Chapter 8:
Lillie
BENEATH ITS SURFACE, the Algrand Empire's Capital Planet
contained a secondary society. Aboveground lived regular citizens and
those of relatively higher standing, but the underground was where anyone
who had no place aboveground ended up. Once, this had been a lawless
place, but these days it was fairly well managed. Due to the appointment
of a highly talented individual, the underground had been cleaned up to an
impressive degree.
The name of that individual was Eila Sera Berman. A longtime
friend of Liam and Kurt, she was feared far and wide in the underground.
She wore a black suit and had her messy, red-brown hair tied in a
particular way behind her head. There was still a youthfulness to her
appearance, but there was no one in her workplace who underestimated
her.
Having plunged the underground into terror, Eila had stayed on to
continue her work while Liam visited his home territory. She'd requested
the underground as the workplace where she would fulfill her service as an
official, and she had now risen to the position of section chief. This wasn't
due to any underhanded dealings by Liam; it was Eila's own achievement.
Sitting at her desk, Eila shouted, "What did you say?!"
Hearing her yell, her subordinates flinched. Eila ignored them as she
glared at the man she was talking with. Projected into the air in front of her
was a hologram of Wallace Noah Albareto.
"You're being too loud, Eila."
"How am I supposed to be quiet about this?! It would be one thing if
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you were being sent there alone, but with Liam going to this...what is it
again?"
"Planet Augur."
"Yeah, that! Don't you think it's weird he's being sent to Augur to
serve as magistrate? He's still in training, isn't he?!"
"Yep, just like I am, but the prime minister's already given his
approval."
"Why?!" Eila sank into her chair, openly annoyed. She saw no
reason to put on airs with Wallace, so she regularly acted rather
disrespectfully toward him.
"Sounds like it was Cleo who asked him to go. He wants to avoid
the war being won by Calvin alone. The prime minister thinks Liam will do
a good job, so he approved the appointment. Don't you think there's no
reason to get me involved?"
"I really couldn't care less about that."
Every so often Wallace called Eila to make these status reports. He
had been appointed to a different workplace than Liam, so he didn't get
much detailed information about him, but this time he was wrapped up
himself in what was going on with Liam. To Eila, of course, this was the
least significant part of his news. The problem was what was going on
with Liam.
Eila held her head in disappointment. "I can't believe Kurt is
coming to the Capital Planet ahead of his formal appointment, but they're
not going to meet! I wasn't hoping for a 'just missed each other' plot like
this!"
Wallace took interest in what she'd said about Kurt Sera Exner.
"He's putting off his appointment?"
"Yeah," Eila answered reluctantly. "His family's connected to the
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military, so he's going to join up and spend his time there until he becomes
head of the family. When he does that, though, he'll have even fewer
opportunities to see Liam! Aaah, I'm critically short on LiaKur energy!"
"I'm glad to see you haven't changed, Eila."
To Eila, who derived a lot of pleasure from shipping Liam and Kurt,
it was a big problem if the two of them had fewer opportunities to meet. In
an intergalactic nation, it was all too easy for people to become estranged
due to pure physical distance, no matter how close they might be.
"If they drift apart...just what am I supposed to live off of?!"
As Eila wailed this, her coworkers all averted their eyes. They
weren't ignoring her; it was a polite attempt to pretend they didn't see her
outburst.
"Well, there's still time before we leave. We should all be able to
see each other, right?"
"I'm too busy to take any time off! We're in a critical stage right
now, and we're understaffed! I have to get rid of the heretics and gather
more like-minded comrades to my side!"
Wallace looked at her coldly as she bemoaned her lack of time.
"That's all just for your hobby, though, isn't it? I know it doesn't mean
much coming from me, but don't you think you should focus on your actual
work a bit more?"
Frankly, it was none of his business, and since Wallace was so
unserious himself it hurt Eila's pride for him to talk to her like that.
Eila looked at Wallace expressionlessly. Her eyes contained no trace
of empathy for the rude man she'd been reluctant friends with for so long.
"Yes, it is for my hobby, and that's why I take it so seriously. Getting too
serious over your work is the wrong way to live life. Why don't you just
go to Augur on your own, Wallace? If you die, I can at least pretend to be
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sad... No, I'm sorry; I won't be sad at all. I probably won't be able to cry."
"Would it kill you to be nicer to me?! We've known each other since
primary school, haven't we? Have a heart! I'm going to a planet close to
the front lines, you know!"
