After doing a little research in the elven village, we returned to the royal capital.
Sui flew us back to the royal castle, so we were able to return before nightfall.

Moving in the sky is good.
When moving on the ground, there are many obstacles such as cliffs, rivers, and valleys, but we can ignore them all and move in the shortest distance.
I was visiting my study to share information with Regulus.

Knock, knock,

'Regulus. It's me, can I come in?'

There's a rattling, rattling--

And then...

'Oh, Mister Yuki! I'm sorry to keep you waiting at the door. Welcome to the party!

'Hmm, ......? Yeah.'

I've been waiting less than ten seconds, and Regulus is the king, so he should be a little more dignified.

'There was something I wanted to tell you as well. That can wait. What's wrong with you?

'It's just an after-the-fact report...'

I explained about the bandits, the elven village, the demon tribe, and the evil dragon summoned by the demon tribe, in order.
The case of the bandits alone is a big deal in its own right, but it is less important than the latter half of the story about the demons.

Even after everything was resolved, Regulus still had a troubled look on his face.

'I see. ...... hmmm'

'That's all I wanted to tell you. Come to think of it, didn't Regulus say earlier that there was something he wanted to tell you?

'Yeah, that's true, but after listening to ...... Yuki-dono's story, I might have to reconsider.

'Are you talking about something related to the demon race? Don't keep it to yourself, talk to me about it. I'll think about it with you.

As a local, Regulus has more knowledge about the demon race than I do.
However, I also have actual experience fighting against demons.
Neither knowledge alone nor experience alone is enough. By combining the two, we might be able to come up with a good strategy.

'I see. Then I'll tell you - you're as good as you think you are, Yuki-dono. I've been thinking about something related to the demon race.'

'I knew it. Please continue.'

'With the change in the kingdom's system, I've been putting off many important things. I'm wondering what I should do to reward you, Yuki-dono.''

'......What?'

What came out of Regulus' mouth was more unimportant than I had thought. I mean, if that's the case, it's certainly not something you should be discussing with me.
I don't think it's right for you to feel this way after asking me yourself.

'You're the one who saved the capital from the brink of destruction and brought down the corrupt previous regime. As for me, I thought I should give you a duke's title--'

'No, no, I'm not interested in nobility!

I mean, a duke is the highest of the nobility, right?
Next to royalty, dukes should be the most important in the country.

'I was supposed to be able to prepare two or three large estates if I stripped the corrupt lords of their positions, but now I'm in trouble.

If I get a duke, I'll be in trouble too.
As a nobleman, you'll be tied to the land you own.
Slow life may be good for you when you are older and more settled, but I am still young.

My mental age is still in my twenties, and my physical age is still in my teens.
I just asked Aina to come with me on an adventure.

You'll be able to get a lot more than just a pair of shoes. ...... 30 or 50 territories is not enough for this ......'.

I don't need it. ！！！！
I'm not sure what to make of that.
I mean, I don't even need one!

'Do you have any good ideas ......?

'I have a lot to say, but I don't want to be a nobleman. I'm sure the monarchy would have to reward you to show you're worthy. ......'

But even if you get a lot of gold coins, you probably won't be able to use them all.
You could donate it, but then it would be smoother if you used it from the treasury from the start.

'I'm also a former adventurer. I understand how you feel, but it's a problem that you don't have a title despite all your achievements. Please understand.

'The title itself is fine to honor your achievements, but the territory attached to it is a problem. Can't you do something about it?'

'I think it's fine to leave the management of the territory to someone else, but ...... Lord Yuki is very disciplined. If that's the case, I'll make a special exception and create a new title that will allow you to command all the territories. How about a ...... grand duke?''

It seems like you've become even more powerful. .......

'If you have that much power, isn't that the same as a king ......?

'Mm, the same as before, right?

'Sure, it's practically the same.

Until now, he has been working as an ordinary commoner, but now that he has the status of a nobleman, he will ostensibly be running the kingdom as Regulus' right-hand man. Will this make things easier for you?

I don't want to be too conspicuous, but I'll take the Grand Duke to make Regulus look good.
If you're a noble without a territory, you're practically no different from a commoner.

'All right. I'll take care of it.

Regulus exhaled as if relieved.

'Oh, you'll accept? I knew I should have consulted you. Thank you for your help.

'Yeah? You're welcome.

I wonder if ...... is the right response.