Chapter 116: The Secret of Ennoblement
Chapter 116: The Secret of Ennoblement
As Reyn, still basking in the aftermath of the battle, heard Hamilton's words, he turned to look at him with confusion.
Hamilton scanned the area and said, "Let's go to the office to discuss this."
Reyn nodded in agreement.
After Hamilton and the others left, the entire training ground erupted like a boiling cauldron, with everyone buzzing about the news. "Reyn has become a full-fledged knight at such a young age! His knightly talent is probably rare even in the county city!"
"Indeed! I don't think we've ever had a knight as young as Reyn in Flashgold Town."
"The last one was Vasily, who was eighteen!"
". . ."
"That's right!"
Reyn wondered why he still needed to undergo an assessment.
"If you're a direct heir of a noble family, you can skip this step and receive an imperial ennoblement directly. However, for non-direct heirs, commoners seeking promotion, or outsiders seeking to serve the Empire, they must first contribute to the Empire before having the opportunity to be ennobled."
At this moment, Colonel Connor, who had been listening intently, spoke with a smile, "Are you a bit confused about why Hamilton asked you to hurry?"
"I never expected that right after appointing you as the Night Watch Captain, you'd transcend the mortal realm today!"
Anna, though sensing something different about Reyn, couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.
The night view of Flashgold Town remained unchanged, but Reyn felt significantly different from when he had arrived.
Hearing Mint's words, the two of them began to scrutinize Reyn.
Hamilton, picking up where Connor left off, continued, "Therefore, many new knights choose to play it safe by gradually accumulating merit points. It usually takes about two to three years to accumulate the required 1,000 merit points. Then, they participate in the ennoblement assessment and, if successful, receive a knighthood."
The child, with her keen perception, immediately sensed the powerful life aura emanating from Reyn, though she couldn't articulate what it meant or how to express it.
"Additionally, I'll assign someone else to handle the night patrol duties for the Night Watch."
"Alright, I'll keep an eye out for any high-merit reward tasks. Just wait for my message, Reyn."
"No! Wouldn't it be better to take the assessment later? After all, the more time we have to train, the stronger we'll naturally become."
The three sat facing each other, with Connor still smiling as he examined Reyn, as if studying a newly discovered gem.
However, sensing something, Mint released her grip and lifted her head, looking at Reyn with confusion. "Big brother, I feel like you're different from before."
Upon returning home, Reyn was greeted by the aroma of a delicious meal being prepared by his mother, Emma.
That was naturally a good thing.
"Of course, Reyn, the final decision is yours to make."
Noticing Reyn's slightly dazed expression, Colonel Connor added,
Reyn nodded, understanding. The Empire offers you the privileges of nobility, expecting you to contribute accordingly. Otherwise, unless your ancestors had established merit, why would you get to enjoy such privileges without doing anything in return? "Of course, some less capable new knights choose to pledge loyalty to powerful families, becoming family knights. But I'm sure you won't choose that path." Hamilton continued.
'Swordholder'? This seemed to touch upon another knowledge gap for Reyn.
However, there were still a few questions that Reyn felt he needed to ask.
"There's another crucial reason Hamilton didn't mention. The Empire's invitation to become a 'Swordholder' is only sent to those who have attained the rank of Baron." "At this point, age becomes a critical factor."
"I and Connor merely wanted to inform you of this news. With your exceptional talent, it would be a shame not to give it a try."
Inside the office,
"Usually, it involves completing a task, which can be done by multiple people or a single person. Each person's performance is recorded and submitted to the Ennoblement Assessment Committee for evaluation." Hamilton explained.
"Thank you, sir. What is my current merit point count?"
When Reyn left Hamilton's office, the sun had already set.
"So, Lord Hamilton, you're saying that this imperial ennoblement assessment is challenging or has certain requirements?" Reyn thought for a moment before speaking.
"For commoners, this process can be much more complicated."
At that moment, the entire family's attention was focused on Reyn, even his mother, Emma, poked her head out of the kitchen to look at him.
"As for me, I once strived for the position of Swordholder in my youth, but the gap in talent ultimately led to my defeat." Hamilton reminisced, sighing.
"For you, Reyn, the application process is unnecessary. If you agree, I'll submit it on your behalf. Additionally, since you're already serving as a Night Watchman,
So, in that regard, you're already half a step ahead of others."
Reyn nodded.
"But Reyn, I think with your Talent, doing this would be a waste!"
