Two days later, the doors of Haruki's cultivation tower were knocked on again. A burly fat man followed Nina, and a young boy trailed behind them as they slowly walked in.
The fat man was about 1.9 meters tall, with a sturdy build, white hair, and a thick white beard. The little boy following him was the new emperor of the Empire. He had short dark green hair and matching dark green eyes. Dressed in the emperor's distinctive robe and wearing a large hat, he looked the part.
The boy seemed extremely dependent on the fat man. Since entering the room, he had been clutching the hem of the man's robe tightly, clearly uneasy about facing Haruki. As for Nina, she had immediately rushed over to stand behind Haruki, making it obvious she didn't care much for Honest or the little emperor.
"Are you Honest?"
Although it sounded like a question, it carried a tone of certainty.
"Yes, I am Honest, the current Prime Minister."
Honest's tone was filled with unprecedented respect. Ever since reading the top-secret scroll left by the previous emperor, he had developed a deep fear of Haruki—the royal advisor who had remained within the palace for centuries. Honest had expected a thousand-year-old sage to be a decrepit old man, but the figure before him looked exactly like the portrait preserved in those ancient records. Haruki's appearance hadn't changed since the founding of the Empire. If anything, his presence now felt even more composed and restrained.
While Honest mulled over these thoughts, Haruki shifted his gaze toward the little emperor.
"Very good. Go back and prepare for the coronation ceremony. Nina, go play with His Majesty for a bit. I have something to discuss with the Prime Minister."
Haruki's tone was gentle as he addressed Nina and the young emperor.
"Okay, then the Imperial Advisor and the Prime Minister can talk. Nina and I will go out first."
With that, he took Nina's hand and left. It was clear the little emperor didn't enjoy being here.
Upon hearing Haruki's words, Honest visibly trembled. His main reason for supporting the young emperor's ascension was because the boy was not only young but had also been raised by Honest himself. The child was obedient and easy to control, giving Honest full leverage over court affairs.
What he hadn't expected was that someone like Haruki—this terrifying figure—still stood behind the Empire. Honest now feared that Haruki might see through his ambitions and kill him. After all, this seemingly kind and handsome man was documented as having subdued Super-Class Danger Beasts bare-handed. That thought made Honest tremble even more.
Watching Honest's shaking body, Haruki couldn't help but feel slightly amused. After all, this was the man who, in the original story, was the final boss.
"Don't be afraid. I have no interest in whatever you're plotting,"
Haruki said.
Hearing this, Honest relaxed slightly. Someone like Haruki, who had once stood shoulder to shoulder with the founding emperor, wouldn't need to lie. But still, Honest was curious. Wasn't this man the Empire's Imperial Advisor? Why would he tolerate such a blatant usurpation of power?
Noticing Honest's confusion, Haruki explained calmly,
"I've protected the Empire for nearly a thousand years. It's time I went out and saw the world. I'm genuinely curious what this place has become after a millennium."
Then, Haruki's voice suddenly turned cold.
"But while I don't care what you do, I'll warn you once—don't provoke me or anyone close to me. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to remind you what I was like a thousand years ago. Also, prepare a place for me and Nina to stay outside the palace. And remember—do not reveal my true identity to anyone."
"Yes, yes, this old servant has a villa outside the palace. You're welcome to move in right away."
Honest wasn't concerned about Haruki's threats anymore. He had realized that this man had no interest in politics and wouldn't interfere with his plans. That alone brought him immense relief. He resolved to warn every official in his faction to avoid crossing paths with this terrifying man.
...
That night, Haruki and Nina moved into the luxurious villa Honest had originally built for his own use. The villa was fully equipped with all kinds of facilities and servants, saving Haruki a great deal of trouble.