INTERMISSION
The Center of This World
Who is the supreme authority of this Empire?
If you posed this question to any citizen, Imperial or otherwise, they would all surely agree: the Imperial assembly.
They were the powerful, the pundits, and the wealthy chosen by the nation at large. The decisions of these select few lawmakers determined everything in the Empire.
However…
There was one unwritten, ultimate rule that every Imperial assembly member was aware of: They would never oppose the Eight Great Apostles, the eight people endowed with supreme authority who led the ruling body.
Few citizens in the Empire or otherwise had learned that these were the people who were truly at its helm. In fact, the existence of the Eight Great Apostles itself was a secret. The only ones who knew of them were the Imperial assembly members and the soldiers of the Imperial forces. That was exactly what made the Eight Great Apostles the supreme authority.
“But that’s not true—not at all.”
Klack…klack… The sound of hard heels echoed as they hit the ground, superimposed by her voice.
“I’m not sure whether to call it downright mystifying or plain insane. The Imperial citizens, citizens of other countries, the higher-ups, and even the Imperial assembly—none of them understands. No, perhaps they’ve simply forgotten?”
A tall, rather intelligent-looking military woman wearing becoming black-rimmed glasses strode down the hallway.
Risya In Empire.
A genius who had climbed her way to the fifth seat of the Saint Disciples, the strongest military force in the Empire, at just twenty-two years of age.
“But really, everyone should be aware. Of the greatest of them all.”
She progressed down the corridor bathed in vermilion.
“None but the Lord stands at the pinnacle of the world.”
The Lord, Yunmelngen.
Both the symbol of the Empire and the one and only master Risya served. It was they who truly helmed the Empire. And yet, the Lord had not made a move.
They lived in seclusion within the windowless building called the Castle Tower Seat. They never exercised their authority. That was why the people had temporarily forgotten who truly held supreme authority.
“They are so thoughtless, after all. Had the Lord not exercised their authority over the Eight Great Apostles, the Empire would have started an all-out war with the Sovereignty.”
She continued down the glass passage to the topmost floor of the four buildings, the Heaven Between Insight and Nosight. When she set foot in that place, the pungent scent of grass tickled Risya’s nose.
“Your Excellency.”
“ ”
Beyond the curtain that hung from the ceiling, the Lord’s shadow wavered, as though illuminated by a candle.
“I have a suggestion. Why don’t you exchange these tatami mats, or whatever you call them, with a wooden floor? The smell of grass is so strong, my nose wrinkles from the stench.”
“Sure. We’ll take the funds directly from your salary.”
The curtain quickly opened to reveal…
…a silver beast chuckling.
The beast’s entire body was covered in fox-like fur. However, their face was a cross between that of a cat and a human girl…or one might liken it to that. Their eyes were as large as a kitten’s, and their features would make any human fall in love at first sight. Even the sharp canines peeking from the corner of the beast’s mouth were charming.
That very beast sat in a chair, legs crossed, head propped in their hand.
A beastperson. A living being who existed only in the likes of fairy tales.
“You are early, Risya.”
“Well, Your Excellency, you would be just as mystified if I turned up late. You’d tell me I’ve made your boredom exponentially worse.”
“Hmm? I am not so petty.” Lord Yunmelngen’s voice was buoyant. “So, what has brought you here?”
“The matter that concerned you, Your Excellency.”
“And what was that?”
“It seems the Successor of the Black Steel has returned. Surely you remember that Unit 907 has been outside the Empire for some time. Now, where were they again…?”
Risya spread open a paper memo. She glanced at the map printed on it.
“Yes, it appears they’re in the far-east Altoria district. There’s a record of them presenting their military IDs when they passed through the border checkpoint.”
They were far from the Imperial capital. Their return would take several days, even along the shortest route.
“…That’s a problem,” the silver-haired beastperson lamented from atop their chair. “Those astral swords are precious, after all. He’s putting us in a bind by taking them out willy-nilly. I suppose Crow never told him that.”
“Crow… Oh, him. What a nostalgic name.”
Crossweil Nes Lebeaxgate.
At one time, he had been the leader of the Saint Disciples, the Lord’s right hand.
“I heard that he was Iska’s teacher, but I do wonder where he is and what he could be up to now. The vagabond.”
“I do not. He can do as he likes.”
The silver-haired beastperson yawned deeply. A conspicuously inhuman row of sharp teeth peeked from their mouth.
“Risya, please call the Successor of the Black Steel here.”
“Oh. So that must mean…”
“It is time. I will instruct him about the astral swords starting from the ground up in place of that bungling teacher.”
“You are sure about that?”
Risya narrowed her eyes from behind her glasses.
The astral swords. What had the so-called Astrals been calculating when they had forged those instruments?
Iska had not been told the truth. At best, he would know only that his master had bequeathed them to him under peculiar circumstances.
“I’m sure that will make the Eight Great Apostles sweat.”
“Such is my aim. I think they will show their faults if I begin to act… Hwaaah.” Then the beastperson yawned once again. “Oh, I’ve stayed up for two whole hours. Time to go back to bed.”
“Yes, yes. Then I will wake you when Unit 907 returns to the Imperial capital. They’re still in the far-eastern reaches of Altoria, so I’m sure it will be some time.”
“…Risya, what did you just say?”
“Excuse me?”
Risya, who had turned away from the Lord, whipped around upon being addressed.
They were right before her eyes.
When had they moved? The silver-haired beastperson who had been sitting on a chair on a platform now stood atop the tatami mat, back stooped like a cat and gazing at Risya.
“Altoria? The far east? Did you say Altoria?”
“Yes, that is what I just said— Oh.”
The Lord quickly snatched the paper from Risya’s hand as nimbly as a fox or cat leaping at its prey.
“…Altoria.”
“What is it, Your Excellency? I’m sure you have no need for that map, as you should know its contents already.”
“I have changed my mind.”
Lord Yunmelngen laughed. The beastperson crumpled the paper between humanlike hands.
“A memorable name. Risya, make preparations immediately.”
“What could you possibly mean by that?”
“We will go. You and me both.”
“What?! Wait, please, Your Excellency! I have an important meeting with the commanding officer of HQ after this. And I need to get ready for a press conference after that!”
“Oh? ‘None but the Lord stands at the pinnacle of the world.’ Which means my word is final. Was it not you who said this, Risya?”
“…So you were listening.”
She nodded reluctantly as the beastperson pulled her along.
The Lord had thoroughly exasperated her.
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