Chapter 0679: Don't Be Surprised (Third Update, Celebrating 10,000 Coins Reward)
This chapter is a special update for the "From Today Onwards" million reward event.
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"Wuwa!"
And who should appear but the supreme ruler of the Nameless Castle, the Thorn Minor Elf, Jela.
It naturally recognized Jela, for sometimes when Liszt went to the seaside castle, it would take Jela with it, so it was not at all unfamiliar with her. This was, however, the first time it had seen Ach with long legs, but it showed no surprise whatsoever, probably because its intelligence was not sufficient to be amazed whether Ach had long legs or not.
Moreover, Ach's attire was that of a rather common magician.
Landing on Liszt's shoulder and clutching a strand of pale golden hair, Jela casually waved at Ach, considering that a greeting—the sea monster miss's shell bathtub was nice for taking a bath, but since Jela didn't bring the bathtub this time, it wasn't particularly interested in her.
Then it saw Douson snuggling up to Liszt and immediately raised its hand as if it were about to scatter seeds.
Seeing this, Douson reflexively jumped back, and then, realizing Jela wasn't actually scattering seeds, it bared its teeth and grimaced at Jela.
But soon it turned its head and continued to scrutinize Ach—unsure whether it was eager to size up Ach or too guilty to face the bully Jela.
Ach stretched out his hand, wanting to touch Douson.
With a look from Liszt, Douson stood still and allowed the over one meter fifty-five sea monster to touch its shiny, smooth fur.
"Douson is really obedient. It has always accompanied brother in war, a truly loyal Blizzard Beast," Ach touched Douson, then looked towards the depths of the apple orchard, "The Eight Tiny Ones have grown so big too, almost as big as Douson now. Is the smallest one the Earth Matron?
"Yes, it's a pity that the Earth Matron can't reproduce more little blizzard beasts, or else I could have an entire legion of them, taking down cities and fortresses with ease."
At this moment, Butler Carter came over, bowed respectfully, and asked, "My Lord, might I inquire the identity of this magician?'
"Acherloides Truth, she is my sister, Mr. Carter. From now on, Ach will reside in the castle and share the same status as I do," Liszt introduced Ach to Carter, "Have Mrs. Morson prepare a room for Ach. Buy anything she lacks, and besides, Ach is a vegetarian, so ensure her menu includes plenty of fruits."
"Yes, My Lord."
Carter quickly bowed to Ach and said, "Miss Ach, good day. I am Mr. Carter Taugaun, the butler of my Lord's castle. If you have any instructions, please do not hesitate to give them to me. On behalf of all the servants of the castle, we shall follow your commands." He was actually curious about Ach's identity and how she became the young master's sister.
He had spent his life witnessing the rise of the Tulip Family and was more than familiar with the lineage of its members. There was definitely no relative named Acherloides.
There were no magician relatives either, as nobles rarely practiced magic.
But this did not prevent him from following Liszt's instructions, treating Ach as another master of the castle, and not speculating about her true identity or the nature of her relationship with Liszt—just treating them as real siblings.
Ach nodded without saying anything.
She did not particularly like expressing herself in front of strangers.
Liszt soon brought Ach to the castle's living room, where Butler Carter quickly summoned all the castle servants to greet another lord of the castle. But the introduction was not too grand, as Ach disliked noisy scenes. She preferred quietly reading.
Rather than socializing and interacting with people.
They had lunch in the castle at noon, with only Liszt and Ach at the dining table. In front of Ach was just a small fruit plate with a variety of fruits. In front of Liszt, however, were chicken, fish, meat, and eggs, each dish served on a large plate, with generous portions.
Compared to Ach who could feel full after eating some raspberries for a meal, he almost had to consume a poor family's food expenses for several years with each meal.
He was not only eating and drinking well, but the cost of magic potions was an even bigger expense, after all, he was not alone in his body—there was also a fire dragon.
After eating their fill,
Liszt asked, "How does it feel, living in the castle?"
"It's a bit restrictive. Ach doesn't really like so many people watching her eat, it feels odd."
"I wasn't used to it before either, but now I have adapted. Social systems are like this; these are the basic etiquettes a noble needs to maintain."
"Hmm."
"Let's go and see your room then. If there's anything unsatisfactory, have the servants change it."
Ach's room was next to Liszt's. Since the castle had not housed any ladies for a long time, the furnishings were those prepared for Liszt previously, consisting of bedding, sheets, and so on. Liszt preferred plain colors and a somber style, so Ach's room seemed a bit dated.
It lacked the lively spirit a young girl's chamber should have.
However, Ach didn't care about this at all. What she wanted to improve was the lack of books: "A bedroom without books is just not comfortable. There should be rows of bookshelves, basking in the ocean of knowledge. That way, even in sleep, one can dream of seeking truth."
Liszt's lips twitched, the little sea monster after all had been captured by Truth, just like most magicians who are constantly thinking about pursuing knowledge and exploring truth.
"Mr. Carter, take all those magic books piled up in my study, move half of them over to Ach's bedroom... The study still needs some magic books for decoration."
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Afternoon.
Departing for Black Horse Island.
Liszt was preparing to ride the Rainbow Whale Rose, and incidentally take Ach along to Fresh Flower Town.
However, Ach, who had been a bit sullen in the castle, quickly became lively upon entering the sea: "Brother, there's no need to ride on Rose. Let Ach send brother to Black Horse Island with the shell!"
"Hmm?"
Soon Liszt understood how magical Ach's shell was, not only could it turn into a hairpin to be worn in the hair, but it could also serve as a shell airship.
Water tornadoes below propelled the shell flying at speeds of at least 200 kilometers per hour.
The shell maintained a ten-meter altitude above the sea, whistling as it raced, and arrived smoothly at Black Horse Port in just half an hour. When Liszt and Ach leaped down from the shell, landing on the wooden planks of the dock, all the workers immediately, led by the port officials, paid their respects to Liszt.
Liszt had not brought attendants, there was no pomp, but this did nothing to diminish his image of brilliance and might—at Black Horse Island Domain, he was faith personified.
Soon, an official led two horses over.
"Change to a carriage." Liszt had not taught Ach how to ride, and besides, magicians dressed in magic robes were not suited for horseback riding; the port officials were not perceptive enough.
After switching to a carriage, they went directly to the Mage Tower.
He also sent someone to notify the captain of the patrol team, Paris, to come over quickly.
In the Magic Academy on the first floor of the Mage Tower, Dean Chris Truth, after seeing Ach at Liszt's side, was unable to ignore Ach's diminutive stature and flawless face. And as a Grand Magician, Chris could feel an aura of magic power over Ach that made her heart pound.
"Viscount, who might this honored magician be?" Chris asked directly.
"Let's find a quiet room to talk." Liszt had no intention of keeping Chris in the dark; he still needed her support for Ach's magic research.
Under Chris's lead, the three of them directly went to her office located on the upper floors of the Mage Tower.
After sending away several magic apprentices who acted as assistants, Chris personally brewed tea for Liszt and Ach—tea had by now become a popular drink in the Mage Tower.
"Chris, please sit down." Liszt got straight to the point without any preamble, "You must be very curious about the identity of Acherloides Truth. I hope you won't be too surprised. Not only is she my sister, but she also is an Archmage."
Crack!
No sooner had the words left his lips,
Chris's hand trembled, and the teacup slipped from her grasp, spilling freshly brewed tea all over the floor.