The Pickup

"… Master, I… will live up to your expectations!"

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, this is quite an interesting room."

"Welcome, Haku-san. Well, I tried building an arena, but the monsters aren't ready yet. It's a bit embarrassing."

This place is about the size of a sports field, which is the maximum we could manage without running into the neighboring [Flame Cavern]. Ontentoo said we wouldn't bump into them if we dug further down, so I plan to expand by digging deeper next time.

"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."

This is why Haku-san is so hard to deal with — she casually throws these mental jabs.

"Regarding defeat, let me see. I imagine you'd be concerned about that… Basically, you'll just lose whatever items you brought and DP you used. Since this is essentially a proxy battle for us, there's almost no downside for you all."

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?"

"… We'll receive permission from Otou-sama to 'educate our juniors.'"

Ah, I have to win.

In other words, the penalty for losing is that Haku-san can do whatever she wants to 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 don't really understand what makes it such an honor. But if I translate it in my head as "receiving freshly-worn socks from your favorite idol," I kind of get it. I'm probably the only one who understands 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, how unfortunate. But let me give you this."

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

When I accepted the slightly warm card, I saw it was an adventurer's guild ID—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… I could use this for something.

"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 detached palace of Haku Raverio, founder of the Empire, after all. In Japan too, 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. Normally, being blood-related to the Empress… would make her royalty. She'd need a very high position, and her very existence would be troublesome. Yeah, I get it.

"Now then, since you've become a noble… I invite you to my residence, Rokuko-chan."

"Yes! Come on, stop standing around and let's go, Kehma!"

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

… Alright, I suppose I should go too.