Civil Servant in Romance Fantasy

It was an ordinary day. As usual, I monitored His Highness Rutis’s schedule, checked our country’s forces, and had regular conversations with Yuben and the Holy Kingdom. This had been my daily routine since His Highness entered the academy, so it was nothing special.

The only difference was that I was on edge about the practical exam questions. Even that wasn’t too stressful, given last year’s experience. Also, His Highness Rutis smiled with satisfaction after an excellent duel with a student named Charles Olreed.

Flawless protection and His Highness’s satisfaction. It was the kind of day I wished every day could be like.

“…”

It certainly was… until the sky split.

Until the blue sky tore apart with an unsettling amplification of mana and a sound like space itself was ripping.

What on earth?

I was dumbfounded. I’m not sure if ‘dumbfounded’ was the right word to describe that emotion, but I couldn’t think of a more accurate expression. If anything, a more elaborate description might dilute its impact.

The grotesque scar in the sky felt almost like an insult to the heavens. It was not beautiful by any means, yet I couldn’t tear my gaze away. No, for a swordsman, that scar was more like divine guidance than a mere idol.

There was no guarantee it was made by a sword. If I were to explain it to someone, they’d click their tongue and call it nonsense. However, I could feel it instinctively. This was an achievement made by a sword.

I just stared blankly. For several minutes until the sky healed itself, neither I nor the other knights nearby could speak.

“…Sir Villar.”

“Yes.”

A knight spoke, his voice trembling from the lingering shock. Before he could even finish his thought, I nodded.

“Report this to the homeland.”

This was not something we could handle alone. Even if we were scolded for talking nonsense, we must report this to our nation.

That night, the training ground near our lodgings was full of knights.

“Perosa.”

“Ah, Father.”

Perosa was among those knights. I was so pleased to think that Perosa felt competitive spirit rather than despair upon seeing that scar. As a father, I couldn’t hide my pride in thinking she would become great in the future.

But soon, news that would overshadow that pride arrived.

“The Executive Manager?”

— Yes. The imperial family officially announced it. Though it wasn’t the Emperor himself, it was the Crown Prince’s statement, so it’s certain.

It was the royal Knight Commander back home who delivered the news. I had sensed something was amiss from the dazed look on his face, but I hadn’t expected the Empire to officially recognize the incident as the work of a human.

Even more surprising was that it was attributed to the Inspector who had been stationed at the academy for a year.

— …Because of this, it seems Robens Academy will follow in Ernesto Academy’s footsteps.**

**

I couldn’t help but sigh at those words. It was unwelcome news for a knight of Armein. Robens Academy was Armein’s pride, but now it was being forced to acknowledge the Empire’s superiority.

— And the civil servants are in an uproar too since it’s been confirmed that the records of the Great Northern War were true.

I was puzzled at first, but I soon realized what he meant. Among the records Armein obtained by breaching the Empire’s weakened counterintelligence network right after the war ended was the phrase, ‘Kagan’s strike tore the heavens and made the earth cry out.’

Still, most would dismiss such things as exaggerated accounts rather than taking them literally. For the civil servants, this must feel like a bolt from the blue.

— Moreover, the sudden display of force by the Empire has alarmed the military.

My expression hardened at these words. It was true that showcasing military power at this time wasn’t normal behavior.

If it were a warning to the three countries’ forces stationed at the academy, it should have been done last year. Provoking the three countries at this point, when smooth relations had been established, would be disadvantageous for the Empire too.

— Opinions are all over the place. Some say they’re just using the Prosecutors’ Office’s Executive Manager from an Imperial County family to raise imperial authority. Others think it’s a move to completely suppress the Kingdom of Zereno and dominate sea power. Still, others claim it’s preparation for eastern expansion toward Leon, pressure on our country, or even the conquest of the north. The theories are endless.

The Commander let out a hollow laugh as if it were absurd, but his expression remained grim. Each possibility couldn’t be ignored.

A sudden display of force, happening in the sky above the academy when continental attention was already focused there due to the enrollment of figures from the three countries, including His Highness Rutis, and the mass enrollment of mages captivated by the Mage Duchess.

