Chapter 29
"Hey, hey~"
A young beautiful red haired girl came close at me, with her fiery hair and a reflected chandelier eyes. She was someone I am close with, literally close with. As she pointed me, she then cling her left arm on my right, and closed the distance between us, so close that our shoulder were now touching each other
"Good morning Isa, what is it this time?"
She then started giggling, as she looked at me
"Hehehehehheh"
"What is it?"
"I'm just wandering if I should start calling you darling~?"
With her sweet alluring voice, she then tried coaxing me as she stared at me
"Give me a break"
"I promise I will not!"
....
Slowly, I gradually opened my eyes. With my fuzzy vision, I then closed it back, remising about the past, trying to forget that once memory I should rather bury in the deepest end. With a low groan, I started moving my body a bit, as I tried tilting my head from the side. Gradually opening my eyelids back, I then could see someone infront of me, calling me out. But with my still blurry vision, and still unstable senses, I couldn't hear nor see who is infront.
".... I... Ng....."
".... A..... Ing..."
"... D.... Ri... Ng...."
".... Ar.... Ing....."
".... Da.... Ling..."
As that person keeps calling me out, as she gently wakes me up
(Sheryl's POV)
"Darling"
"Darling"
"Darling"
Even how many times I shake him, it seems that the curse that was injected on him was quite potent
"Darling still need some time, let us wait"
Natsumi spoke as she reassured me. She was sitting at the darling's right side. With a sigh I then nodded
"Darling"
And called him in a gentle tone
(Creeper's POV)
With enough time as I adjusted myself, I was now able to clearly see the interior of the place I was in.
'Whatever was placed on me, it was able to rob all my senses'
I thought. My gaze then landed on a petite beauty, who was preparing some snack just a bit distance from me, wearing a black mourning dress
"Darling, you need to drink"
I then look at my side - left - and saw another beauty that sat on the bed next to me, as she offers a glass of water. As I was about to move my hands, I suddenly realize that even how much strength I put into them, I can't even make them bend nor flinch. Natsumi then looked at me worriedly, and smile
"It can't be help"
She then moved closer on me, and feed the glass of water on my lips with her right hand, while her left hand was placed below my chin, to try to at least not make the sheet wet. Like it was an eternity, I gulped down the water so hard that Natsumi scolded me
"Slow down!"
But as if I was placed on the south dessert region for a decade without any water, so I chugged it down full of thirst
"Geez~"
Natsumi tried with all her might to not make me choke, as she carefully raised the bottle with her hand
Gulp
With the last drop gone, I then stared at Natsumi and spoke, in a rugged voice, so rough like a dry land, and a tone like I was a cave man
"... Wa. ter.... More....."
Natsumi then hurriedly stood up, and went to get some more
"Take it slowly. Those waters will not run away"
Sheryl stated, as she wipe the sweat from my back and forehead
"You really made us worried you know"
".....haah....ha.....s-sorry....."
She then wipes my mouth and under it, as some of the water that I drank didn't all went inside my mouth
After I regain my usual composure, I just then realized where we are. A luxurious room coated in a pale, subdued, tarnished yellow and a light brown furniture - from the closet and drawer. The table that was used to place the tea set was made from a clear, pure glass, with a light black 4 stands that spiral at the center - it was closed at the top, but widen at the bottom. The tea set that was used were painted with a vibrant and darker shade of blue, with white roses design
"What happened?"
I asked
"After you collapsed, I then used [Scroll of Teleportation] to get us back inside the Inn, but unfortunately, someone was already there, sneaking around outside our room, so I chased it"
Sheryl replied
"Isabelle came in after I tried letting you drink a healing potion, but turns out ineffective. But thanks to Isabelle bringing a high grade potion that could nullified a curse, you were then released"
"Wait, how did Isabelle come?"
Bewildered, Natsumi the respond
"That..... I'm not sure myself"
"It doesn't matter. We can hear everything from her, but why are we inside the palace then?"
As I asked that, Sheryl then wore a grim expression
"The kingdom was assaulted with an unknown entity, the one we heard that made a loud bang like a giant ram, was hammered on the kingdom's wall. Monster then started rampaging inside the kingdom. They started ripping and slaughtering any human they see, a child, an elderly, even if you are a civilian or a soldier, they didn't care as they crashed and ravage anyone that got in there way"
"How much of the kingdom was siege?"
