Semi-Coercive Imperialist

The southern region, Hermes Province.

After leaving the airport, Chiron looked around at the scenery.

“…….”

Originally, the southern part of the Empire was rural. Endless rice paddies and fields, land consisting of nothing but granaries filling the horizon. A wasteland occupied solely for Mana Stone, with urbanization only around Mana Stone mines.

“It’s changed.”

Yet now, at this point when even the Mana Stone that had once been the reason for ruling the south was said to be nearly dried up.

A deep Mana Stone Vein had once again been discovered in the Lomilton area of Hermes Province.

“……That’s true. It’s beyond just ‘changed.’”

“I thought this was the Capital. Even the airport is clean.”

“It’s a complete transformation.”

Other young knights shared such impressions. Chiron nodded as well.

The roads and sidewalks were neatly paved, and the divisions were organized as precisely as if measured with a ruler. Shops and residential areas, restaurants and hospitals, and various other mixed-use facilities were intertwined not far apart, forming a typical ‘city good for people to live in.’

“That must be Aternum.”

Chiron looked at the Aternum factory, visible like a distant silhouette.

An armaments factory occupying quite a large portion of the Hermes region, one that would replace Gigantes in the future. It felt as though the vitality and pulse of its facilities, never resting for even a second, reached all the way here.

“Halt. There will be an inspection.”

At the exit from the airport, an armed guard unit blocked their way.

Hermes’s procedures were strict like this. Checkpoints were installed at every provincial border, and the identities of all personnel coming and going were thoroughly investigated.

This was because Hermes was now a specialized industrial district designated by the Imperial family, as well as a strategic hub producing military supplies.

In fact, summary judgment against subversive elements was also possible here.

“Yes. Verified. Welcome, Sentinel Knight Order knights.”

The guard captain gave a respectful salute and opened the gate.

“Let’s go.”

Chiron and the knights got into their vehicle and headed for their destination.

The place they arrived at after driving along smooth roads was a stately, old-fashioned building in a clear forest, a little distance away from the Mana Stone mine.

[ Architecture Workshop ]

An elegant and sophisticated aesthetic reminiscent of an art museum.

A hollow laugh spread across Chiron’s lips. There was a reason the nobles of the Imperial Palace were dying to get in.

“Welcome.”

An employee in uniform guided them inside. With soft lighting and classical melodies flowing, the interior was closer to a noble’s salon.

“I’ve come to use this ticket.”

Chiron presented the 「Premium Cube Reservation Ticket」. The employee received the ticket politely with both hands and then gestured respectfully.

“Yes. It has been confirmed. I will escort you to the VIP room.”

Chiron and the knights moved to a separate private room.

On a display stand covered in black velvet, inside transparent glass cases, ‘those things’ were placed.

“…….”

“…….”

The knights’ mouths fell open. Everyone stared blankly at the items.

A cubic crystal with a pure blue light, not a speck of impurity, shimmering from within. Premium-grade Mana Stone Cubes engraved with Mana Carving.

“They are items handcrafted by artisans using top-grade raw stones.”

“Everyone, pick one.”

At Chiron’s words, the knights each picked up a cube with trembling hands.

[2,000,000 $]

Two million Imperial dollars. It was the price of a decent mansion in the Capital, but they must all have saved money for this day.

“It’s really…… just a work of art.”

“……Ah. This really, my father said he wanted to buy one too.”

“Give it to him as a gift.”

“Uh…… My father’s retired, so I’ll use it first, and then…….”

Listening to the happy chatter of his subordinate knights, Chiron thought about this city. He recalled the vibrant streets of Hermes.

Control, discipline, and surveillance were subtly felt, but he did not get the feeling that they were targeting civilians at all.

“Wow. This one. Isn’t this prettier?”

“I like this one. It’s got that crystal color.”

“But why do all of these have different colors?”

“Because each Mana Stone has different properties. They’re top purity. From 97% and above, they have individuality like this…….”

Its official name was Hermes.

However, this place was clearly Maximilian’s city. Before long, everyone would come to think so.

By that fact alone, it would be recognized as the city with the greatest potential in the south.

“……Here.”

Chiron suddenly turned his gaze to the employee.

