The one who wields absolute power in the Sirius Empire is, without a doubt, the ‘Emperor.’
A being that fits the phrase “unique under heaven” better than anyone else in this world.
However, even the emperor with limitless authority had individuals he couldn’t handle as he pleased.
They were none other than the powerful figures known as the Golden Way Zodiacs.
“We made quite the blunder this time.”
In the vast imperial palace, right at its very center, stood the Heaven Wolf Palace. The Emperor sat on his splendid throne, looking down upon someone.
“Did you really think I would end up like this…?”
An awkward voice scratched the head of a petite woman with deep azure hair that sparkled like the Milky Way. She was Erias Saturn, the Archmage, a member of the Golden Way Zodiacs and master of the Infantry Palace. Currently, she knelt before the emperor with her hands raised high. Fortunately for the honor of the Golden Way Zodiacs, there were no other subordinates present.
“Am I being too harsh on these old bones…?”
“Be quiet. Stop grumbling and raise your arms higher.”
At the emperor’s firm words, Erias pouted but corrected her posture. Meanwhile, the emperor glanced through a report while asking someone beside him.
“Are there only two dead professors?”
“Yes. There are quite a few injured, but only two deaths.”
The one answering with a booming voice was Leo Helios of the Lion Palace, another member of the Golden Way Zodiacs, with golden hair flowing like a lion’s mane.
“How about the daughter of the Selene family? Did she recover well from her severe injuries?”
“Thanks to Sir Heinz’s swift response, she has been successfully treated. There will be no aftereffects or scars.”
“What a relief.”
The emperor sighed lightly. Since the Minerva Academy was directly funded by the royal treasury, any problems there would tarnish the royal name. And considering it wasn’t just an ordinary noble but the sole duchess family of the empire that was affected, it was only fitting that the emperor himself take responsibility.
“H-how much longer do I have to stay like this…?”
Ignoring Erias shaking her arms, the emperor turned to Leo.
“Is your sibling alright?”
“No physical injuries… but it seems they suffered quite a shock.”
Leo replied with a wry smile, thinking of Amy locked away in the family mansion.
“That’s understandable.”
The emperor nodded, then turned his gaze back to Erias.
“Are you still claiming there was no fault here?”
“I didn’t say there was no fault…”
Erias hung her head dejectedly. The emperor sighed again and reviewed the report.
“Is it certain that this was the High Priest’s doing?”
“According to Colonel Allen’s report, it’s accurate. With the guarantees from the Gold Eagle Palace and the Heretic Inquisitors, it’s likely reliable…”
“A new High Priest and now the Thorn Princess… tsk, those heretics seem to be growing stronger uselessly.”
The emperor frowned. How could such persistent bastards exist despite all the oppression?
“What do you think their purpose was?”
“Based on Colonel Allen’s assessment during the confrontation, they were experimenting with some kind of monster. That must have been their goal.”
“So they used Minerva students to test out the monsters they’ve been cultivating?”
Sensing the emperor’s subtle anger, Leo cautiously replied.
“… That seems to be the case.”
“To mock our empire so brazenly…!”
The emperor crumpled the report in anger. No one—not even the crown princess—should be messed with. If left unchecked, no one would look up to the empire anymore.
“Listen carefully, Infantry Palace of the Golden Way Zodiacs.”
At the emperor’s solemn command, Erias lowered her hands and straightened her posture.
“Infantry Palace, Erias Saturn. I receive the empire’s orders.”
“You shall mobilize the full force of the mage tower to track down the Thorn Princess. According to the reports, the heretics are cultivating growing monsters. Their danger is almost immeasurable, so it’s only proper to exterminate them before they fully mature.”
“By the will of the brightest star in the world, everything shall come to pass.”
Erias bowed her head and disappeared instantly, needing to act swiftly now that the imperial decree had been issued. Once she vanished, the emperor took a deep breath to calm his emotions.
“… It’s truly fortunate that we entrusted the Special Task Force to him. Damn, the Libra Oracle’s prophecy is annoyingly accurate.”
The emperor recalled the prophecy of the Libra Palace, Libra Oracle:
『Bring Allen close. Only he can prepare for the calamity far in the future』
Initially, he hadn’t taken it too seriously, having heard Allen’s name for the first time then. Even if someone established great merit in war, if they were a commoner, it was hard for their name to reach the emperor’s ears. Not to mention the pigs who might omit or claim others’ achievements as their own…
Realizing this train of thought, the emperor asked Leo,
“Have they been dealt with properly?”
A good subordinate understands abstract commands perfectly. Leo nodded upon understanding the emperor’s meaning.
“First handled by military law, then heavily punished according to imperial law.”
“Good. We must set a precedent so this doesn’t happen easily.”
Nodding, the emperor fell into contemplation.
“What appropriate reward should we give him?”
Allen had saved not many but each one precious talent. Two duchesses’ daughters, a Holy Maiden, and even the crown princess herself. As both an emperor and the father of a child, it was right to give a clear reward.
“… May I humbly offer a suggestion?”
“Hmm, as an older brother, you must have much to say. Go ahead.”
