This chapter is a bonus chapter for the "My Horse Feeds the Sheep" 10,000-yuan reward.
On land, there are magical beasts that possess magical Magic Power and can unleash spells; these are called magical beasts. In the ocean, there are also marine animals that possess magical Magic Power and can unleash spells; these are called sea monsters.
Without marine experts to classify sea animals, there was naturally no classification for whales or sharks. Large animals encountered by ships at sea were all called sea monsters. Leviathan was clearly not a sea monster; legend says Leviathan was a sea serpent that could unleash Storm magic that swept away passing ships.
The appearance of humpback whales provided some topics of conversation during the otherwise dull voyage.
In the afternoon.
The Flower returned safely and docked at a simple pier. The round trip took three and a half days. When he returned to the castle, Gortai, who had come to hear the news, introduced him to two strangers.
"My lord, Rondo Kettle and Rasse Weight are both Earth Knight, and they wish to follow you," Gortai introduced. " Rondo is the son of Sir Raiden, and Rasse graduated from the Knight Academy. They are both young, but possess considerable knightly talent and ambition."
Sir Raiden was the captain of the Tulip Castle knights who frequently guarded Levis.
Rondo is Raiden's son, which means he is an illegitimate child. Otherwise, he would be introduced as Raiden's second or third son, or something similar.
As for Rasse, he graduated from the Knight Academy, and there was no information about his family background, so he was clearly a commoner.
" Rondo, Rasse, since you are both Earth Knight, why haven't you joined the knightly ranks of your respective lords and followed the Earl to the battlefield?"
Liszt was intrigued by the two men, surprised that someone had already pledged allegiance to him so quickly.
Rondo, a handsome young man, replied politely, "I'm superfluous at home, not valued, and unqualified to join the Knights." He didn't hide his status as an illegitimate child, openly acknowledging it.
Rasse then replied, "When the Earl selected knights for the battlefield, I was eliminated because I had just broken through and my combat strength was insufficient. But please rest assured, Baron, I will train diligently, cultivate and master my own battle aura techniques, and strive to become a qualified battlefield knight."
He spoke with confidence and his attitude was quite proper.
Liszt's first impression of both men was positive, but he wouldn't easily recruit followers. He immediately said, "Knights choose their lords to follow, and lords similarly choose their knights to fight alongside them. I hope that in the time we spend together, we can build a friendship."
"We are willing to accept the Baron's consideration!" Rondo and Rasse replied together.
Liszt nodded. "Since you follow me as knights, I will not send you into the headquarters. You will serve as assistants to Marcus in training the children and boys of the territory."
He simply handed Rondo and Rasse over to Marcus —doing everything himself wasn't his style; those in positions of authority only need to use their minds, while those in positions of authority need to use their hands.
After dealing with the Earth Knight's followers.
Gortai then reported, "My lord, I also received a letter these past two days. It was written by Zambrota, do you remember him? He was Lytton's former tutor. He was punished by the Earl and lost his title for condoning Lytton's beating of innocent civilians."
After being reminded by Gortai, Liszt remembered.
Zambrota was also a Baronet Knight, and had been hired as Lytton's tutor a few years earlier, frequently visiting Tulip Castle. Lytton beating a commoner was nothing to him; it was the young boy's misbehavior that angered the Earl. Thus, Zambrota was stripped of his title for this offense.
"What did Zambrota say in his letter to you?"
"He was just talking about the past, but his words revealed his thoughts. He probably wanted to come to Flower Town hoping to get a job as an official."
Flower Town is indeed short of officials, but Liszt won't hire anyone easily. "Do you know his character?"
"I haven't had much contact with him, and I don't know much about his personality, but I do know that he has a very outstanding talent. Well, he has traveled all over the Iron Ridge Kingdom and its seven vassal states, and he can always talk about many amazing local customs and rare things."
Traveled to eight countries?
Upon hearing this, Liszt was intrigued. "Is that so... Advisor Gortai, continue to maintain communication with him. If he is willing to come to Flower Town to work, it will be inconvenient for me, so you will be responsible for receiving him."
After all, Zambrota had been stripped of his title by the count.
Stripping a noble title is the second most serious crime after exile among punishments for nobles. As the son of an earl, he could not disregard the earl's will by recruiting such a person as an official in his territory. He could only appoint them secretly, thus gaining personal benefits while also preserving his father's reputation.
In just one day, three more subordinates will be added.
Liszt was in a good mood. So many people were optimistic about him, which meant that his promotion to viscount was inevitable.
"By the way, Consultant Gortai, you and Professor Marcus should work together to get the temporary base on Black Horse Island built as soon as possible, don't delay."
"Please rest assured, I will always prioritize the important matters of Black Horse Island."
"At the same time, keep the news about Black Horse Island a secret, understand?"
"Clear."
Having finished his official business, Carter came to report on the affairs of the castle.
"Sir, during the three days you were gone, Mrs. Morson and I selected twenty children, ten boys and ten girls. They have begun their internship at the castle, mainly working for a period in the afternoons, training during the day, and staying with host families at night."
After Carter finished speaking, he asked, "Would you like to see him?"
"Since I have nothing to do, I'll have them come over so I can meet them and give them their names," Liszt said casually. In fact, he mainly wanted to know what kind of little girl Maggie was, the one specifically mentioned in the Smoke Mission.
The young servants who were interning downstairs, led by Carter, lined up one by one and appeared before him.
"I... I'm called... I'm called Polly, sir."
"..."
Soon, Liszt met Maggie in his study.
"My name is Maggie, sir." The little girl who spoke was shorter than her peers, quite cute, and had a few freckles on her face.
Judging from her appearance, even when she grows up, she'll probably just be an average-looking girl.
Such physical attributes do not meet the standards that Liszt sought for a secretary.
He couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, but at the same time, he was certain that since it wasn't a secretary training program, there must be other clues about Maggie that would be involved in the follow-up missions of the Smoke Mission.
So he smiled gently and said, "I hope you have a pleasant time in the castle, little Maggie."
"Yes, I am very happy living here, sir." Maggie's face was flushed, a little shy, probably because she had never seen such a handsome nobleman before, and one who smiled so gently.
Wait until Carter tells her she can leave.
As she stepped out of the study, she still felt her heart pounding.
It's the fifth watch of the night today.
Considering Lao Bai's diligence, please cast your votes!