My head hurts… I never imagined Yamato would show his manaless form, even with His Majesty Reinhardt’s permission. Yamato, who’s already impossibly strong, becoming even stronger… I don’t think he’s just an Ancient Class anymore.
Since Yamato, an Ancient Human, declared himself so openly before the public, the nobles are in an uproar. It’s understandable, as it’s become clear the Ancient Humans will definitely be on our side.
“As you all understand, this sudden abdication is also in preparation for the war with Retisencia. As I am a crafter, I know nothing of warfare. Therefore, Reinhardt, who is also a High Hunter, will undoubtedly be more beneficial to the country.”
Emperor Iver says this, but his true motive is to fully enjoy his carefree crafter lifestyle. However, it’s also true that Emperor Iver is inept at war, so I can’t entirely disagree. Well, even if he’s inept, he’s still a king, so he can fight, you know? It’s just that Emperor Reinhardt, as a Hunter, is more suited and superior in that regard.
“Now, we will resume the ceremony, but before that, I wish to profoundly apologize to the gathered noble families and ambassadors from various countries.”
Having inherited the throne, Reinhardt will now lead the proceedings. He’s quite fluent, but perhaps Reinhardt was the only one who was told about this possibility?
Ah, ambassadors. Not just the ambassador from Retisencia, but also ambassadors from friendly nations have been invited. Though, “friendly nations” means all countries except Solemne and Abaricia. The ambassador from Valentia is also here, and he was in complete shock when Prim entered the Audience Chamber, so he must know about Prim. They would normally want to inform their home countries quickly, but as guests invited to the ceremony, such rude behavior is impossible. Moreover, they’d be curious about why Prim appeared, so they can’t move until the ceremony is over. If they hear the emperors’ plans, they’ll likely decline the buffet party.
The ambassador from Valentia is equally surprised. This is likely due to Lydia and Ludia entering with the Wing Crest. I’ll have to explain everything thoroughly later, including their engagement to Yamato.
“Just now, my father informed everyone of the merits of the Wing Crest, the Holy Grave, and the Orders. Though we were interrupted, the next step is the awarding of commendations. Originally, my father was to award them, but I have unexpectedly inherited the throne. Therefore, I will present them.”
It was sudden, but the awarding of commendations is something the Emperor does, so it’s only natural that Reinhardt, having inherited the throne, will do it.
“Rex Fallheight, Associate Order’s Master of the Feel Branch.”
“Yes!”
“Your achievements in the recent Alliance are truly befitting a hero. Without your command and your valiant efforts, it is not hard to imagine that Feel, and indeed Amister, would have suffered immense damage. Therefore, I wish to bestow upon you, a hero, the title of Heavenly Wing Knight, and honor you.”
“This is an honor beyond my deserving, but I humbly accept.”
Rex receiving the title of Heavenly Wing Knight was decided from the start. After all, he led the Alliance that attacked a settlement where even Demise Species were present, and he endured the Orc Queen’s attacks head-on. No Grand Order’s Master possesses such achievements, so it is only natural that Rex receives the title of Heavenly Wing Knight.
“Iris Servant, Order of the Feel Branch.”
“Yes!”
“You, too, as the strongest Order of Feel, supported Rex, fought head-on with the Orc Queen, and impressively landed the finishing blow. A remarkable achievement, worthy of the name ‘Strongest Order of Feel.’ Therefore, I bestow upon you a Knightly Title. I entrust the people of Feel to your care from now on.”
“I humbly accept.”
Iris receiving a Knightly Title was also on the predetermined course. She’s reached level 52, and it’s certain that even if Rex hadn’t beheaded her, Iris’s blow would have been the one that ended the Orc Queen. The claim that she delivered the finishing blow isn’t wrong.
“Furthermore, to commend your achievements, Iris, I appoint you as a P-rank Order.”
“Eh…? A P-rank?”
I didn’t hear about this. Iris is surprised too, so she definitely didn’t know. P-rank and above are Royal Orders or Order’s Masters. It’s generally understood that G-rank is the effective highest rank for Orders, but this acknowledges something above it?
