The Three Siblings Reunite

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven... eight, nine, ten. A total of ten carriages, escorted by a troop of knights, followed the dirt road until they reached the mound beneath the castle.

"Lord Baron!" The lead knight galloped up to Liszt and performed a knightly salute. "I have escorted the caravan from Tulip Castle to trade here in Flower Town."

"So it is Baronet Raiden. You have had a long journey; who has come this time?" Liszt returned the salute.

Baronet Raiden replied, "The Viscount and the Baron of Falcon Town have come together."

"Is that so? My sister has come as well."

As they spoke, a luxurious carriage climbed the slope and came to a halt before Liszt and his party. The accompanying manservants opened the doors on both sides, and a man and a woman, both dressed in noble attire, stepped out.

The young man bore a thirty-percent resemblance to Liszt, though he was slightly less handsome, possessing the same light-gold hair and sapphire-blue eyes.

The young woman also shared a thirty-percent resemblance to Liszt and was likewise less striking than him. She had the same light-gold hair and sapphire eyes, but instead of a noble lady's gown, she wore the same masculine noble attire as the young man—a riding suit essential for travel, similar to a tailcoat but more ornate.

"My dear brother, the Lord of Flower Town, Baron Liszt, look who has arrived," the young man, Levis Tulip, laughed heartily.

Liszt dismounted and walked toward Levis. "Brother, I did not expect you to come in person. And my sister as well—how is life in Falcon Town?"

Lvera Tulip raised her slender eyebrows slightly. "Liszt, I can sense it. You have become an Earth Knight?"

"That is correct. I was fortunate enough to break through, albeit a bit late."

"It seems that away from the shackles of Tulip Castle, you have found release in the freedom of Flower Town. Advancing to an Earth Knight, finding a new Tulip Potion, and I hear the town has even nurtured a Peanut Bug... your luck is enough to make me jealous," Levis said with a smile, patting Liszt on the shoulder.

In truth, the relationship between the brothers and the sister was not particularly close.

Behind the warm gestures lay little more than the customary politeness between nobles—regardless of anything else, the three siblings had all become true noble lords.

At that moment, the Li Dragon Horse that Liszt was leading suddenly snorted and let out a roar at the horses pulling the carriages. The massive steeds were so frightened that they backed away repeatedly, nearly bolting with the carriages in tow.

"Hm?"

Levis and Lvera finally took notice of the sleek, pitch-black Li Dragon Horse.

Lvera's eyes lit up. "What a magnificent steed. Liszt, wasn't your mount a birthday gift from Father—a small, bay-colored filly? Where did this fine horse come from? Could you be persuaded to part with it for your sister?"

"I tamed it at Thorn Ridge. I am sorry, sister, but I have no intention of selling it."

"I am not surprised to be refused, but to be refused so bluntly—Liszt, you have improved since you were a child." Lvera looked slightly surprised; the Liszt of her childhood had been somewhat timid and cowardly in her presence.

"People always change, and I am an adult now. I must make some changes," Liszt replied. "The sun is harsh out here, and you have traveled through dust and wind. Please, come into the castle to rest. I trust Mr. Carter has already prepared tea and refreshments. We can relax and talk."

"Then, Mr. Raiden, please help bring the Great Sprite and the Sprites over," Levis turned to say.

Knight Raiden quickly went to the side of the carriage and directed several other knights to lift three exquisite "boxes"—one large and two small—out of the carriage.

The boxes were not large; the biggest was only the size of a cradle. Inside lay a beautiful creature the size of an infant, resembling a human but with a body that was transparent and bright, as if made of glowing colored gemstones, with wings folded against its back—this was the greatest treasure of the Tulip Family: the Tulip Great Sprite.

In the two smaller boxes lay two smaller sprites, each the size of an adult's foot. They were equally beautiful but lacked the brilliance of the Great Sprite.

The Tulip Great Sprite seemed to be awakened by the knights' movements; it stretched in its box and rubbed its eyes as it woke up.

Flapping its wings, it flew into mid-air. Being genderless, it naturally had no need for clothing. Its bright eyes scanned the surroundings, quickly locking onto Levis. "Levis, have we arrived? Where is the Black Tulip?" Its voice was sweet, like that of a little girl.

"We have arrived, Xiangxiang. This is Flower Town; you will see the Black Tulip very soon," Levis replied.

At this moment, the Tulip Great Sprite looked toward Liszt. "Whoa, Liszt, long time no see."

Liszt smiled and nodded. "It has been nearly two months, Xiangxiang."

Before he could finish, the two Tulip Sprites also woke up, each flying out of their boxes to circle the Great Sprite, occasionally letting out "whoa" and "whoa" sounds—the Sprites had gained sentience, but their intelligence was limited, and they could not speak.

They led the sprites into the castle.

In the castle parlor.

Those with titles sat around the table, while the members of the knight order without titles were hosted downstairs by Marcus.

Liszt, Levis, Lvera, Gortai, Raiden, and another Baronet Knight, Bruce, took their seats. Carter directed the servants to continuously bring out tea and refreshments.

The cook, Abby Spoon, displayed all her skills, presenting one exquisite snack after another.

The Tulip Great Sprite sat on Levis's shoulder, swinging its chubby little feet, and began to doze off again. One Tulip Sprite perched on Levis's head, while the other rested on Lvera's shoulder. There were also several small jade boxes containing Tulip Elf Bugs.

Seeing this scene, Liszt realized, "The Count has already transferred the Great Sprite and the Sprites to Levis; otherwise, they would not be so intimate."

He felt a deep sense of jealousy.

No matter how many times he saw them, the sprites were always so beautiful, yet such beautiful things belonged to someone else. It was frustrating!

But this was inevitable; Levis was, after all, the next Count of Coral Island.

"I did not expect the castle in Flower Town to be so crude. Liszt, you really should renovate it," Levis said, holding his teacup and looking around casually.

Compared to Tulip Castle, this small castle was no different from a commoner's thatched hut.

"I would like to, but I lack money, people, and materials."

"Father did not ask you for materials to build a castle. The carriages are filled with food, drink, and many seeds. After the enfeoffment ceremony, Father gifted you plenty of food; why do you still need so much?"

"Flower Town is even more desolate than I imagined. I must stockpile some food, or I will truly go hungry one day," Liszt gave a simple reason.

Stockpiling food is always correct—build up grain stores, construct high walls, and bide your time before claiming a title; such has been the strategy since ancient times.

He wanted to develop Flower Town, and without solving the food problem, there was no point in talking about development.

"Enough, I think these boring topics can be discussed while we eat. The most important thing now is to see the Black Tulip. My little sprites can no longer wait," Lvera interrupted them.

Liszt nodded. He, too, had no desire to pretend to be warm.

Levis and Lvera likely felt no familial affection for him, and he felt these two were no different from strangers. "Since my sister is in a hurry, let us go to the Flower Farm and assimilate the Black Tulip."