The imperial palace.
The dining hall.
Kaiser sliced into his steak with knife and fork, savoring lunch.
The palace chefs were undeniably skilled.
Paired with meat from dangerous beasts, the flavor far surpassed anything from his original world.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Footsteps approached.
Esdeath and Seryu entered.
"Why the outfit?"
Kaiser eyed Seryu's attire with mild surprise.
She wore a pale blue maid uniform.
Her delicate, endearing face looked pitiful—as if she'd just been crying.
Strands of orange hair framed her impressive chest.
Kaiser had firsthand knowledge on that front.
Though not obvious at a glance, she was well beyond a handful.
Most importantly...
He could ride this "bicycle" standing up—no need for gentle care.
In that sense...
She felt the best.
"It's... General Esdeath's orders."
Seryu shivered, speaking timidly.
She was genuinely terrified.
Esdeath was simply too frightening.
If she weren't Master's servant... the consequences were unimaginable.
Esdeath glanced at her sidelong.
"Problem?"
Seryu trembled again, then lowered her head wisely. "No—this outfit suits me perfectly."
Tsk tsk... thoroughly disciplined.
Kaiser's lips curved in amusement.
He'd sensed Seryu attacking Esdeath.
She deserved the lesson.
At that moment...
Kurome approached, excitement barely contained.
"Master—based on the intel you provided, we've located Night Raid's base."
Her voice trembled with eagerness.
Sister...
I'm finally going to see you.
"Good. We'll head out once everyone's finished eating."
...
Outskirts of the capital.
A vast mountain range resembling a primeval jungle.
Countless dangerous beasts roamed here—hunters dared not venture lightly.
Kaiser led his three servants deep into the wilderness.
To them...
Even the fiercest creatures were trivial.
As they neared their destination, dusk began to fall.
Ahead...
A girl appeared, dragging a felled beast.
The instant Kaiser spotted her, his eyes lit up.
Exquisitely beautiful features, skin smooth as porcelain.
Long black hair cascaded to her thighs, flowing like waves.
A red tie hung naturally, accentuating lethal curves.
Gauntleted hands gripped a katana, exuding valor.
Her black pleated skirt swayed with each step—deadly allure.
Crimson eyes drew the gaze irresistibly.
"What a coincidence."
Kaiser's smile deepened.
Akame noticed the group in the same moment.
Her expression turned wary instantly.
"Kurome... and Esdeath?"
"Why are they here?"
She tightened her grip on Murasame, mind racing.
Escape was her only option.
Kurome alone was manageable.
With Esdeath added...
Even all of Night Raid combined stood no chance.
"I won't let you get away, Akame."
Kurome stared coldly, raising one hand.
"Summoning Magic: Corpse Manipulation."
Demonic energy surged—a visible magic circle blooming beneath Akame's feet.
Figures leaped forth, charging her.
"What kind of Teigu is this?"
Akame frowned, drawing her cursed blade.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Blades clashed relentlessly as Akame's strikes carved lethal arcs, felling puppet after puppet.
Murasame's one-hit kill proved useless—she was completely surrounded.
Individually...
She outmatched each corpse.
But their numbers—and coordination—compressed her space relentlessly.
Esdeath offered, "Master—shall I intervene?"
"Akame's no weakling. Kurome might not capture her alone."
"True..."
Kaiser nodded. "Fine—I'll handle it."
Snap!
He snapped his fingers—the Dimensional Formation flaring.
Whoosh!
Akame blinked—a handsome face suddenly filled her vision.
"..."
What just happened?
His Teigu?
"Sorry—but you'll have to be my hostage."
In a flash...
Akame moved, aiming to press her blade to his throat.
Esdeath to the left.
Some lowly maid to the right.
Her only chance to break the impasse.
But...
A magic circle answered instead.
Clink! Clink!
Demonic chains extended, binding her tightly.
"Damn—tricked!"
Akame's pupils contracted as she struggled fiercely.
The chains held firm—tightening further.
"No use."
Kaiser smiled faintly. "Magic cast by me personally—even ten times your strength wouldn't break it."
Magic?
Akame blinked in confusion.
Was that his Teigu's name?
After a pause, she asked, "You're here... for Night Raid?"
Kaiser nodded.
Despair flooded Akame's eyes.
As expected.
Their base was exposed.
With this man and Esdeath...
Everything was over.
She grew listless.
What's with this woman?
Kaiser glanced at her, checking his panel discreetly.
Confirmed—she qualified too.
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