The Sekirei’s Covenant

Deng deng deng…

Inside the palace, a spirited young woman dressed in military attire was walking toward the main hall, followed by a burly man in plain clothes.

Compared to before, the entire palace was now more than ten times larger and more luxurious! The guards standing watch throughout the palace were all stunningly beautiful young women, just like the military-clad girl walking ahead. They were all carefully selected from across the country for their outstanding talent and appearance.

Of course, no imperial privilege or coercion was used; the girls volunteered willingly. Serving the god-like man who had saved the entire empire from decay and darkness was a supreme honor and pride for them.

As they walked, the burly man behind attracted countless gazes—not for any other reason but because he was very famous! Once a great general, the empire's strongest warrior, feared throughout the land…

Yes, only once. Not now, because now he was just a prisoner. The girls looked at General Budo with a mix of admiration and more often, ridicule.

Unbothered by the stares, General Budo remained calm, looking at the familiar yet strange surroundings, following the girl at a steady pace.

Soon, they passed through multiple gates and entered a magnificent hall.

Atop the throne sat a casually dressed man, busily correcting one memorial after another with a pen, occasionally frowning in impatience.

No doubt, this man was Sora, the current supreme ruler of the empire. It was surprising that this man, who usually only sought pleasure, was handling these tedious state affairs. He was hardly pleased!

However, the empire was still in recovery. The old officials who only flattered, bullied, and oppressed the common people had all been dismissed with a wave of the hand, leaving the empire short-staffed. Not only Sora himself, but even Najenda, the carefree guard girls, the proud Miss Mine, and the battle-hardened Queen Esdeath all had to spend their days handling paperwork!

Sora felt like kicking the table over in frustration, but for the sake of his happy future, he endured, constantly reassuring himself that this difficult period would pass…

Seeing Sora on the throne, sulking like a child but forced to work hard, the military girl who entered was filled with endless admiration. Though casually dressed, there was no doubt he was the empire's strongest overlord!

"Your Majesty, General Budo has been brought in."

The girl knelt on one knee, respectfully reporting to Sora.

"Ha… just in time! My shoulders are killing me, come give me a massage!"

Finally finding an excuse to relax, Sora's eyes lit up. He threw down his pen without hesitation and excitedly addressed the military girl below.

Hmm, quite pretty, somewhat unfamiliar. Sora was sure he hadn't seen this girl before—probably new. But it didn't matter; any girl who came here was his private property, so he was very clear and direct in giving orders.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The girl's eyes twitched. Though she had heard about the emperor's personality from her seniors, meeting him in person left her speechless.

Still, she showed no resentment. Instead, her cheeks flushed with excitement and anticipation as she gently massaged Sora's shoulders with trembling but tender hands.

"Ah… this is the life!"

Sora sipped water, eyes half-closed, enjoying the girl's somewhat clumsy technique, breathing a long sigh of relief.

His heart beat faster, his face reddened even more, while the girl felt as if she had tasted honey, extremely happy.

"Hehe, Emperor Sora, you really have quite the attitude!"

From below came General Budo's cold sneer, watching Sora enjoy himself even in the serious court hall, his tone full of endless sarcasm.

Sora paid little attention to Budo's mockery, but the military girl massaging him suddenly raised her head, her expression darkening, eyes full of killing intent.

Feeling the girl's change, Sora waved his hand to signal her not to mind, and she resumed her massage, though her gaze remained icy toward Budo.

"Hehe, General Budo, life's been pretty good these past six months, huh? Good food and drink, no tedious official business every day. Without me, you might never have enjoyed such a comfortable long vacation in your life, right?"

Opening his eyes, Sora smiled at General Budo while enjoying the massage. Though the old man now wore plain clothes instead of his former armor, he looked much healthier, his face ruddy, clearly living comfortably.

"Hmph! You traitorous rebel, I won't waste words with you!"

Budo's face twitched as he snorted coldly, clearly unwilling to argue.

Seeing Budo's stubbornness despite being called out, Sora smirked inwardly, thinking, "Keep pretending, keep pretending hard!"

"Hahaha… General Budo is as stubborn as ever! But I… ahem, I admire that!"

Though he wanted to kick the old man, Sora had to endure for his plan.

"Enough talk. If you want to kill me, go ahead. I have been loyal to the country all my life. You'll never make me submit!"

Perhaps guessing Sora's purpose in summoning him, Budo said resolutely before Sora could speak.

"Tch, you're old and still so stubborn. If you won't submit, then today I'll make sure you do!"

Sora laughed at Budo's arrogant attitude. Just as Budo said, he really wanted the old man to submit and work for him. You don't want to? Then I'll force you!

"Hmph!"

Budo snorted disdainfully. Though he admitted he was no match for Sora now, he wouldn't be subdued by force.

"Come, General Budo. Before you submit to me, I'll take you to meet someone."

Sora smiled. Seeing Budo unmoved, he added:

"If you don't even want to see the former emperor, then we won't go."

Shrugging his shoulders, Sora gave a look that said, "If you don't want to go, I don't mind either."

"I'm going!!!"

Budo's expression changed instantly, filled with excitement. He hadn't expected Sora to actually arrange for him to meet His Majesty. Although he didn't know what schemes this crafty young man was up to, being able to see the Emperor was something Budo couldn't refuse.

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Sora's mouth. Secretly pleased, he thought, "Old fart, you think I can't handle you?"

…

Imperial Palace, Royal Garden

Laughter and cheerful voices filled the air. A little boy and a little girl were playing with mud, their faces and clothes covered in dirt. They kept throwing mud at each other, making a mess.

