Imperial Palace — Grand Audience Hall.
"Your Majesty, the explosion last night was indeed caused by me," Selene reported calmly.
"During the siege against the bandit stronghold, we unexpectedly encountered Revolutionary Army forces. Using their familiarity with the terrain, they scattered and escaped through underground tunnels. Acting impulsively, I resorted to a last measure."
"I used the Teigu Bright Knight · Excelsis for a large-scale assault, intending to level the entire mountain range where they were hiding..."
"However, as it was my first time using it, I lost control of the ability, resulting in excessive destruction."
"I await Your Majesty's punishment."
After hearing Selene's explanation, the Emperor let out a brief laugh. "Why punish you? You did well. Against rebels, one must show no mercy. Though... young people do tend to be a little too rash."
He didn't press the matter further. Instead, his attention shifted.
"Bring them in."
At his command, guards entered the hall escorting two prisoners. Both were battered and bloodied, barely clinging to life.
"After last night's incident... an overnight investigation revealed that some rats within our midst have indeed been colluding with the rebels. These men planned to sell classified intelligence—including details on Captain Selene and other Imperial Guard officers—to the southern rebels! Unforgivable!"
"What?! The Imperial Guard is my final line of defense! Were they plotting to assassinate Us?!"
"Take them away—exterminate their entire families! Anyone who leaks Imperial secrets to the enemy—executed to the last bloodline! All associates involved in this treasonous act are to be purged without exception!"
The Emperor's fury was palpable as he glared down at the two kneeling figures. Selling intelligence on Imperial officers to line their own pockets—it was tantamount to spitting on the throne itself.
According to the prison warden's interrogation, the two men had never made contact with Selene, which ruled out the possibility of a ruse to earn her trust. The Emperor trusted this assessment completely—after all, it came from the Teigu Almighty Five Sights · Spectator.
Selene bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Overcome with anger, the Emperor began coughing violently. "Cough, cough! My ministers... cough... what do you propose as a reward for Lady Selene?"
"Your Majesty, I have a petition!"
Before the Emperor could continue, a civil official standing behind Honest stepped forward. "Your Majesty, Captain Selene possesses immense strength and has successfully thwarted the rebels' plot against the Empire. Her achievements are extraordinary and must not go unrewarded."
"I propose that Captain Selene be promoted to the rank of General of the Imperial Guard!"
As soon as he finished, the official knelt on the floor.
"I second this motion!" Honest's faction immediately echoed his words, kneeling in unison to show their support for Selene's promotion.
"I second it as well."
Within seconds, nearly a third of the court was kneeling—many of them neutral ministers who clearly wished to curry favor with the rising star.
"What say you?" The Emperor stroked his beard thoughtfully and turned toward the right side of the chamber—the ranks of the military officials.
At their forefront stood a tall man nearly two meters in height, with short blond hair and a square-jawed face. Draped in a white cloak, his stern expression radiated discipline—a man who had lived his entire life by the strictest standards.
It was Grand General Budo. Kneeling on one knee, he declared, "I concur."
"Cough, cough... Very well," the Emperor said. "Lady Selene, by the authority of the Emperor of the Empire, I hereby bestow upon you the rank of General and appoint you as Commander of the Eighth Imperial Guard Legion."
Whether or not the Emperor and Budo had planned this in advance, Selene's promotion to a true command position within one of the main legions was now official.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Selene accepted the decree with a formal bow.
"May you continue to bring glory to the Empire," the Emperor said approvingly.
A palace attendant stepped forward, holding a magnificent, pure-white longsword. As it was presented to Selene, the Emperor spoke again.
"However... for every merit, there must also be accountability for one's faults."
"Your deeds deserve reward, but your recklessness must also be punished."
Supported by his attendants, the Emperor slowly descended from the throne.
Hmm? Is he coming to lecture me for causing too much commotion? Selene wondered silently. Let's see what he's up to first.
"Every cause must bear its consequence," the Emperor said solemnly. "Lady Selene, you are promoted for your service in eliminating the rebels and thwarting their plot against the Capital. However, your actions also caused severe destruction to the southern infrastructure. Therefore, I hereby decree that you are to personally oversee the full restoration of the damaged southern roads."
"At the same time... cough, cough... I bestow upon you this Imperial Sword. Wield it in my name—and purge all remaining rebel forces around the Capital!"
With that, the Emperor took the sword from his attendant and, with visible effort, extended it toward Selene.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Selene accepted the blade with both hands, her voice clear and resolute.
...
After leaving the palace, Selene examined the pure-white longsword in her hand. Though she couldn't identify the metal at a glance, she could tell it had been forged from an exceptionally rare material.
She infused it with a thin layer of Honkai particles—and her eyes widened slightly. "Hmm...? This resonance... could it be... orichalcum?"
"Congratulations, General Selene! To receive a personal gift from His Majesty himself—now that is truly enviable," a familiar voice called out.
Turning, Selene saw the rotund figure of Minister Honest approaching, a plate piled high with roasted meat in his greasy hands. He was greedily shoving chunks into his mouth, his fingers, chin, and bib stained with oil.
"Minister Honest? Eating like that... aren't you worried about developing fatty liver disease?" Selene teased casually.
"Fatty... liver? What kind of ailment is that? You should try some, General!" Honest offered the plate with mock reluctance, though his face betrayed a pained expression—like a man parting with his most beloved treasure. The sight of his chubby, smiling face only made it more comical.
"This is prime-grade Danger Beast meat, you know."
"No thanks. I prefer my food well-done," Selene said flatly, eyeing the still-bloody meat dripping red juice. "Minister, please enjoy it yourself."
Just as Honest seemed about to say more, Selene noticed another figure emerging from the hall—Grand General Budo.
Catching her glance, Honest followed her gaze, and upon seeing Budo, his expression instantly soured. "Ah... I'll take my leave then," he muttered quickly, hurrying away. It was clear he had no desire to linger around that stern old war hawk.
"General Selene," Budo said as he approached, his voice as gruff as ever, "a warrior must not meddle in politics."
Selene smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I've no interest in politics. Today's display from the court—those gestures of goodwill—are nothing more than ordinary courtesies."
"I believe the Imperial court, much like the battlefield, isn't just about fighting and killing—it's about understanding human nature."
With that, she turned on her heel. "I'll take my leave, General. His Majesty's new assignment awaits me."
Budo opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Selene was already gone. She had no patience for another of his long-winded lectures.