"I can't yet verify that. The north seem peaceful when I looked at it, after I chased that rat from the Inn, but I'm pretty sure that both east and west are being rampage by them, the south was the one who got the most damage, as it was the place that was attacked"
"Rank?"
"The one we confronted were all gold rank, from early to peak, and they weren't just attacking us alone but by group, so we can say for sure that the level of its Quest - if ever became one - will be platinum rank, mid at the highest"
I then lay my back at the fluffy bed, with the pillow at my back, and asked
"So did the kingdom take action?"
As I questioned that, the 2 then didn't hide their irritation and disgust
"We don't know, or like we don't rally care. Isabelle was now there, tackling this matter to them, which I hope will turn out.....great?"
I then closed my eyes, and tried to analyze all the information Sheryl just told me
"I think we now know why they are discontent with us, coming here in their kingdom"
I stated, which soon both the two realized what I mean
"So it was really Isabelle they are looking forward to meet, how intriguing"
Natsumi stated with nonchalant tone, as she took a snack from the plate - a cookie
"She told us that she will explain everything on us after she got back, so let us just wait"
"Nnhhhm"
I then nodded. An hour came as we waited for Isabelle to come back, the door of the room then squeaked open
"I'm back. Is darling-"
As she about to ask about me, her gaze then widen as she saw me being feed by Natsumi, and being dressed by Sheryl
"Oh, welcome back"
She then puffed her cheeks and frowned, as she shut the door closed with a loud thud
"Silnce, [Isolate]"
...
After a few charming round with the 3, I was then being squeeze with two lovely, soft breasts on my side, from the naked Isabelle and Natsumi. Sheryl got up with a bit of regret, as she raised her hands up and admitted defeat. She was now sitting on the sofa, looking at me with a "Please, pamper me too" look.
Thanks for Isabelle making a sound proof barrier inside the room, the 3 then didn't hold back their moans, as we played for half an hour, especially Isabelle who, for some reason, was so heated up and lasted on me for 3 rounds, which ended quite early as my body still need some time to rest.
I then stroke Isabelle's hair, and asked
"So how did it go?"
Isabelle then answered, as she moved her right hand towards my chest, and smiled
"It was amazing~"
"I was talking about the meeting"
"Oh~"
With a mischievous smile, she then looked at me. Her smiled then changed as she closed her eyes, and lean her head on my shoulder with annoyance
"I really wish I didn't came here, truly, but as your safety is my top most priority, so it can't be help"
"How rough it is?"
"Like brushing your eyes down a sandy, bumpy rock"
"That rough ha"
I then moved Isabelle a bit closer on me. Silence then embraced the room
"... Darling"
The first one to speak was none other than Isabelle
"Hmmmm?"
"I really don't want to let you know about this"
"I'm listening"
She then smiled. As she about to speak, Sheryl then retorted
Ahem!
"Can we atleast discuss without being naked? And sitting?"
"Someone is jealous~"
This time, the relaxing Natsumi that was comforting herself on my side, spoke
"Huh!?"
Pissed, Sheryl then raised her eyebrow
"Well, having a big breast is really privilege, right darling~"
She then moved herself a bit closer to me, and placed her face at my neck, and gaze at Sheryl while doing so, making our cute loli mad as she stood up
"So what!? Darling still like my ass!"
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"Well, I am complete set anyway"
Isabelle replied, causing Sheryl to staggered down
"Ugh!"
I just chuckled at the 3, as they started battering themselves up. After getting up and sat in the most comfortable way, Isabelle then started explaining at us
"Before I explain my circumstances, how much do any of you know about the [Noble Rank], or [Royal Rank] if you prefer, in the kingdom?"
