[Stage 4-1] The Birth of a “Saint”
A cloudless blue sky—perfect weather for a celebration. A solemn atmosphere permeates the grand hall of the royal castle, bathed in sunlight.
I, too, stand tall, displaying a posture befitting a nobleman.
“We shall now commence the award ceremony for Ouga Vellet! Ouga Vellet, approach His Majesty King Anbarld !”
I begin walking on the red carpet laid out on the marble floor, having waited near the entrance.
With each step, the gazes from both sides intensify.
It’s the noble lords and ladies’ esteemed appraisal, lined up along the red carpet.
After all, some of them are seeing me properly for the first time.
The eldest son of one of the four great ducal families, who had been a shut-in until now, suddenly emerges and is immediately honored by the King himself.
You won’t find a similar case even if you flip through past history books. This will likely remain the only example in the future as well.
With Andraus executed—at least officially—and my father’s influence growing stronger, I’ve become a potential connection to Gordon Vellet.
In noble society, it’s eat or be eaten.
Essentially, the nobles are trying to gauge whether Ouga Vellet is someone they can manipulate.
However, those close to my father, who behaves like a corrupt nobleman, probably won’t approach me much.
Being honored by the King, they should recognize me as someone who performs good deeds.
Corrupt nobles with skeletons in their closets wouldn’t risk exposing themselves unnecessarily.
“………..”
My father, in the front row, breaks into a slight smile when our eyes meet.
Looking around, I see the current heads of the four great ducal families perfectly lined up, including Karen’s father.
Gordon Vellet, the corrupt lord who manages the rotten parts and manipulates things behind the scenes to avoid inconveniencing His Majesty.
Enju Levezenka, head of the military division that has protected the Kingdom of Rondism from the threats of monsters and war.
Rajinis Kabunika, the “National Magician” who, like Floné, played an active role in the past great war and is said to still be able to turn the tide of battle single-handedly.
Judan Audrian, His Majesty’s confidant who loves the country more than anyone and supports the development of the Kingdom of Rondism through domestic affairs.
Each of them is a battle-hardened veteran who has shaped an era.
Their aura is indeed different. My instincts tell me they’re living on a stage one, no, two levels above.
Having thoroughly endured the gazes from my surroundings, I finally reach the foot of King Anbarld ‘s throne. I kneel on one knee and bow my head.
…Considering what’s about to happen, I already want to return to the mansion and recuperate in the healing space with Mashiro and the others.
The lavish suit I’m wearing, unworthy of the name of the corrupt Vellet family, feels unbearably heavy.
Moreover, the pain in my right arm hasn’t subsided, and I’m still keeping it immobilized with an arm holder…
Of course, I can’t voice such complaints to His Majesty, which is why I’m here.
I feel like my freedom is being steadily taken away without my knowledge, distancing me from my dream of living as I please.
“Raise your head, Ouga Vellet.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“You’ve done well to come to the castle while your battle wounds are still healing. Consider it my paternal concern, wanting to reward a loyal subject as soon as possible. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. Your kind words alone are more than enough reward for me.”
“I see you possess a humble heart as well. This further confirms my belief that you are indeed worthy of the title I shall bestow upon you today.”
The great hall suddenly becomes noisy. In contrast to the perplexed nobles, His Majesty seems quite pleased, smiling broadly.
In the Kingdom of Rondism, a title is proof that one has been recognized by His Majesty.
It is given only to those judged to have made extremely high contributions to the country, granting the honor of having one’s name recorded in the history books compiled since the nation’s founding.
To be frank, I haven’t achieved anything comparable to the great figures of the past.
This isn’t modesty; it’s my honest opinion. All I’ve done is put my body on the line a little to obtain Reina and get Alice back.
And that wasn’t even for the country’s sake, but for my own selfish desires.
That’s why I absolutely don’t want such a title.
I’m only here reluctantly because I’ve been left with no way out.
It would be a disgrace for generations if the history books recorded that a person enshrined in the country’s history went on to indulge in luxury and spend their days surrounded by women…!
But mercilessly, the award ceremony continues, ignoring my internal struggle.
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“Ouga Vellet. You have uncovered the diabolical plan of the great sinner, Floné Milfonti, and liberated the Kingdom of Ramdarb from the clutches of evil.”
That’s not true…!
I wasn’t aware of Floné’s schemes at all, and I just misunderstood that Reina was being treated unfairly in her work…!
“Furthermore, you prevented the actions of the insider Juke Andraus, who had spread his roots into politics, before an unprecedented situation could occur.”
That’s not true either…!
I was only acting out of a desperate desire to get Alice back, more than the relation with Floné…!
“Without your efforts, we would never have realized the true malevolence of Floné Milfonti until it was too late, with her claws at our throats.”
How can everything be so completely misunderstood?
If I could, I’d really want to tell the whole truth.
Your Majesty, I’m not such an admirable person. I want to say that I’m a person full of desire, with only my own wants in my head.
While I maintain a slight smile, careful not to let it show on my face, my heart was weeping.
Of course, my inner thoughts remain undetected, and the ceremony continues.
Duke Audrian, who had been part of the line until moments ago, approaches His Majesty’s side and unfolds a paper he was holding.
“The bravery and righteous heart that carried out these deeds without regard for personal danger are truly befitting of a ‘Bearer of a Holy Heart’—a ‘Saint’. Therefore, in recognition of Lord Ouga Vellet, His Majesty King Anbarld of Rondism hereby bestows the title of ‘Saint’!”
Finally, the title is declared, and a rain of applause pours down.
Duke Audrian opens a ornate box he had somehow acquired—probably using magic, judging from the flow of magical power—revealing a transparent necklace shaped like a shield bearing a lion emblem.
…Wait, isn’t this the royal family’s crest?!
“This is proof that you are a ‘Saint’. This transparent royal crest truly symbolizes the sincere heart and actions of Ouga Vellet, free from duplicity.”
That Ouga Vellet must be someone else.
But it seems the intended recipient is undoubtedly me, as His Majesty takes it and places it around my neck.
“Indeed, it suits you very well, Ouga Vellet.”
“Henceforth, as the bearer of the title ‘Saint’, you shall be summoned with the highest priority in times of national crisis. For Lord Ouga Vellet, who embodies loyalty to the kingdom, there could be no more joyous title.”
In other words, this means that I will be forcibly involved in any future events that shake the Kingdom of Rondism.
This is the obligation of all those who have been given a title.
And His Majesty and Duke Audrian believe that I am delighted to receive the title of “Saint”.
Because in their minds, I am a righteous person who has worked tirelessly for the country, exposing Floné’s darkness and fighting against the enemies of the state.
This is ridiculous…! Why is it that the more I pursue what I want to do, the more I’m pushed in the opposite direction of where I’m aiming…!?
“Saint”. A title that stands in direct opposition to me, who was aiming to create a harem and live a life of luxury.
This title will spread in the blink of an eye, not just among the nobility but also to the common people, and the name Ouga Vellet will suddenly become a topic of conversation throughout the kingdom.
And that means I’ll have the wild surveillance of the populace wherever I go.
“I humbly accept this great honor!”
It’s a lie. I think they all can go to hell.
The cross reflects my face, barely containing the urge to scream.
“I expect great things from you in the future, worthy of the name ‘Saint’.”
“I shall strive to bring Your Majesty numerous good tidings!”
Ah… my desired future crumbles away with a loud crash…
If I have to live such a disciplined life from now on, maybe I should retire with everyone after the battle with Floné is over.
And so, in a somewhat escapist manner, I begin to reconstruct a new future.
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he fails to realize you can act on your own personal desires and still be a good person lol