Ch.159Victory Keeps Me Busy #5

“Ah, umm…”

Watching Eve fidget nervously in front of the full-length mirror in the bedroom, I couldn’t help but find her adorable. Despite being slightly older than me, she was just like a child.

Perhaps it was the blue dress that accentuated her figure while minimizing exposure that made her uncomfortable, or maybe it was the thought of having to mingle with nobles…

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“Ah, no! I’m truly grateful! It’s just that I never imagined wearing something like this in my life, and it feels a bit awkward…”

“I’d prefer to let you wear something more comfortable, but given the occasion, I don’t have much choice. I’m sorry.”

When I apologized for something that didn’t require an apology, Eve became flustered and hurriedly bowed her head. Seeing her, I was glad I hadn’t made the dress with a long train, considering her small stature and unfamiliarity with formal attire. I could easily imagine her tripping over her own skirt at the royal banquet.

“You look cute. It suits you well.”

Helena also seemed pleased with Eve’s appearance, slightly raising the corner of her mouth. This was thanks to the groundwork I’d laid before gathering materials and help. Without that process, she might have glared at Eve with murderous intent.

Eve blushed at Helena’s compliment and expressed her gratitude, while Ellen, who was watching alongside us, made a few envious remarks. She seemed to be wondering what it would be like without the uniform Helena had provided.

If that were truly the case, she might have worked more diligently with the servants, but the circumstances were different, and Helena would likely have just given her a uniform and been done with it. That’s probably what Helena would have done.

“But why would His Majesty invite even us to the victory banquet? I don’t think there’s a need to invite us just to acknowledge our contributions.”

After thinking it was natural to be invited given our significant achievements, Ellen’s words made me reconsider. If the king merely wanted to acknowledge our contributions, a royal decree and some gifts would have sufficed. Why specifically invite us to see our faces? It did seem strange.

Perhaps he simply wanted to present the rewards in person, but if there was another motive, what could it be?

I pondered briefly, trying to find an answer, but soon stopped. Unless he was mad, he wouldn’t try to corner someone with such significant military achievements.

“Who knows. I can’t guess what the king is thinking, but I doubt it will be anything harmful. He was complimentary when we were at Count Solont’s territory.”

“True. He did seem friendly, perhaps because we were helpful in many ways. I guess I was worried for nothing.”

Ellen nodded in agreement with my words and laughed as if relieved. She probably thought she had worried unnecessarily, just as she said.

“Yes. Even if something does happen, it probably won’t be anything bad, but…”

Hmm.

Helena hummed softly, tapping her arm with her right finger while crossing her arms. Like me earlier, she seemed to be predicting what might happen at the palace.

The difference was that after a brief silence, unlike me, she reached a plausible conclusion.

“If it feels burdensome, deal with it firmly. Don’t worry about appearances. But don’t be too rude.”

“…Is that really okay? You’re part of the royal faction, Duchess.”

Ellen, who had a decent understanding of noble relations and power dynamics within the kingdom, widened her eyes in surprise. It was no small matter for the head of the royal faction to suggest openly opposing the king.

But Helena nodded without batting an eye and continued.

“Being in the royal faction doesn’t mean I have to blindly follow the king. On the contrary, to truly support him, I shouldn’t. Sometimes frank advice is necessary. Besides, would you go if ordered? Though I’d welcome having Jion all to myself.”

Giving direct advice to a king is truly dangerous, like putting one’s neck on the line. While this continent wasn’t quite that extreme, making the burden somewhat lighter, it still wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

Yet seeing her speak so casually about such counsel, it seemed she had already thought through the implications and made her resolve. Both Ellen and Eve seemed to realize this as well, quietly nodding in acceptance.

.

So we really came.

The dazzling, elaborate lighting. People in magnificent attire laughing and chatting joyfully all around. Large round tables placed throughout the hall, adorned with various dishes.

I inwardly sighed as I stepped into the royal banquet hall, acutely aware of my surroundings. Despite visiting annually, I couldn’t seem to get used to it.

“Are you alright? If you’re not feeling well, should we go in and rest first?”

Helena asked with a concerned expression, as if she had sensed my internal sigh. Ellen, following quietly behind like an attendant in her uniform, and Eve, dressed up in her gown, both widened their eyes in surprise.

As much as I wanted to do that, leaving right after arriving seemed inappropriate. Moreover, it felt wrong to feign illness when I was perfectly healthy. And it would look odd for the ducal house to be absent from the victory celebration.

