His companions, Isamu, Selena, and yes, even Lily shared the same sentiment as the elf as they were stunned at the very spot they were respectively in.

"Paragon?" Gray could not help but question the Count, now feeling cautious about his legendary status being actually known by Chadena's ruler. Finding no good sense to deny such a statement, the elf then inquired. "If I may ask, how do you know of my status?"

"Like the case of Malic of course, I too have received the ancient words of your legendary coming by a letter from the same man," Randalf answered with a smile. Then, he a.s.sured the elf. "Before you ask any further, you don't have to worry about your status being revealed to the public. Only a very few trusted and good-willed people know of you as we are willing to keep your secret with us to the very grave. Of course, it's still your choice whether you wish to reveal your status to the public but I highly advise against it, all for your safety. Although the secret one way or another will still come out sooner or later and the best you are doing is merely delaying the inevitable as what history told us regarding your predecessors."

"Very well, sir." Gray slightly frowned at this but decided to not dwell on it too much as he still has another thing going on. "Moving on to another topic, what do you exactly mean about me joining the ranks of n.o.bility?"

"Why, being a n.o.ble of course." Randalf's grin turned wider as he gave the general idea of n.o.bility. "You shall be granted the same privilege as us, garnering the respect of the lower-cla.s.s as you rise on top of the social ladder. No longer shall you be known as someone among the common rabble, having access to vast wealth and connections that'll bring nothing but of utmost prosperity to you and your future family. And one of the best advantages here is that you'll be granted a land that you can call proudly call your own."

"I see." Gray nodded as he understands the gist of what Randalf said. "I'm truly flattered by the offer, your Counts.h.i.+p, but why me? Surely you don't simply grant this kind of special privileges to just anybody?"

"That, you're correct," Randalf replied in agreement. "n.o.bility is not just something that is freely given like an inexpensive gift or trinket. Such t.i.tle is only granted to the ones who have performed actions that are noteworthy and admirable in the service of the kingdom."

Randalf paused for a while as he enlightened Gray and his group even further about the topic. "There are two ways for an individual to be among the ranks of n.o.bility. The first and the most common way is through birthright, where the person usually would inherit it by his parent or another qualified relative. The other way is through promotion by a Count with the approval of the King himself, where n.o.bility is granted to the person who accomplished noteworthy things as I have stated earlier. And in your case Gray Allister, I've heard about your great exploits during the past three months."

"My exploits?" Gray asked the Count with genuine interest.

"I believe you recognize a young guild warrior who goes by the name of Ethan Mills, correct?" Randalf asked the elf.

"The son of Eric Mills from Oakwood? Yes, I know of him." Gray nodded in response, remembering the young man three months ago when he delivered the letter to him and was also thanked by his actions of saving Eric from near-death. "Sadly, I was not able to see him since then."

"The lad three months ago visited his home village and stayed there for quite some time. He also reconciled and mend his broken relations.h.i.+p with his father from what I heard. I believe you are also to thank for that." Randalf replied with approval.

"Really, your Counts.h.i.+p? Good for him." Gray smiled sincerely at how his actions have caused the father-son relations.h.i.+p to restore back at how it's supposed to be.

"And not only that," Randalf added as his grin grew wider. "I received a letter from my good friend, the Village Head Theo, who I'm sure you know as well, about Ethan spreading the word of your valiant actions to the whole village. I learned that you manage to drive off the bandits away from their hidden encampment despite being outnumbered, resulting with their plans of plundering my village to be forfeited, and even more so with remarkable resourcefulness by imparting false information. Your recent action of the cave from your last mission is also commendable as you were able to extract vital information from the Bandit Boss that'll help us in the investigation altogether. Of course, let's also not forget regarding how you invented some sort of a new dance move at the Fighter's Retreat that attracted the attention of the honorable bards, hahaha."

Gray merely sweatdropped as he chuckled sheepishly in response and recalled about that particular memory of his unforgettable night at the tavern.

Randalf took a short rest for a moment and continued with his speech. "If such heroic and outstanding actions does not justify your case in becoming a n.o.ble, then I don't know what is. As such, a capable and resourceful individual such as yourself deserves such esteemed t.i.tle and is a welcome addition for the betterment of this land."

After Randalf finished his statement, Gray indeed was bewildered at this predicament. The elf truly never expected that his notable actions from the past will come to reward him where he least expected. It appears that karma unquestionably favored him at this very day.

"To be honest, I should have granted the t.i.tle to you months ago when I first heard about your deeds but I decided against it as per Rarsu's suggestion. We don't want to distract and break the momentum of your apprentices.h.i.+p after all. That, and I also waited for the approval of the King by letter in which he graciously supported my decision." Randalf said as he stood up from his seat and eyed the elf with a look of intent. "So I ask you this, Gray Allister, Paragon of Silverhart, do you accept the t.i.tle of n.o.bility and every privilege and responsibility that accompanies it?"

'Hmm.' Gray pondered deeply before making his life-changing decision. 'As per my knowledge about this, being a n.o.ble indeed brings many a.s.sets into the table, allowing me a great opportunity to acc.u.mulate wealth in a considerable amount of time. Additionally, I may be able to access resources that are otherwise denied to the common-folk and earn political connections. Still, the duties and responsibilities behind the t.i.tle might get in the way of freedom and exploration of this land. Additionally, with me being the Paragon, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to be limiting myself in certain areas in the fulfillment of my n.o.ble duties. I should ask about that first before giving my answer.'

"Being a n.o.ble no doubt shall bear more responsibilities that I'm expected to perform. I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a commitment." Gray cautiously questioned the Count.

