The heroic woman standing before her was none other than the Empire's strongest general, Esdeath. However, Kaguya was unsure why she was here at this time.
When something unusual happens, it is usually not good. Kaguya was inwardly cautious.
Esdeath approached with light steps, bowed slightly, and smiled, "Hello, Your Highness."
"I didn't expect to meet you here. What an honor," Kaguya said, skillfully twirling a lock of her hair with her fair fingers and smiling faintly. "However, I wonder what brings General Esdeath here. If I recall correctly, this is my territory."
"Please don't misunderstand, Your Highness. I mean no offense," Esdeath replied with a slight smile. "I am here by the Emperor's command."
"The Emperor's command?" Kaguya's delicate brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and she released the lock of hair. "What command?"
"Due to the northern tribes' large-scale invasion, the Empire's borders are in jeopardy. Combined with the Revolutionary Army's disturbances, His Majesty is very concerned," Esdeath explained. "Therefore, he ordered me to assist you, Your Highness."
"I see, thank you, General Esdeath," Kaguya replied with a slight smile. "However, if that's the only reason, I don't think there is a need for General Esdeath to worry. While the northern tribes may be barbaric, they are no more than a bunch of clay chickens and pottery dogs posing a false threat. Frankly, I can easily defeat them without requiring your assistance."
"I acknowledge Your Highness's strength," Esdeath said with a smile. "But some things may not be as you expect."
"Oh?" Kaguya raised her delicate eyebrows, her pink face showing a hint of curiosity.
"Indeed," Esdeath chuckled softly as she walked up to Kaguya. "In the capital, when the northern tribes invaded, someone reported to His Majesty, who agreed to send troops. However, Minister Honest seemed to have some objections."
"Objections?" Kaguya's eyes focused intently on Esdeath.
"Minister Honest believes that Your Highness's army is well-trained, more than capable of dealing with the northern tribes, and that you are extremely powerful. Therefore, the northern tribes pose no threat," Esdeath paused before continuing, "However, there are rumors that Your Highness is secretly in contact with the Revolutionary Army and Night Raid."
Kaguya's brows furrowed deeply. She had anticipated Minister Honest would cause trouble, but she didn't expect he would go directly to the young emperor. This surprised Kaguya somewhat.
"The minister worries too much," Kaguya said with a light laugh. "Perhaps he misunderstands me."
"Exactly. I also believe Your Highness would have no dealings with those Night Raid rats hiding in the shadows," Esdeath said, turning with her long hair swaying in the wind. "But as you said, Minister Honest might have some misunderstandings about you, so please be cautious."
"Thank you for the warning, General Esdeath," Kaguya replied with a slight smile, her clear eyes fixed on Esdeath. "But I'm curious why you're telling me this. As far as I know, you and the minister are allies, aren't you?"
"You mean Minister Honest?" Esdeath smiled slightly. "When did I ever say he was my ally?"
Although Esdeath didn't say it outright, her gaze made it clear that she didn't regard Minister Honest as someone significant. Any cooperation was only due to mutual interest.
"As for why I'm telling you this," Esdeath said, her light blue eyes fixed on Kaguya, her pale skin slightly flushed, "it's because we have an unfinished battle. I don't want Your Highness to be unnecessarily distracted."
"I see," Kaguya nodded slightly, realizing that this was indeed in line with Esdeath's character. She wasn't one to rely on plots or schemes and preferred straightforward battles. This was her pride as a top-tier warrior. Knowing that Esdeath was not someone who would lie made Kaguya feel more at ease.
Show your strengths to capture her attention, and then care for and help her, which is the foundation for conquering her completely.
Esdeath's light blue eyes were fixed on the silver-haired girl before her, recalling the content of that little booklet. A faint smile played on her lips.
"Thank you, General Esdeath," Kaguya said, stepping forward and smiling slightly. Not only was she less guarded against Esdeath, but she also felt a little more favorably towards her.
"No need to thank me," Esdeath replied, brushing her light blue hair aside with a smile. "Since we have some time now, why not have a match?"
"A match?" Kaguya was slightly surprised and shook her head gently. "Let's save the match for later. Now is not the right time, with the northern tribes invading. Once they are expelled, we can choose a more suitable time."
"It's fine, just a quick match, it won't take long," Esdeath said, her fingers brushing the hilt of her sword.
With a "clang," Esdeath's sword was drawn instantly, and she charged at Kaguya with the speed of an arrow.
Kaguya's brows furrowed slightly. She knew that Esdeath wasn't giving her a chance to refuse. Despite her surprise, she had no choice but to accept the challenge.
Kaguya's eyes narrowed like an autumn lake, and she kicked off the ground, dashing forward like a stream of light. Her fair arm swung, unleashing a dazzling flash of cold light to meet Esdeath's sword.