Becoming a Noble
During a cozy family meal—the first in a long time—a voice boomed from the front yard.
"Hound Egil! Respond to the summons of the Imperial Court!"
Rosel gasped in surprise and turned to me. "Did something happen? Did you do something wrong?"
"He's probably being summoned to the Imperial Palace to be rewarded for subjugating the Demonic Human," Fenrir said, surprisingly calm. I had expected him to make the biggest fuss out of anyone.
"I didn't think they'd arrive so soon, but it seems the schedule was moved up. I should head out."
"Be careful, alright? It's the Imperial Court, after all," Rosel nagged gently.
"There's no need to worry about Hound. From what I've heard from my contacts, he's become quite the celebrity."
"You should worry a little more!"
"Ahem..."
It felt like watching a sitcom. The warm, cozy atmosphere brought a natural, fond smile to my face.
"When I return, I probably won't just be Hound Egil anymore. It'll be Hound Egil 'Something-or-Other'."
"Are you planning on receiving a title?"
"Of course. I subjugated a Demonic Human; I deserve at least that much."
"The path to success is wide open for our son! I am so proud of you!" Fenrir boomed.
"No need to see me off, please finish your meal. I'll be back before you know it."
I stood up and walked out the door. Parked right in front of our house was a carriage emblazoned with the golden lion crest of the Imperial family.
"Are you Hound Egil? Get in."
"Yes, I'll get in right away."
Looking closely, they had even sent escort knights. I slid open the carriage window and asked one of them.
"How long will it take to get there?"
"Less than a day. We will be traveling without rest."
As expected, this was on a completely different level from ordinary carriages. I had assumed it would take at least a full day.
Still, these plush seats and the cozy interior... it was truly fit for royalty. I opened the window to catch a breeze, only to find the villagers' eyes glued to the carriage.
"Did someone from the Imperial family visit our village?"
"The Lord didn't say anything about this, did he?"
"Isn't that Fenrir's house? What on earth is going on...?"
The villagers watched with anxious eyes. Don't worry, folks. I'm just heading to the Imperial Palace to get promoted and secure my future.
I had barely spent any time at my family home before being whisked right back to the Imperial Capital. Strangely, the air here felt more familiar and comfortable to me now.
"Hound Egil? Step down. We have arrived."
As I stepped out of the carriage, knights in pristine uniforms stood in a perfectly aligned, rigid formation.
Whoa, talk about an intense welcome.
But it made sense. The academy's top prospect had just subjugated a Demonic Human, so they had to roll out the red carpet. Matching their solemnity, I held my chin high and marched into the Imperial Palace.
"Are you Lord Hound Egil? I am the Prime Minister of the Empire, Eric Barenberg."
"Yes, that is correct. It is an honor to meet you, Prime Minister."
His greeting was perfectly formal, and his humble attitude showed no hint of looking down on me despite my commoner status. I could feel the depth of his refinement. I like this guy already...!
"I shall guide you to the audience chamber. Are you familiar with Imperial etiquette?"
"I know the standard knight's salute, but..."
"That will suffice. His Imperial Majesty is generous enough to overlook minor details."
It wasn't like the Emperor would fly into a rage just because a commoner messed up a bow. Still, the Prime Minister was likely warning me just in case. I followed him through the palace corridors. Golden lions carved into the walls, plush red carpets, countless noble servants, and high-ranking aristocrats milling about... It certainly lived up to its name.
"We have arrived."
Before us stood the massive, imposing doors of the audience chamber, emblazoned with a grand lion crest. The knights guarding the entrance stood like stone statues, their expressions completely frozen. Now that's what I call chivalry.
"Your Majesty! Prime Minister Eric Barenberg has brought Hound Egil."
"Let him enter."
The knights on either side pulled open the heavy doors. Seated upon the throne was the Emperor, a middle-aged man who looked older than I had anticipated. Given the Crown Prince's youth, I had assumed the Emperor would be younger. Flanking the throne room were rows of high-ranking nobles belonging to the Imperial faction. I walked to the foot of the throne and knelt on one knee.
