[People From Other Countries 2]
(Empire Side)
The Ishtaroth Empire was rumored to have conquered half of the continent.
Originally a massive country, the Empire had undergone dramatic development under the current emperor’s reign; its expansion that had started ten years ago continued unabated to this day, with a significant contributor to its success being the Ishtaroth Knights.
The Ishtaroth Knights, a title bestowed upon the empire’s esteemed generals, were originally a group of five. However, this year saw the inauguration of a new Ishtaroth Knight, bringing their number to six.
This increase in their ranks instilled shock and despair in other countries.
In the throne room, the six generals knelt before the emperor, their heads bowed. While these generals were typically dispersed throughout the expansive Empire, they had gathered here today on a rare occasion.
Their presences left the imperial guards lining up on either side shaking from nervousness.
“Hmm, lift your heads, my dear children.”
Seated on his throne, the emperor gazed down at the six generals.
Each Ishtaroth Knight was a distinguished general; the five senior members had been granted the rank of marquis and were given their own territories.
“Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor Ishtaroth! We have all gathered at your command.”
“Cid, Zeroth Knight. As the leader of the Ishtaroth Knights and the marshal of our entire military, your burden must have been heavy,” acknowledged the emperor, prompting a deep bow from the Zeroth Knight in response, “I am thankful for your concerns, Your Majesty. It is only natural that we give our utmost for you and the Empire.”
“I appreciate your dedication. The same goes for the rest of you. Thank you for making time amidst your busy schedules to be here.”
““““We are grateful for your kind words, Your Majesty!””””
“Hmm,” nodded the emperor before addressing the purpose of their gathering, “I’ve called you all here today because of recent developments in the kingdom. As I am sure you are aware, the Demon King has surfaced. In light of this, the Dynasty, the Empire, and the Theocracy have decided to unite in an alliance and redirect our focus towards the Kingdom.”
Among the Ishtaroth Knights, those tasked with leading the battle against the rival nations grimaced at the news.
“House AcGee, a prominent noble house in the kingdom, has recently undergone a change in leadership. As you are aware, we have made secret dealings amid our long years of conflicts. They have sent reports suggesting unrest within the Kingdom. Thus, I wish to send some infiltrators to collaborate with House AcGee and create favorable conditions for our Empire intervention.”
After the Emperor finished, the newly appointed Ishtaroth Knight spoke up.
“Your Majesty, may I?” she asked respectfully.
“Of course, my dear daughter. Speak your mind,” the Emperor granted her permission.
The young woman, with her pinkish-white hair cropped short, rose to her feet. “The emergence of the holy sword has also been confirmed in the Kingdom. It would be prudent to send someone wielding a holy weapon on this mission. As I am currently not in charge in any battlefield activities like the other generals, I would like to volunteer for this role. Would that be acceptable?”
The Imperial guards standing on either side began to murmur at the Fifth Knight’s words. The kneeling generals closed their eyes, adopting a wait-and-see approach.
“Are you certain about this?”
“Yes! I will bring glory for the Empire.”
“In that case, I hereby appoint you, Julia Lilith Magguard Ishtaroth, to infiltrate the Kingdom. Your mission is to investigate the Kingdom’s internal affairs and, when the time comes, to lead the imperial forces. Angus, the Second Knight, could you accompany her as support?”
“As you command, Your Majesty!”
Angus, the titan, responded simply to the emperor’s directive with a booming voice befitting his immense size. Despite magically shrinking to enter the castle, he still towered over the rest of the attendees.
“I am counting on you both. For the glory of the Empire.”
“”””For the glory of the Empire!””””
Leaving the throne room, Julia approached Angus.
“Sir Angus, thank you for indulging my selfishness!”
“No need for thanks. We titans owe you a debt of gratitude, Princess. We are always willing to lend a hand. We’ve rarely interacted with other races due to our lack of proficiency in communication. We are deeply thankful to the emperor and you for accepting us as part of the Empire.”
“You’re exaggerating,” the young Julia was embarrassed at the praise for one of her accomplishments. “Yet I haven’t been assigned any duties since becoming a general. This is my chance to prove myself. I will be counting on you, please lend me your assistance.”
“Of course, Princess. I have long wanted to repay your kindness.”
A single titan could match a thousand humans, and Angus was exceptional even among them, hence his appointment as an Ishtaroth Knight.
His strength alone could lay waste to the kingdom, provided that the Demon King and House Deskustos—said to be kin to the Demon King—weren’t part of the equation.
Though the head of the House Marshall, whose might said to rival that of the Ishtaroth Knights, might prove him a formidable challenge as well.
“Well, I’m considering entering the royal capital through House AcGee.”
“Considering your youth, there’s also the option of attending Alecidus Royal Academy.”
“Alecidus Royal Academy?”
“Haven’t you heard? The princesses of the Dynasty will be studying abroad in the Kingdom this year. Perhaps you can also enroll there disguised as an ordinary exchange student from the Empire under the pretext of fostering good relations?”
“I see. It’s certainly preferable to enter the Kingdom openly rather than covertly. Let’s explore this option. The Empire’s unification of the continent perhaps hinges on this.”
Following Angus’ suggestion, Julia underwent the formal procedures to transfer as a foreign exchange student from the Empire to the Kingdom and successfully infiltrated the kingdom.
“So this is Alecidus Royal Academy.”
Upon arriving at the royal capital, Julia headed straight to Alecidus Royal Academy.
The wide, tree-lined road leading from the gate exuded a tranquil atmosphere unlike that of the Empire.
Julia found the calmness rather dull.
However, her boredom was soon interrupted by an unusual sight.
“What… what is that? Someone floating in the sky?”
A man reclined on a large floating cushion, surrounded by a group of beautiful women chatting happily as they walked.
Julia couldn’t help but be taken aback by this bizarre scene.
“It’s similar to His Majesty the Emperor’s harem…”
His Majesty the Emperor’s harem comprised over a hundred wives from various backgrounds, including princesses from conquered nations and other races. While on a smaller scale, the scene before Julia bore a resemblance to the Emperor’s harem in her eyes.
“Oh? Haven’t seen you before. Are you a new student? I’m Hayase, a member of newspaper club, but for today, I’m helping at the reception desk.”
The sudden address caught Julia off guard.
She had been so distracted that she hadn’t noticed the other person approaching.
“I-I’m an exchange student.”
“Ah, that reminds me, I heard there are around ten exchange students arriving today. You’ll be joining the third year, I assume, miss? Need a guide?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“That so? Feel free to call on me if you need anything. I hope you enjoy your time at Alecidus Royal Academy.”
“Ah, d-do you know them?”
“Ah, that’s Lord Luc and his lovers.”
“Lord Luc?”
“Yes, he’s the top student among the third years. Luc Hugaro Deskustos is his full name. Oh, since you’re an exchange student, let me warn you: he hails from a ducal house, so you’d best be careful around him.”
Julia thanked the student who provided the information, “Thank you. You’re very kind.”
“No problem, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.”
She almost dropped her guard against the friendly student, but she quickly reminded herself of her mission pulled herself together.
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Well then, see you around.”
“Again, thank you.”
Even after the kind student departed, Julia continued to observe Luc Hugaro Deskustos and his group for a while longer.
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Zky Translates 
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