"I may lose important things just as I have in the past, and it's unlikely that everyone living here could escape unscathed."
The Count's words caused an uproar not only among the audience but also throughout the city.
Even though the city had been under martial law several times, and many rumors had circulated, hearing it directly from the Border Count himself carried entirely different weight.
However, the Count wasn't affected by the commotion below the stage and continued to speak in a calm voice.
"But fortunately, it's all in the past. Despite the pain, we have still emerged victorious."
"The Great Demon has been purified, the cult eliminated, and the Nightmare vanquished.
"This brilliant victory is not only due to the soldiers' valiant fighting and the citizens' support but also the assistance we received from others."
Under the Count's persuasive speech, which seemed to be infused with Magic Power, people gradually settled down, a mix of fear and exhilaration on their faces, stirring up emotions of excitement.
"They are not residents of the Border, nor are they obliged to obey my commands, but out of the most basic of emotions, these brave and lovely people—some even not of Humankind—from all over the Kingdom, have extended their helping hand to this city.
"The Border City will remember everyone who has contributed to it, without you and them, this city could not stand tall.
"Therefore, as Lord of this city and this Border, I shall, in the presence of the Royal Family, bestow upon these valiant individuals the honor they deserve, and with it my highest respect!"
During the Master of Ceremony's proclamation, amidst thunderous applause, the main characters of the award ceremony ascended the stage one by one to receive their honors from the Count himself.
The Sergeant's chest was adorned with one more medal, an addition that people were now accustomed to.
Three adventurers from the ancient village, their steps somewhat stiff, excitedly and nervously received their medals, representative not just of honor but also of a generous bounty, ensuring their return to the village would be a grand affair.
"I declare this Snow Woman to be an honorary citizen of the Border City, for the Border always welcomes friendly beings, regardless of Species."
Amidst many astonished gazes, the Snow Woman who had traveled from the Highland nervously accepted the certificate from the Count's hands, her eyes gleaming with tears.
"For her exceptional military merit, in the presence of the Royal Family, she will be ennobled as a new Noble.
"Furthermore, she will also receive recognition from the Kingdom, obtaining the official Identity of a Hero."
The Fourteenth Princess, who had until now been a bystander, stepped onto the stage dressed in a magnificent gown, gracefully approaching with the symbolic rapier in hand.
The innate nobility and the graceful gown made the delicate Princess shine like a Star, capturing the gazes of countless onlookers.
Truly of Royal blood… so many people sighed inwardly, with many citizens visibly enraptured.
"Hero, please come forward."
But in the next moment, as the girl took the stage, the Radiance that belonged to the Royal Family suddenly dimmed.
Under the suppression of Magic Power, the genuine dark green hair color was revealed, held neat in a ponytail by a White Snake Hair Ornament.
The Hero, clad in a dashing military uniform with sturdy boots clicking crisply on the floor, had a Golden Tassel Chain swinging on her chest.
Though the military uniform was less glamorous than the gown, inexplicably, people's gazes were involuntarily drawn to the young girl.
When she mounted the stage, the already bright light seemed to shine even more Brilliantly, as if the unseen shadows were wiped away—like sunlight spilling within the enclosed hall.
Under the gaze of countless people, the two beautiful girls stood opposite each other.
"Hero, I acknowledge your feats as a Hero in my capacity as the Fourteenth Princess and, together with the Border Count, ennobling you as a Noble Lord, granting you the rights of a Noble, and with it the heavy responsibility of protecting the Kingdom.
The Hero responded silently, bowing her head and kneeling on one knee.
"I swear, to fight for the expulsion of Evil and the protection of Kindness."
The Fourteenth Princess smiled slightly, lifting the Rapier to rest it upon the Hero's shoulder.
"—I have heard your oath; may your path ahead be filled with Radiance."
Beside her, the Count gently raised his hand, a golden imprint in his grasp Shattering and forming into a Brilliant light that flowed into the rapier, then merging into the Hero's body.
The Hero could feel the power of the Magic forming the light rapidly circulating, identifying the Professional Marks at her abdomen and legs and merging with them, coating their surface with a faint golden sheen.
This was the symbol of nobility.
Thereafter, thunderous applause and cheers rose, celebrating a fresh start for the young girl.
[Hero has acquired the Identity: Noble Lord]
[Hero has unlocked the Prestige: Kingdom]
Note: Charm/10, minimum 5, each point worth 5000 Experience
[Hero's Kingdom Prestige +7]
[Hero has gained 35000 Experience Points]
[Hero LV49 45207/99100]
Although in recent years the steps of knighting ceremonies have been significantly simplified, numerous traditions still must be observed.
One fundamental requirement is that the person being knighted must present their true self on the ceremony stage; aside from basic makeup, no other methods to alter appearance are permitted.
Even though dyeing hair is very popular in the Kingdom, at formal events like knighting ceremonies, one's hair must show its natural color, as hair color is seen as a symbol of lineage in traditional Nobility culture, and to disguise one's hair color at formal events would be considered discourteous.