"Grant her a noble title, Your Majesty?"
At those words, Budo glanced briefly at Honest before replying, "Your Majesty, this minister is in favor of ennoblement."
"General Selene led the southern campaign against the southwestern tribes, capturing over one hundred thousand enemies and slaying three hundred thousand. Her contributions to the Empire are immense—she deserves a noble title."
"However..." Budo continued, "this minister also believes that General Selene's military rank should be elevated as well—to stabilize the army's morale."
Honest's heart skipped a beat, unease flickering in his chest. Everyone knew Selene was a rising star within Budo's Imperial Guard system. Was this old warhorse trying to win her over—or perhaps testing him?
In truth, Honest was overthinking it. A man as upright and old-fashioned as Budo—devoted wholly to the Empire—judged all things by strength and merit alone. In his eyes, Selene's accomplishments and loyalty were beyond reproach. As the Empire's foremost military commander, how could he possibly ignore her achievements?
Honest steadied himself and said, "This minister believes that General Selene's rewards should be left entirely to Your Majesty's discretion."
"Enough of that hesitation!" the Emperor snapped from his bed, visibly displeased by Honest's evasiveness. "When I tell you to speak, speak!"
Not knowing why the Emperor seemed so forceful today, Honest had no choice but to continue. "Yes, Your Majesty. For her merits in subduing the southwestern tribes, this minister proposes the title of Count—and promotion to Great General."
The Emperor fell silent, staring directly at him. A countship and promotion to Great General were fitting honors, yet both were ceremonial, devoid of actual authority. It was a smooth, polished answer—one that said everything and nothing.
Honest knew this was likely the Emperor's final test. If he passed, he would remain the Empire's most powerful minister, second only to the throne. If he failed... it could mean the annihilation of his entire family.
Choosing his words with the utmost care, Honest bowed his head low and added, "This old servant also believes that General Selene should be granted command of another Imperial Guard legion."
"Cough... cough..." The Emperor, clearly exhausted from the prolonged discussion, leaned back weakly but still pressed on. "And which legion... do you think suits her best? Or should she be allowed to form a new one?"
"Your Majesty decides all. This old servant dares not presume," Honest said, dropping to his knees and pressing his forehead to the floor, not daring to speak further.
This time, the Emperor did not pursue the matter. He nodded faintly, signaling approval of Honest's suggestion.
Granting command of one of the twelve Imperial Guard legions was a reasonable reward. Selene already commanded two; only the title of Great General—reserved and rarely given—remained beyond reach. Thus, the rank of Upper General, who commanded three of the twelve legions, was an appropriate compromise, placing her as the second-highest military authority in the Empire.
"I see... very well. Prepare the decree!" the Emperor ordered hoarsely. "Selene von Habsburg shall be granted the title of Count Habsburg. She is to be appointed Governor of the Empire's northernmost province. From this day forth, the province shall be renamed Habsburg Province... cough, cough..."
"She is to receive five million in silver, one thousand taels of gold... cough... ten imperial chefs, one opportunity to choose from the Imperial Teigu Treasury, one estate in the Upper City... and an expansion of her current residence."
"She shall be promoted to Upper General and appointed Commander of the Fourth Imperial Guard Legion, overseeing the Fourth, Eighth, and Ninth Legions—responsible for maintaining order in the Upper City and the southern Lake District."
No sooner had he finished giving the decree than the Emperor's body trembled violently. A fit of coughing wracked his frail frame. "Cough... cough... cough..."
"Your Majesty!"
Whether Honest's concern was genuine or not was uncertain, but Budo's certainly was. The old general's voice was thick with worry. "Summon the royal physicians! Quickly!"
"Cough... no need," the Emperor rasped, waving weakly. "I know... my own body... cough..." Struggling upright with the attendants' help, he barked with what strength remained: "What are you waiting for! Send the decree to General Selene at once—urgent delivery, eight hundred miles without delay!"
"Yes—yes, Your Majesty!" The attendant hurriedly ran out to carry the order.
Budo hesitated briefly before asking, "And the Grand Council, Your Majesty? Shall the ministers be informed?"
The Emperor seemed not to have heard Budo's words. Instead, he sighed deeply. "It is a pity... I will not live to witness Lady Selene's triumphal ceremony. She is not even twenty years old yet. Throughout the ages, how many have possessed such power at that age? Rare indeed... rarer than the phoenix's feather."
"What a pity... cough... cough... I am old now. I will not see it."
"Your Majesty is blessed with heaven's fortune," Honest said hurriedly. "This illness is but—"
Before he could finish, the Emperor let out a cold snort, cutting him off. "Enough with the flattery. Do not try to deceive me. I know my own condition all too well."
Honest lowered his head in silence, not daring to speak further.
Looking at the kneeling minister before him, the Emperor sighed softly. Among the short, one must choose the taller. Among recent generations of civil officials, only Honest still possessed some ability. The rest—remnants of Chouri's faction—were nothing but empty talkers, scholars who spoke of virtue and philosophy but knew nothing of statecraft.
If only... this damned body would give me a little more time... he thought bitterly. If Honest proves unworthy, I could still observe and replace him...
But now... I no longer have the strength to change anything. Nor the power to do so...
Suddenly, the Emperor clutched his chest. A sharp pain stabbed through his heart. His breathing halted for a moment, his face flushed crimson as he let out a muffled groan of agony.
"Your Majesty!! Your Majesty!!" the attending servants cried out in terror.
"Summon the royal physicians! Quickly!"
The Emperor's body trembled violently upon the bed, his limbs convulsing as he tried to speak. His lips moved weakly, but only broken gasps emerged.
"Send... the decree... out..." Using the last of his strength, he forced out the final command. Then, his body went still. His breathing grew faint—so fragile it flickered like a dying flame.
"Your Majesty!"
...
Elsewhere, unaware of the chaos unfolding within the Imperial Capital, Selene rode leisurely along the Empire's main road.
That's right—she was deliberately taking her time. Did anyone truly think she was eager to return to the Capital and play the role of the loyal general before the court?
She would drag it out for as long as she could. According to her estimation of the Emperor's health before her departure, his death should come very soon.
Once the old Emperor passed away, Honest would seize full control—and the restrictions binding her would finally be lifted.
She smirked faintly to herself. A few days' delay won't hurt. Better yet, if I only return after the old man's burial, I can avoid all the tiresome formalities entirely.
Yes... that's perfect. I'll treat it as a little vacation.
With that thought, Selene's expression relaxed completely as she rode under the bright sky, unhurried and content.