Half a month later.
The Empire's expeditionary army had taken its first gold mine in Joseon, and Kurome, whom Akuto had recalled from the south, returned to the capital.
Like her sister Akame, Kurome wore a black-tone sailor uniform. The difference: Akame preferred short socks, while Kurome habitually wore black tights—wrapping her legs as if tucking her own fragility out of sight.
Her steps light, Kurome arrived at the Governor's Mansion.
"So this is Governor Akuto's office…"
She gazed up at the great plaque over the gate, thoughts surging.
Two years ago, both the Empire's assassination unit and the Revolutionary Army's assassin guild launched a joint hit on the then–Provincial Governor Lin Xiu. In that operation, the "governor" unleashed startling power and captured nearly half the assassins. Kurome and her sister Akame were among the few who escaped.
Afterward, for a time the elite unit lacked members, and Kurome lived and worked alongside Akame—until, after one mission, Akame broke their promise to "always be together" and defected to the Revolutionary Army. Feeling betrayed, Kurome's heart darkened; she resolved to turn her sister into a doll—so they could "always be together" in another way.
"Thank you for calling me back to the capital, Governor Akuto. I hear Onee-san is here too. If there's a chance, I will make her my… doll. Then we'll be together forever."
Her hand tightened on the Teigu Yatsufusa, the blade whispering with an unhealthy longing.
But the mood didn't last. A languid queenly figure stepped out of the mansion—
the assassin guild's leader, Meraid.
Kurome stiffened. Back then, when they'd crossed paths, Meraid's objective wasn't them—otherwise Kurome might not be alive now.
Meraid here? Working for Akuto?
Meraid lifted a hand, voice lazy and amused. "Well, well, Kurome. You finally came. Akuto-sama's been waiting."
Meraid had a soft spot for Kurome—because she was Akame's little sister.
Under Meraid's lead, Kurome passed through layers of security into the mansion's deepest wing—where she faced the very target she once tried to murder: Akuto.
He looked more mature than before; for several seconds Kurome simply stared.
Is it my imagination? He's… magnetized.
He was always handsome, but this… pull wasn't there before.
"Kurome, do you know why I summoned you to the capital?" Akuto asked.
"If Akuto-sama calls for me, you must have your reasons." Her tone was cool, almost disinterested. She was certain he hadn't brought her here for punishment; if Meraid could stay, why would he make trouble for Kurome?
Akuto had expected her chill. He lowered his voice. "If I told you it's because of your sister Akame?"
"Eh? What did you say?"
At the name Akame, Kurome's eyes lit.
"I'm assigning you to a covert operation—one that concerns Akame," Akuto said with a small smile.
"Understood. Please command me. I'll bring you the head of that traitor!"
Akuto sighed at the instant switch whenever Akame was mentioned. "Put 'taking her head' aside. Tell me, why do you want to kill your sister?"
"Why?" Kurome's smile turned brittle. "Because she betrayed me. She betrayed our vow to always be together—and joined the Revolution."
"So, if she truly chose to stay with you—always—you'd forgive her?" Akuto cut cleanly to the core.
Kurome hadn't expected him to phrase it that way—but yes, that was the truth.
"Akuto-sama, that's impossible. That honor student is stubborn. She won't return to the Empire." Which was why Kurome had fixated on Yatsufusa—to keep Akame beside her by any means.
"Don't speak in absolutes." Akuto's lips quirked. "Silver, your former teammate's here. Come say hi."
A silver-haired, green-eyed girl stepped in—Silver, Kurome's old classmate who once joined the elites as reinforcement. She'd died to Meraid's implanted bug eggs in a past battle; Akuto had been the one to turn that fate.
"Long time no see, Kurome," Silver said warmly.
"You're here too…? Then…" Kurome glanced at Meraid. Did both of them now stand with Akuto?
Silver seemed different—softer at the edges, more womanly.
"Yes," Silver nodded. In the next moment she slipped into Akuto's arms, clinging to him with unabashed affection.
"Silver… you—" Kurome was taken aback. The girl who once strove single-mindedly for the elite unit now showed such open tenderness?
When Akuto finally let Silver go, he looked back at Kurome. "Silver and Meraid chose my side. Why can't others?"
"If Akame agrees, your sisters' reunion is possible."
Kurome bit her lip. Silver's change—and Meraid's stance—shook her. But not enough.
"Akuto-sama… Onee-san's will is far firmer than Silver's. Otherwise, she would never have left me behind."
"Is that so?" Akuto's eyes glinted. "Then what if I told you: several members of Night Raid are already with me—and even Akame has begun to waver?"
For the first time, Kurome truly looked startled. "Hah?! Impossible. Night Raid are Teigu-wielding—"
She broke off. A thin lance of light leapt from Akuto to her brow.
Images flooded through her mind:
Night Raid defeated… Seryu spared for her teammate…
At the base… members accepting the "Extra-Rank Piece"…
Mine taking the piece… the pink-haired girl approaching Akuto by her own will… the others preparing to follow…
Even Onee-san carrying a piece on her person—'just in case'…
"So this… all happened recently…"
Kurome exhaled slowly. Akuto had told the truth—Akame had wavered.
Her gaze on Akuto changed. If it's him… maybe he really could pull Onee-san back. At least she doesn't hate him the way she hates the Empire.
After a long silence, Kurome spoke.
"Akuto-sama, if I'm right… you're interested in my figure, aren't you? Just as you're interested in Onee-san's."
"That's only natural, isn't it? Who doesn't like cute girls?" he said, hands open.
"Fine, then." Kurome's eyes steadied. "If Akuto-sama can use a man's means to keep me and Onee-san always by your side… I will be yours."
She reached for the buttons of her uniform—
—and Akuto gently stayed her hand.
"Not like this, Kurome. We'll talk after results are certain," he said calmly. "One alone is… less delightful than two sisters together."
Kurome blinked, wrong-footed by the reason—then nodded after a beat. "Very well. When Onee-san yields, we'll serve together."
"Akuto-sama… please don't betray my trust."
"Are you doubting my ability?" Akuto chuckled. "Akame's former teammates are already mine. I trust her current comrades will follow the same path."
He sent another reel of images—his clashes and "recruitments," the Cornelia operation, the decisive victories.
Kurome's cool face flushed despite herself. Embarrassed… and oddly relieved.
If he's conquered Onee-san's companions one after another… maybe he really can turn her back this way.
"Akuto-sama, I still have matters to handle. I'll take my leave."
She left at her quickest pace, heart pounding—needing time and cold water to settle the strange reactions the visions had stirred.
(End of Chapter)
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