Chapter 176: Audience
As expected, I’ve been kept waiting for quite a while. Has it been nearly an hour already? I understand that they are busy, but if they were going to make me wait this long, couldn’t they have just postponed the meeting to another day?
Moreover, the surveillance from the room next door, separated by a wall, is quite unsettling. At first, I didn’t pay it much mind, thinking it was just my imagination, but upon closer inspection, it seems that whoever is there hasn’t moved from the wall closest to this room. There’s even a peephole, so it’s definitely true.
But complaining won’t shorten the wait. I seriously began to consider asking the maid if I could leave or even peeking back through the peephole when a knock echoed from the door.
“Come in.”
Without missing a beat, I replied, and the Vice Captain entered the room.
“I apologize for the wait. At last, His Majesty is ready.”
The fact that he offers an apology feels refreshing, a stark contrast to the arrogance of the House of Marquis Ragloi. Perhaps it’s just my impression after encountering such a dreadful noble.
“Shall we proceed?”
“Yes.”
I swallowed the words, “I was about to leave,” and followed him obediently. It seemed we had already come quite far, and our destination was just ahead.
Two knights clad in splendid armor stood guard beside a large door. After exchanging nods with the guards, the Vice Captain turned to open the door.
“Adventurers Shu and Rio, your arrival is announced!”
His voice rang out clearly as he slowly opened the door.
“Stop before the first step and kneel.”
Before the door fully opened, the Vice Captain whispered what seemed to be the proper etiquette. Honestly, being told this at the last moment makes me doubt my ability to execute it properly… What am I supposed to do after kneeling?
As I watched the door open, I realized there was no time for such questions. Prompted by the Vice Captain, I stepped forward into the room.
The first thing that caught my eye was the imposing figure seated on a magnificent throne directly in front of me. His dignified presence was unmistakably that of an emperor. Flanking him were knights in armor and a robed figure who appeared to be a mage. Lining the sides from the entrance to the throne were elegantly dressed nobles.
Yes, this is undoubtedly the Audience Chamber.
I refrained from looking around like a country bumpkin and focused straight ahead as I walked. Upon reaching the step, I knelt and bowed my head.
Now, the royal family of the Arclight Kingdom was dreadful, but I wonder how the Grosenhang Empire will be. I’m not expecting much, to be honest.
“Raise your face.”
As instructed, I lifted my gaze, and the emperor’s figure came into clearer view. He had a slender yet well-muscled physique. His beard was white, suggesting he was of considerable age.
“You are permitted to answer directly. To have defeated the Sea Emperor Turtle is a noble deed. I thank you for saving the Empire.”
Directly answer, huh? It seems that’s what he means, but in situations like this, there’s really only one response.
“I-I am honored by your words.”
The emperor nodded with satisfaction, stroking his beard as he pondered, “Hmm…”
“For saving Port Town Reburos, you must be rewarded.”
Oh? I thought he would only express his gratitude, but he’s jumping straight to the topic of a reward. Honestly, I can’t think of anything I particularly want.
“…Very well, I shall grant you the title of Baron in my Empire.”
After a moment of contemplation, the emperor declared as if he had just thought of it. A barony, huh? If it were potatoes, they might be delicious, but I wonder if the title of Baron is anything worth having.
“…What’s wrong? If you remain silent, I won’t know your thoughts.”
He urged me for a response, but isn’t it a bit hasty to offer no explanation?
“What exactly does the title of Baron entail? I’ve traveled to various places, but I’m not well-versed in such systems.”
“Haha, that is true. Alkain, explain it to him.”
“Understood.”
The robed figure who had been standing behind the emperor stepped forward. He was an intellectual-looking man with blue hair streaked with gray. He looked down at us with a cold gaze and let out a small sigh, careful not to be noticed by the emperor.
“To put it simply for a commoner, receiving the title of Baron means you become a noble serving the Empire.”
Listening to him, I realized it was the same story Linford had mentioned before. To be precise, it’s not just any barony but an honorary barony. Even so, it seems I would be granted a mansion in the Imperial Capital and receive an annual pension. He pompously listed other benefits as well.
“That is all. Do you understand?”
“…I somewhat understand.”
It seems they are quite eager to bind me to the Empire. But just to be sure, I should confirm. Surrounded by so many high-ranking individuals creates an intimidating atmosphere, but I need to listen carefully. Later, claiming “I didn’t know” won’t fly.
“Are there any drawbacks? We travel between countries, and if we leave the Empire, we might not return.”
I merely asked a question that piqued my curiosity, but my words caused the robed nobleman’s expression to stiffen.
“…Huh? …What are you saying? You’re not suggesting you intend to refuse, are you? That would be disrespectful!”
Huh? I only mentioned that we might not return, but suddenly the atmosphere turned tense.