"An invasion by southwestern barbarians?"
"Yes, according to the latest intelligence, the rebels have learned of His Majesty's illness. This invasion is likely a test, taking advantage of the power vacuum at the empire's highest level."
"What should we do? His Majesty is critically ill, and General Budo cannot leave the capital. General Selene is occupied with the restoration of the southern main road. Who do we send?"
"The most urgent matter now is to officially name the Crown Prince!"
"That's nonsense! You traitorous scoundrel! You're just hoping for the emperor's early death!"
...
Standing in the second row among the military officers, Selene shut her eyes and tuned out the chaotic, marketplace-like bickering in the court. She seemed utterly indifferent, as if the situation had nothing to do with her.
With the emperor gravely ill and unable to govern, the throne was vacant, and state affairs were temporarily handled by Minister Honest and General Budo. However, Budo focused solely on military matters, leaving administrative decisions largely to Honest.
As the court descended into turmoil, Minister Honest suddenly stopped eating, pulled out a handkerchief, and began wailing in a hoarse voice.
"(Crying) Who could have expected these traitorous scoundrels to incite rebellion while His Majesty is on his deathbed? How could they, as citizens of the empire... How could they collude with the barbarians! (Crying...) Your Majesty, this old minister suffers greatly, having to face such a crisis while governing in your stead..."
Overcome with emotion, Honest dramatically fell to his knees and bowed deeply before the empty throne, crying out, "Your Majesty! I have failed you! Your Majesty..."
The sound was truly heart-wrenching, enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes. If Selene hadn't known his true nature, she might have believed this display of loyalty and righteousness.
Seeing Honest kneel, his faction's officials immediately followed suit, and soon the hall was filled with the sound of weeping, as if the emperor had already passed away.
Even General Budo, who had maintained a stoic expression, visibly darkened as the crying grew more "heartbreaking."
Finally, Budo roared, "Enough!! As ministers of the empire, how can you act so disgracefully! Do you think you can defeat the rebels and barbarians with tears?"
"General... I am merely grief-stricken. Just thinking of the citizens suffering under barbarian invasion makes my heart feel as if it's being slashed by knives... (Crying)."
Barely half a minute had passed when, at Budo's rebuke, Minister Honest's tears vanished, his expression changed, and he suddenly acted as if nothing had happened. Like a person with a split personality, he addressed Budo with a casual attitude, "However, as an imperial minister, I cannot falter... General Budo, how do you suggest we quell the rebellion?"
"You are correct, Minister," Budo said, locking eyes with Honest and acknowledging that he himself could not participate in the battle.
"Well then, tell me why you've called me here. Don't tell me it was just to witness this farce—I don't believe you, this fat fox, are so simple-minded."
"Fat? I'm just well-built," Honest retorted with feigned indignation, before asking, "General, who do you propose we send to quell the rebellion?"
"General Wesley..."
Before he could finish, Honest cut him off, "I recommend sending General Selene to suppress the rebellion. What do you think, General?"
Upon hearing this, Budo glanced at Selene, who was still resting with her eyes closed. Remembering the emperor's instructions, he said nothing more and tacitly agreed to Honest's suggestion.
"Well then, General Selene, what is your opinion?" Honest asked.
"I'll comply with the decision. However, I require authorization to use 'Heavenly Wrath,'" Selene replied calmly.
"'Heavenly Wrath'? What is that?" Honest asked, momentarily confused, as he had no idea what Selene was referring to.
"Permission granted," Budo responded immediately upon hearing the request. "However, refrain from using it within the empire. As for the barbarians' territory, General Selene may use it as she sees fit."
"Oh, I see. Then it's settled. With General Selene leading the charge, those small-time rebels won't last long," Honest quickly grasped the situation, recalling the massive explosion from a few months ago. 'Heavenly Wrath' indeed was a fitting name.
"Now, as the Prime Minister of the empire, I hereby officially appoint General Selene to lead the southern campaign to suppress the rebellion and oversee all military affairs in the southwestern region of the empire," Honest announced with a solemn tone.
...
Since the campaign would take place within the empire, where the army could source supplies locally in the southern province, logistical preparations were completed quickly. In no time, the army was ready to march.
Three days later, under the watchful eyes of Minister Honest, General Budo, and the civil and military officials, Selene led her Eighth Imperial Guard Corps, over 50,000 strong, southward to crush the rebellion and repel the southwestern barbarians.
The newly assigned Ninth Imperial Guard Corps remained stationed at the lakeside camp, taking over the Eighth Corps' duties of restoring and widening the southern main road and maintaining local security.
...
After nearly three months of arduous travel, Selene and her forces finally reached the empire's southern border province.
Outside the provincial capital of Patrypol, the provincial governor had arranged for the area around the city gates to be packed with local aristocrats and dignitaries, while along the main thoroughfare, crowds of mobilized citizens stood ready to welcome Selene and her Eighth Corps.
Soon, with dust billowing on the horizon, the sight of the Eighth Corps' soaring golden eagle banner came into view, drawing the attention of everyone in Patrypol.
Upon spotting Selene, clad in silver armor and leading at the front of the troops, the provincial governor rushed forward obsequiously, saying, "Haha, welcome to Patrypol, General Selene! Your Excellency has worked hard."
"We've prepared a sumptuous dinner for your troops. Please, General, join us at the governor's mansion, where a banquet is ready," he added.
Most of the troops set up camp outside the city, while a smaller contingent accompanied Selene and her officers to the governor's mansion.
The governor of Patrypol and the local aristocrats had prepared an extremely lavish banquet to welcome Selene and her accompanying officers.
"I've received orders from the capital. Regarding the supplies needed for the southern campaign, Your Excellency may rely on me," the governor said, trailing Selene throughout the banquet, all the while maintaining an attitude of utmost respect.
From time to time, nobles and wealthy merchants approached Selene, eager to curry favor. After all, Selene was now the empire's second most powerful general in the Imperial Guard, and a capital official with a limitless future!
As she politely dealt with the constant stream of sycophants, Selene couldn't help but curse inwardly. This was more exhausting than a battle! Had she known, she would have brought Sebastian along.
Gazing at the opulent decor and the room filled with high-ranking officials and nobles, Selene mused, "It seems the corruption in the empire isn't limited to the capital. Even this far-flung province hasn't escaped."
It's truly lamentable—the aristocrats live in luxury while the common folk struggle to make ends meet. These nobles truly deserve... wait, I'm the highest-ranking noble at this banquet... never mind, then.
Let the music continue! Let the dancing go on!
After all, I'm not the one in charge right now. This empire isn't mine yet, and its decline is actually beneficial for me. Why should I care?