However, Yorii Tsugikuni was somewhat puzzled. Why had the minister invited him to a dinner?
After thinking about it briefly, he gave up on the matter entirely. Since he had little desire for anything, aside from some curiosity, he had no expectations for the minister's dinner.
"Master, Master, I have something huge to tell you."
"You've been appointed commander of the Imperial Guard!"
The moment they entered the Imperial Guard headquarters, Ieyasu and Tatsumi ran toward Yorii Tsugikuni.
Ieyasu held a newly issued letter of appointment in his hand, his face full of joy and excitement.
As the saying went, when one person rose to power, even their chickens and dogs ascended to heaven. As Yorii Tsugikuni's disciples, they would benefit from his success one way or another.
"Yeah."
"Master, you're amazing."
Over the past few days, tales of Yorii Tsugikuni in the Imperial Capital had grown more and more exaggerated.
Tatsumi, who patrolled outside every day, had heard them so often his ears were practically callused.
Not being able to witness Yorii Tsugikuni's battle against Night Raid in person left him deeply regretful.
Being the disciple of such a powerful man filled Tatsumi with excitement. Eager to make something of himself, he decided to properly study swordsmanship and Breathing Techniques under Yorii Tsugikuni and strive to keep up with him.
"Congratulations."
Though Sayo felt a little downhearted upon hearing the news, she was still happy for Yorii Tsugikuni.
In her eyes, Yorii Tsugikuni becoming the Security Force commander was entirely deserved.
Sayo also came over from the distance.
Holding Sayo's hand, she nodded toward Yorii Tsugikuni.
"Mm."
Yorii Tsugikuni was somewhat surprised at suddenly becoming the Security Force commander.
However, his expression barely changed as he simply nodded.
Having no desire for power, even upon hearing news that would make many people ecstatic, his heart remained utterly calm.
Still, this was ultimately a good thing.
Though he had not spent long in the Security Force, Yorii Tsugikuni had discovered that aside from Sayo's squad, which was relatively problem-free,
the entire Security Force was actually a rather chaotic mess.
Although he did not like meddling in other people's affairs, now that he had become the Security Force commander,
he would do what he was supposed to within the scope of his duties and improve the Security Force's atmosphere.
After receiving the appointment letter, Yorii Tsugikuni began familiarizing himself with the duties of the Security Force commander with Sayo's assistance.
In addition, he had received a new office.
As well as a residence provided by the Empire.
In short, compared to when he had been an ordinary Security Force member, his treatment had improved enormously.
"This place is so much bigger than our old house."
"It even has a private hot spring pool. This is way too wonderful."
Ieyasu, Tatsumi, and Sayo helped clean Yorii Tsugikuni's residence.
Although the estate was not particularly large compared to those of wealthy merchants,
its location and interior furnishings were enough to open the three of their eyes.
Because the residence was so large, the three moved in with Yorii Tsugikuni in exchange for helping manage the estate and handling daily chores.
Of course, they also insisted on paying Yorii Tsugikuni a certain amount of rent.
Though it was not much, the three believed it was necessary.
Even if they did not pay rent, Yorii Tsugikuni would not say anything, but doing so would go against the traditions of their hometown.
Yorii Tsugikuni had already shown them far too much kindness. They had principles of their own as well.
While the three were looking around, Yorii Tsugikuni became interested in the study within the estate.
He began going through the books one by one, hoping to discover something.
To him, the residence's level of luxury was not all that important.
The reason he had moved here was probably because Yorii Tsugikuni wanted to start saving money.
Yes, saving money.
After failing to find a way home through books or other channels,
Yorii Tsugikuni set his sights on the lands beyond the sea.
To cross the sea, he needed a ship, so saving up money was essential.
Thus, he came up with the idea of accumulating wealth.
After failing to find any information about his hometown on the available maps,
Yorii Tsugikuni formed a new plan: stay in the Imperial Capital for the time being and learn about navigation.
Then, he could accumulate some wealth through work, set sail afterward, and search for news of his hometown.
Evening soon arrived.
After bidding farewell to his three disciples, Yorii Tsugikuni boarded the carriage personally sent by Minister Honest.
The carriage moved quickly.
Even though the streets were still crowded,
upon seeing the emblem on the carriage, people quickly moved out of its way.
