Chapter 13

In addition to the Prime Minister, a somber procession was dragged before the assembled crowd. A group of individuals, their bodies bruised and battered, stood in front of them, each bearing multiple injuries. These figures were none other than the closest allies of the Prime Minister, whose rise to power had granted them various advantages. Among them stood Saikyuu, the Prime Minister's trusted right-hand man; Koukie, a corrupt military official; Youkan, the Prime Minister's favored sycophant; Dousen, the money launderer responsible for the Prime Minister's ill-gotten gains; and the Kobore brothers, obedient lapdogs serving the Prime Minister's whims.

All the newly captured prisoners gazed down at the Prime Minister, their faces etched with shock and fear. Each one of them had endured a similar ordeal earlier that morning. In the safety of their residences, Budo's forces had ruthlessly attacked, slaughtering their guards and dragging them into captivity. Initially, a glimmer of hope flickered within them, a belief that the Prime Minister could extricate them from this dire predicament. However, as their eyes met the Prime Minister's gaze, the grim reality of their fate sank in.

These individuals, perpetrators of violence themselves, had once enjoyed the taking of lives. Yet now, faced with their own impending demise, tears welled in their eyes. In desperate attempts to plead for mercy, their voices were stifled by gags placed in their mouths, lest their cries be heard by the watching crowd.

"These individuals standing before you have committed numerous heinous acts. Their crimes include murder, corruption, blackmail, assassination, money laundering, and slavery, among others. Today, they will face the justice of the Empire," Makoto declared towards the crowd.

"As your Emperor, I hereby sentence them to death," Makoto proclaimed with unwavering determination. The crowd erupted in excitement and anticipation. Finally, after years of suffering, justice would be served. With the Prime Minister and his allies meeting their demise, the people of the Capital would hold a more favorable view of the Emperor.

Upon hearing Makoto's command, Budo ordered his soldiers to bring out multiple portable guillotines—one for each prisoner. As the prisoners laid eyes on the devices, desperation filled their hearts, and they began thrashing about in an attempt to escape. However, their attempts were swiftly quashed.

The Prime Minister struggled more than the rest, prompting Budo to break his leg to ensure his compliance.

One by one, the prisoners' heads were placed in the awaiting guillotines. Tears and fear were evident on their faces, their once-protected dignity shattered as snot streamed from their noses. The crowd watched in hushed silence, eagerly awaiting the moment the blade would fall.

Amidst the onlooking crowd, Leone wrestled with conflicting emotions. The goal of "Night Raid" had been to eliminate the Prime Minister and every member associated with him, and each member of 'Night Raid' were prepared to sacrifice their lives for that cause. Yet, here she stood, witnessing the Prime Minister's execution. Doubt crept into her mind. Would the Revolutionary Army still be necessary after this? Their aim had been to create a better Empire, but now the Child Emperor was carrying out an act they never imagined he would consider.

Leone's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the thunderous cheers that erupted from the crowd. In a split second, the Prime Minister and his allies met their end. Their lifeless bodies convulsed near the guillotines as their heads were severed from their necks. With one final gaze at the Prime Minister's corpse, Leone slowly departed from the scene. Everyone's attention remained fixed on the shocking spectacle, so much so that neither the military soldiers nor the Imperial Guards noticed her quietly slipping away into the nearby alley.

With the crowd still resounding in cheers, Makoto made his way back to his awaiting carriage. The day's events were far from over for him. Several ministers had already been summoned to convene in the palace before he departed to the plaza.

The demise of the Prime Minister marked just the initial stride toward repairing the Empire.

As the Emperor departed, a wave of unified jubilation swept through the crowd.

"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"

"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"

"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"

The chants echoed through the plaza, a fervent declaration of support and reverence for their monarch.

An hour had passed, and Makoto found himself in a meeting with the ministers of the Empire. Despite the memories of his previous self, he realized he knew very little about the individuals gathered before him. The former Makoto had shown no interest in the other ministers whatsoever.

Makoto also knew the minister had likely conspired with the former Prime Minister for personal gain. However, executing all the ministers would set a dangerous precedent and breed fear among future officials. He desired genuine change for the Empire, one that would not label him a dictator. He aimed to establish fairness, justice, and trust, fostering loyalty and collaboration instead of fear and suspicion.

A palpable tension filled the room, with each person aware of the recent events that had unfolded merely an hour ago. Nerves ran high as they feared saying anything that might incriminate them as allies of the now ousted Prime Minister.

With silence pervading the chamber, Makoto took the initiative to break the ice. "At this moment, there is a vacant position for Prime Minister. As of now, each of you must appoint a temporary acting Prime Minister until I decide who will assume the role officially."

The ministers exchanged glances, their past inclination to vie for power now overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Recognizing their hesitance, Makoto decided to allow them time to deliberate amongst themselves.

The ministers quickly excused themselves, eager to avoid spending even a moment alone with Makoto. Left alone in the room, he was soon joined by Budo, whom Makoto motioned to take a seat. However, Budo respectfully declined and stood, ready to deliver his report.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Budo began, his face reflecting anger and frustration, "My soldiers were only able to kill 3 out 4 members of Honest's Four Rakshasa Demons. My soldiers are still currently in pursuit of the last remaining member as we speak".

Piqued by curiosity, Makoto inquired, "Who managed to escape?"

"Suzuka", Budo responded, clenching his fist.

"I see," Makoto replied, his tone thoughtful. His mind drifted back to the anime where Suzuka was also the sole survivor. He wondered if the woman's luck was just that great.