Chapter 107 - #106 Discussion (1/2)

”Here you go, please don't expect much...” Spear come back and put 3 plates full of food on the dining table. It was visible that she was extremely nervous.

”Thanks, I am sure it's great judging just by its smell.” I replied with a small smile to reassure her.

It was a steak from those Snow Wolves we hunted together with rice and a mixture of herbs.

”Thank you, Spear” Chouri also thanked with a warm smile while accepting the meal.

All of us were about to take the first bite but I noticed Spear waiting while glancing at me with an extremely nervous expression. I decided to ignore it and just took the first bite.

”So...? Is it good enough?” She asked with a low voice.

”It is good de-” Chouri was the first to answer but he was interrupted by Spear.

”Shh!” She gestured for him to be quiet while she was waiting for my answer.

”It's splendid, very rich in flavor and combination of herbs is also incredible. Overall this is a very tasty and healthy meal, I am more than satisfied. I am glad that I chose this reward for saving you” I said while slowly nodding with a satisfied smile. I wasn't even lying because the meal is truly good and satisfying, it is apparent that she was raised in the Capital and in a higher social class.

”T-Thank you!” She finally relaxed when she heard my answer and thanked me with a strong voice.

'...' Chouri kept glancing from his daughter and Akashi without any stop.

'Is my daughter interested in this man or are they just friends? Well, through that small talk, I was able to discover his personality and it definitely isn't bad. Also, his bearing doesn't exactly match just normal hunter...I have no way how to describe it. He really acts like one but something tells me the opposite. It's like he is shrouded in an impenetrable mysterious mist.' Chouri thought to himself, he was also scouting Akashi's character.

'...I also can't get rid of feeling that I already knew him before...what a strange feeling.' Chouri was slightly annoyed that he couldn't recall where he could have met Akashi in the past.

---

We kept on talking happily while devouring the food prepared by Spear before I deemed that it was the right time to dig into a more sėnsɨtɨvė subject.

”mister Chouri, may I ask you one question?” I asked while making it look like I was looking down but I was just hiding my expression behind my bangs.

”No need for mister thing! And ask anything you want, haha” He answered with a hearty laugh.

Spear sitting between us could only glance between us with a nervous expression, most likely wondering what I was going to ask.

”You have said that you want to fight the current Prime Minister of the Empire, right? If that's the case, why won't you ally with the Revolutionary army? I believe that they would welcome someone of high position like you.” I asked with tone devoid of any emotions.

”?! You know...I don't think what they are doing is right for the good of the Empire. I could be mistaken but that's my belief. They aren't strong enough to oppose the entire Empire and only cause more suffering to people due to creating more wars and battlefields. Armies need money and food, and where will they take it from? Of course from the poor.” Even Chouri sensed that atmosphere changed a bit but he quickly disregarded it before explaining with a slightly angered and sad expression.

”But I am not saying that it's their fault that the Empire is taking from the poor...however, they still play some role in it. Not to mention that other countries that will be eyeing the Empire after it will be truly weakened by this civil war. I want to win this from within while preserving some of the Empire's military strength.” He continued his explanation and Spear by the time he finished looked slightly worried by this entire atmosphere in the room.

”...” I didn't reply to him for a good 5 seconds and both of them were only watching me warily.

”Pfff”

”Huh?” Both of them looked at me with a surprised expression when they heard my low chuckling.

”Hahaha, finally someone who is using their brain. Thank you for this conversation, previous Prime Minister Chouri.” I laughed while wiping away a few tears from the corner of my eyes.

”?! W-Who are you?” By this time, Chouri finally realized that previously I was only acting. He seemed to be cautious but he didn't order his daughter to call guards or anyone which means that he can sense that I have no hostile intentions.

”My apologies for late introductions! My full name is Akashi Phoenix.” I took off a long coat that I bought on my way here in one of the villages just to reveal my black neat military attire, a very typical style of clothing for the Empire. I put my right hand to my heart and then performed a low bow with an amused smile.

”...?!! Wait! You are from that family which must mean that you are...” Chouri spent a few seconds looking at me while browsing his mind before he exclaimed with a completely shocked expression.

”?! Father? What is going on?” Spear was completely confused, she was also no longer sitting and just kept glancing at me and her father.

”Relax a bit Spear, there is no need to be as shocked as your father, just let him absorb the information.” I said with a small smile while looking at Spear.