Chapter 315: Divine of the East (6)

Beoruk handed the gift box he had received from Kai to the attendant, and let out a laugh. "Let us head back inside. There is something I wish to give you as well."

"Something to give me?"

"It wouldn't be fun if I told you in advance."

With one corner of his mouth raised, Beoruk left the terrace and returned to the banquet hall.

Then Kai turned his head to look at Harley.

Harley instinctively took a small step back.

—Not these scales, you brat.

The blue scales were from its already-dead body, but the golden scales currently covering its body were absolutely off-limits. It liked them far more, after all, as it had inherited the nature of dragons and was fond of shiny things.

"I’m not taking any more. What do you think I am?" Kai shook his head and gave a light wave of his hand. "I’ll summon you again later, so go back for now."

—Don’t summon me again for such trivial matters.

As Harley turned into particles of light and was unsummoned, Kai also left the terrace, following after Beoruk.

"There was a reason the Divine of the East was on the rise lately."

"To think he could command a Sea Dragon as a subordinate..."

"Looks like the East finally has a noble they can proudly present."

"I’ll admit he’s capable, but at the end of the day, he’s still just a baron."

The nobles in the hall were now all talking about Kai. It felt as if Kai, not Beoruk, had become the star of the party.

This could end up with King Beoruk getting offended.

Worried, Kai glanced at the king’s expression, but he didn’t look displeased.

Beoruk said with his characteristic solemn voice, "Everyone, silence."

The banquet hall fell silent once more.

As if pleased with the atmosphere, Beoruk gave a slight nod and continued speaking, "I favor capable individuals. Having such people close makes the hands, feet, and mind at ease."

In truth, there were few who liked incompetent people. Especially for a king, someone who had to run an entire nation, capable subordinates were absolutely essential.

"Thus, I categorize people into three groups when I see them." Beoruk raised his index finger. "The first group are those who cannot properly complete even a single task assigned to them. In short, the incapable. Keeping them around only brings endless fatigue and worry."

He then raised his middle finger. "The second are those who can reasonably complete their tasks when assigned. I see them as having potential. They are dependable enough to keep nearby."

As the nobles nodded in agreement, Beoruk slowly looked toward Kai. "And the final group... are those who make you expect more. No matter what you anticipate, they exceed it. Such people must be secured—no matter the cost."

Why’s he looking at me like that?

As their eyes met, Kai awkwardly smiled and tilted his head in confusion. At that moment, Beoruk finished speaking and gestured with his hand. An attendant, who had been prepared in advance, approached with a sharp sword held in both hands. Without hesitation, Beoruk took the sword and walked forward.

W-what’s happening.

Kai’s expression stiffened, unable to comprehend the sudden situation.

In the meantime, Beoruk arrived in front of Kai and gave an order, "Kneel on one knee."

"B-by your command, Your Majesty."

As Kai slowly knelt on one knee, Beoruk’s sword moved faster than most knights could react. One tap on Kai’s left shoulder, then one on his right.

This is... an ennoblement ceremony?

It was a ceremony one would receive when newly appointed as a knight or as a noble.

When Kai lifted his head and stared intently at Beoruk, Beoruk let out a small chuckle and muttered just loud enough for only him to hear, "Fear not. This shall not become a leash to bind you."

Then, he spoke in a loud voice, “Taking into account the fact that you created the multi-racial city of Libertia and managed it without a single issue, that you transformed the desolate Arkan territory into the continent’s finest academy facility, and finally, that you defeated the horrific disasters created by the Church of Muldine, Aosa, Zatan, and even Harley...”

Beoruk returned the sword to the attendant and gave Kai’s shoulder a light pat. "From this moment forth, I hereby promote Baron Kai to the rank of Count."

"C-Count...?!"

"What an unexpected turn of events..."

All the eyes of the nobles in the banquet hall widened in shock at Beoruk’s sudden announcement. It was only natural as there had never been a case of an adventurer becoming a count, not on the entire continent. And from their perspective, Kai was still a baby who owned only three territories.

"Y-Your Majesty," Count Sinva said with a displeased expression. "Baron Kai is indeed commendable, but he currently possesses only three territories. It is expected he will face great difficulties accepting the title of count. I humbly ask you to reconsider."

"Count Sinva."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Count Sinva bowed his head in response.

"I just explained that I divide people into three types. Then, which type do you think Count Kai falls under?"

"A person who inspires expectations. That is, the third type, I believe."

"Wrong."

At Beoruk’s reply, Count Sinva unconsciously raised his head. Wrong? Did that mean Beoruk held no expectations for Baron Kai? Then why grant him the title of count...?

Count Sinva's eyes were filled with countless unspoken questions.

"A person for whom I don’t need to expect anything because I trust he’ll do well regardless."

