Blind Bureaucrat

“I died to a truck. Reincarnated into a knight’s son. Became a war hero. Lost my eyes. Now I teach the people who rule the world.” After dying in modern-day Japan, a sharp-minded man awakens as Aren Von Ashenlance, the eldest son of a noble knight family in a vast and powerful fantasy Empire. Trained in the sword, tested by war, and famed as a brilliant general, Aren earns glory—only to lose his sight in the chaos of battle. But his story doesn’t end there. Recognizing Aren’s genius, the Emperor appoints him as the Imperial Arbiter of Finance, the highest authority over the Empire’s economy. With the power to control coin, trade, and resource flow, Aren becomes a quiet executioner—able to elevate or economically destroy noble families with the stroke of a pen. Yet even that isn't enough. Summoned once more by the Emperor, Aren is made Head Instructor of the Imperial Academy, the continent’s most prestigious institution for educating nobles, commanders, and officials. From within its ivory towers, Aren now teaches instructors and students alike—instilling in them his sharp philosophy, unshakable discipline, and the brutal truths of power, strategy, and administration. Blind, feared, and revered, Aren shapes the future of the Empire not with a blade—but with policy, principle, and pen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Author’s Note Blind Bureaucrat is a story born from my love of fantasy worlds where power doesn’t always come from the sword, but from the mind. We’ve seen countless tales of overpowered warriors and magical prodigies—but what happens when a man wields influence through laws, ledgers, and lectures? This is the journey of Aren Von Ashenlance—a modern man reincarnated into a war-torn empire, who rises not just through battle, but through sheer intellect. Though blind, he sees the world more clearly than those around him, and his words carry more weight than any army. If you enjoy politics, strategy, and the subtle warfare of influence and bureaucracy, this story is for you. Thank you for joining me on this journey—and I hope you grow to love Aren’s world as much as I do. —SovereignofShadows