At first, Rei didn’t understand what Tragist was saying to him.

To be exact, it wasn’t that he didn’t understand what Tragist was saying.

Rather, he didn’t understand why Tragist was saying it.

Rei had already told him he planned to stay in the Mireana Kingdom.

So why?

Rei wasn’t the only one present to think that way, others shared the same thought as well.

Most shocked by the offer were the Royal Guards standing guard behind Tragist.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of the Royal Guard were made up of people of noble birth.

There were a few former adventurers, but they made up minuscule number.

Part of the reason was because nobles were given preferential treatment, but it was also because being a Royal Guard required good etiquette in addition to skill.

Naturally, those who could only boast about their family background or tried to join through connections were rejected without question.

Past that……a Royal Guard needed to reach a threshold of strength, have good etiquette, and a strong sense of loyalty towards the royal family. The Royal Guards were made up of such people.

That was why it was hard for them to believe that Tragist would make Rei and honourary noble.

「Your Majesty Tragist, that is……」

One of the Royal Guards tried to speak up, but Tragist just glanced at them silently.

After receiving that gaze, the Royal Guard was unable to continue speaking.

Normally, to attain nobility, an commoner would need to attain some level of achievement to earn the quasi-noble status of knight. After that, only by performing several more achievements would they then be given the rank of baron, the lowest rank among nobles……that was how it usually worked.

Of course, the achievements needed to become a baron from a knight were not simple.

As proof of that, it had been over a decade since the last time a knight had been promoted to baron.

The barrier to becoming a noble was so harsh, but here was Tragist, offering to grand Rei the title of Earl.

As Royal Guards who took great pride in their nobility, this was something they couldn’t accept.

But, it didn’t mean they couldn’t do anything about it either.

If it had been a powerless commoner who received such a promotion, they would probably be able to pull some string behind the scenes.

Of course, they would have to be very careful as they would be dealing with a talent that Emperor Tragist wanted, but they could still do it if they really wanted to.

However, the problem was that Rei wasn’t a powerless commoner.

Well, he wasn’t a noble right now, so calling him a commoner was technically correct in terms of status. But, he was also a high ranking adventurer in addition to holding the title of Crimson, an infamous fighter within the Bestir Empire.

It was clear from Rei’s actions up until this point that if they were to act carelessly, the backlash would be severe.

In the best case, they might be able make it seem like it was Rei who was making enemies with the Bestir Empire, but objectively, the chance of such a plan succeeding was extremely low.

After all, Rei was close to others in positions of status and power, such as Mercurio, Theorem, Frizione, and Angela.

If they made a mistake at any point, their own families could be destroyed, so none of them wanted to take the risk.

If Rei’s circle of friends were ordinary, they could probably have incited some brainless noble to do it in their place……but with these people in Rei’s circle, there was a high chance that anything they did would be traced back to them.

With all that in mind, the Royal Guards could only pray that Rei would turn down Tragist’s offer.

「Even if you say that……as I said earlier, I plan to remain with the Mireana Kingdom. I think it would be a bad idea for me to receive a title in the Bestir Empire in such a situation, even if I have no actual responsibilities.」

「I see, that is true. But, why are you siding with the Mireana Kingdom? This is a genuine question, don’t you find the Mireana Kingdom a difficult place to live in?」

Tragist’s expression didn’t suggest any scheming, but rather lack of understanding for Rei’s decision.

「You’re right. I won’t deny that. But, as I said earlier, my base of work is in Gilm, at the frontier. So nothing really bothers me there.」

「……I would really like to bestow a title on you, and you would still refuse?」

「Yes. I have no real loyalty or patriotism towards the Mireana Kingdom. But, if there’s a chance it will put me against the people of Gilm that I’ve become friendly with, even if it’s few in number, I’m afraid I can only refuse the title.」

「That’s a shame.」

Tragist muttered to himself, but with everyone else silent, listening to their exchange, his voice was heard by everyone.

That was why they could all tell his words came from his heart.

「That isn’t the case though, right? I know I shouldn’t be the one saying this, but the Bestir Empire has many talented people. Adding someone like me into the mix would only distort the way the Bestir Empire is.」

「Distort? That’s fine. Everyone wants stability, but too much stability leads to stagnation. And, stagnation breeds corruption, just like the waters of a dammed river will go rotten. It’s better for the Bestir Empire to constantly be in change. At least, that’s what I believe and how I’ve been able to develop the Bestir Empire to this point.」

Tragist’s words were spoken with absolute pride in his own belief, without any hint of doubt.

(I see. So this is the Emperor of a great nation like the Bestir Empire……no, perhaps it’s because he is like this that the Bestir Empire is able to be a great nation.)

Rei could understand why Tragist held such a powerful presence.

「I understand what you’re saying, but I still must decline the title.」

If he gave vague responses here, it could result in potential misunderstandings.

Realising that, Rei continued to state his refusal clear.

