________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A few days later.
The Imperial Capital.
"You want to conquer the world, Master?"
Esdeath blinked in surprise.
Thanks to Edgar's involvement, the northern tribes were crushed in record time.After that, Edgar and Esdeath headed straight for the capital.
Their arrival immediately stirred up a commotion.
"Hey, isn't that General Esdeath?""Who's that guy with her? Damn, he's handsome.""Wait… is he her lover?"
For the countless civilians in the capital, Esdeath was a household name.Unlike the corrupt noble officials rotting away in luxury, she had no interest in bullying the weak—making her far more beloved by the people.
And now, having just defeated the northern tribes, her fame was at its peak.Naturally, the news caused an uproar.
But neither Edgar nor Esdeath seemed to care.
Esdeath asked casually,"So, Master, what's the plan?"
Edgar replied without much thought,"First, let's get the Empire under our control. That'll make things easier."
Esdeath nodded."True. Even though there are many foreign tribes in this world, the Empire is the strongest."But then she tilted her head."If you're planning to rebel, wouldn't it be better to just raise an army at the border?"
Edgar smiled faintly."There's a saying in my homeland: 'Hold the Emperor hostage to command the lords.'"
"Smashing the whole Empire into pieces would be way too much work.It's easier to just control the Emperor and take over from the top."
Hearing that, Esdeath thought for a moment.It was indeed the fastest way.After all, that's basically how the Prime Minister ran the place already.
And if they went the "conquer by force" route, she'd have to constantly be leading armies into battle…which would mean spending nights away from her Master—something she had no interest in.
She quickly calculated the "time cost" and smiled."As expected of you, Master—always thinking ahead."
"But if we're going to control the Empire, we'll have to get rid of Prime Minister Honest."
Indeed, imperial power had long since fallen into the Prime Minister's hands.Honest was the real ruler from the shadows.
"Exactly," Edgar said with a smirk."So, since we're doing this, let's take care of everything at once."
"You've just returned to the capital. Your presence won't stay a secret for long.When you're summoned, both the Emperor and Honest should be there…"
Esdeath's eyes lit up.Yes—this would be the most efficient approach.
That afternoon.
In the palace's grand hall, Edgar and Esdeath appeared together.
With Esdeath leading the way, the palace guards—though unfamiliar with Edgar—didn't stop them.
Inside, the hall was lined with nobles and officials standing on both sides.On the throne sat a child holding a scepter.
Just as planned—both targets were present.
Esdeath glanced at the little Emperor, then at Prime Minister Honest standing beside him.A faint, dangerous smile curled at her lips.
"Congratulations on your victory, General Esdeath," Honest greeted warmly, then turned his eyes to Edgar."I presume this is the warrior who wiped out hundreds of thousands of northern barbarians in one campaign?"
"You've done a great service to the Empire. His Majesty will surely reward you generously."
"The Minister is right," the young Emperor added with a bright smile."Tell me, what reward do you want? I can give you anything."
Edgar's voice was calm."In that case… hand the throne over to me."
The words hit the hall like a thunderclap.
The Emperor and Honest's smiles froze instantly.The other ministers stared, wide-eyed, unable to believe what they'd just heard.
What the hell?Was this guy insane?
Even if you were planning a rebellion, wasn't this way too blunt?
"Insolence!"
Honest's face went dark."This is not the place for your outrageous talk.No matter what merit you've earned, such words are punishable by death!"
Outside the hall, guards rushed in at the commotion.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Swords rang as they were drawn, ready to cut Edgar down.
"Esdeath."
"Yes, Master."
With a casual wave of her hand, dozens of ice spears ripped through the air.
Shhk! Shhk! Shhk!
Blood splattered.The guards collapsed in twisted heaps across the floor.
"Hhh—"
Gasps filled the room as the officials stared at Esdeath, horrified.
Wait…Was she in on this too?
Honest's brows furrowed."Esdeath… what is the meaning of this? And why do you call him 'Master'?"
His voice was sharp with suspicion and fear.He had always believed Esdeath to be nothing more than a battle maniac with zero interest in political power—an ideal pawn to keep on his side.
This was not how she was supposed to act.
"It's simple," Esdeath said coldly."My Master wants the Empire, so I'll give it to him. That's all."
"Esdeath, you're a general of the Empire. Don't let yourself be deceived," Honest warned, glancing toward a guard by the doorway—silently signaling him to run for help.If Esdeath was truly rebelling, there was only one man who could handle her.
Esdeath's face remained blank as she walked forward, an icy blade forming in her hand.
"Think carefully, Esdeath," Honest snapped."Even if you are the strongest in the Empire, making an enemy of it means—"
Shhk!
Before he could finish, a slash tore through the air.
Splat!
Honest's knees hit the floor. Blood erupted like a fountain.
Silence fell over the hall.
The Emperor, the ministers, the guards at the doorway—everyone just stared in shock as Honest's head tumbled away like a watermelon, their minds blank.
He was dead.
The true power behind the throne—the man who had ruled the Empire in all but name—was gone.
Even seeing it with their own eyes, it felt like a dream.
"..."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________