Chapter 8- Empire Loves Their Damn Lists

After passing through a long series of winding corridors the group eventually found themselves before a two-sided, towering wooden door with a pair of knights at the ready by either side of it. Instead of immediately passing through however Selene motioned for them all to stop turning around to address the group.

『Before we go in I’ll just cover a few things. First off don’t worry too much about not knowing the correct etiquette no one is expecting you to, so as long as you show respect in your own way that’s enough. As for the talking itself just wait until you are addressed before stepping forward to introduce yourself. Finally in as clear a manner as possible either accept or respectfully decline, are there any questions?』

The students including Cael did not have anything more to add so collectively shook their heads but this was not the case for the teacher Alice who stepped up to Selene's side before turning to face the class with a solemn expression on her face.

『Though as a teacher it hurts my pride to say this, I need to be sure all of you understand that through those doors I cannot protect you.』

Instead of immediately continuing Alice gave a pause to truly let those words sink in and only after seeing she had the undivided attention of all those present did she carry on.

『Although having said that it does not mean I won’t at least try. I have already made up my mind to accept this request, the reason is that I know my cute little students well enough to understand that very few of you will have the heart to listen to a plea for help and look the other way. As a result I have deemed this the only sure-fire way to keep an eye on those students I know will be in danger. Personally though if it were just me I would take the money, move to some small town somewhere and build a new life I’m not a soldier afterall.』

Towards the end Alice began staring into the ceiling as she said such a line with a wry smile on her face. After a moment of daydreaming she gazed back at the students with a gentle expression and continued.

『Young as you all are this is too important a decision to be made by me alone each of you must take responsibility for yourselves like never before. However despite saying that never forget I’m always on your side so if any of you ever stumble just ask and I’ll be there to lend a helping hand. Overall all I can advise is to have confidence in whatever you decide as what’s most important above all else is to have the resolve to follow that decision through to the end no matter where that path leads you.』

Up until this point in Cael’s opinion at least Alice had done surprisingly well for such an impromptu speech, however with everyone staring at her as expected she became flustered and fumbled leading to a half-assed finish.

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『In conclusion what I’m trying to say in a nutshell is seriously think it through, okay?』

Cael listened carefully taking to heart Alice’s scattered advice knowing how difficult it must’ve been for her to admit her own powerlessness to those who are supposed to look to her for guidance. All around he saw he was not the only one affected as an air of seriousness that was not previously present spread over the group before he knew it.

Meanwhile Selene looked on silently mixed feelings bubbling around in her chest nevertheless seemingly satisfied with what she saw she centred herself before turning to the pair of guards and quietly commanding for them to open the door.

『Come on let’s go, follow me.』

Everyone unanimously understood that no more needed to be said so with Alice and Selene at the lead, the group of students entered while the priestesses quietly retreated no longer following from behind. Upon stepping inside Cael saw a long regal carpet leading to an elevated throne of dark twisted wood that shone like metal.

Sitting atop said throne with an air of indolence draped in fine robes was if Cael had to guess the man who had ordered their summoning. The silver haired man was the Emperor and highest ruler of the realm of Eden this theory of his was only reinforced further upon noticing his elaborate crown formed by some manner of black crystal he couldn’t identify at a glance.

Standing to the left of the throne was the familiar face of Gandalf while to the right was an unfamiliar middle aged man with stern air wearing glasses. Aside from these three there were two short rows of men and women dressed in elegant clothing staring appraisingly at them as they walked up towards the throne.

Upon reaching a certain distance Selene stopped advancing therefore letting the rest know that they were close enough. Before she could even open her mouth her father beat her too it taking the initiative to introduce himself and those around him.

『Oh, how I have looked forward to meeting you all heroes of another world this one’s name is Damian vi Severin and as you have no doubt surmised I am the one who has called you here. Of those around me I believe you are already familiar with high-priest Veyron.』

The Emperor gestured towards Gandalf before motioning in the opposite direction to introduce Four-Eyes.

『Whereas to my right who you’re meeting for the first time is the prime minister of this nation and my long-time friend Vain Silver.』

In response Four-Eyes merely adjusted his glasses while giving a simple acknowledgment in the form of nodding his head. Nevertheless seemingly satisfied the Emperor moved on by waving his hand towards the group of well-dressed men and women.

『Finally, these people here are the current heads of the capital’s influential noble families they are present to observe and act as witnesses for how today’s proceedings carry out.』

The now identified nobles following in Four-Eyes’ footsteps settled for slightly dipping their heads in lieu of a verbal greeting. Done with introducing others the Emperor faced back towards their group and began the tedious job of interviewing the class one by one.

Seemingly starting by no particular order he turned to whoever was at the front, in this case Alice and asked a question in the style of a certain well known video game character.

『Now then you there step forward. Tell me, who are you?』

In the future Cael would look back fondly on this moment as his first true step into the treacherous and thorny path he would otherwise come to know as his journey through the world of Pleiades.