Encounter With The Minister

Kaguya walked slowly through the palace, seemingly strolling but in reality observing the layout.

Unexpectedly, the palace was much larger than Kaguya had anticipated. Grand European-style buildings stood in rows, surrounded by lush green grass and vibrant flowers, with artificial hills and fountains scattered throughout. The environment was serene, and walking through it was refreshing and calming.

Suddenly, someone approached from the opposite direction.

The man was tall and obese, with disheveled hair and a bushy beard. His appearance seemed amiable, but the hint of a sinister smile at the corner of his mouth revealed his true nature. He was dressed in green clothes with a gray overcoat, looking like a mountain of flesh.

Following behind Minister Honest were four guards, two men, and two women, exuding powerful auras. If Kaguya guessed correctly, these four should be the minister's private executioners, the Four Rakshasa Demons.

"Lord Honest," the maid hurriedly bowed down, her voice tinged with panic.

This man was indeed Honest, the minister of the Empire, truly an unimposing fat man. At first glance, one might think he was incapable, but little did they know he possessed considerable strength.

"So it is the Princess," Minister Honest smiled and bowed.

"Yes," Kaguya nodded and said nothing more.

Just moments ago, Kaguya had considered directly eliminating this source of evil, but she thought better of it. She could kill him now, but the emperor, who had been deceived by him, trusted him greatly.

If she killed this fat man, the emperor might side against her, and if they broke apart, Kaguya would not be able to leverage the Empire's power. To gain control of the Empire, Kaguya would also have to kill the emperor.

This would ultimately result in the Empire splintering, becoming a thoroughly fragmented mess, making it much harder for her to clean up.

Now was not the time, so she let this dead fat man live a few more days.

Watching Kaguya's departing figure, the smile on Minister Honest's face vanished, replaced by a lewd grin.

"What a pity, why does the Princess wear a mask?" Minister Honest lamented.

"Perhaps she's too ugly to show her face," said one of the guards behind the minister, with green-purple hair, muscular body, and many stitch marks, disdainfully.

"What do you know?" Minister Honest snorted coldly, displeased, "She was once acclaimed as the Empire's greatest beauty. I saw her several times back then. Originally, I wanted to get close to her, but she disappeared without a trace."

"That's simple, just capture her," said the dark-skinned, sexy girl beside him, laughing. "My lord, shall I bring her back for you?"

"No need, no hurry," Minister Honest's beady eyes shone with excitement, "After all, she can't escape my grasp."

"With all due respect, my lord," the silent bald man suddenly spoke up, "I seemed to feel a hint of killing intent from her."

"Killing intent?" Minister Honest seemed to find it amusing, laughing scornfully, "I personally broke her parents' necks. I'd be surprised if she didn't feel anything. But isn't it more thrilling to see the hatred and pain in her eyes while she's under her parents' killer?"

The previously amiable face of Minister Honest twisted into a hideous expression as he walked away, laughing wildly.

Kaguya frowned slightly, instinctively looking back into the distance, feeling a chill that made her uncomfortable.

Another reason she hadn't acted was that someone not far away should be around, and that person was very powerful, their strong aura spreading unabashedly. The Four Rakshasa Demons around the minister were not difficult to deal with. Even with their protection, Kaguya could still sever the minister's head.

However, if that person from afar intervened, Kaguya wasn't sure if she could leave unscathed. She didn't know how much her power had been suppressed. In the past, these people were insignificant before her, but having just arrived, she remained cautious.

Knowing oneself and one's enemies ensures victory in a hundred battles. Now was not the time to reveal her true intentions.

"Sister."

A clear voice suddenly rang out, pulling Kaguya from her deep thoughts.

"Is it really you?"

A refined young boy wearing a tall hat, dressed in purple, and draped in a blue cloak ran toward her; he was the young emperor of the Empire.

"It's been a long time." Kaguya waved at him.

"Yes, it's been a long time, sister." The young boy's face was full of excitement, his joy evident. "I never thought you'd come to see me."

"Sorry, I've been busy lately," Kaguya said, "and haven't had the chance to see you."

"It's alright, I know." The young emperor gently shook his head, then said somberly, "Those useless people—I've had them searching for so long, yet they still haven't found the herbs to restore you, sister."

"It's nothing; I'm used to it." Kaguya said, tapping the fox mask on her face.

"No!" The young emperor suddenly clenched his fists and shouted with determination, "I will find them, even if I have to search the entire continent."

It seems he had a good relationship with the former princess, which Kaguya could use to her advantage, she thought to herself.

"Your intentions are enough." Kaguya smiled gently.

"Sister, believe me; I will do what I promised." The emperor seemed afraid Kaguya wouldn't believe him and hurriedly spoke.

"I didn't say I didn't believe you," Kaguya replied with a smile, "I'm very happy."

"Alright." The emperor nodded heavily, appearing very pleased to have Kaguya's approval. "Sister, let's go inside and sit."

"Okay."

As Kaguya entered the hall, she realized what it meant for something to pale in comparison; she thought her room was luxurious, but the emperor's room was even more opulent.

The furniture inside was carved from ebony, elegant and beautiful. The floor was covered with exquisite carpets made of pure wool, soft and smooth. The wall decorations were even more luxurious, glistening with gilding, and many were made of solid gold. As for the chandelier on the ceiling, it was the height of extravagance, crafted from gemstones and diamonds.