Chapter 547: Castle of Thorns and Giant Kelp City

The waves washed against the thick transparent glass that blocked the seawater, where the Grand Sprites soaked and slept soundly. The crowd stood behind the glass, chattering with admiration and comments.

It was somewhat similar to the underwater glass tunnel of an ocean park.

"Look, what a beautiful Grand Sprite, Pyke, Pyke, it looks so plump, just without wings," Penelope said with a smile.

Lvera added, "Grand Sprites are the most beautiful creatures, like huge gems, but even more beautiful."

"Without wings but with fins, is this the difference between sea Grand Sprites and land Grand Sprites?" Levis leaned in, trying to get a closer look through the glass.

At this moment, Pyke seemed to sense the movement outside the glass, even from the soundproof room.

Rubbing his eyes sleepily, he got up and turned around to see a large group of people peeping at him, immediately flew into a rage, opening his mouth to curse: "Gurgle... Angie..."

With this opening, his full set of sharp teeth was fully exposed.

Mary gasped, "It... its teeth, how are they so sharp?"

Liszt, while mentally stopping Pyke's unfriendly behavior, smiled and explained, "A mouth full of sharp teeth isn’t very appealing, but they are wild Grand Sprites, and sharp teeth probably help protect them better. After all, the sea hides countless dangers, even we humans can’t survive, let alone the Grand Sprites."

"Don't worry about what its teeth look like, it's a Grand Sprite, its value is what matters most," Penelope shot Mary a disdainful glance, then gently pulled Liszt, smiling warmly, "Grandmother has seen these Grand Sprites, you have brought great honor to the family."

Liszt humbly said, "The glory of knighthood has blessed me, I just went for a swim in the sea and met them."

This was a joke.

But it made many behind him wince.

Only Gloria chuckled, "Because you are the son of glory, that's why these Grand Sprites appeared before you on their own, accepting your contract."

"I think so too."

A few Grand Sprites didn’t need to be observed for long.

After a quarter of an hour, everyone left the seaside castle led by Liszt.

Then watched Liszt use a whistle to command Rainbow Whale Rosi to play by the sea, marveling at its beauty, wonder, and the blessings of glory.

Before they knew it, it was eleven o’clock, the sun rose, and the temperature began to rise.

The group returned to the carriage and headed back to the castle.

The Grand Sprite’s birth celebration did not invite too many guests, mainly Liszt's own followers and members of the Tulip family. Other nobles were loyal to the earl, and Liszt did not want to win them over. Now, as a sky knight, he might leave the earl at any time to pledge allegiance to the duke.

This was understood, after all, Lee William’s title hindered Liszt’s prospects.

Even if he did not take the initiative to leave, the earl would advise him to.

In the living room on the second floor, there was only the family and Gort, the knight who lightened the mood. On the first floor, the territory officials and knights chatted lively.

Penelope took a sip of the premium green tea Liszt had brought out to entertain.

The old lady seemed unimpressed with the green tea, taking only a sip before putting it down.

She asked Liszt earnestly, "My boy, you already have your own Grand Sprite. Usually, nobles who have their own Grand Sprite choose to change their surname and start a new family. Like Gloria's grandfather's generation, the Golden Wheat family split into the Golden Wheat Ear and the Golden Wheat Grain families. What are your thoughts?"

Levis directly interjected, "You could change your surname to Giant Kelp, the Giant Kelp family, it sounds wonderful. My dear brother, in no time, you’re already ready to start a new family."

"The Giant Kelp family, Liszt of the Giant Kelp, I also think it has a nice ring to it," Lvera chimed in.

Even Lytton added, "If those giant kelps are really as big as tens of meters, brother starting the Giant Kelp family seems quite impressive."

Liszt smiled.

Then he replied casually, "Grandmother, two days ago when father visited Black Horse Island, I talked to him about it." He glanced at the Earl.

The Earl also nodded in agreement, "Liszt has his own ideas."

"I do not plan to change my surname, nor do I have the intention to start a new family for now. After all, I am still very young, and I hope to build a solid foundation first. Father said the Grand Duke might have already sent someone to evaluate me, perhaps in a couple of years I will swear fealty to the Grand Duke, and then we can talk about the issues of surname and family."

