Chapter 91: A New Spring (1) Hermes State, Southern Empire.
Stepping out of the airport, Chiron took in the surrounding scenery.
"..."
The southern reaches of the Empire had once been nothing but countryside—a vast expanse of rice paddies and fields stretching to the horizon. It was a wasteland, valued only for its mana stone mines, with urbanization limited to the immediate mining perimeters.
"It's changed."
Even now, with the mana stones that had once been the sole reason for the South's dominance nearly depleted, a new, deep vein had been discovered in the Rommilton district of Hermes State.
"...You can say that again. It's more than just 'changed.'"
"I thought I was back in the capital for a second. Even the airport is spotless."
"It's a complete transformation. Unrecognizable."
The other young knights shared their impressions. Chiron nodded in agreement.
The roads and sidewalks were neatly paved, and the districts were organized with surgical precision. Shops, residential areas, restaurants, hospitals, and various complex facilities were woven together in close proximity, forming a quintessential 'livable city.'
"Is that Aternum?"
Chiron gazed at the Aternum factory, visible as a distant silhouette.
It was a munitions factory occupying a significant portion of the Hermes district, destined to replace Gigantes. The vitality and pulse of the machinery, which never rested for a single second, seemed to reach even here.
"Halt. Security checkpoint."
On the road leading out of the airport, an armed guard blocked their path.
Procedures in Hermes were strict. Checkpoints were installed at every state border, and the identities of all personnel coming and going were thoroughly investigated.
This was because Hermes was now an Imperial-designated specialized industrial zone and a strategic hub for producing military supplies. In fact, summary judgments against subversive elements were permitted here.
"Yes. Confirmed. Welcome, Sentinel Knights."
The captain of the guard offered a crisp salute and opened the gate.
"Let's go."
Chiron and the knights climbed into their vehicle and headed toward their destination.
After driving along the smooth roads, they arrived at an elegant building nestled in a pristine forest, a short distance from the mana stone mines.
[ Architecture Workshop ]
The aesthetic was sophisticated and graceful, reminiscent of an art gallery. A faint smirk played on Chiron's lips. There was a reason the nobles of the Imperial Palace were so obsessed with this place.
"Welcome."
A staff member in uniform guided them inside. The interior resembled a noble's salon, with soft lighting and classical melodies flowing through the air.
"I'm here to use this ticket."
Chiron held out a 「Premium Cube Reservation Ticket」. The employee accepted the ticket respectfully with both hands and gestured politely.
"Yes. Confirmed. I will escort you to the VIP room."
Chiron and the knights were moved to a private room. There, inside transparent glass cases atop displays lined with black velvet, lay 'those things.'
"..."
"..."
The knights' mouths hung open. They stared at the objects with dazed eyes.
Cubic crystals shimmered with a pure blue light from within, devoid of a single speck of dust. Premium-grade mana stone cubes, engraved with mana carving.
"These are handcrafted by master artisans using the highest quality raw stones."
"Everyone, take your pick."
At Chiron's word, the knights picked up the cubes one by one with trembling hands.
[$2,000,000]
Two million Imperial dollars. It was the price of a decent mansion in the capital, but they had all likely saved up for this very day.
"This is... it's a work of art, plain and simple."
"...Ah. My father said he really wanted one of these, too."
"Give it to him as a gift."
"Uh... well, my father's retired, so I'll use it first and then..."
Listening to the happy chatter of his subordinates, Chiron thought about the city. He recalled the vibrant streets of Hermes. While control, discipline, and surveillance were felt implicitly, he never got the impression that they were directed at harming civilians.
"Whoa. Look at this. Isn't this one prettier?"
"I like this one. The crystal's color is amazing."
"But why are the colors all different?"
"Because the properties of each mana stone vary. These are of the highest purity. Once you go above 97%, they start showing individuality like this..."
The state's name was Hermes.
However, this was clearly Maximilian's city. Soon, everyone would think so. And for that fact alone, it would be recognized as the city with the most potential in the South.
