Returning Victorious, Only to Become a Threat Again

(Thanks to Liangjiang of God-Emperor Ridge for the reward—bonus chapter 3/5.)

"Slain!!! Lord Genpei has slain the Giant Monster!!!"

A samurai ran through the Imperial Palace. He charged into the throne hall in great strides, then slid to his knees with a thud.

"Your Majesty!! Lord Genpei has just slain the Giant Monster!! The realm is at peace!!"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face immediately lit up with wild joy.

"Slain!! Slain!! Genpei truly slew the Giant Monster!!

Hahahahahahaha! Heaven blesses my Eastern Rising Dynasty! Heaven blesses my Eastern Rising Dynasty!!"

The Emperor laughed like a madman, while the surrounding civil and military officials all wore expressions of tearful joy.

During the time Big Monster had been around, everyone had felt as if a haze hung over their hearts. But now that Big Monster had been executed, the pressure abruptly lifted, and everything seemed to be viewed through a rosy filter.

The Emperor kept slapping his thigh, utterly beside himself with excitement.

"Reward him, reward him, reward him!! Genpei must be rewarded!

Attendants, bring me my prized horse, treasured sword, and precious armor. Bestow them all upon Genpei! And the post of Grand General—give that to him as well! He must also be granted land, grant him..."

At that moment, the Emperor wished he could give everything he possessed to Genpei. But as soon as his excited words fell, the court hall, which had just been bustling with noise, fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop.

All the civil and military officials' joy vanished, and they looked at the Emperor with strange expressions.

The Emperor, who had just been overjoyed, was somewhat baffled when he saw the ministers looking at him this way.

"My dear ministers, why are you looking at me like that?"

The civil and