Was it a mere coincidence, or was it a calculated statement?

— Robens Academy’s visit to the Imperial Academy isn’t just for learning. Keep that in mind.

“…I’ll remember that.”

The meaning was clear. Armein would temporarily bow its head to avoid the Empire’s blade, and as someone stationed at the academy, I was to assess the Empire’s true intentions. It was too heavy a duty for a mere knight, but at least it wasn’t the worst-case scenario.

At least it’s not Armein.

From what I had seen, the Executive Manager wasn’t the type to remain calm in front of a representative from a country he was about to invade. He would either clearly draw a line or openly provoke them. At least, that was how the Executive Manager I’d seen had been.

If that personality is thoroughly an act—

It would mean they’d been preparing for an invasion even before His Highness Rutis enrolled.

…What a terrifying possibility.

***

Once I fully committed to the ‘all-in on Tannian’ strategy, I began my persuasion campaign in earnest.

Tannian’s recovery holy spells could quickly reattach severed limbs, but enhancement spells were his specialty, so wouldn’t it be possible to cut the sky without getting hurt in the first place? Or, how could I refuse the Crown Prince’s personal request to guide the future generations? I ran my mouth with all sorts of justifications.

“…Alright. Then I’ll let it slide just this once.”

“Thank you for understanding, Mar.”

Thankfully, my impassioned arguments (or perhaps the promise of guaranteed safety) managed to convince everyone, including Marghetta. Honestly, the latter probably played a much bigger role, but the outcome was what mattered.

Anyway, thanks to the Tannian card, I avoided being a no-show in front of an audience that came all the way to watch.

“Robens Academy says they’re ready to come anytime. They’ve even said they’ll teleport over immediately if granted permission.”

“Such enthusiasm is admirable. Regardless of it being a foreign institution, their eagerness to learn is something worth following.”

Once the persuasion succeeded, everything else fell into place. For the Principal, accepting Robens Academy after Ernesto’s earlier submission was a no-brainer. After all, it would cement his legacy as one of the Imperial Academy’s greatest leaders.

“I’m overjoyed that there are frequent events injecting new life into this old man’s dull twilight years. This must be thanks to you, Executive Manager.”

“You’re too kind. It’s more due to the foundation you’ve built, Principal.”

“Hoho, that’s quite embarrassing.”

As evidence, the Principal maintained a smiling face throughout our conversation. You’d think he’d express some concern or confusion over the academy’s sky being split open, but no—he just nodded gently without any comments.

Whether this generosity was due to Robens Academy’s surrender or because he’d reached enlightenment after enduring various trials for over a year, it was fortunate either way. As the Principal said, wasn’t that a good thing if his twilight years were filled with vitality instead of complications?

It might be a twisted blessing, but I decided to think of it that way.

***

Robens Academy officially visited the Imperial Academy less than three days after the Principal’s approval. Robens Academy’s charge was spontaneous unlike Ernesto Academy, which had rushed in while aiming for the club fair, so this was natural.

“I am Narche Johaim, Vice Principal of Robens Academy. Our Principal also wished to come personally, but he couldn’t greet you due to scheduling conflicts. Please understand.”

Despite the impromptu nature of the visit, the visitors were anything but low-profile. Although the Principal didn’t come personally, the Vice Principal, who was more renowned in the swordsmanship world than the Principal, visited in person to ask for understanding about the Principal’s absence. This showed sufficient sincerity on Robens Academy’s part.

“We would be grateful if your Principal had come personally, so how could we express disappointment at not meeting him? Please don’t worry about it.”

Therefore, the Imperial Academy showed protocol befitting the Principal’s direct visit for the Vice Principal’s visit, and the Robens Academy side seemed reasonably satisfied with the reception by a higher-ranking person.

Of course, they’d only be 100% satisfied after seeing Sky Cleaver with their own eyes. After all, what use was diplomatic protocol if they left without getting what they came for?

“Excuse me, is the gentleman next to you the Prosecutors’ Office’s Executive Manager?”

After exchanging greetings with the Principal and Vice Principal, Narche Johaim also greeted me, who was standing nearby.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“It is an honor to receive such invaluable instruction from you, Executive Manager. I will treasure this day and never forget it.”

