As the Grand Duchy of Sapphire started from the serf trade, apart from the initial group of followers, most of the commoners in the country and the Knight born among the commoners actually originated from the serfs they had plundered and purchased.
After generations of living, the descendants of these serfs had recognized the identity of the Grand Duchy of Sapphire.
However, in order to continue to consolidate the sense of identity, the successive Grand Dukes refused to accept prisoners of war. The loyalty and identity of the captured Knight were obstacles. Moreover, there was a lack of Knight in the country. Once the door was opened, a large number of prisoners of war would pour into the country, leading to a loss of national identity.
Without a sense of identity, the country would no longer be a country, and an aristocratic rebellion could occur at any time.
Just like the Coral Island where Liszt grew up, the number of Earth Knights was estimated to be just over one thousand. Every time the Earth Knight was mobilized, only five or six hundred would be mobilized.
In the campaign to encircle and suppress Iron Hoof Island, 700 Earth Knights were mobilized, which was already the limit. The number of Earth Knight casualties reached two hundred. In particular, more than half of the Gray Orders of Chivalry led by Viscount Jonas were killed. Fortunately, the Earth Knight had a tenacious vitality and could survive serious injuries. Otherwise, the casualties would have been even greater.
Once the door was opened for prisoners of war, it could be imagined how many foreign Earth Knights the count would recruit in order to replenish the troops.
The treatment of foreign Earth Knights would certainly be far inferior to that of local Earth Knights. As long as they could ensure that there would be no rebellion, recruiting foreign Earth Knights would soon become mainstream. When the Coral Island was flooded with foreign Knights, it could be imagined that their thinking would rapidly change.
The Knight might continue to be loyal to the Tulip family, but they had no good impression of the Sapphire Family that started the war.
The sense of national identity would quickly fall.
As one of the greater aristocrats, Leewilliam was not blind to this situation, but he still gladly accepted it. The reason was very simple. No matter how much national identity was lost, as long as his power as an aristocrat was not lost, it was fine. What was truly shaken was only the authority of the Sapphire Family.
Liszt could not help but ask, "Why would the Grand Duke make such a decision?"
"That's because the Archduke doesn't care. He believes that he can suppress everything. This can be determined from the Draconic Might emanating from his body … In fact, I have a guess that the Archduke might have already used Marquis Bull's attempt to assassinate a dragon to complete the most important process of riding a dragon."
The Count paused. "He may have become a Dragon Knight, and he is not satisfied with the state of the country."
Speaking of the Dragon Knight, the Count looked outside the cabin, a little lost in thought.
Levis continued, "Moreover, the Grand Duchy of Sapphire needs war to boost morale and warn the other countries not to think that the Grand Duchy of Sapphire has fallen."
His father and brother's analysis made sense.
Liszt didn't say anything else, but he had a feeling that the Sapphire Grand Duke was drinking poison to quench his thirst.
After returning to his room, he silently pondered for a moment. "If the Grand Duke wants to boost morale, it won't do me any harm. On the contrary, I can take the opportunity to obtain more military merits and strengthen myself. If the Grand Duke drinks poison to quench his thirst, by the time the country collapses, I will probably have the power to protect myself and won't be affected."
Liszt even thought.
If the country doesn't fall into chaos, how can I take advantage of the situation to rise?
How can I snatch the [Dragon Knight Qi Secret Manual]?
… …
On the morning of July 21st.
After four days of drifting, the fleet returned to Coral Island smoothly.
After learning that the Orders of Chivalry had returned, Tulip Castle became lively for the first time in a long time.
Madam Marie, along with Lytton and the castle's steward and servants, greeted them on the road on the hillside of the castle. Madam Penélope and Lvera also set off from the small castle in Coral City and came to wait on the road. The aristocrats of Coral City also rushed over when they learned of the news.
The sky had just cleared after the rain. There was still some water on the stone-paved road, but this didn't stop the enthusiasm of the welcoming team.
