, and the temperature can be controlled by separating the magic of the fire dragon.


    The magic of a whole fire dragon can ignite a volcano, and part of the fire dragon magic can be used to burn bricks!


    His thinking diverged, and more ideas emerged. Not only can I burn bricks, I can make a steam furnace with the little dragon, and then I would invent a steam engineIt seems that the steam engine is a bit difficult, but doesn''t boiling water only take a few minutes?


    It''s not a mine reward, it''s an energy source reward!


    Looking at the nearly 40 smoke missions that have appeared so far, the value of volcanic .s.s is second only to s.p.a.ce gems. If he coulde up with a good development out of this, it can even exceed the s.p.a.ce gem.


    Liszt forcibly suppressed his excitement, stared at the flying little fire dragon, and clenched his fists.


    He thought of another possibility: The magic of the fire dragon, maybe  can infect creatures, infect new dragon-type beasts?

 Chapter 215: Footprints Leading to the Castle

    Chapter 215: Footprints Leading to the Castle


    Liszt did not understand how dragons infect magical beasts and monsters.


    However, the conditions of infection are definitely very restrictive, otherwise the Grand Duke would have owned a lot of dragon-type creatures. In fact, the Grand Duke of Sapphire only has one kind of dragon stallion, which is the blue blood dragon horses.


    Therefore,


    Judging from this, the acquisition of Dragon Blood should be quite difficult.


    However,he had an earlier inference that the cows on the dairy farm might have acquired the blood of the dragon and mutated into dragon-breeding cows. This makes him think that it seems that the blood of the dragon is not very difficult to obtain. An invisible dragon wandering a circle of dairy farms has infected the poption there with the blood of the dragon.


    So is this difficult or not?


    Can the fire dragon magic infect creatures into having blood of the dragon?


    If it could, what animals would I infect with the blood of the dragon?


    Horses already have dragon stallions and ck blood dragon horses. Cows may already have dragon breed cows. Others such as chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, sheep and monkeys do not seem to have much infection value.


    Maybe I can infect Tremblingwoods into a mid-level Dragon Monster? He thought it was a good idea and Tremblingwoods had to be trained anyway.


    Of course, it was just an idea. The research on the magic of fire dragon is still in its preliminary stage. Before thorough research, its best use would be as the firewood that temporarily serves as a kiln. Otherwise, the magic of the fire dragon will just have an explosion effect and not infect Tremblingwoods at all.


    After determining the location of the small fire dragon, Liszt picked up fragments of volcanic .s.s and returned to the castle.


    Marcus brought back a small number of volcanic .s.s, but enough to be piled up in his gemstone s.p.a.ce. If these volcanic .s.ses were smashed, a basin-sized magical fire dragon would probably condense-somehow, Liszt always likes to use the basin size as an adjective.


    His idea was to have the volcanic .s.s molded together and made into a jar.


    It was convenient to extract and store the fire dragon magic at any time.


    This dragon magic is very valuable, and even a little amount wasted is already a huge loss.


    I have to find Brad the crystal maker..I should find a chance to bring him to Flower Town and work for me. It''s a pity that craftsmen like Brad can live a good life with their craft alone and would never want to settle down in the country.


    The snow fell all morning.


    With his cloak, Liszt went back and forth between the castle and the wastnd with the Little Fire Dragon, trying various studies. But he was not a magician, and the research methods he knew were too few. He tossed the rock around but that didn''t toss out much useful information. The only thing worth noting was that he established that fact that volcanic .s.s can indeed contain the magic of fire dragons.


    He found that the small fire dragon would break up immediately when it hit the volcanic .s.s, but would not cause an explosion.


    The explosion was caused by a physical reaction caused by the fire dragon magic''s contact with other non-identical magic items. If there was no magical stimulus, the small fire dragon can keep the fire dragon shape and burn the surroundings, as if a constant inexhaustible source of heat.


    The small fire dragon activities were limited within 50 cm.


    The ice and snow melted, the ground dried up, and it was burned into scorched earth, causing cracks.


    Such a mysterious fire dragon I don''t know how many years have pa.s.sed since, but its magic power is extraordinary. No one would believe it if it is not seen with his own eyes. He felt emotional and thought of a kind of earth technology, Could this be like a controble nuclear fusion? Controble nuclear fusion ismonly known as the artificial sun. Whoever has controble nuclear fusion has endless energy.


    He even believed that all dragons are equivalent to a man-made sun that lives for a thousand years.


    A continuous production of energy.


    The area of snow was roasted by the small fire dragon, and it continued to melt and vaporize other areas, forming a peculiarndscape in the heavy snow. Liszt''s thoughts returned from the artificial sun. When he saw this, he couldn''t help thinking, If I dig a pool, can you create a hot spring?


    Winter is the perfect time for hot springs.


    He couldn''t bear the impulse and immediately decided. I want to make a hot spring in the castle, just in the bathroom! The bathroom has arge bathtub. He could separate a small area and put in the small fire dragon. It would be equivalent to continuously adding hot water. There would no longer be a need for servants to bring in hot water from downstairs.


    He quickly returned to the castle to design the construction n of the indoor hot spring.


    He ns to implement the hot spring within the week.


    By the time he drew up the first drawing of the hot spring bath, Gort had already brought the serfs back to Flower Town. Unfortunately, because of sickness and the cold, seven serfs died on the road. Counting in the children before, only 829 people came to Flower Town, including 142 craftsmen.


    It was a pity that there were those that had frozen and died. But considering the weather, Liszt could only sigh.


    In any case, with more than 800 serfs to supplement, the total poption of Flower Town finally broke through the 3,000 mark. In terms of poption alone, it is no longer a barren town but has reached the level of a medium-sized town. To reach the level of Falcon Town, a wealthy town of more than 4,000 people, he will have to continue to buy serfs.


    This d.a.m.n weather is almost freezing people into ice cream. Gortined immediately after seeing the situation. If it wasn''t for the sudden drop in temperature, the dead serfs would have had a chance toe to Flower Town alive and see the ce of the knight''s glory.


    Don''tin. You have a few more days to make sure these serfs are properly ced  There will be gin for dinner.


    Of course, this is my job. Hisint was more of a hint to make Liszt invite him to dinner. After Liszt promised to drink gin at dinner, Gort was shaken immediately.


    He yelled at town officials and clerical officials and made the messy scene even more messy.


    Gort then stepped into the field, showed his management ability, redistributed the duties of each official, a.s.signed the work content of the clerks and patrol members to ensure that no one was cking  and, to be sure, he really had some sense of how an aristocrat shouldmand his subordinates.


    The servants of the castle also partic.i.p.ated in the arrangement of the new serfs.


    The main thing is that the kitchen will make a lot of basic food and give it to the batch of serfs. Mrs. Morrison and the maids will sew clothes during their leisure time and give it to the serfs to avoid getting cold.


    During this time.


    Jessie led the team, along with a few footmen and a.s.sistants, to pick up buckets of flour, beans and various meat, and heading towards the town along Thorns Ridge.


    Pa.s.sing by Tremblingwoods'' dog kennel, Jesse greeted him cheerfully. Good afternoon, Tremblingwoods.


    Tremblingwoods has always been dismissive of servants, it was only loyal to Liszt. But after Jesse greeted him, Tremblingwoods suddenly poked his head out of the kennel. The dog sniffed and sniffed, and his head looked away, as if something had been found. It just saw a few familiar humans.


    It was just the humble servant responsible for shoveling.


    So, shaking his head, Tremblingwoods retracted into the kennel again-it was cold, and the being under the quilt inside the kennel was warm.


    Neither it nor the servants noticed that after clearing the snow that had fallen on ground, there was a pair of inexplicable footprints that lead towards the castle.

 Chapter 216: Face to Face With The Spy

    Chapter 216: Face to Face With The Spy


    The footprints lead to the castle gates and then disappeared.


    No one noticed this, including the knights patrolling around the castle braving the heavy snow.


    In the castle kitchen, Mrs. Abby''s voice was so loud that it echoed in the castle halls. Butler Carter was wipingmps and decorations and would only shrug his shoulders when he heard the noise.


    "She is so rude. Why do you tolerate her?" Thomas said as he sorted out the stools in the hall.


    Carter doesn''t like Thomas, not only because of his authority as a steward, but also because Thomas always says bad things about others. Carter replied solemnly, Because she is Mrs. Abby, because the master loves to eat the delicious food she makes, and the servants like it as well.


    "I think so too, but if she hadn''t mastered her cooking, she would have been fired by the master."


    That''s not necessarily the case. The master is a benevolent n.o.bleman. He will provide a new post for Mrs. Abby.


    The master is too kind to his servants. If I had a say in it, Jessie, Tom, and Irene should be fired. They are just a waste.


    It''s best not to let the master hear this. Everyone is doing their own thing. They do not make mistakes and should not be called a waste.


    Hha. Thomas sneered. Anyone can do better than them!


    As they were talking, Mrs. Abby''s soprano voice suddenly filled the kitchen. "d.a.m.n Irene, didn''t I ask you to wash the dishes? Now you have dyed the master''s dinner! Your a.s.s will kiss my boots!"


    It was followed by Irene''s loud retort, I''m washing the beans, that''s what you ordered!


    Oh, did you? Don''t be sloppy washing the beans and vegetables now!


    Do you know how many beans there are? Maggie,e and tell Mrs. Abby. I think her eyes are old!


    Oh my G.o.d, you are being a rebel, Irene! The kitchen squabble provided Thomas with something to talk about and he snorted, That''s what you said, everybody''s doing something, but the truth is, waste is waste.


    Carter ignored him and just said, Have you set up the tables and chairs upstairs? Today''s dinner party is ahead of schedule, don''t dy your tasks.


    Tom and Jesse didn''t set tables and chairs?


    They are responsible for delivering food to town, so I leave this job to you.


    Hha!


    Thomasughed, but still went upstairs. He was just a male servant and needed to obey the butler.


    Meanwhile, the quarrel in the kitchen hadn''t stopped. Mrs. Abby was still in a blowing state. She kept snarling, and Irene still angrily refuted Mrs. Abby. But the work in the kitchen was done well, there was no dy due to the quarrels. Even the little maid interns performed their duties as if nothing was happening.


    Everyone was used to the strange rtionship between Mrs. Abby and Irene. Sometimes they look like enemies, sometimes they look like mother and daughter.


    Maggie was used to it too.


    She held a broom and swept up the rotten vegetables on the floor. These rotten vegetables were what the serfs fed to the chickens.


    Maggie, do you want to eat? Just after the little quarrel stopped, Irene, who was in charge of washing the dishes, suddenly took out a handful of dried peanuts from the corner.


    No need, Sister Irene. I haven''t eaten yet but I have this. She also took a handful of dried peanuts from the corner.


    There were peanut processing workshops all over town. Many peeled peanuts are bought every day. Fully packed peanuts are suitable for making all kinds of peanut snacks and peanut b.u.t.ter, which are sold through the caravan. The remaining dried peanuts would be picked through and divided as snacks for the castle servants.


    Of course working in the castle has some perks that ordinary people cannot enjoy.


    Irene put her peanuts in her pocket and said, It''s best to toast these. When Mrs. Abby leaves the kitchen after dinner, we can toast it ourselves.


    Mrs. Abby.. not allowed.


    Just don''t let her find it. Rest a.s.sured, I will clean the pot so she won''t find out.


    But, Mr. Carter, find out, yes, punish you.


    It''s okay, we''ll just toast the peanuts in a pan. Mr. Carter won''t st anyone. He, like the Lord, never maltreats the servants, even if I''m just a kitchen maid.


    Well, okay. Maggie licked her lips. After tasting the toasted peanuts once, she liked the delicious snack. It was much better than the dinner that the servants eat every day.


    In the bathroom.


    Liszt stood next to the bathtub and constantly measured the area of the bathtub and bathroom with a tape measure.


    Collecting the data, he went straight to the study, took out the thick paper, began to write and write on it, and designed the so-called bathtub hot spring.


    The little fire dragon was not a stable nor safe energy source.


    It must be a.s.sured that it will provide heat and be secured at the same time. Designing such would be brain-consuming. cksmiths and carpenters in Flower Town do not have this brain knowledge to design a bathtub spa.


    It is the threews of thermodynamics or some kind ofw, that specifies three properties of hot waterheat convection, heat conduction and heat radiation. Thest one cannot be used for the time being, while heat conduction and heat convection are the most appropriate way. With heat conduction, as long as one part of the bath is heated, the water in the entire bath will heat up as well.


    He thought about it more.


    Liszt was confused, it was taking him back to physics .s.s in his junior high school.


    But he knows one thing, whether it''s heating from the bottom of the bathtub, by water convection, the hot water rises, the cold water sinks, or by heating water from the side of the bath, so that the water keeps flowing to the other side, both requires a water tank isted from the bath for the little dragon to heat up.


    I can''t keep the little fire dragon heating all the time. After one would take a shower, the little fire dragon would have to be put away. So the volcanic .s.s jar must be immediately crafted by the craftsman .. How to release the air bubbles inside the carved sculpture is a troublesome thing.


    He propped on a table and raised both legs on a chair.


    He then picked up a piece of volcanic .s.s.


    Liszt unleashed Magic Eye, and prepared to observe the fire dragon magic in the bubble again. He had to think about how to cooperate with the craftsman on how to collect the fire dragon magic.


    But when the Magic Eye came into y, his eyes fell on the window of the study, and he was startled.


    His hands shook, the volcanic .s.s was thrown away, and the chair fell out.


    Fortunately he was flexible. He was able to twist his body and restrain his body from falling and held on to the table firmly.


    Liszt had to forcibly shift his eyes to the volcanic .s.s on the ground, instead of looking at the window position there was a magic human figure leaning against the wall. It can be seen that this was a woman with full b.r.e.a.s.t.s, crossing her hands against her chest, her eyes seemingly staring at Liszt.


    Liszt considered his library to be a safe ce, that''s why the magical figure absolutely scared him.


    It''s a good thing Liszt disguised his surprise with the help of an awkward fall.


    The magic human figure was not rmed, the other party just changed its position and continued to lean against the wall, staring at Liszt.


    What? What is this? Liste bent down, carefully picking up the volcanic .s.s, forcing himself to calm down, thinking about what this sudden magic humanoid was.


    He waited for the figure to straighten up.


    The panic after the fright had calmed down quickly, and his brain returned to normal. He immediately remembered the reward of the smoke mission-a thief spying on the Lord.

 Chapter 217: Liszt Can See Through

    Chapter 217: Liszt Can See Through


    A thief.


    A female thief with huge b.r.e.a.s.t.s.


    A thief who can hide or do something like magic.


    She was standing by the window of the study, leaning against the wall, peeping at Liszt. After Liszt''s initial confusion, he had begun to think about how to respond.


    Based on his understanding of the smoke task, or the destiny represented by the smoke dragon, this matter can be a reward if it is handled properly.


    After all, the spying thief is a reward for the smoke mission.


    But how do I deal with it? Should I just break the thief''s disguise? He casually picked up his chair and prepared to sit down again. It''s probably not a good idea, it''s too embarra.s.sing to break directly Should I use my manly beauty? I have many advantages and being handsome is one of them.


    The woman was a thief, and although he could not see how she looked, her figure was beautiful.


    It was worthy for him to do something nice.


    How do you make yourself attractive? Actually, I''ve been doing a pretty boy look all the time. What needs to be done now is to do good inner inner and outer beauty.. it''s very easy to conquer a woman''s affection. He was beginning to dream.


    He imagined the female thief to be so attracted to his handsomeness and temperament that she would move out of the shadows and confess everything.


    Speaking this kind of thought was sort of nasty, but the ''beautiful man'' n is definitely the only one he cane up with, and in this case, it was the best strategy.


    Who can resist a handsome man with a good temperament?


    Moreover, a thief can be easily equated to a rat.


    However, just when he was seated and was almost ready to show his n.o.ble temperament, a husky woman''s voice suddenly came to his ears, "I never imagined that someone would see my figure in a country castle on such an ind."


    It was the female thief''s voice.


    Liszt almost didn''t respond. He hasn''t done any good tricks yet, but the opponent has already done it? But his response was quick, and he stood up alertly from his chair.


    He looked around and yelled, Who is it? Who is talking!


    Baron, your acting skills are not good. They are worse than the burlesque actors I saw in Coral City. The magic of the female thief flowed, and the next moment, the body slowly appeared.


    Some kind of stealth magic has been lifted.


    Worn leather armor, a long sword, messy hair, tight chest. She wore a veil and covered most of her face, showing only her bright eyes.


    The attire reminded Liszt of the mercenaries who often y the viin in Knight novels.


    Mercenaries are the middle .s.s of society. It is often the fallen knights who serve as mercenaries, working in exchange for rewards from lords, merchants and others. They have a bad reputation since most mercenaries are the delinquents, robbers, murderers and so on.


    They are just one level ahead of the lower and middle .s.s rats.


    Liszt also knew that mercenaries were inseparable from the ve business. Knights charged on the battlefield, while mercenaries are the best at catching serfs.


    The maid was quite frank.


    It disrupted Liszt''s thinking, but after all, he is a n.o.bleman, and it was not eptable for him to keep up with her energy. He touched the Red Blood sword ced at the table but his mood waspletely calm -as an elite earth knight, his strength was already strong enough.


    Unless this thief was a sky knight, his Red Blood Sword would be ruthless.


    Is my performance really that bad?I think my coherent movements and expressions are very natural. Liszt smiled and showed his handsome side. Uninviteddy, please sit down. Need something to drink? Red wine, coffee, or milk tea?


    He continued the ''beautiful man'' n.


    The mercenary sat down unhurriedly. She was a thief lurking in, but she behaved pleasantly like a master.I''m not thirsty. But if you want something to drink for your little shock earlier, please help yourself.


    Liszt wondered, Do I look nervous? In fact, I am even rxed now.


    Your performance is indeed better than many people, but there are still a lot of ws. The maid raised her legs. She dressed roughly, but the trousers were tied to a cloth and the knee-length trousers clung to both legs, putting the long, straight legs out perfectly. "An elite earth knight who has control of his body will not sit down on his chair."


    Liszt was stunned. I was exposed from the beginning.


    Actually, I''m more curious. How did you see through my stealth? I have sneaked into many castles, and I''ve never been seen by an earth knight, only by a sky knight.


    Are you a professional thief? Liszt did not answer the question. He would not reveal the secret of the Magic Eye.


    The mercenary also asked, Do you want to arrest me?


    You don''t think you''ve offended the authority of a leader and the sanct.i.ty of thend by sneaking into my castle and spying in my study?


    The Lord has absolute control over his territory, which is a knighthood system followed by all countries.


    I walked in through the gate of the castle, and stood generously in front of the window. The maid finished, lightly adding, And I don''t feel that I have offended the Baron. What''s the problem? I didn''t kill the Baron, he is standing in his room.


    She spokemon words, like she was just spreading gossip.


    But Liszt felt that when she had finished the sentence, the temperature in the room had dropped several times and his body had gooseb.u.mps  he did not even doubt if the sentence was true or false because it contained a natural temperament.


    Or maybe the other party was just acting too well.


    He raised an eyebrow, and the smile remained unchanged: So, tell me what''s your intent? You headed to a small town in the countryside under heavy snow. There must be some urgent need.


    I was going to kill the serf-buying country lord and abduct somebody. Liszt thought that everything was under control. The maid was direct and straightforward. But I saw that you didn''t do much evil in this town. But you will inevitably involve innocent civilians. I decided to change my n and take only one person.


    It sounded like Liszt got away with it.


    But Liszt didn''t honestly think that he would be easily killed. By his diligence and hard work, he had the strength of the elite earth knights, adding in the Red Blood sword and the Magic Eye.


    The amount of magic in the other party, in his view, was not outstanding, far from the level of a Sky Knight.


    And by looking at her outfit and distribution of her magic, it''s clear that she just cultivates qi, and was not a mage. Perhaps in the past she just relied on stealth attacks that killed a number of Earth Knights, giving her an inted sense of self-confidence.


    Liszt got into thinking.


    He responded,Who do you want to take away? As soon as he asked, an image shed through his mind. He suddenly thought of a person, the little maid Maggie who was interning in the kitchen.


    As a reward for the original smoke mission, the goodwill of serf Maggie was given. It made him think that there must be follow-up missions rted to Maggie. Now, the sudden arrival of this maid made him link these two tasks. The thief who spied at the lord must have been directed at Maggie.


    Also.


    Liszt probably already knew the ident.i.ty of the other party-there was a record in the serf''s registration information that Maggie had a sister who was a runaway magician.


    He already guessed what the smoke task has rewarded him.

 Chapter 218: Worthy of an Oscar

    Chapter 218: Worthy of an Oscar


    If a thief suddenly shows up, even if it is a woman, Liszt must kill her  after all, if someone threatens your life, wouldn''t you want to get rid of such a person?


    But she was a smoke mission reward.


    Killing the other party would be equivalent to throwing away the reward directly, after all, the smoke task has given a ''hint''  the serf Maggie.


    The little serf Maggie was the key to getting the reward, or the master of the key to this woman or mage in front of her. As for how to open the treasure chest with the key, it was definitely not by grabbing the little maid Maggie and threatening the other party. The best way was to use feelings.


    Maggie has already signed a contract with Mrs. Harriet of the grocery store. Technically, this child is a half Flower Town citizen!


    Liszt''s mood suddenly began to ease up.


    He began to figure out how to y the cards in his hand-Maggie and his personal reputation.


    During this time.


    The maid had said who she wanted to take away. I want to take away a maid in the castle. Does the baron agree?


    A maid in the castle? There are 16 maids in the castle. Which one do you want to take? Liszt asked, pretending to think for a moment.


    "Irene."


    Irene Fourfingers? Liszt looked at the mercenary in surprise, he did not expect the other party to y with him. If he hadn''t spected earlier, he would have been fooled. Why take Irene away? Give me a reason to.


    It''s just a maid. Baron, maybe you want to try out whether my sword is sharp, I don''t mind showing you.


    My sword isn''t rusty either. Liszt did not give way and stared at the maid''s bright eyes.


    He was half acting and half enthusiastic.


    He has Tremblingwoods , the Red Blood sword and is an elite earth knight.


    He wouldn''t be taken advantage of, as long as the other party was not a Sky Knight.


    With a good foundation, one can actfortably  a Lord showing his love for the people can also show his stricter side as well as the n.o.ble image that people at the bottom expect  show that under the knighthood system, all of them were equal and a brave benevolent Lord was the embodiment of justice.


    The battered leather of the maid shows that she was no doubt at the bottom of society.


    After a while.


    Sure enough, she flinched, Irene is my sister, is that reason enough?


    Your sister? Liszt smiled. If that is true, I will call her over and have her confirm that with you face to face. I have no objection to the reunion of rtives. In fact, you can see me directly as her rtive. Irene herself applied for a maid in Coral City. It was her own choice to stay.


    "She doesn''t know she has a sister."


    Sorry, this reason doesn''t hold. Irene''s parents are in Coral City. They farm for Tulip Castle. I don''t think she has a thief, mercenary or magician as a sister. I will wait for Irene''s confirmation before I will allow you to take her away.


    What if I take her away


    "You have misunderstood my actions." Liszt suddenly pressed his hand on the hilt of the red blood sword and said, "The Lord works for the Lord, the Lord protects the safety of the Lord, this is my belief in the knight''s glory. I am afraid I cannot allow you to take anyone from Flower Town.


    The action was full of momentum, the lines were generous and loud.


    With his handsome face, his sense of justice was bursting.


    Of course, there was a hint of suspicion of a false sense of such a righteous lord, the words seemed a bit empty.


    On the opposite chair, the mercenary''s bright, twinkling eyes, did not respond to Liszt''s righteous reprimand for a moment. It wasn''t until Liszt felt embarra.s.sed that she slowly said, You and the other lords I killed are not the same, Baron. I will stay in Flower Town for a few days to see how you differ from other lords.


    She stood up. She was about 1.75 meters tall, very tall.


    Liszt narrowed his eyes.


    He felt that whether he let her go out or prevent her from doing so was not a good idea  the main point being that the strength of the other party was too high for him to estimate.


    She was obviously not weak.


    If her strength was low, the smoke mission would not have taken her seriously and count her as a reward.


    When she reached the door of the study and was about to open the door, Liszt stood up and followed. I don''t know why you came at Irene, but I must warn you not to hurt her. Leave your name, anything wrong that happens in Flower Town will be due to you."


    Swan. The mercenary smiled, not paying attention to Liszt''s threat.


    Not a standard female name, probably a pseudonym, Liszt guessed.


    Thomas, who was decorating the living room, saw Liszte out with a maid. He was stunned and stepped forward to salute, Master.


    Liszt said, "Thomas, escort this uninviteddy, Swan, away from the castle. In addition, inform Adviser Gort to find a ce for Ms. Swan from the new houses in town.


    Feeling that this draw was too deliberate, he added. The budget to be spent for food and lodging would be the same as those of foreign merchants.


    Although Thomas did not know how a woman dressed like that had entered the castle, he respectfully honored themand, Yes, Sir. Ms. Swan, please follow me.


    Liszt waited for Swan to follow Thomas out of the castle.


    Butler Carter asked with confusion. Master, this Swandy, I did not see her enter the castle and I have been wiping the dust in the hall.


    She came in by the wall.  Liszt stood at the door, watching Swan''s back disappear on the road in the distance,  I''ll tell you about her origins at the right time. As for now, you should care more about the servants in the castle, especially the maids who have any grievances to resolve must be done as soon as possible.


    Carter did not ask again, As you wish, Sir.


    By the way, Mr. Carter, have Irenee over to my study, I have something to ask her. The mercenary said she was doing the whole show for Irene, so he had to confirm it.


    Irene hurried to the study.


    Master, you were looking for me?


    Irene, how many brothers and sisters do you have in your family?


    I have two younger brothers.


    No sister? Or cousin?


    No, my Lord.


    Are you sure? Like maybe a sister given to someone else when she was a child.


    I don''t know anything like that, but when I was born, my mother was 17. So I wouldn''t have had another sister.


    So the possibility that Swan is Irene''s sister is basically ruled out. Swan was ying mind games. Liszt''s heart was firm, but now his tone grew more calm, How''s the job in the kitchen?


    Everything is fine, sir.


    That''s good. If there is anything, you can directly head to Mr. Carter. There are little maids in the kitchen, and as an elder sister, you should take care of them and don''t let them be wronged.


    Of course, I will.


    The conversation ended and Irene was sent away.


    Liszt carefullybed through his responses after his encounter with Swan, and felt that there were a few details that were not handled well and there were some ws. But overall, his response was pretty good.


    There was no sudden enthusiasm, no deliberate hostility.


    The courage and kindness that should be disyed was also shown and it was basically as smooth as a spring breeze.


    Probably worthy of an Oscar  or at least a Golden Rooster [1].


    [1] The Golden Rooster Awards are awards in film given in maind China. The awards were originally given annually, beginning in 1981. The name of the award came from the year of the Rooster in 1981.

 Chapter 219: Choice of Interest

    Chapter 219: Choice of Interest


    Swan was to stay and observe Flower Town for a few days.


    It was a good thing, since it meant that she could develop a good impression of the town and Liszt as well. The next few days will be the time to fix everything.


    There is always a possibility of course that good impressions can go bad.


    But the probability is very small.


    Liszt was confident in this. Flower Town now is clean and sanitary, the roads are s.p.a.cious, civilians have houses, clothes, food, and even have a little surplus; the patrol is no longer a rogue organization, thew enforcers are not closed at night, at least there will be no theft.


    Although the town is rural and not prosperous, it has improved a lot under his control for more than half a year.


    This will undoubtedly bring in a lot of good impressions.


    Selling serfs is really a disgrace, but basically, the aristocracy would sell serfs, not me. Moreover, the serfs came to Flower Town and their life turned out for the better. Their quality of life improved by me distributing houses, clothing, food, andnd. No points will be added for this, but no points are lost either.


    So is the social system.


    The mercenary Swan imed to have killed many barons, but it was difficult to distinguish whether this was true and false. But she certainly understood that what Liszt did was already betterpared to the rest of the aristocracy.


    And most importantly, Maggie''s life in Flower Town is very good, and she has a family again  she and Mrs. Harriet formed a mother and daughter contract, which is a G.o.dsend! Thinking of this, Liszt felt that there was no reason to give Maggie away.


    Contractual mothers and daughters are legally and morally indistinguishable from true mothers and daughters.


    The mercenary Swan wants to take Maggie away, first of all, it will break up the mother-daughter rtionship between her and the Harriets, but the main question is, would Maggie be willing to? Liszt has always paid close attention to Maggie, and knew that Mrs. Harriet really treats Maggie like her own daughter. Surely,the little maid''s heart has long since melted.


    Maggie is not a cruel little girl. She knows how to be grateful and will certainly not want to make Mrs. Harriet sad.


    So, I have to send someone secretly, mention Mrs. Harriet, and at a critical moment, let her retain Maggie, and then use Maggie''s words to keep the maid from getting her  Irene must continue to strengthen the maids'' love of the castle and establish the atmosphere of an extended family.


    Atst.


    He made this most important decision based on his many experiences of chasing girls before. Women are emotional. There are countless benefits to being a resident of Flower Town, and the mercenary may not appreciate it. Maybe some warm actions may change her views instantly.


    At dinner that evening, only Gort and Isaiah came. The others continued to be responsible for arranging the new serfs.


    Without waiting for the meal, Gort asked, Sir, what is Ms. Swan''s ident.i.ty? Is it appropriate for me to arrange her in a n.o.ble''s residence?


    An enemy or a friend,it depends on her choice. Liszt didn''t directly break the ident.i.ty of the other party, he just said. Adviser Gort, tell Karl and Romm that the patrol will pay more attention to her movements. She should not get close to the Fire Mushroom Workshop and Soap-Making Workshop, as well as the wine-making workshop. The insect protection team should guard the sprite worms, especially the worms in the Garden of Thorns.


    Gort shrugged. "Your words have confused me. But, as you wish, I will tell Karl and Romm."


    Liszt told Isaiah also, When the new serfs arrive, clothes, food, and amodation must be properly arranged. I will let the caravan urgently purchase a batch of quilts and coats. Don''t be afraid to spend money and take care of the serfs'' life. Above all, we must let the serfs feel that the winter in Flower Town is as warm as home.


    Gort patted Isaiah on the shoulder and blinked. Yes, let the serfs feel the warmth of a home, and Ms. Swan, she should see this scene and feel the warmth of Flower Town.


    Isaiah was not a fool, and quickly learned, Of course, Flower Town has a benevolent lord, and for all civilians, this is a warm home.


    Cheers, Liszt said.


    Cheers.


    While everyone else was getting ready to sleep.


    Using Magic Eye, Liszt carefully inspected the castle and made sure that no maid was lurking around. He brought Tremblingwoods inside the castle and let it sleep in the hall.


    He also watched Carter lock the castle door.


    Liszt locked his bedroom door andy on the bed. His thoughts wouldn''t let him sleep, all of them were about the maid mercenary Swan. His emotions about this thief spying on the lord were veryplicated.


    Because of the smoke task, it was natural to feel that defeating the other party is in line with the meaning of reward.


    But the information revealed in Swan''s words did not affect his senses-the other party imed to have killed many barons, which was clearly standing on the opposite side of the aristocracy.


    But Liszt is also an aristocrat, which means he uses his a.s.s to decide over his head, and he would never allow anyone to destabilize the aristocracy.


    Swan is Maggie''s sister. Then, she should be from the Eagle Kingdom as well, therefore she must''ve killed the baron of the Eagle Kingdom, I hope so  if she had killed someone from the Sapphire Kingdom, then I should never disregard her. hmmm.. I might be going too far"


    He turned over and kept thinking.


    I should investigate her background before deciding whether I should take her down. The smoke task has clouded my judgment and I should restrain from this dependence!


    He thought the smoke mission was a conspiracy with someone behind it, so he could not resist its effects.


    But now he has spected that the smoke task is a product of the smoke dragon with only a grasp of destiny, which gives him an independent choice.


    The fate of man should be in his own hands, not as a puppet. Anything that is good for me will be epted, anything harmful to me will be thrown away.


    His restless mind, little by little, smoothed out.No matter how beautiful the face is under Swan''s face scarf, as soon as she does not meet my interests, I will absolutely get rid of her! Because of Maggie, she would not endanger Flower Town, but if she endangers my rule, I will send her away.


    Of course, these were just a.s.sumptions.


    It was the first time he saw this person who ims to be ''Swan''. Whether what she said was true or false, it was difficult to judge. Her background was also difficult to guess.


    From Maggie''s knowledge, her sister had gone to learn magic; from Swan''s dress, she was a mercenary, practicing fighting skills; but she could be invisible, which was not clear, but it should be a kind of magic; and the description in the smoke task called for a thief.


    So it was not clear whether she''s a knight or a magician.


    It is not known either whether she is a mercenary or a thief.


    Touching the Red Blood sword by his bed, Liszt hadpletely calmed down.  I couldn''t have controlled her arrival to Flower Town, but as soon as the timees, I must decide whether she can stay!


    The Red blood sword was definitely not a decoration, it can kill people!

 Chapter 220: The Enemy Has Surrendered

    Chapter 220: The Enemy Has Surrendered


    Since the snow had stoppedst night, Swan had strolled the streets of Flower Town.


    The snow on the road had been shoveled, revealing the gravel road. This gravel road was quite roughpared to the ones she has seen in the big cities. But for a small town, having a gravel road was already a bold move. No matter what country it was, most town roads were almost always dirt.


    With a smile on their faces, the patrol maintained order for the new serfs and began to distribute clothes.


    After a while, serfs from various households began to deliver the prepared food to the residential area and provided it to the new serfs through a team organized by the town officials.


    The food was generous, although it was only beans and dark bread, everyone was served with sh.e.l.lfish.


    Swan had heard that this was seafood, a delicious food given by the sea to the Lord Liszt. Last night, she tasted the seafood and it tasted good. It is said that Flower Town relied on seafood to have everyone live a full life. Judging from the look on civilian faces, she knew it was true.


    Compared with the dishes often found in rural serf areas, the serfs here had adequate meals.


    They all wore thick cotton clothes, smiled when they worked, and got a sry of one or two copper tes. It was hard to believe that such a lifestyle would appear in a rural town.


    Not long after, she arrived in Wheat Town.


    The chickens in the viges were clucking and the serfs were able to feed these small chickens with leftover breadcrumbs and some wheat bran.


    She also pa.s.sed a pig farm with more than a dozen fat pigs.


    Everything showed that this is a wealthy town, not only is the castle rich, but also the town and the vige farms.


    Very peaceful countryside.


    She thought of her hometown, a vige like this one also in a small town, but even more rundown. The local lords'' taxes were too heavy, and they demanded too much, resulting in the serfs not eating enough. She didn''t have enough food at home, and soon after, her parents, together, nned to marry her to ame old man in the vige.


    She was only fifteen years old.


    The slinged old man was already in his fifties,with wrinkles that could hold flies and looked like they could hang up at any time.


    After gathering enough courage, she ran away from home early the next morning. When she was about to leave the vige, she heard the serfs working in the vige and singing hometown songs.


    My hometown was like this vige. I was a native of that town. It doesn''t look like it differs much in size


    At that moment, tears flowed freely on her cheek, but she had no regrets.


    Four years had pa.s.sed.


    Too much wrong has been done.


    She finally had a chance to rewrite her future. When she heard that Steel Ridge Kingdom was going to war with Eagle Kingdom again, she set out to go home and pick up her family.


    However, when she returned, the ce was gone.


    The hometown was not destroyed in the war, but was ughtered by a group of mercenaries. Her parents'' bodies have been eaten by wild dogs.However, she sensed that her little sister was still alive. So she pursued her all the way from Eagle Kingdom to the Grand Sapphire Duchy.


    She finally found her sister in this rural town on a remote ind.


    Good morning, Captain Swan. Suddenly, a stuttering greeting ushered Swan back from the past to reality, she turned around and saw a little ve girl.


    It was the little girl she had given a meal on the ship. "It''s you."


    The little female ve had changed into a cotton coat, which was a little big for her, but it looked very warm. Her face was washed, and her spirit was restored as well.


    After the snake text greeting, she immediately changed to the windnguage, and this time, the tone was also active. Captain Swan, are you the Lord of Flower Town?


    Swan asked, Do you like Flower Town?


    Uh-huh, I like the town of flowers. Mr. Brown and his wife are good people. I also met Anika. She is just like me, a serf who came by boat from another continent.She is already training with knights. Do you know how to cultivate qi? Big people like you must have fighting training.


    Women ves can also cultivate qi?


    Yes, Anika asked her instructor, Lord Romm, and he said that all girls can go to that .s.s. I can also practice fighting in a few days. You see, I want to be as powerful as Captain Swan.


    Don''t you want to go home?


    Home? A little nkness appeared on the little ve girl''s face, her head bowed, and she seemed to think of something, .But, Leah has no home.


    But soon, she raised her head again. Mr. and Mrs. Brown said, `Let Leah make Flower Town her home.'' "


    Swan was dumbfounded andughed, Let''s make this home.


    Breakfast time.


    Liszt habitually called for the smoke missions.


    Although it was necessary to restrain the dependence on the smoke task, the smoke task was really easy to use. He couldn''t help pondering on the smoke task every day.


    To be able to catch destiny''s tail, it is definitely necessary to give it a try regrly.


    Opportunities are limited,so don''t use it in vain.


    However, this time, the smoke mission had a very drastic change. The misty snake textposed was no longer using the familiar words, and the snake text has only appeared once.


    The mission has changed.


    Immediately, a new smoke mission was released.


    Mission: The snow-covered Flower Town has workers that sweat every day. But they can''t get enough hot water to wash themselves, and are easily infected with the wind and cold. The Lord should take this into consideration. Please build a bathhouse for each man and woman. Reward: a new species of me mushroom.


    The monkeys hadn''t even bought it yet.


    The task was obviously notpleted, but now it has changed.


    Liszt recalled the original mission of The Diary of Philip Sunprogeny, which did not lead Phil and Jesse to form a father and son contract even up to now. But he searched Phil''s leathersmith''s shop and got a diary that would have been awarded to him if he had done so, and the mission changed immediately.


    This time, it was likely that the same reason has caused the task to change.


    The smoke task is a reminder that the task has changed, not the task failed. Is the thief rewarded for me already in ce?


    He thought of the possibility that it might be Swan.


    However, he felt that the progress was too fast. He was very entangled with the invisible female mercenary. Her value is definitely there.The stealth skill alone was worth it. But there are also hidden dangers. Killing n.o.bles while also having unknown origins, it was all taboo.


    So he was ready for a long war, but he never expected that the other side would quickly give in.


    This made him sigh, "s, I thought I was going for the boss, but I didn''t expect it to be just like an animated show." He picked up Mrs. Abby''s new invention, steamed buns, smeared it with beef sauce and mustard, then took a bite.


    It was dry and hard.


    It''s not as soft as a real steamed bun. It needs improvement.


    Regardless of Swan''s intentions, the original n will continue to be carried out. The investigation of her background must also be speeded up  The construction of the two bathhouses must begin immediately. I just designed the hot bathtub and the smog task changed just in time for me to build the bathhouse.


    The bathhouse definitely needs to be built. The task reward was a new breed of fire mushroom and needless to say, it will bring about an enhanced version of the me Mushroom Potion.

 Chapter 221: Enemy Advances, Retreat Strategy

    Chapter 221: Enemy Advances, Retreat Strategy


    Liszt rode Tremblingwoods around.


    He came to the open s.p.a.ce in Barley Town and visited children of all ages that were taking knight training .s.ses.


    He rode Tremblingwoods and not the dragon horse since having the huge dog around gave him a sense of security. Another reason was that it added might to the Lord''s image in the children''s hearts  a Lord with a mid-level magical beast is extremely powerful and one has the opportunity to farm for him.


    With a deputy continuing to guide the girl''s training, Romm gave Liszt a salute, Good day, Sir!


    Good day, Romm.


    Later on, Romm began to introduce the training progress of the girls group. Talented and untalented girls can basically be distinguished from the training.


    The so-called talents are of physical and psychological quality.


    A gifted child must be one who is tall, solid, and able to bear hardships and withstand hard work. As for the problem of IQ, that came in second-after all, Liszt just aims to cultivate a group of female serfs who can farm and do heavy work, the goal was not really about training female knights.


    Romm, pay more attention to the girls'' health especially those training in the snow. Don''t expose them to too much wind and cold. After training, you should take them back immediately.


    Romm replied, There is a stove in the lounge next to them, and every time they rest, they are allowed to go near the fire.


    Liszt nodded.


    The girls practiced three to nine exercises in the summer and winter, they were little girls, after all.


    He thought of a n and said to Romm, This wastnd is still too crude. This winter, I n to use this wastnd, refer to it as the "Knight''s Square" for winter training."


    Romm supports the decision of the Lord, Having a dedicated Knights'' Square will make it convenient for the instructors and the children, and it would make the training more professional.


    With a cafeteria and .s.sroom, cultural lessons will also be carried out there. Liszt was thinking way in advance. He not only wanted farm serfs but also clerks who could read.


    In the future, the development of ck Horse Ind will require a lot of talents. It is difficult to ensure the avability of talents just by buying. It is better to start training one''s own personnel now.


    After talking about the construction of the Knights Square, Liszt''s attention quickly turned to Maggie who was training with the girls.


    The nine-year-old maid Maggie was dedicated and meticulous.


    Last night, Liszt called Old Grandet and chatted with the old man for a short time. The topic was mainly around Maggie. He asked Old Grandet to contact the Harriet family, and to reveal vaguely that the Master appreciates Maggie,  Master hopes that the mother-daughter contract gets along well, Master hopes you can continue to love each other and other messages.


    All in all, it is important to imply Maggie''s importance to the Harriet family.


    It was clear that they naturally knew how to take care of Maggie  if Swan wanted to take Maggie forcibly, it is the foreshadowing at work; if Swan didn''t have the will, there was nothing to lose; if Liszt wants to banish Swann, and Maggie stays, it can also prevent future revenge ns.


    Liszt watched Maggie intentionally.


    Suddenly, in the corner of his eyes, he saw Swan approaching.


    He turned his head and nodded slightly to Swan. It was an unenthusiastic h.e.l.lo, not warm or withpa.s.sion at all.


    Swan walked straight up. When she approached, Tremblingwoods sniffed the air with his nose, and suddenly growled at Swan. If it wasn''t for Liszt''s appeas.e.m.e.nt, it would have probably jumped straight at her.


    Mid-level magical beast dog,a rare bloodline. There are surprises revealed everywhere in the Baron''s territory. Swan said, who does not seem to be afraid of Tremblingwoods.


    Some of her actions have a mysterious taste, but the facts are so real that Liszt can hardly distinguish which is which. Managing the territory with my heart will naturally reap rewards. Ms. Swan seems to have a rich experience. Can youment on our Flower Town and other countries? How does this small townpare?


    It is far from prosperous, but it has great potential. The territories have a rich variety of products. I heard that you still have a sprite that produces potions. The development of Flower Town will soone.


    It''s not as drastic as I want, but it is happening, Liszt said proudly. When we started, Flower Town was poor, and the poption was less than 2,000. There was widespread hunger, especially in winter and the poption can only starve. Now , Flower Town has a poption of more than 3,500. Everyone''s belly is full, and that is noteworthy on Coral Ind.


    Swan changed her tone. But half of the poption are serfs you bought. If you didn''t buy them, they may still have lived in their hometown.


    If I don''t buy them, someone else will. It is not me that is destroying their secured lives, but their former ipetent leaders who cannot protect their citizens. The knight has a gun and a sword, and enjoys the support of the Lord. It is natural for them to ensure the Lord''s safety. When theye to Flower Town, their safety is left to me.


    No profit leads to no extinction.


    Liszt stole the concept directly and turned it into, there is no sale without killing.


    But you are sure that, as their leader, you can protect these people, and one day they will not be trafficked as serfs again? Swan stared at Liszt with intent.


    Is this a test?


    It seemed like it, and Liszt was distracted.


    Lisztughed softly. I cannot guarantee that I am strong and fearless, but in the Grand Duchy of Sapphire, it is not difficult for me to take refuge in Flower Town. My father is the Count of Coral Ind, and my grandfather is the Marquis of Red Crab Ind. My mount is a mid-level magical beast, my sword is a jewel weapon, and I have a sprite that produces potions.


    He looked into the distance, his handsome face shone in the sun brilliantly. No one can give them peace and tranquility better than I.


    It was almost effective.


    But.


    The mercenary was not easy to fool. Maybe one day on the battlefield, you suddenly died and lost the t.i.tle of being lord. Flower Town''s end will not necessarily be better than those of the exiled serfs.


    Liszt continued to smile: So, I have to build up strength and practice hard every day. My talent may not be outstanding. I broke into the Earth Knight as an adult, but after six months, I can already defeat an elite Earth Knight. I will continue to recruit knights, form knight squads, and guard Flower Town!  [1]


    Really? I hate the hypocrisy and belligerence of the aristocracy. Swan said calmly with a little sigh, Although you are also a hypocritical aristocrat, at least you do not have the sleaziness that most aristocrats have  the overseas ind of small Flower Town, maybe you will enjoy peace.


    She did not wait for Liszt to respond.


    She resumed her calm tone and said directly, Baron, I hope to take my sister away, or buy her with twenty silver coins now.


    You just made two mistakes. Liszt has seen the other party''s retreat in mentality. At this moment, the enemy needs to retreat, and he was right. First, all the civilians in Flower Town are not avable for trade. Second, I asked Irene and she said she doesn''t have a sister and I have already sent someone to Coral City to ask her parents. I think I would rather trust her parents.


    I''m not talking about Irene!


    Liszt stared. What?


    She was a little underwhelmed. I''m talking about a ve girl you bought, she''s my sister, and I have chased her as far as Coral Ind.


    The showdown moment has arrived.


    A triumphant smile appeared on the corner of Liszt''s mouth, then disappeared. He embraced the moral high ground and pressed on the past. My kindness and patience are only for those around me while my gun and sword are aimed at the enemy! You just lied and spied at the castle, thief! Why should I believe you?


    [1] Good lord he is tryiiiiing

 Chapter 222: Have You Heard of the White Dragon Gang?

    Chapter 222: Have You Heard of the White Dragon Gang?


    This is the strategy on how to make the enemy retreat : make a loud noise when you are on the right side and but when the other side is right  of course you must be modest ,otherwise the other side will get upset immediately.


    "I apologize if I have offended you, Baron" Swan''s face was covered with a veil and her expression couldn''t be seen clearly, but her eyes dodged Liszt''s. "..but if I have heard correctly, you said you do not object to the reunion of loved ones I just want to be with my sister."


    Do you really have a sister who was trafficked to Flower Town or do you have bad intentionsing here? Liszt''s eyes were on fire and moved a step forward.


    Swan went down a step. "Do you think I woulde to such a remote town on a remote ind of such a remote ind country if my intention is wrong?


    Liszt pointed to several lounges on the training ground. We will head to the lounge and talk.


    Thomas,the servant, added firewood to the stove in the lounge, got up and retreated, and stood outside the door with Tremblingwoods . In the room, only Liszt and Swan were sitting by the fire.


    Flower Town is my territory, and you are the first uninvited guest in my castle. Do you expect me to believe that you are just looking for your sister? So why did you dive into my study and spy on me?


    I already said before that I was going to kill the serf-selling leader and take my sister away. Swan said calmly, but when she saw the disapproval on Liszt''s face, she added, Don''t give me that look. Once my power breaks through, even your father, Wave Swordmaster Lee William, won''t be able to stop me."


    Liszt was really surprised. Are you a sky knight? Or a great magician?


    If she was really that powerful, her so-called strategy would make Liszt tread a tightrope. Fortunately, Liszt nced at the door and remembered that Tremblingwoods was outside and he felt calmer.


    No. Swan smiled suddenly but with a teasing vor, Have you heard of the White Dragon Gang?


    "White Dragon Gang?


    Liszt has never heard of it.


    Swan smiled again. The smile was jokeful, but it felt like she wasughing at herself.


    With a smile, she continued,I already saw my sister in the kitchen. She was very happy here and she praised you even when she was alone. So I went upstairs to see what kind of lord would get the true heart and praise of the people. I was going to take a look and leave, but I didn''t expect you to see through my stealth.


    So she did n to kill him, but just gave up.


    Liszt was still a little ufortable, and he didn''t know if the other party was really telling the truth. Fortunately,a n.o.bleman can restrain his emotions and respond generously. So, it is just a misunderstanding, is the misunderstanding resolved now? Which castle maid is your sister then?


    "Maggie."


    So it turned out to be the little girl Maggie. Liszt was relieved, at least the sisters would meet. He shouted outside the door. Thomas, tell Romm to have a little girl named Maggiee over here."


    Yes, sir.


    Shortly after, Romm brought Maggie in.


    Maggie took a curious look at Swann, and then saluted Liszt. Master, do you want something?


    Liszt waved his hand to let Romm leave. He nced at Swan again, signalling to the other side whether she should speak or he should.


    Swan nodded and motioned that she would.


    She took a deep breath, stretched out her hand, and lifted off the face scarf to reveal a beautiful face. Based on Liszt''s aesthetics, he would give the face a perfect score of 10 or maybe an 8.5. Both the face shape and facial features were very delicate. The main w was that there were a few freckles, which kind of destroyed the beauty.


    Such a face was not a surprise, and could not be an illusion of some kind.


    As soon as she took off her scarf, Maggie''s eyes opened wide, she could not believe it.


    Swan began to speak using the windnguage, Maggie


    Sister! Maggie shouted in windnguage.


    The two then hugged each other tightly.


    The picture was very touching.


    But Liszt seemed speechless. Can someone trante it for me? Maggie called her sister, I understand, but what did Swan say?


    Looking at the two sisters, it seemed as if the words could not be finished, all the words had alreadye out. He regretted it. He should have asked Old Grandet toe over. Without an interpreter, he didn''t know what they were talking about.


    But soon.


    Not knowing what Swan was saying, Maggie suddenly hesitated.


    Liszt quickly inserted, Maggie, what is your sister talking about?


    Sister, hope, I''ll follow her and go home. Maggie exined intermittently in snakenguage. But, Master, Mrs. Harriet, she is my mother.


    Swan also turned to Snake Language. But I am your sister. My dear sister, Mrs. Harriet is just your contractual mother.


    I Maggie couldn''t speak anymore.


    Liszt immediately rushed out the door and shouted, Thomas, please ask Mr. and Mrs. Harriet toe over.


    Then he said to Swan, You are Maggie''s sister, no one can change that, but I think it may be necessary to inform Mrs. Harriet who truly considers Maggie as her own daughter.


    Swan stared at Maggie and nodded slowly.


    The atmosphere became silent, neither Swan nor Maggie spoke, but Liszt just kept smiling. When Maggie peeked at him, his smile was even brighteryou can see that the little maid liked Flower Town, but she also wanted to be with her sister.


    Without waiting long, the Harriet family arrived, including their son and daughter-inw.


    Mrs. Harriet, who had already been filled in by Old Grande, burst into tears as soon as she appeared, Maggie, my daughter, oh my G.o.d, are you leaving me?


    Maggie lowered her head in shame and touched her, I won''t, Mom.


    Mrs. Harriet took hold of Maggie: Really, you won''t leave mother? That''s great, yes, this is your sister, you said, the mage sister?


    Well, she''s my sister, Paris.


    h.e.l.lo, Master. Mrs. Harriet hurriedly saluted.


    Swan didn''t know what to say. Thinking about it, she was only neen years old this year, the same age as Lvera. She could only nod her head, Yes, I''m Maggie''s sister, Paris, but I''m not a mage.


    Oh, Master Paris, you want to take Maggie I can''t object but I really can''t bear to have Maggie away, see I''ve always wanted a daughter. I heard that Maggie''s biological parents have died.. I''m sorry I shouldn''t have mentioned that, but I hope I can fulfill a mother''s responsibility to take care of Maggie.


    Mrs. Harriet, who runs the grocery store, was very articte, full of talk. It made Swan, or Paris, feel like taking Maggie was a crime.


    Liszt stood by and smiled.


    He thought to himself, Paris, a good name. If there is no problem in her background, and she is as strong as she said, then she must stay  Then again, what kind of profession is a White Dragon Gang, mysterious and secretive? I''ll have to ask carefullyter.


    Now, the question was not how to get Paris, but whether he would be willing to ept her.

 Chapter 223: Application To Stay

    Chapter 223: Application To Stay


    That day.


    Maggie stayed with Mrs. Harriet and did not follow Paris. Paris even had her lunch at Mrs. Harriet''s house.


    Liszt didn''t immediately go to the root of the matter and question Paris'' background.


    Just like fishing a big fish with a long line, the fishing line cannot be kept tight all the time, since it can be broken by the big fish. What you need to do is rx for a while, tighten up, and tremble constantly, consuming the physical strength of the big fish, and finally catch it.


    A aristocrat''s life can be boresome.


    Therefore, Liszt had plenty of time to enjoy the ways of manipting the human heart. A lord that cannot manipte someone''s heart is not qualified to be a Lord at all. Whether it is temptation by interest, confusion with honor, or even threatening imprisonment, all of which are a means of maniption.


    After lunch, he met with Old Grandet and told him, Go and remind Mrs. Harriet that Maggie doesn''t have to leave right way, in fact, it would be much simpler to let her sister Paris also stay in Flower Town.


    Old Grandet, now a small-town official, was filled with energy. Sir, maybe it is more appropriate that we speak to Dennis, and let Dennis remind Mrs. Harriet.


    Dennis is Mrs. Harriet''s husband.


    Yes.


    Old Grandet took the lead.


    In the afternoon, Liszt thought Maggie would take the time off and stay with her sister. However, unexpectedly, Maggie followed the other little maids and came to the castle to begin their internship.


    "Carter, call Maggie.


    Yes, sir.


    When Maggie arrived, Liszt asked directly, Maggie, why don''t you go with your sister? You can ask for leave.


    Sir, I want to work, work, stay in Flower TownI don''t want to leave. Maggie is happy but troubled about her sister, who she has thought about all night before suddenly appeared, but she doesn''t want to leave the Harriet family either, and this beautiful town, and the benevolent lord.


    She was still very young when she saw the lord in her hometown ride on a big horse and beat the serfs with a whip.


    One time, her father was severely beaten ten times by this lord.


    But in Flowertown, she had never seen Liszt beat anyoneand even when someone was beaten, it was the officials who punished civilians for making mistakesin her simple view of the world, the benevolent lord deserve to have many followers.


    It''s okay, Maggie, if you don''t want to leave, you can stay with me or with Mrs. Harriet. Now go back to your sister and I''ll let Mr. Carter have you take half of the day off.


    My lord, I really can stay?


    Yes.


    Okay!


    -


    Maggie happily enjoyed the rest of the day with her sister.


    The sisters spent a whole afternoon in Flower Town. Maggie shared the peanuts she had toasted in the castle kitchen, and Paris gave her a pendant.


    The pendant was not beautiful, it wasn''t a jewel or a crystal, but two leaves, onerge and the other small,but both crumpled.


    Take it, Maggie, don''t lose it.


    What kind of leaves are they, sister?


    Therge leaves with wavy edges are oak leaves while the small oblong leaves are leaves of mistletoe, Paris exined. Mistletoe is a nt that parasites on oak trees. It represents hope and abundance while the oak stands for strength and resilience.


    Maggie understood and put the pendant beneath her clothes.


    Sister, are you leaving?


    Maggie,e with me, let''s go home.


    Maggie lowered her head, But Mom and Dad were killed and our vige was destroyed. What will we do if we go back?


    This  your sister will protect you. We can find a ce to start a new life. Paris made a pose flexing her biceps, You have to believe in your sister''s strength, although I did not be a mage, I am more powerful than one.


    But I think Flower Town is good. Sir Lord will protect us. And, I have a new mother, Mrs. Harriet is my mother.


    They had dinner at the Harriet''s.


    Paris once again proposed to take Maggie away. But this time, Mrs. Harriet raised a point and quietly asked, Paris, why do you insist on letting Maggie follow you? She is just nine. How can a young girl adapt to a nomadic life?


    I will take care of her, Mrs. Harriet.


    Of course I know that. You are her sister, after all. But have you considered it?


    Consider what?


    To stay in Flower Town. Mrs. Harrietughed. You can stay in Flower Town. If you aren''t in a hurry to leave, you can stay in Flower Town, can''t you? I have lived in Flower Town for twenty years. It is quiet here. My son grew up here and got married here too. He will soon have children. Maggie can grow up here as well.


    Paris never thought about it.


    She paused for a while and felt that this was indeed an interesting proposal-she hade all the way here in Coral Ind to rescue her sister who was bought and sold. But her sister lives well now, so what was the point of this rescue and why is she so obsessed with taking her away?


    I''ll think about it, Mrs. Harriet. Thanks for the hospitality.


    That night, Paris stopped talking about Maggie. She still lived in the aristocratic neighborhood. Of course, Liszt was generous enough to cover the cost of her amodation  he already knew about the progress of Paris and Maggie through Old Grandet and the others.


    He knew that things were stable.


    Maybe tomorrow.. Or the day after that, Paris will ask to stay  if she leaves, she will have no reason to go back.


    But unbeknownst to Liszt, Paris visited the castle that night.


    This time she did not rely on stealth to lurk in. Instead, she appeared in person and was left by Carter to wait in the lobby. Carter knocked on the door and asked to enter the study.


    Liszt, who was reading a book, nodded calmly, Invite her to the study and by the way, make two cups of tea.


    Momentster, Carter led Paris in.


    After she took her seat, she skipped the nonsense and said directly, Baron, I was a thief mercenary in the mercenary regiment in the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf. Although I have left the league, I still retain my status as a registered mercenary. I don''t know if you need to hire a mercenary to work for you.


    The Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf, like the Grand Duchy of Sapphire, is one of the nations of the Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom.


