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However, to continue to strengthen this sense of identification, the reigning Grand Dukes have refused to accept prisoners of war—the loyalty and identity recognition of captured knights are obstacles. Moreover, the lack of knights among the domestic nobles means that once the gates are opened, a large influx of prisoner knights would lead to a loss of national identity.

Without this sense of identification, a nation is no longer a nation; noble rebellions could occur at any time.

Just like Liszt, who grew up on Coral Island, it was estimated that there were just over a thousand Earth Knights; each time a Pioneer Mandate mobilized the Earth Knights, only about five or six hundred would be involved.

In the battle against Iron Hoof Island, the mobilization of Earth Knights reached a peak of seven hundred, which was the limit. However, casualties among the Earth Knights amounted to two hundred, especially the Grey Knight Order led by Viscount Jonas, which suffered more than half in losses—fortunately, the Earth Knights were remarkably resilient and survived serious injuries, or the losses would have been even greater.

Once the release of the prisoners was allowed, one can imagine how many foreign Earth Knights the Earls would recruit to replenish their forces.

The treatment of foreign Earth Knights would definitely be far lesser than that of local ones, but as long as they could be assured not to revolt, recruiting the foreign Earth Knights would quickly become mainstream. Once Coral Island was filled with foreign knights, it goes without saying that thoughts would quickly change.

The knights might continue their loyalty to the Tulip Family, but they would have no good feelings towards the Sapphire Family that waged the wars.

The sense of national identity would rapidly collapse.

As one of the major nobles, Li Weiliam was not blind to this situation, yet he still readily accepted it. The reason was simple; as long as his power as a noble remained intact, the loss of national identity mattered little to him. The one truly shaken would only be the authority of the Sapphire Family.

Liszt couldn’t help but ask, "Why would the Grand Duke make such a decision?"

"Because the Grand Duke doesn’t care," he replied confidently. "He’s convinced he can suppress any situation. You can judge this from the Dragon Might emanating from him... In fact, I suspect that the Grand Duke may have already completed the most crucial dragon riding process, using the Marquis of Bull’s assassination attempt on the dragon as an opportunity."

The Earl paused, "He may have already become a Dragon Knight, and he’s dissatisfied with the Grand Duchy’s seclusion."

Speaking of Dragon Knights, the Earl gazed outside the cabin, lost in thought.

Levis added, "Moreover, the internal instability requires that the Grand Duke strengthen morale through war and warn other nations not to think that the Grand Duchy of Sapphire is in decline."

My father and brother make a reasonable analysis.

Liszt said no more, but he always felt that the Grand Duke was like trying to quench thirst with poison.

After returning to his room, he quietly reflected for a moment, "If the Grand Duke’s aim to boost morale is beneficial to me, I can use the opportunity to earn more military exploits and expand my own power; if the Grand Duke is quenching thirst with poison, by the time the country collapses, I would probably already have the power to protect myself, so it still won’t affect me."

Even more so, he thought.

If the country doesn’t unravel, how can I seize the opportunity to rise?

And how can I grab the "Dragon Knight’s Dou Qi Secret Manual"?

...

The morning of July 21st.

After four days of drifting, the fleet formally returned to Coral Island.

Knowing that the Knight Order that went off to battle had come back, Tulip Castle buzzed with excitement, which had been missing for a long time.

Lady Marie, along with Lidun, the castle’s butler, and servants, received them on the castle hillside road. Lady Penelope and Li Vera set out from the small castle in Coral City to wait on the road as well. The nobles from Coral City, hearing the news, also rushed over in a frenzy.

The sky had just cleared after the rain. There were still some puddles on the stone-paved road, but that did little to damper the welcoming crowd’s enthusiasm.

The cheers could be heard from afar.

Liszt rode on a Landwalker Bird, clothed in a simple undershirt with a leather armor on top, the Sky-Cleaving Greatsword hanging at his waist, and the Swift Shadow Bow on his back. It was difficult to find the right words to describe his appearance other than handsome and dashing—always mindful of his appearance, he took great care to groom himself regularly, even on board the ship.

Maintaining cleanliness and dryness every day not only made him appear sharp to others but also boosted his confidence significantly. Continue reading at NovelBin.Côm

Douson’s wounds had healed, and returning to the familiar Coral Island, it was in good spirits, darting around the Knight Squad, now shooting forward, now looping back.

However, Loki seemed listless; it might have been a bit seasick. Fortunately, the robust recovery abilities of low-level Dragon Beasts allowed it to maintain its basic riding capabilities.

"This is the treatment for a hero’s return. I used to stand in the welcoming ranks, but now I have grown fond of this triumphant feeling," Levis said, also buoyant in spirit, riding alongside Liszt. "Seeing the homeland safe, a sense of accomplishment fills my chest. Perhaps this is the knight’s mission."

These were heartfelt words. Knights fought for their territory, while the denizens supported the knights, each with their own life and path, complementing one another.

Liszt nodded, "I hope we can see the cheering welcome teams time and time again."

"We will!"

The knights walked on the road where Tulip Castle and Coral City diverged. Most would continue towards Coral City, disband on the spot, and each return to their own home. Nobles like Liszt with titles would head to Tulip Castle to enjoy the first feast upon their return.

The Earl, at the front of the procession, dismounted as soon as he saw Lady Penelope, and briskly walked up to give her a deep bow, "Mother, I’ve caused you worry!"

"My son, Li Weiliam Tulip, I knew you would triumph with every return!"

Levis and Liszt also dismounted and quickly approached Lady Penelope, "Grandmother."

"Strong lads of the Tulip Family, seeing you return safely, I can once again settle the anxious heart back into my stomach," Lady Penelope said, embracing them with relief. "Despite braving the elements and enduring hardship outside, you clearly took good care of yourselves; still as hearty as ever."

The family members exchanged greetings and expressed their concern for each other.

Even though he had integrated into this world, into the Tulip Family, Liszt still felt uncomfortable, but he restrained his emotions well and was fully invested in the moment.

After the greetings, the group reassembled and continued walking towards Tulip Castle.

Liszt sent Retainer Knights to Fresh Flower Town to send messages of safety and planned to return in the afternoon, without spending the night in Tulip Castle—he was really missing Fresh Flower Town and couldn’t wait to rush back to the land that truly belonged to him.

"Baron, I’d like to return to Fresh Flower Town first, I miss my sister dearly," Paris said to Liszt, riding on her Li Dragon Horse.

Liszt did not refuse, "You may."

Back on Coral Island, he no longer needed Paris’s close protection.

...

Luncheon.

After mourning the fallen knights, the atmosphere quickly heated up; knights were accustomed to departures with each campaign, and those who returned alive inevitably chose to celebrate wholeheartedly.

The banquet was in high spirits when Levis suddenly stood up and clapped his hands, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I need to announce this—the Iron Hoof Island campaign was a glorious victory, and on Coral Island, a new Viscount will be born—my brother, Liszt Tulip!"

The applause thundered.

Liszt nodded in acknowledgment to those around him.

Once the applause died down, Levis smiled and continued, "Three days from now, a title-conferring ceremony will be held at Tulip Castle. Let’s all witness Liszt’s glorious moment together!"

Everyone raised their glasses, "To Viscount Liszt, cheers!"

"To Liszt, cheers!"

"To Viscount, cheers!"

"My glory, I wish to share with you all." Raising his glass, Liszt saw all the nobles around him raising their glasses in his honor, and he swirled his glass in front of him with a smile.

Then he tilted his head back and drained the spicy Fresh Flower Brew.

The liquor flowed down his throat, exhilarating and liberating.