Chapter 426: Hearing is worse than meeting

The gray-white walls of Longtaro Castle were adorned with a multitude of flowers, branches, and ribbons, accentuating the grandeur of the castle and making it appear exceptionally sacred.

Two massive flags fluttered high atop the castle's tallest spire.

One was the abstract "Longtaro" flag of the Longtaro family, and the other was the sapphire dragon flag of the Sapphire Family, both fluttering loudly in the wind.

These giant flags, hung temporarily, symbolized a marital alliance between families.

In the large area in front of the castle gate, countless servants were setting up the wedding venue, with squads of knights weaving through them, and even officials participating, issuing commands.

"These are the professional servants and internal affairs officials from the court, as well as knights from the Blueblood Knights. They are not only managing the wedding procedures but also ensuring security, as the Grand Duke himself will attend the wedding of the princess and Meopo," explained Mexiro Longtaro.

Upon hearing this, Lee William frowned slightly, his expression quickly turning cold: "It's understandable that the Blueblood Knights are handling security, but why isn't the wedding procedure following Longtaro Castle's customs? This is Longtaro Castle welcoming its new lady, even if she is the Grand Duke's youngest daughter."

Durant and Schalke remained silent.

Mexiro also seemed somewhat awkward: "This is my father's wish, hoping to accord the princess greater respect."

"Demonstrating more of the Longtaro family's knightly valor is the way to show respect to the Grand Duke and the princess, not this way," Lee William expressed his dissatisfaction with the court's interference in Longtaro Castle's etiquette. "I must confer with Marquis Merlin. Mexiro, is your father in the castle?"

"I'll take you to him. Durant and Schalke, please help me entertain the guests."

After saying this, the two hurried into the castle to find Marquis Merlin. Meanwhile, Mary and Lytton followed the deputy housekeeper to the guest lounge. Their identities were somewhat special; they were regarded as relatives of Longtaro Castle by title, but there was no familial connection, making it a bit awkward.

Levis, Lvera, and Liszt, the trio of siblings, did not treat Longtaro Castle as someone else's home.

They found a housekeeper and asked, "Where is our cousin Meopo?"

"Young Master Meopo has gone to Juniper Fortress. The First Prince has accompanied the princess to reside at Juniper Fortress, awaiting the wedding," the housekeeper replied. "Miss Melinda and her family have also accompanied the young master to Juniper Fortress to attend to the princess's daily needs there."

Juniper Fortress is another castle of the Longtaro family.

"Shall we proceed there or remain at Longtaro Castle?" Liszt inquired.

"It's only a two-hour ride from Longtaro Castle to Juniper Fortress. Let's go there. I haven't seen what the princess looks like yet," Lvera said excitedly.

Levis shook his head: "I need to stay here. Father is very dissatisfied with the court arranging the Longtaro family's wedding procedures. I might be needed later. You two go ahead and give my regards to the First Prince."

Subsequently.

Liszt and Lvera set off for Juniper Fortress.

By the time they arrived at Juniper Fortress, the sun was about to set, and the entire fortress was secured by knights of the Blueblood Knights, barring outsiders from entry.

The siblings waited outside for nearly ten minutes.

Finally, Meopo hurried over to greet them: "Lvera, Liszt, you've arrived already? Didn't you stay to rest at Longtaro Castle? Why have you come to Juniper Fortress?"

"We heard that Aunt Melinda and her family, as well as you, cousin, are here, and that the First Prince and the princess have already settled in Juniper Fortress, so we came over," Lvera exclaimed eagerly. "Where is the princess, cousin? Take me to see her. I am eager to meet my future sister-in-law."

Meopo smiled: "Follow me."

Upon entering Juniper Fortress, it was customary to first pay homage to the First Prince, even though Liszt and Lvera were not vassals of the Sapphire Family; they only owed allegiance to their father, Lee William.

"Your Highness, it's a pleasure to see you again," Liszt bowed with respect, neither feigning aloofness nor deliberately adopting a submissive posture.

The First Prince clearly remembered Liszt: "The sole new viscount elevated from the Iron Horse Island campaign, Liszt. It's a pleasure to see you too."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Liszt and Lvera took their leave.

Given the vast difference in status and the absence of a vassal relationship, there was indeed little to discuss. They followed Meopo up to the castle's second floor, where they met Aunt Melinda and Russell's wife, Jacqueline Broccoli, in the piano room.

Of course, there were also several young, striking noble ladies dressed in elegant attire.

"Everyone is here; please hold on for a moment before we start the conversation," Meopo announced loudly.

He drew everyone's attention: "Allow me to introduce... this is my cousin, Lvera Tulip, daughter of Marquis Lee William and Baroness of Falcon Town; and my cousin, Liszt Tulip, second son of Marquis Lee William, Viscount of Black Horse Island. Incidentally, his viscountcy was earned through military merit."

Family inheritance and military merit represent two distinct concepts.

One represents status, the other potential.

Although being a second son comes with its own set of challenges, earning a title through one's own efforts is more commendable, as everyone favors a more powerful knight.

Upon entering, Liszt noticed the noble ladies' eyes light up at the sight of him.

When Meopo mentioned that his title was earned through military merit, the noble ladies' eyes lit up again.

"I've heard of you, Liszt, the new viscount who was promoted during the Iron Horse Island campaign and who raised a mid-level blizzard beast," one noble lady said quickly, her eyes wandering over Liszt.

Even without a fancy frock coat, clad only in simple leather armor, he still exuded a distinguished air.

Seeing that the lady had already spoken, Meopo introduced her to Lvera and Liszt: "This is Grazuti Red Maple, the sister of the Marquis of Quicksand City."

Marquis Greendanton Red Maple of Quicksand City was Liszt's superior during the Iron Horse Island campaign.

Greendanton, being the husband of Princess Anne Sapphire, naturally makes his sister Grazuti a close friend of the princess.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Grazuti," Liszt said with a smile and a bow, though in his heart, he didn't find her particularly attractive.

At least in Liszt's eyes, she was rather plain.

Meopo continued the introductions: "This is Sarando Big Flower Orchid, daughter of the Marquis of Quicksand City, who is already betrothed... This is Joanna..."

He introduced several noble ladies, all offspring of great nobles.

Like attracts like, and only the children of great nobles could be the princess's close friends.

Finally, Meopo approached the beautiful woman seated at the piano, took her hand, and introduced her with great solemnity: "Lvera, Liszt, do I need to continue the introductions... Angela Sapphire, my fiancée, the future mistress of Longtaro Castle, your future sister-in-law."

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," the siblings said, smiling and bowing.