“I’m fine. Besides, it wouldn’t be right to leave without seeing His Majesty. Unless I were truly ill.”

“Well, that’s good to hear… but don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Thank you for your concern. But I’m really fine, so don’t worry about it.”

I answered firmly to reassure the women who were beginning to show signs of anxiety, and then greeted the nobles who recognized us and approached.

Afterward, I went to greet Luke, who was conversing with nobles from other factions, and the still quiet and dignified Alon. It was only natural to greet them, as they were the highest-ranking individuals after the king.

Then, following the order of rank, I exchanged greetings with marquises, counts, and various other nobles, shaking hands and catching up. Interestingly, perhaps because it hadn’t been long since the post-war cleanup, there was noticeable interaction across factional lines.

Perhaps it was due to the time spent fighting together against the Empire, a common enemy, risking their lives. While war typically brings more losses than gains, this aspect could be considered a benefit of the conflict. Previously, even when nobles interacted, there was always an underlying tension and stiffness.

“When the Duchess first brought in that fellow’s head, I was truly shocked! His name was… Helix, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, Count Helix.”

“Haha! I’m glad I remembered the name correctly.”

When someone took the lead in disparaging Helix, who had been one of their common enemies and threats, other nobles who had been quietly listening joined in with their own remarks. If Helix were alive to hear this, he would surely have wept in despair.

Amidst this, another noble brought up a rather weighty topic. It wasn’t the kind of subject one would expect at a joyous occasion, but it was an attitude nobles were expected to maintain, so no one gave disapproving looks.

“War is truly futile and bitter. Even in victory, wounds remain, which is most troublesome.”

“Well said. Sometimes when I go on inspections and hear mothers crying, my heart grows heavy. Even though our losses were minimal and we even received reparations, there’s no way to bring back the dead.”

Whether sincere or affected, their image management was impressive. I simply nodded silently. I neither had the ability to probe their true intentions, nor did I care to do so even if I could. I was already tired at the thought of how to handle the king’s arrival.

“His Majesty is entering.”

Fortunately or unfortunately, just before the solemn atmosphere could intensify further, the king entered the banquet hall with a seemingly good-natured smile, announced by an attendant. He was dressed appropriately for the banquet—splendid yet practical. It almost looked like a modified version of Helena’s uniform.

“I see all the heroes of this victory have gathered. Are you all enjoying yourselves?”

“We are humbled by your presence. It is all thanks to the grace Your Majesty has bestowed upon us.”

“Ho ho. What are you saying? Today’s victory was achieved because everyone fought and shed blood. Duke, you’re gilding my face too much.”

Surprisingly, Duke Calliwood took the lead with what seemed like flattery, to which the king responded with a hearty laugh and a dismissive wave. While outwardly modest, the smile on his face suggested he enjoyed the praise, even if it was obvious flattery.

“Anyway, you’ve all worked hard fighting in the war and tending to its wounds. I understand that time is needed for such matters, but my desire to celebrate our victory led me to advance the schedule somewhat. I ask for your forgiveness.”

“Forgiveness? What are you saying? On the contrary, we are overwhelmed by your consideration in giving us time for post-war recovery.”

This time, Luke bowed halfway with his hand on his chest in an exaggerated manner, delivering smooth flattery as if his tongue had been oiled. Other nobles also repeatedly expressed their gratitude in unison.

The king, looking quite pleased, walked over to Helena who was standing beside me.

“Everyone is gilding me so much that I might become arrogant. Do you think so too, Duchess?”

“Yes. I believe everyone is grateful for Your Majesty’s thoughtful consideration that victory in war is not entirely glorious. Of course, I feel the same. I only regret that my lack of eloquence allowed others to express their gratitude before me…”

“Ha ha ha! Even the Duchess speaks this way, so I feel my efforts were worthwhile!”

The king lightly patted Helena’s shoulder as she slightly bowed her head in flattery, then laughed heartily. Even knowing it was flattery, it was bound to be pleasing to hear, so I just accepted it as such.

As I raised my head after bowing alongside Helena, I met the king’s gaze as he looked in my direction. It was such an unexpected situation that I almost flinched.

“The Grand Duke also set an example by following the Duchess into danger, truly a model for all nobles. You’ve worked very hard.”

“It was all thanks to Your Majesty’s support, and that of the other nobles.”

“You mean that saying about how nothing can be accomplished without strong roots? I was so impressed that I still remember it.”

“I am honored.”

