Ch.354Awarding Ceremony (2)

“Then, take this and wait here.”

I handed Durandal to Leonore.

I hadn’t particularly cared until now, but apparently one shouldn’t carry a sword in front of the Emperor unless they’re an imperial guard knight. Especially at formal events like this.

Personally, I think it’s just meaningless formality.

Frankly speaking, if I wanted to kill Leopold, what difference would a sword make? One slap from me would be enough to make his head explode.

No, I wouldn’t even need to use my hands. Just concentrating my killing intent would cause him to die instantly from cardiac arrest.

Still, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

I left Leonore in the carriage and headed alone into the cathedral.

“That’s the one who…”

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, countless gazes focused on me, but unlike before, no one reacted with horror.

Ordinary people looked at me with expressions mixing admiration and awe, while the nobles’ eyes were filled with wariness and greed.

I suppose it’s like looking at a tamed dinosaur.

Considering how people used to treat me like a monster just for showing my face, this is a remarkable change.

At this rate, I should probably return the ring I received from Lacy.

—-

The cathedral was packed with people, leaving barely any room to step except for the red carpet laid out in the center.

The sky, as if celebrating today’s event, was clear to the point of transparency, and despite the arrival of autumn, the air was warm.

Sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows sparkled in rainbow colors, illuminating the interior of the cathedral. Majestic yet splendid.

“The Knight of Radiance, Hersella Aishan-Gioro de Median, Count, has arrived!”

The knight standing at the entrance of the hall announced my arrival.

His pronunciation slipped as he raised his voice, turning my name into the imperial style.

I walked confidently forward under the attention of the nobles.

Toward Leopold, visible in the distance.

Befitting the formal occasion, Leopold wore a magnificent ceremonial robe with a red ermine cape, just like the late Emperor Ferdinand.

Unlike Ferdinand, who had looked shabby due to his evident illness, Leopold appeared imposing and dignified.

The crown on his head reflected the sunlight like a halo, adding to his majesty.

…That is just the crown reflecting light, right?

[Look at him, next thing you know he’ll be emitting holy light from his forehead. It’s so bright I can barely see.]

Hersella, who never understood human hearts, giggled mockingly.

Just yesterday she was feeling sorry for him, so her sympathy lasted exactly one day.

Ignoring her derision, I headed toward the platform where Leopold stood.

Midway, I caught Lacy’s eye, who gave me a light smile and a nod.

A gaze full of goodwill. She looked proud of me for subjugating the Were Eater.

Arriving at the platform, I knelt on one knee and slightly bowed my head.

While keeping an eye on the reactions of the nobles gathered around Leopold.

Military officers who genuinely respected my strength and achievements, young nobles who couldn’t hide their jealousy of my exceptional rapid rise, and the faction of Lord Wien suppressing their hostility and dissatisfaction.

Truly a diverse array of faces.

“I consider it an honor to preside over this ceremony here at the Extrashafel Cathedral, watched over by the eleven great gods.”

With Leopold’s solemn words, the award ceremony finally began.

—-

As I had been told beforehand, there weren’t any particularly complicated procedures.

It was just endlessly long.

“—Having plotted the empire’s downfall through such evil deeds, the witch Isabella was subjugated after a fierce battle… Then, by eliminating the self-proclaimed Winter Wolf… bringing peace and security not only to the north but to the entire empire…”

Leopold wasn’t simply recounting my achievements; he was also detailing the evil deeds and dangers posed by the enemies I had vanquished.

The speech went on endlessly.

I wonder if everyone who reaches a high position becomes so talkative. The initial sense of solemnity had completely disappeared, replaced by growing boredom.

…When will this end?

“In recognition of these achievements, I wish to bestow the following rewards upon the Count of Median. Raise your head, Count.”

Ah, it seems we’re finally getting to the end.

Still kneeling, I slightly raised my head to look at Leopold.

His face was hard to see clearly because of the brightness.

“Count of Median. Rightful heir of the Great’s Twelve Knights and the empire’s strongest knight. Here in the Extrashafel Cathedral, watched over by the gods, as one who bears the bloodline of Carlos the Great, I ask you.”

Leopold opened his mouth.

