Chapter 58

This story is a work of fiction.

The characters, organizations, and names are all fictional and have no connection to any real entities.

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056 - Investiture

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It was the 64th day since my reincarnation. I've been waiting for the investiture ceremony! No one else is waiting? Well, I wasn't really waiting either.

When I arrived at the castle in the carriage that arrived yesterday, many nobles were already there. Are all these people attending the investiture ceremony? Wow, I'm nervous (said in a flat tone).

The carriage was arranged for me by Montalque because I needed it. It was rushed into production to ensure it would be ready in time for the investiture ceremony. I feel bad for the craftsmen.

The carriage bears our family crest and, though simple, it is intricately designed for a noble. The materials used, such as wood, paint, and varnish, are of higher quality than those for the general public, and there are carvings in key places. Montalque said it was made with good materials and a lot of effort.

"Since you are a noble, while the decorations may be simple, the materials should be of high quality. Of course, the craftsmen were carefully selected."

Montalque, who has served the noble family for a long time, does a good job. He makes up for what I lack.

"I am the Honorable Baron Futsushikuru."

Gundalban announces the arrival of the main character. Gundalban is riding a warhorse. Given his massive build, the warhorse is a Gogoria, a large breed. It weighs around 1,300 kilograms.

The apprentice butlers, Jewel and Burs, are on the driver's seat, while Annelise, Rosalina, and Solidia are with me in the carriage.

The carriage is pulled by two large Verdigos, which are slightly smaller but still weigh around 1,000 kilograms. I wonder if warhorses are needed to pull the carriage? Since I'm a layman, I ask.

"Gundalban said that a strong warhorse is better in case of an emergency."

According to Solidia, Gundalban chose the horses. The word "emergency" is concerning, but I pray there won't be one.

Jojok and Rin are also riding warhorses, which are medium-sized Bordias.

I heard someone call out, "The Honorable Baron Futsushikuru and his entourage." I feel heavy-hearted.

As the main character, I can enter the castle through a different route from the other nobles. I leave the carriage and horses to Jewel and proceed into the castle with the others.

"Please wait here."

We are led to a grand room with a maid. While drinking tea, Zaygen arrives.

"I will confirm the schedule for today."

"Please do."

What schedule? I'm just getting a medal, right? And then, I think, Annelise will be freed from slavery.

"First, there will be an investiture ceremony for the knights. The Honorable Baron Futsushikuru will be seated at the end of the noble row."

It seems that the ducal family's knights will also receive medals, and we will follow after them.

"Next, the investiture ceremony for the Honorable Baron Futsushikuru. When your name is called, please step forward from the noble seats to where the knights stood."

OK, that sounds simple enough.

"After the ceremony, Annelise will be freed from slavery. This will take place in my office."

"Thank you."

Then we can go home, right?

"There will be a short break followed by a party."

What party? I didn't hear about that.

"During the party, it's good to socialize with the other nobles."

"Do I have to socialize?"

"Building allies is part of a noble's duty."

That sounds troublesome.

"The party is a standing event, but there will also be dancing."

"I can't dance."

"Just mingling is fine."

I'm relieved I don't have to dance.

"You, as the main character, must stay until the end. Don't leave early."

I don't want to. I want to go home.

Zaygen leaves, and we are left alone as the Honorable Baron Futsushikuru and his entourage.

"I'm so nervous."

"Sir, you will do a fine job, I'm sure."

"I wish Annelise could be with me. It would be a comfort."

"Slaves are not allowed in such places."

"I wish the duke would free Annelise first. He's not very considerate."

"Such words might bring bad luck. I am happy just to be freed."

Annelise's reward for being freed from slavery is the freedom itself, not a medal. Thinking about her being freed today makes me feel lighter.

When the tea in the cup is almost gone, we are called and led to a very large audience chamber, where we take our seats at the end of the row.

The nobles' gazes converge on me, as if they are sizing me up. Don't stare at me like that. I'm not a spectacle, but I can't say that.

When the duke sits on his throne (or whatever it is), the knights enter the audience chamber. There are Rauk and several other knights and soldiers. The difference between knights and soldiers is the cloak. Knights wear cloaks, but soldiers do not.

There are three knights, including Rauk, and fifteen soldiers. They seem to have contributed to the evacuation during the demon attack.

"During the demon attack, Rauk Balkan did well in protecting the people. I hereby award him the Fourth-Class Camellia Medal."

The duke, with a clear voice, makes the announcement. Rauk steps forward and ascends to the third step of the four-step platform. The duke stands up and pins the medal to Rauk's chest.

One by one, the names are called, and the duke awards the medals.

When Rauk leaves the audience chamber, he winks at me. I'm not happy even with a tough guy like him.

"Honorable Baron Toy Futsushikuru, step forward."

