Argumentative merit.

　It is a common practice for the sovereign to commend subordinates who have distinguished themselves in battle, and to award prizes, distribute territories, and promote or appoint officers according to the degree of merit.
　Naturally, the merit ceremony in the Kingdom of Rynor was no different, and the ceremony was held under the title of "Merit Ceremony" to award prizes to those who had distinguished themselves in this war.


　The ceremony will be held in one of the many halls in the royal castle.
　Not everyone who participated in the battle will be invited, but those who did the most good will certainly be invited.


(......, most of the credit for the surprise attack goes to His Highness, right?


　( Most of the credit for the ambush will be given to His Highness, right?) As was mentioned in my previous audience with King Shinru, the details of my activities at that time were almost completely forgotten.
　In order to puff up and foil Ceylan's activities.
　To hide the fact that he was cornered by a surprise attack.
　The other reason was probably to adjust the size of the credit and to honor the Kingsguard.
　For these reasons, the story was reconstructed as "The Empire made a surprise attack on Ceylan, but was easily beaten back.


　Since it was Ceylan who put an end to the Dusseyr (......), the credit goes to Ceylan.
　I don't feel robbed or taken away in the slightest, in fact I would say this is natural.
　Nevertheless, he will get a letter of commendation and a reward.
　Since Noah and Kazi were also active, they will be sent to my newly purchased house along with theirs later.
　This time, I should be glad for the honor of being allowed to attend and watch the ceremony.
　This alone is an unparalleled treatment for the children of a disinherited son.


　However, on the day of the ceremony, Arx and Noah went to the royal castle.
　As usual, Kazui did not want to be in a formal place and stayed at home. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us.
　............ I wonder if the reason why he is so homey is because he was taking care of his siblings.


　Anyway, the hall where the ceremony was held was long and wide, with balconies on both sides of the second floor.
　At the back of the room, there was a chair for the king to sit on, which was raised quite high.
　Only now is the curtain of the throne room raised so that the king can be seen.
　On the other hand, everywhere else, there were people, people, people.
　In the hall on the first floor, there was a regular line up of invited guests, and the hall was almost completely filled with people.
　I suddenly thought of school entrance ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and induction ceremonies of large corporations.
　Of course, these are larger in scale.


"Amazing people: ......

In addition to the warriors and their attendants, there were the military and civilian nobility of the kingdom. And there are also guests from friendly countries.

"......, does that mean the old bastard is here too?

No, Joshua is currently on secondment in the east, so he was not invited.


　Apparently Joshua is not even in King's Landing.
　Now there is no possibility of us meeting this time.


　Relieved by this, I turned my attention to my surroundings again.
　At the side of the hall, there are the general guards who lead the national army, four generals from the east, west, north, and south, including Count Cremeria, two generals who have been temporarily appointed, and twelve national mages. Of course, there was also his uncle Cleve.


　On both wings of the stage where the king sat, there were seats for the independent monarchs.
　Like the national mages, all of them seemed to have their own peculiarities.
　Naturally, Louise, one of the main characters of this event, was among them.


　Suddenly, I saw a familiar face in the row in front of me.


"Oh, it's Deet.

Louise was very active, and Deet led one of her troops in the battle.

"Deet, maybe they'll call your name here.

I think it's very possible.


　I suppose. In the latter half of the battle, he charged into the enemy's flank and threatened Poluk Nadar's rear, and I heard that he also raised some of his squires' heads. I don't know his grade of merit, but I'm sure he did something worthy of being called up.
　Other dignitaries included dignitaries from the Northern Alliance and the generals and nobles of Sapphireburg.
　Looking at the second floor of the hall, I saw some people dressed in a mixture of Japanese and Chinese style.


Are they from the East, by any chance?

"Yes. They're probably guests from Bai Liang Bang.

Are they from the Baiyuan Federation?


　This is probably because the Crosselords are related to the East.
　A superpower came all the way across the East Cross Mountain Range to deliver a congratulatory message.
　That alone would have given the ceremony more prestige.
　If you looked closely, you could see people who looked like emissaries from other countries at the side of the stage.
　From the outside, this war was a domestic scandal, a rebellion by a single nobleman, and it was not good from the standpoint of publicity to tell the world about it.
　It is common not to invite noble guests, but this time, since the Empire was involved, they are going to hold a big party to denounce them.
　Besides, all the countries gathered here are hostile to the Gillis Empire.
　The war has been a great victory, and I'm sure they'll be in tune with us.


