But he had no time to dwell on it, because Queen Meve spoke again from horseback.
"So you're Dick? The youngest witcher of the School of the Lynx? Your master, Master, mentioned you to me. I never expected you to be so outstanding."
It was Dick's first time meeting the head of a nation, and he was respectful. "Queen Meve, you flatter me."
"To think you're a shy young man, too. Tell me, Dick, what do you want?
"Money, an official post, a noble title-anything within my power to grant is yours."
"I... I honestly don't know."
"...Then how about this?" the queen declared loudly. "I shall grant you an honorary title. With this title, the gate guards will not stop you from entering or leaving any city in the Northern Kingdoms, and you will no longer have to pay any taxes. How does that sound?
"As for other material rewards, I trust Kebi will provide those."
"Thank you, then."
"Now, kneel on one knee."
Dick did as instructed.
Queen Meve drew the longsword at her waist and placed its tip on Dick's shoulder, proclaiming loudly, "Witcher Dick, for your service in defending Odinburg, I hereby grant you the title of [Dick of Rivia]. Do you accept?"
"I do."
Dick had a vague feeling that this sort of title was familiar. The game's protagonist seemed to have received a similar title.
Then he remembered. The protagonist's title was [Geralt of Sarleon], because he had once completed a commission for the king of Sarleon, whose daughter had turned into a striga.
Afterward, Geralt had risen to fame and earned the title of [The North's Number One Swordsmanship Master]. From then on, witcher commissions had come his way in an endless stream.
Dick felt a surge of delight. This title seemed useless, but it was a stepping stone to earning crowns and energy points. In the future, he might no longer have to go to great lengths to find witcher commissions.
"Good. You may rise now.
"Later, I will have your conferred title and portrait distributed to every city in Ravenstern."
Then the queen lightly smoothed her bangs.
"Witcher, I see that you are badly wounded. You may return to recuperate. We will be leaving shortly. I hope we meet again."
"Your Majesty, why are you in such a hurry?"
"It's those Jatu, of course...
"As it happens, we captured a Jatu commander here. We can exchange him for some of our barons and marquesses taken earlier. Now I must return to Ravenstern City to join Duke Amara and muster the army," the queen answered frankly, making no attempt to conceal anything.
"Then have a safe journey."
Queen Meve smiled breezily and turned around. The knights around her had finished clearing the battlefield, and she began issuing orders.
Knights escorted the prisoners and took all the Jatu warhorses with them. Only then did the army of several hundred march out in a great procession, slowly heading into the distance.
Dick stood there for a while, looking at those tall, powerful horses with great envy.
But he also knew that these horses were strategically important and could strengthen the Northern Kingdoms, so he did not ask for one.
Footsteps sounded behind him. He turned and saw that it was Kebi.
"Dick, go back and rest now. We haven't finished clearing the battlefield inside the city. I've ordered the residents to help.
"Just get some rest. We'll have a victory feast tonight. Make sure you're there on time."
"Got it. But where should I rest?"
"Dick, just go back to the third floor of the castle. I've already spoken to the servants. The third room on the far right is my brother's.
"Your courtyard has been damaged, and I haven't had anyone rebuild it yet.
"Oh, right. I've taken care of that market vendor's body, as you asked."
"Thank you."
Soon, the two entered the city. Kebi continued directing the handling of the soldiers' bodies, while the dwarven blacksmiths nearby helped as well.
"Master witcher, by the gods, I never thought we'd all survive!" Zeus, the dwarven blacksmith, laughed heartily.
Then his tone grew dejected. "It's a shame all eight of the burly men Val brought died in battle. They were good men. I'd wanted to have a proper drinking session with them!"
"Life is unpredictable. Let's have a few drinks tonight."
"Then it's settled?"
"Settled!"
A familiar voice came from behind him. "Master Dick!"
He turned and saw two unexpected figures. "Captain Fisher, you're all right?"
Fisher's head was swathed in bandages. He smiled wryly. "Dick, I very nearly wasn't.
"That mantis slashed my scalp with a claw, and I passed out. But I never expected passing out to save my life.
"When I woke up, I found myself buried beneath my comrades' bodies. By the time I got to my feet, Queen Meve had already defeated the Jatu invaders outside the city."
"What matters is that you're alive."
Dick patted his shoulder, then looked at a boy of twelve or thirteen. "You look to be in good spirits. Congratulations on pulling through."
"Thank you, master witcher," Carter said gratefully. "I only survived because of your potion."
"Any discomfort?"
"Not really, but..."
Carter pulled open his collar. "Master witcher, the blood vessels here seem a little hard."
Looking at the faintly purple, slightly raised blood vessels, Dick knew this was a side effect of the potion. He reassured him, "Don't worry. You're still a child, so your self-healing ability is good. These side effects will all disappear with time."
"That's a relief." Carter's expression relaxed, and he continued, "Then please get some rest, Master Dick. I'll go help them clear the battlefield."
"All right. Goodbye, everyone."
"Goodbye."
Dick then walked toward the castle. He was exhausted in both body and mind and wanted nothing more than a good sleep.
Along the way, the city's residents poked their heads out, while some simply came out onto the streets.
Some cried, some laughed, and some made a commotion.
A young man in a robe was walking toward him, tightly holding the little hand of a round-faced boy.
Dick stopped to wait. Only when they drew close did he speak. "Anson, why are you and your brother out here?"
"Master Dick, I've finished treating the wounded, but staying at home was getting depressing, so I came out for some fresh air. Look..."
Then he pointed around them. "They all survived because of your efforts. Especially yours."
"That's right!" the little boy shouted. "I said ages ago that Dick was a great hero, but Grandpa always said he was a child trafficker."
Anson looked thoroughly embarrassed and hurriedly covered his little brother's mouth.
Dick waved a hand. "Forget it. It was all a misunderstanding. He's a child. Children speak their minds."
Anson could only let go of the boy, who pouted. "Anson, I want some pastries later. Do you know where they sell them? The ones Dick bought me at the market before."
"I know, you little glutton," Anson said fondly.
"Then we'll be off, Dick."
"Goodbye."
With that, Dick bid the two farewell and continued on his way.
However, as he approached the courtyard gate of the fortress, Dick stopped again. After standing there for a moment, he changed direction.