All Wallace was looking for was a little appreciation for his efforts,
but Eila was just as cold as ever.
"Not happening," she said plainly, and Wallace's shoulders
slumped.
***
"...That's all. I'm expecting a lot from you, Count Banfield."
Having said all he had to say, Cleo cut the call. I got the feeling he
smiled before the window showing his face disappeared, but I didn't care.
I sat in my hotel suite, gazing out at the night view of the capital
from the window after Cleo had given me my orders.
"In a sealed space like this," I murmured, "the lights are beautiful
whether they're in the sky or on the ground."
In the unique environment of the Capital Planet, the light of the stars
was clearly visible since they were only a projection on the ceiling of the
sky. It was a sight you wouldn't see on other planets. The Capital Planet
was bright at all times of day with lights on the ground and blazing from
skyscrapers that stretched all the way to the ceiling.
That was probably bad for the eyes. I closed the shades to block the
dazzling light. As I turned around, I saw Rosetta had come in and listened
to my conversation with Cleo. She hung her head, clutching at her skirt
worriedly, her other hand pressed against her ample chest. When she
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raised her head, her eyes were wet.
"It just doesn't make any sense to send you to Augur to serve as
magistrate. You haven't even finished your training, Darling."
Apparently, Rosetta found it strange that they would send someone
who wasn't yet a proper noble to serve as magistrate, but this matter had
already been settled.
"The prime minister's approved the appointment, so it's officially
not a problem."
This planet was supposed to be close to the fighting with the
Autocracy—at least, "close" in terms of intergalactic nations, anyway. It
didn't seem to make sense to send someone still young and inexperienced
to such a place. Though I'd explained that the orders came from on high,
Rosetta still couldn't accept it.
"It's just too cruel. I can't believe the prime minister would approve
of such a thing, and what is Prince Cleo thinking?" Her tone was soft, but
her expression was twisted in anguish. Personally, just getting to see
Rosetta looking that way made this all worth it to me.
I had my own reasons for wanting to accept this job, though. I mean,
I'd get to serve as a magistrate, after all. As a noble serving as head of my
house, I ruled several planets as a count, but even with all that there was
one dream I'd yet to fulfill, and that was serving as a magistrate. Since I
already had my own territory to rule over, this was a perfect opportunity to
do so that I wasn't going to pass up.
"I don't see what the problem is," I told Rosetta. "I'm fine with
going to Planet Augur."
"Darling!" When I told her I'd accept the job, Rosetta turned to
Amagi. "Say something to him, would you, Amagi?!"
Hey, keep Amagi out of this! If she objects, I really won't be able to
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go!
But Amagi respected my decision.
"I cannot object to a decision my master has made."
Rosetta looked crestfallen to hear it. It made my heart feel all itchy
seeing how sincerely worried about me she was.
"Sure, it's close to the battlefield, but it's at the rear. They just want
me to provide them with some supplies, so it should be an easy job."
I checked the documents Cleo had sent over and saw that, on Augur,
I was also supposed to apprehend a baron who'd caused some kind of
problem. Seriously, what an idiot. Because of his screw-up, it was harder
than it should have been for the Empire to take control of the planet. This
would be an annoying job, but I was so excited about getting to be a
magistrate that I couldn't wait to do it.
"Amagi, get a fleet together back at home. The scale should be
whatever we can spare. Claus will serve as commander."
Amagi bowed her head diligently. "Very well."
Rosetta looked both anxious and confused to see me getting
prepared so excitedly. "You're even bringing Sir Claus with you? You
really mean to do this, don't you, Darling?"
She'd understood how serious I was when I mentioned I'd be
bringing House Banfield's head knight with me.
"Of course I do."
I mean, I'll be a magistrate! A magistrate! And the only magistrate I
know is the evil magistrate! I pride myself on being an evil lord, of course,
but to be honest, it's always been a regret of mine that I was never able to
be an evil magistrate. Now I can fulfill that goal with this assignment!
I would go to Planet Augur and enjoy myself as an evil magistrate
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just enough to keep the Empire off my back. I couldn't ask for a better
opportunity; fate really was on my side. The Guide must have granted my
wish! No... That was probably overthinking it. Still, my second life was
one of complete bliss, thanks to that guy. I should make sure to send my
heartfelt thanks to him again today.
Rosetta clasped her hands in front of her chest as if she were
praying, giving up on persuading me. She stared at me and said, "I
understand, Darling. I won't say anything more, but you must promise me
to come back."
