Chapter 169: Night Raid and the First Meeting with the Young Emperor
When Mahiro received news that Night Raid was preparing to resume activities, he was accompanying the Little Emperor on a stroll through the lower district of the Imperial City.
The marketplace in the lower district was bustling with noise and excitement.
"Hey, isn't that Lord Yotsuba? Are you out shopping with your daughter?"
"Nonsense! Lord Yotsuba isn't married, how could he have such a grown daughter! I'd say she's his younger sister!"
"No way, Lord Yotsuba is quite old, isn't he? I remember meeting him for the first time several years ago—he looked exactly the same as he does now, without the slightest change."
Mahiro's arrival seemed to make the already lively marketplace even more animated.
Perhaps due to loving the crow and extending that love to the nest, the crowd showed even greater interest in the young girl accompanying Mahiro, offering her an enthusiastic welcome.
In no time at all, the girl's hands were filled with various snacks and treats.
Witnessing this lively scene, the Little Emperor walking beside him hugged her snacks with one hand while gently tugging his sleeve with the other, her beautiful pupils shimmering with admiration.
"Wow, I never knew you were so popular among commoners?"
"It's not that I'm popular. If Your Highness were to dress in ordinary clothes and appear frequently before commoners, I believe you would be even more popular than me."
"Hmph, no way. My late father taught me that a ruler shouldn't appear in public casually—one must always maintain dignity."
The Little Emperor muttered discontentedly.
Although she didn't like the lectures her father had given her, she had to admit that after ascending the throne, some of what he taught her had proven useful.
But soon, she was drawn to a street vendor again, grabbing Mahiro's hand and pulling him in that direction.
Today's Little Emperor was completely different from her usual court appearance or how she looked during their first meeting—she had deliberately dressed very plainly today.
It was what you might call commoner's casual wear.
A blue dress embroidered with gold thread, beneath the hem of which her slender legs were tightly wrapped in black stockings, paired with leather boots that just covered her ankles.
Even her usually hidden emerald-green hair was now loosely spread, casually flowing down her back.
Her jade-green eyes sparkled with curiosity and delight, constantly taking in everything around her.
Although her attire was indeed simple for someone of her imperial status, in this lower district, this noble young lady-like dressing was still quite eye-catching.
Coupled with the innocent and lively expression on her slightly childish face, it was inevitable that she would be mistaken for his sister or daughter.
As for why he had brought the Little Emperor out of the palace secretly?
It was mainly because of a promise made many years ago during the palace rebellion—
"As long as Your Highness can solve this Rubik's cube, that is, twist all the sides to uniform colors, I'll take Your Highness out to play."
To this day, the Little Emperor still remembered clearly, and had finally solved that Rubik's cube, placing it before him as if showing off. Thus, he had no choice but to keep his promise, sneaking her out of the palace behind General Budo's back to bring her out to play.
"Hmm... Big Brother Mahiro, don't you like going out with me?"
The Little Emperor, who was munching on an apple, noticed Mahiro seemed distracted and pouted with a hurt expression as she asked.
"How could that be? I was just thinking about something."
He habitually reached out to pat the Little Emperor's head, but she mercilessly swatted his hand away.
"Don't rub my head! I won't grow taller! And don't brush me off—that's a crime punishable by beheading!"
Seeing her standing with hands on her hips like a miniature adult, Mahiro couldn't help but laugh.
"What? Did I say something wrong?!"
As she spoke, the Little Emperor took another bite of apple, her slightly chubby cheeks puffing out adorably.
"Of course not, you're absolutely right. But accusing me of brushing you off is slander," he replied, deliberately adopting a more formal speech pattern to match hers.
"Then tell me, what were you thinking about?"
"This subject was merely considering where to take Your Majesty for entertainment next."
"Really?" The girl immediately perked up, but then eyed him suspiciously. "You mustn't lie to me! That would be the crime of deceiving the emperor!"
"How would I dare?"
"Very well, I shall reluctantly believe you this once. But you must tell me—where will you take me?"
Though she spoke in this awkwardly formal manner and crossed her arms in a tsundere pose, her sparkling eyes betrayed her excitement.
Come to think of it, this was natural—she had reached that age where tsundere behavior was typical...
While thinking this, Mahiro responded:
"As for interesting places, Your Highness has basically been to them all. However, I know some interesting people—would Your Majesty be interested in meeting them?"
"People? What people?"
"The ones on the wanted posters."
Mahiro pointed at several wanted notices posted in the most prominent location on the street.
"Hmm... Does Big Brother Mahiro mean you want to take me to see those Night Raid rebels?"
"Essentially, yes."
Hearing his confirmation, the Little Emperor hesitated briefly before nodding after some thought.
"Very well... Since Big Brother Mahiro suggests it, I shall permit you to take me to see them. Where are these traitors now?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, based on timing, they should currently be at my residence."
"?!!"