"Ah, you don't have to worry anything about that," Randalf remarked nonchalantly while waving his hand in a dismissing manner as he realized what Gray meant. "That's what chamberlains are for. They are essentially like the governor and the ones who are responsible for managing the affairs and treasury of your household or land as your representative. It's your choice whether you wish to be involved directly with the functions of your fief or leave everything to the chamberlain. Oh good old Howard, what would I ever do without him, hehe."

The three could not help but sweatdrop at the Count's display of easygoingness.

"Of course, the final decision regarding the state of your own land still falls up to you." Randalf quickly added. "The one thing that is expected from you however is to conduct yourself with pride and dignity as a n.o.ble. Overall, you'll still have your freedom in wandering around the land and it won't get in your way with your important duties as the Paragon."

Randalf then cleared his throat for a moment and looked at Gray once more with a serious expression. "So I ask again, Gray Allister, do you accept the t.i.tle of n.o.bility and every privilege and responsibility that accompanies it?"

With his inquiries about his responsibilities all cleared up, determination graces forth on the elf's face as he stared at Randalf and gave his reply with a bow of his head. "I would be honored, your Counts.h.i.+p."

"Excellent!!" The Count smiled with complete approval at Gray's wise decision. He then faced the elf's two companions. "I'm sure both of you are having thoughts about your involvement regarding your friend's affairs?"

"Yes, your Counts.h.i.+p," Isamu answered with respect while Selena opted to give a simple nod.

Randalf eyed the Sentinel girl first."Well, in your case Selena Allister, I'm aware of your… unique circ.u.mstance as told by your Master."

Upon hearing this, Selena's demeanor turned slightly wary as she faced the Count in an alarming state.

"Worry not though," Randalf a.s.sured the girl. "I've seen things far more outlandish during my ventures when I was but a youth traveling at the harsh snowy lands of Skorna and encountering foul sorcery of those witch hags, so who am I to judge? Since you are Gray's brother by soul in a literal sense, you are his closest kin. As such, you are a member of his family and will be given the right of n.o.bility as well."

'I thank you, Count Randalf.' Selena telepathically communicated with him, now relieved that the Count is a man of reason. Although she'll be having a little chat with Rarsu later on regarding him telling her secret without her permission.

"As for you Isamu Meiyo." Randalf turned his attention next to the cat-folk. "I'm also quite informed of your a.s.sistance to the Paragon during his bandit exploits. I've understood that both of you have formed a close friends.h.i.+p for the past three months. Not to mention, you're also trained personally by the renowned orc u003cChampionu003e Krothu and a.s.sumed the mantle of leaders.h.i.+p in dealing with the fire in the farmlands during the incident two months ago. Such actions are truly gallant without question."

"You do me honor, my lord." Isamu bowed down with grat.i.tude.

"Yes." The Count nodded in acknowledgment. "Every n.o.ble regardless of background always has a trusted Knight that they can call on their side, riding together with him in the field of battle. If you so desire, I can grant you the honor of Knighthood under the service of your n.o.ble friend here, what do you say?"

The moment when Isamu heard the Count's offer to him, his eyes widened with utmost disbelief and was rendered speechless at being allowed to be a part of Whitemoor's elite warriors.

From what Isamu remembered, a Knight is a well-regarded individual granted an honorary t.i.tle of Knighthood by a n.o.ble. A Knight is considered a cla.s.s of lower n.o.bility, someone who is a.s.sociated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct that they strictly adhere to. A Knight is an Elite Warrior who served under a n.o.ble and is also eligible to be granted rewards in the form of landholdings.

"I..." Isamu indeed was beyond shock at being considered a prospect of being a Knight. He also heard about guild members rising to the ranks of Knighthood and since then, they were living a comfortable life together with their n.o.ble lords. Controlling his breathing, the cat-folk regained his composure after a short while and gave his response. "F-forgive me my lord for acting all nervous, but to be granted the t.i.tle of Knight is indeed an extreme honor for any Warrior."

Isamu then took a final deep breath as he finally made his decision. "I sincerely accept the t.i.tle of Knighthood, sir."

"Good, good." Randalf nodded with complete approval now that the three has agreed to be part of the higher social hierarchy. "As per tradition, we will be conducting a small ceremony here as you three will be taking your oath. Don't worry, it won't take much of your time and will serve as the final touches in your inductance to n.o.bility and knighthood. Now, I want you three to bow down on your knees before me so we can begin."

The three all agreed as they did so.

Randalf conjured a ceremonial blade from his Inventory and proceeded with the ceremony. "Now, repeat after me:

Upon my honor, I uphold my perpetual loyalty to Whitemoor, her king, her allies, and by extension, all of Silverhart…

I will remain a devoted and loyal person until my breath no longer sustains me...

And in this land's protection shall I fight her enemies with both unyielding courage and an upright spirit until the very end…

Long live Whitemoor, Long live Silverhart!!!"

[+10 ORDER]

After the oath is finally complete, something pleasant yet powerful seemingly was felt within the trio as they certainly felt empowered by the ceremony that was conducted by the Count.

With everything said and done, Count Randalf ordered the three with utmost dignity in his every tone as he touched their heads with the blade while uttering their names and new t.i.tle.

"Arise, Baron Gray Allister, together with Knight Isamu Meiyo and Baroness Selena Allister."

- Oath-taking ceremony of Paragon Gray Allister and Selena Allister to n.o.bility by Count Randalf Lionheart the Third of Chadena, together with Sir Isamu Meiyo's dubbing to Knighthood, 25th Day of Ending's Cry, 1457.