Chapter 181 - #180 The time has come (1/2)

Akashi approached Mez and Suzuka and burned their restraints. They in return looked at him with confused expressions.

”What exactly is happening here?” Mez had no idea if Akashi was a friend or enemy and even if he was an enemy, she had no confidence in going against him.

”Yeah, I didn't mind it, it actually felt pretty good and even better when being watched...I guess I discovered something new about me thanks to everyone.” Suzuka however had other priorities although Akashi could see that she was just joking.

'Quite carefree despite being around so many people who can kill her in a second...' Akashi admired her ability to discard the pressure she feels.

”You shut up already!” Mez growled at Suzuka before turning at Akashi.

”It is simply as it looks, I am going to kill Honest and take over the Empire” Akashi bluntly said, making two girls slightly dumbfounded.

”...Why weren't we killed if that is the case?” Mez asked after collecting her thoughts.

”Because there will be a lot of work to do and I need capable people plus we already worked together once, haven't we?” Akashi explained while putting his arms on their shoulders and pushing their faces closer, forcing them to take a closer look into his eyes.

*Gulp* *Gulp* Both of them gulped down their saliva but each for a different reason than the other.

”Ha-ha, if you have even General Esdeath on your side then I guess there is no one who can stop you...” Mez released an awkward laugh but she still agreed that Honest has no chance.

”You also owe me one, Suzuka” Akashi said with a ”friendly” smile.

”Huh?” Suzuka had confused expression which was enough to tell Akashi that she has no idea what he is talking about.

”Do you remember that night...when you tried to sneak into my tent?” Akashi asked with a cold smile.

”Ah...that...T-That was just fun, you know...” Suzuka replied with a nervous expression.

”I see, so you think of raping someone as a fun...interesting” Akashi nodded his head in ”understanding” with his eyes closed.

”WHAT?!!” Everyone except for Taeko and Mez exclaimed with dumbfounded expressions.

”W-Wait! I wasn't trying to **** you...at least it wasn't my plan at first!” Suzuka quickly denied his words just to practically admit it later on.

Everyone looked at her with blank expressions, making her feel as if she was being judged, not like Suzuka minded it.

”So it was my fault that I was sleeping and looking so ”defenseless”, right?” Akashi asked with a smile.

”Yes- *cough* I mean no...” Suzuka replied awkwardly.

'I guess that should be enough' Akashi thought and let two of them go, taking a few steps back. His intention was just to make them feel more comfortable, although he was aware that they don't fear death, the right mood was still required to make them more cooperative.

”Tell me, why do you work for Honest?” Akashi asked with his arms covered in black scales folded.

Hearing his question, both Mez and Suzuka looked at each other with a confused expression before turning at him.

”Because he is our employer...?” Mez answered.

”Because he is the one in control of everything...?” Suzuka added.

”I figured as much...girls, you should also learn something about loyalty. Heck, you weren't even friends with other Rakshasa Demons...” Akashi said while grabbing his forehead with a tired expression.

”I might try if you will let me have a taste-” Suzuka tried to say something but she was quickly interrupted by Mez who glared at her.

”Those 2 were a pain in the ȧss but at least they could have been called rivals...However, if I have to call someone a friend, it would be you, Akashi. It was the first time I truly felt entertained out of the battle, you have a serious side to you however you can also accept some childish acts from Suzuka.” Mez folded her arms and said while looking sideways.

”Brrr, that sounded even more embarrassing than when I said this in my mind.” Mez shivered a bit since this was really out of her character. She was usually playful and not serious like this.

”...Hey, I have a proposal for you two.” Akashi said after observing them for a bit.

”Hm?” Both of them focused on him with curious expressions.

”I won't kill you so you have 2 options to pick from. You can either join me and help me after I kill Honest or you will be forced to accept banishment from the Empire. Of course, I won't let you act as you want to if you will join me and if you will truly fuċk up at that time, I won't be so kind the second time. Therefore, choose very carefully.” Akashi said with narrowed eyes, one glowing with orange color and other with crimson color.

”We will join!” Both of them said in unison without any hesitation.

”Good...I will be watching you” Akashi turned his back at them and said while glancing being him.

Both Mez and Suzuka just nodded their heads with a wide smile across their faces.

”Still, Great General Budo might prove to be quite annoying, no?” Mez caught up to Akashi and asked while standing next to him, leaning forward, observing his changed face more carefully.

”Let him oppose us, I always wanted to fight him” Esdeath said with a cold smile and a sadistic look in her eyes.

”No, Budo is someone I want to convince to join me.” Akashi immediately refused Esdeath's dėsɨrė to fight.