A Barbecue Party

"Human trafficking isn't entirely out of the question. Our family's fleet sets sail for trade every year, but a few dozen or even a hundred people aren't worth the risk."

"Five thousand."

"What?"

"I need five thousand people."

"Five thousand? Are you sure you can handle that many?"

"I am."

Levis narrowed his eyes. "I'll go back and consider it."

Back in the living room, no one brought up the subject of human trafficking again. Thanks to Gortai's lively personality, the afternoon tea atmosphere remained quite spirited.

The caravan would stay in Flower Town for the night, with most of the knights and squires lodging in the town itself. Levis and Lvera, however, would stay in the castle with their personal servants.

Old Carter, the butler, was exceptionally busy today.

"Tom, where is Jesse? I need his help!" His stiff legs ached from climbing the stairs repeatedly. Wiping sweat from his brow, he entered the kitchen. "Is Jesse not helping in the kitchen?"

"Jesse should be hauling horse fodder. We have dozens of extra horses in the castle, and we don't have enough feed," Tom said, carefully placing a sack of flour beside the stove.

"When he returns, tell him to find me in the warehouse. I need hands to move the food delivered to the castle today into the cellar for storage."

"Very well, Mr. Carter."

Erin, the kitchen maid, looked up while washing vegetables. "Mr. Carter, do you need my help?"

Before Carter could answer, Mrs. Abby the cook scolded, "You haven't even finished your kitchen chores, and you have the energy to help elsewhere? What is it, Erin, are you looking to jump ship?"

Carter spread his hands. "Erin, I'm afraid you can't help."

"I know... Heaven knows how long I'll be stuck in this kitchen today. It's so hot and stuffy in here, my clothes are soaked through. Mrs. Abby has the stove burning far too hot."

"Oh, is that so! Are you the cook or am I? Do you want to be the one preparing dinner for the master's distinguished guests?"

"You are the cook."

"Then keep your little mouth shut and get back to work!"

The grumbling in the kitchen never ceased. Carter walked out; the heat was stifling, and he felt a tightness in his chest. He wondered if he was suffering from heatstroke—it wasn't summer yet, but the weather was growing increasingly sweltering. He pulled out a handkerchief, wiped his face, and leaned against the wall to catch his breath.

Mrs. Morson approached carrying a bucket of water. Seeing Carter's state, she asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell, Mr. Carter?"

"How could I be unwell? It's just a bit hot."

"Is that so? Your complexion looks poor. Are you perhaps too tense? So many guests have arrived at the castle today, and you have to oversee everything."

"Why would I be tense, Mrs. Morson? I've seen much livelier scenes at the Count's estate; I can handle this much." Carter tucked away his handkerchief. "Are the rooms for Young Master Levis and Miss Lvera ready?"

"Miss Lvera's personal maid has been complaining about dust falling from the walls and the worn-out bedsheets."

"The quality of the furnishings is not for us to decide. Do not be discourteous in the details of your work, but let the rest be. True nobles do not hold grudges over such things."

"The Tulip Family are true nobles," Mrs. Morson nodded. "Mr. Carter, are you sure you don't need to rest?"

"Don't worry about me."

"The master is a kind man; he certainly wouldn't want to see you overworking yourself."

"I am not overworking. In fact, I am enjoying it. Guests don't come to the castle often, and this is a rare chance for me to show my worth. Now, I must go organize the warehouse. Yesterday I was complaining about the dwindling food supply, and today, there is so much that the warehouse can barely hold it all."

The castle was small and lacked entertainment.

After afternoon tea, some of the knights prepared to hunt in Thorn Ridge. Liszt readily agreed and invited Levis and Lvera to join them.

With so many Earth Knights, it would be ideal to sweep the Magic Beasts out of Thorn Ridge in one go, he thought to himself. Even if we can't hunt any Magic Beasts, familiarizing ourselves with the terrain of Thorn Ridge is worth it.

He donned his gear.

Swinging onto his horse, he chose the Fire Dragon Horse this time; he hadn't yet fully synchronized with the Li Dragon Horse, and it would hinder his performance.

He didn't ask Thomas to follow him, taking only Marcus and four squire knights. "Thomas, take good care of my Li Dragon. And don't forget to feed Dousen; he's in a growth spurt and mustn't go hungry."

"What is Dousen?" Lvera asked.

"A dog."

"You keep a dog? What breed?"

"A Violent Earth Dog."

"A Violent Earth Dog? A Magic Beast?"

"Yes, a cub. Master Marcus caught it in Thorn Ridge," Liszt said casually.

"Earth Knights, the Black Tulip, Peanut Bugs, a Violent Earth Dog cub, and a magnificent wild horse—Liszt, has the God of Luck blessed you? I'm starting to envy you."

"I can only say that life in the countryside is colorful."

"Falcon Town is also in the countryside, but it's not nearly as colorful as Flower Town."

"That's because you often stay at Tulip Castle and overlook the life in the countryside, sister."

"If you wish, you can continue to live at Tulip Castle. Father has no intention of driving you away," Levis added as he rode over.

Liszt took this as mere pleasantry: "I like Flower Town; it's free here, and I can do whatever I want."

"Including planting grass at the castle gate." Levis pointed to the serfs tilling alfalfa and joked, "In the future, your castle could be called Horse Farm Castle."

A small castle like this could never be named.

Liszt raised his riding crop: "Let's go. The sun is already slanting west; if we can't reach the depths of Thorn Ridge, we'll likely have to turn back." The Fire Dragon Horse galloped forward, following his intent.

He wanted to lead this group of knights into Thorn Ridge and hunt at least a few Magic Beasts—he would conquer Thorn Ridge sooner or later and incorporate these hills and woods into the territory of Flower Town. Every Magic Beast killed now meant one less danger in the future.

Unfortunately.

This hunting trip only yielded ordinary beasts.

Magic Beasts were far smarter than ordinary beasts; sensing the surging battle aura within the Earth Knights, they had hidden away long ago.

Even so, the prey captured was enough to host a grand barbecue party. Nobles, knights, and servants gathered together, laughing endlessly amidst beer and cream.

"Wow, Mr. Barbecue, give me another rabbit leg." The Tulip Great Sprite flew around joyfully. Sprites didn't need to eat or drink, but they could still digest food.

Thomas, busy with the grilling, hurriedly handed the Great Sprite a roasted rabbit leg sprinkled with seasoning.

Two Little Elves nearby didn't even say a word before snatching two pieces of roasted meat for themselves.

"Xiangxiang, you're eating too fast. You have to chew more to truly appreciate the deliciousness of the food," Liszt said with a smile, tearing into a rabbit head in his hand.

Sprites were just too adorable; looking at them always put him in a good mood.

Not to mention he was eating his favorite barbecue—in this world, barbecue was likely the only food that suited his palate.

"I like eating in big bites."

Xiangxiang was covered in grease from eating, but then she shook her body gently, like a puppy shaking off water, and all the oil flew off, leaving her clean without a single stain.