Semi-Coercive Imperialist

The imperial palace’s direct agency oversees both the Intelligence Bureau and the Secret Police Bureau, but it is somewhat different in nature.

If the Intelligence Bureau is the hand that detects external enemies, and the Secret Police Bureau is the foot that strikes internal threats, then the direct agency is closer to the head that coordinates and controls both organizations.

“……I see.”

Lutz Rozen. As the Department Head of the Special Inspection Division under the direct agency that tracks down impure elements harmful to the Empire, he had clearly detected a suspicious flow of funds.

“Clever. Very clever, but…….”

Lutz scanned the fund-tracking report brought in by his subordinate.

“Yes. It’s the funds diverted from the munitions factory Maximilian established in Hermes.”

It was a case of embezzlement and laundering. A portion of the funds disbursed under the pretext of factory equipment investment had been split and remitted to shell companies set up in the Western Kingdoms.

That money was then laundered into bearer bonds across several countries and flowed into untraceable accounts.

It was a meticulous route of embezzling private loans to create slush funds.

“Keep watching. Don’t miss the flow of even a single dollar.”

Lutz suppressed a laugh.

As expected, Maximilian too was ultimately nothing more than a greedy noble.

One of those many nobles who spouted hypocritical talk about serving the Empire, while behind the scenes sucking it dry to fill their own pockets.

“Will it be okay? He’s an Ebenholtz…….”

“The industrial complex is a national enterprise of the Empire. It was an order given directly by His Majesty.”

When Maximilian had said, “We don’t need tax-funded support” the Emperor had actually been moved and provided a certain amount of funding. The Emperor had been touched by Maximilian’s sincerity in claiming he would fill the void left by Gigantes with his personal fortune.

However, if all of that were a lie, and if it were revealed that the factory had been used for embezzlement and laundering?

“Keep a steady watch.”

The crime of betraying the Emperor is grave. Not even the power of Sebestian would be able to cover it up.

“When the laundered amount builds up sufficiently.”

A smile crept onto Lutz’s lips.

“We strike.”

***

The dining room of my mansion. One by one, Mepunjee Chef’s works of art are laid out on the table.

For the appetizer, a tartare topped with caviar and scallops flown in from the northern polar seas. For the main course, a steak of the finest veal tenderloin simmered in red wine, and steamed black abalone soaked in saffron cream sauce.

This was my rest day.

“Basically, people may rest, but factories do not.”

I spoke about my factory while slicing the tender abalone.

“It was all a matter of efficiency. Gigantes certainly handled a large portion of the Empire’s munitions, but their method was inefficient. They used human lives to make up for the lack of productivity.”

The issue with Gigantes wasn’t just exploitation.

“As a result, even young children were used, but we have no need for that.”

My factory runs 24 hours with a three-shift system. It is governed by an intricate algorithm incomprehensible to me, one that Dieter personally designed. The security and oversight are stricter than anywhere else.

“Wouldn’t that reduce profits because of labor costs?”

Editor-in-Chief Celine Dubois voiced concern about profits. I simply smiled.

“It was never a business intended to generate profit.”

“Then what?”

“It’s for the Empire.”

At that moment, just as I brought a piece of abalone to my mouth.

“……Kuaaaagh─!”

Suddenly, Alphonse shot up.

“Guilt! No, more than that, rage is welling up so much I can’t keep sitting! This kind of high-class cuisine prepared with the blood and sweat of the lower classes! Fuck!”

He hadn’t touched his food from the start, just fiddled with his fork with a sour face, and now he hurled his napkin and stormed out.

“…….”

“…….”

Celine and I blankly stared at his retreating figure.

In the silence, Celine let out a sigh.

“I’m sorry. He’s a rather peculiar friend. I’ve recommended psychiatric evaluations multiple times, but he never listens.”

I raised an eyebrow and shook my head.

“No. I actually quite like him.”

“……What?”

“Reporter Alphonse is at least consistent, isn’t he? Far from two-faced…….”

He is the same in front and behind.

A person who has established his own firm beliefs, perhaps someone far better than the likes of me.

