Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. Back in middle school, I once got into a fight with my parents and shut myself in my room—but it didn’t last even three days. I think that kind of isolation really requires either serious resolve or a certain aptitude.
â—‡
“His grace Duke Bistal, I hope you are in good spirits.”
“Hmm, Lord Jeryl, it pleases me to see you in good health.”
Only those with noble status—including “Crimson Noble” Jeryl—were called to the VIP room.
Others who had earned the Mithril Badge were supposed to be ennobled here in the Royal Capital, but none of the commoners were invited.
That said, aside from Lord Jeryl, who holds the rank of baronet, the rest were only honorary knights or nobles without titles.
Duke Bistal, who summoned us, was a middle-aged man with a stern hawkish nose, much like my uncle, General Eltar.
I knelt at the lower end of the group, sneaking glances at his face.
Since he’s not royalty, there’s no need to prostrate fully, but perhaps due to his noble blood as a cousin of the current king—or maybe because of his power—everyone who entered the room earlier was kneeling as they awaited him. Naturally, I followed suit, blending in like a good Japanese.
After Jeryl finished his conversation, he began congratulating the noble youths one by one on their victory over the floor master.
Next, he gave somewhat simpler words of blessing to the honorary knights, and finally, it was my turn.
His gaze seemed to carry some hidden meaning.
“The acrobatics you displayed earlier were entertaining. Perhaps you’re better suited as a street performer than an explorer?”
If Karina heard “acrobat,” she’d probably freak out.
But thinking about having Mia play music while Pochi and Tama danced as we performed street acts during our travels—it actually sounded like a lot of fun.
Maybe that’s why I said, “That does sound enjoyable. If I retire from being an explorer, I’d like to tour your grace’s castle town.”
I blurted out something like that, causing the duke to frown.
He probably meant it sarcastically, so perhaps my honest reply sounded like a retort.
Usually, commoners who rise up would be ridiculed mercilessly here… but that didn’t happen.
“Duke Oyugok intends to recommend you to the Shiga Eight Swords, but the Shiga Eight Swords is not a light title one can hold without actual ability.”
The duke cast a serious glance to Jeryl and nodded gravely.
I see. He wants to counter Duke Oyugok by pushing Jeryl into the Shiga Eight Swords.
If I somehow became one of them by mistake, it would hinder not only my sightseeing but also my kids’ leveling up.
Besides, I’d rather avoid being used as a pawn in their power struggles.
It wouldn’t do if a careless comment got me marked as an enemy.
To cover my earlier slip, I safely replied, “I appreciate your grace’s advice.”
If troubles arise, I could always appear as a swordsman from a third faction—like Musashi or Lancelot—and snatch the Shiga Eight Swords’ seat from the side.
Once things calm down, the mysterious swordsman could be said to have challenged a dragon and died in battle.
Then Jeryl could take that spot, and everything would settle nicely.
Still, it feels unreasonable to dismiss the Mithril Explorers as having “no ability,” even if they are political pawns.
â—‡
“Really? If you became one of the Shiga Eight Swords?”
“Then what?”
I recounted what happened in the VIP room to Arisa and the others.
Lulu was in the kitchen, while Pochi and Tama had gone to Karina’s room and weren’t here.
I warned them to report immediately if any suspicious person approached.
“What are you saying? If you become one of the Shiga Eight Swords, during your tenure, you’d be treated like counts alongside the ministers.”
“I’m not interested in that kind of status.”
If I wanted a noble rank, Nana could ask the king for me. Even if a marquis is impossible, a countship would be easy enough to get.
Besides, there’s no benefit for me in becoming high nobility.