Chapter 42: Future Peerage

I was having an audience with His Majesty at the Royal Palace with Father. I wondered what it was about when Father told me, but it seems it was about a reward for creating the drought-resistant Wheat and the Tuberculosis medicine.

“First, the commendation for the Fairchild Margraviate.”

Upon a glance from His Majesty, the Prime Minister explained.

“The Fairchild House will be granted 1,000 Platinum Coins as a reward. 400 coins for the achievement of developing the new variety of Wheat, and 600 coins for the achievement of developing the medicine and medical tools necessary for treating the infectious disease, totaling 1,000 coins.”

In this world, the currency and values are roughly: 1 Copper Coin is about 100 yen, 1 Silver Coin is about 1,000 yen, 1 Gold Coin is about 10,000 yen, and a Platinum Coin (which is rarely seen) has a value of about 1,000,000 yen. 1,000 Platinum Coins would be worth about 1 billion yen.

“Your Majesty, isn’t that too much?”

“Nonsense, Theodore. Both are achievements so great that they cannot be evaluated with money. I would truly like to raise your rank of Peerage, but above a Marquis is only Grand Duke. I gave up because the Prime Minister said no, but I thought it would have been fine to make you a Grand Duke.”

No, there are only two Grand Ducal houses, one in the north and one in the south, and both are connected to the Royal Family by blood. I think it would be too unusual for our house to become a Grand Ducal house. It’s understandable that the Prime Minister stopped him.

“Next, the commendation for William-kun’s achievements.”

Again, the Prime Minister explained the details.

“William Fairchild created a new variety of drought-resistant Wheat, and developed a medicine to cure the fatal infectious disease, as well as the medical tools necessary for administering that medicine. All of these are unparalleled achievements. Therefore, a Peerage shall be granted to him upon reaching the age of 18.”

When I received the request from the Royal Family regarding the Wheat, Father had told me that I might receive a Peerage when I became an adult. But to have a future Peerage decided while I am still a child…

“The rank of Peerage to be granted shall be Baron.”

Eh? Baron?

“Thank you, Your Majesty. As a father, I am also extremely happy. However, is it acceptable to start directly as a Baron?”

“Ha ha ha, I was considering making him a Baronet for the Wheat, but then he also created the medicine for the infectious disease. That is why it is Baron.”

The ranks of Peerage in the Albion Kingdom are, from top to bottom: Grand Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron, Baronet, and Knight. Of these, Knight is a title for only one generation. Earl and above are High Nobles, but Baron is also a mid-level rank. Furthermore, Barons and above are granted territory.

“By the way, where would be a good location for your territory? I believe we can find a good territory near the Royal Capital.”

Near the Royal Capital? No, I want to live a relaxed life in the Frontier.

“Your Majesty. Thank you for thinking so much for my son. However, my son’s Production Skill requires materials found in the Sea of Trees. The plant that was the basis for the drought-resistant Wheat is also a Sea of Trees product.”

Oh, as expected of Father.

“Furthermore, the Dwarves and Elves who fled the Sea of Trees are cooperating with my son’s manufacturing. Neither race wants to live far from the Sea of Trees.”

“Your Majesty, the Fairchild Marquis has reported that he is secretly protecting Elves, and that the Elves are cooperating with his son’s manufacturing.”

The Prime Minister provided support. Could this be thanks to the groundwork Father mentioned?

“I see. I understand. William-kun can only truly exert his strength in the West.”

His Majesty seemed a little disappointed, but he understood.

“In that case, we shall look for a territory in the West. But you will be able to come to the Royal Academy, won’t you?”

The Royal Academy? It’s mandatory for the heirs of noble houses to attend, but I’m the second son…

I see, if it’s decided that I will obtain a Peerage and become the head of a noble house in the future, then I have to go to the Academy.

“Actually, my daughter will be in the same grade as you, William-kun. She has always been concerned that her skill is neither sword nor magic. If you speak with her, since you are active with your Production Skill, perhaps my daughter’s feelings might change a little.”

His Majesty had the look of a parent worrying about their child from the middle of the conversation. I can’t refuse this request.

“I don’t know how much I can help by speaking with her, but if I am suitable…”

Being the same age as me means it must be Fourth Princess Flora.