    You mean you''re going to stay in Flower Town and take care of Maggie? First things first, do a good introduction of yourself. You say you killed members of the aristocracy, and I''m an aristocrat. I want to make sure your stay in Flower Town will not cause any trouble.


    You can rest a.s.sured that I have killed a lot of n.o.bles. I am still wanted in the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf, but no one will go to much trouble to chase me to such a remote ind country."


    Paris touched the milk tea on the table and took a sip,It tastes very good, it''s definitely milk from the finest cows  if you want to hear my story, there is nothing to hide. I left home when I was fifteen to avoid marriage and wanted to find a mage to learn magic from.

 Chapter 224: Black Dragon Sacrifice

    Chapter 224: ck Dragon Sacrifice


    A fifteen year old wanted to learn magic, but a mage to learn from is hard to find.


    Most mages would ask first if she had money.


    Therefore, most of them refused. "You can''t learn magic if you don''t have any money, go away!"


    However, this did not discourage Paris. She continued to look for mages. After being rejected by three mages, she finally found a female mage. However, the female mage used her as ab rat. She fled after suffering an unbearable pain during a "pain deprivation" magic experiment.


    She gained injuries and didn''t learn any magic.


    Hungry and cold, she became ill, and nearly died. She was rescued by a group of thieves living in the sewer, and she became a thief like them.


    She felt like she was living the life of a rat, in filth and depended on stealing.


    Then came a mistake that led to her being involved in a huge event. Paris quietly narrated the story, In the Red Maple Mountains of the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf, there was a Light Dragon, which made the entire Red Maple Mountains appear like a mirage, and no one can find where it is.


    Because of this dragon, everyone who lived on or near Red Maple Mountain moved away.


    At this time, the great court magician of the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf came up with an idea. He wanted to steal the mysterious power of the white dragon.


    I don''t know what magic book he read, but what he imed to read was that, under certain conditions, a human being killed by a Light Dragon would be a ghost, a White Dragon. So he made the dragon blood scheme, and with the support of the aristocracy, he fooled a lot of rats like me and helped him create the White Dragon Gang.


    Her face showed a hint of hatred. "I am one of those rats blinded by the dragon blood. If the ident hadn''t happened, I would have been long dead."


    So, you didn''t die, but became a white dragon ? Liszt was surprised. This was the first time he has heard that the person killed by the dragon would be a ghost.


    It wasn''t like anything he had heard of in ancient legends.


    Paris shook her head, The real White Dragon is like a ghost, do you think I am a ghost? The great magician did not know that a thief had stolen his research notes, so we came to our senses about it. But It was toote, the Light Dragon had appeared in front of us.


    The Light Dragon was not so huge and it appeared from time to time. The rats were engraved with a certain mark of interest by the magician, which is an indelible magic, refining human resentment even after death. Thisbined with the Light Dragon''s mysterious power, would condense into the white dragon he wanted.


    The rats were killed one by one, but the White Dragon never came out.


    We''re thinking about countermeasures while we were on the run, avoiding being captured by the dragons and the great mage. The thief who stole the notes came up with a way to reverse the magic mark, which was to voluntarily be a living White DragonEventually, we did it, and we became a living White Dragon.


    Living white dragon? Liszt''s eyes looked back at Paris. He couldn''t figure out what it was like.


    Paris seemed to understand Liszt''s confusion.


    She stretched out her left hand and rolled up her sleeves, exposing a pair of fair arms, which dazzled Liszt''s eyes.


    However, a momentter, her fair arm suddenly turned blue and from the flesh grew scales. Her fingers gradually twisted from hands to ws of a beast. Human beings have never seen a dragon-type human, because the power of the dragon corrupts all human beings. This corrupted power is called by the magician as ''evil power'' and the evil power of the White Dragon is the ultimate result of the corruption of human beings.


    Liszt cast the Magic Eye.


    Liszt can see that Paris'' left hand was filled with active magic. Even magic from the air condensed on her arms, forming a faint ck mist.


    "A real White Dragon is a ghost and we are willing to sacrifice ourselves and be corrupted by the dragon power in order to survive. As long as the corruptive forces continue to grow, sooner orter, we would be swallowedpletely into being a true white dragon.. It would probably be our death."


    Paris reversed the magic on her arm and it returned to its fair appearance.


    However, Liszt couldn''t forget the hideous beast arm that had left a shadow on his soul. He couldn''t help but marvel and but also feelment. This kind of corruption is irreversible?


    Yes, as long as the power of the dragon is used, the corrosion will deepen, so if I don''t use the power that canpete with a sky knight or the great magician, I will probably live for ten years. Paris sighed, and there was nothing but regret. Weter called ourselves the ck Dragon Gang.


    She paused, and suddenly added, I think if I used my full force, I could kill a Sky Knight.


    The meaning of this statement was clear  Liszt should carefully weigh how she should be treated, and not rely on his Sky Knight father.


    Maybe he was just taking the story too seriously.


    Liszt didn''t think before asking his next question. Are you sure that that power can really kill a Sky Knight?


    Of course, otherwise how else would we have killed that great court magician?


    You killed the great magician?


    We have four sessful ck dragons. One person with one w, tear apart the court magician students. Parisughed out loud. Later, we killed a bunch of n.o.bles who tricked rats like us to their deaths. He even formed a mercenary regiment until the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf dispatched Dragon Knights toe after us  We avenged ourselves and left the mercenary regiment to take refuge somewhere else.


    Paris and others were still wanted at the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf.


    After hiding for a while, a new round of war broke out between the Steel Ridge Kingdom and the Eagle Kingdom, and she quietly returned to her hometown. Her story then led to Flower Town.


    Story time was over.


    Liszt thought for a full quarter of an hour before he said, Paris, you didn''t kill n.o.ble people then? You can live for about ten years without using your power, and you can use it to kill a Sky Knight. You never killed anyone in the Grand Duchy of Sapphire and in the end, you are only wanted by the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf?


    Paris nodded.


    Liszt asked again, So, what about your stealth ability?


    "We inherited the ability of the light dragon to manipte light around its body and achieve a stealth effect.. Just a little trick." She finished and took a sip of milk tea, My ident.i.ty has been revealed. What other doubts do you have about it?


    Trust takes time to build.


    Liszt didn''t n to ask any more questions, and said immediately. Given your strength and special abilities, I hope to hire you as my guard to protect my personal safety. If you ept it, I am willing to pay you one gold coin per month.


    I can ept the task of security, but a gold coin is not enough. I also need arge house, preferably with a garden; I want to restore Maggie''s freeman status, and have an earth knight to teach her how to cultivate qi; I want another horse, and it''s better if you give me two more servants.


    Stop!


    Liszt stared at her, I asked you toe to work, not to enjoy it. A reward of gold coins, Maggie''s freeman status, and then, a house in the aristocratic residential area. For the other ones, you will resolve those yourself!

 Chapter 225: Beat Paris Pride

    Chapter 225: Beat Paris'' Pride


    On the castle yard.


    Paris''s sword danced, and Randy''s flew in response.


    Russell, waiting for his turn in battle, had his head grow numb from scratching, "Sir, where thisdy is from, it seems it''s more violent there."


    What do you think of her strength? Liszt watched them proudly.


    "Randy won''tst more than five rounds.. And my strength is almost the same as his.. Her strength is at least the level of an elite earth knight. " Russell told his truth, but to appear less timid, he added, "It''s hard to tell whether her fighting style is more suited for the battlefield or for charging."


    Liszt acknowledged this statement. Paris''s fighting style was close to that of a close-knit nature. Her sword battle effect is very strong but her charging approach is difficult to judge.


    But Liszt was looking for a personal guard and her sword battle skills were good. He said to Russell, Randy is defeated, it''s your turn.


    Russel took a deep breath, pulled out a steel sword, reced his expression with a dead-eyed look, and rushed forward.


    Five roundster, he flew out like Randy.


    Despite defeating two earth knights in a row, Paris didn''t pant much. Her physical fitness and strength far surpa.s.sed that of the earth knights'' qi. Earth knights break through by cultivating qi . Paris has magic in her body,which is a special magic that belongs to the light dragon.


    She was given the ability to change the light around her, hiding her body behind the light.


    During the battle, she mobilized magic and twisted the light, which would always confuse her opponents. She was only using about 70% to 80% of her total ability.


    p!


    Liszt pped his hands as he was satisfied with Paris''s strength. He now believed that she was indeed worth a gold coin a month. Wonderful battle, Randy, Russell, both of you put in hard work given that you were doing so in a fighting style you were not good at. Take a good rest, have a cup of milk teaParis, it''s hard to imagine you wielding this sword in both hands so brilliant.


    I must hire Paris as my guard.


    This was not an impulsive decision, nor due to Liszt''s l.u.s.t for beauty  it was the fact that she has a ferocious monster arm that has cast a deep shadow on him. It destroyed many of his beautiful images about her and he stopped seeing Paris as a beautiful woman.


    He hired Paris.


    First, it''s a form of reward for the smoke mission that he can''t dispose of; Second, as a white dragon gang member she knew secrets about dragons. Liszt was very interested in it and wanted her to stay so he could study her. Third, there was a reason for her killing the aristocrats, but that te was wiped clean; Fourth, with Maggie in Flower Town, Paris was unlikely to pose a threat. It is a shame she was so aggressive.


    Finally, there was one more, he felt that Paris was not a sharp-witted woman.


    She was not very discreet on her behavior. Though she mostly relied on her own abilities to save her sister, she went ahead to Liszt''s study just to see the baron she heard about. And from what she had said during her adventure to learn magic, she was used as an experimental specimen many times, and still became a thief in the end. All of this supported that she was easily deceived and not exactly smart.


    And even after flexing her skills for a while, she still dropped by his door and thus dropped her value.


    It doesn''t look like something a smart person would do.


    Some women are too smart, some powerful women that are too smart are too much. Powerful women like Paris, are more rea.s.suring since they have ordinary IQs but are not really that priceless.


    Baron, don''t you want toe out and test my strength?


    Over there, Paris unted her tall sword, but didn''t know she wasbeled as big chested and brainless.


    Faced with this level of provocation, Liszt felt no turbulence in his heart.


    However, he smiled and said, You can rest first. He had no worthy opponents in Flower Town, but it was a good idea to practice with Paris.


    The Magic Eye can peek into stealth, which is a huge blow to her pride.


    Those two Earth Knights, who are not even elites, did not consume my physical energy at all. Paris said disdainfully. Good thing, Russell and Rondo had gone to rest at the Apple table, and did not hear such shamefulments.


    Liszt was also unpretentious. He patted Tremblingwoods'' head, left it in ce, and slowly walked towards Paris.


    He slowly drew out the Red Blood sword  the other side was a living white dragon, which is supported by dragon power, his sword is also supported by dragon magic, which is more advantageous?


    By the way, Paris, I want to ask you a question. Will fighting like this cost you your life?


    As long as I don''t change my physical form, it would be a normal consumption and I will not be wasted. Otherwise, I will have to live a few years less with my hands. Paris held both swords, and her rxed expression had been reced with a more serious look.


    She felt Liszt''s surging spirit.


    It was far strongerpared to the previous opponents, Russell and Randy. Behind the face of this handsome, n.o.ble lord was good strength. She still had some inferiority.


    This is the overall atmosphere of the society. Mercenaries and thieves are the middle and lower .s.ses of society, and the aristocracy is the real upper .s.s. You can hate the hypocrisy of the n.o.bles, you can avenge and kill them, and everyone wants the opportunity to be n.o.bles. Regardless of ident.i.ty, all still fall inferior to the aristocracy.


    There was no snow, the sun hung in the sky, what gentle sunshine remained melted the snow on the gra.s.nd.


    The needle gra.s.s at their feet is well isted from the soil.


    They could feel the soft texture underneath their boots with every step.


    Liszt did not use Magic Eyes yet. He nned to first feel Paris''s fighting method involving light and shadow and maybe see her weakness.


    "Fire Waves!"


    The Fire Wave Dragon Drill was a series of thin jet-like red blood swords that came out like mes. It''s effect also doubled due to Liszt''s double fighting power.


    With this move alone, Paris had to use light and shadow to resist the me sword.


    At that moment, Liszt only felt that his eyes were blooming, and Paris''s figure seemed to move instantly. He took a step back. He instinctively wanted to adjust the red blood sword''s trajectory.


    But was restrained by his inflexibility.


    His attack was still fixed on the original spot.


    Bang!


    The red blood sword was blocked by the big sword, and Paris''s figure appeared again, but she had already moved one step to the right, so Liszt''s attack was off.


    In the next few rounds, no matter how hard Liszt tried to lock his eyes on her, he still couldn''t capture Paris''s true figure.


    This unexpected light and shadow maniption is a headache.


    But if it weren''t for the fact that Paris was careful and defensive, because of his powerful attack force, wide range of attack areas, and its explosive nature, it would have been possible for Paris to be quickly defeated.


    And it is also this weird fighting method that allowed Liszt''s fighting experience to continue to rise, and he slowly learned to fight by predicting Paris''s next position. He gradually reversed the situation and began to force Paris to have a solid defense and unable to fight back.


    In terms of physical quality, his level is same to that of Marcus. Without light and shadow, I can beat her any time!


    Liszt''s heart was clear and he had judged Paris''s true level, so he no longer retained his strength and quickly cast his Magic Eye.


    The next moment, the human figureposed of magic power haspletely exposed Parris''s position through light and shadow.


    Qi broke out on the Red Blood Sword edge. He shed the sword to the position where Paris retreated and exerted the ultimate technique, Fire Wave Dragon Drill!. In the opponent''s startled eyes, the Red Blood Sword was wrapped in an explosive surging qi, and it went through her heavy sword.


    Paris''s sword rolled over.


    Liszt put his red blood sword back into its sheath.


    Liszt resisted the urge to pant, walked towards Paris who fell down, stretched out his hand, pulled her up, and smiled, I now know your strength and power as a ck dragon. With the help of light and shadow, you are slightly better than the average elite earth knight.

 Chapter 226: Baron Henderson Wants a Duel

    Chapter 226: Baron Henderson Wants a Duel


    After the battle on the racetrack, Paris'' arrogance became subdued and she began to take her guard status more seriously.


    Of course, she was not a bodyguard 24/7.


    Liszt does not need her to follow him every time, in fact, there are more times when Liszt would not allow her to follow him  there are still too many secrets that he wouldn''t want Paris to know. Trust is not established after one or two days. It takes time to see if one is trustworthy.


    You can move freely in Flower Town and asionally serve as my actualbat opponent. When I''m out, you will follow me to keep me safeThere''s basically no danger on Coral Ind. If you see a chance to use the ck Dragon magic, then do it, otherwise, don''t. It''s an easy job.


    "What if I want to go to Coral City?"


    "Then get permission and go as long as you are allowed. No one restricts your life, Liszt said. But there is one thing, you shouldn''t vite the territory regtions on Coral Ind, and do not expose the information that you are wanted in the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf. After all, we are all nations of the Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom.


    Although they are independent nations, the Grand Duke of Sapphire and the Grand Duke of Maple Leaf were, in the strict sense, only a duke of the Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom, thus belonging to the same camp.


    "You are being far too cautious, Baron."


    You should call me Lord Baron. This is the basic etiquette to the aristocracy, Ms. Paris. Liszt showed the elegance of the aristocracy.


    It was the kind of att.i.tude that really convinces people.


    Paris still shouted reluctantly, Lord Baron.


    -


    The magic of dragons can corrupt people and turn them into white dragons or ck dragons. This was a major discovery for Liszt.


    He has to take extra care when studying the fire dragon''s magic.


    He doesn''t want to be a shapeshifting monster that only has a lifespan of around ten years. This obviously does not meet his ideal of a long life. His dream is to ride a dragon, not to be ridden by a dragon.


    Speaking of which, I actually have a real rtionship with dragonsThe Invisible Dragon''s Gem Gift, the Smoke Dragon''s Destiny, the Fire Dragon''s Residual Magic, and now the Light Dragon.


    It was still a long way from riding a dragon.


    Marcus was still digging in on ck Horse Ind so the .s.s will keeping.


    Liszt was in a rush to design the bath hall and use the heat energy of the Little Fire Dragon toplete the next smoke mission and acquire a new breed of me mushrooms.


    The hot spring of the bathtub has been designed, and the separated structure of the bathtub and the heating water tank is adopted. The only concern left was how to put the little dragon in the heating water tank and figure out how much magic is enough to heat up the water.


    If the magic is not enough, it wouldn''t be warm enough to be considered a hot spring. If the magic was too much, it could cook an egg.


    So, whether it''s a bath or a hot spring or a bathhouse, if one wants to use the magical fire dragon, one must first figure out how to put in the magic.


    There was someone who knew exactly how to release magic and have control  Paris.


    Liszt had regretted knocking Paris off during their battle. Paris''s ck dragon''s strength is the same as a knight''s qi. It can be mobilized with a single thought, but how it is mobilized is profound.


    He had to ask her again about the court magician''s white dragon research notes.


    "The notes are with the ck dragon thief who stole it. He left after our avenging scheme.I don''t know where they had gone. As for why we became ck dragons because of the magic mark that the mage put on us, I don''t really understand the principle. I am not a mage, I could not understand his notes."


    Paris would make a bad mage.


    Even though she could speak both Snake and Wind Language, she was only mildly literate and does not know much other information.


    Before the age of 15, she was a civilian and illiterate. After fifteen years of age, she was either a stray or a thief, there was no chance to learn.


    She didn''t know much writing, but she was taught by a mage when she was treated as a material for a magical experiment.


    Paris couldn''t work with him on this, so Liszt can only study the magic of the fire dragon in the volcanic .s.s on his own. "Paris'' special ck dragon ident.i.ty is suitable for research as a guinea pig.


    He worked out several weird experiment ns.


    He only had to wait for the volcanic .s.s to arrive so he could start the experiment.


    By the way, my drifting bottle also contains a ghost. I wonder if it can be infected with the fire dragon magic and I can make it a white dragon? He thought curiously.


    A long time ago, a ghost had surprised him and it felt incredible.


    With more experience, especially with more and more incredible things, this surprise element gradually disappeared. He now knew that both dragons and elves can exist. He had taken for granted that other ghosts, dragons, werewolves, vampires, and even orcs, dwarves, and trolls do exist.


    Just yesterday, architect Tommy Gravel left with his apprentices and the finished ice cer was officially handed over to Flower Town. The ice in the river was not thick enough to be stored in the cer.


    The ice cer works were over.


    It''s time to open up other projects.


    Town officials headed by Gort would not be idle this winter  the thorns ridge rehabilitation, the dds quarry, the wood workshops, the Knights Square, the teaching of the serf children, the craftsmen apprenticeships, the children''s fighting training, a whole lot of things had to be arranged.


    These days, officials were mainly allocating serfs their amodation and working arrangements. They must make sure that local residents and new serfs mix and match to prevent the new serfs from making groups.


    With the advent of winter and the private fishing of seaside towns, the seafood business was getting weaker.


    Fortunately, the flower soap haspletely prated the market. After arranging deputies to their respective areas, Sherlock and Abagon were now much more honest and immersed themselves in the business. No one in the aristocracy was using old soap anymore, they were all rushing to buy the flower soap. Because of this, the flower soap was sold for less than a week, and the original price of the soap rose back.


    Even so.


    Baron Henderson of Snake Spear City''s caravan and soap business was plummeting.


    The reason why it hasn''tpletely gone down was that Flower Town cannot exactly keep up with the demand. Burnell Egg has already brought in twenty craftsmen and were all working frantically, but they still could not produce enough flower soap.


    On one hand, the old soap was not selling. On the other hand, Flower Soap was in short supply.


    ording to the information gathered by the Flower Caravan, Baron Henderson was furious in the past few days. He even drank a few .s.ses of wine at a banquet and threatened to fight Liszt.


    When he woke up, he stopped talking about it  and it would be obvious that Liszt would be with Tremblingwoods in the event of a duel.


    More than once, Liszt was used of being greedy and robbing Baron Henderson of his fair share of the benefits.


    Ignore Henderson''s cries and wait for his soap business to go down. I''m afraid he won''t be able to bark again and he''ll concentrate on providing soap powder. He doesn''t know what he''s talking about, I should just let him go bankrupt. Can''t my red blood sword drink blood?"


    Liszt dismissed this idea as his eyes were not on Coral Ind.

 Chapter 227: Banquet on the First Floor

    Chapter 227: Banquet on the First Floor


    Ice had arrived.


    The sea near Flower Town, however, did not ice up and the Flowers sessfully returned to the pier without any trouble.


    This time, a ship of volcanic .s.s ore was brought back, along with some pieces of dragon bones.


    Marcus reported to Liszt in the castle study. "The bone fragments in the burial site have been cleaned up, and the volcanic .s.s between the rock pirs has also been mined. If we would continue to mine, the gra.s.nd will be destroyed.


    "Pause any activity. The gra.s.nd cannot be destroyed. The reproduction of ck blood dragon horses is very important. Besides, we have excavated so many volcanic .s.ses that are probably enough for our use. This is a strategic resource we must consider for the future of ck Horse Ind.


    So what''s next for ck Horse Ind?


    Liszt thought about it. I will build a residential area near the port so we can increase the number of immigrants in the ind. The port town can take shape as soon as possible and the poption there will facilitate the development of ck Horse Ind.


    ck Horse Ind is his future base, Flower Town is just a temporary home.


    The first part of his n was to build a small town on ck Horse Ind-Port Town, as a frontier position for the development of ck Horse Ind. Before, the count developed Coral Ind with the resources that he has .u.mted for generations, but he started from scratch and solidified his ns step by step.


    ck Horse Ind needs to be kept a secret and can only be entrusted to Marcus for the time being.


    Talks about the Port Town were finished.


    Marcus expressed his doubts. Sir, have you studied the magic of volcanic .s.s? He has been responsible for mining the .s.s, but does not know what the volcanic .s.s was for.


    Liszt did not keep it a secret. Mr. Marcus, I have discovered the magic inside the bubble, it can be used as a constant source of heat.


    He took out the design he had drawn and handed them to Marcus.


    This is my bath house n. There are a lot of projects in Flower Town in winter. But,everyday people work and sweat. They need a bathhouse to drive out the cold and reduce the dangers brought by the cold. Children who are practicing fighting forbat also need the benefits of a bathhouse. The Fire Dragon Magic is perfect for it.


    After looking at the design map, Marcus handed back the thick leather paper. Baron has produced a very good design!


    In truth, he couldn''t understand Liszt''s abstract architectural scale design at all.


    Putting away the design, Liszt asked Thomas, the servant, to call for Gort for a small meeting. The meeting was about the selection of a new group of able-bodied serfs to work on ck Horse Ind.


    With this n, the number of serfs in Flower Town is just not enough. Gort mourned.


    Liszt was already dealing with the ve trade like a daily routine. "I haven''t bought enough yet, but I believe it is a good time to buy serfs. As for theck of gold coins reserved by the castle, let me find a way.


    He intends to sell the group of Mithril mines- a precious strategicmodity that he was originally reluctant to sell. But Flower Town was still far from being able to cast armor from it. Even if he formed a knights squad, they could only be equipped with standard armor produced by Tulip Castle, not Mithril armor.


    Anyway,there are smoke missions, which means there is still much wealth to be harvested in the future. What''s more important now is town development.


    There was no need to consider the immediate gains and losses.


    Gort did not have bad opinions about buying and selling serfs so he said with ease, Yes, the prices of serfs now will be very cheap, and there may be a few more ''Paris''.


    Paris? Marcus wondered.


    A female mercenary whose sister was trafficked into Flower Town, and she followed her Now, she is the Baron''s personal guard. She''s very powerful, an elite earth knight.


    Marcus asked cautiously, Can she be trusted?


    Liszt pounded on the table and muttered, What basic information I have on her is true but trust is still far from being reached. There are many secrets you must guard against her.


    I see. Marcus nodded and reminded, However, I rmend that the Baron recruit followers from Coral Ind. The Tulip family has cultivated Coral Ind for 20 years. This is a force that can be trusted.


    Liszt understood clearly.


    But Paris is a smoke mission reward, and was rted to dragons. He dropped the topic and said, Speaking of recruiting followers, Adviser Gort, how many people have aspired to go to Flower Town recently?  As the Baron''s adviser, Gort was Liszt''s representative.


    Gort replied, There are many n.o.bles and semi-n.o.bles who have exchanged letters with me but not many are determined to go. You know, the knights who are in business have already followed the Count and the rest have either lost their initiative, or have insufficient strength.


    Choose as many as possible, especially those young earth knights, and the n.o.bles who are familiar with business.


    Young earth knights can be trained to prepare for the uing Knights Squad. The semi-n.o.bles who are familiar with the business can start working in Flower Town and beter transported to ck Horse Ind in the future.


    As you wish. By the way, my Lord, do you remember Zambrotta?


    Leighton''s teacher who was stripped of his t.i.tle. What about him?


    "These past few days he wrote in the hope that he coulde to Flower Town to rx. He has been impatient about hoping to find a job here."


    You receive him first. I will then look into his expertise and if I''m satisfied, I won''t deny him the job. But if all he is is a bad name, I''m not going to crash with the authority of my father.


    At the restaurant on the first floor, Marcus met Paris.


    There was no tension. The two just nodded to each other as if they already knew each other beforehand. Since then, Paris devoted herself to the food. She was attracted to the castle food such as scrambled eggs, egg soup, bread with varying tastes, and scented milk.


    Her sister lives in Mrs. Harriet''s house while Paris lives alone. She did not bother to cook at all.


    Of course, she wasn''t qualified to enter the second floor banquet for dinner in the castle. All of them were eating at a table with the knights Randy, Russel and Liszt on the first floor.


    Only n.o.bles and family teachers can be seated on the second floor.


    Liszt often organizes banquets on the first floor in order to engage more with his subordinates. With this style, they could all gather at a table for a drink.


    He had, of course, hosted Karl and Romm on the second floor before when his understanding of the aristocracy was not yet very strong. It was no longer the case now, since most of the time, it is a rigid hierarchy that reflects the authority and n.o.ble character of the lord.


    It''s like a bowing gesture, which can win people''s hearts.


    After eating in the same pot for a long time, some people may not understand that being a good friend does not always merit a close bond, and they might overstep their status.


    Don''t let your a.s.s dominate your brain.


    Liszt is a n.o.ble. Of course, his a.s.s is on a chair on the second floor but eating downstairs is nothing but a win.


    Thew and order in the territories must be strictly managed. Carl, the patrol team must be expanded. At present, there are too few people on the team, only 30. More than 100 people are a.s.signed to a single patrol. We will try to expand the recruitment with 90 more people, with 40 people a.s.signed to one patrol. Still, this ratio even barely meets the standard.


    Liszt said seriously, "I am not asking you topletely end Flower Town activity at night, but forms of crime and fighting must be eliminated. "

 Chapter 228: Dragon Hot Spring and Air Conditioner

    Chapter 228: Dragon Hot Spring and Air Conditioner


    Although the productivity of this world is very weak and the scientific literacy is terrible, the absolute authority of the lord over the territory still made Liszt''s work efficient.


    After Marcus returned with the volcanic .s.s ore, he quickly asked the Flower caravan to bring in crystal craftsman Brad and begin to polish the volcanic .s.s.


    The experiment started.


    The first stage is to release and collect the magic of the fire dragon.


    After consulting Gort and Marcus,it was decided that the magic in the bubble of the volcanic .s.s would be released by drilling. By drilling, the volcanic .s.s won''t break while still releasing the dragon magic inside. The drilling task was given to the yet unknown Brad.


    When the Dragon''s magic is released, they would gather together to bring in the invisible Little Dragon.


    The next step is to collect this magical little fire dragon and bound it into a vessel carved from volcanic .s.s. Liszt has already instructed Brad how to carve it. Because it doesn''t need to be beautifully carved, the work can progress very quickly, also, Brad has more than enough number of hands to a.s.sist him.


    Various parts would also be carved from the .s.s.


    The parts would be a.s.sembled using powdered volcanic .s.s to fill the gaps and glue it all together. The jar would be dense and water-tight and also has a thick handle  it would be called the dragon jar.


    To verify the sealing of the dragon jar, Liszt deliberately released the fire dragon magic.


    The jar is sealed.


    There was no trace of fire dragon magic leakage and the nature of the volcanic .s.s has a restraining effect on the fire dragon''s magic, making it unable to condense and even escape.


    Liszt moved on to the next step and handed Brad a drawing of the structure of a .s.sware. "The next step is a way to fill in magic for energy use."


    Brad looked at it for a long time, but did not understand,Master Baron, what is this? Can you exin it in detail?


    "You can''t see it clearly? This is arge syringe. Outside of the cylinder is the syringe jacket. This slender rod with a pot lid in front of it is the syringer putter. The putter makes sure that the jacket fits tightly so that when you push the rod, the contents of the syringe will be sprayed through the front needle."


    Injections weren''t invented in this time period yet so it took a long time for Brad to get the structure of the thick and thin barrel of syringe Liszt had designed.


    The next step is sculpting and splicing toplete thisrge syringe.


    Thergest piece of volcanic .s.s is only the size of a basketball, but the syringe needs a lot of material to be spliced together. Brad has carved crystals for many years, and his technique is extraordinary. The hardness of volcanic .s.s is much less than that of crystals, so he made them very fast. In two days, therge syringe was made by splicing the clips together.


    Liszt took over therge syringe and started the next experiment.


    He aimed the syringe at the coat-like aura of the magical little fire dragon as it condensed into a half-human height form. At that time, the magical fire dragon was starting to disperse so some magical power had also entered the syringe. He then quickly put on the putter, and a needle filled with the magic of the fire dragon was born.


    The needle was inserted into the fire dragon jar through the round hole, then the core rod was pushed, the magic force in the needle cylinder continuouslypressed and was injected into the fire dragon jar.


    A little bit of the Dragon Magic was leaking out through the cracks.


    But most of the magic was poured smoothly into the dragon jar.


    They repeated this operation until all the fire dragon''s magical powers were released and quickly filled into three fire dragon jars. Through the vision of the Magic Eye, the fire magic inside the fire dragon pot condenses to light red to gold color, and when it does, the Dragon Magic cannot continue to be poured into the jar as it has reached its limit.


    Roughly a ton of volcanic .s.s ore could release two dragon jars worth of dragon magic.


    The volcanic .s.s ore brought by Marcus was about six tons, so it can fill twelve fire dragon jars. Brad, make twenty standard jars then make fiverger jars. Add another twenty smaller jars after.


    The twelve standard fire dragon cans will be used to encapste the magic of fire dragons, and the remaining eight are reserves.


    The fiverger jars and twenty smaller jars are to be spares as well.


    Liszt called the syringe device the Dragon Needle. "In addition, make two more of this model of syringe and then make two small syringes as well.


    Brad continued to make .s.sware.


    Liszt continued to study the fire dragon magic. With the fire dragon needle and the fire dragon jar, he could move, divide, and recover the magic fire dragon at will.


    After his research, magic from a fire dragon the size of a palm would be enough to boil the cold water of a bathtub.


    Half-palm size of the small magic dragon can make water in a bathtub from a sub-zero temperature to maintain a water temperature of forty degrees [1]. This temperature is just right for bathing. However, the bathtub and hot spring are separated from the bathtub and the heating water tank, so in the heating water tank, it was best to put a small magic dragon the size of a full palm.


    After five days, the castle sessfully owned a bathtub and a hot spring. That night, Liszt soaked in the bathtub for more than an hour.


    When he had felt dehydrated from the heat, he left the bathtub.


    The valve of the heating water tank was loosened, and hot water kept flowing out, which the servant scooped out using a bucket. With these leftover bath water, the servants can take a bath downstairs.


    Liszt opened the bathroom window and the lid of the heating water tank. He did not take out the small fire dragon, but just let it fly in the heating water tank. The little fire dragon''s ability to heat the air was not very strong, so even when it was let out, it did not burn the bathroom.


    He and the dragon headed to the bedroom surrounded with box-like structures.


    The dragon kept the room at afortable physical temperature of 24-25 degrees [2]. He put in a basin of water to prevent everything frompletely drying, and the whole bedroom was as warm as spring.


    The Fire Dragon was a constant temperature air conditioner.


    Mr. Carter, these boxes have been arranged in a magic circle. You tell the servants in the castle, don''t touch them randomly. When you wipe the dust, you can only wipe the outside of the box.


    Yes, sir.


    Appreciating his outstanding work of several days, he could not help but express his emotions. The modernization of the castle has made good preliminary progress with light, air conditioning, and a bathtub..If I can get the magic of the Ice Dragon, maybe I can make a refrigerator, if I can get the magic of the Wind Dragon, maybe I can make an electric fan


    Thinking of the Wind Dragon, he remembered vividly that the Wind Roar Valley of the Glorious Empire existed with the magic of the Wind Dragon.


    I don''t know if the volcanic .s.s can encapste the magic of the wind dragon.


    It is a pity that the Glorious Empire was on the other side of the continent. Even if they begin the journey immediately with the Dragon Horses, it is estimated that it will take at least the half a year.


    Besides, he doesn''t know where else a dragon has left its magic. The dragon will probably only leave magic when it dies, or when it bleeds  the invisible dragon pa.s.sed through Flower Town and ate two cows, leaving no magic except a s.p.a.ce gem.


    In this way.


    The bathtub and hot spring werepleted. It''s the smoke task''s turn now and two bath houses need to be built.


    [1] in Celsius


    [2] also in Celsius ?

 Chapter 229: Cheers for the Hot Bath

    Chapter 229: Cheers for the Hot Bath


    The bath house needs a lot of hot water. Lots of hot water.


    In this period of human history, to heat up water, most civilians used firewood while aristocrats used charcoal. There was no record of using coal yet  coal was not a dragon''s byproduct since non-metals such as coal are not precious stones. Probably no human has understood the mineral coal yet, at least the Grand Duchy of Sapphire has not heard of thebustible mineral.


    There were no records of other energy sources such as oil, natural gas, or simr fossil fuels avable.


    Liszt spectes that since there existed a salt mine in this world, and the volcanoes here can also spew out basalt, then coal, oil and natural gas couldn''t be far behind.


    But he couldn''t say for sure.


    After all, metal ore originates from dragons. There is no naturally urring metal ore, so it is not unusual to have no naturally formed coal or oil.


    All in all, in this world, firewood and charcoal are the most important sources of energy.


    Firewood is from dry branches, straws and the like, while charcoal is the result of inadequate burning of wood to remove moisture and impurities, resulting into a solid fuel. Firewood burns because it contains moisture, so it smokes up and cannot be fully burned; charcoal has no smoke, burns fully, and is lightweight.


    But firewood is cheap and charcoal is expensive.


    After cutting down the trees in Thorns Ridge, Flower Town had .u.mted arge number of wood. With the exception of timber used for construction, many of the what remained were used to make charcoal for the castle. Civilians picked up a lot of dry wood and piled it up to cook on fire. The shower hall was opened to civilians but was not using charcoal.


    Before there were no other options, only firewood was used to heat water. But arge pool holds a lot of water which in turn needs a lot of firewood to keep the water temperature.


    It takesbor, too much resources, and is even harmful to the environment.


    After having the Magic Dragon, Liszt decided to build the bath house immediately. It was naturally pollution-free, does not consume fuel energy, andsts for more than 24 hours.


    Liszt designed the men''s bath with a hot-pot shape with the middle separated by a fence. The little fire dragon''s magic would boil the water, and the people surrounding it would have their bath.


    With Tremblingwoods carrying the rock pirs, and the construction of the bath was not difficult.


    They would dig a pit,y a stone, hoop a wooden board to make the structure waterproof, and quickly dig the bath. The next step is to fill the bath with water then Liszt will release the magic little fire dragon himself. He constantly adjusts the total amount of magic and in the end, it was determined that a bath requires a magical fire dragon the size of a bucket to burn to 40 degrees.


    So far.


    The two bath houses were built with a wooden house outside the bath.


    It took no more than five days toplete and on December 16th, thepany officially had a soft opening  it was free of charge from 6 to 12 pm every day, and the bath time must not exceed five minutes. It was open from 8 am to 6 pm in exchange for one copper te per person with unlimited time usage.


    Liszt has his own hot tub, so it was not unusual for him toe to the bath.


    Gort and others have long been staring at the bathhouse. This kind of bath was usually only avable in metropolises. Coral City is barely a big city, but it is still far from the city level, so there were no bathhouses-ordinary bath houses burn firewood, which is the non expensive option.


    s,fortable!fortable in the bones Gort was sitting in the hot pot bath, soaked in warm water, moaningfortably.


    Taking a bath on a cold day is truly a top-notch luxury.


    The men''s bath was located in the business district with a prominent sign, the'' Flower Town Public Men''s Bath''.


    The women''s bathhouse was located in the civilian residential area where it is connected to the administration office. It also has a sign that reads ''Flower Town Public Ladies'' Bath''. Liszt has specifically asked Karl to recruit several female rangers who would be responsible for the safety of the bath hall, to prevent voyeurism of the female citizens who would take a bath there.


    Paris, with her sister, Maggie, was lying in the bath and enjoying a warm dip.


    Sofortable, sister.


    It''s reallyfortable, I didn''t expect to be able to have such afortable hot bath in a rural town. She rubbed the dirt on her body, she had not had a serious shower since the long journey. I could eat delicious food every day, work easily, take a hot bath, and live in a clean and tidy house. Maggie, your sister really likes this."


    Well, Maggie also likes Flower Town. Maggie was swimming in the middle of the bath, and then came over to help her sister rub her back. She continued to mutter, Praise the Lord, praise the n.o.ble Lord of Flowers Town!


    Paris enjoyed the pleasure of someone rubbing her back.


    She began to close her eyes, and feltfortable enough to want to sleep. She could not help but agree. Baron Lord Baron is truly extraordinary.


    Because of Liszt''s deliberate cover-up, no one asked how the water in this big pool was heated.


    During the first day of the soft opening, there weren''t many peopleing to take a bath.


    It was because civilians were used to not taking a bath. Some people don''t even take a bath all winter. Not to mention the cost of a copper te for bathing. They were not stupid. With this money, it was better to warm up and wipe their bodies at home, and save fourrge pieces of ck bread and eat them for several days.


    But after six o''clock in the evening, people came to bathe in groups.


    The workers who came from the construction site and wastnd stood in long lines, no one wanted to let go of this chance to have a hot bath for free! Fortunately, the pool was big enough, and the prescribed time was only five minutes. After only one round, the water in the pond turned ck, and a thickyer of mud floated.


    The serfs didn''t mind.


    Workers in the bathhouse yelled, "This is a great leader, who looks after the welfare of themon people. We can all enjoy this happy moment brought by the Lord!


    The serfs responded, Praise the Lord!


    After the washing, the workers were shouting again, The great Lord gives us hot water!


    Praise the Lord!


    Lord is too great.


    Great Lord, great Flower Town.


    Various slogans were constantly uttered from the serfs'' mouths, including those new serfs, who also stuttered the snake text Praise the Lord.


    This was Gort''s idea of crude brainwashing propaganda.


    Liszt has no objection-he thinks that the civilians should of course be thankful.In the entire Coral Ind, only Flower Town has a bathhouse, which was open to free people and serfs.


    Although he originally established the bathhouse toplete the smoke mission, the people should still praise him for doing good things.


    Shouldn''t they?

 Chapter 230: Bobs Negligence

    Chapter 230: Bob''s Negligence


    The establishment of the bathhouse raised the prestige of the lord to a higher level.  In the snowy winter, being soaked in hot water and steam is absolutely top notch.


    The two bathhouses and the others used only half a jar of Dragon magic, It doesn''t consume much.


    Liszt drilled all the volcanic .s.s to reach the air bubbles. He then released and collected all the fire dragon magic. A total of thirteen fire dragon jars were filled, all in all.


    The two bathhouses, coupled with the castle''s bathtub spa, and the fire dragon air-conditioning in the bedrooms and study consumed half a jar of dragon magic.


    The remaining magic jars were enough to build a brick factory, a ceramics factory and even a steam turbine boat  it, of course, would take one step at a time. It would seem like Liszt was getting bored everyday, but in fact he was very busy. He has been wanting to build the brick factory for months now but they haven''t started.


    After all, it was impossible for the lord to sifter the soil and burn the bricks by himself. It was still up to the officials to lead the serfs to start working.


    Complete the task and be rewarded with the new me mushroom.


    After the bathhouse was built and opened, the smoke task waspleted and rewards were issued. The tasks were then updated.


    Task: After a tiring year, even the Lord needs to rx, enjoy theing New Year''s Day, ponder the path for next year''s development, broaden interpersonal contacts, or do nothing, and just wait for the end of the new year. Reward: Unknown reward.


    He saw thetest task.


    Liszt didn''t know what to say. This wasn''t like a task at all. The requirements of the task were for him to rx. Nothing needed to be done.


    Does the Smoke Mission feel that I have tired myself too much this year?


    Thinking about it, Liszt felt a bit ashamed. He did have an important contribution to make the town better. However, when ites to effort, he was probably the most rxed of all the traversers. He was enjoying it 60% of the time, and the rest was spent on sleeping.


    At least 20% of that time was spent eating and drinking  almost every day, with dinners and lunches.


    People take food as their priority, but they don''t have much to eat and drink.


    I was eating and eating everyday since an elite earth knight needs his strength." He quickly found sce in his eating and drinking habit. "And in less than a year, with the magic potions, I have gone so far from being an apprentice knight. My progress is enough to prove the importance of eating and drinking.


    Eating and drinking isn''t causing others depravity and corruption.


    It''s part of a knight''s fight.


    When he was not eating or drinking, his time fell on qi cultivation. He gets up early in the morning and starts practicing. He then returns to the castle and starts taking magic potions.


    It was not exactly hard work, but it takes hard work to be diligent.


    One doesn''t exactly reap a lot by doing 24 hours a day of work. After all, potions are still a knight''s secret.


    This principle was imparted by the Count to his children.


    Liszt took it as a guide.


    He turned his head and ran to the other side of the apple tree, and asked, " How many sacks of egg rolls have you eaten? When I''m thinking, would you please go a little further and don''t make a sound? It interrupts my thinking, okay, Paris?


    Ummm. Paris stuffed the egg rolls in her mouth, turned her head silently and walked away.


    The egg roll she was eating was made by mixing flour, egg, and white sugar into a batter. It would then be smeared with b.u.t.ter and rolled into a tube.


    This was not Liszt''s idea but a new food independently invented by the bakery owner Rainier. It was a sort of snack, which has juste on the market.


    It wasplicated to do, does note cheap, and does not sell well either.


    To encourage new inventions, Liszt told the castle staff to buy a batch of egg rolls every day. Although this snack was good to eat once in a while, it feels greasyter on.


    So the egg rolls were either for the servant''s welfare or for his subordinates at a dinner party. Liszt himself didn''t eat much.


    Paris, however, liked the egg rolls. One third of the egg rolls that were bought went into her belly. She''s only been in the castle for 10 days and there were already signs of weight gain.


    "I hope she doesn''t get too fat, it would affect the visual experience."


    He leaned back against his chair, enjoying the rare outcropping sun.


    Paris is a beautifulndscape, now the castle''s maid, Lily, has her own characteristics. One is an energetic female warrior, the other is a shy and weak maid. But one thing they have inmon is that both have a slender waist and long legs, which was the body type that Liszt liked.


    But it''s just for appreciation.


    Wooow!


    Woow!


    Not far away,E, the thorn sprite was teasing the mid-level magical beast Tremblingwoods . This was a bad habit that Liszt has repeatedly taught E to stop. But over time, Liszt was toozy to control the sprite, and Tremblingwoods has also s.u.mbed to his fate.


    p.


    The snow on the apple tree fell on the apple table.


    Liszt stood up immediately. Thomas, prepare a horse, inform the knights that I am going to the mushrooms."


    Yes, sir.


    He walked on Thorns Ride, and said to Paris who was still eating egg rolls, You don''t need realbat training today you can go back. The New Year is approaching. It ''s best for you to go to the North Valley to buy suitable leather armor than what you''re wearing. People would think that the castle is poor and could not afford its own guards.


    Paris wore worn-out leather and didn''t mind it. However, the aristocracy pays much attention to one''s neatness of clothes.


    This is the hypocrisy of the aristocracy. But the brightness of the clothes cannot hide the stains inside. She whispered, but did not object to buying new clothes no woman could resist the charm of new clothes.


    Liszt yelled at E again, Go back to sleep, E!


    Feeling that Liszt could not be resisted, E protested twice with a Wow and Wow, then flew to the castle obediently. When it felt that it had gone quiet, it quickly ran to Liszt, put out its tongue and shook its tail.


    He knew that Liszt would just go out immediately and not bother to turn around.


    Thomas brought the dragon horses.


    The knights also came on horseback.


    Liszt turned his horse and gave an order, Let''s go to Mushroom Town.


    Horseshoes trounced the snow as it whistled past. They did not take the road but the shortcut. Momentster, they arrived in Mushroom town. There were fifty acres of separate mushroom shed, and 50 acres of mixed mushrooms and me mushroom shed. Although the cultivatednd for the mushrooms was small, the ie was high. Mushrooms are always present at the dinner table.


    There was a steady stream of production of me mushrooms into magic potions to supply Liszt''s potion needs.


    He attaches great importance to the mushrooms second only to the Garden of Thorns.


    At this time, the serfs were busy inspecting their greenhouses. Just yesterday, the Lord came to inspect the circle, and then issued an order for each serf to check for any hidden dangers in the greenhouses and pay attention to various problems that may arise from the cultivation of mushrooms.


    Did you find any problems?


    When Liszt arrived, he directly asked about the management of mushrooms. He hade to the mixed mushroom and me mushroom shed yesterday, but did not find the smoke task reward he was looking for.


    The steward replied with caution. My Lord, several of the serf''s sheds had pirs that were eaten by insects. We have applied to the Administrative Department for carpentry to rece the pirs for usAlso, a lot of the me mushrooms in Bob''s house had frozen because he forgot to close the door.

 Chapter 231: The Endless Zambrotta

    Chapter 231: The Endless Zambrotta


    Liszt clearly heard the steward''sint.


    Bob suddenly fell on his knees and bursted into tears. "My Lord, I didn''t mean for it to happen. There was a strong wind that night and it opened the shed''s door. Please my Lord! Forgive me! Bob will never open that door again!"


    Watching Bob in grief, Liszt was impressed with him.


    In the beginning, the me Mushroom grew in Bob''s shed, and he considered it a huge problem. Liszt remembered that Bob couldn''t make out the right ingredients to grow the me Mushroom and so Bob was only rewarded with ten silver coins. Liszt gave more rewards to Nash who actually researched about the right ingredients.


    This crooked-necked Bob has a destiny with me Mushroom.


    Instead of punishing Bob, Liszt thought he would bring people to the said me Mushroom shed. Looking around, they saw that the me Mushrooms inside were actually withering, but the number was far less than other me Mushroom sheds.


    The loss was not that much, but it wasn''t negligible either.


    Bob hurried to the shed. Seeing that Liszt was observing the me Mushroom situation, he knelt to the ground again and continued to cry, "My Lord, although  a lot of the me Mushrooms did die, but  some me Mushrooms survived!


    He didn''t have to say so, Liszt saw it himself.


    Some me Mushroom nts did continue to grow.


    Liszt had a suspicion from his close observation. It turns out that there is a clear difference between these kinds of me Mushrooms and the normal me Mushrooms. The color of these new kinds of me Mushrooms was no longer red, it has changed to dark red.


    However, after he casted Magic Eyes, he found that the magic content of the dark red me Mushroom was far more than the normal me Mushroom, and the magic was characterized by a dazzling red light.


    That is to say, this me Mushroom that looks frozen on the outside has resulted in a poor appearance, but its inner fire property magic was far more exuberant.


    Liszt was pleased ; the reward of the smoke task was right in front of him. "This cold me Mushroom! The cold exins the nature of the Mushroom. It is not afraid of the cold of the wind and snow, and because of some mutation, somehow,it condenses fire magic and bes more abundant!"


    This is definitely a high-quality me Mushroom that far exceeds the normal me Mushroom. As a result, it will surely churn out a higher-quality potion.


    Liszt immediately issued an order, "Bob is to be whipped ten times as a warning. If he bes negligent again in the future and will cost more loss of me Mushroom, he will get more than just whips."


    After Bob was severely beaten with ten whips, his b.u.t.tocks were ring.


    Liszt also asked Thomas to pa.s.s ten silver coins to the other party. You are blessed by misfortune, Bob with a crooked neck. Although your family''s me Mushroom loss was quite serious, it has resulted in a mutated species of me Mushroom. I name it the ''Snow me Mushroom''. Ten silver coins will be rewarded to you.


    A tearful Bob, who had no choice but to take in the pain in his b.u.t.t received the silver coins. Ah, thank you Lord, praise the Great Lord!!


    Liszt immediately issued a new order, Whoever studies the appropriate ingredients for the cultivation of the Snow me Mushrooms will get a gold coin reward.


    A gold coin was enough to lift the ambitions of all serfs, simr to how the original me Mushroom cultivation ingredients motivated them in the beginning.


    They waited until their Master left.


    The Mushroom business was in heat.


    Countless serfs flexed their strength and started working.


    In particr, Nash, who was rewarded with a gold coin at the beginning, relied on this gold coin to not only get married, but also to build two new me Mushroom greenhouses, bing arge Mushroom farmer himself.


    After hearing the Lord''s reward, he loudly announced to the people around him. I studied the ingredients of meMushroom, and only I can study the ingredients for the Snow me Mushroom. This old Nash will seed!!


    Not always!


    You got lucky on winning the Lord''s reward. It''s my turn this time!


    Old Nash, go and concentrate on your little wife, don''t let her put on your green hat and study the ingredients for you. I am the one you should watch out for.


    Whipped and crooked-neck Bob refused to give up.  I lost to old Nash thest time, this time I would do everything in my power! The me Mushrooms grew in my shed before, now the Snow me Mushrooms have also grown in my shed! . Old Nash''s reward should have been mine! d.a.m.n old Nash!


    Afternoon.


    In the castle study.


    Zambrotta rubbed his feet together.


    He then took a deep breath and tried to rx himself. This study is as warm as spring, but there is no sign of burning. Lord Baron, Flower Town is full of surprises, and your castle is full of surprises as well.


    Behind the desk, Liszt was leisurely holding a cup of milk tea and asked with a smile, So, Mr. Zambrotta, can you guess the reason why the study is warm?


    I guess it''s magic, Zambrotta replied solemnly.


    Zambrotta learned from Gort that Liszt valued his extensive and profound knowledge, and knew that today''s meeting was an a.s.sessment.


    If he can''t show enough to impress the other, this trip was worthless.


    He had to be careful in order to recover, in order to live, and I guess it''s magic, too, in the public baths. It''s probably a kind of fire magic, heating the temperature of the water, heating the temperature of the room. It''s an incredible trick, this is the only time I''ve heard of a court mage who can do such magic."


    Well.


    Liszt could not agree more, and continued to ask, Have you been to many countries?


    Yes, I have visited the whole Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom and the seven affiliated countries. When I was young, my favorite thing was to travel around the maind, but my financial resources were limited. I was only able to visit the Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom then.


    I heard that the Grand Duchy of Maple Leaf has a dragon, do you know about this?


    Oh, that''s a Light Dragon that has been inhabiting Red Maple Mountain for hundreds of years. Many warriors wanted to kill it. They were called Dragon Warriors, who stood side by side with the Dragon Knights. But, you know, a dragon''s power is infinite, and most of the warriors ended up being.. dragon s.h.i.t.


    Is the Light Dragon really difficult to deal with? It is said that the Grand Duke of Maple Leaf is a dragon knight. Why can he not kill this evil dragon?


    "The Maple Leaf dragon is an Asian Dragon. Even I can''t find the hiding ce of the light dragon hence there is no hope of killing it There are many dragons on the maind, but most of them are elemental dragons. They are more powerful than metal and gem dragons.


    Basically, gem dragons and metal dragons are considered production units, while elemental dragons are thebat units.


    "Can you tell me something about the customs of the Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom and its origins? Liszt said calmly. He did feel that Zambrotta had a wealth of knowledge.


    Zambrotta stood up and bowed slightly, Master Baron, as you wish.


    A few momentster, Zambrotta''s eloquent narration sounded in the study. He traveled through these countries in person. He was more persuasive, more clear and interesting than the scribbled plot in a knight''s novel.

 Chapter 232: Zhuges Cautious Life

    Chapter 232: Zhuge''s Cautious Life


    Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom, one of the three kingdoms on the northern border of the maind, is adjacent to st Furnace Kingdom and Eagle Kingdom.


    There are seven duchies namely, Sapphire, Maple Leaf, Rose, Bra.s.s, Light Sapphire, Stars, and Honeysuckle. Strictly speaking, the two Grand Duchies of Sapphire and Rose should be reduced to a Princ.i.p.ality, a country with only dragons and no Dragon Knights.


    The Duke of Honeysuckle had to move three times a year because he couldn''t stand the random urination of the aristocrats in the pce, which made him nervous to even walk around. One time, a knight sat on the Duke''s chair with his bare b.u.t.tocks!"


    How did the Duke of Honeysuckle punish this knight?


    He chose to take a s.h.i.t in the knight''s helmet.


    Ha ha! A creative punishment!


    Ha ha!


    Liszt and Zambrotta''sughter filled the library. They were unaware that they had been chatting for more than three hours. Zambrotta''s often-unending little gossip kept Liszt in constant interest.


    Especially those court secrets.


    From hearing Zambrotta''s course of travel, it can be estimated that he has heard the history of the small n.o.bles in its entirety to even the history of the whole aristocracy. When he visited the Kingdom of Iron and Steel Ridge, he was only a semi-n.o.bleman, out of touch with the court masters of all countries, or even the little n.o.bles at the Lord''s level.


    However, these stories are rtively more important than knight''s novels.


    At least with these stories, there was some gravity. Though some stories might not be always true, the people in it are real. With knight''s novels, not only is the story difficult to .s.sify as truthful or not, the people inside are also fict.i.tious.


    Only when Carter, the housekeeper, knocked in and asked about the dinner''s schedule did Liszt recover from the delightful chat. Invite all the town officials to the evening banquet to wee Mr. Zambrotta. Liszt was certain that they would stay for Zambrotta''s hrious anecdotes.


    There was no doubt that these anecdotes are of great significance ; Liszt willpile those in the ''The War of the Dragons in the Wild''.


    Zambrotta knew that he had earned the affection of the recently celebrated baron of Flower Town. His goal of reviving himself in this town was achieved. His life has been in such a state since the count stripped him of his n.o.ble t.i.tle. Even his sons and daughters have turned against him, making it harder for him to breathe.


    For now, he is still a free man without a knighthood, but once he follows Liszt, who he believes will be a great tool for him in the future, Liszt will guarantee his return to the aristocracy.


    At the banquet, Liszt introduced Zambrotta to the town''s officials.


    Zambrotta already knew Isaiah, ir and Marcus, after all, he was Leighton''s teacher, and was therefore often in and out of Tulip Castle. For them, there was no doubt regarding Zambrotta''s knowledge or ability. The problem was his att.i.tude. The Count waspletely outraged with him indulging Leighton to beat civilians.


    But this is not a matter of principle. It is normal for a n.o.ble to beat a civilian.


    Not all n.o.bles, like Liszt, have a sense of equality hidden in their hearts. For the world,however, it was normal to divide people into 3,6 or 9 .s.ses.


    So the public still weed Zambrotta, but of course, it was hard to tell if Isaiah and ir shared the same sentiment.


    After the dinner, Liszt pulled Zambrotta again and they talked for almost an hour.


    Liszt was still sober-headed and had to reluctantly let him go. He said to Zambrotta, I already know what you''re doing, and don''t worry about your position in Flower Town. I have received information that my father will return before New Year''s hence I will arrange your work after New Year''s.


    Zambrotta nodded, understanding Liszt''s subtext. I will obey your orders, Lord Baron.


    You can go home while we wait for the news, or you can stay in Flower Town. If you have a moment to continue talking about this interesting news from all over the world, I am very much interested.


    My wife is dead, my children are married so I have no reason to go back. If possible, I would like to live in Flower Town.


    I''ll let Gort arrange your stay.


    The Count returned a few days earlier than Liszt expected.


    On December 20, the Count and his knights returned to Coral Ind. Ships were piled up at the dock, all of which were filled with looted treasures.


    When the Count left for the war, his ships were filled with knights, but when he returned,he had lost a lot of them.


    They will stay in Eagle Kingdom forever.


    After the knights of Tulip Castle came to Flower Town to report the news, Liszt nned to leave for Tulip Castle the next day to attend the celebration party hosted by Tulip Castle.


    Carter, give my father and my brother gifts, and prepare them as luxurious as possible. I am going to the celebration party this time, but I look forward to more points from my father''s spoils. Just a little treat, especially iron. Iron deficiency is driving me crazy!


    Although the bonesmith shop has already been opened, and the bonesmith ck Bone''s family has been building bone tools day and night, iron is still an important resource.


    He used iron for the water tank and the air-conditioning housing, or infused it with other appliances.


    More and more things are now avable in Flower Town  soap is a good gift; high end seafood is a precious gift; fine bread, peanut, and other foods are considered to be qualifiedpanion gifts; Liszt also intends to give the Count and Levis a pair of binocrs.


    The binocrs have a good military value. Liszt believes that the Count will definitely reward him with a lot of good things when he sees the binocrs.


    The binocrs were intended to be kept secret and not be made public.


    But as he continues to integrate into the aristocracy, into the Tulip family and enjoy the familial benefits, his mindset has changed -he has to defend and strengthen the family to better protect himself, even if he has goes to the battlefield personally so he can seal up the territory to be the baron of ck Horse Ind.


    The Tulip family is his strongest ally.


    If the Count can rely on his martial arts to breakthrough and be a marquis, he wouldn''t have to rise in status again-at the same time, Liszt has twice as much having the n.o.ble blood being the son of the Count and the grandson of the Marquis. His merits is overflowing.


