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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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“The Imperial Palace…”
Allen muttered to himself.
He’d passed by it countless times, but never imagined he’d actually set foot inside.
It was a new experience, even for someone with his long(?) life.
As he approached the massive gates, the Imperial crest on his wrist glowed.
The heavy gates rumbled open, revealing they were operated automatically by magic.
Allen marveled at the power of magic.
A man dressed as a guard approached.
“Greetings, Colonel Allen. I am Hanson, leader of the 1st Imperial Guard Squad.”
“You know me?”
Allen asked.
“Yes. Those who bear the Imperial crest have their details displayed at the guard post. It’s a precaution to prevent any unintended disrespect.”
“I see. Thank you for the explanation.”
“Please follow me.”
Allen followed Hanson, taking in the opulent surroundings.
The palace was the epitome of extravagance, fitting for the world’s strongest empire.
“Those pillars… are they made of gold?”
“Indeed. Gold conducts magical energy most efficiently. Therefore, the main pillars are adorned with it.”
The sheer extravagance was astounding.
Even gilded, the amount of gold used was staggering.
It made the Helios mansion look modest in comparison.
Allen couldn’t help but express his amazement.
“I wonder if anyone would notice if I chipped off a bit…”
“……”
“Just kidding.”
The guard remained stoic.
Perhaps humor wasn’t appreciated by the Imperial Guard.
Allen made a mental note to be more cautious.
Even if he was here to receive a reward, one wrong move could land him in prison.
“This is as far as I can escort you. The building ahead is the Sky Wolf Palace, His Majesty’s residence.”
“Thank you for guiding me.”
“It was an honor.”
Hanson saluted and returned to his post.
It seemed even the guards had designated areas.
“Already made a friend? Your social skills are impressive.”
Allen turned to the booming voice.
A muscular man with striking golden hair stood there.
“Ah, Leo. It’s been a while.”
It was their second meeting since Leo had delivered the Imperial decree.
Leo approached with a bright smile, then his expression hardened.
“By the way, I heard you didn’t know my name?”
“…That’s…”
Had Aile really told him that?!
Allen quickly bowed his head.
“My apologies.”
Leo laughed heartily, slapping Allen on the shoulder.
“Haha, just kidding. I rarely leave the palace, so it’s understandable. We can get to know each other from now on, brother-in-law.”
“Thank you for your underst…”
Brother-in-law?
Since when was he Leo’s brother-in-law?
Allen blinked in confusion.
Leo tilted his head.
“Aren’t you? I assumed you were, since you’re wearing the gold ring.”
Allen reflexively looked at his left hand.
Did the ring have that meaning?!
The Helios family was terrifying.
“There’s a story behind that…”
“Whatever it is, it’ll begin soon enough. Let’s go.”
Leo brushed off Allen’s explanation and entered the palace.
Allen followed, a perplexed expression on his face.
As they walked down the long corridor, Leo spoke.
“Be mindful of your words and actions in His Majesty’s presence. Even if you’re my brother-in-law, there are limits to what I can cover for you.”
“I’m not your brother-in-l…”
“Don’t worry too much. He’s lenient, as long as you’re not one of the officials.”
“You’re not even listening anymore, are you?”
“Hmm? Did you say something?”
“…Nothing.”
How could he escape this predicament?
The problem was, he was getting used to it.
What if he accidentally called Amy by her first name?
The thought sent shivers down his spine.
They reached the end of the corridor.
A large door, like the entrance to a final boss’s lair, stood before them.
A middle-aged man stood guard.
Leo bowed his head slightly.
“Greetings, Chamberlain.”
“Good morning, Leo.”
The Chamberlain, with a stern and formal demeanor, looked at Allen with a calm gaze.
“Colonel Allen, I presume.”
“Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Allen.”
“Paltz Groin. Count and Chamberlain of this Imperial Palace.”
Leo added.
“The Chamberlain could have received a higher title, but he declined to maintain his position. That’s how devoted he is to the Imperial family.”
“Your flattery won’t earn you any favors.”
“It’s not flattery, it’s the truth. Haha.”
Paltz shook his head at Leo’s playful remark.
“Shall we enter?”
“Of course. I’ve been on a non-stop march through paperwork for this day.”
“You’ve worked hard. Then, I shall announce your arrival.”
Paltz turned and knocked on the door.
A deep, resonant sound echoed.
What was the door made of to produce such a sound?
Allen wondered.
Paltz announced in a loud, clear voice,
“Colonel Allen, Head of the Special Task Force, and Leo Robert of the Zodiac Knights request an audience with His Majesty.”
A moment later, the heavy doors began to open.
“Remember what I said?”
“Of course.”
Allen nodded and stepped forward, feeling like he was entering a boss room.
A red carpet stretched before him, leading to an ornate throne adorned with jewels and gold.
He and Leo knelt on one knee, careful not to look directly at the throne.
Silence.
The unexpected quiet filled Allen’s mind with confusion.
Was this it?
Shouldn’t there have been some grand announcement or formal greeting?
He thought he had memorized the proper etiquette, but the unexpected situation left him blank.
A deep voice broke the silence.
“Don’t be so tense. Etiquette is secondary to respect. Speak freely.”
A rustling sound followed, then the Emperor continued.
“I hear you’re close with Taurus… so that kind of attitude is acceptable.”
Treat him like I treat Master Robert?
