The Imperial Capital—heart of a thousand-year-old empire, center of its politics, economy, and culture—had always been the most prosperous city since the founding of the nation.
It was also where Haruki had spent the most time since his rebirth. For nearly a thousand years, he'd trained in the high tower at the center of the royal palace. Yet, for all that time, he had barely explored the capital. In fact, the only time he had properly toured the city was with Nina, just before he set off on his journey across the empire.
Now, more than six years had passed since that day. And in those six years, the capital had changed drastically.
On the surface, it still looked as vibrant and bustling as ever. But a closer look revealed a different story—gone were the genuine smiles once seen on the faces of the common folk. Many now appeared gaunt and weary, rushing through the streets with anxious expressions, likely struggling to provide for their families.
In stark contrast, the nobles strolled past in lavish garments, either atop fine steeds or within luxurious carriages. Their faces carried the unmistakable air of arrogance, casting disdainful glances at passersby as though looking at worthless trash.
As Haruki walked with the girls down the busy streets, their stunning group attracted stares from nearly everyone. A handsome man surrounded by beautiful women was hard to miss. But despite the attention, the commoners instinctively kept their distance. Judging by their attire, Haruki's group was clearly noble—and to the commoners, nobles were unpredictable, lawless, and dangerous. It wasn't uncommon to hear of them beating or even killing people over the slightest offense—and walking away without consequence.
The scene made it painfully clear just how dark the capital had become: the rot of the aristocracy and the suffering of ordinary people.
But Haruki had no intention of intervening. The empire had existed for too long and was thoroughly corrupt. What it needed wasn't patchwork reform—it needed a complete overhaul, a rebirth from within.
...
"Brother, what do you think of this dress?"
Haruki was currently accompanying the girls on a shopping trip. His hands were already full with bags of clothes, accessories, and, of course, a pile of snacks Kurome had insisted on buying. His Storage Ring was also packed with even more items.
He had spent the entire day following the girls through every street and alley in the capital. For the most part, he'd been reduced to the role of a walking bag rack, carrying everything they bought.
"It looks great! You're all naturally beautiful—everything suits you. Go ahead and buy it."
Haruki replied quickly. If he didn't, who knew how long they'd keep trying things on?
After another half an hour, the girls finally wrapped up their shopping. Haruki was now burdened with over a dozen bags.
As the shopkeeper sent them off with a smile, Haruki quietly let out a heavy sigh of relief. It was already getting late, and their trip was finally drawing to a close. He was just about to find a quiet spot to stash the bags in his Storage Ring before heading home...
But trouble always had a way of showing up.
Just as they stepped out of the store, a sleazy voice called out.
"Well now, what's with all the beauties here?"
The speaker was a young noble dressed in flashy clothes. His appearance wasn't bad, but his unsteady stride gave him away—clearly a man who indulged far too often. He swaggered over with a few hangers-on in tow, his face dripping with arrogance as he made his way toward Haruki's group.
"Well now, isn't this Lord Feld? What brings a man of your status to a humble little shop like ours?"
The noble in front of them was none other than Feld—a well-known playboy in the Imperial Capital, infamous for snatching women off the streets without consequence.
His father was the head of the Imperial Capital's Security Department, commanding all forces in the city except for the Imperial Guard stationed at the palace. As one of the few officials with real influence, he held considerable power.
Despite that, Feld's father belonged to the rare "Conscience Faction," a group pushing for reforms and advocating the curbing of the Prime Minister's power. Unsurprisingly, this made him a thorn in the Prime Minister's side. And with the Prime Minister firmly in control, it was only a matter of time before the reformist was crushed.
But even with such a principled father, Feld himself was a complete disgrace. He never saw the storm brewing around him. Instead, he spent his days partying with sycophants, chasing women, and committing blatant acts of abuse.
Being the Minister's only son, he had been spoiled rotten since birth, which shaped his arrogant, lawless personality. His mother—sister to the previous emperor and aunt to the current young emperor—had a notoriously fiery temper. Even the Security Minister had to yield to her whims. Whenever Feld caused trouble, she would fiercely defend him like a mother bear protecting her cub. Not even her husband dared to discipline him. As a result, every time Feld made a mess, the Security Minister had to clean it up.
Luckily for him, he at least had the sense to only pick on commoners or low-ranking nobles. The Minister always managed to use his position to hush things up.
And since he stood on the opposite side of the political aisle from the Prime Minister, he knew nothing about Haruki. In fact, the Prime Minister would be thrilled to see him provoke Haruki. So now, Feld had unknowingly walked straight into disaster—but he was completely unaware.
The shopkeeper, who was a decent man, immediately recognized the danger. Feld's reputation was well known throughout the capital, and every girl around Haruki was stunning—far beyond what Feld had ever been close to. Given that only those aligned with the Prime Minister knew who Haruki truly was, and Haruki held no official post, the average citizen and even many officials knew little about him.
Seeing Feld approach Haruki's group of girls, the shopkeeper quickly stepped forward to greet him, while subtly signaling to Haruki to take the girls and leave as soon as possible.
"Out of my way."
Feld shoved the shopkeeper aside and swaggered over with his lackeys, surrounding Haruki's group.
"Ladies, allow me to introduce myself. The name's Feld, only son of the Security Minister. How about we get to know each other? I'm way better than that pretty boy standing next to you."
Completely ignoring the now stone-faced Haruki, Feld struck what he thought was a cool pose and spoke to the girls with a smirk, tossing in a jab at Haruki for good measure.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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