Knock knock!
Thanks to Selene's invention—an advanced sleep-aid device known as the Super Dream—she could consciously control her dreams, fill in knowledge gaps during sleep, fall asleep faster, and maintain heightened awareness of her surroundings.
So by the time the visitor knocked on her door, Selene was already awake. Her crimson eyes blinked open lazily. Although being a "favorite" of the Emperor spared her many hassles, it also attracted endless attention. Flattery and political alliances weren't just Earth specialty—officials here were no different, constantly scheming and colluding for self-interest.
Day after day, she was besieged by countless visitors of every kind—nobles, merchants, and opportunists alike—bearing gifts of gold, land deeds, or even offers to register their entire industries under her name, promising her sixty percent of the profits annually.
Selene could only smirk inwardly. Which official could possibly resist such temptation? Truly... delicious.
Of course, while this provided her the means to rapidly weave an expansive network of influence and power, she couldn't simply accept everything. Even she had her boundaries. Thus, Selene left the vetting process to Sebas—her loyal butler and trusted gatekeeper.
"Miss, it's time to rise," came the maid's respectful voice from outside the door.
Selene sighed softly and placed a hand on her toned, smooth abdomen. Time to eat again. Her body never accumulated excess fat no matter how much she ate—instead, her curves filled out in ways that only enhanced her figure. She couldn't help but appreciate it.
The grand mansion she lived in—and the servants attending to her—were all part of the Emperor's personal rewards. Whether or not spies were hidden among them, Selene couldn't care less. Let them watch.
After finally breaking free from the warm "seal" of her blankets, she snapped her fingers. Instantly, her silver-white armored components and deep-blue short dress materialized, forming a set of elegant and battle-ready attire.
Within five minutes, she was washed, dressed, and ready. The maid waiting outside was momentarily mesmerized. Before her stood Selene, clad in her striking silver and blue ensemble, the hem embroidered with delicate silver patterns that shimmered as she moved. Her long white hair cascaded down to her waist, swaying gently with each step. Her lips, faintly pink like cherry blossoms, curved ever so slightly. Her crimson, diamond-shaped pupils gleamed with calm and unfathomable depth. And on her face rested a composed, noble smile.
She looked almost unreal—like a valkyrie descending from the heavens, or a snow lotus blooming high upon a frozen peak: pure, distant, and untouchable.
"Let's go," Selene said softly.
"Yes, Miss," the maid replied.
...
"Milady, your posture, please—graceful, always graceful... Honestly, if Lady Katy saw this, she'd scold you again," Sebas said with an affectionate smile as he watched Selene eat elegantly—but at a speed that could only be described as lightning fast.
The other servants nearby chuckled quietly, including the royal chef personally assigned by the Emperor. Their expressions were warm and proud—after all, for a chef, there was no greater joy than seeing one's food so thoroughly enjoyed.
Selene's hand froze momentarily as she lowered her gaze. The mention of her adoptive mother, Katy, made her both respectful and fearful. She admired Katy's sincerity and kindness... but dreaded her strictness regarding courtly etiquette.
"...Ugh. I'm done. Sebas, I'll leave the house to you. I'm heading to the military camp to report in. No idea where Budo plans to assign me..."
Stuffing a sandwich into her mouth, Selene darted off quickly, clearly eager to escape the conversation.
"Hahaha... as expected of you, Milady," Sebas said with a gentle laugh.
...
Imperial Capital — Imperial Guard Training Grounds.
"Well, well... I didn't expect Budo to assign me to the new recruit barracks for training. Is he trying to 'temper' me? How interesting... isn't that practically giving the enemy an opening?" Selene chuckled as she glanced at the military dispatch order in her hand. In truth, this suited her perfectly—it provided the perfect opportunity to spread her Mental Seal influence.
In the distance, she could see the grand palace-style gates of the Imperial Guard's training camp. Outside, rows upon rows of civilians were lined up, their muscular builds revealing their origins. Most were likely commoners from distant provinces, hoping to earn glory and status through military service.
After all, the Empire allowed civilians to rise through the ranks—and the army was the surest path to achieving merit, sometimes the only path. They gambled their lives for wealth and nobility.
Compared to other Imperial departments, the army respected strength above all. In the military, you were strong or you weren't—your birth and lineage meant nothing. The enemy would not show mercy simply because your blood was "noble."
In that sense, Selene mused, the Empire bore some resemblance to an ancient merit-based hierarchy of military ranks.
Without bothering to line up, Selene walked straight through the entrance.
The guards at the gate, seeing her approach so boldly, immediately raised their weapons. "Halt! Identify yourself—"
Smack!
Before the soldier could even finish, his superior slapped him hard across the back of the head, sending him sprawling to the ground. "Are you blind, idiot?!"