“That’s right. P-rank Orders are bestowed upon Royal Orders or Associate Order’s Masters. However, your achievements are insufficient for G-rank. Yet, I understand the circumstances that prevent you from becoming a Royal Order. Therefore, with your recent accomplishments, I wish to reward your merit by appointing you as a P-rank Order.”
I suppose that’s fair. The reason Iris refused the position of Royal Order is because her spouse is the Butler’s Master of Feel. Even the Crafter’s Guild and Healer’s Guild, whose headquarters are in Amister, would find it difficult, but if the Butler’s Guild, with its headquarters in Torencia, is involved, it would be difficult and time-consuming even for the king. So, it’s unavoidable that Iris declined, but refusing a Royal Order position is still unusual. However, Iris, who participated in an Alliance involving multiple Demise Species, survived, and even reached level 52, would be a loss to the country if kept at the de facto highest rank of G-rank. While the Demise Species cannot be publicly disclosed, the fact that she delivered the finishing blow to the Catastrophe Species Orc Queen is undeniable. Therefore, by appointing her P-rank as an Order equivalent to a Royal Order, even if not officially one, it acknowledges Iris’s abilities and rewards her merit.
“This… this is an honor far beyond my humble self! I humbly accept the appointment as P-rank Order!”
Besides, if the Butler’s Master of Feel retires, she and her husband might be able to come to the Royal Capital, and then she could officially be appointed a Royal Order. Come to think of it, that might be the real goal.
“Very well. Next, the three Escort Orders who participated in the Alliance: Muse Couvert, the Order’s Guild Headquarters; Riala; and Dart.”
” ” ” Yes! ” ” ”
“You were dispatched to Valentia as Yuri’s guards, and arrived in Feel. However, upon learning that an Alliance had been formed, you volunteered and participated. It is not hard to imagine that without your volunteering, participants would have been sacrificed, and the worst-case scenario could have occurred. Your courageous decision truly saved the country. In response to your honor and loyalty, I shall reward your merits.”
Indeed, if Muse and the others hadn’t participated, the Alliance would have been much more difficult. Muse reportedly focused on support due to her injury, but Riala and Dart are said to have attacked the Orc Queen with well-synchronized coordination, steadily inflicting damage, so their merits are ample.
“Muse Couvert, you are already a G-rank Order, but to reward your merits, I appoint you as a P-rank Order, just like Iris. Furthermore, I grant your long-standing request to be transferred to the Feel Branch.”
Baron Traihit’s issue has been resolved, and more importantly, his eldest son, the heir, is present and has already acknowledged the engagement between Rex and Rosemary. So, a transfer to Feel is the best reward.
Riala and Dart have also received Knightly Titles and become G-rank Orders. Since they are nearing level 40, they might be appointed Royal Orders in the not-too-distant future. However, for both of them, being promoted to G-rank means they are now permitted to use their family names, so marriage will likely come first.
“Furthermore, the S-rank Orders of Feel who participated in the Alliance, and the Escort Order Chris Edelstein, who remained in Feel to solidify its defenses, will also be granted Knightly Titles. This is normally unheard of, but the recent Alliance was of such great significance. The achievement of defeating P-C Rank Monsters with only thirteen individuals is immeasurable. Without any one of them, this great feat would not have been possible. Therefore, I believe they are more than sufficiently deserving of Knightly Titles.”
Knightly Titles for the other three and Chris as well. It’s truly a lavish giveaway. It’s understandable, and some might even say it’s not enough, but I heard that their reward money will be increased, so Gram, who is currently under disciplinary action, will surely be pleased.
“In addition, those in the Feel Branch Orders who did not participate in the Alliance but defended Feel, and the Escort Orders who offered their cooperation, will receive a monetary reward.”
A monetary reward for the Feel Branch Orders too, not just the Escort Orders? They’re being quite generous. I assume it’s only a few gold coins per person, but that still amounts to a considerable sum. And it includes the normal Orders, which is unthinkable for a regular Alliance.