With permission granted, Leo took a deep breath and spoke.
“I hear he lost a trusted soldier in this battle. Perhaps bestowing suitable weapons would be appropriate?”
“Weapons…”
The emperor nodded, liking the idea.
“Then let’s see… Is there something suitable for him?”
“There’s no need for Your Majesty to search personally. I’ll do it.”
“No, I must do something like this. Besides, Lux also requested it.”
“Princess Lux?”
Leo blinked in surprise. To his knowledge, Lux rarely showed interest in others.
“Yes. It’s rare for my daughter to ask, so I intend to fulfill her request thoroughly. Hmm… Opening Procyon Treasury should suffice.”
“Eh?! The Procyon Treasury?! Isn’t that a Level 1 vault?”
Hearing this quietly, Leo exclaimed in shock.
The Level 1 vault contained only the most precious treasures collected by the royal family, including masterpieces crafted by generations of artisans and relics from the mythic age. Each item within could sway a nation’s fate, making it accessible only to the emperor. Yet, opening such a sacred repository for Allen…
Even Leo, who usually kept his emotions in check, couldn’t help but be astonished.
“The other ministers won’t sit idly by, though.”
While they wouldn’t dare oppose the emperor’s will directly, they surely wouldn’t leave Allen alone. Even if not officials, rumors of receiving treasures would attract various opportunists to harass Allen.
“Isn’t it our duty to handle such matters ourselves? After all, he is a Master, and not an ordinary one at that—someone noteworthy enough to be mentioned in the Libra Oracle’s prophecy. He’s not someone to be trifled with easily.”
Moreover, favored by the Gold Eagle Palace and drawing attention from the Infantry Palace, he was indeed a curious man.
“Let me reiterate: since my daughter requested it, my decision won’t change.”
“I shall follow Your Majesty’s wishes.”
The emperor couldn’t forget Lux’s cry echoing in his mind.
‘Perhaps he’s the one who can remove my curse.’
Her expression had been so earnest…
The emperor felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy toward Allen. Could she be harboring some special feelings?
“Since we must commend his achievements… inform him to visit the palace soon.”
“Yes, understood.”
Thus, Allen’s visit to the palace was decided.
***
When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling…
If this were a cliché, it’d be nice, but this wasn’t unfamiliar—it was annoyingly familiar. The hospital ceiling from after the Southern War where I spent months recuperating.
Earl came to visit, offering fruit and asked,
“Is hospital life bearable?”
“It’s sweet. Did you rest this peacefully while I was knocked out?”
He grinned awkwardly. Only because it’s me; if anyone else said that, they’d probably get a punch.
“Haha… Is there anything uncomfortable?”
“Yeah, when do I get out? I’m fine already, aren’t I?”
“Still, with a hole in your side, we need to monitor it for a month. You just woke up a few days ago.”
Looking at Earl’s smiling face made me feel slightly uneasy.
“… Why do you look so happy? Are you glad I’m hurt?”
“Not at all! It’s just… seeing the captain in the hospital feels oddly nostalgic.”
“Tch, I never thought I’d end up here again. At this rate, maybe I’ve got bad karma.”
I shook my head, feeling bitter. Earl seized the moment to make another recruitment pitch.
“So, why don’t you join our family? I assure you, it’ll be comfortable.”
“Too late, mate. I’ve just started enjoying teaching my apprentices. After fighting the High Priest to keep them, I want to see them through till the end.”
Plus, I’m now the leader of the Special Task Force. Speaking of which, isn’t it time to bring in a couple of subordinates? I should ask the Sage when I have time.
“Apprentices… you sure have a lot of good fortune. Look at Ariana and all the others coming to visit you.”
“That’s proof of my immense popularity.”
Though I sounded cocky, I secretly felt pleased. Aside from my class, many students visited me, including Lux who silently stared and then left…
Was that a visit?
“Is Amy alright?”
I vaguely heard she’s holed up in her room like a hikikomori. Is she okay?
“Ah, actually, I have a favor to ask… Could you meet Amy once?”
“… Are you proposing I become your brother-in-law? Or was it brother-in-law?”
“W-Well, if you’re willing…!”
“Joke, mate.”
He takes jokes way too seriously. Seeing him leap at the opportunity made me shiver involuntarily. But Earl earnestly began appealing to me.
“I shouldn’t say this, but my sister isn’t bad… not the top, but she’s certainly not lacking as a bride candidate! Our family’s wealthy, her looks are decent, and her figure is excellent, isn’t it?”
Hmm, can’t argue with that. Listening made me feel tempted against my will. Was I ogling my precious student improperly?
Feeling guilty, I smirked and replied,
“Even so, would you give your precious daughter to someone like me, a commoner? A dukedom should have more than enough marriage prospects.”
“Surprisingly, not really.”
A deep, resonant voice drew our attention. A tall man with luxurious golden hair stood nearby, muscular like a bodybuilder ready to win a competition, radiating pure masculinity. His face reminded me of someone from a newspaper article long ago.
“Lion Palace?”
“Brother?”
