The joy of the success of “Capsule Monster” was shared by the queen, who commissioned it from the palace.
She understood what a game was, but like other nobles, she wasn’t fully aware of its true potential.
After all, they had some fun in the Minister’s Office and Commander’s Department, so she thought it was a low-risk gamble.
But it turned out to be a remarkable success worthy of being recorded in the empire’s history.
It changed the image of the empire significantly.
In truth, due to the lengths the empire went to win the Millennium War, its historical image had always been tainted in other countries.
The game improved that image somewhat, but fundamentally, there remained the perception that “an empire is an empire.”
After all, many famous fighting games, shooting games, and war games that came out later led people to think, “Strange things are all made by the empire.”
Yet “Capsule Monster” turned that perception around.
The cute monsters forging friendships and striving to be the best was far removed from the empire’s cruel and barbaric image.
The peaceful and friendly image of “Capsule Monster” began to shape the empire’s identity, leading people to think of it as “the country of Capsule Monsters” rather than “those who only know war.”
Yes, it was “admiration.”
An image a country should have to avoid being disregarded but not feared; the queen had long desired but felt she could never attain this “admiration,” yet here it was, made possible by “Capsule Monster.”
“I want to award a great prize to magician Yuren, who accomplished this amazing feat.”
As a reward, the queen wished to bestow significant honors upon Yuren.
However, since Yuren had already received numerous awards including a medal in his territory, there were no more honors left to give.
“Your Majesty, magician Yuren has already received many awards. There is nothing more we can grant.”
“What nonsense is this? There is still one left!”
“Could it be…!?”
The guards, who realized the queen’s intention, were taken aback.
“I shall grant magician Yuren the title of ‘Knight.’”
The “Knight Title” was a system that began to be awarded to those who served loyalty and achieved merit in the empire, and only a few noble families, like the Edward family of Sylvia and the Serban family of Minister Herness, had received it.
Those who received the knight title could participate in all activities within the empire with the backing of the royal family, and harming them would be regarded as an attack on the royal family itself.
Truly, it was the greatest reward the royal family could offer and the highest honor a citizen could receive; that was the “Knight Title.”
“Your Majesty, that seems like too great a reward.”
“Indeed. Is it fitting to grant a knight title for achievements in times of peace? It seems excessive!”
The nobility erupted in uproar over the thought of the knight title, which had been bestowed only on a select few even during the Millennium War, being awarded to a mere magician who created a somewhat unique product.
But the queen’s resolve was firm.
“When has the knight title ever been solely for those who achieved merit in war?”
The queen intended to create a precedent showing that the knight title could also be awarded to those who contributed to the empire in diverse ways, not just through battle, and she pushed ahead with the decision.
Thus, Yuren’s knight title was confirmed.
*
The news of me being granted the knight title surprised everyone.
“My disciple is becoming a knight!?”
“Yuren is getting the knight title!?”
“I’m getting the knight title!!!?”
It was understandable because my mentor claimed he had only witnessed the knight title being bestowed about five times throughout his long life.
To receive such an honor was frankly more bewildering than joyous.
However, declining it would only lead to more troubles due to the sin of ingratitude, and there was no reason to refuse, so I decided to accept the knight title.
“Yuren, I feel like I’m going to be sick…”
“Me too, Yuren.”
On the day I was set to receive the “Knight Title,” we headed to the palace together.
Everyone was dressed impeccably in outfits suitable for a royal event.
Juliya and Sora looked despondent, probably because it was their first such occasion.
“I feel the same.”
Of course, I felt no different.
Like Juliya and Sora, I was pale, leading Sylvia to remark.
“You already experienced this when you received that medal last time.”
“Still, I can’t get used to it…”
From my past life, I remembered how burdensome state functions could be.
I had to watch my words, keep an eye on others, and it was nothing but a stress-filled ordeal.
“Ah, you have come, Yuren.”
“Yes, Lord Herness! It’s been a while.”
Ugh, stress surged through me again in the blink of an eye.
The familiar face of Minister Herness looked at me with immense pride.
