Shock rippled through the noble families like waves across a disturbed pond. Aristocratic houses whose bloodlines stretched back centuries stared in disbelief at the unprecedented honour being bestowed upon a merchant.
"Impossible, I’ve served the crown for forty years and never received such recognition," whispered the Duchess of Westmarch, her voice barely audible in murmurs of the crowd.
Count Alderton’s face had gone pale as he witnessed honour that exceeded anything granted to his family’s generations of loyal service. "No one receives the king’s hand. No one."
But there it was, happening before the eyes of the entire kingdom, their sovereign treating a shopkeeper with the respect typically reserved for foreign royalty or legendary heroes.
Noah, still processing the magnitude of the moment, reached out and clasped the king’s offered hand.
The simple gesture established a relationship of mutual respect that elevated him far beyond his new noble rank.
"Viscount Noah," King Aldric announced to the stunned assembly, his voice carrying pride as he maintained their handshake. "A man whose service to the kingdom has earned not just our gratitude, but our respect."
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their voices reflecting awe at witnessing history being made. This wasn’t just the creation of a new viscount; it was the establishment of a relationship between the king and a person whose help wouldn’t only save the kingdom, but elevate it to places that they never dreamed of before.
In the designated seating area, other noble families struggled to process what they had witnessed.
The handshake between the king and the new viscount continued for several long moments, each second emphasising the extraordinary nature of the honour being bestowed. When they finally released their grip, the message had been delivered clearly to every witness present.
Viscount Noah Carter stood not as a subject who had been elevated, but as an ally who had been acknowledged, and standing in his path was like going against the crown.
After that handshake, even the dukes or duchesses didn’t dare to try and disrespect or treat him like a subordinate.
After the ceremony ended, King Aldric approached Noah with the practical details that would follow his elevation to nobility.
"I’ll finalise the bestowment by tomorrow. You’ll receive the previous viscount’s estate, it’s a large property with good farmland and a respectable manor house," the king informed him.
Noah nodded, still processing that he was going to suddenly own some noble lands and property.
The property and noble land were by no means cheap; it was definitely worth its price in the thousands of golden coins.
"You’ll also receive a portion of Baron Richard’s net worth," the king continued, "after most people have claimed their rightful compensation for his crimes. There should still be a considerable sum remaining."
Noah acknowledged the king’s words with appropriate gratitude before the crowd began dispersing. The momentous day was ending, but its significance would reshape his future in ways he was only beginning to understand.
As he made his way back through the city streets, Lola walked beside him, her invisibility spell still active. Her ruby eyes carried an expression of interest as they walked together.
"Are you okay with it?" she asked, her voice carrying genuine curiosity about his feelings regarding such a dramatic change in circumstances.
"Okay with what?" Noah responded, though his tone suggested he understood exactly what she meant. They continued walking toward his shop, the familiar route providing comfort after such an overwhelming day.
"You know what I mean," Lola replied with a knowing smile. "Why are you acting oblivious? The king has clearly tied you down to this kingdom. This means that when danger comes, you will also have to act. You have responsibilities here now."
Her observation was accurate. Noble titles came with obligations that extended far beyond mere social status. As a viscount, he would be expected to serve the kingdom during times of crisis.
Noah nodded thoughtfully. "You’re correct that when danger comes, I will act, but that’s not because I’m tied down to this kingdom by the title. To be honest, I couldn’t care less about noble obligations."
The title is useful, but not binding in the way she thinks.
"The reason I would act is because this kingdom has become somewhat dear to me. It has people I’ve met here and become friends with. That personal connection matters more than the so-called viscount duty."
Lola listened with growing understanding as he explained his perspective on the unexpected honour.
"Also, the viscount title is beneficial to me in practical ways," Noah added with obvious satisfaction. "It will save me from noble problems; they won’t create difficulties for me after the king’s clear display of respect."
"Furthermore, I have more credibility now, so my shop will definitely increase in reputation," he concluded with a slight smile. "This will boost my sales in the long term when I develop more products."
Lola nodded, a soft smile gracing her beautiful face as she understood Noah’s perspective on his sudden promotion to nobility.
Noah smiled before adding with obvious satisfaction, "Besides, how can I be tied down when I have a shop that can change places?"
The observation struck Lola as particularly astute. His shop provided freedom that no earthbound noble could ever possess, making traditional concepts of territorial obligation largely irrelevant.
Lola chuckled at his words, amused by his unique circumstances and approach to his new life. "That’s true. Not many viscounts can relocate their entire domain to another world when politics become inconvenient."
Inside the store, Noah decided to focus on practical development rather than dwelling on political changes. The day’s events had reminded him how important personal power remained, regardless of social status.
"Time to practice," he announced, settling into his familiar training position. "I want to work on wind manipulation, mana control, and especially body tempering. I need to raise that skill to level 5 as soon as possible."
Body tempering remains my biggest weakness. My vitality remains at 4 for now.