WeTried Translations
Translator: Coughing Baby
Editor: Coughing Baby
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
◈ The Reluctant Imperialist
Chapter 91
──────
A New Spring
Southern region, Hermes Province.
After leaving the airport, Kairon looked around at the landscape.
"......"
The Empire's south had once been pure countryside. Endless rice paddies and fields, grain belts filling the horizon, that was all it had. Urbanization existed only around the mana stone mines, a wasteland occupied for mana stone alone.
"It's changed."
And now, just as the mana stone that had once defined the south was nearly exhausted.
A deep new vein had been discovered in the Rommilton district of Hermes Province.
"......Yeah. This is way beyond just changed."
"I almost thought this was the central region. Even the airport is spotless."
"What a complete turnaround. A complete turnaround."
The other young knights shared their impressions. Kairon nodded.
The roads and sidewalks were cleanly paved, and the district layout was so exact it looked measured with a ruler. Shops and housing, restaurants and hospitals, and all kinds of mixed-use facilities were woven together within close reach, forming exactly the kind of city "good for people to live in."
"So that's Aternum."
Kairon looked toward the distant silhouette of the Aternum factory.
It occupied a large part of Hermes, a military factory that would soon replace Gigantes. The pulse and vigor of machinery that never stopped seemed to reach even here.
"Stop. Inspection."
At the airport exit, an armed security unit blocked their way.
That was how strict Hermes was. Checkpoints stood at every provincial boundary, and everyone passing through had their identity checked thoroughly.
Hermes was now a specialized industrial district designated by the Imperial Household, and a strategic hub for military production.
In fact, summary judgment of subversive elements was permitted here.
"Yes. Confirmed. Welcome, Sentinel knights."
The security captain gave a formal salute and opened the gate.
"Let's go."
Kairon and the knights got in the car and headed for their destination.
After driving along smooth roads, they arrived at an old-fashioned building in a clear forest a little away from the mana stone mine.
[ Architecture Atelier ]
Its style was refined and elegant enough to recall an art gallery.
A dry smile spread across Kairon's lips. There was a reason palace nobles were so enamored of this place.
"Welcome."
A uniformed employee guided them inside. With soft lighting and classical music, the interior felt closer to a noble salon.
"I came to use this ticket."
Kairon held out a 「Premium Cube Reservation Ticket」. The employee accepted it with both hands and gestured politely.
"Yes. Confirmed. We will escort you to a VIP room."
Kairon and the knights moved to a separate private chamber.
On display stands draped in black velvet, inside clear glass cases, "those things" were laid out.
"......"
"......"
The knights stared with their mouths hanging open. All of them looked dazed as they examined the items.
Perfect hexahedral crystals, pure blue light rippling from within. Premium-grade mana stone cubes engraved with Mana Carving.
"These are handmade by master artisans using top-grade raw stones."
"Pick one each."
At Kairon's words, the knights reached out with trembling hands and each picked up a cube.
[2,000,000 $]
Two million Imperial dollars. The price of a respectable mansion in the capital, but they had probably all saved for this day.
"It's really just... art."
"......Ah. My father said he wanted one too."
"Then give it to him as a gift."
"Uh...... my father's retired, so I'll use it first and then......"
Listening to his subordinates' happy chatter, Kairon thought about this city. He recalled Hermes's lively streets.
He had felt control, discipline, and surveillance beneath the surface, but never once did it feel like those things were aimed at harming civilians.
"Wow. This one. Isn't this prettier?"
"I'm taking this one. I like the crystal color."
"But why are all the colors different?"
"Each mana stone has different properties. They're top purity. Once you get over 97 percent, you start seeing individuality like this......"
The province was called Hermes.
But this was clearly Maximilian's city. Before long, everyone would think so.
That fact alone would make it recognized as the city with the most potential in the south.
"......Hey."
Kairon suddenly turned to the employee.
"Yes, Sir Knight."
"Is there any land nearby where someone can live?"
Even after liquidating his Kanillan stocks, he still had plenty of money left.
If he put up a building in Hermes, he might become even closer to Maximilian.
"If possible, I'd like to buy in no matter what, even if it's just a tiny leftover parcel."
Kairon's usual instinct for reading the political climate had kicked in.
* * *
Spring in March.
The Emperor's National Support Council opened.
The National Support Council was the Empire's annual political conference that marked the start of the year and focused on enacting and revising laws.
“Next is the agenda regarding the policy proposal submitted by Knight Maximilian.”
Grand assembly hall of the Imperial Palace. The circular chamber, decorated in red silk and gold, was packed with imperial officials.
I stood at the central podium.
"I am Maximilian von Ebenholtz of the Sentinel Order."
I bowed politely to those watching.
Sonnet Kandel sat in a particularly noticeable seat, and I could feel her gaze fixed on me, but I deliberately ignored it.
"Honored nobles of the Imperial Palace, and ministers who are the pillars of the Empire. I stand here today to propose a bill to protect the Empire's national wealth."
