Chapter 731: The Power of Speech

Levis stood on the deck with a solemn expression. The Tulip family fleet had been "gathering" on Coral Island for two days as per Liszt's instructions before finally setting sail.

The Kingdom of the Eagle had launched a large-scale invasion, and the Tulip family's strategy was to remain still and wait—letting the Grand Duke clash with the enemy first before making further decisions. In any case, given Liszt's heritage as a Phantom Swordsman, even if they surrendered to the Kingdom of the Eagle, he would likely still be highly valued.

They were about to arrive at Oxhoof City.

Perhaps the battle between the two nations had already begun, Oxhoof City had fallen, and the choice awaiting the Tulip family had already started.

"I wonder what Father and Liszt will choose—to stay with the Sapphire or submit to the Kingdom of the Eagle?" He pondered irritably.

The vampire named Mary Dawnbreak had already led her blood thrall retinue to scout Oxhoof City and would soon bring back news, which would decide if the fleet should continue toward the city. The waiting process was excruciating, especially when it concerned the family's future—and his own.

Before departure, his wife, Gloria Goldenwheat, had drilled into him that he must obey his father and younger brother's decisions and not act on his own.

This annoyed him greatly.

He was displeased with Gloria's attitude, as if he had no mind of his own—even though he was six years older than Liszt. Just because the latter had been lucky enough to inherit an ancient swordsman's inheritance, did that mean his big-picture thinking was superior? He was also frustrated with Lee William and Liszt's wishy-washy position on the family's stance.

From the very beginning, he had opposed the idea of surrendering to the Kingdom of the Eagle. He clung fiercely to his status in the Sapphire—he was the heir to Marquis Oxhoof, a future Marquis, damn it!

If they surrendered to the Kingdom of the Eagle, his title would surely be stripped away, especially since they favored his younger brother, Liszt.

He envied Liszt.

Among the four siblings, he had always been the genius since childhood.

Even when the youngest, Lytton, later displayed exceptional talent, he still belonged to the ranks of geniuses. Wherever he went, people would refer to him as "Coral Island's genius." Yet Liszt, who had been unremarkable since childhood—handsome but seemingly without merit—had risen like a shooting star after being enfeoffed.

Overnight, he became the brightest rising star among nobles in the Sapphire.

From then on, the title of "Coral Island's genius" belonged solely to Liszt, while others could hardly be called geniuses anymore. Instead, people would whisper behind his back, as if Levis—who had yet to become a Sky Knight—was a washed-up loser, a disgrace to the Tulip family.

However.

At this thought, the corners of Levis' lips curled into a shit-eating grin. "When Father and Liszt see me again, they'll surely be shocked!"

The reason was simple.

He was no longer elite Earth Knight Levis—he was now Sky Knight Levis!

Just two days ago, during the voyage, the mana within him had reached critical mass, and in moments, it had transformed into high-tier aqueous mana, allowing him to soar into the skies.

Extending a hand, he channeled the roaring advanced mana, his heart swelling with pride once more. "Gloria probably never expected me to become a Sky Knight so quickly. She told me to speak less and listen more, all because I lacked strength. But now that my power has skyrocketed, who dares ignore my opinions?"

Right then, a black bat flew toward them from the distance.

Levis narrowed his eyes. "Especially that Mary—so arrogant on the ship, outright ignoring my goodwill! Once I greet Liszt, I'll demand Mary directly. Let's see if she can still act so high and mighty... Though Liszt is strong, he surely wouldn't refuse his Brother Sky Knight!"

Back when he was still an Earth Knight, he knew without saying that Liszt wouldn't respect him—strength was the foundation of one's voice.

But now that he had become a Sky Knight, standing on the same level as Liszt, his confidence in speaking had soared!

With a leathery flutter, the bat landed at the bow and transformed into a tall female vampire—not Mary, but Peggy. Beneath her cloak was an ordinary female face, one that held no interest for Levis, even though he had always wanted to sample vampire flesh.

"Sir Levis," Peggy said, scurrying into the shadows of the sails—vampires disliked sunlight.

Levis looked down his nose at her. "What's the situation in Oxhoof City?"

"The fleet can enter the city at any time. The Kingdom of the Eagle has been defeated—Sapphire has won a crushing victory!" Peggy spoke with boundless excitement, still reeling. Even now she felt giddy—how had her master transformed into a Fire Dragon Knight and an Archmage overnight?

She was just about to gather her thoughts and recount Liszt's glorious deeds when Levis chimed in excitedly, "Haha, excellent! I knew the Kingdom of the Eagle was nothing to fear. Who can stand against Sapphire at sea?"

"You're absolutely right, Sir," Peggy echoed.

"Naturally." Levis swelled with pride. Earlier, his father and he had hesitated for no apparent reason, but he had always known better. "Pity we were a step too late. The family fleet should have set out sooner to share in the glory!"

"Not late at all!"

"Hmm?"

Levis was about to snap, "What do you know?" But Peggy quickly continued, "Under Lord Liszt’s grace, Sapphire achieved such a magnificent victory. Whether the Tulip family’s fleet came or not made no difference—Lord Liszt and Lady Acheronides were more than enough!"

Such shameless flattery!

Levis nearly gagged!

These seemingly arrogant vampires were, at their core, pathetic bootlickers. To curry favor, they even changed "the glory of knighthood" to "Lord Liszt’s glory," as if Liszt alone won Sapphire’s victory.

Yet Peggy babbled faster, giddy with excitement: "And congratulations, Sir Levis! How lucky you are—you share the same blood as Lord Liszt! From now on, you’re no ordinary sky knight, for behind you stands the Dragon Knight, Lord Liszt… no, no, His Highness Liszt!"

Thunderstruck! Like lightning from a clear sky.

Levis bit back his scolding, eyes wide. Only after five full seconds did he manage to speak: "What did you say? Say it again!"

Peggy knew Levis was stunned by the mention of "Dragon Knight."

When she first heard the news, she had nearly wet herself. Now, she eagerly explained, "The Kingdom of the Eagle sent two Dragon Knights to attack Sapphire. The Duke was on the verge of defeat when His Highness Liszt rode his Fire Dragon into the sky, and Lady Acheronides unleashed her Archmage magic."

With a devout expression, like a fervent believer, she continued, "In the end, His Highness Liszt slew Dragon Knight Karl von Violet, drove off Dragon Knight Alonso Celaya, and rescued Dragon Knight Andrew Sapphire—becoming the new overlord of the seas!"

Levis gulped audibly. "You're telling the truth?"

Peggy nodded emphatically. "Absolutely true! All of Oxhoof City is roaring with cheers for His Highness Liszt!"

"Hah… Hah… HAHAHA!"

Levis let out sharp, breathless laughs. Then, his face shifted from shock to conflict, before erupting into wild laughter. "HAH! HAH! HAHAHA! A Dragon Knight! My own brother—a Dragon Knight! I’m the brother of a Dragon Knight!"

He laughed uncontrollably until the entire ship erupted in cheers, chanting "Dragon Knight!" over and over.

Only then did he abruptly rein in his emotions, raising a hand and pointing forward as he commanded, "Pass the order! To Oxhoof City—full sails ahead!"