Centurion

"Knock, knock!"

Thanks to the small invention Selene had created, a dream-controlling device called "Super Dream," she was able to not only identify gaps in her knowledge while sleeping but also accelerate her sleep, improve sleep efficiency, and heighten her awareness of her surroundings.

Thus, she was already awake before anyone knocked on the door. She blinked her crimson eyes. Although being the Emperor's "favored minister" could save her from many troubles, it naturally attracted sycophants. Collusion among officials and factions wasn't exclusive to the East!

The flood of visitors from various backgrounds, either offering bribes or trying to curry favor by transferring property deeds or offering a portion of their business profits, was overwhelming. Some even offered to put their businesses under her name, giving her 60% of the profits annually.

Selene could only think, "Which official could resist such temptations? It's irresistible!"

Of course, although these offers allowed her to quickly weave a vast network of interests and gain more influence, she couldn't accept everything. She had her limits. Selene handed over the decision-making to Sebas, letting him manage these matters.

"Miss, it's time to wake up."

The respectful voice of the maid came from outside the door. Selene lazily touched her firm, smooth abdomen. It was time to eat again, and as someone with a physique that never gained weight no matter how much she ate, she felt fortunate.

The mansion and the servants waiting on her were gifts from the Emperor. As for whether there were spies among them, Selene didn't care much—whatever.

Struggling to free herself from the blanket's embrace, Selene snapped her fingers. Instantly, the elegant combination of silver-white light armor and a dark blue undercoat appeared on her body.

After spending less than five minutes washing up, the maid saw Selene, now dressed in a luxurious silver-white armor, with a skirt adorned with golden threads. The skirt swayed as she walked.

Her beautiful white hair fluttered in the wind, cascading down to her waist. Her delicate lips, the color of cherry blossoms, slightly curled. Her crimson eyes, with their intricate diamond-shaped pupils, were calm and unfathomable, while her face carried a dignified yet elegant smile.

She looked like a perfect doll, but with the cold aloofness of a high mountain snow lotus—utterly untouchable.

"Let's go."

"Yes, Miss."

...

"Miss, please mind your manners—grace, you must be graceful... Honestly, if Lady Katie saw this, you'd be in for a scolding again." At the dining table, Sebas spoke with a gentle yet doting tone as he watched Selene eat elegantly but with great speed. He couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

The other servants also wore smiles, including the royal chefs gifted by the Emperor. They all beamed with pride, for it's always satisfying and a point of pride to see someone thoroughly enjoying the food you've prepared.

Selene's eating paused for a moment, and her gaze dropped. She had mixed feelings about her "Mother Katie"—a deep respect and a bit of fear. She respected Katie for being a sincere mother figure but feared her obsessive demands regarding court etiquette.

"...Uh, I'm done eating. Sebas, the house is in your hands. I'm off to report to the barracks. Who knows where Budo will assign me..." After quickly grabbing a sandwich and stuffing it into her mouth, Selene hurriedly left, not wanting to dwell on the topic.

"Haha, that's so like you, Miss."

...

Imperial Capital's Imperial Guard Recruit Camp.

"I didn't expect Budo to assign me to train recruits. Is this his way of honing me? Interesting... isn't this essentially arming the enemy?" Selene chuckled as she read the orders delivered by the messenger. This would make it easier for her to use her "Ideological Branding" to expand her influence.

From a distance, she could see the grand, imposing palace-style gates of the Imperial Guard's recruit camp. A large number of civilians were lined up outside, waiting to enlist. Judging by their sturdy physiques, most of them were probably from rural areas, hoping to make a name for themselves through military service.

After all, the Empire allowed commoners to rise through the ranks, and the military was the easiest way to earn merit, perhaps the only way. They could risk their lives for wealth and status!

Unlike other imperial institutions, the military revered strength above all else. If you were strong, you were respected, regardless of your background. The enemy wouldn't spare you because of your "noble" bloodline!

In this way, the Empire somewhat resembled Qin's military merit system.

Skipping the line, Selene walked straight inside.

The guards at the gate saw Selene approaching and immediately raised their weapons. "Who goes there—"

Smack!

Just as they were about to shout authoritatively, a slap from their superior sent them sprawling. "Are you blind?!"

The officer then turned to Selene, slightly fawning, and asked, "May I help you, Ma'am?"

"See for yourself!" Selene coldly glanced at him and tossed the orders his way.

