"Young Lady, I got the new list from the Lord."
Yelled Ursus as he barged into the office only to see Yvanna lying face first on the desk and fast asleep. Veins started to pop up on his forehead as he took in the lazy visage of his young miss, he rolled the permission papers and...
*Bang*
"Wake up!"
slammed the paper roll on top of Yvanna's head.
While the weapon may have been harmless, the wielder was still a Tier 5 Knight Captain. If he wanted to, he could have killed her using that paper roll. But that would have been a little extreme so he held back till it hurt like hell instead of caving in her skull.
Yvanna jolted awake with a startled gasp as the paper roll struck her head. She sat up quickly, rubbing the spot where she was hit, a mix of confusion and annoyance on her face.
"Ursus, what's the big idea?"
She exclaimed, momentarily disoriented from being abruptly awakened. Ursus stood there, unapologetic, his massive arms crossed over his chest.
"Young Lady, Lord Rochelot has been kind enough to revise the list of your entourage, items, and monetary aid. But I suppose you prefer the old list don't you."
The old man began to walk away but before he could even take a step towards the door, Yvanna's fingers wrapped around the paper and she began to pull with all her strength.
"Alright, I am sorry for falling asleep. Quit being so melodramatic and hand it over."
Ursus watched as Yvanna struggled to free the papers from his grasp. After a moment or two, he smirked and let go of the papers, causing Yvanna to topple over the desk.
*Crash*
"Ouch! Why did you do that for?"
He simply smirked,
"Hmm, seeing you so desperate to take the documents, I couldn't help but let go."
"Grrrr... jerk."
She unfurled the scroll and what came out were four parchments, two were merely the standard parchment paper made from the tanned skin of an animal while the remaining two were 'Woven Skill Paper,' or paper made from finely weaving silk threads in the shape of a rectangular parchment and letting it process through multiple other processes that were 'trade secret.'
While the animal skin parchment was used for everyday household purposes, for a noble of course, and could be found in just about any market, the Silk Paper could only be issued by the Royal Palace along with the stamp of the King's authority. These special papers were used for official purposes only, no funny business.
"Ok, so what does it say."
[Declaration of Knighthood]
[By the authority vested in me, Eustace Aubert Rochelot, High-Baron of the illustrious Etobearis Kingdom, and in recognition of the unwavering valor and noble spirit displayed by Yvanna Crelon Rochelot, I do hereby declare and bestow upon her the distinguished title of a Knight.
Yvanna has proven yourself a paragon of virtue, embodying the principles of honor, courage, and loyalty that are the bedrock of our noble lineage. It is with great pride and joy that I appoint you as a Knight of the realm, a guardian of our traditions, and a beacon of hope for the future.
This knighthood is not merely a title; it is a solemn responsibility to uphold the ideals of justice and protect the people of our realm. As a Knight, you shall be a defender of the weak, a champion of righteousness, and a symbol of the Rochelot legacy.
May the ancient spirits of our ancestors witness this proclamation and bless you with strength and wisdom as you embark on this noble journey. Let it be known throughout the Bear Kingdom and beyond that Yvanna Crelon Rochelot, is now a Knight, entrusted with the sacred duty to safeguard our heritage.
This act is not a mere formality, but a testament to your mettle and character. May you wear the armor of a Knight with dignity, wield the sword of justice with grace, and carry the shield of righteousness with unwavering resolve.
May your deeds echo in the halls of history, and may the Rochelot name be forever associated with the virtues you so admirably embody. Rise, Lady Yvanna Rochelot, Knight of the Bear Kingdom, and may your journey be adorned with glory and honor.
Given under my hand and seal on the 1st day of the 3rd month of the Winter Season, Year 390 of the Elros Cycle.
Eustace Aubert Rochelot,
High-Baron of the Bear Kingdom]
[Letter of Responsibility]
[By the authority vested in me, Eustace Aubert Rochelot, High-Baron of the Etobearis Kingdom, I hereby entrust my Dame Yvanna Crelon Rochelot, with the solemn duty of managing the Northern Stronghold, Frostspear.
As the steward of Frostspear, she shall oversee its defense, administration, and the welfare of its people.
May She lead with wisdom, fortitude, and compassion, ensuring that the Northern Stronghold stands as an unwavering bastion under your guidance.
Given under my hand and seal on the 1st day of the 3rd month of the Winter Season, Year 390 of the Elros Cycle.
Eustace Rochelot,
High-Baron of the Bear Kingdom]
Yvanna's eyes contracted as she read the contents of the parchments, absorbing the gravity of the titles and responsibilities bestowed upon her. There was no emotion visible on her face save for that of annoyance that seems to be forever etched on it.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"I'm a knight now,"
She murmured to herself. As if the situation was too much for her to process. Ursus, standing nearby, nodded solemnly.
"Indeed, Young Lady. You've been officially recognized as a knight of the realm, and the responsibility entrusted to you is no small matter."
Yvanna took a deep breath, her mind racing with all the benefits and authorities of her newfound status.
"Dame... Isn't there a rule stating that if a new noble wishes to decline a piece of land, they may sell it back to the kingdom in exchange for the monetary compensation?"
Ursus grinned maliciously,
"That's if you are of common blood. Both the Lord and the Lady are of noble descent and as such you are a pure-blooded noble heiress."
His smirk widened,
"My mistake, you are a traditionally pure-blooded 'Noble' from this instant onwards."
Yvanna's expression shifted from a poker face to a mildly annoyed one before turning into a slightly thoughtful look. The 'Noble' as Ursus called her, was nothing but a glorified 'Fuck You' to her face.
The beast-kin had a rather long hierarchy, starting from a slave who wasn't even considered a living being to the king of their respective race.
