What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 919

The Fifth Season (11)

The moment had arrived. The very season François had spoken of.

-Kugung…!

“Presenting Joan de Haas, Baron!”

“Waaaaah…!”

A time to remember those who had passed, to comfort those who remained…

“…With her courageous and unparalleled decision, she activated the Divine Artifact, ‘Divine Bow of the Arbor’ [a powerful magical weapon], and destroyed the heart of the Venetian Royal Castle, thereby thwarting the nefarious group plotting to slay a god…”

A time to celebrate the achievements of heroes in the days to come.

“…The Emperor hereby bestows upon her the prestigious First Class Order of the Empire and grants her the title of Viscountess.”

“Oooooh…!”

-Wheee!

Exclamations and whistles even erupted from among the nobles.

I applauded joyfully, wholeheartedly welcoming Joan’s rise to prominence.

She had dressed in neat formal attire for today’s investiture and did not wear her usual headscarf. Instead, she tied her short hair back with a long, thick ribbon.

Some nobles seemed to be already taking note of Joan’s unique ribbon style.

My friends and I anticipated a new trend in the Imperial Capital as we welcomed the next heroes.

The atmosphere was incomparably more heated than it had been an hour ago.

“Presenting Quentin Roussel, Young Duke of the Roussel Ducal House, and Berenice Mendy, Lady of the Mendy Ducal House―!”

“Presenting Gustave Boutier, Marquis!”

“Florian Mendy, Duke….”

“Presenting Leon Cisse, Marquis!”

“Waaah…!”

There were familiar names and unfamiliar faces.

There were war heroes we knew well, and heroes we hadn’t even known existed but realized we owed a great debt to.

Among them, Quentin Roussel, the president of the ‘Courtly Romance’ club, and Berenice Mendy, a member, were recognized for their contribution to producing leaflets that greatly demoralized the enemy, and they received the Third Class Order and the title of Knight.

The nobles from the Shin-guk [a foreign nation or region], who had led the cavalry of the Prohibitionists, also received the First Class Order and noble titles of the Empire.

Meanwhile, Marquis Gustave Boutier, His Highness Aurelie’s brother, received the Second Class Order for his material and moral support of the Imperial Army from the rear….

“His Majesty intended to grant Marquis Boutier the title of Duke, but Her Highness Aurelie opposed it again.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Natalie, who brought me a refreshing glass of cider, explained in a whisper.

I nodded, keeping my eyes fixed on the front.

“If the Marquis’s power becomes too great, the Cardinal is wary that it could be used as an excuse to attack His Highness the Crown Prince in the future political landscape.”

“Ah….”

Indeed, such calculations.

By the way, this cider is delicious. They even added cherries, making it sweet and tart.

“However, Her Highness is one to make sure she gets what she deserves. If the Palace Lord pays attention to such tactics, you may receive help in the future.”

“Yes, yes.”

I nodded along absentmindedly to Natalie’s advice, but soon the audience hall buzzed with excitement as Marquis Boutier was appointed as the Emperor’s ‘Grand Chamberlain.’

Natalie even informed me that the ‘Grand Chamberlain’ was in charge of managing the Emperor’s territories and overseeing taxation, and that in distant places like the former Venetian territory, he virtually represented the imperial authority.

It was a time to marvel anew at the prowess of our teacher and the Boutier family.

He may not be a Duke, but that’s a truly tremendous position….

-Kung…!

“Presenting Eva Blanquer, Duchess!”

“Presenting Modeste Bakari, Commander!”

And in the ensuing investiture….

“…And, presenting Clement Rambouillet, Baron!”

“Waaaaah…!”

Our proud Eva received the First Class Order!

Some nobles who seemed to have grown close to her showed a particularly enthusiastic reaction.

The Duchess was recognized for successfully defending the Empire’s rearmost areas and the Magic Tower, and for first proposing a long-range attack method using the Divine Artifact, the Divine Bow of the Arbor.

Camille was also recognized for his excellent leadership of the Fleur-de-Lis [likely a military unit or organization] during the war, and His Majesty praised him for staying on the battlefield until the end, offering strategic advice.

He also mentioned that the winning streak at the beginning of the war was thanks to his unfailingly accurate predictions.

“…To commend these achievements, the Emperor hereby grants him the title of Count of the Empire, along with a fief [a grant of land], and promises eternal protection.”

“Wow…!”

“Congratulations, Commander!”

“Congratulations…!”

Some shouted loudly, and thunderous applause poured out once again.

I was overjoyed to learn that Camille had been granted a territory rich in top-grade magic stones.

I was also pleased that he could finally distance himself from the Bakari family.

Also, Baron Rambouillet, Isabelle’s father, received the Second Class Order and the title of Count for supporting the Imperial Army by investing all of his family’s caravans and capital.

‘My grandpa’s the best! Awesome!’ Seeing Gain clapping her hands the most enthusiastically while congratulating him, I felt a warmth in my heart.

The Baron, no, the Count, even shed a few tears.

Soon, Countess Marise approached and held her husband’s hand tightly.

Quite some time had passed since then.

The investitures continued endlessly, and Cedric quietly told me, ‘It’s not ending today.’

