You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

The reason he served Ernest and other powerful figures was simply to obtain funding and privileges from them in order to advance his research.

Therefore, the gentleman has no moral sense or ethics in the conventional sense, and he can even use himself as an experimental subject if necessary, all for the sake of "art" and "aesthetics".

Or rather, that's what he used to think...

But today, at this very moment, the fashionista suddenly realized that he wasn't so "pure" after all.

Fear, unease, terror, awe... all the weak emotions that he thought he had abandoned, emotions that belonged only to humankind... all surfaced from the depths of his heart!

What terrified him was not power, but the gap in their levels of life.

Iori simply stopped concealing her aura and released it naturally, which terrified the fashionista. It was like the difference between a tiger and a rabbit.

In a brief, awkward silence, the gentleman revisited his feelings as a "human being" and solidified a conviction within himself:

He can't die!

Especially, I can't die at this person's hands!

It sounds ridiculous, but for a gentleman, there are many forms of death, and if His Majesty the Holy King were to do it... it would be like crushing an ant with your finger, without any beauty whatsoever.

If he were to die, Mr. Fashion would at least want to be able to choose how he dies.

"I am willing to offer my eternal loyalty to Your Majesty!"

He didn't even ask "why": why was he being threatened like this for no reason when he was in front of cabinet ministers?

Because he knew that the key was not Iori's motives—that was something he couldn't change.

Even if Iori simply dislikes him, he has to accept that reason!

The key issue is what kind of answer Iori wants!

So, faced with the choice Iori presented, he decisively chickened out...

The clever fellow—Iori waved his hand listlessly.

What happened next was quite simple. As payment for Iori's forgiveness, the fashionista agreed to three rules: from now on, whether openly or secretly, experiments could only be conducted on heinous death row inmates or dangerous species, and every research result had to be reviewed before it could be officially applied.

To be honest, Iori originally wanted to kill him, but as the saying goes, a wise man submits to circumstances. The fashionista took the initiative to express his loyalty, so Iori hesitated for a moment and then kept him.

After all, the supercomputer was produced by Chaldea, and the data it stores, ranging from quantum theory to basic mechanics, are all physical parameters from the Type-Moon universe.

However, the fundamental parameters differ slightly between different worlds, after all, there are extraordinary powers involved...

Therefore, the "Crown (supercomputer)" needs a large amount of training and reference data to successfully build a large model belonging to the world of "Akatsuki" before it can officially begin working.

This was originally a very tedious task, but now that we've won over Mr. Fashion, we can have him conduct the complex basic experiments for the project and then hand over the data results to Iori (of course, we can't let anyone else know the true purpose of the throne and the crown).

This is basically hiring a laborer!

I need to find a way to get Mayuri Kurotsuchi's experimental data and build a large-scale Soul Society model with the "spirit particle system" as its core!

-

Having settled the affairs of the Ministers of Finance and Science with a few words, Iori quickly summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Najenda, the Minister of the Army, Esdeath, and the Minister of Religion, Anning.

These three were not the most loyal to him; two of them could even be considered allies. However, there was almost no possibility of them betraying him, especially after Iori demonstrated his strength and skill. Their original position had completely slid down to that of "subjects."

Initially, Iori needed to reason with Najenda and appeal to her emotions, but now that their superior-subordinate relationship is clear, Najenda has accepted Iori's position from the bottom of her heart—and the leader of the Anning Path feels the same way.

Esdeath was different; she was Iori's "die-hard fan" from beginning to end, provided that Iori was stronger than her.

Iori's task for Najenda was to establish an intelligence organization.

Previously, Iori had given Najenda the position of Foreign Minister in order to increase her political influence... but it turned out that Iori had been making assumptions.

In the cabinet system of modern society, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is naturally a very important position, but it is different in "Akatsuki". Because the empire is surrounded by barbarian tribes and small countries whose strength is crushed by the empire, there is not much diplomatic relations to deal with!

Without a political system capable of equal exchange, the role of diplomacy naturally becomes ineffective.

It cannot be said that it is unimportant, but it cannot be compared with departments such as finance, internal affairs, and military.

Therefore, Iori plans to leverage Najenda's strengths by having her take charge of the intelligence organization:

"Let's call it the Imperial Comprehensive Survey and Statistics Bureau!"

Iori added, "There's no need to lurk in the shadows. This is a purely data collection agency. For example, we should thoroughly investigate things like the population, age distribution, farmland area, proportion of civil servants, gender ratio, and disposable income distribution in each state and county, and do comprehensive statistics."

