Support_Five
patreon
CHAPTER 10: I have become the Child Emperor
🕑 Added 2023-06-09 19:15:30 +0000 UTCAfter escorting the Emperor back to his chambers and reinforcing the security in the palace even further, Budo made his way back to the military barracks. The salutes from the soldiers along the way went unnoticed by his preoccupied mind.
The words of the Emperor echoed incessantly, refusing to leave his thoughts. Seeking solace, he retrieved a dusty bottle of wine from his shelves and took a long swig. Drinking was a rare indulgence for him, especially since assuming the role of the Great General of the Empire. In fact, he couldn't even recall the last time he had opened the very bottle he now consumed.
Hidden within his desk lay a compartment known only to him. Opening it, Budo discovered a collection of classified documents, each containing sensitive information. One document in particular detailed the autopsy reports and analysis of the previous Emperor and Empress. Such records were a rarity, with only two copies known to exist—the one in Budo's possession and the other held by the former Prime Minister, Chouri. Together, Budo and Chouri had tirelessly gathered information, both suspecting foul play in the deaths of the previous rulers. However, when Chouri was abruptly ousted from his position, their investigation came to an abrupt halt.
Witnessing Chouri's fate, Budo chose to silence his own pursuit of truth. His role as the Great General was of paramount importance to him, and he feared that any further inquiries could jeopardize his position. He convinced himself that his presence alone ensured the protection of the new Emperor, Makoto.
Now, hearing the Child Emperor's claim that his deceased parents communicated with him during his coma, unease settled within Budo's heart. The idea of making significant decisions based solely on the delusions of an ill child felt unsettling.
Despite the child being his commanding officer, Budo questioned the command brought before him. Not only that, it would break the rule that his father instilled in him since he became a military officer; the Military and the government must not clash.
Budo made his way to the window, his eyes scanning the numerous buildings that comprised the imposing Military Compound.
He was a soldier, albeit one with a higher rank; nevertheless, he was a soldier through and through. What right did he have to question the order given by his monarch, his liege?
Why does it matter where the information came from? So what if the information came from beyond the grave? Isn't he a soldier? When a monarch tells him to attack, mustn't he attack?
Budo stood at the window, rooted in place, lost in deep thought. Unbeknownst to him, the sky had begun to turn yellow, signaling the impending arrival of night. A distant memory suddenly flooded his mind—the memory of his father on his deathbed. The words he spoke echoed in his mind, a final reminder before he took his last breath.
"The Empire is not without its problematic past. As a general, you will find yourself tested through multiple scenarios, but you must always remember one thing: the Emperor isn't just a man; he is the embodiment of the Empire. The two can never be separated".
Remembering those words, Budo took a deep breath, and muttered with a slight smile marking his face, "Thank you, father".
Budo swiftly turned away from the window and approached his desk. He reached for the intercom, pressing the button to connect him with the guards stationed outside his door. His voice carried the weight of his authority as he commanded, "Contact all my lieutenants immediately. Instruct them to ensure their soldiers are ready and to gather in my office without delay."
As Budo awaited the arrival of his lieutenants, his conviction grew stronger. He made a resolute choice to place his full trust in the Emperor, for the Emperor and Empire can never be separated, they are one and the same.
******************
******************
Two hours before dawn broke on the horizon, Budo, accompanied by a small group of elite soldiers, approached the entrance of the Prime Minister's estate. The Prime Minister's guards were taken aback by the presence of the Great General so early in the morning, they could do nothing but hastily wake up the sleeping Prime Minister and inform him of the general's presence.
As Budo's carriage was granted entry, he instructed his soldiers to remain outside the building. Escorted by one of Honest's guards, Budo with documents in one of his hands entered a luxurious living room where the Prime Minister, draped in a bathrobe, awaited him.
"General Budo, please have a seat. Would you like some tea or coffee at this early hour?" Honest offered, gesturing to the maid standing nearby, ready to fulfill their needs.
"That won't be necessary, Prime Minister. I have come here to discuss important matters," Budo stated in a straightforward manner.
Sensing Budo's seriousness, Honest dismissed the maids and guards from the room. A tense silence hung in the air as both men locked eyes, neither willing to yield.
"Why have you come, General Budo?" Honest inquired, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness. The early hour and unexpected visit raised the Prime Minister's suspicions.
"Did you orchestrate the deaths of the previous Empress and Emperor?" Budo questioned directly.
Caught off guard by the accusation, Honest arched an eyebrow in surprise and responded, "What baseless accusation are you making, General? Those are serious allegations leveled against the Emperor's closest confidant."
Swiftly, Budo placed the classified documents on the table before the Prime Minister.
Observing this, Honest cautiously accepted the documents and meticulously scanned through them, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Budo. As he delved into the contents, his eyes gradually narrowed. Within those pages lay the autopsy reports of the deceased Emperor and Empress.
Internally, Honest was shaken by the gravity of the documents in his hands. He had believed that he had put an end to all investigations into the demise of the former rulers and yet here it was in hands, a file he did not know existed, until now. However, outwardly, he maintained an air of composure, betraying only a look of curiosity directed towards the documents.
"This doesn't hold any significance," Honest declared, his gaze fixed on Budo's ever-serious countenance.
"BANG!!!""BANG!!!""BANG!!!""BANG!!!"
Suddenly, without any forewarning, a series of thunderous explosions erupted outside the confines of his estate, leaving Honest greatly startled. Simultaneously, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over him, permeating his entire body. With remarkable agility, he swiftly evaded a fierce punch aimed directly at his head.
"You dare!" he seethed, Honest's voice filled with anger and disbelief.
"His Majesty has ordered me to capture you!" Budo retorted, his resolve unyielding.
With the explosions outside intensifying, the chaos heightened the tension within the room. Honest swiftly retaliated, surprising Budo with his agility and unleashing a flurry of strikes. His movements were fluid and precise, betraying the rotund appearance he had maintained.
The room transformed into a whirlwind of fists and agile footwork, the sounds of their blows reverberating through the chaos outside. Their clashes radiated with the power and skill of two warriors who had honed their abilities to perfection.