“The rewards for the Feel Branch will be received by you, Rex, as their representative.”
“Yes. I humbly accept it on your behalf. Upon returning to Feel, the three participants of the Alliance will be formally promoted.”
The promotion procedures must be handled by the Order’s Master, after all.
“And the Escort Orders will be received by you, Muse, as their representative.”
“Yes. After the ceremony, I will present them on behalf of His Majesty.”
Since they are present here, that’s how it will be.
“Very well. Next are the rewards for the Hunters who participated in the Alliance. The Holy Grave is not present here, but their achievements are no less than those of the Orders. Therefore, we are considering reward money and Knightly Titles.”
The Holy Grave is in charge of Feel’s defense, so they are not here. Originally, it was H.R.H. Manalease who asked them, lamenting the current lack of Hunters in Feel, but this Alliance, with the appearance of Demise Species, was an unprecedented event. Yamato and Prim vanquished the Demise Species, but the state of the ecosystem in the Mylight Mountains is unknown. Since the Wing Crest is going to Float, the Holy Grave cannot leave Feel. However, the Holy Grave also deserves commendations, which is why it is clearly stated here.
“Finally… the commendations for the Wing Crest, Yamato Hydrangea Mikami, and Primrose Hydrangea Mikami.”
There was a pause, likely because His Majesty Reinhardt is also having a difficult time. After all, they have to present achievements that are several ranks below their actual accomplishments. While the rewards themselves are based on their true achievements, it’s doubtful if they are sufficient. Even if they themselves are satisfied, it must be a problem for His Majesty.
“Yamato Hydrangea Mikami and Primrose Hydrangea Mikami, as you are husband and wife, you requested rewards that would be useful to both of you. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“It is correct, Your Majesty.”
Yamato looks so nervous. He was just putting on a show for the ambassador of Retisencia, and he seems like a completely different person. Prim, on the other hand, looks quite used to it. After all, she was a Duke’s daughter, even if only formerly.
“Indeed. Yamato, for not only defeating the Orc King but also numerous other An and Catastrophe Species, and for saving Feel from Retisencia’s grasp, I bestow upon you the title of Heavenly Wing Knight. Furthermore, considering you are an Ancient Human, I officially appoint you as an O-rank Order.”
“I… I humbly accept.”
He almost stumbled. It would have been funny if he had, but I admit I lack the confidence to suppress my laughter if that happened, so perhaps I should be grateful? However, murmurs of surprise rise from the nobles and ambassadors. They might have considered registering him as an Outside Order, but becoming an O-rank Order while also being a Heavenly Wing Knight was apparently unexpected. The ambassador from Valentia’s mouth is agape. Even as an ambassador from another country, they would have no objection if they were executed for disrupting the ceremony, so they are clearly struggling to hold back.
“Furthermore, I approve of your engagement to my younger sisters, the Second Princess Manalease and the Third Princess Yuriana. It is also their wish, so please make them happy.”
This is the biggest uproar of the day. Some nobles are even screaming. Even considering their achievements in saving Feel and defeating countless An and Catastrophe Species, the publicly announced merits belong only to Yamato and Prim. Their individual subjugations are kept secret, so it’s understandable that they don’t see it as enough merit to marry two princesses.
However, their true achievements are still questionable as to whether they are enough. Although it’s framed as the wish of Mana-sama and Yuri-sama, it is true, and marriage is prioritized by the individual’s will. Therefore, if they have consented to marry Yamato, it means it is their true intention. So, no matter how much the nobles cry, wail, or scream, there’s no changing this outcome.
“Furthermore, while this is slightly different from a commendation, Yamato has also been engaged to Marchioness Frederica Amatista of our country, Miss Meena, daughter of Dianos Fallheight, Associate Order’s Master; Miss Flam, a girl from Prada Village; and the twin daughters of Lord Freyus Haiwind, a Dragon Lord of Valentia, Miss Lydia and Miss Ludia.”
