Her mood, which was originally good because of her promotion, became a bit unpleasant because she had met an 'annoying guy', so the expression on her face became even more serious. This made many people who were secretly looking at her couldn't help but label her as a 'man-eater'.
But what she didn't expect was that the person who had been staring at her earlier was also one of the people receiving the award this time. And as far as she knew, the remaining one should be the one from the western border army who was known for slaughtering captives (it was obvious that Lancer had let the foreign races choose for themselves, but some slave merchants had deliberately distorted the story).
She had originally thought he would be someone with a gloomy expression or a fiery personality, but she didn't expect it to be him?
He seemed to be only a few years older than her, and he didn't give off the impression of a bloodthirsty person, but why was he able to do something like having a capture survival rate of less than 10%?
But despite her doubts, there was nothing she could do at this time but silently watch the other party.
As for Lancer on the other side, he also didn't know what Najenda was thinking. At this time, he was kneeling on one knee with a very respectful expression, but that was all. The reason he did this was simply because 'rules' were not easy to violate, and not because he was accustomed to it like the others.
But the other party seemed to still remember Lancer, the person who had saved him a year ago. He even smiled at Lancer.
Although it seemed like a casual smile, for the group of people below who were playing politics, it was a 'signal', especially for the military bigwigs. After all, people like Budo who were determined to draw a clear line with the civilian administration were one of a kind.
But then, Lancer didn't expect there to be another 'surprise'.
"In view of your contributions, I have decided to allow the three of you to choose a 'Teigu' from the treasury..."
This was a complete and pleasant surprise, but then he, along with the others, showed a confused expression. After all, this was not several years later, and only a few people knew about 'Teigu'.
"Teigu are 48 non-replicable weapons developed a thousand years ago by the Empire's founding emperor. He used immense financial resources and power to gather the world's top craftsmen, using materials from legendary super dangerous species, rare metals like Orichalcum, and a large number of lost secret techniques! And these 48 weapons are 'Teigu'! Although some Teigu have been damaged or lost, at least half of them are still preserved in the Empire's treasury. Today! I will allow you to choose one of them as your weapon!"
After the other party's rhythmic voice explained the origin, rarity, and power of the Teigu, the ministers below couldn't help but let out gasps of admiration. However, some of the great nobles showed disdainful looks. They had already been very clear about the existence of Teigu. Only these ordinary people who were promoted by the current emperor didn't know about the existence of 'Teigu'. After all, 'Teigu' were the cornerstone for the entire Empire's rule.
But after the excitement, Lancer was a bit confused. Why would the emperor give them Teigu at this time?
But Lancer didn't understand politics, which didn't mean that others didn't. Some of the old foxes either showed caution or nodded with satisfaction.
Indeed, the Empire had ruled this land for a thousand years, but that didn't mean that the Empire had been peaceful for a thousand years. Whether it was the rebellion of the local descendants after the initial crazy expansion, or the exploitation of the power of some local magnates due to the emperor's policies, or even simply because some people wanted to pursue more benefits, in reality, some chaos had already begun to appear within the Empire in recent years. Lancer 'rescue' of the emperor a year ago was actually because of this.
And furthermore...
Everyone looked at the people who were receiving the award this time. The three of them had both men and women, and their ages varied, but the three of them had one common characteristic, and that was: they were all commoners.
Lancer, without a doubt, had saved the emperor before, and his public identity was that of an 'outsider' from a remote village. Najenda, although she belonged to a local army, was a soldier from the territory of a pro-emperor noble. And the last middle-aged uncle was from the border army. How could a border army that guarded the Empire's gate not be a confidant of the emperor?
In reality, the three Teigu that were given out this time were still within the emperor's control!
It could be said that this time, the other party not only showed his generosity to everyone, but he also openly increased the strength of his subordinates. It was simply killing two birds with one stone. It was likely that with the appearance of three people who possessed Teigu, the Empire should be stable for a while longer, right?
But what no one noticed was that a certain person, who also had a face full of admiration at this time, showed a 'sarcastic' smile. Although it was fleeting, it was still discovered by a certain person. After all, ever since Lancer had stepped into this hall, he had been staring at him, except for the time he saw Najenda and took a longer look at her.
Perhaps at this time, Honest had already obtained that 'Jewel Headband [Ireston]', or had some clues. Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to show such an expression.
But...
'I'm not just using a 'Teigu'. I'll give you a 'surprise' when the time comes!'
Following behind Budo, the three of them walked toward the Empire's treasury. Along the way, the group passed more than 5 open sentry posts, and there was no telling how many covert ones there were. As the treasury door was opened, Lancer couldn't help but lament that Budo was truly trusted by the Imperial emperor. He dared to entrust the key to a place that was the 'foundation of the nation' to the other party.
But after he actually walked inside, Lancer stopped thinking about these things, because he had to find what he needed.
There was no doubt that the strongest Teigu should be the type that could manipulate 'elements', like the ones on Budo and Esdeath. Besides that, there was Tatsumi's 'Incursio' or its corresponding 'Noble Chariot'. They were Lancer initial targets, but...
He realized that he didn't see the jar where 'Demon's Extract' was located at all. Upon careful thought, it was more normal for it not to be here. After all, that thing was too overpowered, and it couldn't be recycled like other Teigu; every bit that was drunk was one bit less.
So he could only settle for the next best thing...
"No armor?"
When Lancer told Budo that he wanted to get a set of armor, Budo shook his head.
"The two armor-type Teigu in the treasury, 'Incursio' and 'Noble Chariot', already have masters..."
Budo words made the corner of Lancer mouth twitch. He felt that his 'luck'... no, it wasn't luck. The fact that these two items had masters just meant that he had come too late.
With his three main targets gone, Lancer could only settle for the next best thing and continue to look, but at this moment...
"General Budo, I've made my choice."
"General, I've also made my choice."
Lancer hadn't even started choosing yet, but the other two had already made their choices?
Najenda was holding a silver gun-type Teigu, and the other person was holding a hammer?
It seemed that the one in Najenda's hand was 'Pumpkin', but he had no impression of the other one? No, he did have some impression of it. It seemed to have been used by a certain Teigu user of the Revolutionary Army, and then was instantly killed by Esdeath...
"Colonel Lancer, is something wrong?"
Perhaps Lancer gaze was too strange, and the uncle couldn't help but ask.
"No, nothing. I just felt that the Teigu looked a bit strange."
Lancer couldn't possibly say, 'The Teigu in your hand will be stolen by the Revolutionary Army, and you'll probably be screwed'. If he said that, he would probably make an enemy. What's more, there was no 'Revolutionary Army' at this time.
"Alright, Lancer, you go too. Although The Emperor hasn't set a time limit, this isn't just any place, and you don't need to think too much. I believe that an excellent warrior like you will definitely be favored by a certain Teigu! A Teigu can only unleash its greatest power when it is in sync with its master's heart!"
Budo words sounded very inspiring, but the actual meaning was very simple: it depends on your face!
And Lancer face... EMMM
At this time, if he rubbed his face hard, could he make it a bit whiter?
Thinking of strange things in his mind, he walked toward the Teigu with anticipation...