Isabelle asked
"Not much. A-mother taught me just enough to know about the in and out of a noble society"
I honestly respond
"I only read some in the book during my free time, so I'm a novice in this"
"The same can be say on me"
The two then followed through
"Okay then, I'll explain there for the starter"
She spoke as she crossed her legs
--<{KINGDOM'S ROYAL RANK/NOBLE RANK} >--
[Knights: Personnel:Guards:Armed Men:Slaves:]
Duke - 220 Knights: 60 Personnel: 60 Guards: 300 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Marquess - 160 Knights: 40 Personnel: 40 Guards: 240 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Mangrave - 160 Knights: 40 Personnel: 40 Guards: 240 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Count - 80 Knights: 20 Personnel: 20 Guards: 120 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Viscount - 40 Knights: 10 Personnel: 10 Guards: 80 Armed Men: 2,000 Slaves
Baron - 20 Knights: 5 Personnel: 5 Guards: 40 Armed Men: 1,000 Slaves
Baronet - 10 Knights: 2 Personnel: 2 Guards: 20 Armed Men: 500 Slaves
Knight - None
Esquire - None
--<{<><><><><><><><>} - -
"With the King and Queen, followed by the Prince and Princess as the highest. But if we add the [Empire's Royal Rank] -"
--{EMPIRE'S ROYAL RANK/NOBLE RANK} >--
[Knights: Personnel: Guards: Armed Men: Slaves]
Granduke - 280 Knights: 120 Personnel: 120 Guards: 250 Armed Men: 5,000 Slaves
Archduke - 280 Knights: 120 Personnel: 120 Guards: 250 Armed Men: 5,000 Slaves
King and Queen (on the kingdom only)
Prince and Princes (on the kingdom only)
Duke - 220 Knights: 60 Personnel: 60 Guards: 300 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Marquess - 160 Knights: 40 Personnel: 40 Guards: 240 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Mangrave - 160 Knights: 40 Personnel: 40 Guards: 240 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Count - 80 Knights: 20 Personnel: 20 Guards: 120 Armed Men: 4,000 Slaves
Viscount - 40 Knights: 10 Personnel: 10 Guards: 80 Armed Men: 2,000 Slaves
Baron - 20 Knights: 5 Personnel: 5 Guards: 40 Armed Men: 1,000 Slaves
Baronet - 10 Knights: 2 Personnel: 2 Guards: 20 Armed Men: 500 Slaves
Knight - None
Esquire - None
(Note: Some of the history records, they made the Archduke higher than the Grand Duke, whereas some made the two the same, and the others only differentiate them by the title, so I made them like the Mangrave and Marquess)
(Note: In this novel, I'll be using Count than Earl as it much better to call them County or Countess than Early or Earles (jk ))
--<{<><><><><><><><>} - -
"With the Emperor and Empress, followed by the Imperial Prince and Princess as the highest"
Sheryl then raised her right hand like a good student
"Question"
"Yes?"
"Why does the Mangrave and Marquess have the same number of Knights and servants?"
"Mangrave and Marquess is just like two peas in a pod, they are basically the left and right of the [Noble Rank]"
"Then how come the Archduke and Duke seem different?"
"A Duke is a rank that is the highest in the [Noble Rank], whereas an Archduke is below a Grand Duke in a [Royal Rank]. [Noble Rank] is a rank to which the royal bloodline of the royal family doesn't flow, in a sense, they are those people who were given the title of nobility for their contributions and loyalty, and not by blood. But as mostly when a Prince and Princess is being married off to a Duke household, so a Duke is sometimes referred as a lesser royalty"
"How about the Marquess and Mangrave?"
