87: The True Objective, Afoot Under Cover of Night / 88: Esdeath's Rambling, The Imperial Arms Wielder Selection

"Thank you for the meal."

Yorii Tsugikuni gave a slight nod.

He sensed no hostility from Sheele.

"Actually, Mr. Yorii Tsugikuni, after spending so long in the Imperial Capital Security Force, you should already understand much of the Empire's situation, right? The Empire has long since become beyond saving."

Sheele took a rice ball from the plate in front of Yorii Tsugikuni and slowly ate it.

As she ate, she spoke slowly with Yorii Tsugikuni.

In fact, before meeting Yorii Tsugikuni, she had rehearsed these conversations several times.

"But compared to war—"

"I cherish this hard-won peace."

When Sheele took a rice ball from his plate, Yorii Tsugikuni naturally understood.

She was showing him that there was no poison.

Even if Sheele had not done so, he could have judged whether there was anything wrong with the food from whether she harbored ill intent.

Moreover, after getting to know Ran, Yorii Tsugikuni naturally understood far more about the Empire's current state than before.

He had been born in a land ravaged by war, so Yorii Tsugikuni knew exactly how terrifying war could be.

That was why he did not wish for war to happen.

Furthermore, during this time, Yorii Tsugikuni had also come to understand much about the Revolutionary Army.

He also found it hard to believe that the Revolutionary Army could gain support from the Foreign Tribes without paying any price.

The True Purpose, an Operation Under Cover of Night

"Someone has to bear the pain, don't they?"

Sheele did not try to argue with Yorii Tsugikuni. As she ate, she quietly explained some of her own beliefs.

Having been born in the slums, she had always felt extremely indifferent toward the Empire.

Throughout her upbringing, she had experienced mostly the Empire's darkness and decay.

Besides that, she liked