Ethan took a brief pause and asked, "Can you repeat that again?"
Count Alaric smiled as he saw Ethan and the others' reactions. He seemed to have expected their surprise, so he calmly reached into his coat and took out a neatly folded imperial edict. The document was sealed with the royal crest of Eldorian, and its edges were lined with golden patterns.
"Of course, Lord Ethan. Allow me to formally convey Her Majesty's proclamation."
Alaric carefully unfolded the edict and cleared his throat before reading it aloud.
"By the authority of Her Majesty, Queen Ophelia of the Eldorian Empire, and with the agreement of the other Emperors, Ethan Blanks is hereby granted the noble title of Duke of Eldorian. From this day onward, the County of Blanks shall be elevated to the Duchy of Blanks, and its lands shall be recognised as a ducal territory under the authority of House Blanks."
He paused briefly before continuing.