The Little Emperor immediately became alert.
Big Brother Mahiro's... home?!
She instantly developed great interest.
Mahiro was different from other high officials. Most other officials lived in the imperial palace, like Prime Minister Honest.
Even those with outside residences maintained rooms within the palace.
Even General Esdeath similarly resided within the palace grounds.
Only Mahiro was different—he lived outside. Though she had offered many times, mentioning that there were plenty of rooms in the palace he could choose from, his response had always been refusal.
Now, hearing that she could visit where Mahiro lived, how could she not be interested!
"Let's go! Take me there quickly!"
Even without that gang of thieves from Night Raid, it didn't matter. How could those people compare in importance to Big Brother Mahiro's residence? It would be even better if she could stay overnight!
Thinking this, the Little Emperor's footsteps became noticeably more cheerful.
Seeing this, Mahiro couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Your Majesty, you agreed so readily. Aren't you afraid I might sell you out to the Night Raid group?"
"Not at all."
The girl suddenly stopped walking, turned around with her small hands clasped behind her back, and gave him a radiant smile.
"Because I trust Big Brother Mahiro the most!"
The girl's appearance at this moment was beautiful—her smile seemed to shine under the sunlight, like a lovely maiden stepping out of a painting.
This scene was significant enough to leave a lasting impression in his memories.
Yet compared to that, he was even more curious about what expressions the Night Raid members would show when they saw the Little Emperor.
What kind of words would these people say?
How exciting...
...
Meanwhile, at the Yotsuba residence.
Compared to the noisy bustle of the marketplace, the atmosphere within the mansion was quite tense, almost to the point of confrontation.
The mansion's maids had gathered in the open courtyard with their respective weapons, standing ready for battle.
Even Remus, who was usually the gentlest, now held a long sword like Womyn, her brow furrowed with anger.
At the forefront, Mine aimed her Roman Artillery at the group opposite and shouted sharply:
"Who are you?! Why are you impersonating our master!"
Her pink eyes brimmed with fury as she stared directly at the group across from her...
No, to be precise, she was focusing on the impostor at the front who wore Mahiro's face!
Mahiro waved his hands nervously: "How could that be?! Mine, it's really me, I haven't been impersonated..."
"Nonsense! You're definitely not our master! I know our master's scent and mannerisms perfectly well. My master has never been as frivolous as you!"
"..."
Mahiro broke out in a cold sweat.
Once again, he felt how powerless words could be.
In truth, this wasn't the real Mahiro at all, but Chelsea, who had used the Gaea Foundation to disguise herself as Mahiro.
But hearing Mine's words, she was cursing inwardly.
That bastard isn't frivolous? Just how many layers of filters are you using to look at that scoundrel!
He used such despicable and violent means to take my first time, then tied me up afterward—isn't that damned villain frivolous?!
However, these were words she absolutely couldn't voice aloud.
"And you!"
Mine immediately shifted her gun barrel toward another person—a tall woman with a figure rivaling Cornelia's, wearing a mask.
Following behind her were none other than Najenda and the captured Night Raid members!
"I don't know your name, but I know of your existence. You should be our master's subordinate, right? Do you intend to betray our master?!"
"..."
Taeko slightly parted her lips as if wanting to say something, then shook her head and said, "No, I never considered betrayal. I only hope you can show mercy and spare these people. I'm willing to bear all the blame and punishment alone."
"Sister?!"
Chelsea immediately grew anxious, even abandoning her disguise as she deactivated Gaea Foundation on the spot. She said urgently, "Sister, didn't we agree to leave together? Do you plan to stay under that demon's control forever?"
"No, you don't understand, Chelsea. That man may appear like a scoundrel, but he's not evil. Moreover, that person would never let me go. If I leave with you all, I'll ultimately bring harm upon you."
Taeko spoke from profound experience. She had attempted escape numerous times before, only to be captured every time. If she were to truly leave with Chelsea and the others this time, it wouldn't just be her being caught—their entire group would likely be wiped out!
"Boss, what should we do next? Should we fight our way out?"
Tatsumi quietly asked Najenda, but Najenda could only respond with a bitter smile as she watched the scene unfold.
"Absolutely do not do that."
"Wh-why? Should we just surrender without a fight?!"
Tatsumi's emotions were running high, but Leone immediately restrained him.
"The BOSS is right. We mustn't act recklessly. Although we were captured by Lord Yotsuba, it's fundamentally because we belong to different factions. Moreover, Lord Yotsuba has treated us quite well during this time. But if we harm anyone in this mansion today... we'll truly meet our end here."
Leone's tone was filled with helplessness. Though she hadn't witnessed it personally, she had heard plenty from the masked woman named Taeko about how fiercely protective Mahiro was of his people. It was said that one of Prime Minister Honest's relatives had inappropriate intentions toward a member of his assassination squad, and that person's entire household was eradicated that very night—completely wiped out without leaving a single survivor.
