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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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The absolute power in the Sirius Empire resided solely with the Emperor.
He was the embodiment of “I alone am the honored one in Heaven and on Earth.”
Yet, even the omnipotent Emperor couldn’t control everyone, namely the twelve individuals known as the Zodiac Knights.
“This incident was a grave mistake.”
Within the vast Imperial Palace, in the very center, stood the Sky Wolf Palace. The Emperor sat upon his ornate throne, looking down at someone.
“How was I supposed to know things would turn out this way…?” a small woman mumbled, scratching her head. Her striking dark blue hair, shimmering like the Milky Way, marked her as the Grand Mage, Aerius Saturn, a member of the Zodiac Knights, representing Capricorn and Master of the Magic Tower. She knelt before the Emperor, hands raised in surrender. Thankfully, no other officials were present to witness this humiliation to the Zodiac Knights’ honor.
“Aren’t you being a bit too harsh on this old woman…?”
“Silence. Raise your arms higher,” the Emperor commanded.
Aerius pouted, adjusting her posture. The Emperor scanned a report, addressing someone beside him. “Only two professors died?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. There were several injuries, but only two fatalities,” a man replied in a deep voice. His striking golden mane identified him as Leo Helios, the Zodiac Knight of Leo.
“Fewer casualties than expected, given the circumstances. What about the daughter of House Selene? I heard she was seriously injured.”
“Thanks to Sir Hines’s swift action, she has fully recovered. No lasting effects or scars, according to the report.”
“That’s a relief.”
The Emperor sighed.
The Minerva Academy was directly funded by the Imperial family.
Any incident there reflected poorly on them. Especially if something happened to the daughters of the Empire’s two ducal families, he would be held personally responsible.
“How… how long do I have to keep doing this…?” Aerius’s arms trembled.
Ignoring her, the Emperor looked at Leo. “Is your sister alright?”
“No physical injuries, but… she seems to be in shock,” Leo replied with a wry smile, thinking of Amy, who had shut herself in her room.
“Understandable.” The Emperor nodded, then glared at Aerius. “And you still claim you did nothing wrong?”
“I didn’t say I did nothing wrong…” Aerius mumbled, hanging her head.
The Emperor sighed, reviewing the report again. “Are we certain it was the Heretics?”
“According to Colonel Allen’s report, yes. With Taurus and the Inquisitor’s corroboration, it’s almost certain.”
“A new Archbishop, and the Thorn Princess, no less… Tsk, the Heretics’ forces have grown,” the Emperor frowned. He had crushed them so thoroughly, yet they persisted. “What do you think their objective was?”
“Colonel Allen, who confronted them directly, believes they were experimenting with a demon. That was likely their goal.”
“They tested their demon on Minerva students?”
Sensing the Emperor’s simmering rage, Leo replied cautiously, “It would seem so.”
“How dare they underestimate the Empire…!” The Emperor crumpled the report in his fist. They had targeted the Empire’s most precious jewels. He couldn’t let this stand.
“Capricorn of the Zodiac Knights, listen closely.”
Aerius lowered her hands and straightened. “Capricorn, Aerius Saturn. I await your command, Your Majesty.”
“Mobilize the full force of the Magic Tower and track down the Thorn Princess. The demon she commands is said to be capable of growth. Its potential threat is immeasurable. It must be eliminated before it reaches full maturity.”
“As the most brilliant star in the sky wills, so shall it be.” Aerius bowed her head and vanished, eager to carry out her orders.
The Emperor took a deep breath, calming himself. “It’s fortunate I assigned him to the Special Task Force. Libra’s prophecies are unnervingly accurate.”
He recalled Libra Oracle’s prophecy: “Keep the man named Allen close. Only he can prepare for the calamity that awaits.”
He hadn’t taken it seriously at first. He had never heard of Allen. Even if a commoner performed great deeds in war, it rarely reached his ears. Especially with those greedy pigs who stole credit or buried reports…
“Have those matters been dealt with?” the Emperor asked Leo.
Leo understood the implied meaning. “Yes. They were court-martialed and received additional punishment under Imperial law.”
“Good. Setting a precedent will prevent such incidents in the future.” The Emperor nodded, then fell into thought. “What would be an appropriate reward for him?”
