MTLNOVEL Chapter 37: 37
A trace of regret flashed in Honest's eyes, and he spoke with some chagrin.
If he had known things would end up like this, he wouldn't have spent the past years living so comfortably. He once believed he had everything under his complete control, that nothing could possibly go wrong.
But carelessness had led him into danger, step by step.
Now, the news that the former minister was still alive posed a real threat to him.
If that man returned, it meant someone could replace him.
"Minister, are you panicking?" Esdeath looked at Honest playfully.
She naturally understood his mood. After all, she had also heard about Chouri — his reputation, his past deeds, and what he had accomplished during his tenure.
A minister who truly worked for the benefit of the Empire was exactly what any emperor would need. But compared to that, Honest was like a parasite.
Even Esdeath felt that if the Empire was to progress, Honest had to die.
"Esdeath, don't forget — we're in the same boat," Honest reminded her. "If you return to the capital, back to His Majesty's side… I can promise you, your life will be as dull as Budo's. You likely won't see another war."
His expression turned serious. This wasn't a threat — nor a lie. Chouri, as a former minister, was a man who pursued peace. He would prioritize rebuilding and development over conquest. If he took over, then someone like Esdeath, who lived for war, would have no place.
"So? What do you want to do?" Esdeath sneered. "Intercept him? That won't work. Or do you want me to kill him?"
She knew exactly what he was thinking, but so what?
She was a general — the Empire's shield and its spear.
She could be ruthless on the battlefield, but she followed orders. She served the emperor, not the ministers. She would never try to steal imperial power like Honest. If she wanted power, she'd become Empress herself.
"Of course not," Honest replied. "But the emperor… needs to change."
"The current boy on the throne brings no benefit to us. So I made preparations. In the past, there were multiple heirs to the throne. But to maintain stability in the capital, I hid the truth about the emperor's youngest son."
"Now, for our benefit, it's time the little prince stepped forward."
A cold gleam flickered in Honest's eyes as he revealed his plan to Esdeath.
Of course, this "prince" was entirely fabricated. Ye Ran had no siblings. Honest never hid anyone — the person didn't exist.
He simply planned to replace Ye Ran with someone else entirely.
"Don't beat around the bush," Esdeath said flatly. "What do you want from me?"
"In return," she added, "I want to establish a new institution. I'll be hunting the members of Night Raid."
"War has started to bore me. I need something new… something fun."
Esdeath stretched, letting out a long breath, her seductive figure drawing Honest's gaze for a moment before he snapped back to focus.
He then laid out his entire plan and how she was to assist him.
They were partners. Honest understood what drove Esdeath — her greed, her desires, and her weaknesses. That was how their cooperation worked. He knew exactly what strings to pull.
The next afternoon…
Esdeath followed Honest into the palace.
In just two days, the palace guards had changed completely — all of them now loyal to Budo. Even Honest and Esdeath were barely allowed to enter. And they noticed a boy, no older than a teenager, being led in.
"It seems this place is no longer your playground," Esdeath said with a mocking smile. "Even your men aren't allowed inside."
The changes within the imperial capital had surpassed even her expectations.
Without her help, Honest might not have had any footing left at all.
Their partnership was clearly shifting.
"It's just temporary," Honest replied coldly. "The real lifeline of the capital is still in my hands. Without me, it all collapses."
He wasn't at all concerned about the current danger.
As long as he controlled the underground networks and the Empire's finances, he believed he still held the true power. No matter how bad things looked on the surface, the core of the Empire remained his.
"I hope things go as you think," Esdeath replied. "But don't forget — this is just a partnership, not an alliance. If things turn sour, I'll cut ties without hesitation."
Her lips curved into a faint smile.
She was a general, not a politician. Cooperation must be based on mutual benefit. If Honest failed to give her and her troops the advantages they needed — more funds, more glory — she would walk away.
"So long as you honor our deal, I will not lose," Honest said.
He turned to face the grand palace in front of him. A cold glint flickered in his eyes.
Without another word to Esdeath, he walked forward with the boy beside him, stepping into the palace.
Once, this place had been like his personal backyard.
He could find his way even with his eyes closed.
But now… everything felt different.
And inside, Rivo was waiting.
He had already learned of Esdeath's return the day before. It wasn't difficult to guess that she had already met with Honest.
Still, when he finally saw Esdeath in person, he was struck by her presence.
The change in his expression lasted only a moment, but in that instant, Ye Ran felt a flicker of unease.
This woman was dangerous.
"General Esdeath," Rivo said with a calm voice, "Thank you for your service. Your conquest of the northern tribes has once again spread the Empire's glory far and wide."