Hola, Im Back
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Just as Yoshino had expected.
After a sparring match with Esdeath where she displayed her strength, the constraints on her were greatly loosened.
Over the following week, she was obviously given much more freedom within the General's Mansion. No longer were there maids following her everywhere she went. If she wanted to go into the inner city of the imperial capital, she only needed to inform the Three Beasts stationed at the gate.
However, if she wanted to go to the outer city, she would still need to be accompanied by at least one of the Three Beasts.
It wasn't because they feared Yoshino would encounter danger—after all, both Esdeath and the Three Beasts could clearly see that if there was any danger Yoshino herself couldn't handle, then having the Three Beasts there would be pointless anyway.
The real reason they accompanied her was out of concern that someone as simple-minded as Yoshino might be tricked in the chaotic and mixed crowd of the outer city.
Most importantly, with the Three Beasts following her, any nobles or wealthy individuals with ulterior motives toward Yoshino would think twice before acting.
As for Tatsumi, who would often accompany them, he wasn't nearly as fortunate.
Although Esdeath had permitted him to live in the General's Mansion, for reasons unknown, he was monitored even more closely than Yoshino.
Tatsumi was assigned to a guest room in the General's Mansion, but he constantly felt the presence of intermittent stares, watching and tracking his every move.
During the week, he also visited Yoshino several times, intending to gradually persuade her to leave the capital.
However, every time, he was forced to shift the topic to idle chatter due to the interference of the mansion's servants.
This left him feeling very frustrated.
Even though he had successfully infiltrated the enemy camp, he still couldn't execute the next phase of his mission.
But being deep inside enemy territory meant that every step had to be taken with the utmost caution. If any suspicion was aroused, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Even though Esdeath had, out of regard for Yoshino, given him a place to stay, if his true intentions were revealed, Esdeath might—at best—kick him out of the capital, or at worst, have him quietly eliminated.
So, he could only wait for the right moment.
However, just as Yoshino thought she was about to settle back into a period of peace, a decree from the imperial palace stirred up ripples in her tranquil life once more.
"Call Yoshino over."
Inside the study of the General's Mansion, Esdeath frowned slightly as she looked at the imperial envoy who had just delivered the decree from the palace. Her expression showed a hint of displeasure.
She waved her hand and gave instructions to the maid beside her, while her fingers lightly tapped the surface of the desk as she waited for Yoshino arrival.
Before long, the door to the study opened, and a figure in deep green, accompanied by two swaying bunny ears, appeared before her.
"Miss Esdeath, I heard you wanted to see Yoshino?"
"Mhm, that's right."
Seeing Yoshino appear, Esdeath expression softened a bit.
She pushed the decree on the table toward Yoshino and said, "This is a decree from the Emperor. You can read the details yourself."
An imperial decree?
What does that have to do with me?
Though puzzled in her heart, Yoshino didn't ask any further and picked up the decree to read it carefully.
The first half of the decree was mostly about Esdeath mission after returning to the capital—namely, eliminating Night Raid.
At first glance, it seemed like a very normal superior checking in on a subordinate's progress.
That had nothing to do with Yoshino.
But in the second half, the Emperor suddenly shifted the focus of the decree toward her.
"We have heard that our loyal subject has recently found a long-lost younger sister of the same race, which greatly pleases Us. For this palace visit, you may bring your younger sister along with you. We shall bestow rewards upon her, in recognition of your long-standing service to the Empire."
"Eh... so this time Yoshino and Yoshino are both going into the palace?" Yoshinon voice was filled with excitement and curiosity. "Wow! We actually get the chance to enter the imperial palace? I've heard the palace in the capital is the most magnificent in the world—it must be incredibly grand!"
"Can we... not go?" Yoshino asked somewhat nervously. "Yoshino doesn't like crowded places."
"Don't worry, don't worry. The imperial palace is where the Emperor lives, there won't be that many people." Yoshinon reassured her. "Besides, disobeying an imperial decree could lead to very serious consequences. For Miss Esdeath sake, we should go this once."
"Alright then..."
Though Yoshino appeared hesitant, it was actually Yoshino's words that reflected her true feelings.
She was very much looking forward to this audience with the Emperor.
