92: Viscount of the Star Sea

Five days later, at the central plaza of Star Sea City.

The area had been meticulously prepared as a solemn and grand ceremonial venue. On the north side of the plaza, a temporary platform was erected, covered in dark blue velvet and adorned with the banner of the Star Sea Territory: a hundred stars surrounding the main emblem. On both sides of the platform, flags bearing the same crest flapped loudly in the morning sea breeze. Surrounding the plaza, elite soldiers from the Guard Army and the Divine Arrow Army stood rigidly with gleaming armor and long spears, forming a solemn human wall that both maintained order and showcased the thriving military power of the territory.

Although the scale had been deliberately controlled—the Sea God Clan was not invited, nor was the full extent of their power displayed—the number of subjects gathered in the plaza and surrounding streets was still considerable. The Freemen had changed into relatively clean clothes, and the Slaves were also permitted to watch the ceremony from designated areas. Everyone wore expressions of curiosity, excitement, and faint pride. Their lord was about to receive a higher noble title, which meant the territory would be more stable and their lives potentially more secure.

The invited guests were already in position. Viscount Nocturne stood at the front of the VIP seating, stroking his beard as he surveyed the neatly planned, solidly built, and bustling Star Sea City. Surprise and complexity were evident in his eyes. He recalled visiting here for trade several years ago when it was merely a crude camp; now, it was a vibrant city whose prosperity even surpassed his Nocturne Territory. “That young man... he really did it,” he murmured, feeling fortunate about his earlier decision to befriend Linn.

Payson was also present, representing the Lawson Trading Company, which had greatly benefited from the development of the Star Sea Territory. He was currently smiling broadly while greeting several minor nobles and merchant representatives who had traveled from nearby islands or coastal towns upon hearing the news, hoping to establish connections. In his words, he spared no praise for Linn and expressed great optimism about the future of the Star Sea Territory.

Inspector Gresham, dressed in the Kingdom's ceremonial official robes, stood solemnly at the center of the platform, flanked by two Kingdom attendants holding trays. The trays were covered with red velvet, clearly concealing the tokens symbolizing the authority of a Viscount.

As the auspicious hour approached, the plaza gradually quieted down. Everyone involuntarily turned their gaze toward the castle.

“Ooooh...”

A low horn blast pierced the sky.

Surrounded by core subordinates like Clay, Ocean, and Batu, Linn slowly walked out of the castle gate, proceeding along the road paved with new linen toward the plaza platform. Today, he was not wearing full armor but had changed into a noble ceremonial suit, dark blue with simple star and wave patterns embroidered in silver thread. At his waist hung the longsword symbolizing nobility. He looked both handsome and possessed the solemn demeanor appropriate for the occasion. His steps were steady, and his gaze calmly swept over the bowing citizens and standing soldiers on both sides of the road before finally settling on the platform.

Behind him, Elise looked extremely solemn in a fitting mage's robe. Morton wore the formal attire of the chief executive officer. Karl had also returned to Star Sea City. Generals such as Angus, Shirei, Evan, and Augus were all in bright armor, and officials like Ronald and Henry were neatly dressed. The appearance of this core team silently demonstrated the initial completion of the Star Sea Territory's military and political system.

Linn stepped onto the platform, faced Gresham, placed one hand over his chest, and bowed slightly.

Gresham took a step forward, cleared his throat, and his resonant voice, aided by a simple Wind Spell, clearly spread throughout the entire plaza:

“In the name of His Majesty, King Francis II of the Aolai Kingdom, and by the authorization of the Kingdom's laws and the Noble Parliament!”

The plaza was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard; everyone held their breath.

“In view of the pioneering lord, Linn, Baron of Star Sea, who, outside the Kingdom's borders in the Shattered Star Island region of the Storm Sea Region, bravely pioneered territory, diligently governed the land, gathered refugees, established order, and achieved outstanding merits, and whose territorial development now meets the standard of a Viscount Territory! Verified by the Kingdom's Inspector and approved by the Noble Parliament!”

Gresham paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience with authority, and then solemnly announced:

“Under the witness of the god of dawn.”