At Beoruk’s words, Kai felt deeply moved, while the other nobles were filled with envy.

"At first, he was merely one of many curious adventurers, but now, he’s accomplishing tasks that not even high nobles can manage, all on his own. I have no intention of becoming one of those kings who regret letting talent slip away, so I must secure him this way if necessary."

Count Sinva pursed his lips and stepped back, while Kai bowed his head.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Thank Count Hind. If not for the two territories he transferred to you, you would not have been eligible to become a count."

An attendant respectfully handed two documents to Beoruk. Beoruk took them and handed them over to Kai.

"From this moment on, the Rozan and Traban territories are yours."

"R-Rozan and Traban..."

"The territories in the east that belonged to Count Hind."

"Those cities are now in the hands of Baron, no, Count Kai?"

"Which means..."

The nobles gulped and stared at the adventurer kneeling in the banquet hall. He looked immense. Someone who had merely been a subject of curiosity had suddenly become a storm sweeping through the kingdom. More importantly, all of his territories were located in the East.

Rozan and Traban are both well-established cities.

From a lord’s perspective, they’re lands that generate revenue immediately without needing major investment.

If he’s acquired two such places all at once...

I’ll have to keep a close watch on the East. It’s going to become a new battlefield.

It was as if a new player had entered the long-stagnant chessboard of the East. And not just any player, but one who could immediately rise to become the great lord representing the entire East.

***

Though the party had its share of incidents, Beoruk’s birthday celebration ended successfully overall. After greeting all the nobles, he nonchalantly exited the banquet hall, and from that point onward, the nobles began networking again. During that time, the one who received the most attention, without a doubt, was Kai.

"They say the multiracial city of Libertia is quite beautiful. I’d love to visit sometime."

"My daughter is studying at Arkan Academy. Perhaps we could have tea together someday?"

As Kai found himself surrounded by so many nobles he felt his soul leaving his body, Count Hind and Count Sten appeared to offer him a lifeline.

"Let’s give him some room."

"Count Kai looks rather overwhelmed."

With the arrival of the great lords, the other nobles awkwardly smiled and gradually backed away.

"Th-thank you," Kai offered his thanks.

Count Hind smiled in return. "I hope you enjoy it. To be honest, even I was shocked when His Majesty announced your promotion to count."

"I’m very pleased. Thank you so much."

It wasn’t just empty words. He truly was pleased. And for a simple reason.

Ding!

[You have become a lord ruling five territories.]

[You have received a promotion of title from the King of Rashion.]

[Special title acquired: First Count.]

He had earned a special title.

There may be quite a few players who became viscounts, but I’m the first to become a count.

Excited, Kai immediately checked the effects of the new title.

[

First Count

]

Rank: Special

Description: A title granted to the first player to hold the rank of Count.

Effect: +30 to all stats, +300 Dignity, Skill: Declaration of War usable. (This effect remains even when title is unequipped).

It was an excellent title. Not only did it increase all of his stats and Dignity, but it also included a built-in skill.

What’s this Declaration of War?

Kai immediately read the skill’s description.

[

Declaration of War

]

Declare war on a territory or faction, increasing all allied faction’s stats by 5% for one week. This effect only applies when fighting against the declared faction.

Cooldown: 30 days.

“

Wow

...”

Indeed, the power of a count was formidable. To think it could increase the actual stats of allies by a whole 5%.

It’s a bit of a shame the cooldown is thirty days, but at least the duration is a whole week.

Considering wars between factions didn’t happen every day of the year, it was a very valuable skill.

I’ve gained a lot.

Recalling the unusually hectic day, Kai smiled.

***

In a gloomy temple built of obsidian stone, torches were mounted on the walls, burning with blue flames.

“Confirmation complete, Harley is indeed deceased.”

This place was none other than the headquarters of the Church of Muldine. It was a small, kingdom-like place where tens of thousands of devotees lived in self-sufficiency.

Cardinal Atroc, who once schemed to corrupt High Priest Albert, muttered, “Harley was one of the most powerful creations ever made by the Church. It was meant to be retrieved eventually...”

As he said, the Church of Muldine hadn’t simply left Harley unattended. Not long ago, they had even sent one of their followers to ask whether it might consider returning peacefully.

I was planning to retrieve it by force and indoctrinate it soon... What a shame.

It would have been better for them to have acted faster.

Showing deep regret, Cardinal Atroc turned to his subordinate and asked, “How goes the operation he proposed?”

“You mean the one initiated by Devotee Goliath? We’re reaching the final stages.”

“What’s the estimated success rate?”

“It’s quite a novel plan. It’ll take some time, but if it proceeds smoothly, the Kingdom of Rashion will suffer significant damage.”

Cardinal Atroc murmured, his voice full of greed, “If the outcome of this operation is successful, then we can attempt the same method on other kingdoms and empires as well.”