29: Esdeath

The Ice Phoenix's speed was incredible—far beyond what even typical Super-Class Danger Beasts could achieve in flight.

With her flying at full speed, it took Haruki and the group just over half a day to reach the outskirts of the Imperial Capital.

A thousand years ago, to prevent Super-Class Danger Beasts from attacking the capital, Haruki had embedded a special substance into the creation of the supreme Imperial Teigu, the Imperial Guardian Shikoutazer.

This material constantly released traces of both Haruki's and the Ice Phoenix's aura, acting as a deterrent to powerful Danger Beasts. Of course, only those with great strength and sensitivity could detect it.

Naturally, such a deterrent had no effect on the Ice Phoenix herself.

Under Haruki's guidance, Ice Phoenix carried the group across half the Imperial Capital and finally descended into the spacious courtyard of the villa gifted to Haruki by the Prime Minister. It had to be said—the villa was not only extravagant but also vast. Even with a creature as massive as the Ice Phoenix, wings spanning hundreds of meters, the grounds didn't feel the least bit cramped.

While flying above the capital, the Ice Phoenix had deliberately suppressed her aura. To the average person, it was nothing more than a momentary dimming of the sky. However, a handful of the city's strongest individuals sensed something unusual. In addition, a few Teigu Users, though not aware of what had appeared, noticed their Teigu trembling instinctively at its presence.

...

Meanwhile, inside a lavish mansion in the capital, a rotund man sat in conversation with a tall, striking girl.

She had flowing ice-blue hair that reached down to her calves, and her eyes matched in the same piercing hue. Though she looked around fourteen or fifteen, her figure was already well-developed—especially her ample chest, which drew more than a few stares. But anyone foolish enough to let her beauty cloud their judgment would pay a steep price. She was no pushover. Just last month, when she had first arrived in the capital, several arrogant young nobles had tried to harass her—and were immediately cut down on the spot.

Her name was Esdeath. She was the daughter of the chief of the Partas Clan, a warrior tribe known for hunting Danger Beasts along the Empire's northern borders. She was also its sole surviving member.

At first, when the Prime Minister heard from his subordinates that several noble heirs had been slain for harassing a girl from out of town, he didn't think much of it—just another tale of foolish youths meeting their end. But once he learned that the girl had ice-blue hair and eyes, he was shaken. Those were unmistakable traits of the Partas bloodline. He immediately ordered his men to find out everything about her.

What others didn't know, the Prime Minister did. He had read the palace's confidential archives and was well aware that Haruki was considered the progenitor of the Partas Clan. If word ever reached Haruki that the last surviving member of his own bloodline had been mistreated in the Empire, it would be a direct slap in the face.

Upon confirming Esdeath's identity, the Prime Minister flew into a mix of shock and rage. He ordered the complete execution of the noble families involved and personally invited Esdeath to his estate to make amends.

During their conversation, he was pleasantly surprised to find that Esdeath, much like Haruki in his youth, had zero interest in politics. Her sole passion lay in martial cultivation. Despite her young age, her strength was already remarkable, and her innate talent was extraordinary.

The Prime Minister quickly decided—he would recommend Esdeath for a general's position in the Empire. Not only would this win Haruki's favor, but it would also serve to balance the power of General Budo, who held near-absolute control over the military.

Just as she was speaking with the Prime Minister, Esdeath suddenly furrowed her brows and turned her gaze toward a distant point in the sky.

"Esdeath, is something wrong?"

The Prime Minister asked, noticing her sudden change in expression.

"A powerful aura just passed by overhead and flew off in that direction. Judging by the feel of it, it wasn't human—it felt like a tremendously strong Danger Beast. Its presence was even greater than that old man Budo."

Esdeath pointed toward the direction of Haruki's villa as she spoke.

Although Esdeath was still a step below Great General Budo in terms of raw strength—especially since she hadn't yet acquired a Teigu—her instincts were sharper than most. Remarkably, she had accurately sensed the flight path of the Ice Phoenix.

"Which direction did you say?"

Following the direction of her finger, the Prime Minister's expression changed. He abruptly rose from his seat.

"Could it be… that he's returned?"

He muttered under his breath.

When Haruki flew over the Prime Minister's estate atop the Ice Phoenix moments ago, the Prime Minister had felt a sudden jolt in his chest, and the Teigu he always wore on his forehead—Erastone—had trembled slightly.

At the time, he hadn't thought much of it. But now, after hearing Esdeath's assessment, the Prime Minister immediately connected the dots. Haruki was back.

Very few knew this, but the rotund Prime Minister was actually a formidable fighter himself. In the original history, he had been able to physically overpower Leone, even while she was wielding a Teigu.

Ever since obtaining the secret archives, the Prime Minister had studied every detail about Haruki meticulously. He was well aware that Haruki's mount—a peak-level Super-Class Danger Beast from a thousand years ago—was the Ice Phoenix. In all that time, no other beast of that level had dared approach the capital. Which meant there could be only one answer.

"Oh? There's actually someone in the capital you address with such a respectful tone, Prime Minister?"

Though the Prime Minister had spoken softly, it didn't escape Esdeath's sharp hearing.

"Enough questions, Esdeath. Get ready—I'm sending you to meet someone very important."

"Oh? Now you've got me curious."

What the Prime Minister didn't notice was the blazing battlelust already flaring to life in Esdeath's eyes.

...

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