Chapter 408: I Want to Praise Everyone 2
With Dee’s commendation finished, Rosso looked over at us and spoke.
“Count Panamera, Viscount Van. Both of you, please step forward.”
Having our names called, Panamera and I moved next to Dee. I had been walking feeling a little nervous, but hearing the cheers from the Seatoh Chivalric Order and Panamera’s Chivalric Order gave me a bit of breathing room. Waving to everyone, I stepped forward.
“Now then, I shall commend the next contributors. First, Count Panamera Carrera Cayenne. As one of the kingdom’s leading users of fire magic, she splendidly provided support in repelling the Hydra. This was an extremely crucial act in repelling the Hydra, and something only a first-rate mage could have accomplished. Next, Viscount Van Nay Fertio. Like Count Panamera, he splendidly provided support in repelling the Hydra using numerous weapons. Without Viscount Van’s weapons, this monumental achievement could not have been attained. Therefore, I bestow rewards upon these two for the second merit.”
Hearing Rosso’s speech, massive cheers erupted from the residents. I responded by waving both hands. I felt like an idol. By the way, Panamera was coolly raising one hand slightly with a smile. She must be used to being commended.
As I was thinking that, Rosso formed a smile and directed his gaze toward the Seatoh Chivalric Order. Now, the additional commendations I asked for are about to begin. Feeling even more nervous than when I was called, I waited for Rosso’s words.
“Next, I shall commend those worthy of the third merit. Not only in repelling the Hydra, but for demonstrating her power in numerous battles and supporting our kingdom, the daughter of the Ferdinand Count family, Arte von Ferdinand! Despite her young age, Lady Arte has acted calmly in every situation and shown a resolute figure. It is truly a splendid example of a noble.”
When Rosso declared that, Arte trembled her shoulders and looked down. She was with Till, Khamsin, and the others a short distance away, and Till and Khamsin were looking at her profile with heartwarming smiles. I couldn’t see well from here, but she might have been crying.
While I was wondering if she was alright, Rosso continued to speak.
“The repelling of the Hydra this time. This is a monumental event that will go down in history. Therefore, there are multiple recipients for the third merit as well. Following Lady Arte, I shall commend the next contributor for the third merit. From the Seatoh Chivalric Order, Khamsin!”
Having his name called, Khamsin looked up in surprise. Well, I hadn’t told him, after all. For that matter, Till, Arb, and Law standing next to him also widened their eyes.
Normally, in the case of a chivalric order, unless something extraordinary happens, only the commander is commended. Only one person receives a reward. So, Khamsin and the others must have assumed their names wouldn’t be called.
“Sir Khamsin, as Viscount Van’s guard, challenged the large magic beast with immense bravery and splendidly fulfilled his duty! His courage and skill as a knight are remarkable, and judging that he performed more than adequately in repelling the Hydra this time, I award him the third merit!”
When Rosso declared that, huge cheers were directed at Khamsin. The Seatoh Chivalric Order was in a complete uproar. Even though it was a commendation ceremony held by Marquis Rosso, there were knights patting Khamsin’s shoulders and back while calling out to him. Khamsin was still wide-eyed with surprise, but perhaps he gradually began to understand. He could be seen hiding his face with his arm and looking down. I’d be happy if this became an unforgettable memory for him as a knight for the rest of his life.
One of the people patting the crying Khamsin’s back was Arb. He was playfully bothering Khamsin, looking as happy as if it were his own achievement, but then Rosso’s next words echoed.
“Likewise, from the Seatoh Chivalric Order, Vice Commanders Arb and Law! Both knights played a major role in repelling the Hydra, as well as in the search for Count Panamera and Viscount Van. Their devotion to their lord makes them true paragons of knights. This merit should be given to Panamera’s Chivalric Order and the Seatoh Chivalric Order, but as representatives, rewards shall be given to both Arb and Law. The rewards are weapons and armor crafted by Viscount Van!”
And so, Rosso commended Arb, Law, and both chivalric orders. At this, everyone in the Seatoh Chivalric Order rejoiced so much they jumped into the air. Panamera’s Chivalric Order politely applauded and shared their joy, but the Seatoh Chivalric Order expressed their joy as if they had just scored a game-winning goal in soccer. Arb and Law were being jostled around, but they were probably happy about it.
As I was watching them with a smile, Rosso announced the final contributor.
“Now, the announcement of the final contributor. It is unprecedented, but this contributor has supported her lord from the shadows for a long time as a retainer, and it can be said that thanks to her work, the young Viscount Van was able to overcome many battles. Her work as a retainer is more magnificent than anything else, and her attitude of devoting herself to her lord even in harsh environments at the sacrifice of herself is splendid. Therefore, a reward to the final contributor… Hm? Viscount Van. Is this not a mistake?”
“It’s fine! It’s correct~!”
Since Rosso asked after checking his memo, I answered by making a large circle over my head with both arms. Then, Rosso gave a light nod and spoke again.
“I see… Then, as the final contributor, I commend Viscount Van’s subordinate, Miss Till! The rewards are gold coins, rare ingredients and seasonings, and the highest-grade tea leaves. Furthermore, she shall be gifted a new maid outfit tailored to her preferences from Viscount Van!”
As Rosso declared that, surprise and cheers echoed around. Turning my face toward Till, I saw her looking completely shocked, covering her mouth with both hands.
“Till~! Thank you for everything~!”
Mingling with the cheers, I shouted words of gratitude to Till while waving both hands. At that, Till burst into loud sobs as if a dam had broken. Perhaps moved by that sight, Arte was hugging Till while crying herself. Oh, this is bad. Even I, the one who planned the surprise, feel like I’m going to cry.
It got a little noisy, but you could say the commendation was a huge success. I let out a breath of relief and applauded towards everyone.