"It's mostly a political marriage. Duke is much closer to the royalty than the 2, as they are mostly from the inner circle, which was derived from a long time of ascension"
"I'm quite confused to how a Duke, a Mangrave, and a Marquess differ"
"My apologies then. To make it much more understandable, let us use something that may put you an idea about it. A Duke will represent your niece, and both the Mangrave and Marquess will be your cousin. A niece is much closer to your bloodline, as it came from your sister or brother, whereas your cousin only has a slight connection with you, due to your uncle and aunt bloodline, which is from your mother or father side. As your niece share the same bloodline as you, maybe not pure but still a lineage being a royalty, so they referred as a lesser part of the royal family, while your cousin can only be distinguish to have slight connection, due to having a mix lineage"
Sheryl the nodded, understanding what Isabelle spoke
"Then how about the Knight? In the kingdom or empire, it seems they are just second to the lowest, but they still called them nobles, or being referred as"
Natsumi curiously questioned
"Knight and Esquire are both below the noble rank, as they are much of an attendant, or some for the nobles, a cannon fodder. Esquire is an attendant for a Knight, while a Knight is an attendant for the Baronet and so. But a Knight is completely different to an Esquire, as they are much valuable and sought out, as they possess unparalleled strength, and also they are at [Noble Rank], they are much prefer by most as they know etiquette than an adventurer"
Isabelle then took a sip of her coffee, before she then continued
"Knight and Esquire could be promoted too much higher rank, if they are able to accumulated enough achievements or merits. But like I said, Knight and Esquire are different to each other, not just by their rank title, or their name, but also how they are valued, so for a long time now, centuries ago, Knight received a rank on their own"
<><><><>{[KNIGHT ORDER RANK]} <><><><>
Knight Legion Admiral
Knight Legion General
Knight Legion Commander
Knight Legion Captain
Knight General
Knight Commander
Knight Captain
Knight - - > Knight Legion
(Note: I know Admiral and General are the same rank, but in different army. The former is for the navy (water army) while the letter is for the land army)
<><><><>{[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]} <><><><>
"But if we try to compare them to the [Noble Rank], then it will be seen like this -"
[IF KNIGHT RANK IS A NOBLE RANK]
Knight Legion Admiral --- Marquess/ Margrave
Knight Legion General --- Marqiess/ Margrave
Knight Legion Commander --- Count
Knight Legion Captain --- Count
Knight General --- Viscount
Knight Commander --- Baron
Knight Captain --- None
Knight - - > Knight Legion --- None
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]
"They are no Knights that are higher, or equal to a Duke"
"Question"
This time it was Natsumi who asked
"You said that a Knight can be Baronet's attendant, and a Baronet could be Baron's attendant, so can we assume that a Count can be a Mangrave, or Marquess's attendant?"
Isabelle then shook her head off
"No. A Viscount and above could only hire a Baron as their attendant, though it's a rare one to have a Count or Viscount as an attendant, but not mostly exercised"
"So what's the difference between a Knight, and a Knight Legion then?"
"You can differentiate them if you compare a Baronet and a Baron"
With that understood, Sheryl then nodded in amazement
"A newly appointed Knight can be promoted to a Knight Legion - even if it's first time - if it has a great track record, backed up or someone could appoint that he/she deserve that promotion, and sometimes, or mostly, if that Knight was someone from a [Noble Rank], especially if it's a higher rank"
"Wait! A noble can be a Knight?"
Sheryl flabbergastedly asked, full of bewilderment, which made Isabelle a bit aghast as her left eyebrow raised, but still properly answered
"Of course, a Knight could be either not from a noble lineage, or from the noble line. Those who are not in the succession line can be either an attendant or a Knight, even being an adventurer is welcome to them"
"Wait, if a Count has 3 sons, and I'm pretty sure that the 3rd one will not ascent the title of his father, can he become an attendant of someone higher than his parents rank? Isn't that basically saying that a Count became an attendant?"
"First question, the answer is yes, but as for the second one, then it's a no. A Count's children will not directly be called a Count, but as a Count's daughter or son. They are referred as Lord and Lady. They are only being shielded by their family's rank, but not owning them. And only the son that are given the rights of ascension - 1st and 2nd born are mostly picked, while those who followed through are rarely - could legitimately have the title of a Count"
While listening to her explanation, I was gladly taking a bite of 2 or 3 cookies as I watched the 3. Thankfully that a-mother was able to teach me all about the noble society, though not as a whole, but hearing Isabelle's explanation, which is clear, is worth listening for
"With that explained, I will tell you the reason why in this kingdom, my parents and I are quite sought out"
She then took a sip on her coffee, before she began explaining, but as I gazed on her, her eyes shine a displeased look, and quite a disheartened atmosphere
'Hmmmm'
