Chapter 138: The Lord of Cinder Ascends the Throne (Misleading Title)
"Stop!"
"Your Highness!"
Upon seeing the newcomer, the Imperial City Guard Captain showed delight and immediately ordered his subordinates to cease their attack.
But then he noticed the young princess was accompanied by others, and his expression turned astonished!
"Vice Captain Yotsuba, why are you here?"
The Imperial City Guard Captain's face had now darkened completely.
He never expected Mahiro to be here. Despite his previous efforts to recruit him, he had received no response, and now—
"Have you defected to Prime Minister Honest?"
"Defected? When did this happen? I wasn't aware."
Mahiro's response was calm, his faint smile making him difficult to read.
"If you haven't defected, then I order you as the Guard Captain to bring the princess to me!" the Captain said coldly.
Though this was his first time giving Mahiro a direct order, the Captain believed Mahiro would know which side his bread was buttered on, especially since he had risen through the ranks by bribing him.
"I'm afraid that's impossible, respected Captain." Mahiro spread his hands helplessly. "My orders are to protect the Little Prince, and the Little Prince isn't willing to go with you."
"...T-that's right! I will absolutely not go with you! You rebels and traitors, retreat at once!"
Mahiro and the Little Prince played off each other perfectly.
Perhaps because he had someone backing him, the Little Prince displayed rare firmness and authority.
The Captain couldn't even be bothered to look at the Little Prince, keeping his gloomy gaze fixed on Mahiro.
"Are you really going to oppose me?"
"That's too strong a word, Captain." Mahiro smiled faintly. "I said my mission is to protect the Little Prince. Beyond that, you can do whatever you want—I wouldn't even mind if you took out that fat pig Honest."
Hearing Honest being called a fat pig, the Little Prince first froze momentarily, then couldn't help but snicker quietly.
What an accurate description—he really did resemble one, being that overweight.
However, this wasn't what concerned the Captain.
"Who gave you these orders? I don't recall issuing any such instructions."
As for General Budo, that was even more impossible.
He never concerned himself with Guard affairs, leaving everything to the Captain while focusing entirely on the Imperial Guard, responsible only for protecting the royal family.
"It's from the Assassination Division. I forgot to inform you earlier, Captain—not long ago, I took on the additional position of Vice Captain of the Assassination Division."
"Then how is that any different from defecting to Prime Minister Honest?!"
The Guard Captain nearly choked on his own breath.
Everyone knew the Imperial Assassination Division was jointly controlled by Prime Minister Honest and Intelligence Division Chief Shimiya—the two were accomplices standing in the same camp.
"So-called assassination squads are essentially the private army of the Prime Minister!"
"That's not quite right, Minister. I wonder if you've heard this saying: my superior's superior is not my superior. In other words, you may claim Minister Bill belongs to Honest, but I certainly do not."
"That's sophistry!"
The Minister coldly refuted, but then his tone shifted.
"Enough, I don't want to waste more words with you. I'll give you one final chance. If you abandon your misguided allegiance now and help me capture the Prince, I guarantee you'll be promoted to Minister of the Guard in no time. Don't waste this golden opportunity for advancement!"
But as soon as he finished speaking, the young prince tugged at Mahiro's sleeve and said earnestly:
"Deputy... Deputy Minister Yotsuba, if you can protect my safety, I... I will never forget you. I can also promote you to Minister of the Imperial City Guard! And I'll place the assassination squads entirely under your command!"
"You see, Minister? Someone has offered a higher price than you. What should we do about that?"
Mahiro smirked mockingly.
"Moreover, what nonsense about 'abandoning darkness for light'—are you really any better than that fat pig Honest? It's just the pot calling the kettle black."
Indeed.
Was the empire's corruption solely caused by Prime Minister Honest alone?
No.
It was the entire upper echelon of the Imperial City, all factions that had become corrupt.
Bad money drives out good—these people had driven out capable ministers with conscience, turning the entire Imperial City and even the whole empire into their private playground!
His words made the Minister's expression turn extremely unpleasant.
He never expected that the deputy minister he'd recruited out of momentary greed would become such a formidable obstacle!
"Hmph, since that's how it is, don't blame me for showing no mercy! I've heard since my military days that you, Mahiro, have defeated General Esdeath multiple times. Let me see if the rumors hold any truth!"
"All units, execute them all!"
The soldiers of the guard unit first exchanged glances, but then immediately raised their weapons and charged forward.
They were indeed palace guards, but in reality, they were also death warriors cultivated by the Imperial City Guard Minister, specifically planted within the guard unit for this very day.
Moreover, the Minister had previously obtained military orders from General Budo under the pretext of protecting the royal heir.
This meant that for some time to come, no one would come here. Even if they killed the Princess, they could frame Prime Minister Honest and his assassination squads—thus sealing Honest's fate!
However, plans never keep up with changes. He had failed to account for the variable of Mahiro and his elite squad.
Nearly a hundred guards were actually being held at bay by just eight people!
"Impossible!"
"Why impossible? Now don't blink, respected Minister."
Mahiro made his move.
He drew a black pistol and aimed it at the night sky.
