"An impressive ability. For your former self, this could be described as a complete metamorphosis, Blue Fish."
Looking at her frozen left hand, Hysilens was indeed a bit surprised. She hadn't expected Esdeath to regain the power to control ice so quickly—and a power uniquely her own, at that.
"Thank you for the praise."
Esdeath still held a fundamental level of respect for Hysilens. After all, the woman was the strongest warrior under Cerydra's command and the person Esdeath acknowledged most.
As for Cerydra...
'Please, is someone like me even qualified to "acknowledge" Lady Cerydra? Who do I think I am?'
Before Esdeath could finish her thought, Hysilens exerted force with her left hand, instantly shattering every shard of hardened ice on her arm. The casual nature of the act made Esdeath's eyelids twitch.
"That is enough!"
A youthful voice drifted from the side. As Cerydra approached, the battle was declared over; she had already obtained the answer she sought.
The improvement in physical fitness was decent, but the most crucial discovery was Esdeath obtaining a unique ability as a Chrysos Heir. Regardless of the current strength of that power, it proved that Chrysos Heirs could be mass-produced.
As long as one possessed Golden Blood combined with Talanton's authority, anyone with a steadfast will could become a Chrysos Heir. This strength could even be passed down to offspring, allowing future generations to be born as Chrysos Heirs as well.
Cerydra was deeply satisfied.
'Once the soldiers under my command undergo extensive training and combat, it's almost certain that individuals with iron wills will emerge. While they might not reach Esdeath's caliber, becoming slightly weaker Chrysos Heirs shouldn't be a problem at all. When that time comes, I'll be able to build an army of Chrysos Heirs just like the original Cerydra!'
Indeed, this was Cerydra's true ambition.
Although the System had rarely interfered since she arrived in this world, it didn't mean it was absent. Cerydra remembered that an "Acting Evaluation" would take place once the tasks in this world were completed.
What would that evaluation entail?
The System hadn't provided a direct answer, but Cerydra suspected that beyond her own performance, external factors would play a role—like the existence of a Chrysos Heir army. According to the lore of Amphoreus, Cerydra had sacrificed five hundred Chrysos Heirs for the Trial of Law.
'Then I...'
She shook the thought away. Now wasn't the time for such reflections.
Turning her gaze toward the expectant Esdeath, Cerydra sighed helplessly before speaking seriously. "My previous words still hold true. What reward do you desire, Dux Alptraum? As long as it isn't excessive, I can basically grant it."
Cerydra had intended to say she would grant any wish, but remembering certain scenes from a Scott Pilgrim comic, she added a restriction. She had no idea what Esdeath might ask for.
'If she asks for me, wouldn't I be at a total loss?'
These words made Esdeath perk up instantly. She hadn't expected the Imperator to truly intend to fulfill her wish.
However, just as Esdeath began to ponder what she should ask for, the expressions of Cerydra and Hysilens shifted simultaneously.
"Oh? It seems guests have arrived at such a time. Someone finally couldn't restrain themselves, it seems."
Cold eyes turned toward the exterior of the castle. Esdeath reacted immediately—an enemy attack!
'A critical moment was right at hand, yet these sightless fools chose this exact time to strike?'
Esdeath clenched her teeth. Had Cerydra not been present, her expression likely would have contorted with rage.
"From your look, you seem quite dissatisfied with this development, Dux Alptraum?"
Cerydra naturally noticed Esdeath's fury and decided to hand the matter over to her entirely.
"Use this newly acquired power of yours to eliminate those blind invaders. Once they are annihilated, join the Dux Gladiorium in the bath to find me. Since you are now a Chrysos Heir, you possess the qualification to bathe with us. Enjoy yourself when the time comes."
The Imperator lightly flicked her sleeves and walked away under Esdeath's gaze. Esdeath stood frozen, failing to react for a long moment.
It wasn't until a cool, small hand touched her cheek that Esdeath realized what the Imperator had just said.
'Bathing? This is supreme bliss!'
"Since the Imperator has given the order, I shall go prepare the hot water first. Blue Fish, do not make us wait too long."
Hysilens' words were a clear hint. Cerydra was about to disrobe and bathe, and Esdeath was permitted to enter. However, before that, Esdeath had a small task: completely crushing the enemy forces outside the castle.
If she was fast enough, Esdeath could catch the bath. If she was too slow, Cerydra and Hysilens would already be finished... and bathing then would be meaningless to Esdeath.
"Leave it to me! A pack of sightless invaders dared to launch a sneak attack on the Imperator at a time like this... I, Esdeath, will ensure every last one of them is wiped out!"
Hysilens couldn't help but sigh at Esdeath's excitement, offering a reminder. "You cannot kill them all. Remember to leave some for interrogation to see who the mastermind is."
"I understand, Lady Hysilens. Please take my clothes to the bath; I will arrive shortly!"
"Then the Imperator and I shall look forward to your triumphant return."
Watching the excited Esdeath depart, the image of a certain "Beautiful Beard Lord" inexplicably surfaced in Hysilens' mind.
In ancient times, Guan Yu slew Hua Xiong before his wine could cool. In this other world, Esdeath should be able to handle those fools before the steam from the bath could even dampen her clothes.
After all, her status was no longer that of a commoner; she was now the Dux Alptraum, possessor of the Golden Blood.
★ ★ ★
A few days later, the Empire—as expected—received the results of their scouting mission.
The tens of thousands of troops sent to the Northern Lands were completely wiped out in a single night. Furthermore, the enemy didn't even seem to be numerous.
'Looking at it this way, the North truly does have an opponent worthy of my attention... Do you wish to become another version of me? Well, let's see if you have the ability.'
Minister Honest spoke while gnawing on a drumstick, listening to his subordinate's report. A terrifying smile spread across his face.
"Pass the order to General Najenda. Tell her a powerful force has appeared within the Northern Empire's sphere of influence, one that could very likely threaten the security of our Empire. I'll give her 300,000 troops. She should be able to resolve that threat within a month, shouldn't she?"
If Najenda couldn't do it... then he would simply hand her over to some "interesting" fellows. She might look like a tomboy, but her figure wasn't bad, right?