He quickly turned and offered Selene a fawning smile. "My apologies, milady. May I ask what brings you here?"
"See for yourself," Selene replied coldly, tossing him the appointment scroll.
The officer caught it and unfolded it with trembling hands. After reading the Imperial seal, his face instantly turned pale. "M-my apologies, Centurion!" He snapped to attention, saluting her with utmost respect.
With this appointment, Selene was now officially recognized as a Centurion of the Empire—a mid-ranked officer's post, but one that carried considerable prestige for a first assignment.
The Empire's military hierarchy was structured as follows: five soldiers formed a team under a team leader; ten made a squad under a squad leader; fifty a unit under a unit leader; one hundred a company under a company captain; five hundred formed a division under a division leader; and one thousand soldiers formed a regiment under a centurion. Above them were generals, organized into commands according to campaign needs. Each command was led by a colonel overseeing several divisions, while smaller divisions were managed by lieutenants.
"Now that you understand," Selene said coolly, her scarlet eyes gleaming with authority as she looked down upon the trembling officer. "Don't waste my time."
"Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, bowing deeply, his earlier arrogance completely gone.
"Good. Now... take me to see my soldiers."
Just as she was about to step inside, a sudden commotion nearby caught her attention.
"Why not?!"
"Your height doesn't meet the requirement!"
...
A stout young man, shorter than most, was being dismissed by the recruitment officers. His compact frame and short stature disqualified him for service, apparently for the sake of "uniform appearance." Dejected, he had no choice but to leave.
So the Imperial Army still maintains strict standards, huh? Selene thought with mild amusement.
As she walked through the training grounds, she observed countless recruits lifting stone weights, practicing formations, and refining their combat techniques. Some even trained with firearms at the shooting range.
Whenever the soldiers noticed her silver-and-blue-clad figure, they immediately stood at attention and saluted, their discipline impeccable.
"I am your new commanding officer—Centurion Selene von Habsburg. Any objections?" she asked with a faint, pleasant smile as she entered the regimental assembly area, where several junior officers awaited her.
"None, Centurion," they replied in unison.
"I wonder if any of you harbor resentment toward an 'outsider' being appointed over you," Selene continued, her tone light but unreadable. "If so, speak freely. We can... discuss it."
She paused for a moment, her smile fading slightly. "If no one speaks up, I'll take that as compliance. But let me make this clear—anyone who dares feign obedience while defying orders behind my back... I'll tear them to pieces."
"Understood!" The officers chorused hastily, beads of sweat forming on their brows. They had all heard of Selene's terrifying performance in the Martial Tournament. No one wanted to test her patience.
"Good. Then let's begin my inspection."
Without another word, Selene strode out of the meeting hall.
Outside, as carts full of new recruits unloaded on the training field, Selene asked casually, "How many soldiers are under my command? What's the ratio of veterans to recruits?"
A burly officer named Wilder, one of her division leaders, quickly responded, "Reporting, ma'am! We currently have one company of veterans, who will be distributed among the recruits for mentoring. As for the new arrivals, we've received around two thousand today, with more expected later."
"Oh? Isn't that a bit excessive?"
"Not at all," another officer, Azem, replied proudly. "This is the Imperial Guard's elite training corps! We'd rather have too few than too many. Unfit recruits are immediately reassigned to other branches or the city garrison. Only the best remain until we reach full capacity."
"Impressive," Selene said with a faint smile. "As expected of the Empire's finest."
While she and her officers chatted on the viewing platform, the recruits below noticed the gathering.
"Hey, check out that officer in the armored dress—she's gorgeous! Looks more like a noble lady than a soldier."
"Yeah, no kidding!"
"You think she's just here to pad her résumé? We're doomed if that's the case."
"No way. General Budo wouldn't allow that—not with his discipline."
Selene caught snippets of their conversation and smiled faintly. Turning to her officers, she said sweetly, "They seem lively enough—full of spirit. What do you think? Should we... liven things up a bit?"
Her officers exchanged knowing grins, their expressions turning almost sadistic. Soon, their laughter echoed across the platform.
The recruits below, confused by their superior's laughter, glanced at one another nervously. "Uh... are they really that happy to see us?" one whispered.
They had no idea what awaited them.
...
"How long has it been? My legs are numb!"
"This sun is brutal! When will it rain?!"
"Damn it, I knew these officers were up to no good!"
"It's your fault, you idiots up front! Why did you have to mouth off about the new Centurion?!"
Of course, none of them dared say any of that aloud.
Under the blazing noon sun, Selene sat leisurely beneath a parasol, sipping a chilled drink as she watched the recruits stand motionless in formation, drenched in sweat.
Her mood couldn't have been brighter.
Ah, the sweet nostalgia of youth. How could I deny them the same "experience" I once had? I'm sure they're loving it.
"Ahahahahaha..."