"Eek, no! Do not tell Father about something like this!"
Just hearing Kabe talk about it was already more than enough to make Hisui want to die on the spot. She absolutely could not bear to imagine how her father would look at her if he learned about this.
After all, in her father's eyes, she had always been the innocent, well-behaved girl who knew nothing of such matters.
"I... I understand. It was wrong of me to suspect you. I apologize.
Also, also, I came here on Father's behalf to announce the kingdom's rewards for all of you."
Desperate to change the subject, Hisui hurriedly pulled out a silver flower-shaped badge from a spatial storage item.
"Lord Kabe, in light of your many contributions to the kingdom, contributions that have calmed unrest and brought ever-increasing prosperity to the realm,
I, Hisui, heir of Fiore, hereby bestow upon you the title of Count of the Kingdom.
I grant to you, and to your descendants, Hargeon and its subordinate towns and villages as your domain.
May you remember your oath of loyalty, uphold the path of knighthood, and protect your sovereign and the sovereign's heir."
Once she finished speaking, Hisui forced herself to maintain a composed expression and preserve her dignity as a princess, then offered the silver badge symbolizing the rank of count to Kabe.
Kabe accepted it calmly. After turning it over in his hand once or twice, he casually stuffed it into his pocket.
"That is it? I thought there would be some grand formal ceremony, and His Majesty would announce the news under the gaze of countless people...
I did not expect it to be wrapped up this simply. This is even more perfunctory than I imagined."
Hearing Kabe complain like that, Hisui immediately broke character.
"That is only because you came so suddenly.
Father originally intended to prepare everything properly, summon the majority of the nobles, and then send someone to Magnolia to invite you to attend the formal investiture ceremony.
Who could have guessed that you would skip Magnolia entirely and come straight to the capital first?"
"Tch. So now this is my fault too?"
Kabe said that while idly rubbing the badge inside his pocket.
"But whatever. I do not like overly formal occasions anyway. This is fine."
Rolling her eyes, Hisui turned toward Irene, who had somehow changed back into her mage robe at some point while silently sitting there watching the drama unfold, and gave her a slight bow.
"Lady Irene, as for your citizenship, Steward Fernando has already completed the process.
From today onward, you are officially a citizen of Fiore.
And to thank you for joining us, Father has also instructed me to grant you the title of court countess.
Though it comes without territory, it is likewise hereditary forever."
Irene merely lifted her chin slightly, as though that alone counted as acceptance.
Hisui carefully stepped forward and took out a badge identical to Kabe's, respectfully offering it to her.
Without even bothering to look at it, Irene simply tossed it over her shoulder in one casual motion, sending it straight into her magic storage space.
Hisui knew very well that at their level, mages generally did not place much value on titles or status.
But even so, such naked indifference still made her feel rather miserable inside.
'Ugh... that was a count's title. There are not even that many of them in the whole kingdom, and Hargeon is such an important port city too.
Could you at least say thank you once?!'
Just as Hisui was sinking into silent bitterness and private grief, Brandish, who had been on the verge of falling asleep a moment earlier, suddenly lit up at the mention of noble rank and immediately raised her hand.
"Hey, hey, hey, did you forget me again?!
What about me? I want a title too. Even if it is only some court noble rank, the royal family should still give a little monthly stipend, right?"
Hisui: "..."