In the affairs of Fiefdom

As soon as Gray and the others received their place among the higher echelons of society, the System notified them involving the title that they respectively received.

Title Unlocked: (Nobility: Baron) – For Gray and Selena.

Title Unlocked: (Knight) – For Isamu.

(Nobility: Baron) – Privileged members of society, you now belong to a hereditary class of elites with high social or political status, standing above the mere common-folk. Whenever talking to commoners, you gain +15 Speech and talking to your fellow nobles grants +10 Speech.

(Knight) – Esteemed Warriors of the kingdom, you follow a strict code of conduct known as chivalry, the embodiment of dignity and honor fitting for a valorous warrior. As such, you gain +10 Strength and +6 Speech, and wearing a full set of plate armor (excluding helmet) doubles the Speech effect.

Gray and company could not help but be delightfully surprised at the benefits that they respectively received, Selena most especially, as her Speech Attribute is locked and at least there's a way to increase the said attribute aside from the usual norm of leveling up, which in her case, she can't. They immediately equipped their titles after reading the description.

After the oath-taking ceremony is finished, the trio stood up as per instructions by Count Randalf who has returned his ceremonial blade inside his Inventory. Then, he conjured two red small badges depicting a rose and handed it to the soul-siblings. "This badge shall serve as symbolic proof of your new ranks into nobility. It was specially crafted and enchanted by the royal mages at Arkanos University so that only someone of nobility is allowed to don it. As a result, the badge will reject non-nobles and will force it to be unequipped from them."

"My thanks, Count Randalf," Gray said with appreciation while Selena opted with a simple nod of acknowledgment as they both received their respective badges. The siblings then inspected the item of interest.

<Badge of Baronship>

(Epic Item)

Attribute Requirement: None

Enchantments: +7 Speech

Item Description:

A badge that can only be worn by someone of the Baron noble rank or higher.

The siblings immediately equipped the badge after checking it out, as the item magically latches itself at the right part of their chest.

"And as for you, Sir Isamu." Randalf turned his attention to the cat-folk next. "What's a Knight without his very own set of full plate armor? As such, you will be choosing your very own plate armor as fit to your respected status that you can proudly own inside the armory later. With the current armor you're wearing, you'll be mistaken for a mere mercenary instead."

Isamu's eyes truly widen with happy wonder upon hearing the Count's gift to him. "You have my utmost gratitude, my lord."

The Count merely nodded as he was now done with giving the three the necessary items that are suitable for their respective stations.

"And before I forget," Randalf added as he set his gaze at Gray with complete attention. "As a Baron, you are also entitled to a small land and a manor. For your remarkable services, I hereby bestow you the farm village of Oakwood with the ownership of every asset and property under your name. It's quite a fitting reward for the Paragon and savior of the village himself, am I correct?"

Indeed, Gray was flabbergasted at this rather unexpected honor that he received, his eyes disbelieving at the prospect of being a lord of a settlement. Granted it's a small and simple village five days away from the town but he also saw how fairly prosperous it is as evident by how well the condition of the villagers is.

"R-really?" The elf blinked in utter shock with his mouth agape. "Not that I'm ungrateful or anything, your Countship, but I'm not sure if it's right to just give me a settlement just like that."

"It's fine," Randalf assured him with a smile. "The Barons in this region already have their own properties and fiefs. As the Count, I naturally have vast wealth and land under my name aside from Chadena, and Oakwood is one of them. As a matter of fact, it was Theo who suggested this matter of leadership to me. And believe me, he was rather adamant and quite persuasive when he wrote to me by letter, mentioning something about you being blessed by Lady Wynather herself. May I know what he exactly meant by that?"

"Hmm." Gray pondered for a moment if he should be telling the Count about his rather eccentric meeting with the Goddess back at Oakwood. After a short while, he decided to first be vague in his answer. "The good Lady simply gave me her boon of blessing."

It'll be based on the Count's next response if Gray will be telling him the true meaning of his last statement.

"Ah, so a Divine Artifact, makes perfect sense." Randalf appeared to be quite perceptive as he realized the true implications behind Gray's words, much to the elf's slight bewilderment. "I'm perfectly aware that Paragons are favored by the Gods and are also given an artifact known for its unique enchantments. As what I've read in the books, since this is Lady Wynather herself, then if I'm not mistaken, the artifact that you possess is no other than the <Peacekeeper's Tunic>, am I right?"

'Wow, this guy sure is a whole lot incisive. He's the Count alright, definitely wise, and is a person that simply can't be fooled that easily. It appears his title is not simply for show.' Gray thought as he was impressed by the Count's excellent deduction skills.

In the end, Gray merely nodded, seeing no good reason to deny Randalf's correct remarks. Of course, he also considered Rarsu and Malic being there with him, so it's also most likely that the two have told the Count beforehand of his situation.

And with that, Gray agreed with Randalf's bestowal of the fiefdom as the elf became officially known as the Baron of Oakwood on this faithful day.

"Wonderful, it's a decision that you won't ever regret." Randalf nodded approvingly at the elf's choice. "As I said before, your chamberlain, in this case, also Theo himself, will be responsible for overlooking the whole village and its affairs in your absence. So you don't have anything to worry about and just focus on what you're supposed to do as the Paragon. Although there is an issue that concerns the well-being of the village and your current status quo as well."

"What is it, your Countship?" Gray questioned the Count with a concerned look.

"Theo is at his declining old years, meaning he might not be able to perform his expected task as the chamberlain at an optimal level anymore," Randalf replied with a sad frown. "My first piece of advice is that you find a suitable replacement for the position quickly so that Theo can teach the new chamberlain and hand over the duties and responsibilities of being one while he's still at adequate health. Any of the villagers will do and it must be someone who you can trust with your properties. If you know someone, let me know so that I can send a letter quickly to Oakwood."

