Chapter 125 V8 Prologue

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The Algrand Empires capital planet is gray in color as the entire planet is covered in metal. There are numerous buildings on the planet, but theyre also painted gray.

Everything on the planet is being managed through artificial means.

As impressive as it may sound, I feel slightly uncomfortable because of the lack of greenery.

A clear blue sky is being projected in the air.

Natural disasters dont occur in the Capital, and even the timing of rain is controlled.

Its comfortable living on a planet where everythings being managed, so a lot of people wish to live in the Capital.

As a result, the population density is extremely high.

In my previous life, people showed a tendency to flock towards cities and away from the countryside. Its the same here, but to a more extreme level.

Many of the apartments only provide people with just enough space to sleep, and most hotels in the Capital are capsule hotels.

Of course, this doesnt apply to me, Liam Sera Banfield.

Not only am I an aristocrat, Ive built myself a huge fortune.

Be it fame, money, or power, I have it all. While Im at the Capital, I live in a well-established luxury hotel.

Rather than renting out the best room like a typical person would, Ive rented the entire hotel for myself to use.

Theres not much point in doing so, but Im enjoying the luxurious life at the Capital.

Its early in the morning right now, and Im changing into a suit.

As its my work uniform, theres very little decoration.

Everything I wear is custom made and ridiculous expensive.

Standing in front of a mirror, I have Amagi check my appearance.

Master, your check is complete.

Amagi checks my appearance every morning.

My clothes are disposable, but Amagis different. [1]

I like the one from before.

Then Ill prepare a new suit for tomorrow.

I dont like it, so replace everything!

I can give that kind of order on a whim.

Why? Because Im great.

If theres a shirt that I dont like, I wont so much as touch its sleeve.

It may sound wasteful, but the aristocrats in this world are allowed to make such decisions.

Time to go.

Its time for me to leave for work.

Im currently working as a civil officer at the palace.

After graduating from the Imperial University and undergoing a two-year training period, I went ahead and took a break at my territory.

There was that incident where I was summoned to some uncivilized planet, but it wasnt that bad.

Chino, of the dog tribe, is looking out the window restlessly in her maid uniform.

Woah~ were so high up. Are we above the clouds?

Shes looking at the scenery outside while making sure to not get too close to the windows.

She hugs Ciel whos standing next to Rosetta and asks, Is the building gonna collapse?

What a cute fellow.

Chino, be careful not to fall off.

When I tease her lightly, Chino backs away with her ears and tail standing straight-up.

Y-y-y-y-you can fall from here!?

Her legs shiver uncontrollably in fear that she will suddenly fall.

Realizing that Ive taken the joke a bit too far, I turn towards Amagi.

Youll be safe next to Amagi. Amagi, can you take care of Chino for me?

Understood.

Chino jumps towards Amagi in tears as the latter bows to me.

I-I want my room to be downstairs! In fact, the closer to the ground the better! I-its not because Im scared of heights or anything. Alright?

Terrified, she expresses her desire to head downstairs

Like I said, shes really cute.

Ill let you have one of the guest rooms downstairs. Ciel, prepare a room for Chino.

Being addressed by me must feel terrible for her, but Ciel replies without revealing any signs of hatred.

Acknowledged.

Yes, this! This is what Ive always wanted!

I can already feel the reluctance in her heart.

She wants to get rid of me, but shes helpless to do anything with her meager abilities.

Shes apparently doing various things behind my back, but she hasnt realized that the information is being leaked.

I wouldve dealt with her already if she was truly competent.

Considering her abilities, it should be fine to leave her alone.

Shes only somewhat capable, which means she can only show a moderate level of struggle.

Shes a rare find.

As Im celebrating in delight, Rosetta enters the room having finished getting ready.

She smiles at me as she appears wearing a suit jacket and a skirt that goes below her knees.

Darling seems ready as well. Lets leave together then.

My mood drops in an instant.

Right

Darling will be working at the same place as me. Just thinking about it gets me excited.

The same place? I mean it isclose, but you cant really call it the same place, right?

The buildings are close enough, so thats that.

Thats a bit forced.

Rosetta used to be a rebellious woman who hated me more than Ciel.

Unfortunately, shes like a domesticated cat now. No, is dog a better way to put it?

Anyway, shes practically a beast without fangs.

Her rebellious spirit is nowhere to be found now.

Whatever. Amagi, call the car.

Its already waiting outside

Naturally, I ride a car to get to my workplace.

I guess Ill put in just enough effort to get through my workload.

I dont care about receiving high evaluations.

After all, Im a distinguished aristocrat.

Just by sitting there silently, Ill rise up the ladder.

Theres no need to put in any effort.