    So, Liszt at that moment was really hoping that the Tulips would continue to grow.


    At least, the family can shelter him and let him develop safely before he rides the dragon. Also, there would be no need for him to worry about whether his inventions will be s.n.a.t.c.hed by bigger n.o.bles.


    White paper, .s.s, cement, if no one would take initiative to study these products, he would start researching himself.


    This level of technology may not be able to create an era that will definitely allow a family to grow rapidly. However, it is also not necessarily a good thing for a weak family to grasp it, for they might end up dealing with pirates.


    The tragedy of Little Papa Ind always reminded Liszt that the aristocracy is at risk anytime.


    Good thing Liszt only yed a small role in the territory.


    "Zhuge has been cautious all his life [1] I have to write a calligraphy the next day, hang it near the bed, and look at it every night before I sleep.


    [1] Zhuge Liang was a famous politician, military strategist, and inventor during China''s Three Kingdoms Period. His timeline highlights how he valued intelligence over everything else.

 Chapter 233: The Distilled Drinks Peculiar Taste

    Chapter 233: The Distilled Drink''s Peculiar Taste


    The night before departure.


    Baron Liszt went to the winery in the workshop area. Frank Distiller, Aberdeen Pudding and Hunt had been drumming up distilled liquor for more than a month.


    News of any results never came to the castle.


    So, over this long period of time, apart from continuing to brew beer, rice wine, and fruit wine, you still haven''t been able to make white wine?


    He asked with a poor expression on his face.


    The head of the brewery, Frank Distiller had the same name as Levis'' tutor, Frank. My Lord, we''ve figured out how to do distition, but the distilled drink doesn''t seem to taste like white wine at all.


    Take out the wine you made.


    Soon, the liquor they worked on was in front of Liszt.


    Frank exined, "ording to the methods you have provided, my Lord, we understood that during the distition process, the water in the fermented drink evaporates first , and the rest is wine. With repeated distition, you can get white wine, but we have distilled it so many times but it was still smelly, sour, bitter, and salty.


    Liszt dipped in a little white wine.


    He didn''t like drinking the white wine and the castle gin either. Compared to the gin in the castle, the white wine brewed in Flower Town tasted really bad and the smell was strange. He could distinguish some odd smell and a sour taste. The fragrance was also barely there and he could feel that the alcohol content was not very high.


    You distilled over and over again, and you get this ''intense'' drink?


    There is a stronger one, but that may  it may not be alcohol anymore.


    Take it out.


    Soon the stronger drink was presented. Liszt dipped just a little but it stung him hard, not to mention the spicy taste that apanied it. It also had a heavy stench and rotten taste.


    This is definitely the fermentation process, or the distition process, but something went wrong.


    All three of them were standing awkwardly. They saw Liszt''s response and felt ashamed. Liquor distition was not a difficult problem. But as a result, after studying Liszt''s ideas for more than a month, a qualified liquor was still not produced.


    Amazing productivity!


    His stomach was not taking the drink well, but could not say it out loud.


    The three in front of them were the only three winemakers in Flower Town.


    If they were mediocre talented, they wouldn''t have been sent to Flower Townbut they were probably the best remaining craftsmen, so one cannot possibly expect a better output than theirs.


    Liszt restrained his anger, Forget it, continue to improve the process  I''m going to take the low- alcohol intensity bottles.


    The three were not punished in the end.


    At least, the spirits have been distilled, and sooner orter, a way to remove the strange smell can be found.


    The purpose was to invent a special brew that belongs to Flower Town.


    Liszt had Thomas carry the bottled drink as they returned to the castle. He ns to bring the semi-finished spirit to the Tulip Castle.


    But not as a gift, but to seduce Levi''s, draw a big cake to each other. [1]


    His liquor business was struggling but destined to be profitable. This trip to Tulip Castle, he definitely ns to enjoy being treated as an honored guest, taking with him ironware and iron ore.


    The next morning.


    The servants were busy carrying gifts from Flower Town to the carriage.


    Randy and Russell were warming up to the other knights. They were determined to follow Liszt to Coral City. Liszt was no longer an ordinary n.o.ble. His ident.i.ty means he could no longer go out unrecognized. Thomas was holding Tremblingwoods, who is an essential member of Liszt''s party.


    Another boy servant, Tom, was holding a beautiful jade box, in which the thorn sprite E was sleeping. Its birth was destined to be the focus of so much attention. The letters the knights have brought clearly mentioned that the Count hoped that Liszt would bring E to Tulip Castle and that Liszt would present to his father the new member of the Tulip family.


    n.o.bles considered sprites as family members.


    Gort arrived early as well, but this time, it was not his business. He was deeply sorry not to to attend the grand feast, but the things he needed to worry about were far more serious than attending feasts  his wife and children areing to Flower Town to celebrate this year''s festival.


    If he doesn''t work things out, his little lover, Freya, and the illegitimate child in her stomach will be exposed.


    The sun rose.


    The snow-covered Flower Town sparkled under the light.


    "Carter, I might stay in Tulip Castle for a few days. Until then, I leave the castle to you." Liszt''s fitted frac habill made him particrly attractive.


    Master, please rest a.s.sured.


    Carter led the remaining servants to watch Liszt leave.


    Liszt rode a dragon horse and turned around heading to hispanions. Behind him was Paris carrying a big sword. She was wearing a mask and also rode a horse to follow Liszt. She was a personal guard, after all. On this asion, it was natural for her to protect Liszt.


    The group set off on a mighty journey.


    On the road from Flower Town to Thorns Ridge, the road was very good, all sand and stone. The snow was shoveled by the town''s organizers. But out of Flower Town, it transitioned into a muddy road, and the contrast was obvious.


    Fortunately, the party either rode a horse or rode in a horse-drawn carriage. No one was walking and it made their travel faster.


    They enjoyed the snowyndscape on the way, except in the areas where snow was the thickest. But when they left the North Valley City and headed to the forest-city boundary, snow was nowhere to be seen, only muddy roads.


    They arrived at about 10 in the morning.


    They entered Coral City and the stench reached Liszt instantly. However, he prepared by pinning fragrant tulip flowers on his chest.


    It was a red tulip with a very strong scent.


    Tulip flowers and other dried flowers are popr in Coral City, but even after living in Coral City over the years, people could not possibly get used to the stinky smell.


    Fortunately, the convoy just pa.s.sed by and headed straight for Tulip Castle.


    The majestic Tulip Castle was still surrounded by a sea of flowers. Colorful tulips flourished in the cold wind. It can be seen that on the southern part of the hillside, there is arge purple patch -the ck tulip has upied thergest area of the sea of flowers.


    The Tulip''s Great Sprite was among the ck tulips.


    Ascending along the hillside, the guard knights of Tulip Fort soon came to meet the team until the convoy was led to the gate of Tulip Castle and handed over to the castle''s servants.


    Steward Lewis already needs to walk with a cane.


    But every time the count''s children came back to the castle, he personally greeted them by the door. For him, these young little Tulips were children whom he had witnessed growing up.


    Every day when the sun rises, I think of my son, like the round red sun. But the happiest thing is to see youe back to the castle like a tired bird.The old man''s words, like poems, have various metaphors.


    Liszt rolled off his horse and smiled, Grandpa Lewis, you just had to wee us in person. How are you doing?"


    [1] Chinese idiom, used to describe someone who uses fantasy to satisfy oneself , also means empty reputation that is of no practical value.

 Chapter 234: The Tulip Family Dinner

    Chapter 234: The Tulip Family Dinner


    "Master Levis and Master Lytton are at the Knights Academy. Madam Lvera is apanying the olddy to aic show in Coral City. They didn''t know you would arrive here today, but they will probably return at noon."


    Lewis led Liszt and walked upstairs inside Tulip Castle.


    Today was not the celebration day yet.All the members of the knighthood order returned to their territories in advance to resolve their territorial affairs. The day after, that is, December 23, is the day for the celebration. This would exin why the Tulip Castle was not very lively at this time, and only the few hundred servants were busy.


    Randy, Russell, Paris and the others were not n.o.bles and could not go upstairs and could only wait downstairs.


    Master Liszt.


    Master Liszt.


    The servants at Tulip Castle saw him and each of them saluted at him one after another.


    Soon after, he pa.s.sed the living room and saw Madame Mary who was drinking tea while listening to the deputy manager, Silva, about the tulip business.


    "Madame, this one says h.e.l.lo to you." Liszt''s polite greeting revealed ack of contact between them.


    Madame Mary responded kindly, Liszt, howe you are here today ? Your brothers and sister have not returned yet. You should have informed me in advance so I can prepare.. The Madame was the hostess of Tulip Castle.


    "There is no need to prepare. I will live in Tulip Castle only for a few days anyway. Today, however, I just miss my father and brother so much, so I came in early."


    Oh, really? You must have a lot to say to your father then. Go, he is in his study.


    Yes.


    Liszt said his farewells to Madame Mary and came to the study. The doors were already open and a servant had already notified the Count of Liszt''s arrival. The Count wasn''t the only one in the study, but also several strangers. Judging by their clothes and posture, they must be the officials of Coral Ind.


    The Count looked at Liszt from behind the desk and said to the officials,  You can alle back at noon. Tonight, I will have a family banquet.


    Yes, sir. Officials said goodbye.


    At the same time, they also greeted Liszt, Master Liszt, I haven''t seen you in a long time.


    h.e.l.lo, Liszt responded with a smile. He didn''t know any of these people. He spent most of a year at Knights Academy but he had no idea who these officials were.


    When the official left, the servant followed and closed the door.


    It has been a while since Lisztst saw his father and his feelings were different again-it was hard to establish a father-son rtionship, especially when only the body is rted, but the soul has not been involved before. However, it does not prevent one from rethinking how to position yourself and the Count in terms of family interest.


    Simply put, Liszt has increased his sense of ident.i.ty with the Tulip family.


    His predecessor felt like he wasn''t seen and valued by anyone, he was weak and wanted to escape from his family. However, Liszt came into contact with his father only a few times and he already found some overlooked details.


    Madame Penelope, who doesn''t seem to care much was actually very concerned about her grandson; his sister who has been bullying Liszt his whole life wasn''t really overdoing it; and his wealthy brother has pointed more at Madame Mary and Lytton, and actually has nothing against Liszt.


    Madame Mary and Lytton, while not in favor of Liszt, still maintained harmony among them on the surface.


    Just now, a simple conversation between them and Madame Mary made him feel that the Madame had be kinder again  she probably knew that Lister would not be mediocre in the future and she had to look again at how to deal with his rtionship with Liszt  even if she could not be close with him , she could try to be as kind as possible.


    But what surprised Liszt most was actually the Count.


    This powerful sky knight, Wave Swordmaster Leewilliam Tulip, was not as indifferent as what the predecessor had in his memory.


    With a smile on his face, the Count looked at Liszt.


    He motioned for Liszt to sit down and talk.


    -


    Liszt''s predecessor had always felt that the c.u.n.t was disappointed in him. After all, at hising-of-age ceremony, the Count had exiled him to the most remote town and gave him only four sprite worms.


    Compared with Lvera''s present, the gap was eighteen thousand miles.


    This greatly affected the traverser Liszt.


    He greatly felt that the Count never cared about his second son, but thinking about it now with a different perspective, he realized that if his father really didn''t care about him at all, he could have easily made him a semi-n.o.ble with no real rank.


    This was the case for many n.o.bles with second sons, they gave their sons nonds or t.i.tle.


    But the Count gave Liszt a baron''s seat, and in an exiled town, the position was a little bit worse, and the materialpensation was a bit less. But it was far from being ignored. It was actually a lot more than any n.o.ble''s second son ever had.


    Even after the separation, the Count even brought his family to Flower Town to celebrate the Coming-To-Sea festival. [1]


    Those thoughts shed quickly, there were many things he wasn''t sure of now.


    In terms of affection, Liszt was not good at expressing it.


    My father, after receiving the news of your safe return, the heavy feeling in my heart was quickly thrown away. I am d to see you as usual.


    You worried. The count smiled. This time the knights order was hurried to end the conquest and the results were rtively embarra.s.sing. Fortunately, your brother has experienced the transformation of war and has matured a lot.


    Is everything okay with my brother?


    Yes, he is more sophisticated and calmer now than he used to be. Most importantly, he has established his own prestige. Nothing is moreforting to a father than to see his heirs mature. When I returned to Coral Ind, I had to hear from you right away.


    Liszt smiled.


    The Count took out the fine wine from the cupboard and poured a .s.s for himself and his second son. Now, for news worth celebrating, how''s your E?


    My servant is watching it.


    The Count shook the bell and called the servant. Liszt immediately said, Tell my servant to bring E over.


    The servant obliged.


    The Count also said, Do you want to hear the story of the battlefield first, or should I hear about the development of Flower Town?


    I want to hear the story of the battlefield first. Liszt said without hesitation.


    Surprised, the Count suddenly said, Sure enough, a warm castle can restrain one''s ambitions. The fledgelings need to be constantly tested for flight  The battlefield story, I''m afraid Levi''s will pull you for a day and night of storytelling. Let''s y a war deduction game instead.


    The war deduction game is a kind of primitive war chess for military deduction.


    The thick paper with the map of the coast of the Eagle Kingdom was spread out . The crystal sculptures symbolized the castle, the knights, and the sky knight. Each one ced in certain points.


    The game can begin.


    [1] I''m getting emotional now.

 Chapter 235: The Powerful Talker on Paper

    Chapter 235: The Powerful Talker on Paper


    It''s a juvenile tactic.


    No, very juvenile.


    This was how Liszt felt when he saw the moves. After many decades of war experience, the Count''s tactical strategy was to always charge. From behind the hillside, his troops would spring up into two and take turns charging, Like a knight''s war, charging is the only option. The difference only came on how to charge each time.


    Liszt, you shouldn''t do this. This is a forest. While it''s true that you can hide the troops in the forest, the forest will also hinder the charge. You must choose an open area to do the ambush. Behind this hillside would be a good ce to do so.


    The Count warned Liszt not to hide the knights in the woods while pushing his own knights to charge forward.


    Well, I''ll go to the trees across the river andy ambush, and when your knights cross the river, halfway through, I''ll proceed with the a.s.sault, annihte some of the knights that havended, and block the rest back, okay? Liszt wasn''t too entangled. Can the woods hide the knights?


    Liszt didn''t choose to ambush from behind the hillside and just took a few knight carvings from the woods and ced them on the woods by the river.


    The Count touched his chin. That''s fine, but why didn''t you do the ambush at the best point which is behind the hillside ?


    But it''s also the most noticeableSo with this group of knights, I''ve captured half the river. Liszt reached out and took away a couple of knight pieces.


    A little less, take less, I can still run away. The Count took back a sculpture, thought about it, and took it back again.


    Liszt did not mind, and continued to deduct. Your knights cannot cross the river, so you must retreat and return to the other side of the Red River. Then the knights I left in the woods on the other side can take advantage of the opportunity to regroup and drive out your knights again. Or maybe they can capture another batch.


    With that, he put out his knights which he had deliberately left in the woods, and took away several of the Count''s knights.


    "This  The Count froze for a moment. So you intentionally left the knights there ?You were just setting up?


    Yeah, so now your knights are only a band of people, and they''ll have to run. My knights could gather and hunt your knights, right?


    The Count was a little ufortable. That''s true.


    So you now have three routes to choose from, one to escape and one is to retreat from this valley


    Before he finished speaking, the Count interrupted. You can''t divide your troops and ambush in this area, otherwise, your troops will be too scattered to start a charge at all.


    Of course, I have no intention to. You have three choices. Aside from dividing the troops and crossing the valley, you have another option which is to find your main force. If it is the first, I can hunt you down the mountains and catch all of you. If it''s the second one, you''ll be too far from the battlefield and won''t be able to pay attention; if it''s the third one  "


    I chose the third, and my knights will begin to retreat from the ins, how do you respond?


    Of course you would retreat to the castle. The battle with Viscount Varyan is not the main fight. Your decisive battle is with Count Figo. I only need to keep the castle intact like a nail in the Red River in. I can attack the supply line between you and the Marquis of Roderick, and I would retreat to increase thebat power of Count Figo.


    Liszt kept talking.


    He''s been serving three sessive knight battles with a set of theories and tactics, all of which the Count would suspect.


    Liszt, why is your mind filled withstrange ideas? The Count looked at the game and asked, Why won''t you keep the knights around the castle to keep the castle safe? It''s a risky move toy down your troops like this.


    Viscount Valle''s castle is safe and secure, and the knights are not strong enough. Viscount Jonas, your follower, can block him from appearing in the castle and his role will be lost. So if the castle is lost, the Order can still go to Count Figo.


    Liszt has never been to war.


    But when ites to the ability to talk on paper, Keyboard Man Liszt feels that he can survive in the world!


    He was the man who read The Art of War in Sun Tzu and The Thirty-Six Strategies, and lingered in World War II all year round. He still had On Guerri Warfare in his mind, a tactic that was against the mainstream of this world, hance, he was afraid to say it for it might make the Count ufortable.


    The fact was, the Count was already ufortable.


    With the count''s tactical arrangements, he lost strategic significance by sending Jonas Rubble to block Viscount Valle in the castle.


    The Count could have easily eaten away the power of Count Figo. He could eventually force Count Figo to fight him on the Red River, and he would defeat Count Figo there.


    The battlefield advantage of the Red ins wasid, and arge number of resources and mineral deposits were sessfully plundered.


    The Knights of Viscount Valle would beat the Viscount Jonas by a narrow margin. The Count''s advantage could be quickly resolved, thereby cancelling the need to drag the Count into the Red River in until he falls.


    At that time, the count had no choice but to withdraw


    Well. He carefully considered Liszt''s tactics, felt a bit whimsical, but did not know how to refute. The Count finally pushed away the bunch of carvings and bluntly changed the topic. "Let''s defer the battle. Let me see E first.


    Liszt smiled. Of course, as you wish.


    The servant walked in holding E''s jade box. They opened the box and the previously sleeping E woke up yawning. As soon as it opened its eyes, it saw a human face that scared it. Its backhand threw a p.


    It missed the Count of course.


    The reaction time of a sky knight is notparable to that of a sprite.


    The Count also reached out and poked E''s belly. Very healthy and lively little guy. Congrattions, Liszt, you did better in Flower Town than I thought .


    I just did a little work.


    I heard that your dog has consumed blood and has evolved into a mid-level magical beast?


    Yes, would you like to see it? It is just outside the castle under my servant''s care.I don''t really know much about the beast, but I don''t really know what Tremblingwoods'' level is at all.


    Let''s go downstairs.


    They came downstairs.


    Tremblingwoods was basking in the sun. He was not afraid of people and did not attack anyone. Seeing Liszt appeared, he suddenly jumped up, wagging his tail back and forth.


    Liszt grabbed the fur on his neck so it could calm down and the Count could check him.


    The Count made twops around Tremblingwoods and felt the magical beast for a while before he said, It is indeed a mid-level magical beast.There are some aspects to consider on its magical limitations  such as its speed of absorbing magic.. and the degree of blood boiling.

 Chapter 236: Advance-Level Magical Beast :Thousand-Eyed Tarantula

    Chapter 236: Advance-Level Magical Beast :Thousand-Eyed Tarant


    The magical abilities of a magical beastes from two things ; half of ites from its body''s ability to absorb magic and the other half from its speed to do so. Compared to that of a low-level magical beast, a mid-level magical beast would naturally absorb magic from its surroundings so much faster.


    The absorption method was quite subtle, so Liszt could not see it even with his Magic Eyes. But the Count as a Sky Knight could feel it clearly.


    That is how the Count was able to conclude that Tremblingwoods has long reached the mid-level magical beast hierarchy.


    As for the blood boiling, it is a basis for judging the differences of the blood properties of the same species.The same species can be regarded as an evolutionary pedigree of their kind, such as ordinary dogs, wild dogs, and even Tremblingwoods . There is a clear difference to the vein of a weak magical beast and a powerful magical beast.


    Powerful magical beast blood is very active, has a high flow rate, in short, its changing nature is quite obvious. For example, a dragon of this level of boiling blood has the ability to directly infect its surroundings.


    The Count was rich in experience and his judgement that Tremblingwoods is a mid-level magical beast concludes it all.


    Father, Tremblingwoods only releases rock thorns at present, what do you think is limiting his ability to understand magic? Liszt was being impractical, the beast surely cannot learn new magic in a day. But after all, what kind of mid-level magical beast only knows rock thorns, or multiple rock thorns?


    The Count reached out and touched the Tremblingwoods ck fur, which made the beast hum in pleasure. Don''t worry, Liszt. It''s still a puppy. It also needs time to settle. Like humans, magical beasts also need time to continue to .u.mte magic and experience in order to truly transform and develop a more n.o.ble existence.


    "Wooow!"


    E was on top of Liszt''s head grasping strands of hair while screaming.


    The sprite probably doesn''t remember being in Tulip Castle before since at that time, it was only a sprite worm.


    They talked more about E and Tremblingwoods.


    On the main road, knights appeared and were led by Liszt''s brother, Levis followed by Lytton. Before they came close, a voice was already heard, Liszt, why didn''t you tell me in advance? I was dyed almost half a day at the Knights Academy.


    After turning over and dismounting, Levis hugged Liszt, and the brothers were very affectionate.


    Liszt replied, "I missed you and father, so I came here earlier. You, my brother, have changed a lot after the battlefield. Even father''s temperament."


    Levis looked happy. "If I didn''t go to war, I would just be a fledgling my whole life. But when I went to war, all I could see was blood. Looking back, I realized that a lot of things I did were naive."


    Meanwhile, Lytton also stepped down and shouted Brother Liszt.


    Lytton, you''re getting taller. Liszt replied with a smile.This boy is only twelve years old, but he is at least 1.75 meters or more. At least the Count''s attention doesn''t depend entirely on Madame Mary''s pillow.


    The Count saw his three sons. Realizing that they have all performed well, he was very satisfied. But he still had a serious expression on his face.Since they are all back, we can have a serious conversation. After that, the Count went into the castle alone.


    The Count went away.


    Levis and Lytton immediately turned their attention to E and Tremblingwoods . E was nothing but a small sprite. Tulip Castle has eleven of those already. However, the charm of the mid-level magical beast has strongly attracted the two men''s fantasies about famous horses and beasts.


    The power of the middle-.s.s monster, Tremblingwoods , was visible in its shape. It was nothingpared to the low-.s.s Fire Rabbits of Tulip Castle.


    Even with all the attention, Tremblingwoods'' eyes would not depart Liszt.


    Lunch was not served yet.


    Levis, as the Count expected, pulled Liszt aside, and began to talk about his experience on the battlefield ; about a thousand miles of charging and attacking enemy castles, what he did to guard the forages, what was said inbat meetings, about how to save a female ve from death.


    He may have exaggerated some details then and there.


    But Liszt was actually interested, especially since Levis personally saw the confrontation between the Count and Count Figo. The Count was called the Wave Swordmaster, and Count Figo was called the Fire Swordmaster. The two sword saints shed in the sky, their qi almost blocking the sun.


    Fire and Water were in each other''s throats, the Red River below almost drying up.


    In the end, the Count''s waves covered the fires of Count Figo and seriously injured him. Then followed a knights'' charge, defeating the knights of the opponent in one fell swoop.


    Theyter upied the Red River in, plundered some resources and secured their achievement.


    Father''s ''Big Wave Breaking the Tide of the Sea'' technique was invincible. I really hope that one day I will break through the Sky Knight level and also have such a high grade of vigor. I will show such an incredible cheer! " Levi''s admiration for the count was like a torrential river.


    Even though he spoke with enthusiasm, his narrative was dry.


    But Liszt can still feel the horror of the Battle of Swords. If the sword saints were as powerful as Levis said, Tremblingwoods would be so far from his opponent  after all, sword saints could fly in a short time, and Tremblingwoods could only jump.


    He measured the gap between himself and the Sky Knights, and felt that it was bigger than he thought. Unless Tremblingwoods develops new magic, such as flying rocks, which can beunched via air attack, he can be beaten quite easily.


    Suddenly, he thought of Paris again. He didn''t know if the ck Dragon after the transformation could fight hundreds of rounds with a sword saint-probably for a period of time, but she will then be defeated, or be corrupted of the dragon''s powers, die , and be a White Dragon.


    Brother, did a Dragon Knight appear in this war?


    No, unless the war was undeniably out of control, no country is willing to send Dragon Knights or dragons. There is too much uncertainty involved. In fact, I didn''t even see the Sapphire Dragon of the Grand Duke. Every battle was fought with Sky Knights as the main force.


    He paused and said excitedly, But I did see an advanced-level magical beast, a thousand-eyed tarant, the mount of the Marquis ddon of Eagle Kingdom, jumping higher than a Sky Knight''s flight. Unfortunately, dden was there to deliver the truce. I was with Marquis Rodrik and we could feel the breath of the thousand-eyed tarant, we were all trembling!


    Why did this war end so soon?


    Because of the intervention of st Furnace Kingdom. The daughter of the King of Eagle Kingdom was married off to the younger brother of the King of st Furnace, Duke of Heisenberg. Levis said and his voice was a little low, The Duke of Heisburg has a dragon. It is said that he may be a dragon knight before he turns forty.


    Liszt frowned. So, the Eagle Kingdom and the st Furnace Kingdom are allies now?


    It''s not so bad. It is normal for kings to have alliances with each other, but we''re still at war. It''s just that we just upied the Red River in, but there''s not enough time to search and sc.r.a.pe up more supplies and minerals, so we had to retreatThe revenue is less thanst year''s.


    The Count made his fortune by looting Eagle Kingdom, and each attack brought back a great amount of resources.


    Liszt wanted to ask how much iron was brought this year, but he held back. He was going to going to live in Tulip Castle for a few days anyway. He can initiate business discussions slowly.

 Chapter 237: Liszts Friends

    Chapter 237: Liszt''s Friends


    With the return of Lvera and Madame Penelope after watching theedy, the family banquet at Tulip Castle began.


    They talked about some interesting things, about war and peace. While the atmosphere was not so harmonious or familial, it wasn''t that bad at all.


    In particr, Madame Penelope and Madame Mary, who were most of the time armed with guns and sticks at each other, actually had a lively atmosphere and asionally exchanged a few words with each other.


    The Count seemed awkward seated between the two, but such talks about mother-inws are always stressful for men.


    Liszt was now getting used to his ident.i.ty and felt less transparentpared to his predecessor.


    The family engaged in all sorts of topics, after all,munication between n.o.bles can be more and more easy as it progresses. Sometimes, when people get their horns, they can feel that the world is so much different from them. However, when one walks away from their horns, they would realize that the world didn''t move away from them or changed at all.


    Is this a specialty of Flower Town? The more the Count ate the crispy peanut and drank the gin, the more he agreed. Peanut rice is delicious.


    These are peanut crisps. Liszt ate while exining, I brought many vors of peanut food, but most of them are more suitable as snacks.


    I didn''t expect to eat peanuts that are cooked like this. Did you buy this kind of food for Tulip Castle? The Count asked Madame Marie.


    If you like to eat them, you can buy some. Liszt''s Flower caravan sells this peanut rice food in Coral City. Is that right?


    Yes, there are basically the food products of the merchants from the Flower Caravan.


    The count nodded.Then I''ll buy more. It really tastes good, especially after drinking, I would eat a few peanut crisps and I would feel veryfortable.


    The peanut crisps surely caught the Count''s attention.


    The exquisite new type of bread from Flower Town was also presented on the dining table and won everyone''s favor. This was coupled with the egg soup and scrambled eggs learned by the Tulip Castle chefs from Mrs. Abby. Also avable was the seafood that has be unavable to the n.o.bles of Coral Ind. The cuisine provided by Flower Town upied almost a third of the table.


    Liszt, you have a good cook. I never knew that bread and eggs can make something so different,  said Levis while munching on a hamburger with meat in it. Also an invention of Flower Town.


    Unfortunately, themercial value of these foods is small. Otherwise I could have had more money than Viscount Trik.


    Civilians do not yearn for varieties in their food, while aristocrats, on the other hand, are more inclined to let their chefs learn how to cook than to buy food that is already made  most importantly, the ingredients for these foods are sold by many, which meant they aremon and essible to everyone.


    Trik, the Viscount of Beer Ind, has humulus( hops) sprite, the important ingredient for brewing beer and therefore monopolizes the sales of fine beer.


    Egg soup, scrambled eggs, seafood, and peanut rice were all created for one purpose.


    These foods were created as an invention of Mrs. Abby to satisfy Liszt''s stomach. If others cannot learn the cooking technique for these foods yet, they could make money.


    Food is an industry made to be monopolistic.


    Other examples include beer that is monopolized by its raw materials, soap that is monopolized by the technology used to make it, the white wine, cement, ceramics, .s.s, white paper that will soon be developed in the future  all of which Liszt hopes for.


    -


    After tea, Liszt went around Coral City.


    He first went to the Knights Academy and met some familiar students, some of which stirred up some estranged feelings. It was important that one made his ambitions known to the future earth knights so that they would know which Lord to follow.


    He then went to Frank''s house and chatted with Shirley for an hour. Childhood friendships were important to consider but not be desperate about.


    Later on, he visited some friends in Coral City.


    They were all n.o.ble teenagers, most of whom were second sons in the family. Those teenagers were destined to inherit t.i.tles andnds and liked to follow Levis. So most of Liszt''s friends were second sons like him.


    Sir Liszt, are you nning to form your own Knights Squad?


    In a small aristocratic manor, a young man named Rick asked Liszt who was seated in the main seat. I see Randy has be your follower?


    It hasn''t been determined yet, but it''sing soon. After the New Year, I will seriously consider the formation of a Knights Squad. Flower Town has the capability to arm a Knights Squad now. Russell and Randy will have to wait until I form a Knights Squad. Those knights will have to be loyal to me. Liszt replied.


    Can I join your Knights Squad so I can follow you to the battlefield? Rick asked hopefully.


    You''ve be an earth knight?


    Rick''s tone seemed somewhat proud but reserved. Yes, just a month ago. I am neen years old this year so I am a bit behind.


    Of course you can consider following me, I''d be delighted. But I hope you can live in Flower Town for a while after the New Year, just like what Randy is doing, and wait until I form a knighthood team before making a decision. " Liszt does not agree with on-the-spot decisions because of his reasons before  As the knight chooses the Lord, the Lord also chooses the knight.


    Another half grown young man followed and asked, Well, can I follow you too? I haven''t broken through the earth knight level yet.


    His name was Nemo. His father is an elite earth Knight.


    It''s certainly not possible for you to join the Knights Squad yet, but I will wee you if you want toe to Flower Town as an official, Liszt said. " You can alle to Flower Town,for you are one of my few friends. A few months ago, he didn''t even care about these friends.


    After all, it was his predecessor''s friends, not his.


    "But Flower Town already has officials like Gort and Isaiah. Are there other positions we can hold?" Nemo asked.


    You don''t think I''m going to stay in Flower Town all my life, do you?


    Oh, sorry, Sir Liszt, I didn''t mean that. Of course you will be a Viscount. That is inevitable. Everyone is so sure about it as well.


    No need to apologize, Nemo. Bing a Viscount is my goal, and having my own ind or city fiefdom is also my goal. To achieve this goal, I need a group of loyal followers. If you have ideas that will aid me, I will surely wee you to Flower Town.


    Looking at the dimming sky, Liszt got up and said, I have to be going back. There is a dinner tonight at Tulip Castle. I will hold a banquet at Tulip Castle tomorrow night and I will invite everyone. All my friends at the Knights Academy shoulde as well.


    Rick eximed, I will be on time, Sir.


    I will too. Nemo and the others spoke in unison.


    Liszt nodded, put on the cloak handed by the male servant Thomas, and left the aristocratic manor surrounded by the knights. He then returned to Tulip Castle under the cold wind.

 Chapter 238: Exaggerated Performance

    Chapter 238: Exaggerated Performance


    It wasn''t a grand dinner. The Count called in the officials of Coral Ind and Levis also called some of his subordinates and they chatted among themselves.


    After the dinner, Liszt found an opportunity and went into the study with Levis.


    Brother, how is your taste for liquor? Liszt took the bottle containing the white whine from the servant, unscrewed the cap, poured a .s.s, and offered it to Levis. Taste this and give me your honest review.


    I''m quite good at judging drinks actually. Hey, what kind of liquor is this? Where did you get it? He raised the cup and asked, It tastes bad. Also smells and looks like low-quality liquor.The c.r.a.p that Eagle Kingdom drinks during the war is even better than this one!


    Having said that, Levis put the .s.s on his lips and sipped a little. "It has a sour taste and no wine strength. This wine really is low-quality."


    He put the cup down and didn''t say anything more.


    Liszt''s face remained unchanged, and he continued to ask, Brother, how much do you think a bottle of this kind of liquor would sell?


    How much is a bottle? Levi''s squinted,  Liszt, don''t tell me this white wine was brewed at Flower Town?


    It is exactly like you said. This is the home-brewed liquor of Flower Town. I just haven''t brewed it sessfully yet, thus the quality of the obtained liquor is very low. However, I have already researched a new liquor brewing technology.


    Levis heard him loud and clear.


    Levi had his eyes lit up, and couldn''t wait to open his mouth. What? You''ve developed liquor brewing techniques? G.o.d, Liszt, don''t lie to me! Do you know how valuable liquor brewing technology is? There are only five kinds of white wine in the Grand Duchy, three in the hands of the Marquis and two in the hands of the Grand Duchy.


    The Count counted Levis'' maturity on the battlefield.


    But at this moment, Levis was still Levis, and his frizzy eyes were red. Not even Grandfather has mastered the technique of making white wine!


    Don''t be too surprised, brother, it''s just a liquor business. Compared to potions, the liquor business is nothing.


    It''s nothing! Levis was heavily breathing. Of course, potions are expensive, but it''s barely enough for one person''s use. Tulip Castle''s potions are for Father''s needs, even I need it. Maybe Lytton will also take part, and Lvera , she will steal some!


    Thanks to the magical power of the tulip elf, the ck tulips can produce a lot of potions, but many people were already expecting this batch.


    The ck tulip business was signed by the three brothers and one sister.


    However, once the power of the Great Sprite is taken up, the share that should be paid to the Count is immeasurable. Levis will, at best, eat up what''s left.


    Liszt said, with a hint of jealousy. I don''t have good luck like you. I only have a mid-level magical beast, ck tulip, me mushroom, and potion thorns, all just enough for my own consumption!


    It seems that you aren''t making much money from the potions..


    Of course I can''t make any. I can''t make any. All my other business money is on the magic potions. You know I get devastated everytime I take a bottle of magic potionsYou''re an Elite Earth Knight, you can''t sympathize with the pain and joy of being an ordinary Earth Knight. Liszt''s expression was sort of twisted.


    So my brother is very short of money.


    Now you know


    If only my elder brother would be willing to share the liquor business with me. Liszt threw out the prepared bait and went straight to the point-he was toozy to continue acting.


    Levi''s exaggerated expression and tone of voice were all exaggerated performances. Levis probably already guessed something was up the moment Liszt asked him to taste the liquor  Levis Tulip was never the fool ; he broke through the earth knight level when he was just a teenager, he is a genius.


    If it was an outsider, Liszt might have to continue his act.


    Since they were close brothers, Levis simply picked it up.


    Sure enough, after hearing Liszt''s words, Levis immediately put away his exaggerated acting skills, and put on an enthusiastic energy. What? Liszt ? Do you mean to share the liquor brewing technology with your brother?


    "You were the one who told me the value of this technology. I might part with it soon, so it should be left to someone whose hands I do trust. If one day I do decide to depart, I will give you the liquor brewing technology as soon as possible. My idea is that I would make the wine, while you are responsible for the sales, we would split the profit.."


    Some bargaining.


    The two brothers have basically decided how to cooperate.


    Levis would provide protection for the liquor business, the raw materials needed for brewing, and would also be responsible for external sales, ounting for 60% of the profits. Liszt''s only job is brewing liquor, ounting for 40% of the profits  Liszt is basically satisfied with 40% of the share. After all, it is expected that the sales channel would eat a bigger share than normal, not to mention Levis would have to provide protection.


    If one day, the two brothers would actually split up.


    The cooperation would be suspended and the technology will be shared.


    Now the liquor brewing technology is still being improved. It will take some time before a qualified version would be ready for sale. The most important thing is that the brewing equipment urgently needs a batch of iron, however, Flower Town is extremely short of iron. I hope you can help me solve it.


    You fancy the trophy this time, eh? Levis touched his chin, knowing that if you want to get a liquor business, you would have to pay first before you get benefits. Iron has always been the most prized trophy. We didn''t bring back too much iron ore this time. Liszt, I don''t have much iron to do with . three thousand pounds of iron ingot, I won''t be able to get any more.


    Almost three thousand pounds.


    Don''t worry about it. These three thousand pounds are enough to make Viscount Trik and Viscount Jonas red with jealousy. By the way, I forgot to ask you, howe you stopped the Flower Town sale of me mushroom potions?


    Liszt groaned for a moment and then replied, I wanted to stock up on some potions.


    What?


    Don''t be surprised, brother. Although my talent is not as good as yours, I don''t want to push too much on E. Even if it fails, I am still willing to try it. Liszt said half-truthly. No one knows that he was already an elite earth knight.


    What about the ck tulips and the thorn potions?


    The ck tulips are still supplied to you, and I also n to store thorn potions.


    It''s a pityIt''s hard for me to persuade you not to try, unlike Lvera who is full of disobedience. But I still want you to think more about it, and if you change your mind, then I''ll work with you. As a brother, you have to believe that I can take advantage of anyone, but I would never do that to you.


    Of course, I believe in it.


    The two talked about serf trading again. They didn''t put too much thought about it and quickly reached a deal of 2,500 serfs for 500 gold coins.


    I''ll give you the gold coinster.


    Just send it in before the fleet leaves. Levis didn''t bother to ask Liszt where he got so many coins. He felt there were many things he didn''t understand about his brother.


    Ignorance and timidity no longer appeared, it was reced by respect and generosity.


    When Liszt had left to resign to his own chambers, Levis couldn''t help but think, Liszt has grown-up and Flower Town would gradually be unable to hold down his ambitions. Listening to the way he spoke earlier, even the idea of separation from the family came into mindHis confidence might catapult him to Father''s level.

 Chapter 239: The Counts New Toy

    Chapter 239: The Count''s New Toy


    Gold coins.


    Liszt doesn''t have much of them. He has just a little over a hundred gold coins in possession. The territory is in real need of the Flower Caravan. It generates money more and more everyday, however, the town spendings also continues to grow day by day.


    Liszt''s own appet.i.te alone costs no more than a dozen gold coins a month.


    Those strange dishes he had were worthless and the materials andbor were cheap. What was most expensive in value was the meat that Tremblingwoods consumed  it has be a meat eater entirely and would not eat anything else. If Flower Town cannot produce meat in its own territory then the growth of expenses would just be horrifying.


    Also, the construction projects in the territory were costly.


    If ck Horse Ind would undergo major development, it would be a huge hole in the town''s treasury. Also, it would take two years to see gains from doing so. The development of Flower Town has entered the regr pattern, but the amount of money involved was absolutely not small.


    The development has been going on for nearly nine months, and Liszt has put in thousands of gold coins, at the very least.


    If there was no smoke task, he could not imagine anything else that would force him to do those projects.


    And so.


    Due to the gap of 500 gold coins at this time, Liszt thought of going back to earning the rewards of the smoke task. After thinking about it, he decided he would meet with the Count tomorrow and exchange Mithril for more gold coins.


    -


    The day after next.


    The sun didn''t get up in time, so the sky looked rather gloomy.


    The Count has risen and was in the middle of a book.


    Liszt, you''re up early. The count motioned to Liszt to find his own chair . Did Levis pull you to for a story-telling session all in one night?


    "It is true that my brother''s rhetoric still needed to be cultivated. It is far from being able to talk continuously all day and night.


    Well, he really doesn''t have the gift of a diplomat. Want something to drink? Wine or coffee? Chatting with his son and not drinking would only make the atmosphere stiffer.


    The degree of interaction between father-son could nevere close to that of a mother and daughter.


    Have you got any milk? I don''t want to drink in the morning and I don''t like coffee.  Liszt has been inseparable from the milk of his own dragon-type cows back in Flower Town. If there was nothing else, ordinary milk would do.


    After the servant brought the fresh milk, Liszt could clearly notice that the milk quality of the Tulip Castle cows was far from that of Flower Town''s.


    The cows on the dairy farm, even if they have not be dragon-type cows, have definitely experienced some mutation.


    I have been taking a bath with Flower Soap for the past two days now, and it is actually very easy to use. This industry should bring you a lot of ie., the Count said.


    A profit of two or three gold coins a day is almost the same as my original seafood business. But now that business is about to stop as the profit is not as good as before. On the other hand, the Flower Soap sales are hindered by the limited production thus causing us to be temporarily unable to reach the whole ind. As a result, my funds have been tight. Stretched, even.


    The development of Flower Town has surprised many people, including me, so don''t put too much pressure on yourself.


    Pressure.


    There was no pressure.


    Liszt felt that his daily life was nothing but unstressful. Just eating, drinking, practicing martial arts writing, riding a horse, walking a dog, teasing a sprite and touring the town again. asionally, inspiration woulde in the form of the smoke mission, but he would just let the serfs do the task.


    Of course, this sedentary life should not be highlighted, instead, he joked about it. There is still pressure to ride a dragon before the age of thirty. I need to work hard for that.


    "Yes."


    The Count did not adapt to the joke. Don''t aim too high.


    Liszt nodded. I actually want to be a Sky Knight soon,thus, I was very excited to hear my brother talking about your battle with Count Figo.


    This idea was a lot more solid, and the Count could easily ept it. I hope that your brothers and sister would also aim to be a Sky Knight, and that every generation of the Tulips would always pursue evolution. A knight''s ambition should never stop, for he must strive to turn pressure into power.


    I understand that now that I am an adult, everything I was confused about before is now clear in my mind. Liszt said and he suddenly thought of something. Yes, my father, aside from bringing Flower Town food and specialties , I have a gift for you and Levis.


    Oh, what gift?


    A telescope.


    From the pocket of his clothes, Liszt took out a pair of fine-looking telescopes, handed them to the Count, and instructed him how to use it. This is a stretchable monocr. You put this tiny eyepiece in front of your eyes. Yes, that''s it, then aim therge lens out of the window.


    When the Count did it, he was taken aback at first nce. Oh my G.o.d! The Tulip Sea seemed toe to my eyes!


    You can pull out the tube of the telescope.Yes, it can be extended longer.


    It''s getting closerwill they move? Is this magic? The Count held the telescope and kept looking at things in the distance full of excitement. I see Silva he is holding a cigarette in his hand, thinking  looking for a ce to smoke-he has handmade paper cigarettes, he is using fire gra.s.s, not fire folds.


    Holding the binocrs, the Count started to peep more. Silva, the deputy housekeeper, was outside the castle, unaware that his little act of smoking was being watched by the count.


    The excited Count will not stop for a while.


    Liszt was very satisfied with the effect of the telescope, but Silva''s smoking made him think-should he invent a match?


    The ignition tools in this world are the fire gra.s.s that will produce fire when rubbed together, and the fire folds which were used as raw materials. However, these were far less convenient than matches.


    Lighters are more advanced and more convenient.


    But Liszt didn''t think he could invent a lighter in this world for the details were too technical.


    As for matches, there is no technical content required. The only problem is that the match head uses phosphorus as the trigger. If he remembers it right, it''s red phosphorus, the substance that when rubbed will produce fire on the match head. It should be present on the match head and matchbox.


    Friction would put things in motion, hence if not in use, should be stored separately, thus the name safety matches.


    Phosphorus  I still know quite a lot about Phosphorus. Liszt thought silently.


    First, there is no fertilizer that uses phosphate in the rural areas; Secondly, it is said that the discovery of phosphorus was due to alchemy, a mage who identally smelt phosphorus from his urine; But then gain, there was a geography textbook saying that a country called Nauru was where bird manure is .u.mting and phosphorus is produced.


    Finally, the legendary ghost fire is said to be formed by phosphorus in human bones burning in the air.


    So, if you want to get phosphorus, you have to deal with excrement? Liszt felt helpless.


    He didn''t want to be a ''TFBoys''. [1] The best ways to find bird manure find an ind with many seabirds, maybe there''s a phosphate mineEven if I don''t get phosphorus, I could make use of the fertilizer."


    Liszt had gone about thoughts about phosphorus twice when the Count finally put down the telescope and said, "Liszt.. this telescope, where did you get it?


    [1] also known as The Fighting Boys, a popr Chinese idol group. (does this mean the group is s.h.i.t?)

 Chapter 240: The Count Can See Through Liszt

    Chapter 240: The Count Can See Through Liszt


    I invented it.


    You invented it?


    Yes, a shipwreck was found by the seaside of Flower Town. Some treasure was salvaged, including a few crystals. I invited a crystal craftsman and a mage to carve crystalmps for me. Then we found that when the crystals were ground into lenses and the two pieces were superimposed on each other, it zooms in.


    The story was of course fabricated, but the Count did not delve deep into the truth of the story.


    To him, what was more important was how to make the telescope, how it is able to do what it does and what purpose it serves.


    No wonder a lot of people have been saying you''ve been honored by the knights in the past year. The Count fondly touched the telescope''s wooden lens and said, Do you know its value?


    I think it can be used in warfare. If one can observe an enemy''s movements from afar, it should be of great help.


    "The telescope can be used for the knight''s charge. One can quickly capture the movements of the knights and determine the most suitable fighter. One will be able to spot the small attacks or even the useless ones. Therge attacks will be seen too."


    The Count has been fighting battles for years and already knows a lot about the battlefield. "The small units of knights can be more flexible. With the telescope, they can lead sneak attacks or counter attacks. If I had a telescope for yesterday''s war game, many of your attack tactics would not have worked at all.


    Liszt nodded, then added, If I use a telescope, I can achieve more brilliant tactical strategies.


    Well, there''s nothing wrong with that.


    So the value of the telescope can be great. I think it''s very suitable so I give it to you as a gift.


    You really have grown.The Count felt a sigh of relief, but ended it immediately. The telescope is of great significance, and it needs to be kept secret. It cannot be known to outsiders!


    So far, only I have been able to see the secrets inside the telescope. Liszt suddenly remembered something. Oh, by the way, crystal craftsman Brad, if you have the heart to understand the truth of the telescope, you should see him. He was the one that made the lens.


    Then this crystal craftsman must not be let go.


    How about you give him and his family to me? As for the principle of the telescope, I can present it to Tulip Castle immediately. Liszt said as he headed for the door. As for Brad, he is a freeman. It would not make any sense to monitor him since no one can go against whatever the Count wants anyway.


    The Count would certainly not bother with this trivial matter any longer. I will let Jacob handle itter.


    Jacob was the Count''s Territory Adviser.


    Satisfied with the telescope, the Count offered more benefits to Liszt. I heard you got 3,000 jin of iron ingot from Levis? The Count knew the small movements between his sons. But he said that so calmly indicating no intention of opposing.


    The Count was aware of Levis and Liszt''s alienation of his third son, Lytton, which was something he did not like seeing.


    Yes, I have improved the process of ordinary fermented wine, and I have made semi-finished liquor. I hope to cooperate with my brother to sell it. The three thousand pounds of iron ingots are my brother''s investment.


    If you can sessfullye up with your own liquor technology, that shows that you are not only honored by the knights, but you also have a bigger vision and a long-term n for your territory. I have great expectations for your future. I will take 10,000 pounds of iron ingot from the spoils aspensation for the telescope technology.


    The Count stepped in! Thank heavens!


    Liszt was very excited. Thank you, my father!


    As a rare resource, 10,000 jin of iron can make a lot of ironware, which is very valuable. Iron can bergely used to make armor and weapons, but for Liszt, iron is one of the basic materials for industry, a material that wood can never rece.


    Even Liszt has ironwood quality of fast-growing iron thorns.


    After thanking his father, Liszt again called a servant and brought the five mithril mines that he had specially prepared into the study. Father, this is one of the treasures I have found in the sunken ship. I want to exchange them for some gold coins. I am short of gold coins right now because mynd''s financial ie is insufficient.


    Mithril? Of course, the Count had seen this ore before, and immediately recognized it when put in his hands. In fact, he had armed an elite knight squad with Mithril armor. These five Mithril can be merged into the iron ingot and can produce ten sets of valuable armor."


    The Count gave Liszt a serious look.


    Liszt looked at his father calmlyhe understood the count. There were a lot of good things from Flower Town. However, it was impossible that the treasures from the shipwreck were just these pieces of Mithril and some crystals he had mentioned earlierbut he also understood that the count will never steal his own son''s private property.


    How about one hundred gold coins for every piece of Mithril Mine?


    Of course, thank you Father for your generosity.


    Five hundred gold coins can buy 2,500 serfs. That''s almost more than the poption of Flower Town. Are you sure that Flower Town can support it? The Count said with a smile.


    Liszt chuckled in his heart.


    He had always felt that the Count''s smile was more profound than his stares, as if saying the count had seen everything. With this smile, Liszt felt that all his secrets are impossible to hide -The Count has enough reasons to have suspicions since he knows everything about Coral Ind.


    Does he already know about the ck Horse Ind?


    The thoughts shed, but Liszt managed to hold it down. Whether the Count knows or not, he must pretend he doesn''t. Reiming a deserted ind is not a matter of indignation. As long as the Count does not know about the existence of the ck blood dragon horses, ck Horse Ind wouldn''t be harmed even if its existence was known.


    At least for now, the Count is unaware of the ck blood dragon horses. If he did, he would immediately s.n.a.t.c.h the ind, even from his own son.


    A n.o.ble family''s affection is not worth mentioning in these great interests.


    Besides, it''s a big deal to steal the horses andpensate Liszt for some gold coins. How can you shake the feelings between father and son? Even without the count''s robbing, as long as a little family publicity offensive isunched, the saliva of Madame Penelope, Madame Marie, Lvera, and Levis from talking would be enough to drown Liszt.


    In fact, it is not necessarily a bad thing to think from the perspective of benefits and to contribute the ck blood dragon horses to the Count.


    But Liszt was reluctantif the horses are in the hands of the Tulip family, he has no idea how many years it would take before they would give him a little bit of an armed knight squad.


    As a potential grand dragon knight, his property should be his alone and not be given to anyone. It would be more reasonable if the family''s resources would be used to support themselves to fulfill their ambitious ideals and rejuvenate the family.


    Depressed by his imagination, Liszt could not see the Count''s real reasons. The development route of Flower Town is slightly different from the traditional farming route. I will need arge poption.

 Chapter 241: Dead and Sealed

    Chapter 241: Dead and Sealed


    That night, Liszt invited a total of fifteen friends of his for dinner at Tulip Castle. They were all descendants of knights or knights-in-training and were all studying at the Knights Academy.


    The most noteworthy among them were two earth knights whom he had spoken with at the manor and have said that they would follow him. Their names were Rick Footprint and the orphan, Griffin Haystack.


    Griffin''s qi was in the same level as Randy''s. He is just twenty years old, and hisbat skills are good. His only w, however, was his stuttering.


    The aristocracy pays attention to appearance and posture. They were not that particr about someone being ugly, but he should not be disabled. Stuttering, however, was .s.sified as a type of disability. This was the reason why Griffin was not selected as one of the Knights of Coral City. Thispletely devastated the youngd. Liszt remembered that his predecessor used to mock Griffin.


    Butter Liszt realized that Griffin was good and very kind, and he gradually developed a feeling of sympathy for Griffin''s disability  he could not imagine being in Griffin''s shoes.


    Now Liszt is very satisfied with Griffin.


    Good personality and hardworking  he has what it takes to be a confidant, for those are the qualities Liszt was looking for in his followers, and also guaranteed loyalty.


    Except for Rick and Griffin, the rest were trainee knights.


    It may be enough to be hired as an officer but definitely not enough to join the Knights Squad.


    After drinking, he had sent his friends on their way. Liszt went back to the room where he had lived for more than a decade and thought quietly. All in all, I have five Knights Squad members, Marcus,Russell, Randy,Rick, Griffin,and with seven more, I canplete the team.


    Knights in small teams can practice group attacks, joint fighting and act like a single unit.


    Only with a Knights Squad is he qualified to enter the battlefield. As for Liszt himself, his safety can be given to Tremblingwoods and his newly-hired sword, ParisLiszt believes that the strength of one person and one dog will peak, and he can escape any sword saint that would chase him.


    And I''m the son of the Count, and I''m a hard-core logistics worker!


    Levis can go to the battlefield to do logistics, but of course he can''t lose to Levis.


    -


    The second day was the celebration party.


    All the n.o.bles near and far from Coral Ind came to Tulip Castle. They took their servants with them as well, hence,Tulip Castle was noisy like a vegetable market.


    The t.i.tleless members of the Knighthood order who partic.i.p.ated in the battle had already determined that they would not get a t.i.tle this time. After receiving their own gold coin rewards, they each went back to their families to find their own mothers.


    Only seven knights were left.


    Seven of them were knights who made great achievements. They could win the t.i.tle of ''Lord''s Knight'' tonight. All of them were in great joy and wished that the awarding ceremony of the ''Lord''s Knight'' would start immediately.


    In fact, there were three other knights who are eligible for the t.i.tle, but those three knights were followers of the other two viscounts and cannote to the feast hosted by the Count.


    At this moment, there were three viscounts in Tulip Castle  Trik Beer, Jonas Stone and Levis Tulip.


    There were sixteen barons, including Liszt Tulip; seventy-six lord knights, plus seven newly promoted, summing up to eighty-three.


    If I remember correctly, there are eighty-two Lord''s Knights in the Count''s service. It seems that this time, six Lord''s Knights were killed on the battlefield.


    A knight''s sacrifice was considered normal, and the death of the knight was not umon. Barons and all positions above them have lower and lower death counts  after all, the higher positions are responsible formanding their followers and ordering their knights to fight. In dangerous charges, it is the followers that fight desperately while their Lords do not take lead.


    Like Liszt, he formed the Knights Squad but he never intended to count himself in it.


    He has his own reasons for not partic.i.p.ating in the battle. After riding on Tremblingwoods , he felt the presence of his feet, Don''t panic when I''m here, give me a charge!


    It is said that there are two types of leadership charms -the follow me and give me.


    The leader that says ''follow me'' can win the support and love of his subordinates, thus he exerts greaterbat power. However, Liszt still chooses to be the ''give me'' type. The life of the ''mud legs'' are nothingpared to the life of the n.o.bility. The leaders who say '' follow me'' are often engraved on monuments. The leaders who say ''give me'' will always be leaders! [1]


    In fact, this statement is not urate. Lords should be divided into three types.


    The first type says " Everyone shares in my benefits", the second type says "Give me the benefits and we will share them", while the third type says, "You give me benefits, and the benefits only belong to me."


    I want to be the third lord, but let''s do the second one first.


    Before the celebration feast, the ceremony was very lively. The seven new knights, held their medals, representing a Lord''s Knight, and bursted into tears.


    There is a huge gap between the civilians and the aristocracy, which often takes generations to achieve.


    But once you have a knighthood, even if you die on the battlefield, your descendants will inherit the t.i.tle, meaning it is an una.s.sable privilege  the aristocratic t.i.tle is not revoked unless there is no son to inherit the t.i.tle after death, or a big mistake is made.


    I swear to the Lord I will do my best!


    The seven Lord knights, kneeling on one knee, solemnly performed the Knight''s allegiance etiquette to the Count.


    The Count sat on the throne and epted it frankly. He said something about encouragement and a warning as well , which basically means-I hope that you will work hard for me in the future. I gave you the t.i.tle, and I can also take it away. Maintain a humble att.i.tude and obey me. Abide by the virtues of a Knight, and do not disappoint me.


    After the ceremony, the atmosphere reached its climax.


    The Lord''s Knights were drinking and bragging downstairs, while the Barons, Viscounts and the Count were also drinking and bragging but upstairs. Regardless of whether they partic.i.p.ated in the battle or made contributions, they were all drinking with pleasure.


    Liszt was still not used to such an overly lively banquet, so he fell into a state of silence. Only when someone raises a toast does he bring up his .s.s and boast to each other  now, Liszt was not just the Count''s junk son but a rising future Viscount.


    Even Baron Henderson, who yelled at Liszt for his greed in the realm, took the opportunity to smile and toasted to Liszt instead of the Count.


    Baron Liszt, I wish Flower Town''s business is booming.


    Without aiming for a smile, Liszt simply responded, I also wish your territory''s business is booming.


    Baron Henderson wanted to say something, but when he opened his mouth, he decided not to continue. He just had a drink, gave a good smile, and went back to his seat.


    The younger generation attracted the most attention during that dinner.


    Not Liszt, but his brother Levis.


    On his time on the battlefield, Levis was only in charge of logistics, but he could still see the blood and killing, nheless, which meant he had be a qualified heir in the eyes of the Count''s followers. In the case where the earl was feeling too dignified and only his drink would touch his lips, the followers naturally focused their firepower on Levis.


    Liszt was only a victim of fire.


    But even though Liszt was silent and trying to be transparent the entire evening, he still turned out drunk when the celebration ended.


    When Liszt was propped to bed by his servant, he had only one thought in his drowsy mind. Sooner orter, I will be in the Count''s position! Only I can persuade others to drink, and no one would dare to persuade me to drink!


    [1] ''cause they stay alive?

 Chapter 242: Brads New Life

    Chapter 242: Brad''s New Life


    The qi in Liszt''s body eliminated the hangover symptoms, so as soon as he woke up, Liszt was back to life.


    He immediately headed out to say his farewells to the count. New Year''s Day is in two days. I have to go back to Flower Town to deal with some territorial affairs.


    Just in time. I was about to send someone to inform you of something.


    Please tell me, Father.


    There was a boat from Red Crab Indst night with the deputy steward of Long Taro Castle in it. He brought a letter from your uncle Messillo. The letter mentioned that your grandfather has never recovered. This year is probably hisst celebration of the New Year''s Day. So your uncle hopes that the three of you would go to Red Crab Ind to celebrate the New Year''s Day with them.


