Chapter 163

The black-haired girl's crimson eyes glanced at the orange-haired girl sitting in the far corner opposite her, wearing headphones.

"Ah, sorry, did I interrupt your private conversation?"

Although she was expressing her apology, Chelsea's smile remained unchanged, making it hard to discern any sincerity.

If the characters in the original story could treat her with a relatively normal sense of friendship, now they all harbor more or less wariness and dislike towards her.

After all, Chelsea's addition in the original story was a normal personnel replenishment, but now it blatantly reveals a surveillance implication, which is hard not to make the Night Raid team pay close attention to.

Chelsea knew what was going on, so she didn't try to fit in right away. She had met too many people, and she was very familiar with the idealists of Night Raid. If she did that, she would only be more ostracized.

Rather than doing that, she might as well be an outsider and find an opportunity to gain favor. Even if she didn't have the chance, it wouldn't matter, since her real goal was to please Necrass anyway.

"Snort."

The orange-haired girl's answer made Mine, who was usually quite straightforward Mine, snort coldly, and openly express her dislike for her.

"Mine- chan?"

Chelsea looked innocent and confused, seemingly not understanding why Mine was acting this way. But it was precisely this that made her expression seem provocative. However, everyone with sharp eyes could see her hidden unease and apprehension, clearly using a provocative attitude to cover up her true feelings.

This is also why Akame is conflicted. If the other party is clearly just a spy, then they don't need to care and can simply reject them. But the other party seems to be a pitiful pawn that has been pushed out and is caught in the middle.

Others shared a similar idea.

But what they didn't know was that even the hidden emotions that everyone seemed to have noticed were actually acted out by Chelsea.

Only Mine was truly ruthless towards her, Mine probably didn't realize it either.

Chelsea couldn't help but think of her Imperial Arm, 'Roman Pumpkin'.

It is a cannon-type Imperial Arm that can increase its power according to the user's situation. The more dangerous the situation, the stronger the power. To use it well, one must not only have excellent shooting skills, but also superhuman acuity.

Mine didn't notice anything amiss with her, yet she was able to resist her so strongly because of that keen perception.

Chelsea just thought she was difficult to deal with.

With many people harboring different and complex thoughts, the next day arrived.

As the carriage drew ever closer to the Earl gates, everyone strained to their fullest.

They're about to meet their new boss.

Chapter Twenty: Necrass's Self.

Nadjeshda and Night Raid did not arrive together; they had arrived the previous night and were now standing at the mansion gate, clearly there to greet everyone.

One by one, they jumped off the carriage, Akame stood at the front on behalf of everyone: "BOSS".

"Haha, just call me Nadjeshda. After all, Night Raid has now been assigned to Lady Necrass's command."

Nadjeshda laughed heartily; although she had been demoted, she was clearly in a good mood.

"I feel like calling him 'BOSS' is still easier to say."

Mine wasn't really happy with the transfer; she still preferred Nadjeshda to be the leader of the Night Raid. But seeing how happy Nadjeshda was, she didn't say anything more.

Of course, the fact that we were on someone else's turf at the time also played a role.

"Bo... Nadjeshda... May I ask what kind of person Lady Necrass is?"

Lubbock began somewhat hesitantly.

BOSS is indeed a more conventional title, but almost no one knows that the reason he joined the Revolutionary Army and Night Raid was because he fell in love with Nadjeshda at first sight. Now that he has the opportunity to say that name without it being too abrupt, he is actually quite excited.

Although it was a statement made in the heat of the moment, it was indeed the information that everyone wanted to know.

They did ask Akame, but Akame's answer was too subjective and could only be used as Akame reference.

"Hmm... let's talk about this as we walk."

Nadjeshda gestured for them to proceed, then led the way at a slow pace, deliberately slowing down to allow time for the conversation to continue.

Everyone knew this was an important step for them to get to know their new boss, and even Mine was listening intently.

"If I had to pinpoint the most obvious trait... it would probably be 'self'."

"Self?"