"Magic Bullet Shooter" activated!
Instantly, hundreds of strange glowing circles densely appeared in the sky, slowly rotating.
Then, thousands of sharp hailstones shot out violently!
They fell from the sky like torrential rain.
"Ahhh!!!"
The previously vigorous soldiers immediately let out piercing screams—the hailstones were easily piercing through their hard metal armor!
Yet it eerily avoided the elite squad members—not a single shot landed on them!
The previously disadvantageous situation was instantly reversed!
In the blink of an eye, the nearly a hundred guards were all killed, each body riddled with blood holes of varying sizes, their faces still frozen in the ferocity and confusion of their final moments.
"Whimper..."
The young prince let out a faint sob, tightly clutching his sleeve, her small body trembling slightly with fear.
Having lived deep within the palace for so long, when had she ever witnessed such a scene?
"Oh, sorry, sorry."
Mahiro casually apologized, then activated another spell.
"Mist Dispersion!"
As the trigger was pulled, nearly a hundred corpses in the courtyard all turned to dust, settling over the bluestone-paved ground.
"How is this possible!"
Seeing Mahiro wipe out the death warriors he had painstakingly cultivated with a single move, the minister showed an expression of disbelief.
What was that thing like an ice spike?
A Teigu?
But the only Teigu capable of manipulating ice was the Demon's Extract that Esdeath had consumed!
Yet whatever it was, his defeat was already sealed.
"Hmph, lucky I made a hidden move, or you would have succeeded."
Just then, another voice suddenly rang out.
Under the night sky, a fat man chewing on a steak emerged, radiating a ferocious aura, with over a dozen civil officials trailing behind him!!
"Pr...Prime Minister Honest?"
Seeing the minister's appearance, the chief's face instantly turned deathly pale.
He knew he was finished. How miserable it would be to fall into the other party's hands—he didn't need to imagine to know.
Having desperately thrown himself into the princes' struggle for the throne, he already knew what would happen if he failed.
But!
"Honest!!!"
The security chief's expression suddenly turned ferocious. He stomped hard on the ground and shot toward Prime Minister Honest like an arrow.
There were no guards around the minister, only those weak civil officials.
If he wanted to kill the minister, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
"Die!!!"
The chief drew the sword at his waist and swung it toward Honest's head.
But just when success seemed imminent, two arms suddenly reached out from left and right to block his path.
One directly grabbed his neck, while the other seized his arm and violently twisted.
Rip!
His arm was actually torn right off.
He stared in disbelief at the two scantily clad men who had appeared before him, and behind them—two girls!
"It's actually...the Four Rakshasa Demons...cough!"
He barely squeezed these words out through gritted teeth.
These four were the current Four Rakshasa Demons of the Imperial Fist Temple, and also Prime Minister Honest's personal executioners!
"How naive, Chief of the Imperial City Security Forces. But don't worry, I'll take good care of the lovely wife you left behind. I'll take care of every part of her...hahahaha."
Honest laughed heartily, his entire body of fat shaking along with his laughter.
"Honest!!!!"
The chief's eyes nearly burst from their sockets as he let out a furious roar through clenched teeth. But the next instant, a large hand pierced through his chest, bursting out from his back.
That hand was tightly clutching his heart.
And the owner of this hand was none other than Prime Minister Honest!
"Rest in peace."
Squish!
The heart was crushed to pulp in his hand, and the chief completely lost all signs of life.
The Four Rakshasa Demons handled the disposal of the remaining corpse, while Prime Minister Honest nonchalantly took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, staining that pure white cloth completely crimson.
Then, he stepped by step walked in this direction.
The young prince seemed somewhat fearful and hid behind Mahiro.
"We meet again."
Honest's first greeting wasn't directed at the young prince, but at Mahiro.
His gaze was very straightforward as he looked Mahiro up and down.
Mahiro also smiled faintly without concern: "Indeed, this should be our second meeting. Last time was in the interrogation room."
"That's right, that's right. Back then you were still a soldier training under General Esdeath. I never thought you'd become deputy chief of two departments in the blink of an eye. Truly remarkable for someone so young."
Faced with Honest's praise, he didn't continue the conversation, merely watching the other calmly.
His gaze was so calm it was as if he were looking at a dead man.
However, Honest didn't notice his peculiar behavior, simply thinking he was someone who didn't like to talk, so he didn't press further.
Instead, he turned his attention to the young prince standing beside him.
"Your Highness, I have come to escort you. No, perhaps I should address you as Your Majesty now!" Honest strode directly before the young prince and performed a respectful courtier's bow.
The civil officials trailing behind Honest immediately dropped to one knee, shouting in unison:
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!!!"
Their cheers echoed to the heavens, as if celebrating the birth of a new emperor.
With their support, even if the young prince was actually a princess, it posed no issue whatsoever, and the ascension to the throne became an indisputable certainty.
Unfortunately, all these individuals were nothing but Honest's lackeys.
And the struggle for the throne, having claimed numerous lives and reshuffled the power dynamics among the elite, concluded with the arrival of dawn.
A nation cannot be without its ruler for even a day.
