Cerydra makes no effort to conceal the hunger in her gaze. To build a formidable empire, she must absorb the world's apex talents. Furthermore, the System mandates she recruit five subordinates—specifically individuals with names and reputations etched into the original history.
Truthfully, recruiting underlings is simple; fulfilling the System's specific criteria is the arduous part. Most named figures link directly to the Empire, holding established positions. Prying them away is no small feat. Why would someone with a steady salary and career abandon it all for a commander who currently leads no one?
Cerydra offers no salary, no infrastructure, and not even a roof over their heads. To any rational person with professional experience, her faction holds zero appeal. Most would only consider defecting once her power shows actual momentum.
Currently, the probability of success nears zero.
However, anyone familiar with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms understands why Guan Yu and Zhang Fei held such peerless status in Shu Han. Was it merely because they arrived early?
Precisely.
They arrived early, but more importantly, they remained steadfast during the darkest hours. They were sworn brothers to Liu Bei, joined by the likes of Zhao Zilong and the generous investor Mi Zhu. Their loyalty during hardship guaranteed their eternal prestige.
While Cerydra's current roster consists only of Hysilens, they are, after all, two Demigods. In this world, they possess a massive probability of carving out a legacy. Those with the foresight to recognize this and join early will see their names immortalized in the future Northern Empire.
"Join my command!"
Upon hearing this, Esdeath's expression shifts to one of 'as expected.' She had been wondering why the killing intent radiating from the other girl suddenly plummeted; it turns out it was a recruitment pitch.
Despite her young age, Esdeath's judgment far surpasses her peers. She scrutinizes the figure before her—one even more petite than herself—while her gaze flickers between Cerydra and Hysilens, weighing her options.
Cerydra does not interrupt. Choosing a path that dictates one's entire future requires deliberation. That Esdeath is weighing the pros and cons is exactly what Cerydra expected.
However, should Esdeath make the wrong choice, Cerydra will ensure she meets a fitting end.
If Esdeath joins, all is well. The three of them, acting as the "Three Sisters" of the Northern Empire's founding, will surely turn this decaying era upside down.
But if she refuses...
Cerydra will show no mercy.
Anyone who has seen Akame ga Kill! knows Esdeath's potential. Once she obtains the Ice Teigu, her strength will reach a tier of its own in this world. If she rejects this invitation, she will likely be scouted by the Empire, becoming the Ice Queen of the original timeline.
At that point, Cerydra and Esdeath would inevitably meet on the battlefield.
For a growth stock like Esdeath, if she cannot be owned, she must be destroyed to eliminate any future threat.
A chess piece only recognizes friend or foe, but the world is not merely black and white. Even in daily life, loyalties shift; this is doubly true in imperial politics.
A benevolent monarch might let Esdeath walk away.
Unfortunately, Cerydra is no such ruler. She is an ambitious hero, a hegemon—a tyrant.
'Flamebearer,' 'Tyrant,' 'Empress,' 'Supreme Commander,' 'Imperator'... the people of Amphoreus bestowed countless titles upon her, but those that could be considered complimentary are so few as to be negligible.
Cerydra has a gentle side, but those who have seen it likely count for fewer than the fingers on one hand.
"I accept."
As the minutes tick by, Esdeath finally makes the most pivotal choice of her life. The girl in the headscarf looks directly into the Imperator's eyes and speaks the words that will alter her destiny.
"A wise choice."
Cerydra is naturally satisfied, though she adds a postscript. "If I had refused, you wouldn't have let me leave alive, would you?"
As a member of the northern tribes living in the tundra, Esdeath developed incredibly sharp senses from childhood, particularly regarding killing intent. Cerydra's bloodlust dipped when she saw Esdeath's face, but it never vanished. In fact, while Esdeath deliberated, that pressure grew heavier by the second.
Esdeath recognizes the reality: had she declined this petite girl's offer, her fate would have been no better than that of the Danger Beasts scattered across the snow.
"Naturally. Do you have an objection to my policy?"
Cerydra doesn't hide her lethal intent. Most people would harbor resentment or thoughts of betrayal after such a blunt admission.
Esdeath is different. Seeing such honesty from Cerydra, she nods in approval.
"I have no objection."
"The law of the jungle is the rule of this world. You are stronger than I am, so you naturally decide whether I live or die."
Esdeath's worldview was forged in the philosophy of the strong devouring the weak. Even in death, her father taught her this lesson: 'We die only because we are weak; there is no helping it.'
She sees no issue with the strong taking from the weak. She accepts it naturally, even when she is the one being taken from. To Esdeath, this powerful and terrifyingly honest girl is an excellent leader to follow.
"Good. Since you have joined my service, you deserve a proper title..."
"Let me think... what rank is fitting?"
Cerydra's favorite pastime is devising titles for her subordinates. Now that Esdeath is part of the fold, she needs a renowned name that rolls off the tongue.
"Yes, this title suits you best..."
"Dux Alptraum!"