Chapter 234 New Age (4)

Chapter 234 New Age (4)

New Age (4)

Viscount.

A title that’s just above ordinary knights.

“What the...”

“A Viscount?!”

The nobles were shocked by the Prime Minister’s bombshell declaration.

It was understandable.

“This is unprecedented! To grant a hereditary title to a barbarian!”

A Viscount could pass down their title.

Not forever, but to their son and grandson.

In a way, it could be considered even better than an honorary baron, whose title only lasted for their lifetime.Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

‘I never expected to get a title when I wasn’t even aiming for the noble route.’

Honestly, I’m a bit dumbfounded.

In the game, you could become a noble by clearing quests related to dukes or higher and accumulating achievement points.

It was a route with as many disadvantages as advantages.

Although you were a noble, you were practically a vassal of the duke, so there were restrictions on gameplay.

But what about the restrictions in this case?

‘...But it’s the same for commoners and nobles, you can’t refuse if the King orders you to do something, so it’s practically nonexistent, right?’

Hmm, it seems like that’s the case...

That’s when the Prime Minister shouted,

“Everyone, be quiet!”

“But...”

“It’s His Majesty’s order.”

“.......”

The commotion, which I didn’t think would subside easily, died down at the single mention of the King’s order.

That was the weight of the King’s name in this country.

“I’ll inform you of the date of the title bestowal ceremony later.”

Anyway, that was the end of my reward.

The Prime Minister didn’t even ask if I would accept the title. He probably didn’t even consider that possibility.

Well, I wasn’t planning to refuse anyway.

This wasn’t just a game.

In other words, becoming a noble meant I could enjoy all sorts of conveniences, and it would also increase my gameplay options.

“Portyan Miliant of the Nartel Clan, please step forward!”

The process of announcing rewards based on the other explorers’ achievements continued for a while after my turn ended.

My companions also stepped forward one by one, and they all received decent rewards, although not as much as me.

To summarize:

Misha, Ainar, and the bear-like man could choose between a 10 million stone reward and a 5th-grade essence or equipment of similar value.

And Raven, the mage, requested the Prime Minister and received the qualification to learn royal magic instead of the usual reward.

Erwen received the biggest reward among my companions, a 4th-grade essence or an item of similar value.

It was because she was recognized as the second most deserving person in the battle against the Corpse Collector, and it also included compensation for Daria’s death.

Although she wasn’t present, it wasn’t a problem since the rewards would be given later.

“Mr. Yandel, so Erwen is still at the sanctuary?”

“I heard the funeral ended a while ago, but she must still be feeling complicated.”

“I see...”

Raven, who asked about Erwen’s well-being, trailed off. I asked if she had something to say to her, but she didn’t answer.

After some time...

“It’s a wonderful day. Everyone, please enjoy this occasion with the heroes of our new age!”

...the long reward ceremony ended, and the banquet began.

__________________

The banquet was held in two separate locations since there were so many people.

The grand hall where the reward ceremony took place, and the outdoor garden, which was now filled with all sorts of delicacies.

Most of the explorers chose to enjoy the banquet in the outdoor garden.

Because of the atmosphere.

The indoor hall was quiet and solemn, with elegant music playing.

Most of the nobles chose to stay there, so the explorers probably felt uncomfortable.

“Mr. Yandel, what are you going to do?”

“Of course we’re going outside.”

We also chose the outdoor garden.

“We could expand our connections if we stayed here.”

Since my viscount title was already confirmed, I didn’t need to be here today if connections were my goal.

I didn’t want this to be that kind of occasion.

“Yandel! Yandel is here!”

“What? Why are you here when you’re becoming a noble?”

“Hahaha! Yandel wouldn’t do that!”

The explorers greeted me enthusiastically as I appeared, perhaps feeling a sense of distance because of my upcoming noble title.

Phew, I’m glad I came.

No matter how I think about it, my connections with these guys feel more precious than the nobles.

“Everyone is looking at you, how about saying something? I’ve heard enough of it inside, but your words will sound different to them.”

Kyle, who came with me, spoke from the side.

Right, he’s saying to give a toast or something.

I contemplated for a moment, wondering what to say...

‘Let’s just be a barbarian.’

...but my contemplation didn’t last long.

Was there even a need to think about it?

I’ve already heard enough fancy words of praise.

So...

“Everyone, you’ve worked hard!!”

...this would be enough today.

“Let’s eat, drink, and be merry!!”

It was a shout that ended in an instant.

The barbarians, who naturally didn’t like long speeches, responded with cheers.

“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!”

And it was the same for the explorers.

