—Come in, Lucien.–
—Reinhard, how is the investigation going?–
—It's just as you said. This place is corrupt to the core.–
After making sure Katerina had fallen completely asleep, I went down to the first floor and headed toward the office of Reinhard, the owner of the Kaiserhof International Hotel Chain and the Hotel Reinel, where we are currently staying.
And yes, I waited outside Katerina's door until there were no more signs of activity, as I wanted to ensure she was resting. After all, she had a very difficult day. Her engagement to the Crown Prince of this country was broken; her Father and Stepmother chose the Prince's side and abandoned her; and she was expelled from the Imperial Palace, demoted to a Commoner, and blacklisted from many places, as well as stripped of any future possibility of obtaining a Noble Title. I feared something might happen to her if she remained alone, with no one nearby.
Fortunately, nothing happened, and after likely bathing, she went to bed. There were no tears, sobs, or general sadness. I simply listened to her footsteps, heard her get into bed, and from there she fell asleep, breathing peacefully. Only after identifying that she wasn't waking up and was sleeping well did I go down to Reinhard's office.
I had to take advantage of his presence in this country, as it was a good time to discuss something I've been observing since I entered this Empire a month ago: the state of this nation and whether further investment was viable. I had planned to speak with him via Magic Video Call, but since he had come here to the Hotel Reinel—the headquarters in this country's Capital—I had to seize the opportunity.
—Before entering the country, I asked you to investigate the state of its economy, military, and government, as I usually do with all the places I travel through –I say, taking a cup of coffee– Is this place really that bad?–
—Reinhard nods gravely– The state of this place is horrific –He responds, speaking in Eisenhar, his native language (though known there as Eisner)– The currency remains stable thanks to its entry into the International Monetary Alliance in the year 993, that is, almost 5 years ago, considering we are now in the first month of 999. Were it not for this, it's certain everything would be a mess –Rein says, his tone almost contemptuous–
Yes. Today is the 1st of Albor, 999. Yesterday was the 31st of Ende, the last month of the year 998. That's why there were so many soldiers and people in general in the streets, as they were celebrating a new year, and various shops and markets were open. Katerina just didn't notice because she was exhausted, and I didn't mention it to her because I didn't want to upset her more than she likely already was at that moment.
—However, if we talk about their Government… Ugh –He exhales with disdain– Precisely during the nearly hour you spent with your woman, an urgent Magic Mail arrived from the Imperial Palace –I frown upon hearing him call Katerina "my woman." I don't mind them thinking that, but the term "mine" bothers me. However, now is not the time for that–
—What did it say? –I ask, straightening my back–
—That a Noble, an Heiress to a Duchy here in the country, had been demoted for attempting to harm the National Saint several times throughout her five years at the Imperial Academy –This time, my frown deepens– According to the issued Edict, this Noble had been stripped of all her titles, could not obtain any more, and furthermore, had been placed on the blacklist so that no place could receive her, whether for housing or work.–
This time, my fists clench tightly, and a murderous flash—one that even makes Reinhard tremble—crosses my gaze.
—What do you think about this? –I ask the burly man in front of me, someone who can easily take down D-Rank monsters and irrational beasts with his bare fists, and who just shivered when I asked him this question–
—That it's nonsense! –He exclaims. It's obvious he knows who we're talking about. Katerina's name is right there in the Edict. I caught a glimpse of it with Madame Adèle when Kat and I went to her boutique to buy her clothes–
—Really? –I flash a cold smile–
—Can you deactivate your Killing Intent? –He asks, trembling with dread– I can't be objective if you're deploying such an aura–
—Ah. My apologies –How strange; it never activates on its own. I always trigger it when I want to. However, it seems it has activated unconsciously now. I wonder why– I'm sorry –I apologize to Rein, deactivating it at the same time–
—It seems that when it comes to your girl, your entire controlled self completely shuts down, heh, heh –He says with a teasing tone after recovering–
—Hmm –I raise an eyebrow, causing him to quickly change the subject–
After clearing his throat and fully calming down from my killing intent, Reinhard straightens up, ready to speak without being forced.
