The knight captain said solemnly, "Of course, Lord Rhode."
"..." Rhode realized this was probably the thank-you the king had mentioned, "Please rise, and tell me the details."
"Yes." The knights stood up, and the captain explained, "To express his gratitude, His Majesty has decided to confer the title of Count upon you, Lord Rhode, though the location of your fief is still under discussion."
There's even a fief?
Mira covered her mouth with both hands, showing an expression of disbelief.
Rhode was also taken aback, knowing that in the Fiore Kingdom, there is no concept of fiefs for nobles; even dukes only have titles and status.
For instance, the Duke Abar that Natsu and Lucy once dealt with.
Though he was powerful and influential in Hiloci Gate City, it wasn't his fief.
He simply lived there, owning a huge mansion. The city's administrative, military, and tax affairs weren't under his jurisdiction.
Even when he committed crimes and was exposed by Natsu and Lucy, he was arrested and imprisoned, never to be released.
Yet in the Gioa Kingdom, even a Count can possess a fief, which is much higher in actual status compared to the nobles of the Fiore Kingdom.
Once he becomes a Count with a fief, Rhode could essentially relax and live off the taxes.
But... is there really such a heavenly opportunity?
He asked, "I know Petlyura is a major offender in your country, but... simply capturing a group of defeated soldiers doesn't seem like enough contribution for a title, does it?"
"That's usually the case, and I don't understand the reasoning," the captain said earnestly and straightforwardly.
"But His Majesty said that as long as you accept his invitation and step onto our nation's soil, you've already made a substantial contribution."
This statement is quite interesting.
Rhode pondered for a moment. Is this king trying to use his reputation to intimidate someone, or is he using his actions to deceive someone?
To be honest, he has little interest in noble titles; a fief in a foreign land isn't very useful...
Wait, if there's a Hex Flying Gate, then it's no different from being on the doorstep.
Hmm... Rhode suddenly found himself tempted by this fief.
If it's through legitimate fame or effort to earn a fief, Rhode wouldn't mind, as mages work for money, after all.
But if it's for using his reputation to do unscrupulous things, Rhode couldn't accept.
It seems even more necessary now to meet this king.
The knight looked at the contemplative Rhode, feeling a bit uneasy. When Rhode glanced at him, he finally asked:
"You two must be tired from the long journey; His Majesty has already ordered accommodations for you. Would you prefer to rest first or visit the Royal Palace to meet His Majesty?"
"It would be discourteous to see His Majesty while travel-worn. Please take us to the accommodation to change clothes first," Rhode didn't intend to delay; he simply wanted to adhere to basic etiquette.
"Yes."
Rhode remembered something and asked again, "By the way, how should I address you?"
The captain stood firm and reported his name loudly: "Panther Lily, Captain of the 1st Squad of the Royal Guard Knight Order of Gioa Kingdom."
"What?"
"My name is Panther Lily, Count."
"..." Rhode and Mira exchanged a glance and smiled, though not too surprised.
It's because the name signed by the Gioa Kingdom's king in the letter a few days ago also seemed familiar—Constanton Shargate.
This Panther Lily didn't understand why they were smiling and felt puzzled but thought it inappropriate to ask.
Rhode explained, "Sorry, it's just that we also have a guild member named Panther Lily; we find it amusing."
However, unlike the guild's black cat who uses Lily as the name, this knight before them is named Panther.
"I see; I really hope to meet him if there's a chance." Captain Panther Lily found the matter quite coincidental but was cautious and didn't ask more in Rhode's presence.
At that moment, Panther Lily noticed one among Rhode's group who looked very familiar and exclaimed in surprise, "Is that the Machno Gang's big leader?"
Rhode nodded, "Caught him along the way; originally thought to offer him as a gift, but the situation seems different from what I thought, so I'll leave it to you to handle directly."
"Ah..." Panther Lily was a bit dumbfounded, as the Machno Gang had quite a reputation, yet Rhode spoke of it so casually.
They were only two people, and it seemed they didn't even have a speck of dirt on their clothes...
Panther Lily gradually understood why the king treated these two with such high regard.
He efficiently directed his subordinates to deal with the gang, then invited Rhode and Mira to board the ship.
The flying ship set sail and soon arrived at the Royal Capital, landing in front of the city's finest hotel.
Panther Lily escorted them to the reserved room, arranging to pick them up in two hours.
Rhode wondered why Panther Lily could decide the guest schedule on behalf of the king but thought perhaps the king had planned for such scenarios.
With the room's door closed, Rhode checked around to confirm there were no monitoring magic tools, and relaxed.
"Please bathe and change, Countess."
Mira smiled, asking, "Are you really going to stay here as a Count?"
"I'll decide after meeting the king." Rhode embraced her and led her to the bathroom, "If he's decent, it'd be nice to play the Count here for a while."
Mira was still a bit dazed; she was originally a 'demon' driven out from the village, then became a mage.
And now, she suddenly became a Countess? A noble lady?
Though mages with strength can indeed earn such status in small countries, it is still a surprisingly unbelievable situation for her now.
Until certain roving fingers brought her focus back to reality.
She didn't stop it but watched Rhode with a smile, "You'll regret messing around now later."
Rhode withdrew his hand, looking reluctant.
He remembered Wakaba talking about pre-marital roadblocks and post-marital saviors... but Rhode needed no savior now.
Took a dull bath.
Rhode dressed in his Ten Wizard Saints outfit, while Mira changed into a gown with proper makeup.
They tidied their hair up for each other and chatted about titles and fiefdom matters until the door was knocked.
Captain Panther Lily brought two squads of knights, a band, and a rather splendid court carriage to pick them up.
The courtesy was thoroughly observed.
Rhode stepped aboard the carriage, reaching back to assist Mira.
Mira held up her skirt with one hand and placed the other on Rhode's hand, boarding with great elegance.
They sat side by side in the carriage, maintaining proper posture and manners—usually not overly concerned with such, but it didn't mean they couldn't.
In the situation where others provided such honor, responding with the utmost courtesy was only befitting.