"Hm? What's this?"
Haruki looked up from his tea and asked.
Behind him, Sayo was dressed in a long, white silk gown. She wore semi-transparent crystal stockings that clung elegantly to her legs, but no shoes. Her delicate, stocking-clad feet looked soft and irresistibly charming. At the moment, she was giving Haruki a massage—a scene that exuded luxury and indulgence.
Ever since Sayo became Haruki's woman a few days ago, her status had naturally risen to that of mistress. While she still served Haruki, she no longer had to busy herself with menial chores as before.
Standing in front of Haruki was Taeko, still in her maid uniform. As Cornelia's blood kin, Taeko was responsible for supplying her with blood and tending to her needs. But when not with Cornelia, she spent most of her time at Haruki's side, taking care of matters he didn't feel like handling himself.
Like right now—she was holding what appeared to be a lavish invitation.
The invitation was predominantly red, adorned with gold-embossed lettering, and rimmed with gemstones so ornate they looked worth a fortune. Just this single card might be enough to support an ordinary family in the Capital for decades.
Clearly, the sender was no ordinary person.
"This is an invitation from several officials of the Empire's Conscience Faction. They want to invite you to attend the maiden voyage of the Ryuusen..."
As Taeko explained, Haruki quickly grasped the situation.
Under the Prime Minister's tight grip, the Empire was spiraling into deeper chaos, plagued by both internal strife and external threats.
Foreign tribes continued their raids. The people suffered under crushing hardship. The Revolutionary Army organized uprisings across the land. Even though Esdeath had nearly eradicated them in the southwestern borderlands a few years ago, the group had managed to rebound with widespread public support.
Now, with the Empire teetering on the brink, those loyal to it were desperately seeking ways to strike back at the Prime Minister and save the nation from collapse.
This maiden voyage of the Ryuusen was one such effort.
The Ryuusen was a massive luxury cruise ship, funded entirely by Conscience Faction officials. By all accounts, it was the most extravagant vessel ever built in the Empire.
Seizing the opportunity, these officials invited numerous powerful figures—those who had yet to declare allegiance to the Prime Minister. Their goal was to persuade them to support efforts to overthrow the dictator. Haruki, as the commander of tens of thousands of security forces in the Capital and someone who had not taken a clear political stance, was naturally among their top targets.
Of course, beyond its political agenda, the cruise was also meant to display the Empire's overwhelming wealth and military might—to remind would-be rebels that even if the Prime Minister fell, the Empire itself would not be so easily brought down.
"Oh, that's what this is about? It's been a while since I've gone out. Might as well use the opportunity for a little outing. Taeko, send a reply—tell them I'll be there."
Haruki's tone was light as he gave the order.
Moreover, being well-versed in the original story, Haruki knew exactly what this event would lead to. In the original timeline, it was during this battle that Bulat and Esdeath's Three Beasts perished together—and Tatsumi obtained the Teigu "Incursio," the Demon Armor.
Just days ago, Haruki had received word that several Conscience Faction officials, including the former Prime Minister Chouri, had been assassinated. The Night Raid's mark had been left at the scene. Even though Haruki had killed Lubbock, one of their key members, the world seemed determined to stay on script. The plot continued to unfold just as it had in the original timeline. The plan to pin the assassinations on Night Raid had still gone through.
Several days flew by.
Today was the day of the Ryuusen's maiden voyage.
"Lord Haruki, ladies, what an honor! Please, allow my men to escort you aboard first. Feel free to explore the ship at your leisure. I'll join you after I've finished receiving the other officials."
Haruki had arrived beneath the Ryuusen with Chelsea, Gin, Yuki, and Sayo. Upon seeing him, the welcoming official quickly stepped forward and spoke with great enthusiasm. He immediately instructed nearby attendants to guide Haruki and the four women around the crowded boarding area and onto the vessel through a special private passage.
"Father, who is that guy? Why do we have to wait in line while he gets special treatment? You're a high-ranking official yourself—a Count of the Empire, just below a Duke or Marquis!"
A young noble, clearly new to the scene and unaware of Haruki's identity, pointed toward Haruki's back as he asked his father in irritation. Though he spoke of Haruki, his gaze was locked on the women beside him—especially Gin and Yuki. It wasn't that Chelsea and Sayo weren't beautiful, but the stark contrast in demeanor between the two similarly stunning sisters, Gin and Yuki, made them impossible to ignore. The young noble's eyes burned with greed and envy.
"You fool! Do you have a death wish? Put your hand down!"
Following his son's gaze and realizing whom he was pointing at, the nobleman's face went pale. He slapped his son hard across the face, shouting sharply.
While the son might not have recognized Haruki, his father—an old veteran of the political world—knew exactly who he was. Haruki's reputation among the Empire's officials was nearly on par with the Prime Minister's. When the Prime Minister wanted to eliminate an opponent, he had to fabricate a reason. But when Haruki executed the former Security Minister, he had acted on the spot—and neither the Emperor, the Prime Minister, nor even Great General Budo had dared to voice a complaint.
"Father, just tell me—who is he?"
The son, stunned by the sudden slap, was confused. His father had always doted on him, so the harsh reaction left him baffled. He guessed Haruki might be a direct heir to some high-ranking noble house, but he never imagined he was the current Minister of Security.
"That man is the head of the Imperial Capital's Security Department, you idiot. It's a miracle he didn't see what you just did—if he had, not even I could have saved your life. From now on, steer clear of him, and don't even think about doing anything foolish."
The father lowered his voice as he warned his son, visibly relieved that Haruki had turned away.
What he didn't realize was that Haruki had seen everything. He simply wasn't in the mood to bother with them.
This exchange wasn't unique. Many other nobles who didn't recognize Haruki found themselves being sharply warned by their more experienced elders not to provoke him or anyone close to him.
At the same time, across the crowd, a number of noblewomen were discussing Haruki too. But unlike the envious young men, they were fascinated by his striking looks and refined presence.
Their elders, instead of discouraging this, welcomed it. Some were even considering whether they should have the young women of their clans try to approach Haruki. After all, if he surrounded himself with such beautiful women, it must mean he had a fondness for them. If one of their daughters caught his eye, it could only bring prosperity to the family.
Haruki, for his part, had no intention of stopping these whispers. At this point, he took whatever he liked. If there truly was a woman among these noble daughters who caught his interest, he wouldn't hesitate to bring her into his crystal palace.
Amidst the soft hum of conversation, Haruki and the four women accompanying him followed an official up onto the Ryuusen.