Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt assesses the value of the Sky-Slaying Greatsword and decides to use it instead of his Red Blood Sword.
• After a meeting, Liszt distributes military merits, including magic equipment, to the Black Knight Order.
• Liszt begins taming Loki the Landwalker, aiming to establish a conditioned reflex and confirm their riding relationship.
• Dousen's special armor is completed, but Dousen is unwilling to wear it.
• Liszt teaches Dousen to use its new magic, Stone Armor, as a replacement for the armor.

Character Developments

• Liszt demonstrates his strategic thinking in assessing the value of the Sky-Slaying Greatsword and his leadership in distributing military merits.
• Dousen shows adaptability and intelligence in learning and using its new magic, Stone Armor.

Significant Themes

• The value of magic equipment and weapons.
• The importance of training and adaptation in combat effectiveness.
• The relationship between humans and their magical companions.

Character Interactions

• Liszt interacts with his knights in distributing military merits and with Dousen in teaching it to use Stone Armor.
• Dousen interacts with Liszt, learning and demonstrating its new magic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt discovers that casting Stone Armor requires significantly more magic power than other rock spells, indicating a qualitative change.
• Liszt receives a new smoke mission, which offers him the chance to become a flying knight and learn Loki's magic.
• The Coral Island Knights, including Liszt, are ordered to march to Ox Ridge City under the cover of night.
• The First Prince has occupied Iron Hoof City, and the Bull Family's wealth and heirs have fled overseas.
• Marquis Grington assembles the Counts to search for the Fury Knights and Goat Gathering magicians, with Count Leewilliam assigned to Pear City.

Character Developments

• Liszt continues to train Dousen and attempts to help Loki learn magic, sensing Loki's improving abilities.
• Marquis Grington shows determination to annihilate the Bull Family and establish a new order on Iron Hoof Island.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: The increased power of Stone Armor comes at a high cost, and the pursuit of power drives the characters' actions.
• Change and adaptation: The changes in the Bull Family's situation and the need for the characters to adapt to new circumstances are emphasized.
• Ambition and opportunity: The characters' ambitions are fueled by the opportunities presented by the new order on Iron Hoof Island.

Character Interactions

• Liszt's relationship with Dousen and Loki deepens as he continues to train them.
• Marquis Grington interacts with the Counts, assigning them tasks to search for the rebels and expressing his determination to destroy the Bull Family.
• Count Leewilliam interacts with Marquis Grington, receiving his orders and expressing concern about the rushed march.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Leewilliam meets with Marquis Grington, who dismisses the news of a second assassination attempt on the Sapphire Dragon.
• The battle for Ox Ridge City is swift and successful.
• Leewilliam leads Coral Island's knight orders in search of the hidden Fury Knights and Goat Gathering mages.
• Liszt discovers Loki can cast the Lightness Spell, enabling it to glide and jump higher.
• Leewilliam receives news that the Grand Duke has left the court with his dragon, destination unknown.

Character Developments

• Leewilliam remains cautious and strategic in his military decisions.
• Liszt continues to train and bond with Loki, discovering its ability to cast magic.
• Leewilliam's uncle, Messiro, provides crucial information about the Grand Duke's movements.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between noble families and their dragons.
• The importance of gathering intelligence and being cautious in war.
• The bond between a knight and his mount, and the discovery of Loki's unique abilities.

Character Interactions

• Leewilliam and Marquis Grington discuss the potential second assassination attempt.
• Liszt interacts with Loki, training and discovering its magical abilities.
• Leewilliam and Messiro's secret messenger discuss the Grand Duke's mysterious absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sapphire Grand Duke has disappeared with his dragon after an attempted assassination.
• His wife, Mrs. Salite, is purging suspected servants in the palace.
• The Grand Duke's sons and son-in-law are encircling and suppressing Iron Hoof Island.
• The Count and Liszt are searching for the Fury Knights and the Goat Gathering while also capturing cities to claim military merit.

