Chapter 85
Chapter 85
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: Can I See It Again?
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The two old men were visibly flustered.
It was only natural. Refusing a noble title from a noble was utterly absurd by common sense.
"Is there a reason for this?"
"Of course there is."
Just looking at what had happened to me so far, no other profession would even be possible.
I couldn't even become a hunter because of it.
All sorts of bizarre incidents had kept blocking my hunts.
"Are there any nobles among the priests?"
Aluerd shook his head vigorously.
"None."
"An imperial title isn't something you get easily, you know. Just having one will make your life much easier."
"That's exactly the problem."
The grandmother goddess possessing me wouldn't even need to permit or forbid it.
Living a comfortable life as a shaman?
How could I properly fulfill my role as a shaman like that?
"The spirits I comfort from above... most of them have tragic stories."
"Hm?"
"They're mostly commoners. They usually carry worries, regrets, or unresolved grudges."
"Is there a strong connection between that and not becoming a noble?"
Of course there was—more than enough.
"For example, think about soothing the souls of elders who starved to death..."
"..."
"...would my words hold any sway if I'm living well-fed and comfortably? They'd just scoff."
Would someone who died of hunger listen to comfort from someone living luxuriously?
To them, even consolation would feel like hypocrisy.
"And since most spirits are commoners, if I became a noble, would they even dare approach me?"
Just looking at the spirits I'd met so far, commoners overwhelmingly outnumbered the rest.
Only occasionally a knight's soul.
On a continent teeming with people, it was natural for commoner spirits to outnumber nobles.
In other words, my main clients were poor commoners.
"I'd lose my livelihood, wouldn't I?"
What kind of shaman can't even offer comfort?
A fraud, that's what.
"...I see."
"Well, now..."
The old men nodded as if they understood, while Aluerd stood by with a shocked expression.
"What are you standing around for?"
"Well..."
"You lot abolished your own house and kept only the name, didn't you?"
Horror filled Aluerd's face.
Splat—
"You're saying all humans are equal before the gods."
"Good grief..."
I felt it every time, but the guy really lacked book smarts.
"Anyway, even if I wanted to, it's impossible. They wouldn't allow it..."
"The goddess you serve?"
"Yes."
Parmon eyed me and the knights thoughtfully, his face deep in contemplation.
"Truth be told, it's a rather complicated matter. Refusing a title bestowed by His Majesty isn't a trifling thing."
As the old man said, the man standing under the flag looked unwell.
His face was pale as a ghost.
His hands trembled.
If he failed his mission, it would spell big trouble for him.
And sure enough, signs of villainy slaughter and inhuman slaughter were already creeping in.
"Inhuman slaughter, huh... If we send him off like this, he'll end up run through by a sword."
Should I call it punishment for failing orders?
It was a pitiful situation.
No choice but to concoct a suitable excuse...
"Here, hand it over."
"...?"
"You said you're granting a title."
There was a high chance he wouldn't receive it, but if he did, wouldn't that be great?
It was an edict from the emperor himself—surely at least a barony.
His Majesty's face was at stake; they wouldn't send someone off with a mere knightage.
Ahem, I am Viscount Alain, dispatched by His Majesty's decree.
His attitude was oddly formal.
I supposed he was showing respect since I was technically about to receive a noble title myself.
"It is an honor to meet Lord Closel and Lord Parmon."
The viscount bowed politely to the old men.
But their expressions were peculiar.
Like they were looking at a junior in for a rough time.
Parmon broached the subject subtly.
"Being a viscount must be tough. Our sympathies."
"It's for the Empire! Compared to your achievements, mine is but dust."
"That's not quite what I meant... I'm not sure if a viscount can handle it."
The viscount, who had looked puzzled for a moment, turned his gaze to me.
"Do you intend to receive His Majesty's decree while carrying a child on your back? That would be quite rude."
His tone was scolding, but laced with goodwill.
He seemed to be kindly warning a commoner like me out of consideration.
Quite polite, in his own way.
At that moment, Aluerd stepped forward confidently.
"I am Aluerd, affiliated with the Church."
"I have heard of your renown."
"The lady currently on Lord Chris's back is the Saintess of our time."
"S-Saintess...? You truly mean a saintess?"
"She does not wish to be set down."
The viscount rolled his eyes.