"I greet the Sun of the Empire, His Imperial Majesty Henry Elois."
"Welcome, Hound Egil. Having highly valued your achievements in subjugating the Demonic Human, I personally sent an invitation to bestow a reward upon you."
"I am deeply moved that Your Majesty would not only invite me but also grant me a reward. It is a supreme honor."
The Emperor smiled warmly and asked, "Indeed. I am already aware that you desire a noble title. However, that is merely granting the petitions of other nobles. Is there anything else you wish for? I can bestow gold and treasures upon you."
Gold and treasures? Am I about to get filthy rich? But in a place like this, it was better to play the humble card. My goal wasn't money; it was honor.
"I have absolutely no greed for material wealth, Your Majesty. For a knight, honor is the only thing that matters."
Hearing my response, the Emperor beamed. "Is that so? Then what is it that you desire? If it is a reasonable request within my power, I shall grant it."
"...I desire the Knight's Honorary Medal."
The Knight's Honorary Medal. It was the highest honor, bestowed only upon knights who had successfully neutralized Contamination. With this alone, even a commoner would be treated on par with high nobility.
"The Knight's Honorary Medal... Very well. I shall personally bestow the medal upon you."
At the Emperor's decision, the surrounding high nobles began to protest.
"Your Majesty, forgive my insolence, but to grant him both a noble title and the Honorary Medal! Surely the Cross of Five Honors would suffice!"
"Indeed, Your Majesty! Has the Honorary Medal not always been reserved for Sword Masters?"
The backlash from the high nobility was quite intense. It was best not to speak out of turn. I kept my head bowed and remained silent.
"Are you daring to oppose my decision?" the Emperor's voice boomed. "He is a man who has reached the 6-Star rank at a young age, possessing the talent of a Sword Master. A mere academy student has subjugated a Demonic Human—there is nothing more to be said. Furthermore, as the top prospect of Estrada Academy, he would have earned such a medal eventually anyway."
"But, Your Majesty...!"
"Enough. Do not make me waste my breath any further."
At the Emperor's stern command, the high nobles fell silent. With that kind of overwhelming authority, it was no wonder they shut up... Even I felt a slight shiver run down my spine.
"Yes, Hound Egil. I hereby bestow upon you the title of Viscount, along with the Knight's Honorary Medal. While I cannot grant you a territory of your own just yet, I shall personally bestow a surname upon you."
"I am deeply honored, Your Majesty."
"Hmm... Let us see. Yes. From this day forward, your name shall be Hound Egil Yohanes. I look forward to your service, Viscount Yohanes."
"Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty!"
"Indeed. I am so excited for your future that I fear I won't be able to sleep. I expect great things from you, Viscount Yohanes, who possesses the qualities of a Sword Master."
"I shall do my utmost to live up to your expectations, Your Majesty."
Is hereby bestowed the title of
Along with the Knight's Honorary Medal, for exceptional valor in neutralizing the Demonic Human threat.
The Prime Minister stepped forward and pinned the Knight's Honorary Medal to my chest. With this, I had officially secured the medal, along with the title of Viscount and the surname Yohanes. I wanted to burst into a hearty laugh right then and there... but doing that in the audience chamber would definitely get me executed. Still, Yohanes. It sounded cool, but also a bit strange. Maybe because my name was Hound Egil. If it were just Hound Yohanes, it would be fine, but Hound Egil Yohanes?
It's all because my parents fought over my name, resulting in the mashup of Hound and Egil. That's the real problem here.
Guided by the Prime Minister, I exited the audience chamber, only to find Line waiting for me.
"How did it go? Did you become Hound Egil 'Something-or-Other'?"
"I received the Honorary Medal and the title of Viscount. His Majesty personally bestowed a surname upon me. I am now Viscount Hound Egil Yohanes."
"The name is a bit long and weird... but who cares? I look forward to working with you, Lord Viscount."
I took Line's outstretched hand.
