Are You Sure It's Okay to Say That?

After the new empress ascended to the throne, the Empire entered a new phase.

During the Imperial Guard's pursuit of the remaining forces loyal to Minister Honest, they also arrested corrupt officials who had been indulging in embezzlement, oppression, and exploitation. Those who deserved punishment were punished, and those deserving execution were beheaded. For a time, the officials were in a state of panic, fearing the worst.

However, any official who voluntarily surrendered could receive a reduced sentence. If they exposed the crimes of others, their punishment would be significantly lightened.

In almost a single night, the once-arrogant officials were reduced to cowering like rats. They spent their days terrified, wondering when the armored guards would break down their doors and drag them away. Some of the worst offenders, unable to bear the mental strain, chose to commit suicide.

Thanks to Kaguya's firm methods, the chaotic and corrupt bureaucracy was swiftly cleansed. No official dared to act as brazenly as before. At the very least, they all kept their heads down, terrified of being reported.

At the same time, in an effort to help the people quickly recover from the aftermath of the war, Kaguya issued a tax reduction decree. For the next three years, taxes would be entirely waived. Furthermore, in regions heavily damaged by the war, people could apply for emergency food aid to help with spring planting.

These measures were warmly welcomed by most of the population. The people of the Empire were grateful to the new empress who had brought them peace and hope after the chaos of war.

The new empress's popularity soared, reaching a peak that even the Empire's founding emperor had never achieved.

However, at that moment, the seemingly unreachable empress was sitting on a sofa, lost in thought.

Due to the effects of the alcohol, Kaguya couldn't clearly remember what had happened the night before. It was as if she were trying to peer through mist or catch a reflection on water. All she could vaguely recall was the sensation of soft, pale skin and the feeling of tenderness.

Judging by Akame's reaction, it seemed like something enjoyable had taken place. But why couldn't she remember?

Kaguya, with a faint red handprint still on her cheek, was heartbroken.

It was like going to watch a movie you had been eagerly waiting for, only to fall asleep halfway through. By the time you woke up, the movie was over, and the money was gone, yet you had gotten nothing from it.

It was a painful realization.

What made it worse was that, after the incident, Akame had forcibly taken Kurome away.

Watching Kurome's pouty, reluctant expression, Kaguya felt a bit regretful. But seeing the murderous intent in Akame's darkened eyes, she wisely kept her mouth shut.

There was still plenty of time. Besides, Akame couldn't possibly watch over her sister 24/7. Stealing a kiss or two was only a matter of moments.

Still, it was a shame she had been drunk that night. That could've been a double shot… and with sisters, no less!

Thinking about the beautiful faces of Akame and Kurome, so alike and yet distinct, Kaguya felt like a little cat was scratching at her heart. She felt an itch.

But since there had been a first time, the second couldn't be far off, could it?

A mischievous smile spread across Kaguya's lips.

Just as Kaguya was lost in her fantasies, a crisp knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

"Wow, I didn't expect it to be this grand in here. As expected of the empress."

"Who's there?" Kaguya asked in surprise, looking at the short-haired blonde girl peeking her head through the door. "Leone?"

"What's wrong? Not happy to see us?" Leone stepped into the room, squinting playfully. "If you say you're not happy, I'll just strangle you."

"You'd be more likely to smother me," Kaguya replied, teasing back as she realized what was happening.

"Ah." Leone wrapped an arm around Kaguya's neck, laughing. "It seems like you've been getting more and more flirty lately. Looks like you've been enjoying yourself."

Feeling the soft pressure of Leone's body against her, Kaguya said, "Enjoying myself? I've been so busy I can barely sleep."

Kaguya wasn't lying. The Empire was still in the process of rebuilding, and various complicated matters arose constantly. Just the documents she needed to sign were enough to fill her desk. Even with Sayo's help, Kaguya was still exhausted.

"Not sleeping well, huh?" Leone grinned wickedly. "I noticed something was off with Akame earlier. Be honest—did you get together with her?"

Pfft.

Kaguya almost spat out the tea she was drinking.

"Is it really appropriate to say things like that as a lady?" Kaguya muttered, wiping the tea from the corner of her mouth.

"I'm no lady," Leone replied nonchalantly, dropping her arm. Then, with a sly grin, she added, "So, how was Akame? You know, I used to sleep next to her all the time when she first joined Night Raid. She wasn't very good at staying still in her sleep—once she even tried to suckle me."

Kaguya looked at Leone, who had fully embraced the role of a shameless, experienced flirt, feeling at a loss for words.

Who would've thought Akame had such a wild history?

"I'm just kidding," Leone laughed brightly before turning to the door. "Hey, boss! Come on in. We're already here, so don't chicken out now."

"Boss?" Kaguya blinked in surprise. She had already sensed someone outside the door but hadn't expected it to be Najenda.

"Who said I was backing out? I just didn't want to interrupt you and your lover's little moment," came the reply from a white-haired woman with a sharp, commanding presence as she stepped through the door. It was none other than Night Raid's boss, Najenda.

"Are you jealous?" Leone asked with a teasing smile. "If you want, I can let you have her."

"No thanks. You can keep her," Najenda replied with a smile.

The shadow that had clouded Najenda's face before was gone, and the indecision from earlier had vanished. It seemed she had made up her mind.

"So, have you made your decision?" Kaguya asked, smiling softly.

"Yes," Najenda nodded.

"Welcome back, General of the Empire," Kaguya said, standing up and taking Najenda's hand, a charming smile lighting up her face.

Najenda had originally been a general of the Empire, fighting alongside Esdeath to quell rebellions. However, she had grown disillusioned with the Empire's cruelty, leading her to defect and join the Revolutionary Army.