Ch.15The Enlistment Notice Arrived

I returned to the private room with Nigel.

The interior was spotless, likely tidied up by the castle’s maids.

My belongings were neatly arranged on the table beside the bed.

Though it wasn’t much—just an unstrung bow with a quiver, a pouch of accessories, and a box of Mana Herb that Lord Landenburg had given me.

Haschal’s longsword, which I had leaned against the headboard, remained untouched in its original position with only a light coating of dust.

Well, touching someone else’s sword without the owner’s permission would be extremely disrespectful.

From the maids’ perspective, they probably wouldn’t dare touch it.

On the opposite rack, my armor was meticulously arranged.

The shoulder cape, scale breastplate, gauntlets, skirt, and greaves beneath.

The scales of the armor had been cleaned of dirt and rust, restoring the metal’s characteristic deep luster.

The fur on the cape and skirt had also been thoroughly cleaned, with the soft, settled fur now gleaming with a healthy shine.

The musty smell of sweat and blood that had permeated the armor was completely gone.

How did they get rid of that smell?

That had been the most bothersome part about wearing this armor.

I had regretted not wearing my armor when fighting Nigel, but seeing how clean it was now, I’m glad I left it here.

The leather clothes I wore then were torn to shreds like my body and had to be thrown away.

So while I was in the infirmary, I wore only the white cloth clothes provided there. I’m still wearing them now.

Since Haschal’s body was so accustomed to thick leather clothing, these flimsy clothes felt quite uncomfortable and foreign.

Conveniently, a new set of clothes was placed on a small shelf next to the rack.

Well-tanned leather pants and a short top covering from the collarbone to below the chest.

Plus a pair of sturdy leather boots with metal plates at the toes.

They were similar in design to the clothes I used to wear, but clearly of much higher quality.

Come to think of it, Lord Landenburg had promised to prepare similar clothes after seeing mine reduced to rags.

It feels strange how he takes such good care of me. I wonder what he’s thinking.

Maybe I should ask him when I get the chance.

—-

I threw off the patient gown I’d worn for four days and changed into the pants and top the lord had prepared.

The familiar sensation of leather wrapping around my legs gave me a sense of security that I was finally properly dressed.

Yes, this is real clothing. Not some flimsy fabric that would tear along with my skin if I just fell to the ground.

Since wearing armor still felt burdensome, I left the other pieces including the gauntlets where they were.

Nigel, who had been organizing miscellaneous luggage in one corner of the room, put down what he was doing after briefly checking that I had finished changing.

“Aren’t you going to wear your armor?”

“My legs are still aching a bit. I plan to carry it on horseback for now.”

I don’t want to overdo it and delay my recovery.

“Horseback? Surely you weren’t planning to ride a horse all the way to the capital?”

Nigel asked with a puzzled expression.

“What else would I ride if not a horse? Don’t tell me I have to walk?”

It’s not like this world has teleportation gates or anything, so horses are the only option, right?

“We’ll be taking a carriage, of course. It wouldn’t be good to show yourself openly.”

“Ah, right. In imperial territory, if a Ka’har were to wander around openly, everyone we meet would either run away screaming or draw their swords and attack.”

Certainly, if I traveled on horseback all the way from Landenburg to the imperial capital, it would cause all sorts of trouble.

My thinking was shortsighted.

“It’s more serious than that.”

Nigel shook his head with a grim expression.

“If a non-human is discovered within imperial territory, an extermination order is immediately issued. Since Ka’har are also considered non-human, all nearby knights and soldiers would target you, Lord Haschal.”

“Non-human? Ka’har are people too, just with different skin color.”

“Not by imperial standards.”

Nigel began a detailed explanation of the empire’s position.

The empire strictly categorizes non-human intelligent beings into two types:

Similar-humans who have peace treaties with the empire and don’t harm humans, and non-humans who reject imperial order and attack humanity.

Therefore, the empire was generous to similar-humans but cruel to non-humans.

Eliminating every last non-human from this world was the wish of all humanity.

Countless non-human species were exterminated by imperial knights’ swords.

Orcs, giants, mermaids, minotaurs, ogres, trolls, and more.

Eventually, the non-humans scattered and fled beyond the empire.

A prime example was the Werebeasts beyond the Sky Mountains in the northern snowfields.

