Chapter 39: Thanks to the Minister for the Eleven Teigu – Such Generosity from the Boss!

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"Sigh, yes, I suppose this could be considered a blessing in disguise."

Honest nodded in agreement.

Although he had lost a total of ten Teigu overnight, at least his personal Teigu and his life remained intact.

Perhaps the assassin knew that his own Irestone had the ability to neutralize other Teigu, and thus deliberately avoided targeting him.

Honest didn't find this surprising.

The fact that he possessed a Teigu was supposed to be a closely guarded secret, granted to him by the former emperor in recognition of his loyal service. But if the assassin could even locate his hidden vault and the Teigu hidden within, it was entirely reasonable that they'd also know he owned Irestone.

"Your Majesty..."

Honest coughed twice and rubbed his hands together.

Now that the report had been made, it was time to ask for compensation.

Although all the Teigu in the Minister's mansion had been stolen, the imperial treasury still held quite a few idle Teigu.

As the Emperor's trusted aide, Honest believed that after hearing his sorrowful tale, His Majesty would surely allow him to borrow a few.

"Your Majesty, there is currently not a single Teigu user left in the Minister's residence." Honest put on a sorrowful expression. "Although we still have many powerful warriors, this old minister remains worried."

"Hmm... your concerns are not without merit," Makoto nodded thoughtfully. "We cannot confirm whether the assassin belonged to Night Raid, or whether she had accomplices. Even if she's dead, that doesn't mean all danger has passed."

"Exactly. If this old minister were to be assassinated by another killer, I would no longer be able to serve the Empire or Your Majesty." Honest wore a patriotic expression. "I dare say, if the Empire were to lose this old minister, the common people would live even more miserable lives, and the Empire would surely lose its prosperity!"

"Don't worry, Minister. You are a pillar of the Empire. I will not allow those rebels to succeed." Makoto agreed with gravity. "There are still spare Teigu in the treasury, and we've already chosen new Teigu users. They will soon be sent to your mansion."

"With Your Majesty's words, this old minister can rest easy."

Hearing this, Honest finally smiled again.

Although these Teigu and their users were technically just loaned from Makoto , not really his own, he had ways to eventually make them his.

Then, Honest eyes sparkled with a new idea, and he asked with a fawning tone, "I've heard that Your Majesty's treasury contains a Teigu known as Nine Flame Hunt: Sun Piercer Bow. Its power is said to be so overwhelming that it hasn't found a suitable user in centuries. Is this true?"

"Hmm, yes, that's true. That Teigu hasn't been used for nearly three hundred years. Why do you ask?"

"In truth, I've recently found a warrior with exceptional archery skills. Both in temperament and strength, he is comparable to the previous user of the Sun Piercer. I'd like to see if he is worthy of becoming its new master," Honest said. "If he can wield that Teigu, the Minister's residence will no longer have to worry about aerial threats, and we wouldn't need additional Teigu users."

Among Teigu, there are varying levels of power.

For example, Wind Blade Sword used by Flameheart has the ability to shoot wind blades. Daidas' Belvak allows him to throw an axe that chases enemies. Dr. Stylish's God Hand enhances hand dexterity. These belong to the lowest tier of Teigu.

Although each has its own unique strengths, in comparison, they fall short.

Meanwhile, Esdeath Demon's Extract, Akame's Murasame, and Syura's Champbhala are top-tier among all Teigu.

Sun Piercer Bow also belongs to that upper echelon.

For Honest, quantity wasn't the most attractive aspect.

With countless powerful subordinates under him, he knew that not all Teigu or Teigu users were as powerful as the rumors claimed.

Take the Rakshasa Four, for instance. When they fought together, they were nearly invincible. They had once killed five Teigu users who tried to take them on.

And the Sun Piercer Bow alone was worth at least five of those lesser Teigu—on par with General Budo's Teigu.

If he could get his hands on it, security would no longer be an issue.

"Is this person reliable?" Makoto asked seriously. "The importance of Sun Piercer is self-evident. I will not entrust it to someone disloyal to the Empire."

"Of course he is, Your Majesty. If he weren't, would I dare bring him up?"

"Hmm... are you sure that this archer can draw the Sun Piercer?"

"I'm eighty percent confident. His achievements are comparable to the previous user of the Sun Piercer."

"Excellent. The treasured bow that has been dormant for three centuries finally has a chance to shine."

Makoto was pleased.

Honest was also pleased.

But his joy didn't last long.

"Minister, would you be willing to let this archer serve me instead?"

"Eh?" Honest smile froze. "But... Your Majesty already has General Budo guarding you. There should be no safety concerns."

"I'm naturally safe, but Yoshino situation is far from secure," Makoto sighed. "If she were to live in the Queen's Palace, she'd receive Budo's protection. But we haven't reached that stage yet. To bring her into the palace prematurely would violate etiquette."

"Uh..." Honest eye twitched. "So... what are you suggesting, Your Majesty?"

"Send the archer and Sun Piercer to the General's residence to protect Yoshino," Makoto said expectantly. "Since you've worked so hard to bring me and Yoshino together, I'm sure you won't refuse this small request, right?"

Immediately, Honest face turned a sickly green, as though he'd just swallowed a fly.

Sure, Yoshino wasn't exactly in a safe place either. But compared to the Minister's mansion—where Honest son had just died, and the Teigu had been stolen—the danger level wasn't even comparable.

He had spent all this time playing the victim, and yet Makoto seemed more concerned about Yoshino?

Alright, yes, it was Honest idea to get Makoto obsessed with women. He had even pushed things along several times.

But now that Makoto was truly obsessed... Honest found himself feeling a bit left out.

He shook his head, brushing aside those strange feelings.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Honest bowed with resignation.

"This old minister will send the archer to protect the general's little sister."

Shortly after.

Imperial Capital, General's Residence.

"Greetings, Lady Yoshino."

A brawny, energetic man carrying a massive golden bow gave a respectful salute. "I have been sent by Minister Honest to protect you and the General's residence. Rest assured, with me and Sun Piercer on guard, no rebel shall ever dare approach!"

"Ah..."

Yoshino expression turned complicated.

Had the Minister... gotten addicted to handing out Teigu or something?