Chapter 160: Becoming a Duke

After the repair of the Major Fortress #107 was completed and new personnel arrived to fortify the structure, Axel’s team returned to the capital.

It was a triumphant return!

To celebrate the occasion, their teleportation destination was adjusted slightly, landing them on the outskirts of the capital city instead. At the same time, messengers were dispatched to announce Axel’s group’s achievements in advance, alerting the townspeople and gathering them for a welcome.

As they approached the main road…

“What the hell is this…” Axel’s cheeks stiffened.

The entire path was packed with people, curious bystanders straining their necks to catch a glimpse of the great man who had accomplished so much in such a short time. However, more than Axel, they were eager to see the three princesses who accompanied him as they marched down the road.

“Princess Penelope! Look over here, please!”

“Ahh, it’s Princess Gwyneth! Princess, I have candy over here!”

“Idiots, Princess Ethernina is the best! Princess, please step on my face!”

Various voices echoed, creating a cacophony of chaos. Although Axel couldn’t fully understand their words, the lively atmosphere conveyed their joy—and it also made him feel nauseous.

Axel didn’t have anthropophobia, but he still couldn’t handle a crowd so dense that they had to squeeze through to pass.

“This is… too much for me.”

Even though the crowd had gathered to celebrate, he found it overwhelming!

“Fenrir.”

He called to the reliable wolf lady behind him. As if sensing his intent before he even spoke, Fenrir bowed lightly in response.

“As Master wishes.”

The next moment, a powerful wave of killing intent surged forth.

“A-Ah…”

Civilians couldn’t withstand her pressure, of course.

Even the witch soldiers struggled to remain standing and fell to their knees. Instantly, the tide of bodies receded, freeing everyone from the congestion.

Naturally, the bodyguards accompanying Axel and the princesses had already acclimated to the intense pressure, allowing them to smile wryly at this expected outcome.

“Let’s move,” Axel urged, finally able to breathe normally.

He adjusted his tie and marched ahead. Fenrir followed, positioned three steps diagonally behind him. As they moved, the crowd parted, reminiscent of how Moses had split the sea.

The princesses felt a pang of guilt for the civilians gathered to celebrate their achievements and arrival, yet they followed closely behind him. The event’s attention-grabbing nature quickly spread throughout the capital by word of mouth.

Thanks to Fenrir’s assistance, they reached the castle without any issues.

However, upon their arrival…

“Please follow me to the throne room, Sir Axel, princesses, and everyone else.” One of the Queen’s personal bodyguards approached, requesting their presence.

The girls exchanged whispers, their eyes filled with suspicion.

“This… is what I think it is, right?”

“I think so too. It could only be that.”

“T-Then…”

Axel tuned out their chatter, unable to decipher their conversation. He also couldn’t refuse the Queen’s summons. Reluctantly, he followed, curious about the reason for their call.

’I plan to return right away, but… staying for just a little bit wouldn’t hurt, I guess?’

With such thoughts in mind, he was led into the throne room, which appeared more elaborately decorated than usual.

Hanging decorations were added here and there, with the clothes of the witches guarding the queen looking brighter and more elaborate than usual.

The red carpet leading to the Queen’s throne seemed to glow, accentuating those who marched down it.

“You’ve come, my son, Axel.”

When the Queen spoke, the girls, including the princesses, stopped walking forward and knelt on the ground. Axel was a moment too late, leaving him uncertain about what to do.

Should he kneel like the others, or remain standing? He couldn’t decide…

Not wanting to appear rude to the observers and ministers, risking a charge of lèse majesté, he mimicked the princesses and knelt on one knee.

Silence lingered for a moment until the Queen resumed her address, her voice resonating gallantly throughout the hall.

“In just over a week, you’ve managed to repair and reclaim three of our major fortresses,” she stated. “And from what I have heard, you even dispatched one of the four heavenly kings. For that, on behalf of the entire Queendom, I extend our thanks.”

“I’ve only done what I promised,” Axel replied, trying to sound humble. “Most of it is due to Queen Wisteria’s power and the support of your daughters. I do not deserve such praise.”

Of course, his response was mainly an automatic reply, a reflexive action ingrained in him from his time as a corporate slave.

When superiors praise you, the expectation is to elevate them on a pedestal in return!

“What a nice thing to hear, my Son.” Wisteria smiled, interpreting his humility as genuine. “However, I can’t let you leave empty-handed. You shall, with great certainty, receive ample rewards for your efforts!”

With a wave of her hand, one of the ministers stepped forward and set a small table before Axel. On it, she rested a single bag filled with shiny gold coins.

“For repairing all the fortresses that had long been under the demon’s control, along with liberating us from the fear of one of the four heavenly kings, and finally, reclaiming a significant portion of our land… I reward you with 10 trillion Colts!”

“Ten… what?!” Axel gasped.

He thought he must be imagining things. However, Navi, ever the mischievous companion, discreetly displayed a pop-up revealing the value of the bag.

[10,000,000,000,000 Colts (Currency: Witcheria Large Platinum Gold Coins)]

It indeed confirmed the queen’s claim!

However, just as Axel began to feel overwhelmed by the generous reward, Wisteria waved her hand, signaling for attention.

“Furthermore, under my authority as Queen Wisteria Hallbach, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Duke! I expect much from you, Sir Axel, my Son.”

“…”

Axel’s mind went blank.

Duke? That title ranks just below royalty!

And he had earned it simply for repairing three fortresses!

As he regained his composure, he noticed the girls behind him looking at him with concern, as if anticipating his reaction. Realizing they were waiting, he quickly bowed his head and replied.

“I-It’s an honor, your majesty!” he exclaimed in a loud, joyful voice. “For the Queendom, and for my wife, Princess Teruria Hallbach, I shall do my utmost!”

As he spoke those words, bitter thoughts swirled in his mind.

’Ah, just great. More responsibilities, more complications…’

Nothing is more troublesome than an unexpected promotion!

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