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After the attack on Demia Empire Academy, Gilbert had been extremely busy.

In the game, it was simply portrayed as him being hailed as a hero for stopping the academy attack and receiving rewards from the imperial family and the academy. But reality was different.

He had to navigate the political power struggles between the imperial family and the noble faction, acting as a figurehead to bury the academy attack under propaganda. While he was a specialist in combat, he was utterly clueless about politics, leaving him tossed around like a leaf in the wind.

The nobles, seasoned in political maneuvering, were eager to exploit Gilbert. Whether from the imperial faction or the noble faction, they spared no effort to pull the newly minted hero to their side.

A young hero still an academy cadet? There was no better banner to rally behind. If they could bring him to their side, they could solidify public support and political foundations.

However, they overlooked one crucial fact: just because Gilbert was politically naive didn’t mean he lacked political backing.

In the midst of the Infractus Empire’s succession disputes, the one holding the unshakable top position became Gilbert’s political backer.

That person was none other than the First Princess, Seraphina Lector Infractus.

As soon as nobles began reaching out to Gilbert politically, Princess Seraphina made it clear that he was her priest. She didn’t elaborate—just stated the fact plainly.

But no noble missed the underlying message. In politics, a single word could change everything. Everyone knew he was Briana’s former disciple. Seraphina’s words implied that Gilbert was not to be trifled with and that she was his political guardian.

Once Princess Seraphina took on the role of Gilbert’s political guardian, the nobles who had been eager to use him quickly backed off. With her being the closest to the throne, meddling with Gilbert was akin to challenging her.

Though young among the potential successors, her political foundation was rock solid. Her natural charisma swayed civil officials, and her battlefield experience earned her the fervent support of military officers.

Challenging Seraphina head-on was nothing short of political suicide.

Ironically, despite gaining such a powerful political guardian, Gilbert found himself acting as a figurehead at her request. The attack on Demia Empire Academy had caused more uproar than expected, and to calm the restless public, her earnest request was unavoidable.

Gilbert was no fool. He knew Seraphina’s words made sense.

The academy, a symbol of the empire, had been attacked. It was natural for public sentiment to sour. Leaving it unchecked would only lead to more trouble, so he followed her instructions without complaint. It was also his way of repaying her for keeping him out of the tedious political games.

After days of being paraded around to various places, he finally returned to his original position. Though the award ceremony was still pending, at least he no longer had to travel around to stabilize public sentiment.

“You’ve worked hard. Thanks to my priest, public sentiment has stabilized significantly.”

“If things have turned out well, then it’s a relief.”

“This must be the blessing of having an outstanding priest. The birth of a handsome hero always excites people, doesn’t it?”

Seeing her playful smirk, it seemed Seraphina wanted to tease Gilbert. Lately, she had developed a hobby of playing mischievous pranks on him.

For Gilbert, it was just another sigh-inducing moment.

“By the way, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“Since I’m in a good mood, you may ask anything. Even if it’s about my body measurements, I’ll generously answer.”

“Your Highness!”

Yanik, who was guarding Seraphina, was horrified by her bombshell statement. Such vulgar words were unbecoming of an imperial princess, and Yanik’s eyes flared with anger. Normally, such behavior toward the princess would be considered a crime of disrespect, but Yanik was an exception.

“Yanik, my ears are still intact.”

“Then please watch your words so I don’t have to shout!”

“Ah, can’t even joke anymore.”

“Do you want me to inform the head maid of the imperial household about this?”

“That’s a cowardly move. Tattling is bad, Yanik.”

“Don’t you think it’s Your Highness who’s making it this way?”

Watching the banter between the two, Gilbert inwardly shook his head.

In the game, Seraphina and Yanik’s comedic exchanges were common. Whenever Seraphina joked with the protagonist Ian, Yanik would panic and try to stop her.

Usually, such scenes were events that occurred after reaching a certain level of favorability. Seeing it happen to him instead of Ian made Gilbert realize how much Seraphina favored him.

Well, she wouldn’t joke like that with just anyone.

Taking a sip of tea, he set the cup down. The tea’s aroma was particularly good today, likely due to high-quality leaves.

“Your Highness, I’ll say it again. If you continue with such behavior, I’ll report everything to the head maid of the imperial household.”

“Oh, where has my loyal servant gone? How tragic.”

“It’s no use saying that.”

“How unfortunate. Hmm… Oh, right. Priest, you wanted to ask something?”

Finally ending the banter, Seraphina turned back to Gilbert, who had been quietly sipping tea.

Gilbert straightened his posture, which had relaxed slightly while drinking.

“It’s about the invaders. I heard they claimed to be the New Resistance… Is there any other information?”

“Information, huh…”

Seraphina’s expression, which had been lighthearted moments ago, turned sharp.

The attack on Demia Empire Academy had caused a major upheaval in the Infractus Empire. It was an unprecedented event—100 colossal mechs had invaded the academy’s main grounds, which had never before allowed enemy intrusion.

The empire and the academy’s prestige had taken a hit, and their pride was deeply wounded. Even during the mid-term evaluations, a small number of mechs had infiltrated, but that was on a remote, uninhabited island with minimal academy influence. This was different—it was a direct challenge to the empire.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have much information on them. Those involved in the attack didn’t know much. It seems they planned for failure and distributed their forces accordingly.”