The lowest-ranking ones were, of course, the Slaves or individuals subjected to involuntary servitude. Then there were Refugees, Individuals who have fled their homes due to conflict or other reasons. In broader terms, a slave was someone without any rights and a refugee was someone without a home or a proper source of income.
Only then comes the Commoner rank, a person without noble or aristocratic status. A commoner must have a shelter to call their own and a stable source of income be it a plot of land used to grow crops or an identity card stating that the said commoner is part of a guild.
Than the Merchants, individuals who engaged in trade and commerce. For one they must at least possess a proper house, a registration with the merchant's guild, and a written application from the Ministry of Commerce.
After which were the Knights, skilled warriors, and/or landowners who may be serving a higher-ranking noble. They must possess under their command, fifty capable hands, a mansion or any other structure, and the Kingdom's seal. Yvanna was a warrior and landowner and she served under he father.
Now all that's left are aristocrats and royalties, there are Barons, Viscounts, Counts, Earls, Dukes, Archdukes, and finally the Royal family. Each rank of Nobles was further divided into Lesser, Common, and High, based on their strength.
The Rochelot Household had strength capable of placing them in the Earls' ranking but they stuck to being a High-Baron household.
So basically, Yvanna, a freshly appointed Knight, with no land or subordinate of her own, was inferior to even the maids of her own household!
Ursus nodded. As if he could hear the explanation of Nobel hierarchy play in Yvanna's head.
"You are correct, Dame Rochelot. As of this moment, you have neither the power nor the authority to command any of the servants in the household."
'Oh shit!'
Yvanna's face scrunched up in annoyance, and she scowled at Ursus
"Is this all some kind of twisted joke? Father suddenly grants me the title of a knight, and all of a sudden I can't even ask for a glass of water?"
Ursus' grin widened as started to show clear signs of enjoying Yvanna's frustrations.
"It is what it is, Dame Rochelot. Your title doesn't simply grant you the authority to command over someone else. You need to establish your own domain, gather followers, and prove yourself to be a competent leader to climb the ladders of the hierarchy. Until then, you are merely a guest in the High-Baron Rochelot's household, Dame Rochelot."
Yvanna cursed under her breath, trying to fully grasp the situation she just found herself in. She thought that after being a knight, she could simply leash the Frostspear stronghold to someone for a copper and enjoy her life here.
Well, that was the failsafe plan anyway.
But it seems like she couldn't simply up and sell her title off to some random person.
"Fine. You win. I will go to this damned stronghold. No more tricks or loophole searches from my side."
Ursus' grin vanished as he nodded his head,
"Very well then, I will convey your response to the High-Baron. Anything else, Dame Rochelot?"
Yvanna sighed, realizing that this man wouldn't let her have a moment's rest.
"Fine, you win. Happy. Now get the hell out of my face."
Ursus smiled smugly,
"As you command, Dame. But I do suggest looking through the other two parchments as well. Who knows? Maybe you will change your mind about not wanting to go there."
With that, he slammed the door shut and walked away to do his daily chores.
Yvanna stared at the closed door, wondering about what the hell happened to her quiet and peaceful life in the past few days.
*Sigh*
With a long sigh, she reached out to the remaining two parchments. The first one was a grant of soldiers, a document that passed the command of a particular number of combat personnel to someone else. It could only be used between family members so there wasn't much of a problem with it.
[Grant of Soldiers]
[By the authority vested in me, Eustace Aubert Rochelot, High-Baron of the Etobearis Kingdom, I hereby grant Dame Yvanna Crelon Rochelot command over a contingent of One Hundred Soldiers(Tier 1&2), Four Knight Apprentices, 10 Servants, 10 Craftsman and 1 Conjurer.
This force shall serve under her banner and execute her orders with unwavering loyalty.
Given under my hand and seal on the 1st day of the 3rd month of the Winter Season, Year 390 of the Elros Cycle.
Eustace Auber Rochelot, High-Baron of the Etobearis Kingdom]
Yvanna's eyes narrowed as she read the contents of the grant. The number of soldiers mentioned in the list was more than enough to establish a Platoon, however, the financial responsibility of maintaining it would be considerable.
"There's a conjurer... that's something at least."
She muttered to herself. Her mind already drafting plans regarding the conjurer's role at the stronghold.
She then turned her attention to the final parchment, and the title alone was enough to pique her curiosity.
[Additional Provisions for Dame Yvanna Crelon Rochelot]
[1. A sum of 50 Gold Fangs will be allocated for the repairing and maintenance of the Frostspear Stronghold.
2. Access to the Rochelot Barony's Armory to fit her entourage adequately with armor and weapons.
3. Food, fodder, and liquor to sustain the stronghold for five months, ten wagons to transport said items, ten horses, and five warhorses.
4. Annual support of 500 Gold Fangs from the Rochelot family funds for the first five years to aid in the establishment and growth of the Frostspear Stronghold.
5. A loyal retainer, Martha, to accompany and assist Dame Yvanna in her duties.
Given under my hand and seal on the 1st day of the 3rd month of the Winter Season, Year 390 of the Elros Cycle.
Eustace Rochelot,
High-Baron of the Bear Kingdom]
A soft smile appeared on Yvanna's face as she read through the additional provisions. It seems her father was willing to provide her with a substantial amount of support. Not to mention the gold, but the food, equipment, and horses alone were a major helping hand towards her venture.
*Sigh*
She sighed again, a mixture of frustration at having to go there and gratitude that she had substantial support crashed in her mind. Although the path head was clearer, she knew there was more to the north than simple cold that would be her problem.
"Dame Yvanna Rochelot, huh? All this could have been avoided if you simply didn't try to send me there you know."
She muttered to herself, a tinge of deep bitterness in her voice.