Semi-Coercive Imperialist

The melody of a classical orchestra flowed, and the fountain sparkled and sprang up in the garden.

“Max. I kept thinking about what you said back then.”

Ezell spoke. Behind her, roses were blooming like a backdrop.

“Do you think a magic could exist… one that only sustains itself by eating ‘brains’? I went through the entire Magic Tower library. I even went down to the Underground City. Max, have you ever heard of a magic called 「Brain Chimera」?”

“No.”

“It’s a chaos magic that replicates a person’s body by consuming their brain.”

My brow furrowed instinctively.

“The success rate is extremely low, the casting method itself is horrible, and even if successful, there are enormous side effects… but look at this.”

Ezell handed over a piece of paper from her pocket. It was filled with complex formulas.

“I’m not a wizard.”

“To explain it simply? Because of the blood-brain barrier, the brain has a different mana composition than other parts of the body.”

Mana circulates within the body, but in the brain, a constant amount of inexplicable, unique mana always accumulates. Even modern magic studies haven’t clarified it yet, some scholars call it a part of the soul.

“This 「Brain Camera」 feeds on that energy. First, you strip off your entire outer skin, then consume the target’s brain while standing on a magic circle.”

“…Strip off your own skin?”

“Yes. You have to peel off even the skin of your face. Then the brain’s energy transfers to your body and transforms it. But during that process, severe side effects occur. The only way to prevent them is to periodically consume fresh brains to replenish brain energy.”

Ezell pointed to a certain part of the paper.

“This formula here, η ∝ ΣM × L, means the rejection reduction rate is proportional to the total amount of mana contained in the consumed brain. Because of that, if the initial rejection value is too high, the magic won’t even activate in the first place.”

“So Pexi had a low initial rejection rate, which is why she was sacrificed?”

“That’s right.”

If Pexi’s entire body had been imitated, it would make sense why the imposter had been able to perfectly pass as a noble until now.

“Isn’t there a way to catch her?”

“There is. According to my calculations, Pexi must consume the next ‘brain’ within 50 days starting today. The margin of error is 10%. So, between 45 to 55 days.”

I looked at Ezell.

Ezell met my gaze and asked.

“Are you ready to go up against the Kandel family?”

“…The problem isn’t the Kandels, it’s ‘Jun’.”

Jun Kandel is Pexi’s backer. An extremely loyal and powerful supporter.

I asked Ezell.

“Any physical evidence on Pexi?”

“Unfortunately, right now it’s very faint. Just the remnants of that tire-mark-shaped spell I mentioned last time.”

“Should we trail her for all 50 days? We might be able to catch her in the act.”

“What if the crime is committed inside the Magic Tower? The Tower is a lot wider and more secluded than it looks. Access is strictly controlled too. Can you continue tailing her even inside the Tower?”

“…Then?”

“We have a more lawful procedure than that.”

Ezell pointed at my Sentinel uniform.

“A knight’s detention authority. You’re a knight, so you know well, right?”

Knights have the authority to detain, without a warrant, individuals suspected of posing a threat to the Empire for up to 35 days.

“Only 35 days. What about the remaining time?”

“I’ll try to buy it.”

“You think that’s possible? You said you are being watched.”

“Which is exactly why I can buy time.”

Ezell is fearless. In a way, she’s like a lunatic.

Maybe she read my mind, because she smiled brightly.

“Max, are you sure about this?”

“I am sure.”

“Then I’ll be just as sure as you are.”

Ezell took a sip of her cocktail and backed away with light steps.

“Now go enjoy the party. Make some donations, too.”

It was already evening, and the charity event had become crowded.

“I was planning to donate anyway.”

“Oh, really? Then hurry along.”

Ezell waved at me.

“Be careful, Ezell.”

“You be careful, Knight.”

I chuckled lightly and walked away.

First, I focused on Virus’s senses and entered the mansion. I strolled through the crowded banquet hall.

Thump─

My heart trembled. I looked in that direction. There was a Lieutenant Colonel from the Imperial Guard.

Forn Sommer.

I remembered his face and name.

Thump─

Next, a businessman I had never met before. Brilliant blond hair and golden eyes, a perfect Imperial appearance, but he was Ezenheim.

I approached him as he conversed with others.

“Ah, pleased to meet you. Sir Knight Maximilian.”

He recognized my face first. I offered a faint smile.

“May I ask your name?”