I leave the room with Rosetta, only to stumble upon the scene of Tia and Marie in maid uniforms glaring at one another.

Ill clean the floor that Lord Liam has stepped foot on. Get out of my sight.

As if. Illbe the one to clean every corner of the floor that Lord Liam has visited. ME. Capiche?

Its still early in the morning, yet these idiots are already so energetic.

Theyre kind of getting on my nerves.

Why are so many of my subordinates so useless?

I guess this is what happens when you prioritize appearance above everything else.

I really should choose my knights based on their skills and loyalty.

Its not like these two are lacking in those departments, but theyve got no common sense. Which makes them useless.

Dont cause a scene so early in the morning. Since you guys enjoy cleaning so much, make sure to be finished with everything by the time Im back.

The girls kneel before me in a hurry after hearing my words.

It feels somewhat surreal watching them kneel in their maid uniforms.

Good morning, Lord Liam!

I ignore Tias greeting.

Who told you to kneel? Ive taught you two how to greet me properly, have I not? Now, do it again.

As knights, they have no choice but to obey my order for a redo.

They stand back up and greet me the way I taught them to with a blush on their faces.

Tia curls up her hands and uses them as cat ears while sticking out her hip.

Master, good morning-nyan!

Meanwhile, Maries using her hands to mimic the ears of a rabbit.

Lord Liam, good morning-pyon!

It feels great to watch two grown-ups, that have climbed to the top as knights, greeting me in maid uniforms while they shake in shame.

Rosetta looks away from them.

It seems like shes trying to be considerate.

I guess she couldnt bear seeing them in such pitiful states.

Im still far from satisfied.

That will do for today, but make sure its more refined tomorrow.

Tia and Maries shoulders droop when they hear my command.

As you command, Lord Liam.

If that is your wish, Lord Liam.

I walk past the two regrettable idiots and head for the elevator.

The elevator installed here is wide and has a sofa in it for me to sit on.

Amagi and the others also enter just as Im sitting down.

Its a pity, but only my fiance Rosetta can sit next to me.

I wouldve liked to have Amagi sit down as well, but she refused flatly and said; That wouldnt be appropriate.

Rosetta plops down beside me and starts a conversation as the elevator begins to descend.

Darling, can I ask you a question?

What is it?

I heard that the Kingdom of Dominion has attacked. Is Darling not going to fight in that war? Wallace seemed to have expected Darling to participate.

The Kingdom of Dominion.

Officially, its called the Gudwar Kingdom of Dominion, and its a country where might makes right.

The kingdom is in a constant state of war, and its impressive how they dont get bored of fighting.

While the Empire wages a lot of war. It still falls short of the Kingdom of Dominion, its a country made for Asura. [2]

Its like hearing about the Shimazu Clan from the Warring States Period. [3]

To put another way, its as if the warriors from the Kamakura period [4] have set up base in this Intergalactic Era.

Sorry, but Im not interested in fighting against those kinds of people.

I refuse to fight against anyone strong. What I enjoy is trampling over the weak.

Id rather not get involved in fighting against battle maniacs that thirst for battle all year long.

I dont feel like fighting right now, and I want to give my army some time to rest.

Youre so kind, Darling.

That of course was a lie.

I make them work like slaves when its necessary.

The only reason theyre having a break is because I dont want to make any moves right now.

Im not kind.

In fact, Im extremely selfish and prioritize myself over everyone else.

My political enemy, Calvin, is the one who would be facing against the Kingdom of Dominion.

The Crown Prince himself would be spearheading the army and subjugating the enemies.

Its because his position has become unstable after being pushed against the wall by the Cleo Faction.

The Kingdom of Dominion will be up against Calvin. Lets see how he does in the war.

Will His Highness Calvin be able to win? I get that hes Darlings political enemy, but I dont want the Empire to lose.

Rosettas a good-natured girl.

Taking into account the situation of the Empire as a whole, she thinks its better for Calvin to win the war.

I beg to differ.

I dont care who wins or loses, so long as I dont get hurt in the process.

Heck, if I can benefit from the Empires defeat, Id happily welcome it with open arms.

Things arent that simple this time around.

I dont want the Kingdom of Dominion to gain too much momentum, nor do I want to see Calvin achieve a flawless victory.

In other words, I want both sides to exhaust themselves through the course of the war.

Calvins a competent man. Hes probably going to listen to the advice of his military personnel. The Empire has the upper hand in terms of number, they should be fine.

Rosetta looks visibly relieved after hearing my confident words.

Im feeling really annoyed though.

As I said, Calvins a competent man.

He was able to shame me in front of everyone at the hearing.

He made a fool out of me and mocked me for the child-making demo that