Chapter 192: Zambrotta Travels Around the World

This chapter is sponsored by "Feeding My Horse with Sheep."

On land, magical beasts that possess and can cast magic are called demonic beasts. In the ocean, there are also creatures with magical powers that can release spells, known as sea monsters.

Without marine experts to classify the animals in the sea, there is no categorization of whales or sharks. The massive creatures encountered during voyages are simply called sea beasts. Leviathan is clearly not a sea beast; according to legend, Leviathan is a giant sea serpent that can unleash storms and sweep away passing ships.

The appearance of a humpback whale provided some conversation during the otherwise dull voyage.

In the afternoon.

The Flower Ship returned safely, docking at the makeshift pier. The round trip took a total of three and a half days. Upon his return to the castle, Gort introduced him to two strangers who had come to meet him.

"Sir, Rondo Kettle and Russ Thump are both Earth Knights. They wish to follow you," Gort said. "Rondo is the son of Sir Leiden, while Russ graduated from the Knights Academy. They are both young but have good knightly talent and ambition."

Sir Leiden is the captain of the knights who often guard Levis at Tulip Castle.

Rondo being Leiden's son implies that he is a bastard child. Otherwise, he would be introduced as Leiden's second or third son.

As for Russ, having graduated from the Knights Academy without any mention of his family background suggests he is a commoner.

"Rondo, Russ, since you are both Earth Knights, why haven't you joined the knight squads of other lords to fight alongside the Earl?"

Liszt looked them over with interest, surprised that people were already seeking to join him.

Rondo, a handsome young man, replied politely, "I am considered an extra person in my family and am not valued enough to participate in the knight squad." He did not hide his status as a bastard, admitting it openly.

Russ then added, "Sir, I was eliminated from the selection for the battlefield because I had just broken through and my combat skills were not up to par. But please rest assured, Lord Baron, I will train hard and master my martial arts secrets to become a qualified battlefield knight."

He spoke confidently and with a proper attitude.

From their first impression, Liszt thought they were both decent candidates, but he wouldn't easily accept followers. He immediately said, "Knights choose their lords to serve loyally, and lords also select knights to fight alongside them. I hope we can build a friendship during our time together."

"We are willing to undergo your evaluation, sir!" Rondo and Russ replied together.

Liszt nodded. "Since you are following me as knights, I won't assign you to administrative duties. Instead, you will assist Marcus in training the children and youths of our territory."

He directly assigned Rondo and Russ to work under Marcus. Delegating tasks was his style; leaders should only concern themselves with strategy, leaving the labor to subordinates.

After dealing with the Earth Knights' allegiance,

Gort reported, "Sir, I received a letter these past two days. It was from Zanbuluota, do you remember? He was Lytton's former tutor. He lost his title after being punished by the Earl for allowing Lytton to beat an innocent civilian."

Liszt recalled the situation after Gort's reminder.

Zanbuluota was also a baronial knight hired as Lytton's tutor a few years ago, frequently visiting Tulip Castle. Beating a civilian wasn't a big deal; what upset the Earl was Lytton's misbehavior at a young age. Thus, Zanbuluota was blamed and stripped of his title.

"What did Zanbuluota write to you?"

"He reminisced about old times, but between the lines, he hinted at his desire to come to Flower Town and seek employment as an official."

Flower Town indeed lacked officials, but Liszt wouldn't easily hire someone new. "Do you know his character well?"

"I've dealt with him only a few times and don't know much about his personality, but I know he has one outstanding talent. He has traveled extensively throughout the Kingdom of Steel Ridge and its seven vassal states, always sharing fascinating stories and rare events."

Traveled through eight countries?

Hearing this, Liszt was intrigued. "Really... Advisor Gort, continue corresponding with him. If he is willing to work in Flower Town, you will handle his reception if I am unavailable."

After all, Zanbuluota had been directly stripped of his title by the Earl.

Stripping a noble of their title is a severe punishment, second only to exile. As the Earl's son, Liszt couldn't ignore his father's will and employ such a person officially. He could only hire him privately, maintaining his father's dignity while benefiting himself.

Three new subordinates would soon join him.

Liszt was in high spirits, feeling that so many people believed in him, indicating that his ascension to viscount was inevitable.

"Oh, Advisor Gort, cooperate more with Teacher Marcus and expedite the construction of the temporary base on Black Horse Island. Don't delay."

"Rest assured, sir. The importance of Black Horse Island will always be my top priority."

"And keep the details of Black Horse Island confidential, understood?"

"Understood."

...

After handling official matters, Carter came to report on the castle's affairs.

"Sir, during your absence, Mrs. Mo Sen and I have selected twenty children—ten boys and ten girls. They have started their internships in the castle, working in the afternoons, training during the day, and staying with foster families at night."

Carter then asked, "Would you like to see them?"

"With nothing else to do, bring them to me. Let me meet them and hear their names," Liszt casually said. In truth, he mainly wanted to see Maggie, the girl mentioned in the smoke mission.

The young servants, led by Carter, lined up before him.

"My name is Polly, sir."

"..."

Soon, Liszt met Maggie in the study.

"My name is Maggie, sir." The little girl speaking was shorter than her peers, quite cute, with a few freckles on her face.

Judging by her appearance, she would likely grow up to be an ordinary-looking girl.

Such looks didn't meet Liszt's standards for a secretary.

Though disappointed, he also realized that since Maggie wasn't meant to be a secretary, there must be other clues related to the smoke mission's subsequent tasks.

So he gave her a gentle smile, "I hope you enjoy your life in the castle, little Maggie."

"Yes, I am very happy living here, sir." Maggie's face turned red, slightly shy, perhaps because she had never seen such a handsome nobleman who smiled so gently.

She waited for Carter to tell her she could leave.

Walking out of the study, her heart was still pounding.