Looks Like I Really Shouldn’t Have Drunk!

General Budo had always maintained neutrality, even during the fierce battles between the Imperial Army and the Imperial Guards. His only mission was to protect the Imperial City and safeguard the empress. So, even when the fighting reached its most intense moments, he never intervened.

However, when the empress was threatened, it was already too late for Budo to act. Minister Honest, fully aware of Budo's personality, had premeditated everything, mixing poison into Budo's food. After being poisoned, General Budo became weak and powerless, unable to stand against Esdeath. She easily defeated him.

Yet, Honest did not kill him. His original plan was to recruit Budo, but before he had the chance, the war erupted. With the chaos of battle and Honest's overconfidence in his Supreme Teigu, he began to see Budo as insignificant and gradually forgot about him.

It wasn't until Kaguya discovered the situation that Budo was rescued from the dark dungeon. By then, he had been without food or water for days and was on the brink of death. If not for Kaguya's intervention, he would have died.

Naturally, General Budo swore loyalty to Kaguya, not only because she was the new empress but also because she was his savior. From then on, Budo only followed Kaguya's orders. Anyone who dared to harm her, even those close to him, would be mercilessly eliminated. He had become the empire's first and foremost protector.

Akame frowned in displeasure, still irked by General Budo's earlier remark about Kaguya's "favoritism." Did he really see her as nothing more than that person's favored concubine?

Following the wide palace road, Akame soon spotted a large building. Its red-brick walls and green tiles were majestic, and from a distance, the building's gold-plated eaves and intricate carvings radiated the grandeur of royalty. Compared to the other palace structures, this one was not as imposing but far more refined.

This was the empress's bedchamber.

As soon as Akame entered, a few maids with delicate features approached her, bowing slightly as they greeted her. "Good evening, Miss Akame. If you wish to see the empress, you'll have to come back tomorrow. The empress has already retired for the night."

"You know who I am?" Akame asked, somewhat curious.

"Of course. You are one of the empress's esteemed guests," one of the maids said with a gentle smile, though a fleeting look of envy passed through her eyes before disappearing.

For some reason, seeing the look in their eyes annoyed Akame. She furrowed her brow and said, "Where is she? Take me to her."

"I'm sorry," the maid replied, "but the empress is asleep. If you wish to meet her, please return tomorrow. We will inform the empress of your visit. You needn't worry."

"Take me to her," Akame repeated, her tone turning firmer.

"Apologies, Miss Akame, but those are the palace rules. Please don't make things difficult for us," the maid said, bowing politely.

"If you won't take me, I'll find her myself." The moment Akame finished speaking, she moved. With a swift step, her body became a blur, bypassing the maids as she dashed deeper into the palace.

"Wait! Stop! You can't!" the maids cried out, horrified, as they tried to chase after her. But Akame's speed was beyond what ordinary people could handle, and in no time, she disappeared into the shadows of the night.

The maids exchanged embarrassed glances, their faces flushed red.

Once inside the empress's residence, Akame had thought she would find Kaguya quickly, but the bedchamber was enormous, with many rooms, and Kaguya was nowhere to be seen. Just as her frustration began to build, she heard a strange sound coming from a distance.

Akame paused in surprise and quickly followed the sound. As she got closer, she could finally make it out clearly.

The sound was soft and melodious, like the song of a lark—sweet yet tinged with a faint hint of pain. It was the voice of her sister, Kurome.

Clang!

In an instant, Akame drew her sword, her face flushing with anger. That person was bullying her sister again!

Akame, in her innocent and straightforward mind, didn't fully understand the situation. She only knew that Kaguya was making her sister suffer again, and the painful sounds Kurome was making confirmed it. Despite Kurome begging for mercy, Kaguya wasn't letting her go. It was simply unforgivable.

With a loud bang, the door flew open as Akame charged in, her hand gripping Murasame tightly. She stormed toward the bed, angrily pulling back the silk curtain, ready to teach Kaguya a lesson.

But just as she pulled it open, a hand reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Kaguya, intending to shake free, suddenly realized she couldn't move. Her body felt limp, as if all her strength had left her.

Her eyes widened in shock.

With a surprised yelp, Akame was swiftly pulled onto the bed, and the curtains closed once again.

The next morning dawned clear and bright.

The sky was a brilliant blue, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily across it. The surface of the lake was serene, reflecting the sky's vivid colors, while a gentle breeze sent ripples across the water. The trees rustled softly in the wind, and wildflowers swayed gently. The occasional birdsong added to the peacefulness of the scene.

Kaguya's eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her bleary eyes. Her head throbbed with the remnants of last night's hangover, and her brow furrowed slightly in discomfort.

Seems like I really shouldn't drink, she thought.

To think that alcohol, a staple skill of time travelers, would turn out to be her weakness. Kaguya couldn't help but chuckle at the irony.

Suddenly, she realized something was off. Her hand was resting on something soft. Gently squeezing, she felt a smooth, tender sensation beneath her fingers. At the same time, a soft, feminine moan escaped from beside her.

Kaguya's heart settled. It was just Kurome. It seemed the little girl was getting bolder. Looks like I'll have to "teach" her a lesson, Kaguya thought mischievously, already imagining the possibilities.

Wait.

Something wasn't right.

That voice… it wasn't Kurome's. It was similar, but definitely not her voice.

Kaguya quickly turned her head and was shocked to find a black-haired girl lying beside her.

Looks like I really shouldn't drink, she thought again, her surprise turning into disbelief.