Chapter 34: The Villainous Aristocrat Becomes a Baron

The day after capturing Kito,

The outdoor class in the forest was canceled, and I made my way to the royal castle.

It was at the Queen’s request, Freya.

Well, Felsy is still recovering, and considering I’m in better shape than the injured, it’s probably a reasonable choice if they want to ask about what happened.

Well, Felsy is still recovering, and considering I’m in better shape than the injured, it’s probably a reasonable choice if they want to ask about what happened.

More than anything, I’m curious about why Kito was in that place.

Apparently, under Freya’s guidance, they are interrogating Kito, and I want to hear the details.

“You’ve come at a good time, Kunou. I’ve been expecting you.”

“I extend my greetings to you, Her Majesty, Queen Freya.”

However, there was one unexpected turn of events.

I had assumed it would be a one-on-one conversation with Freya, but to my surprise, there were over a dozen prominent figures of the kingdom waiting in the audience chamber.

I had thought a brief explanation would suffice with Freya alone, but it seemed it wouldn’t be that easy.

“Firstly, you did well capturing the demon. I commend you for that.”

“Thank you.”

“…So, how did you corner that demon? According to the doctor, while it can be treated given time, the nerves throughout the body are in a dire state, rendering the body completely immobile.”

“I choose to remain silent.”

I said with a smirk.

Freya seemed to have anticipated my response and smiled slightly, looking a bit troubled.

“You really can’t say?”

“I can’t.”

“…I see. Is that final?”

I nodded in response to Freya’s question.

However, this time, keeping the information concealed might be difficult.

Especially considering the S-Class members witnessed it.

I had made sure to silence everyone about my weapons, but you can’t really control what people say.

While I didn’t regret defeating Kito in my rage, I did regret acting impulsively.

This time, all I could do was pray that the rumors wouldn’t spread.

“I understand. However, you will receive a reward.”

“Understood.”

I wonder what it is? Money, perhaps? If so, I wouldn’t mind.

There are so many things I want to create, and you can never have too much money.

While I was lost in thought, Freya held a certain document and began to read its contents.

“Kunou von Dorana. I grant you the title of Baron!!”

…Huh? Baron? Wait, Baron!?

This is impossible.

All I did was capture a single demon who intruded into our territory, even if it was a mid-level boss.

Normally, one would only receive a barony for significant wartime achievements, like Aslan did.

However, it’s not wartime, so why a barony…?

I glanced at Freya, and she smiled as if to say, “You’re not going to refuse, are you?”

“…I appreciate it. I accept.”

I can’t possibly refuse the title.

While I wanted to decline the barony due to the various obligations it entails, unlike a baronetcy, I don’t have the courage…

“P-please wait, Your Majesty!!”

The one who called out was one of the prominent figures present in the audience chamber.

It seemed he was opposing my elevation to the title.

“Indeed, capturing the demon deserves praise, but granting a barony is going too far!!”

“I have my reasons for this. There’s no need to worry.”

“Then please share those reasons with us!!”

“…Hmm. Well, I suppose it should be fine to explain.”

Freya rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. Then, as if she had made up her mind, she spoke.

“It’s still just a prediction on my part, but it’s possible the Demon King might be resurrected.”

“””!!!”””

The expressions of the prominent figures stiffened. I was also quite shocked.

“W-what nonsense…”

“By Demon King, Your Majesty, you mean the king of the demons?”

“There’s no other possibility.”

“But the Demon King is just a fairy tale…”

“Is Your Majesty truly serious about this?”

Their reaction was understandable.

After all, the existence of the Demon King was nothing more than a fairy tale to those unaware of the scenario.

But how did Freya come to know about the Demon King’s existence?

“Three years ago, when Eleanor was almost kidnapped by Kelbek, everyone must remember that incident vividly. According to Eleanor, Kelbek mentioned something about the Demon King at that time.”

“W-what!?”

“We thought Kelbek had lost his mind back then, but in recent years, there has been increased activity among the demons in various places. Even if the Demon King is resurrecting or being born, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“I see…”

Freya continued her explanation.

“If the Demon King does appear, we’ll need urgent military reinforcement. However, we can’t afford to be misunderstood by other nations, thinking we’re preparing for an invasion. Proper arrangements are necessary, and that takes time. What if, in the meantime, the Demon King leads countless demons in an attack?”

“…I see, I understand your explanation. So, as a reward for easily capturing the demons that attacked us, you’re raising Baronet Dorana to a baron, using his very presence as a deterrent?”

“That’s right. Fortunately or unfortunately, the demon we captured this time was a high-ranking one. The fact that Kunou easily defeated it won’t be something the demons can ignore.”

Ah, I see. Freya, she truly is a queen.

With that explanation, I found myself accepting the seemingly disproportionate reward.

“Now, does anyone oppose my decision after hearing all of this?”

“Well, truly, Your Majesty, your insight is astonishing. I will follow your decision.”

“Very well then.”

The Demon King, huh? Maybe I should start preparing seriously too.

Even if I don’t have any intention of fighting, if they decide to attack, I won’t have a choice.

“Now, just giving you a barony won’t fully showcase your potential.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Kunou, I’ll grant you a territory. You can do whatever you like with it.”

…Oh, um, a territory. A territory…

“Yes!?”

“That’s a good response. Yes, I’ll give you land near Drana territory that the royal family currently owns. With your skills, developing it should be easy.”

“W-wait a minute!! I can’t accept a territory!!”

I’m just a thirteen-year-old kid. I’ve helped my mother manage the family estate a bit, but I’m far from capable of being a lord.

“It’s just a forested area, nothing much of a territory. You can truly start working on it after you graduate from the academy and learn about managing lands. There’s no rush.”

“But still…”

“The forested area I’m giving you is quite extensive, you see.”

“?”

“Beyond that forest, there’s a sea. You’ll have all the seafood you could want. You mentioned wanting to eat seafood before, didn’t you?”

“!?”

Seafood, you say!?

Come to think of it, it was three years ago when Freya visited the Drana territory. I once complained to her about wanting to eat seafood.

Sea urchin, shrimp, crab, tuna, salmon roe, octopus…

Does Freya remember my complaint?

I see, as expected of Freya. Well played.

Indeed, using me as a deterrent against the demons meant I was in the most dangerous position. 

However, presenting me with a genuine reward at this moment, Freya was demonstrating her mastery in using both rewards and punishments effectively.

“How about it? Have you made up your mind to accept the territory?”

“Yes!! Thank you very much, Your Majesty!! I love you!!”

With what was probably the best smile of my life, including my previous existence, I nodded in response to Freya’s question.

Yes, I love seafood.

After all, a comfortable life isn’t just about creating convenient tools.

It’s about food.

The most delicious meals are surely proof of a modern lifestyle.

“W-What are you saying…”

“Your Majesty, I believe he means seafood.”

“I… I understand!!”

Freya, pointed out by the elder statesman, inexplicably blushed and cleared her throat.

“*Cough*. Anyway, if you are inclined to accept the territory, you will need to change your last name. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Huh? Ah, yes, well…”

When receiving a territory, nobles have to change their last names.

It would be confusing to have both Aslan’s territory and my new territory be called Dorana Territory.

But even if you ask me suddenly…

“If you don’t have one, I will decide?”

“Please. I… I lack naming sense.”

And thus, I was granted the title of baron.

My name became Kunou von Dorana to Kunou von Draussen.

Oh, I forgot to ask about Kito’s purpose and the progress of the interrogation…

Well, I’ll ask Freya next time I see her.

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