This chapter is an extra update for "Starting Today"'s 20,000-coin reward. There is still one more update to come.
"When I was young, I fought across the land and suffered countless injuries, yet never knew how to care for myself. Only in old age did I realize how important one's body is. Compared with those old-established marquis families, newly risen marquis families like ours still have a long road ahead." Marquis Merlin drank a little medicine and forced himself to stay alert.
Liszt asked with concern, "Grandfather, do you need to rest for a while first?"
"No need. I lie in bed all day; I've had more than enough rest. I've been hoping you would come sooner, because there are many things I want to discuss with you. You inherited the Ghost Swordsman legacy, which I know nothing about, but since you possess such formidable strength, your future must be bright."
"The Grand Duke proposed to my father that I be elevated to Marquis Iron Hoof City, but I have no interest in becoming a noble of the Blue Blood Alliance, so I refused."
"You refused a marquis title just like that?"
"Yes, I refused it."
"Haha, you've got character. Just as expected of my grandson." Marquis Merlin burst into laughter, but it soon aggravated his condition and brought on a violent coughing fit. The butler standing by the bed immediately patted his back and rubbed his chest, while a servant brought over a spittoon to catch the phlegm Marquis Merlin coughed up.
After coughing, he paused to catch his breath.
Marquis Merlin continued, "The nobles of the Blue Blood Alliance truly have it worse off. How could they compare with landed nobles? Your thinking is right. And with your strength, sooner or later you'll seize one of the