Chapter 72 The Earl visits Flower Town

At around ten in the morning, the count's convoy appeared on Thorns Ridge.

Having learned from the previous incident where the convoy was discovered only when it was near the castle, the patrol team had been prowling the roads of Thorns Ridge early on.

Now, many trees on both sides of the road had been felled.

The logs were still lying on the ground, forming a flat surface as if it were a layer of flooring. This undoubtedly provided excellent visibility for humans and reduced the risk of monster attacks. However, this was not the end of the logging; the work was still ongoing, and Liszt also planned to build two barriers to cut off the monsters' path.

Although wooden barriers would have no effect on deterring monsters, these creatures still had a beastly mindset. Upon seeing the barriers, they were likely to turn back instead of destroying them.

Alerted by the patrol team, Liszt led Gort and the others to greet the substantial convoy—consisting of only five carriages but accompanied by an entire knight squad.

Dressed in orderly attire with shining weapons, this knight squad initially followed the count in battles across the continent. Many knights were ennobled for their war achievements, going to their respective fiefs to enjoy the perks of the privileged class. In turn, a new batch of novices from the Knights Academy had joined to maintain the completeness of the knight corps.

The count didn't ride in a carriage but sat on his beloved panther mount, clad in armor instead of festive attire – Liszt guessed that he deliberately wore armor to avoid the suffocating Frac Abie, especially the round ruff.

In the sweltering summer, a ruff was not a friend to anyone.

No one would enjoy wearing a scarf in the heat.

"Father, Liszt offers you his holiday greetings," he said, adhering to the etiquette of nobles.

"Happy holiday," Lee William replied, then looked at the castle not far away with a hint of nostalgia. "More than a decade has passed, yet this small castle remains largely unchanged... No need for formalities now, let's head straight to the castle. It's too hot outside, and your grandmother needs to cool down sooner."

"Very well." Liszt took the lead.

After a moment, the convoy stopped at the castle gates. Under Carter's guidance, all the servants stood at attention on either side, ready to welcome their distinguished guests.

Gort made an exaggerated approach. "My lord, it's an honor to see you again, Gort is thrilled! Your charisma shines even brighter than a few months ago. Even though my battle aura has weakened, I can still sense the immense pressure emanating from you, the pressure of a Sky Knight!"

Lee William enjoyed the flattery and chuckled. "Gort, you look even rosier. How's life in Flower Town?"

Only then did Gort smooth his clothes and bow deeply. "Gort offers you his holiday greetings. Life in Flower Town is thriving, and I'm enjoying my work here."

As they conversed, the voice of Lady Penelope could be heard from behind, "With all the dust on the way here, I need water to freshen up. Travelling afar feels like a nightmare that one must endure until the end."

"Grandmother, Liszt offers you his festive greetings," List said.

"Festive cheer to you as well," Lady Penelope replied, entering Tulip Castle with the aid of her lady-in-waiting and surveying her surroundings. "It must be quite a challenge for you to live in the countryside with such humble conditions... The only thing I envy is the scent of this little house; it carries the aroma of rural earth."

Adding to her comment, she said, "It's more soothing to me than the scent of Tulip Castle."

"If you find it comfortable, why not stay here for a few more days?"

"That won't do. My floral servants wouldn't know how to take care of themselves without me. I'd go mad if I don't see them for a day."

Following Lady Penelope was a middle-aged woman adorned with glittering jewels. Her tall lady's hat was filled with an array of feathers – a type of hat initially called the Aviatrix Hat, where the feathers symbolized "the sky" and were exclusive to the wives of Sky Knights. Later, it became a fashion trend, and all noblewomen would wear extravagant and peculiar hats during festivals.

Aside from the eye-catching hat, the woman exuded a vixen-like charm, particularly in her eyes. Liszt, inheriting the memories of his predecessor, had the deepest impression of these eyes.

Back then, Liszt...

There's an uncanny sense that these eyes are perpetually watching, unobtrusively yet intently. Yet, when they smile, they exude a sweet charm reminiscent of a next-door girl.

Now, when Liszt saw these eyes, it was easy for him to conclude that they were the eyes of a fox.

Slightly elongated, with uplifted corners that curve into crescents when she smiles.

"Madam, Liszt extends his festive greetings to you." A subtle smile graced his face as he performed the impeccable etiquette of a noble, even if inwardly he felt disdain; his expression remained as warm and cordial as a gentle spring breeze.

"Happy festival, Liston, you've grown taller," the middle-aged woman replied with a smile. She was none other than the current Countess, Mary Lowa.

In her hand, she still pulled along a very young and immature youth.

The young man was evidently disdainful of the castle's surroundings, barely maintaining a superficial show of respect as he performed the etiquette: "Brother Liszt, Lytton offers you greetings on this festive occasion."

"Happy festivities."

Lyster replied with a calm demeanor, addressing Lady Mary further, "My lady, please escort Lytton into the castle to rest. I shall go and greet my brother, sister, and Sir Leiden."

Levis and Li Weiwei were no strangers to Flower Town.

After exchanging festive greetings, they entered the Tulip Castle, where Liszt proceeded to greet each of the nobles who had accompanied the convoy – these were minor nobles holding positions in the castle, mainly knights, with one baron among them: Mickey, the captain of the Tulip Castle's knights.

Lee William personally led the Coral Island Knights, while Captain Mickey was in charge of the knight's regular training and the security of the Tulip Castle, effectively functioning as the acting commander.

With the formalities concluded, the castle became even livelier.

Due to the large number of guests, there were numerous nobles upstairs and an abundance of knights downstairs. Fifteen servants simply weren't enough. Fortunately, the earl's party had brought their own servants, along with ample food and drink – they probably realized that there wouldn't be much in the countryside.

It was as if they were having a picnic here.

As the butler, Carter naturally took charge of all the servants, even though Silva, the deputy butler of the Tulip Castle, was present.

"Carter, don't bother worrying about the food running out. The master has brought enough provisions from the Tulip Castle to last for days," Silva said. Younger than Carter, he wore a tailcoat that suited him perfectly. Standing amidst the servants, he exuded the air of a noble.

Carter had once been the butler of a secondary castle.

In Silva's presence, who was the deputy butler, Carter needed to follow his instructions.

But now.

He represented Liszt.

Thus, he couldn't help but puff his chest, making himself appear more spirited. "Thank you for your consideration, Count, but even without the food from Tulip Castle, our little town can still offer a bountiful variety of delicacies. We have prepared a grand feast, Mr. Silva. Please leave this matter to me."