Chapter 178 Of course she became more beautiful

The sun was gradually moving towards its zenith.

In front of the castle's lawn, one carriage after another had parked, along with a large number of horses.

Gort, as the greeter, stood at the castle entrance, engaging in lively conversation with every noble attending the grand ceremony. Only the most important guests were personally welcomed by Liszt himself.

For example, his grandmother, Lady Penelope.

"Grandmother, you must have had a long journey. I apologize for making you travel such a great distance," Liszt said as he gave Lady Penelope a light embrace.

"The birth celebration of a little sprite hasn't been held at Tulip Castle for many years; of course, I had to come," Lady Penelope said, her body still robust despite her age, dressed in a black gown and hat. "It's just that the road is so long; the carriage almost shook my old bones apart."

"How could it be? Your body is so strong that even riding a horse wouldn't be an issue," Liszt said with a smile, handing Lady Penelope's arm over to Mrs. Mo Sen. "Please escort Lady Penelope upstairs to rest, and be careful with the steps on the staircase."

"Sir, please rest assured."

Mrs. Mo Sen immediately escorted Lady Penelope, along with her attendant, up to her room to rest.

Liszt watched his grandmother enter the castle before turning his attention to Lvera, who had arrived with her. "Dear sister, it's been a while. Thank you for coming."

"It hasn't been that long since we last met," Lvera said, dressed in elegant noble attire and wearing heavy makeup, which made her look more beautiful than usual.

She looked at Liszt, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Eventually, she smiled warmly and spoke in a tone typical of a caring older sister: "Congratulations on acquiring a little sprite. It will bring you countless honors, but you must also strive hard not to tarnish the knightly glory of the Tulip family."

Slightly surprised, Liszt quickly regained his composure and responded with a gentle smile: "I understand. Glory should be earned on the battlefield. I believe it won't be long before I, like Father and Brother, join the war."

With that, he gave Lvera a light embrace.

Then, together, they entered the castle, chatting and laughing.

Inside the castle's parlor, many nobles were already engaged in enthusiastic conversations. Since many nobles were away at war, most present were noble ladies. Upon seeing Lvera, they naturally engaged in lively social interactions. Liszt, however, remained mostly silent, embodying the image of a handsome, quiet gentleman.

Yet, he was always the center of attention.

Not just because of his good looks.

Once overshadowed by Levis, Lytton, and even Lvera, he was now the son of the Earl, no longer invisible. In the past half-year, even the most secluded nobles had frequently heard Liszt's name mentioned alongside seafood, potions, and magical beasts.

Everyone understood that Liszt's rise was unstoppable.

If not now, when would be a better time to build a relationship?

"Pity my daughter is still too young; otherwise, I would introduce her to Liszt today and let them spark something," one noble lady thought, looking at the quietly elegant Liszt with intense longing, wishing she could take her daughter's place and secure him first.

Liszt felt the noble lady's gaze but did not respond.

If he wanted to, he could easily steal the hearts of half the nobles on Coral Island, at least giving them a metaphorical green hat.

After half an hour of polite socializing, Gort welcomed new guests: Frank, his wife, and a bright young girl.

"Mr. Frank, Mrs. Frank, thank you for coming," Liszt said, standing up with a smile. Then, he turned his attention to the girl. "And may I ask who this is?"

"Liszt brother, I'm Shelly, little Shelly."

The girl's sweet smile instantly reminded Liszt of the chubby little girl from his memories. Indeed, people do change, and the once chubby girl had grown into a graceful young beauty.

"You've changed so much; I almost didn't recognize you... Little Shelly, it's been a long time."

Shelly blinked her eyes and boldly asked, "So, do you think I've become prettier or uglier?"

"Of course, you've become prettier," Liszt replied with a slightly exaggerated tone of certainty. She reminded him of the princess played by Elle Fanning in "Maleficent," even down to the hairstyle, though Shelly's hair was a bit more brownish, while the princess's was more golden.

This wasn't the right occasion for reminiscing.

After exchanging greetings, Shelly sat down with her parents and skillfully joined the conversations around her. Liszt participated briefly before heading outside to welcome new arrivals.

A group of knights escorted a magnificent carriage bearing the red tulip flag, undoubtedly signaling the arrival of Lady Mary and Lytton from Tulip Castle.

As the carriage approached the castle entrance,

Liszt stepped out, wearing a standard noble smile: "Thank you for coming, Lady Mary."

"This is your day. If your father weren't at war, he would certainly be here to celebrate with you," Lady Mary replied with a similarly standard noble smile.

Lytton had grown taller since their last meeting.

He was thin like a reed and had a plain appearance. When it came to looks, only a handful on Coral Island could match Liszt.

He looked at Liszt with a face marred by acne: "Liszt brother, where is your little sprite?"

"It's sleeping, but you'll see it soon."

"I envy you, having your own little sprite, especially a thorn sprite. Did it evolve at Thorn Ridge? I heard there are many thorns there."

Hearing Lytton's words,

Liszt's eyebrows slightly raised.

The annexation of Thorn Ridge was a blemish on Liszt's record—after all, it was taking advantage of the Earl. He wondered if Lytton mentioned Thorn Ridge and the thorn sprite unintentionally or deliberately.

But it was best to cut off such associations.

He smiled and responded, "It evolved on the meadow beside the castle. I brought some new varieties of thorns from Beer Castle, which prompted the thorn bug's evolution."

He offered this casual explanation.

He then said, "All the guests have arrived. Madam, Lytton, please proceed to the second floor; the celebration banquet is about to begin."

...

In the second-floor dining room.

The nobles gathered, seated according to their ranks and statuses in the pre-arranged order, chatting merrily while waiting for drinks and dishes.

Gort, as the host of the banquet, stood up and clapped his hands.

As the chatter gradually subsided, he began with his emotionally rich voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your presence. Tonight, we celebrate alongside Flower Town and our Baron Liszt, the birth of the Thorned Sprite. Before we begin the feast, let us first introduce tonight's star—the Thorned Sprite!"

Hardly had he finished when the butler, Carter, entered excitedly carrying a jade-inlaid box.

He opened the box, and the Thorned Sprite, who had been sleeping, woke up instantly. Rubbing its eyes, it fluttered its wings and flew up, landing precisely on Liszt's shoulder. Still half-asleep, it yawned in a very human-like manner.

"Awoo."

It spoke, emitting a clear and crisp sound.