"Understood," Dr. Stylish responded crisply.
"Good. You have a week to transfer your lab materials. If you need more hands, I'll send a unit of the Imperial Guard to assist. Now, go prepare," Selene ordered.
"Understood," Dr. Stylish said once more before swiftly departing.
After he left, Selene pondered for a moment and reached out, summoning the World Chronicle into her hands. Opening the ancient tome, she carefully examined the resource distribution in the northern territories of the Empire. Unlike the warmer central and southern regions, the northern lands were mostly undeveloped wilderness, their vast resources untapped due to the harsh climate.
Rich in minerals, timber, and wildlife, the northern frontier also held evidence of super-dangerous beasts, creatures of legend that roamed the extreme north. Given its undeveloped state, Selene speculated that the northern region likely contained Orichalcum and other rare metals essential for creating Teigu. These resources remained undiscovered simply because the region had never been properly exploited.
This was why Selene valued her northern fief so much and was gradually shifting her focus toward it. Establishing large-scale industrial operations, not to mention creating new Teigu, required vast amounts of resources. Instead of waiting for raw materials to be transported over long distances to the capital, it was far more efficient to relocate her operations to the source.
As for why she insisted on bringing Dr. Stylish with her—it was simple. His research capabilities were indispensable. The process of crafting Teigu, understanding how to fuse Orichalcum, rare metals, and materials from dangerous beasts—these were things Selene herself had no knowledge of. But as the Empire's top scientist, Dr. Stylish likely had access to such ancient methods.
Furthermore, Dr. Stylish's expertise in biological augmentation was nothing short of miraculous. His ability to implant advanced weaponry into human bodies without causing rejection was remarkable, even with the help of Teigu like Glorious Hands of God: Perfector. Selene trusted Dr. Stylish's abilities and foresaw his potential in her grand plans.
The Next Day, Habsburg Ducal Estate.
As usual, Selene sat in her palace-style dining room, enjoying a morning dessert when she heard a voice call out before the figure arrived.
"You've come all this way... is there something on your mind?" Selene asked, not looking up as she sipped her tea.
"I heard Esdeath is leaving the Imperial Guard. What's going on?" came a low, stern voice.
A towering figure—nearly two meters tall—entered the room. Clad in his pristine uniform, radiating discipline and self-control, the man was unmistakable: Grand General Budo, Selene's equal in rank.
The palace attendants immediately bowed deeply to Budo as he strode toward Selene's table.
After acknowledging the attendants with a brief nod, Budo took a seat across from Selene, his face serious. "I don't understand the nature of your relationship, but why would you agree to let Esdeath leave the Guard?"
"The Guard is too small a stage for her," Selene replied calmly, sipping her tea. "With you and me in command, she'd never truly have room to grow. It's natural she'd seek other paths."
She set her cup down and added, "More importantly, it's about revenge."
"Revenge? You're talking about Esdeath's vendetta against the northern tribes that wiped out her clan?" Budo asked, his brows furrowing.
"Exactly. Her pride won't let her rely on us for vengeance. She wants to settle that score herself, and there's no better way to let her grow. Let her leave and 'go wild'—she's not the type to take orders from a puppet like Honest."
Budo thought for a moment, then nodded. "I suppose there's no real need to worry. Honest can't stir up much trouble with the two of us watching him. Though I'll admit, that fat pig has been getting out of hand lately... but never mind. That's not what I came to talk about."
Budo's tone grew more formal as he shifted to the true purpose of his visit. His expression turned even more serious as he locked eyes with Selene. "Grand General Selene, Duchess of Habsburg, would you care to explain this leave of absence you submitted yesterday?"
"Leave of absence?" Selene tilted her head, feigning surprise.
"You're one of the only two Grand Generals in the Empire. Are you seriously thinking of walking away from your responsibilities?" Budo asked, clearly not pleased.
Selene leaned back in her chair, a lazy smile on her face. "You're still here, aren't you? And besides, there's no use arguing—it's already been submitted to the Emperor. The approval is probably on its way as we speak. And with Honest's eyes on it, do you really think it won't get passed?"
"Unlike you, my family's fief is far from the capital. I haven't even visited my own lands yet. I'll be leaving in about a week, and I intend to enjoy a much-needed break."
Budo let out a dry laugh, a rare expression of amusement crossing his stern face. "Alright, alright... but before you head off for your 'vacation,' I've got one last assignment for you."
"Wait, hold on—" Selene began, but Budo continued, ignoring her protests.
"Next week is the Imperial Defense Forces' Biennial Review Conference. It's usually my responsibility to oversee it, but since you'll be here for another week, you'll handle it this time. Once the conference is over, you can head off to your fief."
"Ugh... who's attending?" Selene asked, her tone filled with reluctance.
"You'll find out at the conference."
At the Same Time, Southlake Avenue, Imperial Capital.
Clop clop clop...
Pedestrians on Southlake Avenue turned their heads as they heard the sound of galloping horses. A company of armored soldiers rode down the street, their hooves echoing against the cobblestones.
"Are those the Imperial Guard?"
"No... wait, is that another female general?" one bystander asked as they squinted at the figure leading the riders. The general was a striking woman, about 1.7 meters tall, with a long white braid and a sharp, commanding presence. She wore a white officer's uniform over a black underlayer, a mix of elegance and military precision.
"She's not Selene... I don't recognize her. Must be some small-time commander coming to the capital for the review," someone nearby commented.
"Hey! What do you mean, 'small-time commander'?! Watch your mouth!" barked a short-haired soldier riding next to the general, glaring at the bystanders.
"Leave it, Lubbock," the white-haired general said calmly. "They're right. This is the capital, not Farflanx Province. Here, we're nobodies."
Lubbock grumbled, "Understood, General Najenda..."