"...My deepest apologies, Centurion!" Upon reading the imperial commission, the lead officer quickly bowed.

With the official appointment, Selene had now been named a Centurion in the Imperial Army. Though a mid-ranking officer, it was a solid start.

The Empire's military structure was as follows: a group of five soldiers formed a squad led by a Squad Leader; ten squads formed a section led by a Section Leader; fifty soldiers formed a platoon led by a Platoon Leader; a hundred soldiers formed a company led by a Company Leader; five hundred soldiers formed a battalion led by a Battalion Commander; and a thousand soldiers formed a regiment led by a Centurion.

Higher ranks, depending on the scale of the operation and total force size, were assigned as needed, with Generals overseeing multiple regiments. The sub-commanders under each General were known as Colonels, each commanding a regiment, while Company Commanders were known as Majors, each commanding a company.

"Do you see now?" Selene's tone was icy, and her crimson eyes exuded an air of superiority, not bothering to look at the officer directly.

"Yes, Ma'am." The officer seemed accustomed to such behavior and became even more cautious in response to Selene's haughty attitude.

"Let's go... show me my soldiers."

As Selene was about to enter, a small incident caught her attention.

"Why?!"

"Your height is below the requirement!"

...

A sturdy but short young man was rejected by the recruiting officers for not meeting the height requirement, which was deemed detrimental to the military's image. In the end, he had no choice but to leave, visibly upset.

It seemed that the Empire's military recruitment standards were quite strict.

As she walked through the recruit camp, Selene saw many soldiers training with stone locks, practicing formations, and honing their combat skills. Some were even practicing marksmanship with firearms.

Upon spotting Selene in her silver armor, the soldiers promptly stood at attention and saluted.

"I am your new Centurion, Selene von Habsburg. Any questions?" Selene addressed the officers in her regiment with a smile, noting their disciplined demeanor.

"No, Centurion."

"I don't know if any of you resent having me, an outsider, as your Centurion. If you do, feel free to speak up, and we can discuss it." Selene surveyed the group with an unreadable expression.

"If no one speaks up, I'll assume you're all on board." Suddenly, her gaze sharpened. "But let me warn you: if anyone dares to disobey, I'll tear them apart."

"We wouldn't dare," the officers quickly replied. They were well aware of Selene's prowess in the Martial Arts Tournament and had no intention of crossing her.

"Good... now let's inspect your work."

Without waiting for a response, Selene left the meeting room.

Noticing the carriages unloading new recruits on the training ground, Selene asked, "How many people are in our regiment? What's the ratio of new to veteran soldiers?"

"Ma'am, we have one company of veteran soldiers. They'll be split up to train the new recruits. We've just received over two thousand new recruits today, with more on the way," replied Wilder, one of the Battalion Commanders.

"Oh, isn't that a lot of recruits?"

"It's normal. We're the Empire's elite Imperial Guard, after all. We can't afford to let in just anyone. Unqualified recruits are reassigned to other military units or the Imperial Capital's guard force until our regiment is fully staffed," added Azem, another Battalion Commander, with pride.

"Impressive, the Empire's elite indeed."

As Selene and the officers chatted on the platform, the recruits on the training ground noticed their future commanding officers.

"Hey, check out that officer in the silver armor—she's gorgeous! She really looks like a noblewoman."

"Yeah, totally."

"Is she just here to add a line to her résumé? We're doomed if that's the case."

"That can't be true. Not with General Budo's strict standards…"

Selene seemed to catch snippets of their conversation and smiled slightly before turning to her officers. "They seem lively and full of energy. Should we break them in?"

Hearing this, the officers grinned wickedly, laughing openly. This was exactly what they had gone through as recruits—it was time for the new recruits to experience the "love" of their predecessors.

The hearty laughter from the platform left the recruits puzzled. Were their officers really so excited to see them?

Little did they know what awaited them.

...

"Why isn't this over yet? I can't feel my legs."

"Why is the sun so damn hot? Can't it just rain already?!"

"Damn it, I knew these officers were up to no good!"

"It's all your fault for pointing at the officers! And they heard you!!"

...

Of course, they only dared to complain inwardly.

Under the scorching midday sun, Selene sat on a soft stool under a parasol, sipping a cold drink as she watched the new recruits stand at attention on the training ground. Her mood grew increasingly cheerful.

Ah, this is the youth I once lost. With this opportunity, how could I not let you all experience it? I'm sure you're all enjoying it as much as I am.

"Hahaha…"