“Today, here, we formally elevate Lynn Star Sea, Baron of Star Sea, to a Viscount of the Aolai Kingdom! We bestow Shattered Star Island and its affiliated sea area as a legitimate hereditary fiefdom—the Star Sea Territory! May you diligently uphold the responsibilities of a noble, remain loyal to the Kingdom, protect your subjects, and bear the weight that comes with honor!”

“I thank His Majesty the King for his grace! I thank the Parliament for the conferment!” Linn replied in a deep voice, bowing again.

Next came the crucial step of bestowing the tokens. An attendant stepped forward and removed the red velvet cloth from the first tray, revealing a ceremonial longsword decorated with the Star Sea Territory's new crest, symbolizing military power and the duty of protection. Gresham held the sword with both hands; Linn knelt on one knee, received it, raised it for all to see, and then fastened it to the left side of his ceremonial suit. A wave of suppressed cheers and applause erupted in the plaza.

On the second tray was a golden Seal engraved with the Viscount title inscription, the crest, and the Kingdom's mark, along with a formal enfeoffment document written on high-quality parchment and stamped with the Kingdom's Great Seal and the Noble Parliament's Seal. This symbolized administrative and judicial authority. Gresham presented the Seal and document to Linn, who respectfully received them and handed them to Morton, who had stepped forward behind him, for careful safekeeping.

Finally, Gresham took a ring from his breast pocket—an antique-looking piece inlaid with a sapphire—another token representing the status of a Kingdom Viscount, typically used for sealing important documents with wax or verification on specific occasions. He placed it on Linn's right index finger.

“The ceremony is complete! Congratulations, Viscount Lynn!” Gresham stepped back and was the first to applaud.

“Congratulations, Lord Linn!”

“Long live the Viscount!”

On and off the platform, the guards, officials, and guided citizen representatives finally released their cheers, merging into a wave of fervent sound. The soldiers struck the ground with their weapons, producing a rhythmic clang.

Linn stood up and turned to face his subjects and guests. Sunlight shone on him, causing the silver thread embroidery on his ceremonial suit to reflect faintly, and the hilt of his new sword and the ring also sparkled. He raised his hands and slowly pressed them down, and the cheering gradually subsided.

“The honor of today is not the achievement of me alone!” Linn's voice rang out equally clearly. “It belongs to every subject of the Star Sea Territory here, who pioneered the land with their sweat; to every soldier, who defended our home with courage; to every official, who governed the territory with wisdom; and to all friends, who offered support with goodwill!” His gaze swept over his subordinates on the platform, the citizens below, and Nocturne, Payson, and others in the VIP seats.

“This sword shall guard the peace and prosperity of the Star Sea Territory!”

“This Seal shall uphold justice and govern this home we built together!”

“I, Linn, hereby swear in the name of the Viscount of the Star Sea Territory, that I shall lead the Star Sea Territory toward a brighter future!”

The solemn oath echoed over the plaza and was imprinted in the heart of every witness. Cheers erupted again, more fervent and lasting.

The main part of the ceremony concluded. Next, a grand banquet was prepared inside the castle to entertain distinguished guests, including Inspector Gresham, Viscount Nocturne, President Payson, as well as the territory's main officials and representatives of meritorious subjects. In Star Sea City, Morton had already arranged for small portions of wine and meat to be distributed to all Freemen for the celebration, and the Slaves' rations were also improved. The entire territory was immersed in an atmosphere of festivity.

During the banquet, hosts and guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Gresham once again expressed admiration for the “efficient development” of the Star Sea Territory. Nocturne spoke privately with Linn, his tone now reflecting genuine equality and respect. Payson, meanwhile, had begun discussing possibilities for further commercial cooperation with Linn and Morton.

As cups were exchanged, Linn responded gracefully with a gentle smile. Only those closest to him, such as Clay and Ocean, might have detected a subtle gravity in his profound gaze when he occasionally looked toward the distant sea outside the window. The elevation of his title was recognition and a step up, but it also meant higher exposure, a more complex situation, and potentially more challenges and undercurrents to follow.

The ceremony concluded successfully, and the guests would soon begin their journeys home. The Star Sea Territory had officially entered the era of the Viscount Territory. Meanwhile, a distant web of conspiracy was quietly unfolding toward this newly elevated sea region, starting with the departure of Allen Alistair and his two “Shadows.”