I felt slightly dizzy at the sight of Narche Johaim bowing his head respectfully.

They were suppressing their pride and humbling themselves right now, but the fallout would be unimaginable if we failed to deliver on the promise of the Sky Cleaver. Anyone would go crazy if the price of abandoning their pride was a no-show.

Thank you, Tannian… You saved the relationship between the Empire and Armein…

***

The Executive Manager immediately led the students directly to the training grounds for the demonstration.

“It’s not a task that takes long. Delaying would be disrespectful to students who’ve come such a long way. Wouldn’t it be better to see what they came for and then let them rest?”

This was welcome news for us. Having forcibly adjusted our academy’s schedule to come to the Empire, it was bound to become harder to manage the repercussions the longer we stayed. As Vice Principal, I was already swamped with work. Prolonging this would only make things worse.

So, we accepted the Executive Manager’s offer. Achieving our goal on the first day meant we could return to our homeland as quickly as possible.

…There’s quite a crowd.

Meanwhile, it seemed the rumor had already spread. By the time we reached the training grounds, Imperial Academy students and staff had already gathered to watch. Understandably, they wouldn’t want to miss such an experience.

It was just odd that His Highness Rutis was among the Imperial Academy students.

Your Highness…

It was a strange situation where Armein’s royalty was present at a place where Armein’s pride was bowing to the Imperial Academy. As I smiled wryly at this oddity, a white-haired young man put his hand on the Executive Manager’s shoulder and muttered something.

Judging by the bright white light flickering around the young man and the Executive Manager, it must be a holy spell. This young man was probably Tannian Enes, the future saint.

After exchanging a few words with the future saint, the Executive Manager nodded and stood in the center of the training ground.

“I will begin.”

At those words, silence fell over the bustling training ground. The crowd stopped moving as if they didn’t want to make even the sound of rustling clothes.

The only one with the right to move in this situation was the Executive Manager.

Hah.

I was embarrassed to admit it, but I was in awe from the moment the Executive Manager drew his sword. For a warrior, the basics were more important than anything, and you could tell how thorough one’s basics were just by looking at their stance.

In that sense, the Executive Manager’s stance was perfect. Even in simple preparatory movements, there were no flaws. The way he stepped forward, the way he extended his arm—it was impossible to look away. How much time and effort must he have devoted to reach such perfection?

Yes. To achieve the feat of cutting the sky, one must have such solid basics—

What the?

My admiration instantly turned to shock. As the Executive Manager slowly moved his sword, a violent mana circulation occurred in his heart. Then, that mana moved to the right side of his chest and exploded outward, flooding his right arm and sword as though consuming them entirely.

It was an unnatural, reckless flow of mana, an operation so deranged that even attempting it without mastery would cause the heart to burst on the spot.

Those who could sense this insane mana circulation all opened their mouths, watching the madman—

-■■■■■■■■■──!!!

The madman’s feat unfolded in the sky.

Ah.

This time, my exclamation was for an entirely different reason.

A black scar hideously marred the sky as if insulting it, spreading wider as if it would swallow the sky and become a new sky itself.

…Is it an evil god?

The Dawn Sect’s scriptures say that evil gods who opposed Enen were sealed in the northern part of the continent.

Though I had never seen those demon gods, I couldn’t help but think that they’d manifest like this if they did—tearing and desecrating the sky, just as the Executive Manager had done.

***

This is bad. Very bad. I had been betrayed by the enhancement magic I put so much stock in.

Well, at least my arm was still attached. It wasn’t dangling by a thread, nor had it torn off and rolled across the ground like last time, so that must be a win, right?

It burst from the inside.

Unfortunately, only the outside was fine. Tannian must have properly enhanced the arm’s appearance, but I could feel that the muscles, nerves, and bones under the skin were completely wrecked.

Still, wasn’t it better that it looked fine on the outside? This time, I could insist that I wasn’t injured. After all, there was nothing visibly wrong. I could just say I couldn’t lift my arm because it was aching from the sudden exertion.

I should quietly ask Tannian for treatment after everyone else had left.

Shit.

…If I’m caught, it’s over.

***

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