「……You’re really going to refuse after I’ve asked so many times?」

「Yes. I’m very sorry.」

Tragist’s gaze was sharp, even menacing, as he looked at Rei.

Despite knowing that his answer could potentially lead to a fight, he still spoke clearly.

If he had left his Misty Ring outside, he might have compromised.

However, the Misty Ring was still in his possession. It was in a locked box, but he also held the key.

Most importantly, if a fight really were to break out, Rei still had access to Fire Emperor’s Crimson Armour.

Unlike magic, which required a casting medium, like the Death Scythe in Rei’s case, skills could be used without one.

In other words, Rei’s confidence came from his belief that he would be able to handle things if push came to shove.

If a fight really were to break out, his only opponents would probably be Theorem, Angela, and the Royal Guards.

Technically speaking, Vihera would have been his strongest opponent, but given how things had gone, Rei didn’t think she would side against him.

Tension filled the room as it began to feel like just breathing would drain your energy.

It was Tragist who had caused the tension, and it was also Tragist who broke it.

「HAHAHAHAHA-. You still refuse, even after I’ve said so much. I like it.」

His laughter was so intense that one wondered where tension had all gone.

But, no one present would say that to Tragist.

Hearing his laughter, Rei thought that Noiz was probably the only person who might have interjected at this point, but Tragist soon suppressed his laughter as he spoke again.

「That’s right. I believe Theorem and Mercurio promised to reward you with a magic item?」

It was a casual remark from Tragist, but the two names he mentioned stiffened up upon hearing his words.

It was true that Rei had been hired in exchange for a magic item.

However, that was only something that Rei, Theorem, Mercurio, Vihera, and Elena, who wasn’t present, should have known.

At the very least, such information should only have been known to the former four within the Bestir Empire.

And, none of them had ever mentioned it to Tragist.

Yet, somehow, Tragist knew about it.

This meant that Tragist’s information network stretched far deeper than any of them had expected.

Tragist noticed their reactions, but didn’t show any reaction himself as he continued to speak with Rei.

「Yes, I quite like you. You said you didn’t want a title, even if it was just in name. And, you have the power to fight against Noiz on equal terms at such a young age. I have to say, this is all quite refreshing. ……Therefore, I shall give you this.」

With those words, Tragist pulled out a metal card from his pocket.

The faces of those around him twitched after seeing it.

While not to the same extent as when Tragist said he would give Rei a title, those who saw the metal card still had expressions of shock.

Tragist slid the metal card across the table towards Vihera.

Vihera picked it up before placing it in Rei’s hand.

From the reactions of the people around him, Rei realised that the metal card must be something important. He hesitated for a moment, but since the Emperor had already given it to him, he couldn’t just turn it down, so he turned to look at what it was.

「This is……」

Rei had no experience with regards to art.

But even so, he could only voice his admiration at the intricate carvings present on the metal card.

No scene in particular was depicted by the carvings. But the intricate design, consisting of overlapping curves and lines, gave the viewer a contradicting impression of both simplicity and complexity.

Most importantly were the words engraved on the card, 『This person is a friend of the Bestir Empire』.

「A friend of the Bestir Empire. This represents that position. My thoughts……will you accept them?」

Having already so much turned down, he wouldn’t accept any further refusals.

Tragist’s implicit words made Rei hesitant.

It was true that this metal card would be much more preferable to honourary nobility.

Becoming a honourary noble would necessitate a public announcement both here and abroad, which would have made it difficult for Rei to return to the Mireana Kingdom.

At the very least, the Mireana Kingdom would probably start watching him much more cautiously and he wouldn’t be able to be as carefree as he was now.

……All that said, with his title of Crimson and a Griffon as his familiar, Rei’s name was already far more widespread than he knew himself. He was already somewhat more restricted than before, he just hadn’t realised it.

(What would happen if I accept this? If I show it within the Mireana Kingdom, it will definitely result in many unfortunate events. But, unlike becoming a noble, it probably won’t be made public……right? In that case, I can just store it inside the Misty Ring, just in case……)

Thinking that far, Rei asked, just to make sure.

「If I accept this metal card, would it be made public domestically and internationally?」

Tragist shook his head at Rei’s words with an amused expression.

「This is different from a noble title, it is merely a personal matter. Therefore, I have no intention of making it public. But, if you want me to make it public, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider it. Would you like me to?」

「No, in that case, I’ll accept this gratefully.」

With those words, Rei bowed as he placed the metal card back on the table.

Having been told that much, Rei really couldn’t refuse the offer by Tragist, Emperor of the Bestir Empire.

Also, as Tragist had understood his position and given him something that didn’t need to be made public, Rei accepted it, despite still feeling a little uneasy about it.

「That’s right. If you say that then it was worth preparing it for you. Hahahaha.」

Tragist’s amused laughter echoed through the room.

At his laughter, everyone else finally breathed a sigh of relief.

What Rei didn’t realise at this time was that if thing went poorly, this metal card had the potential to be a bigger bombshell than even a noble title.

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