—What I said about Lady Lumière's punishment being nonsense wasn't just because of your pressure. I truly feel that way –He continues, raising a finger– First: there is no real evidence that she harmed the Saint. They had years to present it to everyone, and they could have done so even now. However, several hours have passed, and they have shown nothing. –A second finger goes up– Second: it is crystal clear that this is a tactic of intimidation and superiority. It's basically a message to everyone who might go against the Empire that any attempt at insubordination will meet a severe punishment. –Now, a third finger– Third: the punishment is far too specific and out of the ordinary. Punishments for those who harm a Saint of the Church are usually death, not only for the perpetrator but for three generations before and after, not just the stripping of titles and such. –And finally, a fourth one– Fourth: it was clearly targeted at her. Her family was spared, which shouldn't be possible because, as I said, the punishment is extermination. They should have been executed. Yet, even though less than 24 hours have passed since the incident, there hasn't been a single execution order from the Empire toward them–
I nod my head. It's exactly what I was thinking. The Imperial Family itself knows their current management is horrific; even as I passed through various places on my aimless journey across the country, people in taverns and hotels spoke of joining forces to end the nobility and give way to democracy. Because of this, it's more than clear they want to do everything possible to stifle these issues.
The fact that they can do this to the woman who was considered the future Empress is synonymous with the idea that, regardless of the person—be they close or powerful—the punishment will be equally terrible. It's basically: "If we can do this to our future Empress, who used to be loved by the public, we can do it to you."
Ironic. Instead of ceasing to be corrupt, or using their power to improve the lives of their subjects, they prefer to use force and continue wallowing in their corruption.
—How about the crime rates? –I ask, sipping my coffee– Are they as dire as their management?–
—I wouldn't know. I only arrived today, and I used the Continental Teleporter. Even when I've been here, it's only been in the Capital to manage the construction of this headquarters and its subsequent administration. And even when I walk around these parts, they tend to be safe areas catering to the wealthy –Reinhard responds honestly– The one who should know perfectly well is you, since you're a Wandering Traveler. You don't use teleportation devices; instead, you use that ugly carriage you love so much because it was "an inheritance from your Master," or merchant ships when it comes to crossing large bodies of water. –Rein's look as he speaks about my beloved carriage makes me want to peck at him so he stops badmouthing it. It's not that ugly, you know? It's just… rustic– Besides, you've been here for at least a month, counting from when you entered the country through the west until you reached the Capital. So, who else would be better qualified to know about the state of this Empire than someone who lived it firsthand?–
—Yes. It's terrible. Although I asked for the reports because I wanted to know what I was up against, I didn't think it would be this grave. At every turn, in places outside the Capital or major hubs, there were thieves and criminals who wanted to rob me, kidnap me, or force themselves on me –I respond, remembering the blood spilled along my path. Those guys didn't always want to have a chat to resolve things, so I had to use brute force to show them I wasn't interested in a night of wild passion– I mean, I know I'm very attractive, but I think they exaggerated –I joke, making a cliché gesture with my hair–
—Vain –Reinhard rolls his eyes with amusement–
I was just passing through, as I'm traveling the whole world, traversing it, getting to know all kinds of places, cultures, and such, and offering my services in exchange. However, I encountered the kind of situations that also exist in other countries which, curiously enough, are anarchic. I'm not saying every country is a paradise—they aren't, as they also have crime—but at least on national highways, I didn't suffer constant assaults at every moment like here.
Though well, at least this time something different happened compared to other places. I met a very interesting and charming person, so it was worth going through this experience that only adds negative points to my resume.
And to think I thought there would be no gain in passing through this small, deteriorating country. Taking a detour here instead of heading south was definitely a good decision.