"Hearing a lady of a ducal house call me 'Lord Viscount' feels rather surreal."
"Hehe, you'd better get used to it."
"By the way, did you have business at the palace?"
"Yes, it's about the annulment of my engagement. It's not completely finalized yet."
Was the annulment process always this lengthy? Ah, was that why the Crown Prince didn't show up during the Demonic Human incident? Because of the annulment proceedings?
"The annulment is going smoothly, right?"
"Of course. Though I keep getting summoned because there's so much paperwork to handle. I have to go now. It's a shame our meeting was so brief."
"I feel the same. Especially since there are still two months left before the academy term starts."
"I don't think we'll be able to see each other often for a while. I'm going to be very busy with alchemy. I'll send you an invitation to the duchy sometime, so make sure to visit."
"I shall look forward to it, Lady Line."
With those final words, Line turned and walked away.
Time to head back.
As I exited the palace under the escort of the knights, Duke Edelian, Duke Estupina, and Duke Arcadia were waiting for me.
"Are you Hound Egil?!"
"I am now Viscount Hound Egil Yohanes."
Duke Edelian's brow furrowed as his eyes fell upon the medal pinned to my chest.
"To receive both a noble title and the Honorary Medal..."
While Duke Edelian was lost in thought, Duke Estupina grabbed my hands.
"Sir Yohanes, won't you please join our family as our exclusive knight? You seem quite close with my daughter. I am even open to arranging a marriage between you two."
"Are you trying to steal a march on us?! Sir Yohanes, the Edelian family has a second daughter. Please, come to the Edelian Duchy..."
"Sir Yohanes, we in Arcadia need a knight like you. If necessary, my daughter..."
"Ahem! Arcadia is a prestigious family of mages! Why on earth would you need a knight?!"
The Dukes were bickering like dogs, completely throwing away their dignity. Is this what those political debates on the news feel like?
But it wasn't entirely incomprehensible. I had reached the 6-Star rank at a young age and even subjugated a Demonic Human. Naturally, they would want to recruit such a talented knight into their respective families.
"I am deeply grateful for your generous offers, but I wish to focus on my personal growth for the time being."
"Leave that to us! Surely you know that the Edelian family is renowned for its swordsmanship?"
"I heard rumors that you are aiming to become a Magic Swordsman. The Arcadia family will fully support you. What do you say?!"
"The Estupina family will provide you with rare elixirs and secret medicines to boost your physical energy, completely free of charge!"
"..."
The Dukes' obsession was intense. It was beyond overwhelming; it was becoming downright uncomfortable. I offered an awkward smile and bowed. I wanted to get out of here as fast as possible.
"I am sorry, but I cannot accept any of your offers. I am already the exclusive knight of Lady Merian."
Right at that moment...
"Well said. Father, did you hear that?"
Mikaris and Marquis Merian made their entrance.
"Indeed. Our Mikaris has reeled in quite a catch. Excellent job, Mikaris."
"..."
Marquis Dinlite Merian. I didn't like this guy. He was the bastard who had raised Mikaris like a mere doll, committing acts that bordered on domestic abuse.
Noticing my sour expression, Mikaris gently tugged on my wrist.
"Shall we head back?"
"Yes, my lady."
Led by Mikaris, I boarded the Marquisate's carriage. It seemed the Marquis had taken a separate carriage, likely wanting to give his daughter and me some space to bond.
"You kept your promise."
"Of course. I never make promises I cannot keep."
"Now, our official engagement will proceed. You will belong to me forever."
"You know, I'm a pretty popular guy..."
"...What is that supposed to mean?"
A shiver ran down my spine at Mikaris's icy tone. A cold sensation wrapped around my neck and spread down to my shoulders. I was just teasing, but I am definitely never doing that again.
"It doesn't mean anything. I was just acknowledging how capable my Mika is for snagging such a popular guy."
"Hmph, as you should."
With a satisfied smile from Mikaris, the carriage rolled toward my family home to officially begin the engagement proceedings... Well, I guess I've been completely bound now.