Chapter 115: Honest

Deep within the magnificent Imperial Palace, in a lavishly decorated Hall.

Upon the throne sat a young boy who appeared no older than ten, leafing through a book in his hands.

He wore a luxurious robe embroidered with gold thread and a crown studded with gems, yet these opulent adornments only made him look even more frail and small.

Not far behind the Emperor stood a bloated giant of a man. This was the Empire's actual ruler — Minister Honest.

His physique was staggeringly massive; his obese frame nearly burst the seams of his splendid court robes. Honest cradled a large hunk of roasted meat in his hands, tearing into it greedily.

With a "rip," Honest tore off a huge chunk of meat and stuffed it into his mouth, feasting heartily. Greasy juices overflowed from the corners of his mouth, dripping onto the luxurious carpet.

He wiped his mouth with his sleeve without a care, his gaze sinister as it swept over the Emperor before him.

Suddenly, the Hall's main doors were shoved open with a bang, emitting a piercing creak. A guard stumbled in, his face filled with terror.

"Terrible news!" the guard gasped. "Someone is attacking the Imperial Palace! Wild Hunt has been wiped out, and Young Master Sheila is dead too!"

The moment the words fell, Minister Honest's expression froze instantly. He bulged his eyes, his obese body trembling violently.

The next second, he actually burst into loud wailing, tears and snot streaming down his face, looking both ridiculous and laughable.

"Sheila! My son!" he wailed, his voice filled with grief.

The Emperor was startled by this sudden turn of events and hurriedly turned to look at the Minister: "Minister! You..."

Before he could finish, Honest's crying came to an abrupt halt. He wiped his face, his expression instantly returning to calm, as if the grief from moments ago had never happened.

"A son, huh," he said coldly. "If he's gone, just make another one."

Hearing this, the Emperor grew even more flustered: "Minister, what should we do?"

Honest frowned, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes: "Esdeath just had to be absent at a time like this." He pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Send the Hunter Squad to intercept them."

"Y-yes, yes." The Emperor nodded repeatedly, as if grasping a lifeline. "We'll do as the Minister says."

Honest narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice: "Just in case, we should still make final preparations."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face instantly turned grave. He nodded and said softly: "Understood."

Silence spread through the Hall. After a moment, the Emperor lifted his head, a trace of confusion and unease flashing in his eyes: "Minister, have I been a failure as Emperor? Rebellions everywhere — is my rule wrong?"

Hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Honest's eyes. He hurriedly said: "Though Your Majesty unfortunately lost both parents in childhood, you have governed capably all along. Moreover, I have always been by Your Majesty's side, so there cannot possibly be any mistake."

"That's true." The Emperor murmured to himself, then a hint of Determination surfaced in his eyes. "Father Emperor was so wise and mighty in life, deeply loved by the people. I must become a worthy ruler like Father Emperor, and not betray his expectations."

The corners of Honest's mouth curved upward slightly as he continued: "These rebels are merely being misled by others. All that is needed is for Your Majesty to display the majesty of an Emperor, and the rebellion can be easily quelled."

Hearing these words, the light of hope reignited in the Emperor's eyes. He straightened his back, as if instantly regaining his confidence as a sovereign.

Watching the Emperor like this, Honest couldn't help but sneer inwardly. This foolish brat — exactly the same as his equally ridiculous father.

He recalled the scene from years ago when he personally poisoned the Former Emperor, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upward slightly.

"Truly laughable," Honest thought to himself. "If the Supreme Teigu didn't require royal blood to activate... His gaze lingered on the young Emperor for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. The Hall was brightly lit, illuminating two young figures. A young man stood by the window, gazing into the distance thoughtfully.

Not far from him, a black-clad girl sat on a Sofa, hugging a bulging cloth bundle.

Will turned his head to look at Heitong, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curving upward slightly. The girl was intently pulling out various snacks from the cloth bundle, her movements practiced as if performing some sacred ritual.

She ate in small bites, sometimes frowning, sometimes showing a satisfied expression.

"What a weirdo," Will thought to himself, then shook his head. Ever since he came here to repay a debt of gratitude to a departed friend, everyone he'd met was a weirdo.

But after getting along with them, he discovered that although these people were strange, they were all quite decent.

Thinking of this, Will's gaze dimmed a few degrees. Recently he had lost two comrades in succession; that pain and sense of powerlessness still lingered in his heart.

"Hope Heitong stays safe," Will prayed silently in his heart. He discovered with surprise that, unknowingly, he had already developed a fondness for this clever and lively girl.

Just then, Heitong seemed to sense Will's gaze. She warily lifted her head and saw Will staring at her.

"Not giving you any!" Heitong suddenly shouted, clutching the cloth bundle tightly to her chest, looking as if facing a formidable enemy.

Will froze for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh out loud. In this world full of danger and uncertainty, having such a relaxed and pleasant moment was truly rare.

Will's laughter had not yet fully subsided when the Room door was suddenly pushed open.

A white-clad youth with flowing golden hair strode in with large steps. Behind him followed a girl whose arm had been replaced by a Mechanical Arm gleaming with metallic luster.

The two were precisely members of the Hunter Squad, Lan and Sailu.

Sailu clutched a creature shaped like a toy dog in her arms; its round, chubby body looked extremely cute.

Lan's face carried a hint of gravity. He scanned the room's occupants, finally settling his gaze on Will. "Time to Depart," he said in a deep voice. "Someone is attacking the Imperial Palace. The enemy's strength is formidable; they easily wiped out Sheila's squad."

Hearing this, the smile on Will's face vanished instantly. He frowned: "Damn it, why now? Captain Esdeath can't return in a short time."

And at this moment, Sailu beside them suddenly twisted into a distorted expression.

Her eyes flashed with near-manic light, and the corners of her mouth hooked into a ferocious grin.

"Those traitors who dare challenge the Empire's authority have finally shown themselves. I will personally crush them! Let them taste their own foolishness in Despair!"

Her voice grew increasingly shrill: "We are the Empire's blade, the embodiment of Justice! Any evil person who dares resist will pay a heavy price!"

The toy dog seemed infected by Sailu's agitated emotions; it nudged Sailu's chin with its nose. This gentle touch seemed to slightly ease Sailu's frenzy. She lowered her head to look at Xiao Ke, a trace of gentleness flashing in her eyes.

"Don't be afraid, Xiao Ke. We'll be able to eliminate those evil elements soon." She murmured, gently patting Xiao Ke's back.

The atmosphere in the Room abruptly turned heavy. Will and Lan exchanged a complex look, while Heitong quietly clutched her cloth bundle even tighter.

(Chapter End)