Chapter 83
Chapter 83 – Award
At the Royal Capital, the returning soldiers were greeted with a warm welcome by the excited populace .
[Glory to Arcadia!]
[Glory to His Majesty Sephiros!]
The Generals and the Aristocrats put up radiant faces in response to those cheering, but many among them had complex feelings this time .
Everyone understood well . They’ve done literally nothing this time…
And there was nothing they could do about that .
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A day after arriving back to the capital, Emperor Sephiros announced that the merits report and medal awarding ceremony will be held in three days .
Silvia heard about this while she was visiting Ares at the Schwarzer mansion .
[The battle went according to what you wanted it… I am curious…just what kind of gift His Majesty will award to you . ]
[Perhaps the merger of Schwarzer Territory and the Grants territory… don’t you think that’s the most likely scenario to happen?]
Ares sipped the tea in his cup, then resumed .
[It’s a remote place, so they’ll set me to rule it… that’s how it will be . ]
[But…is that not a bit too cheap for such a grand achievement?]
Silvia thought inwardly, there had never been a case where a man took over four countries with only his own meager private army . Not even in the west or east .
[Since it is His Majesty we are talking about… I think it will be something unexpected…]
[In any case we’ll find out after 3 days . Right now, we can only wait . ]
[Speaking of which, I heard that many people are asking for a meeting?]
[… . honestly, it’s really troublesome . Can I not meet all of them at all? Keep delaying the meeting to the next day everytime can be tiring…]
Silvia then reprimanded Ares
[What is with that attitude? Nothing will change whether it is tomorrow or the day after tomorrow . Just meet them already]
And he answered .
[Most likely it’ll be just them trying to sell off their daughter to me for a honey trap, no? As for me, before I can properly back Cornelia and Zerias, I’d prefer that there is no interference from the other aristocrats . ]
Silvia laughed upon hearing that .
[Speaking of which, have you gone to meet Cornelia and Zerias after coming back?]
[As you might guess, I’ve no time to do that . It’s such a difficult situation . ]
[Those two have been waiting for a while now . Zerias especially, wants to hear how the war went . ]
Silvia’s face then turned serious .
[You are an important presence for them . Please refrain from acting inconspicuous . ]
In response to Silvia’s warning, Ares merely laughed .
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The ceremony was held in the main hall of the Imperial Palace . The punishment for the mistakes that were done in the previous campaign will also be decided at the same time .
It’s painfully obvious to everyone present of who the main figure of this ceremony will be . They were interested in finding out how many awards this main figure will receive . That’s one thing .
Looking at each of the aristocrat, they were talking about random things with each other, seemingly apprehensive… they were waiting for the emperor’s arrival with complicated feelings .
Ares stood there with Silvia and Earl Lloyd Roxietta at one corner of the hall .
There were many aristocrats wanting to create a connection with Ares, but they couldn’t do so with princess Silvia around . Ares was very grateful with this .
[Thanks to Your Highness, I won’t have to interact with those pesky aristocrats . Thank you very much . ]
[Why of course . Give those aristocrats a little step then they’ll ask for a mile . ]
In the midst of chatting with Silvia, a loud voice reverberated in the hall, announcing the emperor’s arrival .
The aristocrats hurriedly returned to their positions and bowed their heads .
Ares and Silvia weren’t exempt from this as well .
Once he sat on the throne, emperor Sephiros opened up with a heavy voice .
[Everyone, at ease . ]
Everyone raised their faces at Sephiros’ command .
[This will be a ceremony to commemorate the campaign . We will hereby grant rewards to meritorious deeds during the war and lay punishment to the failure accordingly . ]
Having said so, Sephiros gave a glance at the prime minister, Duke of Clark, Gilbert .
Gilbert unfolded the Emperor’s edict, coughed once, then read it out loud .
[Firstly, punishment for the failures in the previous battles]
At that moment, it’s as if the temperature of the main hall had dropped to zero . The aristocrats held their breath in anticipation .
[First of all… . . Archduke Saxon and First Prince Carlos will have to return to their own territories . ]
At the same time as that announcement were over, there were some sighed among the crowds .
This marked the end of Georg and Carlos’ faction as they had to step away from the political war for throne succession . Not only that, but they also had to pay a large fine as well .
Afterwards was the punishment for those who escaped during Darius’ surprise attack .