    Has the body of Marquis Merline to an end  Liszt was somehow sad. He had positive feelings for Marquis Merlin, who presented him with a gem weapon and the red blood sword, not to mention the positive emotions in his predecessor''s memory.


    You will return to Flower Town today and head back here tomorrow. The day after that you will set off with the ship. The two-day voyage ends just in time for the New Year. The count had already set the schedule.


    Yes, Father.


    -


    Finally going back! Paris stretched herself and cheered. I''ve already started to miss the egg rolls in Flower Town. Oh my G.o.d, Coral Town doesn''t have egg rolls!


    Not every ce is like Flower Town. Liszt raised his cloak and turned over to ride the dragon horse.


    ck war horses, ck leather armor, and bright red cloaks, hoods not worn on the head, exposing the pale golden hair, blowing in the cold wind.


    It was enough to dazzle a group of little girls and even old ones.


    Master Liszt is really too handsome! The maids cleaning outside the castle were blushing when they saw Liszt.


    It was like a Mary Sue or Tom Sue story, but not clear which one to think of.


    Paris heard the maids'' whispers and couldn''t help but roll her eyes. But when she saw Liszt, who was on his horse, waving to Madame Penelope, Lvera and Madame Marie, she was equally dazed and felt a bit of Tom Sue''s huge breath hit her all over her body.


    How can a man look so handsome!


    As we made our way back to Flower Town, the sky was still drifting with light, and the snow was not very thick on the ground. The main road was very clean. The officials and serfs in Flower Town obviously did not ck off during Liszt''s absence.


    After returning to the castle, the officials immediately came to report their work.


    Adviser Gort, these people are Brad''s family. They are moving here in Flower Town. You are responsible for arranging a house for them. In addition, Philip, let Brade, I have something to tell him. After Liszt said it, he asked again, Have you finished handing over the iron ingots that the caravan brought back?


    The iron ingot has been stored in the warehouse of the castle. Without your instructions, it has not been handed over to the cksmith for the time being.


    Leave three thousand pounds of iron ingots to keep for inventory, and take out ten thousand pounds of iron ingots and hand them to the smithy. Also, try to build a batch of construction tools, as well as logging tools. We must also quickly cut down the iron thorns so it won''t be a big problem to us in the future.


    As you wish.


    Soon, the crystal artisan ,Brad, who was carving volcanic .s.sware, came to the castle. He had just learned from his family that the Count had ordered his family to move to Flower Town and have Liszt as his leader- they must now stay in Flower Town for the rest of their lives.


    Brad''s heart copsed, realizing his life has changed from being a city dweller with a good life, to a town shack in a small town.


    But he did not dare toin, because this was the Count''s orders. On Coral Ind, no one dared to disobey the Count''s will, not even a n.o.ble master.


    Seeing Brad''s reluctance, Liszt was in a good mood andforted him. Brad, don''t worry about your future. The beauty of Flower Town will exceed your imagination.


    I  Lord Lord, I am not worried about life. Flower Town is very beautiful and the food is delicious. I know it. But I  I am worried about my work. I can''t get any more crystal carving jobs here. Oh G.o.d, I think I''ll starve to death. The more he thought about it, the sadder he felt that he almost cried.


    I said, don''t worry about your life. Don''t worry about your work. You just need to work for the castle and work for me. I can ensure that your ie will not be less than if you were in Coral City.


    Brad is a highly-skilled craftsman. Liszt attaches great importance to it because Brad can carve not only crystal but also volcanic .s.s-which means that Brad can be entirely responsible for the entire future of carving of .s.s- which is a product Liszt will study sooner orter.


    A few simple words offort already made Liszt impatient. Even the most skilled craftsmen were just civilians in front of him.


    Isaiah, remember to build a crystal workshop in the workshop area and give it to Brad to preside over.


    As you wish.


    There was not much to say anymore about the town''s affairs.


    What''s next was to make arrangements for the celebration of the New Year''s Festival in Flower Town. This was a festival that any country celebrated. The town also needs a festival to rx the citizens and increase harmony among them.


    As the consultant, Gort was tasked to preside over this year''s festival celebrations. Marcus, on the other hand, was sent to ck Horse Ind to host the New Year''s Festival celebration there.


    He was relieved that Isaiah, ir and others were taking care of the construction of the territory.


    Moreover, he also decided to let Zambrotta take up his post ahead of schedule, first serving as the town''s legal officer and then to a.s.sist Isaiah in managing the project.


    Russell and Randy, the two earth knights ,were sent straight home for the holidays-after all, they have not officially followed Liszt.


    And so.


    The report was over.


    Liszt sent the officials away.


    Liszt began to deal with the private affairs of the castle. He instructed the steward Carter, I have to return to Tulip Castle tomorrow. This year I will go to the Long Taro Castle in Red Crab Ind for Chinese New Year. Mr. Carter, take care of the castle for me.


    Of course, your will is my guide. Carter answered gracefully.


    "Then help me choose the gifts first. What gift should I bring to grandpa, uncle and cousin? Levis and Lvera will of course be ahead of me. I''m just a country baron. I don''t need to spend too much money. I''d just better send some special products-flower soap is quite good, and oyster sauce!


    Oyster sauce was a specialty of the oyster vige. Half of the seafood business of Flower Caravan is selling oyster sauce.


    Oyster sauce is indispensable for the cooking of coral ind aristocrats.


    It would be very suitable as a gift, and any man would surely like it.


    With the oyster sauce and fresh flower soap as a base, Carter helped to select several apanying gifts and the list of gifts waspleted. They then discussed some issues such as how to take care of the sprites.


    Carter suddenly remembered, Sir, there is one thing that I don''t know how you would want to be arranged.


    What is it?


    When the old Defoe of the dog farm came to check the status of the pregnant wolf, he said that she may have a birth within thest half month. I don''t know how to arrange it.


    Did he say exactly when?


    He only has a rough idea. I''ll let someone call Old Defoe over.


    Hmmm-mmm. Liszt nodded, there would be a lot of puppies in the belly of Stupidwoman. He valued the magical beasts very much as it would be his wolf army in the future.

 Chapter 243-244: A Thousand Miles to Deliver Some Goose Hair

    Chapter 243-244: A Thousand Miles to Deliver Some Goose Hair


    Stupidwoman''s status in Flower Town was pitiful. Since being caught, she has not only been used as a fertility machine for Tremblingwoods , but has also been confined in the back room all the time. It''s animal nature has long been consumed leaving only servility.


    It''s life-destroying. It''s an obliteration of its nature.


    If the ind had an Animal Protection Organization of some sort, Liszt would have long been nailed on the pir of shame, enjoying the treatment of thousands of people who are cursing him. Unfortunately, the ind citizens don''t have any sympathy for the beast, since for them, it was born to be killed by humans for their meat and make money out of it.


    The snow was very thick in the doghouse, and no one came to clean it these days.


    Although Stupidwoman no longer releases magic and has almost forgotten what a rock thorn is, it is still a great threat to any ordinary person who sees it.


    Lordwill it it really not kill me? Old Defoe followed Liszt and walked into the dog prison trembling. I..Ican still see the dog even from outside the dog house


    Don''t be nervous Old Defoe, what are you afraid of when I''m here? Liszt said gently. This time I want you to take a closer look and see the approximate gestation age of Stupidwoman  don''t be nervous, you see, I''m standing right here. Has she done anything for you to be afraid of her like this?


    Old Defoe wanted to move, but his legs refused to obey. My Lord Lord, pregnant mothers strangers she will be furious.


    Stupidwoman won''t do anything.


    I, I


    p!


    Losing his patience, Liszt kicked old Defoe''s a.s.s directly with his boots. When I say youe forward to observe, you wille forward to observe! Or else you will go directly to my squire knight and get a hundred whips!


    Even a strong man can be beaten to death with a hundred whips.


    Old Defoe was kicked in a staggered way and he finally got rid of his fear of Stupidwoman. He carefully began to check her situation by lurking around the cage.


    Stupidwoman turned her head and looked at Old Defoe, her mouth opened slightly, and she let out a low growl.


    Liszt threw in a piece of jerky at her, and the next moment, the roaring woman began to chew the dried meat with her tail wagging. Tremblingwoods reached out his ws from outside the cage and wanted to grab the jerky. It never knew whatpa.s.sion was.


    After a while.


    Old Defoe gave the conclusion he had observed. My Lord, judging from the change of Stupidwoman''s body shape and the signs of wetness in her private parts, she is not yet ready for childbirth. It will take about half a month more for her to be in full term. But I can''t guarantee that, for she may also deliver prematurely.


    Generally, dogs give birth after two months. However, Stupidwoman is a magical beast hence, her pregnancy would be longer, but after all, it is still a magical beast and it won''t take long for the babies to grow.


    Old Defoe, who has kept dogs for many years, has experience in the pregnancy and birth of ordinary dogs. But he can only guess about the magical beast type of dogs. This time, there was no guarantee.


    Liszt had something in mind.


    What worries him about Stupidwoman''s delivery is that when the pups would open their eyes, he would not be the first person they see. After all, the reason why Tremblingwoods was so loyal to him was because he was the first person it saw when it opened its eyes.


    If Stupidwoman gives birth at least ten days after today, Liszt could stille back in time from Red Crab Ind and be there when the pups'' eyes open.


    Or else, he will miss the time when the pups open their eyes. Of course, it can be tamed and domesticated from a young age, but loyalty is not guaranteed anymore. Liszt does not like this kind of unguaranteed loyalty  people can easily be kidnapped with interest and affection. It will be hard by then to restrict the magical beast''s loyalty to the Lord.


    Marcus, for example, whose family is in Flower Town, is loyal to him because Marcus''s betrayal cost is so expensive that even Liszt can hardly afford it.


    Basically, all these officials and knights would be difficult to turn against Coral Ind''s Tulip family.


    Another example is Paris with her sister Maggie. As long as Mrs. Harriet and her family can establish an unbreakable kinship with Maggie, it would be difficult for Paris to betray them. Of course, there was still some risk of her betrayal. After all, it will take time to build up genuine trust.


    As for her being a ck dragon, she has a high research value, and it is reason enough for Liszt to keep her by his side at his own risk- she will also be studied in detailter.


    The servants were carefully cleaning the dog prison when Liszt led Tremblingwoods away from the reluctant Stupidwoman.


    -


    The night before he left Flower Town.


    The Flowers was still berthing on ck Horse Ind, so Liszt could not get back the Calm Pearl from it. He should have long invited Granny Truth again to Flower Town to make more Calm Pearls for him. Without it, Liszt did not quite feel safe to travel on sea.


    Arriving at Tulip Castle, he met Ranieri, deputy housekeeper of Long Taro Castle.


    Ranieri has the most delicate curly hair and the most popr Steel ent among the upper-.s.s society. He even speaks more n.o.bly than Liszt. Master Liszt, Ranieri wishes you well.


    Mr. Ranieri, how is my grandfather?


    The old man can already get out of bed and walk, but he was seriously injured when he was younger, leaving behind a dark illness. Even the high-level qi in his body cannot repair it. It has also severely damaged his health. Ranieri said heavily. As a veteran sky knight, Merlin Longtaro battled the north and south in his youth and was inevitably injured.


    Although qi can repair the body''s wounds, it is difficult to heal wounds that have seriously injured the internal organs. Qi is more effective in healing skin injuries.


    I believe Grandpa is powerful enough to ovee any dark disease and his health will be restored soon.


    Thank you for your blessing. We all think so too.


    After greeting Ranieri, Liszt found Levis and Lvera and asked them about their gift arrangements. As the heir of Tulip Castle, Levis had a lot of gifts, all of which were high-end and priceless, including the gifts that the Count wanted to give to the old man.


    Lvera''s gifts were much lighter, but it was more intentional and full of sentiment. She is a n.o.bledy after all, her gifts would surely be appreciated.


    Let me see your gifts.. Flower soap and Flower Town oyster sauce? And egg rolls, bread, and longevity noodles? Lvera checked Liszt''s gift list. What are longevity noodles?


    It''s just a very long noodle Oh, I forgot you don''t know what noodles are yet Well, noodles are Mrs. Abby''s newly invented dish. It is a long piece of wheaten food, boiled in water, added with condiments. It can simply be added with two eggs, and it would make a very delicious meal. Long noodles also symbolize longevity.


    Very creative. I''m jealous. You have a chef like Mrs. Abby. My chef can only make bread. I can''t even make him learn to do scrambled eggs. But don''t you think these gifts are too light? Grandpa sent you a gem weapon. Are the gifts you sent even worth a gold coin?


    Probably  worth two gold coins. As soon as Lvera pointed it out, Liszt started to feel ashamed. These gifts were special products at best, but cheap local goods at worst.


    After thinking, he added, I added a ck pearl.


    ck Pearls the size of a fist can be made into a magical equipment for self-defense, and it could easily be worth at least a hundred gold coins. In this way, his gifts will have both heart and value and not be considered ''light''.


    You have so many good things. Lvera said with envy. "Grandpa will feel your heart, and maybe he will send you another gem equipment. What he gives me are always some new styles of clothes from aristocratic celebrities  I can make my own clothes!


    Ships from Red Crab Ind have sails that were almost blocking out the sun.


    It is embroidered with a giant blue gem logo, representing the court, as well as the integrity and authority of the Sapphire family.


    The ship is really big, muchrger than the Tulip''s. For the first time, Paris saw such a huge ship and felt it was refreshing to see something that big.


    Liszt ignored the n.o.ble image and sat on the deck steps of the bow with his back against the soft fur on Tremblingwoods'' belly.


    The wind blew strongly, which made him meticulouslyb his constantly flying light golden hair. This is a fast sailing ship of the court, the speed of which can reach 10 knots. My grandfather once held the court navy. A few fast sailing ships were donated right after his term.


    The Longtaro family has always been known for being savvy and a loyal follower of the Grand Duke. When Marquis Merlin''s father was a count, he gave up all his money to support the previous generation''s Grand Duke in waging a war.


    In the end, the marquis t.i.tle and the huge Red Crab Ind was bestowed in exchange for such loyalty.


    After the new Grand Duke came to power, he relied heavily on Marquis Merlin to take charge of the royal navy. It should be noted that the navy is the most indispensable part of the Sapphire Grand Duchy cross-sea operations.


    However, Marquis Merlin fell ill and no longer served in court.


    As for Liszt''s uncle, Messillo Longtaro, although also a Sky Knight, he did not inherit his father''s martial arts skills.


    He was already 35 years old when his family''s magic drugs were poured on him so he could break through to a high-level qi. Leewilliam, at this age, has already created the Coral Ind line with the strength of a Sky Knight.


    Despite Messillo''s poor talent, it is said that he has good skills and even when he was 25 years old, he already had touched the critical point of being a Sky Knight.


    There may be breakthroughs at any time.


    One has to say.


    At this level of wealth of the Longtaro family, even a pig can .u.mte into being a Sky Knight. There may be a gap between Messilo and a gifted yer like Leewilliam, but the continuity of the family does not pose a problem at all. If the family would do their best to train the next generation, they would still be able to maintain the family''s prosperity.


    Your name is Paris? Liszt did not know exactly when Lvera came on deck, but she smiled at Liszt and started talking with Paris.


    Yes, Baron Lvera.


    You are not from Coral Ind. Your ent is quite different from us here.


    I came from the Eagle Kingdom.


    Serf?


    No, I am a mercenary.


    There are many mercenaries on the maind. How did youe to Coral Ind and got under my brother''s employment?


    By boat, my sister was sold to Flower Town. I tracked her down there and epted the Baron''s employment.


    How is your skill? Lvera suddenly had the urge to test her.


    Liszt watched Lvera''s efforts to woo Paris. He did not say anything but instead smiled faintly and tickled Tremblingwoods .


    He actually wanted to see if Lvera can bring Paris over to her side and it would also be a test of Paris''s loyalty.


    Paris nced at Liszt, who she saw was busilybing Tremblingwoods'' hair. She turned back and said to Lvera, I''m an elite earth knight, Baron Lvera, do you want to fight me?


    I haven''t reached the elite level. I just want to ask you for a lesson!


    As you wish.


    Immediately, the two women took out their swords and began to fight. They were like thunderbolts pping and b.u.mping against each other, all of it ending with Lvera''s swords being knocked off.


    Paris''s sword has left her hand as well.


    The light and shadow trick was not used. She directly used his physical ability to beat Lvera, who used body qi.


    After thepet.i.tion, Lvera praised Paris aloud, had a few words with Liszt, then left the bow to return to the cabin without saying anything else. This was proof already that Lvera had abandoned her street-like behavior and no longer robbed Liszt of the good things right in front of him.


    Your sister is far inferior to your strength. Paris said suddenly.


    She was promoted to the earth knight level before she was a teenager. Among the female knights, she is a very talented genius. Liszt smiled and said calmly, but my talent is even better.


    Paris did not overdo it and didn''t answer Liszt.


    -


    After the mercenaries left, except for a few sailors working on deck, only Liszt and Tremblingwoods remained.


    Tremblingwoods was too big to stay in the cabin, so Liszt did not return to the cabin and continued to apany Tremblingwoods on deck.


    Sailing on sea is a very boring activity. Liszt dozed off and thought about some things that he didn''t have.


    While on this long trip to Longtaro Castle, his thoughts went to not knowing when he would see Athena Salmon again. This beautiful young girl had left a deep impression on him. But he was embarra.s.sed to ask the a.s.sistant housekeeper Ranieri about Athena .After all, at Athena''s age, it would be difficult for her to stay single.


    After all, Athena was not a picky person like Lvera.


    It can''t be said that Athena is not picky but she will definitely choose me from a crowd, which shows that her standards for a partner are very high.


    Liszt was fantasizing about seeing Athena again and expressing his love.


    Suddenly, he heard the lookout at the top of the mast exim, It''s the devil''s cloud!


    The lookout then blew the horn.


    The deep, prating horn sound instantly woke the entire ship from drowsiness and everyone hurried out of the cabin. Liszt certainly understood the meaning of this horn, it meant that the ship was in danger. He stood up quickly and looked around nervously, taking Tremblingwoods with him.


    From his observation, he saw that the sky was gloomy ahead, right on the ship''s course.


    It was dark clouds rolling, mixed with a sh of lightning, rolling over the skyline.


    The Devil''s Cloud!


    It''s the devil''s cloud!


    The sailors eximed in session but were stopped by the captain''s voice, Don''t panic! Lower the sail! Anchor! The bow anchor sinks immediately so keep the stern anchor ready.


    The sound was not loud, but it made the trained sailors immediately calm down and began to lower the sails. A group of strong sailors turned the winch and dropped the bow anchor. The huge wooden chain, driven by the anchor, made a harsh frictional sound and quickly sank into the sea floor.


    There was a scarcity of iron hence all the anchors were made of wood.


    But although it was a wooden anchor, it belonged to the iron wood type.


    A wooden anchor may weigh as much as half a ton and would sink immediately into the water. With great towing force, the sailboat will immediately stop sailing and be fixed on the sea surface.


    Liszt''s heart was a bit nervous.


    He was already ufortable not bringing the Calm Pearl and now they are facing danger at sea. It would be easy for the vast sea to swallow the whole ship.


    Seeing Levis rushing towards the captain''s room, he followed his brother and rushed over as well, just to hear Levis drunk talk, What is a Devil''s Cloud?


    The captain took out his hip sk and took a swig of wine.


    He then settled down and said, Dear n.o.ble masters, don''t panic, it''s just a sea storm. In my life, I have encountered more storms than I have eaten white bread. The Cancer was once a pce sailing ship. It can resist the Devil''s Cloud!


    Listening to his words, the people calmed down a little.


    But Liszt keenly observed that the captain was notpletely at ease and so he had his turn to ask. "Captain, tell us what the Devil''s Cloud is!

 Chapter 245-246: The Ghost Ship of the Marquis Cohen

    Chapter 245-246: The Ghost Ship of the Marquis Cohen


    In the vast sea, talks about sea monsters were something that sailors cannot do away with. Other than those, storms and disasters were alsomon topics.


    Also in the list are ghost ships, singing demons, and so on, all of which were often mentioned by sailors.


    The Devil''s Cloud is a mixed tale of storms and ghost ships. Liszt was a stranger to the origin of this story.


    Pointing to the dark clouds rolling in the distant sky and the lightning visible against the dark clouds, the captain spoke fearlessly, The devil''s cloud  it is the result of the demons of Marquis Cohen!


    "Marquis Cohen?


    Liszt quickly remembered that there was a fixed keel in his gem s.p.a.ce. ording to Captain Kos...o...b..ck in Flower Town, the keeling technique was derived from the mage family of Marquis Cohen. When the marquis partic.i.p.ated in a court coup, his family copsed and the keeling technique was lost.


    Captain MarquisMarquis Cohen once the king of navigation who crossed the Blue Sea, is said to have been to the Devil''s Sea, and obtained the power of the Devil!


    The captain trembled as he watched the cloud of lightning closing in.


    There were no legends about G.o.ds in this world, but there certainly were a lot of stories about demons. The waters beyond the blue sea is called the Devil''s Sea because, ording to legend, the devil''s sea is the demon''s hunting ground that even dragon knights dare not cross it.


    Liszt, however, shouted impatiently. What a mess! Marquis Cohen was just a Marquis who lived a hundred years ago. He was guilty of a crime, vited thew and was strangled to death in a prison on Blue Dragon Ind!


    The Captain smiled bitterly. ButThere are sailors who have seen the devil''s cloud, there are ghost ships, hanging the g of Marquis Cohen''s head, which is burning with green fire, and it can be skulls that will suck all the blood out of people!


    Morrodo!


    The ship''s deputy manager, Raneiri, just arrived and heard everything the Captain said. He immediately stopped him by saying, Put aside your nonsense! Your lords are more knowledgeable than you are, and keep your nonsense to yourself ! Just try to get through this storm!


    After that, Raneiri told the three siblings, Sorry, Masters.. Madame.. Morrodo is very fond of talking nonsense, but he certainly has the means to weather this storm..Let him stay in the captain''s room and direct the sailors on how to fight the storm. Please rest in the cabin first.


    But Liszt didn''t want to rest. He wanted to figure out what Captain Morrodo would say more about the Devils'' Cloud.


    Levis,however, who had determined that Morrodo was just talking gibberish, had already taken the lead out. He thought about it and decided that he had to leave the captain''s room first. It was , after all, not suitable to disturb Morrodo''smand.


    In the cabin.


    Ranieri asked the apanying footmen to serve coffee and exined, Masters and Madame, please forgive Captain Morrodo''s nonsense. He was once the best captain in Red Crab Ind,manding ships and breaking through the whirlpool of death. Onlyter in his life, he was. .h.i.t by some blows. His son died in a storm ident.


    A story of dog''s blood [1] came from Ranieri''s mouth.


    Five years ago, Morrodo''s family was harmonious and happy. He had an only son who was handsome and had a bright idea for his future. His dream was tomand a segoing ship to gallop across the Blue Sea like his father. In order to achieve this dream, the young man started as a sailor and worked all the way up to being a first mate, finally having the opportunity tomand a segoing ship on his own.


    But three monthster, the ship did not return and only two sailors came back.


    They imed that the ship met the devil, the devil in the storm clouds, the ghost ship flying the g of Marquis Cohen''s family and engulfed their ship.


    Morrodo''s son was devoured by the devil. The two sailors that survived were unconscious on a wooden board and were rescued by a pa.s.sing merchant ship.


    From then on, Morrodo firmly believed that the Devil''s Cloud would find him sooner orter. Seeing the storm clouds, he decided it was the Devil''s Cloud that came to find himHe had a high rank on the ship, and he personally trained the sailors. So when he said that it was the Devil''s Cloud, they also cried that it was the Devil''s Cloud.


    After listening, Levis was frowning. Mr. Ranieri, since Morodo has be a lunatic, why is the Longtaro castle keeping him as captain?


    Ranieri said awkwardly, His experience is an irreceable treasure. In the sea, he can always ovee storms. No one is more suitable to be a captain than him. When the Marquis was still able to fight, he would take the Morrodo''s segoing vessel every time to go overseas. Also, doing so never posed any harm.


    Levis raised his eyebrows but did not continue to talk. After all, Morrodo was the meritorious captain of the Longtaro Castle.


    Being asionally silly is not enough to abandon someone.


    Liszt looked at his brother and sister and saw that they had calmed down, but he still felt a little unsteady. He pushed the door and went out immediately. I''m a little bored. I''ll go up and see what''s going on.


    Lord Baron, do you feel uneasy? Paris followed.


    Liszt did not reply and only touched Tremblingwoods'' fur. He cast his Magic Eye to observe the dark clouds and lightning that were almost rolling over their ship. It was like a ck wall, growling to cut off the connection between this sea and the world, isting the sailing ship from the world as fast as possible.


    The picture of the sky half ck and half white was enough to make people tremble.


    In the view of Magic Eye, the ck clouds and rolling lightningy hints of magic, but it was as if it were merely a magical reaction to the lightning. When the lightning strikes, there is a trace of magic. But when the lightning went out, the magic was gone.


    It''s not the magic of a ghost ship, it''s just the lightning that stimtes the magic to appear."


    Liszt has seen lightning, and at that time, he realized that lightning can inspire magic.


    If there really was a ghost ship, he could have easily seen the ghosts hidden in the keel just as the Magic Eye can easily see the magic of the ghost ship.


    But there was none, meaning it was not the Devil''s Cloud, but just a normal storm at sea.


    Liszt finally rxed.


    But he was still nervous and frustrated. I should have brought the Calm Pearl beads! If I could go back in time, I would have asked nny Truth to make another pearl for me! I would have had him turn the biggest ck pearl to a Calm Pearl! I hate storms!"


    He was quick to restrain himself from his impatience.


    He touched Tremblingwoods'' fur and said, "Tremblingwoods has already learned how to swim,so I can ride him on sea  he can also release rock thorns in the sea so killing ordinary sea monsters should not be difficult.


    However, he also quickly thought of a problem.


    He immediately ordered his follower, Philip, Tell Sir Layden to remember to send someone to watch the raft, and when that''s done, make sure that the raft is in our hands.


    Yes, my Lord!


    Suddenly,he remembered that Paris was right next to him. His selfish words must have been heard by her. She must be despised of him already and would feel less loyal to him.


    But his brain worked fast so turning around, he said directly to Paris who hadn''t yet responded. If the storm capsizes the ship, you must remember to follow me and keep following me. There are only a few life rafts on board and it won''t save many people. I don''t want you to get hurt.


    Paris, who was unsure of everything, was immediately moved. II knowThank you. I should be the one protecting you.


    Stay alive and you will have your chance to protect me.


    At that moment, the Oscar little gold man statue should be given to Liszt.


    [1] the use of the same old, repeated boring scenes or story sequences in a TV drama or film.


    "You jump, I jump!"


    Liszt stood on the ship''s bow and Paris followed like a lost ignorant little girl.


    He has always felt like there was nothing to be moved about by what he said, although his words were as loud and descriptive as thunderbolt.


    But at that moment when he looked at Paris, he could tell that she waspletely moved by what he said. At that moment too, he realized that men and women really are two different creatures. When he finished that sentence, gooseb.u.mps appeared on his skin. It repulsed him to imagine that he could speak out with a little affection.


    But the most important thing was that Parispletely believed him and he could tell by the way her eyes softened.


    "The road toplete discipline is broad but profound.. Only men can talk about honor and the benefits of achievements with high regard.. Women, on the other hand, speak of honor and interest as secondary priorities, and always from an emotional point of view.." At this moment, many insights welled up in Liszt''s mind, and his knowledge of women reached a new level.


    He then realized why he has always chased girls in his previous life to no avail. Even when he made an ice cream for a girl with his own two hands , he still did not win her favor.


    There was one simple reasonno, two.


    He was not handsome, and he didn''t talk.


    But now, he is handsome, and has also learned how to talk. The mercenary''s loyalty to me has increased by about 10 points, from 70, it could run for 100.


    The thunderclouds continued to approach hence the atmosphere started fleeting. The sky waspletely dark, with only lightning to be seen.


    Let''s go back to the cabin first!


    Okay!


    Tremblingwoods was also pulled into the cabin.


    Levis and Lvera were informed of them entering the cabin. The three siblings looked at each other and instantly knew that if they were really in danger, the life rafts would be prioritized to them and the ship''s sailors would be sacrificed if and when necessary.


    Liszt''s conscience ached, so he sat down and sighed in his heart. I hope nothing bad happens and we get to Red Crab Ind safely.


    Thunderp!


    A lightning bolt was seen out of the window, a dark cloud shrouded the sailboat. The storm was. .h.i.tting thempletely.


    The wind howled and bean-sized raindrops rattled the ship. The fast sailing ship, which was originally stable, swung rapidly in the wind and waves. Liszt held the wall with one hand and calmly looked out of the window.


    It was too dark to see anything except lightning.


    It seemed as if arge mouth was swallowing the whole ship. The faint shouts of the sailors from above deck could be heard inside the cabin. They were trying to control the hull and prevent it from being overturned by the wind. At sea, the wind and the waves are the main contributors for vessel idents. But experienced captains surely knew how to avoid them.


    At that moment, the waves were not that huge, it was the strong wind apanying the waves that made the ship roll around like a beaten toy.


    The three siblings who have probably never experienced a storm at sea were nervous. But they found out that although the ship was wobbling, it would rise up from the waves everytime it sank. Even after a long while, there was no sign that the ship would actually turn over. They finally rxed themselves while looking out the window. There was no sign of a ghost ship at all.


    Morrodo was really talking nonsense. Where is the ghost ship of Marquis Cohen now? Levis scorned.


    Did Marquis Cohen really die in a prison on Blue Dragon Ind?


    Yes, this is not a secret. When Marquis Cohen partic.i.p.ated in the coup and failed, he was immediately imprisoned by the then Grand Duke. All of his family was captured, then secretly executed in prison. The Sapphire Family did not create their glory today with a soft heart.


    Levis said in an adoring tone as if he was surrounded by the Sapphire Family.


    It was as Levis had said, a normal storm.


    Half an hourter, the clouds were still hanging over the sky, but the lightning had stopped, the rain and the gale had subsided. The ship had stabilized.


    The storm is over. Lvera stretched her waist.


    But before she could finish, the lookout climbed to the top of the mast and sounded the horn again. It was a low horn sound, like it was spreading darkness in the environment. Everything suddenly felt gloomy.


    What''s going on?


    It didn''t take too many words. With the constant horn sounds, everyone''s heart suddenly sank, understanding the seriousness of the problem. The storm has stopped but the danger has not been lifted, there must be a new one approaching. Normally, they might a.s.sociate it with Sea Monsters, but they have all been cowed by the Devil''s Cloud.


    Everyone''s hearts were drumming on their chest, feeling like they might finally be meeting the devil.


    That feeling came true.


    Soon the sailor shouted, Ah, the light! Light! Light! It''s the green light of the ghost ship!


    Liszt and others quickly climbed up the bow deck from the cabin. They saw in the dark distance a moving green light moving towards themtwinkling like a real jack-o''ntern.


    Others could see a ghost fire.


    But when Liszt cast his Magic Eyes, he saw signs of magical powers, and the faint green magical powers outlined the fuzzy appearance of a broken ship.


    It is actually a ghost ship!


    He felt a tingle in his throat, it was hard to speak like he was not that surprised when he actually was. He saw ghosts on the ship.. ck Dragons.. Ghosts were not real, but he was seeing them with his own eyes. Liszt was feeling nervous deep in his heart. If one encounters a ghost ship in the middle of the sea, danger is sure to follow.


    The ghost ship of Marquis Cohen is actually real? Levis, who was at Liszt''s side, swallowed his saliva, also feeling nervous.


    No one could control their nervousness in the face of the strange situation of a ghost ship. Even the mid-level magical beast, Tremblingwoods, felt the uneasiness in the atmosphere. The dog hair on his back stood upright and he let out a low growl.


    At this time, Levis'' guard, Lord Knight Captain Leiden stood up. Don''t be nervous, Sir Levis, Baron Lvera, Baron Liszt. We are knights who have cultivated qi, we can cut off even the devil''s head! a.s.semble! All knights! Prepare for the ghost ship!


    Philip and Xavier, you lead the squire knights and fight with Captain Leiden!


    Soon the battle teams, made up of knights and squire knights, were a.s.sembled.


    Under themand of Sir Leiden, they each pulled out their weapons and were ready to wee the ghost ship that was getting closer and closer. They could see the ship was decaying.. A mottled hull.. A sheep head g hanging on the mast and burning with green fire. As Captain Morrodo had said, this was the ghost ship of Marquis Cohen.


    Baron, be careful! Paris said with a heavy tone while she drew her sword and was in front of Liszt in an instant. She felt the threat of the ghost ship.


    Liszt was panicking hard that his hands that were holding the chains were shaking and turned white.


    However, Liszt remained calm or actually forced himself to look calm. It''s just a ghost ship. It must not have been very strong when it was alive. Why does it matter after death? My Red Blood Sword hasn''t been ripened with blood yet. It seems that it can''t wait to go to the battlefield. It can start with ghosts then!


    Whooosh!


    The Red blood sword was pulled out, the qi in Liszt''s body in full mode while maintaining his fighting posture.


    Creaking, creaking, creaking


    The ghost ship was getting closer and closer, not lifting a single wave on the water. The hull made an unpleasant decaying sound. It was going straight in the direction of the bow of the fast sailing boat without any hint of avoiding collision.

 Chapter 247-248: Colliding Worlds

    Chapter 247-248: Colliding Worlds


    There was still no cloud in the sky, or even a trace of light.


    Only the ghost ship''s shing little green fire with the sheep g was lighting up a little part of the sea.


    Left rudder! Turn! Turn!


    Captain Morrodo''s voice pierced the silence, followed by the screeching sound of the rudder. He has been talking for a while but no one could feel the ship actually turning.


    We''re haunted, Captain! We can''t turn around!


    Without wind and waves, we can''t paddle!


    It''s over. It''s the Devil''s Cloud, it''s the Ghost Ship of Marquis Cohen,ing to avenge us!


    I shouldn''t have watched the taverndy Gaia take a bath, really, I knew there would be consequences!


    The sailors were frightened out of their wits.


    There was nothing the captain could do. The ship was paralyzed, just waiting to collide with the ghost ship.


    Tremblingwoods ! Multiple rock thorns! Seeing the captain''s ipetence, Liszt suddenly decided to take the lead, pointing at the ghost ship and giving orders to Tremblingwoods .


    But the magical beast was confused. It didn''t even know what the ghost ship was and the atmosphere didn''t help either. But Liszt was still forcing it to spit out magic.


    Poof!


    Poof!


    Poof!


    A series of rock thorns showed up on the ghost ship''s deck, but it did not destroy the vessel. Instead, all thorns fell from the deck and the sound of it falling into the sea could be clearly heard.. thump..thump..thump..thump..thump..thump..thump..thump..thump..thump..


    This


    Liszt wanted to say that this was not scientific.


    But since seeing dragons, sprites, ghosts, and ck dragons, what is even scientific? Perhaps for this fantasy world, the existence of these things was considered science, but this one cannot be exined by science at all.


    Suddenly.


    The sailors screamed at the tops of their lungs and even p.i.s.sed their pants. The captain was slumped in the captain''s room, the hip sk dangling in his hand, but he could not find the strength to put it near his mouth. Even the ever fearless and stubborn Lvera was shouting while clenching her long sword, No!


    It wasn''t stopping!


    The crowd watched helplessly as the ghost ship collided with the bow of the ship bit by bit with no intention of slowing down or turning.


    Hold on!


    It''s time for battle! Captain Leiden raised his knight''s sword and shouted, Knights, show your courage and charge with me!


    His performance was worthy of his knight status, brave and fearless.


    However, the atmosphere was different from what they had imagined. The impact did note. The decaying ghost ship pa.s.sed through the fast sailing ship like mist, like ayer of fog, without any substance.


    "Uhhh"


    Captain Leiden, whole holding his long sword, was shocked and confused,


    At that moment, the originally nervous Levis burst forth with courage. "Liszt! Lvera! Stay with me! Captain Leiden, have the knights stick to the deck. We are here to collide with these d.a.m.ned ghosts. We, the mighty and invincible knights!"


    Liszt clenched the Red Blood Sword tightly, feeling overwhelmed with Levis'' words. "I want to fight side by side with my brother and sister!"


    While talking, he cast his Magic Eyes.


    He could see the ghost ship burning with the green ghost fire, the hull outlined by magic, engulfing the fast sailing ship little by little. Or not really engulfed, but traversed like a phantom. In a blink of an eye, the decaying hull had already rushed in front of him.


    The decayed wooden hull waspletely destroyed and one could even smell the decay.


    It looked entirely real that this ghost ship had already engulfed several sailors who could not dodge it''s path. They still could hear the calls of the sailors stationed on deck calling for help.


    Squeeeeeaaaaaaak!


    A piercing sound pa.s.sed through their eardrums, exerting an excessive force on Liszt''s Magic Eyes. Some of them copsed immediately.


    Liszt and others were also engulfed by the ghost ship, and everything in sight seemed to change instantly. Liszt was not standing on the deck of the fast sailing ship anymore, but on the rotten deck of the ghost ship. Everything was foggy and he couldn''t see Paris, Levis and the others.


    What he could see was just through his naked eye.


    It was like he was trapped in a ghost ship. He even extended his foot and explored a hole in the deck. He could actually reach his foot in, that is to say, he was actually standing on the deck of the ghost ship.


    Why is this happening?


    Liszt was trying to think quickly despite his sullen mood. But he never understood why the first moment he was standing on the deck of the fast sailing ship, and was on the deck of the ghost ship a momentter.


    The ship''s broken wooden deck looked real and was not an illusion anymore, it was creaking like it would break any moment.


    Levis!


    Lvera!


    He shouted, but no one answered, only the creaking sound of the wooden boards.


    Tremblingwoods !


    Paris!


    There was no response.


    The fog surged and everything was dim. He could not even see the green me he had seen before. I am trapped in a ghost ship? Why is this so? Have my five senses gone mad? Or is it that the matter and spirit are distorted at this moment?


    The triangle theory that the mage believed suddenly came to mind. He remembered the theory about the truth, magic, and matter that Granny had said. It is constantly changing and transforming from one form to another.


    But the Red Blood Sword was still in his hands. He didn''t believe that the big fast sailing ship and so many people were transformed immediately.


    I must be hallucinating!


    Yes, hallucinations!


    Liszt rubbed his eyes violently and felt his stress level go down. He immediately cast Magic eyes. In a sh, everything around has changed dramatically again. He saw where the people around him had gone and saw that he had not actually gone far.


    People just kept spinning in the same ce, even brandishing weapons to fight and kill each other.


    He saw Levis hacking his sword and cutting the air in front of him. He saw Lvera shaking with her sword. He saw Captain Leiden hacking a trainee knight to the ground.


    And then he found Paris, behind him, less than a meter away.


    Tremblingwoods was also there, but Paris and Tremblingwoods didn''t seem to see each other. Paris held her big sword and looked around nervously, while Tremblingwoods kept opening his mouth like it was barking.


    At this time, the movement of a magic figure alerted Liszt that someone had fallen off the deck and fallen into the cabin of the ghost ship.


    These people, even himself, were in a state of hallucination.


    However, they were all still in the ghost ship, not on the fast sailing ship. Only the ghost ship had a deck with a big hole.


    Before letting too much time pa.s.s, Liszt immediately headed to Tremblingwoods and held the magical beast''s back. "Tremblingwoods !"


    Tremblingwoods leaned forward and opened its mouth, spitting out a rock thorn.


    Fortunately, Liszt was prepared, he turned away just in time. He continued to p Tremblingwoods and kept calling, Tremblingwoods ! You have forgotten your master!


    Tremblingwoods , however, seemed to have no response. The dog''s eyes were confused and continued to release the rock thorns randomly.


    It wasn''t until Liszt took out a piece of jerky and found a chance to put it in the dog''s mouth that he finally caught its attention. It gnawed the jerky, shook his head, and his pair of dog eyes restored rity.


    When it saw that the person in front of him was Liszt, Tremblingwoods barked in surprise. w.a.n.g w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    Seeing that Tremblingwoods had awakened, Liszt was greatly relieved. It was a bit disadvantageous to only have a dog, but it was still rea.s.suring to have a Tremblingwoods beside him.


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    Tremblingwoods had eaten all the jerky and was asking for another one. Liszt still couldn''t clearly see his surroundings. Everything around him was foggy. He could only judge his situation through the outlines seen through the Magic Eyes.


    However, his Magic Eye skill would dissipate from time to time and his vision would return to the foggy scene instead of the ghost ship scenario.


    This was a result of his growing tired every time he used Magic Eyes. Immediately after he had woken up Tremblingwoods , he cast Magic Eyes again. After the Magic Eye effect disappeared, the boundary between reality and illusion was blurry once more, and they all went round and round on the deck, unable to contact anyone else.


    What kind of state am I in now?


    How on earth can a ghost ship cause an effect far beyond an illusion?


    He tried to move toward Paris''s direction ording to his memory of her position on deck, but even after taking dozens of steps and walking past several holes on deck, he was not getting any closer to her.


    Tremblingwoods , on the other hand, just kept on following him.


    Since he woke up Tremblingwoods with the jerky, the beast has not continued to fall into the hallucination again. Liszt also held the dog chain firmly in his hand. Feeling unsure, he also tied one end of the dog chain to the belt on his waistband to prevent the chain from loosening if ever the beast falls into hallucinations again.


    Although the situation was entirely unknown and Liszt was getting too nervous, he seems to have adapted his mind to the situation and has returned to his calmest state.


    The magic of the dragon infects the surroundings and produces treasures..The magic of sprites affects crops and makes nts flourish. Tremblingwoods'' magic can create rocks and my qi is fire-attributed. All these show the existence of magic, which can not only create beautiful things, but also have magical effects.


    He looked carefully around the fog surrounding him.


    He was beginning to feel the spirit of the ghost ship. So in essence, this ghost ship of Marquis Cohen is also a demonstration of magic? To say that it is just an illusion is correct, since it is only magic. To say that it is also reality is also true, since magic can affect reality.


    The more he thought about it, the more his spection was making sense.


    However, he only has a theory. They were all trapped in a ghost ship in illusion, and they were still there in reality.


    I should wait for the tiredness of my eyes to subsideand then cast my Magic Eye again. The ship is huge, I can hardly move around without the Magic Eye!


    The Magic Eye copsed right then which caused him to look like he was being repossessed due to his tired eyes. Ever since Liszt became fully proficient using Magic Eyes, he has been able to do almost continuousbat techniques without experiencing fatigue.


    As he rested to recover, he sighed quietly, I hope people don''t die.


    They should have arrived at Red Crab Ind by now to celebrate the New Year''s Day with joy. He might have already gotten some good things from Marquis Merlin. They never expected to encounter a ghost ship that was almost impossible to encounter in the first ce.


    Only luck can bring us home now.


    I can''t wait to eat a lot of hot tofu..


    He did not immediately cast his magic eye, but instead waited for his eyes to recover from the fatigue. Momentster, thanks to the constant healing ability of his qi, his eyes became refreshed again without any feeling of fatigue.


    Almost there!


    Magic Eye was cast in a split second, and the vision wrapped in mist changed again. The ship outline and some silhouettes emerged one by one. In contrast to what he remembered which was Lvera trembling on her own, she was now being chased and hacked around by a trainee knight.


    Bang!


    Liszt kicked the trainee knight, and then grabbed Lvera. Wake up, Lvera!


    p!


    p!


    Liszt kept pping Lvera''s face but she was noting around.


    In desperation, Liszt dragged her and shoved her into a cabin of the ghost ship  As to not make things any more difficult, Liszt threw her down the cabin first.


    After rescuing Lvera, Liszt kept on moving with Tremblingwoods beside him. He grabbed Levis this time, and dragged him into the cabin as well.


    The unconscious Levis was not able to fight back despite his elite earth knight level.


    With both his brother and sister saved, it was time to drag Paris into the cabin. Paris is a strong warrior. Although Liszt and Tremblingwoods were able to defeat her, she still had her power of transformation. Liszt finally found her on deck but decided to just let her be.


    With her fighting power, there was no worthy opponent for her on this ship.


    If I want to wake all these people up, I''m afraid I must get rid of the ghost ship first! A ghost ship without ghosts was no threat to Liszt who has Magic Eyes as a secret skill.


    Go, Tremblingwoods , go to the ce with the bright magic!


    He led Tremblingwoods straight to the ce where the ghost ship''s magic was strongest. In the ship, the green magic would form a faint outline on some areas and there were three obvious areas with magical concentration.


    One was the sheep head banner at the top of the mast. The magic green me was still burning brightly.


    Another was an image in the ship''s bow section. There was a dragon sculpture, a sapphire dragon sculpture. People in the Sapphire Grand Duchy believe that the Sapphire Dragon can suppress all sea monsters in the sea and can also protect the crew. This time, however, the bow image burning with the green me was not like a dragon, but more like a bat.


    Thest ce Liszt is supposed to go to is in the middle of the cabin.


    The magic in that area was not as strong as it was on the sheep head g and the dragon''s bow, but it seemed to be the heart of the whole ghost ship. Every magic line that draws the outline of the ghost ship would start there.


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    Tremblingwoods, with his huge body, had a hard time following Liszt around over the decaying wood while making their way to the middle of the cabin. The creaking sound kept ringing at their feet, as if the boards would break down at any moment. Thinking about it, Liszt shouldn''t have brought Tremblingwoods down with him. The cabins and pa.s.sages below were very narrow.


    It was not suitable for Tremblingwoods , but without him, Liszt wouldn''t have had the confidence to walk alone in the spooky ghost ship.


    Almost there!


    A few more steps forward and they could finally reach the cabin room with the strong magic light. But at that very moment, in the originally quiet ghost ship, a faint voice was suddenly heard.


    They could not hear it clearly.


    Liszt did not think this was another illusion, because Tremblingwoods raised his ears and looked in the voice''s direction. w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    Tremblingwoods , shh! Liszt tried to calm down the beast.


    This time, Liszt tried to listen carefully.


    The voice broke from time to time, and only a few incoherent words could be heard. Chase.Dead.Andy.Loyal.MomHome.Magic..Help..Curtis..MadNo


    Moreover, these words were not spoken by one person, but was noiseing from a shouting group of people.


    Andy? Curtis? It sounds like two names.  Liszt was chanting these two names when suddenly the magic in front of him outlined a pale face on the wall.


    The face seemed to be shouting at Liszt, but it was actually crying out to itself. No!


    This unexpected scene frightened Liszt and made him grab his sword. The Red Blood Sword was plugged directly into the pale face, the fire-attributed magic burst violently, the pale face bursting into shatters.


    The face disappeared and the screams as well.


    Withdrawing the Red Blood Sword, Liszt looked cold. Go,Tremblingwoods! I want to see what stuff is pretending to be a ghost! We''re gonna create a bunch of bad ghosts ourselves!

 Chapter 249: Violent Ghost Ship Demolition

    Chapter 249: Violent Ghost Ship Demolition


    Bam!


    Liszt kicked the cabin door open with his foot, holding the Red Blood Sword in his hand.


    When he entered the cabin, he discovered that the reason for therge concentration of magic in that area was because the walls of the whole cabin were carved with many magic runes.


    In the square cabin, there was only a simple square table and a bench. There was a book on the table, and a box of ink with a quill pen in it.


    The green magic runes keep shing, creating a mysterious and magical atmosphere.


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    Right after Tremblingwoods squeezed himself into the cabin, he barked straight at the wall. Liszt immediately looked at the wall where Tremblingwoods'' eyes were locked on, and saw another grim face.


    The pale face shouted, d.a.m.n it!


    Curses! Liszt raised his Red Blood Sword and stabbed it in the face.


    But on the other side of the wall, between the cracks in the magic runes, there appeared another pale face with fuzzy facial features. It let out a sharp noise. Curtis, you madman!


    Quiet!!


    Liszt wanted to have another sword right then to make more of those ghostshe didn''t know if they really were ghostsexplode. He stopped, thinking that those apparitions seemed to be doing no harm. He would just instead listen to what they were saying.


    He will not ''kill'' anymore.


    After shouting this sentence, the human face immediately withdrew.


    Then, on the third wall, a pale face emerged, shrieking, They areing!


    On the fourth wall, another miserable pale face appeared and screamed, Lord Mage, save us!


    So this is like the message the crew left before they died? Liszt took a deep breath and walked to the edge of the table in the middle of the room. He still had his Red Blood Sword in hand and used it to touch the book on the table.


    The books do not seem real, because their outlines were also drawn by magic.


    At that moment, the face that should have disappeared back into the first wall appeared again, and screamed, Mom, I want to go home!


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g! Tremblingwoods called out.


    Liszt ignored it.


    When the sword touched the book, it felt like it had touched a real object and it did not seem to trigger any traps.


    Liszt was relieved so he picked up the book using his hands.


    It was very thick and heavy. The cover said To His Royal Highness, Ate  Curtis Truth. He looked at it once and immediately tried to put this magic book into the gem s.p.a.ce.


    It was easy to put in. This was a real book, not something between reality and illusion that was part of the hallucinations brought by the ghost ship.


    Of course, it was also possible that it is indeed a book between illusion and reality, but it''s property was fixed by the special nature of the gem s.p.a.ce in order for it to continually exist inside.


    At that moment, again, a grim pale face appeared on a wall, shouting, Loyalty to His Highness Prince Ate!


    Your Highness Ate ? Liszt''s hands kept moving and as he crammed the ink, quill pens, tables and benches into the gem s.p.a.ce. If I''m not mistaken, this.. His Highness, Prince Ate is he a prince of the Sapphire family? A prince who did not be a grand duke?


    Sapphire family names begin with an A or An to honor their ancestors.


    The first generation Grand Duke was the Dragon Knight Anderson Sapphire, the second generation was Amphora Sapphire, the third generation was Andy Sapphire, the fourth generation was Anchek Sapphire, and the fifth generation Grand Duke was Andrew Sapphire. This ismon knowledge among n.o.bles.


    If one does not know the dukes of the present and past generations, he is not qualified to be a n.o.ble.


    There is not a Grand Duke named Ate


    While thinking.


    Another pale face appeared and screamed out, We are finished, Andy''s fleet!


    What?


    Liszt''s heart was thumping, Andy was the name of the third generation Grand Duke!


    One side of the fog noises was Andy''s fleet while the other side shouting at them was loyal to Ate. Ate must be a member of the Sapphire Family who was against Andy for the position of Grand Duke. It was also likely that Ate was Andy''s brother.


    And, given that Marquis Cohen was killed in a court coup, it might be that Cohen supported Ate''s cause.


    But Andy had won.


    Well, I know those court secrets now , so what should I do next? Liszt looked at the empty cabin, then at the dense magic runes on the wall, thinking quietly.


    The pale faces were still emerging on the wall.


    The screams were repeating as well.


    They areing!


    d.a.m.n it!


    We are finished, Andy''s fleet!


    Dedicated to His Highness Ate!


    Mom, I want to go home.


    Your Excellency, the Great Mage, save us!


    Curtis, you madman!


    No!


    The shrill screams annoyed Liszt the most , it didn''t give him time to think deeply.


    The more time he spends here, the more people above deck may die  all killing each other, just like Captain Morrodo''s son, the sea ship that has encountered the ghost ship before with only two sailors that returned.


    Forget it!


    Liszt put the Red Blood Sword back into the waist sheath, took out a stainless steel battle axe from the gem s.p.a.ce, and then aimed it at the wall of the cabin.


    Bang!


    The wood splinters and magical runes flew everywhere. Tremblingwoods wanted to chase the magic runes, but he saw the magic runes pa.s.s through him and fly back to the wall. Even the wood split by the battle axe gradually began to dissipate while the walls slowly recovered.


    "What?"


    Liszt couldn''t believe what he saw. He threw the axe two more times but only arge piece of wood fell to the floor. Also, while the wood board would gradually dissipate, new wood would appear on the wall. He was quick to pick up the boards on the floor and threw them into the gem s.p.a.ce.


    A momentter.


    The new wooden panels on the wall disappeared and no longer came back. The magic runes that should have been carved on the wooden panels also lost their hinges and were only hanging in the air.


    Liszt smiled. It works!


    The next step was to keep on hacking the walls using the axe and throw the destroyed wood panels into the s.p.a.ce one by one. I don''t care what happened to your ghost ship. I am taking down all the walls on which you engraved the magic runes, and we''ll see how you will still pretend to be a ghost!


    If it''s not enough to tear down these four walls, I''m going to take 160 catties worth today! I''m going to tear down the whole ghost ship!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    In the background, Tremblingwoods'' w.a.n.g w.a.n.g and the pale faces'' screams would emerge and disappear. Liszt abruptly cut down all four walls of this cabin with the battle axe, and threw each board into the gem s.p.a.ce. Only the pirs outside of the wall were left, and were already shaking.


    The magic runes all fell out of the wall and were suspended in mid-air.


    When Liszt had finally brought down thest piece of wooden board, the magical runes seemed to be affected by a chain reaction and all spun quickly. To Liszt''s surprise, the runes scattered and reorganized and conjured a female mage shrouded in a magical cape.


    Under the hood, two bright green eyes stared coldly at Liszt.

 Chapter 250-251: The Fog of Exile

    Chapter 250-251: The Fog of Exile


    "Who are you and why did you disturb my long sleep?!"


    The female mage looked like she was made up of green light since her cloak was burning in green fire. Liszt was unable to see her face but she was a pet.i.te woman with a hoa.r.s.e voice. Her imagebined with the old ship environment made everything look extremely sad.


    Liszt has seen thirty-six ghosts before, so this one did not cause him any horror.


    He just thought it was interesting that human beings can actually exist in the form of spirits and still retain their own consciousness. Liszt took back the battle axe and reced it with the Red Blood Sword and mobilized his qi, ready to fight anytime. Are you Curtis Truth?


    Curtis  The Phantom Sorcerer bowed her head as if remembering. It was a long time before she raised her head again and the green light in her eyes shed. That was my name before my self-exile. Knight, why did you disturb my long sleep?!


    Self-imposed exile?


    Liszt was a little puzzled. He did not have the chance to open the magic book that had a note '' To His Highness Ate-Curtis Truth''.


    But thinking about it, he spected that the book may have been a form of suicide note written as a book.


    It is not that I want to disturb your sleep. In fact, you have disturbed my trip. My ship was caught in a storm at sea. Then your ghost ship leaned over and dragged us into this puzzling ghost ship.


    Ghost ship  The ghost mage fell into her thoughts again. It must have been hibernating for a long time and her brain must have slowed down. It has been more than a hundred years since Andy Sapphire became the Grand Duke. "The Goat is now a ghost shipAte  Uncle Cohen


    The light flickered again and the ghostly mage fell into the memory of the past. Her voice became more and more ethereal.


    Liszt didn''t care about the atmosphere at all and rudely interrupted, Stop! Wait a moment! My friend is trapped by the ghost ship''s hallucinations and my crew is still killing each other on deck. Can you lift the illusions of the ghost ship first?


    I have exiled myself. The Goat has be a ghost ship and it''s not something that I can control!  eh? The ghost mage''s voice suddenly sharpened, My sleeping ce! You! d.a.m.n you! You ruined my sleeping ce!


    "Your sleeping ce? You mean the carved runes on the sides?"


    d.a.m.n! That''s where I used the souls of the entire ship''s crew as casting materials to set up the Curse Magic Circle for self-exile! The mage''s spirit trembled with green light, and the whole ghost ship shook with her.


    The decayed wood fell piece by piece as if it were ready to fall down on them anytime.


    You used the souls of a ship''s crew as casting material?


    Liszt''s scalp was tingling. What was infront of her was a ghost of a female mage who did a cruel spell before her death. No wonder some pale faces called her crazy.


    "If you''re dead, you''re dead! There''s no use bringing a ship with you!"


    I let them die because they deserve to die! The Goat is either a traitor to Ate or a follower who is willing to give everything for him!


    The tone was quite ufortable.


    Liszt was not in the mood to wrangle with the dead mage anymore, so he shouted directly at the spirit, Well, I have no time to talk about more nonsense. Now is the time for you to release the ghost ship''s control over my friend. If you don''t want to, I''ll tear down the Goat piece by piece, leaving you with no ce to sleep!


    Where have you taken my sleeping ce? It is a soul trap contraption made from the remnant soul of a dragon. It cannot be destroyed by the likes of you at all. Where are they?!


    Burned.


    Burned? Impossible!


    "It has burned! Why else would it not be here?" Liszt was holding the Red Blood Sword tightly. He was determined to get more information about this soul trap contraption. He would have to ckmail the female magician first to get any sort of information about it.


    The ghost mage trembled all over, and the ghost ship followed, creaking and cracking incessantly, as if it would fall apart at any moment. If it has burned, then you will die!


    She suddenly turned into a green light and pounced on Liszt.


    Liszt broke out his fire-attribute qi and raised his Red Blood Sword . He let out a Fire Wave attack. When the green light got into contact with the Sword, it instantly exploded.


    Boom!


    The ghost mage was immediately blown to pieces, reshaped into magic runes, spinning in the air, and reappeared into the image of Curtis Truth.


    She stared at Liszt bitterly and didn''t strike again. You didn''t burn the soul trap. You can''t burn the soul trap! My soul has merged with the soul trap after self-exile. If you burn the soul trap, I will disappear and not continue to exist!


    It seems that you have regained your sanity. Liszt, still holding the red Blood Sword, was still on guard. The soul trap did not burn, but it is in my possession. If you want it back, you must first remove the illusion of the ghost ship and let my friends regain consciousness.


    Liszt''s Magic Eye has seen that the people on the deck were still circling around and asionally killing each other.


    Many people have already fallen.


    Give me back my soul trap or all of yourpanions will die The ghost''s voice has gone back to a normal human voice.


