“Yes, we will likely end up doing those things. However, let me add one thing: this was a plan I originally had with Weltall. A way to quickly rack up achievements. That was the core of this concept.”
 
Understanding Ares’s dissatisfaction, Zenon replied with a nonchalant attitude.
 
The moment Weltall’s name was mentioned, Ares showed a faint change in expression that he likely didn’t even notice himself.
 
“Actual power and achievements don’t just fall into your lap while you’re sitting still. Even if your lineage guarantees you a certain level, you must act if you want to seize a higher … Read the rest

“So, you see, Father… I actually came home because I have a request.”
 
Lillian looked up at her father with pleading eyes, clasping her hands together as if in prayer.
 
“What is it, what is it? Tell Papa anything.”
 
“Really? Then, this is a very serious request today. I… I want to be of help to someone.”
 
“Wh-What…? Is it a lover?! Don’t tell me, is it Weltall-Gundermann?!”
 
“No, Father. Weltall-sama already has someone he has set his heart on. Even to my eyes, they are a perfect match, so I have decided to gracefully … Read the rest

Chapter 2: Important Things I Vowed Never to Do Again

 
In the 4000th year of the Earth Calendar, traveling between the Moon and Earth was nothing more than a casual excursion.
 
Aside from the significant differences in price depending on the type of shuttle, every vessel promised a comfortable journey through space.
 
The shuttle Lillian was currently aboard was a top-tier “First Class” vessel, a massive 200-meter class ship. The interior featured private cabins ensuring absolute privacy, and there was even a small bar where passengers could enjoy food and drink.
 
For safety reasons, shuttles were regulated to complete the … Read the rest

“Two days at your family home on Earth… according to this, you’ll stay one night at home and return immediately, spending the rest of your time at the Moon Base.”
 
“Yes, that’s right,”
 
Lillian answered simply, which made Van a bit taken aback.
 
“What about a vacation or…?”
 
“The Lunar City is fine, isn’t it? Oh, that’s right. It might be nice to treat the crew to a meal at a restaurant. If I use the Luzor family name, I should be able to book the whole place. There are good hotels, too.”
 
“That is … Read the rest

“Does that mean… it is a history that only the Imperial family is permitted to know?”
 
“Yes. That’s how it is. Well, it’s not really a big deal. Any excellent engineer could probably guess as much, and historians know it too, even if they don’t say it aloud. But no one bothers to point it out. Why? Because they aren’t troubled by it. Humanity is enjoying life with current technology. Peace has been maintained for a thousand years. What more could anyone want… right?”
 
That was indeed one answer.
 
There were minor skirmishes and pirate attacks, but … Read the rest

“Ho, this turned out quite well. Don’t you think we can expect decent sales?”
 
The commander’s office at the lunar base was quite simple. There were two measly ornamental plants, a reception table and chairs, and Major General Zenon’s desk.
 
Beyond the reinforced glass lay a dome-shaped lunar city where many ships came and went. Most were transport ships, tourist vessels, or high-speed small craft for sports. It was said that in some sectors, one could even go space-walking.
 
With the city’s light sources at his back, Major General Zenon looked over several photographs.
 
They depicted Lillian dressed sharply in … Read the rest

Chapter 1: Their Reality, Their False Image

 
Earth Imperial Army General Headquarters — The Tower of the Radiant Guardian.
 
This facility, saddled with a name so pompous it was whispered to give people goosebumps in the worst way possible, was the lynchpin of the Earth Imperial Army and the ultimate symbol of military might within the Empire’s territories.
 
The castle-like headquarters was a mobile base floating in the sea area known in the Old Century as the North Pacific. It was a gargantuan fortress, spanning 12,000 meters in length; it was said that if one tried to count every single … Read the rest

Prologue: Idol of the Empire

“Captain, regarding the schedule following our routine patrol mission toward the lunar surface…”
 
Van-Varvarossa, the Executive Officer of the destroyer Seneca, was forty-seven years old. However, due to a career spent almost entirely on space duty—mostly piloting patrol boats near the suns of colonial sectors—the effects of ultraviolet radiation and other cosmic factors made him look somewhat older than his actual age.
 
His thick, snow-white beard seemed to merge seamlessly into his sideburns, and the deep wrinkles accentuating his eyes had earned him the nickname “The Yeti.”
 
“Hah… how depressing. I truly hate this.”… Read the rest

“Do you dislike him?”
 
“I don’t know. That’s just how his personality is. I’ve never known what he’s thinking. Though I’m sure he’s good at navigating social situations.”
 
It seemed there was some complex relationship beyond just being siblings, but Lillian couldn’t pursue that further.
 
“…You seem quite tired yourself. We’re both dealing with our fair share of worries.”
 
“It’s part of my job.”
 
“Well, it’s part of my job to care about these things too.”
 
Frim gave a bitter smile.
 
She thought that she might not be able to win against this … Read the rest

Epilogue: A Future Full of Things to Do
 
 
 

Tiberius was experiencing a bizarre sensation—like the onset of seasickness. Though there was no physical turbulence inside the ship, it felt as though they were riding small, intermittent swells.
 
Many spacers never grow accustomed to this warp sensation. The Imperial Navy has been working on countermeasures for warp sickness, but Lillian knows it will take at least twenty years for any real progress.
 
Yet, in just four years, warp distances will expand dramatically, making 100 or even 200 light-years a strategic possibility.
 
By sixty years later, … Read the rest