There were still great nobles remaining on the battlefield, including Duke Cecil Blanquer and Margrave Caroline, and even Prince Corleone and Admiral Emma Corleone had temporarily returned to the sea to reorganize the fleet.

It would take more time for them to return, so the distribution of honors would take at least a few months to complete, he explained.

I nodded, diligently trying to memorize the names of those receiving new titles, territories, and honors. Well, the war was so long after all….

It was then.

-Kugung…!

“Presenting Elisabeth Mutet, Countess!”

“Oh, Your Highness!”

As soon as I heard the welcome name, I straightened my back.

The man next to me chuckled softly.

*

-Step, step, step….

The war hero Elisabeth walked gallantly and stood upright before His Majesty the Emperor, who for the first time stepped down from the platform to meet the eyes of the one being honored.

Then, the attendants standing below with red cushions bowed deeply.

This investiture seemed somehow different from the previous ones.

“Elisabeth Mutet, Countess. As the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, she assisted me, the Emperor of the Great Liester Empire, on the battlefield, crossed countless lines of death, and saved hundreds of comrades, including myself. She also made great contributions to the Empire’s victory by achieving numerous feats in dozens of major and minor battles….”

“……”

A person who had swept through the battlefield and continued a desperate fight for survival, even in the time we could not meet.

A person who risked her life to assist His Majesty, protect the spirits and Cornelison [likely a person or group], and fought wielding her sword back-to-back with Princess Elysee….

“…To commend these achievements, the Emperor hereby bestows upon her the Grand Order of Paladin [a high honor]. Furthermore.”

“Oh!”

At the words ‘Grand Order of Paladin,’ the nobles exchanged glances, deeply admiring.

Natalie explained that it was ‘the highest honor of the Empire that the Emperor could bestow on only 12 people during his reign.’

Only then did I recognize the small jewel box that the Emperor’s Palace attendants were carrying….

“…I bestow upon her ‘Alma’s Innocence,’ the beloved sword of the late Emperor Celine Liester.”

“Ahhh…!”

I recognized the identity of the long wooden box.

It was a box containing a golden signet ring and a sword.

I saw that Elisabeth’s eyes were reddened.

At that moment, anyone could tell that the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard was thinking of the comrades she had lost.

His Majesty patted her trembling shoulder a few times and personally draped a crimson cloak embroidered with a splendid helmet emblem around her.

When he placed the signet ring on her calloused and scarred finger, I also felt a surge of emotion at the sight of Elisabeth clenching her teeth.

As soon as Cedric and I made eye contact with her, we sent her our heartfelt congratulations. Soon after….

-Clang!

“Heok.”

The sword, which had been lying quietly in the box, finally revealed itself to the world.

Surprisingly, my companions and I recognized it at a glance!

“This sword is now yours.”

Good heavens, that’s the pure white sword that Crown Prince Cedric of the ‘Garden World Line’ used to wield―!

So that was it!

“…The imperial grace, the imperial grace is overwhelming, Your Majesty.”

“It is a sword made with sacred metals, so it will not break easily. From now on, protect your people with it, and become the sword of the next Emperor.”

“I will keep that in mind. I will never forget it in my lifetime.”

Elisabeth nodded, seemingly determined, bravely holding back her tears.

In response, all the nobles gave her applause of respect and admiration.

Before long, the last order of the day was approaching.

“…Presenting François Duhem, Marquis!”

“Presenting Isabelle Rambouillet, Lady of the Rambouillet County!”

“Your Highness, look over there. Her Majesty Hanan is coming too!”

“Hmph.”

Forgetting my hunger, I waved my hand slightly towards Her Majesty Hanan, who was sitting on Isabelle’s shoulder.

Then, the rag doll also haughtily flicked its shoes.

A broad smile spread beneath my sleeve.

In that place, François was recognized for developing a large number of military magic tools and making a significant contribution to the victory of the allied forces, for playing a leading role in the redevelopment of wartime portals and the construction of temporary portals, and for supporting military supplies by investing a large amount of capital from the Duhem family.

Like Elisabeth, he was awarded the Grand Order of Paladin and, as everyone expected, was ennobled as a Duke.

Isabelle, who had roamed the battlefield as the incarnation of Her Majesty Hanan and achieved numerous feats, also received the glorious Grand Order of Paladin.

Draped in a red cloak, she smiled brightly with tearful eyes and presented the signet ring to Her Majesty Hanan.

The ancient king finally enjoyed the dazzling glory of gold.

And, and….

“Grand Preceptor, Sir Johann Haynes is entering!”

“Lady Christel Rambouillet is entering!”

“…Young Duke Djibril Diop of the Diop Ducal House is entering!”

When the names of the three people finally echoed in the vast audience hall—especially when the last name was heard—all the nobles in the hall gasped.

I chuckled to myself, thinking of Gain, who had definitely been here until just a moment ago.

The sight of her rushing out of the hall after being tipped off that her turn was coming was so cheerful and lively.

I can see why Elisabeth sometimes talks about dogs.

-Kuuung…!

The investiture began immediately.

The Liester Empire was now entering a completely new era.

Side Character’s Strike Episode 920