    In that case, I will have to tear down this ghost ship and find my own way to save them. Lisztmanded Tremblingwoods, Tremblingwoods , multiple rock thorns!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    The rock thorns were scattered randomly, thick and thin, filling the ghost ship cabin with wood chips.One could see the rock thorns fall into the sea one after another, as if all the wood on the ship was unreal. However, it was clear that many wooden boards were broken by rock horns and those could not be recovered.


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    For a period of time, Tremblingwoods has been unable to develop his strength. Now that he has receivedmands, the beast did not hold back. .


    The level of violence far exceeded Liszt''s expectations.


    From the punctures it had received, the ghost ship soon made an overwhelming creaking sound, and the keel of the entire ship seemed to have fallen apart. Momentster, the outline of the ghost ship drawn by magic slowly dimmed.


    They watched the ghost ship fall apart bit by bit.


    The ghost mage breathed violently, her chest rising and falling to a fast beat until she could no longer bear it. She opened her mouth and said, Let your dog stop! I will tell you how to break the ghost ship''s fog of exile..


    "Fog of exile?.."


    Between the real and the unreal, the exiled souls are the source of magic! Ghost ships, traveling in the ocean of exile, will take everything they encounter.  The ghost mage said irritably, You don''t understand anything. Now, do as I say!


    Say it now.


    The bow image opens the real gate. The sheep''s head g on the mast is the beacon of exile. Take down that g and put it on the head of the bow image, and you will be able to guide the ghost ship from exile to the real world, and then you will be free from the ghost ship.


    What about you?


    Return my soul trap to me and I shall continue my exile  I have brought disaster to Ate and Uncle Cohen. Only the exile of the souls forever is my resting ce and also my atonement.


    At that moment, the ghost mage''s face that was not visible under the hood before had cleared up.


    It cannot be determined as beautiful or ugly for it was only made up of light, but her face made of the light had a pious appearance.


    Thump, thump,thump!


    Liszt hurriedly left the cabin, went up on deck, kicked away two knights who were killing each other, and rushed directly towards the mast.


    He believed that what Curtis said was true. After all, her soul trap was already in his hands and he was capable of destroying the ship. The other party wouldn''t dare to y any tricks.


    The mast was high, but for an elite earth knight, it was an easy climb up.


    The g of the sheep''s head was at the top of the mast. It flutters even without wind. The green me was not because the g was burning, but the me was around the goat''s head. Liszt wasn''t sure what it was made of initially, but heter realized that the goat head was actually a real goat head, not a picture.


    Pull out the sheep''s head g and put it on the image at the bow of the ship. This will open the door to the real world. He stretched out his hand to pull out the g.


    Suddenly, Liszt had a tight feeling in his heart.


    He has always been cautious, and at that moment, he was not. Why did I believe Curtis so easily? This is an evil mage who used the souls of sailors as a casting material! I should not believe a single word she says!


    He looked down.


    He quickly pressed down his urgent mood, sank his will into the gem s.p.a.ce, and decided to open the magic book first, trying to find some answer from this suicide note.


    On the first page.


    There were two lines of bright green snake text. Liszt has no idea what pigment was used to write it.


    My evesting love Ate, when will everything be peaceful?


    I had to make this decision, just to meet you again.. Even in exile, even if it costs eternal destruction How can two sinful souls, the blood of countless living beings and all sins be borne?


    The text was a little mysterious and also has the faint vibe of a pretentious female Wen Qing.


    Liszt didn''t understand.


    On the second page.


    It was a preface.


    When I heard of Uncle Cohen''s devastating news , I died in my heart just because I knew it was mine and Ate''s evil thoughts that have dragged the whole family downMaybe we should settle for this short but wonderful love, rather than hope for life and steal the power of the Sapphire dragon.


    The Dragon Realm Master n has failed, and Ate''s soul has been banished I have lost my love.. My family.. Now the world has no meaning for me. Perhaps I should continue to study the notes of ancient magicians and transform myself into a lich walking between life and death.


    If I can walk freely in exile, perhaps I can see Ate again, then all this torture and pain will have some meaning!


    After turning this page, Liszt''s thoughts turned to the word lich.


    There was no time to think about it. He opened the third page.


    The third page was very strange.


    There was a picture of an eye in the middle of a triangleThe Eye of Truth, representing the sorcerer''s understanding and exploration of the world.


    But at every corner of the triangle, there were written words.


    The top corner intended for ''matter'', next to it was Alchemist, Vampire, Necromancer; the corner on the left for ''magic'' , there was Mage and Druid beside it; on the right corner for ''spirit'' , next to it was Witcher, ck Wizard, Prophet, Subus, and Shaman.


    Written under the eye of truth was the word ''knight''.


    The following line was written in a snake text:


    The heresy, like a beast, desecrating magic, crudely circting their qi, oppressing the sorcerer''s living s.p.a.ce! If one day the age of magices, burn all the knights and let the wizards rule the world and seek the truth!


    If this was Curtis''s own writing, it meant she was a fanatical believer in magic.


    Also, the words were biased towards religious cults, which was not good.


    Liszt instinctively disliked the notion of heresy. His eyes stayed on the words alchemist, wizard and druid for a few seconds, then he no longer delved into the matter and continued to turn the pages.


    Starting from the fourth page, the content of the book bes a research note. The subject of the research being the repeated experiments on the possibility of soul stripping.


    From what Liszt can understand, it seems that a wizard developed the Box of Death technique from the ancient times. The technique requires cing the soul in the life box, thus bing the evesting witch, spanning both life and death, the reality and the illusion, and bing the superior state.


    This kind of record did not distinguish truth from falsity.


    Curtis mainly repeated this technique to verify the method of stripping the soul.


    At first, she experimented on small animals, then slowly turned to human beings, and finally developed into wizards of the same kind. On page 16, shepleted the experiment and verified that the soul can be detached from the body and exist for a short time, but there must be something that the soul can fit into.


    At the beginning of page 17, she conducted a second research project, the life box experiment and creating it.


    Twenty-five pages were full of experimental notes on this subject, as if she were a genius. Curtis seeded in the experiment of the life box on page 42 and developed the soul trap, which can be used as a life box to store souls, as well as the magic circle that stores the exiled soul in the magic circle itself.


    "So it was the four walls that I have destroyed? With this magic circle, one can strip one''s soul and banish the soul into the wood.


    Time waits for no one, Liszt has no time to think. He quickly turned the pages, wanting to find more content about the ghost ship.


    He turned over about 30 pages, skipping the four small research notes on the lich life box. Atst, he saw on page 74 the drawing of a ship, a very fine three-masted schooner, and even the sheep''s head g on the main mast was clearly visible. This was the Goat, well, what it was before it became the ghost ship.


    The next 26 pages are all about the transformation of the Goat, and setting up of the magic circle.


    Curtis extended the life box technology to the whole ship, locking the souls of all crew members in the ship to protect her life box.


    ording to thest part of her suicide note, the ship will gradually break through the line separating the real and unreal and enter the ce of exile as the magic circle continues to erode.


    A ce of exile.


    Mages believe that there is a ce at the boundary where magic, matter and spirit transform into each other. In there, time and s.p.a.ce do not have rules. Eternity and brevity reflect each other. Only souls can walk in it. This ce was the ce of exile.


    People whomit serious crimes are usually exiled to this state by the n.o.bles.


    To put it bluntly, this kind of magic was cast to euthanize people. Only magicians believe this kind of death for human beings, that the soul would enter exile.


    Curtis''s ultimate goal was to use the Goat to break the boundary between exile and the real world and send her soul into it.


    Then go after her lover Ate.


    However, she did not expect that the Goat would be a ghost ship, wandering between the exile and the real world. Her soul was not sent into exile, as what she had wanted.


    Woman, are you crazy?! Are you that crazy for love? One person''s death was not enough, but you also had countless people dead! Liszt had gooseb.u.mps all over his body and secretly panicked. With the sheep''s head g stuck on the bow image, it means we will not be leaving the exile ce at all, but heading for the exile ce forever. This woman is still trying to hurt me!


    It was critical that he had the idea to open the book.


    Therefore, to return to the real world, we must first destroy the sheep''s head g and the bow image!

 Chapter 252: Liszt, The Envoy of Justice

    Chapter 252: Liszt, The Envoy of Justice


    The sheep''s head g and dragon bow image were magical equipment made of special materials, and Liszt was not prepared to destroy them.


    He immediately wrapped the sheep''s g with his own qi and threw it into the gem s.p.a.ce. Next, he took the sapphire dragon image from the ship''s bow, and also threw it in the s.p.a.ce.


    There was not much gem s.p.a.ce capacity left. The amount of materials it absorbed almost made it full.


    Without the magical power of hallucinations brought by the sheep''s head banner and the sapphire dragon''s bow, Liszt saw the fog surrounding the ghost ship gradually spread out. The people trapped in the mist would soon wake up.


    The wooden boards were decaying and aging at a rate visible to the naked eye.


    It''s finally over. Liszt breathed a sigh of relief and hugged Hiddleston''s neck, enjoying this great sense of aplishment.


    But suddenly there was a shrill scream from the ghost mage. No! d.a.m.n knight! You destroyed the Goat! No! You can''t destroy the Goat!


    Liszt stood on the decaying ship deck.


    Watching the fog gradually fade, he was indifferent to Curtis'' protests.


    He has a deep curiosity and desire to study Curtis'' lich nature and the Dragon Realm Master n, and even about the ghosts under his feet. But the other side was devious and he has no way to do checks and bnces. If he would stay here, he would surely die.


    Hence.


    "You''re better off dead. You will not go to exile and you will not kill people anymore!"


    Nooo!!


    A shriek came from the cabin as if it could pierce the eardrum, Knight, don''t! Don''t destroy the Goat, don''t destroy my soul!


    Her voice was sad and shrill. Knight, please stop! I will give my life box, Knight!.. Take my life box!


    Your life box is already in my hands, and those numerous souls . Lisztughed coldly. By this time, the evil mage still dared to fool him and was insulting his intelligence.


    No! The ghost mage screamed, That''s just the ce where my soul sleeps! It''s the ce where I banished my soul. Before reaching the ce of exile, I need my soul trap to protect the integrity of my soul! My life box..my life box.. I can give you! It is my key to return to the real world!


    Hmmm?


    The shrill screams lingered in his ears and he still felt that the other party was still trying to fool him.


    However, the ghost ship was about to copse. ording to the record in To His Royal Highness Ate  Curtis Truth  book, if the ghost ship was lost, she cannot maintain her lich state and her soul would copse and die. The ghost ship and her are one.


    There was no reason to be cynical at this point.


    Thinking about it, Liszt took Tremblingwoods with him down to the cabin again. When they saw the ghost mage, the green light that makes up her body was already unstable, shing as if it were going to dissipate at any time.


    Where is your life box?


    The ghost mage red at Liszt bitterly, stretched out her left hand, and mmed it onto her chest.


    At that moment, as if her chest had been torn, green light emerged from it. She then slowly pulled out her hand. Making a fist with her hand, she quickly handed it to Liszt, opened her fingers, and quietly ced a blue gem ring on his palm. Take it! Hurry up! Put back the bow image and sheep head g, the Goat is going to copse!


    The Red Blood Sword was stirring up the sapphire ring.


    After making sure there were no tricks wrapped in it, Liszt picked it up and looked at it. He saw nothing special,Don''t lie to me! Is this your life box?


    I don''t have time to lie to you. This is Ate''s promise to me  I don''t have any enmity with you. I don''t even know you. I just want to take my full consciousness into exile and find Ate''s soul!, the ghost mage said. Her mouth was no longer open. She was just quietly looking at Liszt.


    Will you die if I crush it?


    No, my soul lies in the soul trap. The life box is only a key to ensure that I can return to the real world and not be lost in exile.


    "This will fix the ghost ship.. But what about my friends?"


    The ghost ship is close to copsing It will be unable to continue sailing in exile, thus, it will no longer interfere with the real world, and will soon disappear at the edge of exile and the real world.


    "After that.. You will no longer interfere? You will be gone?"


    "When you give back my soul trap to me.. I will disappear with the ghost ship.. Without the soul trap, my soul will have no sustenance.. When I enter the ce of exile, I will lose myself and be a ghost in that ce I can only hope that you will protect my life box. It is the only hope that I cane back.


    I see.


    Liszt turned around and quickly put the sapphire ring into the gem s.p.a.ce, then left the cabin without looking back. He did not agree nor refuse to the terms.


    Staring at Liszt''s back as he walked away, the ghost mage was now unable to maintain her form. Her eyes started to gleam.


    She felt hopeful for what was toe. Following the ghost ship into exile and finding the love of her life, Prince Ate. She waited for a moment only to discover that the phantom ship was still crashing and that the decaying wooden boards were breaking apart and another three-masted sailing ship was looming.


    Suddenly, she realized.


    No!


    She shouted, No! No! No! d.a.m.n knight! You lied to me!


    They were all standing on the deck. What was before a rotten ghost ship has be a strong clipper ship.


    The fog has dispersed, the shadow of the ghost ship has gradually faded, and the fast-sailing ship is back in reality.


    They had slowly returned to the real world from the ce of illusion.


    Paris, Captain Leiden and others slowly woke up and looked confused at the sight and smell of blood in front of them. The chaos between the real and unreal had killed many people.


    Fortunately, Levis and Lvera, whom Liszt had taken into the cabin , were safe and sound. Paris, Captain Leiden, and deputy housekeeper Ranieri were safe as well.


    Liszt''s two footmen, Tom and Thomas, were clever enough to lie on the ground and pretend to be dead, so they were not hacked to death by the battling knights.


    But Liszt also saw the bodies of his three obedient knights, Sean Redface, York Lighthead and Theodore Rottensocks. The three teenagers stayed on the sea forever before they even had the chance to prove their worth.


    No! No! No! d.a.m.n knight! You lied to me!


    Liszt could still faintly hear Curtis''s shrill screams in his ear.


    He did not have any sympathy. Such an evil and cruel magician! Death is your only destination! You will nevere out again to harm people! I, Liszt Tulip, will have the bottom line of justice in my heart!


    No!


    I will curse you! You d.a.m.n knight!


    With Curtis''st cry, the ghost ship burst into powder, blown by the sea breeze, and disappeared without a trace.


    Dark clouds also spread rapidly in the sky, but the sun behind them brought back the light.


    Checking the surroundings to make sure there was no trace of Curtis left, Liszt dispersed his Magic Eyes and smiled faintly, Curse me? Do you even know my name?


    Exactly.


    Immediately after waking up, Paris saw Liszt and was pleasantly surprised. Baron, are you all right?

 Chapter 253-255: A Little Work

    Chapter 253-255: A Little Work


    The ghost ship was actually like a ghost. It came quickly and went away fast. No one knew what actually happened on the ship except Liszt and Tremblingwoods .


    There was no other trace of horror on deck aside from the corpses.


    The surviving sailors, in cooperation with the trainee knights, began to clean up the dead bodies. In total, the ghost ship took 23 people. The victims included sailors, trainee knights and servants while many others were injured. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the four n.o.bles on board.


    It does n''t matter whether Captain Leiden lives or not, the n.o.ble children must never be in danger. Once something happens, not only will Marquis Merlin be furious, but also Leewilliam Tulip.


    This time, however, a lot of people did perish.


    Liszt, what do you think?


    Levis'' voice pulled Liszt back from a trance.


    He was still thinking about the dog blood love between Curtis Truth and Ate Sapphire.


    Being a woman who was crazy in love, she actually recovered the magical techniques of the ancient times, turned himself into a lich, and also brought out legendary things like ghost ships. Now the ghost ship has copsed, but the sheep''s head banner, the dragon bow image, the soul trap wood, and the sapphire ring were still in Liszt''s gem s.p.a.ce.


    This will always serve to remind him that the ghost ship was not an illusion.


    No one had ever thought of meeting a ghost ship on this trip. Compared with sea monsters and storms, that experience really caught them off guard. Therefore, deputy housekeeper Ranieri asked the three siblings with a heavy heart whether they should continue to go to Red Crab Ind or return to Coral Ind immediately.


    What do you think, brother and sister? asked Liszt, who had finally returned to his senses.


    I wanted to go back, Levis said. The atmosphere of the New Year is gone, and many people have died. However, this year''s New Year may be thest New Year for Grandpa. If we can''t be with him, it will be regretful for all of us.. And since we''re okay now, I say let''s move onLvera, what do you think?


    You make the decision.Lvera''s face was still a little swollen.


    Two p marks were visible on her face, which Liszt had inflicted on her trying to wake her up.


    Of course, Lvera did not know all this.


    Liszt did not disclose the secrets of the ghost ship for it involved a court coup from a hundred years ago. Doing so would just stir up trouble. And also, some of his secrets would also get revealed in the process. For his siblings, this was just another encounter in the fog.


    No one else knew what the ghost ship was anyway.


    When the fog clouded their faces, they were already under the illusion and were not able to see or hear what was happening. Even if the ghost ship crashed or Curtis let out another shrill scream before she died, they would have not noticed it.


    Levis then made up his mind.


    They would continue sailing to Red Crab Ind.


    Fortunately, Captain Morrodo did not join the casualties. The rest of the sailors were barely able to control the ship and their navigation was not greatly affected.


    However, the atmosphere on the ship was not as cheerful as when they had firste in. Lvera, who initially liked to show off, was now on her weak side, hiding in the cabin licking her wounds. Levis and Captain Leiden were also busy dealing with the dead on board.


    Ranieri looked worried. Although he had nothing to do with the appearance of the ghost ship, this incident definitely did not gain him any points.


    Liszt, with his hair still flowing in the wind, was on deck with Tremblingwoods .


    His facial expression was also somewhat trance-like. While others have regarded the experience as a dream, he deeply experienced the secrets on the ghost ship. There were still many problems running in his mind. Liszt thought this world was the world of dragons, sprites, knights and wizards. Unexpectedly, ghost ships and lichs have also appeared one after another.


    He thought again about the strange professions recorded in the magic book  To His Royal Highness Ate  Curtis Truth, Druids, Necromancers, Vampires, Wizards, Prophets, etc., ces of exile, Dragon Realm Master n.. it all sounded veryplicated.


    I hate the existence of such a mess. It''s better to cultivate qi peacefully. What a mess magic is!


    His gaze fell back on deck where many trainee knights were still moving the dead bodies.


    Paris went up to Liszt''s side and saw that Liszt was somehow in a trance with his eyes on the corpses.


    She asked aloud, Lord Baron, are you sorry for Sean, York and Theodore?


    Hmm? Liszt came back to himself.


    Sean, York, Theodore?


    He just remembered that those three men were his trainee knights. Their deaths were indeed sad, and here he was just thinking about the ghost ship.


    Liszt nodded lightly, his tone full of sadness. They were still very young, not yet adults. They thought it was just a rxing journey, but instead it took their lives.


    No one wants to see such an ident, but you have done well enough. Sean, York and Theodore were lucky to follow a kind Lord. Paris said.


    Did I actually do well enough?


    What exactly have I done for those three people?


    Liszt was a bit confused about what Paris was thinking, but he obviously felt that Paris'' temperament towards him was getting closer and gentler.


    Before the incident, he would''ve been quite pleased to win her over.


    But seeing Curtis going crazy about love, he shuddered and felt that it was necessary to keep a proper distance from women, or female subordinates. It was better not to y with fire. Although women like Curtis are rare, who can guarantee that he would not meet a Curtis in his lifetime?


    I am ashamed that I have done only a little work.


    The green me of the sheep''s head g solidified, as did the green me of the sapphire dragon bow.


    In the gem s.p.a.ce, everything was still. On regr days, Liszt liked to take them out some items from the s.p.a.ce and see what changes have taken ce, but this time, he did not take the risk.


    For the rest of the voyage, he acted as discreet as anyone else.


    He would read the magic book written by Curtis Truth in the gem s.p.a.ce, as he had only read it briefly before.


    Now was the time to fully understand it.


    To a non-wizard, reading the experimental content written by a great wizard is like reading a heavenly book. Many things were unclear, even if there are some ill.u.s.trations that were shown to exin them. More importantly, most of the contents of this book was about how to transform a wizard into a lich.


    Liszt has no desire to be a lich, something that was neither human nor ghost.


    It is very interesting, however, to read about how to construct a ghost ship. Maybe I can find a wizard to study it in detail in the future. I can also make a ghost ship to see what the ce of exile looks like  Unfortunately, there is no record of keel fixing technology in this book. Maybe Curtis has mastered the keel fixing technology.


    The keel fixing technique was owned by Marquis Cohen. His family mage can embed the bones of dragons, asian dragons, and dragon beasts into the keel of ships to expel sea monsters.


    Liszt was hungry for this technology, but it was long lost. Curtis was possibly the only one who had mastered the technique, but he had killed her immediately.


    Forget it, I have fast-sailing ship skills anyway. I have the capability to build ships that are more suitable for navigation in the future.


    The day before the New Year''s Festival, the three siblings finally arrived at Longtaro Castle escorted by the Red Crab Ind knight''s squad. The news of their encounter with the ghost ship quickly reached the ears of Marquis Merlin.


    Levis, Lvera, Liszt, I''m relieved to see you all safe and sound. You don''t know how worried I was when I heard about the Ghost Ship.


    Cousin Meopal rode the long distance from Longtaro Castle to greet his cousins. When he saw the three siblings, he kept saying, Grandfather,Father, and Mother are all worried about you. If I had known that you would encounter a ghost ship, I should have sent my family''s fleet to pick you up.


    Whether it was aristocratic courtesy or true intentions, the three siblings were moved by Meopal''s gesture.


    The unpleasant encounter with the ghost ship also revealed one of the many disasters that is unavoidable by any traveller. They could only consider themselves unlucky and so there was no need to be angry with someone or me others for what happened.


    Besides, the siblings were not hurt.


    The atmosphere returned to the normal harmonious nature.


    At the gate of Longtaro Castle, Liszt saw his uncle and aunt. Uncle Messillo is tall, thin and handsome, somewhat simr to the portrait of Melissa in Tulip Castle. Although their Aunt has many crow''s feet in the corners of her eyes, she is still a wealthydy with a strong temperament.


    Young Liszt has grown up. You have inherited all of Melissa''s advantages. You are more handsome than your cousin, their aunt said kindly.


    Liszt bowed his thanks. Someone would always praise him for being handsome.


    Mother, please don''t praise others behind your son''s back, it hurts my self-confidence, said Meopal.


    Seeing that everyone has already said their greetings, Messillo said, "Let''s not just stand outside and talk, pleasee in. Your grandfather is waiting for you. He heard about the ghost ship incident and is worried about you.


    They all entered the magnificent Longtaro Castle.


    The three siblings naturally went to visit first the owner of the castle, Marquis Merlin, one of the seven Marquis of the Grand Duchy. Marquis Merlin now lives on crutches and is walking on the cloister of the castle. Once a respected sky knight, he now looks no different from an ordinary old man.


    Grandpa cried the three siblings.


    The Marquis of Merlin pushed aside the servant who was there to a.s.sist him, the expression on his face was as majestic as ever. Well, you are here, I know about the ghost ship encounter, were you scared?"


    Of course not. With a sword in hand and qi in the body, how can a ghost ship stand? Levis boasted immediately even when he had nothing to boast.


    But at least he showed enough courage when facing danger on board, which is something worthy of recognition.


    The least Levis could have done was to recognize Liszt''s efforts, who not only did not escape the scene, but also cared about his brother and sister''s safety, which was originally Levis'' responsibility.


    Well said, with charging and long swords, horses and pikes, knights are invincible. Marquis Merlin held out his hand and pped Levi''s shoulder heavily. It''s a pity that I have not met a ghost ship for nearly 40 years.


    While others would run the other way, Marquis Merlin only felt regret.


    One''s view of the world would vary on their skill level. Perhaps the ghost ship is nothing unusual to Marquis Merlin.


    At such a high level, one''s understanding of the world would definitely be deeper.


    After he had finished speaking, he said to Messillo, Have you made any arrangements to send the Red Crab Ind fleet and knights to patrol the sea to find the ghost ship? Seize it if you can, or end it if you cannot.


    I have informed Count Shaker to lead the investigation and I have also invited Grand Wizard Oak to apany him.


    Don''t hesitate anymore. All the waters between Red Crab Ind and Coral Ind will be inspected at once! All pirates or ghost ships are to be directly destroyed. I don''t care whether this is a natural disaster or a conspiracy. The anger of the Longtaro Castle must be vented!" the Marquis said lightly.


    Messillo nodded hastily, Father, please rest a.s.sured that I will tell Count Shaker.


    No, you will tell Shaker toe see me first.


    Yes.


    After dealing with the arrangements for the ghost ship, the Marquis said to the three siblings, Forget about the ghost ship, and think about celebrating the New Year in Longtaro Castle! Aunt Melinda will bring her two boys here tomorrow. Young people always find happy things when they get together.


    Okay, Grandpa.


    Their aunt came over and said, Tea and refreshments have been arranged in the living room. Father, take the kids to chat in the living room. It''s cold in the hallway.


    Don''t treat me like a waste, my qi is still boiling. Having said that, Marquis Merlin did not refuse the proposal and returned to the living room surrounded by the three siblings.


    They enjoyed drinking their warm tea while sharing gossip.


    Auntie is a talkativedy who always leads the topic and asks about updates about the three siblings.


    Liszt naturally talked about his Flower Town. He simply exined some of the town''s development, such as the production of flower soap, the extraction of seafood oyster sauce, and the birth of the thorn sprite, E.


    Marquis Merlin loved to hear this kind of talk, and he solemnly said, Having a sprite who produces magic, Liszt, you are truly blessed by the knight''s glory. However, it is more important to work hard yourself. Being a Sky Knight should be not just your brother''s goal, it should also be yours too."


    Grandpa, of course. I understand that my talent is mediocre. But I do not have a narrow vision.


    At this moment, Meopal suddenly b.u.t.ted in the conversation. Grandfather, you may not know that Liszt also brought a mid-level magical beast, and also that beast is his pet!


    A mid-level magical beast as a pet?


    It''s name is Tremblingwoods , a wild dog I raised from its childhood. I identally gave it the bloodline fruit and it evolved into a mid-level magical beast. However, it will only release one type of magic.


    Bring it in here so I can see it.


    Marquis Merlin was unable to walk, so Liszt directly asked Thomas, the footman, to lead Tremblingwoods to the living room. Fortunately, the living room in Longtaro Castle was quiterge, and so Tremblingwoods'' huge size was not noticed.


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g!


    It came immediately to Liszt''s feet while wagging its tail. It was impossible for any human to ignore the beast, even those servants who came in and out of the living room.


    A big ck dog!  Aunt eximed. Obviously she has been a well-respecteddy for many years, and has had her own share of magical beast meat. However, wild magical beast meat was something she has eaten very rarely. "It is bigger than a tiger and is really as obedient as a dog. Liszt, how did you tame it?


    Liszt smiled slightly, Tremblingwoods was his facade. "You raise it like a dog. Use a whip when it is being difficult and reward it with jerky when it is being obedient."


    It''s incredible to raise a beast like a dog, Liszt. You''ve made my awe for the beast disappear. Meopal exaggerated.


    Messillo nodded andmented, In terms of size, it is indeed qualified as a mid-level magical beast, it is muchrger than the ordinary Turkish dog.


    Marquis Merlin only nced at Tremblingwoods . He has seen countless magical beasts and many advanced-level ones.


    However, he spoke highly of Liszt''s breeding methods. You have a lot of ideas about breeding magical beasts. Sometimes we exaggerate the wit and danger of magical beasts when in fact, they are just beasts with a little magic in them  You should train them more on how to work with knights. In the future, it can y a roleparable to that of a Sky Knight on the battlefield.


    Liszt has no idea if Tremblingwoods would ever reach a Sky Knight level. It would have to wait until Tremblingwoods learns a new type of magic.


    A beast with no magic is just a strong beast, and at that moment, Tremblingwoods was still very young.


    After that talk, the conversation shifted towards the ghost ship.


    "Morrodo is not crazy. I know him personally. He is an excellent sea captain. Marquis Merlin had a good impression of Morrodo. "But his son was engulfed by the ghost ship, and he also encountered the ghost ship himself. It seems that he is not suitable to continue serving as captain anymore and it might be time for him to retire.


    In between the lines, Marquis Merlin has decided Morodo''s retirement.


    Grandfather, the ghost ship is the ship of the Marquis Cohen. Do you know Marquis Cohen? What kind of man is he? Meopal asked curiously.


    The Marquis sat on his chair with both hands leaning on the crutches, as if thinking.


    When Marquis Cohen was alive, my father was not yet born. My grandfather was still young then and the Longtaro family was only a Count. Marquis Cohen belonged to a family whose surname is Magic Goat. The Magic Goat family is very different from an ordinary knight family. They value magic very much.


    The Magic Goat family was a follower of Anderson Sapphire, the Sapphire Grand Duke and the dragon knight of the first generation. After the founding of the country, the family achieved a Marquis level.


    This family keeps a kind of magical beast called the Rock Goats, which they raised on arge scale. Rock Goat products sell well here and abroad. nkets and quilts made of rock goat wool are also popr products for n.o.bles.


    However, members of this family practice magic as well as cultivation of qi.


    Men cultivate their qi while women practice magic.


    Relying on magic to make fixed keels, the Magic Goat family ships can sail across the sea and help the knights of the Sapphire Grand Duchy to explore the maind. It can be said that the Magic Goat family at that time was second only to the Sapphire family in authority. Both families got along quite well with each other.


    Cohen Magic Goat was a powerful Sky Knight, following the eldest son of the second-generation Grand Duke, Ate Sapphire. However, there was a problem. Ate was badly hit during the war and the court doctors have expressed that he will definitely die young after being diagnosed."


    Marquis Merlin did not mind having a chat about the secrets of the court around family members.


    n.o.bles like to talk about the secrets of the court when they have nothing else to do, just as servants always like to talk about the n.o.bles.


    To help Ate, the magicians of the Magic Goat family decided to steal the power of the Sapphire Dragon and integrate it with Ate, making Ate a Dragon Realm Lord, thus sharing half the life of a dragon. As far as I know, the emperor who ruled over the Glorious Empire was a dragon lord and he was in power for 200 years.


    Dragon Realm Lord!


    This was the second time Liszt has heard of it. The first time he encountered it was in Curtis Truth''s magic book where she stated that such n of theirs had failed.


    Now, he discovers straight from the mouth of Marquis Merlin that the Dragon Realm Lord can actually share the life of the dragon.


    This made Liszt''s eyes open wide. If one could pursue immortality, who would be willing to die early? A mere 100 years of life is simply not enough.


    It is meaningless to live forever if one bes a lich that is neither human nor a ghost. However, it sounds like being a Dragon Realm Lord would allow one to steal the power of the dragon as to guarantee eternal youth.


    Marquis Merlin felt the young people around him were getting breathless from such news and bursted withughter. "Bing a Dragon Realm Lord really tempts people. When I was younger, I also wanted to deal with the Sapphire Dragon so I can share its lifetime. Ha ha ha ha.. But being a Dragon Realm Lord requires a lot.. and threatening a dragon never bodes well.."


    The dragon is indeed a superior creature that tops others, for even the family that owns the dragon can''tpletely win it over.


    Besides, a dragon can normally live for a thousand years and shelter a generation for hundreds of years. However, after sharing its lifetime with a Dragon Realm Lord, the dragon will only have half of it time for itself, which is obviously not worth it.


    The Marquis leaned again on his crutches.


    Marquis Merlin returned to the story. The third-generation Grand Duke, that is, his younger brother, Lord Andy, discovered Ate''s n, hence angering the second-generation Grand Duke. The second-generation Grand Duke immediately exiled Ate''s soul, pa.s.sed the Grand Duke''s position to Lord Andy, and personally captured Cohen Magic Goat.


    "But of course, Cohen Magic Goat is quite powerful. With the help of the family''s two great wizards, not only did they not give in easily, but they also attacked the second generation Grand Duke and had him seriously injured. If it weren''t for the Sapphire Dragon''s strong power to guard the second-generation Grand Duke at that critical moment, the result would have been unpredictable."


    "In the end, Cohen Magic Goat and two great magicians were suppressed. The second-generation archduke died of serious injuries. The young third-generation police official took advantage of the situation topletely destroy the Magic Goat family."


    More than a hundred years have pa.s.sed, and people have long forgotten the past except for a few people.


    I didn''t know that the ghost of Cohen Magic Goat had been roaming around for more than a hundred years, and yet, he still forgot to toss out the ghost ship. The Marquis of Merlin snorted coldly, It must be the doing of those mages. Mages are like madmen who like to study umon and evil magic.


    Although mages are sometimes needed to make magic potions and magic equipment, it does not prevent knights like Marquis Merlin from openly discriminating against them.


    The luncheon was a st. It was only with family members but Liszt ate a lot more than thest time he had dined in the castle.


    However, Liszt''s had elevated to a more morous lifestyle than before. Thus, his taste has also improved and he did not feel how delicious the food was.


    On the contrary, he was somewhat disturbed.


    His thoughts were all about the Dragon Realm Lord that Marquis Merlin had mentioned a lot. He had no idea about it before having only read the book briefly. But now that he had acquired a lot of information, he could not stop thinking about it.


    It was like another level was opened apart from being a Dragon Knight.


    He once felt that his greatest desire since he migrated was to be a dragon knight, and if he could ride a dragon, his life would not be a waste. He didn''t have too much desire for eternal life since he thought it was impossible.


    After all, a Dragon Knight would still lose his might a hundred yearster. Even if there is such a thing as a lich, after seeing Curtis''s miserable appearance, Liszt did not aspire to be one.


    However, the emergence of the Dragon Realm Lord suddenly inspired him to desire for eternal life. After all, who would like to die if he could live in style for hundreds of years?


    There''s a good song that goes I really want to live another 500 years


    Liszt has been through the world of mortals and has seen the truth about life and death. Of course he has very practical views about life thinking he has no chance to live forever anyway, but now, how can he not fight for it when he has the chance?


    Slowly eating white bread, he suddenly set a new goal. In this life, I must not only ride a dragon, but also be a dragon knight with superior power. I''m going to conquer another dragon, a young dragon, and be a Dragon Realm Lord! The life of a dragon reaches thousands of years, I''ll just have to borrow at least 400 years.


    400 years and 100 years sums up to 500 years.


    It was not much. 500 years is barely enough.


    To explore the world, to pursue the truth behind destiny, and also to solve the truth behind his crossing.


    Crossing the Devil''s Sea  Climbing Muh Gaod Mountain  Landing on the Moon, suddenly my life path is clear!

 Chapter 256-258: Meopals Struggle

    Chapter 256-258: Meopal''s Struggle


    That afternoon, Count Schalke* came to Longtaro Castle to inquire about the pirates and ghost ships that were destroying the sea. Schalke needed the three siblings to provide some clues to begin the search for the ghost ship.


    I don''t like Schalke.


    Meopal, who came to call Liszt, said in a low voice. In fact, I don''t like both Counts on Red Crab Ind, especially Schalke.


    Liszt, who had just woken up, asked curiously, Why?


    Theyck respect for Longtaro Castle.


    Liszt nodded.


    He understood, to put it bluntly, that Uncle Messillo was not strong enough to establish enough prestige in their territory. As the next Marquis of Red Crab Ind, hecked the temperament to convince his followers.


    Meopal continued, Grandfather''s health has not been going well this year and Red Crab is not responding well to the Grand Duke''s orders . There are some noises below and I know that Schalke is the source of the noises.


    A momentter.


    Liszt saw Count Schalke. The Count''s full name was Schalke Broli. The surname was derived from the broli sprite he owned.


    He was tall and powerful, and his voice was very loud.


    At Meopal''s suggestion, Liszt paid special attention to Count Schalke''s att.i.tude during the questioning and found that the Count was still full of respect for Marquis Merlin. However, he was somewhat dismissive of Messillo and Meopal. They are clearly not ced on a level ying field.


    There is , however, no disrespect when the Count talks with Messillo, since it is inevitable that Messillo will be his future lord.


    So he has to put both people on the same line.


    But between him and Meopal, the patronizing att.i.tude was evident. No wonder Meopal didn''t like him,as no lord likes to be put on the same shelf as his followers. Although Meopal is not the Marquis of Red Crab Ind yet, he is the heir''s only heir.


    In the Knight System, however, the master-ve rtionship between Meopal and Schalke is absolute.


    It is no wonder now that when I came to Red Crab Ind, Meopal came to woo me. The pattern of Red Crab Ind is obviously that the master is weak and the servant is strong  Once Grandpa Merlin dies, Uncle Messillo may not be able to control the overall situation of Red Crab Ind then.


    Any worthy Lord should be able to control his followers.


    Then the oue will be awkward. It would be inevitable that the followers would leave the leader. A Lord abandoned by his followers is definitely the greatestughing stock of the aristocracy.


    Liszt now understood why Meopal was still chasing after the Grand Duke''s daughter, whom Liszt had very poor opinions of.


    It may or may not be that Meopal wants to use the princess''s power and influence to suppress this group of patronizing followers on Red Crab Ind.


    The thinning support from the people is never a good sign for the n.o.bility.


    Do I want to develop Red Crab Ind? As a Baron of a developing town, I cannot abandon the progress. I will have to fortify my strength first, then Uncle Messillo and Cousin Meopal will be reliant on me.. And my path to being a Count will be quite easy." Liszt''s mind was shaking as he was so tempted to take a shortcut.


    Learning business and trade is harder than fighting for your life on the battlefield.


    That said, he could give up his business on ck Horse and switch to Red Crab Ind instead, but he cannot do so for the time being. Adding icing on cake is not the same asying charcoal in the snow.


    Liszt suddenly thought of a scenario.


    If one reaches the Sky Knight level and is eligible to be a Count, can he get past his father who is also a count?


    When that timees, either one will be a direct subordinate of the Grand Duke or follow a Marquis who can give the t.i.tle of a Count. At that time, presumably, their Uncle would be struggling to support the Red Crab Ind''s popce and would beg for their arrival at Red Crab Ind  a Count''s status at that time would be definitely many times better than how it is at Red Crab Ind now.


    Liszt felt sorry thinking about it.


    However, kinship among n.o.bles must always give way to personal interests. Liszt also knew that if he could not show his value, the Longtaro family would never support him in anything again.


    Of course, now that I''m thinking about it, since the beginning of this trip, the Longtaro family haven''t started to woo me


    During this moment of thinking.


    Count Schalke, who knew about the cause and consequences of the ghost ship, immediately said to Marquis Merlin, Please rest a.s.sured that after the New Year, I will lead the fleet and the knights to level the sea around Red Crab Ind and have all those who have gossips about Red Crab Ind shut their mouths!


    Very well, I look forward to your performance.


    Schalke gave another salute, nodded to Messillo and Meopal and marched off.


    -


    January 1st, the day of the New Year Festival.


    All people in all countries will choose to put down their work on this day and celebrate theing of the new year.


    That morning, Liszt woke up before dawn.


    Lying in bed, Liszt called out the long-lost smoke task. Task: After a year of hard work, even a leader needs to rx himself, enjoy theing New Year, think about next year''s development ns, broaden people-to-people rtionships, or he could do nothing and just wait for it to end. Reward: Unknown reward.


    The reward is unknown, the task is still notpleted, and it will probably have to be finished today.


    About 10: 30 in the morning.


    Liszt was enjoying teasing the thick leafy sprite who likes to spit, and the maid Anna, who once helped him wipe his face. She was constantly making eye contact with him.


    At this point, the servant of the Castle came and notified him that new guests had arrived.


    New Year''s Day is a family holiday. The siblings all came to Longtaro Castle to celebrate along with Liszt''s mother''s whole family.


    Sure enough, at the gate of the castle, Liszt and his brother and sister met Melinda Longtaro, their mother''s sister and the Marquis''s second daughter. With her was her husband Rnd Pinecone, Viscount of Long Tail City, and her two sons Russell Pinecone and Raleigh Pinecone.


    With them was Russell''s wife, and their daughter, who had just turned one year old and was wrapped in a cotton ball.


    Russell and Raleigh are Liszt''s cousins.


    This is the order of the cousins ording to age: 25-year-old Meopal Longtaro, 24-year-old Levis Tulip, 22-year-old Russell Pinecone, 20-year-old Lvera Tulip, 19-year-old Raleigh Pine cone, and 17-year-old Liszt Tulip-at this years New Year''s festival, everyone is a year older.


    Russell''s daughter is Liszt''s only junior.


    Aunt and uncle, this one says h.e.l.lo to you. Happy New Year. Liszt stepped forward to pay his respects. He did not have a deep memory of the two rtives.


    Since Melissa''s death, Leewilliam has had less and lessmunication with Red Crab Ind.


    The three siblings onlye to see the Marquis Merlin at most and have rarely visited their aunts before.


    Happy New Year Liszt, you are so big and tall. Melinda is a plumpdy, but unfortunately she has not inherited the good looks of the Longtaro family.


    She was unlucky in that aspect. Also,both sisters married a viscount.


    But Leewilliam became a Count quite early, while Rnd Pinecone is still Viscount. Even in the impression of the predecessor, his aunt''s sons were both more of a waste than their parents.


    Liszt quietly cast Magic Eyes.


    Sure enough, Liszt saw that the total amount of qi between the two cousins was simr to that of Lvera''s and did not reach the level of an elite earth knight.


    * Shaker in the previous chapters. Schalke sounds better.


    The two sons were no good.


    Viscount Rnd, the middle-aged uncle, was not a genius either. As a follower of Marquis Merlin and being married to his daughter too, it is reasonable to say that he enjoys a fair share of resources. However, after so many years, he is still only an elite earth knight.


    There is no hope of him being promoted to a Count.


    Just as non-dragon knights cannot be granted the t.i.tle of a Grand Duke, a non-Sky Knight cannot be granted the t.i.tle of a count. But there can be three generations of session, that is, if the descendants of the Count do not reach the rank of a Sky Knight, they can still inherit the Count t.i.tle, but if, unfortunately, a Sky Knight cannot be cultivated in three generations, he will be demoted.


    Originally, only earth knights were allowed to be barons.


    By this rule, Liszt should not have obtained the rank of a baron when he was exiled since he hadn''t advanced to the elite earth knight level then. But because the earth knights of the ind have been wasting on the streets, few of them will be promoted to being an elite earth knight, provided they are adequately nourished. This rule was not enshrined in the Sapphire Grand Duchy''s knighthood system, and the aristocracy did not care for it as well.


    With this, Liszt has long sealed the Count t.i.tle, and no one could refute it.


    Liszt, why didn''t your fathere? Viscount Rnd suddenly asked.


    The question was ill-intentioned. Leewilliam has long married another woman. Marquis Merlin was no longer his father-inw. How can hee to celebrate the festival?


    Liszt just smiled and answered, Father is staying on Coral Ind. There are many things in the territory that he needed to deal with. He really can''t leave.


    Viscount Rnd kept on with the questions.


    Aunt Melinda interrupted and said, Your two cousins often talked about you. When you were young, you used to y together. Now that you have grown up, you meet less and less.


    How did Liszt grow up to be taller than Levis and strong enough to be an earth knight? Nice! Cousin Russell was so jealous that he hammered Liszt''s chest.


    He was built just like his mother, short and thick, had an att.i.tude of a brat, a bit dumb, has a non-standard snake ent with a bit of a dialect tone.


    Liszt only likes to deal with people who have a simple character.


    Without waiting for him to speak, Russell said again, Come, let me introduce you, this is my wife, Jackie Broli, her uncle is Count Schalke. This is our daughter, Rosie, just 2 years old.


    Jackie Broli?


    Her uncle is Schalke Broli?


    Liszt smiled and greeted the littledy. He then warmly embraced Rosie like a cotton ball, Hi, Rosie, you say  Uncle Liszt, Happy New Year.


    Rosie apparently didn''t get the idea. She straightened her mouth and burst into tears.


    Frightened, Liszt hurriedly gave Rosie back to the servant who previously held her.


    Lveraughed. You need to understand the truth. Being handsome is of no use to children.


    The descendants of Marquis Merlin have all arrived.


    At the luncheon, the old master of Longtaro Castle had a few drinks. No one knows if he was just trying to get drunk or was trying to prepare for something. Starting from Meopal, he shouted his grandchildren''s names one by one and called them into the study.


    The youngest Liszt, of course, was thest one to go in.


    Grandpa.


    Sit down.


    The old man''s clear artiction and turbid and sharp eyes proved that the Marquis Merlin did not drink too much. The old housekeeper brought in two cups of coffee and closed the door of the study behind her.


    You surprise me, Liszt. Liszt was startled by what Marquis Merlin said. Thest time you came here, you were just an ordinary earth knight. But now you are already an elite earth knight. It is rare to see such rapid progress.


    Without denying it, Liszt asked curiously, Grandpa, how do you see it?


    When Grandpa was young, I defeated even the Grand Duke in a knight sword fight. What''s strange about seeing through your qi level? Marquis Merlin''s voice was not loud, but his words were always overbearing. He dares to speak freely even against the Grand Duke.


    It''s just strange for me to say that I''m not eating as well as I did when I was in Tulip Castlepared to when I moved to the countryside. It''s like the whole thing is going out of the blue. Almost immediately after I arrived in Flower Town, I broke through the elite earth knight level and felt a qi bottleneck and so I started taking magical potions.


    Of course, the smoke mission cannot be disclosed, so Liszt has to make up stories.


    It actually doesn''t count as a story. He did evolve naturally from the Earth Knight to the elite Earth Knight level. He was also in shock when he first discovered it.


    The three to five years of cultivation period was shortened to three to five months.


    "Maybe living in Tulip Castle saddened you. Aren''t the mages'' favorite theory about the transformation of spirit and matter? People''s spiritual strength can really affect their bodies. Melissa died too early and your father didn''t take care of you, which truly killed your talent.


    With that said, Marquis Merlin politely praised himself.  Leewilliam''s talent is fairly strong, no doubt, but the blood of the Longtaro is more n.o.ble. You siblings have inherited the advantages of your parents. You inherited the most, as you have the best talent! I seem to see the shadow of my younger self in you.


    Liszt kept smiling.


    After bragging for a while, Marquis Merlin asked, Can the wealth of the Flower Town support your use of magic potions?


    At present, there are three kinds of magic potions growing in Flower Town. Although our yield is not high, I haven''te to the point yet when I need to use a lot of magic potions, but what I have is barely enough."


    You have a small sprite that produces the potions. It will be of great help to you if you cultivate it. You also have a mid-level magical beast, which can be cultivated vigorously as well. It will be your good partner.


    I think so too.


    You have broken through the elite earth knight level in a short period of time. Be cautious and precise, but don''t be too humble. Strength determines everything. Don''t forget that you have the support of the Tulip and Longtaro family. You should let everyone see your bright future  The reason why I married Melissa off to your father was because he was fearless.


    At the beginning, Leewilliam, an elite earth knight who was just a Viscount, would have found it difficult to marry the Marquis''s daughter without any courage.


    Liszt was moved.


    His performance is indeed somewhat mediocre, not on the same level to that of a hot-blooded n.o.ble. However, his thoughts shed and he realized that he had kept a low profile not because of hisck of strength, but because he had too many secrets. He liked to develop step-by-step rather than take risks.


    Grandpa, I have a clear idea of the future now. I know what I should do.


    Marquis Merlin nced at Liszt surprised and nodded, Very well, it is very rare for young people to have this kind of mentality. I am more optimistic about your future.


    He picked up a thin pamphlet from the table and threw it to Liszt. I believe your future achievements will surpa.s.s those of your father''s. This is some of my insights from qi cultivating over the years which you can refer to.


    The two sons were no good.


    Viscount Rnd, the middle-aged uncle, was not a genius either. As a follower of Marquis Merlin and being married to his daughter too, it is reasonable to say that he enjoys a fair share of resources. However, after so many years, he is still only an elite earth knight.


    There is no hope of him being promoted to a Count.


    Just as non-dragon knights cannot be granted the t.i.tle of a Grand Duke, a non-Sky Knight cannot be granted the t.i.tle of a count. But there can be three generations of session, that is, if the descendants of the Count do not reach the rank of a Sky Knight, they can still inherit the Count t.i.tle, but if, unfortunately, a Sky Knight cannot be cultivated in three generations, he will be demoted.


    Originally, only earth knights were allowed to be barons.


    By this rule, Liszt should not have obtained the rank of a baron when he was exiled since he hadn''t advanced to the elite earth knight level then. But because the earth knights of the ind have been wasting on the streets, few of them will be promoted to being an elite earth knight, provided they are adequately nourished. This rule was not enshrined in the Sapphire Grand Duchy''s knighthood system, and the aristocracy did not care for it as well.


    With this, Liszt has long sealed the Count t.i.tle, and no one could refute it.


    Liszt, why didn''t your fathere? Viscount Rnd suddenly asked.


    The question was ill-intentioned. Leewilliam has long married another woman. Marquis Merlin was no longer his father-inw. How can hee to celebrate the festival?


    Liszt just smiled and answered, Father is staying on Coral Ind. There are many things in the territory that he needed to deal with. He really can''t leave.


    Viscount Rnd kept on with the questions.


    Aunt Melinda interrupted and said, Your two cousins often talked about you. When you were young, you used to y together. Now that you have grown up, you meet less and less.


    How did Liszt grow up to be taller than Levis and strong enough to be an earth knight? Nice! Cousin Russell was so jealous that he hammered Liszt''s chest.


    He was built just like his mother, short and thick, had an att.i.tude of a brat, a bit dumb, has a non-standard snake ent with a bit of a dialect tone.


    Liszt only likes to deal with people who have a simple character.


    Without waiting for him to speak, Russell said again, Come, let me introduce you, this is my wife, Jackie Broli, her uncle is Count Schalke. This is our daughter, Rosie, just 2 years old.


    Jackie Broli?


    Her uncle is Schalke Broli?


    Liszt smiled and greeted the littledy. He then warmly embraced Rosie like a cotton ball, Hi, Rosie, you say  Uncle Liszt, Happy New Year.


    Rosie apparently didn''t get the idea. She straightened her mouth and burst into tears.


    Frightened, Liszt hurriedly gave Rosie back to the servant who previously held her.


    Lveraughed. You need to understand the truth. Being handsome is of no use to children.


    The descendants of Marquis Merlin have all arrived.


    At the luncheon, the old master of Longtaro Castle had a few drinks. No one knows if he was just trying to get drunk or was trying to prepare for something. Starting from Meopal, he shouted his grandchildren''s names one by one and called them into the study.


    The youngest Liszt, of course, was thest one to go in.


    Grandpa.


    Sit down.


    The old man''s clear artiction and turbid and sharp eyes proved that the Marquis Merlin did not drink too much. The old housekeeper brought in two cups of coffee and closed the door of the study behind her.


    You surprise me, Liszt. Liszt was startled by what Marquis Merlin said. Thest time you came here, you were just an ordinary earth knight. But now you are already an elite earth knight. It is rare to see such rapid progress.


    Without denying it, Liszt asked curiously, Grandpa, how do you see it?


    When Grandpa was young, I defeated even the Grand Duke in a knight sword fight. What''s strange about seeing through your qi level? Marquis Merlin''s voice was not loud, but his words were always overbearing. He dares to speak freely even against the Grand Duke.


    It''s just strange for me to say that I''m not eating as well as I did when I was in Tulip Castlepared to when I moved to the countryside. It''s like the whole thing is going out of the blue. Almost immediately after I arrived in Flower Town, I broke through the elite earth knight level and felt a qi bottleneck and so I started taking magical potions.


    Of course, the smoke mission cannot be disclosed, so Liszt has to make up stories.


    It actually doesn''t count as a story. He did evolve naturally from the Earth Knight to the elite Earth Knight level. He was also in shock when he first discovered it.


    The three to five years of cultivation period was shortened to three to five months.


    "Maybe living in Tulip Castle saddened you. Aren''t the mages'' favorite theory about the transformation of spirit and matter? People''s spiritual strength can really affect their bodies. Melissa died too early and your father didn''t take care of you, which truly killed your talent.


    With that said, Marquis Merlin politely praised himself.  Leewilliam''s talent is fairly strong, no doubt, but the blood of the Longtaro is more n.o.ble. You siblings have inherited the advantages of your parents. You inherited the most, as you have the best talent! I seem to see the shadow of my younger self in you.


    Liszt kept smiling.


    After bragging for a while, Marquis Merlin asked, Can the wealth of the Flower Town support your use of magic potions?


    At present, there are three kinds of magic potions growing in Flower Town. Although our yield is not high, I haven''te to the point yet when I need to use a lot of magic potions, but what I have is barely enough."


    You have a small sprite that produces the potions. It will be of great help to you if you cultivate it. You also have a mid-level magical beast, which can be cultivated vigorously as well. It will be your good partner.


    I think so too.


    You have broken through the elite earth knight level in a short period of time. Be cautious and precise, but don''t be too humble. Strength determines everything. Don''t forget that you have the support of the Tulip and Longtaro family. You should let everyone see your bright future  The reason why I married Melissa off to your father was because he was fearless.


    At the beginning, Leewilliam, an elite earth knight who was just a Viscount, would have found it difficult to marry the Marquis''s daughter without any courage.


    Liszt was moved.


    His performance is indeed somewhat mediocre, not on the same level to that of a hot-blooded n.o.ble. However, his thoughts shed and he realized that he had kept a low profile not because of hisck of strength, but because he had too many secrets. He liked to develop step-by-step rather than take risks.


    Grandpa, I have a clear idea of the future now. I know what I should do.


    Marquis Merlin nced at Liszt surprised and nodded, Very well, it is very rare for young people to have this kind of mentality. I am more optimistic about your future.


    He picked up a thin pamphlet from the table and threw it to Liszt. I believe your future achievements will surpa.s.s those of your father''s. This is some of my insights from qi cultivating over the years which you can refer to.

 Chapter 259: The Blessing of the Great Magician

    Chapter 259: The Blessing of the Great Magician


    Everyone thought the festival would end with a family dinner where everyone would receive their gifts and prizes.


    But in the evening, there was a pleasant surprise.


    Marquis Merlin, I haven''t seen you for a long time. It was a middle-aged man in a fancy magic cape, wearing three gemstone rings of different colors on his hands.


    They are light yellow, light red and blue.


    Mr. Grimaldi, howe you came here? Why are you not in the pce? Marquis Merlin was a little surprised at the arrival of the other party.


    I came with the blessing of the Grand Duke.


    What a hearty one. Let''s start, Mr. Grimaldi.


    Grimaldi smiled and held his hand with the three rings high. The next moment, the brilliance of the rings reflected each other and turned into several beams of light directed into the already dark night sky. These beams are magic, and suddenly burst in the air hundreds of meters high.


    Boom!


    The red light beam burnedrge swaths of me, like clouds of me.


    Boom!


    The blue light beam lifted up clouds of water, surging like waves in the sky.


    Boom!


    Violet beams of light burst into shes of lightning, weaving back and forth between mes and water, making huge thunderous noises.


    Boom!


    The green light beam finally burst and turned into a huge gust of wind, mixing mes, water ma.s.ses and lightning into a ball, constantly changing into various shapes over the Longtaro Castle.


    This magic made all the people in Longtaro Castle look at the sky with their heads held high appreciating the magical wonders. Even distant cities can see magical wonders over Longtaro Castle and could only marvel at them.


    About a quarter of an hourter.


    The magical wonders faded away, and a few raindrops fell. Everything returned to peace.


    Marquis Merlin, I have brought to you the Grand Duke''s blessings. Mr. Grimaldi bowed quietly.


    The Marquis Merlin paid the courtesy with a somewhat wry tone. Although it was just a fancy magic show, I have received the Grand Duke''s wishes so thanks Mr. Grimaldi for your hard work and please join me in the festival dinner.


    It would be an honor.


    Apanied by Marquis of Merlin, Grimaldi nodded to Mesillo and the others, and entered the castle.


    Liszt has already inquired about the ident.i.ty of the other party, and Meopal exined in great detail. Grimaldi Truth, the great magician of the court. He is proficient at the magic of Feng Shui, Fire, Earth, Thunder and Ice, and he is the most powerful. He does research and design of magic equipment, especially magic rings.


    The three rings he''s wearing on his hand? Liszt asked again, remembering that he had deceived Curtis Truth with the sapphire ring, and found nothing special about it.


    However, the shape was very simr to the magic ring on Grimaldi''s hand.


    Maybe it is a magic ring.


    Meopal nodded.Yes, it must be three magic rings. The dragon gem''s powers are used to increase the magic power of magicians. But because the carving of the magic runes is different, it is of no great use to us knights, but it is priceless to wizards.


    Hearing that it was useless to knights.


    Liszt was somewhat disappointed.


    It seems that Curtis'' life box and the magic runes on the blue gem ring were also specifically carved just for magicians. Liszt can''t use it, he can only keep it as a souvenir.


    Suddenly, a sh of thought urred. Why don''t I just cut the sapphire from the blue gem ring, sc.r.a.pe off the magic runes, re-carve, and let someone make it into a gem weapon? There is already a red blood sword suitable for me, but it is better to build another gem weapon suitable for charging.


    He even thought of naming it the Blue Blood Gun, matching with the Red Blood Sword.


    As for the life box function of the sapphire ring, Curtis''s soul was already destroyed with the copse of the ghost ship, so of course, recarving was not necessary.


    However, this sapphire ring is now exposed, will anyone be reminded of it? Besides, can used gemstones even be recycled?


    No idea.


    He thought of it lightly then returned to the banquet to start the New Year''s Eve dinner.


    On the dining table, rich high-.s.s food, luxurious crystal tableware and aged cer wine all unted the wealth of the Longtaro family.


    The great wizard Grimaldi and the Marquis Merlin wereughing and chatting with each other on a few rare court secrets.


    Young people also exchanged their .s.ses and wished each other every sess in the New Year.


    The servants kept going in and out, recing dishes that only had two bites out of it and brought in a variety of dark cuisine dishes. The 2-year-old Rosie got up on the table somehow, patted her small hands on the table, patted the crystal tableware, and shattered it on the ground.


