Bab 250: Simultaneous Actions on Two Fronts
Esdeath's excitement was palpable. "Marching south to suppress that so-called Revolutionary Army isn't nearly as thrilling. Leave it to that 'stubborn old man' Budo. Your Majesty, I choose the Eastern Frontier to hunt the Dragon of the Eastern Clouds!"
"Very well. Hand over command of your forces to Budo," Selene replied.
"I hereby appoint Budo as the sole commander of the southern campaign. It's time to let him get out there—he's been a 'palace guardian' for long enough... He's barely left the capital in years."
Indeed, Budo, who had been stationed at the palace for what felt like forever, was finally getting deployed on active duty. Gensa's First Imperial Guard had taken over Budo's responsibilities in guarding the palace.
"Understood, Your Majesty. I'll head over to transfer command to Budo right away," Esdeath said.
Esdeath closed the World Chronicle and returned it to Selene. Having read the account from the first emperor about the Dragon of the Eastern Clouds, she realized that an ordinary army would be nothing more than fodder against such a catastrophic beast.
The Dragon of the Eastern Clouds, also known as the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, was a legendary super-danger beast with an incredibly powerful body and the ability to command storms. Rarely sighted by humans, it was considered a mythical creature.
It wasn't until the Empire's first emperor, wielding a prophecy-based Imperial Arm, located the dragon's lair and engaged it with the Supreme Teigu Shikoutazer and a dozen other Imperial Arms users that they were able to strike a deal with the beast. This resulted in the acquisition of a special hair from the dragon, which served as the material for creating the Imperial Arm: Cross Tail. (Note: This is a creative interpretation, as the original work didn't specify this backstory.)
"Alright then, Esdeath, you and Alyssa will join me in heading east. As for the Dragon of the Eastern Clouds, try to capture it alive. How could I, of all people, not have a mythical beast as a mount?" Selene said, her tone brimming with ambition.
"The Holy Grail War... I wonder which of the Grail Wars Mine will participate in. What class will she manifest as?"
"After testing the waters with Mine, my information should be out there now, right? Once I willingly answer the Grail's call, what powers will the Throne of Heroes give me based on the legends?"
"I'm looking forward to it..." Selene murmured as she stowed away the World Chronicle and Cross Tail, her gaze fixed on the midday sun above.
The Empire's unification war couldn't be put on hold, but Selene couldn't simply sit in the palace handling political affairs either. "Sebas can take over my duties while I'm away. I'll personally face this world's strongest danger beast."
"Esdeath, hand over your command to Budo and make preparations. Our target: the Eastern Frontier."
"Understood!"
...
The Empire's Eastern Frontier.
Unlike the frequently invaded Western and Northern Frontiers, or the rebellion-ridden Southern Frontier, the Eastern Frontier had remained relatively peaceful during the Empire's upheavals. The region's prosperity was due to its natural resources and the presence of one of the Empire's two naval fleets, though it occasionally dealt with raids from the uncivilized islanders to the far east.
Several hundred kilometers offshore, the serene blue of the sea stretched to the horizon, making it hard to distinguish where the sky ended and the sea began. The refreshing sea breeze blew gently, calming the surface of the water.
Suddenly, a distant sound broke the stillness.
Woo... woo... woo...
The blaring of a ship's horn echoed across the sea.
On the distant waters, a massive Imperial naval fleet cut through the waves, its towering ships advancing against the wind. At the center of the fleet, a colossal flagship led the charge, its decks bustling with shirtless sailors training under the midday sun.
Just beyond the bulkhead, inside the captain's quarters, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. A middle-aged man in a naval officer's uniform stood at the center of the room, his golden hair neatly combed and his finely groomed mustache giving him an air of elegance. His hands were clasped behind his back as he faced the table.
"General Wilson, you called us here. Is there urgent news?" one of the officers asked.
Stroking his mustache, General Wilson spoke in an even tone. "Yes. We've just received an urgent message via messenger pigeon from the military and the Ministry of Governance. While we were conducting our naval drills, the Emperor was assassinated..."
"What?!"
"Is this true, General?!"
"The Emperor had no heirs, right? And didn't the previous Emperor's bloodline end as well?"
"Who will take the throne?"
...
The previously calm captain's quarters erupted into chaos.
Ignoring the shocked reactions of his subordinates, Wilson continued in a steady voice. "Prime Minister Honest was executed, along with his entire clan, and his cronies were thoroughly purged. But the most significant news..."
"Grand General Selene has ascended the throne, using the legendary Supreme Teigu. Amidst the cheers of the people and with the support of the Imperial Guard led by General Budo, she has been crowned Empress."
...
Meanwhile, in the far reaches of the Eastern Sea's skies.
"Queen—"
"Hmm?" Selene's sharp gaze immediately silenced Alyssa, causing her to correct herself.
"Uh, I mean, Your Majesty!" Alyssa stammered, her initial instinct leading her astray before quickly adjusting under Selene's intense gaze.
Alyssa had learned to be cautious around Selene. Despite hearing Selene occasionally mutter cryptic words like "pufferfish," "hubris," or "getting humbled," Alyssa wisely refrained from asking about them.
"I... I wanted to ask about the Dragon of the Eastern Clouds," Alyssa continued nervously, mustering the courage to speak. She flew over to Selene's side, but seeing Selene's narrowed eyes, her confidence wavered.
Inwardly panicking, Alyssa thought, Why is the Empress so terrifying?!
Of course, Selene wasn't upset with Alyssa. Her narrowed gaze was directed not at her, but at something in the distance.
"Esdeath, look eastward at that storm over the sea..." Selene said, her tone shifting.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone