Chapter 37 You can come to my house as a guest

"I didn't see you dance earlier. Why not join in?" Athena sipped her fruit juice, asking casually.

"I'm not very skilled at dancing, so I prefer to appreciate others' performances quietly."

"Well, then you should go down and dance more often. The steps are quite simple; you'll get the hang of it after a few tries." Athena blinked her eyes, her expression filled with anticipation. "If you'd like to learn, I can teach you."

With a lady taking the initiative, Liszt couldn't refuse bluntly. He stood up and held out his hand. "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"

"It would be my honor." Athena extended her hand to Liszt and rose gracefully.

Thus, Liszt led Athena onto the dance floor, taking her waist with one hand as they clasped their left hands together, swaying to the soothing melody of a piano piece. Noble etiquette dances were always simple in their steps. Though Liszt himself had never danced, his predecessor was quite experienced.

"You don't seem awkward at all. It seems you were lying to me just now," Athena said with a smile while dancing.

"Perhaps I'm having an exceptional performance today."

"Is that so? In that case, I believe you."

After a brief silence, they continued dancing in harmony.

Athena continued, "I've never been to Coral Island, in fact, I've never left Red Crab Island. Is it very far from there?"

"Not too distant, a journey of half a day by sea, if the winds are favorable, it might take just a few hours."

"What's Tulip Castle like?"

"It's built on a cliff by the coast, much smaller than Longtaro Castle, but the surrounding hills are covered with tulips of every vibrant hue."

"That must be incredibly beautiful. If I ever have the chance, I'd love to visit Tulip Castle as a guest."

"You will have that chance."

"Do you live in Tulip Castle?"

"I grew up there, but now I reside in my own town."

"Yes, Sir Meopo mentioned that you've been ennobled as a baron, in Flower Town?"

"Indeed."

"There must be many beautiful flowers there. Are your castle grounds also filled with blooms?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but there's only about ten acres of tulips. The rest is planted with wheat. As for the castle area, well, I'm planning to sow grass to build a riding field. I might even raise some dairy cows." Liszt spoke nonchalantly, sensing that Athena was inquiring about his situation.

Perhaps this girl had been charmed by his handsome looks and wished to become Lady Liszt?

It would be best to nip her thoughts in the bud. He paused before continuing, "Hmm, the town is quite remote. There's not enough wheat to eat, nor enough milk to drink. Even vegetables aren't readily available. Even if we have gold coins, it's hard to buy meat. The mountain range isolates us, and there are magic beasts inside, so merchants don't dare to enter."

Athena's mouth gaped in surprise. "Are you a Knight of the Earth?"

"I've recently advanced, and I'm still mastering my combat aura techniques."

Looking down at the one-meter-six-tall Athena from his towering height of no less than one meter eight, he could see a slight stiffness on her face.

The disparity between her expectations and reality seemed to be bothering her.

Anyone who laid eyes on Liszt for the first time would surely be charmed, especially women. However, after learning about his background, they would likely keep their distance. A neglected, impoverished, and remote baron with poor martial aura aptitude – he might sell his fief sooner or later and wander under another lord's command.

Managing a fief was no simple task. Many minor nobles went bankrupt, ending up as tutors or knight captains.

Gort was one of them.

Even among the high nobility, poor management of one's estates can lead to bankruptcy and the loss of one's fiefdom.

"Perhaps it's time to release the grip, signaling the end of the dance," Liszt mused inwardly.

Yet, Athena did not release her grip.

A slight stiffness in his expression quickly gave way to his previous faint smile. "Your father, the Earl of Coral Island, wouldn't ignore the situation in Flower Town, would he?" "My relationship with my father isn't the most harmonious, perhaps because my elder siblings are too outstanding."

"I believe your demeanor stands out even more. When you stand alongside Sir Meopo, you resemble true brothers."

"I take after my mother more, I suppose."

"Your mother must have been a noble and graceful lady."

"In truth, I don't recall her appearance, she passed away when I was only two years old."

"I apologize, I shouldn't have brought it up."

"It doesn't matter."

The two of them didn't speak for the rest of the dance as they held each other close. During the break, Liszt returned to his seat, only to find Athena following him.

She sat down beside him and continued to strike up a conversation. "My family resides in Whitefish City. Our castle doesn't have a name. I also have an elder brother who's already married. He wed Lady Lydia from the Viscount Xavier family. They met at the Longtaro Castle's ball last year."

"Hmm, no wonder your brother isn't here today." Liszt replied halfheartedly.

"Athena blinked. "He and Lady Lydia get along very well, so he rarely attends social balls like this anymore." She added, "My father is very hospitable, Liszt. You're welcome to visit my home if you have the time."

"I'm afraid I won't have the chance. My grandfather is still recovering, and I'll be returning to Coral Island tomorrow."

"Then when will you come again?"

"Perhaps during the festive season."

"Oh."

The piano music started again, and Liszt danced with Athena once more. Then, he made an excuse about the ballroom being too crowded and declined her wish to continue dancing with him.

After strolling around the castle, the ball had reached its conclusion by the time Liszt returned.

As the music ceased, Meopo, representing the host, announced the end of the event. The nobles, in pairs or small groups, either departed directly in their carriages if they were nearby or, escorted by servants, retired to the rooms arranged by the castle for those who lived farther away. Liszt was also preparing to return to his own chamber.

Athena sought him out once more, simply bidding him, "Good night, Liszt."

"Good night, Athena," he replied.

Before he could reach his room, Meopo paid him a visit. "Liszt, you seemed to have enjoyed your conversation with Athena?"

"We just danced a couple of times."

"I could tell. Athena seems quite interested in you. How do you feel about her?"

"I don't have any particular feelings."

Noticing Liszt's sincerity, Meopo nodded. "Alright, I understand. Get some rest. By the way, Grandfather mentioned that he wants to give you a coming-of-age gift tomorrow. He regrets not being there for your actual ceremony, and hopes this gesture can make up for it somewhat."

"Grandfather is too kind."

"Well, good night."

"Good night."

...

As the night deepened, Liszt was still awake, pondering over what kind of coming-of-age gift the Marquis might bestow upon him – it surely wouldn't be anything mediocre, given the Marquis's standing.

"Perhaps a magic-infused longsword?"

Among the nobility, especially when elders presented gifts to their juniors, weapons were often the choice, symbolizing the glory of knighthood that one must earn through sharp blades and lances.

If the Marquis were to present a weapon, it would undoubtedly be a magical one.

Magic weapons were highly valued, and Liszt had never owned such an item before. Thus, the more he thought about it, the more excited he became. This excitement was also fueled, to some extent, by Athena's enthusiasm – her actions and words clearly expressed her affection for Liszt and her desire to become the Baroness.

Being liked, particularly by a rather beautiful lady, was always a pleasant feeling.