Chapter 689: Lvera’s Spring

October 26th, clear weather.

A gentle breeze swept fallen leaves, creating a pleasant atmosphere around Tulip Castle. The tulip gardens remained vibrant under the nourishment of the Tulip spirit beetles, bursting with a riot of colors.

The noble guests at the celebration banquet had all left. After bidding farewell to the Crown Prince and his entourage, Liszt instructed Gort and Marcus to return to the territory and continue their duties. He intended to bring Yevich and Alvin to Red Crab Island, but Yevich was conspicuously missing from the escort.

"Where is Yevich?" Liszt frowned slightly. He disliked waiting, especially for his own followers.

Knight-squire Xavier replied, "My lord, the Clearwater Sword Saint told me last night that he had some personal matters to attend to. If you sought him, I was to find him at the vineyard estate outside Coral City."

"Vineyard estate?"

He remembered this property—a Tulip family holding, home to a grapevine spirit beetle. Their renowned Crescent Moon Wine was produced there: "What is he doing at the vineyard estate?"

Xavier hesitated before answering, "I think I saw the Clearwater Sword Saint heading there with Lady Lvera."

Liszt’s eyebrows rose.

Lvera and Yevich?

He didn’t ponder it further, simply saying coolly, "Go to the vineyard estate and bring Yevich back." He wasn’t particularly concerned with Lvera’s personal life. Though they were blood siblings, their relationship had always been distant. From what he recalled, Lvera was closer to Levis.

In truth, among all his relatives, he respected Marquis Merlin above all and felt closest to his cousin Meopo.

Next were perhaps Penelope and Lee William—he even preferred his uncle Mexiro over his own brother and sister.

Still, despite his reservations, Levis and Lvera remained his closest siblings and trusted family. Unless something unexpected happened, the entire family would likely relocate to the nation he would establish, prospering as high nobles.

As for Lvera’s romantic choices, perhaps he should intervene to some extent.

"Perhaps it’s just a passing fling. Isn’t that how noble life goes?" Liszt had no strong feelings on the matter—he himself had indulged in such dalliances before.

After sending someone to fetch Yevich, he regrouped with his uncle by marriage, Roland Pinecone, and his aunt Melinda Longyam's families.

His uncle’s family had come, so naturally, his aunt’s family did as well. His cousin Russell came with his wife, Jackie Broccoli, and daughter Luoxi, along with cousin Rolly—all attending the celebratory feast.

The trip back would surely be lively with the whole family gathered.

A short while later,

Yevich arrived on horseback, escorted by squire knights. Surprisingly, Lvera joined them too.

Lvera cut straight to the point when she saw Liszt. "Liszt, are you heading to Red Crab Island to visit Grandfather? Perhaps you could leave Yevich behind. We have much to discuss." Her meaning was clear—she had taken a liking to Yevich.

Liszt glanced at Yevich and Lvera.

His expression remained unchanged. Privately, he scorned Yevich as a 'turncoat.' In his youth, Yevich had squandered his talent, and in his later years, he frequently switched allegiances. Though he had his reasons, such behavior inevitably cast him in a negative light.

He had initially considered intervening for practical reasons, but upon reflection, what gain justified meddling in their affair?

So he simply said to Yevich, "Explain your future duties to Lvera. The rest is for you two to decide—no need to report to me. As for today, stay here. You needn’t accompany me to Red Crab Island." Exploring islands at sea was Yevich’s future role—a life of prolonged absence, not easily endured.

Yevich bowed deeply. "My apologies, my lord, for troubling you."

Liszt waved him off, climbing onto his strider-horse Loki. Turning back to Lvera, he added, "Perhaps Father can offer some advice. Regardless, you have my blessings."

"Thank you, Liszt."

...

After the rendezvous.

The Longyu family's fleet sailed out of the harbor.

Watching the courtly swift sailboat cutting through the waves, Liszt recalled his earlier thoughts: "Uncle, I wonder if it's possible to purchase a courtly swift sailboat from the Longyu family. I hope to borrow some shipbuilding techniques to aid the development of my territory's shipyard."

"You're planning to study shipbuilding techniques? This isn't simple technology. The Longyu family has spent years researching the courtly swift sailboat and still hasn't fully grasped how to build one," Mexiro said.

"I'm not looking to replicate the technology, just to draw inspiration. My shipyard has its own technical direction," Liszt replied with a hint of pride.

First, rubber water's adhesive properties could effectively replace dovetail joints, reducing many technical barriers.

Second, the rapid growth of Thorn Ironwood ensured an endless supply of raw materials for shipbuilding. Except for a few main keels that required century-old rockwood or ironwood, other planks could be substituted with Thorn Ironwood.

Third, he possessed complete dragon-keel techniques, lacking only the dragon beast bone materials. Though these materials were expensive, they were obtainable if desired.

Lastly, he also had shipbuilding technologies from Earth, such as battering ram technology and lateen sail technology.

Once these technologies were integrated, combined with insights from the courtly swift sailboat and paired with the Water Calming Pearl and Wind Calming Pearl, they would be enough to construct peerless sailing vessels capable of dominating the seas.

By then, the prelude to the Great Age of Navigation would surely unfold.

Crossing the Sea of Devils might no longer be impossible.

"In that case, when you return, sail this courtly swift sailboat back."

"Thank you, Uncle. I'll pay the market price for a new ship."

"It's just an old vessel. Half the price will suffice."

Liszt didn't haggle. The Longyu family wasn't short on money but on people. He could support them more in the future. With a Dragon Knight as their backing, the Longyu family's position in Sapphire should remain stable. Even if it wasn't, should they choose to move to his country, they could still enjoy the status of a Marquis.

The day-and-a-half voyage passed quickly.

After another half-day's journey by land, the flags of Longyu Castle came into view. With few family members around, formalities were minimal, and they proceeded directly to the bedroom to visit the bedridden Marquis Merlin.

"Grandfather."

"Liszt, you've come!" Marquis Merlin, leaning against the headboard, looked gaunt and sallow, his spirits low, as if he might pass at any moment. "You wrote saying you'd visit but never came. I thought I wouldn't see you again and was ready to scold you in my will."

"My most sincere apologies, Grandfather. I was delayed by matters."

"No matter. Your presence is enough. Where are Levis and Lvera?"

"They couldn't make it. Father was recently promoted to Marquis, and the family is busy taking over the Oxtail Territory. As for Lvera, she's likely preoccupied with her marriage prospects."

"That makes sense. Lee William, promoted to Marquis thanks to you, must be insufferably proud! Levis, inheriting the Marquis's estate without lifting a finger, must be grinning from ear to ear... Has Lvera found a suitable match? That spinster is nearly twenty-two now."

"She'll turn twenty-two when the new year comes."

"Twenty-two—it's time she married into nobility, or she'll end up with some feckless pretty boy in her old age." Marquis Merlin mused aloud, chatting with Liszt about family matters.

After a while.

Once the family matters had been discussed thoroughly, Marquis Merlin appraised Liszt with an elder's gaze and suddenly sighed, "You truly resemble Melissa... All of Melissa's best qualities and that scoundrel Lee William's strengths are combined in you."

Liszt kept his polite smile.