Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – Part 15
Upon returning to the guild to report, I presented the Magic Stone and materials from the Prism Dragon. By the next day, my achievement of being the first to conquer an A-Rank Dungeon was officially recognized.
As Mariane had predicted, news of this spread throughout the Royal Capital in an instant, providing ample fodder for the entertainment-hungry adventurers and citizens alike.
With the recent events surrounding the Ceremony of Saint Succession and the earlier incident of repelling the Rampaging Demon at the castle gates, it seemed that “Soul’s Guidance” had become a celebrated hero in the Royal Capital.
I had hoped to avoid going out too much from the inn, but it was impossible to do so, and I was dragged around everywhere. Naturally, I was summoned to the royal castle, where His Majesty the King, with a wry smile, offered me words of praise. The Magic Stone from the Prism Dragon was presented as a tribute to the royal family, and in return, I received various rewards.
Among those rewards was something unexpected… well, I had anticipated it to some extent.
“Lord Soushi, I am fully aware that you do not wish for this, but I must ask you to accept a title of nobility.”
In the usual Audience Chamber, His Majesty spoke with such earnestness that it felt as if he might bow his head in supplication.
“Considering your achievement in conquering an unexplored A-Rank Dungeon, your handling of the recent Ceremony of Saint Succession, and the previous offering of the Elixir, it would be remiss of us not to grant you a title. After all, even my wife complains about it every night.”
“Is it really being discussed in the court as well?”
“Of course. There is an overwhelming sentiment that we should formalize our connection with you. Furthermore, if we were to overlook granting a title to someone with such accomplishments, it would be said that I am neglecting my duties as king.”
His Majesty appeared somewhat fatigued, as if the usual vigor he exuded had waned. It seemed he was under considerable pressure.
“What title would I be receiving?”
“Ah, well, let me clarify that, Julius.”
In place of the king, Chancellor Julius read from a document to provide the details.
“The title bestowed upon Lord Soushi will be ‘Honorary Count.’ This title is equivalent to that of a Count in the Vermilian Kingdom. It is a title for one generation only. The titleholder shall bear no obligations to the kingdom. This title does not come with land. The titleholder will receive an annual stipend of 30 million Rom. That is all.”
“So, it is a title equivalent to a Count, yet without obligations, and without land,” I confirmed, to which His Majesty nodded gravely.
“I have tried to make the conditions as agreeable as possible for you. Of course, with this title, you will officially gain the kingdom’s backing. And this is important: as a Count, even a Duke cannot interfere with you without the royal family’s consent.”
“…I see.”
The emphasis on the word “Duke” was clear.
If I were to be granted a title, it would effectively allow me to formally reject any advances from the House of Duke Armand, Freinir’s former family, who had become a Saint.
I had no particular interest in becoming part of the nobility, but if there were benefits, I saw no reason to refuse.
The main reason I had avoided titles was to escape unnecessary obligations and the burden of land. If those were entirely absent, and I could protect my companions from the influence of power, it would be unreasonable not to accept.
“Furthermore, Lord Soushi,” His Majesty continued.
“What is it?”
“In the kingdom… well, this applies to everywhere except Oz, but nobles are permitted to have multiple wives. I believe that having a title is absolutely necessary for you to take on that responsibility.”
With that, His Majesty grinned.
Chancellor Julius averted his gaze, stifling a laugh, while the Royal Guard Knights, Harsivil and Meldoza, subtly twitched their lips in amusement.
I understood what His Majesty was implying, but I hesitated to agree outright.
“I may not fully grasp that responsibility yet, but I will humbly accept the title. Thank you very much.”
“Ah, I am grateful. I look forward to your continued support. I do not say this for the kingdom’s sake, but rather for you to continue your adventures in accordance with your beliefs.”
After shaking hands with the relieved king, I began to ponder how to convey my new title to the members.
And so, amidst all this, a week passed.
I had a substitute mace crafted at the weapon shop, but it was clear that nothing could match the quality of my original. I had heard that the mace I possessed was beyond the skill of an ordinary craftsman. It turned out that the dwarf in Euron was quite the master.
Regardless, I felt an unexpected emptiness without my original weapon, and I was eager to visit the dwarf village to acquire a satisfactory weapon.
After the “Ceremony of Nobility” concluded smoothly, the following morning, we gathered in the inn’s dining hall to discuss our next plans.
“Hmm, ideally, I’d like to enter the Foundation of the Royal Family, but I’m concerned that Soushi isn’t at his best,” Larni said, to which Shizuna nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. If it’s a dungeon that exceeds A-Rank, we should proceed with utmost caution. Besides, I still lack confidence for such a challenge.”
“I feel the same way. Even in A-Rank dungeons, I still sense my inadequacy. I believe it is too soon for us to challenge the rumored Foundation of the Royal Family.”
“We have a limited number of entries, so it would be best to go in fully prepared,” Sakura Hime and Karma agreed, with Sfenia and Mariane nodding along, solidifying the consensus.
“Understood. We will postpone our entry into the Foundation of the Royal Family. I, too, feel uneasy with a temporary mace. I would prefer to prioritize a visit to the dwarf village.”
“Then we are set to head towards the Empire. That should be exciting!” Larni wagged her tail enthusiastically.
“Our ultimate destination is the Imperial Capital, but Mariane, what does the route look like?”
“Well, heading north, there is a fortress city called Cassina, governed by Margrave Karman. Once we pass through there, we will enter the Empire’s territory, and beyond the pass lies Geshura, a large trading city at the southern end of the Empire. From Geshura, we will head northeast into the territory of Marquis Zanzagil. We will stop by the dwarf village there, and then continue northwest to arrive at the Imperial Capital, Pleione.”
“How long would it take if we simply walked there?”
“For an ordinary person, it would take about three months. However, if adventurers were to walk without rest, I believe it could be done in one month.”
“That seems reasonable. It might even be closer than I expected. By the way, has the news about the Kin of Twilight reached the Imperial Capital?”
“I confirmed with the Grand Master, and it seems that the information has already reached the Emperor from His Majesty the King. They have expressed interest in hearing from Geshura, but since the necessary information has been conveyed, they are not in a hurry.”
“Just as His Majesty said. Then we shall take our time heading to the Empire.”
“Does that mean we will be entering dungeons along the way, Lord Soushi?”
“Considering our future, we need to increase our Skills as much as possible.”
The northern Aldebaron Empire, I had heard, was frequently besieged by the Kin of Twilight. Thanks to my Bad Luck—no, I should say Divine Fortune—no, Bad Luck is fine… we would undoubtedly encounter them. Given the unknown strength of their king, Rendurm, we had to relentlessly pursue strength.