“Do you, Haschal Median Aishan-Gioro, as my subject and a noble of Karl Las, swear not to turn away from the duties given to you and to offer unwavering loyalty to the master of the empire?”

What’s this?

He said he would give me a reward, but he’s making me swear loyalty.

Was this what he meant by just answering appropriately?

“…As long as Your Majesty does not forsake me, I will follow Your Majesty to the end.”

This might be somewhat disrespectful.

It essentially means I’ll be loyal as long as you don’t betray me first.

Leopold’s eyes twitched slightly, suggesting he hadn’t expected such an answer, but as expected, he made no comment.

After all, he himself had told me I could speak honestly. This much should be fine.

“I ask again, Knight of Radiance. Do you swear to take up your sword to destroy the enemies of the empire and devote your life to protecting humanity from calamity?”

“I swear.”

This oath was sincere.

That was precisely what I had to do, what I wanted to do.

Leopold nodded and raised his scepter high.

“Then, as the rightful Emperor of the Empire, Leopold Glanz Wittelsbach, I hereby declare that Median shall no longer be called a county!”

The magnificent jewel at the end of the scepter sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight.

“…This is the first reward I bestow. Will you accept it?”

“It is an honor.”

I nodded.

—-

Subsequently, as Hersella’s mother, Imelia, was posthumously elevated to the rank of marchioness, the House of Median was naturally promoted to a marquisate.

Originally, as descendants of the Great’s Twelve Knights, they would have become a marquisate someday even without special achievements. The honors just accelerated the process.

Marquis of Median…

It’s a grand name. Though it’s called a house, I’m the only member.

It’s actually quite funny when you think about it.

Since I’m the only member, I’m essentially the head of House Median, but due to age restrictions and imperial laws regarding title promotions, I’m officially still an heir rather than the head.

Formally becoming the head and assuming the title of marquis would take at least two years, they say? That’s quite a wait.

Not that I’m particularly bothered.

It’s already established that I’ll eventually become a marquis, and no noble would dare disrespect the Empire’s First Sword who practically made Leopold emperor by calling me “just a count.”

Even Lord Wien, though displeased, doesn’t dare say anything openly.

Besides the title, many other rewards were bestowed.

A vast territory about 70% the size of Landenburg, Isabella’s mansion, and a reward of 8,000 gold.

Additionally, it was officially announced that the Margrave of Landenburg, who had been my guardian, had named me as his heir.

“My goodness…! The heir to Landenburg?!”

This seemed to be news to many, as nobles who heard it couldn’t hide their shock.

“Is this acceptable, Lord Wien…? If the two domains were combined, the scale alone would…”

Some whispered to Lord Wien, concerned that too much power was being concentrated in one person.

They lowered their voices, but I could still hear everything.

“Hold your tongue and stop talking nonsense.”

The Duke, who must have already known about this, frowned and silenced the nobles approaching him.

Given Lord Wien’s personality, he’s probably fervently hoping I’ll die without leaving any heirs.

After all, if I die, both House Median and House Landenburg would essentially dissolve.

—-

After listing all the rewards to be bestowed upon me and their significance, Leopold finally began a lengthy speech wishing for the peace and security of the empire.

He spoke of how the imperial army had suffered great losses and how external threats were growing stronger, making it a time when nobles and commoners alike needed to unite against these challenges.

In short, he was asking nobles to cooperate with the imperial family and commoners to enlist in the imperial army.

Even such obvious rhetoric became a persuasive speech thanks to the cathedral’s atmosphere and Leopold’s charisma.

Whether it would be effective remained to be seen.

Setting aside the nobles, the commoners all seemed moved by his words… though emotion is typically a feeling that doesn’t last three days.

Leopold probably isn’t placing too much hope in it either.

With Leopold’s speech, the award ceremony that had lasted a full hour and a half approached its conclusion.

As the imperial musicians began playing the empire’s anthem, knights, soldiers, and noble men started singing along.

It was a familiar song, and after pondering where I’d heard it before, I realized it was the BGM that played when Isabella destroyed the empire.

Good grief.

The empire’s anthem being the overture announcing the empire’s destruction—there’s a limit to black humor.

Between Lacy’s full name and this, those developers really had a peculiar taste…