Chapter 256: Bestowal of Honors (III)
The murmurs of protest from the Monsters gradually quieted under Kai Xiusu’s piercing gaze, fading into a hush of reverence. Seven Marquises had now taken their places, followed by twelve Barons—most of them leaders of various Familiars, though their experience or Strength had been too limited to rise any further.
Another name rang out.
"Gielermo Hagen."
The Human Mage in his long robes trembled with honor, quickly casting a Flight Spell to ascend onto the Altar. He was the second Human to receive Noble Rank in this year’s Award Ceremony. As a trusted aide to the Kingdom’s Spellcaster, Lanpu, he had made significant contributions in magical research and was even proficient in several newly developed techniques. It was no surprise that Kai Xiusu had chosen him—another fortunate soul.
"Damn it, another Human!"
"Wouldn’t it be nice to smash their faces in?"
"Disgusting hairless apes."
The Monsters surrounding the Altar stirred again, their resentment boiling over at the sight of Humans claiming positions they deemed rightfully theirs. But this time, it stopped at low growls and mutters. No one dared challenge the decision. Not with Kai Xiusu himself standing firm—directly embodying the authority of the Red Dragon. To oppose such a decree was to defy the very essence of divine power.
This was the stark difference between the Kingdom of Ashen and ordinary nations. In other realms, leaders gained power through military might or political maneuvering. They had to balance competing interests, aligning the interests of established elites before achieving their goals. But here, in a nation ruled by dragons, the Red Dragon was strength itself. He was the source of all power, the foundation upon which the entire nation stood. Thus, his status was unmatched—divine, absolute, and unquestionable.
The Award Ceremony continued.
Tens of thousands of Humans and Monsters held their breath, eyes fixed on the High Platform—the symbol of power and authority. The next batch of Viscounts was even larger, numbering over forty. Among them was Anthony, the nominal Chieftain of the Dragon-Bound Holy Knights, who now held Noble Rank as a testament to his service.
Yet nearly one-fifth of the new Nobles were Humans—public servants who had made outstanding contributions in governance, production, and legislation. Some were renowned scholars involved in compiling the Codex of the Kingdom. Others were senior artisans driving Mechanical Advancements. Still others were Scribe Officers in the Propaganda Department, shaping the kingdom’s narrative.
Whereas the earlier Nobles had seemed like distant, unattainable figures, these new ranks now stirred intense desire. Take Gilmor Sparo, the “Representative of the Artisans”—once just an ordinary blacksmith in the eastern city’s humble forge. He had discovered flaws in the Rifle Production Line and improved it, catapulting himself from obscurity into the role of “Technician,” and now, into the realm of the Noble.
He stood there, face flushed, hands fidgeting, rubbing his wine-red nose, trembling with anticipation as the moment drew near.
People stared at him with envy, whispering, “If only I had that chance… I could’ve done the same.” They were already setting these individuals as the pinnacle of ambition.
Then came the Barons—over a hundred of them. The balance between Monsters and Humans had finally reached near parity.
Many of the Monsters were long-time followers who had joined Ashen Hollow early on, loyal and hardworking. Now, they held leadership roles in medium-sized units and were being elevated to the rank of Baron. As for the Humans, they were the rising stars in every field—those who had made long-term, substantial contributions to the Kingdom’s development. Supervisors managing factory operations, leaders of the Kingdom Caravan, and even new Human Commanders within the military system.
The Monster subordinates roared in astonishment. The Humans erupted in cheers.
Even the most contemptuous Great Goblins had to admit: when it came to the nation’s progress, Humans were often sharper, more capable than the average follower. They never made blunders like the infamous “Ogre eating Quality Inspectors” incident. Even with deliberate suppression from certain high-ranking officials, many talented Humans still managed to rise—shaping the current landscape.
Nearly two hundred Noble Ranks had now been awarded.
But Lanpu’s voice did not cease.
"Everyone here has made enduring contributions to the Kingdom. You have earned this reward."
"Yet beyond you, there are others—those who stepped forward to safeguard the Kingdom’s security. The Kingdom will not forget their deeds. They shall be granted a unique honor: the title of First-Class Citizen."
A wave of shock rippled through the crowd.
"What does that mean?"
"Are we really dividing commoners into classes now?"
The term First-Class Citizen had never existed in the history of the Northern Regions. Nobles had always stood apart—untouchable, separated from the common folk by an unbridgeable gulf.
Under the protection of the Tiefling Guard, several plain-clad Humans slowly emerged from the crowd.
They were the lucky ones—those who had survived and succeeded in espionage missions. Most were ordinary, unremarkable commoners who, by sheer fortune, had caught the Red Dragon’s eye and been chosen as Exemplars. Among them was George, the man who had once reported the Silver Dragon’s presence—now standing right at the front.
George swallowed hard, his heart pounding, legs trembling from tension. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
"No, don’t panic.
I—I’m a big man now. Look at them—everyone staring, envious. This is real."
He forced himself to move, his legs finally obeying as he followed the Tiefling Guard up the steps.
"Is that George?"
"Wait—wasn’t he just a Peasant Laborer in the Food Manufacturing Plant?"
A fellow worker gasped in disbelief.
"Even he got Noble Rank?"
"Damn it… lucky bastard. Why not me?"
The murmurs quickly turned to envy, even resentment. They had all seen George’s rise—from a faceless, forgotten “Gray Livestock” to a man standing among the elite. Even Howard, who had once been friendly with him, muttered under his breath, unable to ignore the sheer magnitude of the transformation.
A Monster grumbled, "This weak little Human wouldn’t even be fit to be a dessert ingredient—back then, he was only good for us to massacre for sport!"
Amid the clamor, George was guided stiffly to the lowest step of the Stone Platform.
Looking down at the sea of Humans and Monsters, hearing their whispers, clutching the Golden Honor Medal in his hand, he felt like he was dreaming. He half-expected to wake up—back in that cramped, shabby estate.
"Thank goodness… this isn’t a dream."
He took a deep breath, steadying his racing heart, and began to imagine the life ahead—rich, respected, free.
Now, only loyalty remained in his heart—for the Kingdom… and for the King.
(End of Chapter)
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