Allen had saved not only the ducal daughters, but also the Saintess and the Princess. He deserved a substantial reward, both as Emperor and as a father.
“If I may, Your Majesty…” Leo began.
“Speak your mind. I’m sure you have much to say as his brother.”
Leo took a breath. “I heard he lost his beloved weapon in the battle. Perhaps a suitable replacement would be appropriate.”
“A weapon…” The Emperor nodded. “A fine idea. Let’s see… what do we have that would be worthy of him?”
“No need to trouble yourself, Your Majesty. I’ll take care of it.”
“Nonsense. I should at least do this much. Especially since Lux requested it.”
“Her Highness?” Leo blinked, surprised. Lux rarely showed interest in others.
“Indeed. It’s a rare request from my daughter, so I intend to fulfill it properly. Hmm… opening the Procyon Treasury should suffice.”
“Your Majesty?! The Procyon Treasury… that’s a Class 1 vault!” Leo exclaimed.
The Class 1 vaults held the Empire’s most prized possessions: masterpieces crafted by legendary artisans and relics from the mythical age.
Each item was valuable enough to influence entire nations.
Only the Emperor could access them. Opening such a vault for Allen… even the usually stoic Leo was shocked.
“The other officials won’t take this lightly.” They wouldn’t openly defy the Emperor, but they wouldn’t leave Allen alone. Once word of his reward spread, all sorts of people would pester him.
“He’ll have to handle that himself. He’s a Master, after all. Not just any Master, but one deemed worthy of mention in Libra’s prophecy. He won’t be easily swayed.” Besides, he had Taurus’s favor and Capricorn’s interest. He was a curious individual. “And as I said, this is also a request from my daughter. My decision is final.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor couldn’t forget Lux’s plea: “He might be the one to lift my curse.” The desperation in her eyes had been so intense… he had felt a pang of jealousy towards this Allen. Could Lux harbor feelings for him? He wanted to meet this man.
“I must also commend him for his service… summon him to the palace soon.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
And so, Allen’s visit to the palace was decided.
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I woke up to a familiar sight: the ceiling of the military hospital. I had spent months recuperating here after the Southern War.
“How’s hospital life treating you?” Ail asked, offering me a piece of fruit.
“It’s a breeze. Did you relax like this while I was busting my ass?” I grinned.
He looked awkward. He only tolerated this from me. Anyone else would have gotten a punch.
“Haha… Everything alright?”
“Except for one thing. How long do I have to stay here? I’m already healed.”
“You had a hole in your side. We need to observe you for at least a month. It’s only been a few days since you regained consciousness.”
His cheerful demeanor irked me. “Why do you look so happy? Are you glad I’m hurt?”
“Of course not. It’s just… it’s been a while since I’ve seen you in a hospital. It’s… strange.”
“I didn’t expect to be back here either. I’m starting to think I’m cursed.” I shook my head, sighing.
Ail seized the opportunity. “So, join our family. I promise you a comfortable life.”
“Too late. I’m just starting to enjoy teaching. I protected those kids even while fighting an Archbishop. I have to see them through.”
Besides, I was now the head of the Special Task Force. Speaking of which, shouldn’t I get a few subordinates? I’d have to ask the old man.
“Teaching… you certainly have a knack for attracting talented individuals. So many students visited you, including Ariana.”
“That just shows how charismatic I am.” I said it jokingly, but I was pleased. Many students outside my class had visited, even Lux. She hadn’t said anything, just stared at me for a while before leaving. That counted as a visit, right?
“How’s Amy?” I heard she had been holed up in her room. Was she okay?
“Actually, I have a favor to ask… would you mind meeting with Amy?”
“Are you asking me to be your brother-in-law?”
“If you’re willing…!”
“I’m kidding.”
He looked so eager, I couldn’t help but shudder. But he continued his passionate appeal. “My sister is a good catch! A prestigious family, decent looks, and a great figure, wouldn’t you say?”
I couldn’t argue with that. I was starting to be swayed. Allen, Allen… are you looking at your precious student with impure thoughts? I chided myself.
“Would a Duke really want his daughter to marry a commoner like me? I’m sure she has plenty of suitors.”
“Not as many as you’d think.”
A deep voice startled us. A man with a magnificent golden mane stood there, his physique worthy of a bodybuilding champion, his features ruggedly handsome. I recognized him from a newspaper article.