"...Excuse me."
Chiron suddenly turned his gaze to the employee.
"Yes, Sir Knight."
"Is there any land available for purchase in this vicinity?"
He had a significant amount of money left over even after liquidating his Kanilan stocks. If he could erect a building here in Hermes, he might be able to get closer to Maximilian.
"If possible... I'd like to buy even a small scrap of land."
Chiron's characteristic sensor for reading the political climate had been triggered.
* * *
Spring, in the month of March.
The 'Imperial State Council' was convened.
The State Council was a regular grand assembly of the Empire's political sphere, marking the start of a new year and focusing on the enactment and amendment of laws.
—Next on the agenda is the policy proposal suggested by Knight Maximilian.
The Grand Assembly Hall of the Imperial Palace. The circular theater-style hall, decorated with red silk and gold, was packed with Imperial officials.
I stood at the rostrum in the center.
"I am Sentinel Knight Maximilian von Ebenholtz."
I bowed politely to the watching audience.
Sonette Kandel was sitting in a particularly conspicuous spot, and her gaze seemed fixed on me, but I made an effort to ignore it.
"Respected nobles of the Imperial Palace, and ministers who are the pillars of the Empire. I stand before you today to propose a bill to protect the national wealth of the Empire."
As watchers of the Empire, knights possess a wide range of authorities. They are also permitted to make legislative suggestions. Of course, whether to adopt them or not is up to the House of Nobles and the Emperor.
"The legislation I wish to propose is as follows."
「Special Act on Prevention of National Wealth Outflow and Asset Export」
The essence of the law was this:
When a resident of the Empire intends to depart for permanent emigration abroad, 20% of their held assets shall be withheld at the source as an 'emigration tax.' Furthermore, all assets must be fully converted into mana stone exchange certificates issued by the Imperial Central Bank prior to departure, with the exchange fee set at 40%.
In my previous life, a much more vicious version of this law would have gone into effect this summer. Whether the Emperor thought of it himself or took someone's advice, the exchange fee back then was a staggering 70%.
However, I created a loophole while proposing this law.
'For those who have made significant contributions to the Empire or are special associates, the asset freezing and exchange fee provisions of this decree shall be waived if accompanied by an 'identity guarantee' from an individual holding the rank of Imperial Knight or higher.'
But there was no need to mention that here. If someone pointed it out later, I could just crush them then.
I would continue to participate in and suggest every new draconian law to come. I would fix the Empire's blade precisely onto its target. I now had the authority to do so. It wasn't just the power of the Ebenholtz name, but the power vested in the name Maximilian.
"What do you think?"
I asked, scanning the nobles.
Some of them looked appalled by my radicalism, while others looked impressed, seeing it as a wonderful way to make money.
The Empire's capable Chancellor, Ken Steiner, glared at me with tightly pressed lips, and Sonette Kandel adjusted her round glasses with her middle finger.
I wonder why it had to be her middle finger.
Clap, clap, clap—
In that silence, someone began to applaud. The audience's attention shifted.
Imperial Secretary, Kurt von Eus Grossman.
Currently, he was a top aide competing with the Emperor's other subjects, but in the future, he would be the man who cut down all his political rivals to become the perfect right hand.
"Excellent, Sir Maximilian! Truly the commander who pacified Genen."
He stood up and clapped enthusiastically.
"A very timely bill. It is a perfect means to fatten the Empire's finances and punish the rats who dare to flee, betraying the Empire's grace. His Majesty will be most pleased."
Following his endorsement, the other nobles began to clap one by one.
I gave Kurt a slight nod.
"Thank you."
On the first day of the Imperial State Council, my bill was passed. It was promulgated throughout the Empire as an edict the following week, along with several other new laws.
* * *
The Sentinel Knights' office. A lethargic afternoon.
Just as I was debating whether to throw away the plaque of appreciation sent by the Imperial Palace or just leave it be...
