The Pickup

"… Mashter, I… will libe up to your expectashuns!"

When I gave Rei 50,000 DP, she pledged even deeper loyalty. She was crying from emotion.

That was partly my intention anyway, so let's call it a good thing.

And then, the next day.

A gate opened in the arena, and Haku-san arrived.

"Good day, Kehma-san… Fufu, what a tasteful room."

"Welcome, Haku-san. Well, I tried building an arena, but the monster roster isn't filled out yet. How embarrassing."

This place is about the size of a sports field, but it's squeezed into the gaps alongside the neighboring [Flame Cavern] and barely fits. Ittetsu mentioned we wouldn't run into them if we dug further down, so the plan is to expand deeper in the future.

"So, about this team battle… you'll accept, won't you?"

"… Yes, I'll accept. However, there are some things I couldn't hear from Rokuko that I'd like to confirm. Is that alright?"

"How impatient… The reward, right?"

Haku-san guessed what I was going to ask. But that wasn't all.

"Also, please tell me about the penalty for losing."

With a smile, Haku-san nodded, "Of course."

Haku-san is so hard to deal with. She casually throws these mental jabs.

"Yes, I figured you'd naturally be concerned about that… Regarding defeat, let me see. You'd just lose whatever items you brought in and the DP you spent, I suppose. Since this is essentially a proxy battle for us, there's hardly any direct downside for you."

No downside? So does that mean it's fine even if we lose?

No. That can't be. This is Haku-san we're talking about.

"I don't particularly mind losing either. Do it at your own pace."

"And if we take it easy and lose, what will Haku-san do?"

"… Otou-sama will grant permission to educate our juniors."

Ah, I have to win.

In other words, the penalty for losing is Haku-san getting free rein over us?

"And for the reward. Otou-sama will give two 'things you want' to each core on the winning team."

"… Can it be any two things?"

"No, Otou-sama will choose them. It's an honor, you know."

I don't know this "Father" person, so I can't quite tell whether it's really an honor. But when I mentally translate it as "having your favorite idol hand you their freshly removed socks," I feel like I kind of get it. I'm surely the only one who'd understand that analogy, though.

… I wonder if there's something like "divine bedding." I'd love to have that.

While I was thinking about such things, Haku-san clapped her hands.

"Oh, right. Since we're in a room like this, how about a match? As adventurers."

"I'll pass. I have work to do as a Dungeon Master after this."

"Oh, that's a shame. But let me give you this."

With a chuckle, Haku-san pulled a card from her cleavage.

When I accepted the faintly warm card, it turned out to be an Adventurer Guild ID, or in other words, an adventurer card. It had my name on it.

"I had it reissued."

"… Um, I don't remember losing it though?"

"I'm the head of the Adventurer Guild, after all."

"By the way, my rank is B now?"

"Congratulations, Kehma-san. You've joined the ranks of nobility."

Indeed, that card showed me as Rank B.

And adventurers are treated as nobles starting from B-Rank.

However, as a noble title… there are ranks like Duke, Count, and Baron, but this is below all of those. Apparently there's a unique title called 'Ventulier' specifically for adventurers. It's a one-generation-only pseudo-nobility, but you're still treated as a noble for the time being. It also serves as proof that you have real ability.

Furthermore, if you continue building up achievements, you can become a proper noble whose title can be passed down to your children.

Wait, is it really okay to skip the exam like this? Well, if the head says it's fine, I guess it's fine.

Plus, I still have my old D-Rank adventurer card on hand… She must be telling me to make good use of it.

"Normally there's an annual obligation to pay five gold coins, but I'll waive that as a special exception. If receiving it for free makes you uncomfortable, one cream soda will do."

"Hah… I'll treat you later. So, why the sudden jump to B-Rank?"

"Because it would be inconvenient for you to enter my residence as a commoner. You need to be a noble, at least nominally."

Ah… it is the villa of Haku Raverio, founder of the Empire, after all. Even in Japan, there was once an elephant that was given noble status so it could have an audience with the Emperor. This is probably similar.

Also, the difference between D-Rank and B-Rank for entering Haku-san's dungeon is huge.

"Here's Rokuko-chan's… Oh, I have ones for Kehma-san's party members too, so use them as you see fit."

"Ooh, I'm an adventurer…! Thank you, Haku-neesama!"

Haku-san handed the card directly to Rokuko, then tossed the cards for Niku and Ichika to me. Wait, does Rokuko even need to become an adventurer? She's supposed to be Haku-san's sister.

"Giving Rokuko-chan a proper noble title would cause problems… Since she's my sister."

Haku-san said, as if reading my mind.

Ah, right. She'd normally be considered blood-related to the Emperor… basically royalty. She'd need a very high position, and her very existence would be a headache. Yeah, I get it.

"Well then, now that you've become nobles… allow me to invite you to my home, Rokuko-chan."

"Yes! Come on, stop spacing out and let's go, Kehma!"

Saying that, Rokuko took Haku's hand and passed through the gate.

… Alright, I suppose I should go too.