**Chapter 123: I Have Become a Viscount**
“From the Royal Academy… Rest, Lord Wilhelm Lyubase, and Miss Isis Carbelt have entered!”
The attendant declared loudly as the doors to the audience chamber swung open. Called in the order of their names, Rest, Lyubase, and Isis stepped into the grand room one after the other. Accompanying Rest were the Rosemary Sisters, who followed closely as he escorted them into the chamber.
“……!”
The sight before them was overwhelming, and for a brief moment, Rest felt a wave of pressure. The gathered nobles were all impeccably dressed, their aristocratic status evident at a glance. Although he had received prior explanations from his stepfather, Albert, it was clear that those present were nobles aligned with the royal faction supporting the King and Crown Prince. In other words, they were all allies, yet their gazes scrutinized him as if assessing his worth. Even within the same faction, there existed a hierarchy, with competition and rivalry lurking beneath the surface. They were likely trying to determine whether the young heroes of their faction would become allies or rivals, or if they could be of any use.
(Aside from my stepfather, the only faces I recognize are… Duke Crocus, the Chancellor, Marquis Cattleya, the Captain of the Knights, and the two princes.)
In the audience chamber, Rest spotted the King’s aides, Crown Prince Richard and Second Prince Andrew. As the Student Council President, Andrew met Rest’s gaze and flashed a knowing smile.
(And there is His Majesty the King. It’s my first time seeing him this closely…)
Seated on a throne elevated several steps above, the bearded man was Darvit Aiwood, the reigning King of the Aiwood Kingdom. He was often compared to the previous tyrant king, and was known for his gentle disposition and benevolent rule. Of course, the unfavorable comparison often led to a more favorable view of him, but even without that context, he appeared to be a kind and amiable figure.
(While he may lack a bit of regal presence… he certainly has a friendly demeanor. It might be disrespectful to call a king ‘friendly,’ but still…)
As Rest approached the throne, he stepped away from the sisters and knelt, bowing his head. This was a formality he had practiced countless times under the guidance of his butler, Diable. Beside him, Lyubase and Isis mirrored his actions, kneeling in respect.
“Raise your heads.”
The King spoke solemnly. Rest and the others lifted their heads while still kneeling. Looking up at the throne, they were met with the King’s gentle smile.
“You are the young heroes who have worked tirelessly to defeat the Lord of the Demon Territory and rescue participants of the Magic Hunt Festival in the Subnock Plains. Your achievements are truly commendable.”
The King’s words of praise resonated in the chamber.
“I am genuinely pleased to see the next generation of our nation flourishing. I shall grant you a reward.”
The King rose from his throne and took a few steps down towards Rest and the others. Rest bowed his head once more, awaiting the King’s decree.
“Rest, of the House of Marquis Albert, I hereby ennoble you as a Viscount and grant you the surname ‘Clover.’ Serve the royal family with all your strength.”
The King placed the tip of his scepter on Rest’s shoulder. Taking a deep breath, Rest responded to the King’s words.
“My sword shall be wielded for the royal family and the kingdom. I pledge my unwavering loyalty to the glorious Aiwood Kingdom.”
This declaration was a customary phrase to be recited when receiving a title. Having practiced it many times beforehand, Rest managed to deliver it smoothly, despite his nervousness.
“Wilhelm Lyubase of the Knightly House, I ennoble you as a Baron, allowing you to bear the title of Baron Lyubase. Serve the royal family with all your strength.”
“My sword shall be wielded for the royal family and the kingdom. I pledge my unwavering loyalty to the glorious Aiwood Kingdom.”
In the same manner, Lyubase was granted the title of Baron. Following him, Isis was also ennobled.
“I shall grant the three of you lands in the Subnock Plains. I will provide personnel and funds for development, so strive for its prosperity.”
“““Understood.”””
“Now… there is something I must announce to everyone present.”
The King paused, surveying the assembly in the audience chamber. A palpable tension filled the spacious room. Everyone present understood what was about to be said.
“Recently, Marquis Berlio Aiger, who should have been a loyal subject of the kingdom, has turned against the royal family. Therefore, I declare him a traitor!”
“““““……!”””””
A collective gasp echoed through the chamber. It was no surprise; Marquis Aiger had long exhibited rebellious behavior towards the royal family, and now he had finally taken action.
“We have already captured the relatives of Marquis Aiger who were in the royal capital. The Marquis is gathering soldiers with the nobles of his faction in his territory. Henceforth, I shall dispatch a punitive force led by Crown Prince Richard as the commander, with Marquis Cattleya as the vice-commander!”
The King’s gaze shifted to the three still kneeling.
“You young heroes shall also join the punitive force. Deliver justice upon the fool who dares to rebel against the royal family!”
“““As you command (Yes, my lord)!”””
Rest and the others accepted the royal command, declaring their intent to join the punitive force. The deep darkness that had plagued the Aiwood Kingdom since the time of the late Queen Dowager was now ready to be confronted. The time for action had come.