In short, I need to know the exact number of people, the amount of land, and the revenue of the empire… not the data altered by local tyrants and officials, but the true situation!

"I...I understand!"

The one-eyed female general's expression hardened. She knew that her task, though seemingly tedious and unrewarding, was actually a struggle against the entire conservative faction... As long as the data collection was completed successfully, there would be ample data to support any reforms the new empire might undertake.

However, the level of resistance from influential local figures is also quite predictable.

That's why Iori summoned both the cult leader and Esdeath.

Let Anningdo act as our eyes and ears to investigate and verify the truth. And if we encounter more serious resistance, or even armed conflict... then Esdeath will have her chance to appear.

Although Her Majesty the Queen did not mind fighting, she found the previous tasks too tedious and seemed to be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. She did not think that a group of nouveau riche and old nobles could produce any powerful opponents, so she was very resistant to it.

She then made a condition: if her conditions were met, she would obediently lead troops to "suppress the bandits."

"I can feel... you've gotten stronger again."

The Ice Queen looked at Iori with a mixture of envy, jealousy, and admiration, saying, "It's only been a few days, but you're completely different. I can't even see your back anymore; I can only vaguely sense the difference... Tell me, what have you been through?"

Well, it's really not surprising, and even quite natural, that Esdeath would ask this question:

There is probably no one in this world who craves power more than Esdeath!

However, this involves many secrets, and Iori naturally couldn't tell her everything, especially since there were other people present.

"Then let's change the terms."

Esdeath took a deep breath, her icy blue eyes blazing with the fire of battle.

"Let's duel one more time... I, Esdeath, challenge the Holy King of the Empire, Aizen Iori!"

"Alright, but you know the rules. If you want to know what power is, then feel it with your own body!"

Chapter 161: I'll crush the ants without killing them (5.5K)

At the Imperial Guard's training ground next to the palace, fully armed soldiers cleared the area and guarded all four sides, isolating the inside from the outside.

The powerful and influential figures of the empire stood scattered in the surrounding stands, some whispering and others remaining silent, all gazing intently at the arena with extremely deep eyes.

The news that Imperial General Esdeath had challenged His Majesty the Holy King was not deliberately suppressed, but was allowed to spread freely, and almost all high-ranking officials, generals and nobles learned of this shocking intelligence.

Some say Esdeath is untamed and wants to challenge the Holy King's authority, while others say the Holy King fears Esdeath's military achievements and power and tries to eliminate this threat, or to damage her prestige with a defeat.

After all, the fact that Iori and Esdeath had fought before was only known to a few Teigu users. In everyone's eyes, Esdeath was still an undefeated powerhouse. Although the Holy King had shown unparalleled power, he might not be able to suppress Esdeath... at least it wouldn't be easy for him.

God cannot shed blood!

Once someone reveals their pathetic state in public, it will cause the ambitions of mortals to grow wildly, making them covet the throne high in the heavens.

The Holy King, who ruled the empire with absolute power, once lost to Esdeath in force or suffered considerable damage... then for the demons and monsters who were unwilling to lie low, it was a silent clarion call.

Conversely, those who hope for the salvation of this country, or to benefit from the new imperial system, are extremely worried about something like this happening.

Therefore, everyone, from high-ranking members of the old revolutionary army to the emperor's trusted confidants, from cabinet ministers to religious priests, was paying close attention to this battle.

Surprisingly, as one of the participating parties, His Majesty the Holy King did not intend to resolve the matter behind closed doors. Instead, he generously allowed others to watch the battle, but he was not responsible for their personal safety. If they were affected, they could only blame their own bad luck!

The common people were naturally completely unaware of this; those who came to the training ground were all prominent figures, such as the newly appointed Foreign Minister Najenda, Akame, a former member of Night Raid, the Finance Minister, and of course, people from Anning Road and the Revolutionary Army...

There were about a hundred people in total, who could be divided into four or five factions... This was quite a lot; every dynasty was just as complicated at the beginning.

However, it is worth mentioning that when everyone gathered together, it became clear that almost all the powerful Imperial Arms users and elite troops were either Iori's direct subordinates or supporters. Although other factions had also gathered a few Imperial Arms users and controlled some armies, their strength was completely disproportionate.

It's no wonder they care so much about this showdown, since in a sense it's a challenge from "military power" to "royal power." Only when a rift appears between Esdeath and the Holy King will these remnants of the old era have a chance to turn the tide.

--boring!

Esdeath glanced sideways and disdainfully swept across the stands.

She was a pure soldier, uninterested in politics, but she wasn't stupid; she knew exactly what these people were thinking, so she remained quite indifferent.

