As they entered the party room Ajax could see that everything looked very different from how it was when they left. All of the tables had been moved against a wall as the remaining members of the first squad had formed a protective circle around the king and the nobles that remained in the room, Judy and Elija were not exempt as everyone looked very worried.

“Everything is… well it's not fine but under control.” the king’s oldest son told his father as they entered the room. “Brother is going to await the inevitable visit from the Republic to explain that we can handle this on our own.”

“There is no danger.” one of the members of the first reported to their captain who was staying by the king’s side. Only at those words did the defensive ring break as the group huddle started spreading out throughout the room.

“You’re at the center of this aren’t you?” Judy accused Ajax as soon as he, Lexi and Anna joined them.

“It wasn’t his fault.” Lexi quick stepped in to defend him.

“Great, he’s center adjacent.” Lexi complained as she figured out who the center was from the guilty look on Lexi’s face.

“I swear boy.” Elija let out a heavy sigh. “Most days I thank the gods for the opportunities you provide and how much my level has grown as of late. But on days like this I can’t help but think you will be the death of me.”

Despite the all clear being given it was clear that the party mood was gone, add the fact that the prince was doing his best to clear most of the nobles from the room it wasn’t long until the royal family, the first squad, Ajax and his friends as well as their family members were the only ones to remain inside the room.

“What did you do this time?” the king asked, unlike the accusatory tone his sister had previously had, the king could barely contain his excitement. “Is it another Legendary skill?”

“It is.” the king’s oldest son answered before anyone had a chance, the sly grin he had when he said that confirmed to Ajax that he was looking for a bit of entertainment from the situation.

“A fifth Legendary skill?” Both Benedict hissed out in disbelief.

“Oh, not a Legendary skill…” The king’s excitement quickly dampened as unlike most people he had plenty of experience with his son's jokes so he could tell from his grin and the way everyone had looked at him that he was up to something.

“There is a Legendary skill.” Ajax began. “It just…”

“I’m the one who got it.” Lexi finished.

“Which one?” The king’s excitement was back so quick Ajax was surprised it didn’t give the man whiplash.

“[Vibration Aspect Mana]” Lexi answered. “Ajax was right in his theory about sonic spells and sound.”

“It’s called vibration? Not sonic?” the crown prince asked surprised as he entered the room after ensuring all the Republic officials that everything was fine.

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From there everyone quieted down as Ajax and Lexi went through the explanation of sound vibrations and the effect they suspected mana had on sonic booms. The first part had everyone nodding along as all of them had heard Ajax’s theory at the arena, the second part however was something new all around.

“So this [Vibration Aspect Mana] is not a skill you are inclined to?” the king asked Ajax after they had finished with the explanation.

“I don’t know.” Ajax answered honestly. “I only saw my first sonic spells today, I haven’t tried to use vibration mana before. It was seconds from when Lexi released her spell and everyone barged into the room.”

While Ajax did answer that as carefully as he could, he was a bit nervous that it would take him a while to unlock the skill as his second Legendary affinity. On the upside he doubted he would have any issues convincing Lexi to share the chants for a few sonic spells with him so he could try to get the affinity as well. For the first time in years his [Chanting] skill was about to be useful once again.

“That is true, just because you know the theory is still a Legendary skill, chances are Lexi will be the only one with the affinity in the entire kingdom.” the crown prince nodded as the hope that it would be a skill more people would be able to unlock crumbled.

From there everyone was headed off to bed after a full day. Even with his room in shambles Lexi had dragged Ajax off to her room to end the day with a final celebration and thanks before they both fell asleep.

Ajax had the best sleep he’d had in a while. He only woke up once the sun was high up in the sky and his legs seemed to have made a full recovery overnight. His back was still one big bruise and tender to the touch but he should be fully healed in another day or so.

As Ajax went to lunch he met his grandfather and Judy who already looked a little drained. They had just finished the negotiations with the Royal family, and while they had managed to get a lot more than they had initially expected, mostly based on Ajax’s contribution on the vibration mana, they still had to work for it.

“Ajax, I hope you had a restful night.” the king greeted him as he took a seat at the table.

“I did Your Highness.” Ajax responded as he piled his plate high with food. “My legs have recovered and my back should heal by tomorrow.”

“That is good.” the crown prince nodded. “ I hate to spring this on you first thing after you wake up but today will already be pretty busy and it’s best for you to know in advance. Once we return to Gryndor we will be making the official announcement of your rise from Baron to Duke.”

It was a good thing Ajax didn’t have anything in his mouth at the time as he would have surely choked. “I’m… being made… a Duke?” Ajax was shocked at the development, he had expected that it wouldn’t be long until he ascended to Viscount but a jump from Baron to Duke in six years was unheard of outside of war.

“The original plan was for it to wait ten years, give you enough time to build a foundation.” the crown prince explained. “With how big a mark you left here however plans have to be moved up.”

Elija was awestruck by this development, the fork in his left hand frozen halfway to his still open mouth as he processed what was happening. For decades he had worked trying to better himself, deep inside he had hoped he would become a noble but he had never imagined being part of a ducal House.

“Wait, what is happening later today?” Ajax’s mind circled back to the earlier statement.

“The festival is starting of course.” the king’s oldest son said with a wide smile. “After every tournament there is a festival to celebrate the peaceful resolution. As one of the victors it is expected that you at least have a noticeable presence for the first couple of days.”

“Usually people would give you more time to enjoy your victory before approaching you about your winnings, especially when it’s all but agreed that Sylvanthal’s royal family will be the ones to purchase the rights from you.” the crown prince explained. “With how many witnesses saw your agreement about ten delve slots for Deepwood’s dungeons however I expect they will all be in a hurry.”

Elija took the news in stride as he reached over and added another helping to Judy’s plate. “Eat up darling, it seems it will be another long day.”

Following lunch Elija and Judy were invited to join Percival Vaultmore, the crown prince, Anna and, much to his chagrin, Xavier. They were all going to discuss the five remaining slots that Ajax will be selling. This wasn’t the royal family angling for another spot, it was instead a discussion on what rare resources they should be on the lookout for from foreign nobles.

Ajax chose to simply lean into tradition as he took Lexi out on a date as they went out to experience everything the festival had to offer. Every time he was approached about business he would point whoever it was in the direction of his grandfather.

Much to Ajax’s surprise not only were all of the nobles accommodating of dealing with his grandfather despite him not being the head of the house, his delegating had actually earned him even more approval from them.

“Best not get used to this.” Anna burst his bubble. “They only accept this now because they want something you have and because you are so young.”

Ajax nodded at the words, deep inside his heart however he reinforced his wish to grow stronger. Strong enough that nobody will have any problems with him delegating.

“You’re thinking something rude.” Lexi poked him in the side as she dragged him down the street towards the next stall.