Chapter 117: The Reward for Slaying the Lion
“I have come to convey something to Rest today, as I mentioned in advance… It concerns the subjugation of Subnock.”
Celestine spoke with a gentle smile. She had informed them beforehand of her visit to the Rosemary Marquis House. The purpose of Celestine, a Duchess, coming in person was to discuss the defeat of Subnock with Rest.
“Good day, Celestine. Please, have a seat.”
“Good day, Lady Celestine.”
Viola and Primula welcomed Celestine with bright smiles. The two, especially Viola, had become quite close to her, their speech and demeanor softening in her presence.
“Hello, Celestine.”
Yuri waved casually, greeting her with a friendly gesture. The four of them, excluding Rest, seemed to have frequent interactions, having held tea parties and salons without the boys back when they were at the academy. As a result, Rest found himself somewhat uncomfortable, surrounded by four beautiful girls who were now close friends.
“Ah… hello. Thank you for coming all this way to inform me, Lady Celestine.”
“Not at all. Originally, I was to deliver a formal message from His Majesty the King, but I apologize for the informal nature of this report. I will explain the details later, but the royal palace is quite busy at the moment.”
Celestine placed her palm against her cheek, tilting her head apologetically. Each of her movements was refined and elegant as she settled onto the sofa opposite Rest and the sisters. A maid who had been waiting promptly placed tea and sweets in front of her. After taking a sip of her black tea to moisten her lips, Celestine continued.
“First of all… the content I am about to discuss has been decided upon through discussions between His Majesty the King, the Chancellor, and Marquis Rosemary. Although it has not yet been officially announced, formal procedures will take place once things settle down.”
In other words, her father-in-law, Albert Rosemary, had also given his approval. Albert had been staying at the royal palace day after day to handle the aftermath of the Monster Hunting Festival and had not returned to the mansion.
“Um? Is it alright for me to hear this?”
Yuri blinked in surprise. Although they were friends, she was not directly connected to the Rosemary Marquis House.
“As long as the three of you are fine with it, there is no problem. Of course, I would ask that you refrain from discussing it with others…”
“I’m fine with it. You two don’t mind, right?”
Viola’s question prompted Rest to nod, and Primula did the same. Celestine then paused for a moment before turning back to Rest.
“Rest, you have been recognized for your efforts in subjugating many monsters as part of the rescue team, saving the lives of students. Additionally, the remains of the Master of the Demon Realm, Subnock, were confirmed among the defeated monsters. For these achievements, you will be awarded one hundred thousand platinum coins.”
“One hundred thousand platinum coins…?”
One platinum coin was worth a hundred gold coins. A commoner typically earned one gold coin in a month, which would be about one hundred thousand yen in Japanese currency.
(One thousand million yen worth of platinum coins means… one billion yen?)
“Isn’t that a bit too much?”
“Not nearly enough.”
Celestine shook her head, clearly taken aback.
“With Subnock’s defeat, the development of the plains is now possible. If we can eliminate other monsters before the next Master of the Demon Realm is born, the Aiwood Kingdom will gain a vast and fertile granary.”
The Subnock Plain was a demon realm, a land where monsters were born easily, but if successfully cultivated, it could become a rich land for growing crops. If the kingdom could secure a granary capable of feeding its people indefinitely, the profits from exporting crops would be enormous. Compared to the income that could be obtained, the reward of one hundred thousand platinum coins was not excessive.
“Furthermore, Rest will also be granted the title of ‘Viscount’ along with a territory. This means you will join the ranks of the nobility.”
“Eh!?”
Rest and the Rosemary Sisters exclaimed in surprise at Celestine’s words. Yuri, too, widened her eyes in astonishment.
“Nobility… but Rest is supposed to become the husband of the Rosemary Marquis House!?”
“Does that mean we can’t marry him…?”
Viola and Primula leaned forward, pressing Celestine for answers. Celestine chuckled at her friends’ inquiries and waved her hands in a calming manner.
“Not at all. I have no intention of obstructing Rest from marrying into the Rosemary Marquis House. Think of it as an increase in the noble titles and territories that your children can inherit.”
In other words… Rest would hold the position of head of the Rosemary Marquis House while also being the head of a newly established viscountcy. It was not uncommon for high-ranking nobles to hold multiple titles.
“As for the territory… one-third of the soon-to-be-developed Subnock Plain will be granted to you, Rest. The remaining two-thirds will be divided among the royal family and other noble houses. Lord Lübesse, who fought alongside you to defeat Subnock, will also be awarded the title of ‘Baron’ and a territory as the second-highest contributor. A formal ceremony for the awarding of titles will take place at the royal palace soon.”
The sword saint, Wilhelm Lübesse, known for his aversion to women, would also rise in status due to this achievement.
(So he’s one step closer to becoming the Knight Commander… that’s quite the accomplishment.)
“One-third of the plain. That’s a generous amount of land.”
Yuri, who had been listening from the side, looked puzzled.
“While it’s a fitting reward for defeating the enemy commander, isn’t ‘Viscount’ a bit low for such an achievement?”
The vastness of the territory granted did not seem to match the title. If one were to receive one-third of such a large area, a title of at least Count would be more appropriate. Following Yuri’s comment, Primula raised her hand as well.
“I agree with Yuri. Moreover… even with the backing of the Rosemary Marquis House, if a commoner like Rest were suddenly granted such a large territory, wouldn’t there be many who would feel envious?”
Primula spoke with concern. Even the fact that a commoner like Rest was set to inherit the Rosemary Marquis House had already stirred jealousy among many. If he were to receive such a vast territory as well, he might face persistent harassment from other nobles.
“That won’t be a problem. The land will also be divided among other prominent nobles close to the royal family. Furthermore… nobles who openly oppose the royal family’s decisions will soon find themselves out of the picture.”
“Out of the picture…?”
What did she mean by that? Rest’s gaze inquired, and Celestine opened her mouth with a somewhat exasperated expression.
“The leader of the opposition faction… Marquis Aiger has instigated a rebellion. He has declared war against the royal family, rallying support under the banner of Third Prince Rodel.”