A New World, an immersive game experience

"Yes," Eldrian nodded and took another of the baked goods presented with the food. 

"About that, I hope you would humor me." Pelaros said, turning slightly serious as he placed his cup down. 

"For what?" Eldrian asked, having half expected that something strange would happen here seeing as there were a few curious rewards mentioned in the quest. 

"I am planning a gala in celebration of our victory. While the war caused by the invasion is still going to be hard on us all, if we ignore our victories and always live under stress. Well, that will do no one any good."

"I agree," Eldrian added, he had come to realize the same quite a while back. Though hosting a gala was a bit extravagant according to him, considering all those who had died and the danger that this corruption had presented, it made sense. 

It won't just be a way to celebrate, but also to mourn and give respects to all those who are no longer with them. 

"I am glad to hear so. I hope you wouldn't mind if we postpone your rewards until the ceremony. By far, your part in our success was the largest of all. I hope to take that opportunity to both introduce you to the kingdom, and also show people that hard work will be rewarded."

Eldrian frowned for a moment, but he didn't argue. 

"I know this might not be something you want, but we really need a figure to stand behind. I am no leader, not in times of strife."

"Nor am I. I have never led anyone."

"Oh, but you have. And you can always learn, unlike you, I am not made for battle. You have already clearly demonstrated that you are."

"But... What about the fact that I am an elf, and a Chosen?"

"It actually makes it all the greater. A hero who cannot die, that will greatly inspire the people. It might even be capable of offsetting the news of Herglem's fall."

"I understand that, but... I do not want the responsibility."

"Oh, then tell me. What do you think I am asking you to do? I am not asking you to become a commander, just a figure of hope. What do you plan to do going forward?"

Eldrian paused, his plans? He didn't know, he hadn't known since the quest ended. It had been his entire focus, without it he felt kind of lost. 

'I will likely focus on getting some Tier 4 spells and skills under my belt. Other than that? I have no idea.' 

"I haven't thought much about it. I planned to learn some more spells and skills, but outside of that nothing much."

"Which is perfectly fine. Now let me ask you this; if another problem arises, will stand up to face it?

"Of course." Eldrian replied without much thought, realizing too late that he had fallen for Pelaros's trap. 

"Isn't that exactly what a figure of hope, a hero, does? Someone who will stand up for the people when something happens."

"Yes, but-"

"No, don't argue. That is all that will be required of you. To stand up for us, to fight against the invasion. That was already your plan, I see nothing wrong with adding some more meaning to it."

Nodding, Eldrian accepted that this would be his role while feeling complicated about the issue. 

"Also, I want to give you a head's up. I have asked the king permission to grant you the title of count.

"Such a title will give you the same standing as a city lord such as myself."

"Ex-excuse me!?" 

Pelaros simply nodded seriously to Eldrian's outburst. "You will be equal to city lords, and above most nobles. There are only 98 count households, yours will be the 99th."

Pelaros paused for a moment to allow it to sink in. Adding after a minute of silence, "Right, you should think about what you want your household name to be."

Eldrian nodded absentmindedly, especially when Pelaros tried to paint a clearer picture for him on just what being a count meant. 

"As an unlanded count, there will only have 48 noble households higher ranked than you."

"With regard to our royal family, you will have a higher status than everyone who isn't in the direct line of ascension. Unless they are also a city lord, such as myself."

"Also, as a noble, you will have the right to form a personal army. As a count you can form an army of up to a thousand strong, however, I suggest you be careful with who you take in."

"A personal army isn't something you must deal with lightly. Those you chose will reflect the type of noble you are, and I also suggest you do not use those under your command lightly."

"Each death will not only be on your conscious, but it will also be on your record. To ensure nobles do not misuse those under them, we have a strict monitoring system. Thus, if you try to misuse your army it will not stay hidden and punishment will be swift and severe."

Eldrian nodded absentmindedly, he had started recording as soon as he became flabbergasted. By now he was still stuck on the fact that there won't even be 50 households of higher rank than his. It was simply an insane thought. 

While it didn't mean he would be around the 50th's strongest person, seeing as he shared that position with all the other counts and those where households. Of which the heirs would also be higher ranked than him. It still meant that he was in the top 1000 given all that. 

'And I just said I didn't want to have a household.'  Eldrian grumbled and joked, "I guess next you are going to tell me I am also getting a house."

"Of course, while we can't give you an entire village to command, a noble must have a proper house."

Hearing this, the cookie Eldrian was about to bite fell from his hand. "No, are you kidding me?! I just bought a house!"

"Is that so? If it wasn't too long ago I am sure we can cancel the purchase."

Slumped in his seat, Eldrian mumbled that it wasn't required. "It was just 13 gold, it's fine. But... Does this mean I am going to have staff?"

Pelaros nodded and Eldrian slumped more, 'I won't be able to fight it this time. A noble without servants... Godammit. I just want to focus on my magic!'

"Right, let's turn to a more pleasant conversation. As part of your reward, I plan to have a blacksmith forge you a custom weapon. Unfortunately, with everything, I only have enough funds to have this be a Tier 6 weapon."

"What do you mean? Can I add some to boost it up to Tier 7?" Eldrian asked with little hope, but surprisingly Pelaros nodded. 

"Yes, but it won't be a little. The difference between Tier 6 and Tier 7 is massive. You will need to add at least 1500 gold, maybe even more."

The number was most certainly insane, and caused Eldrian's cheek to twitch as he looked at his total worth and debated if he should or shouldn't.

AN: A big thanks to everyone who continues to support this novel on WN.