Chapter 685: The Final Appearance

Night.

Declining Levis's invitation to attend some gathering in Coral City, Liszt and Meopo not only chatted but also discussed piano techniques in the piano room of Tulip Castle.

Did Meopo genuinely enjoy playing the piano? His skills were technically flawless, and his rhythm was effortless and flowing.

Liszt's technique was far inferior to Meopo's, but he took a different approach, mainly performing his "original" piano compositions.

Back when he was momentarily inspired, the Smoke Task chimed in, helping him recall two familiar melodies—*You and Saint-Saëns' Swan*—along with the previously misattributed *Für Elise*. Thus, Liszt's piano collection now included three classic pieces.

Perhaps due to his growing strength and enhanced spiritual energy, he later recalled a few more piano melodies, "composing" several more classic piano pieces.

So,

if he didn’t play the piano, it was fine. But once he did, it was bound to be a stunning spectacle that would send countless young ladies into a frenzy—though he rarely performed in public. He had long passed the stage of craving admiration and obsession, preferring instead to quietly enjoy life.

"Liszt, you are truly an absolute genius. Not only are you astounding in cultivation, but even your piano skills are terrifying. If you aspired to be a pianist, you would likely become the first piano master born in the Sapphire Duchy. Your compositional talent rivals that of masters like Czerny."

"The piano is just a hobby to pass the time, Meopo. There’s no need to be so engrossed in it." Liszt lightly tapped a few keys before turning away from the piano. "You should learn from me and devote more time to cultivation. Strength is the true measure of a noble’s status."

"Ah, I’m already twenty-five this year and have only barely touched the threshold of Earth Knight. Breaking through will probably have to wait until next year."

Meopo’s talent wasn’t bad—at least compared to Mexiro, who was forcibly elevated to an average-level Sky Knight, his aptitude was quite strong.

But he was merely a barely qualified heir to inherit the marquis title. Sword Saint was likely his future limit.

Compared to the prodigious Marquis Merlin, the descendants of the Longtaro family seemed somewhat lackluster—not only in cultivation talent but even in fertility. After years of effort, Mexiro and his wife only produced Meopo as their sole heir, and Meopo himself had spent over a year trying to conceive without any success.

Unlike the Tulip family, where the Earl had three sons, and now the eldest, Levis, had already fathered a son, ensuring no worries about lineage.

"If talent is lacking, diligence must compensate. Your effort probably doesn’t match Levis’s. Though the Longtaro family provides you with more resources, you might still fall behind Levis in advancing to Sky Knight." Liszt spoke with an air of seasoned authority—and he had the right to advise.

Meopo was good at comforting himself: "Well, I’m already used to lagging behind you. Falling behind Levis won’t matter much either."

"I have a very young follower who spends every waking moment outside of eating, drinking, and sleeping on cultivation. I suspect she’ll advance to Sky Knight before you."

"Impressive... You already have a Sword Saint follower, and now you’ll soon add a Sky Knight follower."

"I also have two Sky Knight captives. If Alonso still doesn’t pay the ransom, these two might choose to pledge allegiance to me."

"Sky Knight captives? Alonso isn’t paying the ransom?"

"I find it strange too." Liszt had no idea what Alonso was up to—whether he was so extravagant as to disregard Sky Knight followers, delayed by some matter, or plotting something.

Even if Alonso was plotting something, it didn’t matter—the Grand Duke would deal with it.

...

After resting overnight at Tulip Castle, early the next morning, Liszt rode his ostrich Loki back to Flower Town. Today was the celebration banquet for the Earl of Coral Island’s promotion to Marquis Niuwei, requiring formal dress and attendance. He needed to bring his followers, squires, and attendants.

From his followers, he selected the Clearwater Sword Saint Yevich Waterpeanut, the Iron Knight Alvin Eagle Sword, the Counselor of Port Town Gort Mast, and the Captain of the Black Horse Island Knights Marcus Wheeler—these four would accompany him to Tulip Castle for the banquet.

A Sword Saint and an Iron Knight were excellent additions to bolster the Tulip family’s prestige.

He also brought along his youngest follower, Emily, allowing her to attend as a squire knight to gain experience in high society while taking a break from her non-stop training regimen—which wasn’t a sustainable approach. Since Emily herself refused to rest, he had to take her out as a form of relaxation.

Additionally, Liszt dressed Acheronides in noble lady’s attire.

Having introduced Acheronides as his sister, it was time for his family to meet her—and incidentally shock Marquis Niuwei. At some point, Liszt had developed a penchant for drama, enjoying Marquis Niuwei’s gobsmacked expressions whenever possible.

That poorly concealed expression was hilarious.

Probably a way to retaliate against the constant nagging for updates to Liszt’s *Sky Journals*, which had robbed him of the joy of writing.

"Brother, Acheronides doesn’t want to go to the banquet. This outfit is so uncomfortable." In her lavish gown, Acheronides was more captivating than any noble lady.

Her innocent face paired with an extravagant gown, flawless skin and petite figure, along with her youthful and bashful demeanor, would undoubtedly make all noble ladies feel inferior. Bringing Acheronides to the banquet would most likely shield Liszt from the hungry stares of noble ladies.

Liszt could already imagine how many noble ladies would eye him like prey during this banquet.

After all, he was such an outstanding man.

"This is human life, Acheronides. First, learn to endure, and then you’ll understand how to enjoy it." Liszt adjusted his ruffled collar. "I used to dislike the *Frac Acheronides* too, thinking it was an outfit invented by fools to torture themselves. But even after getting used to it… still miserable!"

The *Frac Acheronides*, a noble attire, was intricate, bizarre, and downright unpleasant to wear.

Perhaps it was precisely this absurdity that made it a symbol of nobility—the more elaborate, the more it represented order; the more peculiar, the more it stood out, embodying noble etiquette and superiority in stark contrast to the plain clothing of commoners. That was its defining feature.

But Liszt didn’t like it. Not one bit.

"Once I establish my own kingdom, the first reform will be clothing… attire must prioritize simplicity and practicality. Only on that foundation can noble elegance be properly expressed."

Mounting his avian steed.

At Liszt’s command, the long procession set off toward Tulip Manor. They traveled at a leisurely pace, planning to arrive just before the luncheon began to avoid unnecessary socializing. After all, VIPs always arrive at the last moment. He intended to make his appearance only after the First Prince and others had arrived.