Chapter 37 (1/2)

“I didn’t see you dance. Why didn’t you?” Sipping her juice, Asina questioned him.

“I’m not a skillful dancer, so I prefer watching other people dance.”

“It’s all the more reason why you should dance. Dancing is very simple. You’ll get the hang of it soon.”

Blinking, Asina said hopefully, “If you want to learn, I can teach you.”

Finding it inappropriate to reject the offer, Liszt could only stand up and extend his hand. “May I dance with you?”

“It would be my pleasure.” Asina offered her hand to Liszt and stood up with his help.

Just like that, Liszt led Asina to the dancing floor. He held her waist and danced with her to the slow song. The social dance of nobles was very simple. Although Liszt had never done it, his former self had plenty of experience.

“You are not awkward at all. It seems that you were lying,” Asina said with a smile as she danced.

“Maybe this is not my usual performance.”

“Is that so? I believe you.”

After a brief silence, Asina asked again, “I’ve never been to Coral Island. As a matter of fact, I’ve never been outside of Red Crab Island. Are they far away from each other?”

“Not exactly. It’s only a trip of half a day, if the wind is favorable.”

“What does Tulip Castle look like?”

“It’s built on the cliff next to the coastline. It’s smaller than Taro Castle, but the tulips around the castle are colorful.”

“That must be beautiful. I would love to visit Tulip Castle if I had the chance.”

“There will certainly be chances.”

“Do you live in Tulip Castle?”

“I grew up there, but I’m living in my own town now.”

“Right, Sir Mayop told me that you are the Baron of Flower Town now, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“There must be a lot of beautiful flowers around your castle.”

“This may be disappointing, but I have only a dozen acres of tulips. The other lands are occupied by wheat. As for the castle, well, I’m planning to plant grass and build a horsefield around it.” Liszt had the feeling that Asina was prying into him.

Maybe the girl was attracted to him and intended to become Baron Liszt’s wife?

He’d better cut her fantasy short as soon as possible. Pausing for a moment, he went on, “The town is too remote. There’s not enough wheat, milk, or vegetables. We can hardly buy meat even though we have coins, because we’re isolated by a ridge overrun with monsters.”

Asina opened her mouth in surprise. “Are you an earth knight?”

“I made the breakthrough recently, and I’m still familiarizing myself with the techniques.”

Liszt, who was more than 1.8 meters tall, could see that Asina’s face stiffened as she lowered her head.

She was probably bothered by the chasm between dream and reality.

Every woman would grow fond of Liszt when they saw him, but they would back off after learning Liszt’s background. A baron of a poor, remote town without a gift in combat aura probably would have to sell his fief and work for other lords later.

It was not easy to run a fief. Many small nobles had gone bankrupt and were forced to work as teachers or captains.

Goltai was one of them.

Even a grand noble might lose their fief due to poor management.

She will probably let go of my hand and end the dance, Liszt thought.

However, Asina did not let go of his hand, and her stiff expression recovered its previous smile. “I’m sure your father didn’t turn a blind eye to Flower Town.”

“My father and I are not really close. Maybe it’s because my brother and my sister are too excellent.”