"...Um, Sir Knight."
An administrative officer entered the office.
"An emergency communication has arrived from the immigration office at Imperial Airport 3."
His expression was subtly stiff.
"From the airport?"
"Yes. The site manager says they've identified a document bearing your signature. They want to know if it's a forgery or not. They say if it's a forgery, they'll carry out a summary judgment immediately..."
...
Imperial Airport 3, Departure Screening.
Jumain, the Merin who had once sold the company 「Aurum Logistics」 to Maximilian, let out an anxious sigh. Behind him stood his extended family of twenty-three, including his wife, children, and elderly parents, all looking terrified.
"Emigration documents confirmed. Now, convert all remaining assets."
"W-what do you mean by that!"
Jumain protested to the customs officer behind the counter.
"The decree clearly states that only 20% of assets are paid as tax! I have already paid that amount to the government office!"
The customs officer pointed a finger at the notice on the wall.
"Can't you read? Prohibition of the export of Imperial currency. So, do the exchange. The exchange."
He gestured with his chin toward the next window. A sign was posted there: [Imperial Authorized Mana Stone Exchange Certificate Bureau].
"You leave after swapping your money for mana certificates issued by the Imperial Central Bank. The exchange fee is 40%."
"..."
Stripped of 20% as an emigration tax, and then having 40% of the remaining money taken as a fee. Even if he conceded a dozen times over, that was one thing.
"H-however..."
With trembling hands, Jumain held out an envelope he had tucked between his passport pages.
"T-then, what is this?"
It was a note the customs officer had written and handed to him separately. Not an official receipt, but a number scribbled in pen on a crumpled piece of paper.
[ Expedited Fee and Processing Cost: $300,000 ]
"Oh, come on. A man with so much money should have more sense."
The customs officer frowned and slammed the desk.
"Don't you see us working hard here? If you're running away after enjoying everything the Empire has to offer, you should know how to give back to those staying behind. Think of it as a donation. Even after paying this, you'll have plenty left!"
"I-I cannot do that! I have already put my entire fortune—"
"Oh, for fuck's sake. You talk too much."
At the customs officer's signal, soldiers from the Imperial Guard swarmed in.
"Are you going to ignore Imperial law? You piece of filth!"
A combat boot flew in first.
Thud!
Jumain collapsed to the floor with a groan. His family tried to intervene, but the soldiers leveled their rifles at them.
"Search his belongings first. See if he's hiding anything."
A guardsman roughly rifled through the inner pocket of the fallen Jumain. In his hand, which was busy grabbing a wallet and a watch, he caught a high-quality parchment envelope.
"Hm? What's this? A check?"
The guardsman tore open the envelope with anticipation, and the moment he unfolded the document inside...
"...?"
The vivid seal stamped at the top of the document caught his eye first.
The crest of the Ebenholtz family.
The contents were...
「I hereby acknowledge that this individual is a businessman who has contributed to the prosperity of the Empire. Should there be any unjust infringement upon his person, corresponding responsibility shall be held.」
And below, a signature written in a fluid, powerful hand.
「Maximilian Albrecht von Ebenholtz」
"Uh, this guy might actually be a subversive. A Merin half-breed with a forged document like this..."
The guardsman let out a hollow laugh, fiddling with the paper.
"..."
The material was far too high-quality to be a forgery. Above all, a noble's characteristic aura of loftiness could be felt from the handwriting and signature themselves.
"First... first, try contacting the Sentinels. If this is a forgery, it's a major crime."
"It's obviously a forgery! Just kill him! Forging a noble's signature is grounds for summary judgment."
But one never knew. If it was fake, they could just kill him, but if by some miracle it was real, it could escalate into a massive problem later.
"Hey, you idiot, don't touch him for now! It says Ebenholtz right here!"
The monster of Ebenholtz, who had led hundreds of tanks to crush Genen. To a low-ranking soldier, Maximilian was a man to be feared that much.
