As soon as Selene released her gravitational restraint, the referee staggered and almost lost his footing.
"What overwhelming power... Cough, cough... To have such a warrior—it is truly the Empire's honor!"
When the Emperor saw the torrent of energy bursting from Selene, he pushed away the Imperial Guards who tried to shield him. His gaze fixed firmly upon the woman standing proudly at the center of the arena, his eyes filled with fervent admiration.
From the imperial dais, the Emperor and the gathered ministers were all struck with disbelief. Even General Budo, the foremost of the Empire's martial officers, furrowed his brow slightly. "That... could it be a Teigu?"
He silently resolved to recruit her into the army, to examine her thoroughly and nurture her properly.
After a brief pause, General Budo calmly analyzed, without any hint of condescension, "Although her combat experience is lacking, once she's trained and tempered, she'll undoubtedly become a general no less capable than I am."
Prime Minister Honest, sitting nearby, shared the same thought. Such a gifted warrior—he had to build ties with her, no matter what.
Within the vast Empire, the Emperor's health was deteriorating day by day. While political power still rested in the hands of the old Minister Chouri, his retirement was only a matter of time. The real concern for Honest was the military authority that remained firmly under General Budo's control.
For the sake of his long-term ambitions, Honest needed a counterbalance—someone strong enough to oppose Budo when the time came. That was why he had arranged for Esdeath to enter this Martial Tournament: to raise her prestige and insert her into the military ranks, thereby dividing Budo's influence from within.
But now, Honest had found a new candidate—another rising star, one untainted by the rigid ideals of that stubborn old general.
At this moment, both Honest and Budo had set their sights on Selene.
As for Minister Chouri, his days in office were numbered; he no longer had the strength to intervene.
However, unlike Honest's manipulative schemes, General Budo's intentions were pure. He truly wanted to bring Selene into the army—to train her, instill loyalty and patriotism, and mold her into a protector of the Empire.
Trying to calm his excitement, the Emperor spoke eagerly, "Announce the final results of the tournament! I have already found what I desired!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The head official of the Imperial Coliseum hurried forward and bowed deeply.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he suppressed the vivid, overwhelming images still flashing through his mind. Then, raising the amplifier, he declared in a resounding voice, "By Imperial Calendar Year 1014, the Martial Tournament is concluded! The final victor—Contestant No. 648!!!"
As his voice echoed across the coliseum, the crowd erupted like a tidal wave. The silence that had hung over the arena was instantly replaced by thunderous cheers. Faces flushed with excitement, the spectators shouted until their voices broke.
At that moment, every hardship, every coin spent, every hour of waiting—they all felt worthwhile.
Perhaps this year's tournament had ended sooner than any before, with fewer thrilling duels between equals. Yet that did nothing to diminish its brilliance. To the people, this event would forever remain a legend.
Selene's dazzling grace, her union of beauty and strength... everything about her had seared itself into their hearts.
They had witnessed it—the birth of a new star of the Empire!
...
As the Imperial Fist Martial Tournament came to a close, the fiery atmosphere within the coliseum lingered for nearly half an hour before gradually settling.
Even as the crowd dispersed under the supervision of the Imperial Guards, the fervent discussions about the tournament did not subside. In fact, with participants returning to their hometowns, word spread even faster throughout the Empire.
"Congratulations on your victory, Milady," said Sebas respectfully.
"What's there to celebrate? Fighting them was more like bullying," Selene replied with a faint, amused smile as she returned to her lounge.
Suddenly, the door burst open. A burly man, flanked by Imperial Guards, stepped inside. His arm protectors were massive—more like pile drivers than armor. It was none other than General Budo himself.
"A young lady of noble birth and comfort like you shouldn't need to risk her life in a tournament like this," he said, his deep voice echoing through the room.
"And moreover," Budo continued, his voice calm but edged with suspicion, "I have mobilized nearly the entire intelligence network of the Imperial Capital, yet not a trace of information about you can be found. Not even your name appears anywhere. It's as if you simply appeared out of thin air. Contestant No. 648—what is your true identity? And what is your purpose here? Answer me."
Though his tone remained composed, the faint flickers of lightning sparking from beneath his armored arms betrayed the turbulence in his heart.
Selene smiled faintly. "Nothing mysterious. I'm merely from a secluded noble family that has long since fallen from prominence. Now that our household has declined, my butler and I naturally seek to reemerge and restore our former glory."
"As for my purpose, isn't it obvious? Joining the Empire brings power and wealth—and naturally, those are exactly what I seek. Besides," she added with a soft laugh, "I happen to possess the strength to claim them."
Rising to her feet, Selene glanced at the wary Imperial Guards surrounding her and smiled again. "Let's get acquainted. My name is Selene von Habsburg. Perhaps we'll be colleagues in the future."
She turned her crimson eyes toward Budo. "Wouldn't you agree, General Budo?"
Tsk. She hadn't expected Budo to come in person. Truly, the Empire's most loyal hound—dutiful and vigilant to the end. Clearly, he'd come not out of hostility but curiosity, to see what kind of person she truly was. For now, she and the Empire had no conflicting interests—in fact, their goals were aligned. As for the future... that was another matter.
As long as you don't go looking for death, I can play along—loyal subject and virtuous general, Selene thought idly, meeting Budo's eyes with calm indifference.
"Well then, General Budo," she said lightly, "where's my reward for winning the tournament?"
Budo's stern expression darkened slightly. To him, Selene's words revealed a blatant lack of loyalty and a self-serving nature. As a man from a long line of soldiers, he believed devotion to the Empire should come before all else. Still, he said nothing more, and the electricity dancing along his arms slowly faded.
Greed for power and wealth—such flaws were common among Imperial officials. As long as Selene harbored no treacherous ambitions, Budo believed he could suppress her if needed. That confidence came from a thousand years of Imperial rule.
Besides, His Majesty held Selene in high regard. Given her willingness to serve the Empire and her formidable power, Budo decided it best to allow her the chance.
"I hope so," he said finally. "Now then, Miss Selene, come with me—to receive your reward."
He gestured for the guards to stand down. After giving Selene a long, meaningful look, Budo turned and strode out of the room.
Clang... clang...
The rhythmic sound of metal boots echoed through the corridor. Surrounded by Imperial Guards, Selene walked side by side with the towering general, her pace unhurried, her gaze casually sweeping over the soldiers around her.
After a brief silence, Budo's deep voice broke the air. "...You don't seem nervous at all."
Selene tilted her head with a mischievous smile. "Hmm? Should I be? Or did you secretly bring five hundred executioners to deal with a harmless noblewoman like me, General?" The word "harmless" carried just the right amount of teasing emphasis.
"..." Budo didn't answer. Instead, his eyes flickered briefly before he asked, "That silver and blue armored dress of yours... it's a Teigu, isn't it? The mysterious power you used on the referee during the match—that was the Teigu's ability, correct?"
Without hesitation, Selene replied smoothly, "Yes. Its name is Bright Knight · Excelsis."
Even she was momentarily impressed by how effortlessly she could spin such a lie. Though technically, it wasn't false—her battle attire was the Bright Knight: Excelsis model. She simply hadn't mentioned the enhancements.
"I see..." Budo nodded in understanding. "Then I hope you will be as loyal as the knight your Teigu is named after."
"Of course," Selene replied, her tone calm and unreadable. "Now then... my reward, General. We've already left the coliseum grounds."
"Then be honored, Selene von Habsburg," Budo said, glancing back at her with a faint smile. "His Majesty himself will host a banquet at the palace—in your honor."