He seemed genuinely happy as if my knighthood were his personal achievement.
While I appreciated the fact that he viewed it that way, the pressure remained.
Especially that intense gaze of his… It felt overwhelmingly burdensome.
“Congratulations on receiving the knight title.”
“Thank you.”
Unlike usual, Minister Herness spoke with warmth instead of his typical formality.
What’s this? Is this knight title spellbinding people?
“As you know, receiving a knight title is an honor, but it also comes with great responsibility.”
“Uh… yes.”
Minister Herness spoke as if he were a mentor giving advice.
I heard that his father had also received the knight title, which might be why.
“I hope you continue to work hard for the empire, alongside me, Yuren.”
“Yes… I will do my best.”
With that, Minister Herness returned to his seat, and only then did I realize the true nature of his gaze.
That look was akin to the sparkle in one’s eyes when spotting a fresh slave.
I was seriously pondering whether to make my escape now.
“Let the knight title ceremony commence!”
In the midst of all this, the event kicked off.
What unfolded before me was a scene reminiscent of those I’d seen in movies from my past life.
As the ceremony began, I knelt before the queen, just as I had heard, and she touched my left shoulder with her sword and said,
“As a reward for your contributions, achievements, and loyalty, I appoint you as a knight of the empire.”
The sword moved to my right shoulder.
This was another scene I’d seen in movies.
“And I grant you the family name ‘Maker,’ which means ‘creator.’”
Orphans in the empire did not have surnames.
Even as the pupil of the sage Irene, I had no surname because I, too, was an orphan; such individuals were said to receive a surname from the royal family when granted a knight title.
“Sir Yuren Maker.”
Thus, on that day, I received a surname along with the knight title.
“Maker” was the surname I acquired in this life.
*
[“A toast to Yuren ‘Maker,’ a knight of the empire!!!!!!!!”]
The evening came.
A celebration party honoring my knight title was held at the mansion of the Irene School in Zephia, with guests from the school and everyone who had stood by us invited to partake in the festivity.
“Hahaha!!! Yuren! Receiving a knight title! Truly, you are a man I recognize!! Hahaha!!!!”
Apollon from the Zeus Guild, who had been on a mission at the border, and the mercenaries were also invited, and they attacked the drinks with the vigor of consuming everything we’d prepared.
As the party was in full swing, I stepped outside for some fresh air.
Today was supposed to be a glorious moment, and I felt good, but at the same time, my heart felt heavy.
It was like wearing clothes that just didn’t fit.
“Disciple, are you alright?”
As I was refreshing myself outdoors, I heard my mentor’s voice from behind.
He was dressed today in a full makeup look, adorned in the traditional elven dress with flowing wings.
“Yes, I’m fine. Mentor, I’m just feeling a bit dazed.”
“Dazed?”
“Yes, I’m unsure whether I can shoulder such a significant honor.”
I used to be a happy magician simply creating games.
Suddenly, being a knight, a noble, and having a surname felt too complex.
“Don’t worry too much, my disciple.”
Flying to my eye level, my mentor spoke.
“Just continue to think, work hard, and have fun as you always do.”
“Is it really okay to do that?”
“Absolutely, I guarantee it—I’m older than you by a hundred… no, two hundred… in any case, a lot—so I assure you.”
My mentor gazed up at the night sky, seemingly recalling old friends.
“I hope Yuren doesn’t end up like the other knights I’ve seen. They overthought everything. Some got lost in responsibilities, while others succumbed to greed; eventually, they lost themselves. I don’t want to see you that way.”
“Mentor…”
“I’m always here for you, my beloved disciple.”
I began to understand what my mentor was conveying.
There was no need for endless worry.
Whether becoming a knight or receiving a surname, I had one duty above all.
I wanted to continue making enjoyable games with everyone.
Peacefully and joyfully.
“Yes, you will always be my beloved mentor.”
“W-What’s this suddenly!? How embarrassing, disciple!!”
I spent a wonderful time in the garden with my mentor after a long while.
Only Pikachu’s wooden carving silently witnessed our moment.
“Pika-♡”
