31: Beautiful lady, your idea is dangerous!

Under Charlie's guidance, Lister slowly inspected the Cultivated Land.

Although much of the Cultivated Land was a mess due to the previous Cold Wave, the hardworking peasants of the territory had managed to restore it all in the past few days.

Before sowing, the first task for the peasants is to plow the soil. The depth of plowing is generally 20-30 centimeters, which makes the soil soft and breathable, facilitating root growth.

After walking for a while, Lister came to a patch of Cultivated Land where many peasants were gathered. He picked up a hoe and began to learn how to plow the land himself.

Everyone showed surprise at his actions; they clearly hadn't expected a noble Lord to be willing to perform such menial labor.

This wasn't a whim on Lister's part; he wanted to use this method to inspire the peasants to work with more enthusiasm.

Of course, there was also an element of personal interest in trying it out. Although he was an orphan in his past life, he had never actually farmed before.

Soon, news of his actions spread to the ears of all the peasants working the land. While successfully boosting everyone's morale, various sincere voices of praise echoed over the Ironthorn Territory.

“Phew! This really isn't easy,” Lister said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

After hoeing the ground for over an hour, he finally finished plowing one mu of land. Even as a Bronze Knight, he couldn't help but feel a hint of fatigue.

Seeing that his personal example had achieved the desired effect, he stopped and did not continue.

He hadn't forgotten that he was, after all, a noble Lord; it was best to leave professional tasks to professional people.

Of course, there was another reason: a Soldier had reported to him that Daisna was awake.

He didn't dare neglect this Earl's daughter. After all, dealing with that magical beast depended on her promise.

Before returning, however, Lister looked at Lianna sitting on his shoulder and said, “Lianna, I'll leave the improvement of the territory's Cultivated Land to you.”

“Iya iya!” Indicating it was no problem, Lianna flew into the air. Her entire body emitted a refreshing and dazzling green light that radiated outwards with her as the center.

Every piece of Cultivated Land touched by the light would have its soil quality improved and enhanced, becoming more suitable for planting.

The Green Sprite's ability could radiate up to approximately 300,000 mu of land, but the improvement effect would decrease as the radiation spread wider.

However, Ironthorn Territory was still too small for now, so there was no need to worry about such a situation; the soil improvement effect could reach its maximum... On the second floor of the castle.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

Lister knocked gently on Daisna's door and asked, “Miss Daisna, I am the Lord of Ironthorn Territory, Lister Howard. Is it convenient for me to come in now?”

A second later, a soft and pleasant female voice came from inside.

“Please come in.”

Pushing open the door, Lister immediately saw Daisna standing by the window, bathed in sunlight, looking as holy as a Goddess of Light.

While he was slightly dazed, Daisna had already come before him.

She held her skirt with both hands and performed a standard noblewoman's etiquette, then thanked him sincerely, “Thank you for your rescue, Sir Lister. Daisna is deeply grateful.”

“You are too kind, Miss Daisna,” Lister returned with a nobleman's bow and then smiled faintly. “Besides, wasn't this earned through your promise?”

Daisna was taken aback, then smiled softly. “Sir Lister, you truly are different.”

“It was simply a move born of necessity. I hope Miss Daisna doesn't take offense,” Lister said with a bitter smile.

“Oh, is that so?” Daisna gave a playful smile and teased him, “What would you do if I did take offense?”

What would I do?

I'd spank you!

However, Lister could only think this in his heart. At the same time, he could see that Daisna was just putting on a front.

But a Lord's dignity must not be weakened. He regained a calm expression and said, “Then I could only leave myself at your disposal, Miss Daisna. Of course, I believe you wouldn't want to gain a reputation for repaying kindness with enmity, would you?”

“Giggle! I was only joking. You really are an interesting person, Sir Lister.” Daisna covered her mouth and chuckled, then said with a sincere face, “I will certainly fulfill my promise. Can we be friends?”

Interesting?

Be friends?

Beautiful lady, your thoughts are very dangerous!

Lamenting slightly in his heart, Lister curled his lips into a smile. “Of course, it's my honor.”

After a few seconds of silence, Lister continued, “Miss Daisna, I have already written about your situation in a letter and arranged for someone to rush to the Tulip Territory early this morning to inform your father, Earl Elsid Fland.”

“I expect someone will come to pick you up in a few days. Your maid has also woken up, and I presume you have already seen her. If you don't mind, you can stay here comfortably for the next few days.”

“Of course, if you are unwilling, I can also arrange a convoy to escort you back.”

“No need for the trouble, I'd be happy to stay. Since I was a child, apart from the Tulip Territory and my grandfather's territory, I've rarely had the chance to visit other lands,” Daisna said, waving her hand.

Nodding, Lister felt a sigh of relief in his heart. If he really had to send people to escort her back, who knew if they would run into that magical beast again.

Although it sounded discouraging, the reality was that with Red and the others, they would be nothing more than a snack if they encountered that magical beast.

At this moment, Thomas's voice came from outside the door: “Lord Lister, lunch is ready.”

“Understood,” Lister replied, then looked at Daisna. “Miss Daisna, you must be very hungry now. I have already ordered lunch to be prepared for you and the maid Norse.”

“However, the maid Norse is recovering a bit slower than you and needs quiet rest, so I will arrange for someone to deliver her portion to her room.”

“Alright, thank you,” Daisna thanked him softly.

After speaking, the two left the room together and came to the first-floor hall.

Compared to the usual 'loneliness' of Lister dining alone, having an extra person today—and a pleasingly beautiful one at that—gave him a sense of warmth.

As the meal began, Daisna maintained the quiet and elegant etiquette expected of a noblewoman, speaking much less than she had in the room.

However, Lister could still see the curiosity in her eyes, as if she wanted to ask questions but felt too embarrassed or hesitant to speak.

In response, Lister took the initiative to start a conversation. As they talked, Daisna gradually relaxed and began to ask him all sorts of questions about Ironthorn Territory with curiosity.

He didn't hide anything, answering what he could and interjecting some humor from his past life from time to time, making Daisna incredibly happy.

Of course, his initiative to amuse her was also because he had captured the deep-seated pain and self-reproach hidden in Daisna's eyes.

Clearly, her previous smiles and curiosity were merely a disguise.

Lister understood the pain, but as for the self-reproach... “Why would she feel self-reproach?” Lister felt somewhat puzzled.

Without overthinking it, he continued to ask Daisna about the local customs of the Tulip Territory and other lands.

As their conversation grew lively, Lister suddenly felt an itch on his leg...