　...... preparations were made, and soon the master of ceremonies stepped out to the side of the stage.
　The King and the Dauphin entered after the opening remarks of the ceremony. As they took their seats, the master of ceremonies opened his mouth.


The rebellion in Nadar was a despicable plot by the Gillis Empire. However, His Royal Highness the Dauphin has successfully defeated that ruse and brought victory to the kingdom.


　The facilitator went on to give a summary of the war.
　Sometimes in a subdued tone.
　Sometimes he was angry.
　Sometimes he spoke in a restrained tone, sometimes with anger, sometimes with emotion, as if to appeal to the emotions of those present.


　After the briefing, the envoys from other countries stood in front of King Shinru and congratulated him one after another.


Congratulations on your victory.

Congratulations on the victory of your kingdom.

"I believe this is due to the prestige of the royal family of the Crosselords.


　And so on.
　First, the formalities of the victory are repeated.
　After that, the king's words came.


"I am Shinru Crosselroad, King of Rynor. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the distinguished guests who have traveled so far for this ceremony.




　King Shinru expressed his gratitude to the honored guests and then said.


"Before the ceremony of congratulation, I have something to say. In the recent battle, my Crown Prince Ceylan, despite it being his first battle, served as the general-in-chief, won the battle, and even succeeded in defeating Dusseyr Lubanka, the vice general of the Eastern Army of the Gillis Empire. Here, I would like to comment on his activities first.


　...... Ceylan's activities are different from his achievements. As the crown prince is the commander-in-chief, Ceylan should be given the most credit, but as he is the one who gives out the rewards, he should not be given first place for merit.
　For this reason, he was given a separate slot at the beginning to praise his achievements.
　When the facilitating official said, "Your Royal Highness, please come forward," the prepared bell was rung loudly.


　When the bells stopped ringing, Ceylan stepped in front of the King, to the sound of applause.


You have lived up to your position as Dauphin of the Kingdom of Rynor. Keep up the good work for the kingdom and for the people.

"Yes!　I will continue to do my best.


　After the exchange between Shinru and Ceylan, the messengers visited the Crown Prince Ceylan again and congratulated him on his success.


We will now move on to the ceremony of merit!　First of all, those who have achieved great success in this battle will be presented with a prize by His Majesty the King himself, in order of merit!　Those of you who have been summoned, please accept it with all your hearts!


　After the facilitator's statement, there was a brief pause.
　After the facilitator's remarks, there was a brief pause. A drum roll echoed in my head, but of course there was no such performance here, and the hall was quiet.
　Eventually, the facilitator's voice echoed through the quiet hall.


The first prize goes to His Excellency Louise Rastinel, Lord of Rastinel!


　The people around her groaned and shouted, "As expected of the beheaded lord ......" and "It's His Excellency Louise ......".


You played a major role in breaking through the center in the battle of the Mildare Plains, and you were the first one to ride in the siege and put an end to this battle by capturing the head of the enemy leader Poluk Nadar!　In recognition of your efforts, you have been awarded the first class of merit, 500 gold, the Grand Cross of Distinction, and the former Nadar territories of Maceva, Roshner, and Rath!　Now, Your Excellency Louise, please come before His Majesty!

"Ah!


　Louise nodded at the facilitator's words and stepped forward.
　On this day, her appearance was firm, with none of the brigand-like wildness that I had seen before. She has the appearance of a female military officer.
　As soon as she moved, several officials stepped up to King Shinru's side.
　All of the officials were carrying trays on which were placed certificates of merit, medals, tickets to be exchanged for money, and documents related to the cession of territories.


"Hello, Louise.

"Hello, Louise. Good day to you, Your Majesty.

When it comes to the empire, you're always there to help.

"If you wish, I will raise your head in the name of beheading.

I'm counting on you, but don't go too far, or the others will lose the credit.

I can't make any promises. I can't promise anything. The sword wants my head.

"...... I see.


　After the joking exchange, Shinru showed an interesting expression.
　And.


"Thank you for saving Ran.

"That's too kind of you.


　After saying this, they clashed their fists lightly.
　Louise is also very casual with the king of the sovereign country, but perhaps this is the kind of relationship that Shinru and the sovereign of his country usually have.


　On the other hand, Deet is mumbling with a dissatisfied look on his face.
　Judging from the movement of his lips, it seems that he is complaining that "...... Kachan took the credit". What can I say, he's still the same.


　Louise had her attendants bring out a pile of prizes and hold them up in a showy manner.
　I guess she is trying to show that she has been most successful, and that she will be rewarded so much for it.
　There was a great deal of applause and cheering, and Louise walked back through the crowd.


