Chapter 389: [387] Budo
In the current Imperial Capital, General Budo was akin to the nation's final bastion of justice—a steady pillar holding the fractured Empire together.
Esdeath, on the other hand, was a blade—a weapon whose sharpness instilled fear in countless nations and powers across the continent.
"So, you're General Budo?"
"Yes, I am. And who might you be, intruder?"
"August."
"Very well. Judging by your demeanor, you don't seem like a villain. Why, then, have you intruded upon the palace's inner sanctum?"
"Well," August replied with a faint smile, "the Prime Minister sent assassins to kill me. I simply returned the favor. Unfortunately, since he hides within the palace, I had no choice but to fight my way in."
"I see," Budo sighed heavily. "So this is the Prime Minister's doing once again. While your grievance may be valid, breaking into the palace is still a grave offense."
"General Budo, I'm not a citizen of your Empire."
"Whether you are or aren't, anyone who violates the Empire's laws within its borders is guilty."
August laughed, his voice filled with disdain. "Guilty? You call this crumbling Empire lawful? The capital is overrun by corruption and monsters, with none more wretched than the Prime Minister himself. Yet here you stand, upholding this mockery of justice."