What? You Took Down the Revolutionary Army Headquarters?!

The Imperial Capital, Imperial Palace.

"Oh... I've only been gone from the capital for a few days, and that fat bastard, Honest, has already moved into the palace?" Selene remarked with interest as she strolled through the grand corridors of the palace.

After dealing with the Revolutionary Army's headquarters, Selene had quickly returned to the capital. When she went to the upper district to find Minister Honest for a discussion, she discovered that his mansion was completely deserted.

That's when she found out Honest had moved into the palace.

This was the palace, not the inner city. In the capital, even the highest-ranking officials and ministers could at most live in the upper district or within the palace's outer walls, including Selene and Budo. But Honest... He was the first non-royal minister to take up residence directly inside the imperial palace.

What's next? Do you fancy yourself as the new chancellor of this empire?

The only thing missing was that the old emperor had already ordered the massacre of his entire harem, meaning Honest had managed to stir up chaos in the palace, but likely wouldn't have a chance to sleep in the emperor's bed.

"..." Hearing Selene's sarcasm, the servant leading her lowered his head even further, not daring to comment.

"General, we've arrived at the Minister's palace."

The residence where Minister Honest lived was incredibly lavish, almost on par with the central palace where the emperor resided. Even the corridors were gilded with gold and silver, exuding an overwhelming aura of luxury and extravagance.

As the servant made a gesture of invitation, Selene nodded politely.

She didn't need anyone to guide her. Thanks to her sharp senses, she could already hear the thunderous snores emanating from within, easily pinpointing Honest's location.

"Tch... Not eating for once, but napping in broad daylight. Some minister he is..." Selene muttered, not quite sure what to say.

Minister Honest, truly the Empire's most destructive "mole," and the strongest "undercover agent" for the Revolutionary Army. The MVP responsible for dealing the deadliest blow to the empire.

"There are hidden guards around."

Before even entering the palace, Selene sensed the presence of dozens of concealed figures stationed around the minister's quarters.

They were likely Honest's personal guards, ever-vigilant even when their master was sleeping. It seemed Honest was well aware that his actions had stirred the populace's discontent.

"Sten, Mez, you two stay here. Go wake that fat bastard Honest. I need to discuss something with him."

Within the palace's opulent interior, Selene made herself right at home. She pulled out a chair by the banquet table and issued her orders.

"Yes!"

In the shadows, two of the hidden guards froze briefly before a raspy male voice responded.

As the servant prepared tea, Selene had no interest in waking Honest herself. She certainly didn't want to risk seeing the unpleasant sight of his bloated body sprawled in bed.

"Oh, oh, oh, welcome, General Selene! What brings you here?"

Before long, the nearly spherical Honest waddled into the room, holding yet another plate of roasted meat.

Without a word, Selene waved her hand, and the spoils from the Revolutionary Army's headquarters appeared before them.

"General Selene, what is this...?"

Seeing the array of Teigu and Shingu displayed around the room, even someone as scheming as Honest couldn't keep his expression in check.

"I destroyed the Revolutionary Army's headquarters in the south..." Selene said nonchalantly, propping her head on her hand.

"Huh?! Cough! Cough... Cough, cough, cough!"

"What?! Y-You destroyed the southern headquarters?!" Honest was so shocked that he nearly choked on his food, staring at Selene in disbelief.

"Yes, you could say that. I'm not sure if anyone survived, but I leveled their entire base."

Sipping her tea, Selene smiled and added, "By the way... How's your cleanup of the court going? If there are any stragglers left, do you need me to forge some documents accusing them of treason?"

"Uh... No need for that, at least for now."

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Honest had to admit that having Selene as an ally was both terrifying and incredibly effective. As long as she wasn't an enemy, she was certainly reliable.

"Here are some photos of the Revolutionary Army's base..." Selene casually tossed over a stack of pictures. "Although it's all been reduced to rubble, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to check. It's in the southern mountains."

Flipping through the before-and-after photos of the Revolutionary Army's headquarters, Honest couldn't help but twitch at the sight. This woman was absolutely ruthless—she had practically turned their base into a crater.

"Hahaha... Why would I doubt you? Now, General Selene, what kind of reward are you looking for this time?"

At this, Selene didn't hold back. "These Teigu and Shingu are my spoils. After presenting them in court, I'd like them awarded to my subordinates."

"Secondly, I want Dr. Stylish from the Imperial Science Bureau transferred under my command."

...

"Well then, a pleasure working with you, Minister Honest." Selene raised her glass.

"To a successful partnership, General Selene."

After a few more fake pleasantries and mutual flattery, the two clinked their glasses, sealing their deal.

"Looking forward to hearing your good news, Minister Honest." With that, Selene disappeared from sight.

"..."

Honest stood in silence for a moment, watching where Selene had vanished. A deep sense of dread flickered in his eyes.

He knew this alliance was lopsided. Once he outlived his usefulness, Selene wouldn't hesitate to discard him. But he had no choice.

Power was the only thing that mattered.

For now, he could only be grateful that Selene, with her terrifying strength, was willing to play along with the rules of the game.

After a long pause, Honest gave an order: "Send a message to Gozuki. Have him lead the assassination squad to the southern mountains..."

...

"General." ×N

As Selene exited the palace, she was greeted by a large group of Imperial Guard officers. Seeing how eager they were, Selene couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're all this eager for the Teigu? What... afraid I'd cheat you? Don't worry. My spoils will definitely go to you... but you'll have to earn them."

"I'll be organizing a competition among the twelve Imperial Guard corps. The winners will be awarded the Teigu and Shingu."

"Hahaha, with your word, General, we're at ease." One of the officers laughed. "We're not afraid of any other corps. You'll see—we won't let you down."

...

Listening to the excited chatter of her officers, Selene's mood lightened. She had confidence in her troops, especially the 8th Corps, thanks to the long-term enhancements of Sebas's micro-Honkai energy potions. The improvements in their physical abilities were undeniable.

"Let's go. To my residence. Today, I'll treat you all to a good meal."