After all, the simpler the task, the less merit points are awarded. And the more dangerous the task, although the merit points will be much higher, it's up to you to decide if it's worth risking your life. Reyn contemplated silently.
Hamilton, on the other hand, had a solemn expression, and said seriously to Reyn, "Reyn, you need to prepare for something now—the Imperial Ennoblement Examination."
"324 points, including the merit points for annihilating the Black Flame Church's secret outpost." Hamilton stated a number directly.
"Then, you can be my assistant. Tomorrow, I'll submit your application for the Deputy Sheriff of Flashgold Town to the County City." Hamilton seemed to be in a good mood and spoke up.
"If the evaluation is high enough, you might directly obtain the title of Baron, followed by Viscount, and Knight is just barely passing the line."
Whether it's providing various rare resources, secret combat techniques, or hidden knowledge, the Imperial government is always the strongest within the Dragon Empire.
"If you're a noble heir, you can directly sign up for the Ennoblement Examination once you attain the Beyond Mortal state."
"Brother, you're back!" Mint, who was originally playing with the Spirit Hound 'Cookie', saw Reyn come in and happily ran over to him, hugging him with enthusiasm.
"Secondly, you need to work in the official departments of the Empire or carry out tasks, gradually accumulating merit points. Only when your merit points exceed 1,000 can you qualify to apply for the examination."
"First, you need to submit an application to the Council of Ennoblement under the Senate of Elders. They will review your background and past to ensure you're not a spy or from any hostile forces."
That's almost two-thirds of the way there. It seems like accumulating 1,000 merit points won't be easy.
At this moment, hearing Reyn's return, Lagre and Anna also came downstairs.
Reyn nodded and said, "Thank you, sirs, for telling me such important news."
"SwordBearer, Reyn, you can understand this as an extremely influential organization spanning the entire Empire. If you can join, you'll be stepping out of Myester County, or even the province of Minster."
Reyn nodded and said, "Indeed, I have a question. Isn't it more suitable for those with higher strength?"
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After some thought, Hamilton added, "You can consider the last mission of slaying the Black Flame Mage and rescuing the children as an Ennoblement Examination. Of course, there are still differences, and the most significant one is the evaluation."
"The Imperial Ennoblement Examination?" Reyn asked with a hint of confusion.
11.
As soon as Reyn said this, Hamilton burst into laughter, his gaze towards Reyn filled with increasing admiration.
"It's like... your whole person is glowing."
This made Reyn's heart stir slightly. Could he have the opportunity to explore a broader world?
"That's because of age, which is also an important factor in the evaluation." Connor said with a smile.
"Sir, how is the Imperial Ennoblement Examination conducted? Or what is the assessment like?" Reyn asked.
Reyn rubbed his head and laughed, "By chance! This afternoon, I consumed an Advanced Potion at Marquis Fritz's place and successfully attained the Beyond Mortal state!"
"Then why does Marquis Fritz want me to prepare and participate in it as soon as possible?" Reyn immediately thought of something amiss.
After attaining the Beyond Mortal state, shouldn't the Empire directly bestow the title of Knight, the lowest rank of nobility?
After some contemplation, Reyn said without hesitation, "If there's an opportunity to witness a broader world, then... I must go and experience it."
But Lagre was different. She froze for a moment, and the next second, her beautiful eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed, "Reyn, you... You've attained the Beyond Mortal state?"
"Then, thank you, Marquis Fritz." Reyn said sincerely.
Or, with Reyn having attained the Beyond Mortal state, he had taken the first step towards controlling his own destiny.
Since he could choose which powerful figure to rely on, he naturally opted for the strongest one, as no noble could compare to the might of the Empire.
After hearing this, Reyn's face showed a contemplative expression. It seemed that different performances led to different evaluations.
Reyn took a deep breath and looked at the town, which was gradually lighting up with lanterns.
As if understanding the confusion on Reyn's face, Hamilton didn't keep him in suspense and continued to explain, "You will encounter a broader world!"
"Clang!" Mother Emma's ladle dropped to the ground, and her entire body trembled as if struck by lightning. Her face turned red, her eyes rolled back, and she was so excited that she almost fainted.
Reyn quickly took a step forward and supported her.
Old Reyn, who was holding the bottle of liquor, was also trembling. It was as if he had Parkinson's, and he mumbled with his lips, trying to say something but not knowing where to start.
Anna's big eyes fluttered as she looked at Reyn, her expression complex.
That night, Old Reyn got thoroughly drunk!
(End of Chapter)
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