Character Developments

• The Count and Liszt are more determined to prove their loyalty and value to the Sapphire Family.
• Liszt is eager to eliminate Marquis Bull for personal and familial reasons.
• Meopel Long-Yam is shown to be flashy and eager to claim military merit.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and its rewards (military merit, titles).
• Ambition and personal gain (Liszt's desire to eliminate Marquis Bull, Meopel's eagerness for military merit).
• The consequences of betrayal (Marquis Bull's attempted assassination and subsequent flight).

Character Interactions

• The Count and Liszt discuss their strategy and share information with their secret messenger.
• Liszt and Meopel Long-Yam chat about claiming military merit.
• The Count's knight regiment joins forces with other knights to capture cities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle for Bull Rump City concludes, and the campaign to encircle and suppress Iron Hoof Island reaches its climax.
• The whereabouts of the Fury Knights are discovered around Bull Shank City, with magicians of the Goat Gathering also present, unafraid of the approaching suppression knight orders.
• William Tulip announces the Second Prince's final battle plan to encircle Milk Lake, with all knight orders marching to Bull Shank City.
• The knight orders converge at Milk Lake, ready for the final battle against Marquis Bull, who is believed to possess a juniper Dragon Elf.

Character Developments

• Liszt demonstrates his strategic thinking and knowledge of legendary creatures, discussing the possibility of Elf Kings with Paris.
• William Tulip expresses pride in his son, Liszt, and looks forward to the Tulip Family's rise after the battle.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics within the Sapphire Grand Duchy, with the Tulip Family seeking to rise further.
• The legend and rarity of Dragon Elves, with the Bull Family rumored to possess one.

Character Interactions

• Liszt and Paris discuss Dragon Elves and Elf Kings during their journey to Milk Lake.
• William Tulip interacts with his sons, Liszt and Levis, at the banquet before the final battle, expressing his pride in Liszt and his confidence in their victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt attends a banquet and observes the Sapphire Grand Duke's sons, the First Prince (Anthony) and the Second Prince (Angus), both talented Sword Saints.
• He reflects on the political situation and the potential chaos in the Sapphire Grand Duchy, considering his chances of obtaining the Dragon Knight Battle Aura Manual.
• Marquis Bull's forces build rafts to cover Milk Lake, enabling knights to reach Juniper Castle. The First Prince orders an assault, but the castle is protected by a defensive magic array, repelling the initial attack.

Character Developments

• Liszt: Shows political awareness, strategic thinking, and confidence in his abilities. He remains focused on his goal of becoming a Dragon Knight.
• Levis: Demonstrates eagerness to build ties with the Golden Wheat Ear Family, showing his social aptitude but also potential naivety.
• Count Leewilliam: Expresses concern for his sons' differing approaches to socializing and politics, showing a desire for them to learn from each other.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the nobility.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in warfare.
• The tension between social connections and individual strength.

Character Interactions

• Liszt observes the First and Second Princes, comparing their talents and demeanors.
• Liszt and Leewilliam discuss Marquis Bull's potential moves and the upcoming battle.
• Leewilliam expresses his concerns about his sons' differing approaches to socializing and politics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt attacks the halo barrier around Juniper Castle, discovering it's a hybrid magic array with nodes that can be targeted.
• The Fury Knights, Iron Hoof Island's strongest knight order, deploy to defend the barrier.
• The Second Prince and the Long-Yam Family's knight order charge at the barrier's nodes, leading to its collapse.
• Goat Gathering's magicians launch a counterattack with various elemental spells, prompting the Sky Knights to retaliate.

Character Developments

• Liszt demonstrates strategic thinking and tactical prowess, identifying the barrier's weakness and orchestrating its destruction without directly engaging in combat.
• The Second Prince shows courage in leading his knights but hesitates in decisive moments.
• Meopel Long-Yam, Liszt's cousin, proves himself as a capable leader, following Liszt's guidance to break the barrier.
• The eldest prince displays exceptional combat skills and fearlessness, leading the Sky Knights against the magicians' assault.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between magic and knights, with knights ultimately gaining the upper hand in this chapter.
• The importance of strategy and intelligence in warfare, as seen through Liszt's actions.
• The theme of courage and leadership, exhibited by several characters.

