As Lancer reached the Northern Fortress, yet another southern city fell into rebel hands.
At the city square, an impeccably dressed fat man stood solemnly at the center, raising his voice to the gathered crowd.
"The Empire has stood for a thousand years, with our royal family always striving tirelessly for peace and prosperity! Yet now, corrupt ministers have deceived His Majesty, poisoning his ears! Among them, the traitor Lancer is the worst of all—he abuses the Emperor's favor, kidnaps innocent women, and forces them into slavery! My own son bravely resisted his tyranny, and now lies dead, murdered by Lancer's hand…"
His voice broke dramatically as tears welled up in his eyes, stirring the crowd into angry murmurs. Even after this tragic figure left the square, escorted by guards, the people lingered, discussing heatedly as others passed around flyers bearing Lancer's alleged "crimes."
The pamphlet listed ten major accusations, ranging from kidnapping women to manipulating imperial authority. With Lancer's reputation already tied to the massacre of the tribes, people readily believed at least half the accusations—especially since the accuser was a well-respected former City Lord and Imperial Minister of Finance.
Besides, the rebels had treated the townspeople exceptionally well since capturing the city, opening granaries, distributing food, and declaring a year's tax exemption. While the former City Lord hadn't been particularly cruel, he certainly couldn't compete with this generosity. And since he'd been a known associate of the traitor Lancer, wasn't it actually a good thing he'd been arrested?
...
As Honest climbed into his carriage under his guards' protection, the door had barely shut before he grabbed a towel to vigorously wipe his face clean.
Just then, a calm male voice came from the seat opposite him.
"You truly live up to your reputation, Lord Honest. That was quite a performance—I almost believed it myself."
Honest didn't look startled in the slightest. He took his time wiping his face dry, then smiled at the man.
"Oh, but everything I said was completely true. Perhaps I left out a few tiny details—but you'd know that better than anyone, wouldn't you, City Lord?"
Honest wore his usual cheerful smile, all traces of grief for his "son" completely vanished. The City Lord sitting opposite him shook his head, helplessly. He could never bring himself to like this ally of convenience; indeed, if their scheme ever succeeded, the first thing he intended was to kill Honest outright. The man was simply too dangerous.
He'd seen plenty of villains and good men alike in his life, but never anyone quite like Honest—someone so utterly driven by their own unbridled desires. It was genuinely terrifying.
"Maybe so. Anyway, I came to tell you that the person you mentioned earlier has finally made contact."
At these words, Honest's previously genial expression turned ecstatic.
"Fantastic! Truly wonderful! Our most crucial chess piece is finally within reach!"
The City Lord couldn't quite grasp Honest's excitement. After all, the man already commanded several powerful Teigu users and had absorbed what remained of the Imperial Fist Temple. If Lancer was really as terrifying as Honest implied, why hadn't he assassinated Honest already? Clearly, Lancer wasn't invincible—otherwise, they wouldn't be alive right now.
But Honest merely chuckled, wagging a finger.
"Oh, I have plenty of subordinates, certainly. But I've been missing that one, decisive piece who can settle everything in one strike. And now, they're' finally mine. But enough about that—you'll see for yourself soon."
Honest appeared entirely unbothered by the supposed tragedy of his "son's" death. After all, as he liked to say, "If one son dies, I'll just make another."
At the moment, he was preoccupied with a more pressing thought:
That City Lord might be an ugly fool, but his daughter isn't half bad…
...
Though Lancer had never openly stated anything, Leone was convinced she'd taken a huge step forward in their relationship.
She knew her position meant she'd probably never become Lancer's legitimate wife. Considering his current status, he'd almost certainly marry some noblewoman—even possibly one of the Emperor's own daughters. But Leone wasn't worried; she trusted Lancer implicitly.
She might not fully understand everything about him, but from all the small moments they'd shared, Leone knew he was responsible. Even if he married someone else, he'd still protect her.
Maybe it was because the iron collar around her neck was finally gone, or perhaps because of Lancer's promise before he'd left, but Leone felt especially happy today. She'd even taken care to disguise herself slightly before heading into the city for a stroll.
Though Lancer had never expressly forbidden her from going out, previous outings had always been marred by uncomfortable stares. Today felt different—today she walked with her chin up, proudly showing off her smooth, bare neck. She knew it was childish, but she simply couldn't help herself.
The Capital was familiar, yet strangely new.
Eventually, Leone realized what felt different: the arrogant nobles, always acting as though they owned the streets, had vanished. The city was noisier than usual, but she felt oddly comforted—no longer forced to watch her step around entitled aristocrats.
Is all this thanks to you, Lancer?
Leone knew nothing about politics, nor how dangerously close to the edge Lancer currently stood. She only saw how his actions had changed the Capital for the better.
Just then, her thoughts were interrupted as promoters from a nearby auction house enthusiastically began handing out leaflets.
Curiosity piqued, Leone glanced over, but quickly dismissed it. After all, she'd never had enough money for auctions—either before or now. Yet, ignoring her lack of interest, an enthusiastic worker pressed a flyer into her hand anyway.
Though a mere slum pickpocket, Leone could at least read a bit; it was essential to avoid being cheated when fencing her loot. Reading the flyer, however, she grew confused. This auction was completely different from what she'd imagined.
According to the leaflet, there would be countless items on offer. Only a select few expensive treasures were reserved for special bidding; everything else was available for the public to browse and buy directly.
Why so unusual? Simple—all the merchandise had come from the executed nobles' seized estates.
The most valuable treasures had already been confiscated by the Empire. Lesser items had gone to private collectors, while unsold or unwanted pieces ended up here. Fancy as it sounded, it was essentially a glorified flea market.
With no restrictions on attendance, Leone decided it couldn't hurt to check it out.
---
T/N: is she gonna get a teiguy here WHERES ESDEATH WHERES ESDEATH WHERES ESDFEATH
T/N2: hello i am back from japan, and i am sick heres some chapters i remembered you guys exist
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