Over the next week, after the encounter at Sheele's family restaurant, Selene's life in the Imperial Capital settled into a calm routine. Aside from teasing Esdeath now and then, her daily life followed a consistent work schedule:
7:30 AM: Selene wakes up, assisted by her maid.
8:00 AM: After freshening up, she enjoys breakfast prepared by the head chef, Susanoo.
8:30 AM: She arrives at the Imperial Guard headquarters to begin her day's work.
11:30 AM: She inspects the training of the 4th, 8th, and 9th Legions of her Imperial Guard at the Southern Lake military base.
12:00 PM: Lunch with her soldiers at the base.
2:00 PM: Selene organizes a tournament for the 12th Legion at the Empire's gladiator arena.
6:00 PM: The competition ends, and she returns to her residence in the upper city.
7:00 PM: Dinner served again by Susanoo.
7:30 PM: She reviews documents and news in her study.
9:00 PM: After freshening up, she goes to bed (and trains in a imaginary space).
Her daily life is highly structured, and she ensures that no fatigue or stress carries over to the next day. Selene jokes about how no doctor would dare criticize her lifestyle.
Despite Selene's relaxed schedule, which only two people, General Budo and Minister Honest, dare to comment on, Honest feels quite reassured. Selene stays away from politics, does not attend court meetings, and focuses solely on military matters. To Honest, this makes Selene a perfect ally. To curry favor, he frequently sends lavish gifts under the emperor's name, including estates, jewels, and more military funding.
On the other hand, General Budo finds himself troubled by Selene's lifestyle. Though she is diligent in her duties and meets all military responsibilities, her carefree approach bothers him. As the Empire's second-highest military figure, why was she so relaxed while he worked late into the night?
One day at 6:00 PM, during the final match of the Imperial Guard Tournament, the arena erupted in cheers as the Fourth Legion's vanguard, led by Selene, secured victory.
"Well done! The Fourth Legion has surpassed my First Legion's win rate," Budo said, clapping his hands in admiration. "It seems you're not only strong yourself, Selene, but you also know how to train troops."
Selene modestly responded, "It's just luck," but before she could say more, her alarm rang.
"It's 6:00, General Budo. My shift is over," Selene said, rising from her seat.
"Wait! I wanted to discuss transferring the new recruits' camp to your management," Budo began, but Selene was already leaving, waving goodbye.
Selene smiled as she departed, savoring the sweet feeling of leaving work on time while others worked overtime.
Watching her leave, Budo felt frustrated. How could Selene, a key military figure, be so punctual about clocking out? Suddenly, Budo felt an unfamiliar sense of laziness creeping into his heart. He had always been content to work late, as it was his duty, but now... with someone capable like Selene around, was it really fair for him to keep working overtime while she enjoyed such an easy life?
"No way! I can't let Selene continue like this. I need to give her more responsibilities!" Budo resolved.
As Selene strolled leisurely through the upper city toward her residence, her adjutant, Esdeath, and several high-ranking officers, including Gensa, followed closely behind.
"Esdeath, why didn't you join the Imperial Guard Tournament?" Selene asked.
"I didn't see any weapons worth my attention. Competing would just be bullying them," Esdeath replied coolly.
"Hey, come on, at least show us some mercy," Gensa and the other officers grumbled.
Esdeath crossed her arms. "Mercy is earned. If you can't beat me, that's your problem, not mine."
Selene, amused by the banter, intervened. "Alright, enough of that. Focus on your training, and if you're unhappy, fight your way back next time. Also, why are you all following me? Are you hoping to taste my chef's cooking again?"
"Ah, the General figured it out!" Gensa scratched his head awkwardly.
Just as the group passed through the upper city, a loud crash echoed from a well-lit mansion nearby, drawing everyone's attention.
"Catch her! You useless fools!" came a frantic shout, followed by more crashing sounds.
"Is it a thief? General, should we..." the officers turned to Selene, awaiting orders.
"No need. It's the mansion of a slave trader, not our concern," Selene said calmly, sensing the faint life force of numerous slaves confined within the building.
"Let's move on," she instructed.
Suddenly, a hoarse laugh rang out, followed by the figure of a young blonde girl, around fourteen or fifteen, vaulting over the tall wall of the mansion.
"Finally escaped! You'll never catch me again! One day, I'll make sure to repay every bit of hatred!" she declared fiercely.
But as she turned, she froze, finding herself face-to-face with Selene's group of imposing Imperial Guard soldiers.
"Uh..."