“Yes, Sir Knight.”

“Is there any land nearby where one could live?”

Even after disposing of his stocks in Canilan, he still had quite a bit of money left.

If he built a building here in Hermes, he might also become closer to Maximilian.

“If possible, I’d really like to…… try buying even a small leftover plot.”

Chiron’s characteristic sensor for reading the political situation was activated.

***

March spring.

The ‘Imperial Prosperity Assembly’ opened.

The Prosperity Assembly was a regular conference of the Imperial political sphere that marked the beginning of a new year and focused on the enactment and revision of laws.

─The next agenda concerns the policy proposal put forward by the knight Maximilian.

The Grand Assembly Hall of the Imperial Palace. The circular, theater-like chamber decorated with red silk and gold was filled with Imperial officials.

I stood at the central podium.

“I am Sentinel Knight Maximilian von Ebenholtz.”

I bowed politely to those watching.

Sitting in a particularly conspicuous spot was Sonnet Kandel, and it felt as though her gaze was fixed on me, but I deliberately ignored it.

“Esteemed nobles of the Imperial Palace. And ministers who are the pillars of the Empire. I stand here today to propose legislation to safeguard the Empire’s national wealth.”

As overseers of the Empire, knights possess a wide variety of authorities. They can also make proposals regarding legislation. Of course, adopting them is the role of the noble council and the Emperor.

“The law I wish to propose is as follows.”

「Act on the Prevention of National Wealth Outflow and Special Provisions on Asset Transfer」

The core of the law is as follows:

When a person residing in the Empire seeks to depart the country for the purpose of permanent overseas migration, 20% of their held assets shall be withheld at source as an ‘emigration tax’. In addition, all assets must be fully converted, prior to departure, into Mana Stone–convertible certificates issued by the Imperial Central Bank, and the conversion fee for this shall be set at 40%.

Before my Regression, it would have been enacted even more viciously this summer. Whether the Emperor came up with it on his own, or accepted someone’s advice, at that time the conversion fee was a staggering 70%.

However, in proposing this law, I created a loophole.

‘For those who have made great contributions to the Empire or who are in special relationships, if accompanied by an “identity guarantee” from a person holding a title of Imperial Knight or higher, the asset freeze and conversion fee clauses of this law shall be exempted.’

There was no need to mention that here explicitly. If someone pointed it out later, I could simply crush it then.

I would continue to take part in and propose every new malicious law that would be created, fixing the Empire’s blade firmly on its designated target.

I now had the authority to do so. Not merely because of the Ebenholtz family name, but because of the power attached to the name Maximilian.

“What do you think?”

I asked, sweeping my gaze over the nobles.

Some of them looked repulsed by my extremity, while others wore expressions of admiration, calling it a splendid money-making scheme.

The Empire’s capable Chancellor, Ken Steiner, glared at me with his lips tightly sealed, while Sonnet Kandel nudged her round glasses with her middle finger.

Why the middle finger of all fingers?

Clap clap clap─

In that silence, someone began to applaud. The eyes of those present turned toward the sound.

The Imperial Chief Secretary, Kurt von Eus Grossman.

At present, he was one of the closest aides competing with many other servants of the Emperor, but in the future, he would cut down all his political enemies and rise as the perfect right-hand man.

“Excellent, Knight Maximilian! As expected of the commander who pacified Genen.”

He stood from his seat and clapped enthusiastically.

“A very timely piece of legislation. A perfect means to fatten the Empire’s finances and punish those rat bastards who dare to abandon the Empire’s grace and flee. His Majesty will surely be pleased.”

At his endorsement, other nobles began to applaud one by one.

I gave Kurt a light nod.

“Thank you.”

The first day of the Imperial Prosperity Assembly.

My bill passed, and from the following week it was promulgated by imperial edict throughout the Empire along with several other new laws.

***

The Sentinel Knight Order’s office. A languid afternoon.

I was debating whether to throw away the plaque of appreciation sent from the Imperial Palace or just leave it be.

“……Um, Sir Knight.”

A staff officer entered the office.

“We’ve received an emergency communication from the Imperial 3rd Airport, Immigration Office.”

His expression was subtly stiff.