　...... After Louise's award, which she knew would happen, Shinru opened his mouth without waiting for the facilitator to speak.


"The second class of merit goes to Shahrman and Ronel. I have heard that they fought and did not retreat despite the appearance of Balgu Gulba on the battlefield. I'd like to commend their courage. Come forward, both of you.


　It was probably because the king had called him directly. Count Shalman and Baron Ronel stepped forward in front of the troops, their backs straight and tense.
　Baron Ronel had a large scar on his face, and Count Sharleman was missing one of his arms. Both must have been inflicted in the battle with Barg Gulba.
　The assessment of merit, which puts loyalty first rather than merit, is also quite rare.
　In other words, he fought against a monster that was about to devour his entire unit, and stopped it without retreating a step.
　That alone seems to be enough to be considered a major achievement.


　On the other hand, the guests also seemed to place a great deal of importance on Balgu Gulba, and they expressed great surprise and admiration, saying things like "...... with that Balgu Gulba" and "It's amazing that you survived.


　The fact that no one seems to find it puzzling, despite the fact that there is no such thing as a credit.


(...... is that really a bad idea?)

(......) Barg Gulba is the most powerful general in the empire, feared by his neighbors. Many generals and royalty have been defeated by him, and many countries have been overthrown by him. It is said that there is not a single neighboring country that does not hold a grudge against him. It is said that there is not a single person in the neighborhood who does not have a grudge against that man. Even the fame of Her Excellency Louise will be blurred before Barg Gulba.

(Seriously? ......)


　Is that bull really that big?
　No, it's true that he was very intimidating and fought very well, but I didn't think that he would be worthy of his merits.
　I guess that's why the circumstances surrounding the empire and that monster are so unique.
　Shinru opened his mouth again.


It's not a credit. But you have shown your courage on the battlefield, stopped the side lines from collapsing, and shown your loyalty to the royal family. This is equivalent to the second class of merit. Shalman shall be given 200 gold and Lobelia, Ronel shall be promoted to Viscount, and both of them shall be awarded the Cross of Merit.


　In addition to the cession of territory and promotion, they were also awarded the Order of Merit.


　Count Schalmann and Baron Ronel both stepped forward in front of the king in surprise.
　Count Shalman looked nervous as he received Shinru's words, while Baron Ronel even cried out in tears, probably because he was being praised directly by the king.
　The vassal who receives a patronage from his lord must be overwhelmed with emotion when he is directly praised for his efforts.
　Everyone is happy to be praised for their hard work.
　Somehow, I feel as if I am watching a great historical drama, and I almost cry.


　Count Shalman and Baron Ronel returned to their original places amidst applause and cheers.


(Wow, everyone is amazing.)


　That's all I could think of.
　Then, Noah let out a somewhat disgusted breath.


(......Arks-sama, you're taking it very seriously, aren't you?

(Because I have little to do with this ceremony.)

(If you keep talking like that, you'll be eaten alive when you're called.)

No way!　There's no way a child of a nobleman who hasn't even come of age would be invited, right?


　Basically, the people who are invited here are those who have made significant achievements and have appropriate status.
　I don't have any position, and I'm no more than a soldier. It was unlikely that I would be invited to the ceremony.
　Anyway, as Noah and I were talking about this.


And the third class of merit is ...... the eldest son of Viscount Raytheft, Arx Raytheft!


　I felt my name being called like that.


(You see, that's how it should be. ......)

I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

(............)


　I looked up and saw the facilitator looking at me.


"To ............?


　While my head was filled with question marks, the room suddenly became noisy. "Who the hell is this? "The ...... eldest son of Raytheft? "Why is the name of an eastern house on a western battlefield? And so on.
　Of course, the people who were involved in the battle had no way of knowing, but the other nobles who were gathered there had no way of knowing.
　As the murmur grew louder and louder, the facilitator began to talk about the contents of the event.


This time, sensing in advance that the Dauphin would be targeted, he attacked the information gathering place. We found evidence of Nadar's defection and communication with the Empire, and played a role in the Crown Prince's escape from Nadar territory, and in the war, we defeated and destroyed the Imperial Mage Corps. In the war, he defeated and annihilated the mage unit of the Imperial Army, and defeated the top squire of the Nadar Army, Vile Ellyn, in single combat.


　Indeed, those are the things that I have done on this trip.
　I helped capture the informers.
　I helped rescue Ceylan.
　I destroyed the mage unit with a spinning barrel.
　If you ask me, I also did something like a one-on-one battle under Ceylan's orders.


