Imperial Palace — Grand Council Hall.
"An invasion by the southwestern tribes?"
"Correct. According to the latest reports, His Majesty's illness has already become known to the rebels. This invasion seems to be their attempt to test the Empire's strength while the highest seat of power lies vacant."
"Then what should we do? His Majesty is gravely ill, and Great General Budo cannot leave the Capital. General Selene is still overseeing the reconstruction of the southern main highway. Who can we send?"
"The most urgent matter now is to appoint a Crown Prince!"
"Utter nonsense! Traitor! You just can't wait for His Majesty to die, can you?!"
...
Standing among the second row of military officials, Selene quietly closed her eyes amid the chaos. The court was in uproar, resembling more a noisy marketplace than the Empire's highest assembly. She looked utterly disinterested, her posture relaxed and detached.
With the Emperor bedridden and unable to govern, the throne sat empty. Affairs of state were temporarily being handled jointly by Minister Honest and Great General Budo. However, while Budo oversaw military matters, all administrative authority effectively rested in Honest's hands.
As the hall descended into shouting and disorder, Honest suddenly stopped eating, pulled out a handkerchief, and began to wail hoarsely.
"Boohoo... to think that these treacherous scoundrels would dare... dare to rebel while His Majesty lies on his deathbed! I never imagined that citizens of the Empire—our very own people—would stoop so low as to collude with barbarian tribes! Boohoohoo! Your Majesty, this humble servant weeps in despair! To face such turmoil while entrusted with governing in your stead... it is too cruel!"
At the height of his emotional outburst, Honest suddenly dropped to his knees with a loud thud, prostrating himself toward the vacant throne. "Your Majesty! This old minister has failed you! Your Majesty—!"
His performance was so convincing that it could have moved an audience to tears. Had Selene not known his true nature, even she might have believed him to be a model of loyalty and grief.
As soon as Honest fell to his knees, all officials under his faction followed suit, filling the grand hall with a chorus of weeping. To an outsider, it would have looked as if the Emperor had already passed away.
Even Budo, who had been maintaining his composure, grew visibly irritated as the crying grew louder and more theatrical.
"Enough!!" Budo's roar shook the chamber. "You call yourselves ministers of the Empire, yet you behave like grieving widows?! Do you plan to cry the rebels and the southwestern tribes to death?!"
"G-General Budo," Honest sniffled dramatically, dabbing his eyes with the handkerchief, "I weep not for myself, but for the innocent subjects suffering under barbarian invasion. The thought of their plight cuts my heart like a blade... boohoohoo..."
Barely half a minute later, upon seeing Budo's glare, Honest's tears stopped instantly. His expression shifted in an instant, as if nothing had happened. With chilling composure, he asked, "But as a loyal minister of the Empire, I cannot allow despair to consume me. Tell me, General Budo—how do you propose we quell this rebellion?"
"You're right, Minister," Budo replied, meeting his gaze. "I cannot leave the Capital, as His Majesty's condition may worsen at any moment. So tell me, why did you summon me here? Don't tell me it was just to witness this farce. I don't believe for a second that your scheming mind is that simple."
"What do you mean scheming? I'm simply... robust," Honest said, pretending to look offended. Then, feigning casual curiosity, he asked, "So, General, who do you intend to send to suppress the uprising?"
"General Wesley—"
Before he could finish, Honest interrupted gleefully. "This humble minister recommends General Selene for the task. What say you, General Budo?"
Budo turned his head, glancing at Selene, who still sat calmly with her eyes closed. Remembering the Emperor's last command, he hesitated only a moment before nodding. "So be it."
"Then, General Selene," Honest said, his tone syrupy, "what is your opinion?"
Selene opened her eyes slowly. "As you command. But I require authorization—to use 'God's Wrath.'"
"'God's Wrath'? What is that?" Honest asked, blinking in confusion. He had no idea what she meant.
"Granted," Budo said without hesitation. "However, avoid using it within Imperial territory. Outside the borders, in the lands of the barbarians—you may unleash it freely."
"Oh-ho... then it's settled," Honest said, quickly piecing things together. His beady eyes gleamed with realization as he recalled the massive explosion that had rocked the southern frontier months ago. "With General Selene leading the campaign, I doubt those savages will cause trouble for long."
'God's Wrath'... what a fitting name.
"Now then," Honest declared solemnly, steadying his voice, "by the authority vested in me as Prime Minister of the Empire, I hereby appoint General Selene to march south and suppress the rebellion. You are granted full oversight of all military operations within the Empire's southwestern territories."
...
Since the campaign would take place within Imperial borders, supply lines could rely on provisions from the southern provinces, allowing preparations to proceed swiftly. Within days, the army was ready to move.
Three days later, under the watchful eyes of Prime Minister Honest, Great General Budo, and the assembled ministers and officers, Selene led her 8th Imperial Guard Legion—over fifty thousand strong—southward to begin the campaign to subdue the rebellious southwestern tribes.
Meanwhile, the newly acquired 9th Imperial Guard Legion was assigned to remain at the lake encampment, taking over the 8th Legion's former duties of repairing and expanding the southern main highway, as well as maintaining security in the surrounding regions.
...
After nearly three months of arduous travel across plains and mountains, Selene and her army finally reached the Empire's southern border province.
Outside the provincial capital, Patripol City, crowds gathered under the direction of the local governor. Nobles and wealthy magnates assembled near the gates, while citizens lined both sides of the main thoroughfare, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Selene and her Imperial troops.
Before long, rolling clouds of dust appeared on the horizon, followed by the sight of the Imperial Guard's golden eagle banners fluttering high in the wind. The thunder of marching boots echoed through the valley, striking awe into the hearts of all who beheld them.
When the governor caught sight of Selene—riding at the forefront in her deep-blue dress embellished with gleaming silver segments, surrounded by ranks of elite soldiers—he hurried forward with a fawning smile.
"Hahaha! The Patripol Province welcomes General Selene's arrival! Your Excellency, you must have endured great hardship on your journey!" he said obsequiously. "We have already prepared a grand banquet in your honor. Please, you and your officers must come to the governor's mansion and dine."
Following protocol, the bulk of the army set up camp outside the city, while Selene and a select group of officers accompanied the governor into the opulent provincial palace.
That evening, the governor and local nobles hosted an extravagant welcome feast for Selene and her officers—lavish dishes, rich wines, and elaborate entertainment filled the hall.
"I've already received direct orders from the Capital," the governor said deferentially, trailing after Selene like a loyal hound. "Regarding supplies and resources for your southern campaign, please don't hesitate to call upon me, General."
Throughout the evening, various nobles and merchants approached Selene, eager to curry favor or forge connections. After all, she was now the Empire's second-ranking Imperial Guard general—a figure of tremendous influence and prestige. Her future prospects were limitless.
Selene managed polite responses and forced smiles, but inwardly she was exhausted. Dealing with these vultures is more tiring than fighting a battle... I should've brought Sebas with me.
As she glanced around the resplendent banquet hall—crystal chandeliers, golden walls, nobles laughing behind jeweled fans—Selene sighed inwardly. So the rot of corruption isn't limited to the Capital... Even the border provinces are drowning in excess.
The nobles gorge themselves while commoners struggle to eat. These parasites truly deserve to— she paused mid-thought. Wait... I'm the guest of honor here. Technically, I'm the biggest parasite in this room. Never mind then.
She smirked faintly to herself. Play the music! Keep the dance going!
It's not my Empire—at least, not yet. Let it decay as it pleases. The weaker it gets... the easier it'll be to take.