“I’m Johann, Vice President of ‘Golden Gate Trading’.”

Johann from Golden Gate.

I remembered him.

“Have a pleasant evening.”

As I surveyed the area, I added names to my kill list.

Exactly five names were recorded.

“Now then── we’ll begin the auction of prized possessions.”

Meanwhile, the prized item auction, a regular feature of charity events, began.

“The first item is the ‘Tear of Dawn’ necklace, donated by the Countess von Hausen. The full proceeds will be donated to an orphan support foundation.”

The countess came up to the podium and explained the item, while those who called themselves social elites sat at their tables, smiling elegantly as they participated in the auction.

I picked up one of the number paddles.

“Alright. Number 58, 300,000 dollars! Oh, and right after, Number 83 with 350,000 dollars!”

In that manner, the necklace was sold for 500,000 dollars, and.

“Next, we have an ancient artifact horn donated by Wizard Rendry! The winning bid will be fully donated to the Novus Magic Tower’s scholarship fund…….”

The horn donated by the magic professor sold for 400,000 dollars.

“Now, up next! Lieutenant General Ritruman, headmaster of Empire Point!”

Next was Lieutenant General Ritruman.

I had heard in advance that he would be participating in this charity auction. As the headmaster of Empire Point, he was one of the reasons I had come all the way here.

“The prized item is a command sword personally used by the Lieutenant General during the Western War. The entire winning bid will be used to support wounded veterans. General, please come up and introduce it.”

Ritruman, seemingly unfamiliar with this kind of event, climbed onto the podium with a stiff expression.

“Yes. This command sword was used by me during the battle of Rostalon Heights on the Western Front…….”

The headmaster began recounting anecdotes related to his sword. But most people didn’t seem interested, and in fact, didn’t participate in the bidding.

Some military officers raised their paddles out of consideration for Ritruman’s dignity, but the bids were significantly lower compared to the previous auctions.

“Alright, 10,000 dollars. No one else? Lieutenant General Ritruman’s command sword! Ah~ 15,000 dollars!”

Imperial nobles, successful businessmen, the bourgeoisie, wizards, and even knights, many of them subtly look down on the military. Some even outright dislike it. One of the biggest reasons for the rising central tax rate is defense spending, and the image of the Imperial Guard, a major branch of the military, has never been good, then or now.

“15,000 dollars. No one else?!”

This is the current state of the military.

This subtle disdain and disregard may have been one of the reasons the Imperial Army later exploded with such intensity.

“Lieutenant General Ritruman’s command sword. No bids above 15,000 dollars? If there are none.”

As Ritruman’s face gradually turned red, I quietly raised my hand.

“Ah, a knight from the Sentinels!”

The announcer pointed toward me.

I willingly called out the amount.

“2 million dollars.”

In that instant, all eyes turned to me. Ritruman’s pupils on the podium swelled like artillery shells.

“Two, two million Imperial dollars. Is that correct?”

The announcer asked again, astonished.

I nodded calmly.

“2 million.”

“Yes, yes! That’s correct! Two million dollars, two million dollars! If there are no higher bids, it’s sold!”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The auctioneer immediately struck the gavel, and I raised my champagne glass toward Lieutenant General Ritruman on the stage.

“For the wounded veterans who served the Empire.”

Lieutenant General Ritruman twitched his lips for a moment, then responded with the brightest smile.

“For the Empire!”

Applause erupted with his shout. All of it was directed at me.

This is how it is- with money, you’re treated well. With honor, you’re respected.

Someone who has both can become the main character in any room.

“Please come up and receive the prized item.”

I climbed onto the stage and received the command sword directly from Lieutenant General Ritruman.

“A sword containing the hardship of the Western War. I will preserve it with respect.”

I put respect into my words. This kind of social grace had become easy by now, and Ritruman replied with a very pleased expression.

“Thank you. Sir Maximilian, your contribution will help heal the bodies and hearts of our wounded veterans.”

Of course, I don’t believe such bullshit. Ritruman isn’t a clean officer. He’ll probably pocket half of it, scatter the rest as allowance among his subordinates, and only a few coins will actually reach the wounded veterans.

I don’t care.

I came to see him for a favor anyway.

***

After returning from the charity event, I was back in the Sentinel Knight Order’s office.

I quietly stared at a single sheet of paper placed on my desk.

