Chapter 29
Inside the carriage, Brother Fahrenheit struck up a conversation with me.
“Normally, subjugating a Goblin Lord is something you’d tackle by forming a punitive force centered around the knightly order. In some cases, we might even request aid from the Kingdom. For you to accomplish this solo is truly remarkable.”
“Thank you very much.”
“The problem is that we have to report the Goblin Lord’s appearance and its subjugation to the Kingdom.”
“Is there some kind of issue with that?”
“First, when a boss-class monster is defeated, as a general rule, the Kingdom is supposed to purchase its magic stone.”
“That’s because they’re valuable materials for alchemy or used in magic tools, right?”
“Your understanding is correct. The issue is the circumstances under which it was subjugated. The fact that you, Claude, defeated it single-handedly is precisely what’s going to be problematic.”
“Is it really that big of a deal?”
“Trying to poorly cover it up with a lie that would be exposed with a little investigation isn’t a smart move. It will depend on Father’s judgment, but I think we’ll end up reporting it to the Kingdom honestly.”
“Couldn’t we just say we all defeated it together?”
“Based on our achievements at the academy, the Kingdom is aware of our capabilities. They’d likely judge that it would be impossible for us to defeat it. No matter how we try to spin it, your existence as an irregular, Claude, will come to light.”
“What happens if they find out?”
“The Kingdom is always looking for talented individuals, both for monster subjugation and as military assets for war. Your power, Claude, is enough to easily overturn battle tactics. It’s highly probable the Kingdom will want to recruit you, no matter what, and will take some sort of action.”
“Monster subjugation is one thing, but I’d rather not participate in wars if I can help it.”
“The Kingdom’s upper echelons prioritize maintaining the status quo, so I think you’ll be fine unless another country initiates hostilities.”
“What do you predict will happen, Brother?”
“There’s a possibility of marriage to an influential noble, but the safest bet is that you’ll be granted a peerage.”
“Marriage… I don’t really get that yet. Are there any downsides to receiving a peerage?”
“As things stand, Claude, once you come of age, you’d leave the family and be treated as a quasi-noble. However, if you’re granted a peerage, you’ll remain a noble. If you become the head of a noble house, you’d likely be entrusted with some duties, but considering your age, I doubt you’d be assigned any critical tasks.”
“Considering Father’s workload, I’d rather not become a head of house if I can avoid it.”
“A Marquis is a high-ranking noble, and Father wants to listen to the people’s voices as much as possible, so he’s significantly reduced the number of intermediaries. My true feelings are a mix of wanting you to walk your own free path, and, as a lord, wanting to keep a powerful card like you on hand.”
“Even if I were to be granted a peerage, it wouldn’t change the fact that I’m a member of the Prominence House. If anything troublesome comes up, I’ll lend you my strength.”
“It’s a great help to hear you say that.”