Chapter 56 - #55 Akame? (2/2)

”Don't try to hide it...You have been staring at that boy for some time. Tehee, what is it? Did he perhaps charm you~?! Unfortunately, it looked like he already has a lady with him...” Poney giggled when she saw Akame's reaction and questioned her with a teasing expression and big smile before her a slightly sad smile appeared on her face when she mentioned the woman who was Taeko.

”No, that's not it...” Akame shook her head and replied with a thoughtful expression while returning her gaze at the inn's entrance.

'...What was that feeling? Why did he seem so familiar? I can't recall anyone with that appearance. *sigh* I guess there is no need to dwell on it.' Akame thought with a slightly disappointed expression before shaking her head to get rid of those useless thoughts, she came here to eat a lot of meat, no need to think hard about it.

Gozuki just glanced at Poney and Akame before looking at the inn's entrance with a thoughtful expression.

'That guy...his back was totally unguarded like a usual civilian, however, what is the reason behind that chill I felt down my spine when I thought of ambushing him? It was only for a small moment before that feeling completely disappeared but...what was that?' Gozuki thought while he recalled Katsura's carefree smile with his wide-open back.

”Well, let's go in.”

----Back to Akashi----

I thought with my mind a bit in disarray.

”What is it?” Taeko sensed that I was thinking about something really hard so she tightened her grasp on my hand to wake me up from my thoughts.

”...It's nothing” I was slightly surprised by her voice so I closed my eyes and reopened them after a few seconds with complete calmness.

”Mm” Taeko nodded with a smile after seeing me regain my calmness.

...That's right, I can't let something like that shake me, that's something not even Raksaya would want to see from me.

I thought when I saw Taeko's genuine smile.

Anyway...I understand that we are still in the main hall, waiting to be registered but why is she still holding my hand?

Well, it doesn't bother me so I won't say anything for now and see when she will distance herself.

Also...should I tell them who those ȧssassins are? It's not like I am 100 percent sure that those girls and Gozuki are part of that group we are pursuing but for us to meet them here can't be a coincidence. 99 percent for them being the ones we are looking for. I will see how they are going to deal with it and after that, I will decide.

”...How long do you 2 plan on holding hands? This is not your honeymoon, wait until this mission is done. But I must mention that it indeed gives us a better disguise.” Babara also noticed this fact and glanced at our hands while asking with a slightly annoyed tone but under that tone, she wore a teasing smile.

”?...?! I am sorry, I forgot” Taeko looked a bit confused at first but she instantly realized that she is still holding my hand so she quickly let go with a slightly ashamed expression while blushing a bit.

.

.

.

We couldn't find Chelsea at all and she didn't come to us either, so we stopped waiting for her and instead went to get our lunch since it was already quite late.

...

”So what do you plan to do for the rest of the day?” I asked with a slightly curious expression and an amused smile.

”Wait...” Babara shortly replied while stuffing herself with a hamburger.

I couldn't help but simply look weirdly at that sight in right in front of me.

”Are you looking for someone in particular?” I asked her with a smile when I noticed how she was sitting near the window, occasionally looking out of it.

”...Maybe but it looks like they already went somewhere so it's too late already. We will have to wait until tomorrow. Plus we don't have Chelsea with us, she is the best person for tailing someone.” She replied with a slightly disappointed tone.

Did she actually notice Akame's group? She is really experienced...her age definitely means something. And I must agree with her that the make-up girl is the best for such a job with her means.

However, if I have to guess, she suspects Gozuki since he looks kinda creepy. But I still need to praise his skill to hide his aura.

Either way, there is no need to tell them anything if they are on their tracks. It's also a good way how to observe their skills in action. I have been thinking for quite a long time about recruiting those two and maybe even the entire Oarburgh clan but there is one problem...Merraid Oarburgh

The current leader and also a man-hater, my relationship with her is already quite bad and her clan wouldn't follow me without her approval. I will see what I can do...and even if I don't want to do ”that”...I will still observe Babara, Taeko and even that make-up girl just to discover all their strengths and weaknesses in case I would need to get rid of them one day...But I hope that won't happen, at least in Taeko's case...I won't lie but even that granny is kinda funny to be around. Well, only time will tell if they are truly my allies and friends.