The banquet continued, but the tone began to change.
The more open part, filled with circulation and free conversations, gradually gave way to something more directed. There was no formal announcement, nor any abrupt interruption. Just a natural transition.
Some groups began to move away.
Others were called.
And soon it became clear…
That the more political part of the night was beginning.
Scarlett noticed first. "They're organizing something."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "It was expected."
Lyannis tilted her head. "Now comes the boring part."
Elara watched carefully. "Essential part."
Vespera nodded. "Formal definitions."
Liriel said calmly: "Responsibility."
One of the castle officials approached.
"Takumi. The king requests your presence."
Direct.
Without unnecessary ceremony.
"Now?"
"Yes."
I nodded.
I looked at the group.
"You're coming too."
No one questioned it.
We followed.
We were guided through a side corridor, quieter and far from the main hall. The sound of conversations gradually became distant, until it disappeared completely.
The atmosphere changed.
More reserved.
More controlled.
More… serious.
We stopped in front of a large but simple room. No excessive decoration. Only what was necessary.
The doors were opened.
The king was already there.
This time, there was no audience.
Only him.
And a few representatives.
Among them, advisors, a scribe, and two guards.
Nothing more than that.
"Takumi."
"Your Majesty."
We entered.
The girls naturally positioned themselves beside me.
Without excessive formality.
But with clear presence.
The king observed everyone for a moment.
And then spoke.
"What has been done so far… cannot remain only as symbolic recognition."
Silence.
"Victories such as yours… require a concrete response."
Elara already understood.
Vespera too.
Scarlett maintained her attention.
Rai'kanna observed.
Lyannis seemed curious.
Liriel calm.
"That is why," the king continued, "the time has come to formalize what was promised."
The scribe stepped forward, unrolling a scroll.
"The title of nobility will now be officially granted."
Lyannis murmured quietly: "Now it's definitive."
Rai'kanna let out a slight laugh. "As if it wasn't already."
"The title of Baron," the scribe continued, "with authority over designated lands and the right of direct administration."
The silence remained.
But there was no surprise.
It was expected.
Scarlett spoke quietly. "That completely changes your position."
Elara nodded. "Now it's institutional."
Vespera added: "Formal recognition."
Liriel said: "And expanded responsibility."
The king continued.
"But this is not limited to the title."
The scribe moved to another section.
"Lands have been granted in recognition of your actions. Not only by the human kingdom… but also by other alliances."
Lyannis slightly raised her eyebrows. "Others?"
Rai'kanna looked more attentively. "This is bigger than I expected."
"The main territory," said the scribe, "is south of Vailor. A village under direct administration."
Scarlett analyzed it. "Starting point."
Elara added: "Operational base."
Vespera nodded. "Strategic location."
Liriel said: "Close and manageable."
"In addition," the scribe continued, "there are smaller concessions in allied territories. Regions under the influence of other races."
Silence returned.
Heavier.
"Elves, dwarves… and other races recognize your contribution."
Lyannis let out a low whistle. "Okay… this got big."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "Very big."
Scarlett maintained her posture. "That expands the reach."
Elara analyzed. "And the complexity."
Vespera added: "Multiple management."
Liriel simply said: "Connection."
I looked at the king.
"Why?"
Direct.
Without detours.
He did not look away.
"Because you proved yourself capable."
Silence.
"Not only in battle… but in leadership."
The words were not exaggerated.
But they were firm.
"And because we need someone like that."
Rai'kanna spoke quietly. "He's being clear."
Lyannis nodded. "No games."
Scarlett remained calm.
Elara observed.
Vespera analyzed.
Liriel tranquil.
"These lands…," I continued, "what condition are they in?"
The king made a slight gesture.
One of the advisors answered.
"The main one… is not in good condition."
Elara narrowed her gaze slightly. "Expected."
Vespera nodded. "Problematic lands are always granted like this."
"Low production," the advisor continued. "The previous administration failed."
Lyannis let out a quiet laugh. "Of course it did."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "So it's a problem."
"Yes," the advisor replied. "And also an opportunity."
Scarlett looked at me. "You knew it wouldn't be simple."
"Yes."
Liriel said calmly: "But it's not impossible."
Elara added: "It requires strategy."
Vespera nodded. "And consistency."
The king spoke again.
"You will not be alone in this."
Another man stepped forward.
Controlled posture.
Firm gaze.
"One of my ministers will be assigned to assist you."
Lyannis tilted her head. "Now this got interesting."
Rai'kanna analyzed him. "That's important."
Scarlett maintained her attention.
Elara observed.
Vespera evaluated.
Liriel calm.
"He will handle the administrative side," the king said. "While you… lead."
I looked at the man.
He said nothing.
But maintained his gaze.
Firm.
Direct.
I nodded.
"Understood."
The king concluded.
"Then it is decided."
The scribe finalized the record.
And in that moment…
It became official.
Not just an adventurer.
Not just a commander.
But now…
Something more.
Lyannis crossed her arms. "So that's it."
Rai'kanna let out a breath. "Now it got serious."
Scarlett said quietly: "No turning back."
Elara added: "New phase."
Vespera nodded. "New structure."
Liriel smiled faintly. "New path."
I looked at the king.
"I accept."
Simple.
Without a speech.
Without hesitation.
He nodded.
"Then prepare yourself."
Silence.
Because that…
Was not an ending.
It was the beginning of something different.
And more complex.
We left the room shortly after.
The sound of the banquet seemed distant now.
Because the focus was no longer there.
As we walked through the corridor, it became clear.
The war had changed everything.
But now…
It was the world that was beginning to respond.