[366] The Current Situation

During their conversation, August learned that Esdeath was on a military campaign, targeting the foreign tribes to the north of the Empire.

As expected, this was likely before the main events of the story had unfolded, with Esdeath just setting off to suppress the northern rebellion.

This world was fascinating, especially the Empire, which stood at the center of it all—much like Orario in Danmachi.

The Empire was an ancient country with a civilization spanning over a thousand years, the most powerful nation in the world. The only other nation that could rival it was the kingdom to the west, while the southern islands and the northern tundra were far less developed. The eastern island nations were still uncivilized.

The Empire, with its thousand-year reign, was a terrifyingly formidable force. No other civilization in the world could boast of such longevity, and even before August had arrived, no other nation had managed to maintain such an enduring dynasty.

To ensure its rule continued for centuries, the first emperor of the Empire had used the nation's vast wealth and power to summon the greatest craftsmen from all corners of the world. They used legendary and dangerous creatures as materials, combined with rare metals like Oharri steel and lost magical arts, to create forty-eight unique and powerful weapons, called Teigus.

These Teigus were considered the world's "divine artifacts." Possessing one could elevate an individual to the status of a king, a god among men.

However, the Teigus had a mind of their own—they chose their wielders. As a result, they were not just some common weapons anyone could use.

At present, the Empire was in a dark age. All manner of monsters and corrupt beings ran rampant, and tragedies filled the streets.

Such a place, however, was practically a paradise for August. He knew that if he could make it to the Empire's capital, he would thrive there.

The capital was steeped in sin—lust and gluttony in abundance—perfect for aiding his recovery. As long as he could recover even slightly, even just enough to use a little magic, August would be able to fear nothing in this world.

The power level of this world was nothing compared to the previous ones he had visited, even surpassing that of the Interspecies Reviewers world.

Especially when considering the Teigu users, all of them relied on the strength of their relics. Even Esdeath, standing at the top of that hierarchy, was still just a flesh-and-blood human.

However, despite all this, August was in the most dangerous state of his life. His body had been severely injured, and the Void energy inside him was running rampant. He could not access his magic, and his powers and abilities were all but useless. His only remaining strength was his ability to absorb sin as the embodiment of Original Sin.

For now, due to his injuries, August was confined to the tent and unable to leave.

Over the next two days, Esdeath's army did not depart, and August began to suspect why.

It seemed that this ultra-S dominant queen, Esdeath, had become interested in him.

Once she had suppressed the northern foreign tribes and returned to the capital, she was likely to start thinking about finding a boyfriend. She even planned to host a martial arts tournament to find a suitable partner.

Her requirements were stringent, with five main points:

Above all, the person should value future potential. She wanted someone who would aim to become a general and grow with her.

They must have the courage to hunt dangerous creatures, even with their bare hands.

They should not have grown up in the capital, but rather in the borderlands, like her.

They must be younger than her, so she could dominate them.

Ideally, they should have a pure and innocent smile.

Given his lust for sin and his handsome appearance, August naturally made a good impression. As long as he wasn't a pervert or a homosexual, his attractiveness would stand out.

And since August wasn't from the Empire, had survived severe injuries, and was clearly strong, he fit within Esdeath's criteria.

Not everything about him matched perfectly, but he was definitely someone Esdeath could accept.

Otherwise, a woman like her, an ultra-S queen, wouldn't have any unnecessary goodwill toward a stranger.

During these two days, August had begun to recover a little. He could now sit up and move, though running and other more strenuous activities were still out of reach.

His recovery had been aided by the army's atmosphere, which was filled with the sins of lust and gluttony.

Esdeath, in particular, treated her soldiers well. After every victory, she allowed them to loot, kill, and burn. Since the army consisted mostly of men, they naturally sought women to satiate their desires.

Esdeath permitted all of this. In her army, as long as you brought victory, you could do whatever you wanted.

Thanks to this, August had absorbed a lot of sin over the past couple of days, speeding up his recovery.

Esdeath had also come to visit him frequently, and August could tell she was trying to get closer to him. He didn't refuse; after all, she was a stunning beauty, an ultra-S queen. No man would turn that down.

"How are you feeling today, August?" Esdeath asked as she lifted the tent flap and stepped inside.

The two had become somewhat familiar over the past couple of days. Esdeath had made an effort to bond with him, and they now spoke casually with one another.

"I can get out of bed now. I'm sorry for the delay these past two days."

"It's nothing. The northern tribes are nothing to worry about. I can suppress them anytime, it doesn't matter whether it's sooner or later."

Esdeath was unconcerned. Despite being one of the Empire's top generals, she wasn't bound by anyone's orders. She worked with the ministers, and this campaign against the northern tribes was just something to pass the time. It didn't matter whether it started sooner or later.

In fact, she could even choose not to go. After all, her army was under her control, and the ministers wouldn't say a word.

"Now that you say that, I feel even worse for holding you up. You saved me, and here I am wasting your time."

"It's a small matter," she said with a dismissive smile.

Their relationship was gradually becoming more relaxed.

Meanwhile, outside the tent, three people stood in silence.

They were Esdeath's most powerful warriors, the Three Beast Warriors, each one a Teigu user.

"Liver, did Lady Esdeath really take a liking to this pretty boy?"

The petite, effeminate youth, Nyau, spoke slowly. He had never expected that the Esdeath he idolized would actually fall for someone.

"It seems so. This man, Lady Esdeath really cares about him."

"Does that mean he's going to be our superior now?"

"I don't know. That depends on Esdeath."

Liver said this, but he couldn't help but clench his fists.

He had a secret: he harbored feelings for his mistress, Esdeath, because she had brought him light and hope.

But as her servant, he had no right to pursue such unattainable fantasies, so he kept his feelings suppressed.

Now, Esdeath might be interested in another man, and that made him feel uncomfortable. But, as always, he would bear it in silence because the man Esdeath chose was her decision alone.

___

If you're interested in reading more, feel free to visit my pat reon, 

https , // www .pat reon. com /XElenea