The cheers could be heard from afar.
Liszt rode on the back of a chocobo, wearing a simple inner shirt and leather armor. The Sky Cutter Greatsword hung at his waist and the Swift Shadow Bow on his back. It was difficult to find a suitable word to describe him other than handsome. He always paid attention to his appearance. Even on the ship, he would carefully take care of his appearance.
By keeping himself dry and clean every day, not only would he look energetic to outsiders, but most importantly, he would also be confident.
Dosen's wounds had already healed. Returning to the familiar Coral Island, he was in good spirits, circling around the Knight team for a while.
Loki, on the other hand, was in high spirits. He might be a little seasick, but fortunately, the powerful resilience of a low-level dragon allowed him to maintain basic riding ability.
"This is the treatment of a hero's return. I used to always stand in the welcoming team, but now I like the feeling of a triumphant return." Levis was also in high spirits, riding side by side with Liszt, "Seeing the stability of my home, a sense of accomplishment overflows my chest. Perhaps this is the mission of a Knight."
He was speaking from the bottom of his heart. A Knight fought for the territory, while the subjects provided for the Knight. Each had their own lives and paths, complementing each other.
Liszt nodded: "I hope we can see the cheering welcoming team again and again."
"We will!"
The Knight walked on the road that branched off from Tulip Castle to Coral City. Most of them would continue to walk towards Coral City, where they would disperse and return to their homes. Liszt and the other aristocrats headed towards Tulip Castle, where they would enjoy their first banquet after returning to Tulip Castle.
The Count walked at the front of the team. After seeing Madam Penélope, he immediately dismounted, walked quickly to her, and bowed deeply: "Mother, I made you worry!"
"My son, Lee William Tulip, I know that you will return triumphantly every time!"
Levis and Liszt also dismounted and quickly walked to Madam Penélope: "Grandmother."
"Tulip family's strong youngsters, seeing you return safely, my restless heart is at ease." Madam Penélope hugged the two of them in relief, "Despite the hardships of living in the open, you can clearly take care of yourselves. Your bodies are still so strong."
The relatives greeted and cared for each other.
Even though he had integrated into this world and the Tulip family, Liszt still felt uncomfortable. However, he restrained his emotions and fully immersed himself in this moment.
After the greetings were over, the team gathered and continued to walk towards Tulip.
Liszt dispatched a retainer Knight to the Flower Town to deliver a message that he was safe. He planned to return in the afternoon and not spend the night in Tulip. He really missed the Flower Town and couldn't wait to rush back, to return to the land that truly belonged to him.
"Sir Baron, I want to return to the Flower Town first. I miss my sister very much." Paris said to Liszt while riding Blackdragon.
Liszt did not refuse: "Alright."
After returning to the Coral Island, he no longer needed Paris's personal protection.
… …
At the luncheon.
After mourning the fallen Knight, the atmosphere quickly became enthusiastic. Every time they went to war, someone would die. The Knight had long since adapted to parting. After coming back alive, they would inevitably choose to celebrate to their heart's content.
The atmosphere of the banquet was high. Levis suddenly stood up and clapped his hands: "Everyone, I need to announce the news. In the battle of Iron Hoof Island, we have achieved a brilliant victory. On the Coral Island, a new viscount will be born. My younger brother, Liszt Tulip!"
Clatter, the applause was thunderous.
Liszt nodded to the people around him.
Levis waited for the applause to stop and said with a smile: "In three days, the title ceremony will be held in Tulip Castle. Let us witness the glorious moment of Liszt!"
Everyone raised their glasses: "Cheers to Viscount Liszt!"
"Cheers to Liszt!"
"Cheers to Sir Viscount!"
"My glory, I would like to share with you." Picking up the glass and seeing all the nobles around him raise their glasses to him, Liszt smiled and shook the glass in front of him.
Then he raised his head and drank the spicy flower wine in the glass.
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