"Yeah," I said half-heartedly, averting my gaze from her passionate
eyes. Why did she always have to betray my expectations of her? How the
hell was I supposed to react when she acted this way?
When the two of us fell silent, Amagi asked me, "Incidentally,
Master, will you be bringing those two with you on this assignment?"
I could guess who she was talking about from the look in her eyes. It
was Tia and Marie.
I thought about this, then answered, "I think I'll leave them at home.
For now, I want them to reflect more on their actions."
"Very well."
***
In another room of the hotel where Liam resided was Ciel. She was
working there as a maid and had been allotted a decent-sized room of her
own. She lay on her bed in her underwear, conversing with someone on a
monitor.
On the monitor was Kurt, who had yet to accept his post in the
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Imperial Army. He'd graduated from the military academy and completed
his government service, before he was slated to return home for a time so
as to introduce his fiancée, Princess Cecilia, to his domain.
Ciel lay on her stomach, kicking her legs in the air behind her. Her
limbs moved on their own with excitement that she had this chance to talk
with her beloved brother.
"How's the Capital Planet, Brother? You haven't been here in a
while, have you?"
"I'm super busy getting everything ready before my military service.
I wanted to see Liam and everyone else while I'm here, but I'm not sure
I'll be able to make time."
He laughed somewhat forlornly. Ciel saw a touch of loneliness in
his eyes. It was only a little bit—just enough for his sister to be able to
pick up on it.
"Yeah," she replied, "Liam will be leaving for Augur soon to serve
as magistrate there. We're all busy getting ready here too."
House Banfield was in such a rush of activity that even Ciel was
feeling it.
Kurt's face on the screen looked confused. "This is just so
unbelievable. It is like Liam, though."
"Sir Claus was only just appointed head knight, but he'll be going
with him."
"Right. He beat Lady Christiana out for that role. I'd like to meet
him one day, but I don't think that's happening anytime soon."
Ciel's heart hurt to see her brother looking so forlorn.
I didn't want to tell him this, but...
She didn't want Kurt to see Liam—but it wasn't just Liam. She felt
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the same way about Eila, who looked at Kurt with indecent eyes, and the
unreliable Wallace as well. They may have all been irreplaceable friends to
Kurt, but to Ciel they were people that he was better off cutting ties with.
Still, when she saw him looking so sad, she couldn't help telling him.
"The count's going in for his last day of work tomorrow, but I heard
he'll be done by noon and then he's returning to the hotel. He should have
time in the afternoon."
Kurt smiled bashfully. "Thanks, Ciel. I think I'll be able to make
some time tomorrow afternoon too."
Seeing her brother look so happy, Ciel thought to herself, It's for the
best. I didn't want him seeing Liam, but as long as they're only meeting as
friends, it's fine. If he's meeting him as a man, it's fine...
***
While I was making my preparations to head off to Augur, I went in
for my last day of work to hand off my tasks to the people who would be
taking over for me.
As I processed the fact that I'd be saying goodbye to this workplace,
Randy, who had naturally learned of my appointment as magistrate, came
over. He was smirking, as were the lackeys he had in tow.
"I hear you're transferring to Planet Augur," he said, bringing his
face close to mine. "Congratulations, Liam. Just sit tight, cowering in fear
of the Autocracy, and wait for your mission to come to an end."
I was to spend three years on Augur, and in that time my noble
training would be completed. During that period, I was to get Augur into a
state where the Empire could take charge of it and establish a military base
there to support the war efforts.
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To Randy, it must have seemed like a demotion, but to me leaving
this place and its meaningless busywork—and getting to play evil
magistrate—was a reward.
"Are you actually the one scared of the Autocracy? What are you, a
coward?" I needled him.
"...Even the elites of the Imperial Army have trouble against the
Autocracy. Don't think you'd escape a fight with them unscathed, however
strong you might be." Randy walked away immediately, a frown on his
face.
"Guy's got no tolerance for provocation," I said. "He's going to live
a tough life."
I grinned, expressing my mock concern for Randy's future, and
looked to the seat beside mine. Marion had skipped work again today.
***
After successfully handing over my work, I left for home just before
noon. I climbed into the car that waited for me and looked out the window.
"Won't be seeing this view for a while."
I gazed out at the scenery for a while before commanding the driver,
"Stop."
The driver pulled over and opened the door for me. As I got out, I
told him to go back without me, and then I approached the individual I'd
spotted from the window. All the people in suits were turning to look at
the woman who stood out from the crowd.