Yorii Tsugikuni naturally noticed this detail.
He gained some understanding of Honest's influence.
"This must be Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni."
"As expected, you truly look like a young hero."
The carriage stopped before a heavily guarded manor beside the imperial palace.
The moment Yorii Tsugikuni stepped down from the carriage, he saw a tall, obese middle-aged man looking at him with a warm, cheerful smile.
Based on Sayo's descriptions, Yorii Tsugikuni guessed that this seemingly kind man before him was Honest.
However, unlike the imposing and lofty figure he had imagined,
the Empire's important minister, Honest, looked more like a friendly uncle next door.
"That would be me."
Yorii Tsugikuni nodded to Minister Honest.
He was somewhat surprised that such an important figure had personally come out to receive him.
Yet even amid his surprise, a trace of vigilance arose in his heart.
Although he could not sense any ill intent from Honest, having lived for decades, Yorii Tsugikuni had his own understanding of the human heart.
Honest was treating him with unusual courtesy.
"Please, come in. I have prepared a lavish dinner for Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni."
Despite already knowing it, Honest was still somewhat surprised by Yorii Tsugikuni's youthful appearance.
As a fairly capable Imperial Arms User himself, he understood how powerful Imperial Arms Users were.
Yet the young man before him had defeated five Imperial Arms Users without suffering a scratch. Even someone like him, who had seen countless exceptional talents, found it unbelievable.
Recruitment, Choosing an Imperial Arm
Inside the dining hall.
Young, beautiful maids stood in two rows.
The long table was filled with delicacies from land and sea.
The intoxicating aroma of wine also permeated the air.
As he led Yorii Tsugikuni into the dining hall, Honest's smiling eyes never left him.
"Since I did not know what Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni liked to eat,"
"I had some chefs prepare a few simple dishes."
Honest sat down across from Yorii Tsugikuni and introduced the dishes on the table before them.
"You are too courteous."
Yorii Tsugikuni looked at the lavish spread before him and frowned slightly.
For someone accustomed to simple meals, he actually did not care much for a dinner like this.
However, since he had been invited, he could not really say anything.
"It seems the rumors were correct."
"Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni is a man free of worldly desires."
Seeing Yorii Tsugikuni's slight frown, Honest retained his smiling expression.
He lightly clapped his hands, and people immediately brought over several lighter dishes.
Before the banquet had begun, he had already sent people to investigate Yorii Tsugikuni, so he had a certain understanding of Yorii Tsugikuni's preferences.
The reason he had initially served so many lavish dishes was merely to demonstrate how seriously he took this banquet.
"Thank you."
Looking at the rice balls, vegetables, fruit, and other foods that had replaced the previous dishes,
Yorii Tsugikuni could tell that this middle-aged man named Honest was no simple person.
Whether in speech or action, he was flawlessly thorough and made others feel quite comfortable.
However, for someone like Yorii Tsugikuni, who was not skilled at socializing, he preferred a simple, home-style dinner over such an elaborate affair.
"After hearing about some of Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni's deeds, I greatly admired your courage and insight."
"Therefore, so that a talent such as yourself would not remain buried, I informed His Majesty about you. After hearing it, His Majesty praised you highly as well."
Honest waved his hand, and the young, beautiful women who had been standing on both sides of the dining table withdrew.
He rose from his seat, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked warmly at Yorii Tsugikuni. "Now that you have become commander of the Security Force, the Imperial Capital's safety will depend on you in the future."
"Yorii will diligently handle matters within his duties."
After hearing Honest's words, though he did not know whether they were true, Yorii Tsugikuni immediately understood why he had become the Security Force commander.
Everything behind this had been controlled by the man before him.
"Good."
Honest watched Yorii Tsugikuni nod and smiled in satisfaction.
His main purpose in inviting Yorii Tsugikuni here was to understand what kind of person this outsider, who had suddenly appeared in the Imperial Capital, truly was.
Honest had always desired talented people, especially talents like Yorii Tsugikuni.
As a veteran official who had once helped the old emperor ascend the throne, Honest deeply understood the importance of force in struggles for power.
With combat power comparable to Esdeath's, even if he had to pay any price, he had to keep Yorii Tsugikuni firmly in his grasp.
"By the way, I heard that Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni is not an Imperial Arms User."
Before you continue