The Reward

"That is truly an honor, my esteemed Emperor," Selene replied with a knowing smile as she observed the solemn expression on General Budo's face.

Selene was more than willing to accept the Emperor's gestures of goodwill. She would gladly accept whatever rewards were offered, all while playing the role of a loyal servant. After all, this Emperor didn't have much longer to live, and she could easily play the part of a dutiful general until then.

Normally, the final award ceremony of the Martial Arts Tournament would take place at the Imperial Arena, where the Empire's top ten elites would receive their rewards under the gaze of thousands. However, this tournament was different due to the unprecedented emergence of a "monster" like Selene.

In the thousand-year history of the Empire's tournaments, such overwhelming dominance had never been seen before. This attracted the attention of the Emperor and nearly all the court officials, who now focused entirely on Selene. As for the other contestants, including Esdeath, they seemed to have become mere background characters.

Overcome with excitement, the Emperor decided to move Selene's award ceremony to the Imperial Palace. While the ceremony at the Imperial Arena continued, it lacked the grandeur it would have had with the presence of key figures, and the prizes were noticeably less impressive.

Meanwhile, in a corner near the exit of the Imperial Arena, a girl with long ice-blue hair and a black headscarf stared intently at Selene, who was walking alongside General Budo, laughing and chatting, surrounded by Imperial Guards. Her eyes burned with fiery determination.

If Selene had noticed the intensity in Esdeath's gaze, she might have been quite pleased with herself.

"What a magnificent structure!" Selene couldn't help but marvel as she got closer to the Imperial Palace. It was one thing to see it from a distance, but to be personally welcomed inside made it all the more impressive.

The only minor disappointment was that she was being received through a side entrance.

After all, in their eyes, Selene was still just a promising talent, not yet worthy of having the main gates opened, with soldiers in formation and officials bowing in greeting.

Taking in her surroundings, she observed the palace in detail.

The entire palace complex was built on a hill, with countless buildings and intersecting roads stretching up the slopes. At the summit stood a majestic palace, resplendent with gold and jade.

In the center of the palace grounds stood a massive statue, visible even from miles away. It was a colossal figure of a man, likely the founding Emperor of the Empire.

Bathed in sunlight, the statue's features were somewhat blurred, yet it radiated a divine glow, adding to its sacred aura.

The overall impression of the palace was one of grandeur and magnificence.

The structures were constructed entirely of marble, with a pale yellow hue and a smooth, jade-like finish. The surfaces were inlaid with gold, creating a dazzling spectacle.

"No wonder this Empire has lasted for a thousand years. Its foundations are truly deep!" Selene couldn't help but be impressed by the palace's opulence and grandeur.

Her desire for control over this world grew even stronger.

"Selene, you must pay attention when you meet His Majesty later. You should..." As Budo began a lengthy explanation of court etiquette, Selene raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Tsk, tsk, who would have thought that a rough man like you would be so meticulous about etiquette? You really are the same General Budo who's not afraid to take a direct hit from Mein's strongest blast that even Esdeath would dodge!

Watching Budo fuss over her appearance and etiquette, Selene couldn't help but silently mock him.

...

In the Imperial Palace's banquet hall.

The Emperor of the Empire sat alone at the head of the hall. Unlike the puppet Emperor from the original story, who relied on Honest's guidance to rule and was manipulated at will, this Emperor was not a figurehead. While not exceptionally brilliant, he held real power, and no one had the authority to stand by his side!

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" ×2

Selene and Budo entered the grand hall, placing their right hands on their left shoulders and bowing slightly in respect.

Normally, ministers were required to kneel before the Emperor, but as the Empire's highest-ranking military officer and commander of the palace guards, Budo was granted the privilege of not kneeling. Selene was temporarily given the same privilege as a reward for winning the Martial Arts Tournament.

"Your Majesty, I present the champion of the Martial Arts Tournament, Selene von Habsburg," Budo announced.

"What a beautiful name... cough, cough... General Budo, you've worked hard," the Emperor said with a smile. Perhaps due to his age or the toll of years of indulgence—or possibly because Honest had already begun his machinations—the Emperor's voice lacked strength.

"It is my duty to serve the Empire," Budo replied.

"Hehe, the Empire is fortunate to have such capable servants as you, General... Now, let me see this tournament champion. Speak, Selene, is it? What reward do you seek?" the Emperor asked, turning his gaze to the "humble and obedient" Selene standing nearby.

