Several days later.
The Imperial Capital.
"Does Master want to conquer the world?"
Esdeath blinked.
Thanks to Arlen, the Northern Tribes had been crushed in record time.
Arlen and Esdeath then returned to the Imperial Capital.
The appearance of the two immediately caused a commotion in the streets.
"Look! Isn't that General Esdeath?"
"Who is that beside her? He looks so handsome."
"Could it be her lover?"
To the commoners, Esdeath was a celebrity.
Compared to the corrupt officials in the Capital, Esdeath, who had no interest in bullying the weak and only cared about fighting the strong, was actually quite popular.
Not to mention...
She had just pacified the North.
For a moment, their arrival caused a huge sensation.
However, neither Arlen nor Esdeath cared about the crowd.
Esdeath asked, "Then Master, what do you plan to do?"
Arlen said casually, "Let's take the Empire into our hands first. It will be more convenient."
"Indeed. Although there are many tribes in this world, the Empire is the strongest."
Esdeath nodded, but asked in confusion, "Master, since you want to rebel, wouldn't it be better to raise an army at the border and march on the Capital?"
"That is inefficient. Destroying the infrastructure of the Empire just to rule over ruins is troublesome."
"It's easier if I control the Emperor myself. Why start a whole war when I can just take out the one in charge?"
Hearing this, Esdeath nodded thoughtfully.
Indeed, this method was the fastest.
After all, that was exactly what Prime Minister Honest did.
Besides, if she had to conquer the Empire through war... she would have to lead troops constantly.
Right now, she didn't want to leave Master's side, especially at night.
Esdeath calculated the benefits and immediately stated her position: "As expected of Master, you have thought it through."
"However, to control the Empire, we must get rid of Prime Minister Honest."
In this Empire, the Emperor was just a figurehead.
Minister Honest was the true ruler from the shadows.
"That is indeed the case."
Arlen smiled. "So, let's go and deal with them both at once."
"The news of your return shouldn't be hidden. When they summon you, the Child Emperor and the Prime Minister should both be there..."
Esdeath's eyes lit up.
This was indeed the most direct method.
...
That afternoon.
The Palace Audience Hall.
Arlen and Esdeath stood in the center of the hall.
With Esdeath leading the way, the palace guards did not dare to block Arlen, even though they didn't recognize him.
At this moment.
The Empire's nobles and officials lined the left and right sides of the hall.
On the throne sat a child holding a heavy scepter.
Sure enough, they were all there.
Esdeath glanced at the Child Emperor, then looked at Prime Minister Honest standing beside him. A cruel smile touched her lips.
"Congratulations on your triumphant return, General Esdeath."
Honest had a greasy smile on his face as his gaze landed on Arlen. "Presumably, this is the powerhouse who annihilated the Northern Army of hundreds of thousands in a single battle."
"You have performed a great service for the Empire. His Majesty will definitely not be stingy with rewards."
"The Prime Minister is right."
The Child Emperor smiled brilliantly, looking innocent. "I wonder what reward you want?"
"I can give you anything."
Hearing this, Arlen spoke calmly.
"Since that is the case... give me the throne."
Silence.
The smiles on the Child Emperor and Honest's faces froze.
The other officials stared in shock and disbelief.
What was happening?
Was this man insane?
Even if someone wanted to rebel, doing it this openly was unbelievable.
"Insolent!"
Honest's face turned dark.
"This is not a place for you to say such nonsense!"
"Even if you have achievements, those words are treason! You can be executed for this!"
Hearing the noise, the guards outside rushed in.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Metal sounds filled the room as they drew their blades and moved to arrest Arlen.
"Esdeath."
"Yes, Master."
Esdeath raised her hand casually.
Dozens of ice spikes formed in the air and shot forward.
Splurt! Splurt! Splurt!
Blood splashed across the polished floor.
All the guards collapsed at once, their bodies pierced through.
"Hiss—!"
Many officials gasped in fear, staring at Esdeath in shock.
Could it be…?
Esdeath was helping him?
Honest's frown deepened. "Esdeath, what are you doing?"
"And why did you call him 'Master'?"
There was fear in his voice now.
Esdeath had always been the Empire's strongest general, his most reliable weapon.
In his eyes, she was only a battle maniac who cared about fighting. She never cared about politics or power.
So why was she acting like this?
"No reason."
Esdeath answered coldly, "Master wants the Empire, so I will give it to him. That is all."
"Esdeath! You are a General of the Empire! Don't be fooled by this man!"
Although Honest was shouting at her, his eyes moved toward a guard near the exit.
He signaled him silently to go get reinforcements—specifically, Great General Budo.
If Esdeath had truly rebelled, only Budo had a chance to stop her.
Esdeath's expression did not change. She walked forward slowly, an ice rapier forming in her hand.
"Esdeath, think carefully!" Honest yelled, trying to sound confident. "Even if you are the strongest, becoming an enemy of the Empire is—"
Swish!
A cold flash cut off his words.
SPLAT!
Honest's large body fell to the ground. His head flew through the air, and blood sprayed from his neck like a fountain.
The entire hall went silent in terror.
The Child Emperor, the scheming officials, the remaining guards—everyone froze.
They watched the Prime Minister's head roll across the floor, unable to think.
Dead.
The real ruler of the Empire.
Minister Honest had died just like that?
Even after seeing it with their own eyes, it felt unreal—like a nightmare.
----
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