“I can’t believe I’m drinking in the royal palace!”

“What’s there to worry about when we have Yandel, who’s becoming a Viscount? Let’s enjoy ourselves!”

“Waaaaaaaaaa!!”

The explorers also started to enjoy the banquet, letting go of their discomfort with the royal palace.

For reference, that also applied to us.

The barbarian who smashed his head and crunched his bones had now gained fame and power.

“I, I apologize for my rudeness back then...”

The butler trembled and apologized as I looked at him with a smirk.

I wasn’t particularly happy.

‘Tsk, this feels like I’m bullying a weakling.’

Even a punching bag needs to have some impact for it to be fun to hit. I stopped messing with the butler and continued talking to Baron Martoan.

And Dwarkey naturally came up in the conversation.

“By the way, where’s my brother?”

Baron Martoan, as if wanting to get close to me, used the term ‘my brother’, which he didn’t even use back then.

Misha and I both froze.

‘Damn it, what?’

Is he kidding?

“Where’s he...?”

The butler’s face turned even paler as I barely managed to control my expression and asked.

I could glean one piece of information from this.

It seemed like he knew the situation.

And two...

“Sir, like I said before, Liol Wobu Dwarkey...”

...the Baron also knew.

He just forgot after hearing it once.

“Ah, right. My memory isn’t what it used to be now that I’m old. Haha.”

The Baron laughed awkwardly.

I felt nauseous, even though I had just chugged several bottles of alcohol without any problems.

Is that why?

Clench.

When I came to my senses, Misha was holding my arm tightly with a worried expression. I patted the back of her hand to reassure her and then pulled my hand away.

I wasn’t the powerless person I used to be.

I had too many responsibilities now.

Therefore...

“Right, I understand, so don’t worry. People can have memory problems when they get old.”

“...Huh? Ah, well, I guess you could say that. Hahaha.”

I extended my hand and offered the Baron a handshake.

“I have somewhere to be, so I’ll be going now. It was nice meeting you.”

“Really? That’s a shame. See you later.”

Baron Martoan shook my hand, clicking his tongue in disappointment.

He asked one last question.

“Ah, but where are you going?”

I answered, dusting off my hand as if there was something on it,

“Ah, I suddenly feel like washing my hands.”

I have to wash off the dirt.

__________________

Baron Martoan wasn’t very perceptive.

“...Really? Anyway, I’ll call you later, so don’t refuse. You’ve become a noble now, so there are many things you need to learn.”

He let me go without any fuss.

Maybe the problem was me.

He probably couldn’t imagine a barbarian subtly mocking him like that.

‘It might be one of a barbarian’s few weaknesses.’

“You did well.”

Misha patted my head as if I was a good boy.

I got up and headed inside.

Although I could have just asked a passing mage to wash my hands...

...I also wanted to use the bathroom.

“Don’t you need me to come with you?”

“...Do you think I’m a child?”

I parted ways with Misha and went to the bathroom with the guide’s help. And as I was about to return to the banquet hall after using the bathroom...

...someone who recognized me called out.

“Oh, you’re here?”

It was Count Perdehilt, the host of the last banquet I attended. He said something strange when he gave me the winning prize, ‘No. 7777 Garpas’s Necklace’.

[I’ll call you separately when you’re more prepared.]

I hadn’t received a separate summons until today.

“You’re talking as if you were looking for me.”

“Because I was.”

“How about we go over there and have a drink? It won’t take long.”

“Alright.”

I readily followed him inside since he was someone with much greater power than Baron Martoan.

“Here.”

The Count poured me a drink as soon as we sat down at the table, and I downed it in one gulp.

“My companions are waiting, so can I hear your business first?”

“Haha, of course.”

Fortunately, the Count didn’t seem offended and got straight to the point.

“This is my youngest daughter, Arabella. You’ve met her before, right?”

This feels strange...

“How is she? Isn’t she pretty?”

As expected, the Count wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulder and pushed her towards me.

“Ah, I, I’m Arabella...”

The Count’s daughter, who seemed to be in her early teens, trembled as she looked at me and introduced herself.

Ha, I never thought I would experience something like this.

“How is she?”

My mind went blank, and I couldn’t answer, as it was my first time experiencing this.

But did he think I was contemplating?

“Ah, don’t worry too much if you have a girlfriend. You can just take her as a concubine.”

“...Concubine?”

“Ah, you didn’t know?”

The Count laughed and said at my mutter,

“It’s also a noble’s duty to have many descendants and contribute to the country. You can have up to three concubines besides your legal wife if you become a noble.”

Duty, my ass.

I suddenly felt like using the bathroom again.