Wait, Your Majesty, are you revealing our engagements here?! Well, if you do, then strange people won’t approach us at the buff party later, but we’re still in the middle of awarding commendations, so couldn’t this have waited a bit longer?! The ambassador from Valentia is smiling so broadly!
“Furthermore, as you are likely already aware, Yamato is married to Primrose of the United Kingdom of Valentia. You, the ambassador of Valentia, know best who she is, do you not?”
Ah, so this was a preamble to make Prim’s identity known. Yamato has already been appointed an O-rank Order, and his engagements to Mana-sama, Yuri-sama, and us have been announced. If you answer carelessly, Amister, not to mention Valentia, might make a move. Now, I wonder how the ambassador from Valentia will answer?
“Of course. The daughter of Duke Hydrangea, who was executed for treason. She is the first Winged Tribe member in the history of the Valentian Beast King family, and the Crimson Wing Princess, whom not a single Valentian High Class could defeat when they challenged her for marriage.”
This epithet is new to me. Prim also has a surprised look, which means it was something called out behind her back, perhaps?
“I have heard the same. However, my sisters and I do not believe Duke Hydrangea was a traitor, nor do we believe it. That is precisely why Prime, and her mother, Madam Apricot, were accepted.”
Mana-sama and Yuri-sama, who actually visited the Beast King in Centro, the central government of Valentia, were informed of the evidence of Duke Hydrangea’s treason, as well as Prim’s death. The fact that Prim is alive and married to an O-rank Order must be news to Valentia.
“Could it be… could it be that the New King intends to wage war with Valentia?”
The ambassador from Valentia asks with a trembling voice. Normally, it would be understandable to interpret it that way, but neither His Majesty nor we have such intentions.
“No, that is not our intention. To begin with, Yamato and Primrose were married as a result of mutual recognition, attraction, and Yamato’s victory over Primrose. There is no national intention behind it. To start a war for such a reason would be to invite our own destruction.”
Yamato frowns, but his words are persuasive, so you’ll have to endure it. However, the atmosphere has relaxed, and the ambassador from Valentia seems a little reassured, so we can continue.
“What we are wary of is not the Beast King, but those who oppose him. As the ambassador of Valentia, you must know who that is, no?”
“…I see. Indeed, if that is the case, war with our country will not occur unless His Majesty the Beast King makes a mistake.”
Although the name wasn’t mentioned, as expected of someone appointed as ambassador by various countries, the ambassadors from other nations understood who it was referring to.
“At the very least, Amister will not declare war on Valentia unless absolutely necessary.”
The worst-case scenario is the Beast King being defeated by Leona, but Solemne could also become involved, so it’s impossible to say for sure. The ambassador from Valentia seems to understand this, as they don’t seem to intend to inquire further.
“Understood. I will definitely convey the will of His Majesty the New King, as well as the survival and marriage of Primrose-sama, to His Majesty the Beast King. Including the fact that her spouse is an O-rank Order of Amister.”
His Majesty Reinhardt nods at the ambassador from Valentia’s declaration. With this, Valentia will also be unable to make any rash moves. Especially since Leona might believe Prim is dead.
“Finally, I wish to grant Yamato the epithet ‘Heavenly Wing Knight’ and Primrose the epithet ‘Crimson Wing Knight.’ These are not titles, and I have heard that there are Hunters called Knights in other countries, so there should be no problem for Primrose to use it.”
I’ve never heard of Hunters called Knights in other countries before. However, His Majesty Reinhardt is a High Hunter, and he is close with Trial Hearts, who are top Raiders in Amister, so it’s not strange to hear such rumors.
At any rate, with this, the turbulent award ceremony will conclude, and next is the buffet party. It’s unlikely that many nobles will approach Yamato, who is already married to Prim and has announced his engagements to Mana-sama and Yuri-sama, but more will likely flock to Raus. His level hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s easily discoverable that he’s a B-rank Hunter, so I should be cautious as well.
