Low-Fantasy Occultist

Chapter 207

Silence filled the hall following the proclamation. About a hundred people were present, from the Crowley family at the center to clerks, soldiers, and a few curious townspeople who had noticed the commotion and slipped in.

There was no real protocol for meeting the King’s Shadows. They weren’t supposed to appear in public, after all, and even when they did, they typically conducted their business and left without interacting with anyone beyond what was absolutely necessary.

This, the recognition of a Prestige, was the only exception—the one time the Shadows came into the light.

There was something solemn about the way the dangerous man stepped until he stood before Eugene. He was not here as a powerful warrior in his own right, but as a physical extension of the King’s will.

“Eugene Crowley,” his voice rumbled through the Town Hall, and Nick wasn’t surprised that people outside heard it too. The entirety of Floria stilled, realizing something momentous was happening. “His Majesty has seen your efforts, your struggles to protect His land from the depredations of monster hordes and fae courts alike. He has seen your dedication to your people, your willingness to put yourself and your progeny at risk if it meant following your duty.”

No one dared to speak, but Nick could see awe and respect coloring the room. He didn’t even need [Empyrean Intuition] to notice it; the emotion was so evident.

Floria hardly ever received Royal attention. To witness an agent of the crown recognize their lord as commendable and deserving filled everyone with a sense of pride.

I imagine that’s part of the carrot. By making a spectacle out of this, he’s solidifying Dad’s authority over the town. The stick will come soon.

Nick couldn't help but wonder what Marthas thought of this. He hadn’t shown up in the days since Eugene’s rank-up, and now, with the confirmation of the Crowleys’ rule, he risked losing the influence he had over Floria.

But then again, temporal power had never been his goal. Marthas was wise enough to know when to push and when to give.“Your defeat of a Prestige-tier Ice Elemental protected the kingdom’s western border and proved that you are among the most stalwart of His Majesty’s nobility.” Now he’s really hamming it up; that probably means something big is coming.

Indeed, the entire chamber was holding its breath. Even without sen