novelraw Chapter 187
Chapter 187
Chapter 187. Courtyard (2)
The newly obtained Trait, or rather, the Trait that emerged from the transformation of 'The Vessel of the Demon King,' as 'True Vessel,' seemed like it might open new horizons for me as Yulian living in this world.
===
⇒ The Trait, 〈True Vessel〉, reacts with 〈The Vessel of the Demon King〉.
▷ Inflicts additional damage to the owner of 〈The Vessel of the Demon King〉.
▷ Allows the use of relics in the 〈Demon God〉 category.
===
Particularly the second point.
The fact that it was explicitly stated that I could handle relics in the 'Demon God' category was significant.
Which means.
'Not only regular relics, but I can also handle the Demon God's Chalice.'
Originally, it was established that just possessing the 〈Vessel of the Demon King〉 Trait would allow one to handle the Demon God's Chalice.
Nevertheless, the clear specification might mean that having this Trait gives me 'priority.'
'I'll be able to confirm that soon enough.'
Today was the day of the conferment ceremony at the 'Gate of Respect' of the imperial palace.
I decided to dress up somewhat, as it was a formal occasion and I had words for Osborne as well.
In front of the mirror, I adjusted my tie with my hand.
"Hmm."
After inspecting my entire outfit in the mirror, I gave a satisfied smile.
Honestly, digging through this wardrobe was surprising once again.
I intended to be formal by choosing a suit and looked for a tie, but when I opened the wardrobe...
'Haa.'
... So consistent indeed.
Light pink, deep pink, pink close to vermilion.
Why are there so many pinks!
'Avant-garde fellow.'
Luckily, I found a regular navy tie that was overshadowed by the pinks in a corner.
'Pink, seriously!'
When I wore that singular saving grace around my neck, 'Angelica' squirmed and blinked.
"Does it suit me?"
Muttering in front of the mirror, Angelica nodded in an approving gesture.
'... Good reaction, but.'
If you like it, does it mean it's actually a miss?
I had no idea what it meant for it to match a demon's taste.
"Well, who cares about a tie anyway?"
'I guess this will do.'
Thinking so, I left the room.
Then I noticed a crowd of staff waiting for me.
What is this?
As I glanced at them, a high-ranking staff member stepped forward and spoke.
"Sir Yulian, a rehearsal for today's Royal Elite Sword conferment ceremony is scheduled. Will you join us?"
"I have somewhere I want to visit first."
There's something I need to do before the rehearsal.
The staff member looked puzzled momentarily but nodded.
'Yulian' was always unpredictable, after all.
***
"I can't believe you'll receive the Royal Elite Sword Medal said to be awarded once every decade."
Before the medal ceremony began, I headed to the underground prison.
Zahard, who was seated there, looked cleaner and more composed than when I last left him in the north.
It seemed he was receiving decent treatment within the prison walls.
Of course, that was all thanks to me.
With 'Yulian' personally sending provisions and taking 'special' care, the guards had no choice but to treat him well.
"What do you wish to say?"
"Well..."
My brusque question left Zahard trailing off.
"Upon consideration, perhaps I better not."
"What is it?"
"I thought you might stop sending me provisions."
You've practically said your piece already, haven't you?
"By the way, the Royal Elite Sword Medal, I'm quite fond of it."
"Do you have some connection to it?"
"I had my eyes on it too. Originally, I might have been awarded it a decade ago."
No need to ask, 'Why didn't you receive it?'
After all, I knew quite well about Zahard's past.
"Life is unpredictable. I was once hailed as a patriot, and look at me now in this cell."
"Yet, judging by your appearance, you seem to be enjoying life here."
"Indeed. Back when I was on the run, I always feared that the 'Blind Eyes' or a knight might catch up to me at any time. Tsk, tsk."
With that, Zahard mimicked trembling.
In truth, if he had been serious, those knights or the Blind Eyes would have long been cut down.
It was likely an act out of respect for the empire.
"If you receive the Royal Elite Sword Medal, might I 'ask' to see it?"
Huh?
For a second, I thought I misheard him.
Ask to see it? Does he mean bite it?
Has this madman lost his mind?
"Yes, I'll prepare some water for you to chew it thoroughly."
"Haha, don't look at me like that. With my eyes as they are, I've never seen the Royal Elite Sword Medal."
"So, you intend to bite it?"
"Well."
You could at least touch it with your hands and get a rough idea, you lunatic!
"Biting it will confirm whether it's real gold, won't it?"
"Would that confirmation be necessary for you, Zahard?"
"Hmmm."
Zahard seemed disappointed.
"If I had known, I would have deserted a little later to receive it."
That's not something to say lightly.
"By the way, what brought a recipient of the Royal Elite Sword Medal to such a place? You didn't come just to boast about receiving it, did you?"
"Hmm, you're right."
I deliberately adjusted my tie, emphasizing the 'award ceremony' visit.
Though Zahard couldn't see, my actions registered with him as he chuckled.
"Shouldn't you be stepping out of prison soon, Zahard? How long do you plan to remain in these dingy quarters?"
"It seems I might have heard that in reverse, but I suppose it doesn't matter."
You heard it correctly.
"I hear I should remain imprisoned through the year."
"Who told you this?"
"The guards."
Zahard nodded as if confirming his previous nod and continued speaking.
"It seems the secretariat has decreed it, and I can't oppose their orders."
"Then, if an order comes from above the imperial secretariat, it would be different."