As watchers of the Empire, knights held broad authority. They could also propose legislation. Of course, adoption remained the responsibility of the noble assembly and the Emperor.
「Special Act on Preventing National Wealth Outflow and Asset Removal」
If a resident of the Empire attempted to leave for permanent settlement abroad, 20% of their assets would be withheld at source as an emigration tax. Also, before departure, all assets had to be fully converted into mana-convertible certificates issued by the Imperial Central Bank, and the exchange fee was set at 40%.
Before my regression, it would have taken effect even more viciously this summer. Whether the Emperor thought of it himself or accepted someone's advice, the exchange fee back then had been a full 70%.
Still, while proposing this law, I left a loophole.
'For those who made major contributions to the Empire or held special relationships, if identity guarantee documentation from a person holding a rank of Imperial knight or above was attached, the asset-freeze and exchange-fee clauses of this law would be exempted.'
There was no need to mention that part here. If someone pointed it out later, I could crush it then.
From here on, I would participate in and propose every new evil law.
I would lock the Empire's blade directly onto its target.
Now I had the authority to do that. Not just from House Ebenholtz, but from the power granted to the name Maximilian.
"What do you think?"
I swept my gaze across the nobles and asked.
Some looked appalled by my extremity. Others looked impressed by what they saw as excellent profit.
Ken Steiner, the Empire's capable chancellor, stared at me with his lips pressed tight, and Sonnet Kandel nudged up her round glasses with her middle finger.
Why the middle finger, of all fingers.
Clap, clap, clap.
In that silence, someone started clapping. The chamber's attention turned.
Imperial Chief Secretary Kurt von Eus Grossman.
Right now he was competing with the Emperor's other servants as one of his close aides, but in the future he would cut down all political rivals and rise as the perfect right hand.
"Excellent, Sir Maximilian. As expected of the commander who pacified Gennen."
He stood and applauded enthusiastically.
"A very timely bill. A perfect tool to fatten the Empire's treasury and punish the rats who dare betray the Empire's grace and flee. His Majesty will be pleased."
After his endorsement, other nobles began clapping one by one.
I gave Kurt a slight nod.
"Thank you."
Day one of the Emperor's National Support Council.
My bill passed, and that very week it was promulgated by imperial decree across the Empire along with several other laws.
* * *
Sentinel Order office. A drowsy afternoon.
I was debating whether to throw away the plaque of appreciation sent by the Imperial Household or leave it where it was.
"......Sir Knight."
An administrative officer entered the office.
"We received an urgent communication from the immigration office at Imperial Airport No. 3."
His expression was subtly tense.
"From the airport?"
"Yes. The on-site supervisor says they found a document bearing your signature. They want to confirm whether it's forged. If it is, they plan to carry out summary execution immediately......"
......
Imperial Airport No. 3, departure screening desk.
Jumein, a Mer who had once sold a company called 「Aurum Logistics」 to Maximilian, let out an anxious breath. Behind him stood his family of twenty-three, including his wife, children, and elderly parents, frozen in fear.
"Immigration paperwork confirmed. Now convert all remaining assets."
"W-what are you talking about!"
Jumein protested to the customs officer at the window.
"The law clearly says only 20% of assets are paid as tax, doesn't it? I already paid that amount to the authorities!"
The customs officer pointed at the notice on the wall.
"Can't you read? Export of imperial currency is prohibited. So exchange it. Exchange it."
He jerked his chin toward the next counter. A sign read [Imperial Authorized Mana-Convertible Certificate Exchange Office].
"You can leave after converting it into mana certificates issued by the Imperial Central Bank. Exchange fee is 40%."
"......"
They took 20% as emigration tax, then took another 40% fee from what remained.
Even if you stretched to accept that.
"B-but......"
With shaking hands, Jumein pulled out an envelope tucked between passport pages.
"Th-then what is this."
It was a separate note the customs officer had written and handed over. Not an official receipt, just a crumpled slip with numbers scrawled in ballpoint pen.
[Express Fee and Processing Charge: 300,000 $]
"Come on. You have all this money and no sense."
The customs officer frowned and banged the desk.
"Can't you see how hard we work here? You enjoyed all the comfort this Empire gave you and now you're running away. You should at least share a little with the people staying behind. Think of it as a donation. Even after paying, you'll still have plenty left."
"I-I can't do that! I've already put in all my assets-"
"Fuck, you talk too much."
At the customs officer's signal, Imperial Guard soldiers swarmed in.
"You saying you'll ignore imperial law, you vermin bastard?"
A military boot came first.
Thud.
Jumein groaned and fell to the floor. His family tried to intervene, but soldiers raised their rifles at them.
"Search his belongings first. Looks like he's hiding something."
An Imperial Guard member roughly searched Jumein's inner pocket as he lay there.
As he pocketed the wallet and watch, his hand caught an expensive parchment envelope.
