Imperial Capital — Upper City, Selene's Residence.
"Milady, according to my latest intelligence, Minister Honest is backing the youngest prince."
"I see... The situation in the Capital grows more chaotic by the day."
Selene glanced over the ledger Sebas had compiled, her expression thoughtful. She understood all too well that in any feudal empire, the struggle for succession was always accompanied by blood and betrayal.
The entire Empire now stood at a turning point in power. The old Emperor, gravely ill, could no longer manage state affairs. In his stead, Minister Honest—no longer bearing the title of 'acting minister'—had begun revealing his fangs.
Piece by piece, Honest had wrested authority from the ailing Emperor. In a swift and calculated move, he seized control of both the Imperial Security Division and the Imperial Prison—two of the Empire's most powerful enforcement organs.
With his background in the Imperial Fist and Great General Budo bound by the old creed that "a warrior must not meddle in politics," Honest now stood as the undisputed master of the court—a man holding both popular support and real power.
From there, he began systematically suppressing the loyalist faction, replacing key officials with his own loyalists, and expanding his financial influence.
Merchants—those who possessed wealth but no force to protect it—became the easiest prey. In such turbulent times, they were little more than fish on the chopping block, easily crushed in the struggle between the great powers. To survive, they needed powerful protection.
And Selene was the perfect candidate—an influential, powerful figure whose strength was beyond question. Her "southern forest explosion" and subsequent "mountain-moving and land-filling" projects had left no one doubting her might. In fact, many feared she might reject their allegiance outright.
"Handle these merchants who've come seeking protection," Selene said, tossing the medal Honest had awarded her—on behalf of the Emperor—onto the desk without a glance. "Filter them carefully. You may decide as you see fit. Anything else requiring my attention, Sebas?"
"No, Milady. In that case, this old servant will take his leave."
"Go ahead."
As Sebas departed, Selene sank back into her sofa. One hand held her coffee cup, the other flipped through the day's Imperial Central Gazette. The headlines detailed the demotion and exile of numerous "loyalist" officials associated with Chouri, some executed under fabricated charges, others found mysteriously "suicided" at home.
It seemed Minister Honest was moving swiftly. Though he didn't yet control the majority of the standing army, his position as Prime Minister granted him indirect authority over legislation. By placing his people in key offices, he had also secured dominance over the judiciary. Step by step, he was tightening his grip on absolute power.
As long as no one "flipped the table," Honest was effectively one step below the throne itself.
As for those naive scholars still submitting petitions of protest—Selene could only shake her head. Too idealistic.
They had failed to grasp the brutal truth of this world: power ruled all. Against a man like Honest, whose control spanned both law and force, mere words were as useless as dust.
The Prime Minister drafted the laws. The judiciary handed down the verdicts. The Imperial Security Division made the arrests. The Imperial Prison carried out the sentences. And the execution ground completed the process. A seamless, efficient system—straight from accusation to the grave.
Even if you were right, Honest could make you wrong.
This sequence of authority left no room for resistance—and could easily claim not just one's life, but the lives of one's family, one's entire clan.
And Honest was fully capable of doing it.
Even if Great General Budo were to object, unless he raised the army in rebellion, there would be nothing he could do. After all, Honest's methods, however cruel, were still legally sanctioned within the Empire's system.
Such a man—bloated with flesh, reeking of grease, his disheveled hair and bristling beard framing a seemingly foolish face—was, in truth, anything but simple.
To underestimate him based on appearances would be the mark of a true fool. For beneath that mass of fat lay a mind as venomous as a viper's and a will as ruthless as steel.
Selene took a sip of her tea, savoring the rich yet balanced flavor as it spread across her tongue. She exhaled softly, her crimson eyes narrowing.
But all this works in my favor. The more the Empire decays, the easier my rise will be. When the Empire collapses... I will take its place.
From the moment Honest rose to power, the countdown to the Empire's destruction had already begun.
Honest... you truly are the perfect ally. I should make sure to support you even more from now on.
For now, it was best to maintain the status quo.
A faint smile curved Selene's lips as she slowly drained her teacup. The stage is set. Honest, it's time for your performance.
"Mm, I should go report in."
...
Imperial Palace — Capital.
Perched atop the central hill of the Imperial Capital, the palace stood as a city within a city. Its halls gleamed with luxury, brimming with treasures beyond count. Yet now, an ominous shadow hung over its splendor.
The palace had three main roads connecting it directly to the outer city, each guarded by legions under the direct command of Great General Budo, hailed as the Empire's strongest warrior.
Today, however, the southern gate stood open. Soldiers of the 1st Imperial Guard Legion lined the road in solemn formation—and even Budo himself was present to greet the arrival.
Not far away, a flash of azure caught the light. Selene, dressed in her deep-blue mini dress adorned with silver armored segments, approached the gate with measured steps.
"General Selene," Budo greeted gravely.
"Great General Budo," Selene replied with a polite nod. "How is His Majesty? Will he be able to attend the inspection of the southern highway?" she asked as the two walked side by side into the palace grounds.
Budo hesitated before answering, his face darkening. "...His Majesty's condition has worsened considerably over these past months." He sighed deeply. Though he tried to maintain composure, grief flickered across his eyes.
Selene listened quietly. Over the past few months, she had completed every assignment given by the Emperor with precision and efficiency—perhaps a bit too efficiently, but even Budo had to admit she was reliable. He trusted her far more than he did the conniving Minister Honest.
...
Soon, they reached the Emperor's private chambers. Guided by attendants, Budo entered first, while Selene waited outside in silence.
To Budo, this small gesture spoke volumes—it was proof of Selene's loyalty and respect.
Inside the chamber, his steps softened, careful not to disturb the frail ruler.
Cough... cough... cough...
On the bed lay the Emperor, still and pale, wracked by endless coughing. Once capable of standing with a servant's aid, he now lacked even the strength to rise. His hair had lost its sheen, his eyes clouded with age, his skin dry and wrinkled like withered bark. His lips were cracked and ashen, his entire body radiating the scent of decay.
The last Emperor of true power—the man who once ruled over millions—had reached the twilight of his life.
Though Budo's footsteps were light, the Emperor seemed to sense his presence. Slowly, he opened his dim eyes. "Oh... cough... Budo, is that you?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. General Selene reports that the southern highway of the Capital has been fully restored, save for minor polishing and surface reinforcement. She requests your inspection," Budo said respectfully, bowing his head.
"Oh... cough, cough... Se... Selene has... already completed... the repairs...?"
His voice trembled and broke, so faint it was nearly inaudible—if not for Budo's keen warrior senses, he might not have heard at all.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Cough... cough... Such speed... cough... Transfer the 9th Imperial Guard Legion to General Selene's command as well. My... cough... my time grows short. Budo, you must remain to guard the Capital... When I am gone... cough... those rebels who rise against the throne... let Selene crush them."
"Announce the decree at once... As for the inspection of the southern road... cough, cough... cancel it..."
Having spoken, the Emperor exhaled softly—as if his words had drained what little strength remained in him—and slipped once more into a deep, silent sleep.