In fact, Edward Thompson was not in a hurry to improve his strength. Admittedly, nobles had to go to war, but Coral Island was far from the mainland, and there was little conflict. As the earl’s third son and a noble on Coral Island, no one would be foolish enough to cause him trouble, so he could develop in peace.

Besides, no matter how powerful one’s cultivation, in a hundred years it all turns to dust.

It’s much better to be a steady lord, enjoying the service of servants, and leave the fighting and killing to his subordinates.

“Of course, being promoted to Earth Knight is still an exciting thing. It means I’ll hardly ever get sick, and my resistance to severe cold and heat is greatly enhanced! In this world, what could be happier than being healthy and living a long life?”

He let out a long breath.

Edward Thompson’s excitement gradually subsided, and he turned to walk toward the castle.

His personal valet jogged over, looking for something to do: “Master, you’ve just finished your knight’s training. Should I prepare your bathwater again?”

“Wouldn’t that be troublesome?”

“Of course not, it’s our honor to serve you.”

“All right, prepare the bathwater again.”

……

Dinner.

Marcus and Henry Clark arrived as promised.

“Edward Thompson, you look healthier than ever. It seems you’ve fully recovered, and that’s worth a toast.” Henry Clark raised his wine glass, taking a deep sniff—he was a true wine lover.

It was a common vice among nobles.

Marcus’s eyes flickered: “Baron, have you… broken through?”

“Just an hour ago, I had a sudden insight, and my battle qi cultivation made new progress.” Edward Thompson said modestly. After all, breaking through to Earth Knight only after his sixteenth birthday was nothing to be proud of.

“Congratulations, my lord!” Marcus said solemnly, his tone slightly changed. He no longer added “Baron,” but addressed him directly as “my lord”—a good sign.

Henry Clark exclaimed, “Wow, this is truly wonderful news! No wonder magpies were chattering all over town today. Edward Thompson, you really are the earl’s son, inheriting the fine blood of the Tulip family. You are destined for power!”

“Compared to my brother and sister, my talent isn’t outstanding. I can only make up for it by working harder.”

“The fact that you think this way proves you’re just as excellent. Great figures in history didn’t always shine in their youth. Striving to catch up and constantly improving is the knight’s creed. In you, I see that quality.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Teacher Henry Clark.”

“So tonight, we must celebrate properly and have a few more drinks.” Henry Clark chuckled, then turned to Butler Carter, “Mr. Carter, to celebrate Edward Thompson’s advancement to Earth Knight, shouldn’t you bring out the best wine from the castle cellar for this glorious moment?”

Old Carter beamed, “I think so too, Mr. Henry Clark.”

But he made no move; whether to drink the wine or not was for the master of the castle to decide.

Edward Thompson didn’t spoil the mood and nodded, “Mr. Carter, please bring out a bottle of Crescent Moon wine, and prepare a serving of pudding for every gentleman and lady.”

“As you wish, sir.” Carter turned and left, heading down to the wine cellar.

On the way, he passed the kitchen door and said, “Mrs. Abby, the master is rewarding everyone—add a serving of pudding to each dinner.”

Abby Spoon was a plump woman. Hearing this, she called out loudly, “Cream pudding? Oh, my, the master is so generous, there’s really no need. The maids can eat anything, and our cream stores are running low.”

Kitchen maid Irene was mopping the floor and looked up expectantly, “Mr. Carter, can the kitchen maids have pudding too?”

“Of course, today is a day of great joy—the master has advanced to Earth Knight!”

“Oh, my, the master is so great!” Abby exclaimed, then turned and shouted, “Irene, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and finish mopping, then go to the storeroom and bring the cream over. Today is the master’s big day—you get to eat pudding we only have on holidays, so work with spirit!”

“Understood, Mrs. Abby, praise the master.”

……

Crescent Moon wine.

A specialty of Coral Island, made from grapes harvested at the first new moon of autumn each year.

Tulip Castle had a grape sprite, and among the grapes it grew, there was a variety used especially for winemaking. They didn’t taste great to eat, but the wine brewed from them was sweet and crisp, a top-quality wine famous throughout the Sapphire Grand Duchy. Every year, the royal court would purchase a batch.

When Edward Thompson left Tulip Castle, he brought a case with him.

“A bottle of Crescent Moon wine aged for years in the cellar is like an old story drifting out of a deep tunnel of time, quietly telling you what true beauty is, what lasting flavor means.” Henry Clark swirled his crystal goblet, watching the crimson liquid rise and fall along the crystal wall, waxing poetic like a bard.

Edward Thompson took a small sip.