Anything can be confiscated here . Mostly material possessions… but some actually had to lose their very own life here . Thus the aristocrats waited in fear for Sephiros’ decision .
After the punishment came the rewards for the achievement .
Unlike the previous one, the attitude of the aristocrats this time was way different .
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They didn’t hesitate to show their interest… .
[First of all… to the royal guards who had protected His Majesty…]
Several names were called upon and rewarded for their achievements . Along with that were the applause from the aristocrats . Some of the royal guards were granted the status of nobility . So the aristocrats were watching which one got that reward…and on which side these new aristocrats would be .
And the last name that was called upon… is the name that the aristocrats anticipated the most .
[Lastly, we’d like to praise the one with the greatest achievements…the little lord of the Schwarzer, Ares Schwarzer, please stand forward . ]
[Yes!]
When Ares headed out to meet Sephiros, the other aristocrats watched on .
Their face was a mixture of jealousy and curiosity… On their mind were various speculations about Ares .
Gilbert first reconfirmed what was written in the edict, then looked at Emperor Sephiros in disbelief… Sephiros moved his chin, motioning Gilbert to continue reading .
[Ares Schwarzer . Your feats of taking down four countries and repelling the large horde of monsters, is unmatched even in the east or the west . These kind of feats must also be rewarded greatly . ]
Gilbert resumed after taking a short breather .
[The four countries you’ve taken down will be under your name now…thus you must govern them well . Grants will be the main territory, with the other three being auxiliary territories . Aristocrats ruling these lands will have to consult with you for instructions . Ares Schwarzer will be granted the title of『Lord of the Frontier』 . ]
This decision invoked various discussions .
[Really now…a Lord of the Frontier…]
[Of course, he originally hailed from the Archduke clan…giving him any lower title than that would be…]
[But that land reeks with barbarians and monsters . Not exactly a good place to start…]
『Lord of the Frontier』… . it’s actually at the same rank as the Marquis and right below the rank of Duke . However, the owner of this title has more degree of autonomy compared to a Marquis .
They could draft any number of soldiers and they are allowed to make territorial laws freely . Within their own territory, it’s no exaggeration to say that they are like a King of an independent country .
In Arcadia Empire, there had been only one other person to receive Lord of the Frontier title in history, but his clan had long been perished .
In addition to that, Grants combined with the three other countries makes for a fairly vast territory .
Ares is already the heir of an Archduke . Combined with the territory he obtained just now, his clan will now become the clan with the largest territory in the empire .
But Ares’ reward did not stop there . The next part made the aristocrats even more surprised .
Gilbert continued on .
[We acknowledge that there are many things in Grants that will not bring benefit to Arcadia, such as the barbarians and the monsters . In this regard, suppressing them will be the greatest task for the region . Therefore, We appointed Ares Schwarzer as the『General of Conquest』 . We leave this task to you . ]
[General of Conquest] … . . This title is given temporarily to those under military service to subjugate a different ethnic group . A commander who leads the army against another race… is pretty much the highest position a military officer could hope for… . The highest command so to speak .
In the past, there was only one other person in Arcadia who received such title, but it was nothing but a false title back then .
Ares indeed belonged to an Archduke clan, but as a military officer he’s still on the equal rank as a second officer . This promotion had moved his rank up by a lot, skipping some in the process . The Aristocrats present started to make noises .
[P-pardon me, but please reconsider! The General of Conquest is originally a very high position in the military body . Such a title shouldn’t be easily given after only one campaign!]
[I think so too . This kind of thing is unheard of before . ]
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[Certainly, Ares-dono has amassed great achievements . But, awarding the position of『General of Conquest』to him is a bit… . ]
[I have never heard a mere second officer be rewarded with such a high ranking position before!]
The aristocrats belonging to the military position showed their discontent . Randolph who himself the imperial army Marshall had a bitter face . In contrast, the other Marshall, Duke McDohl showed an interested face .
Blam!
Listening to these negative reactions, the Emperor tapped his hand on the throne handle loudly, effectively calming the scene .
[We have deemed him worthy of such title . If you lot dare to speak against Our decision, then should We consider you lot trying to revolt against the Empire?]
The noise died down instantly . Sephiros then turned to Ares and resumed .