──[Emergency Detention Order]──

Subject: Pexi von Arzen (5th-tier Wizard, affiliated with Sentio Magic Tower)

Content: Based on the special authority of a knight, the above individual is hereby ordered to be detained for a maximum of 35 days effective immediately.

Executor: Maximilian von Ebenholtz, Sentinel Knight Order

──────────

Among the powers I possess as a knight, this is the one that carries the greatest risk.

If I execute this, how will Jun Kandel respond?

He is emotional and unpredictable, better not to try to predict him at all.

The problem is Jun’s younger sibling.

The true heir of the Kandel family. Not yet, but one day, they will be.

“Not easy at all.”

There’s no physical evidence on Pexi right now. But if I use this paper to prevent her from consuming a brain, then the evidence will surface. Her transformed state will revert, and that alone will serve as proof.

Clicking my tongue, I rose from my seat.

I was about to head to the underground training room for a workout when.

“Max!”

Someone called my name. It was Leon and Tiana. They were carrying large helmets and some kind of suits in their hands.

“When are you sending out another transport?”

The assault group had launched their first flight last week, and now the two of them had already bought gear with their own money.

It seemed they were already hooked.

“Tomorrow night. It’s a night flight. Be at the Point by 23:00.”

“Got it. 23:00.”

“Tomorrow, 23:00…….”

Tiana and Leon checked their schedule on their terminals and returned to their office.

***

Thud─! Ruuumble─!

Empire Point, just before the start of the new semester, under heavy construction.

Cadet Commander Dane had just received a thick stack of papers from Maximilian’s adjutant. Due to concerns about leaks, the adjutant had delivered them in person. It was a draft of a new training manual.

“…….”

Dane let out a deep sigh.

Empire Point’s 300-year tradition is not something that can be changed easily. Especially not military doctrine. It’s something built up through countless wars and sacrifices, almost impossible for personal opinion to be reflected in.

“Aerial knight assault, seriously…….”

Knights, doing aerial operations? It might be fine for commoners. But how could you possibly teach airborne tactics to those haughty nobles who value tradition, honor, and elegance? Would they even be willing to learn?

That was Dane’s concern.

Ruuuumble─!

Right now, Empire Point was using Maximilian’s donation to renovate its aging facilities.

But even so, this was never a place that could be swayed by an individual.

Maximilian had respectfully asked him to “hold the position until retirement” but if that was just a ploy to use him, then the premise was already flawed.

Tutututututu──!

At that moment, a loud roar surged from outside the window.

“What the-!”

Dane rushed outside. A large transport aircraft was landing in the middle of the parade ground.

“What in the world is this……”

School staff hurried over. Dane placed his hand on the sword at his waist.

From inside the transport aircraft, which had landed safely, Headmaster Ritruman emerged.

“Brigadier General Dane.”

“Loyalty. Headmaster, what’s going on?”

“Take this.”

With a solemn expression, Ritruman handed over a sheet of paper. It was an official document.

──[Official Approval from Imperial Army Headquarters]──

Subject: Formal adoption of the new manual 「Strategic Utilization Methods for Knights through Aerial Assault」 and implementation of related training programs.

The above manual, authored by Knight Maximilian, is hereby adopted as the next-generation tactical doctrine of the Imperial Army, and Empire Point’s elite course is ordered to incorporate the corresponding training programs as soon as possible.

───

“…….”

It was an order containing an agreement between Ritruman and the military to adopt and teach the new tactic.

Dane felt a strange mix of confusion and futility.

What he had always believed to be impossible, the old traditions of Empire Point he had given up on changing, the young knight of Ebenholtz was now seeking to change them so easily.

“You and your staff are to manage this transport aircraft well. It’s now official property of Empire Point.”

Dane silently looked at Ritruman. As if he understood Dane’s bewilderment, Ritruman responded with a hearty laugh.

“Haha. It means this transport aircraft was donated. I heard he’s covering maintenance costs for the next ten years as well.”

Ritruman proudly stroked the hunk of metal. Dane blankly looked between the transport aircraft and Ritruman.

“Knight Maximilian is supporting this for the future of the Empire. I also heard he’s establishing a foundation for wounded veterans, so you should make sure to express your gratitude at some point…….”

Thanks to that, Dane was able to understand the cause of everything he was seeing.

Even the same words carry different weight depending on the speaker.

Even the same money has a different impact depending on how it’s used.

Maximilian had, before anyone else, become someone who understood that principle.