Ashen Dragon-Chapter 260 - 185: Conferment of Honor (3)

Chapter 260: Chapter 185: Conferment of Honor (3)

The monsters’ protests gradually subsided under Cassius’s scrutinizing gaze, eventually falling into silence.

The seven Marquises were finally all in place, followed by twelve Earls. Most of them were leaders of various families, but due to their lesser seniority or weaker strength, they couldn’t advance further.

Another name was called out.

“Guillermo Hagen.”

The robed human mage was taken aback with delight and quickly used flight magic to ascend to the altar.

He was the second human to be awarded a title in this conferral ceremony. As an affiliate of the Kingdom’s spellcasters and an aide to Ramp, he made significant contributions to spell research and adeptly used various new technologies, which eventually made Cassius select him as another fortunate recipient.

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“Damn it, another human!”

“I want to crush them!”

“Damn, hairless monkeys.”

The monsters gathered around the altar stirred restlessly again, furious about the positions being taken by humans.

But this time, it only went as far as whispers, and no commotion ensued. After all, under Cassius’s personal oversight, no one dared to show dissatisfaction with these decisions—they would be directly challenging the might of the Red Dragon.

This was the fundamental difference between the Ashen Kingdom and ordinary nations.

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The rulers of other nations generally derived their power from the military or political systems.

They needed to balance various interests and demands to gain the consensus of vested interest groups to achieve their goals.

But in this Dragon-ruled country, the presence of the Red Dragon was strength itself. He was the source of all authority and the very foundation of the kingdom. This also accorded him an unparalleled, almost divine status within the kingdom.

The conferral ceremony continued.

Tens of thousands of humans and monsters present held their breath, eagerly anticipating their chance to climb onto the elevated platform that symbolized power and strength.

Next were many Viscounts, numbering over forty. Most were commanders who had distinguished themselves in various wars. Anthony from the Dragon’s Sanctuary Hall, nominally the current leader of the Dragon Sanctuary Holy Knights, also received such a title.

However, nearly one-fifth of the recipients were humans. Most of them were public servants who had made significant contributions to the nation’s legislation and production. Some were renowned scholars involved in compiling the Kingdom Code, others were veteran craftsmen who improved machinery, and there were also officer scribes who wrote articles in the Propaganda Department.

If the previous titles felt unattainable to the people, these now seemed within reach and highly coveted.

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Take, for example, the “craftsman representative,” Gilmore Sparrow, who was once an unremarkable blacksmith in an East City smithy. He discovered flaws in the rifle production line and improved them, suddenly becoming a so-called “technician” and ultimately a lofty noble.

At this moment, his face was red as he rubbed his hands and touched his bulbous nose, eagerly anticipating the imminent blessing.

People admired the familiar faces with envy, muttering phrases like “If it were me back then” and “If given this opportunity, I could have done it too,” clearly setting these as their goals to strive for.

Next came more than a hundred Barons.

The ratio of humans to monsters was almost fifty-fifty.

Many of the retainers who had joined the Ashen Nest early and contributed greatly, now leading small to mid-sized battalions, were awarded the position of Baron.

On the human side, they selected outstanding individuals from various fields who had made significant contributions to the kingdom’s development. There were supervisors running factories, caravan leaders, and even human commanders newly integrated into the military system…

The monster kin watching the proceedings were once again in uproar, while the humans cheered with joy.

Even the most disdainful Great Goblins had to admit that, in terms of development within the kingdom, humans were often more astute and capable than the monster kin, avoiding errors like the “Ogre Food Quality Inspector” incident. Hence, despite deliberate suppression from some high-ranking officials, many human upstarts still managed to stand out, resulting in the current situation.

Nearly two hundred noble titles were finally distributed.

But Ramp’s speech did not end.

“Everyone, you have greatly contributed to the kingdom and deserve this reward.”

“Moreover, there are also some citizens who have stepped forward to protect the kingdom’s safety. The kingdom will not forget their deeds; they will be granted the special honor of ‘First-Class Citizen.'”

Instantly, the crowd was abuzz.

“What does this mean?”

“Will there be distinctions even among commoners?”

The so-called “First-Class Citizen” had never appeared in the history of the North. Nobles were always high above, completely separate from commoners.

Under the guard of the Tiefling Guards, several plainly dressed humans walked out.

They were the lucky ones who succeeded in reporting spies. Most of them were the most ordinary of people but had unexpectedly struck it rich by being chosen by the Red Dragon. The one who had reported the Silver Dragon, George, was even at the forefront.

Looking at the restless crowd, George couldn’t help but swallow nervously. His heart pounded, his legs trembled from excessive nervousness, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

“No, can’t be nervous.”

“I-I have become an important figure! Look at those envious eyes.”

George reminded himself, which finally allowed his trembling legs to move, barely keeping pace with the Tiefling Guards.

“Isn’t that George?”

An acquaintance from the food factory recognized George and exclaimed out loud.

“He was a serf before!”

“Even someone like him can gain a title?”

“Damn! Such luck, why don’t I get that kind of fortune.”

Soon, the workers’ chatter turned to envy, even jealousy.

They had witnessed George transforming from the most humble, insignificant “gray beast” into an important figure. Even his friend Howard couldn’t help but curse under his breath at the overwhelming disparity.

Meanwhile, some monsters discontentedly remarked, “Such weak humans wouldn’t have even been fit to make snacks before; they were only for us to kill for fun!”

Amidst the crowd’s discussions, he was stiffly escorted onto the lowest tier of the stone platform.

Looking down at the diverse humans and monsters, listening to their chatter, clutching the gilded Medal of Honor, George felt like he was dreaming, afraid he might wake up and return to the old, crowded manor.

“Thank goodness… this isn’t a dream.”

George took a deep breath, adjusting his overly excited emotions, and began to look forward to his bright future.

As for the kingdom and His Majesty, he now had nothing but loyalty in his heart.