Evil dragon has a warm heart
Chapter 198 - 198 197 Cigar Courtyard

Chapter 198: Chapter 197 Cigar Courtyard Chapter 198: Chapter 197 Cigar Courtyard “You don’t like the name Red-eyed?”

“Chirp chirp!”

“You want to be called Kevin?”

“Chirp chirp!”

Without a doubt, Russell could confirm that the peculiar murmuring he had just heard originated from the Red-eyed Rat King.

The ability to listen to the private murmurs of Fantasy Beasts, brought about by the Extract of Clutch Berries, indeed existed.

However, there was a matter of probability, as it wasn’t guaranteed that Russell could hear the Fantasy Beasts’ whispers at any given time. As for when he could or couldn’t, that required gradual exploration.

“Kevin is already taken, so you can’t be called Kevin,” Russell slowly said as he looked into the disappointed eyes of the Red-eyed Rat King. “But you can be called Jerry. Jerry is a household name, and it sounds even better than Kevin.”

“Chirp chirp!” The Red-eyed Rat King nodded vigorously, clearly very fond of the name Jerry.

Of course.

It might also be that it simply wanted a more regular name, rather than being called by a nickname like Red-eyed.

“Very well, from now on, you’re Red-eyed Rat King Jerry.”

During lunch that very noon, Russell announced the Red-eyed Rat King’s new name, Jerry, to everyone.

“Jerry, hmm, that’s a nice name.” Charles, once again dropping by for a free meal and wine, gave a perfunctory compliment to the name, “But I still prefer the fragrance of the Blush Wine, this exquisite beverage from Tributary River Mouth is intoxicating.”

The Blush Wine was something that Russell had brought back from Tributary River Mouth, not in great quantity, with one less bottle every time one was consumed.

Today, having met Fairy Saiban and received the blessings of Snow Forest, he felt delighted and thus was willing to bring out the Blush Wine.

“Not as good as brandy,” Eric muttered.

Charles immediately looked down upon him, “Even after becoming a Phantom Beast Knight, you’re still helpless when it comes to appreciating fine wine. Perhaps in your mouth, no wine could ever compare to brandy, because what you love is not the wine, it’s the alcohol.”

“Nonsense, I also love ice wine, and that is a type of wine,” Eric retorted.

“That’s only because ice wine has a higher content of alcohol and is more potent, hence it suits your taste.”

Charles disdainfully said, “True taste must take into account four aspects: appearance, aroma, flavor, and essence… Look at the color, like blush and ink, beautiful in its perfection… Smell the fragrance, overflowing with floral scents, rich in fruitiness… Taste the flavor, full-bodied and elegant, smooth and refreshing to the throat…”

Having gently swallowed the red wine, Charles swirled the wine in the stemmed glass and said indulgently, “The taste lingers like song, akin to indulgent pleasure, Blush Wine, Blush Wine, more than just the name of a grape, it is also the tenderness contained within the wine.”

Eric had no comeback and simply rolled his eyes.

Russell lightly clapped his hands, “Mr. Charles, when it comes to tasting wine, you are truly an expert.”

“Sir, you flatter me, it’s just a little hobby of mine with fine wines,” Charles responded proudly.

…

After lunch.

Hans, who had gone to the Cigar Factory to oversee work, rushed back and also brought a construction team from town with him.

Upon seeing the construction team’s captain, Russell immediately said, “Captain Candice, you did a good job with the official residences at the small market, so I asked Hans to invite you again to help renovate this estate’s annex.”

“I am honored to have your recognition, Lord Russell. My team and I will earnestly work on renovating your estate’s annex,” replied the captain.

“Good, let’s first take a look at the estate’s annex, then discuss together a comprehensive renovation plan.”

“Certainly, please lead the way, Lord Russell.”

“Hans, you go about your business. Morris, please host the construction team and then arrange temporary accommodations for them.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Subsequently, Russell and Captain Candice toured the entire manor, from top to bottom, and Russell expressed his desire to add another floor to the rear houses.

“That’s not difficult, Lord Russell, especially since the slag earth bricks you produce are uniform in size, which makes wall construction easier,” Captain Candice confidently said, “It’s just that the construction might take a while since the materials used in your manor are so solid, making renovations laborious.”

When Baron Roman originally built the manor, he naturally did not skimp on materials.

Therefore, the materials used in the manor were almost identical to those used in Fluorescent Castle, with various magic materials added between the gaps in the stone walls.

Its sturdiness was comparable to a fortress.

To carve by hand using stonemasons and carpenters was indeed time-consuming and labor-intensive.

“No worries, take your time,” said Russell, “You can start work after I wake up in the morning and work overtime into the evening, up until I go to sleep… In short, complete it as soon as possible while ensuring quality.”

After silently calculating for a while, Captain Candice said, “I can assure you, Lord Russell, that the manor will be renovated within three months, completion will only be earlier and not delayed.”

“Good.”

Once decided, the construction crew arrived that very afternoon.

Since the workers needed to renovate many areas, the entire rear house could no longer be occupied, but luckily, the servants could squeeze into the front houses.

Moreover, the guest rooms on the second floor could also accommodate people, given that Russell didn’t need to entertain any guests lately.

“Sir, since you are renovating and refurbishing your manor, why not give it a name?” Charles came over again during dinner time in the evening.

This time, even Eric had picked up bad habits and came over with Kevin, saying in a low tone, “Three floors, it almost counts as a small castle.”

With money in his pocket, Russell did not mind their habit of freeloading meals.

He said with a smile, “Then let’s change the name, but it can’t be considered a small castle. Giving it a castle’s name would invite ridicule.”

“In this territory, no one would dare to laugh at you, Sir,” Charles said.

“What about outside the territory?”

“Uh, there probably wouldn’t be many people who dare to laugh at you either.”

“But there would still be people who would laugh at me… Anyway, I don’t want to call it a castle, let’s call it Cigar Courtyard,” Russell thought of a name he deemed suitable, “My territory will one day become renowned in the Grand Duchy alongside the Rain Dragon cigars, so Cigar Courtyard is quite appropriate.”

“The name Sir has chosen is marvelous, perfectly matching the territory!” Charles immediately started flattering.

Russell then looked at Eric with a smile.

Eric responded in a low voice, “Indeed.”

“Great, since both teachers approve, then… Captain Candice, come here,” Russell called Captain Candice over, “Later, find two stonemasons to carve the four characters of Cigar Courtyard above the main gate.”

Captain Candice responded, “As you wish.”

At that moment, Knight Attendant Jack returned on horseback, “Sir, the thorn seeds you wanted to purchase have all been bought back.”

Thorns are common hedge plants, so the seeds are readily available for purchase in Yuanguang Town.

Russell did not take the seeds himself, but let Butler Morris take them to be stored, and he simply instructed, “Charles, arrange for a few serfs to come over tomorrow to serve their labor, and help me plant the thorn hedges.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Let’s go, two teachers, let’s have dinner together at Cigar Courtyard tonight,” Russell invited.

Charles immediately chuckled, “It’s a great honor to be invited by Sir, I just wonder if we will still be able to taste the Pink Lady wine tonight.”

Russell said without looking back, “No.”

“Uh…” Charles was taken aback.

A smile flickered at the corner of Eric’s mouth. Seeing Charles at a loss made him happy, and he promptly patted Kevin on the head, “You go and find Jerry… no, go and play with Jerry.”