Chapter 176 Gao Ertai’s Art

Outside Coral City, an independent castle.

"Madam, you look even younger than the last time I saw you," Gort exaggeratedly praised.

Lady Penelope replied happily, "Not at all, I am getting old and can already hear Greg calling me from the other world, inviting me to revisit Tahiti City with him."

Greg Vache, the father of the Earl and grandfather of Liszt, was the Viscount of Tahiti City.

Under his leadership, the family acquired their first Tulip Sprite and began collecting various types of tulips, eventually breeding more Tulip Sprites. The Great Sprite Xiang Xiang was one such result, thus founding the Tulip lineage on Coral Island.

However, Greg ultimately died on the battlefield.

The Tulip Sprite he had contracted also perished.

Fortunately, he had only contracted with that one Tulip Sprite as a memorial. The other Sprites were transferred to Lee William upon reaching adulthood, ensuring the continuation of the Tulip lineage.

As it stands now, Lee William has transferred the Sprites to Levis—preparing himself for potential sacrifice on the battlefield.

As the future Earl, Levis' presence on the battlefield is more about gaining prestige. Noble heirs must prove to the world that they are worthy of inheriting their titles. Otherwise, followers seeking noble glory might lose faith in serving a leader without a bright future.

Being the contract holder of all the Sprites in the Tulip family, his safety is a top priority.

If he were to die, the Sprites and the mycelium would follow suit. Even if some survived, they would be severely weakened—likewise, Sprites cannot repeatedly break contracts and transfer to others without severe consequences.

A Sprite Worm can only break its contract once in its lifetime.

That is, it can only contract with two people.

A Small Sprite can break its contract three times in its lifetime.

That is, it can only contract with four people.

A Great Sprite can break its contract seven times in its lifetime.

That is, it can only contract with eight people.

A Dragon Sprite... information about this is generally unknown to the public, being monopolized by the great nobles.

Sprite Worms have a ten-year lifespan, making them ideal for enfeoffment to one's followers. Small Sprites and Great Sprites, due to their increased number of contract breaks, are suitable for generational succession within families. However, contracts must be conserved; typically, heirs receive the Sprites only after reaching adulthood and receiving their father's approval.

Lady Penelope mentioned Greg, whom Gort had never met.

But he continued the conversation, saying, "I believe the late lord, despite missing you in another world, would want you to continue watching over the Tulip family's lineage here, ensuring their growth and prosperity."

Hearing this,

the elderly lady was pleased, "Indeed, I must refuse him. I need to see the Earl's four children grow strong, even though they are a bunch of worrisome youngsters."

"In fact, it is because you care so much that you find them worrisome. As members of the Tulip family, each one of them is among the finest of their peers!" Gort lavishly praised, "The Baron I serve, Liszt, is similarly blessed, always under the favor of knightly glory!"

Lady Penelope sighed, "Liszt is indeed a fortunate young man, and he has grown up."

"Luck alone does not describe the Baron. He inherited the Earl's excellent qualities and is destined to be an outstanding and great lord. I am here today on the Baron's instructions, inviting you to attend the birth celebration of a Small Sprite in Flower Town the day after tomorrow."

"A Small Sprite birth celebration?"

"Yes, a Thorn Worm evolved into a Thorn Sprite. It brings not only joy but also endless wealth—we now have the magical potion Thorn and Ironwood Thorn. If you see it with your own eyes, you will surely fall in love with this Sprite. Its beauty is dazzling!"

Even Lady Penelope, who had seen many storms, was stunned by this news, "Is this true, Gort? Liszt has his own Small Sprite, one that can produce magical potions and ironwood?"

"It is true!"

"How surprising! No wonder he is a Tulip family boy." Lady Penelope laughed, "I am starting to like Melissa a bit more. Her child has never disappointed me."

"Madam Melissa brought honor to Coral Island and the Thorn family. The Baron combines the glories of both noble houses."

Gort was skilled in the art of flattery, especially when dealing with elderly ladies. Praising her grandson was enough.

After chatting for half an hour, Gort took his leave.

His next stop was Tulip Castle—where his skills in flattery did not get a chance to shine. After delivering Liszt's invitation to Lady Mary and explaining the reason, the temporary mistress of Tulip Castle smiled and politely dismissed him.

He could not gauge her thoughts upon hearing the news.

"No wonder she is the Countess; her demeanor is beyond my comprehension... The task Liszt gave me cannot be completed," Gort shook his head, leaving Tulip Castle.

Liszt had instructed him to observe Lady Mary's reaction upon delivering the news.

Gort understood what Liszt wanted, but the result was disappointing. Lady Mary showed no signs of surprise, shock, jealousy, or anger.

Fortunately, this task was just Liszt's whimsy.

It was not mandatory.

A moment later,

he appeared at Frank's home, the tutor of Levis. Both were tutors and knew each other well. However, Gort's status was lower before; he tutored a rural Baron, while Frank tutored the future Earl.

Now things were different.

After explaining his purpose, Gort felt Frank finally regarded him seriously, becoming more courteous in his words.

"Advisor Gort, please convey my greetings to Baron Liszt. On the 5th of this month, I will bring my wife and Shelley to attend the Small Sprite birth celebration in Flower Town."

"Certainly, I represent the Baron in thanking you for your attendance."

"In that case, why don't you stay for a simple lunch today? We haven't had a drink together in years. I have a bottle of aged juniper wine."

Having failed to dine at Tulip Castle, Gort had planned to dine here, so he did not refuse: "Wow, juniper wine! Although I am eager to return and invite other nobles to the celebration, my legs seem unwilling to move. Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Frank!"

At lunch.

The Frank family and Gort sat on opposite sides as host and guest.

At the dining table, the bright young girl Shelley would occasionally ask about Liszt: "Uncle Gort, has Baron Liszt given a name to the thorn sprite yet?"

"It seems not. Perhaps he will announce the thorn sprite's name at the celebration."

"Can the wind falcon he raised fly now?"

"Unfortunately, the wind falcon has already returned to the sky. His Lordship did not wish to bind its proud spirit."

Frank's wife exclaimed in surprise: "A magical beast, just let it go like that? Isn't that too wasteful? That would be worth many gold coins!"

Gort had also grumbled inwardly about letting go of so much gold, but on the surface, he said nonchalantly: "Flower Town is no longer what it used to be. A few gold coins are insignificant."