……

He had indeed discussed it carefully with the Earl.

Three days ago, the Earl boarded Black Horse Island by ship, and Liszt accompanied him on a thorough tour of the island, visiting various small towns, and even went diving to admire the giant kelp forest.

The father and son had many deep conversations.

After all, the Earl knew he was no match for Liszt and viewed Liszt as an equal. Especially seeing the rapid development of the Black Horse Island territory, the magic-driven Black Horse kiln and glass workshop, the towering gray-white mage tower, the remarkably handsome black-blooded steed…

All of this gave him a deeper understanding of his second son.

"I know you're hiding secrets, is there anything you want to tell me?" Standing on the dock of Giant Kelp Town, watching the sampans transporting giant kelps back and forth in the distance, the Earl asked thoughtfully.

The situation on Black Horse Island.

Anyone who pays attention would notice many obvious anomalies upon a little investigation. Liszt hadn't concealed much, so he wasn't surprised by the Earl's question, "I do have some secrets, or maybe it's just luck, father, do you believe in the notion of the Son of Glory?"

"I do not believe that the glory of knighthood can favor a person, but effort is the key factor in gaining glory."

Compared to most humans who firmly believe in the glory of knighthood, Lee William, as a veteran sword saint, sees things more clearly and understands the essence of things better.

Liszt spoke the words he had prepared, "When I first came to Flower Town, I mistakenly ate a poisonous fruit in Thorn Ridge and almost died."

"This is my oversight, I have neglected you too much before."

"All these are in the past, in fact, I turned a bad situation into a good one, not only survived but also triggered some changes in my body. My abilities fully emerged, most importantly, my eyes can sense magic power. So, as you have seen, I found many spirit bugs."

"Oh, is that so?" The Earl was surprised, he had thought of various secrets Liszt might have, but never expected it to be such a secret.

Liszt nodded.

He couldn't disclose the smoke mission, it was too involved, after all, it was related to the Smoke Dragon; nor could he reveal the gem space, which also involved the Invisible Dragon; the Fire Drake Leo couldn't be revealed either, perhaps the Earl would keep his secret for him, even willing to fund him to ride a dragon.

But he couldn't guarantee that the Earl could really keep the secret.

If Mary found out, and if it accidentally leaked out.

Surely someone would sell out the secret of the Fire Dragon for profit, and then Liszt would be in big trouble. Even if he wasn't afraid of someone coming to his door, he could ride the Rainbow Whale Rosi and wander the world at any time. But Black Horse Island couldn't be kept, and his years of effort would be in vain.

So.

Choosing other secrets to divert the Earl's attention was the best method. He couldn't rely on the Earl forever ignoring the various anomalies on Black Horse Island. Like the Magic Giant Kelp, he could choose to hide the news of the Grand Sprite, but the ongoing production of magic potions couldn't escape the notice of those interested, and would eventually be exposed.

Instead of being passive later, it's better to actively guide and interfere.

Just as the Earl was coming to Black Horse Island for a visit, he seized the chance to steer him. Initially, he intended to introduce the 'Magic Eye' mana technique, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to reveal it, so he fabricated a tale about his eyes changing.

Finally.

The Count chose to accept this explanation: "This is a mutation that others can only dream of. Perhaps I shouldn't deny the Son of Glory. The changes that have occurred in you are themselves a profound blessing from the Glory of Knighthood... Liszt, you will create a great family that surpasses the Tulip family!"

"Father, I would rather help you advance to Marquis, and then I will strive to become a Marquis myself," Liszt said with a smile.

This implied a tacit agreement—the Count would cease investigating his secrets, and in return, Liszt would assist the Count in his bid for the Marquis title.

Of course, the main reason was that Liszt looked down upon the surname "Giant Kelp."

He was a man with a dragon within him, destined to soar the skies on the back of a dragon. When he changed his surname, it would be a dragon-related one. Names like Smoke of Destiny, Invisible of the Otherworld, Flame of Magma—all exuded power and dominance. How could he possibly adopt a name like Grand Sprite?