(......Hey, I've been pretty active, haven't I?

(...... What are you talking about as if it were someone else?　I'm not sure if you're aware of it or not.

(...... was into a lot of things, too!


　While Noah and I were arguing about this, the facilitator continued to talk.


While Noah and I were arguing about this, the facilitator continued, "In light of these activities, this achievement is third class!　In addition to the awarding of the Gold 100, you shall also be awarded the Silver Cross of the Order of the Shiro Cross. Arx Raytheft!　To the presence of His Majesty!


　This is an unexpected award of money and a medal.


(Seriously? ......)


　(Seriously?) Aside from the unbelievably large amount of money (100 gold), what is surprising is the medal given.
　The Silver and Shiro Cross. The Silver Cross is a medal that can only be awarded for outstanding performance in battle, and is considered to be the second highest grade of medal given to domestic personnel below the rank of general, after the Gold Cross.


　While we were horrified by the unexpected, Noah clapped his hands in a nonchalant manner.


(Congratulations, Arx-sama!)

(Why are you always the same? !)

(Well, it's business as usual.)


　I don't know what's usual.
　Anyway, the facilitator told me to go in front of him, but I didn't know what to do.
　I was so nervous and confused that I couldn't move, and I gradually began to feel impatient.


(Hey, Noah?　Is this really the right time to come forward?

Arx-sama. I don't care if it's okay or not, I've been called, so I have to step forward, right?

That's right. ......

They're waiting for you. Come on, make up your mind.


　With Noah's encouragement (or coercion) at my back, I waded through the people and stepped out into the red-carpeted aisle.
　Then, naturally, there was a cry of surprise from the people around me.


"A child!　Isn't that a child?

"Nonsense, he's only ten or so years old!

"That kid fought the [Boar's Head] in single combat ......?　Isn't this some kind of a joke?


　The astonishment spread to the surroundings, and the venue was enveloped in an uncommon clamor.
　Of course. It was impossible to believe that such a child had been awarded a military decoration.
　In the first place, the person who had been awarded the Medal of Honor was bewildered. Everywhere in the hall, there was confusion.


Everyone is in the presence of the Emperor!　Don't talk to each other!


　Euled, a member of the Kingsguard, raised his voice in warning, and soon the hall regained its calm.


　Seizing the opportunity, Ceylan rose from his chair and stepped forward.


I can attest to Arx's success. The battle with the squire was ordered by me and he sacrificed his head to me as I requested. Of course, that is what the Kingsguard saw.


　When Ceylan assured the audience of the nature of his deeds, the hall fell silent as if it had been hit by water.
　There were still many people who were skeptical, but there was no way that his argument could be false.
　I walked on the red carpet and stepped in front of King Shinru.
　If you look at his face, you can see that he is trying to hold back a smile.


"Looks like you were properly surprised. It's written all over your face.

That's because ...... I naturally assumed there would be no significant credit for it. ......

That's naive. That's very naive.


　Shinru whispered, "You can't surprise anyone with a surprise box that they know what's inside.
　So you wanted to see my surprised face. What a bad thing to do.
　Anyway, Shinru immediately showed a serious expression.


"Well, I never thought I'd be giving a child a prize for war. In the long history of the kingdom, you're probably the first person who's ever messed up getting a cross for meritorious service before adulthood. And you've got one more big prize left.


　The King's words were so deafening that the room began to buzz again.
　The king's words suggested that he himself would be honored.
　The king's words suggested that he himself would be honored, and even the guests of honor began to show interest in this.


The other side should wait until this side is ready. We're going to have a big ceremony.

"Yes, sir. Thank you for your happiness. ......

Don't rest on your laurels. Work even harder.

Haha!


　He received the letter of commendation from Shinru and bowed again.
　When he received the ticket and medal from the official, he was greeted with applause and cheers, just like Louise and the Count.


　There must be countless eyes looking at him now.
　Perhaps it was because of the many eyes on me, but I couldn't help feeling a twinge in my back.
　But it's not so bad to be the center of attention.
　The joy of attracting attention.
　The joy of being the envy of the world.
　You feel as if you have obtained something that you have never had before.
　It's a very vulgar thing for me to say, but it makes me feel very good. It is truly a heart-warming feeling.
　I guess this is the fruit of all my efforts.


　When I looked at Crabbe, he gave me a carefree smile, as if he was pleased with my success.


　......After the awards, we headed back to where we came from.
　I was impressed that the red carpet on the way back was very difficult to see.