I'm Giving You a Chance, Don't Waste It!

"Selene, you've worked hard to quell the rebellion. The journey from the border back to the capital must have been exhausting... I believe you have already received my father's final decree, haven't you?"

Sitting on the elevated throne, the young Emperor's face was filled with excitement. Because of his young age, his tone was somewhat immature.

"Serving the Empire is my duty," Selene replied, placing her right hand on her left shoulder and bowing slightly.

"...The Empire is fortunate to have such capable subjects as you, Selene. I've decided to grant you an additional reward. So, tell me, what would you like as a reward?" The Emperor smiled.

Selene was still contemplating how to phrase her response when the young Emperor eagerly interrupted, "...Hmm! How about I reward you with a marriage alliance?"

"A marriage?" Selene was taken aback. What was this about? How did it suddenly come to this?

"Yes! I'll arrange for you to marry the Empire's most capable minister, Honest. What do you think?" The Emperor's face lit up with excitement at his own idea.

Since the young Emperor was currently being cared for by Honest, and most of the people around him were controlled by Honest, he naturally developed a strong sense of reliance on the minister.

"Hah-hah... cough, cough..." Hearing this, Honest, who had been quietly eating beside the young Emperor, was so shocked that he nearly choked.

Marry Selene? No way! He wasn't eager to die just yet!

Selene von Habsburg was undeniably beautiful and a wealthy noble, but her power was overwhelming, and her temperament was far too brutal. Who would dare marry her? Honest, though the de facto ruler of the Empire, couldn't help but feel apprehensive around her.

He was certain that if he agreed, Selene, with her violent nature, would really turn him to dust!

Stifling her laughter, Selene's lips twitched slightly as she responded, "...Your Majesty jests. Minister Honest is nearly fifty and... rather overweight. He probably doesn't have many good years left."

Honest, still reeling from the young Emperor's outlandish suggestion, twitched at Selene's mockery of his physique and thought to himself, Hmph, I never wanted to marry you either. With a personality like yours, no wonder the Habsburg family is destined to die out.

"Such rudeness. My body isn't fat, it's robust—very healthy..." Honest grumbled, patting his large belly with some dissatisfaction, looking utterly ridiculous.

"Alright, let's drop this topic. I don't want anyone discussing my marriage," Selene interrupted Honest's muttering decisively.

From individuals to nations, no one is without flaws.

Likewise, in the Empire, your status is determined by your strength and achievements. As long as your contributions to the Empire outweigh any negative impacts, your merits will naturally overshadow your flaws.

In the young Emperor's eyes, even Selene's blunt refusal, though somewhat rude, didn't bother him. After all, wasn't Honest also being rude by eating heartily in the solemn court?

"Oh, that's a shame. I thought it would have been a good match," the young Emperor pouted.

"Ahem."

Minister Honest cleared his throat and said, "Your Majesty, it's time to discuss serious matters... Hmm, let's have General Selene stay in the capital for a while. This will allow her to oversee the training of the Imperial Guard and complete the reconstruction of the main roads around South Lake in the capital."

"Most importantly, the brutal rebel groups in the capital seem to be showing signs of resurgence. There have been two incidents of military intelligence being stolen this month alone. We must punish them severely, or it will lead to disaster."

Selene remained composed, thinking to herself that she had already purged the revolutionary forces in the capital last year. This resurgence must be due to the southern headquarters sending reinforcements.

Honest glanced at Selene's indifferent expression and then respectfully addressed the young Emperor, "This tricky situation is best handled by General Selene."

The young Emperor eagerly jumped in again, "Then it's settled! I'm sure Selene can wipe out these brutal rebels."

Even though it meant more work, Selene didn't mind. It was just a matter of another round of purging. This time, she would be ruthless. "Will I be responsible for everything?"

"Yes, Selene, is there any problem?"

"As you command."

...

With the court session finally over, the peaceful afternoon found Selene seated by a window in the palace garden hall, gazing out at the exquisitely manicured snowy landscape, enjoying the gentle warmth of the sunlight.

"General, your tea," a maid announced.

"Thank you," Selene acknowledged with a slight nod, shifting her gaze from the meticulously maintained garden to the maid, who was rather attractive.

"I shall take my leave," the maid said with a bow before discreetly exiting.

"What a delightful afternoon tea," Selene murmured, blowing on the steaming tea, watching the faint ripples in the amber liquid reflected in the cup.

After taking a light sip, Selene commented, "The only downside is that having such a large lump of flesh like Minister Honest sitting across from me... really ruins the ambiance."

She then cast a disdainful glance at the rotund figure opposite her, shaking her head in disapproval.

"Hmph, General Selene, you jest. I'm not fat; I'm robust—understand?" Honest retorted, patting his large belly with a touch of indignation.

"Yes, robust... But I wonder if Minister Honest is prepared," Selene continued, smiling as she smoothly changed the subject.

Wiping the grease from his hands with a napkin, Honest tapped the folder beside him. "Of course... Who do you think I am? Thanks to you, General."

The folder on the table contained evidence that Selene had confiscated from the palace of the southwestern tribal leader, proof of his collusion with the rebels.

"I've given you the opportunity, Minister. Make sure you seize it. And... regarding the purge of the rebel forces in the capital, I'll cover for you. If anyone slips through the cracks, I'll provide you with another list."

Selene exchanged a glance with Honest, their unspoken understanding clear. For someone as shrewd as Honest, the meaning behind her words was instantly grasped.

"Those who have slandered me behind my back... it's time for them to disappear. Don't you agree, Minister Honest?"

As for whether the original list actually included them, that was up to Honest. It was clear that Honest's political enemies would soon find themselves in a very unfortunate situation.

And even if some managed to survive by sheer luck, there was still Selene's second list waiting for them.

Framing, forced confessions, public executions, followed by confiscation of family property and extermination of the clan—Honest was all too familiar with this process.

"Of course, it's our agreement, after all..."

"Indeed, an agreement."

With that, Selene slowly stood up, picking up her teacup. She gently stroked the cup, savoring its smooth, jade-like texture. With her gaze lowered, she mused,

The so-called agreement between us... isn't it just like the 'treaties' in the eyes of a failed Viennese artist? Meant to be broken, whether by others or by ourselves—whichever comes first when the other loses value.