Brand frowned slightly. Although he had learned some things from Akame, Nadjeshda's opening remarks confirmed that this new boss was definitely not someone to be trifled with.

"Yes."

Nadjeshda nodded. "She has a strong sense of self just like Esdeath, and she won't easily change because of others. She has an extremely clear understanding of what she wants and what she wants to do. If Esdeath's self is a desire for war and battle, then Lady Necrass is about realizing her own value."

"My own value?"

Mine was puzzled.

She could understand Esdeath's part, but the next sentence took her to a level she only vaguely understood.

"She once said something to me."

Recalling the scene at that time, even now Nadjeshda can feel the shock she felt back then. "Power was the reason for becoming king. In her view, she was born strong and had the power to stand at the top of the world, so she should rightfully stand at the top of the world."

"Power, fame, people, land—all these are important to Lady Necrass, but their importance to Necrass does not lie in themselves, but in the fact that Lady Necrass's self-worth requires all of these to serve as a backdrop for her."

"How arrogant..."

Mine couldn't help but purse her lips.

"It's less about arrogance and more about her having a way of thinking that's different from everyone else's."

Brand, however, gleaned from this glimpse why Nadjeshda had left the Revolutionary Army and decided to follow Necrass instead.

Because once Necrass achieves the self-worth she seeks, Necrass will become a being without desire, unless she finds a new goal for her self-worth.

An emperor without desires may not necessarily do good deeds, but he is also unlikely to do bad ones. In this case, whether the country is good or bad may depend on the people below him.

Nadjeshda was probably eyeing this opportunity.

"So... Lady Necrass is a terrifying person?"

Tatsumi had actually been in a good mood these past two days because the territory of his hometown village had been covered by Necrass's sphere of influence. At Nadjeshda's instruction, Necrass generously distributed the grain from the granary to various parts of her territory, including his village.

Therefore, he actually had a good impression of Necrass.

But judging from Nadjeshda's words, she doesn't seem like an easy person to get along with.

When Brand realized he had misunderstood, he explained what he had just thought of.

Nadjeshda nodded in agreement. "That's right. Necrass became queen not because she was power-hungry, but simply because the throne was there. I've also learned from my interactions with Necrass that she is not the kind of emperor who would exploit and oppress the common people."

"What? Isn't that great?"

Tatsumi finally understood.

Akame gave him a complicated look.

"Don't be careless, Tatsumi."

Brand was somewhat exasperated by Tatsumi's naiveté, but this naive sincerity was also one of the factors that made Tatsumi grow stronger so quickly. Thinking of this, he shook his head and sighed as he explained, "The BOSS has already mentioned that she is an extremely self-centered person. Her kindness to the people is just a byproduct of her journey. Don't really think of her as a kind and gentle philanthropist."

Nadjeshda didn't immediately correct Brand's slip of the tongue, but instead agreed with him, "That's right, it's best to be careful with your words in front of Lady Necrass."

"I... I'll be careful."

Tatsumi shrank back.

He had only interacted with the villagers from his own village and his companions from the Night Raid before. None of these people were difficult to get along with or required him to be wary of. Even Nadjeshda, the only superior in the Night Raid, was a gentle and kind boss.

Therefore, he actually had no experience in being careful with his words and actions.

He was so afraid that he might offend his boss by not knowing the rules and cause an unpleasant situation that he was already tense and his face was taut.

Seeing this, Nadjeshda chuckled and said, "Alright, there's no need to be so tense. Lady Necrass isn't the cruel and heartless type. She's quite tolerant of capable people."

She herself was the best example. She had brought up many offensive topics, but Necrass never punished her or even got angry.

This remark brought a slight sense of relief to everyone, but Tatsumi was even more drenched in sweat.

Is he included among the capable people? His strength seemed to be almost invisible for most of the Night Raid...

With a sense of tension, the group followed Nadjeshda into Necrass's office.

Her figure, sitting at her desk with her back to the sunlight, was almost completely blackened, making her indistinguishable for a moment before everyone could see her clearly.