"Such an order exists? The best would be the royalty..."
Zahard seemed to realize my thoughts, sighed heavily, and nodded.
"Please take care, Sir Yulian."
Zahard suddenly opted for formal speech.
***
"Sir Yulian, when you hear the sound of the brass instruments, please step forward."
Acknowledging the secretariat staff's words, I adjusted my appearance once more behind the curtain.
The presence I sensed from outside was immense.
As the 'prince' was personally bestowing the award, the ceremony garnered significant attention.
'Whew...'
I glanced at the mirror.
Honestly, for such an event, I thought that in the body of 'Yulian', I'd handle it with ease.
For this overbearing character, he didn't seem like the type to get anxious over such matters.
Brazen ego was both his strength and his weakness.
However.
'Seems like he's not as composed as I thought.'
Baaam, bam-ba-bam──!
As the brass instruments resounded loudly, per the staff's words and the rehearsal, the curtain parted.
I stepped out, walking forward.
The blazing sunlight brushed against my eyes first, and an overwhelming crowd filled my view.
'The people are like trash.'
Thinking such thoughts about the scene, I quickly realized.
Not trash as in garbage but as in they are as numerous as trash.
No, that's trashy wording too.
'Yulian, you bastard.'
Not only has he hijacked my physical control but is he aiming for my own consciousness now!
To calm my nerves, I purposely filled my mind with trivial thoughts as I marched on the carpeted path.
"It's been a while since a conferment ceremony; the crowd is chaotic."
From the nearby audience, whispers reached my ears as I tread upon the carpet.
"Even with so many onlookers, he doesn't flinch an inch."
"Whatever else, he certainly is something."
In truth, I was incredibly nervous, but my impassive facade hid it all too well.
Step by step.
With each step I took, familiar faces emerged among the crowd.
'Is that Ordwin?'
'Blind Eyes' commander, it's been a while.
'I see Aileen too.'
Spotting people amidst the crowd was amusing; it felt like a game of finding hidden pictures.
Other notable figures entered my vision as well.
Alba of the Godricht family.
Pintel Obradin.
Kolparan Demius.
And.
'Hmm?'
Even Felkhor?
Strangely, I didn't spot Felkhor's face from the audience area.
It was among the line of soldiers standing beside the carpet where that face appeared.
'Did Pintel place him there?'
Perhaps.
He probably stationed him there to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.
As I approached the podium, passing by Felkhor, our eyes met briefly.
'Good grief.'
Seeing so many familiar faces at once was indeed disconcerting.
After passing Felkhor, I reached the podium, where the face of the 2nd Prince Osborne awaited.
As usual, Osborne's face bore a business-like expression, but the hint of a smile suggested he had long anticipated this day.
'In this massive crowd, it's almost like declaring Yulian's allegiance to him.'
By doing so, it was natural for his foundation in the line of succession to strengthen.
Moreover, he had crafted a positive image suited for awarding the 'Royal Elite Sword Medal.'
'But what can you do?'
Things might not go exactly as you planned.
***
Standing atmjop the Gate of Respect podium, surveying the vast assembly, Osborne smirked inwardly.
Presenting the Royal Elite Sword Medal personally to 'Yulian' in front of this enormous crowd.
'My siblings must be anxious.'
He was well aware that his two siblings sought to engage Yulian, trying to place chains upon this notable figure.
Indeed, as representative of one of the imperial institutions, the 'Blind Eyes', Yulian had made a conspicuous merit.
".... And outstanding achievements in the recent Finger Breaking Operation are hereby recognized...."
Reeling in such a figure and proving oneself capable of taming a 'fierce hound' known as Yulian could only enhance his reputation.
"... Thus, the Adratan Empire acknowledges your contributions and will remember them eternally."
Clap, clap, clap!
With a thunderous round of applause erupting from the audience following the host's words, Osborne stood up.
"Now then, Sir Yulian, kindly step forward."
As Yulian took a step forward prompted by the speech-amplified magic device, Osborne approached him.
Seemingly coordinated ahead of time, a staff approached with a lavish case in hand.
Inside lay a medal styled with a golden sword and wing insignia.
While flashing a satisfied smile, Osborne pulled out the medal and draped it around Yulian's neck.
"Well done, Yulian."
"It was nothing, Lord Osborne."
Yulian's response was straightforward and modest.
"It was no mere trifle. Thanks to your excellent execution, you've revived the royal family's stature."
"I appreciate your words."
With a courteous gesture, Yulian took a step back.
Thus far, everything had proceeded according to the rehearsal.
Amid the applauding crowd, amidst the flawless ceremony, Osborne smiled wryly.
'Whatever happens to him after today, that won't be my concern.'
What mattered was declaring to this gargantuan audience that "the 2nd Prince Osborne" had collared "the royal family's hound."
"Now, Sir Yulian, could you say a few words?"
Upon the host's request, Yulian stepped forward.
Osborne chuckled inwardly.
"Ah, ah."
Seizing the amplified magic device, Yulian began to articulate his prepared remarks.
From here, it was expected he'd drone on with mundane observations, and the ceremony would conclude.
"Look at this, everyone."
Yulian proceeded to display the medal adorning his neck.
"It truly is a trash medal, isn't it?"
Delivered in a calm tone but with venomous content.
This wasn't part of the rehearsal, and Osborne's eyes widened in shock.
Clacky's Corner:
Trash medal indeed.