Humanity's Hero Of Despair

I sit on the edge of my bed as I process the Emperor's words.

I wonder what they need me in the Imperial Courtroom for, I think to myself as I slowly get out of bed and inspect my wands. They look a bit bruised and battered from the fight yesterday. I will polish them later when evening comes. I carefully dust them off and place them gently back on the table.

I check myself in the mirror for any bruises or injuries.

Luckily, those healing mages knew what they were doing. I have zero injuries except I feel slightly weak. Though that should change with time and more sleep tonight. I walk to the bathroom and brush my teeth as usual. My bedhead looks a bit worse than usual, which is annoying to deal with. After brushing my teeth, I head to the enormous closet.

The Emperor makes it seem like it is an important event.

Nine times out of ten, that means fancy clothes. I get well-dressed and then eat some of the food the butlers brought up to me, which I didn't notice before. That was nice of them. After double-checking myself in the mirror again to make sure I look good, I grab my wands and head out the door.

Duke of Lancaster.

The thought stays in my mind as I walk down to the Imperial Courtroom. No noises surround me as I walk toward the room. The occasional butler or maid shows up and respectfully bows to me. Do they already know about my ascent to power?

I hear many hushed whispers coming from the Imperial Courtroom. Sounds like a lot of people are there. The doors are slightly closed. There are two butlers on either side of the door. As I approach, their eyes widen and they give a signal to someone inside. They open the doors for me and I enter.

The applause is deafening as I cover my ears in surprise for a moment.

The sight I see is spectacular. The Emperor is sitting on his throne with a fine glass of wine in his hands. The Imperial Courtroom is transformed into a fancy party with numerous tables covered in white tablecloths spread throughout the room. Fancy platters of food and snacks sit atop each table. High-profile nobles are gathered around, chatting happily with each other, and my friends rush over to me as they spot me.

"What is going on?"

I ask Ivy as she reaches me first. She looks at me with a happy glint in her eye and smiles as she grabs my hand.

"You will see soon, idiot."

My other friends reach me and laugh as well at my confused look. Okay, give me some credit here—I just went through a lot yesterday. I smile, though, because it seems like everybody is in a good mood. I wonder what the big moment is, though.

The answer comes sooner than I thought.

The Emperor stands up from his throne and everybody goes silent as he raises his glass.

"Today, we celebrate the discovery of the savior of Oriventh, the first mage in actual history who has completed the Oriventh Hundred Trial, and the newly appointed Duke of Lancaster under Grand Duke Lancaster!"

Everyone in the room claps for me and I feel on top of the world. I squeeze Ivy's hand in celebration.

"Before we begin the feast, let's formalize this appointment of nobility."

The Emperor gestures to the herald, who steps forward carrying a small wooden box. The Emperor tells me to kneel and I do so in front of the throne. The Emperor takes a ceremonial sword and taps each of my shoulders with it.

"By the will of Oriventh, by the power of the imperial throne, by the blood of Lancaster, I name you Duke Lotus of Lancaster."

The herald opens the small wooden box, revealing the official pin of the Duke of Lancaster. The herald places the pin on me. Another person next to the herald walks over to me and hands me a cloak befitting the Duke of Lancaster, which I put on. The Emperor gestures for me to stand up and I do.

The nobles bow their heads in respect.

The Emperor walks down from his throne and places his hand on my shoulder while turning to the rest of the room.

"Let the celebration of Duke Lotus begin!"

The crowd cheers once more and the party is in full swing now. Live music starts up and people are now chatting, eating, and drinking all around me. My friends and I mostly stick together. Matteo and Leena try to stay with us but are pulled into conversations with some other nobles because they are the Prince and Princess of Tarondar.

Matteo looks at me across the room as if to say, "help me."

I laugh and mouth to him, "good luck."

I know he will be okay. I would help him if it wasn't for the fact that I was getting swarmed as well by everyone. It seems like forever until the Emperor finally comes up to me and makes all the other nobles scatter away from me. He laughs as he notices my face of relief.

"I see you have been very busy with everyone here. I just wanted to let you know I have sent letters to all the important nobles of Oriventh about your ascension to Duke of Lancaster. You serve under Grand Duke Lancaster, of course. Besides the other Grand Dukes and me, you are the most powerful person in Oriventh."

I give a nervous laugh.

"You sure this is a good idea to do again?"

The Emperor shrugs at me slowly.

"It is not up to me but up to Oriventh philosophy. This country was built around the Oriventh philosophy of strength and bloodline ruling above all else, and that the first mage to complete the Oriventh Hundred Trial would be made a Duke. You have the strength, just not the genes, which is completely fine for your position. Grand Duke Lancaster said he will maintain your shared territory just fine if you get too busy."

I sigh slightly.

"I see."

The Emperor gestures for me to follow him out of the Imperial Courtroom as the party is still going on.

"Follow me, Duke Lotus. There is one more promise I have to fulfill to you."

This should be interesting.