At his words, everyone, including Darius, flinched. This wasn't an official trial. These people had gathered of their own accord, eager to see how this publicized drama would play out.
If Lord Justin had simply told everyone to disperse, they would have scattered without question.
"Well, there's nothing else entertaining in this world, is there? In the old days, even executions were a form of amusent," he muttered to himself, watching the crowd with a detached air. Despite his musings, Justin didn't tell the crowd to leave, allowing them to stay and observe the event. The subtle permission brought a wave of relief to both Darius and the commoners watching.
Justin slumped into a chair that his attendant had brought for him, resting his chin in his hand.
"I heard there's a strike. You have a few demands, don't you?" Justin asked casually.
"Y-yes, my lord!" Darius responded, his reply delayed by surprise. From the way Justin spoke, it seed like he held no resentnt toward the situation.
"You must think you can persuade if you're making demands. Go ahead, say what you want."
Justin was even offering him a chance to speak. For a mont, Darius thought that maybe this matter would be resolved more easily than expected.
"Before that, please take a look at this."
Darius presented a sword and shield, both of which looked similar to the standard equipnt found in shops. But the appearance wasn't what mattered—what he wanted Justin to notice were the items' attributes.
[Blacksmith-Enhanced Iron Sword]
Type: Universal Equipnt
Rank: Common
Description: Originally a high-quality sword, further enhanced by a blacksmith. The blade is now sharper, and its durability has significantly improved. It won't lose its edge even after multiple clashes.
[Blacksmith-Enhanced Shield]
Type: Universal Equipnt
Rank: Common
Description: Reinforced by a blacksmith, this shield has superior defensive power. It absorbs and disperses impacts far better than before. It can easily block blunt weapons of similar rank.
"Impressive," Justin said, examining the sword's blade with genuine interest.
Emboldened by Justin 's reaction, Darius continued, "I enhanced these myself using nothing more than the portable anvil and small hamr given to when I chose my profession."
He conveniently left out the fact that he had also used materials provided by other explorers, like hobgoblin teeth. There was no need to share the credit now; this was his mont.
"While they aren't rare-tier items, I believe they're superior to the standard equipnt we've used so far," Darius explained.
"Hmm."
"What's important is that I can perform these enhancents repeatedly. As long as we have the materials, I can arm all the explorers with upgraded weapons."
His implication was clear: the ability to enhance equipnt was invaluable, especially in potential conflicts with other territories. Even if they didn't go to war, stronger equipnt would help the explorers grow faster. Better gear ant more efficient hunting, which was common knowledge.
"Yes, it is quite impressive. So?" Justin asked, his expression unchanged.
"I may not risk my life on the frontlines, but my work undoubtedly makes things easier for countless explorers. So of them may even owe their lives to the gear I've enhanced. And as I grow stronger, I'll be able to do even more."
"In other words, you believe your contributions are on par with those of the other explorers?" Justin inquired.
"It might sound arrogant, but I do think I deserve a noble title," Darius said confidently.
A few explorers in the crowd frowned at this. The idea of an artisan receiving the sa treatnt as those who risked their lives on the battlefield didn't sit well with them. Still, no one spoke up. Darius's demands were, after all, within reason.
"They know I'm right," Darius thought. Even if he wasn't a combatant, the value of his work was undeniable. If all the explorers fought with his enhanced weapons, he would be contributing far more than just one person's worth of effort. Didn't that entitle him to be treated like a noble?
"There was more to your demand, wasn't there? You also asked for compensation in mana stones," Justin pointed out.
"Yes, that's true, but I have a reason for that as well," Darius replied quickly.
"Other explorers earn additional inco by hunting monsters, but no matter how many weapons I enhance, I earn nothing. Even commoners receive compensation for labor quests," he explained.
"So, you feel it's unfair."
"I don't expect to earn as much as soone who hunts monsters. But at the very least, I should make as much as a commoner," Darius reasoned.
It made no sense to him that his status as an Honorary Knight put him above commoners, yet his earnings were below theirs. He could accept being paid less than monster hunters, but not being compensated less than common laborers.
Justin nodded in understanding as Darius finished his explanation.
"I see. So that's why you went on strike."
"I'm sorry, my lord. I only used the word 'strike' because I didn't think you'd listen to otherwise," Darius said, trying to spin his actions as clever strategy rather than defiance.
In old stories, bold actions often earned respect, and he hoped this would be seen in the sa light. The strike was just a tool to get the lord's attention. After all, he hadn't caused any actual harm to the territory by striking.
"Alright, I've heard enough."
Justin , who had remained expressionless throughout the conversation, suddenly stood up and made his declaration.
"I'll grant your demands. Darius, starting today, you are a noble. A full-fledged noble, not just an Honorary Knight. You are now equal to the other explorers and need not bow to anyone except ."
"...!"
The crowd was stunned. Justin had given in so easily, granting both the title and the compensation Darius had demanded. Even Darius, who had carefully orchestrated this whole scenario, was montarily speechless. His plan had succeeded beyond his wildest expectations.
"Th-thank you, my lord…!" Darius began to say, bowing his head.
"And," Justin 's cold voice interrupted.
"Execute this newly appointed noble. Take him away and kill him."
The crowd gasped in horror, their faces twisted in shock.
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