Chapter 27 1 BBQ Party

"Slaving isn't entirely out of the question, given that our family's fleet embarks on maritime trade every year. But risking it for a few dozen or a hundred people wouldn't be worth it."

"Five thousand."

"What?"

"I need five thousand people."

"Five thousand? Are you sure you can accommodate that many?"

"Certainly."

Levis narrowed his eyes. "I'll think about it."

Back in the living room, no one mentioned the topic of human trafficking again. Under Gort's lively demeanor, the atmosphere during afternoon tea was bustling.

The convoy would stay in Flower Town for the night, with most knights and attendants lodging within the town. Levi and Li Weiwei, on the other hand, would reside in the castle with their personal servants.

Butler Carter had an exceptionally busy day today.

"Tom, where's Jesse? I need his assistance!" With his less-than-agile legs aching from the repeated trips up and down the stairs, he wiped the sweat from his brow and entered the kitchen. "Isn't Jesse helping in the kitchen?"

"Jesse should be delivering hay for the horses. The castle has taken in dozens more, and we're running low on fodder," Tom explained, carefully placing a sack of flour beside the stove.

"Tell him to find me in the storeroom when he returns. We need to move today's food deliveries into the cellar for storage."

"Very well, Mr. Carter."

As the kitchen maid, Irene, washed vegetables, she looked up. "Mr. Carter, do you need any help?"

Before Carter could reply, Abby, the cook, scolded, "You can't even finish your tasks in the kitchen, and you have time to assist others? Irene, are you thinking of switching jobs?"

Carter shrugged. "I'm afraid you won't be much help, Irene."

"I understand... Heaven knows how long I'll be stuck in this kitchen today. It's hot and stuffy, and my clothes are drenched. Mrs. Abby has the stove burning too high."

"Oh, is that so! Are you the cook or am I? Do you want to prepare the lord's dinner for his esteemed guests?"

"You are the cook."

"So be quiet and work diligently!"

The incessant chatter in the kitchen showed no sign of abating. Carter had already stepped out, for the heat was unbearable; he felt a stifling sensation in his chest, wondering if he was suffering from heatstroke - it wasn't even summer yet, but the weather was growing increasingly warm. Pulling out a handkerchief, he wiped his face and leaned half-supported against the wall to catch his breath.

Mossen Ricefield, carrying a bucket of water, approached him. Seeing Carter's condition, he asked with concern, "Are you unwell, Mr. Carter?"

"How could I be unwell? It's just a bit too hot."

"Is that so? But your complexion looks a bit off. Perhaps you're too nervous. There are so many guests at the castle today, and you have your hands full attending to all corners."

"How could I be nervous, Mrs. Mo Sen? I've witnessed far livelier scenes at the Earl's country residence; I can handle this easily." Carter put away his handkerchief. "Have young Master Levis and Miss Li Weiwei's rooms been prepared?"

"The lady's maid has been complaining about dust falling from the walls or old bed sheets."

"We cannot dictate the quality of the furnishings. It would be unbecoming to show dissatisfaction with such trifles. True nobles wouldn't hold a grudge over such matters."

"The Tulip family are true nobility," Mrs. Mo Sen nodded. "Mr. Carter, are you sure you don't need a rest?"

"No need to worry about me."

"Lord Liszt is a kind man, and he would never wish to see you overexert yourself."

"I am not overworking myself, in fact, I'm enjoying it. Guests don't often visit the castle, so I have a rare chance to showcase my abilities. Now, I must attend to organizing the storeroom. Just yesterday I was complaining about the dwindling food supplies, and today they've piled up beyond capacity."

...

The castle was small, with little in the way of entertainment.

After finishing their afternoon tea, some of the knights prepared to go hunting in Thorns Ridge. Liszt happily agreed and also invited Levi and Li Weiwei to join them. "With so many Earth Knights, we might be able to rid Thorns Ridge of its magical beasts in one fell swoop," he thought. "Even if we can't catch any beasts, familiarizing ourselves with the terrain would still be beneficial."

Dressed in full armor, he mounted his Fire Dragon Horse, as he hadn't quite mastered riding the Black Dragon Horse yet, which affected his performance.

He didn't ask Thomas to accompany him, instead taking Marcus and four squire knights. "Thomas, take good care of my Black Dragon, and don't forget to feed Hiddleston regularly. It's still growing and mustn't go hungry."

"What's Hiddleston?" Li Weiwei asked.

"A dog."

"Do you keep dogs now? What breed is it?"

"A Bao Tu dog."

"Bao Tu dog? A magical beast?"

"Yes, a young Bao Tu dog. Teacher Marcus caught it on Thorns Ridge," Liszt replied casually.

"A Terra Knight, a Black Tulip, Peanut Worm, a young Bao Tu dog, and a magnificent wild stallion. Liszt, are you blessed by the God of Fortune? I'm a bit envious of you."

"I can only say that country life is full of variety."

"Hawk Town is also countryside, but it's not as colorful as Flower Town."

"That's because you often stay at Tulip Castle and neglect the rural life."

"If you wish, you can continue living at Tulip Castle. Father has no intention of asking you to leave," Levis interjected as he rode over.

Liszt considered it mere politeness: "I love Flower Town. Here, I feel free to do as I please."

"Even planting grass at the castle gates," Levis pointed at the serfs sowing alfalfa and joked, "your castle might as well be called the Stable Castle."

A small castle like this couldn't possibly have a grand name.

Liszt raised his riding whip. "Let's go. The sun is already setting. We won't be able to venture deep into Thorns Ridge, so we'll likely have to turn back." The Fire Dragon Horse obeyed his thoughts and began to gallop.

He had to lead these knights into Thorns Ridge and hunt down a few magical beasts at least—he would eventually conquer the ridge and annex the hills and forests into Flower Town's territory. The more magical beasts they killed now, the less danger there would be in the future.

Unfortunately.

This hunting trip only yielded ordinary wild beasts.

Magical beasts were far more intelligent than regular wildlife. Sensing the surging battle auras within the Earth Knights, they had long since hidden themselves away.

Even so, the prey they caught was ample for a grand barbecue party. Nobles, knights, and servants alike gathered together, laughing heartily over beer and cream.

"Ooh, Mr. Grill, give me another rabbit leg, please." The Tulip Elf flew around joyfully. Elves didn't need to eat or drink, but they could still digest food if they chose to.

Amidst the bustling barbecue, Thomas promptly handed a seasoned rabbit leg to the elder elf.

Two young elves, without so much as a word, snatched away two pieces of roasted meat for themselves.

"Xiangxiang, you're eating too hastily. Chew more slowly to savor the flavors," Liszt said with a smile while tearing apart the rabbit's head in his hand.

Elves were simply adorable, and merely gazing at them lifted one's spirits.

Not to mention that they were enjoying his beloved barbecue – in this world, perhaps only barbecued food suited his palate.

"I prefer to devour my food in big bites."

Xiangxiang's body was coated in grease, but then she gently shook herself, much like a puppy shaking off water, and all the oil flew off, leaving her spotlessly clean.