Character Interactions

• Liszt and Meopel Long-Yam work together to break the barrier, with Liszt providing the strategy and Meopel executing it.
• The Second Prince and the eldest prince both lead their knights but differ in their decisiveness.
• The Sky Knights, led by the eldest prince, collaborate to counter the magicians' attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle for Juniper Castle is one-sided, with the Sapphire Grand Duke's knights overwhelming the defenders.
• Liszt, Count Leewilliam's second son, leads the Black Knight Order in attacking the castle, using his intermediate Magic Beast, Dousen, to cause significant damage.
• The First Prince joins the battle, attempting to capture the castle quickly.
• Anthus Sapphire, son of Marquis Bull, defends the castle, clashing with the First Prince.
• Just as victory seems imminent, a mysterious figure appears, revealing himself as Andy, the Lich, Marquis Bull's brother, who had been presumed dead.

Character Developments

• Liszt demonstrates his strategic prowess and ambition, aiming to gain military merit and recognition.
• Anthus Sapphire shows loyalty to his father's decisions and defends the castle against the First Prince.
• Andy, the Lich, is revealed to be alive and possesses immense power, striking fear into the attacking knights.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between magicians and knights are explored, with knights having the upper hand in this battle.
• Ambition and the desire for recognition drive Liszt's actions.
• Loyalty is highlighted through Anthus' defense of the castle and his father's decisions.

Character Interactions

• Liszt interacts with the First Prince, who recognizes Liszt's contributions and offers him military merit.
• Anthus Sapphire clashes with the First Prince, demonstrating his loyalty to his father's decisions.
• Andy, the Lich, makes a dramatic entrance, instilling fear in the attacking knights and revealing a hidden power within Juniper Castle.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marquis Bull successfully transforms into a lich, Lich Andy, using the Sapphire Dragon's power.
• The First Prince and the Second Prince, along with other Sky Knights, engage Lich Andy in battle.
• The battle becomes intense, with various attribute battle qi clashing and creating strange phenomena.

Character Developments

• Lich Andy: Shows immense power and imposing presence, striking fear into the knights.
• The First Prince: Demonstrates bravery and leadership by charging at Lich Andy first.
• The Second Prince: Initially hesitant, eventually joins the battle, showing growth.
• Liszt: Realizes the difficulty of the battle and the nobles' determination to fight.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Lich Andy's transformation and subsequent battle highlight the dangers of unchecked power.
• Leadership and courage: The First Prince's actions inspire others to join the fight.
• Hesitation vs. action: The Second Prince's initial hesitation contrasts with his eventual decision to engage in battle.

Character Interactions

• The First Prince and the Second Prince: Their interactions show a shift in their relationship, with the Second Prince following the First Prince's lead.
• Liszt and the other nobles: Liszt's observations of the nobles' actions reveal their determination to fight, challenging his initial assumptions about their cowardice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marquis Bull wields a powerful greatsword, reminiscent of the divine artifact "Fire's Delight," and holds his own against several dozen Sky Knights.
• Baron Liszt and Sir Levis coordinate knight orders to attack Juniper Castle while Marquis Bull fights in the sky.
• The knight orders successfully breach Juniper Castle, leading to a frenzied battle inside.
• Liszt sneaks into Marquis Bull's study, taking valuable books and armor without being noticed.

Character Developments

• Marquis Bull demonstrates his formidable strength and savagery in battle.
• Baron Liszt shows strategic thinking, initiative, and calmness under pressure, seizing the opportunity to search Marquis Bull's study.
• Sir Levis follows Liszt's lead, showing courage and determination in battle.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and adaptability in battle, as seen in Liszt's decision to attack Juniper Castle.
• The value of knowledge and intelligence, as Liszt prioritizes searching Marquis Bull's study over other riches.