“Truly a noble behavior.”

Celine let out a hollow laugh.

“Noble? Even throwing out curses at a meal and running off like that?”

“Behavior is ultimately just a shell. At least that’s what I think. Editor-in-chief, you too must have smelled the stench of those countless nobles who are polished only on the surface.”

“……No comment.”

I looked at Celine quietly.

Suddenly, a question came to mind.

“Editor-in-chief. What kind of scent do I give off?”

I was assessing.

Tiger mask— though I willingly spared your life at the request of Thomas Wagner, if you prove to be a harm to me.

“I’m not particularly good at detecting a person’s scent. Though I can certainly smell the scent of the incense here.”

I gave a soft smile.

“Editor-in-chief. I heard you took a week of sick leave after the Gigantes destruction incident.”

“Yes. I had a severe case of the flu. My bronchial tubes were damaged, so my voice is still a bit hoarse.”

Celine responded nonchalantly.

Slice, slice.

I cut the remaining abalone. Gently, as though slicing someone’s throat.

“……I see.”

With the dessert as the final course, the meal came to an end.

We rose from our seats and shook hands.

At that moment, I saw scratches on her hand. Marks still not fully healed, probably from using wire.

“Well then, Sir Knight. The meal was excellent.”

In this Empire, surely there are skilled investigators who would grow suspicious of Celine for that alone.

“……Editor-in-chief Celine.”

I stopped her for a moment as she was about to leave.

After the Gigantes terror attack, the rabbit mask had been identified as one of the perpetrators. The weapons and equipment used were fully disclosed.

That meant the investigation into her was already quite intense.

“Until those wounds heal.”

For that reason, I willingly pointed out her carelessness left on her hand.

“It would be good to wear gloves.”

For a moment, Celine’s pupils trembled faintly.

I added with a smile.

“So they don’t get infected.”

“……Yes. Thank you.”

She gave a slight nod and left the mansion.

I coldly watched her retreating figure as she hurriedly shoved her hand into her pocket.

***

Winter before the New Year. Around this time every year, events are held. It feels as though they go on endlessly.

This year, the tone and extravagance remain unchanged, but most people now want to hold them as close to the Capital as possible. This is due to the Gigantes terror attack and the overall mood of insecurity in the Empire lately.

Of course, for now, it’s still a safe zone. According to my memories from before the Regression, there’s no major upheaval immediately.

But that doesn’t mean I can let my guard down. Beneath the surface, many things must already be slowly, but surely, beginning to twist.

……Then, one evening.

Unexpected guests visited my mansion.

“Lieutenant General Litruman?”

Lieutenant General Litruman, headmaster of Empire Point, stood there, and an unfamiliar general standing beside him.

“Brigadier General Hagen has come as well.”

“Ah. You know my name? Well, we did introduce ourselves at Ebenholtz Castle, didn’t we?”

So we had met before.

Although, to be honest, I only recognized him after checking the name tag.

“What brings you both here……?”

“Ah, well. Knight Maximilian.”

Lieutenant General Litruman cleared his throat awkwardly and gave a bitter smile.

“Let’s go inside first.”

I guided them to the drawing room. As soon as Litruman and Hagen sat down, they wore deeply sullen expressions.

“It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but we were in charge of organizing this year’s ‘Imperial Solidarity Banquet’……”

The ‘Solidarity Banquet’ is, simply put, a dinner gathering for the generals and senior officers of the regular army. It’s an event with a tradition of over a hundred years, where regular army commanders gather to foster camaraderie and affirm unity.

“We were suddenly informed that the New Year’s banquet for noble entrepreneurs would be taking place at that time instead. Even though we had made the reservation far in advance.”

Litruman’s face flushed with shame.

“I see.”

This is the current state of the regular army. Nobles and entrepreneurs look down on them. Even when rumors of war begin to spread, no one thinks the regular army will become a central force. They only care about currying favor with the Emperor’s Imperial Guard.

It is a classic sign of a declining nation, where political officers rise to power, and field officers are marginalized.

