Chapter 61: Return to the Imperial Capital
The Axis Order was established smoothly, and its development was rapid. If he just continued to be a sneaky bastard for a while longer, he could perfectly control the whole situation.
But the problem was that the Empire was too strong right now.
Esdeath and the numerous Teigu users were a force not to be underestimated. Therefore, someone was needed to tie them down, wear down their strength, and accelerate the weakening of their influence.
"I mean, I'm the boss of a third-party faction now. Why do I have to come and be an undercover agent myself?"
Kobayashi felt something was very wrong.
Generally speaking, shouldn't the boss be the one sitting in the back, planning the whole game, and using deep strategies to defeat the opponent? Since when does the boss have to go to the front lines?!
Oh, it's because I have no one else. Okay, never mind then.
Sheele, Bulat, and Liver were all officially dead and were not suitable to appear here. And the Axis Order had no outstanding and reliable talent to speak of.
After thinking it over, he was the only suitable candidate.
Najenda was right. The amount of talent is the key to directing the course of a war.
"But I didn't expect them to actually close down all their shops. I clearly told them I wouldn't leak their intelligence."
He let out a deep sigh.
Not only the shops opened in the Imperial Capital, but also Night Raid's secret bases and contact points had all been moved.
But that was to be expected. In their eyes, he was a traitor, an enemy who could expose their existence. It was only natural to cut off anything that could possibly reveal their tracks.
So the one who caused the crisis of trust was myself?
"Mm-hmm! My justice detector is reacting!"
A girl in a city guard uniform, holding a dog-like creature on a leash, immediately walked up after seeing Kobayashi and RyuZU wandering around.
She extended a helping hand with great enthusiasm.
"Do you two need any help? Seryu of the Imperial Guard, an ally of justice! No matter what difficulties you have, I will provide you with help!"
Did she mistake our search for the base for being lost?
He then heard her mutter softly, "...Wait, I've joined the special unit now. I shouldn't be using the guard's name anymore. Oh well, whatever."
Seryu Ubiquitous. The very person who had killed Sheele.
Kobayashi didn't have much hatred for her. He mostly just found her tragic. Her parents and master were killed, she held a twisted ideology and considered herself to be justice, and she had never seen the darkness of the Capital—or rather, she had seen it but instead considered it to be justice's punishment of evil.
Wait a minute, could I use this a little?
Kobayashi's eyes darted slightly.
"Hey~ hey~ are you alright? You're not saying anything. Are you not feeling well?" Seryu asked with concern.
Kobayashi shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness. I'm fine."
"That's great."
Seryu smiled sweetly. That gentle and cute appearance didn't match her twisted nature at all. But if you knew just how twisted she was, you wouldn't think so.
"By the way, are you two lost?"
"...I guess you could say that."
"Okay, then I'll lead you out!"
She enthusiastically gestured for the two of them, walking ahead to lead the way. Seryu, with her strange definition of justice, would never harm someone after determining they were a good person.
Kobayashi didn't hesitate and quickly followed.
Today was a special day. General Esdeath was holding a large tournament in the center of the Capital to select strong individuals compatible with Teigu. Many people had gathered there to watch the spectacle. Therefore, the two of them wandering in the alleys was all the more conspicuous.
Seryu had run into them on her way to maintain order, which was why she had extended a helping hand.
"I see. Thank you very much, Miss Seryu."
"You're welcome!"
Seryu smiled brightly again.
...So dazzling!
Kobayashi used his hand to block the sunlight shining directly into his eyes.
After leaving the alley, Seryu asked kindly again, "I don't know where you're headed, but if you have nothing else to do, why not go and watch the Capital Citizen Martial Arts Tournament hosted by General Esdeath? It's quite lively!"
"Of course. That was our original destination."
"Great! We can travel together again! Is this the reward for a righteous deed? I'm so happy!"
Seryu seemed very happy to be able to continue traveling with them.
Kobayashi squinted his eyes and asked with deep meaning, "Miss Seryu, what is justice to you?"
"Doing good deeds, helping good people, and killing bad people!" she answered crisply.
"Then what is evil?"
"That which is opposed to justice is evil!"
"...I see."
Kobayashi understood the chaos in her heart.
Seryu's definition of justice was very vague. She followed her own heart and considered anything that did not conform to her definition to be evil.
If one had to put it a certain way...
"My heart and my actions are as clear as a mirror; all that I do is in the name of justice."
What do you think? Doesn't that sound a bit more high-class?
But there was one thing. Seryu did not have the unwavering heart of Funny Valentine. She was still at a stage where she could be changed.
"We're here!"
Before long, the three of them arrived at the crowded area.
"Miss Seryu, could I ask you for one more favor? I'd like to participate in this tournament. Could you please take me to the registration office?"
"Registration?"
"That's right. Don't be fooled by my appearance. I'm actually quite confident in my own strength."
"Okay! I understand!"
With Seryu's help, Kobayashi successfully registered.
"Should I take you to the waiting area?"
"Then I'll have to trouble... no, that's not necessary. I see my companion. I'll just meet up with her in a bit."
Just as he was about to agree, Kobayashi caught a glimpse of a certain wild, blonde beauty cheering loudly in the crowd.
"Is that so? Then I'll see you later."
Seryu didn't mind. She said her goodbyes and headed in the direction of her own companions.
Kobayashi waved and then also walked in a certain direction.
"—Yah, I didn't expect there to be so many people."
Leone, who had forced her way to the front with her physical strength, wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"Mmm, there really are a lot of people."
"By the way, do you think Tatsumi can win? The other people don't look weak... Well, he's been trained by us, so he should be fine."
"Indeed. I haven't seen him for a while, but he seems to have grown quite a bit."
"Right, right?!"
Hearing the praise, Leone looked very proud and said with a wicked smile, "Alright, it's decided! When Tatsumi wins, I'll have him treat me to a drink!"
"Are you going to scam him out of his drink money again?"
"Don't put it so harshly... eh?"
Leone finally noticed something was wrong. She turned her head to look at the person who was agreeing with her.
She saw him smile and say, "You haven't changed at all, have you, Leone?"
"...Kobayashi?"
Leone said his name blankly. The next second, filled with rage, she was about to transform using her Teigu, but she was held back by Kobayashi, who grabbed her shoulder.
"Don't be rash. Don't you see who's on the stage?"
"...Tsk."
Leone clicked her tongue in annoyance.
Esdeath, on the stage, was outrageously strong. If they drew her attention, they would surely be subdued. Not only would their identities be exposed, but they might also endanger Tatsumi and the other members of Night Raid.
I have to endure!
"Mmm, you've grown, Leone."
"Don't talk to me with that gratified expression on your face!"
Leone pushed his hand away and questioned him angrily, "Kobayashi, what is your purpose in appearing now? Have you joined the Empire?!"
"No, I have not joined the Empire."
Kobayashi looked her straight in the eye and said with great seriousness, "I will not join the Empire. I never will. I can guarantee you that."
Unfortunately, it was completely unconvincing. Leone didn't believe him at all.
Kobayashi let out a light laugh and didn't explain further.
"As for why I'm here..."
"Next match!"
Coincidentally, the list of the next two combatants was announced from the stage.
"Tatsumi the Blacksmith from the North versus... Kobayashi the Clockmaker from the Imperial Capital! Will both fighters please come to the stage!"
(End of Chapter)