“They’re certainly meticulous.”

“From what we’ve gathered, their predecessors were the old Resistance. It’s likely the work of the chairman who escaped during the Resistance suppression you and I participated in.”

That guy.

Gilbert stroked his chin, lost in thought.

At the time, Gilbert had believed the Resistance’s chairman was Brecht. Given the game’s world, it was natural to assume Brecht was the leader.

However, it turned out Brecht was just a vengeful member of the Resistance, and the actual chairman was a man named Bandike—a name Gilbert had never heard before.

In a way, it was irregular, but it also served as a reminder that this was reality, not a game. After that incident, Gilbert resolved to use his game knowledge as a reference but not to rely on it blindly.

“The problem is we can’t gauge their full strength. During the old Resistance suppression, their mech numbers were only a tenth of what we saw this time. Yet this time, they attacked with ten times that force. This isn’t something a mere rebel group could muster.”

100 colossal mechs rivaled the numbers held by smaller nations’ royal families. Even in wartime, some would remain to protect the capital, making the scale of this attack absurd.

Moreover, the mechs they brought were second-generation models, superior to Demia Academy’s. For the New Resistance to deploy 100 such mechs suggested their scale was at least that of a small nation.

This was a burden even for the Infractus Empire.

“I can’t help but wonder what the Empire Intelligence Agency was doing while the New Resistance grew to such strength.”

“Even the Empire Intelligence Agency didn’t catch wind of it?”

“Exactly. As you said, even the Empire Intelligence Agency was unaware. Despite this happening within the empire itself.”

What kind of people are they?

The scale had grown beyond the game. What was once a minor faction in the first chapter of the main story had become a major antagonist.

Whether Bandike had such capabilities or if there was a powerful backer behind them rivaling the empire, Gilbert couldn’t tell. The information was too scarce.

“That’s not all, Priest. Do you remember what I said earlier?”

“You mentioned the attack was planned with failure in mind. Meaning they were willing to sacrifice that many mechs.”

“Exactly. This means the New Resistance isn’t just a potential threat—they’re an immediate danger.”

Seraphina sipped her lukewarm tea. A maid hurried to prepare a fresh cup, but Seraphina raised a hand to stop her.

“There’s one more thing we must consider. Do you know what it is?”

“Identifying potential traitors within the academy, right?”

“Spot on. You’re such a predictable priest.”

Though she spoke regretfully, Seraphina’s eyes sparkled. Having a clever priest was a joy for her.

“Exactly as you said. Though we were complacent, believing the academy impenetrable, the ease with which they breached it suggests more than just external forces. I strongly suspect there’s a traitor within.”

Seraphina was convinced of a traitor’s presence. Investigations were ongoing, but circumstantial evidence pointed in one direction.

Recalling this, her eyes burned with anger.

“I’ll catch that bastard, tear them limb from limb, and hang them on the academy gates until they beg for death. How dare they play games under my watch? This is an insult to me.”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but the sheer rage in her words sent chills down Gilbert’s spine.

It felt like stepping out into a winter night without a coat.

Gilbert felt the overwhelming pressure and inwardly clicked his tongue.

“Ah, I’ve let my emotions get the better of me.”

“Not at all. I feel the same.”

“Your younger sibling was in danger, right? You must be even angrier than I am.”

Tsk. Seraphina swallowed her anger. There would be time to vent her rage once the culprits were caught.

Come to think of it, there was a reason I called you here.

Calming herself, Seraphina remembered her original purpose for summoning Gilbert.

“I was so angry I forgot something important.”

“Something you forgot?”

“Yes. The main reason I called you here.”

What is it?

Gilbert felt uneasy seeing Seraphina’s sudden calm and smile. Though her smile seemed normal, something about it felt off.

“Gilbert Lion Heart.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

But his unease was unfounded as Seraphina shifted from her playful demeanor to that of the First Princess. The aura of a ruler enveloped Gilbert.

Gilbert didn’t resist the pressure, naturally accepting it as he rose and knelt before her, paying his respects.

Seraphina’s commanding gaze bore down on him.

“I cannot overlook your efforts. Despite being an academy cadet, you stood at the forefront to face the empire’s enemies. As a result, you protected countless academy cadets and imperial citizens, and saved Count Briana Tepeo Malchirab, a great star of the empire. This is a feat worthy of pride, and I commend your dedication and loyalty.”

“Sir Gilbert Lion Heart. I merely fulfilled my duty as the empire’s shield.”

“Nevertheless, your efforts deserve proper recognition. I grant you the honor of spending time with me.”

“Sir Gilbert Lion Heart. I humbly accept the reward bestowed by Your Highness…”

Gilbert, responding with ingrained noble etiquette, paused mid-sentence, sensing something amiss. He must have misheard the reward.

“Priest. Your expression is odd. As if you misheard.”

“Didn’t you just say…”

“Are you so overjoyed you need confirmation? I said I grant you the honor of spending time with me.”

“I’m not sure what that means.”

“Really now. I can’t tell if my priest is clever or not. Granting you time with me is as straightforward as it sounds. You’ll have the honor of spending time with me.”

Why are you giving that to me?

Gilbert felt a headache coming on as he looked at Seraphina’s mischievous smile.

 

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