NOVEL NEXT Chapter 124
“KAEDE, can you tell how many soldiers are deployed nearby?”
“Yes, currently around 500 soldiers are patrolling Seito’s Area 1, with about 150 of them stationed within a one-kilometer radius. I intercepted a directive—they appear to be assigned to guard you, Master.”
One hundred fifty… Hearing KAEDE’s calm report, I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of soldiers present.
Even though KAEDE is already assigned as my guard, it seems the Empire still has concerns. I get the feeling they mean no harm, though, so it’s hard to object.
“Sorry about this, shopkeeper.”
I was enjoying my meal when I was suddenly pulled back to reality. It’s not anyone’s fault, though. If anything, I suppose the blame lies with me for deciding to go for a walk. If I’d just stayed put at the hotel, they wouldn’t have needed to send extra personnel.
“Let’s stop by that shop selling the pottery we saw earlier, then head back to the hotel.”
“Yes, Master.”
I apologized to the shopkeeper, paid the bill, and left the restaurant.
—
“What are these, Master Allen?”
“I thought I’d try selling them in another world, so I bought a few.”
In the spacious room I had all to myself, various small pottery items I’d just bought were spread out across the table.
Ideally, I’d have bought some larger pieces, but it was hard to tell if they’d sell in Asphial, and carrying more would’ve been difficult since I’d walked here.
“They have quite an unusual color that’s rare to see in the Empire. Were they made with Zerad soil?”
“Oh? You know about pottery, Yuzu?”
“I know a bit… In officer school, we also studied fine arts, including pottery.”
Hearing “officer school” brought to mind Japan’s National Defense Academy, but the officer school Yuzu attended was an elite military academy that trained upper-class officers, often tasked with guarding noble families like the Saioji. Apparently, they also taught arts as part of the curriculum.
“In that case, I should have asked you for advice first.”
“If you’d like, I’d be happy to assist. I studied sculpture specifically, though Eri is well-versed in painting and similar arts.”
Both Yuzu and Eri seem to occupy rather unique roles within the military. Since they’re knowledgeable about the arts, I thought it might be worth consulting them next time I find something interesting.
—
“The Empire’s history?”
“Yes, I thought it might be helpful for you to know more about the Empire… if that’s alright?”
After discussing the pottery I bought with Yuzu, I was feeling a bit restless. So, we decided to move up an afternoon activity on the schedule.
Hearing “Empire’s history” made it sound like a lecture, but in reality, we were headed to a hall in the hotel equipped with a huge projector to watch a movie.
—
“The Sakura Empire was renamed from the former Japan in Galactic Year 100. They then launched the Galactic Fleet toward Galaxy Alpha-12, setting out into the vast cosmos…”
The movie about the Sakura Empire opened with narration by a dignified, middle-aged man with an impressive voice, showing numerous massive starships on an epic journey toward their destination.
The visuals had a nostalgic quality, like a 1990s cel animation, lending a certain charm to the scenes. It was likely an intentional choice to give it this old-fashioned look despite being a futuristic story.
“Master Allen, here’s your drink…”
“Thank you, Yuzu.”
Although it wasn’t the typical popcorn and soda for a movie, Yuzu handed me a drink similar to oolong tea. I refocused on the movie, which had started with a grand soundtrack.
—
“Yamato… this is our mother world.”
Back then, before the advancements of today’s technology, it took humanity roughly 300 years to journey from the Solar System to Galaxy Alpha-12. During that time, there were turbulent events, including coups and wars with other nations. Some noble houses, the predecessors to the Five Blossoms, were even abolished in the process.
Yamato, as the planet was called, had already been identified by astronomical surveys as a habitable first-class planet, suitable for human settlement without a star shield. It still serves as the Empire’s capital to this day.