She must have heard my footsteps as I drew closer, because the
woman turned around and gave me a shy smile.
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"Long time no see, Lillie," I said.
"Yeah..." the woman said bashfully, averting her gaze from me.
I was pleased to see she hadn't changed at all from when we'd first
met. I'd been worried that I might reunite with her to find her stained by
the big city's sophistication.
"What are you doing in a place like this?" I asked.
It was all office workers in suits around here. Everyone was either a
bureaucrat or someone who worked in support of those bureaucrats. Lillie
stood out among them just walking around in a white dress. This didn't
bother me, of course.
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Lillie scratched her cheek, looking awkward. "Nothing really."
It wasn't an answer, but I was just happy to reunite with her.
"Things were a little hectic the last time I saw you. If you've got
time, do you want to get something to eat?"
"You don't mind?"
"I'd be thrilled to spend time with you."
I smiled instinctively, and Lillie seemed happy as well. I'd picked
Lillie up when we'd first met, and her innocent reactions never failed to
comfort me. All the other women around me were constantly betraying my
expectations, so spending time with Lillie was a balm on my heart.
We'd begun walking together when someone I knew called my
name.
"Huh? That you, Liam?"
"Huh?" I turned around and saw Marion in a suit with the jacket
unbuttoned. He was waving at me in an awfully familiar way. Did he think
we were equals or something?
"Treat your betters with a little respect, will you?" I said nastily.
Marion just smiled fearlessly and looked from me to Lillie. "You're
cute. I think you and I could have a lot more fun than you would with
him."
Now I was getting pissed. Marion reached out for Lillie's arm, and
just when I was thinking it was awfully gutsy of him to be doing this right
in front of me, there was a whap! and Lillie slapped his hand away.
For a moment Marion looked surprised, before swiftly cracking a
joke. "Turned down, eh? She must really love you, Lord Liam."
He turned to leave, but I stopped him. "Now you show respect?"
Marion turned back around, looking awfully smug. "I was just
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teasing. Don't be mad, Lord Liam."
As Marion left, I turned back to Lillie, surprised to witness an
expression I'd never seen on her before. She was glaring hatefully at
Marion. Stunned to learn Lillie's face could express such anger, I
simultaneously wondered just what she had against Marion. Had they met
before? For his part, Marion had acted as if he didn't know her. I thought
maybe Lillie was aware of him, but not the other way around, though it
seemed neither was the case.
"There's something suspicious about him," she said.
I sighed. "I agree. Now, let's get something to eat."
As I responded, Lillie seemed to realize the hostile look on her face
and gasped, hiding her expression with her hands and flushing red up to
her ears.
"D-did you see that just now?"
I thought it was funny how embarrassed she got after glaring so hard
at Marion.
"I didn't expect to see a look like that on your face. You don't like
his type, do you?"
Lillie peered at me through the gaps in her fingers, concern in her
eyes. "He just gave me a really bad feeling. How do you know him?"
"We work together. He seems to think we're friends, though."
"You're coworkers?" Lillie said. Her tone sounded sulky to me, for
some reason. "He's hiding something," she warned me. "I can tell."
"Something, eh?" I was curious what Lillie had sensed about
Marion. "Well, let's just worry about lunch for now."
Just what had that all been about?
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***
That night...
"Lord Liam went out with that blue-haired girl again."
"Don't you think we should investigate her? She should join our
family if possible."
"We could get on it right away, if we only knew who in the world
she is."
When she entered the hotel's lobby, Ciel heard this conversation
taking place between some of House Banfield's vassals. The blue-haired
girl who had spent time with Liam once in the past had appeared once
more. Ciel listened dumbfounded as the vassals discussed welcoming the
mysterious girl into the family. After all, Ciel knew exactly who the girl
was, and she was also the last person who would have wanted to hear this
news.
The vassals walked off, still discussing the girl.
"But we're not supposed to investigate, right?"
"I wonder who that order came from."
"Maybe somebody decided it's best for the truth to remain
unknown."
It was ironic that the last comment, said jokingly, was probably
closest to the truth. Ciel was the only person present who understood that.
When the vassals were gone, Ciel cradled her head, tears in her
eyes. She couldn't help thinking that her own actions had steered her
brother down the wrong path.
"Why did you go to see him as a girl, Brother?!"
Fortunately, by the time Ciel exclaimed this aloud, no one remained
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nearby. It was good no one had overheard the incredible truth expressed in
her outburst. It was good, right?
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