The banquet ended amid a peaceful atmosphere.
Nesta accompanied Leewilliam to the drawing room to receive the congratulations of nobles great and small. Today was the moment Liszt's name shook the seas, and also the moment Leewilliam could hold his head high above all the nobles of Sapphire. Not long ago, when he had been elevated to Marquis Oxtail, he had already enjoyed a round of countless congratulations.
Yet one could never have too much praise from others. Leewilliam wished he could hear people praising him every day.
Besides, this time the flattery would be unprecedented—being the father of a Dragonrider, and, as any discerning eye could see, likely the "father" of a Magician as well, his status had soared without limit. It was no different from Leewilliam himself becoming a Dragonrider.
"Lord Marquis."
"Lord Leewilliam..."
The moment he entered the drawing room, the gathered nobles rose to their feet and warmly greeted him.
A faint smile rested on Leewilliam's face as he gently waved his hand. "Please, everyone, sit. There is no need for such courtesy. I am still myself—Marquis Oxtail, one of the Grand Duke's followers. Liszt's achievements are his own. Whether he becomes a Dragonrider or a Magician, he will establish a new family. I still represent the Tulip Family."
"Your Lordship is far too modest. The crowns of Dragonrider and Magician are equally your glory."
"Lord Liszt has not yet married or split from the family. He still requires your support."
"Indeed. You are Sapphire's steadfast pillar, and you shall also be Lord Liszt's steadfast pillar."
The unvarnished bootlicking left Leewilliam floating on cloud nine, yet he did not lose his composure. He merely replied modestly, "My son has an independent nature and his own ideas. All I can do is smooth the road ahead for