Chapter 237: Friends of Liszt

With Lvera and Lady Penelope returning from watching the farce, the long-awaited family banquet at Tulip Castle finally began.

Chatting about interesting matters, teasing about war and peace, the atmosphere was not exactly harmonious or filled with the warmth of family, but it wasn't bad either.

Especially Lady Penelope and Lady Mary, who occasionally exchanged barbs, which paradoxically livened up the atmosphere.

The Earl sat in the middle, looking somewhat awkward. The age-old topic of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law discord is a headache for men in any world.

Compared to his former anonymity, the current Liszt has gradually adapted to his role and is no longer invisible.

He can now participate in various topics, becoming increasingly adept at the social interactions among nobles. Sometimes, once a person gets stuck in their own rut, they feel the whole world is turning against them, but stepping out of that rut reveals the world remains unchanged, steadfast and loyal.

"Is this a specialty from Flower Town?" The Earl munched on crispy peanuts, paired with juniper wine, finding it more and more delightful. "Peanuts prepared this way taste great."

"These are crispy peanuts," Liszt explained while eating. "I brought many flavors of peanut snacks, though most are better suited as snacks."

"Besides boiled peanuts, I never thought there could be such a way to prepare them. Does Tulip Castle purchase these foods?" The Earl asked Lady Mary.

"If you like them, you can buy some. Liszt's Flower Caravan seems to sell these peanut snacks in Coral City?"

"Yes, wherever there's the Flower Caravan, these items are available."

The Earl nodded. "Then I'll buy more. I find the taste quite good, especially after drinking some wine. A few peanuts make me feel very comfortable."

The peanuts caught the Earl's attention.

The exquisite new-style breads from Flower Town were also presented on the table, winning everyone's favor. Along with the egg soup and scrambled eggs learned by Mrs. Abby, and the seafood that has become indispensable for the nobility of Coral Island, the delicacies provided by Flower Town occupied one-third of the table.

Levis, munching on a hamburger with chunks of meat, another invention from Flower Town, said, "Liszt, you have a great chef. I never knew bread and eggs could create such diverse flavors."

"Pity these foods don't have much commercial value; otherwise, I could be richer than Viscount Teric."

Commoners don't seek variety in food, and nobles prefer to have their chefs learn to cook rather than buy ready-made food. Most importantly, the ingredients for these dishes are not monopolized; they are common items that anyone can obtain.

Viscount Teric of Beer Island owns the hemp sprite, monopolizing the hops (hemp) essential for brewing beer, thus controlling the market for premium beer.

Egg soup, scrambled eggs, seafood, and peanuts—what they lack is a unique twist.

These dishes were mostly invented by Liszt to satisfy his appetite, guiding Mrs. Abby to create them. He also made a bit of money before others learned how to make them.

What truly has business potential are industries with monopolistic characteristics.

For example, beer with raw material monopoly, soap and spirits with technical monopoly, and future developments like cement, ceramics, glass, and white paper—these are Liszt's hopes.

...

After afternoon tea, Liszt took a walk around Coral City.

First, he visited the Knights Academy to meet familiar students and reconnect with the gradually fading bonds. He also displayed his ambitions, hoping these future land knights would consider following him when choosing a lord.

Next, he went to Frank's house and chatted with little Shirley for an hour. Childhood friendships should be cherished, not severed too abruptly.

Then, he visited several friends in Coral City.

Most were young nobles, second sons for the most part. Before coming of age, those destined to inherit titles often followed Levis, so Liszt's friends were mostly second sons like himself. Now, those who will inherit titles still follow Levis, while the second sons without titles hope to rely on Liszt.

"Sir Liszt, do you plan to form your own Knight Squad?"

In a small noble estate, a young man named Rick asked the seated Liszt, "I saw Rondo; has he become your follower?"

"Not yet, but it's close. After the New Year, I will seriously consider forming a Knight Squad. Flower Town already has the capability to arm one. Rondo and Lasse may formally swear allegiance to me when I form the squad," Liszt replied.

"Can I follow you? I want to join your Knight Squad; I want to go to battle!" Rick asked hopefully.

"Have you become a Land Knight yet?"

Rick's tone was a mix of pride and modesty. "Yes, just a month ago. It's a bit late, but I'm nineteen this year."

"Of course, I'm glad you're thinking of following me. However, I hope you can live in Flower Town for a while after the New Year, like Rondo, and we'll make a decision when I form the Knight Squad." Liszt didn't agree immediately, sticking to his previous reasoning—knights choose lords, and lords select knights.

Another young man followed up, "What about me? Can I follow you? I haven't broken through to Land Knight yet."

His name was Nemo, son of an elite Land Knight who hadn't received a title.

Liszt smiled. "Joining the Knight Squad is out of the question, but if you're willing to serve as an official in Flower Town, I welcome you. All of you here are welcome to come to Flower Town; you are among my few friends." A few months ago, he wouldn't have cared about these friends.

After all, they were his predecessor's friends, not his.

"But doesn't Flower Town already have people like Gort and Isaiah? Are there positions left for us?" Nemo asked.

"Do you think I'll stay in Flower Town forever?"

"Oh, sorry, Sir Liszt, that's not what I meant. Of course, you will become a viscount, that's a certainty, everyone is sure of it."

"No need to apologize, Nemo. Becoming a viscount is my goal, and having my own island or city fief is also my goal. To achieve this, I need a group of loyal followers. If you're interested, I welcome you to Flower Town."

Seeing the darkening sky, he stood up. "I need to return; there's another dinner at Tulip Castle tonight. Tomorrow evening, I'll host a banquet at Tulip Castle and invite you and the friends from the Knights Academy."

"I'll attend on time, sir," Rick called out loudly.

"So will I," Nemo and others chimed in.

Liszt nodded, put on the cloak handed by his servant Thomas, and left the noble estate, returning to Tulip Castle under the cold wind, accompanied by his retinue of knights.