Was there anyone who did not know of the five pillars supporting the Imperial Family?
They were prestigious houses commonly called the ‘Five Great Noble Houses.’
The power they had enjoyed over the past several centuries was so astonishing that their names were widely known not only throughout the Empire, but across the entire continent.
For example, ‘Golden Alphenhauser’ was a house whose members had served as the Empire’s chancellors for generations.
They also operated an enormous trading company and were deeply involved in the economies of various nations.
‘Yurdina of Military Authority’ always moved armies from the front lines, while ‘Lupemion of Knights’ had produced countless capable knights over the generations.
Likewise, ‘Arahorn of Magic’ had produced innumerable mages.
But there was one exception.
Not much was known about ‘Findleston of the Shadows.’
Everyone knew at least that they operated behind the scenes in the Empire’s underworld, but exactly what sort of work they handled remained a mystery to most.
All that was known was that their activities were related to intelligence.
For instance, had I not heard that many of the higher-ranking officers in the Imperial Intelligence Department came from House Findleston?
Just as Senior Neris, as a Young Lady of Findleston, was in charge of the Academy Branch.
Though she did not actually seem particularly close to Marquis Findleston.
“My…