My name is Jaken, he said.

Jaken? Joshua cocked his head. Hed never heard the name before.

Have you heard of an organization called Black Wind?

Black Wind! Joshuas eyes widened.

The Emperors personal intelligence agency, known only by name except to the highest-ranking aristocrats. They were elites among elites, answered only to the Emperor, and would die for him if he ordered it. Black Wind wasnt known to the general public, but Joshua was intimately familiar with it from his past lifes memories.

In particular, the Assassin King was a member. Joshua had mixed feelings about them.

I asked if you were aware.

A little.

Thats great, although its not a complicated topic. Jakens eyes gleamed. He didnt bother asking how Joshua knew. By His Majesty the Emperors command, I have come to deliver a message.

Him? He sent you personally?

Jaken nodded. Ive been dispatched in secret in order to simplify the procedure. Be grateful for his consideration.

Generally, a proxy had to be treated the same as the person they representedin other words, even the highest noble, a duke, is forced to bow before the Emperors agents. Nobles would usually be polite enough to send someone appropriately ranked as their agent, but some would deliberately send a low-ranking agent to humiliate them.

Joshua despised tedious procedures; typically, he would welcome this, but

Weirdly, it puts me in a foul mood.

Are you still talking nonsense? Joshuas mouth twisted into a nasty smile.

What? Jaken boggled at him.

You havent even delivered His Majestys will yet, but its obvious this conversation is going nowhere.

What Did you expect me to address you formally?

Ive heard that the Black Winds agents abandoned their real names and families. You have no title, but you think you can talk like that to me?

An institution that reported directly to the Emperor had great authority in the Avalon Empire. Even the Twelve Families and Five Dukes tread lightly around them; it was ridiculous for Joshua to be acting like this.

Isnt it the same for you? Strictly speaking, only your father is a nobleman.

Oh, so the Black Wind, the Imperial Familys eyes and ears, doesnt know?

What?

Joshua shrugged mockingly.

Dont you know that anyone who becomes a C-Class Knight is immediately bestowed the rank of Baron? Or were you completely unaware that I am a C-Class Knight?

Hoho. Jaken chuckled.

What amuses you?

Nothing. Pardon me for laughing. However, the rumors said you were very mature for your agebut it seems like youre no different from the other kids your age.

Ah, they do spread those kinds of rumors, I see.

Yes, they do. Jaken nodded. Id like to talk more, but Im short on time. Even if you concealed your identity, you wouldnt want a never-ending chat either. I will announce His Majestys will now:

Listen, Joshua von Agnus. Your letter to the Fourth Prince was to Our liking. Still, would you not come under Our command? Our hands itch because of this pleasant feeling. Jaken coughed. We sincerely hope that you will join the Imperial Knights. We wish for you to entertain Us for a little longer; We have heard how brilliant you are, so you will know what We mean.

..Is that it?

Yes, that is all. He also mentioned that if a letter of recommendation is required, he would be more than happy to write it himselfand if you cant come, hang in there. Jaken stood up. He also encouraged me to bring you, even if you were kicked out for different reasons.

Joshua laughed. Ive heard hes a fascinating individual, but His Majesty seems a little different from the rumors.

What exactly do you mean? Jakens expression became frigid.

Nothing. Joshua shrugged. I just find it fascinating that he seems to have a perfect talent for spotting talented people.

Believe it or not, Jaken said, with Babel von Agnus already graduated, you being here will greatly impact your future. Its not impossible, but Jaken walked past Joshua. Arcadia is different from Agnus. If you fall off the rails, youll regret it.

Thanks for the advice.

The will of the Emperor is absolute, Jaken told Joshua as he walked out. Please visit the Imperial Palace as soon as possible. And please take care here.

Joshua watched Jaken vanish from view.

Should I move the plan forwards a little? he muttered.

Joshua took one last glance in the direction Jaken had left, then walked away.

Classes were over. In a vacant lot behind the Academy, a child writhed on the floor surrounded by snickering children. His clothes were caked in dust, and his skin was bruised, cut, and torn. His glossy sky-blue hair glittered in the sunlight despite the dust and dirt.

Icarus! Veron shen Villas, you motherfucker! Agareth cradled the bloodied Icarus.

Whoa, Agareth! Take a deep breath and relax. The gloomy-eyed boy leading the gang smirked. Why are you acting like this? Its not like its the first time this has happened. Besides, this guy is just a commoner, unlike last time. Hes got nothing to do with you.

Why Why are you torturing me like this? Agareth screamed. What did I do to you guys?

Did I ever say you did anything wrong?

What?

What? Gehog, next to Veron, answered him. If having the wrong older brother was the crime the first time, this time its the crime of having the wrong friend.

You heard that, right? Now What did your nerdy roommate do this time?

Agareth grit his teeth.

Weve only been at school for a few days. Do you think he regards us as friends?

Hmmm Im not sure, but I know hes outgoing.

What? Agareth was taken aback by Verons statement.

You dont need to know the specifics. You have a straightforward task: bring your friend here, right away.

Agareths eyes widened.

They didnt have to explain what they were doing because I already knew. Agareth went through the same thing.

As you might expect, Veron exclaimed, Im going to kidnap both of you and shatter all his limbs. If that guy pulls any silly stunts, your family might be in trouble. I dont need to say anything else, right?

Dont worry too much about it, Gehog said. Hes from fallen aristocracy with no roots. We ought to come up with a backup plan in case we cant get someone to vent on.

By the way, Natasha said, nudging Icaruss head with her toe, do you think this kid will be scared even if we threaten his family? Hes adopted anyway.

Why are you asking? Adopted or not, well figure it out!

Yeah? Natasha stared at Icarus.

To put it another way, this guy is a low-value hostage. So, you want to play a little game with me?

Shes at it again.

Its a fresh start. Gehog shook his head, dissatisfied.

Do you know how sad this guys brother made me? Natasha jerked her chin at Agareth. He was my taste, but hes such a jerk.

If only I were a little stronger! Agareth bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

These were the real powers in the Academy, not the Imperial Family.

You know what happens if your friend is late? Natasha reached down and tugged on Icaruss shirt.

Damn it! Agareth leapt up, refusing to watch Natashas filthy hand unveil Icaruss pure white body.

You dont need to worry about that. Im already here.

Ash pen Frederick! Veron screamed at him as he recalled the awful memories Joshua had given him.

Veron shen Villas. Youre doing a great job, Joshua replied with a chilly smile.

Veron flinched but quickly replaced it with a smug expression.

Are you going to follow through?

Touching my friends is a bigger offense than you seem to believe.

Agareths eyes moistened when Joshua called them friends.

You? You have friends? Veron shot him a disbelieving expression.

Im here to judge you for that crime, so do look forward to it.