Akame ga Kill: Starting with Dual Kamui-Chapter 109: A Subordinate Wants to Fall in Love

"Alright, then there shouldn't be any issues," Najenda said. "For now, let's wait and see what Honest and Esdeath do next, then adjust our plans accordingly."

When it came to Esdeath, she wasn't willing to take any risks. Her approach was cautious and measured.

However, Blayn clearly had no intention of just sitting back and watching.

That said, he wasn't arrogant enough to completely dismiss Esdeath as a threat.

"Oh, right, I remember Esdeath had a pretty good impression of you. She even wanted you to be her second-in-command," Chelsea suddenly remarked.

"So you and that woman were on such good terms?" Najenda said, a little surprised.

Then again, it wasn't all that shocking. From what she knew, Esdeath had a keen eye for talent and treated her subordinates well—aside from her hellish training regimen.

"That did happen, but there's no way I'd agree to it now," Blayn stated firmly.

Now that he had founded Akatsuki, joining the enemy was out of the question.

Esdeath was undoubtedly aligned with Prime Minister Honest's faction. Unless he somehow defeated her and she willingly submitted to him, there was no possibility of them being on the same side. But that was something to consider later.

"Or... I could just disguise myself as you, get close to Esdeath, and then..."

Chelsea made a slashing motion across her neck.

"It's best not to be reckless," Najenda warned. "Esdeath isn't someone you can assassinate so easily. If you fail, escaping will be nearly impossible."

"Fair point," Chelsea chuckled.

She was never one to act impulsively. Even if she did go through with the plan, she'd retreat the moment she sensed it wasn't the right time to strike.

That was how she always operated—even in the original timeline, Chelsea only took action when she was absolutely sure, which made her assassination success rate incredibly high. And even if she did fail, she was skilled enough to escape unscathed.

The only time things went wrong was with Kurome. She hadn't expected Kurome to have been strengthened by drugs, turning her into something far beyond a normal human. If it had been anyone else, they would've died instantly... but instead, Chelsea...

...

It was getting late. After some casual conversation—mostly helping Seryu get acquainted with the rest of Night Raid—everyone retired to their rooms.

Kurome, as usual, wanted to sleep with her sister.

They prepared an unused bedroom for Seryu, while Blayn naturally returned to the room he had stayed in before.

And just like last time, Chelsea casually walked into his room, pillow in hand, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"You again? If someone saw this, they'd think I stole your room," Blayn sighed.

"What, am I not allowed?" Chelsea teased, sticking out her tongue.

"But seriously, if this is just you messing with me, isn't this going a little too far? There's no need to take the joke this far."

Blayn's tone was serious.

He had a strong feeling Chelsea was only doing this to toy with him—after all, her scheming nature was something he had long since accepted as fact.

He'd be lying if he said he hadn't occasionally wondered if she actually liked him... but considering how mischievous she was, he wasn't about to assume anything.

If he was wrong, he'd only end up making a fool of himself. And Chelsea would never let him live it down.

Rather than risk that, it was safer to expect nothing at all.

"..."

Hearing Blayn speak so seriously, Chelsea's smile froze for a moment. Then, she asked, "Do you really think I'm just messing with you?"

"Yeah, what else would it be...?"

Blayn stated his honest thoughts.

Seeing the slightly complicated look on Chelsea's face, he suddenly wondered—could she actually have feelings for him...?

However, in the very next moment, Chelsea's expression shifted into a mischievous smirk.

"What a shame. So you saw right through me. I really thought you'd turn bright red after just a little teasing, you innocent little chick~"

With that, Chelsea flopped backward onto the bed.

"Goodnight, I'm already getting sleepy."

She slipped under the covers, her voice lively as she bid Blayn goodnight, without showing any hint of awkwardness.

But in reality, she was a little annoyed.

She had gone this far, yet this guy still thought she was just playing around.

Then again, she had to admit—she did have a habit of being a bit manipulative at times. It was only natural that Blayn had come to see her this way.

Was this her own fault? Or was he just that dense?

Chelsea decided not to dwell on it.

Her instincts told her that if she ever outright confessed, Blayn wouldn't be able to handle it.

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But she wasn't in the mood right now. She could wait. There was no rush.

Mine wasn't a threat, but Kurome... now she might be someone to keep an eye on.

...

Today, Esdeath and the Three Beasts returned to the Imperial Capital from the northern frontier.

The streets were filled with crowds cheering for General Esdeath.

She nodded slightly to acknowledge them but continued walking straight toward the palace...

Upon reaching the throne room, Esdeath entered alone while the Three Beasts remained outside.

She stepped forward and knelt on one knee before the young Emperor. She still observed proper etiquette and saw no shame in doing so.

"General Esdeath, your suppression of the Northern Tribes was remarkable. In recognition of your bravery, I have prepared a reward of 10,000 taels of gold," the young Emperor announced from his throne.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. I will distribute the reward among the soldiers stationed at the northern border. They will surely be grateful for your kindness."

Esdeath had no personal interest in wealth. She had always handed over her rewards in full to her subordinates.

It kept morale high and made her army all the more formidable.

"Although you've just returned from the front lines, I have an urgent mission for you," the Emperor continued.

"Recently, a ruthless group calling themselves 'Night Raid' has been wreaking havoc in the capital. I want you to crush them with force—wipe them out completely."

"...I obey, but I have two requests."

"What are they? Speak freely."

"My lord... I want to experience love."

Esdeath's gaze was sharp and intense, her aura carrying the weight of a battlefield declaration.

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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