Before Selene could respond, the Emperor interrupted, "How about I grant you the title of General?"

"General?" Selene was momentarily taken aback. Is this a test? she thought, quickly responding, "Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty, but I am not yet worthy of such a title."

"Then what do you desire?" the Emperor asked.

"I leave it entirely to Your Majesty's discretion," Selene replied.

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction. This was a simple test, proving that Selene was not just a brute with power but also had some intelligence and self-control. "General Budo, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty, since Miss Selene lacks experience in battle formations, I recommend assigning her to a lower position, such as a Centurion, to gain experience before granting her a higher rank."

"Oh, how could that be appropriate... cough, cough..." After a bout of coughing and taking some medicine from a nearby eunuch, the Emperor thought for a moment and said, "Why not grant Selene a 'Teigu' as a reward?"

Before Selene could respond, Budo quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, Miss Selene does not need a 'Teigu.'" He glanced at Selene with a smile and continued, "She already possesses an armor-type 'Teigu' called Radiant Knight: [Moonlight]!"

"Oh?!" The Emperor's interest was immediately piqued as he carefully examined Selene's silver-white armor.

"Hahaha... Heaven bless the Empire! Another 'Teigu' returns to our fold. I was too hasty," the Emperor laughed. It would indeed be laughable to grant a Teigu to an Teigu user.

The so-called "Teigu" were weapons created about a thousand years ago by the founding Emperor of the Empire to maintain long-term control. With unimaginable wealth and power, he gathered the world's top artisans and used materials from legendary dangerous species, along with rare metals like orichalcum and long-lost secret techniques, to forge forty-eight unique weapons, known as "Imperial Arms."

Imperial Arms are highly prized because the dangerous species materials imbue them with special abilities, granting them powers equal to or even greater than those of the dangerous species. The rare metals used in their construction make them far superior to ordinary weapons, virtually indestructible. The master artisans' unparalleled craftsmanship fused the materials and metals perfectly, creating forty-eight weapons of immense power.

There are also "Imperial Arms."

About four hundred years after the creation of the Imperial Arms, a then-reigning Emperor attempted to create more, but he could not surpass the original weapons. Viewing this as a humiliation, he mockingly referred to these new weapons as "Imperial Arms" and sealed them away. After centuries, these Imperial Arms were eventually brought back into use. Although they are not as powerful as the Teigu, they are still formidable.

"So, Selene, what reward do you desire? Speak freely, for there is nothing I cannot grant."

I don't believe a word of it! Selene thought. She didn't trust a single thing that came out of this autocratic ruler's mouth. Such tests were always lurking behind seemingly benign offers.

But outwardly, Selene played her role as the "loyal and humble general." "Thank you, Your Majesty. I would like a property and a large estate. If possible, I would also like a kitchen to satisfy my culinary desires."

"Quite greedy, aren't you? But I shall grant it all!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

...

After the banquet, where "friendly" exchanges took place and everyone was "immensely satisfied," the event finally concluded with full bellies and the dispersal of guests.

As she exited the palace, guided by palace maids, the smile on Selene's face vanished, replaced by an icy coldness. Dealing with these political creatures... How utterly tedious and nauseating! I'm about to be sick. Sensing the watchful eyes in the shadows, Selene sneered inwardly, Until we meet again.

On a balcony not far away, the Emperor, who had been all smiles during the banquet, now stood expressionless, watching Selene's figure fade into the distance. "She is ambitious, but her methods of concealing her desires are crude. She's not suited to be a civil servant—she's better off in your military."

"Then why did you subtly suggest I speak on her behalf and show her favor?" Budo, who was standing next to the Emperor, asked.

"Ambition and desire aren't necessarily bad. It's those without desires that are truly troublesome! As long as we give her what she wants—power, wealth, land, titles, even the culinary pleasures she mentioned—it won't be hard to keep her in check. Your task is to guide her into becoming a useful tool for the Empire."

The Emperor clearly recognized Selene's ambition, but he could never have guessed that what she truly desired was the entire Empire—the entire world! A desire he could never fulfill!

For in his imperial mindset, even after a thousand years, countless ambitious figures had arisen, but they all ultimately fell under the Empire's control. He couldn't imagine that the Empire might collapse in his hands.

"I'll leave it to you, General Budo."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"