Published: January 4, 2026
Before I knew it, the magician Jerry had called was staring intently at me.
He looked at me with a face full of shock.
Noticing this, Jerry gave the magician a sharp warning.
"Hey, you."
"Y-yes!"
"No one else was here. Your boss was doing morning exercises all alone. You understand that, right?"
"Y-yes!"
"If you tell anyone, I'll stuff lead bullets into that loose mouth of yours and silence you."
Jerry's threat was unique.
I chuckled softly, and the young magician flinched, nodding vigorously.
Even though he was being threatened like that, the young man kept glancing at me.
It was clear from his expression that he was wondering why I was here.
He seemed to find it extremely strange that the emperor was present here.
There was no need to explain the reason, and since Jerry had made him keep quiet, I decided to simply ignore his presence.
"Now then, we've gotten a bit off track, so let's get to the main point."
"—Yes."
"How many soldiers do you have under your command?"
"Eight thousand and seventeen."
"That was quick. Is that the actual number?"
"Yes, all are ready to move immediately."
"No dishonesty?"
I was a little surprised.
My mind recalled the conversation about Rice Cake a little over ten years ago.
Once a certain number of soldiers are under one's command, it's common for some to be skimmed off.
In the empire, each general is allocated a budget "to maintain so many soldiers."
Many generals record a nominal count instead of the actual number, pocketing the difference.
Back then, Henry was furious at Rice Cake for the deception involving his household members.
I calmed Henry, saying it was a common occurrence.
At that time, I soothed Henry, but it certainly wasn't a good thing.
Though it's not good, in an empire this large, such things "never completely disappear," and the priority then was to fill the quotas, so I persuaded Henry accordingly.
However, that said.
Although it never disappears completely, not everyone engages in such actions.
Occasionally, some uphold integrity and avoid such behavior altogether.
It seems Jerry is one of those.
I was somewhat pleased that someone I had discovered was like this, but I cautioned myself that it was too early to celebrate.
"Isn't it tough for those leading soldiers to not pocket any difference? They wouldn't be able to properly reward their subordinates."
"Even without that, the empire is a country of warriors. If you correctly report battle achievements, the empire will reward you in kind."
"Haha, that's true."
"Besides, most of the others don't do it much, so just by 'accurately reporting battle achievements,' I'm incredibly appreciated. And those who think that's fair and are grateful tend to be more capable."
"Hmm, that makes sense."
"Those kinds of guys often think for themselves and act accordingly. When I'm in trouble, they notice and move appropriately on their own."
"I see."
"In return, my punishments are strict. I try not to allow any exceptions."
"Reward and punishment, then."
"Exactly."
"That's why you've been troubled by the soldiers with same-sex relationships."
"Yes… that's troublesome."
Jerry laughed wryly.
I nodded and naturally smiled.
If that’s true, Jerry isn’t the kind of person to be stuck as a 'No Number' general in such a remote area.
"Are you okay with that?"
"I'm already receiving plenty."
"Hmm?"
"From my lord, I already get heaps. I eat my fill every day until my belly sticks out, I have three wives, and I've sired plenty of kids with faces as dumb as mine. I have no further desires."
"Haha, quite unambitious."
"I've taken a lot."
"Then let's do something you haven't done yet."
"Huh?"
"Have you created a family crest?"
"Ah, sort of."
"I'll attach a sword to it."
"—!"
Shock and joy.
Jerry's face flashed with those emotions in an instant.
The empire is a country of warriors, and battle achievements are the highest priority.
To reward battle achievements, there are material and honorary rewards.
The highest honor is to have a sword added to one's family crest.
By system, up to three swords can be attached.
This design symbol cannot be used without the emperor's permission.