...
Anyway, that was the commotion that seemed to have occurred at the airport.
I told them:
"The signature is mine. It is a private document I gave to the representative named Jumain."
—I-is that so?
The voice over the terminal was clearly flustered.
"Is that Merin alright for now?"
—Yes, yes... for now...
"By the way, did you read the recently enacted decree in detail? There should have been a proviso."
—Ah! I will read it right now.
A brief silence fell. Before long, an answer came back, as if they had finished reading.
—...I have read it.
The voice had become very small.
I spoke with a soft chuckle.
"The enterprise that man established and transferred will be of great help to both me and the Empire. Furthermore, I value fidelity very highly. It is a matter of the dignity and decorum that an Imperial noble should rightfully possess."
Whether the counterpart was a Merin or a dog, I was saying that keeping one's word was a matter related to the inherent qualities of a noble.
—Yes, yes. I am sorry. My apologies.
"If you understand, then act accordingly."
—Yes, sir.
Though it felt a bit late, Jumain would now be able to leave the Empire safely.
"I'm hanging up."
—Yes! It is an honor, Sir Knight—!
So noisy.
I set the terminal down. I ran my hand through my hair for a moment.
"Hmm..."
With a deep sigh, I looked at the plaque of appreciation the Imperial Palace had sent me. An object plastered with gold and mana stones—more greedy than beautiful.
"...It can't be helped."
It couldn't be helped. It was something that would have happened even if I hadn't been there.
Because I cannot look into the Imperial Palace.
Ebenholtz is at the apex of the pyramid, but the sky is above it. The power of the Emperor is as distant and far-off as that sky.
My limit is the ground. The very fact that my two feet are stuck to the ground becomes my innate limitation.
I have no choice but to move in my own way for now.
...Unless I pull that sky down.
* * *
The Sentinel Knights were considered the most prestigious posting in the Empire. It is a position envied by all young people in the Empire, and an organization where simply joining brings honor to one's family. They are the sword of the Emperor and the shield of the Empire, an institution that symbolizes the Empire's ideals and purity.
—Today is the induction ceremony for those honorable Sentinels.
It was the second time I had attended since my regression.
In the central square of the capital.
"We shall now conduct the Sentinel induction ceremony!"
Grand Duke Alberich von Stein, the Knight Commander. Now nearing retirement age, he prattled on with the closing speech of the ceremony.
The glory of the Empire, the honor of a knight, loyalty to the Emperor... it was the same stuff I had heard a year ago.
"Wow~ it's been a year already."
Leon muttered beside me. I scanned the faces of the new 'Year 0' recruits coming up onto the stage.
Forty Sentinel Knights were selected for this cohort. However, there were many I would have to weed out myself. It meant quite a few of them were trash.
Before my regression, the Empire fell eleven years later. No, even those eleven years were forcibly stretched out by the brilliant Chancellor Dieter, so it was more like seven or eight years. Originally, it was a country destined to collapse in eight years.
It was about time for the 'talents of a falling nation' to emerge. The attributes of such talents are strikingly similar to the falling nation itself.
While the trend of Empire Points had changed, I couldn't do anything about this particular cohort.
"Is she the commoner one?"
Leon pointed to Hannah. At least that bit of 'pure water' was a relief.
"Wow. It's amazing. How did a commoner get into the Sentinels? I didn't think there'd be any in this cohort... Tiana. What's with your face?"
Beside us, Tiana's complexion looked terrible. She pressed her hand to her temple and hung her head.
"Ah... I'm totally screwed, seriously."
"Why?"
"I invested about half of this year's salary into Kanilan, but the market situation is weird right now."
Kanilan.
Come to think of it, I was curious.
"The market?"
"Something about the company going under. Or banks not giving out loans? Weird rumors keep coming out. Because of those bastards, I can't sleep, I can't sleep..."
I wondered what was happening in Kanilan.
I would probably find out around next week.
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