My name is called, and we walk on the fluffy red carpet to the front of the duke. Behind me is Gundalban, and behind him are our soldiers.

"Honorable Baron Toy Futsushikuru, for repelling the demon and saving the crisis of this Kelniff, I hereby award you the Third-Class Peony Medal."

I step forward and ascend to the third step of the platform, facing the duke.

"You did well. I expect great things from you in the future."

I don't need your expectations.

"Thank you."

When I step back, Gundalban is called next, followed by the soldiers, who are called one by one to receive their medals.

The investiture ceremony ends successfully, and it's finally time to free Annelise.

Zaygen's office is where only Annelise and I enter.

"This is a pardon in place of a reward for repelling the demon. Live a proper life and do not commit any crimes. Understand?"

"Yes."

Annelise nods solemnly at Zaygen's words.

The slave merchant, who serves the ducal family, performs the liberation. Annelise is now free.

"Congratulations, Annelise."

"This is all thanks to you, Sir. I can never thank you enough."

"Call me Toy, not Sir. Just Toy."

"But..."

"Toy."

"To, Toy... Sir."

"Sure, that's fine. Tears don't suit your beautiful face. Here, let me wipe them away."

I wipe Annelise's tears with a handkerchief. Even with tears, Annelise is beautiful. I embrace her and pat her head.

Unfortunately, Annelise is taller than I am. Will I grow taller?

"Ahem. Honorable Baron Futsushikuru, can you save the affection for elsewhere?"

"Ahh..."

I had forgotten we were in Zaygen's office. Zaygen, the slave merchant, and the clerks are smiling wryly.

This is embarrassing. Ha ha ha, I'll try to laugh it off.

Now that Annelise is free, I want to go home, but I can't yet. I have to attend the party.

I enter the venue where music is playing, arm in arm with Annelise in her dress. Look, my Annelise is beautiful, right? Jealous, huh, ha ha ha.

"Such a place is not suitable for me..."

To Annelise, who says this, I reply:

"No one else should stand by my side but Annelise. So don't worry, just be by my side."

"Sir... Toy... Thank you."

Annelise, who is still not used to calling me by my name, is still dear to me.

First, I greet the duke. Even though we just met, I have to go and greet him again. What a troublesome custom.

"Your Grace, thank you for today. Thanks to you, she is now free."

"Beautiful."

"She's my Annelise."

"Ha ha ha. Don't worry, I won't take her."

It's fine to think she's beautiful, but if anyone tries to take Annelise, I'll eliminate them, even if it means making enemies of the world.

"So, when will you have the ceremony? I can be the best man, you know."

"Wh-What!?"

Ceremony...

"From that look, you haven't proposed yet? You should do it properly, or you'll be nagged about it forever (laugh)."

Is he talking about a wedding ceremony?

Annelise's cheeks are flushed, and she looks down. Me and Annelise getting married... why not! I'll go with it!

"Your Grace, Honorable Baron Futsushikuru."

While thinking about the ceremony, Zaygen arrives. I stand next to the duke and receive his greeting together with him.

It's troublesome, but as the main character of the night, I have to stand next to the duke with a smile.

Annelise is also there, and I think her smile is worth 10 billion grils. Her smile covers my forced smile.

Next, Rauk and his father Balkan arrive. There's another person with the same face as Balkan. It must be Balkan's eldest son!

What strong genes, the Balkan genes are formidable.

"I thank you for your support of my son."

Balkan is speaking in a long sentence!? I didn't know he could speak like that.

"I will strive for further loyalty. Please continue to support me."

Rauk is a bit nervous. His face is scary, try to smile.

"Your Grace, I thank you for your support of my brother."

Oh, he can speak properly. The Balkan genes must be eliminated.

"Honorable Baron Futsushikuru, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Egeus Balkan. I've heard that my father and brother are in your service. Are they causing you any trouble?"

What a sensible person!

"Thank you for your kind words. I am Toy Futsushikuru. I am very grateful for the service of your father and Rauk."

Actually, they have been a great trouble, but this is just a social nicety.

Egeus is also a warrior in the knight corps and is currently a regimental commander. Just looking at his well-built large body, it's easy to imagine he's not a clerk. He must have been trained by his father (far-off look).

Thinking about the eldest son Egeus and the third son Rauk being exposed to the might of the Balkan genes, the second son must also be fully loaded with the Balkan genes. If the family gets together, the temperature might rise by 5 degrees.

After the Balkan family, the duke's vassal nobles came to greet us.

Some of the nobles looked at Annelise with lecherous smiles. If anyone tries to touch her, they should be prepared.

Standing for a long time without enjoying the food. This is torture, isn't it?

The greetings from the nobles were reaching a climax, and it was almost over, when it happened.

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