"You're saying… you're a devil?"
Hitagi Senjougahara didn't know how to respond.
Liar?
But the lie was too clumsy.
Delusional?
She looked at Kaiser pityingly.
Wasted on such a handsome face.
"…"
Why the sudden sympathy?
"I'm telling the truth."
"Sure, sure, Mr. Devil. Could you leave? I'd like some alone time."
"If you want to destroy the world, there's a convention right turn ahead."
Kaiser sighed.
She didn't believe a word.
Normal, though.
In his past life, he'd have thought the same.
Snapping fingers, a devil contract materialized.
"Wow, impressive. Mr. Devil does magic too."
"…"
Kaiser's mouth twitched; he handed it over.
"If you ever need help, sign this."
Hitagi took it instinctively, muttering, "Delusional and committed."
Hearing Ravel call, Kaiser turned. "Remember to summon me."
He left.
Twilight!
Kaiser's villa.
After introducing Ravel, Kaiser announced business.
"Master, another world?"
Eriri froze.
She'd low expectations for "business."
But this stunned her.
Her peerage this awesome?
Other worlds?
Ravel's eyes gleamed too.
Worthy of Master.
Crossing worlds possible.
Best decision joining.
"Naturally another world."
Kaiser ruffled Eriri's hair. "Strictly, I'm king there."
"Oh."
Eriri excited.
What's another world like?
Shiho's group no better.
Their first cross-world trip.
"Follow me."
Kaiser led to his room. "Ready?"
"Mm-hmm."
Shiho and others nodded eagerly.
Hum!
Magic circle filled the room.
Moments later, all vanished.
Akame ga Kill world.
Imperial palace.
Light flashed.
Kaiser's group appeared.
Najenda, using it as office, notified others.
Her gaze at Kaiser complicated.
He'd fulfilled promises perfectly.
She held near-absolute power, purging Empire top to bottom.
Dream of clean governance—reality.
Should she fulfill peerage duties?
Cheeks warmed at the thought.
Circle faded.
Chatter erupted.
"Another world?"
"Architecture Western-style."
"So luxurious—royal palace?"
Shiho and others examined excitedly.
Tap tap tap!
Footsteps; Esdeath and Leone led, others arriving.
Master's other-world peerage?
All rare beauties.
They assessed, eyes twitching at Leone and Esdeath.
Obvious.
Higher level, more favored.
Those two—unfair.
They glanced down, deflating.
First meeting.
Main-world peerage disadvantaged.
World's malice deep.
Esdeath gracious. "You're Master's other-world peerage. I'm Esdeath—comrades now."
Shiho recovered first. "Shiho Miyano—call me Shiho."
"Vermouth, pleasure."
"Akame, hello."
"Asia…"
Introductions done, acquainted.
Subtle probing; Akemi learned most eaten by Master.
Glanced Najenda, sighing inwardly.
One left.
Wouldn't last long.
That look—soon climbing Master's bed.
Too competitive.
Cross-world trip doubled pressure.
"Everyone acquainted?"
Kaiser timely spoke, drawing attention.
He sensed hidden tension.
But welcomed it.
No rivalry, no fun for Master.
"You're here for combat experience."
"Follow Esdeath—she'll arrange suitable opponents."
Others aside, Shiho's group lacked real battles despite Rias's training.
Tasks assigned, peerage dispersed.
"Something?"
Kaiser asked lingering Najenda.
"Mm."
She nodded. "Empire update."
"Go on."
"Corrupt officials mostly purged. Revolutionary Army more active."
"Leave to Esdeath."
Ant swarm—beneath notice.
"Mm. Teigu research progressing, but super-class Danger Beasts hard to capture."
"Strong; regular troops useless. Limited manpower."
"Easy. Use as training for Shiho's group."
Najenda's eyes lit.
Perfect.
"Anything else?"
"Yes."
"Night Raid gained two members recently."
"They want to meet you."
"Lead with that. Bring them."
Najenda: "…"
Classic Master.
She returned with two shadows.
One: twintails, petite girl.
Other: tall, curvaceous purple-haired bespectacled woman.
"Greetings, Lord Kaiser."
Mine and Sheele knelt instantly.
Them.
Kaiser realized, overlooking appraisingly.
Feeling gaze, Mine and Sheele shifted subtly.
New to Night Raid, but knew: this man true Emperor.
Current prosperity—his doing.
Mysterious origins, power Esdeath bowed to.
They wished to serve this Empire.
Change the world.
Must respect—no displeasure.
If chance, prove value.
Timing wrong now.
Sensing nuances, Kaiser smiled. "Both excellent. Night Raid welcomes you."
"Looking forward to your contributions."
"Yes, Lord Kaiser."
Mine and Sheele exchanged glances, retreating respectfully.
Just let go?
Najenda eyed Kaiser oddly.
Not Master's style.
Meat at mouth—released?
"Why the look?"
"Unexpected."
"Really?"
Kaiser smirked. "Sometimes different approach fun."
Najenda: "…"
"And ready-cooked fish here?"
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