The following morning, a grand coronation ceremony was held, and from that moment on, the young prince rightfully became the new emperor.
The youngest emperor in the empire's history.
As for those who had opposed Honest the previous night...
Though most had perished, their families and associates were captured and brought to the execution grounds in the Imperial City square. Before a crowd of over a hundred thousand spectators, they were beheaded, and their heads were impaled on stakes for public display.
It was as if Honest was issuing a warning, declaring this the fate of anyone who dared defy him.
As the victorious faction, they gathered in the palace early the next morning after the coronation to divide the spoils of their triumph.
"Your Majesty, with the empire in a state of disarray and many positions left vacant after the purge of traitorous ministers, I believe it is time to promote a new batch of individuals to fill these roles," Prime Minister Honest proposed, tearing into his steak as usual.
General Budo, who stood nearby with his eyes tightly shut, let out a grunt and remarked, "Indeed, after Your Majesty's ascension, it is necessary to recruit new talents to consolidate the empire."
"Does General Budo have any reliable candidates in mind?"
The young emperor did not first consult Honest but instead turned to Budo. However, Budo shook his head and said, "My apologies, Your Majesty. My family tradition forbids me from interfering in political affairs, so I cannot provide any recommendations."
"Very well..."
The young emperor seemed somewhat disappointed and then looked at Honest. "Then, Prime Minister, do you have any candidates?"
"Your Majesty is wise. I do have a few individuals in mind. For instance, the chief of the Imperial City guard, who offended Your Majesty last night, has been executed. The position is now vacant, and I intend to appoint Iokal to the role!"
"Iokal? Isn't he your relative?"
Budo's eyes flashed coldly as he glared at Honest.
The authority he radiated caused Honest to pause mid-bite of his steak.
"Haha! General, you jest! He is merely a distant relative of mine. But as the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending one's own kin if they are worthy. I believe he is capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the guard chief!"
Although the guard fell under the military department, which was under General Budo's jurisdiction...
To fully control the court, Honest had to gradually erode Budo's influence!
Iokal was merely the first step!
However, the young emperor, who had been listening to Honest and the others with little interest, suddenly perked up and refused, "No! I cannot agree to this!"
Upon hearing this, Budo smiled. It seemed that although His Majesty was young, he was not foolish.
"....Your Majesty, wh-why not?!"
Honest, clearly taken aback by the refusal, kept tearing at his meat in agitation. He hadn't expected his first proposal to be rejected!
"Be-because I have already promised the position of Garrison Chief to someone else."
Under Honest's questioning, the slightly nervous young emperor tightened her grip on the scepter in her hand.
That scepter was the symbol of the emperor.
It was also one of the keys to activating the supreme Teigu that could protect her—the only one besides General Budo!
"Oh? I'm quite curious about who has caught Your Majesty's eye."
"It's Yotsuba Ma... Mahiro. He was originally the deputy chief of the Garrison, so it's only natural for him to succeed as chief. With him as the Garrison Chief, I believe the safety of the Imperial City will be well guaranteed."
First conquered by a magic cube and making a promise with him, then being protected by him—even standing firm against the former chief—Mahiro had unknowingly left a deep impression on the young emperor.
However, upon hearing this name, Honest breathed a sigh of relief.
He had thought it was someone else, but it was just Mahiro. If that person were to become the Garrison Chief, it might not be so bad.
As for Budo, he was even more satisfied with this decision.
Although he did not involve himself in politics, he had heard many rumors, most of which were about Mahiro.
It was said that he was exceptionally capable, beloved by the common people, and his strength even surpassed that of the rising star General Esdeath. With such a person as the chief of the Imperial City Garrison, Budo could rest completely at ease.
However, just as both Honest and Budo were feeling satisfied with this, the young emperor spoke again:
"Not only as the chief of the Imperial City Garrison, I also want him to manage the empire's Assassination Department."
"!!!"
Upon hearing this, Honest trembled, his fat shaking, and he stared wide-eyed at the young emperor.
"Your Majesty, how can this be?! The chief of the Assassination Department is still in position."
"Minister, why not?"
The young emperor retorted with an innocent, curious expression:
"I don't like that ugly, bald chief. Besides, Mahiro is highly capable, and the strength of the squad he trained is evident to all. Let the former chief be demoted to deputy to assist Mahiro."
"This way, I will have fulfilled my promise to him."
"As for the rest, you can decide. This is my only proposal."
By the end, the young emperor was waving her hand dismissively.
After all, she had just ascended the throne and truly had no other candidates in mind.
Hearing this, Honest's heart tightened.
It was well known that the Assassination Department was a unit he had personally nurtured—essentially his private army.
But now, not only was the young emperor interfering, but she was also appointing Mahiro as its chief, claiming it was part of a promise between them.
With his sharp instincts, Honest felt that things were slipping beyond his expectations.
This Mahiro who single-handedly controlled two departments and divided his authority—Honest felt this seemingly young boy might not be on his side!
Should he test him further?
Or eliminate him directly for a permanent solution?
A dangerous glimmer flickered deep in Honest's eyes as he contemplated whether to kill Mahiro.