Chapter 256: Honoring the Emperor (Part )

The monsters' protests gradually subsided under Cassius's scrutinizing gaze, and eventually returned to silence.

The seven marquises were finally in place, and twelve earls appeared. Most of them were leaders of various clans, but they were inexperienced or weak, so they were unable to make further progress.

Another name was called out.

"Guillermo Hagen."

The human wizard in robes was flattered and quickly used flying magic to reach the altar.

He was the second human to be awarded the title in this awarding ceremony. As a spellcaster of the kingdom and Rumple's right-hand man, he made many contributions to spell research and was even proficient in using various new technologies. He was also chosen by Cassius and became another lucky man.

"Damn it, it's a human again!"

“I really want to smash them!”

"Damn hairless monkey."

The monsters surrounding the altar became restless again, and they were very angry about having their position taken away by humans.

But this time it was limited to whispers and no commotion occurred. After all, with Cassius's personal support, no one dared to be dissatisfied with these resolutions - that would be a direct challenge to the Red Dragon's majesty.

This is also what makes the Burning Kingdom different from normal countries.

The power of a country's leaders usually comes from the military or the political system.

They need to coordinate the demands of all parties and ultimately achieve basic consensus among vested interest groups in order to achieve their goals.

But in this country ruled by dragons, the existence of the Red Dragon is power itself. He is the source of all power and even the foundation of this country. This also creates his supreme status in the kingdom, comparable to that of a god.

The awarding ceremony is still going on.

Tens of thousands of humans and monsters present held their breath, looking forward to ascending the platform that symbolized strength and power.

There were even more viscounts, more than 40 in total, most of whom were generals who had made contributions in various wars. Anthony of the Dragon's Palace, as the nominal leader of the current Dragon's Paladin, also received such a title.

But nearly one-fifth of humans were still selected. Most of them were public officials who had made outstanding contributions to the country's legislation, production and other processes. Some were well-known scholars who participated in the compilation of the "Code of the Kingdom", some were senior craftsmen who improved machinery, and some were clerks who wrote articles in the Propaganda Department.

If the previous titles seemed unattainable to people, the current ones are coveted.

For example, the "representative craftsman" Guillermo Sparrow was originally just an ordinary blacksmith in the blacksmith shop in the east of the city. However, because he discovered the defects of the rifle production line and improved them, he became a so-called "technician" and eventually became a high-ranking noble.

At this moment, he was rubbing his hands with a flushed face, touching his rosacea, and looking forward to the coming gift.

People looked at those familiar faces with envy, saying things like "If I were me back then" and "I could do that too if I were given this opportunity", as if they were listing these as their goals to strive for.

And there were even more barons after him, more than a hundred in total.

The monsters and humans here are even divided equally.

Those dependents who joined the Burning Embers Nest early on and worked hard and made great contributions are now the leaders of some small or medium-sized troops, and many of these guys have been given the title of baron.

On the human side, the best of all trades and professions are selected to make great contributions to the development of the kingdom. There are supervisors in charge of factory operations, leaders of the kingdom's caravans, and human commanders who have just joined the military system.
The monster followers who were watching were once again in an uproar, while the humans cheered.

But even the hobgoblins who despised humans the most had to admit that humans were often more savvy and capable than their followers in the development of the kingdom, and would never cause a mess like the "Ogre Food Inspector". Therefore, even when some high-level officials deliberately suppressed them, many human rookies still stood out, and eventually this situation was formed.

Nearly 200 noble titles were finally distributed. But Trump's speech did not stop.

"Everyone, you have made great contributions to the kingdom and deserve this reward."

"However, in addition to these, there are some citizens who have stood up and maintained the security of the kingdom. The kingdom will not forget their contributions either, and they will be awarded the special honor of 'first-class citizens'."

Suddenly, the crowd was in an uproar.

"What does it mean?"

"Can ordinary people also be ranked high and low?"

The so-called first-class citizens have never appeared in the history of the North. The nobles have always been high and mighty, and they are in completely different worlds from the common people.

Under the protection of the Tiefling guards, several simply dressed humans slowly walked out.

They are the "lucky ones" who successfully reported spies. Most of them are just ordinary people who do nothing, but they accidentally hit the jackpot and become the examples chosen by the Red Dragon - George, who once reported the Silver Dragon, is among them, and even in the front row.

Looking at the restless crowd, George couldn't help swallowing, his heart was pounding, his legs were shaking due to excessive tension, and beads of sweat the size of beans oozed from his forehead.

"No, don't be nervous."

"I, I've become a big shot! Look at the envious looks on those guys' faces."

George reminded himself of this in his heart, and then he moved his trembling legs and barely kept up with the Tiefling guards.

"Isn't that George?"

A worker who worked at the food factory recognized George and exclaimed in surprise.

"He, he was a serf before!"

"Can even a person like this be awarded a title?"

"Damn it! What a lucky guy! Why don't I have such luck?"

Soon, the workers' chatter turned to envy and even jealousy.

They witnessed with their own eyes how George transformed from the most humble and inconspicuous "gray animal" to the big shot he is today. Even Howard, who had a good relationship with him, couldn't help but curse him in his heart. After all, the gap between before and after was too big.

Some monsters also said dissatisfiedly: "Weak humans like this were not even worthy of being snacks in the past. They can only be killed for our fun!"

Amid the discussions among the crowd, he was helped stiffly to the bottom of the stone platform.

Looking down at the various humans and monsters, listening to their discussions, and holding the gold-plated medal of honor in his hand, George felt like he was dreaming. He was afraid that he would wake up accidentally and return to that shabby and crowded manor.

"Fortunately, this is not a dream."

George took a deep breath, adjusted his overly excited mood, and began to look forward to his wonderful life in the future.

Now he has only loyalty in his heart towards the kingdom and His Majesty.

(End of this chapter)