Duke, Marquess, Count, Viscount, and Baron.

These were known as the five ranks of nobility and were ordered from the highest rank to the lowest.

Noble titles were generally divided into two categories: hereditary and territorial. In my world . . . In Europe, owning territory usually meant having a title, and those who ruled over territories were collectively referred to as the aristocracy . . . or something like that.

That meant that members of the aristocracy who owned multiple territories would, of course, have multiple titles as well. And having a title meant that you were a member of the aristocracy who owned at least 10,000 acres of land.

I wasn’t sure if all of that held true in this world, though.

“There is always the possibility that you will have a child, Mr. Iwatani. We must keep that in mind. Perhaps, for example . . . with Melty.”

“Not happening.”

Did she really want to have me and Melty get married that bad? That girl was still a child. There’s no way I was going to feel any kind of sexual desire for a 10-year-old kid.

“Just a moment, please. We must perform the conferment of title ceremony.”

“What a pain . . .”

“Perhaps, but the dignity of our country is at stake. The formalities and the reward must be fitting of your performance.”

I couldn’t really argue that just simply handing over some money to the hero, who had defeated the chief villain that had caused so much damage, wouldn’t look too good.

“To think that the Shield Hero—worshipped by the demi-humans—would request the Seaetto territory, which is known for its acceptance of demi-humans even in Melromarc . . . Well, Miss Eclair’s father was quite popular, and a man that I trusted dearly.”

The queen had completely seen through my plan. She kept glancing over at Raphtalia.

“This could be good for publicity, too. I’m counting on you.”

“Don’t get your hopes up.”

The queen handed me a ceremonial sword.

Normally, it would have been rejected by the shield, but that wasn’t a problem as long as I had no intention of fighting. I was supposed to unsheathe the sword and hand it to the queen, who would then tap each of my shoulders with the sword and attest the conferment of title. That would complete the ceremony.

“We hereby commence the conferment of title on the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani!”

The castle knights sounded their bugle-like instruments.

I marched confidently through the doorway and into the throne room toward the waiting queen. I then assumed a blatantly pretentious pose and lowered my head before unsheathing the sword at my side and handing it to the queen.

“In accordance with the customs of this land, I hereby grant you the rank of Count in recognition of your most recent noble efforts.”

The queen returned the sword to me.

“I look forward to your continued success.”

I returned the sword to its sheath and stood up.