That was impossible.
“Colonel Allen, Head of the Special Task Force, reporting for duty, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm, a dull fellow. Better than pointless flattery, I suppose…”
“Don’t tease him too much. He’s going to be my brother-in-law.”
Leo said playfully.
Allen was starting to admire his audacity.
Or was this a clever ploy to solidify Allen’s future in front of the Emperor…?
“That’s news to me. Since when were you and Amy involved, Professor Allen?”
A familiar voice made Allen look up.
Lux, dressed in a pristine white dress, stood there.
Had she always been this beautiful?
The soft fabric subtly accentuated her figure.
A pearl necklace completed her elegant look.
Yet, the sheer fabric hinted at a subtle sexiness.
“My, are you dressed for a blind date?”
“…My maid dressed me. It wasn’t my intention.”
“Then I must commend your maid. It’s rare to see you dressed like this.”
As the Emperor had said, Lux was wearing makeup, something she usually avoided.
The effect was so striking, even Allen felt his heart skip a beat.
If she put her mind to it, she could probably charm any man.
Perhaps he had stared for too long.
The Emperor’s voice snapped him back to reality.
“See? She’s already captivated one. ”
“Ah…! My apologies.”
Allen quickly lowered his head.
“It’s not a crime for a teacher to admire his student. Raise your head. Keeping it down makes it seem like you have ulterior motives.”
“What’s wrong with that? They’re both adults. It’s a natural reaction, especially between two attractive people of similar age. Even I was slightly swayed.”
The Emperor looked at Leo with an exasperated expression.
“…Didn’t you call him your brother-in-law? Shouldn’t you be disapproving of him showing interest in other women?”
“It’s fine. Amy will be his primary wife anyway.”
“I can’t ignore that. Even if it’s unlikely, Lux should be the primary wife. Who would dare make the Imperial Princess a concubine…?”
“Let’s stop there, shall we? Didn’t you summon Professor Allen to reward him?”
“Ahem…”
The Emperor cleared his throat at Lux’s sharp remark.
Even the Emperor couldn’t defy his daughter.
Allen was witnessing many strange things lately.
“Right. We’re all busy, so let’s get to the point. Colonel Allen, Head of the Special Task Force, listen closely.”
The Emperor glanced at Lux, then spoke in a solemn tone.
Allen lowered his head again, correcting his posture.
“For your significant contribution in resolving the recent Heretic incident, you are granted a reward in the name of the Empire. You may choose any item from the Procyon Treasury.”
“Colonel Allen expresses his gratitude for your immense generosity.”
Allen didn’t know what the Procyon Treasury was, but judging by its grand name, it wasn’t an ordinary reward.
“Lux will guide you to the Treasury and explain the items. Choose wisely, based on your needs.”
Allen thought he felt a faint magical reaction, but dismissed it as his imagination.
He replied respectfully.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you once again.”
“And this is a question from a father, not an Emperor.”
“…? Please ask.”
Allen looked up, surprised by the sudden shift.
“What are your thoughts on Lux?”
“…I consider her a valuable student.”
Allen answered quickly, while pondering the question’s intent.
“A student… I hope that doesn’t change. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be going now.”
The Emperor gestured and left the throne room.
“Hmm, it seems a strong competitor has emerged.”
Leo commented as they rose.
Paltz sighed.
“Only you would consider His Majesty a rival in that sense.”
“Haha, that just means Allen is an excellent candidate for a son-in-law.”
“What are you even talking about…? Anyway, let’s go. We’ve delivered His Majesty’s message, so we should excuse ourselves.”
“Shall we?”
“Ah, no…”
Ignoring Allen’s confusion, Leo and Paltz chatted as they left.
Allen and Lux were alone in the vast room.
Lux approached with leisurely steps, a gentle smile on her face.
“It’s been a while, Professor.”
“Ah…yes, it has. Your Highness.”
Allen responded awkwardly.
Lux frowned slightly.
“You can speak casually.”
“I can’t do that in the Imperial Palace.”
“Then, as the Imperial Princess, I command you. Speak as you normally would.”
Allen raised his hands in surrender.
“Do you really have to command me?”
“Of course. Are you feeling alright?”
“Yes, physically. But mentally… I’m not so sure…”
“The palace has that effect on people.”
Up close, her beauty was dazzling.
Was this what the embodiment of beauty looked like?
He averted his gaze, worried he might actually be captivated.
“Let’s go.”
“Why are you avoiding my gaze?”
“When did I do that?”
“Just now.”
“No…ha…”
She seemed determined to get an answer.
He decided to be honest.
“My heart is racing, so I can’t look at you directly.”
“…What?”
“You’re so beautiful, I can’t meet your eyes. Who told you to dress up like that? You’re already beautiful enough…”
Confessing his honest feelings made him blush.
He would get her back for this later.
“L-let’s go.”
Lux, momentarily speechless, quickly walked ahead.
Allen saw her ears were flushed.
He was probably blushing too.
Was resisting his student’s allure part of a teacher’s duties?
The path of a true teacher was long and arduous.
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[Bro wants to fuck his student lmao]
I guess given the power dynamics there is not the same cocerns of him grooming them nor that he abuses his authority as a teacher to sexually/socially exploit them … but both situations occur often enough that the aversion to student-teacher relationships is deeply instilled
Thanks for the chapters