[We will still bestow upon you the title of『General of Conquest』 . As the title suggests, your task is to subjugate the barbarians dwelling in that 『Cursed Place』 . Failure is not an option . In turn, you can choose to decline this position . Also, We must remind you that you may not take the imperial army for this task . You must rely on your own soldiers . ]
『You must rely on your own soldiers . 』
The aristocrats were aware of what those words imply . It’s like as if the Emperor himself had inflicted a [curse] upon Ares .
Despite being considered as the highest rank in the military command, he still could not move the imperial army without the Emperor’s consent . It’s pretty much a decorative title now .
However, Ares will be stationed in Grants, where many barbarians and demonkin lives . Therefore he’ll have to keep fighting them due to his position as [General of Conquest] .
Not to mention that he’ll be unable to dispatch the imperial army, and has to rely on his own troops .
Sephiros had given Ares the greatest of honor and at the same time the toughest of challenges .
The aristocrats who previously thought that Sephiros was favoring Ares too much became puzzled . What is Sephiros’ real intention…?
Sephiros stared sharply at Ares . And Ares responded in kind . His decision had been made .
[This Ares receives the honor . ]
He answered .
Sephiros remained placid to that reply .
After confirming the situation, Gilbert continued reading the edict .
[Also, We will be asking Ares Schwarzer for marriage . ]
[……ha?]
The atmosphere froze over once more .
Ares also unintentionally let out a puzzled voice .
In particular, it was like putting a stop to the aristocrats trying to marry their daughter off to Ares .
It was Sephiros who broke the awkward silence .
[We hereby order you to take Our fourth daughter Cornelia as your companion in marriage . Cornelia is 18 years old this year . Both of you are young, which will make you two a fitting couple . A year from now, she’ll be joining you in Grants as your wife . You may not refuse this matter as this is not an offer, but an order . ]
It was well known to everyone present that the four princesses of Arcadia are weak without any backing . Originally, a marriage would be determined and planned properly by first asking the consent of both parties involved . The same still applies even to the Royal clan . Especially when the other party is the Archduke .
Therefore the compulsory nature of this particular marriage was unprecedented .
Is it his kindness as a father to keep Cornelia away from the power struggle or conversely, a plot to involve Ares into joining the power struggle…
After the decision had been made, a lot of aristocrats raised their voices in protest . Some even raised their hands to voice out their concern .
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[Your Majesty, permission to speak?]
Second Princess Silvia who had been silent all this time spoke up .
[Speak . ]
[What will happen to Zerias now that Cornelia will leave the capital?]
Zerias was also one of Silvia’s concerns after all .
[It’s about time for Zerias to gain experience as a military officer…]
[In that case, I have an idea . ]
Silvia then resumed .
[Zerias and Cornelia are close to each other . It’ll be a pity to separate them . So it’s best to send away Zerias to Grants as well . ]
Sephiros gave Silvia a look . But Silvia continued speaking .
[Ares-dono, who will be governing Grants, is the hero who took down four countries in a very short time . I’m sure Zerias will have a lot to learn from him . ]
After hearing Silvia’s reasoning, Sephiros spoke quietly .
[Very well . We’ll discuss this matter about Zerias . But only if Ares Schwarzer himself is willing to take him in . ]
Sephiros then stood up from his throne .
[With Grants and Redgear conquered, We have obtained the key to the east . If everything goes well this year, We will be able to flatten the east in no time . Therefore, make proper preparations . ]
[ [ [ [ [ [ Yes! ] ] ] ] ] ]
And thus, the ceremony that went beyond Ares’ expectations came to an end .
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Ares was awarded with four territories: Trevoir, Brittany, Redgear, and Grants as the main territory .
When Ares inherited the title of the Archduke, it’s been decided that both territories will be merged .
[Honestly, I didn’t expect that it will go that far… problems will certainly pile up from this . However it’s still a rewarding job . ]
Ares said that with a laugh as he walked back to the mansion along with Sigurd .
[For now, I will return to Schwarzer territory and consult with my Esteemed Father . I’m going to manage my own territory… . I need to secure human resources . ]
Starting from that point, Grants which was known as the [Cursed Land] would reach a major turning point .
It will later be recorded in history .
That this very [Cursed Land] would soon become the [Land of Beginning] from which the Hero Sovereign took the first step in conquering the continent .