Chapter 237

Fanfare sounded in my ears:

Ba-ba-bam-ba-bam─ Ba-ba-bam-ba-bam─ Bam!

It felt like exciting music was playing just for me.

‘Don’t wiggle with excitement!’

But in my mind, a cacophony of sounds filled the air:

Blare-blare-blare!

The sound of trumpets.

Clink, clink.

The sound of money pouring in.

Rustle, rustle-rustle.

The sound of bills being counted.

Struggling to suppress my materialistic excitement, I focused on maintaining a composed expression and keeping my legs from bouncing.

But hey, I was raised to be a polite child who knows how to refuse gifts at least once.

Even though I didn’t want to, I waved my hand dismissively out of courtesy.

If a mind reader were here, they’d probably laugh at the contradiction between my words and thoughts.

“Oh no, Your Majesty. Rescuing members of the imperial family is honor enough… according to my father!”

Oops.

I had been worried the Emperor might take my words seriously and not give me a reward, and I almost forgot to elevate Dad’s image.

“Your father?”

“Yes! My father—Dad!”

That’s right.

My dad is that loyal and selfless. Commit it to memory now. Quickly, save it!

“Daymond Astra… I’m learning so many new things today.”

The Emperor smiled lightly.

Gone was the doubtful look from earlier.

Where there had been skepticism, there was now near-complete belief.

‘About 80% convinced? Yes, we’ve got him.’

“Grimier may be loyal, but it seems Daymond is more aligned with my interests.”

“I don’t know much about Uncle Grimier, but I’m sure Dad fits that description.”

Exactly!

My dad’s the ultimate rebel when it comes to his father, so don’t forget his name.

He conquered vineyards, melon fields, and peach orchards, yet he still hasn’t been given a medal!

‘If they offer a baronetcy next, I’ll refuse. Minimum requirement: a countship.’

“By the way, you’ve eaten quite a lot of those cookies. Were they good?”

“They were all so delicious, I wanted to try every single one.”

“Really? Then I’ll have them bring you more. I’ll tell the chamberlain to make sure you take some home.”

“Thank you!”

First the Empress Dowager, now the Emperor—they both sent me home with cookies.

‘Maybe it’s my sparkling flattery, or maybe it’s because they’re alike.’

Either way, cookies are innocent and free of guilt.

Crunch, crunch.

“Enjoy them. Try this one, too.”

Crunch, crunch-crunch!

“And have some tea as well. Good.”

‘What is this…? Am I filming a mukbang in front of the Emperor?’

It felt a little awkward, but good food is good food. I finished the entire cookie tray and left the palace with my arms full of sweets.

It felt like receiving a holiday gift after buttering up a boss.

***

Thump-thump.

Pound-pound.

After days of anticipation, the day finally arrived.

‘The. Military. Service. Medal!’

A court official, bearing the Emperor’s decree, came directly to present the medal to Dad.

The awarding ceremony was magnificent.

A golden carpet rolled out, trumpeters played on the side, and everything was splendid.

Since the ceremony had been announced in advance, my siblings and I had been busy preparing since morning.

Dressed even more finely than when visiting the palace, I watched with emotion as the medal was pinned to Dad’s chest.

And what comes with a medal?

A title.

What’s the minimum title I’d said Dad deserved?

Everybody shout it together:

Our dad is now a count!

‘Count. Daymond. Astra!’

My siblings and I cheered as we looked at Dad with the medal gleaming on his broad chest.

“Long live the Count!”

“Count Astra!”

“Count Daymond!”

“Hurrah, hurrah!”

Giggle, giggle-giggle.

The medal sparkled brightly on Dad’s impressive chest, and just looking at it brought a smile to my face.

‘You, the medal I finally got after a long tug-of-war.’

“Are you that happy?” Dad asked.

I nodded vigorously.

“Of course! Congratulations, Dad!”

“Thank you.”

When Dad spread his arms wide, I was the first to jump in and hug him tightly.

Soon after, my three brothers hesitantly joined in.

Even though they seemed shy, they didn’t reject the embrace, proving how sweet they were.

Hug.

Squish-squish!

“Ugh!”

Sandwiched between Dad’s firm chest and my brothers pressing in from behind, I felt like I was stuck between walls, but my heart was soaring with joy.

Now, Dad had officially entered the ranks of the great nobles.

He was stepping into the circle of central aristocracy!

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