Game of Thrones: From a deserter to a high-ranking official

Chapter 32 Silver Feather Badge

Lisandro Rojaer sat behind his large desk, which was inlaid with mother-of-pearl and pearls, his face beaming with undisguised, almost radiant joy.

At this moment, his gaze toward Tiberius was gentler than ever before, even carrying a hint of an elder’s appreciation for an outstanding junior—although Tiberius and he himself knew that beneath this appreciation lay precisely calculated political interests.

Clearly, Tiberius's "cultural propaganda offensive" had worked and reached Lisandro's ears.

In the past few days, even Lisangzhuo's most dull-witted subordinates could tell more than three different versions of the story of "Lisangzhuo cleverly solving the case and rescuing his daughter from injustice".

"My dear Tiberius," Lisandro's voice carried a pleasant tone, his fingers lightly tapping the table, "about those stories circulating in the city lately... well, they're quite well-received, deeply moving. I never imagined that this matter, after such... well, rather artistic embellishment, would bring the Rogal family such unprecedented prestige and public favor. I must thank you, and your... storytelling 'friends'."

His words were profound, clearly indicating that he understood who was behind the poems and stories praising him as "wise and brave," "devoted to his daughter," and "kind and generous," and what their purpose was.

"So." Lisandro took out a finely crafted parchment with an official wax seal from the drawer and slowly pushed it in front of Tiberius.

"Since you're also part of the story, I'd like to offer you a small token of my gratitude, as a reward for your courage and wisdom... Please register this."

Tiberius's gaze fell on the parchment, on which was a certificate of investiture written in an elegant, ornate script.

The line for filling in names on the list is completely blank.

"My lord..." Tippi said, slightly embarrassed. "I can't read..."

Lisang Zhuo was stunned for a moment, then found it somewhat amusing.

Lisang explained at the opportune moment, "After registering, you will receive this 'Silver Feather Badge.' With it, you will be considered as having the status of 'Honorary Soldier' ​​in Rhys. As for the specifics..." He listed the benefits to Tiberius.

"Those who wear the badge are exempt from weapons tax upon entering the city and are allowed to decorate their shields with silver feather patterns—a symbol of the identity of a Ris warrior, generally awarded only to Ris citizens or distinguished foreign friends. Occasionally, they may even have the opportunity to be inspected by the Governor's Council, alongside the Ris citizens' army..."

Tiberius listened calmly, though countless thoughts raced through his mind in an instant. Finally, however, he respectfully accepted the parchment with both hands, his tone brimming with just the right amount of gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Governor. It is a great honor for Tiberius."

In reality, Tiberius just found it funny.

[If Vito were here, he would surely remain outwardly calm while secretly cursing Lisandro behind his back,] Tiberius thought. [An honorary soldier? Sounds good, but it's just another form of bondage. Besides, these are rewards without any real benefit. Reimbursing me for the expenses of hiring those storytellers and poets would be far more substantial than this empty honor!]

He clearly recognized that the badge, seemingly a reward, was actually a means for Lisandro to bind him and the White Legion more closely to the interests of Ries. Giving him a status similar to that of a standing army member meant that, when needed, the governors of Ries could more "justifiably" conscript or require them to fulfill their "duties."

"I certainly won't stay in this gilded cage of Reis for long." Tiberius had his own plans for the future; Reis was merely a stop on his journey. "However, accepting it wouldn't hurt. With this identity, the White Legion will undoubtedly possess more hidden power and conveniences operating within Reis. Tax collectors will be more wary of us, and we'll have an extra layer of intimidation when dealing with other forces." This deal, for now, seems to be more beneficial than harmful.

"I immediately told my uncle to let the 'right' person receive this honor." Tiberius raised his head, a smile befitting an emperor of his age appeared on his face, as if he were truly excited about this honor.

Lisangzhuo nodded in satisfaction. In his view, this clever young man had accepted his offer.

In the future, without a doubt, this child will become a legend of the White Legion and even the entire Ries.

Perhaps, in the future, I can transform the White Legion, this rather powerful mercenary group, into the "Rogal Private Army"! Undoubtedly, this will make the Rogal family even stronger!

Thinking of this, Lisandro looked at Tiberius with even more fervor.

"Look at you, my young hero, 'Lightning Boy'!" Lisangzhuo said warmly. "You're a celebrity now, so you can't go around wearing this dusty mercenary leather armor. People might think Rhys is mistreating our hero! So, I've prepared a few decent outfits for you."

The door was pushed open, and several servants carrying trays appeared. Then, a servant who looked even more noble took the initiative to lift the velvet cover, revealing the clothes underneath.

The first outfit is a dark blue velvet fitted top embroidered with delicate silver patterns, paired with matte leather shoulder armor and arm guards, creating a sophisticated and polished look.

"This was specially made for your size. This outfit is suitable for attending the Governor's Council or a formal banquet of a prominent family."

The second outfit was a soft, dark green hunting suit made of a breathable and durable blend of linen and silk, complete with a dedicated quiver and hunting knife belt—clearly intended for the woodland hunting expeditions of noblemen. The third outfit was relatively simple, consisting of several well-made, well-tailored everyday garments, but still meticulously crafted in the details.

In addition, there was an open small box containing several understated yet luxurious pieces of jewelry: a rose gold brooch set with a sapphire, a pair of small gold cufflinks sculpted in the shape of lightning bolts, and a matching sapphire ring with a silver base.

"...Plus these little accessories, we can coordinate them, and we can't let our 'Lightning Boy' lose face in front of outsiders." Lisangzhuo's tone carried an undeniable generosity. "Otherwise, they'll question me, 'Does Lord Lisangzhuo allow his friend to dress so shabbily?'"

"Take these; consider them a small token of my appreciation. I hope that when I see you on a formal occasion next time, you'll appear in a way that better suits your new role. After all, you can't just be a mercenary anymore, can you? In the future, you'll be attending the Governor's Council, listening to political affairs, participating in banquets hosted by prominent families, or hunting in the forests outside the city with the scions of noble families… These are all places where you'll need to showcase your talents!"

"Oh, right!" Risangzhuo exclaimed with a look of sudden realization. "Speaking of hunting, you should have a knife too!"

He then ordered a servant to take a gilded hunting knife from the fireplace in the room.

"Alas, Tiberius, this was a spur-of-the-moment decision, so this gift is rather meager. Please don't be offended!" Lisandro said to Tiberius with a magnanimous air.

[A spur-of-the-moment decision? You suddenly decided to give me such a luxurious hunting knife?] Tiberius thought to himself, he didn't believe it wasn't pre-planned.

After all, the hilt of this hunting knife has a sapphire the size of a pigeon egg at the end, while the hilt and blade are adorned with multiple diamonds and pearls.

Tiberius looked at the clothes and jewels that shimmered alluringly under the lights, and at the hunting knife in his hand, and knew in his heart that this was another attempt by Lisandro to "recruit" him.

However, Tiberius knew his true identity, and naturally he would not be overwhelmed with gratitude towards Lisandro because of these "small favors".

However, we still need to save face...

So he bowed again, his tone perfectly tinged with gratitude: "I did what any grateful person would do! However, Your Excellency's consideration is so thoughtful, and your generous gift is overwhelming." Tiberius bowed, but inwardly he thought to himself.

[This is actually something that people who don't want to go to the front lines and die would do.]