In the week following her chance encounter with Sheele and her family's restaurant, Selene's life in the Imperial Capital had been remarkably peaceful. Aside from occasionally teasing Esdeath, her days had settled into a steady, disciplined routine—three points on a line, as predictable as clockwork.
7:30 a.m. — Awakened by her maids.
8:00 a.m. — Breakfast served by Head Chef Susanoo.
8:30 a.m. — Arrive punctually at the Imperial Guard Headquarters to begin work.
11:30 a.m. — Depart for the South Lake training grounds to inspect the Fourth, Eighth, and Ninth Legions under her command.
12:00 p.m. — Lunch with her troops at the South Lake base.
2:00 p.m. — Oversee the Twelve Imperial Guard Legions' tournament at the Imperial Arena.
6:00 p.m. — Conclude the day's matches and return to her mansion in the Upper City.
7:00 p.m. — Dinner, again prepared and served by Susanoo.
7:30 p.m. — Review documents and daily reports in her study.
9:00 p.m. — Wash up and go to bed (entering the Imaginary Space for training).
Sleep until 7:30 a.m. the next day. Never carry over fatigue or stress—her motto. "The doctor says I'm perfectly fine—hmph, that doctor dares question me? Let him try saying that again!"
Naturally, no one dared criticize Selene's structured, almost idyllic routine—aside from Great General Budo and Minister Honest, who were the only two in a position to even try.
As for Honest, he was delighted with Selene's "laid-back" lifestyle. A general who didn't crave power, meddle in politics, or even attend court meetings anymore—only focused on military matters? To Honest, that was the ideal ally.
Though he was technically at a disadvantage in their partnership, as long as Selene didn't turn on him, she was a natural safeguard to his ambitions.
Thus, during Selene's leisure days, Honest spared no effort to please her. Multiple times, he sent lavish gifts in the Young Emperor's name—gold, jewels, estate deeds, increased military funding, and even top chefs gathered from across the Empire.
He also had his men reassure her that all promises made to Selene would be fulfilled—once the Imperial assassination unit returned with formal confirmation of the Southern Rebel Headquarters' annihilation.
The only one uneasy about Selene's relaxed (read: slacker) lifestyle was Great General Budo.
Though Selene performed her duties punctually, took her command seriously, and stayed out of politics—essentially the model Imperial soldier in his eyes—something still didn't sit right with him.
He worked overtime every day. Yet Selene, the Empire's second-highest-ranking military officer, was so... leisurely?
6:00 p.m., Imperial Arena.
"Victor: Fourth Legion, Vanguard Unit—Urinin!"
"RAHHHH—!!"
As the final match of the day's Imperial Guard tournament concluded, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the arena. Soldiers roared with pride—especially those from Selene's three legions, their chants nearly shaking the coliseum.
Clap, clap!
"Impressive, as expected from your elite troops—the Fourth Legion," Budo remarked from the central platform. Glancing at the scoreboards, he nodded approvingly. "Their victory rate even surpasses my First Legion. Selene, not only are you powerful yourself, but your training methods seem equally exceptional."
"Just luck... hmm?" Selene began modestly, but before she could finish, a sharp ringing interrupted her.
Her alarm clock.
"Ah, looks like it's already six o'clock. General Budo, my shift's over."
"Wait, I was about to assign the new recruit training camp under your supervision—hey! Selene—"
Before he could finish, Selene was already walking down from the central platform without so much as a backward glance.
"Yes, yes, I know. But I'm off the clock now. If you've got business, General, go right ahead—I'm heading home. Bye~" She waved cheerfully as she left, smiling like a cat who'd just stolen the cream.
That feeling—same pay, but you clock out early while everyone else stays to work overtime... Ahh, that's the good stuff.
Budo's face darkened as he watched her leave, an uncharacteristic twinge of irritation bubbling within him. "That woman... she really leaves the moment the clock strikes six. Not a minute more."
For the first time, a dangerous thought crept into his mind—something he'd never felt before. He used to take pride in working late into the night, dedicating every ounce of strength to the Empire. But now...
In Budo's eyes, Selene was one of the few Imperial soldiers truly worthy of trust. Though she had her quirks, he still regarded her as one of his own—a fellow member of the thousand-year-old Imperial Guard system.
But now... while he, the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Guard, worked overtime every single day, Selene—his subordinate—was happily living a comfortable, carefree life, clocking out on time, without a shred of guilt.
I work overtime, and you slack off? Not a chance!
"No! I can't just let Selene continue being this... 'decadent.' I'll have to give her more responsibility!"
...
Leaving the Imperial Arena that sat between the Middle and Upper City districts, Selene strolled leisurely toward her mansion.
Beside her walked her adjutant Esdeath, followed by a group of Imperial Guard officers led by Kinshasa.
"Esdeath," Selene asked, glancing at her adjutant, "why didn't you participate in the Imperial Guard tournament?"
"There weren't any weapons worth my attention," Esdeath replied coolly. "If I joined, it would've been unfair to them."
"Hey now, Vice-Adjutant Esdeath, could you at least spare us some face?" one of the officers behind them groaned as the others joined in with teasing protests.
"Hmph. Face is something you earn for yourself," Esdeath said with her arms crossed, her tone proud and unyielding. "If you can't beat me, then that's that. There's nothing to argue about."
"B-But—"
Selene turned her head slightly, smiling. "Alright, that's enough. Less talk, more training. If you're not satisfied, then earn your pride back on the field. And... really now, why are you all following me? Don't tell me you're just hoping to freeload a meal from my head chef again?"
"...Ahaha, so the General saw through us, huh?" Kinshasa scratched his head awkwardly, giving a sheepish grin.
As they passed through the Upper City, a sudden crash and the sound of furious shouting erupted from a brightly lit mansion nearby, drawing everyone's attention.
"Catch her! You useless trash!" a hysterical voice roared from inside, followed by the loud clatter of furniture being overturned.
"Is that a robbery? General, should we—" one of the officers began, glancing toward Selene for orders.
"No need. That's a slaver's mansion," Selene replied calmly. From within, she sensed countless faint life signatures—weak, scattered, and confined to specific rooms. She didn't need to guess to know they were slaves.
"Let's go." She motioned for them to move on.
"...Ha, hahaha..."
Suddenly, a hoarse laugh rang out, followed by the sight of a blonde girl—around fourteen or fifteen years old—leaping over the high stone wall and landing gracefully in the street.
"Hah... I finally escaped. Like hell I'll ever let you catch me again! Just you wait—one day, I'll make you pay for everything you've done!"
But as she turned around mid-sentence, she froze.
Standing right before her was Selene—surrounded by a formation of towering Imperial Guard soldiers in full armor.
"Uh..."