The Elf Saint is a NEET, so I Forced Her to Work in Another World

Homage (Part 2)

After that grand welcome at the docks, the emperor invited us to the Maverny Cathedral, where a delegation of the Human Saint's arch-templars, monks, and the Grand Mother Templar Superior herself waited. The Empire never held back in their efforts to impress the delegations from the Holy Palatial Gardens, Cherwind, and the Federal Demon Republic. Rows of the Imperial Legionnaires, donned in their shiny, well-oiled armors stood in attention with their swords at their sides and their bolt-heater rifles held straight before them. They flanked the halls that led to the main aisle, at the middle of the temple. Members of the Imperial nobility and several prominent commoners were also inside, ostensibly cheering for me. Every pillar of the cathedral was gilded, and they even took the time to import flowers to rain on us as I walked towards the podium, escorted by the Imperial envoy.

The immediate impression on me is that, the Imperials are trying to rival the opulence of the exhibits at the Palatial Grounds, which is still ongoing as of the moment.

"And to think, several days ago, this place is as gloomy as a cemetery," I heard the remarks of the Prince Vendette.

All this time, I didn't know exactly what was going on. I was just going with the flow, though honestly, these events never sank into my mind. If there's anything I could describe my perspective, it's as if I'm watching a movie unfold before my eyes.

The next moment my consciousness returned, I was already on the aisle at the middle of the cathedral, and the emperor stood before me, with Maddie, Ruro and Natasha standing behind him. On his hand was an ornate sword with a golden blade. A purple mantle was placed on my back, secured by a golden cord tied on a brooch to my chest's left side, and someone also pinned a sword scabbard to my belt.

I look more like a knight in his knighthood ceremony, than a noble.

"Lord Kuro of Arles," the emperor uttered as he passed the ceremonial weapon to me. "We, the most august and just ruler of the Empire, Jean of the House of Durres, hereby accords the honor to you as the protector and savior of our people, our culture and our nation. From now on, and by the grace and blessings of our most holy saints, you shall be known as His Grace the Lord Kuro of Arles, Eternal God-King of Cherwind, Adviser to the Prince of the House of the Usarveds, the Rock and Salvation of Chersea, Paladin General, Duke of Maverny and Heir to the Duchy of Durres!"

Wow...I'm not aware I acquired lots of titles...and even more so, those cringy-ass ones!

"!!!"

Instead of applause, what I heard initially were gasps, slowly followed by cheers and claps. I looked at the Prince Vendette for any explanation, though he was surprised as well. It was the emperor himself who told me,

"Everyone knew I would pass the viscount's property to you, Lord Kuro, and appoint you as the heir to my house," the old man smiled. "However, I decided to personally honor you by elevating your rank as a duke of the empire. After all, I won't stand here if your wisdom didn't convince Her Holiness to spare my life before. For that, I am eternally grateful."

"Err...uhm...you're w-welcome, Sire?"

The emperor gave me a pat on the back, then guided me to face the citizens of the Empire, the Beastmen, and Demons who were there to witness this moment. The rain of flower petals intensified, as well as the cheers and applause of the people. As if she was carried away by the jubilant emotions of everyone else, Ruro caused a gentle breeze to blow inside the cathedral, making the petal confetti dance with each of its sway.

Then everyone chanted, "Kuro! Kuro! Kuro!" It was a hair-raising moment, as the chants spread like waves thundering across the halls of the Maverny Cathedral and to the outside, to the streets of the port city where the rest of the population waited. The armies also joined in the celebration by firing their guns in unison, and the ships anchored at the docks blew their horns.