"That's right, kid. Acting rashly now would be the most unwise move."
"Mhmm, everyone is correct. It's best not to provoke Mr. Mahiro, otherwise he'll become truly terrifying."
Bulat and Sheele chimed in one after another.
"Exactly, it's best not to make any rash moves. I won't allow anyone to cause trouble in Lord Yotsuba's home."
Clang
With the clear ring of steel, Akame silently drew Murasame from its sheath.
"A-Akame?!"
Seeing Akame's serious and silent expression, Tatsumi and Lubbock immediately panicked—this was the expression Akame only showed when preparing for battle.
They never expected that Akame would betray them at such a critical moment?!
However, compared to these two's panic and astonishment, the others maintained calm expressions. Leone let out a soft sigh with an "as expected" look. Bulat showed a complicated expression tinged with helplessness.
But the most complex emotions belonged to Najenda, who slowly spoke: "Akame, so you were truly Mahiro's person all along."
Upon hearing this, Akame's delicate frame trembled slightly as she said quietly:
"Boss, you knew all along?"
"Mhm."
Najenda nodded and said: "I noticed some clues from certain missions you brought back before, but I never allowed myself to believe it. Besides, Akame, you never meant any harm to Night Raid, did you?"
"...I'm sorry for betraying your trust."
Though her words were apologetic, her expression remained unchanged.
Within the elite team, Akame could be considered the most complex-minded, yet also the most resolute.
Once she set her mind on something, no matter what happened along the way, she would never waver in the slightest!
But just as Night Raid found themselves surrounded by wolves before and tigers behind, a completely different voice drifted into everyone's ears.
"Well now, I only left for a moment and the house has gotten so lively?"
"Mahiro?!!!"
Chelsea and the Night Raid members all showed fearful expressions upon seeing the figure appearing at the entrance.
Even Taeko's body couldn't stop trembling slightly.
Meanwhile, Mine's maid group was overjoyed to see Mahiro.
"Master!!"
Mine quickly ran forward and hugged him tightly, sobbing: "Wuwu, Master you've finally returned! Those people actually dared to impersonate you and bully Mine, you must help Mine get proper revenge!"
"There there, stop crying, good girl~ I'll help you get revenge soon."
Mahiro patted Mine's head to comfort her, then turned his gaze to the others in the courtyard.
More precisely, to the orange-haired lollipop girl.
"I suppose the one who bullied my Mine must be you, Miss Chelsea."
"You... stay away, I'm warning you!"
Chelsea nervously retreated two steps.
She didn't understand how this bastard could recognize her when she had never revealed her true form in front of him.
But there was no time to think about it.
Because she felt her chastity was under serious threat once again!
Susanoo stepped forward, drawing his weapon to shield Najenda while looking gravely at Mahiro.
As a biological-type Teigu, he sensed an intense threat from Mahiro!
This threat was even greater than that of a Super Danger Beast!
"Sigh, it seems we have unwelcome guests too... Mahapadma!"
In that instant, the world seemed to pause, everyone's expressions frozen on their faces.
When time began flowing again, they discovered Susanoo had already fallen to the ground!
"This is what happens to unwelcome guests."
Mahiro tossed Susanoo's core component in his hand, then with a flip of his palm, the magatama-like core disappeared.
Najenda's eyes widened slightly as she realized she had lost connection with her Teigu!
How did he do that!
"Mr. Susanoo!!!"
Tatsumi immediately cried out in shock, his gaze toward Mahiro filled with hostility as he gritted his teeth.
To so casually kill such a good person like this...
"Haha..."
Mahiro chuckled softly, not bothering to engage with the passionate youth, and instead turned his gaze toward Najenda, saying:
"Don't worry. Although you barged into my residence uninvited and attempted to take away my captive, fortunately, you didn't harm anyone. So, we can still sit down and talk.
And, as it happens, there's someone who wants to meet you."
"Wow, Big Brother Mahiro, you have so many people at your place! What are they doing? Preparing for a banquet?"
As Mahiro slightly stepped aside, a petite girl with green hair appeared before them.
Who is this?
Everyone was puzzled by the girl's identity.
Except for Najenda, who was utterly stunned.
"Y-Your Majesty?! This guilty subject, Najenda... pays respects to Your Majesty!"
Najenda immediately knelt in salute.
This left the members of Night Raid around her utterly dumbfounded, exchanging bewildered glances. Even the lollipop in Chelsea's mouth nearly fell to the ground.
They began to doubt whether their ears and eyes were deceiving them.
This girl was actually the Emperor?! How was that possible?!
But Najenda would never mistake her identity.
Although they had met only a few times, and although her appearance now was completely different from her usual dignified demeanor, Najenda was absolutely certain—this was indeed Her Majesty!
However, Najenda was now drenched in cold sweat.
Why... why would Her Majesty appear here?!