Chapter 164

Necrass's actions would be unacceptable to Akame if applied to Kurome.

Therefore, whether it's due to orders, the situation, or personal reasons, Akame must persuade Kurome.

"Now that you know this, you understand what you should do, right?"

Necrass continued.

"Yes, I will persuade Kurome to submit to Lady Necrass."

Akame nodded.

"So... what do you plan to do?"

"I will explain to her the corruption of the empire and make her realize that the empire cannot bring the peaceful and happy world that her companions strive for."

Her answer left Necrass breathless.

Amber considers herself a normal person with little to no gravity, so her understanding of the Akame and Kurome sisters isn't very deep. But even now, Akame's attempts to communicate with Kurome haven't hit the mark.

It's not that it missed a crucial point; in fact, it was quite crucial. However, this only allows Kurome to temporarily escape from hatred, but it cannot allow Kurome to truly move on from the past.

"Akame, do you know that?"

Necrass decided to give her a hint: "Sometimes, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of blood ties and family."

Upon hearing this, Akame looked at Necrass in confusion, realizing that the other woman was referring to her and Kurome.

"If a soldier has no attachments, he will have no fear of death, be invincible, and die bravely."

Necrass's tone was calm, yet it had a magical power to calm people down. "But such a warrior can never be controlled, because he knows no fear and will never bow his head to anything."

"Those who can be controlled and restrained are those who have families."

Necrass then revealed the key point. "When you have a family, you have a weakness. Death will frighten you. This fear does not come from death itself, but from the inability to ascertain the safety and happiness of your family after death. Such a warrior will also be born with even greater strength because of his fear of death."

"This is the beauty that comes from blood ties and family affection."

Akame understood this. It was her longing for and attachment to her younger sister that kept her going through countless life-or-death situations.

She didn't ask why being controlled was also wonderful, because it was obvious that the other party was the one in control, so of course they felt it was wonderful.

But she wasn't really lacking in emotional intelligence. After Necrass finished speaking, she understood what Necrass meant. "You mean... I should use family ties to move Kurome?"

"She is now that warrior who knows nothing of death, a ghost who lives only by her obsession and the past, whose self has long since died."

A cold glint appeared in Necrass's eyes. "Such an existence has no value in this world. The next war against the Empire is in three days. Your time is running out, Akame."

The black-haired girl stiffened under his gaze, but said firmly, "I will complete the mission."

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Acceptance of the Night Raid

Necrass wasn't necessarily forcing Akame to complete this task within this timeframe. In fact, even if the time for the expedition came, as long as Kurome didn't show any hostility towards her or cause any trouble, she would find a pretext to let the matter drop.

However, people may not know how much potential (eloquence) they can unleash unless they push themselves.

After telling Akame she could go find her companions, Necrass finally showed her exhaustion.

It's exhausting. Maintaining a mindset and behavior that's not like myself is much more tiring than I imagined.

Thinking about this, she couldn't help but want to confide in someone she knew well.

[Necrass: Ugh, I can't take it!]

Amber: You've worked hard.

[Castorice: Thank you for your hard work]

Amber:... Your approval rating is rising very quickly!

[Necrass:... Yes, but it's mostly the approval from ordinary people. Among the story characters, only Esdeath and Nadjeshda give me a lot of approval. Most of the story characters don't approve of me.]

[Amber: What does it matter? Recognition doesn't discriminate based on status or social standing, right?]

[Necrass: So, thank you for your comfort?]

Amber, feeling embarrassed, realized that the Character Card she had assigned herself was indeed putting her in a difficult position, and she could only pretend to be clueless.

Amber: Hehe

Even with the original body in such a state, Necrass sighed and chose to forgive.

[Castorice: As expected, the recognition gained from expanding one's reputation like this far surpasses that from simply staying by the side of a story character. Come to think of it, if it weren't for the speed at which recognition increases, I wouldn't even know who the story characters are in my world.]

After all, this isn't based on strength; sometimes a weak person might be a character in the story, while a strong person might not.

[Necrass: That's true, but I always feel like I'm being treated like a dangerous person, and I'm so uncomfortable with that feeling...]

[Jingliu: You'll get used to it]

[Amber: Speaking of which, do you want a land-based ship? Hina is doing quite well in Arknights now; you can get one without spending reputation points.]

