Chapter 23 The convoy has arrived

Farmers from the idle dairy farm were summoned by Liszt to cultivate the uncultivated land around the castle and plant alfalfa for hay.

Originally, Gort had intended that, as the lord's serfs, they should work without question.

But Liszt was not so exploitative. He decided to provide the farmers with three meals a day. Commoners usually only had two, which made them eager to take on the work.

He allocated some of the excess bran from the castle's stores to the working farmers. Bran was the outer skin of the wheat grain, and in his domain, it was mainly used to feed horses; whereas commoners consumed it themselves. The bran cakes he had fed to the horses before were a staple food for many peasant households.

"Speaking of which, bran has a higher nutritional value than wheat flour," Liszt recalled buying bran cakes in his previous life. The seller claimed that bran was rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, which could alleviate constipation and lower cholesterol levels. "However, bran is really unpalatable and hard to digest."

As a noble, he didn't lack those nutrients, so there was no need for him to force himself to eat the rough bran.

Nobles naturally ate white bread.

In this place, bread was the absolute staple food, divided into nine grades based on different ingredients and textures. There were four grades of white bread and five grades of black bread.

The finest white bread was made from finely sifted and selected wheat flour, a luxury only the most affluent nobles could afford. This premium white bread commanded an astonishing price, with a single loaf costing at least several silver coins.

The next tier down of white bread was also made from sifted fine wheat flour, but with the coarser particles removed, resulting in a very smooth texture. Typically, one loaf would sell for a silver coin.

The finest grade of white bread is made from unbleached wheat flour that has been finely sifted, though its texture is slightly inferior. Two or three pieces can be purchased for a silver coin.

The lowest grade of white bread is crafted from coarsely ground wheat flour, with minimal processing, resulting in an even worse texture. Ten copper coins will get you one loaf. The white bread that Liszt currently consumes falls into this category, while the white bread served at Tulip Castle is of the higher grade.

Commoners typically consume black bread.

The "wholemeal bread" without the bran, costing a few copper coins, is affordable only to wealthier freemen. The "unrefined wholemeal bread," priced at a single copper coin, is within reach for ordinary freemen. Slaves, on the other hand, often eat a "mixed black bread" made from a blend of unmilled flour and other ingredients, for which they can acquire four large slices with a copper coin.

Those slaves who are even poorer have two options: "grain black bread" made from crushed peas or other grains, or "bran cakes" solely composed of bran.

Additionally, Liszt is aware of a type of black bread commonly prepared by commoners.

This bread, after fermentation, becomes incredibly hard. Commoners slice it into thin pieces and use it as plates or even to prop up wobbly table legs. It's said that some plate breads can last for months.

"Sigh, the wicked feudal society," Liszt remarks insincerely, pulling himself back from his thoughts. He has no intention of dismantling the noble system. One's position is determined by their status, and as a noble, he enjoys the privileges of his era. He wouldn't willingly relinquish his noble seat.

Moreover, it's not easy to break the system anyway. Without dragons or elves, how could it be done?

"Sir, shall I bring over the Fire Drake Horse?" Thomas asked cautiously, ever mindful of his manners in front of Liszt.

"No need. Ah, Thomas, how is the Black Dragon Horse behaving in the stable? Has it been causing any trouble?"

"Your new acquisition, Sir, was rather domineering towards the Fire Drake Horse last night. But this morning, the Fire Dragon Horse was already grazing peacefully beside it."

Liszt nodded, unsurprised.

"Tigers cannot share a mountain, unless they are a male and a female."

The Black Dragon Horses were stallions, while the Flame Dragon Horses were mares; it was only natural for them to coexist peacefully.

Moreover, there was a high probability that the first batch of offspring from the Black Dragon Horses would be sired by the Flame Dragon Horses—Liszt had no objections. Flame Dragon Horses were also an excellent breed, with the bloodline of the inferior magic beast Flaming Horse. A combination of superior breeds would produce even better offspring.

Distracting thoughts aside, Liszt began practicing the techniques of the Blazing Waves.

Typically, an Earth Knight wouldn't practice another combat technique before mastering the one most compatible with their aura. Liszt was an insightful person, and he was still proficient in the Fire Dragon Thrust. Thus, he could concurrently practice the Blazing Waves. Unlike the one-on-one Fire Dragon Thrust, the Blazing Waves focused on group combat.

Its techniques often involved sweeping wide with a sword or skewering a multitude with a spear.

Unconsciously, he had immersed himself in his practice, with his fire-infused aura relentlessly blazing, heating the surrounding air. The true power of his technique was unknown, but it certainly looked formidable.

"Firewave!"

With a swing of his sword, flames shot out once more.

He noticed Carter, the butler, approaching him at a brisk pace.

Deciding to withdraw his aura, he asked, "Mr. Carter, is there something you need?"

"Sir, Jesse just returned from cutting hay outside and mentioned that he saw a caravan. I suspect it might be the Earl's and Baron's entourage arriving."

Liszt perked up. "They've finally arrived, then. Please inform Teachers Marcus and Gort to come over and join me in greeting the convoy. I'll take a quick bath and change my clothes first."

He hurried upstairs to freshen up.

In no time, Marcus and Gort had already arrived.

The castle was situated on a hill, offering a good vantage point. From there, they could already see the slow-moving convoy approaching from the direction of Thorns Ridge in the distance.

"Gort, don't forget to remind me to discipline the patrol. The convoy arrived without any notice, and it was only through my servant's discovery that I found out."

"The patrol is a bunch of good-for-nothings. You'll have to lend me your squire to train them."

"Absolutely." Liszt mounted his horse, not choosing the Fire Dragon Steed but his newly tamed Black Dragon Mare, showcasing his prowess. "Come with me to welcome the convoy. Father probably won't come in person. It might be my brother accompanying the Great Tulip Elf."

The trio rode off to greet the guests.

Carter, on the other hand, was bustling about, instructing all the servants. "Snap to attention, everyone! Make sure you're well-dressed and not looking shabby. Don't disgrace Master! Jesse, that's you! Oh, heavens, there's still mud on your pants. Do you want us all to hang our heads in shame? Hurry up and change!"

"Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Carter," replied Jesse, an assistant male servant with flaxen hair, rushing back to his room to change his trousers.

Carter called out again, "Mrs. Mo Sen, inform Mrs. Abby to prepare desserts, tea, and snacks. Also, remember to stock up on ingredients for the grandest banquet. Important guests will be arriving, people whom Master may need to personally entertain."

"You mean nobles are coming?"

"Of course. You know how significant the Black Tulip is. The family's elves are coming for assimilation. It could be Young Master Levis escorting them or Young Master Lytton. Either way, they're important figures. We can't embarrass Master, nor can we disappoint Thomas's colleagues."

Thomas's colleagues referred to the personal servants of other nobles.

After a flurry of activity, soon, at the castle's entrance, the male and female servants, led by Butler Carter, stood on either side of the grand gate, with men on the left and women on the right, awaiting the arrival of honored guests.