Natural Empire - 701

During this time, the Fatty had done exceptionally well at managing the restaurant. Skymender was not surprised, as he had seemed like someone who would be good with food.

Although he had yet to finish creating another recipe, he was nearing its completion.

Most nobles were now aware of the restaurant, which was owned by a noble, and occasionally a new group would come in.

Up until the mid-terms began, Skymender received teachings from the Imperial Scholar.

Then, once again, he went to the school with Melly. This time, as he entered, the looks he received were entirely different.

Off to the side, one person glanced over and saw him next to Melly. He got his friends' attention and pointed at him. "Look. That is Skymender."

Off to another side, a group of around fifteen nobles, all with ranks Marquis or higher, looked at him. Their arrogant faces were replaced, and they looked at Skymender with interest and awe. 

In a place like this, intelligence was just as important as nobility when it came to respect. 

On a higher level, looking down below, were two girls and two boys. Each of these three were above nobles. One girl and one boy were members of different royal families, while one of the girls was someone familiar with Skymender, one of two Imperial Princess's.

She looked down coldly on Skymender, but she knew that she was entirely incapable of comparing to him. Next to her, the two others thought no different, though for a different reason than the Imperial Princess.

"He got a 100% on the first major test. What a monster." The boy said. The girl nodded in agreement. 

Elsewhere, even commoners were staring at him. 

"So that is Skymender, huh. He seems more normal than expected."

"I had heard that he was seven feet tall."

"I had heard his head was bigger than a watermelon."

"I had heard that he was secretly a woman."

All sorts of rumors had spread around after Skymender had gotten a 100% on the first test. One thing that, surprisingly, nobody was thinking about, was that he was undeserving of his reputation. In a place like this, knowledge was all that mattered.

Even if he was a commoner, with his score on the first test, nobody would be disrespectful towards him.

Skymender was not spoken to, only watched from afar by just about every person in the building, including those from higher grade levels. 

Skymender made his way to the testing site and found a seat to sit down in. Everything happened as it had last time, and Skymender was done with the test, which was equally as long as the last, in thirty minutes.

He stood up and walked to the front. This time, nobody was surprised. Most people just ignored it, while some simply looked on.

Even those at the front did not say anything, besides the same old man who took his test. 

"Thank you, Skymender." He said with a bow.

Skymender nodded and left, once again returning to the Imperial Palace.

As he arrived, the Imperial Scholar gave him a notice. "Tomorrow, we will leave the Imperial Capital. I have stuff to do, and we can use this as an opportunity to further your education."

Skymender nodded. "Where are we going?" 

"To the Natural Empire."

Skymender was surprised. "To another Empire?"

The Imperial Scholar nodded. "Indeed. Even I rarely make such far trips. However, we need to have a talk with some people there. Don't worry, we won't be going without protection. Your sister will be joining us as our escort."

Skymender nodded.

The Imperial Scholar began to speak about the Natural Empire.

"The Natural Empire is the closest Empire to ours, and also quite weak. They only have one Sword Master, and he is of the lowest level. Of course, I would prepare some defenses just in case, but we should be safe with the preparation I've made and your sister. The Natural Empire received its name due to the fact that most of it is within a large forest, not to be confused for the wilds."

Skymender spoke. "Why is our Empire called the Faceless Empire?"

The Imperial Scholar spoke. "Well, until the current Emperor, the Imperial Family had been a mystery, almost never appearing at all. Any events were hosted by representatives or royal families."

As Skymender watched the Imperial Scholar speak of this, a bit of fear was on his face, though it was light and quickly went away as soon as it came.

However, Skymender noticed it, and most likely, the Imperial Scholar knew that he had noticed it.

But nothing more was said.

"Anyway, the Natural Kingdom's citizens are a bit unusual. As though taking their Empire's name a bit too seriously, a vast majority of them are vegetarians, or at the very least, very fond of plants, trees, and such."

"Are they important to the plan of taking over the world?" Skymender asked.

"Not really, but it is best to have any potential future enemies and allies scouted out and understood. What we face danger from may not necessarily be the Natural Empire themselves, but people sent by the Ancient Empire. After all, we have both sent plenty of assassins towards each other."

"Assassins?" Skymender asked.

"Yes, and while I know your history, I wouldn't be too confident. The assassins sent by the Ancient Empire have peculiar methods."

Though Skymender understood the Imperial Scholar's point, he clearly didn't understand just how skilled Skymender was in assassination. His first time ever making an appearance, he had an entire city thinking of him as some sort of god among men.

However, Skymender did not correct the Imperial Scholar. Despite everything, a man must keep some secrets. It was best to never fully trust anyone, not even your own parents.

Betrayal only comes from those you trust, and if you don't trust anyone, you can never be betrayed.

The Imperial Scholar continued to talk about the Natural Empire, giving even more information on its geography, politics, and general strength.