She was a woman with long Platinum blonde hair and green eyes. With her back to the sunlight, she put down the documents in her hand after everyone entered. Her green eyes, which seemed to reflect the abyss, silently swept over everyone, making them feel a chill run down their spines.

Then, she smiled.

"Welcome, Night Raid."

Chapter Twenty-One: Akame in a Time-Condensed Situation.

The sense of danger that had been lingering around them quietly disappeared, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Tatsumi had almost fallen to the ground just now. If it weren't for his rapid progress in recent times and his several encounters with the aura of powerful figures, he would probably have really embarrassed himself.

Even now, he felt a wave of exhaustion.

Leone's feelings were even more pronounced. In fact, she was already feeling a bit agitated when she arrived at the mansion. This feeling of being like a lamb entering a tiger's den was something she had never experienced before, like a weak and helpless human carrying a torch into a cave that was only a few meters away.

The ever-present sense of crisis made it difficult for her to maintain her good condition.

Only then was he finally able to show a smile that wasn't so stiff.

Good morning, Lady Necrass.

Nadjeshda naturally faced Necrass's imposing manner. She was not surprised by the other party's show of force, after all, Night Raid was someone the other party wanted to recruit as a personal guard.

During her conversation with Liver, who had regained his senses and had a complex expression, Nadjeshda also learned about the situation the Three Beasts had faced with Necrass.

Apart from him, the other two were so shocked that they couldn't even move or speak.

Liver and she weren't exactly acquaintances, but they had both served the empire and had met a few times, so they weren't complete strangers.

Necrass didn't expect Night Raid to be much stronger than them, but at least they couldn't be as incompetent as the Three Beasts.

"Morning."

The purple Dragon Woman's voice sounded somewhat languid and casual. At this moment, she didn't seem like a person in a superior position, but more like an elegant and easy-going young lady... If you think like that, then you don't deserve to stay here.

"I told you to wait for me at the restaurant, right?"

Necrass curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

"That being said, everyone is quite eager to get started."

Nadjeshda knew that while Necrass was tolerant of talented people, she disliked those who lacked ambition and autonomy.

It's not that I dislike it, but rather that such an existence wouldn't be valued by Necrass; it would only be used as a useful prop.

Of course, this doesn't mean that constantly going against her is a good choice; it just means that as subordinates, they must show a more positive attitude at appropriate times so that Necrass can see their desire to improve.

The Night Raid already knew a fair bit about Necrass's preferences for her subordinates on their way there, so they didn't show any signs of anything amiss.

Rather than eating, they were more eager to meet each other.

"I see."

Necrass showed no emotion and continued, "My first impression of you is not bad. We will have many opportunities to communicate and get to know each other in the future. I will give you your first task later. You can leave now. Akame, stay here."

Seeing her attitude, Nadjeshda guessed that she was fairly satisfied.

As for why Akame stayed behind, most of the Night Raid members were completely baffled, with only Akame and Nadjeshda having some guesses.

After everyone had left, Necrass spoke up, "Akame, you should be well aware of Yatsufusa's power."

"...Yes."

Akame nodded. "If used properly, Yatsufusa will have the power to Imperial Arms User single-handedly."

After all, that's the ability to manipulate corpses. As long as there are several Special Grade Danger Beast, it's not a pipe dream to fight outnumbered. Moreover, it's an ability that counters Murasame, because Murasame's curse poison can no longer kill the already lost entity.

At that point, Murasame's only advantage will be that it is harder than a regular knife.

Therefore, Akame clearly understands why Necrass has taken a liking to Kurome and intends to bring Kurome under her wing.

As Kurohime's Kurome sister, Necrass couldn't possibly leave such a status unused. The thought that if she failed, Necrass might choose to kill Kurome herself and turn her into a servant made Akame feel suffocated.

That's something that absolutely cannot happen...

Her sister either lives well in the world, even if she hates her being alive, or dies at her hands and sleeps forever underground.