Chapter 686: The Spotlight of the Banquet

Right on schedule, the convoy arrived just in time before the luncheon began.

"Gloria, this is my sister A Ke Luo Yi De Si · Zhen Li. Please help take care of her. She isn’t fond of socializing, so there’s no need to engage her with noblewomen—just make sure she feels comfortable. I’ll come back after greeting the others."

The first sentence was directed at Gloria Goldenwheat, while the second was for Acheronides.

Gloria warmly linked arms with A Ke Luo Yi De Si. "So you’re Acheronides! Liszt mentioned you yesterday, saying you’re a renowned great magician. You look so young! Come, let’s find Grandmother and Lvera to chat."

Acheronides glanced at Liszt, receiving an encouraging smile before following Gloria to the gathering area for noblewomen and ladies.

The night before, Liszt had informed his family about bringing his newly recognized sister today. He only revealed that Acheronides was a young great magician whom he met during a sea voyage, eventually becoming sworn siblings.

Though the Marquis and others were surprised by Acheronides’ presence, they said little—after all, Liszt was already a landed lord, responsible only for his own actions.

Gloria was clever enough to handle Acheronides well, so Liszt had no worries. He joined Levis to greet the arriving nobles, exchanging standard pleasantries and noble courtesies, accepting a few compliments before moving on.

The Crown Prince was ostensibly the most distinguished guest at Tulip Castle today.

"Thank you for your presence, Your Highness," Liszt naturally approached to pay respects.

This Frozen Blade Sword Saint was a worthy heir to the Sapphire Duchy, having demonstrated valor in multiple battles and frequently acting on behalf of the Duke in frontier campaigns. Under his leadership, the Iron Vein Mine in Dragon-Trapping Mountain had been quickly shipped back to the country.

"It hasn’t been long since we last met, yet you’ve risen to such heights—truly astonishing. If only I had another sister, I would surely arrange a marriage alliance with you," the Crown Prince said warmly. Marquis Niuwei had already hinted that once Liszt established his own house, he would swear fealty to the Crown Prince.

Having such a powerful follower would greatly bolster the Crown Prince’s prestige. As the future ruler of Sapphire, he also needed strong allies to achieve military feats and lead frontier wars.

Had he truly possessed another sister, he would have eagerly pursued this union.

Liszt remained indifferent.

The Crown Princess’s character was unclear, but based on the little princess’s past behavior, he preferred to keep his distance from these "princesses." He’d rather stay single forever than wear horns of infidelity.

After a brief exchange, Marquis Niuwei approached to invite the Crown Prince to the banquet.

As the Crown Prince took the guest of honor’s seat at the oval table, Marquis Wallace Greenpine of Deep Throat Isle followed, then Marquis Ramirez Whitesticky Rice of Leather Isle, and Marquis Roderick Goldenwheat of Golden Isle—nobles of the Blueblood Alliance rarely attended fief-holding lords’ banquets, and Marquis Merlin Long Yam was too ill to attend.

Thus, only three marquises were present.

However, Marquis Greendanton Red Maple of Red Maple City and Marquis Nestor Grand Cymbidium of Quicksand City had sent their sons to the feast.

Naturally, Marquis Merlin Long Yam of Red Crab Isle had sent Mexiro with his wife, along with Meopo and his spouse.

Along with many earls who directly served the Duke, the long table was filled with Sapphire’s highest nobility—Liszt among them.

As for lesser nobles and family members, Levis and Lady Mary attended to the hosting duties.

"Gentlemen, please raise your glasses with me," the Crown Prince announced once the wine was poured, lifting a crystal-bottled finest floral wine in toast.

Once all had raised their goblets, he continued, "This year’s frontier campaign has concluded, and its achievements rank among the top five in Sapphire’s 153-year history. Naturally, William Lee Tulip, Earl of Coral Island, who contributed greatly to this campaign..."

He turned to Marquis Niuwei, his voice warm yet charged with enthusiasm, "By the decree of the Grand Duke of Sapphire, my father, has been elevated to Marquis Niuwei, ruling all lands of Niuwei Territory on Ironhoof Island. Let us toast to Sapphire's seventh marquis!"

"The gathered nobles echoed the Crown Prince’s call, raising their glasses once more: 'Congratulations, Marquis Niuwei!'"

"Thank you all for your congratulations!" Although it had been several days since his promotion to Marquis Niuwei, Lee William was still in high spirits, draining his cup of floral wine.

Soon after, the Crown Prince and others also drained their cups.

Liszt likewise emptied his cup. The baijiu was rich and mellow, vastly superior to the first batches sold. The brewing techniques had become more refined, with both quality and variety continuously improving, allowing it to outclass any other baijiu on the market.

However, since the Tulip family and a couple of other major nobles were also in the baijiu business, floral wine’s sales were limited mainly to Golden Island and Red Crab Island, with limited distribution on other major islands.

It could only win over true liquor aficionados among the nobility with its smooth texture.

After finishing his drink, Liszt intended to keep a low profile, focusing on eating and drinking without engaging in conversation. But he underestimated the influence of his status as the inheritor of the Ghost Swordsman legacy and the kingdom's second-most powerful knight.

The Crown Prince raised his glass once more and declared, "Gentlemen, let us raise our glasses again... This year’s expansion campaign saw Lee William’s promotion to Marquis Niuwei, a cause for celebration. Moreover, our kingdom has witnessed the rise of an exceptional knight who single-handedly defeated a powerful Domain Knight!"

Every gaze shifted to Liszt.

Holding his cup, Liszt remained expressionless, as if the praise had nothing to do with him.

"Liszt Tulip, the second son of Marquis Niuwei, Viscount of Black Horse Island, eighteen years old this year—he personally led the knights to capture the Iron Mountain Mine. Such a glorious feat deserves a toast!"

"A small accomplishment, hardly worth mentioning," Liszt replied calmly before finishing his floral wine.

The Crown Prince set down his empty cup and laughed heartily. "Well said, Liszt! I look forward to seeing you achieve even greater victories for the Kingdom of Blue Gem!"

Other high-ranking nobles added their praises:

"Truly worthy of being the second-strongest in the kingdom—such composure far surpasses ours."

"Marquis Niuwei has raised a fine son. The rise of the Tulip family is imminent."

"Liszt has a bright future ahead!"

"I’d love to witness your battle stance against that Marquis of Raging Waves."

"I have a granddaughter, fair, kind, and well-bred. I’ll introduce you two later—I’m sure you young people will have much in common."

Liszt maintained a polite smile, giving only polite non-answers, and focused more on eating and drinking.

After suffering through the compliments, the nobles finally shifted their attention away from the "aloof and indifferent" Liszt and turned their praises toward Marquis Niuwei.

The Marquis, whose earlier smile had stiffened when Liszt stole the spotlight, now wore a genuinely pleased expression.