Chapter 425

This chapter is an additional update for the 20,000 coin reward from "bittertree," and another update will be added tomorrow.

"The green tea is quite good; the more you drink, the more flavorful it becomes. Is this also a specialty of your territory?" After finishing a cup, the Count had it refilled and inquired.

Liszt replied, "Three green tea trees were discovered on Black Horse Island. I am currently trying to expand the planting scale. Fortunately, a green tea worm has emerged, which has significantly reduced the difficulty of planting green tea trees."

"Can the leaves of the green tea tree be picked and brewed directly?"

"They need to be roasted first to remove the grassy smell and allow more nutrients from the tea leaves to infuse into the water, giving the tea a unique flavor."

"It indeed has a unique flavor; I like this taste." The Count looked at Liszt with a knowing look, "Having a cup of green tea after a nap can really help beat the summer heat."

"After I return, I will send a batch of tea leaves for you to brew, father."

"How many cups can you make from it?" the Count asked with a smile.

Liszt showed no embarrassment and answered seriously, "Morning tea, afternoon tea, and evening tea, three cups a day. Each cup can be brewed three times, but drinking it so frequently is not good as too much green tea is not beneficial. So, brewing two cups a day, six times in total, is more appropriate."

He continued, "At 5 grams per cup, that's 10 grams a day, totaling 300 grams a month. I'll provide the tea leaves for your tea, father. Once I get the green tea planting industry up and running, everyone in Tulip Castle will be able to enjoy green tea." Of course, by then, buying tea would cost money.

While chatting.

Levis also came out of the cabin and joined the tea tasting. Fortunately, Liszt had brought plenty of tea leaves.

However, Levis did not share the Count's serious attitude towards tea tasting. After a few sips, he still couldn't get used to it: "This tea is so bitter; what's so great about it?"

"It's bitter at first, then sweet, brother. You need to savor it."

"I tasted it, but it is indeed bitter. You should add some milk, sugar, or even a bit of minced meat and eggs to balance its flavor," Levis suggested.

"The flavor is meant to be pure to truly appreciate the charm of green tea. Brother, your life is too hectic. Drinking tea requires patience. If you don't experience it, you'll never discover the sweetness behind the bitterness. Just like life, attending too many banquets and social events often makes you overlook life itself."

"Oh my, Liszt, have you become a poet? Teaching me how to live, sorry, my life is much more exciting than you imagine. And, I don't like this... green tea," Levis shook his head.

Liszt was not annoyed.

It was like talking to a brick wall.

"That's a relief. The current yield from the green tea trees is very low, and it's already hard to keep up with the demand for me and father. If you also liked drinking tea, brother, I really wouldn't know what to choose."

Subsequently.

Liszt actively changed the subject: "Cousin is already married, so when will the wedding between brother and Gloria be?"

"It will be set for early September, before the pioneering order begins, when Levis and Gloria will marry," the Count said.

With two weddings back-to-back, Liszt was quite concerned about the costs: "It seems like it's arranged, Meopo is getting married in August, Levis in September... father, when will you start worrying about Lvera?" He rarely showed concern for his sister.

"Lvera is too picky; I don't know what kind of noble she wants to marry. It's up to her to make a suitable choice. If not, in two years, I will assign her a partner."

As a titled noble, Lvera is actually not worried about marriage.

So Liszt was just asking; he was more concerned about this year's pioneering order: "Is the Duke still waiting for the Kingdom of Steel Ridge and the Kingdom of the Eagle to go to war? He hasn't inquired about the dragon-slaying incident in our country; what impact does it have on the outside world?"

The Iron Horse Island campaign has been over for a month.

Foreign feedback should have been relayed back to the Duchy.

The Count said, "The details aren't clear, but some probing is inevitable. The Kingdom of Steel Ridge should send a delegation to visit Blue Dragon Island and communicate with the Sapphire Family... This year's pioneering order will reflect the Duke's will and the attitudes of various countries."

"When do you think the pioneering decree will be issued?"

"No later than October."

"Hmm."

"What's the matter? Are you planning to continue participating in this pioneering effort?"

"Yes, I hope to continue participating. Although my territory's strength is still lacking, my personal strength is not weak. I also have Hiddleston; at least I can manage the logistics... Most importantly, my territory desperately needs more serfs. I hope to purchase more serfs from the Kingdom of the Eagle."

The Marquis nodded: "That's fine. This year you will follow me to participate, and have Levis stay at Tulip Castle."

Levis interjected: "I too am eager to go to the battlefield, Father."

"You need to accompany Gloria, and it's best to quickly produce the Tulip family's fourth generation, ensuring the family's legacy continues."

Penelope is the first generation, the Marquis is the second generation, Levis is the third generation, and his son will naturally be the fourth generation.

There's no need to be shy about such things, so Levis nodded and replied: "Gloria and I will work hard to produce the future heir as soon as possible."

"Additionally, you need to sort out your relationships with those lovers and any illegitimate children, understand?" the Marquis suddenly added.

"Oh heavens, Father, you must be mistaken. I do know a few women, but I definitely do not have any illegitimate children."

"No need to explain it to me. You need to understand Gloria's status. As the daughter of a Marquis, she won't tolerate your lovers or any illegitimate children setting foot in Tulip Castle."

"I understand."

The private lives of nobles are often filled with various lovers and illegitimate children.

However, marriages between major noble families rarely tolerate illegitimate children interfering with the family, especially in noble families where the woman is dominant. Illegitimate children are often left to fend for themselves against the world's unfairness.

After a day and a night at sea.

They finally reached Red Crab Island.

Ranieri, Longtaro Castle's deputy housekeeper, was waiting early at Seacrab City's port to welcome the Tulip family. By the time they arrived at Longtaro Castle, it was already the afternoon of August 15th, just a day and a half before Levis's wedding.

"Lee William!"

"Mexiro!"

On the road outside Longtaro Castle, Mexiro personally welcomed the Marquis and his party with great enthusiasm. Clearly, the rapidly growing Tulip family is a strong ally for the Longtaro family.

Marquis Merlin's two earl followers, Schalke and Duniko, were also part of the welcoming party.

After a lively exchange of pleasantries.

Liszt was just one among the crowd, not particularly noticeable. He showed his grace and greeted everyone, then stood aside.

Glancing at Duniko, he is the father of Duniko. Clearly, Duniko's excellent genes are inherited from her father, a handsome middle-aged man with a gentle and refined demeanor. In contrast to the more domineering Earl Schalke, their styles are completely different.

Mexiro, Lee William, Schalke, Duniko.

The four sky knights stood together, and Liszt was pleased to find that although his father was the most ordinary in appearance, his aura was dazzling. This comes from his high-level mana, radiating a vigorous aura that affects the senses of those around him.