Making an Example

At his words, Esdeath nodded thoughtfully.

Indeed, this was the quickest method.

After all, the minister had done exactly that.

Besides, if she had to conquer the Empire...

Wouldn't she have to keep leading troops into battle?

Apart from taking the occasional break, she no longer wanted to leave her master's side at night.

Esdeath calculated how much time it would take and immediately declared, "As expected of you, Master. You've thought of everything."

"But to take control of the Empire, we must kill Minister Honest."

Imperial authority had long since slipped out of the emperor's hands.

Minister Honest was the true emperor behind the scenes.

"Exactly."

Lind smiled. "So if we're going to do this, we might as well take care of everything at once."

"News of your return to the Imperial Capital probably can't be concealed. When you're summoned, the Little Emperor and the minister should both be there..."

Esdeath's eyes lit up.

That was indeed the simplest approach.

That afternoon.

In the palace's grand hall.

Lind and Esdeath had already arrived.

With Esdeath leading the way...

Although the palace guards did not recognize Lind, they made no attempt to stop him.

At that moment...

Inside the grand hall...

The Empire's nobles and officials stood arrayed on either side.

A child holding a scepter sat on the throne.

Sure enough, they're both here.

Esdeath glanced at the Little Emperor, then at Minister Honest standing beside him, and an attractive smile curved her lips.

"Congratulations on your victorious return, General Esdeath."

Honest smiled, turning his gaze toward Lind. "I presume this is the mighty warrior who annihilated the northern tribes' army of several hundred thousand in a single battle."

"You have rendered distinguished service to the Empire. His Majesty certainly won't be stingy with your reward."

"The minister is right."

The Little Emperor smiled brightly. "What reward would you like?"

"I can grant you anything."

Hearing this, Lind said calmly, "In that case, give me your throne."

The instant those words left his mouth...

Everyone was stunned.

The smiles froze on the Little Emperor's and Honest's faces.

The other ministers looked horrified and incredulous.

What's going on?

Is this man out of his mind?

Even if he wants to rebel...

Isn't this approach far too crude?

"How dare you!"

Honest's expression darkened completely.

"This is no place for your outrageous nonsense."

"Even if you have served the Empire, saying such things is punishable by death."

Hearing the commotion, the guards outside the hall streamed in.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of blades being drawn rang out incessantly as they moved to seize Lind.

"Esdeath."

"Yes, Master."

With a casual wave of Esdeath's hand, dozens of ice spikes tore through the air.

Shhk! Shhk! Shhk!

Blood sprayed everywhere.

All the guards collapsed in a tangled heap across the floor.

Gasps rang out.

At the sight, countless officials sucked in a cold breath, staring at Esdeath in shock and uncertainty.

Could it be...

Esdeath is involved in this too?

Honest frowned. "Esdeath, what exactly is the meaning of this?"

"And why are you calling him Master?"

His voice was thick with wariness and confusion.

As one of the Empire's strongest warriors, Esdeath...

Had always been someone he sought to win over.

In his eyes...

Esdeath was simply a battle maniac.

She had no interest whatsoever in power.

By all rights...

She shouldn't have acted this way.

"There's no special meaning."

Esdeath said icily, "Master wants the Empire, so I'll offer it to him. That's all there is to it."

"Esdeath, you're a general of the Empire. You mustn't let someone deceive you."

Although Honest was addressing Esdeath, his gaze shifted to a guard outside the hall.

He signaled with his eyes for the man to seek reinforcements.

If Esdeath rebelled...

Only one person in the entire palace could be of any use against her.

Expressionless, Esdeath slowly advanced, an ice saber taking shape in her hand.

"Esdeath, think this through."

Honest thundered, "Even if you're the Empire's strongest, if you intend to make an enemy of the Empire, you still—"

Whoosh!

Before he could finish, a Slash cut through the air toward him.

Shhk!

Honest fell to his knees, blood gushing like a fountain.

The entire hall instantly fell silent.

Whether it was the Little Emperor, the ministers with their differing agendas, or the guards too frightened to enter...

Their faces all went blank as they stared at the head flying through the air like a watermelon, as though they had seen a ghost.

Dead!

The Empire's de facto ruler...

Minister Honest had died just like that?

Even having witnessed it themselves...

They still felt as though they were dreaming.

Chapter 24: Making an Example

Inside the hall...

There was deathly silence.

The ministers exchanged glances, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

Even the Little Emperor slumped onto his throne.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Just then, synchronized footsteps sounded in the distance.

Dense crowds of figures came rushing in from every direction.

"Master, it seems all the palace guards are here."

Esdeath strode over to Lind on her long, shapely legs.

"Perfect timing."

Lind smiled faintly. "To make an example, Minister Honest alone isn't enough."

Only by making those ministers and nobles understand that the tide had turned...

Could he force them to choose when they had nowhere left to turn.

Under his gaze, countless guards surrounded the hall.

A burly blond man clad in full armor stood at the head of the guards.

General Budo, one of the Empire's strongest warriors.

His face was now filled with fury.

He disdained the scheming and intrigue at court, so he never attended court sessions.

But who could have imagined...

That something like this would happen today?

"You rebels, come out and surrender at once! You may yet be allowed to live."

Budo called out in a booming voice.

He, too, was wary of harming the hostage.

With His Majesty in their hands, he did not dare act rashly.

"One of the Empire's strongest? He doesn't look like much."

Looking at Budo, Lind shook his head and ordered, "Esdeath, clear out the small fry first."

"Yes, Master."

Esdeath gazed ahead coldly, raising one hand toward the sky and gently closing it.