Character Interactions

• Marquis Bull and the Sky Knights engage in a fierce battle, with the First Prince joining the fight to support the knight orders.
• Baron Liszt and Sir Levis work together to coordinate the knight orders, showing unity and trust.
• Liszt and Yunus work together to search Marquis Bull's study, with Yunus guarding the door while Liszt looks for valuable items.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt and Yunus search Juniper Castle but find no valuable items.
• They discover a hidden passage guarded by a magic array, leading to Marquis Bull's escape route.
• Marquis Bull returns to the castle and fights the Sky Knights, eventually escaping with his son's body.

Character Developments

• Marquis Bull shows his formidable strength and determination, even after suffering severe injuries.
• Liszt demonstrates his strategic thinking and concern for his allies' safety by ordering the retreat from the castle.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of liches, as seen through Marquis Bull's resilience and escape.
• The importance of strategic retreat and knowing one's limits, as shown by Liszt's decision to leave the castle.

Character Interactions

• Liszt and Yunus work together to search the castle but ultimately decide to retreat due to Marquis Bull's return.
• Marquis Bull confronts the Sky Knights and expresses his intention to return and seek revenge.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A dragon, the Sapphire Dragon, appears, causing a commotion among the Sky Knights and the princes.
• The dragon is revealed to be grotesque and decaying, with patches of rotted skin, exposed bones, and tattered wings.
• The Sapphire Grand Duke arrives riding the dragon, landing before Marquis Bull.
• The Grand Duke halts the dragon from attacking Marquis Bull and addresses him.

Character Developments

• Marquis Bull is weakened and shocked by the dragon's appearance, struggling to accept its survival.
• The Grand Duke Sapphire shows up, displaying immense power and calm demeanor, despite the dragon's decayed state.

Significant Themes

• The dragon's decay symbolizes the decline of the Sapphire Family's power and authority.
• The Grand Duke's arrival signifies the restoration of order and justice.

Character Interactions

• The Grand Duke and Marquis Bull have a tense reunion, with the Grand Duke showing no mercy.
• The Sky Knights and Earth Knights kneel before the Grand Duke, showing their loyalty and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marquis Bull is revealed to be a lich, and his blue flames fade, leaving him with a pale green glow.
• The Sapphire Grand Duke extracts a blue gemstone from Marquis Bull, which he feeds to the Sapphire Dragon, reviving it.
• The Sapphire Dragon swallows the blue-flamed greatsword and flies away, leaving the knights awestruck.
• The Grand Duke summons his direct retainers to discuss the war's aftermath, while the knights rest and clear the battlefield.

Character Developments

• The Sapphire Dragon's appearance changes significantly, indicating it has been gravely wounded and disfigured.
• Marquis Bull's true form as a lich is revealed.
• The knights are inspired and motivated by seeing the Sapphire Dragon.

Significant Themes

• The power and awe of dragons are emphasized, with riding a dragon being every knight's dream.
• Loyalty and merit are discussed as crucial factors for advancement in the nobility.

Character Interactions

• Liszt, Levis, Yunus, and Trick discuss the Sapphire Dragon's changes and the Grand Duke's Dragon Might.
• They also discuss Liszt's potential rewards and the possibility of him changing allegiance to the First Prince.
• Levis expresses his hope for Liszt to become a Viscount and his desire for their father to be promoted to Marquis.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The meeting at Juniper Castle lasted two days, with knights from various territories gradually departing.
• The Count of Coral Island, Leewilliam, sends his son, Liszt, back to Bull Horn City with the knight regiment, while he continues the meeting.
• Liszt asks his father about enfeoffment and expresses his desire to keep Flower Town permanently.
• The Iron Hoof Island campaign ends after a month, with Liszt and the Count returning to Bull Horn City on July 14.