"A new chamberlain huh." Gray rubbed his chin in thinking. After ample time of thinking, he recalled a certain family that provided him with a roof to stay during his first time at Oakwood, with them all kind and accomodating to him. With his decision finally made up, he told the Count of his candidate in mind. "If that's the case, I choose Eric Mills."

"Ah, the father of Ethan Mills, and the one who you save from the brink of death." Randalf seemed to be intrigued by his decision. "It appears that you have been doing the Mills family a whole lot of favor. May I know why you chose him?"

"Well, I can feel that he and his family are rather extremely indebted to me after I saved him, your Countship." Gray crossed his arms as he told the Count his reason. "If anyone is going to handle my assets while I'm away, then it's got to be him. After all, I trust that Eric wouldn't go behind my back after what I've graciously done for him and the whole village. That, and he and his family are quite decent and welcoming during my stay at Oakwood, so I believe that it's a suitable incentive for them of a sort."

SPEECH CHECK: 46

SPEECH REQUIREMENTS: 30

<PERSUASION SUCCESS!!>

Received 180 XP

After hearing the elf's reasoning, Randalf could not help but smirk in approval. "It seems that you also possess a cunning mind in these kinds of affairs. I can clearly see the true markings of nobility within you."

Gray returned the Count's gesture with his own smile as he bowed down in appreciation for the compliment that was given.

"If there's nothing else, then I believe we are done here." Randalf declared with a cheerful grin on his face.

After things seemed to be now settled with Gray's group and the Count, Malic and Rarsu emphasized their presence as they approached the newly dubbed trio with smiles on their faces.

"I believe congratulations on your own accomplishments is in order," Malic said with pride while crossing his arms.

"Heh, my apprentices being a Baron," Rarsu stated with a grin as he felt sincerely gratified to both siblings. "Who would have thought."

'Hmm, this turns out to be an interesting development.' Were Lily's thoughts as she witnessed the whole proceedings from a secret spot.

As the four, including Lily, prepared themselves to make their leave, Randalf suddenly halted their intentions as he actually has something more to say.

"Before I forget." Randalf blinked in realization as he almost neglected about something rather important. "Baron Gray, I'm sure you remember in your stupored state about the esteemed bards that visited here in town three months ago and witness this Gangnam Style that you have performed at the tavern."

"Hehe, yes. It's definitely hard to forget when people keep gossiping about it." The elf chortled embarrassingly in response. "And what of it then, your Countship?"

"That damn headmaster of the Bardic University." The Count this time was seen to be comically twitching his head in utter annoyance while clenching his fist, much to the trio's bewilderment. "For the past month, that fucking whoreson has been pestering me non-stop by sending an absurd amount of letters as to when you are going to make your visit at Flocaster. If I don't know any better, then I might have thought that the fool is having an unhealthy obsession over me. As dictated in the letter, he's been dying to meet you for quite some time and wants to get acquainted with your prodigious dance talents as quickly as possible. Be a lamb and kindly make your way to Flocaster so that both of us can get what we want: The headmaster having you, and my peace and quiet."

"The Bardic University," Gray uttered the prestigious institute of the bards as he nodded. "Well, I did have plans on making my way there in the future, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate in this circumstance since the Alchemist criminal might be on the loose at Flocaster. If I'm going to head on there, then I might as well help in catching the culprit rather than spending my time loafing around with music at the University."

"Gray is right, my lord," Isamu interjected. "That bastard nearly cost us our lives and we intend to make him pay for his crimes if we are going there."

Selena also shared the same sentiment with both of her companions as she eyed the Count with complete focus.

With the three having being similar to mind, they all received [+2 GOOD], [+1 ORDER].

"Yes, about that," Randalf announced to the elf and cat-folk. "As per the contents of the letter that we received from the Count of Flocaster yesterday, it's stated that the culprit has already been caught and behind bars inside the dungeons for his inevitable trial as the investigation is a success. Speaking of which, it appears that you're right Baron Gray, the culprit is indeed a Bard and Flocaster as well would like to thank you for your remarkable contribution. Meaning, you three have nothing to worry about and are free to leave, hopefully as soon as you can. If I so much as to receive another goddamn letter from that son of a bitch, then I'm going to lose my mind here!"

Gray and the others in the office merely sweatdropped at Randalf's antics of silly hate to the Headmaster of the Bards.

"Additionally." Randalf quickly added in a serious note. "There will also be a festival that's going to be held there nine days from now I believe, and many travelers from around the nearby settlements no doubt will be attending for the fun festivities. So that's one thing that may hopefully encourage you to visit the town."

"I see." Gray nodded at Randalf's remarks. "Well, if the culprit is finally caught, then it is indeed of utmost relief to us three. To be honest, I also am interested in marveling the sights of another town for a change. We will leave at our earliest convenience."

"Good," Randalf said with a tone of approval. "And if you meet up with the Headmaster, kindly tell him to fuck off and go back to those ballads and music that he's so addicted to instead of wasting his precious time bothering me with his vexatious papers. Not that I hate the Bardic arts mind you, quite contrary, I highly appreciate it as it did wonders to our culture and traditions. My loathe falls only to the Headmaster alone."

"Ehehe, right." Gray chuckled sheepishly in acknowledgment.

"Now, if you don't have any more inquiries with me whatsoever, then I believe that this audience is finally adjourned." The Count declared with full confidence. "If you are going to leave the town, you may approach Howard first so that he can arrange you a carriage as a faster way of transportation to Flocaster."

With the meeting with Randalf finally concluded, the trio said their respectful farewell to the Count and gave a final bow of respect before eventually leaving the room. Seeing the three leaving, Lily followed them shortly.