44: Nocturne Invitation

A moment later, inside the Council Hall of Iron Sand Island, Linn sat in the main seat and met the familiar middle-aged knight—the messenger of Viscount Nocturne. Compared to before, the smile on the messenger's face was more sincere, and his demeanor was even more respectful.

"Respected Lord Linn," the messenger bowed deeply, offering a beautifully decorated scroll sealed with wax bearing the Viscount's crest with both hands. "I have been ordered by Viscount Nocturne to bring you good news and present a sincere invitation."

"Viscount?" Linn took the scroll, his face showing just the right amount of surprise and delight. "So soon?"

"Indeed!" The messenger's tone was filled with genuine admiration. "Lord Nocturne, mindful of the Kingdom's grace and having performed meritorious service in recovering Flamingo Island and clearing the sea, was granted the title of Viscount by His Majesty the King last month! His fief includes his original territory and Flamingo Island, totaling three hundred square kilometers. For this reason, my Lord will hold a promotion ceremony at Thunder Island five days from now. He specifically instructed me to personally deliver the invitation to you and express his sincerity. My Lord often says that you, Knight Linn, are a leader among the younger generation of the Saru archipelago and have made outstanding achievements in developing Iron Sand Island. He sincerely hopes you will attend this ceremony to witness this moment together."

Linn unfolded the scroll and read it carefully. The wording in the letter was warm and respectful, full of recognition and an intention to win over his neighbor. It was clear that Viscount Nocturne truly hoped to befriend this young lord with infinite potential.

Linn closed the scroll, a sincere smile appearing on his face: "Please reply to the Viscount that I am deeply honored by his high regard. Please tell him that five days from now, I will arrive at Thunder Island on time to personally congratulate him on his promotion!"

Seeing Linn's acceptance, the messenger appeared very happy: "That is wonderful! The Viscount will be very pleased to know you are willing to come. I shall not disturb you further and will return to report immediately."

After sending off the messenger, Linn summoned his core members.

He informed everyone of Viscount Nocturne's promotion and his sincere invitation to attend the ceremony. "For this invitation, Viscount Nocturne has lowered his posture significantly, and his words were earnest. He is likely sincere in wanting to build a relationship, or at least has no intention of being hostile toward us for now. This is a rare opportunity to establish a good relationship with a powerful Viscount and also an opportunity to understand the actual situation on Thunder Island."

He looked at Ocean, his gaze filled with encouragement: "Ocean, you still need to intensify your Cultivation these next few days to stabilize your Realm. I will prepare another fourth-level potion for you, hoping it will help you reach the next level. If you can have a Breakthrough, our Iron Sand Island will have more confidence on such an occasion."

Ocean clasped his hands and replied solemnly: "Understood, my Lord. I will not fail your expectations!"

"The rest of you as well, strive to reach higher levels as soon as possible!"

"My Lord, we will not fail your expectations."

Over the next few days, Linn entered the breath of life space again and successfully brewed two fourth-level potions. One was given to Ocean, who was focused on his Cultivation, and the other he consumed himself to further solidify his foundation, feeling the threshold of the Gold Realm within reach.

At the same time, preparations for the trip were carried out in an orderly manner. Linn decided that he would lead the team himself, with Carl and Shirei as accompanying officials, leading one hundred well-groomed and well-equipped personal guards on three cargo ships. This arrangement was not to show off to Nocturne, but because the fleet could stop by Tianhai City for trade on the way, killing two birds with one stone.

Linn also notified Nocturne in advance to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

The five-day deadline arrived in a flash.

On this day, the port of Iron Sand Island was sunny and breezy, and three ships flying brand-new flags were ready to set sail. Linn brought 5,000 gold coins and 300 bottles of level three potion to purchase and sell goods in Tianhai City on the way. One hundred personal guards were neatly dressed and stood in solemn formation. Carl and Shirei were dressed in proper formal attire, looking spirited.

Linn gave final instructions to Clay, Morton, and Elise, who came to see him off: "I leave the island's affairs to you."

"Please rest assured, my Lord. Have a safe trip!" the three replied in unison.

Linn nodded slightly and turned to board the flagship.

"Set sail!"

With the order given, the sails billowed, and the three ships slowly pulled away from the port, sailing steadily toward Viscount Nocturne's seat—Thunder Island.

As they approached Thunder Island, Linn ordered the fleet to find a place nearby to anchor and rest. It would be disrespectful to have the entire force land on the island. Instead, Linn took Carl and Shirei on a small boat to land.

The sentries at the port of Thunder Island saw the Iron Sand Island flag flying and quickly reported it.

When Linn stepped onto the port, the old acquaintance, the messenger, brought a few people forward: "Lord Linn, the Viscount is currently talking to Kingdom officials and cannot get away to welcome you personally. Please forgive him."

Linn waved his hand: "We are old acquaintances, no need for formalities. I can understand in these special times."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, my Lord. Please follow me! The Viscount is waiting at the castle."

The messenger led Linn and the two others to Nocturne's castle.

When Linn stepped onto Nocturne's territory again, he found that the number of houses and people had increased significantly compared to last time, and the streets looked extremely lively.

Linn stood in front of the castle. Although this castle was far inferior to Earl Ellis's castle, it was an incredible existence in this Storm Sea Region, and he secretly marveled at the strength of the Nocturne Family. It was doubtful that Nocturne alone would have had the ability to increase the prosperity of Thunder Island by half in just a few short months.

Linn stepped into the castle hall, which was bustling with noise and excitement. Viscount Nocturne was talking to someone wearing the formal attire of a Kingdom official. Linn also saw the two pioneer lords from the previous coalition, Rodney and Bartlett.

Seeing Linn enter the hall, Nocturne hurried forward to welcome him, grabbed Linn's hand, and said excitedly: "Brother Linn, it is my great honor that you could come. Please forgive me for not being able to welcome you personally. Quickly, let me introduce you to someone."

"Viscount, please don't say that. We have been through life and death together, no need for formalities." Linn did not care about such small matters at all.

"Why call me Viscount? I am older than you, and we are allies. Call me brother." Nocturne looked unsatisfied and pulled Linn toward the Kingdom official.

"Then I will respectfully obey, brother Nocturne!" Linn said with a smile.

"That's right!" Nocturne's expression softened, then he leaned close to Linn and whispered: "Brother, when you see that son of a bitch later, you must lower your profile. He is a Kingdom inspection official. Don't offend him; you will soon be promoted to Baron yourself."