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Clang! Clang!
Inside the grand palace hall, Akame darted around like a ghost, slashing at Minato with an ordinary longsword.
But Minato didn't even budge. He just casually raised his palm now and then to block her strikes, his feet planted firmly in place.
"Not bad. Your control over magic still needs some work, but you're already tapping into the strength of a Knight-class."
As he deflected her attacks, Minato calmly gave his critique.
After taking control of the Emperor, the chaos in the palace had been forcefully suppressed.
As for this training session—
Akame had asked for it herself, wanting to adapt to her new powers faster.
No one knew how long they'd been going at it.
Akame was now drenched in sweat, panting hard, barely able to stay on her feet.
"That's enough for now."
Seeing her state, Minato ended the session.
"Master… am I just useless?"
Akame was barely standing, a trace of guilt on her face.
Minato shook his head. "No, you're doing great. Even though you're just a low-tier demon right now, most mid-tier demons wouldn't stand a chance against you."
"Totally. Akame, your strength is seriously insane."
Leone walked over, slightly tipsy with a wine jug in hand and flushed cheeks. "Still, can't believe demons have a population problem. That's… rare."
She had been here the whole time, listening as Minato explained demon-related stuff to Akame and picking up a decent understanding herself.
"Oh? You interested?"
Minato glanced at her. "If it's you, I wouldn't say no, you know?"
"You perv—pretty sure you wouldn't say no to any hot girl!"
Leone rolled her eyes, but her gaze sparkled. You could clearly see a hint of temptation in her eyes.
From Minato's explanation, she'd learned about all the perks of being a demon—
Eternal youth, possibly even immortality… all within reach.
And most importantly, Minato really was her type.
Aside from being a bit of a lech, he was pretty much perfect.
Ignoring Leone, Minato turned to Akame, who was still gasping for air. "Used up all your magic, huh?"
"Yeah… I'm really sorry."
Akame nodded weakly.
"No worries. I'll help you out."
Minato stepped forward and placed both hands on her shoulders.
"As your master, restoring your magic is part of the job."
He said it with a straight face.
"Restore… my magic?"
Akame blinked, confused.
But before she could figure it out, Minato's gem-like eyes were already right in front of her.
"T-This… This is how you restore magic?"
Leone, watching from the side, had her eyes wide open. She hadn't had another sip, but her face was already even redder.
Lord Demon, are you sure this isn't just you taking advantage?
If it were me…
As the thought crossed her mind, Leone suddenly felt her whole body heat up. She instinctively took a swig of wine—
Which only made her feel hotter.
No one knew how long passed, but finally Minato lifted his head.
Akame's eyes were dazed, her expression dreamy, like she hadn't processed what just happened.
Yeah… definitely different from Rias or Utaha.
Rubbing his chin, Minato quietly made a mental note.
A moment later, Akame came to, and her cheeks flushed bright red.
Her demon wings and tail popped out on instinct.
No matter how stoic she looked…
She wasn't clueless.
But…
The way magic surged inside her just now—it felt so good.
"You okay?"
Minato glanced at her wings and instinctively gave them a light squeeze.
"Ah!"
Akame's pupils shrank. She jabbed her sword into the ground just to stay upright.
Her face turned even red, and her legs began trembling.
"..."
Minato let go of her wings, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes.
Well, that was… a pleasant surprise.
"M-Master, I'm sorry for losing composure…"
Akame took a deep breath, still flustered.
"Don't be. That was cute."
Minato complimented her casually, though in his mind—
If wings react like that, I wonder what happens when I touch the tail?
And I've got other subordinates too… Gotta try them all sometime.
"Hey! Lord Demon!"
Right then, Leone tugged on Minato's sleeve.
He turned to her with a smile. "So? Made up your mind?"
"Yup. I wanna be a demon too."
Leone took a huge gulp of wine and straightened her back with determination.
Stare—
Akame stared hard at Leone's chest.
She didn't know why… but suddenly, she cared.
What's wrong with me...?
"Well then, Lord Demon, what's your answer?"
Leone stepped closer, and Minato felt his arm sink into something very, very soft.
That was… quite the declaration of sincerity.
Promising future indeed.
Minato gave her an approving look and nodded. "Of course. No problem at all."
"Great! Let's get started!"
Hearing his reply, Leone boldly began unbuttoning her outer coat.
But the more Akame watched, the more she felt something was… off.
Finally, she couldn't hold back. "Just the outer coat is enough."
"Huh?"
Leone hiccuped and mumbled, "Really? Did I remember it wrong?"
"Nope. That's exactly right."
Minato confirmed with a straight face.
"...," Akame said, deadpan.
"Knew it! No way I remembered wrong!"
Leone took another swig. Now she was down to just her underwear.
"Alright, let's do this."
Minato pulled out a soldier piece from a chess set.
"I already know what happens next."
Leone's eyes were hazy as she suddenly grabbed Minato's hand and guided it forward—
He immediately felt it sink into something… large and soft.
Is she really drunk…?
If not, then damn she's smooth…
Despite the situation, Minato kept a straight face. He placed the chess piece down and only reluctantly pulled his hand back.
And with that—
The reincarnation ritual began.
"Whoa… Something's flooding into me…"
A deep crimson magic circle lit up beneath her feet. Leone's eyes flew wide open.
She felt an unbearable itch at her back and tailbone.
Is this… wings and a tail?
As she thought that, fwip!—her demon wings and tail burst out.
Minato moved quick, grabbing both tail and wings at once. He gave his review: "Nice. Very sturdy."
"Hisss—!"
Leone sucked in a sharp breath, barely keeping it together.
Now she finally understood how Akame had felt earlier.
"Master… you done groping yet?"
She tried to sound calm. "Akame's still here, y'know."
…So it's fine as long as Akame's not around?
Minato chuckled and let go.
Seeing that, Leone quickly retracted her wings and tail.
Sure, she talked big, but in reality, all her experience was just theoretical.
If this kept going any longer…
She honestly wouldn't be able to handle it.
"....."