He looked utterly flustered, caught off guard.
"Proceed as is. This is not for you to bear."
"Thank you, Lord Parmon! Though unprecedented, I'll let it slide this once."
Soon after, a booming voice erupted from Viscount Alain.
"Chris, show proper respect before His Majesty's edict!"
"...?"
I couldn't comply with the viscount's command.
I didn't know noble etiquette.
Kneel on one knee like a knight?
Parmon spoke up casually.
"Kneel on one knee and raise your right arm to your chest."
"Thanks."
As I moved to follow the old man's instructions and kneel, Serena gently grabbed my arm.
"No need."
"Huh?"
But they said to show respect?
Serena smiled sweetly at me, but her face turned icy as she faced the viscount.
"How dare someone interfere with His Majesty's grace...?"
The viscount, mid-shout, clamped his mouth shut.
It was because of Serena's introduction.
"I'm Serena, a high elf."
"H-High elf...?"
"Chris is the benefactor of the elves. He's tied to our race's honor. He's not someone who kneels anywhere."
I swear, I'd never heard Serena speak so much to anyone else.
And look at that expression.
Stubborn, utterly unyielding.
"Even so, Chris is still one of His Majesty's subjects..."
The viscount's words were cut off again this time.
"If you need proof, I'll send an elven envoy right now in the name of the elves."
"An envoy, you say...?"
"Viscount Alain, was it?"
The viscount's face paled at Serena's chilling gaze, which promised to remember him.
Anyone could tell her tone wasn't friendly.
The viscount began to waver.
Who knew a high elf carried such weight...
"Receiving His Majesty's edict without proper decorum is..."
Even I could see he was in a bind.
He was just doing his duty, but starting off with a saintess and a high elf?
The old men chuckled, clearly amused.
The helping hand came from Lord Closel.
"I'll vouch that it's no issue, so proceed. I'm dying to know what happens."
"Thank you!"
The viscount cleared his throat once more and pulled a scroll from his bosom.
That must have been the imperial edict.
It was splendidly adorned, made of precious materials, neatly tied with a knot.
Mana emanated from it—likely enchanted.
As the viscount tried to unfurl it, a groan escaped him.
"Wh-what's this...?"
The knot wouldn't come undone.
Rustle—
Rustle—
Sweat already beaded on the viscount's forehead.
I'd known this would happen.
More importantly, he shouldn't keep tugging at it...
Hnng...!
Thud—
The scroll slipped from the viscount's hand to the ground.
"It's started..."
The viscount panicked, staring at his suddenly limp arms.
It was akin to a divine illness.
Body unresponsive and aching, cause unknown.
"Your arms have no strength, right?"
"What in the world is happening?!"
"It's temporary. Once you get past this, nothing will happen. They might even add extra blessings out of apology."
"His... His Majesty's edict...!"
Murmur murmur—
Unease spread among the knights accompanying the viscount.
It looked bizarre to anyone watching.
"Someone come untie this quickly...! No! No one but me can touch it!"
"If you keep going, it'll be rough..."
The viscount's loyalty was impressive.
Even in that state, he strained to pick up the edict.
Of course, it was quite unfortunate.
Because Grandmother's gaze had turned that way.
She's a warm-hearted deity, so no long-term harm to his life, but it'd hurt for now.
Pssshhh—
At the sudden sound, everyone's eyes went to the ground.
Faint smoke rising with the noise.
It was clearly from the scroll.
"Smoke?! No! Someone grab the edict quick...!"
"Knew it would end like this."
Hunting was hard enough— no way something like that would fly.
Our grandmother preferred utmost frugality above all.
No wonder the offering fees were so modest.
"You should be able to move now, right?"
As I spoke, the viscount collapsed to the ground.
Swish—
Swish—
He frantically unrolled the edict.
But its contents were already charred black, illegible.
"...!"
Shiver shiver—
The viscount trembled pitifully.
Having burned an item bestowed by the emperor whole— who could blame him?
Lord Closel eyed the scroll with gleaming interest and spoke.
"Don't worry about this fellow. His Majesty will understand. I'll contact him separately."
"Please do."
"By the way..."
It had been ages since I'd seen that look in the old man's eyes.
Burning with magical scholarly zeal.
Clear, yet mad with curiosity.
The old man spoke.
"If you get another one, can I see it again?"