Repayment

There is no such thing as a secret that stays hidden forever. The news that Emperor had been murdered by Minister Honest eventually spread, causing a massive uproar among the people of the Empire. It was unimaginable to them that Minister Honest, who had always portrayed himself as a loyal servant in front of the Emperor, would commit such a heinous act.

However, only Kaguya knew the truth: Minister Honest was the one who had murdered the Emperor's parents and had been coveting the Supreme Imperial Arms that belonged to the young Emperor. He had always been scheming to take the Supreme Imperial Arms for himself, but due to certain reasons, he couldn't directly seize it. Therefore, he had been biding his time.

Now that he had killed the young Emperor, he must have found a way to transfer the Supreme Imperial Arms to himself.

With the news now public, the Empire plunged into chaos. The Revolutionary Army seized the opportunity to rise up, while ambitious warlords across the land broke free from the Empire's control, declaring independence. Even the soldiers at the borders began to stir with unrest.

The already crumbling Empire could no longer hold itself together. In an instant, it shattered into pieces, its grand structure collapsing in a matter of moments.

Kaguya had already made her preparations. Her army, comprised of seasoned veterans and newly trained recruits, was in a state of full combat readiness, numbering fifty thousand strong. Although still far fewer than the Imperial Army, her soldiers were elite and couldn't be compared to the old, weak, and sick troops of the Empire.

The Revolutionary Army had already begun its operations, advancing from their eastern base toward the Imperial Capital. Perhaps to avoid clashing with Kaguya's forces, they deliberately took a longer route, adding two or three days to their march.

Kaguya was also ready to move. Allowing the Revolutionary Army to take the lead wasn't just a coincidence; there was a subtle intent to use them as cannon fodder. After all, no matter how weak the Imperial Army might be, it was only part of the equation—the real elite forces were still guarding the Imperial Capital.

"Are we really going to attack the Imperial Capital?" Seryu asked softly from her horse.

"Yes," Kaguya nodded. "What's wrong? Are you hesitant? If so, you can stay behind and guard the palace."

"How could I?" Seryu's voice rose sharply. "Just because I used to serve in the Imperial Army doesn't mean I condone their crimes. They've committed so many heinous acts—they must be brought to justice."

Sensing her master's anger, the small dog in Seryu's arms barked.

"Alright, alright," Kaguya said, slightly amused by Seryu's fiery spirit, but also feeling more reassured.

It seemed that after learning about the Empire's crimes, Seryu had completely aligned herself with Kaguya. There was no need to worry that she might go easy on the Imperial Army—in fact, she might even be more ruthless.

Kaguya headed back to her palace and entered her room, only to find someone there—Leone, with her golden hair and eyes.

"You haven't left?" Kaguya asked curiously as she approached. She had thought Leone would have already gone, given that they weren't exactly on the same path. Kaguya had considered asking her to stay, but had ultimately decided against it.

"Well, I was going to leave," Leone said, scratching her head with a slightly embarrassed smile, "but you did save my life, and it didn't feel right to just leave without doing something."

"It's nothing," Kaguya said, taking a seat and pouring a cup of tea, which she placed in front of Leone. "It was a simple matter; you don't need to think too much about it."

"No way," Leone shook her head. "If it weren't for you, I'd be dead by now, so I have to repay you."

"Didn't you already thank me?" Kaguya said with a smile, pouring herself a cup of tea as well.

"That's not the same," Leone said seriously. "If I don't properly repay you, I won't even be able to respect myself."

"So how do you plan to repay me?" Kaguya asked with some amusement. "Are you thinking of joining the Imperial Guard? If that's the case, I'd be more than happy to have you."

"That's not possible," Leone said, scratching her head again, looking a bit troubled. "I'm really happy where I am; it's like home to me. I'm not ready to leave."

Kaguya had only been joking. She knew Leone's personality well enough to know that she wouldn't leave Night Raid.

"So how do you plan to repay me?" Kaguya asked, taking a sip of tea and looking up at the charming, busty girl before her.

Leone walked over to Kaguya, and to Kaguya's surprise, she suddenly embraced her.

"What are you—" Kaguya started to ask, confused by Leone's actions.

But before she could finish, Leone's lips pressed against hers. Kaguya's eyes widened in shock, momentarily unable to process what was happening.

She had just been kissed!

After a moment, Leone pulled away, her face slightly flushed—a rare sight for someone usually so bold.

"What was that?" Kaguya's mind was still reeling, unsure of what had just happened.

"I'm not skilled at anything, and I don't have great strength, so I didn't know how else to help you," Leone said, turning her head slightly in embarrassment. "I could only think of this. You're not mad at me, are you?"

"Mad?" Kaguya's beautiful face suddenly took on a serious expression. "Of course, I'm mad."

Leone was taken aback by Kaguya's words, caught completely off guard.

But then Kaguya smiled slightly.

"How could just one kiss be enough?"

"Mine was right—you really are a pervert."

"What?"

"You're a real pervert."

"..."

After their "thanks," Leone left the next morning. Kaguya had thought about asking her to stay a bit longer but decided against it. Members of Night Raid weren't easily swayed, and Kaguya didn't feel like wasting her breath.

However, Kaguya had a feeling that they would face an inevitable battle in the near future.

In reality, Kaguya's ideals and the essence of Night Raid weren't all that different. But since Night Raid was part of the Revolutionary Army, and the Revolutionary Army was on Kaguya's list of forces to eliminate, coexistence between the two was impossible. It was an unavoidable conflict.

But it wasn't an unsolvable one. When the time came and she became the Emperor, after completing her mission...

In the days that followed, Kaguya became increasingly busy, not just planning for war but also consolidating her power. With the sudden death of the young Emperor, local officials across the land grew uneasy. Many began choosing sides or seeking powerful allies, while some even declared themselves kings—though most of them were swiftly crushed by the Imperial Army.

Rising up without the strength to back it up is sheer foolishness. Minister Honest now held absolute power; there was no way he would allow these small-time players to make a move—he simply wouldn't tolerate it.