Chapter 25 - The Empire's strongest doesn't seem like much
Cain explained, "It would be too troublesome to destroy the entire Empire. It would be better to control the Emperor directly and take over the Empire from within."
Upon hearing this, Esdeath nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, this method was the fastest. After all, that was exactly what the Minister had been doing.
"Moreover, if we were to conquer the Empire by force, wouldn't I be constantly leading troops into battle?"
Esdeath calculated the cost in time. Now, apart from occasionally resting, she didn't want to leave her master's side at night.
"As expected of Master," she said immediately. "You have thought of everything very thoroughly."
"However, if you want to control the Empire, you must get rid of Minister Honest."
In this Empire, imperial power had long since fallen into the wrong hands. Minister Honest was the true underground emperor.
"That's true." Cain smiled. "So, if we're going to do it, let's do it together. The news of your return to the capital can no longer be kept secret. When you are summoned, the young Emperor and his ministers should both be present..."
Esdeath's eyes lit up. This was indeed the easiest way.
That afternoon, in the main hall of the Imperial Palace.
Cain and Esdeath had already arrived. They walked in, Cain following Esdeath's lead. Although the palace guards did not recognize Cain, they did not stop him because of the General's presence.
Throughout the entire palace hall, the imperial nobles and officials had already taken their positions on the left and right sides. On the throne sat a child holding a scepter.
They were all there, just as expected.
Esdeath glanced at the Little Emperor, then at Minister Honest standing beside him, a beautiful smile curving her lips.
"Congratulations to General Esdeath on your victorious return."
Honest smiled and turned his gaze to Cain. "This must be the powerful figure who annihilated hundreds of thousands of the Northern Tribes in one battle. You have rendered meritorious service to the Empire, and His Majesty will certainly not be stingy with rewards."
"The Minister is right." The Little Emperor smiled brightly. "I wonder what reward you would like? I can satisfy all your needs."
Upon hearing this, Cain spoke calmly.
"In that case, give me the throne."
The moment those words were spoken, the entire audience was astonished. The smiles on the faces of the Little Emperor and Honest froze. The other ministers were even more horrified and incredulous.
What is going on? Is this man in front of us out of his mind?
Even if they wanted to rebel, wasn't this method a bit too rough?
"Insolent!"
Minister Honest's face darkened completely.
"This is not the place for you to spout nonsense. Even if you have rendered service to the Empire, such remarks are a capital offense!"
Upon hearing the commotion, the guards outside the palace filed in.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The sound of blades being drawn was incessant; they were already preparing to take Cain down.
"Esdeath."
"Yes, Master."
Esdeath casually waved her hand, and dozens of ice spikes tore through the air.
Blood splattered everywhere. All the guards collapsed to the ground, scattered and disorderly.
Seeing this scene, countless officials felt a chill run down their spines, all looking at Esdeath with suspicion and uncertainty.
Could it be...? Is Esdeath also involved in this?
Honest frowned. "Esdeath, what exactly do you mean? And why do you call him Master?"
His tone was filled with deep apprehension and doubt. Esdeath was the strongest in the Empire. She had always been the person he tried to win over. In his view, Esdeath was a battle maniac who had no interest whatsoever in politics or power.
According to common sense, this wasn't how she should act.
"It doesn't mean anything," Esdeath replied coldly. "If my Master desires the Empire, I will offer it to him. That is all."
"Esdeath, you are a General! Do not be deceived by others."
Although Honest was looking at Esdeath, his gaze drifted toward a specific guard post outside the palace. He signaled with his eyes, pleading for help. If Esdeath rebelled, only that person's arrival could save the situation.
Esdeath walked forward slowly, expressionless, an ice saber materializing in her hand.
"Esdeath, you need to think this through," Honest said sternly. "Even if you are the strongest in the Empire, if you choose to be our enemy, you still—"
SLASH!
Before he could finish speaking, a blade of ice had already torn through the air.
Honest collapsed to his knees, blood gushing out like a fountain.
The entire palace fell silent. Whether it was the Little Emperor, the ministers with their own agendas, or the guards who dared not enter the gate, their faces were all blank. They stared at the head that flew up.
Dead!
The de facto ruler of the Empire, Minister Honest, had died just like that? Even seeing it with their own eyes, it still felt like a dream.
Inside the palace, there was a deathly silence.
The ministers looked at each other, their bodies trembling. Even the Little Emperor collapsed back onto his throne in shock.
But just then, the sound of orderly footsteps came from afar. A dense swarm of soldiers was rushing in from all directions.
"Master, the palace guards should all be here."
Esdeath, moving her long, beautiful legs, walked up to Cain's side.
"You've come at the perfect time." Cain smiled slightly. "Making an example of someone is necessary; just one Minister Honest is not enough."
Only by making those ministers and nobles understand the general trend could they achieve their goal. Only then would people make the right choice when they had no other options.
Under his watchful eye, countless guards had already surrounded the palace.
A burly man with blond hair and full armor stood directly in front of the guards.
Great General Budo, one of the strongest in the Empire.
At this moment, his face was filled with rage. He disdained the infighting in the court, so he rarely attended court assemblies. But who could have imagined that something like this would happen today?
"Those who have rebelled, come out and surrender immediately! Perhaps your lives may be spared!" Budo shouted loudly.
He was hesitant to attack rashly. With His Majesty in their hands, he dared not make a careless move.
"The Empire's strongest doesn't seem like much," Cain remarked.
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