"The empire is fortunate to have such loyal citizens. I am deeply moved. Please, tell me your names."
While Sora's words might have sounded like nonsense, exaggeration, and deception to others, to the confused young emperor, they were deeply moving.
Such loyal and patriotic good people—who was the scoundrel that called them criminals? If I find out, I won't let him off!!!
"Ahem, Your Majesty, my name is Sora, and this is my wife, Esdeath."
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, although Sora knew that the young emperor, under the minister's influence, was quite naive and adorably foolish, seeing his genuinely moved and sincere expression, he still felt a bit embarrassed.
"Your Majesty! Don't believe this criminal's words, he's just a…"
Seeing that the young emperor not only believed Sora's words but also praised him, Najenda was almost frantic, thinking, "You little fool, there's a limit to being confused!!!" She couldn't help but speak up in agitation.
However, to Najenda's great frustration, before she could finish, the young emperor stopped her:
"General Najenda, have you forgotten the punishment I gave you before? First, you slandered the loyal and devoted Minister Honest, then you insulted the respected General Budo, and now you are defaming such a loyal and commendable citizen like Sora."
"General Najenda, you have truly disappointed me!"
The young emperor's tender face also showed a hint of anger. Najenda's actions, in his eyes, had repeatedly violated his authority. If it weren't for the fact that she was indeed a talent and had contributed much to the empire, he might have even considered executing her!
"Your Majesty, I, I…"
Biting her lip hard, as the empire's youngest and only female general, Najenda had her own pride and dignity. She had always spoken with good intentions, yet she ended up being despised by her ruler. She felt extremely wronged. If it weren't for the presence of others, she might have burst into tears.
Sora, on the other hand, looked at the pitiful and aggrieved Najenda with a teasing expression. This girl wasn't yet the manly boss of the assassin group from two years later in the original story.
Her arm was still intact, her right eye was still there, and her silver hair wasn't cut short but tied into a small ponytail. Both her appearance and temperament were top-notch.
However, her personality wasn't as steady as it would be two years later, and she still had a bit of a girl's willfulness and pride.
Sora naturally preferred this version of Najenda. Since he was here, he wouldn't let the boss from the original story appear. His mind was filled with evil thoughts, already planning how to trick this proud female general into his grasp.
"Hmph!"
Najenda also noticed Sora looking at her. She was almost hating him to death, so she let out a cold snort, glared at him fiercely, and turned her head away, as if looking at him would dirty her eyes.
Seeing Najenda treat her beloved like this, Esdeath was immediately displeased. A cold light flashed in her eyes, and she was about to step forward and kill this wretched woman with a sword, but Sora quickly pulled her back.
With a wicked smile, Sora licked his lips. The more Najenda acted like this, the more it fueled his desire to conquer her. He was really looking forward to the day when she would be obediently trained under his command!
Hmm, seeing Esdeath's reluctant and resentful expression, I suppose we can count her in when the time comes. She would probably be quite willing to "train" this arrogant female general!
"Citizens of Sora, citizens of Esdeath, although your loyalty brings me great comfort, the position of general is of utmost importance, and I cannot bestow it upon you so casually."
Seeing that Najenda on the side had quieted down, the young emperor nodded, too lazy to pay her any more attention, and instead turned back to Sora to speak.
Although somewhat muddled, the young emperor still understood some important matters and couldn't just hand over the position of general to Sora based on a few words. That would be too absurd.
However, the world is full of wonders. Just as the young emperor finished speaking, a minister on the side spoke up:
"Your Majesty, I believe there are exceptions to everything. I observe that these two are indeed rare talents, pillars of the state. It would be a great pity to let them be buried. If Your Majesty feels it's inappropriate to appoint them as generals outright, why not give them a test? If they can pass, it would prove they are indeed qualified!"
Wiping the grease off his large, fat hand, the minister spoke to the young emperor while also signaling to a group of officials behind him.
Sora and Esdeath were his perfect opportunity to gain military power. If they truly had the strength to take on this position, then Najenda and Rokugou could just get lost!
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, the minister speaks wisely!"
"Such excellent talents must not be buried, or it would be a great loss to Your Majesty and the empire!"
"Please give them a chance, to showcase Your Majesty's wisdom and foresight, for the grand cause of the empire!"
…
Although they felt they were betraying their ancestors' conscience, the officials continued to speak one after another.
They had no choice; it was the minister's will! Although they all thought Sora was a shameless liar and villain, the emperor believed in him, and the minister favored him. What could they, mere small fry, do?
Najenda, on the other hand, remained quite calm. She had now clearly seen that this country was utterly beyond saving!
Do as you please, I'm not playing along anymore!
Crossing her arms, Najenda stood silently with Rokugou, occasionally casting cold glances at the smug Sora and Esdeath.
"Hmm, I also think this suggestion is good. Since all the ministers agree, I will order General Budo to test Sora and Esdeath to see if they are qualified to serve as generals of the empire!"
"Additionally, Sora, you mentioned that the girls behind you are talents you trained for the empire. I would like to see them as well. Do you have any objections?"
Having been brainwashed by the minister since childhood, the young emperor found the minister's words reasonable. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, I have no objections!"
General Budo and Sora bowed simultaneously.
General Budo, being upright and loyal, naturally had no issues. Sora, on the other hand, curled his lips into a smile, giving the fat minister a "Good job, old fatty!" look.
Since it was a test, they couldn't just stand there. Led by the guards, the group moved to a large training ground.
As for the palace guards Esdeath had cut down earlier, they were completely forgotten. Their lives were as insignificant as ants in the eyes of these important figures, and no one cared if more of them died.
Although Najenda harbored resentment towards Sora and Esdeath, she was also curious about their true strength. While Esdeath's previous display had already surprised her, she knew it wasn't the full extent of that cruel woman's power, so she followed along.
Najenda wanted to see just how capable these two villains were. If they were all talk, well…