Wendelin pov
"I helmut the 37th, elevate your noble ranks. We here by grant you climt Christoph von armstrong, the rank of viscount and grant you wendelin von benno baumeister, the rank of baron. Furthermore we bestow on you both the twin dragon medal! "
The monster extermination operation, took three weeks to finish. Me and climt were in the middle of our public reward ceramony held in our honor, since we were the biggest contributors to this times operation. Moreover because, both of us were nobles, we received an increase in rank and a medal for our meritorious deeds.
We also received the amount from selling the corpse of grade grande and the monsters we hunted. In total both of us earned around 700 platinum coins. This however didn't include the monsters hunted by my clones which netted me an amount of around 400 platinum coins, it could have been more, but I had my clone assist the soldiers to limit the casualties. I also wanted to sell the monsters, I hunted in the demon forest, over the past two and a half years during my training, but decided not to because it would seem suspicious, especially since the monsters found in the pelkania grasslands are different compared to those found in the demon forest.
All in all I was 1100 platinum coins richer, increased my noble rank and received another twin dragon medal.
Also when his majesty put the medal on climt, he actually seemed nervous, in the small amount of time I spent with him, he never struck me as the type who would get nervous, so this twin dragon medal must really be a big deal.
Helmut "please rise, we are very pleased by your great deeds"
Both me and climt rose from our kneeling position. The look on his majesty's face shows he is extremely happy. The liberation of the pelkania grasslands was something that many previous kings had attempted, but all in the end, met failure. His majesty seems to be happy that the liberation of the pelkania grassland finally came to fruition.
Now the matter of the liberation operation of the great zenda forest was still remaining. It shouldn't happen for at least a few months now, since there are various things still to finalize. The amount of support that will be provided by the kingdom and the duke homer household needs to be finalized as well as the concessions that will be assigned to them. All of this, as well as as gathering the provisions, establishing an encampment which will serve as the base head for the operation will take atleast a few months.
After the reward ceramony finished, the party started, nobles love partying, though I didn't enjoy it much since many nobles kept bothering me with marriage proposals. 'I am only eight dammit', were my thoughts as I declined them. Seeing they weren't making any progress with me they started pestering duke breithild, despite his position he couldn't simply lash out at them, no matter how much he wanted to, since it was a formal setting. It is safe to say that both of our experiences at the party were very tiring.
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Luise "come on wend, tell us about the liberation of the pelkania grasslands"
It was the morning of the next day, I am once again staying in the brandt house hold. Luise was really curious about the pelkania grassland liberation, the others were interested as well, but didn't really show it so blatantly like luise.
I then told them, about the liberation of the pelkania grasslands.
Ina "wend, so your a baron now"
Luise "that's really amazing"
Lia "but umm..., isn't there a law, which ristricts people from entering monster dens before the age of 14"
Wendelin "your right, but in my case the kingdom chose to ignore it"
Ina "hey wend, are you sure you want us as your retainers, I mean a lot of people are going to want to work for you now"
Ina said in an anxious tone, the others hearing this became anxious as well.
Wendelin "what kind of question is that, you are my friends, of course I still want you as my retainers"
Hearing this, all of them became teary eyed and hugged me. It seems like all of them had gotten it into their heads, I was going to abandon them or something. All of them are still 7 year olds, so its not surprising. I then hugged them back and comforted them.
After a while they became calm and started to speak.
Ariel "sorry about that, its just all of us were worried that you wouldn't want to be our friend anymore, now that you are a powerful noble"
It seems they had a really difficult time, with me busy with the liberation of the pelkania grasslands, I then look at ariel with a gentle smile and replied.
Wendelin "that would never happen"
All of them showed genuine smiles at my remark.
Wendelin "now, why don't all of us spend some time exploring the capital, I still haven't been able to go sight seeing"
Lia "we have already seen all the places, so we don't mind showing you around"
Duke breithild had informed all of their parents, that there stay in the capital is being extended. So while I was busy during the pelkania grasslands liberation, it seems the girls were busy sight seeing in the capital. Duke breithild probably did this in the hope of us getting close to each other and possibly marrying in the future, or at least taking them as my mistresses.
In this world it was common to have many wives and mistresses. Duke breithild has a total of 6 wives, and even then there are people who say that 6 are too few.
Even though I am duke breithilds adopted son, he does not want to risk any of my future wives or their families having a large influence on me, thats why he wants me to get close to Ina, lia, luise and ariel and possibly marry them, since all of them are the daughters of his own retainers.
Rudiger "ser baumeister, a messenger from the church has just arrived"
Wendelin "hah, and here I was planning to go sight seeing in the capital"
I reply to rudiger, while sighing in exasperation.