[Necrass: Never mind, it would ruin the worldview that Miss Amber has worked so hard to maintain.]

Amber: Watch out, Sakiko will charge you copyright fees!

[Sorazaki Hina: Children... I think I've met Shoko Toyokawa in this world... not just her, but also the others from Avemujica...]

Amber:?

[Necrass:?]

[Castorice:?]

[Amber: This is a bit beyond my comprehension. I haven't sensed any new Otherworld on Earth. Besides, Sakiko and the others are on Earth right now, I'm sure of that.]

Avemujica in Arknights? Why would I have such a dream?

Necrass wanted to see what was going on, but there was a knock on the door.

"Lady Necrass, it's time for your meal."

Liver's voice came from behind the door. Necrass hesitated for a moment, but still did not continue to indulge in the Internet and neglect her studies.

Anyway, we can look at it later.

When Necrass arrived at the restaurant, the Night Raid members were having their own discussions. Necrass was a little disappointed that she had arrived too late because she hadn't seen Hill, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Upon seeing Necrass approach, everyone immediately fell silent, Nadjeshda naturally greeted Necrass on behalf of the group.

Necrass took her seat in the main seat and glanced at the Night Raid members sitting in the two rows. Finally, she felt a little less lonely.

The chefs and servants pushed the prepared dishes into the dining room one by one and placed them on the table. While they might not be perfect in color, aroma, and taste, they were at least very presentable. After all, they were specially trained by the former Earl for his enjoyment, so the presentation had to be impeccable.

While waiting for the chef to serve the dishes, Necrass said, "Perhaps you've heard from Akame or Nadjeshda that in three days I will set off from here to march towards Lavish City in the southwest. If nothing unexpected happens, that will be the biggest obstacle on our way."

"You mean Esdeath...?"

Nadjeshda naturally thought of this.

She naturally knew the whole story and the harsh words Esdeath had uttered. Unlike others, Esdeath's harsh words were not just empty words; the other party must have been making ample preparations for them during this time.

The place where the other side is most likely to be waiting for them is Lavish City.

Not only because it was one of the ministers' greatest sources of wealth and had many skilled fighters to participate in the battle, but more importantly because Esdeath was undoubtedly eager to get started.

Thinking about this, she felt somewhat heavy-hearted.

In order to preserve the city's integrity and the lives of civilians to the greatest extent possible, it's not hard to understand why Necrass let Esdeath go; Nadjeshda would have done the same.

But the price of letting the tiger return to the mountain is too heavy.

However, this situation is probably caused by Necrass's extreme self-confidence.

"I understand, but before that..."

Nadjeshda took out a report, which was meant to be presented in a more formal setting, but she noticed that Necrass liked to discuss things over meals, so she simply took it out when the conversation turned to this point.

"This is a list compiled by the Revolutionary Army members, some of whom are their disciples or children, and others are themselves."

"Oh?"

Necrass took the document and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Although the number is small, I can guarantee that none of them are corrupt."

Nadjeshda explained, "These people can help us take control of subordinates who don't have their own people in place more quickly."

Necrass laughed, "I didn't expect you to be so fast."

She was actually prepared to let the lords of those subordinate territories enjoy their comfort for a while longer. After all, Eugene was stretched thin, and the sudden influx of barons and viscounts required management and oversight, which was not something one person could accomplish quickly within a month.

To put it bluntly, her manpower simply couldn't keep up with her expansion speed.

There are many capable people, but few that you can trust to use.

Nadjeshda acknowledged Necrass's keen eye for talent. She might not be the most skilled combatant, but she was certainly an excellent mentor and administrator. Look at the people in Night Raid —they were all selfless, loyal, and upright idealists. These were people Nadjeshda had gathered together, either nurtured or discovered at first glance.

Nadjeshda possesses exceptional skill and insight in cultivating and identifying ambitious individuals.

Necrass felt reassured leaving this matter to Nadjeshda.

Sensing Necrass's unwavering trust, Nadjeshda's smile grew even brighter.

The others from the Night Raid did not participate in the conversation, but they were aware of the high regard Nadjeshda was held in under Necrass and the Nadjeshda joy she felt.

Without anyone noticing, the Night Raid members gave Necrass tens of thousands of points of approval.

Necrass:...

So this is how you do a Night Raid?