Najenda hesitated when faced with the New King's invitation.
Joining would be an entirely new beginning.
Not joining would mean returning to the original path.
Perhaps Abel's conditions were good, but the Empire was, after all, her home.
"I..."
"Don't be so quick to refuse."
Abel interrupted Najenda, looking at her with a serious expression as he said, "Let me be clear, my ambition is not just the North Country.
My goal is the entire world.
I will use the corrupt Empire as nourishment to strengthen myself; I will build a long-lasting, peaceful empire without nobles on its corpse!
And I will give this thousand-year-old Empire a perfect end!"
Abel looked at Najenda and spoke earnestly.
Najenda was slightly stunned; she believed that the New King before her was speaking the truth.
She also 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.
"Of course, I know."
Abel said calmly, then looked out the window, "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, like cutting a Gordian knot.
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 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 Brand, 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.
"Alright, I'll join."
Najenda finally made her decision, her gaze firm, "But for the others, I need to talk to them."
"Of course."
Abel showed a relieved smile, "This country is ours, and it is yours, and it is also theirs."
Abel said, then 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."
Under Abel's gaze, Najenda nodded, then turned and left.
"New King, are you truly ready?"
"Of course."
"I want to be the vanguard."
"No problem."
Najenda left the meeting hall and went outside.
Akame and Leone surrounded Najenda as soon as she came out.
"BOSS, how did it go?"
Facing the question, Najenda didn't speak, but instead 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 this New King is a hooligan!!"
Leone liked this country very much, but when it came to Abel, her face flushed, and she said indignantly.
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.
Then she slowly uttered two words, "Very good."
Najenda looked at the two of them, then nodded, "I've decided to join this country."
Leone was first delighted, then a little worried: "What about our former comrades then? Brand and the others, will they disagree?"
Akame also 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."
"No need, you two stay here; perhaps you can help them."
"BOSS, are you really okay going alone?"
"Of course, don't worry."
Najenda made some simple arrangements, then left Akame and Leone, and went back to Night Raid alone.
...
Imperial Capital, Minister's Residence.
Honest was still the same, eating dried meat without stopping.
At this moment, hurried footsteps quickly entered.
Bang!!
The door was kicked open directly.
"Father! My subordinate Champ is dead!"
"That Esdeath has betrayed the country!!"
Syura rushed in furiously, saying to his father.
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."
Listening to his father's words, Syura calmed down.
Yes, useless trash dies if they die, but it's a shame about the Imperial Arm—Quick Throw, Chaotic Threads [Grand Pitcher].
And his father's Imperial Arm could destroy Imperial Arms.
So, that Esdeath was also nothing to worry about.
Honest wiped his greasy hands with a towel.
As for Esdeath's betrayal.
He wasn't surprised; this woman was ambitious and would cause trouble sooner or later.
"However, that New King of the North Country must be dealt with."
A sinister glint flashed in Honest's eyes.
To dare to do this in just a month, he would surely try to conquer them later.
So, he must be nipped in the bud.
Honest got up and said to Syura, "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 Court Official Shauer, of this country.
"Your Highness! This policy cannot be implemented!!"
But the young emperor paid no attention; he held the scepter with both hands and said calmly to Shauer.
"Court Official Shauer, for presumptuously discussing my policies and delaying state affairs, I sentence you to death by dismemberment."
Upon hearing this, Shauer's eyes widened in disbelief.
Other officials also 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."
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