【The Old Man of the Expelled Inn Unwittingly Dominates Today Too】Although I Want to Lead a Slow Life, for Some Reason the Strongest Beauties Who Hold Important Positions in the Country, and Were Once My Disciples, Gather Around Me Asking to Be Hired – Even Though I Only Taught Them a Little～ - Chapter 27: The Reward the Old Man Desires

We arrived at the Royal Castle of Natol’s capital city.

The inn is located on the outskirts of the capital. It’s not exactly close, but it’s within walking distance.

The audience chamber is packed with people. Today, awards are being handed out in recognition of the successful defense of Northmanea.

“Next! Baron Matana from the Eastern Territory!”

“Hmm, Baron Matana. Your efforts this time were commendable. I grant you 100 gold coins and elevate you to Count!”

“Ha ha~~ Such a great honor!”

Such exchanges continued on and on.

Having to stand for so long, my legs are starting to hurt.

It makes sense to call Alesia, but is there a need to call me?

Today, Liena is by the king’s side. Seeing Liena in a dress reminds me that she is a princess. It suits her. I get weirdly anxious thinking about how I’ve made her wear a receptionist uniform at the inn.

“Next, Lady Alesia! Step forward!”

While I was murmuring, it seemed Alesia’s turn had come.

She kneels before the king.

“Your prowess in shattering the enemy’s main forces was remarkable! You’ve greatly contributed to Natol’s victory. I grant you 200 gold coins and the treasured sword, Cyrus! We hope you continue to serve as a protector of Natol!”

“As long as my master remains in Natol!”

Wait… What kind of declaration was that? Well, I plan on staying in this country unless I’m expelled.

“Oh, is the master you’re referring to the special envoy? To have the Sword Saint vouch for him so…”

“It’s no surprise, considering he trained Lady Alesia!”

Hearing the murmurs around, Alesia puffed out her chest proudly.

Oh no, she’s starting to stand out too much. The atmosphere is getting a bit tense.

But it doesn’t look like they’ll call me. Those called so far have been counts, barons, and the like.

Well, seeing Alesia’s moment of glory today is enough for me.

I should head back to the inn soon. I’ve left Sera to manage it alone again. She might snap quickly. Just because someone is capable doesn’t mean you should burden them with everything. An inn that does so will soon lose all its employees.

“Lastly! — Special Envoy Baldo, step forward!”

Wait, is it my turn? And it’s the last one at that?

I had no choice but to step forward and kneel before the king.

“Ah, here’s the main act. I’m still undecided on what to grant you, Baldo.”

Eh? Could you have decided beforehand?

Being left hanging in front of this many people is unnecessary.

“At first, I thought of gold coins. But such a reward doesn’t match the scale of your achievements.”

What!? Did you plan to give me gold coins?

That’s more than enough!

I was secretly hoping maybe I’d get some silver coins or something.

“Father, Lord Baldo saved our nation. Considering his achievements, how about engraving his name in the history of our country?”

“Oh, Liena, that’s an excellent suggestion. Something that will be remembered for eternity…”

This is starting to sound way too exaggerated.

I’d be okay with just silver coins!

Maybe about five of them would be nice.

“Alright, Baldo! I grant you the title of 【God Strike Knight】!”

Eh? What? God Strike…? I involuntarily looked up.

“Ah, the 【God Strike Knight】! Only the founder of the Natol Kingdom who established our nation has ever received our country’s highest honor!”

“Receiving that title is synonymous with being given the status of a Marquis; it’s incredible!”

What even is that?

I don’t need something like that…

Oh, shoot, I accidentally blurted that out loud.

“Ah, um, you see, I didn’t contribute all that much. So I feel that receiving such a title would be beyond my worth.”

I hurriedly tried to correct myself. I didn’t want it, but it was probably inappropriate to say, “I don’t need it,” in front of the king.

“Wow! He declined the special role!”

“What a person! To not be prideful after achieving so much!”

Achieving? What on earth are they talking about?

“Ho ho, Baldo, there’s no need to be modest. Or are you unsatisfied with the 【God Strike Knight】 title?”

No, I don’t need any confusing titles, history, or nobility.

I’ve always felt that the king and I don’t see eye to eye.

“That Knight thing, I mean, it wouldn’t be of any use to me, or rather, it’d be troublesome…”

I’ve given up on the five silver coins. Just let me go home, older man.

“Hmmm, this is tricky… then, how about taking my Liena? Besides that, I can’t think of any reward greater than the 【God Strike Knight】.”

Wait, wait, wait!

What is the king saying? I’m just an ordinary man.

A royal daughter would have a proper place to get married. This is a bit too casual, even if it’s about his daughter. Liena will be mad.

See, Liena, say you don’t want to marry an older man like me!

When I looked at her, her face was bright red.

See, she’s more embarrassed than angry.

“Wha-” “Ehh? All of a sudden?” Liena started fidgeting.

Hmm, she probably doesn’t want to say anything anymore. But–

If you don’t say “no” to things you dislike, your father won’t understand.

However, maybe I should speak up for her. She’s my cute subordinate, and she’s in a pinch.

“No, no, Your Majesty. Princess Liena and I are incompatible. And I believe such decisions shouldn’t be made so hastily.”

Hearing my words, Liena looked down, disheartened.

Why!? I tried to help, you know!?

“Hmm, but it’s not right to give you no reward. It would be against my honor. Baldo, tell me anything you want.”

What!? Can I ask for what I want!?

Then, five silver coins… Wait! Maybe I should push a bit more? I have a feeling it could work.

“Well then… I want a new laundry kiln!”

After all, with just one, I can’t keep up with the laundry anymore.