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    This chapter is brought to you by "My Horse Feeds Sheep."

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    On land, beasts with magical powers that can cast spells are known as magical beasts. In the ocean, there are also creatures with magical powers that can cast spells, and these are called sea monsters.

    Without marine experts to classify the animals in the sea, there are no categories for whales or sharks. Large creatures encountered at sea are simply called sea beasts. Leviathan is clearly not a sea beast; according to legend, Leviathan is a giant sea serpent that can unleash storms and wreak havoc on passing ships.

    The appearance of a humpback whale provided some conversation during the otherwise dull voyage.

    In the afternoon.

    The Flower Ship returned safely, docking at the makeshift pier. The round trip took a full three and a half days. Upon his return to the castle, Gort introduced him to two strangers who had come to meet him.

    "My lord, Rondo Kettle and Russ Thump are both Earth Knights. They wish to follow you," Gort introduced. "Rondo is the offspring of Sir Leiden, while Russ graduated from the Knights Academy. They are both young but have good knightly talent and ambition."

    Sir Leiden is the captain of the knights who often guard Levis at Tulip Castle.

    Rondo being Leiden's offspring means he is likely a bastard child. Otherwise, he would be introduced as Leiden's second son or third son.

    As for Russ, having graduated from the Knights Academy without any mention of his family background suggests he is a commoner.

    "Rondo, Russ, since you are both Earth Knights, why haven't you joined the knight squads of other lords to fight alongside the Earl?"

    Liszt looked them over with interest, surprised that someone was already seeking to join him.

    Rondo, a handsome young man, replied politely, "I am considered surplus in my family and not valued enough to participate in the knight squad." He did not hide his status as a bastard but admitted it openly.

    Russ continued, "Sir, I was eliminated from the selection for the battlefield because I had just broken through and my combat skills were not up to par. But please rest assured, Lord Baron, I will train diligently and master my fighting techniques to become a qualified battlefield knight."

    He spoke with confidence and a proper attitude.

    At first glance,

    Liszt thought they were both decent candidates, but he wouldn't easily accept followers. He said, "Knights choose their lords loyally, and lords select knights to fight alongside them. I hope we can build a friendship over the next period."

    "We are willing to undergo your evaluation, my lord!" Rondo and Russ replied together.

    Liszt nodded. "Since you are following me as knights, I won't assign you to the administration office. Instead, you will assist Marcus in training the children and youths of the domain."

    He directly assigned Rondo and Russ to Marcus— micromanagement wasn't his style. Leaders should focus on strategy, while subordinates handle the labor.

    After dealing with the Earth Knights' allegiance,

    Gort reported, "My lord, I received a letter over the past two days. It was from Zanbuluota, do you remember? He was Lytton's former tutor. He lost his title after the Earl punished him for allowing Lytton to beat an innocent civilian."

    Liszt recalled Zanbuluota after Gort's reminder.

    Zanbuluota was also a knight, hired as Lytton's tutor a few years ago, frequently visiting Tulip Castle. Beating a civilian wasn't the issue; it was Lytton's misbehavior at a young age that angered the Earl, leading to Zanbuluota's punishment and loss of title.

    "What does Zanbuluota say in his letter?"

    "He reminisces about old times, but between the lines, he seems to want to come to Flower Town and seek employment as an official."

    Flower Town indeed needed officials, but Liszt wouldn't hire someone lightly. "Do you know his character well?"

    "I've dealt with him only a few times and don't know much about his personality. However, I know he has one outstanding talent—he has traveled extensively throughout the Kingdom of Steel Ridge and its seven vassal states, sharing many fascinating stories and rare experiences."

    Traveling through eight countries?

    Hearing this, Liszt was intrigued. "Really... Advisor Gort, continue corresponding with him. If he wishes to work in Flower Town, you will handle his reception if I'm unavailable."

    After all, Zanbuluota had been stripped of his title by the Earl.

    Stripping a noble of their title is a severe punishment, second only to exile. As the Earl's son, he couldn't ignore his father's will by hiring such a person as an official. He could only employ him privately, maintaining his father's dignity while benefiting himself.

    Three new subordinates in a day.

    Liszt felt quite pleased. So many people believed in him, indicating his ascension to Viscount was inevitable.

    "Oh, Advisor Gort, cooperate closely with Teacher Marcus to establish the temporary base on Black Horse Island quickly. Don't delay."

    "Rest assured, my lord. I will prioritize Black Horse Island."

    "And keep the details of Black Horse Island confidential, understood?"

    "Understood."

    ...

    After handling official matters, Carter came to report on the castle's affairs.

    "My lord, during your absence, Mrs. Mo Sen and I have selected twenty children—ten boys and ten girls. They have started their internships here, working in the afternoons, training during the day, and staying with foster families at night."

    Carter then asked, "Would you like to see them?"

    "Since I have nothing else to do, bring them to me. Let me meet them and hear their names," Liszt casually said, mainly curious about Maggie, whom the smoke task specifically mentioned.

    The young servants-in-training, led by Carter, lined up before him.

    "My name is Poli, my lord."

    "..."

    Soon, Liszt met Maggie in the study.

    "My name is Maggie, my lord." The little girl speaking was shorter than her peers, quite cute, with a few freckles on her face.

    Looking at her appearance, even if she grows up, she'll probably just be an ordinary-looking girl.

    With such physical attributes, she certainly doesn't meet the standards Liszt seeks in a secretary.

    He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, but he also confirmed that since she wasn't meant to be groomed as a secretary, there must be other clues related to Maggie that will tie into the subsequent tasks of the Smokescreen mission.

    So he gave her a gentle smile, "I hope you enjoy your life in the castle, little Maggie."

    "Yes, I am very happy living here, sir." Maggie's face turned red, somewhat shy, possibly because she had never seen such a handsome nobleman who smiled so warmly.

    When Carter told her she could leave.

    Walking out of the study, her heart was still pounding.

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