'Just promise me you will think about it, alright?'
Unbeknownst to the rest of the rankers and title holders, the current Edinburgh king was actively seeking to hire Eren as part of his personal entourage. This was an offer Emil had not extended to any Expert ranker before.
It would have been a huge honor and opportunity for the other participants. Most of them would have accepted Emil's offer immediately. The solo recipient of such honor himself had a different viewpoint on this topic.
Emil was more interested in roping Eren into his camp than making him work passively for Edinburgh. That's why he offered Eren a less-strings-attached deal.
Emil also knew that Eren wouldn't accept his offer right away because he wasn't in a hurry to do so. So he extended the offer's validity indefinitely. This was because Emil believed that Eren would soon realize what he was talking about as he progressed further in his ranking journey.
The butcher chuckled in his head as he understood Emil's game plan. He had to say that the king knew how to make wise moves irrespective of the situation he faced or the people he was dealing with at any given time.
'Thank you for the offer, my king. I will reach out to your audience if and when that time comes. Please allow me to forge my own path until then.'
A polite and politically correct way of saying no.
After witnessing the choice of Eren's words and demeanor, Emil concluded that Eren would have a successful career in politics if he ever decided to step into it.
Eren had no plans to get into the murky waters of kingdom politics and the kingdom's affairs. He also did not want to get close to the Anfang Alliance just by being near Emil. He knew all the bets would be off if and when they discovered his half-blood status.
Grimdawn just wanted the White Raven Guild to get paid for its contribution to the war between the two kingdoms.
Eren was averse to receiving favors in any form because it always demanded a favor in return. No handout came with zero strings attached in Anfang. In fact, he had used this unwritten principle many times to make it work for him rather than work against him. Rodrick Renar is only one example.
Plus, Eren had no plans to stay in Anfang after breaking into the Master rank. So he did not need to worry about a potential backer.
Of course, Emil did not think Eren would have such ambitious plans in the first place. He flashed a cunning smile when he heard Eren's words. He expected Eren to say no to him anyway. So he wasn't surprised.
"Alright, Grimdawn. I wish you all the best. Please continue to serve your country as you always have."
Eren nodded at Emil and bowed in front of him again. By this point, people had recovered from their initial shock. They started calling Eren Lord Grimdawn. The butcher smiled and bowed in front of his audience before resuming his position.
Eren resumed his previous position and watched as two more participants received their titles and expressed their individualities. Emil praised them for their achievements.
The rest of the commencement ceremony proceeded as scheduled. By the time evening arrived, Emil and his entourage had accomplished almost everything they needed to do.
"Lastly, I have an announcement to make."
Emil's voice was coated with excitement.
"Edinburgh will arrange a Graduation Ball for all graduated rankers and their close ones in three days from now on. This is a tradition observed by all five academies and this year wouldn't be an exception either.
We have tough times ahead. But let's not forget how to live. It is essential for us to know what we are fighting for", said Edinburgh's king with a joyful tone.
"I would like all of Edinburgh to bless these young heroes with their well wishes. They will need them soon.
With this thought implanted in your mind, I'll leave."
Emil waved his hands and bid adieu to his audience. A gust of fresh wind distorted Emil's figure into nothingness. The crown prince Rodrick Renar and other Sages followed their king and disappeared one after another.
The commencement ceremony ended on a pleasant note. This was despite Edinburgh's war situation.
The graduate rankers decided to take full advantage of the "breather" given to them before assuming their designated responsibilities. Therefore, the Grad Ball was something all participants looked forward to.
The audience and the participants merged into one huge crowd when they didn't have to behave in front of their king. With open arms and hearts, they greeted each other. Some rankers and their close friends immediately huddled in various groups. Some participants wandered and hopped from one group to another.
Eren too had many greeters. His White Raven Crew from LA, Nina, Altashia, and the rest. He met them all with a smile and had brief chats with them.
Grimdawn also congratulated Steve and the other rankers from his batch. When he realized he had talked to everyone he needed to talk to, he quietly left.
Nameless empty streets. Midnight silence. Bright moonlight lit up a ranker's path. He had no real destination tonight. Not really.
This ranker's steps did not make sounds. His hooded face was as mysterious as his ranking status. While his newly acquired title was celebrated by others, he found comfort in anonymity.
Eren found himself wandering aimlessly in the capital city. Scenes from his past life ran through his mind as if someone hit play on a long-paused flashback video.
Eren couldn't help but juxtapose his past deeds with his current achievements. He participated in the graduation event to get Sage Legacies. At that time, he did not care if he graduated or not.
However, Eren was glad he had endured this experience. It offered him the closure he never thought he needed.
With a chuckle, he mumbled to himself.
"Grimdawn, huh? Not bad. Not bad, indeed. Kekeke!"
Eren laughed, his emerald green eyes exuding peculiar light. He looked at the sky above him and for the first time, it didn't feel empty and meaningless to him.
For this special occasion, Grimdawn was about to indulge in his old vice.
"Tonight… I shall drink."
AN: Our boy graduated after 1200+ chapters. Some might argue that it is not that relevant for him considering his current situation. But I think it was significant because of his past.
Also, sorry for the release delay. Someone has been cutting onions here for a long time. ;)
