Rise of the F-Rank Hero

The heavy doors creaked open, their polished wood groaning as the hinges yielded. Inside, the chamber was wide but not ostentatious — sunlight streamed through tall windows, pooling across a marble floor, catching in the golden trim of banners hanging on the walls.

At the far end sat a man on a carved chair that served more as a seat of state than a throne. He was not the gruff and intimidating noble Oliver had half-expected. Instead, the Viscount looked more like someone's beloved uncle: a tall, pristine figure with neatly combed blond hair, a clean jawline, and a relaxed smile. His posture carried dignity, but not arrogance.

Beside him sat a young girl, perhaps eighteen — the same age as Oliver. She had the same golden hair, though softer, cascading in waves down her shoulders. Her dress was pale green, delicate but finely made. She had a soft, lively beauty to her, and as the doors opened she turned toward them, curious eyes brightening.

"Ah," the Viscount said, his voice warm and resonant. "So these are the guests of honor. Welcome, welcome indeed."

Isolde entered first, her presence calm, dignified, carrying herself like a queen stepping into her own court. Oliver trailed slightly behind, shifting in his new clothes, trying to look more confident than he felt.

Gerard bowed deeply at the Viscount's side. "My lord, I present Oliver Shaw and Lady Isolde, the adventurers responsible for procuring the Phoenixroot."

The Viscount rose partway from his chair, an unusual courtesy for someone of his station, and spread his hands. "Sir Oliver, Lady Isolde — allow me to introduce myself. I am Theo Valtaine, head of the Valtaine family and steward of this land. And this—" he gestured to the girl beside him with unmistakable affection, "—is my daughter, Elara."

Elara rose, giving a graceful bow despite the faint flush in her cheeks. "I am pleased to meet the ones who saved my life… even without knowing it."

Oliver blinked, unsure how to respond, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh—happy to help?"

Isolde, on the other hand, curtsied with flawless grace, crimson eyes steady. "The pleasure is ours. We only did what was asked, but it is heartening to see it bore fruit."

Elara's lips curved into a smile, her gaze lingering on Oliver perhaps a second too long before she sat again.

Theo chuckled lightly, stepping down from the dais. "I imagine this is all very formal, hm? Forgive me, I prefer plain speaking. But gratitude must be given where it is due. The Phoenixroot was the key to curing Elara's illness — Frostvein Sickness is no easy ailment. Were it not for your timely delivery, I might not be standing here today with my daughter healthy at my side."

Oliver's eyes widened a little. "So it really worked? That's… good to hear. Honestly, we just took it as another job from the guild."

Theo laughed, a hearty, unpretentious sound. "And yet that 'job' saved a life more precious to me than any treasure in this house. That deserves more than coin, though of course…" He motioned toward Gerard, who stepped forward holding a small chest.

The butler opened it to reveal neatly stacked gold coins, glittering under the light. "A token of the Viscount's gratitude — twenty gold, in addition to your guild reward."

Oliver tried not to gape, though his fingers twitched. That's… that's more than ten A-rank mission right there. Damn.

Isolde, as composed as ever, inclined her head slightly. "Your gratitude is noted. Though for us, coin was never the aim."

Theo's eyes twinkled knowingly. "Spoken like one with pride. Admirable. Still, I insist."

Gerard closed the chest and presented it. Oliver accepted, trying to look dignified, though the weight nearly made him grin like a fool.

Theo placed a hand gently on his daughter's shoulder. "Elara has expressed her wish to personally thank her benefactors. I hope you'll indulge her."

Elara rose again, stepping closer, her golden hair catching the sun. She bowed slightly, her eyes lingering on Oliver as she said, "Truly… thank you. For giving me back the chance to live."

Oliver stammered, ears red. "Uh—sure. Anytime."

Isolde's crimson gaze flicked to him with faint amusement, one brow raised.

Theo smiled knowingly, the cheerful air around him never fading. "Well then… shall we sit and talk? I'd like to know more about the adventurers who made such an impression on our guild."

Theo waved them toward a smaller sitting area off to the side of the chamber, away from the formality of the dais. Plush chairs and a low polished table awaited, set with wine and fruit.

"Please, sit," he said warmly. "Let us speak as people, not as ranks."

Oliver hesitated, glancing at Isolde, who moved with the poise of someone who had done this a thousand times. He followed her lead and sat opposite the Viscount, trying to keep his knees from bouncing.

Theo leaned back, hands steepled. "Now… Cedric." His voice, still calm, had an edge of distaste. "I suspect he has already troubled you?"

Oliver stiffened, remembering the diner. Isolde's smirk returned in an instant. "Troubled? That's one way to put it. I'd call it… embarrassing. For him."

Theo sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You have my apologies. Cedric is… family, but not one I am proud of. His arrogance has finally crossed the line. Rest assured, he has been punished severely. Stripped of his authority, placed under house arrest. He will not trouble you again."

Oliver tilted his head. "That's… surprisingly reassuring."

Theo gave a small nod and gestured. Gerard stepped forward again, this time carrying a small, ornate badge. Silver, inlaid with the Valtaine crest — a rampant stag beneath a star.

"With this," Theo explained, placing the token in Oliver's hand, "you will not be harassed within these lands. This seal states that the Valtaine viscounty stands as your guarantor. Merchants, guards, even lesser nobles will think twice before crossing you."

Oliver turned the badge over in his hand, impressed despite himself. "So it's like a… VIP pass."

Isolde snorted softly, crimson eyes glinting. "More like a leash, if misused. But useful nonetheless."

Theo chuckled. "I trust it will not be misused. Consider it a token of gratitude, nothing more."