    The servants of the Longtaro Castle packed up the damaged tableware with a smile, while everyone on the table paid no attention.


    Liszt has not developed a liking for dark cuisine even after a year. He ate the food politely but was feeling the boredom deep inside. "This wine tastes like meat, some of these are like dirt on a road."


    Even with the luxurious front of Longtaro Castle, the cutlery can still be easily broken.


    But the price of a crystal tableware may be enough for a civilian to eat ck bread for a year.


    The backward productivity level made it difficult for civilians to eat, wearfortably, and keep warm. Even the serfs of Longtaro Castle, with countless sprites a.s.sisting in agriculture, still struggle to survive. Although the output in the field was high, it also meant heavy taxation, after all, this is used to maintain the lifestyle on Longtaro Castle.


    Food, utilities and armor knight equipment, all productse from the work of the civilians.


    What are you thinking? Are you distracted? Lvera sat next to Liszt, leaned over and asked quietly, Are you thinking about your subordinates, such as a mercenary dressed as a woman with a face mask?


    After arriving at Red Crab Ind, Lvera soon recovered from the trauma of the ghost ship and became interested in Paris. She often found that female mercenaries are able to connect with her feelings more.


    Though Liszt was the one who hired Paris, Liszt has no n of interfering of Lvera''s ns to win her over.


    Hearing this, he gracefully cut the magical beast barbecue and casually replied, No, I''m thinking about world peace.


    Ha Ha. Lveraughed, Liszt, I never knew you could be so humorous.


    Liszt also smiled with a hint of self-deprecation. Othersugh at me for being too crazy, and Iugh at others for not being able to see it through. Life should be about doing some meaningful things, and the desire for world peace is very meaningful. Of course, we need to understand that it is best to set a small goal that can be achieved first."


    What are your small goals?


    Let''s say, riding a dragon first.


    Ha Ha! Lveraughed.


    Cousin Russell on the other side alsoughed. Yes, I also want to set a small target. I also want to ride a dragon.


    Theughter caught Grimaldi''s attention who was talking andughing with Marquis Merlin. Who wants to ride a dragon? I can introduce him to the Grand Duke, whose courtyard houses the only dragon in the country.

 Chapter 260: The Sprite of the Sea

    Chapter 260: The Sprite of the Sea


    Dang! Dang! Dang!


    At 12 o''clock in the middle of the night, the Longtaro Castle announced that the Sapphire calendar had officially pa.s.sed on January 1, 152.


    Liszty on his bed expecting the smoke mission to appear.


    As the New Year pa.s.sed, the smoke task also reachedpletion.


    Complete the mission. Reward: the sprite of the sethe singing demon.


    What?


    This is


    Liszt ''s sleepiness disappearedpletely, leaving only excitement ready to burst out. Sprites of the sea? Singing Demon? Isn''t that a legendary creature?!


    The Singing Demon, a legendary creature of the sea, is second only to mermaids in appearance in knight novels. In most knight novels, the Singing Demon is a creature with a woman''s upper body and a sea snake''s lower body. In a few knight novels, the Singing Demon is .s.sified as an evil creature, seducing sailors at sea and killing them.


    It is different from mermaids which are seen as romantic creatures in knight''s novels, it is also different from the nagas, which are the demons of the sea. In some magic books, they are said to be a fusion of creatures created by wizards a long time ago.


    Singing Demons have long been popr among sailors.


    Many sailors have sworn to have heard the hallucinogenic singing on the sea during a certain voyage, which intoxicated them. Many sailors even said that their ships lost their way on the sea but have only found their way through the guidance of the demon''s songs.


    Liszt had no doubts about the existence of these singing demons. Since ghost ships are real, there was no uncertainty about these singing monsters.


    Even creatures like mermaids, nagas and murlocs, he didn''t doubt the authenticity of them at all.


    On the contrary, Liszt was very excited. Most of the singing demons in knight novels are described as having beautiful female human upper bodies and with a pleasant singing voice. The smoke mission also calls the singing demon the sprite of the sea. Obviously, a legitimate singing demon must have some extraordinary power.


    A singing demon.. you reward me with a singing demon? I don''t know what those look like  will it have human reproductive organs?


    He touched his chin with an obscene expression.


    Liszt thought about it for a while but couldn''t figure out what kind of strange structure it would have. I''m afraid it would be nowhere near having a normal human appearance, after all, its lower body is said to be that of a sea snake  perhaps, it would have a dolphin-like structure? He used to watch the news and heard stories about people and dolphins.


    Stop!


    Liszt stopped his lewd imagination, preferring to believe that there is no genital structure in a singing demon''s body. The smoke mission has described a sea sprite, a creature without s.e.x.


    Liszt cleared up his tumultuous thoughts.


    He called out the smoke task again. He has not seen what the new task is yet.


    Task: at the beginning of the New Year, ice and snow still covers Flower Town, but new life is already growing. The mother dog beast is about to give birth. In order to have strong fighting abilities in the future, please feed the beast cubs with special Flower Town milk until they open their eyes. Reward: Storm Dog Variation.


    A mutated storm dog?


    Liszt was attracted by the task. Feed them the milk of dragon cows until they open their eyes? Does this mean that as long as I feed them the milk of the dragon-type cows, I can make the offspring of Tremblingwoods and Stupidwoman reachplete mutation? Is it even possible to grow a mid-level magical beast like Tremblingwoods ?


    He now has high hopes for Tremblingwoods'' pups.


    Now it seems that there is a great probability that these pups will be cultivated into mid-level magical beasts.


    Liszt thought about the future Storm Dog Army, such a luxurious lineup. Even if the Blue Blood Knights of the Sapphire Grand Dukees, can''t the dog army just burst rock thorns at them all at once?


    Thinking of this, he wanted to set off immediately to Flower Town to take care of the soon-to-be born storm dog pups.


    But not yet. A ball will be held the day after he New Year''s orchestrated by the Marquis Merlin for the three Tulips and Cousin Raleigh to find suitable marriage partners . Marquis Merlin was old, probably idle and bored, and was starting to function like an old man.


    Levis couldn''t care less. He was still pining over Marquis Rodrik''s daughter.


    Lvera was full of expectations and Raleigh was even more anxious. Before Liszt received the new smoke task, he was also very much looking forward to seeing Athena Salmon again. He was deeply impressed by the first girl in the world to express her love to him.


    But now, he just wants the two remaining days to pa.s.s by as quickly as possible and go home.


    I miss my singing demon.


    Paris, how many egg rolls have you brought with you and why have you not finished all of them after so many days of eating? After qi cultivation .s.s downstairs, Liszt met Paris, who was bored and wandering around.


    This ck Dragon Gang member was hired to protect Liszt. But now that they are in Longtaro Castle, there wasn''t much to do so Paris has been wandering around all day.


    Other times, Lvera would forcibly pull her over and try to connect with her.


    There is not much left. Fortunately, I can go back tomorrow from this stay in Longtaro Castle. Otherwise, I will starve to death.


    Are you sure you''ll starve to death? Liszt''s eyes swept over her bulging body, and felt that she was getting plumper than before, Polite suggestion, eat as little snacks as possible, or you will get fat. It will greatly affect your strength.


    Liszt looked at her figure again.


    Suddenly, Paris felt her face turn red, her eyes dodged Liszt, and her tone became much softer. Master Baron, do you like thin girls?


    Hmmmm?


    Liszt felt that question meant ''trouble'' so he said instead, "No, I only like myself." After that, he pulled the ruff pleated cor around his neck, took his two long legs and turned around to go back inside the castle.


    Paris was left with her mouth open, not knowing what to say.


    The ball would begin at five o''clock in the afternoon.


    The time has not yete.


    There were many carriages parked at the gate, and many young n.o.bles hade to Longtaro Castle. All the men and women were dressed in their most magnificent dresses, fluttering like peac.o.c.ks.


    Liszt was also looking brand-new.


    The fitted frac habill perfectly matched his temperament. The fabric of his clothes were red in color, and was embroidered with the symbol of Longtaro Castle. This is a tradition of the n.o.bles, usually embroidering patterns of their own family symbols on their clothes.


    The clothes from Longtaro Castle were naturally embroidered with the Longtaro symbol.


    Overall, the clothes looked gorgeous.


    A good-looking suit on a tall stature, coupled with a mature and stable temperament and handsome face, from where Liszt stood, he obviously was the secret focus of the crowd.


    While Liszt was standing by the window at the corridor, a servant came along with drinks and asked, Master Liszt, would you like some?


    Thank you.


    Liszt picked up a .s.s of champagne.


    Champagne is a kind of wine. People like to drink champagne most when celebrating festivals. However, real champagne is hard to buy, because ording to thews and regtions of the Sapphire Grand Duchy , only champagne brewed on Blue Dragon Ind is considered real champagne, and the rest can only be called wine.


    Blue Dragon Ind''s champagne output is very low, and it is only supplied to n.o.bles with rankings above that of a count.


    Is it good to drink? Liszt was not sure. He doesn''t like drinking.


    Shaking the golden champagne, his eyes were on the newly arrived carriage.

 Chapter 261-262: The Catcher and the Narcissist

    Chapter 261-262: The Catcher and the Narcissist


    The carriage stopped and a servant helped a n.o.bleman and ady in a gorgeous dress get off the carriage. She was wearing a birddy''s hat, which many famousdies liked to wear. It was made of colorful bird feathers, which stood high and attracted attention.


    Once a statement piece that onlydies married to Sky Knights can wear, it has be a favorite clothing item of even the most ordinary n.o.bles.


    However, Liszt has no idea who this n.o.bledy was.


    Liszt, why are you hiding here? I''ve been looking for you for half a day. Cousin Meopal''s voice came from behind. What are you looking at by the window?


    He went straight to Liszt''s side and looked out as well just in time to see the carriage pull in in front of the gates of Longtaro Castle. "Well, aren''t you a front scout looking at these n.o.bledies? You can see them clearly from this ''height'' alright."


    The height he was referring to was the height needed to see over the other side of the ridge.


    No, I just think it''s too crowded in the hall.


    I understand.


    What do you understand?


    Moepal touched the red wine .s.s in his hand with Liszt''s champagne .s.s. You are looking forward to seeing the beautiful Athena Salmon.


    No. Liszt responded unconsciously, and he asked again, Is sheing tonight?


    Didn''t you say you''re not expecting her, Liszt? Why do you care about Athena when you already rejected her?


    Liszt did not choose his words and said directly, I just think it is very memorable. I seldom attend gatherings on Coral Ind, and no female aristocrat of my age has invited me to her home. At the dance on Red Crab Ind, Athena was the first to point out how outstanding I am.


    No wonder.


    Someone has touched a nerve.


    Meopal didn''t know what to think of next and decided not to continue teasing. Instead, he said with a slightly mncholic sigh, A man should only find a woman when he alreadypletely knows himself  If he doesn''t know himself, I can''t imagine what his life will be like in the future.


    Liszt asked, Are you talking about Princess Ang?


    Yes, Ang Sapphire, the brightest pearl on the Grand Duke''surel wreath. If nothing goes wrong, she will be the future mistress of Red Crab Ind."


    Grand Duke Andrew Sapphire has two sons and two daughters. Ang is the youngest daughter.


    Have you confirmed your rtionship with her?


    It wasn''t me and her. It was grandfather and the Grand Duke who confirmed our rtionship. He emptied the .s.s of red wine in one gulp and threw it directly back into the te carried by the servant, yelling, Go on.


    The servant hurriedly bowed and left.


    Meopal propped his hands on the window sill. Do you know that I have been struggling to pursue girls and have not received any response, but now I can clearly define the rtionship?


    Liszt looked at him, waiting.


    Grimaldi Truth, I naively thought that he really came with the blessing of the Grand Duke, but the result was  He suddenly turned around and patted Liszt on the shoulder. Grandfather said your future is limitless. We share the same blood, cousin and I have nothing to hide from you.


    Please, cousin. Liszt has roughly guessed.


    Sure enough, what Meopal said was almost the same as Liszt''s guess. Meopal has be the catcher.


    Of course, Princess Ang must not have children beforehand. Even if she is the most beloved daughter of the Grand Duke, she cannot marry a marquis heir with children already of her own. This is not only against the morality of chivalry, but also a great shame to the Marquis family.


    As a result, Princess Ang, who was pregnant for several months, was forced to abort.


    She has poorments about her. I have long known that as long as there is no big scandal, the past will be forgotten. But what is unforgivable is that the aborted child, his  his  father, was just a juggler!


    Since she had bad criticisms, it was not surprising that the father was lowly.


    As an aristocrat and a part of the ruling .s.s, Liszt can understand Meopal''s feelings. n.o.bles can mess with n.o.bles, but civilians must never mess with high-ranked n.o.bles such as the Grand Duke''s daughter. The vaudeville entertainer''s status was equivalent to that of a serf''s, so no wonder Meopal was furious.


    Perhaps Meopal was not angry because the princess was messing with the juggler, but because the news was leaked out. He was furious that the Longtaro family was involved in the princess and the juggler''s baby''s death, which showed that this matter was no longer a secret on Blue Dragon Ind.


    Perhaps in Meopal''s eyes, the Longtaro Castle has be greener and greener.


    Liszt had the urge to gloat.


    But he thought about it.


    He decided tofort Meopal instead. Life is not always smooth. Although Princess Ang does not conform to the moral standards of a n.o.ble hostess, she is at least one of the n.o.bledies most needed in Longtaro Castle. What are those thingspared with the harmony of a married life ?


    Speaking of which, Liszt suddenly thought of his view about love.


    When he was younger, he looked forward to finding the girl they would be with for the first time. At that time, they believed that one''s past was not important, what mattered was that they loved each other. Even if they reach theirte thirties and haven''t found someone, they would always search for that someone to be together with.


    The struggle between people and life would always make one take a step back, and life always goes one step further.


    Maybe this was just whining.


    Meopal was soon freed from the anger of being the catcher. He had started preparing for that position anyway. Let''s go and chat in the hall. All the young n.o.bles from Red Crab Ind are here today. Perhaps you can find someone you like.


    Immediately after, Meopal remembered, "I just went on and on talking about myself that I forgot to tell you to stop looking for Athena. She is not attending this dance. She fell in love with a baron at the Sea Festival dance and she will be a baroness around this time next year.


    Is that so?


    Liszt responded ndly, as if he didn''t care.


    In fact, it brought a tightening feeling in his heart. There was an unspeakable ufortable feeling. He had tried to suppress the schadenfreude feeling of mocking Meopal, but now that feeling has burst.


    It was ridiculous that Meopal was forced to ept the offer, but Liszt''s long-held narcissism was no joke as well.


    "I forgot that there is no moment of love at first sight between n.o.bles Maybe she has long forgotten me after that party.."


    All of a sudden.


    Liszt had no desire to be in the party.


    Originally, the expectation of seeing Athena brought up a little pa.s.sion for the ballroom dance . But now, the thought of the so-called ballroom dancing was for him just abination of interests between n.o.bles. Each shows its own capital and then selects its own high-quality objects to continue the family''s bloodline.


    He calmed down his broken heart, smoothed his clothes, and hung an aristocratic standard smile on his face.


    No Athena Salmon showed up in the dance.


    Levis and Lvera mingled with the crowd and talked enthusiastically with men and women, n.o.bles and celebrities. Meopal was still smiling, trying to maintain the dignity of being the owner of Longtaro Castle.


    He was very good at this kind of work.


    Liszt remained the same, neither taking the initiative nor refusingmunication. When someonees over to be polite to him,he apanies them for a while. Although he never nned to work while staying in Red Crab Ind, why should he refuse opportunities to expand hiswork?


    The pianist then yed a beautiful melody.


    Men paired up with women to dance on the dance floor.


    Laughter rang out from all corners, apparently from people who were having a pleasant conversation. Meopal was pacing around, taking care of all the n.o.ble men and women. While doing so, he took a .s.s and sat down beside Liszt.


    This is more tiring than a battle charge. Meopal gasped.


    Fortunately, I''m just a baron and don''t have to say a word to these hundreds of men and women.


    They are all followers of Longtaro Castle. They havee all this way to say a word to me. How can I have the heart to disappoint them?


    Liszt can''t tell whether that sentence was out of self-mockery or pride.


    Meopal asked again, Aren''t you going to dance?


    None of these invited people spark my interest.


    Then go and have the initiative to invite. This is the initiative a n.o.ble gentleman should have.


    I haven''t thought about it yet. Which one do you want to invite?


    You have really strange ideas. If it was up to me, as long she''s beautiful, I''d invite her to dance all night. Meet the right one then find a corner to talk alone. Come, maybe you can find one to take home and be your hostess.


    Liszt was still reserved. That''s too fast, isn''t it?


    Meopal shook his head from not understanding his cousin. Since you don''t want to dance, can you y the piano?


    Maybe  a little. Liszt himself can''t y any musical instrument really well, but as an aristocratic member, he had learned the piano.


    He can barely remember a few songs.


    n.o.bles like music. Piano is the most popr musical instrument, especially at dances. How else can one create a charming atmosphere without a piano apaniment? Many down-and-out aristocrats rely on ying the piano to maintain their upper-.s.s life . With this, they can even be guests of n.o.bledies.


    Get ready, we''ll y a song ourselvester.


    Meopal beckoned a footman. Go and inform the pianist that after ying this song, he wille down quickly. Liszt and I will go up to y the piano.


    Yes, Master.


    What piece would you y? I''m going to y Ariel by the Water .I like this piano piece best. It has a beautiful melody and a touching story. Do you like it too?


    I don''t want to y the piano, and I haven''t heard of this piece.


    Oh my G.o.d, you haven''t even heard of it! This is the work of piano master Cherney Windmill. Heposed this music for his own story! Ariel, the legendary snake-hair banshee, and Master Cherney looked at Ariel at the water''s edge when he was touring st Furnace Castle. At that moment, he turned into a stone!


    Turned into stone? He is dead, then?


    You really don''t have any artistic atmosphere! It was a metaphor! Cherney did not really turn into a stone, but when he saw the beauty of Ariel, it was her beauty that made him turn into stone, not like her eyes that really made him turn into a stone. What he saw may not be Ariel either. It could only be a metaphor.


    Meopal talked more about piano pieces while the guests danced. Ariel is a legendary creature. Legend has it that she has three sisters, all of whom are snake-hair banshees, all beautiful but deadly. Master Cherney saw a woman at the water''s edge and felt that her beauty turned him into a stone, like poison. Do you understand now?


    Maybe. Liszt responded casually.


    Then prepare for it, you will also y a songter. Believe me, only art can make people forget their troubles. He left Liszt a very artistic figure, ready to perform on stage.


    However, Meopal also seems to be concerned by Liszt''s ignorance.


    While ying, Meopal purposely used qi to expand his performance, telling the story behind Ariel at the Water''s Edge before starting to y.


    One has to say that his piano ying skills are superb. The melody was soothing and pa.s.sionate. It intoxicated people in the scenes of I saw Ariel, I became a stone and her beauty suffocates me.


    The song was over.


    Immersed in music, the n.o.bles apuded one after another.


    Meopal rose gracefully and leaned slightly to bow. "My cousin, Liszt Tulip, will y the next piano piece for everyone.


    Liszt wanted very much to break Meopal''s head with a hammer.


    He didn''t want to y the piano at all. Indeed, almost all n.o.bles learn musical instruments like a piano to increase their n.o.ble temperament. Former Liszt yed the least piano, but now Liszt is a musical idiot, and his favorite is pop songs!


    He has not touched any musical instrument since crossing.


    The piano fingering technique from his predecessor''s memory was out of practice. It would be a true shame to let him y it. He didn''t know if this was Meopal''s revenge. Meopal probably sensed Liszt''s gloating att.i.tude when they were chatting by the window. After all, he really wanted tough at his cousin at that time.


    But.


    Nothing came close to the embarra.s.sment he felt at the moment.


    He was a bit aloof now. He didn''t intend to gain any love at this ball, however, it would still be shameful to go up and lose face.


    With a smile on his face, Liszt got up the stage step by step.


    Sitting in front of the piano, he stroked the keys with his hands, making very neat high and low notes. He looked down at the keys andpared it with the memory of his predecessor. He found out the keys corresponding to the notes of Duo, Lai, Mi, Fa, Suo, La, Xi, etc. Then the melody of a song came to his mind and he quickly thought out how to y it.


    Like Meopal, he also prepared a prelude monologue.


    The qi flowed through his body and increased the level of performance. It is a legend from long  long, long ago, in a forest kingdom on a distant continent, there was a brother and sister, each with special abilities. The elder brother''s eyes can see far away ces and the younger sister''s ears can hear far away sounds. They grew up together in joy and in sorrow.


    Liszt''s voice was attractive.


    It was easy to get caught in his story, it did not feel like a monologue at all.


    In their spare time, they would always run to the mountains. The brother would look out to distant countries and tell the sister all sorts of strange things. The sister would listen to the news from the wind and sing heavenly songs to his brother  They fell in love. They threw away all restraints and enjoyed their love.


    But the world will never allow this love, no matter how hard it is, it is still defeated by moral shackles. In order to prove their undying love to each other, the brother blinded his eyes and the sister blocked her ears. What''s the use of their abilities now?


    A long timeter, a foreign musician was greatly moved upon hearing this poignant and touching love story. With mixed feelings, heposed a touching song. I can''t help but feel sad when I hear this piece. How can a sibling''s grief not bemented?


    Unfortunately, I didn''t write down the notes of the song. I can only share the melody and lyrics from memory.


    When..


    Dang! Dang!


    Liszt''s hands touched the piano, pressed down the keys heavily, and began to y the song.


    A simple, fast-paced melody rose quickly, like faint sadness in a lively setting. Liszt''s voice was mixed with melodies and fluttered over the dance floor,in a Chinese that everyone could not understand. Two tigers, two tigers, running fast

 Chapter 263-265: To Elise on the Dance Floor

    Chapter 263-265: ''To Elise'' on the Dance Floor


    Alright.


    Liszt didn''t actually y Two Tigers or Run Fast. However, he did go for one of the few piano pieces he was most familiar about.


    It was Beethoven''s Fr Elise.


    As to why he yed this musical piece, it was naturally because this piece was very simple and familiar. When he was a child, Liszt had a music box. Every time he turned it, it would y Fr Elise . Even now, Liszt only needed to close his eyes and he still could hear the same familiar melody.


    As one of the world ''s greatest pianoposers, the story of Beethoven ''s deafness in both ears has been written in elementary school textbooks.


    But few people actually know that Beethoven is unmarried.


    He yearned for love and was captivated by a n.o.bledy when he was 16 years old. However, due to the difference in status, the affair was not to be and he almostmitted suicide. At the age of 20, he fell in love with a widow but missed it again because of status differences. He was tormented by his childhood ear disease, but he still yearned for true love.


    In histe forties, he fell in love with his female student, a young girl named Therese Malfatti.


    On impulse, he wrote the short piece Bagatelle in A Minor and gave it to Therese. Later, someone wrote a biography of Beethoven and discovered this piece from Therese''s relics. However, when it was published, its original t.i.tle which was To Teresa was written as To Elise.


    Since then, this piano piece has widely circted around the world.


    Because of its simple monophonic melody, even the music box market is dominated by To Elise with the remaining half divided between City of the Sky and Cannon.


    Liszt yed it for the first time.


    Liszt''s fingers are still very crude and there were many mistakes. It was not perfect. But when he began to y the second time, he had mastered every note and restored most of To Elise.


    He yed it three times in a row.


    With that, Liszt just finished his first ever piano performance in his career.


    Like Meopal, he stood up facing the n.o.ble men and women who had stopped dancing on the dance floor and quietly admiring To Elise.


    Liszt then turned around and left the piano.


    The audience broke into a warm apuse, which was more than the apuse that Meopal received when he yed Ariel at the Water''s Edge. Most people here have heard Meopal y Ariel at the Water''s Edge. However, no one has ever heard the short piece To Elise before.


    On Earth, "To Elise" has been around for a long time and the charm of the work is naturally self-evident. Even if Liszt''s performance was only of beginner''s level, it still touched many people.


    Excellent!


    Meopal couldn''t help but say, Liszt, you must teach me this musical piece! I must learn it!


    No problem, I will take the time to write the score. Liszt was not into taking things personally, but he enjoyed the apuse after the performance.


    It wasn''t only Meopal that circled Liszt, many n.o.bles leaned in and asked about the piano piece.


    A male n.o.bleman eximed, I have never heard of it. It is quite short, but it is very attractive.


    "I just heard it by chance.


    An aristocratic socialite with ordinary features but has such big eyes blinked. Sir Liszt, can you teach me how to y this musical piece? Also, does it have a name?


    ''To Elise'', I''ll sort out the score and give it to Cousin Meopal, who in turn, will give you a copy.


    I like this piano piece, I heard the sweet touch, I heard the sadness of seeing through the world, the sad love of the whole piece, and the longing for love till death do us part! The n.o.ble and famousdy who spoke held her heart in both hands. She couldn''t help but feel sad for Elise.


    Liszt said regretfully, Yes, it''s a sad story. I only remember this part of the music which is easier. The really sad part behind it can''t be yed. In fact, Liszt did not really taste the sadness of the music itself. Is there any sad color in this sketch?


    He only yed the beginner part of "To Elise".


    But it sessfully made Liszt, who wanted to keep a low profile, the focus of the dance.


    Even when the pianist came back to the stage and started ying at a performance high level, there were still a lot of n.o.bles talking about the piano music around Liszt.


    Hey, handsome pianist, can I invite you to dance? A tall n.o.bledy suddenly squeezed through a few otherdies around Liszt and reached out to him.


    Her appearance made it easy for Liszt to think of Elizabeth Olsen, the Scarlet Witch in the Avengers.


    She has, however, golden hair and dark blue eyes.


    If 10 points is a perfect score, she can probably get 8.5 points from Liszt, which is much higher than Athena Salmon''s 8 points.


    Miss Danica has invited me so I cannot say no. Liszt grabbed her hand and followed her to the dance floor.


    Liszt put his hand around Danica''s waist and the pair started to dance slowly to the three-step waltz.


    Liszt could feel them getting really close to each other. It was as if their hearts shared a connection and they were sharing each other''s warmth.


    I like the song ''To Elise''.


    I like it too.


    But when you yed it, there were some parts you didn''t y smoothly .


    Yes, I don''t y the piano very often. Some fingering techniques have been forgotten.


    I y the piano every day. I like music, especially that song you yed .It is a simple monophonic melody, but it has a unique beauty. I heard the intimacy between the lovers, the low voice and the bountiful love intoxicated me.


    She said this with her mouth fairly close to Liszt''s ear that he could feel the burst of heat.


    This kind of action made Liszt want to act without respect , but he choked back and did not express it. Miss Danica is knowledgeable about music, but unfortunately I can''t recreate the original To Elise  to let you feel the sad love story told in the tune.


    No, maybe the most wonderful things are those mostcking. It is very short and easy, but it is the best piano piece. There was no need to add any more melody.


    This kind of impression.


    Liszt couldn''t help but look at Danica.


    To Elise was originally a whole piano piece. Many people would have wanted to listen to the whole story after listening to Liszt''s iplete performance. Only Danica thought that the iplete part was enough.


    This is a woman who actually knows music.


    Perhaps this is a socialite nurtured by a high ranking n.o.ble.


    Danica Hyacinth''s father is Durant Hyacinth, one of the two Counts on Red Crab Ind. ording to the information Meopal told him, the 17-year-old Danica is known as the ''Barbed Rose'' of Red Crab Ind. Comments about her are not very good. Though she is also described as enthusiastic and active with countless suitors around,none of them actually won her heart.


    Liszt strongly held Danica''s slender waist.


    Feeling Danica''s soft touch on his chest, the eye contact between them made Liszt feel a lot of excitement. In fact, I just made up the story. This musical piece is actually a piano piece of its own. The pianist adored a n.o.bledy and created it for her on impulse.


    Danica gave Liszt the eye. "So, you lied to everyone.


    How can it be a lie? Every piano piece has a beautiful story behind it, which can be true or false. Is it that important?


    Doesn''t it matter?


    The story only provides a small touch. How the melody moves you is the most touching aspect.


    I can''tpletely agree with your point of view unless you make up a story more suitable for To Elise''.


    Liszt was good at making up stories, but he did not agree to Danica''s request. Perhaps he can make up a story to please the Count''s daughter and develop stories other than those to please Danica. Perhaps with his own temperament and charm, he could naturally win Danica over.


    But this was not necessary.


    He doesn''t like this kind of intentional ttery.


    It was either because he had always loved himself more or that he was only interested in Danica''s external beauty that he did not feel pursuing thedy with efforts derived from impulse.


    There is no romantic story. It''s about a piano teacher who fell in love with one of his female students and that piece sprouted from pa.s.sion. Liszt said tly.


    Danica gave him another look. Are you as pa.s.sionate as him now?


    Liszt could only respond, What?


    It was not until Danica rubbed his thigh lightly that he suddenly realized that his respectful facade was too obvious.


    In addition, he has no experience in this field in his two lifetimes. But he was not shy about these things like young people do. You know it is difficult to keep a calm state of mind in the face of a beautiful youngdy, especially one who has an outstanding beauty like yours. Liszt pulled back to calm the heat a little.


    Danica took a big step forward and drew closer. I ept your praise for me. No one has ever expressed it to me so generously.


    Well Liszt suddenly had a poor vocabry.


    Perhaps there was no need to say anything. They were dancing quietly next to each other''s body, following the rhythm of the piano music,gently moving their bodies. They looked at each other between the eyes, the corner of the mouth slightly raised trying to keep a consistent smile.


    Danica also stopped talking, following Liszt''s footsteps and moving gently.


    The piano piece ends.


    The two did not immediately separate and continued to hug each other, waiting for the second piano piece. The second song was only halfway, when Danica suddenly asked, Do you want to go outside for a breather?


    Let''s go.


    Liszt loosened his arms around her and took her outside, quietly exiting the crowded dance floor together. The sky outside waspletely dark, and only the lights of Longtaro Castle remained fairly bright.


    Servants hurried by in the corridor outside the hall.


    Neither of them had any words. They just walked to a secluded corner holding hands. During the walk, they could see several secluded corners of the cloister where other couples hugged each other tightly.


    They found a corner with rtively dim crystalmps.


    They stopped in it.


    The air outside is very fresh. You could breathe in the coldness of winter. Liszt''s one hand was on the edge of the window, and the other held on to Danica. Miss Danica, you are wearing very thin clothes today. It''s cold.


    I''m not cold. It''s actually a little hot. Danica looked at him and suddenly said, Call me Danica.


    Danica.


    Liszt looked down on her delicate face touched with light makeup, focusing on her wonderful eyshes. With her being 1.7 meters tall, Danica was on her toes. She slowly raised her face and gently closed her eyes.


    There was no need for more words.


    The next moment, Liszt could feel two soft areas.


    It was a long time before they felt the need to separate themselves. A crystal silk thread of light could be seen, reflecting the light of the castle in the distance. Danica wrapped his arms around Liszt''s neck, unwilling to let go.


    Liszt said quickly. My room is upstairs.


    Hold me tight.


    Liszt held Danica while running like he had springs on his legs, past the veranda and on to the fourth floor of the castle. He did not respond to the servant who greeted him in the corridor and went directly to the door of his room.


    The door was unlocked. The fourth floor of the castle was the residential area of Longtaro Castle.


    Click!


    He closed the door using his foot and everything went silent.


    -


    When Liszt woke up with a sore backache, the sun outside the window had risen eastward. It was a rare sunny day. He sat up and saw the woman beside him sleeping soundly, her blond hair scattered on the pillow.


    There was a smell in the room.


    Shaking his head, Liszt still felt a little unreal.


    The song "To Elise", the pair of them dancing closely to each other, a few intentional and unintentional provocations, it was indeed a crazy night. Recalling the heat fromst night, Liszt suddenly felt a little dazed, that is to say, for the first time in his new life, hepletely put himself out.


    He didn''t want to move a lot because the bed might get too loud.


    Danica, who was sound asleep, suddenly woke up and saw Liszt dressing himself. Hi, Liszt, what are you doing?


    Getting up.


    Liszt put on his trousers, showing bare his upper body, a perfect inverted triangle figure. He walked to Danica''s bedside, leaned down, and kissed her forehead lightly. Don''t you need to sleep for a little longer?


    I can''t sleep anymore. Danico stretched out her hand and drew a circle on his chest. You can call the castle maid toe in and help you get dressed.


    On the battlefield, there won''t be any servants to help me dress. I like to do it myself. I only need servants for aplicated frac habille.


    "Then I''ll call my maid in so I can get up."


    She shook a bell and waited for the maid toe in. Danica then put on a new garment with the help of her servant. Liszt also put on a new frac habille with a servant to a.s.sist him. Another castle servant brought in toiletries while Liszt and Danica waited for the servants to finish the morning cleaning.


    When the maids left with the toiletries, Liszt and Danica were the only ones left in the room.


    Danica rushed over and hugged Liszt''s neck enthusiastically. Kiss me like you''re kissing me for thest time.


    Well


    After separation.


    Danica gasped, I like the way you y To Elise .I like your speech and temperament. You have different eyes. In them I see ambitions beyond others'' reach and loneliness that is out of tune with the whole world.


    She has a very keen sense of touch.


    I guess you saw a dragon, Liszt said, smiling, after all, my biggest ambition is to ride a dragon.


    I look forward to the day when you ride the dragon. If that dayes, I hope I''m not old yet. You are wee toe and kiss me at any time  So many people invited me to dance at the ball, but I only chose you, my dear baron. Those people will be jealous of you, just like the women who were jealous of me when I took you away.


    Such intimacy.


    Liszt could not tell whether he and Danica were actually in love or it was a momentary pa.s.sion. He just gently opened his hands around her neck. I guess there must be a lot of broken hearts in Longtaro Castle. But you know I haven''t been in it long so I''ll never know.


    Liszt then opened the room and said, Let''s go downstairs for breakfast. I''m leaving today.


    "Good morning, dear Danica." Cousin Meopal got up early and saw the pair walk down the stairs and greeted them with a smile.


    Good morning, Brother Meopal. Danica has always called Meopal his brother, a sign of closeness between the two.


    Meopal held out his thumb behind Danica''s back and mouthed well done to Liszt. Then he said ,"Liszt, I''m d to see you grow up."


    The teasing was too obvious and rude that it made Liszt want to roll his eyes.


    However, he did do what was implied. Also, Danica was mature enough about it that she need not be coy about the situation. Liszt just went ahead and changed the subject. "Has Levis and Lvera started yet?"


    Lvera got up early.


    Levis, on the other hand, was a littlete. It was nothing unexpected about it sincest night, he was busy holding the hands of a n.o.ble socialite and talking about life in the middle of the night.


    After breakfast, the Longtaro Castle carriage was ready.


    Marquis Merlin came to the gate of the castle on crutches and personally sent his grandchildren away. Not only were the Tulip siblings leaving, but Aunt Melinda''s family as well.


    Grandpa, you must take good care of your health. I wille to see youter. Liszt said a little bit reluctantly.


    Marquis Merlin did not appreciate it. Don''t be a woman, just go.


    Rtives greeted each other.


    Liszt saw Danica standing with Meopal and smiling at him. Before Liszt could say anything, Danica went straight over and hugged Liszt.


    This act was not too much beyond the rules.


    It''s just a simple embrace of friendship between n.o.bles. As for what kind of friendship it is, different people will have different opinions.


    I thought you would y "To Elise" for me before you go, she said.


    We are in a hurry now. If you want to hear it, I''ll y it to you next time Ie to Red Crab Ind.


    Will you practice it skillfully?


    If I have free time.


    I think I will not forget everything aboutst night for a long time, Liszt, dear.


    We will always have those memories of Longtaro Castle. Liszt smiled. It was indeed an experience worth remembering for a long time.


    If Danica gives him another gentle and affectionate gesture at this time, he might stay regardless of everything. He didn''t care about Danica''s past, he just wanted to be together in the future. He might want to learn to let go of the n.o.ble ways, but he still has Chinese tradition in his bones.


    Fortunately, the sweetdy only said a few more words, and Danica waved goodbye to him.


    There was no muddy water.


    Liszt nodded lightly and boarded the carriage. The horseman raised the whip and shouted drive, and the team started slowly.


    Lvera brought her head back into the carriage.


    She looked at Liszt, who seemed to be in a trance, and smiled, Why don''t you look back at your barbed rose? My dear brother, you were very poprst night. How many aristocraticdies were mesmerized by the song To Elise and wanted to stay in your room? Even Danica was charmed by you.


    "That was just basic skills."


    Liszt wanted to think deeper, his head still leaning out the carriage looking at Longtaro Castle which was fading before his eyes. There were still many people at the gate since many n.o.bles also nned to leave today. He could not find the figure of Danica Hyacinth anymore, which he took a bit of disappointment from as reclined back to the carriage.


    He put his hands behind his head and rested on the cotton mat behind him.


    "I don''t know what I''m sad about, but I can''t help saying, Of all the castles in the world and the barons in the castles, she just walked beside me.


    Liszt lost his fantasies of Athena Salmon and had more wonderful experiences brought by Danica Hyacinth.


    Liszt felt that he was very fond of Red Crab Ind.


    Of course, the bigger change was in his mentality.


    It was like being reborn.


    After a frantic baptism overnight, he became a real adult from inside to outside, from soul to body.


    Sapphire calendar January 6, 152, Sea Crab City port, a sunny day.


    To get to the port, the Longtaro family provided a fast sailboat to escort the three siblings back to Coral Ind.


    The ghost ship incident prevented the Longtaro Castle from cking off in its operations.


    Count Schalke has led the Red Crab Ind fleet and began to patrol the vast waters between Red Crab Ind and Coral Ind to clear pirates and search for ghost ships.


    Standing on the deck.


    The cold sea breeze released Liszt from his fond memories. His attention temporarily focused on another aspect.


    Where will the singing demon wait for me?


    It must be on sea. After all, it is a siren. It is also possible they might hear the singing demon''s singing on the trip and then they will be able to find the monster.


    However, he was still puzzled about how to get the singing demon.


    ording to legend, sirens will save people with songs, but they would hide the bodies, never to be seen again. The singing demons, on the other hand, will confuse people with singing and then kill them. In a word, there were no previous doc.u.mentations of human beings seeing singing demons except in knight novels.


    Even so, Liszt would still wake up from time to time on the ship. When the fleet entered the sea nearing Coral Ind, he still didn''t hear any singing at sea, and no strange things happened.


    Until theynded at the pier in Coral City.


    There was still no trace of a singing demon.


    In this way, the singing monster might be in the waters near Flower Town, no, maybe in the waters around ck Horse Ind, waiting for me to catch them. I just don''t know how to catch them will it be like sprites..will we have to sign any contracts?"


    He spent a night at Tulip Castle.


    With a batch of specialties obtained from Longtaro Castle and Tulip Castle, Liszt couldn''t wait to leave early the next day and return to Flower Town, which he had been away from for more than a week.


    The snow was white.


    The road was muddy.


    From a dimensional point of view, Coral Ind should have a much highert.i.tude than Red Crab Ind, so the temperature should be colder. But so far Liszt has not made it clear whether this world is spherical or not and whether there even are North and South Poles here. As for the position of Coral Ind int.i.tude and longitude, it is still unknown.


    And there is a little doubt.


    He observed the position of the sun and found that the height of the sun is basically the same in the summer and winter, there was no deviation. This shows that the position of Coral Ind is basically unchanged from the sun''s view. In other words, the orbit of the''s rotation and the orbit of its revolution have no inclination angle.


    It''s a pity that there is no astronomer to exin to me what kind of environment this continent is under.


    He remembered that in ancient legends, the Moon Empire had a profession called astrologers. It is said that the astrologers of the moon empire pa.s.sed down the concepts of years and months. Unfortunately, with the demise of the Moon Empire, many technologies, discoveries, and inventions of that era have been lost.


    It has now be a fantasy mentioned only through a few words in knight novels.


    "Master, we are at Thorns Ridge. Thomas'' voice interrupted Liszt''s imagination.


    Sure enough, the serfs working in Thorn Ridge can be seen out front. In this winter when snowkes are dancing, only the serfs of Flower Town have enough food and the strength to go out to work.


    Suddenly.


    A feeling of going home emerged in his mind.


    A gold nest or a silver nest is not as good as your own dog nest.


    w.a.n.g w.a.n.g! Tremblingwoods must have felt the same way.

 Chapter 266: Will Do Everything Personally From a Strategic Perspective

    Chapter 266: Will Do Everything Personally From a Strategic Perspective


    Shes ready to give birth, my Lord. Old Defoe said as he carefully hid from the cage and pointed to the part under Stupidwomans tail.


    Liszt certainly knew that Stupidwoman was about to give birth, and his task reward was about to be born.


    Looking at the shabby state of the dog prison and the snowy weather outside, Liszt couldnt help saying to the footman, Thomas, go and bring two quilts.


    Yes, sir.


    Stupidwoman was lying on the wooden board, staring at the surrounding servants that were cleaning her. She did not return to her original cleverness, but becamezy and dazed.


    This is probably the case with any beast that has been locked up for a long time.


    Tremblingwoods would stick out his tongue and lick his hair around him from time to time. Liszt wondered whether it was the effect of low temperatures in winter, or whether because the dog beast hadpletelypleted the bloodline transformation. Tremblingwoods no longer pants frequently and returns to his calm state much faster than before. After so many days of abstinence, he did not even want to go to the dog farm.


    Will it give birth to Tremblingwoods pups ? The plump Paris stood outside the cage and asked curiously.


    Of course, there is no third male dog here.


    In the entire Flower Town, no beast could ever step into Tremblingwoods ce.


    Paris rolled her eyes. No, Lord Baron, I mean can it produce the same level of magical beast as Tremblingwoods?


    Maybe, maybe not, but I hope that the offspring of Tremblingwoods and Stupidwoman are mid-level magical beast so that I can have arge army of magical beasts and an order of fierce pets. Liszts heart was burning, They will be the cornerstone of my achievements and gain countless honors for me!


    Ugh.


    Paris sighed. Why does every noble lord think of war?


    Because the world is not yet at peace. Liszt directed his servant to throw the quilt in the cage and push Stupidwoman onto the quilt. Then he turned his head and responded, Someone needs to stand up and turn the tide to create a world free from hunger, injury and oppression.


    Will you stand up?


    The goal is too big .. too daunting even for me. As a traverser who has no ideals to change the world, the reality is that he can only change his own small part of the world, which is Flower Town. So we may as well start with the small goals around us, and realize it one goal at a time.


    So what is Lord Barons first small goal? Paris asked curiously.


    Riding a dragon. Liszt pulled out a beautiful curved smile, looked up at the gloomy sky, and suddenly thought of that morning at Longtaro Castle, and the promise he made to Danica. He then solemnly said, I wanted to ride a dragon even when I was young.


    At first, Paris thought he was joking. But when he said it so solemnly, she immediately felt that the tall and handsome country lord in front of him might really have such ambition.


    She thought it was ridiculous.


    She had seen the light dragon, the evil dragon that gave her the identity of the ck dragon. Its incredible figure was so horrifying that it made people despair.


    It is impossible for a mortal to control a dragon.


    However, she was looking forward to it, hoping that one day, Liszt could really ride a dragon and be a dragon knight who would make many women runaway by just hearing the name!


    It might be amazing to see a dragon with your own eyes. The dragon knight dream is bing more and more unfathomable and unimaginable in her heart.


    Dont be silly. Lets go. Liszt had walked out of the iron cage. Stupidwoman should finish giving birth in two days.


    Paris recovered, Oh, okay.


    It seemed a bit silly.


    This made Liszt speechless. Indeed, afortable life would kill ones morale. Before all this, this mercenary in front of him once lived to kill those nobles who did her family wrong and dared to save his sister from across the sea. Now she is a fat, not so clever servant who Liszts doubts, has lower fighting abilities.


    Wow!


    Wow!


    Sensing Liszts return, the thorny sprite E, who lived in the castle, flew directly out of the worm room andnded on Liszts head just as he entered the castle gate.


    It missed Liszt very much.


    Liszt felt the sprites emotions and felt very warm, so he let E sit on his head, its hands still holding his hair.


    Sir, would you like to take a bath or meet with the town officials first? Butler Carter came to inquire.


    See the officials first, deal with the umted affairs up to this time, and then take a bath.


    Yes, sir.


    Liszt did not immediately head to the castle when he arrived at Flower Town. He directly went to visit Stupidwoman and check on the pups on her belly.


    The town officials were informed and came quickly.


    After the ceremony, the report began. Facts have proved that even without Liszts personal supervision, the development of Flower Town was still in operation.


    The barren fields were being reimed every day, not only Thorns Ridge, but also the wastnd of the viges were all under development. The bone tools of the bonesmith shop were produced every day and allocated for the serfs to use. This way, the serfs were more eager to cultivate this year and wanted to take over more acres of wastnd.


    The stones were being mined every day. Thepleterge stones are simply piled up in one ce. These stones will be used in the construction ofrge projects in the future, such as Liszt s new castle on ck Horse Ind. Small pieces of stone are broken into smaller stones for road construction and paving.


    Knights Square has been built and children have a warmer training ce. The two bath houses have be thendmarks of Flower Town. Even the nobles of North Valley City have visited several times just to take a hot spring-like bath. The icehouse has already started to store ice cubes and is currently filling an ice room.


    All in all, in todays Flower Town,the people and animals are peaceful.


    This made Liszt very grateful that the territory was still on the right track and his team of officials was gradually taking shape. However, there are also some disappointments. It turns out everything would be fine without him. From the celebration dinner to the Red Crab Ind to the celebration of the New Years Day, he did not preside over anything for about half a month before and after, and Flower Town was in no disorder.


    Should I feel bad that I dont have to do anything, or should I just be grateful that I only need to have a strategic view for this town?


    In any case, this was a good thing. A Lord enjoys giving out errands. This is the mainstream rhythm of daily life. Of course, there are still a lot of things he needed to care about. The main thing was that the smoke missions should not stop. This is his biggest help for riding a dragon.


    Adviser Gort, have you sessfully developed the ingredients for the ice and snow me mushroom?


    At present, it is close to sess. Several serfs sessfully nted ice and snow mushrooms in their own greenhouses, but the output is unstable and the growth effect is still very poor.


    Let them continue to work hard.


    Yes, sir.


    The cultivation ofmon me mushrooms cannot be dyed either. By the way, has Mr. Elkson been here yet?


    He came once and he also heard that you went to Longtaro Castle to celebrate the New Year. He just took a bath in the public bath houses and went on his way.


    Contact him and let hime as soon as possible. Liszt said. The me mushroom magic potion in his hand was running out and Elkson needed to make another batch as soon as possible. There were also fast-growing magic thorns that have been harvested and sealed in the castle warehouse. They can also be made into magic potions together.


    Since the construction projects of Flower town do not need his participation,Liszt could spend his spare time practicing.


    With smoke missions, dragon cows, numerous potions, sword knights, the counts qi tips and scientific mind, he hoped that he could advance to a Sky Knight one day earlier, preferably breaking the 22-year-old record of Marquis Merlin.

 Chapter 267: Stupidwoman Gives Birth

    Chapter 267: Stupidwoman Gives Birth


    The sea.


    Liszt rode on a dragon horse and walked along the sea from the dock named Flower Port to the southernmost beach without hearing any demon singing.


    Obviously, he has already been awarded the singing demon, but he cant find it, which worries him a little.


    He was ready to wait for the Flowers to return from ck Horse Ind, and then he would go tour around ck Horse Ind and try to find the singing demon there as soon as possible, so as not to let the reward run away.


    But he didnt wait until he saw the Flowers.


    The good news worth celebrating has arrived ; Stupidowoman has started giving birth. He immediately patted the horse and rushed to the dog prison, of course, bringing Tremblingwoods with him. When they arrived at the dog prison, Stupidwoman had already produced a puppy and was lying on the soft quilt, all with ck hair.


    Stupidwoman with all the fierceness of a magical beast would grin at Liszt and the others.


    Even Tremblingwoods wanted to get close to it, but was frightened away by her roar and gnashing teeth.


    My Lord, cats and dogs are very fierce when giving birth to babies, so dont let anyone near them. Be careful, they will bite. Old Defoe exined.


    Liszt understood this point. It is the instinct of a mother to protect her young.


    Therefore, he just stood outside the scope of Stupidwomans reach and watched her give birth. These little ck puppies with closed eyes would be his great treasures in the future. Without human intervention, Stupidwoman knew how to deal with giving birth. Every time she gives birth to a little puppy, she eats the centa and licks the fur of the little pup.


    Stupidwoman gave birth to eight small ck puppies one at a time before she finished the birthing process.


    Seeing that the eight little puppies began topete for their mothers milk, Liszt felt that he had to think of a way to take the eight little puppies away and feed them with the milk of the dragon cows. Obviously, Stupidwomans milk was not nutritious enough, and her kind of milk could not produce mid-level magical beasts.


    Tremblingwoods , stay outside.


    He stopped Tremblingwoods s n to rush in, and then took out the dried jerky and fresh milk. First, he approached the cage tentatively. But even after giving birth, Stupidwoman still had her good temper. When she saw Liszt near, she grinned and growled.


    However, after Liszt carelessly threw a delicious piece of dried meat.


    She immediately grabbed the jerky and devoured it.


    Taking this opportunity, Liszt took a few steps.


    When Stupidwoman grinned and growled again, he threw out the jerky again, repeated this process so many times, until he had sessfully entered the iron cage and stood beside her.


    Even if Liszt didnt want to be nervous, he was obviously nervous.


    Although Stupidwoman has forgotten the magic of Rock Thorns, it is still, after all, a magical beast. Liszt cant say for sure when it will hurt and violently attack people. Liszt thinks he has the ability to protect himself, but in case he is bitten, this is no joke. He has never heard of rabies in this world, but he should act like there is, in this case.


    Without rabies vines, he did not know whether qi alone could kill the rabies virus.


    Therefore, caution is necessary.


    Using meat jerky to smooth out Stupidwomans teeth and grin worked, so Liszt took out some milk again, put it in a jar, and handed it to her. She smelled the milk and was puzzled, but she still stuck out her tongue and tried the taste of milk. Immediately afterwards, she protruded her tongue and licked it.


    Only then did Liszt reach out and touch the little puppies.


    Liszt then put the squeaking little puppies next to another jug of milk and pressed the pups little head to let it drink milk.


    But little puppies dont know how to lick.


    Fortunately, Liszt had already anticipated this and had already used the leaves of the coconut tree and rolled it into a straw.He put the straw gently on the little dogs mouth and let it suck it.


    Instinctively, the little dog took a sip, and then began to suck milk frantically.


    Yes, little one. Liszt was feeling aplished. He expects that if the little puppy likes the milk of the dragon breed dairy cow, it will never try Stupidwomans milk again.


    Stupidwomans milk output might increase soon, but for now, obviously her milk was not enough. As long as the puppies do not rely on her milk, there would be no stimulus for breast milk production, hence no milk from her.


    Thats it.


    Liszt soothed Stupidwoman s mood with milk and jerky, while teaching the little puppies to suck milk through straws.


    Stupidwoman might have been tamed for so long and indulged with food and drink that her mood was calm enough that it appeared like she didnt care too much about her puppies. Even when Liszt picked up a little puppy and threatened to take it out of its cage, she just looked up with no other response.


    My Lord  Stupidwoman may not have learned how to be a mother dog. Her mothers instincts do not seem to be sufficient. Old Defoe has kept dogs for many years and has seen many dogs dismissing their young ones. Although Stupidwoman did not dismiss them, she did not guard them so crazily either.


    Then well take all the puppies right away.


    After that decision, Liszt carefully removed the little puppies one by one and handed them to the servant who put them carefully in the dog cradle wrapped in a quilt.


    Stupidwoman watched them without any response.


    Eight little puppies were taken away smoothly.


    Liszt breathed a sigh of relief, and suddenly felt that he was too cruel to do so. He then asked the servant to bring in a new quilt and change the quilt that had been stained with blood. He left a lot of food for her to eat and drink, and even put Tremblingwoods inside.


    However, Stupidwoman just gave birth , and therefore has no interest in Tremblingwoods .


    So Liszt had to take Tremblingwoods away. OK, Tremblingwoods , dont be mean any more. Stupidwoman is not in the mood to mate with you now so well have to bring you back another day.


    Eight little dogs were sessfully moved into the second floor of the castle and Liszt took care of them himself.


    From his experience of raising Tremblingwoods , it will take at least half a month before these puppies will open their eyes. The growth of magical beast pups is somewhat different from that of ordinary puppies.


    Wow, look at how cute they are, my Lord! When they grow up, they will be as strong as Tremblingwoods the mid-level magical beast, guarding Flower Town and fighting for Sir Baron!


    Gort praised.


    Stupidwomans smooth delivery brought cheers and joy in the territory. The outstanding performance of the dog army is just around the corner. There will be nine outstanding Tremblingwoods in the future. Then the future of Flower Town will be beyond imagination.


    Knights glorious favor!


    Sir baron is the real son of glory!


    I cant wait to see the day when the dogs grow up.


    They will be trained well, and they will be the best forces on the battlefield. Everyone will be afraid of the reputation of Sir Baron when they hear the name of the dogs.


    Thest sentence was from Romm.


    An attempt in ttery, of course.


    However, it did sessfully pull one of Liszts heartstrings. Romm is right. If one day the dogs y on the battlefield, I would be famous for them  But, what will the others call me? Dog de Master? Or Scourge Lord? Or the Dog-Riding Man?


    The names were a terrible blow to his personality.


    So he told his subordinates who were ttering him, From the day that Tremblingwoods became a mid-level magical beast, he was no longer an ordinary savage dog. Now he has offspring of his own. I believe they will be the same magical beast as Tremblingwoods , so it is time to give them a new name!


    The subordinates immediately cheered, Please give them new names!


    Liszt nced at the snowkes flying outside the window and felt heroic. On the day they arrived, there was heavy snow in the sky, so we will call them  blizzard dogs, no, blizzard beasts!

 Chapter 268: The Urgent Search for the Singing Demon

    Chapter 268: The Urgent Search for the Singing Demon


    The Blizzard Beasts in front of him was still very small. Liszt has no time to take care of it all day long. He just turned the recreation room into an air-conditioned room [1] and handed over the burden of taking care of these eight blizzard beasts who did not open their eyes yet to Mrs. Morrison, the housekeeper, and Maisie, the most attentive maid in the castle.


    Although the blizzard beasts were very small, they eat a lot.


    Liszt could only drink the remaining milk. Their stocks were barely enough for them to consume. When the beasts grow up, it is estimated that they will have to be fed with dry milk powder in stock.


    After a busy day, the Little Blizzard Beasts would eat and sleep without any signs of premature death.


    They seem to be able to thrive.


    The next day, Liszt got up early again and practiced knightbat skills. He took Paris with him, who was getting fatter and fatter, to practice real hardbat skills. He defeated her quite quickly in the fight. With that, Liszt was so unhappy with Parisziness that he did not give her her monthly gold coin sry.


    He said sternly, Compared with our first actualbat, your strength has declined greatly, and your responses, speed and skills have obviously regressed.


    Paris was gasping. During the fight, her physical strength was greatly consumed. Although I dont want to admit it, Lord Baron,your strength has been improving.


    Why do you think so?


    Because the mes on your sword are getting fiercer and fiercer, your total amount of qi is constantly breaking through. Although Paris has gained weight, her cognitive judgment has not declined.


    There is indeed a slight regression in her strength. One has to admit that because of the weight gain, there was reduction in flexibility. However, Liszts progress was the main reason for the battle defeat. If it werent for her ck dragon identity, and if light and shadow cannot y a role in the fight, she would be no match for Liszt.


    Putting down the red blood sword, Liszt nced at Pariss rising and falling chest.


    Liszt nodded faintly, I might be making progress, but that is not an excuse for allowing your strength to reclineIm afraid I wont even need to restrain your light and shadow technique from being involved and I can even use amon sword. You are no longer a worthy opponent.


    Paris was a little dissatisfied, but she nodded in the end. I understand, I will work harder, and strive for my strength to go further without being shredded by you.


    Liszt saw the female mercenary in her wake up.


    People should always rely on themselves the most, and dont forget you should set an example for your sister, Liszt said with a happy pat on her shoulder.In his eyes, Paris, despite all the suffering shes been through, is still a young 20-year-old.


    Well. Paris twisted her body, seemingly wanting to avoid Liszts movements, but holding back.


    Im going out. You dont have to follow me. Its your holiday these days. Liszt said, turning around to leave. He still has to keep going to the beach and find his own singing demon.


    Seeing Liszt riding a horse with his knight escorts whistling away, Paris was momentarily distracted.


    Unconsciously , she touched the same shoulder and muttered to herself, It seems Baron likes thinner women, I  really should eat less.


    Flower Port.


    The Flowers has not returned, and Liszt still has not found the singing monster. The singing demon was probably not in the waters of Flower Town.


    I should save money, buy another sailboat, and go to ck Horse Ind to find it.


    He raised his hand and thought to himself, At current ship market prices, a regr dhow like the Flower will cost more than 500 gold coins.A better two-mast sailboat costs more than 1,000 gold coins, and a better three-mast sailboat costs at least 2,000 to 3,000 gold coins, or if its a court-like fast sailboat, it gets at least 5,000 to 6,000 gold coins, he said.


    In terms of fixed assets, Liszt can afford a good sailboat. His fixed assets if pooled together would amount to tens of thousands of gold coins.


    If nothing else, a space gem alone cannot measure its value.


    But a lot of that wealth cannot be seen in actual value, and a working capital is extremely scarce. He bought the serf using money from his mithril silver. Mithril is of great strategic value and cannot be bought. It is not cost-effective to exchange it for one less gold coin.


    Its better to save gold coins slowly. I have fresh flower soap and fresh flower wineing out soon. Its not far from making money.


    Snowkes were still falling.


    The beaches along the coast were all white.


