Silently leaving the Emperor's bedchamber, Budo's face remained as grim as ever... If only the healing-type Teigu still existed within the Empire, perhaps there would still be hope for His Majesty.
But since that great upheaval five hundred years ago, when chaos swept through the Empire, countless Teigu had been lost—scattered among the people or even beyond the borders. The ones remaining in the Imperial treasury were mere fragments, despite centuries of tireless searching.
"The Ninth Legion is yours now," Budo said flatly, tossing a military token toward Selene before turning away without another word. He did not lecture her this time, a rarity. His mood was somber, his steps heavy.
"The Ninth Legion?" Selene turned the token in her hand, examining it briefly before losing interest. She tossed it lightly into the air, catching it again with idle ease.
So, the Emperor is on his last breath... Is this their way of drawing me in? Her lips curled faintly. Then it's time to accelerate the plan. I should pay my dear ally, Honest, a visit...
...
Upper City of the Imperial Capital — Minister Honest's mansion.
In the lavish reception hall, Minister Honest was, as always, devouring a thick, juicy steak carved from a high-class Danger Beast. The rich, meaty scent filled the room.
Across from him sat Selene, her expression one of open distaste as she watched the grease drip from his chin, but Honest paid her no mind. Of course, only she and Budo could afford to look at him like that without consequence—anyone else would have already been made an example of.
"I must say, Minister Honest, ever since our first meeting, you've always eaten like this. Don't you worry about getting sick from obesity? Oh, wait—too late for that!" Selene said, raising her teacup with a faint grimace.
"Hahaha... General Selene, this is merely my way of enjoying life," Honest replied, laughing heartily between bites. "Unlike you military types, I never know how long I'll remain in power. One must indulge while one can! For when power fades, all these pleasures vanish with it! Hahaha!"
He bit savagely into another piece of meat, chewing loudly.
"Still, I must ask," Honest continued, wiping his mouth. "You're not afraid that coming here so openly might displease Grand General Budo? He's not fond of soldiers meddling in politics, after all."
"I don't fear him. And this visit is official business, not idle chatter," Selene said coldly. With a flick of her finger, she sent a stack of documents sliding across the table. "The Emperor's illness can no longer be concealed. The southern rebels have caught wind of it and are preparing to launch a massive uprising during the transition of power."
"This was uncovered while I was purging rebel hideouts near the Capital. But more importantly—" Her expression darkened, and she slammed her hand on the table. The sound was deafening, and Honest's expensive banquet table split cleanly in two. "Someone leaked detailed information about me and my subordinates! Either there's a breach in the palace security system—or there's a traitor in the intelligence bureau!"
At the loud crash, two towering guards instantly appeared behind Honest, exuding killing intent. Their auras were formidable—clearly elite warriors from the Imperial Fist Temple.
Selene's eyes flicked toward them, unimpressed. One was a burly, bearded man named Sten, the other a lanky, unnerving figure called Ibara. If her memory served, these two were Honest's personal executioners—the infamous Rakshasa Demons. The other two, it seemed, hadn't yet been recruited.
"When your master is talking," Selene said calmly, "good dogs should stay in the shadows."
Boom!
With a mere wave of her hand, a crushing wave of force slammed into the floor, hurling both men deep into the ground below. "Consider yourselves lucky," she added coldly. "If it weren't for the Minister's sake, you'd both be dead."
"Apologize to General Selene at once!" Honest barked. Though a flash of unease crossed his eyes, it vanished quickly. The two guards, bruised but alive thanks to Selene's restraint, crawled from the crater and dropped to one knee.
"We're sorry, General Selene!" they said in unison.
"Dismissed," Selene ordered curtly.
"Yes, ma'am!" they chorused before retreating.
Honest forced a chuckle, fanning himself nervously. "Hahaha... Truly remarkable, General. Your power never ceases to amaze. I pity any fool who crosses you."
Selene ignored the flattery. Her crimson eyes gleamed dangerously. "I want every trace of this leak traced and burned out—completely. Whether it's within the palace or beyond, I expect results."
Honest smiled thinly, his greasy face stretching into a grin. "But of course. Leave it to me, General. After all..." He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "We wouldn't want anyone jeopardizing our... mutual interests, now would we?"
Selene's smile was equally sharp. "Indeed. I knew I could count on you, Minister Honest."
Their eyes met across the ruined table—both concealing the daggers behind their smiles.
Watching Sten and Ibara kneel in deference, Selene leaned back against her chair. Resting one hand under her chin and holding a teacup in the other, she said lazily, "Their strength isn't bad. Congratulations, Minister Honest."
"Where, where, not worth mentioning," Honest replied humbly, waving a pudgy hand.
"Alright, let's skip the pleasantries and get to business," Selene said, setting her cup down. "It's likely that the southern rebels have already learned of His Majesty's critical condition and inability to govern. A large-scale uprising is imminent. Rather than sit and wait for it, it's better to strike first."
"I want command of the army and permission to lead an expedition. The court's politics are nothing but a headache. By the time I return victorious, I'm sure you, Minister Honest, will have... tidied things up quite nicely."
"I've already submitted the report. As for the matter of the leak—I trust you'll handle it well." Her tone was calm, but her gaze carried layered meaning as she folded her hands and looked at him across the table.
Honest's eyes gleamed at her words, and a sly smile spread across his face. "Heh... what wonderful news indeed."
Selene tilted her head. "Hmm? Looks like someone's here."
Just as she spoke, a squad of black-robed agents from the Imperial Assassination Division appeared silently, kneeling before Honest. Although the reception room was still a wreck from earlier, they showed no reaction, simply bowing and presenting a sealed envelope with both hands.
"An urgent message at this hour?" Honest muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Don't tell me the southern provinces really rebelled?"
Breaking the seal, he scanned the document swiftly—and his expression shifted from surprise to glee.
"...General Selene, it seems the southern rebels are indeed planning something big!" he said with a booming laugh.
"Rebellions across the southern provinces?" Selene asked calmly.
"No," Honest said, his grin widening. "It's a southern barbarian invasion! But according to the Assassination Division's report, many of the invaders include members of the rebel army we've already identified."
Selene's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not surprising. These so-called 'Revolutionaries' have collaborated with foreign tribes before."
Honest nodded. "Then, General Selene—I'll await your good news."
Selene rose smoothly, ignoring Honest's offer to see her out, and strode toward the door without another word.
...
Returning to her Upper City residence granted by the Emperor, Selene sank into her sofa and exhaled softly.
This was the perfect opportunity she had given Honest. Under the pretext of purging rebel spies, he could now move openly—rooting out rivals, launching mass arrests, and consolidating his grip on power.
There's no way he'll let such a golden chance slip through his fingers, she thought, a faint smirk curving her lips as the candlelight flickered in her crimson eyes.