Chapter 177: The Reward
The atmosphere grew tense, and the Emperor before me crossed his arms, his expression darkening.
“Disrespect… is it?”
“Of course! How dare you complain about a reward from His Majesty the Emperor!”
The knight standing behind me radiated a palpable killing intent. Perhaps out of respect for the Emperor, he refrained from drawing his sword, but the air was thick with the threat of violence. I had no intention of kneeling before such men, so I glared back at the knight and the robed figure as I slowly stood up.
“Wha—are you challenging us here?!”
“I merely came to hear the Emperor’s gratitude. I never expected to be offered a reward that you don’t even know if we desire.”
In situations like this, I thought I would hear something like, “Do you have any wishes?”
“To a C Rank Adventurer, this is an unexpected reward. What more could you possibly want?”
The robed figure spat out his words with a mocking tone.
“C Rank?”
Now that I think about it, the delivery request for our spoils was indeed issued when we were still C Rank. Perhaps the Empire is still unaware that we have achieved S Rank. While I may be considered a veteran C Rank Adventurer, from the nation’s perspective, I am just a replaceable asset, common and easily found. This treatment is likely a reflection of that.
“Since it seems you are unaware, allow me to reintroduce myself.”
I pulled out my Adventurer’s Certificate from around my neck, prominently displaying the Mithril plate among the two metal plates.
“I am Shuu, an S Rank Adventurer.”
“I am also S Rank.”
Rio, too, retrieved her Adventurer’s Certificate, placing her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest proudly.
“Wha… what?!”
However, being S Rank changes everything. Considering our strength, the nation would likely prefer us to remain within its borders. Ah, perhaps they are offering us nobility as a reward, anticipating our rise to S Rank. Still, it feels a bit forced.
“Indeed… it is a Mithril Adventurer’s Certificate, but…”
“Hmm… It seems you do not desire a title. If that is the case, do you have any other wishes?”
Following the robed man’s lead, the Emperor opened his mouth, flipping his stance entirely. It feels a bit late for this kind of discussion. S Rank Adventurers apparently hold considerable sway within the Guild, and some even refuse requests from nobles. In fact, S Rank Adventurers often possess more wealth than barons or viscounts, making it difficult for nobles to simply order them around.
“A wish, huh…”
We’ve earned a decent amount of money, so there’s nothing in particular that we want… Well, I could use some soy sauce or miso, but asking for that here feels off.
As I glanced around at the nobles, I noticed their gazes had shifted. What was once the scrutiny of a common C Rank Adventurer had transformed into the calculating eyes of those eager to exploit an S Rank. The number of appraising looks had clearly increased.
Nobles tend to be self-serving, often disregarding the troubles of others. They wield their power to cover up crimes. While there may be some honorable nobles, I personally believe they are few and far between.
—Ah, that’s right.
“Well then… I would like to see those nobles who abuse slaves punished appropriately.”
“Slaves…? Of course, the laws of the nation dictate that. Criminals are to be punished.”
The robed figure responded as if my statement were obvious, yet it is precisely that “obviousness” that fails to function, which is why I’m making this request.
“I have indeed heard. Please ensure that Mellow Lagroi, who was abusing slaves, is properly apprehended.”
“Wha—what?!”
As soon as I spoke the name, one of the nobles standing beside me exclaimed. I recognized him; it was Marquis Dogesha Lagroi. If he had just learned that his son was involved in such activities, it would be understandable for him to be upset.
“Mellow… my son would never do such a thing!”
I had thought he was working with the military in the harbor town, but perhaps he had returned to report on the Sea Emperor Turtle hunt.
“Yesterday, when we visited the House of Marquis Lagroi as Adventurers, we happened to witness the scene. It was also us who were requested by him to deal with the slaves.”
We were the best witnesses there could be.
“Hah?!”
“Calm yourself! We are in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor!”
As Dogesha attempted to protest vehemently, a knight standing behind the Emperor shouted him down. The previously bustling Audience Chamber fell silent, and the Emperor spoke.
“I understand your wish.”
“That is good to hear. I hope that crimes are dealt with appropriately, without being swept under the rug.”
I noticed several individuals diverting their gazes from me. For now, I would remember their names for future reference.
“Of course.”
The Emperor nodded deeply, as there was no reason for him to shake his head. He would never admit to not upholding the law.
“Now, let us conclude this meeting. In the afternoon, I would like to arrange negotiations for the purchase of the Sea Emperor Turtle. If you have any other wishes at that time, feel free to voice them… You may take your leave.”
“Understood. We shall take our leave.”
Thus, we exited the Audience Chamber, carrying an indescribable sense of unease. The Guild Master had told us to collect what we were owed, but once again, I found myself wanting to return home immediately.