    However, the sea did not freeze, the waves were still rushing up and down. The Dragon Horse stepped slowly on the snow on the banks. Liszts eyes lingered on the sea all the time, looking for ces where the singing demons might appear, but the sea was so clean that there was not even a single piece of wood in sight.


    However, there are some seagulls flocking across the sea trying to catch fish.


    Maybe I can buy some small rowing boats first and train the fishermen in Oyster Town to go fishing. The seafood business is already dying. The sea fish business and the shrimp and crab business should be able to continue for a long time. I can do some fishing Few lords go out to sea to fish now.


    The fishing of freshwater fish is not umon. The serfs did not dare to go to the sea, but the ponds and streams posed lesser dangers.


    Some migratory fish are also frequently caught. For example,mpreys, which are very popr with aristocrats, and salmon, a specialty of the Salmon family, are migratory fish. People usually think that this kind of fish is the food given by the sea and are a blessing of the knights glory.


    There are also ferocious sea monsters in the sea, but most fish take the initiative to go ashore. This is not a blessing from the sea but a blessing from the knights glory. What else can it be?


    Walking along the shoreline, Liszt came across the beach near sweet coconut trees and the thorns where they had salvaged a sunken ship with keel fixing technology and found five big boxes of sunken treasure. Now that he thought about it, the sunken ship should be one of the Magic Goats family ships.


    The destroyed magic books must have been bought by the Magic Goat family wizards, and it might even be that the 36d ghosts in the fixed keel were stuffed by the same wizards.


    Maybe it was Curtis Truth who wrote it. She has been studying soul stripping technology. 36d could be her stripped human soul.


    Curtis Truth and her ghost ship have dissipated. Except for the magic book, the sheep head banner, the bow image, and the sapphire ring, which he did not fully understand yet, there was not much left to study.


    However, Liszt still ns to keep the ghosts. Perhaps one day, he will want to study lich technology.


    If he can live for five hundred years, he will definitely be able to ride the dragon and he would try to understand this world. This world is far more magnificent and magical than Earth.


    In the evening, Liszt waited for the Flowers to arrive.


    Marcus returned with the Flowers. At present, about 600 serfs have immigrated to ck Horse Ind. All of them were building port towns.


    Because there was no food source on the ind, the Flowers had to transport supplies back and forth.


    I didnt expect Sir Baron to have experienced such a dangerous voyage. There are actually ghost ships in the world, including the ghost ship of the Marquis Cohen, which we thought has long been destroyed. Marcus saw that the Knight Squad was missing three members. He let out a sigh, but only for a brief moment.


    After seeing the eight Blizzard Beast cubs, Marcus got excited and couldnt help himself. The knights glory will look after them, and the future of Flower town can depend on them!


    Teacher Marcus, these pups are like Tremblingwoods in raising up consumption. Im afraid they are not much worse than the Knights Squad. Flower town as of now still is in a difficult financial situation. We need to develop vigorously.


    Yes, my Lord, we cant raise the nine Blizzard Beasts on the strength of Flower Town alone, but we have ck Horse Ind, however, it will not produce anything this year. But when a new batch of serfs arrive and thend is finally reimed, ck Horse Inds profits will be enough to support the Lords battle for glory!


    [1] maybe just a room they can control room temp in, like with the ss dragons

 Chapter 269: Grief and Sorrow

    Chapter 269: Grief and Sorrow


    After the Flowers was filled with goods, Liszt boarded the Flowers to its trip back to ck Horse Ind.


    So far, the Flowers has sailed more than ten times between Coral Ind and ck Horse Ind. It has not encountered any storms in those trips, and so the Calm Pearl has not been used.


    Since the said Calm Pearl was on board, the crew was confident on its trips and so was Liszt.


    When Ie back, I will have Elkson make more Calm Pearls  Forget it,Ill just look for nny instead. nny has more experience. Although he has a little temper, he should make the new Calm Pearls the same quality asst time. Liszt stood at the bow of the ship and started looking around.


    Liszt was very much looking forward to meeting his singing demon during the voyage.


    It was a pity that when the Flowers sailed to the pier named ck Horse Port, there was no trace of the singing monster.


    What the hell is going on here, has my singing demon been swallowed up by the smoke missions? He has been unable to calm down and put aside those puzzling feelings about the singing demon. Its value is absolutely huge.


    With the singing demon, ships will never get lost in sea again.


    After unloading the goods, it was toote to patrol the waters around ck Horse Ind. Liszt went directly to find Lightning, the King of the ck Blood Dragon Horses. Lightning saw him, bowed its head very affectionately and rubbed his arm. He did not forget the master that conquered him and it then carried Liszt through the snow.


    ck Horse Ind was also covered with ice and snow. Only the part near the valley of the grasnd between the four hills seemed to have geothermal heat and hence there was no snow, revealing the grass that was still growing.


    The ck Blood Dragon Horses were quietly eating grass there.


    Even though there were too many people watching, the dragon horses no longer feared the humans and so they were behaving like they did not see them.


    The burial ground between Needle Grass Hill and Ice Grass Hill was also covered with snow, However, there were still some potholes where volcanic ss and keel fragments have been mined, as well as the five tall dragon bones. These five bones have notpletely decayed and will certainly have some important value.


    However, Liszt couldnt get rid of them, nor could he save them. He could only let them be exposed to wind and rain.


    When the existence of ck Horse Indes to light, I must invite magicians to help me study these five dragon bones  However, I must first recruit followers of magicians, and the secrets of dragon bones can be kept as secret as possible. Any secret about dragons should be treated with extreme caution.


    The people here can never be underestimated for their great desire for dragons.


    Even he, a traverser, could not resist the charm of the dragon.


    Marcus has already drawn a rough topographic map of ck Horse Ind. He is not a professional cartographer, so the map was very simple, as he only knows the approximate topography. Sheep Grass Hill, Needle Grass Hill, Alfalfa Hill, and Ice Grass Hill form the damaged crater ring mountain terrain, with the grasnd and bone burial site inside and the rocky and weednd outside.


    The dock and port towns were located just south of ck Horse Ind.


    There are some inds and reefs around ck Horse Ind. Among them, the waters in the southwest corner are distributed with three small inds measuring in area to hundreds of acres. Liszt named them Mangrove Ind, Rocky Ind and Sandy Beach Ind.


    They were named so since Mangrove Ind is densely covered with mangrove forests; Rocky Ind is all weathered basalt columns; and Sandy Beach Ind is very t and full of sand, with only a few fragrant coconut trees.


    Outside the threerger inds are scattered reefs, most of which are exposed when the tide is low and submerged when the tide is high.


    Liszt looked at the crudely drawn map and thought, The song demon I am looking for is probably on the banks of ck Horse Ind and between these inds and reefs.


    It was still around dawn the next day.


    Liszt led Captain Kosto and others and began to sail around ck Horse Ind.


    Sir Baron, in addition to the ck Horse Port, there is another area suitable as a pier in the northwest corner of the ck Horse Ind. The water depth may not be as good as the ck Horse Port, but the breadth of the water is quite suitable for the mooring of ships. Captain Costomanded the voyage while also being a guide.


    Liszt nodded, We will develop the new wharfter. At present, ck Horse Port is sufficient.


    The group would stop and go and admire the inds and reefs they spotted along the way. After a whole day, Liszt finally toured around the ck Horse Ind. All the coastlines and surrounding inds and reefs have been checked.


    Still no singing demon!


    After resting at night in the newly built house in Port Town, Liszt could not sleep. He was getting upset and impatient. Is it because I am going in the wrong direction? Why is there no singing demon? Where is my singing demon!?


    He didnt sleep well that night.


    But he was not discouraged and continued to lead the Flowers to search in the waters of ck Horse Ind. This time, they went looking further into deeper waters, the first spot being the location of the three triangle-shaped inds.


    It was a difficult spot to dock and so they all took wooden boats and paddled ashore.


    The trees on Mangrove Ind are dense. It was the kind of mangroves that can grow in sea water. Mangrove is a general term used to refer to not only bushes with thorns, but also some other small shrubs. Mangroves are not only limited to mangrove nts, but can also refer to many other types of nts.


    Mangroves cover a wide variety of trees. Mangrove nts alone have many varieties.


    However, Liszt didnt know it, and even the well-informed Costo only knew a few of them. They were all called in the local dialect as red bark, autumn eggnt, sea lotus, and chicken ws.


    Mangroves that grow in seawater seem to be structured with well-developed roots thuspletely shielding the inds inside.


    Unable to reach the shore, Liszt cast Magic Eyes, paddled in a wooden boat, and circled the ind. No signs of magic were found. In this mangrove forest, there were no singing monsters, potions or sprites.


    Rocky Ind could be inspected clearly with a single nce. There was nothing there.


    And then there was Sandy Beach ind, which was filled with snow and white sand. The group sessfullynded in a canoe and stepped on the white sand. It was just as beautiful as the blue sea. The white sand and the tall coconut trees made it look like a paradise.


    However, Liszt didnt appreciate it. He turned around and left with a cold face.


    My Lord, do you want to keep looking? Captain Costo looked at Liszts face and asked cautiously. Throughout the day today, their Sir Baron, who is usually very gentle and noble, has never had such a horrible face as he was showing today.


    We keep looking!


    Liszt, depressed and agitated, said sullenly, We wont go back until we find it!. We will stay until the night! Maybe it cant be found during the day, because the singing demon likes to sleep at night.


    Sure enough.


    Nothing was found during the day. The Flowers went back to the dock to gather some lights and other supplies, and went out again to continue the search. That night, the weather was clear, a bright moon rose from the sea, dispersing light into the night while scattering light shing with the waves.


    Liszt was standing in the bow of the boat, not feeling sleepy at all.


    Every time he passed by the ind reef, he cast his Magic Eyes, observing the magic signs around the ind reef, and trying to find the existence of the singing demon. The first half of the night passed by, and by the second half of the night, the moon was about to fall.


    Seeing nothing, Liszt was getting anxious and was about to give up.


    It was at this time.


    His ear moved.


    A wisp of inaudible singing reached his ears. When he was refreshed his senses and listened carefully, he could not hear the sound again, as if he had just heard voices. But he didnt think so, because the slight singing voice was triggering grief and sorrow, as if it was crying. Liszt felt the sadness in his heart stirring.


    It was no ordinary auditory hallucination.


    He took a deep breath of relief and tried not to shout aloud, fearing to disturb the one singing. Its my singing demon!

 Chapter 270: Shes Trembling in the Shell

    Chapter 270: She''s Trembling in the Shell


    A momentter.


    The Flowers quietly came to a standstill, and whenever there was a song, it finally came to Liszts ears. He couldnt understand the songsnguage. The words sounded strange, but they sound very noble, overlooking the sentiments of all living beings.


    Hearing the song, it was easy to hear the sadness and pain in it.


    Its a woman singing, therefore, the singing demon is a girl, if there is a gender at all. Liszt listened silently, not looking for it in a hurry, fearing that the singing demon would be scared away.


    At the same time, they were carefully distinguishing which direction the song wasing from.


    Finally, they decided that the song wasing from the left front where there seemed to be several rocks grouped together in that area. Liszt cast his Magic Eyes because it was too far away to see anything.


    Captain Costo, head in this direction, to the reef.


    Yes, my Lord!


    The Flowers started moving again and was chopping through the waves under the moonlight. Liszt didnt know if the ship was too loud and was covering up the singing, or the singing demon just stopped singing immediately when it heard noises from the Flowers. Liszt didnt hear the song again. As for the sailors, they didnt hear anything at all.


    The sails swelled and the oars were in uniform.


    The Flowers quickly approached the reef.


    Liszt kept casting Magic Eyes and still saw no signs of magic as they toured around the reef. However, he was strong on his spection that the singing demon could only be dwelling in that area. If the singing demon did not need to live on the inds and reefs and could drift on the sea at will, one could only recognize it by pinching his nose.


    The difficulty of finding a singing demon that can only run around in the vast sea is that of a hell-like level.


    Put down the wooden boat. I will search in the reefs myself. Liszt made a detour, took a wooden boat and began to search in the shallow waters inside the reef.


    The canoe sailed between the reef shoals.


    Liszts Magic Eye kept observing, and finally, when he checked the middle rock, he saw a faint sign of magic in the shallow water on rock edges.


    That little white light was so attractive at night.


    This way,e on, row this way!


    The sailors rowed as hard as they could, and the wooden boat was like a flying arrow, hurtling towards the rocks. The closer Liszt got, the clearer the white magic light was in the vision of the Magic Eye. He has already seen the specific position of the light, which was surrounded by rubble in the reef waters.


    The waves kept beating on the surrounding rocks.


    The rowing of the wooden boat became difficult.


    But with Liszts guidance, it was still moving little by little near the ce where the magic light emanated.


    Finally, the distance was close to fifty meters.


    The Magic Eye can clearly see a human form huddled together. Oddly enough, there seems to be a pale halo around the human form, which was shaped like a shell. The halo form was quite thin, and not very clear, especially when the waves are beating, the halo would disappear.


    Lord Baron,we cant move anymore. The bottom of the wooden boat has been stranded by stones under the water, said the sailor.


    Ill go straight into the water.


    Liszt determined that there were no sea monsters around and jumped off the wooden boat. The waters around this area was already quite shallow. There were various kinds of gravel and pebbles under the water surface, making it quite difficult to stand on. The moonlight could not illuminate the water bottom, adding difficulty to the situation.


    Fortunately, Liszt was prepared and took out the crystalmp which was equivalent to that of a deskmp. It could barely illuminate a small area of the water and the stones at the bottom.


    Liszt was stepping on stones, avoiding potholes, letting the sea pass over his legs and waist.


    He took a few sailors with him and moved them over little by little. When the distance was less than ten meters, he clearly saw what the magic light was.


    In the vision of the Magic Eye, there was a huge shell with a human form curled up into a ball and shivering. Liszt could clearly see the shape of a woman, but there were other weak magic outlines surrounding it. There were wings and fins attached to the human form itself.


    She has fins behind her ears and fin-shaped wings on her back. Where her legs reached the bare part of her feet, the light magic light around her would merge making it unable to see her feet.


    The whole shell was emitting a faint magic light.


    Liszt dispersed the Magic Eye.


    My singing demon! Liszt was excited, his mental exhaustion was swept away, and his previous irritability was quickly dispelled. He was already faintly chanting, Dont be afraid, I am a good person.


    Finally.


    Liszt walked over to the edge of the shell.


    What he saw was a standard scallop shell with a diameter of about 3 meters. The fan has a radial wave shape, a standard left-right symmetrical structure, with no other color, only pure in white.


    What a beautiful big shell! Captain Costo,who followed Liszt, eximed.


    The sailors also eximed, Oh my god, its so big!


    Beautiful!


    I cant believe there is a shell bigger than the giant shell at the gate of Lord Barons castle.


    Liszt raised his eyebrows. He didnt want the group to disturb this moment. He ordered them, Captain Costo, take the sailors back to the ship, have them bring a so they can drag the shell onto the boat. The singing demon must be taken away. Since the demon lived in the shell, she must be taken away together with the shell.


    Yes, my Lord. Costo hurriedly reprimanded the sailors and returned with them to the Flowers to fetch the.


    Liszt waited for people to leave.


    He then knocked on the shell with his hand. Hi, hello, can you hear me?


    His Magic Eyes were fixed on the shells contents. The trembling singing demon curled up even more with her arms around her legs, apparently hearing Liszts voice.


    Liszt eased up.


    He let his voice sound more gentle. You should be able to hear me. I am a simple human being, a noble lord. The inds and reefs here are my territory. I heard your song, it is very sad and painful. I want to know what I can do to help you?


    He wasnt sure whether the singing demon could speak snakenguage, but he tried tomunicate with it first.


    After all, it is the sprite of the sea, so it has to be gentle.


    If it was a sea monster, Liszt wouldnt say a word, he would just pry the shell open and kill the demon inside. However, for the singing demon with a female profile, it seems that the creature is quite lithe and graceful, so he cannot be so rough.


    Dont be afraid, I really just want to help you. My name is Liszt Tulip, and I am the Lord of Flower Town. I am a lord who believes in peace. I feel that human beings, sprites, or demons and all creatures of nature should live in harmony and not hurt each other.


    He then talked endlessly about his ideas of peace.


    This seemed to work. The trembling singing demon finally rxed a little. She turned her head and seemed to want to respond to Liszt.


    However, at this moment, Costo and others came back again, yelling, My Lord, the ship is here!


    After this scare, the song demon curled up tightly again.


    Liszts face sank. He turned his head and wanted to shout at Costo and others who had arrived. He thenter choked back his anger and whispered as faintly as possible. Shut up! Everyone, stand still! No, back away, back away a 100 meters!

 Chapter 271: Rymittas Hunting

    Chapter 271: Rymitta''s Hunting


    The talk went on.


    The shivering singing demon finally rxed again, but she hesitated for a while. She didnt let out a sound until it was almost dawn.


    YouHello


    The sound was very subtle.


    But it was very pleasant, as if listening to this voice would cause ones troubles to be eliminated, leaving only a good mood inside. The same was true for Liszt. His body and mind were instantly delighted. Hello, my name is Liszt Tulip, how about you?


    After a while, the demon began to speak again. <em>Tanah Heathti Urapiani Seleno Leucothea Forkus Buniseith  Cassandra Archimedes.</em>


    Poof!


    Liszt couldnt possibly remember the demons name which wasposed of a hundred words. It was a mouthful, it made him dizzy and he did not remember a single word.


    He could only remember thest name. Archimedes.


    Well, Id better call you A Qi. Are you a demon, A Qi? Liszt chose to forget the long list of names and asked gently.


    A Qi  The song monster has stopped trembling in the shell, but she was still huddled together and her voice was still as fine as a gnat. Human , A Qi is  the sea demon  can sing.


    Siren?


    Liszt raised his eyebrows. If he remembered correctly, sirens and song demons refer to the same species in some knight novels. However, those who are called sirens are generally evil creatures, while those who are called singing demons are generally good creatures. But this demon in front of him was not like an evil creature.


    Perhaps singing demon is just the name that humans mistakenly call sea monsters.


    Either way, Liszt has already obtained the initial trust of A Qi. He then continued tomunicate. A Qi, can I know why you are here? I heard your singing and it was very sad. What happened to you? Let me tell you, I am a powerful fighter, and I can help you.


    A Qi was inside the shell.


    Holding her head high, she seemed to be looking at Liszt. Liszt waited for a while then she said, A Qi is being chased by  Rymitta  and it wants  to eat  A Qi. A Qi is afraid  and dare not go back to the sea. Her voice was very pleasant to hear, but her snakenguage was somewhat irregr and stumbling.


    What is Rymitta ?


    Rymitta  the sea monster  the six-headed sea snake, the sea monster eats  A Qi is afraid of it.


    Six-headed sea snake?


    It sounds terrifying. Liszts biggest power back-up is Paris, followed by Tremblingwoods . Paris was still in Flower Town, and Tremblingwoods was in the port town. There was no one beside him. Moreover, dealing with sea monsters at sea is not a wise choice.


    So Liszt thought for a moment, and an inspiration shed through his heart. He immediately said, A Qi, you stay here. What should you do in case Rymitta finds you?


    Ah  A Qi suddenly curled up, A Qi is afraid  Rymitta will eat A Qi A Qi will hide  Rymitta will find A Qi


    Yes, Rymitta will find you any time. In the sea, sea monsters are very dangerous.


    Hearing him say Rymitta many times and mentioning that he would find her, made the siren even more afraid. The singing demon was shaking and she almost cried,  A.. QiScared


    It was enough heat for the fire.


    Dont be afraid, I, Liszt Tulip, Lord of Flower Town and ck Horse Ind, will never allow any sea creature to be harmed here. In order to protect your safety, A Qi, I will have to take you to my territory and find a suitable shelter for you.


    A Qi scared  The siren still did not fully trust Liszt.


    Liszt was not discouraged and continued, A Qi, do you know the glory of the knights?


    Knights Glory, A Qi knows that human beings  are like  the spirit of the sea  the siren is a child sheltered by the spirit of the sea, she said.


    I, Liszt Tulip, swear to the knights glory, that I will protect A Qi from the sea monster Rymitta!


    Without hesitation, a vow was made.


    Liszt did not intend to hurt the siren at all. This was a precious gift given to him by the smoke mission. He would never allow her to get hurt before he could even cherish the reward. A Qi, Ill take you back to safety first. One day, Ill kill Rymitta so that you can safely return to the sea, okay?


    The human beings in this world were always talking about the knight glory, as if the knight glory is an invible honor.


    However, there are not a few knights who talk about the glory and secretly do dirty deeds.


    This behavior was full of justice and sincerity for the Singing Demon A Qi. She unknowingly and quietly opened a gap in the shell. Lying inside, she twisted her body, and secretly looked out from the gap.


    Liszt crouched on a stone in the water.


    His clothes had been wet with the sea water. His pale blond hair was bathed in a glimmer of morning light, and a faint smile on his face was enough to melt all the ice.


    His sapphire-colored eyes, as if there are countless stars rotating in them, can easily absorb any womans heart.


    A Qi looked at it for a long time, quietly closed the shell and said, Human, A Qi thanks you.


    Call me Liszt.


    Liszt.


    So, A Qi , can you climb aboard by yourself, or should I call my subordinates to help you ?


    A Qi can swim. A Qi said. Suddenly, the huge white shell floated up from the sea, and slowly emerged from the water, like a small boat.


    Liszt could see the faint magic around the shell, driving the current.


    Liszt, holding back his pride, stood up and said, A Qi , Ill lead the way. You follow me aboard. Ill take you to Flower Town. Its very safe there.


    The siren did not answer.


    But the shell slowly followed him.


    Costo and others, who retreated a hundred meters away, watched Liszt bring back the huge shell. They all opened their mouths, but did not dare to speak.


    When Liszt finally came near, he just said to them faintly, Please row slowly. He boarded the wooden boat and looked back. The shell seemed hesitant and dared note forward.


    He had tofort again, A Qi,e here.


    The shell slowly followed next to the wooden boat. The sea monster was really timid. Liszt did not tell the sailors what A Qi was, but still ordered them to row. After a while, he had sessfully brought the shell to the edge of the Flowers.


    Touching the smooth surface of the shell, Liszt said, A Qi, Ill send you to the Flowers. Its safe on board. Dont be afraid.


    The shell did not respond, but did not leave. By default, the siren seemed unwilling to speak in front of other human beings.


    Liszt was relieved.


    He instructed the sailors to drop the boat and let the shell swim into it. The sailors pulled the shell hard. Liszt could see the siren in the shell. After leaving the water, it immediately curled up into a ball and began to tremble again. She was still very scared as she had to face this group of strangers.


    Liszt had no intention to let anyone know what was in the shell.


    Liszt directed the sailors to work. When the shell was pulled up, he said, Lift the shell into my room and start sailing home.

 Chapter 272: Blended With The Sea

    Chapter 272: Blended With The Sea


    Liszt touched his chin.


    He should be trying to hide the existence of A Qi. Sea Monsters are different from Magical Beasts. This is a magical creature. In the event that someone else knew about it, they will definitelye to fight for it.


    It is not as attractive as the dragon, but it is not much worse.


    Dragons are real creatures, while sirens are legendary creatures, endowed with many evil or beautiful attributes ording to the imagination. One should not underestimate the curiosity of the nobles and the wizards who pursue the truth.


    So, I must conceal the identity of A Qi, as I cant afford to lose it. Fortunately, A Qi is hiding in a shell, and has not spoken yet, hence, no one knows her existence. I can make it known that I have picked up a shell-like monster , so nobody should pay attention to A Qi.


    Sea monsters are the same as magical beasts, except that magical beasts live onnd and sea monsters live on water.


    Pearl shells, like those raised by the Sapphire family in the tranquilke, are also sea monsters, hence Liszts capture of a sea shell monster should not be surprising.


    Thinking about this, Liszt felt relieved.


    A nce at the shell showed that A Qi had stopped shaking, but she was still in the habit of curling up and not rxing his guard.


    A Qi.


    Liszt knocked on the shell, a three-meter-diameterrge shell, which upied most of his room on the Flowers.


    Liszt.


    Can you live without the sea?


    A Qi  has sea water in the shell.


    You can speak snakenguage, where did you learn it? Have you ever been to a ce where human beings live?  Liszt was curious, but he also was also trying to be close to the siren A Qi by chatting.


    So far, Liszt has not yet figured out what the singing demon looked like. From the Magic Eyes perspective, he can see that its about the same shape as human beings, just with fins and wings. She may be slightly smaller than the average womans 1.6m height, about 1.55m.


    But her body looks quite curvaceous.


    It has a gold proportion. Its got a thin waist, a full chest, good hips, and long limbs.


    He remembered that in the knight novels, some authors described the siren as a beautiful woman in the upper part and a big sea snake in the lower part. Some authors also documented that the siren has blue skin, while some other knight novels described the siren as having green skin covered with scales.


    Liszt was curious.


    But he wouldnt ask for a nce so directly. The siren was already in his hands anyway. He can look at it as often as he would like in the future.


    A Qi likes  listening to the sea  passing ships  human voices, A Qi knows a lot  The Sapphire Kingdom  has a big big  Sapphire Dragon. A Qi spoke of the Sapphire Dragon in a cheerful tone. Obviously, even a sea monster could not resist the charm of the dragon.


    Yes, the Sapphire dragon is the symbol of the Sapphire Grand Duchy. My father has seen the Sapphire dragon with his own eyes. It is a beautiful dragon covered in sapphire color, like crystal clear and wless blue gems. He only saw it from a distance and he still felt the incredible power of the Sapphire dragon.


    A Qi likes  dragons, they are the most beautiful


    When Liszt heard that.


    Liszt started talking more about dragons. He knew a lot of dragons, elemental dragons, gem dragons, metal dragons, and sacred dragons. The Sea Monster was stunned andpletely forgot its fears. More than once, she would secretly open the gap between the shells, look out, and look at Liszt, and then close the shell.


    The subject of the dragon was much more discussed, and Liszt added,  By the way, A Qi, I have heard many sailors say that the sirens song will guide those lost ships, is it true?


    Er  A Qi also guided  singing, singing human songs  hee hee. Liszt didnt know what to think of the sirensughter.


    This was actually a good thing.


    This proves that A Qi, the siren, was gradually opening her heart.


    The Singing Demon is really a kind creature. Just like A Qis singing, it makes people feel happy  A Qi, are you hungry now, do you want to eat?


    A Qi is a little hungry.


    What do you like to eat?


    A Qi likes  fruits, fruit trees by the sea  fall into the sea  A Qi likes to pick it up and eat it.


    There were many fruits in Liszts gem space that he had stored beforehand. Everything there was still good to eat as there was no fear of food spoiling. Liszt has to stock up a lot of stuff to keep good things from going out.


    Immediately, Liszt took out apples, raspberries, grapes, peanuts, oranges and other fruits from the gem space. A Qi, I have a lot of fruits here, please eat.


    It was already dawning at this time, the sun was rising, and the cabin was gradually brightening.


    Liszt looked forward to seeing A Qi hesitating and then opening the shell. But, instead of just opening a gap, it slowly opened up fully. As the light came in, and the image of the singing demon was fully visible in Liszts eyes.


    What a beauty that is!


    The first thing that came into view was the white, pink skin, as smooth as a newborn babys, as pure as the sea, and as wless as a jewel that can be broken by a blow. This siren skin has the same characteristics as human skin, but the siren skin is much finer and whiter than human skin.


    Just seeing this fair skin, Liszt wished he could take a bite and taste it.


    Immediately, Liszts eyes were drawn to the delicate face.


    She has exquisite facial features, very exotic, with azure blue waist-length hair, and a pair of azure eyes. Such beauty is absolutely unattainable by human beings. Liszt would dly give her eleven points ording to his ten points system.


    The most peculiar thing is that her ears are not human shaped ears, but gradually change from flesh to water from the base of the ear, and then would grow to light blue ears with the shape of spiked fins.


    The ears were not of solid form, but were actuallyposed of water.


    Liszt can clearly see that her blue hair was just swinging from the ear of the fin. The same thing was seen on her back where there was a pair of spiky fin-shaped wings growing behind her, which probably grew from her shoulder des. It was notrge. Maybe it would be more urate to say that the wings were actually fins.


    Looking away from the fin, Liszt noticed her neck, so white and slender.


    Then he looked at the chest.


    Its round and pretty.


    The most amazing thing is that she was not wearing clothes, but her chest was covered by a ribbon like water. It was clearly water, but it was not transparent andpletely covered her chest.


    Further down is a t lower abdomen, a full waist, and a delicate belly button.


    Below the navel, there was a ribbon-like water covering, blocking the most mysterious area from Liszts imagination.


    She nced shyly at Liszt and stood up slowly. There was light blue sea water in the shell, and the water ribbons that blocked key parts of her body extended from the sea water in the shell and surrounded her body.


    The legs were slender and straight and entirely wless.


    The sea water slowly flowed down.


    Liszt let his eyes involuntarily follow the water drops, from thigh to knee, then looked at the calf. The lower leg was bare, just like her ears, gradually changing from flesh to water andpletely melting into the sea. It looks as if she has no feet. She was like sprouting from the water.


    Beautiful!

 Chapter 273: Forty-One Year Old A Qi

    Chapter 273: Forty-One Year Old A Qi


    Beautiful!


    Liszt couldnt help but be struck in awe seeing the true form of the Singing Demon.


    The magical creatures he has seen only included the magical invisible dragon with its strong powers, and the fragrant tulip sprite of Tulip Castle.


    When ites to beauty, the Invisible Dragon probably did not do well. It has a different kind of power. Its beauty wasgruesome.


    Only the great sprite of Tulip Castle can be said to be more beautiful than the Singing Demon. However, the great sprite doesnt have a human body, just a human shape, and its beauty is that of the purest kind. The singing demon, in a sense, is almost the same as a human being, and the beauty of A Qi is definitely more striking.


    This kind of beauty was the feeling of beauty that exudes from the heart, without the color of lust  At least Liszt can guarantee that he honestly did not feel a hint of lust at the moment.


    There was no disrespect, not even the idea of it.


    He even felt that the beauty of the singing demon was not real or should not be tainted. Any desecration is an unforgivable sin.


    Between appreciating the beauty of the sea creature.


    Siren A Qi nced at Liszt again, and this time Liszt understood.


    Immediately, he slowly shook off his mood, showed a gentle smile and pushed the fruit te on the table toward the corner of the table near the shell. Eat whatever fruit you like to eat, eat what you need. It has been washed with water and is very clean. He picked up an apple and took a bite.


    Liszts behavior was very considerate. A person eating with apanion would put that person at ease.


    When A Qi saw Liszt eat the apple, it emboldened her to stretch out her slender arms and pick up a raspberry with her slender fingers. After another look at Liszt, she put the raspberry into her small mouth and ate it.


    How does it taste?


    Mmm  delicious.


    Eat more if you like. I have lots of fruits here. My territory, Flower Town, has a lot of fruit trees. You can eat fruits every day, Im afraid youll even get tired of it.


    No  A Qi likes fruits  most.


    With eating fruit and chatting, the atmosphere gradually rxed.


    The siren does not seem to be a very old siren, like it has a very simple innocence. Liszts short chat opened her heart and his smile made her forget the previous nervousness and fear.


    However, while chatting, Liszt found a very embarrassing issue.


    The key parts of A Qis body were blocked by water hoses, but still appeared very exposed, not much different from being naked. He thought he wouldnt have any wicked thoughts, but when he lowered his head, he found himself silently setting up the tent, that is to say, he still gave respect.


    A Qi, do you need to wear clothes?


    Humans  wear clothes, A Qi does not wear clothes  A Qi is a child sheltered by the spirit of the sea. The sea monster A Qi seriously replied.


    Perhaps for sirens, they dont see a need for clothes as those are only for human things.


    They are, after all, the spirits of the sea. They are simr to the spirits, whether big or small. Sprites also need not wear clothes  Of course, sprites have no breasts, no body and no genitals. It doesnt matter whether they wear clothes or not.


    Er.


    Liszt paused.


    She didnt say anything more, so he didnt push the topic. He was going to hide A Qi, the siren, from outsiders anyway, so her beauty wouldnt need to be covered with clothes. Liszt didnt like to see her naked, but he didnt want to restrict A Qis nature also.


    When A Qi finished eating a raspberry, he asked again, How old are you, A Qi?


    A Qi tilted her head like she was thinking. I was born  it didnt seem long ago  Ive seen 41 snowy winters  I should be 41 years old, um, A Qi is 41 years old.


    Forty-one?


    And this birth is considered not long ago?


    How long will you live? Liszt asked, but when he fully understood this question, he felt very ufortable so he added, We human beings only have a life span of less than 100 years. I am only 17 years old this year.


    Seventeen years old, very small, hee hee. A Qi firstughed at Liszts age, then seriously thought, I dont know  Im not yet an adult  adult siren  can grow feet.


    In other words, you have no feet right now?


    Mmm.


    Its amazing. I cant imagine how beautiful you will be when you grow your feet. Women can never get enough withpliments, even sirens.


    A Qi was very happy.


    Her appetite was a little small. She seemed to like raspberries very much, but she stopped after eating a few. Im full, Liszt. She then yawnedfortably.


    Are you sleepy?


    A little bit.


    Then you will sleep for a while, this boat will stop at the port of ck Horse Ind, load up on some supplies, and then go directly back to Flower Town. You can stay in Flower Town for a long time. The town has a very beautiful beach and a calm bay.  Liszt has many questions to ask.


    But he didnt think asking too many questions at once is a good way tomunicate.


    Now that Siren A Qi has been found, there was no need to rush for a while. The development of feelings needs to be done step by step, unlike his feelings of Danica, which was more out of passion. This time,this was the fetters of building trust. Liszt hoped to keep Siren A Qi by his side forever.


    Well, A Qi  get some sleep. The siren A Qi then sat down, her body immersed in the sea water in the shell.


    The seawater was not ordinary seawater. In Liszts magic eyes, they radiated faint magic light. It can be said that the whole sea water and shells was part of the sea monster A Qi herself.


    Simr to the thorn sprites, it was part of her spirit.


    Sleep at ease. In my territory, Rymitta cant hurt you. Liszt said with a smile, watching the shell slowly fall,pletely enveloping the sea creature.


    The Flowers docked in the ck Horse port at first light.


    Liszt got off the boat and gave Marcus a brief ount of some things. He then sailed straight back to Flower Town. Liszt was not in the mood to stay any longer, he just wanted to return to the castle and settle siren A Qi down.


    The ship sailed on the sea.


    Tremblingwoods was outside the cabin and Liszt was inside the room.


    Looking at the big white shell, he pondered silently. Where should I ce A Qi ? Looking at A Qis condition, it seems that she can stay onnd for a long time. But at most, she needs to go to the sea regrly to replenish the seawater in the shells.


    Liszt was not willing to leave the Singing Demon at sea. Not to mention that he has no idea where the sea monster Rymitta was. If someone scares away the sea monster, he could be spitting blood out of depression.


    But leaving the siren in the castle always feels like a disguised form of confinement as it is impossible for him to stay inside the castle at any time.


    Its a pity that I cant bring A Qi with me


    Liszt shook his head, took off his shoes and went to bed to rest. However, he ended up staying up all night. Although he was not very tired enough for an elite earth knight level, he still ended up being idle. When I arrive in Flower town, I will ask A Qi what she thinks before I settle her down.

 Chapter 274: New Resident of the Castle

    Chapter 274: New Resident of the Castle


    When they woke up, they had arrived in Flower Town port.


    The siren A Qi woke up from the shell, stretched herself, and then quietly opened the shell. Liszt, are we here?


    Were here, let me show you my castle first.


    Castle  where the lords live  I have heard that there are many princes and princesses living in castles and beautiful  so lovely.


    When she heard that Liszt was taking her to the castle, A Qi was embarrassed but excited. Liszt has no idea what kind of stories A Qi had heard about castles before. Perhaps it was like what themoners like best, the poignant and touching love between the prince and the princess.


    There are no princes or princesses in my castle, only I, the Lord, the servants, maids, and many sprites and mischievous thorny sprite E.


    Sprites.. beautiful, Ive seen it  long, long ago, by the sea.


    Which sea? Liszts eyes lit up and asked.


    I dont know, it should be far away  I was pursued by Rymitta and I came here  I have forgotten  where that is..


    Too bad.


    If the siren A Qi can provide the exact location, Liszt would definitely sail to catch those sprites. There are many wild sprites in this world, but their numbers are extremely small. After all, it needs too many pheromones to evolve from being a sprite insect to a sprite.


    It is quite difficult for the sprites to collect enough pheromones by themselves alone, and on top of that, there are other difficulties to ovee toplete the evolution.


    -


    The dock workers have already started unloading.


    Costo came to ask Liszt how to carry therge shell.


    Let me think for a moment, Captain Costo, you wait a moment. Liszt sent Costo away and asked the siren again, A Qi, can your shell be made smaller? Its too big, not suitable to move around using the carriage.


    Ah, A Qi cant  The shell was here when A Qi was born  Its so big, it has always protected A Qi  from being eaten by sea monsters.


    A Qi has the ability to control the flow of water. She can let the shell roam in the sea, but onnd, the shell cannot move at all.


    As for A Qi herself, she could not leave the shell until she had grown her own feet.


    She and the special seawater in the shell are fused together, just like how when the sprite worm has not yet matured and wouldter on fall off from the worm grass.


    Then I shall order the people to tear down the carriage to carry the shell. When you visit my castle, Ill think of some way to put you in ce and not be threatened by Rymitta.


    When she opened the shell, the siren A Qi smiled sweetly. Well  thank Liszt.


    Liszt bowed gracefully. It is my honor to protect the beautiful A Qi.


    Liszt then turned around and left.


    He immediately ordered his subordinates to dismantle the expensive carriage and only keep the carriage tform. In this way, arge shell with a diameter of three meters can be ced on the tform and be fixed with a rope.


    Liszt rode on Tremblingwoods and personally escorted the big shell to the castle along the gravel road under the curious eyes of the officials such as Gort who came to see the situation.


    Go on with your work and dont bother looking around. Its just a big shell one could pick up from the sea that is the same as those before. Liszt reprimanded Gort and others who were too curious.


    He then let people put the shell in the castle hall.


    Now a new problem has arisen. The shells had a diameter of 3 meters. It was very light in weight since the sea water inside and the siren A Qi do not weigh a lot. They may only be as heavy as two or three people, but the shell was toorge to be moved into the second floor of the castle.


    s, I ignored many problems before, and my mind has be paste  It might be a little hard to keep A Qi in the castle. My castle is too small.


    If this was Tulip Castle, it would have been fairly easy to prepare a special room for the siren upstairs.


    However, the castle in Flower Town was just a nameless small castle with only two floors in total. The corridors and hallways were very narrow and the big shell cannot pass through at all.


    Liszt was on the ground floor,on the same floor as the servants and Liszt was even more reluctant.


    It was selfishness that caused him to lose his mind and wanted to monopolize the beauty of A Qi. Of course, A Qi really needed to be kept a secret. He waited for a moment for him to calm down and to regain a little rity of mind.


    He let Carter leave the hall with the servants first,then he knocked on the shell.


    When the shell opened, A Qi looked carefully at the halls of the castle with curiosity. Liszt, this is the castle  what a beautiful castle, A Qi has reached the castle of mankind.


    Actually, the upper floor is more beautiful. Thats where I live. This floor is where the servants live. But the corridor is very narrow, and I cant send you up.


    Oh.


    A Qi let out an expression of regret.


    Lister could not bear it, and suddenly an idea shed through his mind. Or I could build a two-story wooden house outside the castle, and you will live on it. I will break the wall between the wooden house and the castle, so that I can visit the second floor  Yes, the decision has been made.


    As a proactive kind of person, Liszt did not hesitate to call Isaiah and give his orders.


    He pointed to the worm room facing the north side of the castle. Isaiah, you will immediately arrange the workers to build a two-story wooden house in this area which would then be connected to the castle.


    My Lord, do you want to raise the seashell on the wooden house? Isaiah asked curiously, it was difficult to ignore such a big shell.


    Yes, this is a very interesting shell. I think there are pearls in it. I would have to take a look at it first.


    Shouldnt the shell be kept in the water?


    It will drift away if it is kept in the water. I still need to do some research. Dont ask any more questions and do what I tell you to do. The advantage of noble lords is that they are upromising. As soon as Liszt makes a decision, his subordinates will faithfully implement even the most exotic decisions.


    Isaiah bowed .As you wish.


    During the construction period, the shell was parked in the hall and was never opened. Only when Liszt delivered some fruit would A Qi open the shell.


    The castle also held no more banquets on the grounds of construction.


    Liszt still handled official duties, practices qi, and goes out for inspections as usual every day, but has stopped writing the historical book of the Dragon Chronicle in the Wild series. During this time, it was necessary to appease the siren A Qi who was a little ufortable with her new environment and Liszt has to make her feel at home.


    The beauty of the Siren was one thing, but more importantly, with the Siren, one could get lost when sailing at sea.


    After questioning, Liszt also found out that sirens can predict storms, sense sea monsters, and cast some magic with water properties. With this, the importance of Siren A Qi was that of a strategic significance.


    Three days passed.


    The fast-paced building of the castle, the Shell Wood Building, was sessfullypleted and therge shell was hoisted up. The passage to the insect house was opened, and the siren A Qi and the thorny sprite Jiera became neighbors.


    Wow!


    E was very irritable to strangers, but it showed a strong curiosity and a gentle intimacy to the Singing Demon.


    When the shell was opened, it stared at the siren A Qi curiously. Wow! Wow!


    Hello, E  My name is A Qi and I am a sea monster. A Qi held out her hand, E cocked her head and murmured some meaningless sounds, then fell on her palm.


    The siren held the sprite.


    Liszt watched the scene from the sidelines, regretting that there was no camera to record this beautiful picture.

 Chapter 275: Six Heads, Four Magic Powers

    Chapter 275: Six Heads, Four Magic Powers


    The siren was slowly integrated into the castle. Apanied by the thorny sprite E, she felt that her new environment was good. Although she prefers the environment of the sea, also there was Rymitta, the six-headed sea snake monster.


    On the other hand, the castle was safe.


    When I have found a way to deal with Rymitta you will be able to return to the sea. Lisztforted her so much.


    After eating delicious fruits and being apanied with sprites, A Qi was very happy. Liszt, thank you  you are a good man.


    A good person card was issued.


    Liszt was not caring much, everything was in order, he was in a rxed mood and was happy.


    The news about the noblest Lord of Flower Town raising a shell sea monster has gradually spread. However, the news did not cause much noise. Gort and others have all seen the shell. At that time, the shelly in the hall of the castle. For three days, it was just a huge all white shell.


    At first nce, one would think it is rare, but after watching it more, one would feel nothing.


    After all, everyone in the Flower Town has eaten shell seafood. Except for its size, no one would think that the shell was anything special.


    Not to mention, they had also seen the giant m shell that produced ck pearls.


    As long as A Qi doesnt open the shell and most people would have no way of seeing the beauty of the Singing demon, no one would associate the shell with the sirens existence.


    Lord Baron, I think that the shell-wood building is really ugly, and it doesnt match the style of the castle. Paris, who no longer carried the egg roll bag, said to Liszt when she came to the castle for a look around.


    I will build a bigger castle when the Flower Town business is on track, and then we will discuss the beauty of the castle.


    Thats what Liszt said, but he actually wasnt nning to build a castle in Flower Town. He just ns to mend it.


    The future castle will be built on ck Horse Ind. Originally, he also wanted to castles location on Ice Grass hill. But now it seems that it is better to choose a cliff by the sea, so that the castle can directly ess the sea, which is a more suitable residence for the Singing Demon. It was not good to keep the siren in a house.


    However, Dark Horse Ind does not have any real cliffs, only some rocky coasts.


    Forget it, I wont even think about it for a while. Its still a long time before I build a new castle  Itll have to wait at least when the port town of ck horse Ind develops, then Ill have the financial resources to support building the castle.


    A castle with a name can cost over thousands of gold coins. It also requires a lot ofbor and takes a lot of time toplete.


    Arrangements about the castle are still so far away.


    At present, Liszts top priority is to solve a huge problem-the sea monster Rymitta.


    It came after the siren A Qi from far away waters. Obviously, it would still be wandering the waters around Coral Ind and ck Horse Ind. It is impossible to ensure that it will not suddenly attack the Flowers.


    Lisztasked A Qi carefully.


    A Qi showed another ability of hers. She controlled the sea water in the shell, mimicked the image of Rymitta, and formed a six-headed sea snakeposed of sea water.


    The life-like image of a six-headed sea snake has a stubby snake body and six slender heads.


    Its six heads can release four kinds of magic. Under the demonstration of A Qi using sea water, Liszt has already judged that the four magic powers are water arrows, water wave shields, water whirlpools and powerful water columns. Among them, water arrows shoot indiscriminately, water wave shields magic, just like what the purple sand crocodiles on Coral Ind can release.


    There were four magic powers and all of which with average intensity.


    From what I can see, it looks like Rymitta is an intermediate-level sea monster. Liszt looked serious when he came to the judgment.


    The mid-level magical beast Purple Sand Crocodile, ran rampant on the Coral Ind while the sea monster Rymitta, naturally was also rampant on the sea.


    Liszt couldnt deal with it and even if his father Leewilliam came, he couldnt deal with it either.


    He could only sigh in his heart: I cant beat it, even if it is led to the river, it is very difficult to deal with the mid-level magical beast that can release four kinds of magic  I can only hope that it will leave this sea area by itself without finding the siren A Qi  Captain Costo must be more careful when sailing.


    At this time, he was much more eager to find the Magic Goat familys lost keel technology.


    However, when Liszt opened the magic book To His Royal Highness Ate-Curtis Truth and carefully read all the contents, there was no record of keel fixing technology at all.


    I knew I should have squeezed out the keel technology before killing Curtis.


    It was toote for regrets.


    He could only advise Costo be more careful, and reduce the number of sea trips as much as possible.


    Tidying up his mood, Liszt asked again: A Qi, what other magic do you have?


    A Qi  controls the shape of the sea water  also controls the flow of the sea water. She only knows these two kinds of magic, which is not exactly magic, but just like what elves can do with nts, which probably belongs more to instinctive power, After a year  she can acquire magical power.


    What kind of magic power?


    I dont know  but every Singing Demon adult  has magical abilities, we are born into the sea  the spirit of the sea shelters us while growing gives us power.


    Have you seen other Singing Demons?


    No  but A Qi  can sense them  in the sea.


    The sea monster is born and raised in the sea. There is no such thing as a parent for them, and there was no socialization. Also, A Qi is a minor sea monster, and there was not much information she could get from the sea. For her, its just a foolish life at sea, avoiding sea monsters, listening to ships and singing softly.


    If it were not for the smoke mission, Liszt would probably never have been able to touch this beautiful creature.


    He could only like those sailors, fantasizing about the singing demons.


    But now, she lives in the castle, more beautiful and magical than what the legends say.


    The eight small blizzard animals were drinking milk hard and growing well. Iit will take some time for them to open their eyes.


    They eat so much, sir, your share of milk is almost gone. Mrs. Morrisson nursed the Blizzard Beasts with all her heart.


    Maisie carefully cleaned the room.


    If there is not enough fresh milk, you can use the dry milk powder in stock.


    Caravans can buy fresh milk from North Valley City, sir. Can we feed the little Blizzards with fresh milk?


    No, just feed them the milk of the cows here in Flower Town. Mrs. Morrisson, you must strictly check this. What I need is the milk of the five Flower Town cows ; Flowermilk, Yellowmilk, ckmilk, Small Flower and Small ck. Only their milk is qualified to be fed to the little Blizzards, understand?


    When the invisible dragon invaded, there were ten cows in Flower Town and two old cows were butchered.


    Among the remaining cows,only one is a male cow. It is hard to say whether it has been infected or not. Flowermilk, Yellowmilk, and ckmilk are still under age, so it is almost impossible to try pregnancy again this year. Small Flower and Small ck are young dairy cows with low milk yield, and the milk quality barely reaches the level of dragon milk.


    The most prosperous are the three strong cows Flowermilk, Yellowmilk, and ckmilk, which are the main sources of dragon milk.


    Understood, sir. Mrs. Morrisson nodded, but worriedly said, Its just that Flowermilk, Yellowmilk, and ckmilk have reached the end of their pregnancy, and their milk production has begun to decline.


    ording to the judgment of the dairy farmers, the expected date of delivery of the three cows is probably in May.


    To ensure the healthy survival of the little cows in their wombs, they secrete less and less milk, and wait for the little cows to be born before they can enter the next vigorous milk production cycle.


    After some thought, Liszt gritted his teeth and said, First take out the dried milk powder and feed it to the puppies. If it is not enough, my share of milk will be directly distributed to the Blizzard Beasts. They will be fed with milk until they open their eyes.


    At most, it will be less than half a month.


    These Blizzard Beasts will open their eyes soon. Their foundation must be solid and their food supply must be ensured until they no longer need to be fed with dragon milk -these little Blizzard Beasts, the amount of food they consume is ridiculous!

 Chapter 276: I Cannot Afford the Blizzard Beasts

    Chapter 276: I Cannot Afford the Blizzard Beasts


    Liszt ounted for his daily consumption. For his personal meals alone, he consumes more than 30 silver coins a day. The consumption of dragon type cows milk and magic potions was not included since it is hard to calcte as it is produced by the territory itself.


    All kinds of white bread are the staple food. If one would grind his own flour and make the white bread himself, he can save a lot of money and only pay the cost of raw materials of about three silver coins a day.


    The consumption of all kinds of fruit wine and rice wine can be borne by the brewing workshop. The beer and liquor cannot be produced for the time being. The beercks hops for production. The flower brewing technology needs to be improved as Liszt himself does not drink too much. This part can be almost ignored. One silver dor a day is about the same.


    All kinds of steaks and grilled meat cost about five silver coins a day.


    The consumption of various eggs, vegetables and fruits has basically carried the self-production economy of the territory. The castle buys about two silver coins worth of those produce a day at a low price.


    Finally, it was time to consider the bulk of daily consumption of magical beast meat, which he has been unable to do without every meal. Even if Liszt does not eat much, he will still have to spend 20 silver coins a day.


    If he would include lunch and dinner for his subordinates, as well as meals for the servants, the castles meals cost at least 40 silver coins a day.


    ording to the calction, for a days consumption of eating and drinking, one would have to have 12 gold coins. This is basically equivalent to the total tax revenue of Flower Town for the whole year before they had Liszt as their leader. Liszt, with the help of the smoke task and his little knowledge of being a traverser, actually dared to waste a lot of money.


    However, seeing the momentum of the small blizzard beasts drinking milk, his heart trembled.


    For his bloodline evolution, he often ate magical beast meat and calcted the food ording to gold coins every day. Even if he ate his normal meals now, the consumption of meat, eggs and milk alone in a day is more than enough for everyone in the castle to eat and drink.


    Raising an mid-level magical beast with ten gold coins a month is a steady expenditure.


    But what he wants to raise in the future is a full army of nine heads of magical beasts.


    With how the Blizzard Beasts are consuming milk, when they grow up, they will not eat less than Tremblingwoods . Can I really rely on the output of Flower Town to feed them? The more Liszt thought about it, the more he was having doubts about his lifestyle. Should I sell out some? Impossible, I will raise them even if they are sold at the price of iron!


    These are magical beasts! Even if someone was willing to buy then at the price of a dragon coin, he will still not sell it!


    Moreover, he does not need to smash the pot to sell iron. With the mitral silver, crystal, and jade in the gem space, he can just take out a part, and it would be enough for the Count to be willing to help digest such valuable items.


    When my flower brewing technology improves sessfully, wealth will continue to umte. The current difficulties are temporary and we can see the light in the future soon!


    Liszt then left the kennel and returned to the study.


    Liszt took out the thick paper and looked at his recorded schedule. One entry was to invite nny Truth to make a new Calm Pearl for him.


    Thinking that he could hardly afford to drink milk due to his financial difficulties, he crossed out the n reluctantly as he was not prepared to waste any more money. He does not need to sail to sea any time soon anyway. The Flower already has The Calm Pearl. This was not an urgent need.


    It was at this moment.


    Elkson Truth, who hase to Flower Town to make the magic potions, rushed to the castle. Lord Baron, I have made the first batch of magic potions, please check its effectivity.


    Liszt took a crystal tube.


    He finally perked up: Mr. Elkson is working hard.


    With the flower town in winter and its magical public bathrooms, I just enjoy soaking in hot water every day. It is actually more unforgettable than a night in Coral City. It is a pleasure to work here.


    Having said that was a real victory since before Elkson would decide to move to Flower Town, he was full of doubts as it would mean giving up the nightlife of Coral City, a temptation that the single magician could not resist.


    The banquet in the castle has resumed since the shellwood building was built.


    That evening, a grand banquet was held.


    Liszt s friends rushed from Coral City to Flower Town to gather for him. Two earth knights, Rick Footprints and Griffin Haystacks, and Nemo and other apprentice knights, all came together. There were a total of seven people, the same ones that he had encountered in Coral City.


    Liszt warmly received friends and handed over their work arrangements to Gort.


    Although they were all friends in the past, since they came to work in Flower Town, the rtionship between them was automatically transformed into that of a superior-subordinate rtionship. If one is to follow Liszt, it is more like establishing a master-ve rtionship.


    Rick and Griffin, Im going to give them to Marcus to lead, they can be Knights Squad reserves. Nemo and the other five people can start with being an official assistant,as they are still very young and do not have much ability to manage government affairs.  Gort reported to Liszt.


    You are the town consultant, how to arrange personnel is your scope of authority, I will not intervene.


    Thank you for your trust.


    Gort made an expression of gratitude, but it was not clear whether there was any condescension in his heart. Liszt was not very fond of managingmon affairs, but he has meddled in the affairs of Flower Town at random many times. Sometimes, theres no reason why he does whatever he thinks.


    Sometimes, it can appear very willful.


    However, the earth-shaking changes in Flower Town and the development of ck Horse Ind have given Liszt great prestige.


    No one in the town willin about Liszt s waywardness. He has been recognized as a son of the knights glory by everyone, by mouth, or by heart.


    Even if he acts rashly, it will still not shake his reputation.


    After all, everyone knows that there is no limit to the future of Flower Town with Liszt.


    Gorts recent receipt of a good letter proves this point. After the opening order waspleted, many earth knights retired from the battlefield. Some people have written to Gort, vaguely revealing their intention to go to Flower Town. Even a poorly run knight wrote to him.


    After Gort resigned, Isaiah found Liszt. My Lord, I wonder if you have made any other arrangements for your guard Paris?


    Whats the matter?


    Old Grandet cannot finish snakenguage teaching by himself. Now there are arge number of serfs in the territory who speak a lot of ng. It is very inconvenient to manage. The problem will be more serious when the next batch of 2,500 serfs arrives. Your guard, Peris, can speak snakenguage and ng. I see that she hasnt had much work recently. I hope to ask her to be a snakenguage teacher.


    Indeed, she has nothing to do all day. I should find some work for her. If Liszt does not go out, there was no need for a personal guard which means Paris will be a very idle person.


    Once a knights practice is interrupted and he cks off, his strength will soon deteriorate.


    But unlike knights, Pariss strengthes from the ck dragon. As long as she doesnt get too fat to walk, or even forgets how to move, she can always quickly recover her strength.


    After summoning Paris, Liszt said directly. Paris, there is no other person who can teach the serfs in Flower Town. I hope you can help.


    Liszt thought Paris would take the opportunity to talk about the price of the job.


    Unexpectedly, she readily promised toe down. Every idle bone of my body itches every day, finally there is something to do!

 Chapter 277: The Scientific Method of Taking Potions

    Chapter 277: The Scientific Method of Taking Potions


    That night.


    Bathed in the warmth of the dragon air conditioner, Liszt took out a me mushroom mushroom potion and a thorn potion from the gem space.


    The me mushroom potion is a magic potion made from the me mushrooms, and the thorn potion is a magic potion made from the fast-growing magic thorns.


    Liszt first took the thorn potion, waited a while, then took the me mushroom potion next.


    He then began to close his eyes and run the qi in his body, mobilizing the power of the body from the limbs to the whole in order to absorb the magic of the potions. At the same time, he was constantly realizing that the different methods of ingesting the two magic potions bring about different effects. The difference in physical constitution means that even if the same magic potion is taken, different knights will experience different effects in different ways.


    Only by finding the most suitable ingestion method can one get twice the result with half the effort.


    How can Liszt figure that out?


    It takes time to keep trying.


    At present, Liszt has taken three thorn magic potions and has a preliminary understanding of the effectiveness of the thorn magic potions. He was constantly adjusting the dosage and time interval between ingesting the magic potions toplete the experiment.


    About twenty minutester.


    Liszt slowly opened his eyes feeling the total amount of qi in his body, and knew he had quietly climbed a higher level, hence showing a smile of relief. Every day he can feel the progress of his own strength. This refreshing feeling is hard for ordinary people to experience.


    The elite earth knight practice is a trial of potion, constantly taking in the potions, making it easier for the body to absorb the magic of the potion and to slowly break through the total amount of the magic that each cell can amodate. Liszt took out a pen and paper and filled in a table.


    This table records the different effects of taking the magic potions at different doses and time intervals.


    As the number of ingestion intervals are increased, the data in the table can be drawn into a graph, which can easily determine the best way of taking the magic potions.


    This is a scientific method.


    Science, after all, is a process of induction.


    Compared with ordinary knights,Liszt was more free to explore the usage of potions. He can take in more today and maybe less tomorrow. Liszt s scientific method is simple, fast, efficient, and urate. Although I dont know the basic principle of qi, as a traverser, my knowledge and grasp of qi practice is far beyond that of a native person.


    He believes that even the emperors son may not be able to find a suitable way to take potions faster than he can.


    I am confident enough that I can be promoted to the Sky Knight level before the age of 22.


    The quill pen has not stopped scribbling.


    Liszt took out another piece of thick leather paper, on which there was also a table, which was a dataparison chartparing the difference in potion use between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms.