"Hm? What's this? A check?"
The Imperial Guard member tore it open eagerly and unfolded the document inside.
"......?"
His eyes first caught the clear seal stamped at the top.
The crest of House Ebenholtz.
Its contents read......
「I recognize this person as a businessman who contributed to the Empire's prosperity, and if his person is unjustly violated, corresponding responsibility will be held.」
Below that, in elegant, forceful handwriting:
「Maximilian von Albrecht Ebenholtz」
"Uh, maybe this bastard really is a subversive. A Mer mongrel carrying a forged paper like this......"
The Imperial Guard member gave a dry laugh and handled the paper.
"......"
For a forgery, the material was far too high-end.
More than that, the handwriting and signature themselves carried that lofty aura unique to nobles.
"First, first call that Sentinel knight. If this is forged, it's a major crime."
"Ah, it's obviously fake. Just kill him. Forging a noble signature is summary-execution material."
Still, you never knew.
If it was fake, they could just kill him. But if there was even the slightest chance it was real, it could explode into a major problem later.
"Hey, fuck, don't touch him yet. It says Ebenholtz right here."
The Ebenholtz monster who had crushed Gennen with hundreds of tanks.
To low-ranking men, Maximilian was that frightening.
......
Anyway, that seemed to be the commotion at the airport.
I told them:
"That is my signature. A private document I gave to a representative named Jumein."
“S-so it is?”
The confusion in the voice through the terminal was obvious.
"Is that Mer man all right now?"
“Y-yes, yes...... for now......”
"By the way, did you read the newly enforced law carefully? There should have been an additional clause."
“Ah! I'll read it now.”
Silence settled for a moment.
Before long, a reply came, as if they'd finished reading.
“......I read it.”
His voice had gone very small.
I smiled faintly and spoke.
"The company he founded and transferred will be a major help to me and to the Empire. I also value good faith very highly. That is a matter of the dignity and bearing imperial nobles ought to have."
Whether the other side was a Mer or a damn dog, keeping faith in promises was tied to a noble's essential quality.
“Y-yes, yes. I apologize. I am deeply sorry.”
"If you understand, act accordingly."
“Yes.”
A little late, perhaps, but Jumein would at least leave the Empire safely now.
"Disconnect."
“Yes! It is an honor, Sir Knight-”
Ah, loud.
I set down the terminal.
Then I ran a hand through my hair.
"Hmm......"
With a deep sigh, I looked at the plaque of appreciation the Imperial Household had sent me.
An object plastered in gold and mana stone, less beautiful than greedy.
"......It can't be helped."
It couldn't be helped.
It would have happened even without me.
Because I cannot see inside the Imperial Palace.
Ebenholtz stands at the peak of the pyramid, but the sky is above even that.
The power called Emperor is distant and vast, like that sky.
My limit is the ground.
The very point where my two feet are stuck to the earth, that is my inborn limit.
For now, I have no choice but to move in my own way.
......Unless I drag that sky down.
* * *
The Sentinel Order was regarded as the best workplace in the Empire.
A status every young person in the Empire admired, an organization where joining alone brought honor to your family. They were the Emperor's sword and the Empire's shield, and also an institution symbolizing the Empire's ideals and purity.
“Today is that very honorable Sentinel induction ceremony.”
My second time attending since regression.
Central plaza of the capital.
"We will now hold the Sentinel induction ceremony!"
Grand Duke Alberich von Stein, commander of the order. Nearing retirement, he chattered through the final speech of the induction.
Glory of the Empire, honor of knights, loyalty to the Emperor...... the same thing I heard one year ago.
"Wow, it's already been a year."
Leon muttered beside me. I scanned the faces of the fresh recruits coming up onto the platform.
Forty Sentinel knights were selected in this class.
Still, there were many I needed to cull myself. Which meant quite a lot of them were trash.
Before my regression, the Empire collapsed in eleven years. No, those eleven were forced out by Chancellor Dieter, so really seven or eight.
It was a country that should have fallen in eight years.
Which meant it was about time for the talents of a ruined nation to appear.
The talents of a ruined nation were shockingly similar in nature to the ruined nation itself.
Empire Point's overall direction had changed, but with this class, even I could do nothing.
"That's that commoner, right?"
Leon pointed at Hanna. At least that one pure spring-water case was a relief.
"Wow. Amazing. How did a commoner get into Sentinel? I thought there wouldn't be one this class...... Tiana, what's with your face?"
In the seat next to us, Tiana looked awful. She pressed a hand to her temple and lowered her head.
"Ah...... I'm screwed. Seriously."
"Why?"
"I invested about half my annual salary in Kanillan this year, and the market's getting weird."
Kanillan.
Come to think of it, I was curious too.
"The market?"
"People are saying companies are collapsing. Banks aren't lending either? Weird rumors keep coming in. Those fucking bastards are making it impossible for me to sleep, I can't sleep......"
What was happening in Kanillan now.
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