Character Developments

• Liszt: He shows ambition in wanting to keep Flower Town permanently and expressing interest in Black Horse Island as his fief. He also demonstrates knowledge of the knightly enfeoffment system and its variations between nations.
• Leewilliam: He reveals that the First Prince is pleased with Liszt's performance and mentions that Liszt could become the First Prince's follower. He also shows understanding of the enfeoffment system and its implications.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Liszt's desire for more territory and influence reflects his ambition, while Leewilliam's understanding of the enfeoffment system and its political implications highlights the power dynamics at play.
• Family and Inheritance: The conversation between Liszt and Leewilliam touches on the importance of family and inheritance, as Liszt hopes to keep Flower Town, where his enterprise began, and Leewilliam considers his son's wishes.

Character Interactions

• Liszt and Leewilliam: Their conversation reveals their close relationship and mutual respect. Leewilliam shows understanding of Liszt's ambitions and is willing to consider his requests, while Liszt shows deference to his father's experience and wisdom.
• Liszt and the Invisible Dragon: Though not present in this chapter, Liszt's thoughts about the Invisible Dragon and his desire to ride it one day highlight his long-term goals and the potential for future character development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt stays in his room during a stormy night in Bull Horn City.
• He counts his spoils from Juniper Castle, including a pink gemstone that amplifies spiritual power.
• He discovers a suit of mithril armor with an inscription revealing that it was made by Marquis Bull's grandson, Andre, at the age of twelve.
• Liszt speculates about a Dragon Knight Training Plan and a possible conspiracy involving the Eagle Kingdom, Marquis Bull, and the Goat Gathering.

Character Developments

• Liszt demonstrates his analytical skills and knowledge about dragons and their gemstones.
• He shows curiosity and imagination, creating a potential conspiracy theory involving the Eagle Kingdom and Marquis Bull.

Significant Themes

• The power and value of gemstones, particularly those amplified by dragons.
• The potential of young talent, as seen in Andre's early accomplishments as an Iron Knight.
• The possibility of conspiracies and political intrigue, as suggested by Liszt's Dragon Knight Training Plan theory.

Character Interactions

• Liszt interacts with his thoughts and the spoils he's acquired, reflecting on their significance and potential uses.
• He doesn't interact with any other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt finds 17 books, expecting a secret battle aura technique, but finds none.
• The last book, titled "To His Highness Alonso Cyclamen," is a letter from Sethwen Truth to Prince Alonso, detailing the Silver Moon Gathering's research on dragons.
• The book is divided into four chapters: dragon habitats, diets, production, and bloodline infection.

Character Developments

• Liszt's expectations are disappointed, but he gains new knowledge about dragons.
• Sethwen Truth, the author of the letter, is introduced as a magician with extensive knowledge about dragons.

Significant Themes

• The desire to understand and control dragons, a common theme among magicians.
• The hierarchy of dragon bloodlines and the process of dragon-blooded creatures' creation.

Character Interactions

• Liszt interacts with the text, reading and interpreting Sethwen Truth's letter.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt and his knights return to Coral Island after the Iron Hoof Island campaign.
• Liszt receives war merit distribution, including the title of Viscount and compensation for his knights.
• The Grand Duke plans to expand the Sapphire Grand Duchy's territory, leading to more wars.

Character Developments

• Liszt reflects on the feudal system and considers changes to adapt to modern methods.
• Leewilliam discusses the Grand Duke's plans and the potential for the Tulip Family to gain a Marquis title.

Significant Themes

• The feudal system and its limitations.
• The Grand Duke's ambition and the potential consequences of frequent wars.
• The incorporation of prisoners of war to replenish knight orders.

Character Interactions

• Liszt interacts with his father, Leewilliam, and brother, Levis, discussing family matters and the Grand Duke's plans.
• Liszt considers the needs and requests of his follower knights regarding war merits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sapphire Grand Duchy's history of slave trade and its impact on the nation's identity.
• The Grand Duke's decision to accept prisoners of war, potentially diluting the nation's identity.
• Coral Island's limited Earth Knights and the impact of accepting captives.
• Liszt's return to Coral Island, greeted by a lively crowd.
• Liszt's upcoming knighting ceremony, to be held three days later.