    Because of the cold winter cold weather, Liszt chose to take potions in his study while enjoying the warmth of the dragon air conditioner.


    However, on the first day, he found some problems, and the effect of the potions seemed to have improved. He didnt care at first, after all, he had been taking potions in the study, and the results were very good. But when he went to Tulip Castle and then to Longtaro Castle, he clearly felt that taking potions outside was better than taking potions at home.


    Such aparison made him aware that it must be an environmental impact.


    It was easy to think it was because of the magic of the dragons in his study.


    So Liszt began to record the different effects of taking potions in the dragon magic environment and that of in an ordinary environment. In the past few days, he has already jotted down a lot of recorded data. There was indeed a sharp difference between the body effects of taking potions in and outside the study.


    With the addition of fire dragon magic, the effect of taking the me mushroom magic potion increased by about 6.5% to 9.2%  The thorns magic potion has only been taken three times, so it is impossible to judge the corrtion yet, but there should be an effect  I guess the effect of fire dragon magic is to stimte my fire-attributed qi.


    Liszt could feel that within the magic range of the magical little fire dragons, the qi in his body appeared more active.


    At the same time.


    The size of the magic fire dragon also determined the effect of the increased dose. Without burning people, Liszt has made a small, water-tank-sized magic dragon, give off the magical capacity of a full sized fire dragon. When he took the potion in it, the effect increased to about 10.4%.


    Compared with the palm-sized magic fire dragon, it can reach a 7% growth rate. The magic fire dragon in with therge water tank has a 20-fold increase in the magical capacity and a 1.48-fold increase in growth effect. The increase was not obvious.


    Moreover, the small magic dragon with the big water tank can almost heat him to death, and therefore would hinder him from concentrating on taking potions.


    Therefore, forprehensive consideration, Liszt still chose to take the potions in his study. The temperature is just right, which will not cause him to be distracted when taking potions, and he can have a calmposure from beginning to end.


    It has been two weeks since Liszt returned to Flower Town on January 9. It was already January 24. The eight blizzard beasts were hale and hearty, fighting while drinking milk, and their eyes often quivered. This was the signal that their eyes would be opening soon. Liszt began to feed them himself, forbidding others to enter the room.


    The Siren, A Qi, lived in the castle, eating fruits and ying with the thorn sprite, E. There was not much sullenness, but the seawater was added once its level reached the middle of the shell.


    Liszt would just drag her to the beach and let her soak in the sea for two hours.


    At that time, only Liszt was alone on the seashore, standing on the snow-covered rocks, looking at the sea creatures who were floating and ying in the sea. His mood would then be as bright as the sun in the sky. After getting along for more than a week, he has asked for all the information he needed from A Qi.


    The singing demons raised by the sea actually are worthy of being known as the sprites of the sea. Their birth process is simr to that of the sprites.


    One is the essence of nts, the other is the essence of the sea.


    One can control thorn nts and affect the nt growth; One can control its own shell and the seawater within the shell and control the surrounding seawater.


    Its just that the sprites needed to evolve from sprite worms, and its not until the sprites have evolved will its intelligence be close to that of an adult sprite; the singing demon has the intelligence that is close to an adult from the beginning of its life. Its full lifespan, however, was unclear.


    A Qi is only a minor siren and grew up alone in the sea. The sea will tell her part of the information and the rest, she will have to learn by observing human ships.


    Forty-one years, she had learned the Snake Language.


    However, she still retained the innocence of a sprite.


    The sea area where A Qi lives may be between Golden Wheat Ears Ind and New Land Ind. She has seen many boats, and the gs they had on have wheat ears, that is the g of the Golden Wheat Ears and the Golden Grains Family.


    The Golden Wheat Ears is a Marquis family, and their ind is Golden Wheat Ears Ind ; the Golden Grains is a Count family, and their ind is the New Land ind.


    The two families were separated in their previous generations, and the banner was a curved ear of wheat, todays banner was not much different. Liszts elder brother Levis, and the daughter of the Marquis Roderick, Loria Golden Wheat Ears seem to have started dating Liszt did nt specifically ask about it as he often only cared about himself.


    The siren has been swimming in the sea for two hours.


    A Qi then came ashore obediently. Although no sea monster Rymitta has been found recently, there is no guarantee that it has left the area.


    Liszt, I have replenished the sea water. Lets go home quickly. E cant wait. At present, A Qi was speaking snake more and more fluently, and her character has be more and more lively. There was no longer any feeling of estrangement to Liszt.


    Shezily stretched her waist which made Liszts eyes fluttered with her graceful curves and whiteplexion.


    After a short pause, he said, Lets go home.

 Chapter 278: The Best Fresh Flower Wine

    Chapter 278: The Best Fresh Flower Wine


    Its almost time for the Blizzard Beasts to open their eyes.


    As if to celebrate the uing Blizzard Beast lineup, Frank Distiller, the head of the Brewery Workshop, roared all the way to the castle and reported to Liszt.


    My Lord, we have distilled pure white wine!


    Distilled? Liszt was overjoyed, but his face remained calm. How is the quality of the fresh flower wine?


    Compared to the gin you left in the wine making workshop, there may be some differences in taste. The flowers is not strong enough for wine but the entrance is softer and it has its own advantages.


    If it actually is softer than gin and meets the standard, I will give you a reward.


    A group of people quickly went to the brewing workshop, where Frank asked the apprentices to take out the brewed liquor. A fewrge barrels filled with white liquor are worth less than a silver coin. The liquor in the wine barrel is not fake at all, it did not smell bad or too sour.


    We took the first distilling pot and found that although the first pot is very strong, the taste is not good; it was not until we refilled the raw materials in the first pot and started to distill it the second pot that we discovered that the distilled liquor has a very pure taste and has no rogue vor. It actually reaches the selling quality.


    Liszt tasted this second pot of distilled liquor.


    Going in, it has reached the spiciness of liquor, after a while, the taste was that of gin. Liszt felt that each has its own merits, neither good or bad.


    Call for Gort. Liszt turned around and ordered Thomas, the footman.


    Momentster, Gort rushed up and said, My Lord, is the fresh flower wine sessfully brewed? Oh my God, I cant wait to taste it!


    Seeing Gort with that of a drunkard form, Liszt angrily shouted, Arent you trying the vor of fresh flower wine every day?


    The town consultants greatest hobby in his life is drinking and bragging.


    Before the flower wine was sessfully brewed, the original pulp was of poor quality, but Gort still came to the brewing workshop every day after work to rub some inferior original pulp in his face and got drunk before going home to sleep.


    Hey Gort only smiled and refuted nothing.


    Liszt pointed to the newly brewed high-quality pulp and said. You are an expert in wine tasting. Try it andpare it with gin and give me aprehensive analysis.


    As you wish, my Lord!


    Gort grabbed his hip sk impatiently, looked up and poured a mouthful of fresh flower wine into the original pulp, then shook his head with his eyes closed. A momentter, he opened his eyes,as he had emptied the sk. My Lord, the knights glory is upon you! The fresh flower wine is absolutelyparable to gin, apletely different taste but with the same intoxicating feeling!


    Next, he took a sip of the virgin pulp andpared the difference between gin and the fresh flower wine.


    One has a high intensity and a spicy taste, but has a bigger kick and is easy to get on; the other has a slightly worse intensity, but has a soft taste and a lesser kick, which is not easy to get on.


    Liszt thinks that after the wine is released on the market, it will definitely sell better than gin. Since it doesnt kick too much, nobles can drink from it before the banquet and even after. Gin cannot do the same thing. This way, the flower brew can be suitable for more nobles to drink, even for the nobledies!


    By the end.


    Gort was already half drunk, holding a jug with his thumbs up. For me, fresh flower wine is a notch below gin, but for more aristocrats, they are a much better wine, and theyre a great treat!


    Listening to his analysis.


    Liszt now has a general understanding that gin is equivalent to Russian vodka, strong enough to choke you; but the fresh flower wine was brewed simr to that of the Beijing Erguotou, not exactly strong but soft to the taste buds. An old drunkard may choose vodka and drink it refreshingly, but more people can ept Erguotou, which is suitable for family dinners.


    Erguotou? It seems that the fresh flower brew is the distilled liquor from the second pot. Is this what it really means? Liszt thought a little.


    Liszt doesnt drink too much,hecem he knows too little about liquor.


    He turned around and asked Frank, Is the flower wine already graded? And if so, what is its grade?


    ording to your ideas, we set the pure second pot pulp as the highest grade; the first pot recycled raw pulp is mixed with the second pot raw pulp, which is the second grade; the first pot returned brewed raw pulp Is the third product; the third pot brewed raw pulp is mixed with the second pot brewed raw pulp, which is the fourth grade product; the third-pot brewed raw pulp is the worst product.


    Frank and the others divided such grades very carefully. Obviously they were scolded by Lisztst time so now they did their best work before they dared to report to the castle.


    What about the worst quality brews? Take them out and have adviser Gort taste them.


    After drinking the highest grade pulp in the second pot, and then drinking the lowest grade pulp in the third pot, Gort almost spewed out. The taste is very mixed, it is only a little better than the previous flower brew. It shouldnt be listed at all.


    Later, Gort drank several other grades of pulp, and the evaluation was mixed. The first three grades can be sold as liquor, but thetter two grades were not qualified.


    Liszt has a clearer understanding now.


    With the first three grades of liquor, flower brewing has been a great sess. Brewing workshops will be thergest source of gold coins in Flower Town and the cornerstone of Liszts town development.


    From now on, the brewing workshop is regarded as the top secret of the Flower Town. No bystanders and strangers are allowed to enter and leave at will. Patrols will be dispatched around the clock for 24 hours and this area will be directly separated from other workshops. The master brewers will also be strictly protected  Adviser Gort, can you hear clearly what Im saying?


    Please rest assured, Sir. I am just a little tipsy. Your orders are very clear to me. We must treat the brewery as the top priority  Hup. Gort shook his body and belched at the end.


    Seeing this.


    Liszt could not trust Gort at his state, so he sent for Isaiah, the administrative officer,and handed over the task to him.


    After that, Liszt began to reward the brewers. I promised you that as long as you make liquor qualified for sale, you will have gold coins and silver coins. Now, Frank Distiller, Aberdeen Pudding and Hunt, I will reward each of you with a gold coin, and the apprentices involved in the winemaking with 20 silver coins each!


    Praise Sir Baron!


    Thank you my Lord for your generous reward!


    The winemakers and apprentices took the gold and silver coins and expressed their gratitude.


    Liszt has indeed encouraged them over and over again and told them to work hard, and the benefits will be inevitable in the future. Winemaking is very simple. It is much more difficult to brew qualified liquor. Fortunately, under the guidance of his distition technology, winemakers finally brewed real liquor.


    In fact, I should be rewarded the most  s, forget it, I still have the merits and fame, why should Ipare this honor with what few serfs have?


    After praising himself in his heart, Liszt immediately took action to prepare for theunch of the flower brew.


    First, he must send someone to inform Levis.


    The flower brewing business requires Levis strong cooperation in order to quickly expand the production scale, to open sales channels, in order for Liszt to gain his funding in a short time.


    As a small town lord, he really is short in money!

 Chapter 279: Wooden Bottle, Pottery Bottle and Jade Bottle

    Chapter 279: Wooden Bottle, Pottery Bottle and Jade Bottle


    Levis not only sent his tutor Frank, but he also personally rushed to Flower Town. Liszt, the flower brewing has been improved sessfully?


    Of course, you can taste it yourself.


    I cant miss this.


    Three kinds of flower wine that can be sold on the market have been sent to the castle so Levis can taste each one.


    The first thing he drank was the third grade, that is, the lowest grade of fresh flower wine. When the liquor was introduced, his eyes immediately lit up. Not bad, it is pure and tasteless. It can be sold!


    He then drank the second grade of fresh flower wine. This one tastes better, but this wine is a little soft.


    Finally, the highest-grade fresh flower wine was brewed. After drinking it, he enjoyed it for three minutes before getting excited. Its really good wine! Liszt, we are rich. The quality of fresh flower wine is by no means inferior to that of gin. These are two kinds of white spirits with different tastes. Fresh flower wine is more suitable for nobles to drink.


    His evaluation was simr to that of Gorts, who saw the vast market behind the flower liquor brew.


    So next, we should discuss how to expand the brewing scale and how to sell it on the market. Liszt doesnt like drinking, but he knows very well the booming liquor market.


    Alcohol might not be a cure-all, but in the time it works, it can paralyze the senses and relieve all pain and stress. It would let a person escape from all kinds of difficulties and frustrations in reality and enjoy the hazy and peaceful moments as if his soul had been sublimated.


    Levis picked up the teacup, trying to make it look like he was not anxious to talk business.


    However, his anxious eyes betrayed his thoughts: The sales will be given to me. Coral Ind is definitely the dominant producer of fresh flower wine. Red Crab Ind can also be a dominant producer. I can sell it to Golden Wheat Ear Ind  But how do you n to arrange the production of fresh flower wine?


    Ill expand the scale of winemaking workshops and recruit more winemakers and winemaking apprentices. However, Flower Town is understaffed. Brother, you must support me and sell me a batch of your winemakers.


    Ill send you ten winemakers immediately! Levis said so with a wave of his hand. But they cant make white wine. You have to teach them the technology.


    Liszt had toy out the ugly details first. Give me their families too, and I will be willing to teach them wine-making techniques.


    Levis red. You still dont believe me  Forget it, their families will be sent here as well!


    Dont forget about the ingredients. Liquor requires a wide range of brewing materials. Grains, fruits, taro, sweet potatoes can also be used to make wine. However, flowers is mainly made of corn, and I will not change the main wine material in a short time. In the future, we will study other appropriate grain brewing technologies.


    Not many corn is nted in Tulip Castle. They dont eat much of it so all will be brought to you!


    The little corn in Tulip Castle is not enough. Youd better nt another batch of corn this year and buy a batch of corn from all over the world.


    As the saying goes, wine is food.


    The wine-making rate of grain is between 25% and 45%, therefore half a catty of wine cannot be produced from a pound of grain. In the event of food scarcity in ancient times, the government will prohibit private brewing to prevent wasting food and expanding the famine.


    Because corn is not the staple food of Coral Ind, Liszt chose to brew with corn. He may have be an aristocrat, and his buttocks is tied to the ruling ss, his heart was still kind. He had no desire to snatch the only rations serfs get because of the liquor business.


    However, no matter how one thinks about it, after all, there will still be a group of serfs rations that will be transferred to brewing wine.


    Liszt can only do his best to remind Levis. Brother, winemaking will waste a lot of food. I hope to buy corn from the outer inds as much as possible, or give certain tax subsidies to the serfs who grow corn.


    Levis face was full of disapproval. Dont worry about such trifles. The serfs have their own officials to make reasonable arrangements. I will ensure enough corn will be avable to brew wine and thus will not dy the production of flower wine.


    Seeing this, Liszt could only sigh in his heart.


    He immediately cast off thesepassionate thoughts and said, Iron, I still need a batch of iron, at least 10,000 catties to make wine-making utensils.


    Didnt you just get 13,000 kilos of iron from Tulip Castle?


    I bought those myself, and the brewery will supply the raw materials ording to the agreement.


    Liszt, I cant get any more iron. You will have to extract it from the Tulip Castle warehouse. In that case, the profits will then have to be shared to other people.  Levis let out a frown.


    Brother, it is right to be given a share of profits. The flower brew is certainly a deal between us, but if we leave others behind, Father may not say it on the face, but he will definitelyin in his heart.


    You are being sarcastic! Levis was very unhappy. I provided the raw materials, I am responsible for the sales,and I only get 60% of the profits. You only provide technology, even I have to provide the brewers, yet you still get 40% of the profits. Remember, even the mouths of some people in Tulip Castle will require me to do some things, dont you think its too cruel?


    If it werent for my technology, brother, there wont be a liquor business to attend to. Think about it, once the flower wine is spread around, how many gold coins will it bring in each year and how many magic potions can be made avable to you  Maybe youll be a Sky Knight in less than a year.


    Levis is 24 years old this year and will soon turn 25.


    If he actually bes a Sky Knight at the age of 25,this will at least prove that his talent is not worse than the Counts.


    This hit Levis nerve. He grabbed his hair and gnashed his teeth and nodded. Okay, 13,000 kilos of iron, Im out! But the fresh flower brew must be produced on arge scale as soon as possible!


    Of course, the technology has already matured. Were just waiting for the materials to be prepared. Liszt said the materials for winemaking, and suddenly thought of the packaging problem, How do you n to sell flower wine?


    I sell it the same way I sell gin. The liquor market on Coral Ind will only be about the flower wine in the future; I will discuss it with our cousin on Red Crab Ind. It will be easy to get them on; on the Golden Wheat Ear Ind, I can hand over the sales to Loria for sale. She should be able to eat Golden Wheat Ear Ind and New Land Ind together.


    Liszt became interested. Is Loria sure to be my sister-inw?


    Levis smiled and was very happy. Do you think I was just fighting with all my heart during battles? My dear brother, you still have a lot to learn  Marquis Roderick has approved my union with Loria, and I will go to Golden Wheat Ear Ind in March to make sure things are settled.


    It seems that this matter has been rified.


    Liszt gave a thumbs-up and returned to the topic. There are three grades of fresh flower wine. Do you have any idea how to pack them?


    Ill pack them just like gin. I will let the pottery workshop burn a batch of y pots as wine bottles. Levis replied directly.


    No, the flower brew should be distinguished from the gin so that the nobles can see it immediately.


    Liszt rejected Levis idea and said, Ten years old fresh flower wine, packed in wooden bottles, carved with a yellow tulip, sells for five to fifteen silver coins, it would upy the small aristocratic market; Fifty years old fresh flower wine, packed in pottery bottles, carved with a red tulip, sells for 50 to 80 silver coins, will upy the the middle aristocracy market. The 100-year-old fresh flower wine, packaged in jade bottles and carved with a queen of the night, is as expensive to sell as it is to make and is limited in quantity. It is mainly for high-ranking nobles.


    When did you get ten to a hundred year old wine ? Levis was surprised.


    Dont worry. Itll be readyter

 Chapter 280: The Door to the Skies

    Chapter 280: The Door to the Skies


    So the ten years and a hundred years of aging are just lies?


    Its not lies, its just publicity.


    But the fresh flower brew is just freshly brewed white wine and has never been aged.


    What do you think is the difference between the taste of fresh flower brew and that of gin? Since there is not much difference between the two, why cant gin be called a cer-aged wine?


    Because it actually is aged wine that has been stored for many years.


    Er  Liszt suddenly felt that Levis was actually naive. The quality of gin is formed by cer aging, but since the quality of flower wine is not inferior to it, it can also be called cer-aged wine. There is no conflict. Moreover, our position is very clear. The three grades clearly distinguish the difference in status, and they can also strengthen nobles at all levels.


    Do you really think this is better?


    Of course, no one knows how we brew it. If we say it is 100 years old then it is 100 years old!


    Wooden bottles and pottery bottles are very simple, but dont you think jade bottles are too expensive?


    You can make less bottles of high level fresh flower wine and sell it in a way that trantes the value of the bottle into it, or you can wrap it in a crystal bottle, which will indicate the grade of fresh flower wine. Or you can carve a bottle from precious stones and let father give it to the grand duke for publicity.


    To the Grand Duke?


    Of course, let the Grand Duke drink fresh flower wine. If he does it, which nobles would refuse to drink fresh flower wine?


    The Grand Duke has a liquor industry under hismand. He does not need to pay tribute to our liquor.


    Let Father ask him to taste it. As long as the fresh flower brew is not sold in Blue Dragon Ind and does not threaten the Grand Dukes liquor industry, wont he give father any face?


    As de master who founded his own Count family, Leewilliam Tulip is definitely a high-level figure in the Grand Duchy of Sapphire. The Grand Duchy will certainly draw in such upstarts to check and bnce the old Marquis Family. As long as Leewilliam and the Grand Duke have a clear understanding of the sales scope of the fresh flower wine, there will be no conflict.


    But if the Grand Duke turns out to be greedy, he will not want the Tulip family to enter the liquor market of Sapphire Grand Duchy at all.


    It was not a big deal to sell flower wine to the Iron and Steel Ridge Kingdom or even to the Eagle Kingdom. Smuggling liquor is also one of the businesses of many fleet caravans.


    The only difference is whether they could be selling more and selling less.


    Levis was still thinking.


    Frank, the tutor, warned, Whether the Duke Tribute n is sessful or not, we will not lose our interests Levis. It might cost us a little to follow Liszts advice, but if it fails, it is still eptable to return to the original way of how gin is sold.


    In that case, well try it.


    As for the flower brewing business, Liszt and Levis have discussed everything clearly so far. The rest would now be up to their subordinates, how they would operate and manage them.


    The Lord does not have to deal with those matters personally.


    When I arrived, I heard that your Tremblingwoods had offsprings and now has eight small dogs? Leviss attention was quickly diverted. Let me see this offspring of mid-level magical beasts!


    Im sorry, brother, they havent opened their eyes yet, so its not suitable for them see anyone for the time being.


    Havent opened their eyes yet! Levis eximed, They havent opened their eyes? Liszt, we are brothers, are we not? I have never wronged you!


    Needless to say.


    Liszt already understood Levis meaning and it was that he also wanted a little blizzard beast of his own. But Liszt would never give one away. Even if Levis paid for it, he would not sell it.


    Brother, although this is an offspring of a mid-level magical beast, their mother is just an ordinary dog. Also, Tremblingwoods at that time has not fully evolved yet, so this batch of puppies is very likely to be low-level magical beasts  I suggest you wait for the next batch of puppies to be born, I will definitely sell it to you.


    After several attempts of convincing, Levis was still dissatisfied with Liszt s firm attitude.


    But he only has to endure until the next batch of puppies. Then its a deal. The next batch of small dogs must be sold to me!


    Whatever you say. Liszt nodded and agreed.


    But it could all be false.


    Liszt might or might not be able to sell puppies at all. It is doubtful whether Stupidowman can be pregnant again. The higher the magical beast bloodline, the more difficult the fertility. The mid-level magical beast has grown up. After the bloodline has transformed, it was uncertain whether the mother-inw will be pregnant again.


    Perhaps these eight little Blizzard beasts will be the only descendants of Tremblingwoods, and the rest will just be regr dogs.


    Lunchtime.


    Levis was busy drinking the fresh flower brew.


    He probably was not worried about the liquor business making money. He was too excited to get a Blizzard Beast. But thinking about it, Levis was not happy and so he drank too much; too drunk to tell the difference between southeast and northwest.


    Levis began putting his arm around Liszts shoulder with his mouth smelling of alcohol. Liszt, Im beginning to be jealous of you  er  youre out of Tulip castle, the knights glory is on your side, everyone starts to say that you are the son of glory  Im in the castle, always bound to this kid Lipton, Lytton


    Liszt felt helpless listening to his brotherin after drinking.


    In order not to expose his familys dirty linen in public, Liszt immediately made everyone leave the party.


    The wine pumped up Levis windpipe. He continued ranting how the Lytton-centered the Count is, what resources of his were robbed, how the Sky Knight pressure is very big, how his luck is not as good as Liszts, his wolf dogs are pregnant, how his cousin had to abort the child for the sake


    And then.


    Snapping under the pressure, Levis fell from the table.


    Liszt called for a servant to help Levis to his carriage. Liszt was determined not to let his brother stay for the night in the castle. Mr. Frank, take good care of Levis.


    Please rest assured.


    At that moment, Captain Leiden, who was guarding Levis, came up, nced at Randy standing under the apple tree and sighed, Baron Liszt, keep Randy in Flower Town, please.


    Randy Kettle is Captain Leidens illegitimate child. Even if he has been recognized by the Captains family, he still cannot give any more support.


    The Captain is not going to talk to Randy?


    Its not necessary. Leiden continued to look at Kettle. I will escort Sir Levis back to Tulip Castle. If I have the time, I hope to be a guest here in Flower Town.


    You are wee any time.


    Levis came to Flower Town full of excitement and went back drunk, which was a big benefit to him and Liszt.


    While standing in front of the castle window.


    Liszt drank thest cup of dragon milk.


    The alcohol kick came and made him feel excited. With the liquor business, Levis will probably be promoted to a Sky Knight level. As for me, I will definitely be promoted to the same level myself. When the timees, there will be three Sky Knights in the Tulip family. I am afraid the count will not be able to say anything more that will bar him from not being promoted to a Marquis.


    With the father and sons on the battlefield together, it will definitely be the end of the push.That is, as long as they dont encounter a Dragon Knight.


    He who has made outstanding achievements will be promoted to Marquis sooner orter.


    But being in the Marquis family is by no means my goal. Its just a step I have to take on the dragon road journey. With my talent, and the wealth brought by the development of my territory, it is very likely for me to be promoted to the Sky Knight level before the age of 22. It will take another five to six years for an ordinary Sky Knight to be sessful and go look for clues about the dragons.


    He will find the dragon and ride it!


    Then a small goal in his life will be aplished..

 Chapter 281: Training a Water Mage

    Chapter 281: Training a Water Mage


    In the workshop area, a huge factory area is nned separately for the expansion of the brewery workshop.


    Under the management of the town officials, the carpenters shop, cksmiths shop, bonesmiths shop, and ironworks shop worked together from morning to night to make the wine-making equipment.


    Even Brads family, who was in charge of the crystal workshop who can only carve volcanic ss all day has been given a new task of carving some key equipment with volcanic ss.


    The town was bustling but the castle was as calm as ever.


    Liszts study shelf had some more bottles filled with the flower brew. He didnt like to drink, but just kept it as a souvenir.


    These were real pulps made from the fresh flower wine.


    After finishing todays knight practice lesson, Liszt went back to his bathroom to take a bath then went straight to the worm room. He was talking to Siren A Qi while enjoying the beautiful scenery.


    Recently, Siren A Qi has been fascinated by various books.


    She doesnt know how to read, but Liszt often teaches her. Liszt has no idea if it is an ability among her kind, but A Qi seems to learn things very quickly. She has quickly remembered arge number of snakenguage words and can already read on her own.


    She liked studying magic books best, which is very good for learning magic.


    At this time.


    The shell was fully open.


    The little thorny sprite E was soaking in the sea water, which is a part of A Qi. Liszt touched it by hand. It is not much different from ordinary sea water. It was probably slightly warmer but it does not have the coldness of regr sea water. Its hard to imagine that these seawaters will eventually grow to be A Qis feet.


    Liszt, you are here.


    Well, A Qi is still reading?


    Im reading Fredos Fireball Technique. Fredo Truth, a magic apprentice, is very funny. He even used the back of his hand to rub out the fireball. Hee hee, he is very silly. A Qi closed the book with a sweet smile.


    E closed its eyes but as soon as it heard Liszts voice, it was opening its eyes. It nced at Liszt but continued to soak in the sea water, enjoying its warmth veryfortably. Behind it, there were nine other sprites with different colors swimming in the seawater.


    There was no need to guess, it was obviously E who threw the sprites into the shell.


    Its funny, but all mages are human beings with abnormal ideas. Liszt poked E in the stomach with his hand, making E drift away. Wont they disturb you reading?


    No, E and the worm babies are very quiet.


    Its only quiet here. Outside, E is the Flower Town bully.


    After hearing bad words about herself, E stopped what it was doing , exposed its head from the seawater and shouted Wow as protest. However, Liszt red at him, and it then obediently retracted his head and continued to bathe.


    They continued to talk for a while.


    A Qi suddenly raised her hand. Liszt, did you say that magic was released this way?


    Hmm?


    As she was talking, she seemed to be conjuring magic. Meditate on a bridge between the spirit and magic, to embrace them and to experience them. I can only be intimate with the magic of the water. They are like a lot of gentle little babies who listens to my calls.


    Immediately afterwards, Liszt saw something unexpected.


    Her delicate and slender hands actually condensed into a mass of water bit by bit. The mass of water twisted slowly and then stretched into the spiral shape of an arrow.


    I have read a magic book about archery. I think the magic principle in the book is very simple. I seem to be able to do it easily.


    The glittering and translucent water arrow was so clear but real.


    Liszt used his Magic Eye to observe and he clearly saw that the magic of the water arrow originated from the magic in the air, not from A Qis own magic.


    This is like the magic released by the sorcerer. Liszt never thought it would take shape in the hands of the siren.


    A Qi, release the water arrow outside the window.


    Oh.


    A Qi obediently pushed her hand and the water arrow flew out of the window like a real sharp arrow and finally disappeared in the sky. Hee hee, the water arrow flew out, Liszt, have I learned magic water archery?


    You have!


    Liszts eyes were shining. He had overestimated the role of the siren and thought it was his strategic help in setting off the era of navigation. But now, it must be corrected. The siren can not only y an important role in navigation, but also has the potential to be a mage.


    A water mage.


    At this moment, he had the irresistible idea of training the siren A Qi into a water-attribute mage or even a great water mage.


    With her talent for self-study, it seems that it is not impossible for her to be a water mage.


    Excited, Liszt stretched out his hand and stroked A Qis blue hair. I will collect all magic books that document water magic. You can study water magic with great concentration and you will strive to be a sea monster mage in the future.


    Can A Qi really be a mage?


    Of course, as long as you work hard.


    Mmm!


    -


    It was one happy event after another.


    The flower brew sessfully came out, and the Siren has learned magic. Liszt has just fed the little Blizzard beasts for half a month when they finally opened their eyes one after another by the end of January.


    The first person they saw was Liszt. And they recognized him immediately.


    Perhaps this so-called recognition of their Lord has not reached the level of unswerving determination and loyalty, but it means that all eight small blizzard animals regard Liszt as their closest family and therefore has assumed the role of father or mother. In the future, through slow training and cultivation, they will follow Lisztsmands just like Tremblingwoods..


    The eight of them were arranged in a row, all covered in ck hair, about the same size. It was hard to recognize which was which since they were all looking fluffy. In fact, Liszt has already forgotten the sequence of their birth.


    Finally, recalling the way he had raised Tremblingwoods , Liszt decided to create a cor for each of the eight Blizzards Beasts.


    The color of the namete must be different so as to distinguish which is which at first sight and not call the wrong name. He also decided to keep the Blizzard animals separately. He had owned dogs before, so he knew very well the horror of a litter of dogs. Once the litter goes crazy,theyll be like Conan the destroyer.


    Liszt will have to adapt separate feeding and training, so that all Blizzard beasts can obey the samemands and thenter gather together for military training.


    They will all have to prepare for the battlefield in the future.


    Sir, the four kennels have all been padded with cotton mats, so the blizzard beasts can be moved in. The dog cor you ordered has also been delivered by the cobblers shop, totaling eight pairs.  Butler Carter walked into the room and reported.


    Then move them out today and clean the recreation room carefully, especially the smell. It must be removed. It is too bad.


    I will order Mrs. Morrisson to deal with it. Carter asked again, What are the names on the nametes you wish to make for the eight Blizzard Beasts?


    Let me think it over first.


    Yes, Sir.


    After the servant began to send the eight Little Blizzards one by one into the kennel separated by four slots, Liszt waved his hand and called out the smoke mission.


    Complete the task and be rewarded with eight Blizzard Beasts.


    Liszt smiled faintly when he clearly saw the smoke tasks.


    Sure enough.


    After being fed by the dragon-type cows milk, the Blizzard Beasts will be high-ss magical beasts and will stabilize his career.

 Chapter 282: Full Body Armor Against The Poison Bees

    Chapter 282: Full Body Armor Against The Poison Bees


    Task: Because the Flowers has reduced its trips at the sea, the timber needed for construction in ck Horse Ind became insufficient. Marcus has decided to cut the inds scattered trees, but then they encountered a deadly bee strike. Please put down the bees nest to prevent more people from being stung by it. Reward: A sprite worm.


    The smoke task floated gently in front of Liszts eyes, and the content has been reflected in his mind.


    Very well, finally there is another sprite reward !


    Since Liszt got the corn grass sprites, I havent harvested any more sprites for two months. Although winteres and most nts stop growing, Liszt regrets it. sprite worms are the productivity that the lord cannot do without.


    Now, a new task has finally emerged, and the reward is the sprite.


    I dont know what kind of sprite worm it is, there are not many clues to this mission  But whatever it is,I must first get rid of the poisonous bee hive! Liszt was in high spirits.


    Its not difficult to get rid of the poison honey bees because knights have their full body armor.


    During the time when Flower Town sold seafood and made lots of money from it, Liszt had saved twenty sets of knight equipment. Among them is the steel armor that protected people from head to toe. After it is put on, any poisonous bees, mad bees, killer bees, etc. would all end up dead.


    I only hope that not too many serfs have died.


    Marcus, who was far away in ck Horse Ind, was thinking of the same thing as Liszt.


    After the Flowers returned from ck Horse Ind, Marcus immediately reported to his Lord Baron. My Lord, there is a poisonous bee hive in ck Horse Ind that can kill people. A total of 16 serfs have died due to the bee sting. When Ie back from this trip, I n to bring some full-length armour to wipe out the poison beespletely!


    Marcus brought back several bodies of poison bees.


    Each one was the size of a thumb and there is an even bigger queen bee.


    Even as an elite earth Knight, Marcus was too afraid to approach the hive, so he had to retreat and seek the protection of a knights armor.


    Im going to ck Horse Ind with you to see what this poisonous bee has killed. Liszt said in a deep voice. He not only wanted to find the sprite, but also wanted to see if there was honey in the poisonous bee hive.


    In case there is honey in the hive, it would definitely be the best honey around.


    Honey is the top ingredient in noble recipes, but since no one can raise bees, only serfs can be sent to collect it in the wild. Every year, arge number of serfs who collect honey are stung to death by various bees.


    There were only a few beehives in Flower Town.


    But even if there were hundreds of them, Liszt would not send the serfs to gather honey and have the serfs life be at risk for food. He was not that cruel.


    Liszt decided to follow.


    Marcus had noments.


    However, he had other things to report. Although the problem of cutting down trees this time had caused by the poison bees surprise attack, it was also caused by the loose management and thezy serfs who took a dump in a far away ce, which led to the attack of poisonous bees. My Lord, Port Town needs more officials!


    I see. I will arrange it as soon as possible.


    As a proactive lord, everytime there is a problem, he should immediately set about to solve it. After a little thought, Griffin Haystack and Russell Scale were called.


    Griffin is an orphan and was Liszts friend at Knights College. Russell is from a civilian background and his family has moved to Flower Town.


    Looking at the two earth knights, Liszt asked them seriously, Russell, Griffin, can I trust you?


    Griffin answered without hesitation. Lord Baron, I came to Flower Town to join you. I am ready to follow you any time!


    I am also ready to follow any time! Russell was unwilling to fall behind.


    Hence, Im sending you to a ce to work and you probably wont return to Flower Town for a long time. Russell, you have to take your family with you  You wont be able to return to Flower Town in about two or three years. Will you still be volunteering for this task ?


    Russell was puzzled. Lord Baron, do you want us to perform any official duties? Griffin and I have enough manpower. Why must I bring my family as well?


    It is indeed a business. However, there is no danger, just a little bit of hard work, and the need to keep everything confidential. As for what kind of business it is, I cant tell you.  Liszt looked at the two men. But I can assure you that if you give your best work, there will be a return, a generous return.


    Griffin heard this and said directly, Lord Baron, I will do it!


    Russell hesitated and nodded. Since Russell has decided to follow Master Baron, he naturally will follow Lord Barons arrangement!


    Liszt nodded. From today onwards, you will formally join my Knights Squad!


    This meant that Liszt had epted their pledges. Griffin and Russell woke up instantly, knelt down on one knee and solemnly carried out the knight etiquette of following and loyalty. We are willing to serve the Baron!


    Get up, pack your things, ry the news fully to your family, and well meet at the Flower Harbor tomorrow morning.


    Yes, Lord Baron!


    -


    The next day.


    The Flowers braved the wind and waves to get to ck Horse Ind in the afternoon.


    Only then did Rasse and Griffin realize that they were sent to work on a desert ind, and this ck Horse Ind will be the future fief of their Lord Baron.


    In the future, my Knights Squad training will be arranged on ck Horse Ind. Russell, Griffin, and Teacher Marcus t will be the captains of the Knights Squad, hence, are responsible for the daily training. The construction of Port Town was all based on Marcuss lead. Construction requires hard work, and training must be persistent.  Liszt introduced.


    Yes, Lord Baron!


    Knights should be all capable of fighting on horseback and work as officials.


    Without idling around too much, Liszt and his three knights rushed to the site of the poison bee hive. The four were all dressed in full body armor of fine steel, riding on their mounts, even with barbed wire mesh masks to cover their eyes. With such imprable equipment, it should be easy to destroy the bees.


    Tremblingwoods and the horses stayed at a distance while Liszt and others walked to the poison bee hive.


    My Lord, it is just up ahead. Marcus pointed to a tree not far ahead. Can you see the big tree? The beehive is on the branch of the big tree. It is veryrge and can be seen clearly.


    I see it. Lets go and try to kill all poison bees before dark.


    The Earth Knights feet moved very fast. A momentter, they were nearing the tree. Liszt has no idea why the serfs would take a dump so far.


    Buzz!


    The poisonous bees have found the four knights.


    Liszt did not hesitate to call up hispanions and they all began to take the initiative tounch attacks. One by one, the thumb-sized poison bees were flying with great momentum, but they could not break through the steel. The four earth knights were using their qi and brandishing swords, one after the other shooting the big poison bees to death.


    Liszt, in particr, the strongest elite earth knight among the group, has fire-attributed qi and his magic was bursting. Every time he would perform a fighting technique, the sky-long mes could actually burn arge number of poisonous bees.


    The hive was huge, at least half a person tall.


    Thousands of poisonous wasps were flying out in the thick air. They recklessly rushed toward four people, only to be turned into dead bodies under the knights swords and would then fall on the ground.


    Sir, I wille up to the tree to cut down the beehive! Griffin had thunder-attribute qi, and thunder power was evident on his long sword. Although he was just an ordinary earth knight, hisbat power was quite fierce.


    He used both hands and feet to climb up the branches easily.


    The poison bees were surrounding him in a circle, but this did not stop his movement. Pulling out a sword and aiming it at the root of the branch, he chopped off the whole branch and it dropped to the ground together with the beehive.


    Four earth knights


    Circling around the fallen hive, cutting down the bees like crazy.


    The situation was quite intense.

 Chapter 283: Adhesive From Nature

    Chapter 283: Adhesive From Nature


    There were many poison bee species, but not one of the earth knights cared what kind was in front of them. By sunset, almost all of the poison bees were dead.


    When they ripped the beehive open, the queen bee was inside hiding but they killed it immediately.


    Only a small number of poison bees flew away. ording to the habits of bees, they will linger in the area for a few days until they have determined that their hive no longer exists.


    Teacher Marcus, remember to warn all serfs that will not be allowed toe to this area.


    Yes, my Lord.


    At this moment, Russell suddenly cried out, My Lord, this is honey. There is honey in this hive!


    Is there really honey? Liszt lifted his mask and looked down at the section of the beehive that Russell had broken open. Indeed as expected, Liszt saw the golden honey, exuding a faint and sweet taste.


    Liszt broke it deeper with his hands and found many whitervae in the hive.


    This was bee pupa.


    It has about the thickness of the index finger, and the length of the thumb in its full size.


    Seeing these white bee pupae, Liszt almost drooled. He had eaten fried bee pupae before and remembered them to be delicious and crispy. Moreover, bee pupa contains high protein, low fat, multiple vitamins and other trace elements, it was considered tonic food. Now this half human height poisonous bee hive has produced at least ten catties of bee pupa.


    He could eat some of it!


    Russell, Griffin, you will lift the bee pupa and carry it back! The honey and bee pupa inside it are good things, Ill take all of them.


    Yes, my Lord!


    The two men were about to carry the hive, but they could not lift it at all. Their faces soon turned red with embarrassment.


    Havent you eaten?Marcus asked after being speechless.


    Though they were earth knights, they did not have infinite power and strength, but they should at least be several times as powerful as an average adult.A 500-pound poisonous honeb shouldnt be so hard.


    All the milk, all the qi training, they could not even shake the poisonous bee hive.


    Griffin, who was lifting with Russell, suddenly found the problem. Captain Marcus, it seems that something has stuck between the hive and the trunk here. No wonder we cant move.


    Stuck? Liszt also walked over and inspected the part where the poisonous bee had been connected to the trunk, and found out that there was some white substance as Griffin said. It should be the sap from the tree, but why is it so sticky?


    Looking up the white material at the fracture of the cut off branch, huge amounts of sap has flowed and then solidified after drying.


    It seemed to be more sticky than 502 glue. [1]


    Glue  solidifies  Liszt thought this kind of thing was very unusual. It should have a very wide range of uses.


    At this time, Marcus has pulled his fine steel longsword and aimed it at the bonded part, and then chopped it off with the sword.


    Whack!


    Whack!


    Whack!


    After three sword hacks in a row, white material only cracked a little and showed no sign of separation.


    Do it a few more times, Marcus, and use qi. Liszt motioned Marcus not to stop and to continue chopping to check the strength of the sap bond.


    Marcus did as told.


    Using his qi, blue light was exuding from the long sword. He aimed at the white matter, and the sword was full of power, whack! The sword finally split the white matter, and the poisonous bee hive waspletely separated from the trunk. This materials must be so hard, I used my full force just to cut it off.


    This sap from the big tree, Marcus, Russell, Griffin I think we may have found something better. Liszt pointed to the big tree in front of him and smiled.


    The big tree was a verymon native tree. Liszt has studied this tree as early as when he firstnded on ck Horse Ind for the second time when he went to find the keel. The trunk is very straight, the branches are high, not luxuriant, it is without flowers and fruits, and not too tall. When he saw the tree at the beginning of the New Year Festival, the leaves were only slightly yellow. Now they werepletely yellow.


    At first, Lisz hase to the conclusion that this was a deciduous tree, which ismon and can probably be used as wood.


    He also nned to cut off all the native trees near the pasture as soon as there was sufficient manpower to expand the area for pasture cultivation. Now, it seems, fortunately, that the trees that have not been cut down can shed such strong glue. These were clearly treasures endowed by nature.


    The sunset was almost over.


    Liszt did not hurry back. There were no magical beasts on the ind hence no threat for danger. Griffin, cut at the trunk.


    Yes, my Lord!


    As soon as the sword was down, the tree bark cracked.


    About a minuteter, white sap began to ooze from the cracked area. Liszt took a bit of the sap with a wooden stick, and then stuck it to the trunk, shaking it from time to time to determine the sap mobility. After being exposed to the air for about five minutes, the sap began to harden


    After fully hardening, it was almost unbreakable.


    The effect is very strong. Do you see it?Liszt asked triumphantly. The sap of this tree was undoubtedly a natural adhesive, and judging from its solidity, it is absolutelyparable to the existence of rubber, or more likely equal to the mixed product of rubber and 502 glue.


    The importance of rubber is beyond doubt. 502 glue is also very useful.


    A product with thebination of the two advantages is undoubtedly a more valuable natural glue.


    However, Marcus didnt realize this very quickly, so he was somewhat confused.


    Griffin even replied solemnly, Maybe we can use it to stick two things together? It looks a bit troublesome, my lord. When serfs cut down trees, they might stick their axes on the trunk.


    Cutting down trees?


    Well, my Lord, arent you nning to cut down all the trees on the ind and use them to expand the grasnd?


    That was the previous n. Now it has changed. Grasnds are needed. This kind of tree is even more needed! Liszt said without hesitation. You may not understand what I just said. This tree sap is a good thing, a very good thing. In my opinion, it is more valuable than gold.


    More valuable than gold?


    Tree sap can be used as glue to bond objects. For example, barrels can be put together with glue. As long as the two boards are lightly glued together, they will stick for eternity, and will not loosen or have any leaks. It seems wasteful to use it on a hoop barrel. It might be suitable for bonding weapons.


    Listzs excitement continued. Of course, the first thing to do is to determine its nature, durability, fire resistance or water resistance, how to collect and store, etc


    Speaking of which.


    He suddenly remembered that the smoke task had beenpleted. His sprite worm should be here now. He let Marcus and the other knights study the nature of the natural glue, while he quietly called out the smoke task.


    However, Liszt found that the contents of the task had not changed which means the task of clearing the poison honeb had not yet beenpleted.


    It seems that the task will not bepleted until all the poison bees fly awaypletely and the danger ispletely averted. However, this tree and this task  Looking at the trunk and thinking about the task, he felt that the two seem to be rted. Could it be that my tenth elf insect has something to do with this tree?


    Liszt quickly cast his Magic Eyes and began to observe the big tree in front of him. When his gaze moved to the crown of the tree trunk, a magical light shed across his field of vision.


    [1] super super glue

 Chapter 284: Rubber Tree Sprite Worm

    Chapter 284: Rubber Tree Sprite Worm


    A sh of pale yellow magic light seemed to be the present in the trees base and in its treetop. Liszt could clearly see on top of it since it wasnt very tall. There seemed to be magic exuding from the top. There was no doubt that sprites were inhabiting there.


    That is, this whole tree is a sprite worm!


    Recognizing this, Liszt was immediately distressed, Russell had cut off a thick branch, and Griffin gave the tree a hack of his sword. Liszt was causing troubles to his own sprites.


    Teacher Marcus, Russell, Griffin, this tree is a sprite worm. He touched some rough bark. My sprite worm is gestating. I can feel its existence. You must protect it. And then after it is born, I wille again toplete the contract.


    Are there really sprites? Russell licked his lips.


    Marcus was not surprised, he knew the moment Liszts eyes lit up. Master, please rest assured, I will arrange people to visit this tree at any time, once the sprite is born,I will notify the Lord Baron immediately!


    Griffin said excitedly, Russell, you just cut down the branches of a sprite worm! And I cut a hole in the sprite worm! Our Lord is indeed the son of glory. The knights glory is in his favor. We have another sprite worm in Flower Town!  Liszt wasnt clear whether he was excited about the sprites or about cutting the sprite worm.


    Anyway.


    The three people who were originally somewhat confused about the natural glue quickly attached importance to it because this time it was about the breeding of sprites.


    Breeding sprites is a valuable matter for them. In their minds, the sprites are symbols of nobility and a symbol of power.


    Liszt looked at the big sprite worm tree in front of him and was in a good mood. Although 16 serfs died because of the poisonous bee hive, and it is very painful, there are gains and losses. So now, we have more new crops and sprites. I now give this tree the name of rubber tree.


    This rubber tree is not the same as the rubber tree on earth, he just borrowed its name.


    The sprite worm that is about to be bred will also be the rubber tree sprite worm


    It was already dark.


    Some rubber samples were collected, and some of the poison bees bodies were picked up and taken back with them. After returning to the port town, they immediately went to find wood and made a box out of it to put the poisonous bee hive inside.


    Teacher Marcus, the poison sac of the poison bees can be collected. The bee venom can be collected and refined, and maybe a good poison can be obtained from it.


    Speaking of poisons, the fast-growing poisonous thorns in Flower Town were the real poisonous ones. The thorns could cut through the skin and could cause a person to form ulcers and would leave ugly scars, however, no one could actually die from it. But after refining the poison, the toxins would then be smelted on a soldiers de. Ordinary beasts would twitch at most, not to mention a clot of blood constricting the throat.


    It can also be hit hard, making creatures weak in a short period of time, even against the might of magical beasts. And in the future, after for a long period of time, the resilience of the magical beast will decline.


    It can also have the same effect on knights.


    Poisoning was not considered an honorable act. It is theplete opposite of the noble character of a knight to charge directly.


    But poisons were usually just a toxin with a weak effect, and it doesnt matter if it is used. Naturally, war depends on various means, not all rted to the sheed of blood. The victor is qualified to show his noble character only when the vanquished are defeated and the victor is crowned king. Losers either die, go bankrupt or be serfs, which is not rted to nobility.


    Marcus understood this and immediately nodded and replied, I will have people pick up all the bodies of poison bees and dig out the poison sacs to refine the poison.


    Very good.


    The next morning.


    Liszt returned to Flower Town by boat, leaving Marcus and others to continue to preside over the construction of Port Town.


    The first thing he did when he returned to the castle was to order the servants to clean up the poisonous bee hive. Mrs. Abby, have someone to pick out all the pupae in the poisonous bee hive, and then scrape out all the honey  But first find a small animal to test if it is poisonous, and if not, add it to my menu.


    Oh, my god, what a hos nest, sir! You must wait to enjoy the delicious bee pupa. When I was a child, I couldnt cut out a hos nest to find those lovely and delicious honey bee pupae to cook. And these honey, look, look, the golden yellow color is amazing!


    Mrs. Abby looked around the huge poisonous bee hive, very excited.


    Intentionally or unintentionally, since Mrs. Abby came to the castle in Flower Town, she has be a famous top chef under Liszt. Everyone has said that Mrs. Abby is clever and skillful, Mrs. Abbys dishes are amazing and Mrs. Abbys mind is full of delicious food, which intoxicated her.


    She has been caught in the innovative business of constantly developing new dishes, unstoppable.


    To this end, the castle not only recruited a serf chef as her assistant, but also recruited two new kitchen servants.


    There is now Chef Julia, a serf bought from Eagle Kingdom. She has no surname.


    The two kitchen servants Oli and Kelsey are also serfs bought from Eagle Kingdom, both again do not have surnames.


    Unlike the Sapphire Grand Duchy, many serfs in the Eagle Kingdom do not have surnames. They have farmed fields for generations and have little travelling experience. They basically do not need surnames. For example, the sisters Paris and Maggie do not have surnames as well. Aberdeen and Hunt, who helps Frank Distiller make wine, do not have surnames too.


    In the history of the founding of the Sapphire Grand Duchy, arge number of serfs were purchased. In order to facilitate the census and strict control of serfs, all serfs were forced to start using surnames.


    Noble vocabry was not allowed to use, which directly caused the surnames of civilians to be all messy and cheap words.


    Before bing a noble, the surname of Liszts ancestors was the lowly word Tile. After the rise of the Tulip sprite, the surname changed to the noble word Tulip.


    While Mrs. Abby was busy mming the poisonous bee hive.


    Liszt began to train the eight little Blizzards, and ording to his instructions, the new dog tags were already hung on the neck of each Blizzard beast.


    Storm, me,e!


    Wang Wang!


    Woo!


    Meat jerky sure is the quickest way to enhance the bond between the two.


    The plump blizzard beasts, having no resistance to dried meat, quickly pounced on Liszt, licking both his hands and the jerky. On Storms neck hung a green dog tag, and on mes was a red dog tag.


    Liszt trained the two little Blizzards ording to the method he hade up during training.


    He went on to the other three kennels.


    The yellow dog tag was hung on Rocks, while the dark blue dog tag was hung on Waves. The purple dog tag was on Thunder, the white dog tag on Light; the light blue dog tag was hung on Ice and Snow, while the ck dog tag was hung on Shadow.


    The names of the eight Blizzard beasts correspond to the eight magical attributes of wind, fire, earth and water, thunder and light.


    It doesnt make much sense, nor does it conform to their physical characteristics. Liszt just those names to distinguish them.


    After one and a half hours of training, Liszt took the milk tea from the housekeeper and gulped it down. The workload is too heavy, and the dog training is using up all of my energy and time!


    He had a hunch that in the process of the Blizzard Beasts growth,he would have no spare time to write Dragon Chronicles in the Wild.


    It seems that it is really going to be a series of history books for a lifetime.

 Chapter 285: Allegiance, One After Another

    Chapter 285: Allegiance, One After Another


    Dog training was finished.


    It waspletely dark and the castle was already preparing for dinner.


    Liszt went upstairs to talk to the siren A Qi, which has be his daily habit. Talking with the innocent A Qi was like a rxation session to his soul.


    Liszt, look! I copied Fredos Fireball Technique, and I can rub water arrows with the back of my hand. The siren said happily.


    Liszt saw a water arrow condense on the back of her hand then she pushed it away gently. The water arrow flew out of the window like a sharp arrow.


    Learning magic is like getting a new toy for A Qi and she was obviously having fun. Look, I can rub water arrows with the back of my right hand and my left hand as well. Hee hee, I n to rub water arrows with my knee next. What do you think of this idea?


    In addition to being surprised, Liszt did not know how to express his answer.


    Mages can rub fireballs from various parts of their bodies, which is not very difficult. However, the magic apprentice Fredo Truth rubbing the fireball with the back of his hand was still technically difficult.


    After all, a magic apprentice cannotpare with an actual mage, as he would be too weak in terms of mental control.


    Siren A Qi did just rub water arrows on the back of both hands, which means she will be finished learning the technique in a few days. Her control of magic is stunning: A Qi, what made you think of rubbing water arrows with your knees?


    Those predecessors who wrote magic books said that the most important thing for mages is imagination and creativity. A Qi found that no one cast spells with their knees. If A Qi is sessful, she can also write a book, well, its called The Water Archery of Archimedes Truth. Hee Hee.


    A Wizards legacy is more subtle, with the exception of simple basic magic, which has special books to introduce the topic and has now more reference on how to explore new ways of doing things.


    There was, however, no book inheritance for advanced magic.


    Like a knightsbat skills and a Sky Knights training secrets, its hard to find anything documenting such a process. The Tulip family has worked hard for many years, and has not even attained their own secret skills. If it were not for the guidance of the smoke missions, Liszt would not have practiced Magic Eye at all.


    It seems that I need to have a good chat with Elkson. In Liszts view, Elkson is a mage who attaches great importance to enjoyment. The possibility of receiving inherited magical books from him is rtively high, as long as Liszt is willing to spend money.


    For A Qis path to being a water mage, Liszt gritted his teeth and was willing to bear the cost.


    After all, A Qis great strength means that the safety of navigation will be better guaranteed.


    Think about it, if there are water mages apanying you, you will not be afraid of any sea monsters. Even if A Qi didnt have the talent to be promoted to a mage, andter on be promoted to a great mage, she has still got a powerfulbat force.


    Hearing Liszts words.


    A Qi nodded happily. Thank you Liszt.


    A Qi, you might as well call me brother. Within three seconds, Liszt decided to tie the knot with the future water mage using affection.


    A Qi cocked her head and looked like she was thinking seriously. But A Qi is 41 years old, Liszt, you are only 17 years old.


    You are a siren, I am a human, our age cant bepared that way. I am already an adult human being, and you are still an underage siren, of course you should call me brother.


    Oh, okay, brother.


    A Qi is very good. Come here. Brother will give you a ck pearl. You can use it to study magic runes and magic circles recorded in magic books. Liszt took out a fist-sized ck pearl and handed it to A Qi, the siren.


    A total of sixteen ck pearls were harvested from the m shells.


    A ck pearl the size of a washbasin, was still lying quietly in the gem space, waiting for the right time to make the Calm Pearl.


    Two basketball-sized ck pearls, one has been made into the Calm Pearl and the other waiting for the same fate.


    Three bowl-sized ck pearls were not used.


    Ten fist-sized ck pearls were sold to Levis, one to Marquis Merlin, one to Granny Truth, and another to A Qi, leaving only five.


    Holding the ck pearls.


    A Qi smiled brightly: Wow, what a beautiful ck pearl! I can feel a lot of water magicHand in hand like a gentle baby, it is like  like a natural magic circle. Thank you, brother. I will study ck pearls and learn magic runes and magic circles!


    Study hard! I still have a few ck pearls left. You will then help me make magic equipment by then.


    Well, A Qi will work hard! The siren held her little fist and made a look of excitement. From being the originally cautious siren when they first met, she is now lively and lovely.


    Liszt couldnt help but reach out and mess up that blue hair.


    He sincerely hopes that A Qi can learn something as soon as possible, and then she would help make the Calm Pearl.


    After all, water does not freely flow to other peoples fields. He had to ask Granny Truth to make the Calm Pearl. These would require materials that are sky-high expensive. Thest Calm Pearl cost him a fist-sized, big ck pearl.


    Liszt then poked E who wouldnt get up in the shell.


    Liszt left the room.


    The castle dinner began.


    In snow-covered Flower Town, there were no lights in the dark so the work had to bepleted early. Only the brewery was still working overnight.


    Master Baron, I heard that Russell and Griffin have been loyal to you and already have task arrangements? Randy Kettle suddenly asked before the banquet began.


    Yes.


    Randy hopes to follow the Lord Baron!


    I ept your pledge. Liszt was not surprised at Randys request and immediate confession. Then came the etiquette of knight loyalty. After epting it, the rtionship of follower and lord between them was formally established.


    This means that Randys fate is in Liszts hands, and Liszt should impart more glory to him.


    With Randy taking the lead.


    Rick Footprint, Nemo and others have also announced to follow Liszt. Among the officials of Flower Town, Isaiah, the only one who has not pledged allegiance to Liszt, also took the opportunity to follow him. The Flower Town in front of them is no longer a remote rural town, and the Liszt in front of them was no longer the second son of the Count who was weak at the beginning.


    Flower Town will surely follow Liszts rise. Everyone knows that anyone who would not follow him at this time, as more talents would be gathered in the future, and one would only followter, there will be no more advantages.


    After all, veteran followers are more valued than new followers.


    Seeing young people following the etiquette of knights one after another, Zambrotta, who was already quite old, hesitated. He came to Flower Town to see the potential of Liszt, hoping to use Liszts rise to regain his nobility. But such a hasty follow-up was not what he had hoped for.


    As a former knight, he had glorious moments and remembered the difference between himself and the civilians.


    Even if he was deprived of his title and demoted to that of a civilian, he still retains his pride. Coupled with his talent of learning and memorizing, he still regarded himself in a high ce and was not willing to lower his status easily.


    However.


    At this moment, the scene has no room for him to continue being prideful. If he does not follow today, Liszt will certainly remember it in his mind, <em>Since I will follow him eventually sooner orter, Ill just make it quick. Liszt will restore my ce by a Counts side and be the new bigger noble. I cannot afford to lose this opportunity! </em>


    Thinking about it, he immediately knelt on one knee. Zambrotta wants to be loyal to Lord Baron!


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