Brother? So the Lion Palace belongs to the Helios family?
Blinking in surprise, Earl approached him.
“Long time no see, Brother.”
“Hmm, seems your body’s healed well. How about a drink later?”
“Sure!”
That brat never looked at me with such respect…
“Right. Let’s catch up later… you were discussing Amy’s marriage prospects, weren’t you?”
“Ah, well… Earl keeps telling me to marry Amy. Give him a scolding, please.”
“Scold? Why?”
Uh-oh, looks like I won’t get to see that scene.
“Well… I’m a commoner and don’t match Amy in many ways, right?”
“Certainly not. My sister might be slightly insufficient for a Master-level groom.”
Eh? What did he just…?
Before I could respond, the Lion Palace continued quickly.
“But perhaps minor flaws can be covered by our family’s reputation. Let’s throw my name, as a member of the Golden Way Zodiacs, behind it. Hmm, that should balance things nicely.”
Muttering to himself and nodding, he seemed confident. Watching him, I was utterly baffled. Why are these nobles so desperate to marry off their sister? In the dramas I watched in my past life, brothers tried to kill their sister’s boyfriends…
Maybe I should change the subject.
“B-but why are you here, Lion Palace?”
“Ah, I almost forgot thanks to this interesting conversation.”
Pulling out some documents from his pocket, the Lion Palace cleared his throat and adopted a solemn tone.
“Special Task Force Commander, Colonel Allen, heed the royal command.”
At the word “imperial decree,” my body reacted reflexively. Sliding off the bed, I knelt on the floor and bowed slightly.
“Colonel Allen receives the empire’s command.”
“Your contributions in this heresy incident were significant. The most radiant star in the empire wishes to commend your efforts. Colonel Allen, answer the star’s call and appear at the palace shortly.”
“I shall solemnly answer the star’s call.”
As soon as I replied, the document in the Lion Palace’s hand transformed into a beam of light and wrapped around my wrist.
“Don’t worry. This mark signifies you’ve received the imperial decree.”
With those words from the Lion Palace, I finally relaxed my posture.
“Appearing at the palace… impressive.”
Earl beamed beside me. I alternated glances between him and the royal insignia branded on my wrist, feeling awkward.
“Are you surprised?”
To the Lion Palace’s question, I honestly nodded.
“Yes. I never expected His Majesty to summon me personally.”
After the war ended, the Sage had delivered the award on behalf of the emperor. I wondered what this was about.
“Seems the Crown Princess herself earnestly requested it.”
“Lu… No, the Crown Princess?”
I almost called her by name but caught myself in time. Directly addressing a royal was dangerous, especially outside Minerva Academy. Luckily, the Lion Palace didn’t react to my near-mistake.
“Anyway, accept it happily. Rest well and visit the palace as soon as possible.”
Waving his hand, the Lion Palace headed for the door but turned back at the last moment.
“And remember, I wasn’t exaggerating earlier. It’d be great if there’s good news soon. You’re always welcome, anytime.”
“Th-that…”
The sincerity in the Lion Palace’s eyes was so intense that
I couldn’t even think of refusing. Worse, before I could, he suddenly grabbed my hand.
This sudden movement from the empire’s strongest swordsman was faster than I could react.
“Since things have come this far, let’s seal the deal. If not as a brother-in-law… no, it’s nothing personal, but since you saved Amy’s life, maybe take responsibility… no, that sounds wrong too. Hmm, what I mean is…”
The regal demeanor of the Lion Palace, akin to a savanna king, had vanished, replaced by a flustered rambling mess.
Seeing him fumble, I cautiously spoke.
“Actually, I was planning to see Amy anyway. On the day I’m discharged, I’ll visit your mansion immediately.”
“Ah! Thank you so much. I’ve never done something like this before, so I’m a bit overwhelmed.”
Smiling awkwardly, the Lion Palace patted my shoulder with relief.
“Anyway, make sure to visit. Though I’m busy, my entire family will warmly welcome you.”
“Yes, I’ll see you next time at the palace.”
“Good. Definitely come. Definitely!”
Repeating his plea, the Lion Palace hurriedly left the ward. Once he was gone, Earl nudged my ribs with a mischievous grin.
“See? Even your brother-in-law wants you. Honestly, you’re a rare catch for his sister.”
“Shut up, you brat.”
“Ow!”
After giving him a whack on the head, I lay back in bed, feeling drained after the storm of events.
“Hmm… Come to think of it, I have a question.”
“What is it? Amy’s three sizes?”
“… Why do you know that, you psycho?”
Knowing already pricked at my fragile conscience. More importantly, what I wanted to know was…
“What’s your brother’s name…?”
I clearly knew it but forgot amidst the chaos of today’s events. Plus, the contents of what that gentleman said were far from ordinary.
“Should I tell you that? Normally, you’d find the information yourself, right?”
“Well- that’s troublesome. I prefer shortcuts.”
“Sigh… Leo. Leo Helios.”
Earl answered with a dry stare. That look hurts, even for me.
“… Fits him well.”
Thinking again, the crazy one was me, so I decided to obediently nod.
