Chapter 5: The Empire
 

 
1
 

A hazy consciousness. Vision slightly blurred. As if being rocked by waves.
 
Slowly looking around, it was a world shrouded in darkness as far as the eye could see.
 
“If it were a rough stone, I could understand the idea of polishing it.”
 
“Huh…?”
 
There was a voice. So I turned in the direction it came from, but… no one was there.
 
“However, what if it’s already a one-of-a-kind jewel radiating unparalleled brilliance?”
 
“…No, what are you talking about? And who really—”
 
And then, he … Read the rest

“…Here I come.”
 
Once again, Abel’s figure vanished. —No, he leaped at high speed to my front right diagonal.
 
…I can see it. If I can see it, there’s no problem at all. No matter how fast or heavy it is, I can handle it.
 
“Yaaa!!”
 
Really, how naive. Despite attacking from a blind spot, he shouts—a sign that he can’t fully commit to being ruthless.
 
He’s fast indeed. If my reaction is even slightly delayed this time, it would decide the outcome.
 
But that’s not a problem. A straightforward diagonal slash. Probably his … Read the rest

4
 

It was a quiet night.
 
When Luke suddenly looked up at the sky, the starry expanse that usually evoked no particular feeling seemed to shine even brighter. Perhaps it was because he had grown weary of dealing with troublesome nobles.
 
“I’m sorry, Luke… for calling you out so suddenly.”
 
“…”
 
If the man in front of him wasn’t there, he might have just enjoyed gazing at the stars—but fate wouldn’t allow that.
 
(Really… I’ve rarely seen someone so bad at hiding things.)
 
At first, he had intended to send him away, but … Read the rest

Powerful nobles gather one after another at the venue. Not just those from the noble faction, but also a few from the royal faction can be seen. At the entrance of the venue, several knights belonging to Marquis Gilbert are lined up. While it’s an unusual sight for a noble’s party, there was a clear reason for it.
 
“T-This is…”
 
“An ice dragon… you say?”
 
There was a being looking down on them, who should have been given the most noble status, with insolence.
 
— An ice dragon. It was a welcome that none of those … Read the rest

3
 

As the sun was about to reach its zenith.
 
Mia walks through the streets of Gilbadia, her head slightly bowed.
 
“…”
 
The city is full of life. So much so that there’s not a place where the passing people aren’t visible. For Claude, who rules this land, the people are merely tools to enhance his own reputation. His pride wouldn’t allow the king or other nobles to doubt his skills as a lord.
 
Therefore, there’s a gentleness in this land that’s like being soaked in sweet honey, making one wish to be ruled. However, … Read the rest

2
 

Lily was nowhere to be seen since morning.
 
They were staying at the same inn, and they always had breakfast together, but that day Lily never came down from her room no matter how long they waited.
 
I’ve been searching everywhere but can’t find her. Running, running, running. I’ve searched every possible place. I’ve asked all sorts of people, but no one has seen her.
 
My anxiety only grew, and before I knew it, the sun was starting to set. If I can’t find Lily by the end of today, I’ll ask Luke for help. … Read the rest

“Heh, you’re late.”
 
“Ah… We’re very sorry about that.”
 
Luke opens the window, and two turbaned figures enter the room. They immediately remove their turbans and outer garments, kneeling on one knee and bowing their heads.
 
“Let me greet you again, Lord Luke. But before that, over there is—”
 
“Why is there a beast-person here?”
 
Alice’s eyes fill with contempt. The mere fact that they are [beast-people] is reason enough for disdain. This is the normal value system ingrained in the Kingdom of Mirestia.
 
“Ignore them. This is—”
 
“I’m Luke’s wife.”
 
“…”… Read the rest

Chapter 4: You Are Like the Sun
 

1
 

Midnight.
 
As darkness enveloped the surroundings and most were falling asleep.
 
“Hmm, it’s solved now.”
 
After several days, I finally removed the multiple layers of protective magic cast on the “Flute of Domination”. I put down the magnifying glass I was holding on the desk and looked at it again with my naked eye.
 
“Hm, what’s this?”
 
What I thought were scratches began to disappear. I could barely sense a faint, almost vanishing magical power.
 
“I see… remarkable technology.”
 
This must be some … Read the rest

“– [Spatial Severance]”
 
Eleonora’s magic envelops everyone present.
 
“Kuku, unnecessary meddling”
 
“Don’t say that. Let me do something too”
 
A thunderous roar echoes.
 
Everything is blown away like scraps of paper, turning the entire area into scorched earth in an instant. Naturally, the flesh of the frozen men scatters too, but all of it is blocked by Eleonora’s magic.
 
“…I’m sorry”
 
As the dust slowly settles, Mia softly murmurs words of apology. Her small body looks even smaller than usual.
 
(I’m always like this… I can’t do anything right…)
 
Intense self-loathing. … Read the rest

3
 

After a while, a cave came into view. There were two men who appeared to be guards.
 
“Hey, good work. I bet the noble brat was easy to—”
 
“Sorry… we messed up……”
 
“……Ah, looks that way.”
 
Cold blades were pressed against the necks of the two men driving the horses.
 
The horse-drawn carriage stopped elegantly. Then Luke and the others got out, and the man who had lost an arm was carelessly thrown to the ground.
 
“What?! Abend!”
 
“Everyone. Gather all the mercenaries here.”
 
Luke said this without changing his … Read the rest