Published: July 3, 2025
Ryo had something on his mind.
"I am a c-rank adventurer! And in the future, I will inherit a duke title," he had said.
Ryo was the first duke of the Naitorei Kingdom.
Although it was just a formality... an honorary position... merely decorative...
When he thought about it, he realized he did not know how many duke houses existed in the kingdom.
Considering that, the fact that he was threatened by someone like Mont Blanc for the sake of his own interests made him think that he should do something about it while he was still young if he genuinely intended to inherit a dukedom in the future.
He thought this way...
Yes, this was part of his duty!
It was not mere curiosity!
...Probably.
First, he decided to confirm some information about the nobility itself.
From the top,
Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron.
Some countries have a grand duke above the duke... but the current kingdom does not.
There are also countries with baronets below the baron... but they may only be for one generation or not treated as true nobles.
As for knights... it seems there isn't anything like knight titles.
In the current kingdom, they have become a kind of profession, rather than being part of the nobility...
When you think about it, being a "duke" could be said to be one of the highest positions in the kingdom, excluding royalty.
Somehow, he felt that asking Abel wouldn't yield any helpful information, and it would be inappropriate to ask someone who had just undergone surgery, so he decided to inquire with someone else.
However, that "someone else" was buried in paperwork due to the schemes of influential people... the chancellor, the number two of this country!
There was only one person higher than him!
The person who is addressed with a respectful term starting with "koku" and ending with "ou," known as "your majesty," had buried him in documents...
Ryo, prepared to be kicked out, visited the chancellor's room.
"Your excellency the chancellor. Duke Rondo has arrived."
The guard in front of the door announced Ryo's visit.
"Let him in."
A calm and collected voice came from inside.
When Ryo entered the room, the owner was relaxed on the sofa.
"Ah, what? It was supposed to be a pile of documents..."
Looking towards the desk, he saw a tall mountain of papers on the "processed" side, while there were none on the "unprocessed" side.
"Ah, Duke Rondo, please."
Saying this, Marquis Heinlein offered to yield the seat of honor on the sofa.
"Ah, no, please stay as you are."
Ryo said, quickly taking a seat at the lower position.
"I just finished a few approvals."
Marquis Heinlein said, smiling cheerfully.
(How impressive! He perfectly withstood the paperwork assault from that king Abel...)
Ryo was astonished.
He knew how powerful and formidable Abel's assault could be from witnessing it firsthand.
Maybe coming to ask this person was indeed the right choice... it was a moment of conviction.
"Marquis Heinlein, I apologize for bothering you during your busy time."
"No, no, don't mind it."
"This is a trivial gift..."
While saying this, Ryo presented a small box he had brought.
Marquis Heinlein received it and promptly opened it to check the contents.
"Oh, this is it. The rumored strawberry shortcake from 'Café de Chocolat.' How delightful. I shall enjoy it later."
He said with a happy expression.
It seemed many people at the core of the Naitorei Kingdom had a fondness for sweets...
"So, is there something you would like to confirm today...?"
"As expected from the marquis, you understand well..."
After Kona coffee was served in front of Ryo, the marquis initiated the conversation, and Ryo responded.
"Actually, I wanted to ask you something specifically, Marquis..."
"Hmm?"
Marquis Heinlein widened his eyes slightly and nodded.
"Currently, within the kingdom, I am searching for someone of adult age who will inherit a dukedom in the future."
"That's quite... an unusual question."
Marquis Heinlein thought of the rare occurrence of Ryo visiting—especially with a gift—and had assumed it was for another reason... but he was completely taken aback.