Though they said they were discussing Liszt's new status, the Grand Duke had long since prepared a plan—Iron Hoof City and Coral Island would be combined into a new territory, serving as Liszt's marquis fief for this period of preparations to found a nation.
Liszt accepted the Grand Duke's goodwill.
The Grand Duke, the First Prince, and the others all secretly breathed a sigh of relief. What they feared now was that Liszt's appetite would be too great to satisfy. Thus, the Grand Duke said with a broad smile, "Sir Liszt, please give this territory a new name. I will immediately have the court prepare for the granting of your title."
Even for a temporary territory, Liszt pondered seriously for a moment before replying, "Let it be called Flame Territory."
He was a Fire Dragon Knight, and the Fire Dragon was the incarnation of flame. Taking the Fire Dragon as the territory's symbol and naming it Flame Territory would constantly remind others that this was the domain of a Fire Dragon Knight.
"Good. I hereby grant you the title of Flame Marquis, with absolute jurisdiction over the territory." With a grand sweep of his hand, the Grand Duke settled the matter.
In name, the Flame Marquis was an enfeoffed noble of Sapphire Grand Duchy, but in reality, Liszt would sign a pact of mutual offense and defense with the Grand Duke. The two stood as equals.
With the title decided, the great nobles stepped forward one after another to offer congratulations.
"The Tulip Family has produced two marquises in one generation—congratulations!"
"Flame Marquis, Marquis Oxtail, congratulations, congratulations!"
"Knight's Glory favors you. The Tulip Family is destined to flourish without decline."
Liszt smiled and thanked them one by one, without displaying excessive arrogance. He had always been a mild-tempered person. Perhaps