Though not much time had passed since I had spoken those words, I bowed my head as if honored that the king himself remembered them. Since everyone was exchanging pleasantries and maintaining a good atmosphere, I intended to follow suit. That was the path to quietly blending in without incident.

“Indeed. Speaking of which… I see those who distinguished themselves on the front lines have also attended. I’m truly grateful for your presence.”

The king smiled as he turned his attention to Ellen and Eve, who were standing behind me with their heads bowed. He used a slightly more condescending tone compared to how he addressed the nobles, but considering their status, it was natural behavior.

“Not at all. Rather, I am grateful for the grace that allows a savage like me to set foot in the palace banquet.”

“I-I too… feel I don’t deserve such high praise for my insignificant actions. I… thank Your Majesty for this honor.”

Ellen, experienced in dealing with various people in various situations, responded stiffly but composedly, while Eve, less experienced in social interactions, stammered slightly in her response. Neither response breached etiquette. If anything, Eve’s earnest attempt to be respectful appeared endearing.

Fortunately, the king seemed to think so too, or perhaps he was mindful of our dignity. Either way, he continued with a smile still on his face.

“Insignificant? I hear that without your help, capturing the emperor would not have been so easy.”

How modest.

The king chuckled as the two women bowed their heads in response. He seemed pleased with their humility.

Then, incredibly, he placed his hand directly on Ellen’s shoulder, making her raise her head. He did the same with Eve, encouraging eye contact, but it was particularly surprising to see the king touch a Dark Elf’s body.

Other nobles behind the king seemed to share my surprise, opening their mouths slightly or widening their eyes.

“Hmm. While Duchess Krauser says this war was a collective achievement, I’ve heard that you two particularly shone in your efforts. So I thought, inadequate as it may be, to bestow rewards upon you… would you accept them?”

“…Your grace is boundless.”

“I… am deeply honored.”

Ellen and Eve, not knowing what specific rewards the king intended to give, simply bowed their heads in acceptance. Refusing without even hearing the offer would truly be discourteous.

I wondered what the rewards would be. Standing beside Helena next to the king, I eagerly waited for those weighty lips to open.

“Good. First… Ellen, was it?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I wish to bestow upon you the title of knight in the name of the royal family. Ah, this doesn’t mean you must serve in the central knighthood like the Royal Knights… it’s more of an endorsement in the royal name. It might seem insignificant at first glance, but you’ll find it has many benefits as time goes on.”

When those lips finally opened, even more surprising content reached my ears. He was proposing to make a Dark Elf an officially recognized knight of the state. It was impossible not to be surprised.

Of course, nobles of each territory have the right to select and maintain their own knights. Even without royal recognition, they are still officially appointed knights. That’s common sense and law.

But knights appointed by the royal family naturally held a slightly higher status. Especially in a kingdom like Sotern, where the king’s power was not particularly weak.

“You’re… appointing me as a knight? Forgive my presumption, but I cannot use aura.”

“Of course, there is a minimum requirement of aura manipulation to become a knight. However, your demonstrated prowess was no less than that of any knight. In fact, didn’t you subdue even masters who freely manipulate aura? Therefore, you are more than qualified to be a knight.”

The king remained unwavering despite Ellen’s surprise. All his words, which might sound absurd at first glance, were sincere. Ellen was noticeably taken aback, but soon her eyes sparkled as if she had made up her mind.

“Though I am lacking, I will wholeheartedly accept the grace Your Majesty has bestowed upon me.”

In some ways, it might have seemed like she was merely receiving the title of knight, which could have been disappointing, but from my and Ellen’s perspective, it was nothing but fortunate. Without the constraints of roles or accompanying salary, we could accept it with peace of mind.

“Good. The formal investiture will take place in the afternoon a few days from now. And Eve Greenwood.”

“Y-yes…”

Eve stammered in response when her name was suddenly called, clearly flustered. She seemed unable to get used to the situation.

“I hear you are a mage. To reward someone like you, I thought of offering a position as a court magician… but it’s clear the Duchess wouldn’t let you go, so that’s not possible. Instead, I ask you to compile a list of items you desire. I will procure them for you as far as the budget allows.”

I had expected him to try binding at least one of them directly to the royal court by granting a title, but he seemed to be taking a step back in each case, which I found very appreciative. It was probably calculated consideration rather than simple kindness, but still.

“Ah… thank you for your consideration. I am honored.”

Since it was literally a material reward, Eve saw no reason to refuse and gratefully bowed her head.