"During the time when my family serve and protected this kingdom, well, after the King personally begged mother to do so, we were then given a [Noble Rank], a Viscount, a rank that is just 1 rank above a Baron, for a reason that my father, who is already at an emerald rank, and was closer on becoming a diamond rank, is something the kingdom rarely have, so they needed to atleast leash him to the kingdom"
She then placed the empty tea cup on the plate, and placed both her hands on her right knee
"But a day after that battle, alone as I venture the castle, I then meet his highness the prince, Prince Pierre de Monet Van der Entel"
---------------<><><><><><><>----------------
'Damn, what a long name'
Unknown to the 3, their thought suddenly, and unconsciously jinxed
---------------<><><><><><><>----------------
"During that unexpected encounter, his highness, the Prince himself, have fallen for me"
With such words let out from Isabelle's mouth, everyone in the room has gone quiet, even I was taken aback to it. Isabelle then closed her eyes as she continued
"With such thing happened, the Prince then asked my hand during the ball, which was held as part of the celebration for the safety of the kingdom. And when the king learned about this, he then personally asked my parents opinion. Of course, none of them agreed for a reason that I was still quite young, and lack experience. But the King keep insisting, without forcing my parents, that even a young chick could learn to walk if taught properly. When he realized that his attempt wasn't being thought off, he then asked if it's alright if it's a [Royal Promise], "that when they are at age 21, and if they still didnt found anyone for them, they both will be engage to each other"
"A [Royal Promise]"
I asked Isabelle with a bit of concern
"Don't worry about it darling, it's like a contract without being one. It's mostly just a mere promise, but for the nobles, they highly regard such thing as sacred"
With such answer heard, I then tried not to pry more about it, but I still felt worried, not because of the promise, well, mostly, but also because they are nobles
'This will be pain to deal with'
"For what reason are they going so far for it?"
This time, I was the one who asked, after I ate another cookie, and looked at the plate to choose which one should I picked next. I could feel that Isabelle turn her gaze at me
"Simple, because of my mother, May Fall"
"Mother?" (Note: She)
"How did mother get tangled on this mess?" (Note: Nat)
I was also curious, so I turn my gaze towards Isabelle, waiting for her words
"You already know that the south region empire and kingdom, isn't the only powerhouse, right?"
The two then nodded
"We have the West, East, and North regions, and other islands where life blooms, and hierarchy rise. But within these 4 regions, the north region has the biggest, and the most power strengthen when it comes to army, politics, weapons, economy, kingdoms, and empires. And surprisingly-"
"Wait, don't tell me! "
Natsumi's eyes widen to such revelation
" Yes, my mother, May Fall, came from the so-called powerhouse. We just don't know which kingdom or empire she was, not even father have a clue about mother's secret, and prying on it, is something we unlikely do"
"Oh My Gosh! Mother was like that? Damn!"
Natsumi spoke, as she covered her mouth with her right hand
"So you mean to say?"
"Such promises can easily be broken, if one of us came to find someone we bound to share our life with, and at the age of 15, I meet you"
She then looked at me, as she flashed a radiant smile
"So with that, that promise broke...or it should have been"
She then grimace as she paused, frowning her eyebrows with displeasure
"When I hit 17, the day when you took the silver rank promotion, I-no, my parents then received a message from the [Kingdom of Entel], from the King himself. It was the talk about me, and the Prince marriage"
"Wait, marriage?"
Sheryl questioned, as she was puzzled to the situation
"For the noble, getting married is not bound for the persons feeling, neither their opinions, but rather the benefits that it might give for both the parents of each side, or the family's well-being. That's why, it's called a political marriage in the first place. So with that talk, naturally I was mystified, as my parents and I didn't even accepted such proposal in the very beginning, though we did agreed to that stupid [Royal Promise], but other than that, we didn't even concur such words, so we really are baffled"
She then gazed at the window, as she remise the last with a disdain
"We just then found out that the king moved his unnecessary rights to make us into a Duke, a rank just below his highness, the Prince"
Munch
"For what reason?"
"After knowing that my mother has a connection to the north region, which is something we are yet to find the reason, on how they were able to gather such information, they then tried giving us the highest [Noble Rank], to be somewhat felt that they care for us. With my mother's secret lineage, and my father accomplishment, the kingdom tried their best to not let us go, and because of that [Royal Promise], they then tried to use that opportunity to bound my family, using me and the Prince for a political marriage"
"What a pain in the ass"
Out of nowhere, my thought suddenly slipped out from my mind as I spoke my disinterest, while taking another cookie from the plate. Isabelle then chuckled while the two looked at me, as I turn my head towards them
"It really is a pain in the ass"
She then giggles
"I have a question"
'Wait, we are not yet done?'