“From the airport?”

“Yes. The on-site supervisor says they’ve confirmed a document bearing your signature. They want to ask whether it’s a forgery or not. If it’s a forgery, they say they’ll carry out immediate judgment right away…….”

…….

Imperial 3rd Airport, departure inspection counter.

The Merin ‘Jumaine’, who had once sold the company called 「Aurum Logistics」 to Maximilian, let out an anxious sigh. Behind him stood a large family of twenty-three people, including his wife, children, and elderly parents, looking terrified.

“Immigration documents confirmed. Now exchange all remaining assets in full.”

“W-What are you talking about!”

Jumaine protested to the customs officer across the counter.

“The law clearly states that only 20% of assets are paid as tax, doesn’t it! I’ve already paid that amount to the authorities!”

The customs officer pointed with his finger to a notice posted on the wall.

“Can’t you read? Taking Imperial currency out of the country is prohibited. So exchange it.”

He jerked his chin toward the neighboring counter. A sign reading [Imperial Authorized Mana Stone Convertible Certificate Exchange Office] was posted there.

“You just leave after converting it into Mana Stone certificates issued by the Imperial Central Bank. The exchange fee is 40%.”

“…….”

Twenty percent stripped away as emigration tax, and then even the remaining money was docked a 40% fee.

Even if he conceded dozens of times, that alone was barely tolerable.

“Hah…… but.”

With trembling hands, Jumaine took out an envelope tucked between his passport pages and held it out.

“Th-Then, what is this?”

It was a note separately written and handed over by the customs officer. Not an official receipt, but a crumpled piece of paper with numbers scribbled in ballpoint pen.

[ Express fee and processing charge: 300,000 $ ]

“Ah, come on. For someone with so much money, you sure lack awareness.”

The customs officer frowned and slammed the desk.

“Can’t you see us suffering here? If you enjoyed all the warmth and comfort in the Empire and are now running away, you should know how to give a little to the people staying behind. Think of it as a donation. Even after paying this, you’ve still got plenty left!”

“Th-That’s impossible! I’ve already put in my entire fortune-”

“Ah, f#ck. You talk way too much.”

At the customs officer’s glance, soldiers belonging to the Imperial Guard swarmed in.

“Are you going to ignore Imperial law? You vermin bastard!”

A boot flew in first.

Thud!

Jumaine groaned and collapsed to the floor. His family tried to intervene, but the soldiers aimed their gun barrels at them.

“Search his belongings first. Looks like he’s hiding something.”

An Imperial Guard soldier roughly rummaged through the inner pocket of the fallen Jumaine. As he pocketed the wallet and watch, his hand caught hold of a strangely luxurious sheepskin envelope.

“Hm? What’s this now? A check?”

The soldier, intrigued, tore open the envelope, and the moment he unfolded the document inside.

“……?”

What first caught his eye was the clear seal stamped at the top of the document.

The coat of arms of the Ebenholtz family.

And its contents were…….

「I hereby acknowledge that this person is a businessman who has contributed to the prosperity of the Empire, and will hold appropriate parties accountable should any unjust infringement upon his person occur.」

Below, a signature written in flowing yet powerful handwriting.

「Maximilian Albrecht von Ebenholtz」

“Heh, looks like this bastard really is a subversive. A Merin mongrel forging something like this……”

The Imperial Guard soldier sneered as he toyed with the paper.

“…….”

For a forgery, the quality of the material was far too luxurious.

Above all, from the handwriting and signature alone, one could feel the noble, lofty aura unique to aristocracy.

“For now, for now, contact that Sentinel first. If this is forged, it’s a capital crime.”

“Ah, it’s obviously a forgery! Just kill him! Forging a noble’s signature calls for immediate judgment.”

Just in case.

If it was fake, they could just kill him, but if by any chance it was real, it could snowball into something extremely serious later.

“Hey! Fu#k! Don’t touch it for now. It says Ebenholtz on it, damn it!”

The monster of Ebenholtz who had trampled Genen while leading hundreds of armored vehicles.

To those at the very bottom, Maximilian was just that terrifying a figure.

…….

Anyway, it seemed that such a commotion had broken out at the airport.

I told them.