Character Developments

• Liszt: Reflects on the Grand Duke's decisions and his personal ambitions. He decides to use the opportunity to earn more military merit and strengthen himself, even if the nation collapses.
• Levis: Shows pride and support for his younger brother, announcing Liszt's upcoming knighting ceremony at the luncheon.

Significant Themes

• Identity and loyalty: The impact of accepting prisoners of war on the nation's shared identity and the potential for noble rebellions.
• Ambition and self-interest: Liszt's personal goals and his willingness to use the nation's situation to his advantage.
• Family and belonging: The warm welcome Liszt receives from the Tulip Family upon his return.

Character Interactions

• Liszt and the Count: Discuss the Grand Duke's decisions and their potential consequences.
• Liszt and Levis: Share a moment of pride and support at the luncheon, with Levis announcing Liszt's upcoming knighting ceremony.
• Liszt and Lady Penelope: Exchange greetings and concern upon Liszt's return to Tulip Castle.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt is to be promoted to viscount in three days.
• He receives a new Smoke Mission: to answer A Ke's questions about magic.
• The mission reward is the revival of the Decayed Dragon Bones, which Liszt speculates could lead to the resurrection of a Fire Dragon.
• Upon returning to Flower Town, Liszt is welcomed by town officials and residents, with Loki drawing much attention.

Character Developments

• Liszt shows curiosity and speculation about the revival of the Decayed Dragon Bones.
• He expresses eagerness to return to the castle and enjoy Mrs. Morson's dragonbreed milk tea, indicating his affection for his servants and home.
• A Ke is about to advance to grand water mage, demonstrating her rapid growth in magical ability.

Significant Themes

• Power and Status: Liszt's upcoming promotion to viscount highlights the theme of power and status, as the townspeople discuss his future and the potential rewards of his new rank.
• Magic and Mystery: The revival of the Decayed Dragon Bones and the possibility of a dragon's resurrection add an element of mystery and intrigue to the story.
• Loyalty and Belonging: Liszt's affection for his servants and his eagerness to return home emphasize the theme of loyalty and belonging.

Character Interactions

• Liszt interacts with Gortai and other town officials, who flatter and welcome him upon his return.
• He reunites with Zyra, his Thorn Sprite, who lands on his head, showing their close bond.
• Although not present in this chapter, Liszt's relationship with A Ke is mentioned, as he is aware of her progress in magic and expects her to challenge the rank of water magus in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liszt returns to Flower Town after his victory at Iron Hoof Island.
• He finds the castle's Blizzard Beasts, including his own, have grown unruly and caused harm to the town in his absence.
• The Eight Little Ones, now larger and more powerful, attack Loki and cause chaos at the castle gates.
• Liszt orders the Blizzard Beasts to be tied up and locked in their kennels, and compensates the injured townspeople.
• He plans to visit the sea siren A Ke but finds her absent, so he delays the meeting until nighttime.
• Liszt then heads to the magic workshop to replenish his potions.

Character Developments

• Liszt: Shows his stern and commanding side when dealing with the unruly Blizzard Beasts. He also demonstrates his responsibility and concern for the town's well-being by compensating the injured.
• Dousen: Shows his loyalty and obedience to Liszt by subduing the Eight Little Ones on command.
• The Eight Little Ones: Have grown in size and power but lack control, causing harm and chaos in the town.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Liszt takes responsibility for the actions of his Blizzard Beasts and compensates the injured townspeople.
• Control vs. Chaos: The unruly Blizzard Beasts represent chaos, while Liszt's return and his commands to Dousen represent control.
• Growth: The Blizzard Beasts have grown in size and power, but they have not grown in self-control.

Character Interactions

• Liszt and Dousen: Liszt commands Dousen to subdue the Eight Little Ones, showing their strong bond and Dousen's obedience.
• The Eight Little Ones and Loki: The Blizzard Beasts attack Loki, showing their aggressive nature and lack of control.
• Liszt and Chris Truth: Liszt and the head of the magic workshop exchange pleasantries, showing a friendly relationship.