The fact that the Emperor was willing to bestow rewards on her and even grant her an official position was fantastic news—especially since her main quest had been stagnant for so long.
However, from Esdeath perspective, this was far from good news.
Because she knew that the puppet Emperor sitting on the throne was unlikely to have suddenly, out of the blue, taken the initiative to summon Yoshino to the palace just because he'd heard she had a younger sister.
The true mastermind behind this decree was most likely her collaborator, Honest.
Honest was a villain, and Esdeath, who had allied with him, didn't consider herself a good person either—but she didn't want Yoshino to get involved in the dirty dealings between powerful adults.
That was why she had previously declined Honest request to meet Yoshino under the pretense of offering gifts.
Though she didn't dislike Honest and was quite satisfied with the mutually beneficial relationship they had, public affairs were public affairs, and private matters were private. She had no intention of dragging Yoshino into it.
If Yoshino were pulled into the whirlpool of power struggles and witnessed the dark side of the Empire, that would be the least of the concerns.
The worst-case scenario was if Yoshino, through Minister Honest, learned of the atrocities and heinous acts Esdeath had committed thus far. Then, she might come to genuinely loathe her "big sister" from the bottom of her heart.
Yoshino was already amnesiac and had no real bond with Esdeath. After spending the last few weeks playing the role of a caring older sister, Esdeath had only just begun to gain a sliver of approval in Yoshino heart.
Though her affection for Yoshino was genuine, if Yoshino ever saw her true self, that tiny bit of acceptance would vanish without a trace.
That was something Esdeath absolutely did not want to see—and what she must do everything in her power to prevent.
However, she had no way to refuse Honest invitation—especially when he had used the Emperor's name.
No matter how much disdain she had for the puppet Emperor in her heart, and even if she believed the current Emperor to be nothing more than a foolish ruler who favored corrupt officials, he was still the undisputed master of the Empire.
And as the Empire's Great General, if Esdeath disobeyed an imperial order and left a bad impression in the Emperor's heart, her future actions could be greatly hindered.
"That's right. After all, it is His Majesty's decree. As loyal subjects, we must obey."
Esdeath stood up. While putting on her military uniform, she gave her final instructions: "The palace is intricate and full of rules. Don't run around aimlessly, understand?"
"Mhm."
"No need to be nervous. If His Majesty asks you questions, I'll answer on your behalf."
"Mhm."
"If you come across something you really have to answer yourself, just respond based on the situation. Or let Yoshino answer for you."
"Got it~ Yoshino will answer based on the situation~"
"Well then, the carriage is ready. Let's head out now."
Imperial Capital – The Imperial Palace
Entering the grand structure at the very heart of the inner city of the imperial capital, walking across floor tiles made of colorful cloud stone, and passing through halls seemingly built for giants, Esdeath and Yoshino finally arrived before the heavily guarded grand hall.
Two rows of palace guards, clad in heavy armor and holding long spears, received the envelope from Esdeath hand. After confirming it was indeed an imperial summons, they opened the grand doors of the hall.
Inside the hall, carved with dragons and phoenixes, a faint incense fragrance greeted them, lingering in the air for a long time.
At the very top of a hundred-step staircase, seated upon a majestic throne, was a boy wearing a crown. From this unique vantage point, paired with the surrounding architectural techniques, the small child radiated a natural imperial aura, an innate majesty despite his youthful appearance.
Beside the emperor stood a portly elder with white hair and beard—an influential aristocrat. He made no effort to conceal his extravagant aura, with expensive gemstone rings on every finger. His dark yellow eyes were as deep as a sinking abyss—although he smiled, there seemed to be something hidden within that smile.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Arriving at the red carpet before the steps, Esdeath removed her military cap and knelt on one knee, performing the formal bow of a subject meeting the emperor.
Yoshino, following behind her, mimicked her movements and did the same.
"General Esdeath, how have you been lately?"
The young emperor, speaking in an official tone, asked with a demeanor far beyond his age, "It's been more than half a month since your return to the capital from the frontier. How are you adjusting to life here?"