—What do you plan to do now? –Reinhard asks me– Will you leave as you've always done? You don't usually stay in bustling places for more than a day unless necessary for business, and according to what my informants and Adèle have told me, you've been in the Capital for three days. And it's not like you've negotiated much. At most, you made a couple of contacts–
—Ah… That…–
Well. I admit it. My choice of the east instead of the south was partly thanks to my Master, that old pervert. I remember that before leaving this planet to continue traveling to other worlds or dimensions to find his Fated Partner (yes, I still don't believe that nonsense), he said I should be in the Capital of the Auriel Empire on the 31st of Ende, 998, at night, around 11 PM, outside the Imperial Palace. He claimed he'd had a vision from the future about an event that would completely change my solitary lifestyle.
While looking at the route more than a month ago, I remembered those words. I debated whether to listen to the old pervert or continue my path as usual, since he didn't actually force me to do anything—it was just a recommendation. In the end, because I thought that "something" was a meteor shower or something like that (since I like them a lot), I decided to come here.
Who would have imagined that, instead of a meteor shower, I'd find a woman five years younger than me, about to be consumed by darkness after being expelled from the Imperial Palace, right outside the palace gates? It's not what I expected, but I'm not complaining. That girl is quite cute. Especially when she pouts when she's angry. When she puffs out her cheeks, she looks like an adorable little bunny, heh, heh.
—Agh. Out. Strange thoughts –I reprimand myself in my mind, shaking my head from side to side–
—Ah, young love~ –I hear Reinhard's mocking tone, likely seeing how my expression had unconsciously softened. I have "sharp" features, so it's easy to notice this change that I rarely make–
Immediately, I glare at him. However, unlike before, he simply continues to look at me mockingly without a shred of fear. If he weren't my friend, I would have electrocuted him a little by now, heh, heh.
—I'll probably stay a bit longer. One more week –I answer his question– There are some things I need to do in this city first, such as solving the problem for the cousin of Marina, the current Leader of the International Marine Guild. Besides, I'm in a Capital. There are likely some good things that will help me when I return to the road. At the same time, I also need to restock, and this time probably much more than before–
—And why is that? –Reinhard asks, curious–
—Anyway, I'm going back to my room –I say, ignoring his question, leaving the coffee cup on the table in front of us and standing up– I have things to do, so I'm going to sleep–
—Sleep? You don't sleep. Thanks to your Master's training, you're capable of not sleeping for an entire week—two even, if necessary. So don't be a clown –He tells me with a clearly mocking tone– Just say you want to be near that girl, Lady Lumière, that you can't stand being away, and that stocking up more than usual is because you're going to invent something to make her stay by your side. Since you can also go up to a month without eating, you don't make regular purchases; even a simple piece of bread would be enough to fill your stomach–
—You –I glare at him again, though I can't rebut because I have no words. They simply won't come out– Shut up –I grumble as I turn around to head for the exit–
—Be careful –He tells me before I cross the threshold of his office– It's your first crush. Try not to ruin it, alright? –He adds, his tone like a father giving love advice to his son– Remember that Miss Katerina Lumière is not an infant. She is 20 years old. Treat her like an adult, not like a child. And above all, treat her with respect. Otherwise, what almost happened to me will happen to you, where I nearly lost my wife due to my condescension and for believing I knew everything, without giving her the freedom and space to make her own decisions–
—What are you talking about? –I say with narrowed eyes– Falling in love? That's not in my vocabulary–
—Yeah, yeah, yeah –He rolls his eyes again while sipping his coffee– Remember my words if you want a good relationship–
Now I'm the one rolling my eyes. His words are complete nonsense. I've been characterized by being aromantic. I don't feel romantic love, nor do I feel attraction to anyone, whether man or woman. I'm not interested in any other type of physical pleasure either. I am completely chaste, and I plan to stay that way.
—Falling in love? Yeah, right –I say, my voice almost a grumble as I walk toward the office exit– Let's see, what should I buy tomorrow?... Hmm. I wonder what a woman eats, or rather, what Katerina would like…–
—Heh, heh –I hear a soft, mocking voice that sends something like electricity running down my spine– Remember to invite me as the godfather of your future children, alright~?–
—Shut it!–