The titles of nobility in the Ashen Kingdom were not the traditional five ranks of the North, but rather an intricate eighteen-rank system borrowing that name.
Each major title had three sub-levels, where even the most basic citizens were classified into first-class, second-class, or third-class citizens.
For example, Ramp was the highest level, a first-class duke, and the Ashen crest on his chest had an additional dragon wing decoration, symbolizing the special favor of the Red Dragon.
These titles were not associated with land, but determined one's status, benefits, and the blessing of the Dragon Vein within the kingdom. They were almost never hereditary, given based on merit and progression instead.
This time, due to Cassius's political need to bridge the gap between humans and monsters, and for the sake of propaganda, the standards for bestowing titles were set relatively simple, even including a few humans.