Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

Many people thought it over, then nodded, seeming to agree... Indeed, it was so.

Seeing this scene, Mary revealed a slight smile and continued,

"Moreover, Knight Rein was able to combine the information from the records with the actual situation on-site and implement it effectively. I think, this point is key to his scoring far above others."

Hearing this, Admiral Xilva of the Imperial Navy also looked at Mary with admiration.

Because this was also the reason he held Rein in high regard.

Apart from Rein's own formidable strength, the ability to grasp the crux of a problem and execute a response swiftly was extremely important. And to find a young person with both aforementioned abilities was rare even within the whole Imperial Navy.

And within the Sixth Squadron of the Southern Sea Fleet, it was even rarer.

Seeing that no one else had opinions to offer, Admiral Xilva turned to Viscount Theo and said, "Viscount, as the person in charge of the ennoblement assessment, the decision is yours to make."

Viscount Theo nodded with a smile and said, "Admiral Xilva, you are too courteous. I personally see no issue with Rein's current score. However, according to our protocols, we need to take a vote."

"Of course, this is a necessary procedure. Now, please, those in favor of Rein's current score, raise your hand," Xilva said with a smile and raised his own right hand.

Viscount Theo, next to him, naturally raised his right hand as well.

Seeing that the two influential figures at the scene had reached an agreement, who else would not know what to do? Immediately, hands shot up!

And the male naval officer's mouth twitched slightly before he also raised his own right hand.

"Passed unanimously!"

...

After the people in the conference room dispersed, Admiral Xilva said to Viscount Theo with a smile, "Lord Viscount, do you remember last night when I mentioned I needed a favor from you?"

"Of course, Admiral Xilva, go ahead," Theo responded with a smile.

"I've reviewed Rein's record, and I did not expect such a talented young man of the Empire, who has such strength, is currently just a minor deputy officer of the peace in Flashgold Town—it's quite the waste."

"Viscount, what do you think about allowing me to jump the queue and deliver the transfer orders to Rein at the same time as the assessment results are delivered?"

"I think such a spirited young man should serve in the Imperial Navy—it would be a heinous waste otherwise!"

Viscount Theo listened and smiled gently.

He had vaguely guessed that the favor Xilva spoke of might have something to do with Rein, and it turned out to be true.

Under normal circumstances, after participating in the ennoblement assessment, whether a new Knight passes and what kind of title is granted requires about a month's wait for the result.

At a slower pace, it might take two months, or even longer.

Because according to regulations, the outcome of the ennoblement assessment should be announced and communicated to the concerned parties within three months after the assessment.

For Viscount Theo, granting the title in advance was not a problem at all.

As long as he reported it to the Imperial Senate, the results could be clarified in as soon as three days, and Rein could be granted the title of Baron.

Such degree of maneuvering did not violate the Empire's regulations, as it was within the scope of his authority.

Therefore, the favor Xilva asked for was naturally doable!

"Of course, Admiral Xilva. I agree with your suggestion. For such capable and driven young men, they should indeed be placed in positions suitable for them," Theo said, still smiling.

What does 'placing them in positions suitable for them' mean?

Admiral Xilva scoffed inwardly.

Could a normal person even come up with such roundabout talk? Crafty fox!

...

Not long after returning to the Home of the Imperial Navy inn, Rein's room was suddenly met with an urgent knock.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Upon opening the door, Rein saw an elated Has standing there.

Has suddenly grabbed Rein's arms, and jubilantly said, "Rein! I've passed! Hahaha!"

"Uh... Has, I remember your task was a solo one, but... Isn't it only after a month that one finds out whether they've passed the assessment?" asked Rein, slightly puzzled.

"My assessment required me to kill five ink-spewing merfolk, but I managed to kill six. Those damnable deep-sea merfolk have much stronger combat abilities than ordinary merfolk! Each one was no less formidable than an appointed Knight!"

"Also, their cursed ink-spewing ability not only has a potent poison but also obscures the vision, it's easy to get hit if you're not careful!" Has babbled excitedly.

But Rein could tell that Has was simply too happy and wanted someone to share his joy with.

After talking for a while, Has suddenly remembered something and asked,

"Rein, sorry, I forgot to ask you, how did your assessment go?"

"With your skills, you should stand a chance to receive a good evaluation, right?" Has asked earnestly.

Because Rein had saved him from that group of men before, Has knew Rein was stronger than him, though he wasn't quite sure by how much.

And although he had invited Rein to the training ground several times, Rein had declined.

However, he believed that Rein had strength close to that of a seasoned Knight; after all, that group had two official Knights, which an ordinary Knight would not be able to contend with.

"This... shouldn't be a problem, I suppose," Rein thought for a moment and nodded.

If he outright claimed he should receive an excellent evaluation, Rein felt it would be too pretentious.