“It’s my signature. A private document I gave to the representative named Jumaine.”

─I-Is that so?

The flustered voice beyond the terminal was unmistakable.

“Is that Merin all right right now?”

─Y-Yes, yes…… for now, at least…….

“But did you read the newly enacted law in detail? There should have been additional proviso clauses.”

─Ah! I’ll read it now.

A brief silence settled.

Before long, a reply came that sounded like they had finished reading.

─……I’ve read it.

The voice had become extremely small.

I let out a quiet laugh and spoke.

“The company he founded and transferred will be of great help to both me and the Empire. And I place great importance on trust. It’s a matter of the dignity and propriety that Imperial nobles ought to possess.”

Whether the other party was a Merin or an asshole, keeping faith with promises was a matter tied to the fundamental qualities of a noble.

─Y-Yes. I’m sorry. My apologies.

“If you understand, then act accordingly.”

─Yes.

It might be a bit late, but Jumaine would now be able to leave the Empire safely.

“Hang up.”

─Yes! It’s an honor, Sir Knight───!

Ah, noisy.

I put the terminal down.

I brushed my hair back lightly.

“Hmmm…….”

Letting out a deep sigh, I looked at the plaque of appreciation the Imperial Palace had sent me.

An object thickly plastered with gold and Mana Stones, exuding greed rather than beauty.

“……It can’t be helped.”

It couldn’t be helped.

It was something that would have happened even if it hadn’t been me.

Because I cannot see inside the Imperial Palace.

Ebenholtz stands at the apex of the pyramid, but the sky lies above it. The power called the Emperor is distant and unfathomable, like that sky.

My limit is the ground.

The very point where both feet are stuck to the earth is my inherent limit.

For now, I have no choice but to move in my own way.

……Unless I pull that sky down.

***

The Sentinel Knight Order is regarded as the finest workplace in the Empire. A position all young people of the Empire admire, an organization where simply joining becomes an honor to one’s family. They are the Emperor’s sword and the Empire’s shield, and also an institution symbolizing the Empire’s ideals and purity.

──Today is the initiation ceremony of that most honorable Sentinel.

A gathering I am attending for the second time since my Regression.

The central plaza of the Capital.

“We shall commence the Sentinel initiation ceremony!”

Knight Commander Duke Alberich von Stein. Nearing retirement now, he rattled off a speech as the finale of the ceremony.

The glory of the Empire, the honor of knights, loyalty to the Emperor…… words I had heard a year ago as well.

“Wow~ it’s already been a year.”

Leon muttered beside me. I swept my gaze over the faces of the new 0-year recruits coming up onto the podium.

The number of Sentinel knights selected in this class was forty.

However, there are many I will have to personally cut down. Which means quite a lot of them are trash.

Before my Regression, the Empire collapsed after 11 years. No, even those 11 years were forcibly stretched out by the wise Chancellor Dieter, so really it was seven to eight years.

It was a country that should have fallen in eight years.

Which means it’s about time for the talents of a fallen nation to start appearing.

The talents of a fallen nation share properties astonishingly similar to the fallen nation itself.

The core stance of Empire Point has changed, but for this class alone, there was nothing I could do.

“That one’s the commoner, right?”

Leon pointed at Hannah. At least that bit of purity was a relief.

“Wow. That’s amazing. How did a commoner get into the Sentinel? I thought there wouldn’t be any this time…… Tiana. What’s wrong with your face?”

In the seat next to us, Tiana’s complexion looked awful. She pressed her temple and lowered her head.

“Ah…… I’m totally screwed, seriously.”

“Why?”

“I invested about half of my annual salary in Canilan this year, but the market situation is strange right now.”

Canilan.

Come to think of it, I am curious.

“The market situation?”

“It’s like companies are going bankrupt left and right. And banks aren’t giving out loans? Strange rumors keep coming out. Because of those f#cking bastards, I can’t sleep, I can’t sleep at all…….”

I wondered what was happening in Canilan.

But, I’ll probably find out around next week.

~~~

If you don’t know, the current release rate is 5 chapters a week from Monday to Friday (following the original raws), as there are only 4 chapters left to translate after this, which I am keeping as a buffer.