The young female guards watching over the two children felt conflicted. As the former Emperor of the Empire and the current beloved little princess, was it really appropriate for them to play in the mud like this? Was it really okay?!

Well, it should be fine. After all, even His Majesty Sora said that as long as they didn't play dangerous games that could cause serious injury, they could make as much noise as they wanted.

However, if others found out that such noble children were playing in the mud like street kids, it would seriously damage the royal dignity. So the female guards silently vowed that if anyone leaked this information, they would deal with them harshly!

"Boon, Logue!"

Sora called out to the two playing in the mud as he arrived in the Royal Garden with Budo. The female guards instinctively prepared to salute, but Sora stopped them and gestured for them to step aside.

"Daddy!"

Little Logue saw Sora and ran over like the wind, not caring about the dirt on her body, stretching out her muddy little arms to hug him.

Though inwardly speechless, Sora naturally couldn't dislike his little cutie. He tapped the little one's head and picked Logue up into his arms.

"Boon greets Your Majesty!"

The little boy also ran over and respectfully saluted Sora.

"Yes, no need for formalities. It seems you've been recovering quite well recently."

Sora nodded and said to the little boy.

This little boy was the former Emperor of the Empire. When the Shikoutazer was split in two, Sora did not kill him as well. However, controlling such a powerful Teigu came at a cost. At that time, the boy's body and mind were on the verge of collapse, and it was Sora's power that saved him.

Though his body had mostly recovered over the past six months, his mental recovery was unlikely. He wasn't reduced to a fool, but he could no longer remember his past. Perhaps losing his memories was a blessing in disguise for him.

As for his name, "Boon" — ahem — was randomly given by Sora. Sweating…

"Your Majesty!!!"

Tears streaming down, this was the trembling voice of old Budo. When the old man confirmed that the boy before him was indeed the Emperor he had longed for day and night, he immediately rushed forward and grabbed the boy's shoulders.

"Your Majesty, this is…"

Looking at the crazed old man who had appeared out of nowhere, Boon's eyes flashed with a hint of panic. But perhaps because he was once an emperor, Boon quickly calmed down and looked at Sora with questioning eyes.

"Hehe, Boon, this is the grandfather I often told you about. You lost your memory before, so you didn't recognize him."

Suppressing a smile, Sora pinched Logue's cheek and explained to Boon.

"Grandpa…"

Though he didn't remember the past, seeing how emotional the man was, even shedding tears, the former little emperor had no doubts and felt deeply moved.

"Uh… Your Ma…"

"You brat, what have you done to His Majesty?!!"

Budo's expression froze. He seemed to understand something, stood up, pulled Sora aside, and angrily whispered.

"Well, General Budo, don't mind it. Don't you think this is good?"

"The Emperor lost his memory, so I told him you are his grandfather. You've devoted your life to him, so it's only right for him to call you grandpa!"

"Besides, General, you're quite old now, with no wife or children. If this continues, when you pass away, no one will be there to see you off. I'm just thinking of you! You have no children, and he has no parents — it's a perfect match!"

With a carefree smile, Sora said to Budo.

To be honest, Sora's words really touched old Budo's heart. Suddenly having a grandson was a comfort to him. But this grandson wasn't just any grandson — he was the former Emperor. Somehow, it felt a bit awkward…

"Hehe, General Sora, don't think I don't see through your scheme. You want to use the Emperor to threaten me, right?"

Looking up, his tiger-like eyes gleamed coldly as Budo sneered.

"Oh? General, you figured it out? Amazing, amazing!"

Sora teased without a care, but then suddenly changed his tone:

"Ah, I am threatening you! Old Budo, you better be sensible and work honestly for me. Otherwise, I'll kill this little emperor right away! I'm sure you know well what I'm capable of, General Budo!"

With a fierce and bloodthirsty grin, Sora had played the villain more than once, and he was never a good guy to begin with!

"You…"

Old Budo was speechless, knowing Sora was taking revenge on him but had no retort.

"Ahem… General Budo, look how happy His Majesty is now — carefree and joyful. Have you ever seen him laugh so heartily before?"

"The era of the Empire is over. We must look forward. The new Empire needs talents like you, General. My threat is for His Majesty's good, for your good, and for the good of the people! You must have learned about the outside world in the past six months. Do you want this country to return to the dark and corrupt times?"

"Think carefully, General Budo. This is not disloyalty, but loyalty to the greater good!"

With righteous words, Sora admired himself. Though he wanted Budo to work for him, he spoke with such noble conviction. He really was a talent!

Sure enough, under Sora's carrot-and-stick approach, a flicker of struggle appeared in Budo's eyes. He fell silent. Sora was not in a hurry. With the little emperor in his hands, this old man would eventually submit. He couldn't escape the fate of working for him!

"I greet Your Majesty!"

With a long sigh, seeing Budo finally make his decision and perform the formal salute, Sora smiled broadly inside. He had said he wouldn't submit, but no one had ever resisted him!

"Hahaha… Good! Good! General Budo, please rise!"

"I've kept your mansion ready all this time. Now take Boon home quickly. Tomorrow, start working for me officially. No being late! Hahaha…"

Helping Budo up, Sora gave his instructions, then laughed heartily as he carried little Logue away.

Great! With this loyal old Budo, Sora could finally be free. All those annoying matters could be handed over to him. As a former great general of the previous dynasty, it was no trouble for Budo. Sora could finally live carefree again!

"…"

Twitching his mouth, watching Sora leave, Budo suddenly felt a bit regretful. He had a feeling he was being fooled by this guy.

But looking at the little emperor holding his hand with a worried expression — no, now called Boon — old Budo's face softened into a loving and knowing smile…