Rudiger "that would be difficult with the current state of affairs"
Rudiger goes to the side of the room, and pulls up the curtain, to give us a view of the outside of the mansion, and points out all the people standing in front of the mansion gate
Rudiger "it seems news has already spread of you staying here, ser baumeister"
Wendelin "let me guess, they are all people wishing to become my retainers"
Rudiger "It seems so, it would be difficult for you to go sight seeing, since many people would bother you due to your current fame"
Wendelin "well I am sorry girls lets try to go sight seeing once I get back"
Lia "yeah its fine, but where are you going? "
Wendelin "the messenger from the church is probably here to inform me that the preparations for the true baptism have been completed, so I have to go to the assembly hall of the head church to receive it"
Rudiger "allow me to guide you to the messenger"
Rudiger said while gesturinge me to follow him.
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Cardinal hoenhiem " please come inside baronet baumeister, no, its baron now isn't it"
Wendelin "I am humbled, to receive god's guidance"
Cardinal hoenheim "may god bless you with his devine protection"
I arrived at the head assembly hall of the church at the center of the capital, to receive a true baptism from cardinal hoenhiem. Outside the church I was greeted by cardinal hoenheim, several high priests and bishops.
The church holds a lot of power in this world, due to their large information network, they are able to find skilled healing mages and provide them with shelter and training. Thus, the church holds the largest amount of magicians specializing in healing magic.
Healing magic is of two types, water attribute and holy attribute. The healing magic of this world can bring back a person from the brink of death, reattach or grow back a persons limb, even restart a persons heart, up to a few hours after their death.
The king, during the liberation of the pelkania grasslands, requested the church to provide as many healing magicians as possible to aid the injured troops.
All the injured troops were moved to the back of the camp where they received treatment from the healing magicians.
The church mobilized a large number of healing magicians, since it was in their interest as well. If the pelkania grasslands are developed, then new churches will be established and the number of posts of the clergy will increase.
Cardinal hoenheim "follow me, baron baumeister"
I followed cardinal hoenheim into, into the central headquarters of the church, here in the capital. The inside of the church is absolutely grand, the walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and tapestry. We then reach the area where the true baptism was to be performed.
The baptism took 30 minutes to finish which was longer then expected, it was the same as a normal baptism, but the various chores were performed by the high priests.
Wendelin "please except this as gratuity"
After a true baptism, it is considered appropriate to donate an amount, this isn't necessary, but its better to make a good impression with the church. I donated 7 platinum coins which was an incredibly large sum, as far as donations were concerned. I passed the coins which were inside a small pouch to cardinal hoenheim. He then opened the pouch and soon as he saw the contents, his eyes widened, after regaining his composure a moment later, he passed the pouch over to one of the high priests, who were standing to the side.
Cardinal hoenheim "since the true baptism is finished would you like to join me, for some tea"
After the true baptism was over, I was offered tea by cardinal hoenheim which I accepted. I was then led by him to what seemed to be a reception room, he then sits at the table and I take the seat opposite him.
Cardinal hoenheim "well none of the maids were available, so I had my granddaughter bring us tea, I hope you don't mind"
As soon as he says that a girl about 130 cm in hight, wearing priest robes with a veil on top of her head, walks in. She is carrying a tray with two cups of tea on it, she approaches us and sets the tea in front of us before introducing herself.
Elise "I am elise katarina von hoenheim, a pleasure to meet you baron baumeister"
Wendelin "Its a pleasure to meet you as well"
She looked to be around 9 years old with blonde hair and amethyst eyes.
Cardinal hoenheim "Elise comes here to the church for her etiquette lessons, she also assists the healers, as she is quite the exceptional healing mage"
Yup her magic power seems to be between intermediate to advanced rank, so she should be pretty good. Many nobles send their daughters to the church for education here in the capital. Etiquette, reading, writing, calculations, they can basically everything at the church.
The church also run orphanages, provide food from the people living in the slums of the capital, and provide healing for free. It is also a custom that nobles have to make donations, when you avail the services of the church, liking healing or sending your daughter to learn there, it isn't necessary but nobles who don't donate money are looked down on by society. Subsequently those who donate large sums are looked at favorably, since nobles are prideful creatures, most of them make sure to donate to the church.
In this world it is permitted for members of the church to have relationships, also many people join the church after their retirement, from their official posts as nobles. Cardinal hoenheim joined the church after retirement as well, he actually is the head of a viscount household. Due to this there are many nobles involved with the church.
Wendelin "I see, do you plan to have her join the clergy"
Cardinal hoenheim "no I plan to have her marry, being a part of the clergy will take up too much of her time. Actually despite being only eight, there have been many offers of marriage for her, already"
Wendelin " and you haven't accepted any of them"
Cardinal hoenheim "and why does baron baumeister believe that?"
Wendelin "because we wouldn't be having this conversation if you did"
At my reply elise shows a slightly surprised expression, while cardinal hoenheim chuckles.
Cardinal hoenheim "so, I have been seen through, by a 7 year old no less, climt was correct you truly are a sharp young man"
Climt the royal head magician is elise's uncle, through her mother's side, so he most definitely heard it from him.
