Directly Entering the Imperial City

[Asuna: Umm… isn't this a bit too harsh? Maybe just giving them a beating would have been enough?]

[Flower Hashira: I think Eriri did the right thing. The way those imperial soldiers were looking at her was disgusting.]

[Chika Fujiwara: Ah… I don't know if killing those imperial soldiers was right or wrong, but it's still a bit hard to stomach…]

[Arche Eeb Rile Furt: You don't need to feel bad. Those imperial soldiers absolutely deserved it.]

[Chika Fujiwara: …]

[Kashiwagi Eri: Asuna, Chika-chan, you're still too young, and your hearts are too soft. That's not a good thing. While it's fine in your everyday lives, this mindset can be dangerous in more perilous worlds you might encounter on missions.]

[Arifureta (Group Leader): Exactly. I used to be a lot like you, but after seeing more of the world, my thoughts have changed.]

[Asuna: Mm…]

[Kashiwagi Eri: Don't worry, you can take your time. There's no need to force yourself to change overnight.]

…

The events unfolding on the street quickly reached the imperial castle of the Holusia Empire, catching the attention of Emperor Gahard. But before he could take any action, Eriri and her companions had already arrived outside the imperial castle.

The imperial castle was located at the center of the capital, surrounded by a moat over twenty meters wide, with a fortified wall imbued with magical defenses. The moat was filled with numerous aquatic monsters, and the walls were heavily guarded by imperial soldiers. The only entrance to the castle was a massive gate connected by a drawbridge.

Entering the castle required a special magic permit, and even then, anyone crossing the drawbridge had to undergo a thorough inspection. For the people of this world, breaching the imperial castle was almost impossible. Even if someone managed to bypass the magical barriers, they would face countless imperial soldiers, and those caught would be thrown into the moat to feed the monsters without mercy.

However, these defenses were nothing more than child's play for Eriri.

Glancing at the long line of people waiting to enter the castle, Eriri casually led Arifureta and the others to fly over the walls, right under the noses of the guards, heading straight into the depths of the castle without any attempt to conceal themselves, boldly announcing their arrival.

Those waiting in line were left in an uproar after witnessing this. While it wasn't the first time someone had tried to force their way into the imperial castle, every previous attempt had ended with the intruders being fed to the monsters. Although Eriri and her companions had successfully entered the castle, the onlookers were certain that they would meet the same fate.

…

Inside a grand palace within the imperial castle, a man with silver-gray hair sat high on a throne. His right elbow rested on the armrest, his fist supporting his cheek as his sharp eyes observed the imperial officer reporting to him.

This man was Gahard D. Holusia, Emperor of the Holusia Empire. Despite being nearly fifty years old, he looked like he was in his early forties, his body still robust and powerful, showing no signs of aging.

"You're saying the woman causing trouble in the capital has broken into the castle?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. The imperial soldiers are currently moving to apprehend them."

"How amusing. To think a few mere women would dare challenge the empire's authority. What gives them such confidence?" Gahard spoke with arrogance. The empire had stood strong for centuries, and he feared no challenge.

As the most powerful man in this world, he was supremely confident. He didn't take Eriri and her companions seriously at all.

Gahard's left hand rested on the armrest, his fingers tapping rhythmically as he thought for a moment. Then he instructed the officer kneeling before him, "Spread the word. Try to capture them alive and bring them before me. I want to see what kind of arrogant fools they are."

"There's no need to trouble yourselves. We're already here."

Before the officer could leave the hall, a sweet and confident voice echoed through the palace. In the next instant, four figures appeared without warning about ten meters in front of the throne.

Eriri, holding Reina's hand, stood in the palace, with Arifureta and Shea flanking her on either side. Reina and Shea looked slightly nervous, instinctively moving closer to Eriri.

Eriri and Arifureta, however, showed no signs of tension as they casually surveyed the palace, as if they were merely walking down an ordinary street.

The sudden intrusion shocked everyone in the palace. The imperial officials, who had been standing around Eriri's group, quickly backed away once they regained their senses. The hall became chaotic with voices overlapping as everyone reacted.

Upon seeing Eriri's appearance, a gleam of interest flashed in Gahard's eyes, and a strong sense of possessiveness welled up within him.

"Protect the Emperor!"

At the officer's shout, the imperial knights stationed outside the palace swiftly entered, forming a protective circle around Gahard. Each one of them stared at Eriri and her companions with stern expressions.

Ignoring the knights' movements, Eriri calmly walked forward a few steps and then directed her gaze at Gahard, who remained composed on the throne. Her face was devoid of any emotion. "You must be Gahard, Emperor of the Holusia Empire?"

"How dare you!" The officer who had joined the knights around Gahard immediately barked at Eriri. "How dare you speak His Majesty's name so casually!"

A trace of impatience flashed across Eriri's face. "Get lost. I have no time to deal with small fry like you."

"You…"

"Stand down, General Ferri."

Before the officer could finish his angry retort, a commanding voice from behind interrupted him.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

At Gahard's command, the officer swallowed his words, turned back to the throne, and gave a respectful bow before quietly stepping aside.

Gahard's authority in the empire was absolute, and no one dared to defy his orders. As soon as he spoke, the hall fell silent, and the once noisy palace became eerily quiet.