Chapter 166: Benedict Cumberbatch’s miserable life

Elkson oversaw the construction of the flame mushroom processing workshop and engaged in falcon taming every day.

Glanny devoted himself entirely to the creation of the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearl.

Gort and other officials supervised the autumn harvest in Flower Town.

The commoners of the town also joined the harvesting teams, reaping wheat, barley, and rye, leveling wastelands, picking wild fruits, gathering vegetables, and collecting tulip capsules. After autumn came the long winter, during which all crops in Flower Town would cease to grow.

"Sir, here are today's newly picked nightshade berries." Butler Carter presented a plate of small, dark fruits.

With the help of the nightshade bugs, the yield of nightshade had significantly increased, allowing them to harvest a plate of berries daily. The taste was indeed pleasant, but eating too many could be uncomfortable. Liszt only tasted them occasionally, giving the rest to his subordinates.

Ever since the thorn bug outbreak,

the nightshade bugs had become the most useless of the spirit bugs.

The low yield of nightshade made it impossible to sell in bulk, so they were used only as flavor enhancers.

However, with the example of the thorn bugs, Liszt did not underestimate the nightshade bugs. Who knew when they might suddenly multiply and trigger a series of quests, evolving into nightshade fairies?

"You should try some too."

"Thank you, sir."

After eating a few nightshade berries, Liszt asked, "It's almost the end of October. In two months, winter will begin. Have we started stockpiling food in the warehouse?"

"I have already commissioned Captain Harpagon and Captain Sherlock to be ready at any time to purchase newly harvested wheat."

"Wheat alone is not enough. We need to start acquiring corn, beans, salt, sugar, and more. Even in winter, I don't want the castle's food quality to decline." Liszt was unwilling to compromise on his comfort. "I will inform Advisor Gort to build a warehouse near the castle specifically for storing winter supplies."

Suddenly,

he remembered something: "Oh, remind me to commission someone to build an icehouse in Flower Town."

"Yes, sir."

Nitrate ice-making was indeed convenient, providing an endless supply that could be reused. Unfortunately, it incurred wear and tear during use. Now, the over three hundred pounds of nitrate powder had dwindled to just over two hundred sixty pounds, with nearly forty pounds lost. In another year or so, it would no longer be possible to make ice.

Finding new nitrate deposits was out of the question.

Therefore, ultimately, a large icehouse needed to be dug to store ice collected in winter for use the following year.

The warehouse, icehouse, Falcon House, dog kennels, dog prison (Tupo), apple table, stables, and tridacna shells were all encroaching on the castle grounds, which should have been surrounded by green grass.

"No, the warehouse and icehouse must be built far away; the dog kennels should be moved to the castle entrance; the Falcon House can be relocated to the top platform of the castle, creating a third floor in the form of a loft. The apple table, apple tree, and tridacna shells are part of the scenery, while the stables should be moved further away."

The reason for reserving open space around the castle

was to create a security zone where intruders could not hide, preventing assassins from sneaking in.

"Not only must the unauthorized buildings be moved, but we also need to plant a green hedge and dig a moat. If finances and resources permit, we should reinforce the castle walls, especially the main gate, ideally building a bridge-type gate."

The castle's location allows the main gate to be built at a high position, connected to the outside by a bridge, making it difficult for attackers to charge en masse, ensuring the castle cannot be taken quickly.

This would buy time for reinforcements.

In reality, Flower Town is unlikely to be attacked, given that Liszt is the son of an earl and a member of the Tulip family, a symbol on this island. However, if pirates attack,

a well-fortified castle could save lives. "To fully equip the castle, a significant amount of money is needed. I do have substantial assets... but my liquid funds, even with the seafood business, are insufficient. It's a headache."

A castle worthy of its own name

must support independent living, with ample food, strong defenses, and a water source. The cliffside Tulip Castle has a fountain, allowing it to withstand a siege for up to half a year or even a year—something Flower Town's castle lacks.

Without a water source, water must be drawn from the town's wells.

"Should I find an opportunity to sell some mithril, crystals, and jade? To get a few thousand gold coins!"

The high-value items he could sell include a box of magic metal mithril, a box of dragon crystal ores, and a box of magic stones.

And the remaining ten black pearls.

Black pearls are highly valuable, especially the larger ones, which are essential for navigation. Smaller black pearls can be made into personal defense accessories. Selling them now would be unwise, as tridacnas are rare.

Especially such large tridacnas.

The remaining mithril, crystals, and jade are valuable goods, and he is reluctant to sell them.

"Forget it. I'm not yet at the point where I can relax."

"I still need to strive!"

Feeling inspired, staying in the castle became unbearable.

He decided to take his retinue knights and the increasingly powerful Hiddleston for a stroll—visiting the dog prison to see the pregnant Tupos and letting Hiddleston interact with them; visiting the dairy farm to check on the three pregnant cows and feeling the calves inside, likely dragon breed calves.

Going to Oyster Village's fruit-stealing monkey training ground to watch the obedient monkeys climb trees and pick fragrant coconuts, including the three pregnant female monkeys.

Visiting Wheat Village to see the pig farm with twelve fat pigs, which could be slaughtered for meat in winter.

Checking on the growth of each spirit bug grass.

The day ended like this.

Turning around again,

three days had passed in a blink.

There has been no news about the new variety of thorns yet, so Liszt has been cooperating with Elkson to train Juanfu. After three days without food or water, Juanfu's voice was hoarse from constant calling, and he couldn't sleep, leaving his eyes bloodshot. Upon seeing Liszt, he called out particularly desperately.

"Kakji!"

"Kakji!"

His once majestic appearance had vanished, leaving only a disheveled, oversized fat bird. Seeing that Liszt did not give him any food despite his persistent calls, Juanfu seemed to lose all strength and fell off the perch.

Liszt was just about to go over to help him.

But Elkson intervened, "Baron Liszt, this is precisely the right moment to break Juanfu's spirit. Do not interrupt, or we will have to spend even more time wearing him down."

"It hasn't been tamed yet, even in this state?"

"No, it hasn't bowed its head, so it's not tamed."

"Alright, you continue with the process." Liszt shook his head, glanced at Juanfu who was getting up from the ground, and turned to leave. Even after walking far away, he could still faintly hear Juanfu's pitiful cries.

"Kakji..."