“Leo?”
“Brother?” Ail said. Leo was from House Helios?
While I processed this information, Ail approached him. “It’s been a while, brother.”
“You seem to be recovering well. Let’s have a drink sometime.”
“I’d love to!” Ail replied with respect. He never looked at me like that…
“We can catch up later… you were talking about Amy’s marriage prospects?” Leo asked.
“Ail keeps insisting I marry Amy. You should scold him.” I decided to tattle. He would listen to his respected older brother.
“Scold him? Why?”
It seemed I wouldn’t get to see him being reprimanded.
“Well… I’m a commoner, and I’m not a good match for Amy.”
“You’re right. She’s not worthy of a Master like you.”
What…?
Before I could react, Leo continued, “But our family name can compensate for her shortcomings. I’ll even throw in my title as a Zodiac Knight. That should balance things out.”
He nodded to himself, leaving me speechless. Why were these Dukes so eager to marry off their sisters? In the dramas I watched in my past life, they would try to kill their sisters’ boyfriends…
“A-anyway, what brings you here, Leo?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Ah, I almost forgot.” He pulled out a document, his demeanor turning serious. “Colonel Allen, Head of the Special Task Force, hear the Imperial decree.”
I instinctively reacted to the words “Imperial decree,” getting out of bed and kneeling. “Colonel Allen, awaiting your command, Your Majesty.”
“Your contribution to resolving the recent Heretic incident is not insignificant. The most brilliant star in the Empire wishes to commend you for your service. By order of His Majesty, you are summoned to the Imperial Palace at your earliest convenience.”
“I humbly accept His Majesty’s command.”
The document in Leo’s hand transformed into a beam of light, wrapping around my wrist.
“Well done. That’s proof of the Imperial summons,” Leo said.
I relaxed.
“A summons to the palace… impressive,” Ail said, his eyes shining.
I looked at him, then at the Imperial crest on my wrist.
“Surprised?” Leo asked.
I nodded. “Yes. I didn’t expect His Majesty to summon me personally.” Even after the war, my master had delivered the reward on his behalf. What was so different this time?
“It seems Her Highness made a special request.”
“L-… Her Highness?” I almost slipped up and called her by her name. It was dangerous to address royalty so casually, especially outside Minerva.
Fortunately, Leo didn’t react.
“Anyway, take it as good news. Recover well and come to the palace as soon as possible.”
He turned to leave, then paused at the door. “And what I said earlier wasn’t just empty talk. I hope to hear good news. You’re always welcome in our family.”
“I…” His gaze was so earnest, I couldn’t refuse.
Before I could even try, he grabbed my hand. His movements were surprisingly swift for a swordsman.
“Let’s make a promise. As my brother-in-law… no, that’s not what I meant. You saved Amy’s life, so you should take responsibility… no, that’s not it either. Hmm, what I’m trying to say is…” The usually composed Leo was rambling.
“I was already planning to visit Amy,” I said. “I’ll go to your mansion as soon as I’m discharged.”
“Ah! Thank you. This is the first time I’ve done this, so I’m a bit flustered.” He smiled awkwardly, patting my shoulder. “Be sure to come. I might be busy with my duties, but everyone in the family will give you a warm welcome.”
“Yes. I’ll see you at the palace.”
“Yes, come by all means. Be sure to!” He emphasized again before hurrying out.
Ail nudged me, grinning. “See? Even my brother wants you. Honestly, you’re too good for my sister.”
“Shut up,” I said, flicking his forehead.
I lay back in bed, feeling drained after the eventful visit.
“By the way, I have a question,” I said.
“What is it? Amy’s measurements?”
“You perv. Why do you even know that?” The fact that he did know pricked at my conscience. But that wasn’t what I wanted to ask.
“What’s your brother’s full name?” I had known it, but his sudden appearance had flustered me. And his words had been rather unsettling.
“You’re asking me? Shouldn’t you look it up yourself?”
“That’s too much work. I prefer unconventional methods.”
“Sigh… it’s Leo. Leo Helios.”
He sounded exasperated. Even I would be hurt if he looked at me like that.
“…Suits him.” I realized I was the crazy one and nodded quietly.
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Gojo reference hmm I like it