Imperial Capital’s Imperial Guard Recruit Camp.
"Ah! Oh! Ugh! Hiss! Um! Gah! Thud..."
As various groans and cries of pain echoed through the air, Selene contentedly flexed her fists. "Phew... that was satisfying. So many punching bags."
Although she wasn’t able to go all out, making the experience sowhat less fulfilling, Selene was still pleased—after all, she had thousands of punching bags!
"Hmm? Does anyone have any complaints?"
"No." The scattered replies ca in unison.
"Didn’t you eat? Answer again!"
"No, ma’am!!!"
"Good, very spirited. Today’s combat training is over—dismissed!" With that, Selene turned and walked away.
"..." Once Selene’s figure had completely disappeared, the soldiers standing in their neat formations finally couldn’t help but collapse to the ground.
"Huh, why did the commander leave so early today?"
"No idea, probably sothing important?"
"Alright, quit thinking so much about it. Just stay alert tonight—don’t fail to et the standards if there’s a surprise drill."
"Yeah, I’m really afraid the commander might pull a surprise inspection."
"Anyway, the butler should be bringing food soon. I’m starving."
"You’re just a glutton!"
...
Over the past month, the new recruits under Selene’s command had been through hell, subjected to relentless training day after day.
Now, these soldiers both respected and feared Selene. Her authority had been deeply ingrained in their hearts. With her imnse strength, refusal to abuse her power, and lack of vices, she had beco an ideal military commander in their eyes.
Although the training was grueling—several tis more intense than that of other units, with various unheard-of exercises—they could feel their strength growing by leaps and bounds.
Amidst the chatter about all sorts of topics from the recruits, a burly new soldier, clad in full armor, sat quietly by himself, writing a letter ho.
—
Hi! Dear Mom and Dad,
I suddenly felt like writing a letter today, so you’d know that I’m doing well.
I’ve arrived in the Imperial Capital and successfully joined the army—the Imperial Guard, no less!
I’m really happy because this is the Empire’s most elite force! And most importantly, they pay the highest wages. Trust , Mom, I can finally contribute to the family now. From now on, I’ll be the one to support you.
The highest-ranking officer in charge of our training is a tall, noble lady. Oh, Mom, you can’t even imagine how beautiful my commander is—so beautiful, unbelievably so. She’s not soone from this world; her beauty is indescribable.
Maybe she’s a goddess who’s descended to the mortal realm.
I’m afraid the girls in our village, like Nia, wouldn’t even qualify to be her maid.
But beyond her beauty, the commander is truly powerful—unprecedentedly strong! The combination of beauty and strength is like that of a Valkyrie.
It’s all so overwhelming.
Oh, by the way, my commander’s na is Selene von Habsburg.
Over the past month, although Commander Selene’s training is strict and she has a bit of a mischievous side, she really cares for us. Our pay, food, weapons, and armor are all well-supplied, and she even supplents our diet with danger beast at and energy drinks from her own household.
At least, I think they’re energy drinks—Commander Selene’s serious butler said so.
...
Hmm? The dinner horn just sounded—have I already written this much?
I hope this letter reaches you safely. Believe , Mom and Dad, I won’t bring sha to our family. I’ll earn glory on the battlefield and make you proud!
May the Emperor bless us.
Your loving son, Urnin. Imperial Year 1014.
—
At that mont, the soldier thinking about Selene was right—she did have other matters to attend to, which is why she left early. She had been invited to a banquet among the nobility of the Imperial Capital.
The banquet was held at a high-end hotel located in the southern part of the Imperial Capital, said to be owned by a retired noble.
As she walked slowly along the cobblestone path, the grand hotel lood larger in the distance. Selene couldn’t help but marvel, "To buy such a large estate in a place as expensive as the Imperial Capital... quite powerful indeed."
After the servant confird her identity, Selene entered the hotel without any issues.
As she stepped inside, the previously dim and narrow view suddenly opened up. The spacious banquet hall was already filled with nobles from all walks of life. So of the noblewon and military officers who recognized Selene raised their glasses to her in greeting.
Selene nodded slightly in acknowledgnt. After declining the servant’s offer of assistance, she picked up a cup of tea and made her way upstairs to the balcony, where she could enjoy the sunset.
"I’m still not used to these banquets. If it weren’t for this being Minister Chouri’s retirent party, I wouldn’t have bothered coming. But... now that Minister Chouri is retiring, Honest should be taking his place. The Emperor probably doesn’t have much ti left."
"The curtain is rising... how interesting."
Sipping her tea, Selene rested her hands on the railing, her thoughts calm and detached as she gazed at the bustling nobles in the banquet hall and courtyard below. "A fusion of feudalism and slavery?"
From her vantage point on the balcony, Selene had an excellent view. Aside from a few of the most exclusive private rooms, everything at the banquet was within her line of sight, thanks to her enhanced vision.
Dozens of young maidens draped in thin veils, with graceful figures, moved back and forth. They were sweet-looking, slim, and their shoulders were bare. Their chests were tightly bound, revealing prominent cleavage.
Although their faces bore bright smiles, Selene saw little emotion in their eyes.
anwhile, the nobles they served, singing and dancing for, seed entirely accustod to this.
Although the Empire was a feudal autocracy under an Emperor, it had not abolished slavery. Human trafficking was still rampant in the major towns, and Selene was almost certain that many of these girls had been captured from foreign territories or ca from commoner families.
They were either coerced or directly kidnapped by nobles, sold by their parents, or abandoned—so had even been discarded at birth, passed through the hands of various slave traders, and then subjected to harsh conditioning before being sold at auction.
To Selene, it was just another day—business as usual.
There was no need to judge them. If the Empire could cross borders to enslave foreigners, it was only natural that foreigners would do the sa to the Empire’s people. Neither side was in the wrong.
This was the tragedy of the tis!
Just then, the servant’s announcent caught Selene’s attention. "The guest of honor has arrived."
"Minister Chouri has arrived!!"
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