"Under Your Majesty's wise rule, the imperial capital is growing ever more prosperous. Naturally, I have no complaints," Esdeath replied. "Although I'm more accustomed to the cold winds of the north, who could dislike the comforts of a flourishing life?"
"Hearing this from the General eases my mind."
The emperor nodded, seemingly very pleased with her answer.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he coughed lightly and changed the subject. "However, in recent days, I've heard that Night Raid's activities have become increasingly rampant. The lower nobles and wealthy citizens have become terrified of them, as if they were monsters. This greatly troubles me."
"They're nothing more than a band of traitorous rebels. Give me some time, and I will eliminate them all."
"General, you pacified the mountain tribes in the south and subdued the barbarians in the north. I naturally have faith in your abilities," the emperor said slowly. "I am not a ruler who fails to care for my subjects. You have spent years on campaign; it's only fair you would wish to rest upon returning to the capital. However, for the sake of peace in the city, I ask that you take action soon."
In truth, rest didn't really matter.
For a battle maniac like her, idle vacation was more of a torment.
In fact, Esdeath had planned to act immediately after receiving the new mission upon her return to the capital.
She had even intended to use herself as bait to lure Night Raid into attacking. The Three Beasts had also been ready to leave the city to ambush loyal officials and shift the blame onto Night Raid.
However, running into Yoshino in the capital had disrupted her plans. As a result, everything had been delayed, and even the Three Beasts had been recalled.
Now that even the emperor was urging her, she had no choice but to temporarily set aside building a relationship with Yoshino and shift her focus back to completing the mission—suppressing Night Raid's arrogance and putting the emperor's mind at ease.
Besides, she and Yoshino already had a certain emotional bond. She didn't have to worry about Yoshino sneaking away from the general's mansion if she left for a while.
At the same time, Yoshino strength was more than enough to protect herself. Even if Night Raid tried to kidnap her again, Esdeath believed they wouldn't succeed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With that thought, Esdeath said, "Once I return today, I will immediately organize my forces and initiate operations."
"In that case, I am reassured."
Hearing Esdeath promise, the emperor nodded in satisfaction.
Then, after a slight pause, he brought up another topic.
"By the way, when you returned to the capital half a month ago, you mentioned wanting to find a lover, didn't you?"
"That's true… but why does Your Majesty bring this up?"
Esdeath was taken aback, a little surprised that the emperor would mention this.
Just as he said, when she returned to the capital and was rewarded, the emperor had asked her what she desired. Her answer was that she wanted to fall in love.
Perhaps due to her age, perhaps due to biological instinct, or maybe both, she had indeed developed an interest in romance.
Originally, she planned to eliminate Night Raid while simultaneously searching for a suitable partner.
If no one suitable could be found around her, she would simply host a martial arts tournament and choose a lover that met her standards from among the participants.
However, after meeting Yoshino, not only had she abandoned the search for a lover, but even the major task of eliminating Night Raid had been pushed aside—thus, the martial arts tournament never happened.
At the very least, until her relationship with Yoshino was firmly established, she had no intention of letting outsiders interfere with them.
"In fact, if the General has not yet found someone suitable, I have a candidate I could recommend," the emperor said earnestly. "The son of a minister, Syura, who has spent the past few years traveling abroad and is now said to be returning to the capital. He's of Similiar age to the General. Would the General be willing to have dinner with Syura?"
Hearing the emperor speak about his son, Honest, who was standing beside him, simply smiled and remained silent.
The emperor knew his son was returning, of course, because Honest had informed him.
Suggesting a match between Syura and Esdeath had also been hinted at by Honest.
If it were the previous emperor, he would never have allowed such a union between two powerful families—especially not one civil and one military—as it could pose a great threat to imperial authority.
But the current emperor was still a child, orphaned and extremely dependent on Honest. He simply wouldn't think that far.
"Lord Syura is indeed a handsome and capable man,"
Esdeath glanced at Honest standing beside the emperor and calmly declined the suggestion.
"However, he does not meet my standards. Please allow me to respectfully decline Your Majesty's kind offer."
"I see…"
The emperor nodded slightly.
But he did not give up. His gaze shifted to the girl behind Esdeath—who had been nervously lowering her head from the moment they entered the palace.
"Then… what about the General's younger sister?"