Promise

Following Kaguya's instructions, Ieyasu led a team of elites toward the location where the Minister's troops were clashing with Night Raid members.

However, Kaguya didn't order them to engage but instead chose to watch from the sidelines, letting them fight until both sides were exhausted and suffered heavy casualties. Only then would her forces gradually close in and encircle them, taking them down effortlessly.

This was Kaguya's reluctant strategy, given her current lack of capable subordinates who could handle matters independently. Most of her troops were ordinary officers promoted from the lower ranks, with limited skills. Moreover, they lacked sufficient Imperial Arms and didn't even possess a few Imperial Arms. If they directly clashed with the enemy, they would likely be at a disadvantage.

"Your Highness."

As Kaguya was lost in thought, a clear voice interrupted her. She looked up to find a beautiful black-haired girl kneeling before her. It was Kurome, who had been sent on a reconnaissance mission.

"Oh?" Kaguya looked curiously at the black-haired girl before her. "What's the matter?"

Usually, Kurome would tirelessly train in assassination every day, never succeeding, yet she continued relentlessly despite being caught by Kaguya and enduring punishments that left her blushing. Today, however, she broke from her routine, forgoing assassination practice to approach Kaguya, which piqued Kaguya's curiosity.

"I want to…" Kurome bit her lip, "I want to join you in battle, Your Highness. Please grant me permission."

"Is that so?" Kaguya toyed with a strand of silver hair, smiling knowingly. "You're not seeking battle with me; you want to see your sister, don't you?"

Kurome's face turned pale as she lowered her head in silence, essentially acknowledging the truth.

Kaguya sighed, walked over, helped Kurome to her feet, and sat with her on the sofa. Kurome, unsure of Kaguya's intentions, sat awkwardly, nervously twisting her clothing.

The atmosphere became tense and oppressive. Just as Kurome grew increasingly uneasy, Kaguya spoke up.

"Don't you trust me?" Kaguya asked softly, sipping tea.

"It's not that," Kurome said hastily, standing up. "I didn't mean it that way."

Having lived with the Princess for so long, even Kurome knew Kaguya genuinely cared for her. Not only did Kaguya cleanse her body of toxins, but she also taught her martial arts and cared for her in many ways, evident in the envy of others.

This time had been Kurome's most relaxed period.

But it didn't make her happy. Instead, Kurome felt increasingly anxious, as if it were all too good to be true—a beautiful soap bubble that could burst at any moment.

Ultimately, her traumatic childhood experiences left her feeling insecure. Unlike others, she lacked a sense of security.

This time, her insecurities erupted. She dared not hope, fearing shattered hopes would cause greater harm. Killing her sister or being killed by her seemed her destined fate.

"I understand your feelings," Kaguya said with a slight smile, standing and placing a comforting hand on Kurome's shoulder, guiding her back to the sofa. "I know you have reservations about me."

"No, I don't," Kurome protested quickly.

"Let me finish," Kaguya said, holding Kurome's hand and interrupting her. "I told you before I'd bring your sister back, and I will. You don't have to kill each other. Trust me, okay?"

Kurome and Akame were two unfortunate girls, torn between love and duty to kill each other.

Kurome hesitated but nodded gently.

"Don't worry," Kaguya said warmly. "I promise to keep my word. If she doesn't return, I'll bring her back myself."

"Thank you." After a brief silence, Kurome lifted her head and said sincerely.

"Save your thanks for later," Kaguya chuckled. "More importantly…"

Suddenly, Kaguya grabbed Kurome's thin shoulders, a mischievous smile on her face.

"You dared doubt your Princess. I think you need some punishment."

"I didn't…" Kurome stammered, blushing.

Before she could speak further, Kaguya silenced her with a kiss. At the same time, a soft hand slipped inside Kurome's collar.

The fierce battle raged in the dense forest on the eastern side of the territory, near Night Raid's headquarters, just fifty kilometers from the Princess's palace, a half-hour journey.

Kaguya was surprised that Night Raid dared operate so close, but she quickly realized it made sense. She had only recently moved into the palace, and the area had been sparsely guarded, with no one living there. The Imperial Army likely never imagined Night Raid would be bold enough to establish a base in their territory. It was a case of the brightest place being the darkest, so it wasn't surprising they hadn't been discovered.

Two figures moved swiftly through the forest like phantoms: Kaguya and Kurome.

Kaguya hadn't intended to bring Kurome, but seeing her calm demeanor, she knew Kurome would sneak off on her own. It was better to bring her along to prevent any reckless actions.

With Kaguya's permission, Kurome was thrilled to venture out, even kissing Kaguya a few times in gratitude.

Perhaps the training was finally paying off, Kaguya mused.

As they moved through the forest, they heard distant sounds of battle, loud and continuous, with occasional explosions that startled flocks of birds. The fighting was fierce.

"Let's go," Kaguya said, glancing back at Kurome with a smile. "We don't want to miss the show."

"Okay." Kurome nodded calmly, though her grip tightened around her sword.