I thoughtly asked, as Sheryl started questioning Isabelle again
"If the Prince married you, which is supposedly to become a Duke, what title would the Prince have then? Will he still be called his highness of Entel, not... Umm whatever a Duke is called?"
Isabelle then giggled a bit, before she answered
"The Prince then will be able to gain 2 titles, his Highness the Prince of Entel, and the Duke of Fall"
"I see"
"Also, when calling out a noble with a rank, you must refer them as follow"
[REFERRED AS]
[Duke - Your Grace
Wife of the Duke - Duchess
Children's - Lord or Lady]
[Marquess/ Mangrave - Lord or Lady (follow by their name and title)
Wife - Marchioness
Children's - Lord or Lady]
[Count - Lord or Lady (follow by their name and title)
Wife - Countess
Eldest son - The Count's subsidiary title
Other son - Honorable
Daughter - Lady]
[Viscount - Lord or Lady
Wife - Viscountess
Eldest son - the Viscount's subsidiary title
Other children's - Honorable]
[Baron - Lord
Wife - Baroness
Children - Honorable]
"Jus to add, you can't speak to a noble's wife just by what they are called - Countess and such - but rather by their title - Lady, Your Grace for the Duke. So when writing, it's formally use to write it off as" Her Honorable Lady (the name) " - Your Grace (then name) for the Duke. But when just speaking to someone without naming them, especially the wife, calling them with their title is preferable"
As she added, which made Sheryl nod as she understood
"I'm just curious, about the north, how come they are so powerful than the rest of the region?"
"Hehehehhe, I'm glad you ask"
As if her switch was turned, Isabelle's expression who was expressing like a lecturer, was now speaking like a fan girl, which made me curious
"It's because of their Emperor, Sinbad, [The Benevolent Conqueror]
She spoke with pride, as she puffed her chest out, as she crossed her arm"
"... Who?"
"Eh!?"
The 3 then looked at each other, as if clueless of the other party's ignorance. The other side was shocked for the unfamiliarity of whom the heck that person is, while the other side was surprised knowing the other party's simple-mindedness, while I was also astonished, finding out that the great Isabelle was a fan girl of such person
"Sinbad! It's Sinbad! [The Great Emperor] Sinbad!"
The two then shakes their head. Seeing that, Isabelle's mouth was wide open, and face plamed herself after
"You people are so naive, SO NAIVE!"
She yelled, causing the two be taken aback
"Sinbad is the only Emperor who was able to unite the shambled north! He was also able to establish 4 empires, with 5 kingdoms each!"
Hearing that, the 3 were then awed as they listened to Isabelle, who was now turn into a fanatic teacher
"He got a lot of names, [The Seeker Emperor], [The Mighty Emperor], [Dungeon Ruler], [The Voyager's Hope], [The Son of the Sea], [The Wind Caller Emperor], and many more! But I much prefer the [The Great Emperor] title, as it suit his demeanor"
She spoke, as her arms was crossed below her breasts, causing them to bounce as she nods
"He is a man that every region empire and kingdom respect, every kings and queens pays tribute, and every emperor and empress look up for!"
Her eyes then glitters like a dazzling star on the starry night
"He already reached a great height as an adventurer, and as a ruler"
She then continued speaking, as she raised her right hand up, while her left hand rest below her breast, and point her index finger up
"He's strong, caring, handsome, benevolent, powerful, great, knightly, kingly, knowledgeable, wise, popular, lovable, excellent, open minded, headstrong, listener, appreciative, giver, kind, se-"
Snap
Munch
Suddenly, without me knowing, the 3 then looked at me, as I started munching my cookies, unconsciously, as I chewed it noisily, which is unbecoming of me
"What?"
As I realize their gaze, I then questioned, undoubtedly a bit perplexed. Isabelle then smiled with a hint of a playful glint as she crossed her legs, and placed her left elbow on her right knee, and lay her head atop of it, and spoke
"Don't worry darling, you are still my number 1"
And smiled, which made me puzzled. The other 2 then lean their head on both of my shoulder, and giggled
"Darling is so cute" (Note: Nat)
"This is the first, so I'm quite happy about it" (Note: She)
Which totally leaves me in questioned
'What the hell?'