Published: September 4, 2025
※Correction of typos on 2014/2/11.
※Partial modifications made on 2015/7/6.
“A family name?”
I was summoned to Nina’s office and told to decide on a family name as an honorary knight.
“Honorary nobles last only one generation, right? Do I really need a family name?”
“Ah, that’s true, it’s only for one generation, but surprisingly, many families continue to be granted honorary noble titles for multiple generations.”
“Even though honorary nobility lasts only one generation, compared to poor or fallen nobles, they have plenty of money. The children’s education expenses are well covered, and in some territories, you can even buy the title with money.”
Alisa, who usually hangs around Nina’s room during the day, popped her head out from some documents and joined the conversation.
“That’s right. If it continues for about ten generations, they can be formally granted the rank of knight or baronet.”
It’s a long-term matter.
“You can’t decide immediately, can you? I’ll give you two or three days, so decide within that time.”
“Tachibana is recommended.”
If I remember correctly, Alisa’s previous life’s surname was Tachibana.
“I’ll pass on that.”
“Yeah, I think there already is a Tachibana knight. Check with the civil officer Yurina to see if that family name is available. She studied heraldry at the academy in the Duke’s Capital, so she should know better than me.”
“Understood. I’ll check once I have some candidates.”
I’ve talked to Yurina a few times; she is a quiet, brown-haired civil officer with braided hair. I was wary because of her flat-chested figure, but fortunately, no flags were raised.
I detected Miss Karina walking down the corridor toward this room on my radar, so I excused myself from Nina and left.
“Satou-dono, I understand you don’t like Miss Karina, but you are still a noble, even if minor. Don’t sneak out through the balcony.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Nina. Please overlook it.”
I jumped down from the balcony of Nina’s office on the third floor.
Immediately after, I heard Nina scolding Karina, who had entered without knocking again. Some people just don’t learn.
â—‡
Now, about the family name. A reasonable choice would be to take Suzuki as the family name and rename myself Ichiro Suzuki. But that would openly declare me Japanese, so it’s safer to avoid that.
Maybe I should take something from my title—how about from god slayer, like “Kanzaki” (God Splitter)?
Satou Kanzaki.
Not bad, but it would be awkward when Alisa asks about the etymology.
Then, maybe take the character for “dragon” from dragon slayer, or add “Dragon” in a Western style?
Satou Ryu.
Satou Ryuzaki.
Satou Dragon.
Satou Dragon Slayer.
Satou Slayer.
None of these sound quite right.
I could use the last name of a hero from a game, but it’s hard to use if people like Alisa or the saga hero recognize the origin.
How about using the name of a Holy Sword?
Satou Excalibur.
Satou Caliburn.
Satou Durandal.
Satou Longinus.
Something’s off.
Maybe from Japanese swords?
Satou Kotetsu.
Satou Muramasa.
Satou Kikuichimonji.
Feels strange. A fusion of modern and period drama... this is a no-go.
Maybe just Satou Satou.
No, I’m getting stuck.
If I continue like this, I’ll end up with a weird name. To refresh my mind, I decided to consult others.
â—‡
“Famé~?”
“Turtles are delicious!”
Since they were nearby, I asked Pochi and Tama, but they didn’t even understand what a “family name” meant.
The two were eating bone crackers like snacks next to Lady Solna. Recently, except during training or hunting, they’ve been in the baron family’s living room getting treats from Lady Solna or from the maids’ waiting room. They’ll get fat.
“A family name? Well, if you marry Karina, you can inherit the Donano name, you know?”
Lady Solna said mischievously. It seems Donano was the family name used before the baron took on the Muno name.
Satou Donano.
Not bad, but if it means Karina comes along too, I’ll pass.
She might become a friend if she calms down a bit, but for now, at best an acquaintance. Of course, I’m not asking her to be ladylike—that’s impossible.