Chapter 7: Getting the Title
Obtaining the title was a delicate matter. Moving too quickly to collect the thirty gold coins might make Father Vic feel his asking price was too low, causing him to raise it temporarily. But waiting too long risked losing the title altogether.
Karl had to strike the perfect balance.
After two difficult days, Karl's "piety" finally earned Father Vic's approval, and he agreed to bless him.
In a world where supernatural powers existed, receiving the blessing of the gods was essential to becoming a true noble.
The ceremony itself was far less complicated than being newly honored with a title, but it still required ritualistic bathing, changing clothes, worship, and prayer. The process took one to two days.
Dressed in a white shirt and red robe, Karl placed his weapons and soft armor on the altar. Holding the scriptures, he solemnly swore his oath.
> "I, Karl Bergman, swear before the great statue of the Lord of the Morning to remain loyal and honorable for the rest of my life.
As a noble, I vow to be kind to the weak, stand bravely against violence, and protect the defenseless."
After the ceremony, Karl exited the church and was greeted by a familiar face.
"Baron Karl," said a blonde woman standing at the entrance. She gave him a polite nod. "Congratulations."
"Commander Dinah?" Karl's surprise was evident. "What are you doing here?"
The woman had sharp, three-dimensional features and a tall, imposing figure. A sword in its scabbard hung at her side, and her golden hair fell naturally over her shoulders. She wore fitted trousers that accentuated her long legs, paired with a leather top that highlighted her wild, untamed beauty.
Dinah Yeager was the Chief Inspector of South City, the third daughter of Viscount Sassoon, and Karl's immediate superior. Despite their professional connection, the two barely knew each other.
Dinah handed him something from behind her back—a gift.
"Thank you," Karl said as he accepted it with a small bow.
The gift was a gentleman's cane, crafted from tung wood with elegant silver ornaments. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, and it fit comfortably in his hand.
"As a noble, how can you not have a walking stick?" Dinah said with a chuckle. "I happened to have business nearby, so I thought I'd drop by."
"What kind of business?" Karl asked, tapping the cane lightly on the ground. "Do you need help?"
"No, you're still on vacation," she replied, her hands clasped behind her back. "There were two civilian deaths last night. Some are claiming it's the work of a vampire, so I need to investigate."
Karl's eyes widened. "A vampire? Is that true?"
"Of course not," Dinah laughed, shaking her head. "There's no proof vampires even exist. But the bodies were drained of blood, which makes it a bit peculiar."
Karl nodded in understanding. As an inspector, Dinah only intervened personally if the matter involved nobles or had significant implications. Routine cases like these were usually handled by the police.
The two continued walking when Dinah brought up an unexpected topic.
"Karl, do you remember my cousin, Martha?"
"Martha?" Karl thought for a moment and recalled a cheerful young girl he'd once met at a banquet. "I remember."
"She's not married yet," Dinah said, casting a sidelong glance at him. "She's about your age. Would you consider getting to know her better?"
Karl hesitated. "I'm not ready for marriage, and, well, I doubt my appearance would appeal to her." He self-consciously touched the scar on his face.
"Looks don't matter for men," Dinah said dismissively. "You're a noble now. Many women would gladly marry you, even bringing wealth into the arrangement."
Karl stayed silent. He understood the truth in her words but couldn't help feeling uneasy. Before his barony, no one had brought this up. It was clear the interest was tied to his title.
"If a family wants to thrive, it can't depend on just one person," Dinah continued. "Our Yeager family's success is built on having enough children and spreading our influence."
"True," Karl muttered, then smirked. "But Commander, you haven't found a fiancé yourself, have you?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Karl regretted them. Dinah was not someone to tease lightly.
Her face darkened, and the air grew heavy with an unseen pressure. The aura she exuded was suffocating, and Karl realized with dread that she wasn't just a knight squire—she was at the pinnacle of her rank, possibly on the verge of knighthood.
He gulped. "Commander, I just remembered I have urgent matters to attend to at home. May I take my leave?"
Dinah said nothing, her blank expression unchanging, but she gave a faint nod.
Karl wasted no time, retreating hurriedly.
As she watched him go, Dinah raised an eyebrow and murmured to herself, "He seems... different from before."
Karl had always been reckless and quick to anger. Today, however, his behavior had been cautious and thoughtful. While it might be strange, such changes weren't uncommon after someone faced near-death experiences.
Shaking her head, Dinah dismissed the thought and went about her business.
---
At home, Karl collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling with intertwined fingers. Outwardly, he looked lost in thought, but his mind raced.
"Becoming a noble does make life easier," he muttered. "Even Commander Dinah offered to play matchmaker."
But Karl wasn't interested in marrying for money.
"If I wanted wealth and comfort, marrying a merchant's daughter would be the obvious choice. But I don't need money—not now, and probably not ever."
The other world was perilous, but it also held endless opportunities for wealth.
"I don't need riches. What I need is the breathing method."
Breathing techniques were rare, with most being monopolized by the Holy See or passed down within noble and knightly families. Obtaining one outside those circles was nearly impossible.
"Compared to here, the other world might be my best chance. At least there, money can buy opportunities."
A few days later, Karl stood by his window, gazing at the full moon.
"May the Lord of the Morning bless me," he whispered before drawing the curtains closed.
Armed with his preparations, he closed his eyes and returned to the mysterious realm.
This time, the bone-chilling cold that usually accompanied his visits was absent.
"On the Burning Moon Day, the fog dissipates, the half-dead creatures retreat, and Black City becomes safe," Karl murmured.
And with that, his journey resumed.
(End of Chapter)