LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 229 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Officially Becomes the Lord of Brocken Mountain
229 Divine Cat Mii-chan Officially Becomes the Lord of Brocken Mountain
The next day was incredibly busy. I thought I would be riding Sumire as usual, but Lucas-san scolded me. Apparently, we had to go by carriage. We don’t even own a carriage! Well, Lucas-san had already arranged everything.
Once I finished changing and Mii-chan was all dressed up to go, I was told it would be better not to bring her. But I firmly refused. If they said the same thing at the royal palace, I was prepared to go back. Of course, right?
“Mii~”
Ben Grandpa was the coachman, and Lucas-san was coming along too. Isn’t this a bit much?
When we arrived at the royal palace, instead of the usual entrance, the carriage was brought to the palace’s main gate. Lucas-san opened the carriage door, and I got out while holding Mii-chan. We were escorted by two soldiers and two maids to a room in the palace. It all felt overly grand.
While in the room, I reviewed the etiquette Lucas-san taught me yesterday. Then, a royal butler appeared.
“It’s been a while, Nero-sama.”
“Um… why was I summoned today?”
“That will be explained by His Majesty later. Today’s audience will take place in the throne room, so until His Majesty permits, please refrain from speaking.”
“Mii-chan is allowed to come with me, right?”
“Mii~?”
“Yes, the Queen has already obtained permission from His Majesty. Now, if you’re ready, we should head there.”
Lucas-san stayed behind, and I followed the butler with Mii-chan in my arms.
We were led to a place with a large door. At the butler’s signal, it opened. There were a few people inside, but no one was sitting on the throne.
“Please, step inside.”
Following what I learned from Lucas-san, I walked to the center of the room and knelt on one knee. Mii-chan sat gracefully beside me, calmly staring at the throne. As expected, Mii-chan is quite composed.
After a while, I heard the sound of a door opening and felt people entering.
“Nero. Raise your head.”
When I lifted my head, I saw the King and Queen seated on the throne.
“The reason I called you here today is for your recognition. The rebellion has been subdued, and things have settled down, so it’s time to discuss rewards.”
Hmm… I guess I can’t really say no, even though just receiving money would be enough for me.
“Though you did not achieve military success, your merit stands above the rest. Thus, I bestow upon you a hereditary barony.”
Wait, a baron? And it’s not just for one generation, but hereditary?
“I grant you Brocken Mountain as your domain, along with the royal lands of Forte. Additionally, the Grand Duchy of Hildenburg has agreed to gift you Nixe. From now on, these lands will form the Brocken Barony.”
Huh? Did I just hear something huge?
“Understand this, Nero. Our kingdom of Lumière no longer creates hereditary nobility except under extraordinary circumstances. You may very well be the last hereditary noble in this country. Rejoice!”
Isn’t that just a roundabout way of saying they’re planning to abolish hereditary nobility? What’s the point of me becoming one?
“The role of the Baron of Brocken is to maintain a friendly relationship with the lord of Brocken Mountain. The mountain has long been a critical transportation route. Ensure that the roads are well-maintained and that trade flows smoothly. This is a royal decree.”
Even if you call it a royal decree, how exactly am I supposed to do that?
“Say something, Baron of Brocken. Surely, you’re not thinking of refusing, are you?”
“Would it be alright to decline?”
“Of course not.”
“Nero-kun, just accept it. This is necessary to protect you.”
To protect me? What does that mean?
“Nero-kun, you may not realize it, but you’ve become too prominent, and you will only stand out more in the future, for better or worse. Many people will try to manipulate and use you. You wouldn’t want that, right? If you don’t take action now, your life could be in danger. That’s why you’re being granted this title. Do you understand?”
Have I really stood out that much? I have no awareness of it at all. But if what the Queen says is true, it’s a serious problem. I can handle whatever happens to me, but if something were to happen to the people I care about, that would be bad. I guess this is a way to gain power and the backing of both the Lumière Kingdom and the Hildenburg Grand Duchy. Looks like I can’t refuse…
“I humbly accept.”
“Mii~”
“Thus, a new baron is born. The Baron of Brocken. Care for your people and ensure that good governance is practiced. I expect great things from you.”
I lowered my head once more. After the King and Queen left, I exited the throne room.
“Congratulations, Baron of Brocken.”
“Sigh… this feels heavy.”
“The Brocken Barony connects the Lumière Kingdom with the Hildenburg Grand Duchy. It is only entrusted to those who have the utmost trust of the King. With the Eastern March absent, you now hold a position second only to the Northern and Western Marches.”
“Sigh… it feels even heavier now.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
Will I really get used to it that easily?
“Mii~?”