I pretended to fall into brief thought before opening my mouth.

“You’re not seeking revenge, so you must need a venue for the banquet?”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Yes. I’ll provide you with an appropriate venue.”

I own several buildings. Some, I built myself. Lately, as quick-witted foreigners and lower-ranked races begin leaving the Empire, I’ve been buying up every property put on the market at cheap prices.

“R-Really?”

Lieutenant General Litruman’s face lit up. It was an expression rare for a man well past middle age.

“Yes. But in return, please leave the actual management of the Solidarity Banquet to me. As you know, I have some expertise when it comes to cuisine and hosting events. I’ll prepare a gathering far more beautiful than their parties, and perfectly suited to the dignity of soldiers.”

This is for the future. A good opportunity to plant favor with the regular army.

“Can I trust this? We don’t have much of a budget……”

“Lieutenant General.”

I stood from my seat and opened the display cabinet in the study. Inside was Litruman’s command sword, which I had purchased at a previous charity auction for two million dollars.

I had considered throwing it away, but kept it just in case something came up.

I took it out and respectfully offered it to him.

“The Battle of Rostalon Hill on the Western Front. I heard that both you, Lieutenant General, and Brigadier General Hagen, defended the Empire in that hellish place.”

Litruman’s eyes widened. With trembling hands, he received his old sword. Hagen, too, had the look of someone returning back to his younger days.

Just like this, I must make those despised by the Empire feel that they are respected, at least by ‘me’, more than anyone else.

Because in the end, we must share in all the horrors together.

“Compared to the glory of that day, things like venue and food expenses are trivial. I’ll cover it all.”

If you have money and don’t hesitate to use it, winning someone’s favor is easy.

“……Thank you. Really, thank you.”

Litruman patted the medal on his chest firmly.

“Yes. Please look forward to it.”

At the very least, soldiers do not forget the gratitude of a single meal when they were at their lowest. That’s how the soldiering kind are.

“Well then, see you on the day.”

I saw the two of them all the way to the front entrance, then returned to the office.

“So the rough budget will be in several millions……”

If I don’t hold back, that’s about the range. Several million for one party. Close to squandering money, but if I can make a strong impression at a gathering of the so-called “heads” of the regular army, then it’s not a bad investment.

Wiiiiing─

My terminal buzzed. It was Zendo from the Genen branch.

─Sir Knight.

“What is it?”

─The atmosphere has been uneasy lately.

The situation in Genen has been worsening. The flames from Gigantes are now spreading to unrelated places.

“To what extent?”

─We ourselves are under surveillance. Right now, members of the Secret Police Bureau are pouring in.

The Secret Police Bureau. Even more sinister than the Intelligence Bureau, more vicious than the Imperial Guard. Whether they’re part of the Revolutionary forces or not, they bite down on any element that so much as rubs them the wrong way. Rabid dogs.

─Just last week, they arrested dozens of Genen citizens without any charges. I don’t know if they believe there are Revolutionary agents hiding in Genen, or if they’re deliberately provoking protests.

Probably Ezenheim are mixed among them too. Conversely, Ezenheim are probably mixed among the protesters filling Genen’s streets too. Eventually the history called ‘Genen’s Spring’ will arrive.

And in the middle of that storm, I am… still just an individual.

“……Zendo.”

The Ezenheim are everywhere. With faces indistinguishable from humans, blending among them, yet as a race, they share a single, apocalyptic cause.

“Even if a hierarchy exists between races.”

That is their greatest weapon.

They want to turn the Empire’s blade toward everything except the Empire itself. They want to fix the Empire as the axis of evil.

The schemes of those bastards are insidious and, above all, fucking despicable. There’s no other way to describe it.

“Genen people can become friends of Aran people.”

What I must do as an individual, what I can do, is to somehow straighten that blade.

Concentrating all the Empire’s hatred and destruction on ‘you’. (

“Trust me, and wait.”

Zendo responded with a low groan.

─……Yes. Understood.

***

Text embossed in silver on the finest parchment, and a premium-grade seal sealing the envelope.

