"Scholar Russell has invented reading glasses, a wisdom worthy of admiration, benefiting all elderly people suffering from presbyopia. The Grand Scholars' Round Table has approved the assessment, recognizing him as a scholar and submitting the report for the Grand Duke's review."
Commander Lucas stood atop a platform made from wooden tables and read the decree of award aloud. "The Grand Duke's reply is as follows..."
He paused.
Looking at the bewildered serfs around him, Lucas knew they most likely had no idea what he was saying.
For one thing, there was the difference in accent. For another, official documents clearly used different wording from everyday speech, and the serfs had never even heard many of the terms.
But that did not stop him from continuing. "By the immense grace of the dragon, Grand Duke Kunstan Shadowflame, Grand Duke of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy, steward of the King of Shadowflame Volcano, sole master of the Warm Land of the snowfields, hereby formally bestows upon Russell Fluorite Mushroom the title of Scholar."
"The path of scholarship holds boundless mysteries. Russell ought to explore it. Take this as encouragement!"
After reading the final line of the award edict, Lucas handed it to Russell.
There was no need to kneel. The Shadowflame Grand Duchy had no rule that receiving an official document was like receiving the sovereign in person. Russell merely accepted the edict and bowed slightly.
Then he spoke passionately for a few moments. "I thank the Grand Duke for his trust and the Grand Scholars' Round Table for its recognition. The path of scholarship is vast and endless. I, Russell Fluorite Mushroom, will certainly not disappoint the Grand Duke's expectations or betray the trust of the Grand Scholars' Round Table. I will continue studying the path of scholarship!"
He then handed the