Wendelin "ah you're giving me too much credit"
Cardinal hoenheim "so what do you say to marrying elise"
Well of course this was his reason, why else would he have her serve tea, and say that she has been receiving many marriage offers.
Wendelin "I accept"
Elise is one of wendelins wives from canon, she is also extremely talented, not only is she a powerful healing magician but a talented administrator, plus she was portrait to be a staggering beuty, and her appearance definitely fits that, so I really have no reason to refuse.
Cardinal hoenheim "I see, that is fantastic. Now that you are engaged, I shall arrange for you to spent some time together as well, for the two of you to get to know each other, since you will marry in the future"
After I left the church, I headed to duke breithild's mansion in breitburg via teleportation.
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Cardinal hoenheim pov
Cardinal hoenheim "so elise, what do you think about him"
I am seated in the same reception room as before. I wanted to ask elise's opinion about the young baron baumeister, who is now seated across from me.
Elise "he was able to see through your intentions, which proves he is smart. Uncle climt also told me that he was very brave during the pelkania grassland liberation operation. I didn't even go due to still being young, but he was on the front line with uncle despite being the same age as me. He is someone brave and intelligent, I think he will make a good husband"
Cardinal hoenheim "Its good that you agree with the match"
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Wendelin pov
Duke breithild "wait! Your telling me you got engaged"
Wendelin "yes, to cardinal hoenheims granddaughter elise"
Duke breithild "I have to object to this match, as your adoptive father and patron, I object to this marriage! "
As soon as I was finished speaking with cardinal hoenheim, I used teleportation to arrive at duke breithild's mansion and explained to him, everything that happened. He wasn't so happy to hear that I got engaged, without him approving it.
Wendelin "what are you going to object at, his majesty has most likely approved the match, otherwise, cardinal hoenheim wouldn't have attempted such a thing. She is also the niece of the royal head magician, so you really can't say anything"
The royal head magician is a powerful person, moreover elise is also the niece of climt's older brother who is the head of the count armstrong household, cancelling this engagement, will offend a lot of people.
Duke breithild "damn your right, the armstrong and hoenheim households would become hostile towards me, if I refused the match now, but why didn't you refuse it"
Wendelin "you said it yourself, elise is related to the armstrong and hoenheim households, marrying her means having a good connection to them"
Duke breithild "well that's a good reason, but choosing a bribe for you should have been my decision"
Wendelin "fine then, who did you plan on choosing"
Duke breithild "well umm....., it doesn't matter now"
Wendelin "let me guess, all of them were either too old, or too young, am I right, there aren't any girls among your family, high ranking retainers, and vasals of appropriate rank, that are my age"
Duke breithild "hah, you are right, I was having a difficult time finding a match for you"
Wendelin "you see, also there is a chance that your high ranking retainers would have insisted that I marry, one of their daughters, so I chose a match for myself before anyone could force someone on me"
Duke breithild "well all things considered, that girl has a good reputation and is an overall good match"
He skillfully trying to change the topic, well I should cut him some slack and play along.
Wendelin "by the way where is Burkhart?"
Duke breithild "oh, he's leading the adventurers in the extermination of the monsters in the regen plain"
Poor berkhart, he just finished the monster extermination of the pelkania grasslands and now he has to deal with the monster extermination of the regen plains.
Wendelin "I thought it would be finished by now"
Duke breithild "I didn't send in the feudal army yet since the losses would be too large, for now I have assembled adventurers to handle the extermination. Our branch of the church does not have access to the same high level healers as the main branch of the church in the capital, so until the healers from the main branch arrive the feudal army is being held back by me "
I nodded at the duke's words in understanding, not having good healers would increase the casualties among the soldiers, since most of the healers in the capital were busy, attending to the royal army during the pelkania grassland liberation operation, they couldn't be sent south until now.
Duke breithild "theres also one more matter, you are going to have to stay in the capital for the next few months. I have made arrangements for you to move into the mansion in the capital, which was left to you by alfred. Once the arrangements are completed, my retainer in the capital will get in contact with you and help you to move in"
I nod once, I cant just keep freeloading at the brandt family mansion.
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Helmut the 37th pov
Climt "so it seems my niece elise and baron baumeister have successfully become engaged, this is indeed a joyous occasion"
Right now me and my friend climt are in a private room of the castle, the only ones allowed here are him, me, warren and the crown prince, so we can talk freely.
Helmut "I am glad that the young baron baumeister, excepted the match"
Climt "haha yes, cardinal hoenheim told me that the lad had figured out that he wanted to marry elise to him, before he even suggested it"
Helmut "I had heard from duke breithild that the boy is extremely sharp. He also told me, that the boy already knows we plan to use him for the development of the savage lands"
Climt "seems like alfred was right about him, the lad is a smart one"