Najenda was slightly stunned. She hadn't expected Abel to have such a grand goal.
Unification?
Building a new country on the corpse of the corrupt Empire.
Perhaps that wouldn't be so bad.
But this also meant that a bloody storm was imminent.
"Do you know what kind of impact your actions will have?" Najenda frowned, her gaze scrutinizing.
Abel said calmly, "Of course, I know. Reform requires bloodshed, as you know. Similarly, overthrowing a corrupt order requires bloodshed, and establishing a new order also requires bloodshed, but a quick cut is better than prolonged pain. I will not let the common people bleed, only the nobles will bleed."
Najenda was silent for a moment, the scales in her heart gradually tipping.
She recalled the various injustices she had witnessed in the Empire, the nobles' debauchery, and their oppression of the common people.
For example, Liver, who was thrown into prison for refusing to accept a bribe.
Leone couldn't stand the nobles' actions, and she herself couldn't stand the country's attitude towards the common people.
And there were Bulat, Mine, and Chelsea.
If it could truly be as Abel said, to establish a country without noble oppression, then that seemed like a goal worth fighting for.
Najenda finally made her decision, her gaze firm, "Alright, I'll join. But for the others, I need to talk to them."
Abel showed a relieved smile. "Of course. This country is ours, it is yours, and it is also theirs."
Abel pointed out the window at the happy common people on the street outside. This is what a country should look like.
"I await your reply, I believe our cause will proceed even more smoothly. However, we need to hurry. Next up is heading south to capture the young emperor."
Najenda nodded, then turned and left.
Akame and Leone surrounded Najenda as soon as she came out.
"Boss, how did it go?"
Najenda asked, "What do you think of this country?"
Hearing Najenda's words, Akame was stunned.
Leone, on the other hand, had a somewhat complex expression. "This country is great, but the King is a hooligan."
Leone liked this country very much, but when it came to Abel, her face flushed.
However, remembering something, she whispered, "But I'm clinging to him anyway."
After a while, Akame had finished her mental comparison.
Has a sister.
No nobles.
Doesn't have to be an assassin.
In comparison, this country was a complete victory.
"Very good."
Najenda nodded. "I've decided to join this country."
Leone was first delighted, then a little worried. "What about our comrades then? Will Bulat and the others disagree?"
Akame looked at Najenda, her eyes filled with questions.
Najenda took a deep breath and said, "So, next, I'm going to talk to them properly. I believe they will join too."
Akame and Leone exchanged glances and both nodded. "Okay, Boss, we'll go with you."
Najenda shook her head. "No need, you two stay here. Perhaps you can help them."
"Boss, are you really okay going alone?"
"Don't worry."
Najenda made some simple arrangements, then left Akame and Leone, and went back to Night Raid alone.
—
Imperial Capital, Prime Minister's Residence.
Honest was still the same, eating meat without stopping.
At this moment, hurried footsteps quickly sounded.
Bang!
The door was kicked open.
"Father! My subordinate Champ is dead! Esdeath has betrayed the Empire!" Syura rushed in furiously.
Honest was still tearing at a piece of steak, minding his own business. Syura wanted to say something more, but was silenced by a single look from Honest.
After a while, he finally finished the entire steak.
"Syura, how undignified to be so impetuous. It's just a subordinate. If he's dead, he's dead. Useless people shouldn't live in this world."
"As for Esdeath..."
Honest wiped the ring on his finger. "She's nothing to worry about."
Syura calmed down.
Yes, useless trash's death doesn't matter, but it's a shame about the Teigu.
His father's Teigu could destroy other Teigu, so Esdeath was also nothing to worry about.
Honest wiped his greasy hands with a towel.
Regarding Esdeath's betrayal, he wasn't surprised. That woman was ambitious and would cause trouble sooner or later.
"However, that new King of the North must be dealt with." A sinister glint flashed in Honest's eyes.
He would surely try to conquer them later. So, he must be nipped in the bud.
Honest got up and said, "Come, follow me to the palace to see the Emperor."
"Yes, father."
...
Inside the palace.
A man knelt on one knee, constantly trying to persuade the child holding the scepter on the throne. He was the Domestic Affairs Official Shoi, of the Empire.
"Your Highness! This policy cannot be implemented!"
But the young emperor paid no attention and said, "Shoi, for presumptuously discussing my policies and delaying state affairs, I sentence you to death by dismemberment."
Upon hearing this, Shoi's eyes widened in disbelief.
Other officials broke out in cold sweat, not daring to speak up for him.
At this moment, the main hall doors opened. Honest walked in, biting a piece of meat and clapping his hands.
"Your Highness is wise. Anyone who obstructs policies should be dismembered."
The young emperor looked at him and said,
"More meat? The Minister sure can eat a lot."
"Hahaha, you must eat the meat while it's still fresh. That's when it's delicious." Honest walked over to the young emperor and squatted down.
The simple exchange between the two left everyone present holding their breath.
Shoi gnashed his teeth at this scene. "Your Majesty! You are being deceived by Honest! Please, wake up, look and listen..."
Splurt!
A pinkish lump fell to the ground.
Immediately after, wails echoed through the palace, and the surrounding officials trembled, not daring to speak.
Syura held a dagger, wiping the bloodstains from it as he looked at Shoi.
"Boring."
The young emperor and Honest watched this scene, neither of them blaming Syura.
The young emperor pointed at Shoi and said, "Minister, this fellow is still saying such things."
"He must have lost his mind, right?"
"Indeed, Minister, your words have always been correct from the start."
The conversation between the two made Shoi, who was wailing, widen his eyes in disbelief.
Just then, Honest walked down and squatted in front of Shoi.
"What a sorrowful farewell. Don't worry, I'll take good care of your wife, you don't need to worry. That's the kind of care that involves her whole body."
Shoi stared intently at Honest, wishing he could kill him but he was powerless.
Honest waved his hand towards Syura. "Syura, this fellow is yours to deal with."
"Alright."
With that, Syura smiled at Shoi and dragged him out.
Shoi stared fixedly at Honest.
"God!"
"Please kill this fellow who brings disaster to the country and its people!"
"Even if the entire Empire has to be rebuilt, it doesn't matter!"