These half-human, half-beast warriors established a nation in the perpetually harsh cold and still persistently attack the empire by crossing the Sky Mountains.

Therefore, any Werebeast encountered in imperial territory was one of three things:

A slave of an imperial citizen, a corpse hanging from a pole, or a terrorist who had secretly infiltrated.

Non-humans who failed to escape hid in forests, caves, and dungeons.

The empire dispatched knights to slaughter them whenever they were discovered.

A nation born solely to protect humanity—that was the Empire of Karl Las.

According to Nigel, Ka’har were also classified as non-humans by imperial standards.

They were hostile to the empire and repeatedly attacked, killed, and plundered westerners.

It’s actually quite ridiculous when you think about it.

“Similar” humans like elves and dwarves are fundamentally different species from humans, while Ka’har are just humans with different skin color, yet they’re treated as non-humans.

Apparently, the imperial people of Landenburg who actually face Ka’har do acknowledge that Ka’har are human.

The reason for this acknowledgment was also absurd.

After frequently encountering and killing each other, they came to understand that unlike other species, there was no difference except for the darker skin color.

So my wandering around imperial territory would be extremely dangerous.

If the emperor accepts Orhan’s peace letter, Ka’har might at least be incorporated as a similar-human species, but it would take time for that news to spread throughout the empire.

As if right on cue, Nigel began lecturing me on imperial common sense.

With nothing better to do, I sat on the bed and spent time listening to her lecture.

Non-humans, huh? In the game, they were just monsters you’d hunt after accepting extermination quests, but I didn’t know there was this kind of backstory.

—-

About two hours later, a maid came to the private room and summoned us to Lord Landenburg’s office.

It seems the imperial reply has finally arrived.

Surely they wouldn’t reject my admission at this point?

—-

“It’s been rejected.”

Lord Landenburg delivered the shocking news.

I stood there dumbfounded before hastily asking:

“Why? We were the ones who humbled ourselves first. They should accept, that’s how it’s always been. Are they really determined to fight the Ka’har to the end?”

Does the empire hate and distrust Ka’har that much?

This completely ruins the plan.

My thoughts became tangled like a ball of yarn.

I can’t go back to Ordos like this.

Should I continue living in tension among those human killers, always worried about being suspected, continuing to kill and plunder innocent people like them?

I refuse.

Besides, if I return, I’ll either meet the original story’s ending or be killed by my brothers who clearly want to get rid of me.

“More than 40% of the nobles in the capital opposed it. They said they couldn’t possibly trust that the Ka’har truly want peace.”

“They’re saying this now? Did you properly explain the full situation?”

We already explained that the peace offer was just a pretext and I was actually seeking asylum.

I even said I would publicly testify later that the peace offer was false.

Why would they throw away the card of having a direct Aishan-Gioro bloodline member in their hands?

I couldn’t understand it at all.

Unable to contain my frustration, I took out a Mana Herb, lit it, and inhaled deeply.

The wound on my leg hurt slightly, but my mind seemed to clear a bit.

“…I only shared that part with the emperor and a few high nobles. If it became public knowledge, rumors that Ka’har would soon invade would spread throughout the capital, causing more chaos in the empire.”

Lord Landenburg, seemingly quite frustrated himself, took out a Mana Herb and rolled it between his fingers.

“If those high nobles had agreed, it would have been settled. But even they were split in their opinions.”

“So you’re saying your side mishandled things. That’s different from what was promised.”

Hearing my sarcasm, Lord Landenburg lit his Mana Herb and took a deep draw.

The deep wrinkles between his brows cast dark shadows.

“It’s not my responsibility. It’s your fault, your fault…”

Why me?

“Your infamy is too great. Far beyond my expectations. Just how many people did you kill on the Dane side?”

I didn’t kill them. Those were all the original Haschal’s deeds.

…No, I killed many too.

The things I had done out of necessity after being possessed flashed through my mind.

But I really had no choice.

If I hadn’t killed those people, I would have died. At the hands of my subordinates.

“They said that Aishan-Gioro Haschal would never choose asylum. Especially the high nobles connected to the southern empire. They spoke with absolute certainty, as if stating that night follows day. Even priests seeking their gods would find it hard to show such faith.”

“So, you’re telling me to just go back?”

My voice naturally became harsh. After coming all this way, they want me to go back?

That’s absolutely impossible.

Absolutely.

“Ah, that’s not it.”

What?

