"Greetings, Lord Russell!"
"Lord Russell, we were unable to witness your glorious battle against Frost Troll Ge yesterday. What a tremendous regret!"
"Count, please accept our highest respects!"
In the grand hall of the Inner Castle of Red Castle, the nobles of the Grand Duchy all came forward to greet Russell, expressing their shock and admiration.
Frost Ge had been slain by Russell the night before last. The news had fermented throughout yesterday and spread across the entire castle today; everyone knew of it. Its authenticity had also been certified by the Elder Council, with praise spoken personally by the Shadowflame Dragon.
"You flatter me." Russell smiled faintly. "It was merely an underdeveloped Frost Troll, hardly worth mentioning."
That said.
The flood of flattery around him did not cease for even a moment.
"Lord Russell, why not tell us about what happened that night?" Golden Baron Dyson Goldcap Mushroom asked eagerly.
Although there had once been unpleasantness during the succession to the title, afterward he had actively moved closer to Russell and repaired the relationship between the Kingtop Mushroom Family and the Fluorite Mushroom Family. This year, he was also preparing to open a trade route from the Golden Plains to Thunder Marsh.
"Yes, Lord Russell, tell us about it."
"Battles at the dragon level are beyond our abilities. We can only hope to see the Count fight side by side with His Highness Shadowflame!"
The nobles surrounded Russell in layer upon layer.
Seeing everyone so enthusiastic, Russell reluctantly cleared his throat. "Very well. I'll briefly tell you all about the battle that night..."
In another corner of the hall, Gravel Earl Oskro Willow and his family stood together in silence, looking distinctly out of place.
Watching Russell surrounded by countless nobles, Count Oscro could not help but snort. He