These insects' brains are probably filled with rotten stuff, and they have to relate everything to the struggle for power... In their minds, people of Esdeath's and the Holy King's status would never do anything meaningless; it must be related to the ownership of the throne.

Otherwise, why would you risk your life?

This line of thinking isn't wrong, but it will only make Esdeath laugh:

Rats and insects that spend their entire lives scrambling for rotten flesh can never understand the logic behind the actions of the strong!

What they consider incredibly precious is easily attainable for Esdeath, but what Esdeath pursues is a realm they can never reach!

"Sorry, I didn't expect so many people to come. I clearly warned them... Could it be that they misunderstood something?"

Iori glanced at it and helplessly spread her hands.

He kindly reminded these people that they might be caught in the aftermath of the battle, meaning that everyone except top-tier Imperial Arms users should stay away... but it seems that not many people have the self-awareness to do so.

Could it be that they have some misunderstanding about the extent of Iori and Esdeath's destruction?

"You did this on purpose, didn't you?"

Esdeath was not pleased: "You don't seem to value your duel with me much, and you even use it as a tool to intimidate these people."

“It was just something I did on the side,” Iori said casually. “But I’m very serious about it.”

After saying that, Iori reached out and slowly removed the mask from her face.

"—!"

Everyone, including Esdeath and Akame, was taken aback, whether they knew the inside story or not.

The "Emperor" always appeared in public wearing a mask, never revealing his true appearance. This instilled both awe and skepticism in everyone, but they dared not test him due to the absolute disparity in power.

They never expected to see the "emperor's" true face on this occasion!

What's going on here...? It's not severe disfigurement, nor does it have any non-human features. It looks like a normal person, so why is it always covered up?

With the exception of a few people, everyone was baffled by the reason. After the initial shock, when they calmed down and secretly observed Iori, they were all stunned again:

So young!

What a handsome young man!

Judging from his appearance alone, he was only sixteen or seventeen years old. His features were clear and handsome, and the heroic and resolute look in his eyes added a touch of charisma that was lacking in young people.

Countless people in the empire have guessed what the emperor looks like, but probably no one would imagine him to look like this.

Rather than being an emperor who suppressed a country and lashed out at the world, he was more like a flawless knight and prince from a legendary novel.

Surprised as they were, they didn't dare to stare at Iori for long, mostly just glancing at her briefly before looking away. Only Akame, Chelsea, and the others seemed to be really engrossed... Iori, of course, didn't mind.

"Your body..."

Esdeath asked in surprise, "When did this happen?"

She was surprised that Iori had a physical form, but at the same time she became excited and even more curious about what changes had occurred in Iori.

“Not long ago,” Iori smiled slightly, “I was able to undergo a complete transformation thanks to someone’s help.”

Is someone helping you?

Esdeath glanced discreetly at a spot in the stands where a white-haired, red-eyed girl in a fur coat was looking at her with concern.

"Is that woman? I don't know where she came from, but you bestowed a high position upon her right away. I thought she was your lover, but she turns out to be some kind of witch?"

"Watch your words, Esdeath."

Iori looked directly at her and said in a commanding tone, "You must learn to respect her—because she represents my authority in the cabinet."

"……snort!"

Esdeath's voice was icy: "Your tone is becoming more and more like an emperor's, but have you forgotten our relationship?"

I will obey orders only because you are stronger than me!

What 'authority'? That's laughable. In this empire, no one but you can make me bow my head!

No, even for you... it's the same!

Before she finished speaking, Esdeath raised her right hand, and the sky immediately darkened. Thick clouds completely blocked out the sun, the atmosphere was stirred by the biting wind, and fine ice crystals floated in the air. The entire imperial capital was shrouded in cold, and instantly entered the deep winter season.

This was just the beginning. A thick layer of ice suddenly formed beneath Esdeath's feet, rapidly expanding outwards and covering the entire training ground in the blink of an eye. People in the stands fled in panic, and several overweight individuals were unable to dodge in time, their feet freezing solid and visibly turning into ice sculptures!

Upon seeing this, the nobles who had come to watch the battle were all shocked and began to regret why they had come to join the fun so hastily... Apart from those Imperial Arms users and martial arts factions, most of the officials wanted to leave this place and return home to take refuge, or even wanted to flee the capital.

However, they did not know that this was not Esdeath's limit, but only a slightly more serious one. If the Ice Queen were to go all out, she could create a polar storm comparable to that of the North, a true cataclysmic event that would affect the world no matter where they fled!

The reason for not doing so is that wide-range attacks are useless against Iori and would only waste energy.