Lord Landenburg, suddenly changing his tone, handed me a sheet of paper.

It was covered with dense imperial text.

“This is the negotiation proposal they’ve offered. Read it.”

I took the proposal and tried to read it.

Or rather, I tried to.

“…I can’t read this.”

I’ve only been learning the imperial language for two days.

I could make out some sentences, but there were too many unfamiliar words.

“Ah. I apologize. Come to think of it, you haven’t had enough time to properly learn the imperial language. I forgot with all that’s been happening. Give it here. I’ll explain it to you.”

Lord Landenburg took back the proposal.

This is inconvenient. I need to master the imperial language as soon as possible.

“Excluding the flowery rhetoric… here, I’ll just tell you the main points.”

Lord Landenburg summarized the key contents of the proposal.

Under the following conditions, Aishan-Gioro Haschal’s asylum and admission to Remnant Academy will be permitted:

First.

Do not cause unnecessary conflict with imperial citizens or other species.

“…This is obvious, so I’ll skip it. Just avoid causing bloodshed.”

Second.

Agree to be arrested and punished according to imperial law if you cause trouble.

“…This is also natural for a special admission student.”

Third.

If Ka’har attacks, agree to immediately respond to mobilization orders and join the imperial army.

“…Since you came under the pretext of peace negotiations, this is naturally your responsibility.”

Fourth.

After graduating from Remnant Academy, you must serve in the imperial army for five years on the northern front.

“…If you wish, I can change this part to the eastern front.”

Fifth.

Agree that all damages caused by Aishan-Gioro Haschal will be the responsibility of her guardian, Ludwig Wilhelm von Landenburg, Margrave of the Border.

“Let’s skip this one.”

Sixth.

If you show any intention of returning east after asylum, you may be immediately arrested and detained as a spy.

“You understand this is natural, right? You’d be caught before even crossing the Wall of Berengaria, so don’t even try.”

Despite his serious tone, except for the fourth condition, these were all things I was prepared to accept from the beginning.

Even the fourth condition would be acceptable if changed to the eastern front—I’d just have to spend about 5 years here.

I stamped my seal without hesitation.

“Isn’t this less restrictive than expected? You made it sound like the empire would never approve, but these conditions are fairly reasonable.”

For accepting a dangerous, untrustworthy person into the imperial capital, these conditions seem rather generous.

I had prepared myself for much worse—wearing restraints at all times, living with surveillance personnel, that sort of thing.

But the actual proposal only required following basic rules without much interference.

Essentially, if I properly served my 5 years in the military, they would gladly recognize me as an imperial citizen.

I worried for nothing.

I was seriously considering having to live in hiding, avoiding imperial eyes like the Werebeasts.

Why did he build up such tension and scare me like this?

When he handed me the proposal with that rigid face, I honestly thought it might be one of those body surrender agreements I’d only heard about.

“If that’s all, why did you use such a serious tone to set the mood? You could have just shown me this proposal from the beginning.”

“I wanted to see you looking perplexed.”

“…What?”

Lord Landenburg exhaled a thick cloud of Mana Herb smoke and grinned.

“Your current feelings are exactly what I felt when I heard that you and Nigel had been carried to the infirmary. Do you understand now?”

I was so dumbfounded that I stammered before clenching my fist in rising anger.

“Are you playing games with me?”

“Hmm? What’s with that hand? Are you already trying to cause trouble in the empire by attacking your guardian? It would be problematic if you’re already breaking the agreement.”

The lord tapped the proposal he had placed on the table and slightly raised his head.

His eyebrows curved in apparent amusement, making me want to push him away.

My trembling fist had nowhere to go.

Right. He has helped me a lot.

Thanks to him, I can seek asylum in the empire like this. I can tolerate this kind of joke once.

“I didn’t say it purely as a joke. I also wanted you to clearly understand how strongly the imperial nobles harbor caution and antipathy toward you. So, please be careful about your conduct.”

Lord Landenburg advised in a serious tone.

Since he wasn’t wrong, I had to accept it.

“…I’ll try. So, I just need to follow these conditions, right?”

“There are other miscellaneous clauses like consent to surveillance… but those are issues I can handle at my discretion, so you don’t need to worry about them.”

The lord rolled up the proposal, put it in a drawer, and extended his right hand.

“Then, welcome to the empire.”

I gladly took his hand.