Lieutenant General Litruman, along with the generals and field-grade officers of the regular army, received invitations to the ‘Imperial Solidarity Banquet’.

─────

To you, the shield and spearhead of the Empire, we offer our deepest respect.

It is thanks to your devotion that the Empire’s present remains unshaken.

We humbly request your presence at this gathering, to enjoy a rest befitting your honor.

─────

“Is this the place?”

The designated location was a old-fashioned stone building situated in the heart of the Capital. However, there was no butler at the entrance. No security guards inspecting the invitations.

Litruman and the generals, though puzzled, pushed open the heavy door.

Creeeaaaak──

Beyond the door was only darkness.

“…….”

A few of the generals hesitated in alarm, while others’ faces stiffened.

“Lieutenant General Litruman.”

“Is this really the right place?”

“……No idea.”

“Hmmmm.”

Had they been tricked? Was this another cheap prank by the nobles? As if being ignored by the entrepreneurs wasn’t enough, now even a young knight was mocking them?

Just as shame and anger were beginning to surge─

Tap─ tap─ tap─!

With crisp sounds, the darkness lifted. From all sides of the room, soft lighting flicked on one after another like dominoes, illuminating the interior.

The scene revealed caused the soldiers to gasp.

There were no excessive decorations or vulgar displays of wealth. Instead, silver cutlery, intricately crafted, sparkled on pure white tablecloths as if bathed in moonlight. Portraits depicting the generals’ past glories were painted on the walls like classical artworks, and restrained classical melodies filled the space.

“Welcome.”

At the center stood a butler dressed in the formal uniform of the Ebenholtz household.

“We have been waiting, generals.”

At his signal, attendants stepped forward in perfect rows. Trained at the main Ebenholtz estate, they were the Empire’s finest veterans. With precise, unflinching movements, they took the generals’ coats and guided them to their seats.

Everyone sat down with dazed expressions. Soon after, the waiters brought out the first course.

“For the appetizer, we have scallop carpaccio harvested from the cold seas of the North. On top is caviar infused with mountain herbs found only in the western highlands of the Empire.”

With a quiet explanation, the dishes were served. The plating was artistic.

The generals, who had recently only tasted barely passable banquet food due to budget constraints, cautiously picked up their forks.

And the moment it entered their mouths.

“……!”

“Uhup!”

“Hup!”

Cries of amazement, devoid of restraint, slipped out here and there. All their eyes widened. The intensity and refinement of the taste far surpassed anything they had imagined.

A flavor that melted on the tip of the tongue. A texture that struck the brainstem. It was as if all their past bitterness was washed away… a beautiful feast of beauty.

“Lieutenant General Litruman!”

Brigadier General Hagen called Litruman’s name with a voice choked with emotion. Several other generals also turned their gaze to him.

Litruman wiped the sauce from the corner of his mouth with a napkin and gave a faint smile.

“It wasn’t me. It was Maximilian─ the young, spirited knight─ who offered us this respect.”

Just then, sommeliers appeared and served the wine.

“Château de Luna9 ’88. A top-tier vintage suited to all of you.”

Pop! Pop! The sound of corks echoed like fanfare. Crimson liquid soon filled the glasses.

“Château de Luna 88… year ’88?”

“Huh…… You mean 988, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The soldiers had all heard of this wine. Not by the bottle, but by the glass, it was said to cost several hundreds of dollars. And yet, that precious liquor was being poured generously into the glasses of every one of the over one hundred soldiers present.

“Lieutenant General Litruman, how about a toast?”

Brigadier General Hagen suggested a toast. The other generals looked to him as well. Litruman rose from his seat and lifted his glass high.

“To the future of the Empire, to His Majesty’s eternal well-being, to the honor of our military. And…”

He slowly swept his gaze across the perfectly prepared setting.

A banquet that was not ostentatious, yet refined, imbued even with reverence for soldiers.

“To Knight Maximilian, who prepared this occasion.”

──To him.

The generals, maintaining the dignity befitting their rank, responded in voices deeper and more solemn than ever before.