Chapter 355 A Somber First Impression

Chapter 355 A Somber First Impression

Ayumi followed Erich out of the landing pad and into the citadel. Unlike her Great Aunt, she had never been to the Germanic Star-Empire before. But she could tell by the cold and lifeless architecture that she had entered a deeply dystopian and totalitarian society.

Everything about this building was designed to convey one feeling, authority. Everyone who walked past her was dressed in some kind of uniform, whether military or political, Ayumi did not know. And then there was the fact that she was so small compared to these aliens.

Ayumi stood at a height of at five feet and two inches. While the men and women around her were significantly taller. So much so that she felt dwarfed by their hulking figures. She even began to lower her head in fear of looking up at these stern people, many of whose gazes looked at her as if she were some kind of trash.

Erich noticed this meek expression on Ayumi's face and quickly reached out a helping hand. Quite literally, he grabbed hold of the young woman's hand, and smiled, assuring her everything was alright.

"I know this place isn't as extravagant as the palace you call home... But I am sure if you give it a chance, you will find it is not nearly as suffocating as you think it is right now."

Ayumi was shocked by these kind words. So much so that she didn't even realize she was holding hands with a man. Out of everyone around her, Erich was the only one who didn't look at her with disgust. Not only that, but his words were almost like he had been reading his thoughts.

Wait a second, she had heard from her elder brother that certain soldiers in the Germanic Star-Empire were gifted with unique abilities. Could Erich be a mind-reader? Ayumi felt compelled to ask this, but bit her lip in anxiety, fearful that if she were to do so, she might say something inappropriate.

Erich could tell Ayumi wanted to ask him something. And though telepathy was one of his powers. Erich had seldom used it on his lovers, as that was a terrible invasion of privacy. Because of this, he did not actually know what she was thinking, but could guess simply because he knew her so well.

"There's something you want to ask me, isn't there? You don't have to be afraid, go ahead and ask. I promise I won't be mad. I'm kind of an open book...."

This kindness once more shocked Ayumi, and she was still being led through the halls of the massive building while others passed her by and cast her dirty glances. Still, Erich appeared to be nicer than the rest, and thus she took a deep breath before asking the question, which desperately wanted to know right now.

"Can you read my mind? How did you know what I was thinking?"

Erich's expression turned from kind to serious. He didn't want the woman to think he was joking, and thus he spoke in a tone that was filled with honest intentions.

"Can I read your mind? Yes, I do possess such an ability. Am I doing so now, or have I done so since first meeting you? Not at all. I rarely use that ability unless it's a matter of combat or national security. It is a flagrant violation of an individual's privacy if I were to just force my way into their mind.

And before you ask, I have two other abilities. One is Cyber kinesis, meaning I can manipulate machines with my mind. As for the third one, I'm not at liberty to discuss as that is classified information of the highest order. So I would prefer it if you did not inquire further..."

But at the same time, she was starting to understand why Erich was not the same as everyone else. Why would he look towards the ideals and beliefs of a society that hated him? And yet, he was such a high-ranking individual. She honestly had a hard time wrapping her mind around this logical disconnect and was quick to ask about why this was the case.

"Wait... So if you're a mutant, then why does everyone show you so much respect? How are you the designated successor to the Supreme Leader if all of society despises you?"

Erich's expression turned stern when he heard this. He was clearly looking past Ayumi, almost as if he did not even see her when he responded. Something that was strange for Ayumi to witness. But his words showed the massive difference between the civilization she was born in, and the one Erich was.

"In my society, nothing is more important than the glory a man achieves on the battlefield. No matter what position you are born into. If your actions in war bring prestige to the Empire, then you will be heralded as a hero. And nobody has done more for the Empire that still draws breath than me."

Contrary to what Erich said, there did not seem to be a sense of pride in his voice, but a harrowing tone. As if Erich had seen and done too much for him to consider himself worthy of such honors.

But Ayumi didn't pick up on this, instead she thought the man was boasting, and was quick to inquire why a man who was shunned by his own society would fight so hard for it.

"I don't understand. If you said that you were treated as an outcast, then why would you fight so hard to earn glory for a society which hates you? Why would you be proud of such a thing?"

Once more, the Ayumi of this timeline was displaying her complete and utter lack of education on the Germanic Star-

Empire, and thus, as Erich stopped in front of the diplomatic quarters she had been given temporarily within the citadel, he told her the truth.

"You are misunderstanding the intent behind my words, Princess. It is not a matter of pride, but duty. I have no choice in the matter, nor does any other man born in the Empire. We all must serve, and those who are lucky enough to escape a life of war are then assigned a job in the civilian sector based upon their own abilities.

There is no choice, there is no freedom. There is only service. Only in death does service end... These are your temporary quarters. We are currently constructing a proper embassy for you to stay at that is near the citadel.

So in the mean time I ask you to be patient with your current accomodations. Take some time to rest. I am sure you are tired after your journey here. Tomorrow I will visit and introduce you to the Ambassador from the Davrakian Consortium.

Have a good night, Ayumi..."

After saying this, Erich turned away and left the Oni Princess at the doorway of her quarters. Though it took her some time to enter, after all, she couldn't get Erich's words about service out of her head, nor the grim look on his face as he did so. For the first time in her life, Ayumi had actually felt sympathy for the Barbarians to the West that her elder brother had always warned her about.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience