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

”Convince him? You are aware of the fact that he is the most loyal person to the emperor, right?” Mez asked with a dumbfounded expression.

”I am not planning to kill the emperor, and his family is loyal to the Empire and not to the emperor. At least that's what I have found out while investigating his family's history.” Akashi explained with a cold look in his eyes.

”Isn't that the exact same thing?” Suzuka asked while rubbing her right wrist.

”Not at all, anyway, there is no need to explain everything. After all, Honest is still your employer, isn't he? I will let you join me only after I kill him, until then, you will be under the close watch of Night Raid.” Akashi said.

”Huh?! Why do we have to do this kind of job?!” Mine asked with an annoyed tone.

”It's alright, we can look after them for a longer time. When are you going to kill Honest?” Najenda said to Mine before turning at Akashi.

”...Tomorrow, I will request the audience with the emperor, with the pretense of wanting to ask him for his blessing for my marriage with Esdeath.” Akashi replied, sharing his plans with everyone.

Esdeath immediately frowned when she heard how she is going to be used by Akashi but she hasn't said anything.

”...W-Wait...tomorrow?” Najenda exclaimed with a dumbfounded expression.

”The longer we wait, the more suspicious will Honest get since your group and Revolutionary army became too quiet these days. Not to mention that you just got rid of his personal squad.” Akashi nodded his head before intending to leave with his group.

Akashi left Mez and Suzuka in Night Raid's hands so he was sure they wouldn't interfere with his plans, he could even release them and make them return to test if they truly mean it with the thing joining him but there was no need to since everything would come to the end tomorrow.

'...' While following Akashi through the forest at night, Esdeath kept spacing out, she was feeling very complicated from following Akashi around. It was a kind of uncomfortable feeling, having to follow him around, however, she still had a chance to change everything tonight.

”Well, I will be returning home...” Mera said to Akashi with a smile.

Mera turned at Taeko and saw her unwillingness to leave.

”I guess you want to remain here, right?” Mera asked Taeko who in return firmly nodded her head.

”Then do as you wish” Mera shrugged her shoulders before turning around, intending to leave.

”Have a safe journey, could you also do me one more favor?” Akashi said before asking with a small smile, making Mera stop at her tracks.

”Sure, we will escort your new Prime Minister back to the Capital” Mera turned sideways, replying with a playful smile.

”You always know what I want...” Akashi said with a grateful smile.

”Thanks for the praise~” Mera replied in playful tone with a confident smile before turning around, leaving, swaying her hɨps on her way.

Akashi already canceled his transformation which gave him back his previous appearance, unfortunately, his stats also dropped down but it was safer walking down the streets in this appearance even though he had a cloak hiding his body.

”Can I use your bathroom to take a shower?” Esdeath asked while giving a strange challenging look to Taeko.

”Sure...” Akashi nodded his head. Hearing his answer, Esdeath went to the next room connected to his study. Although it was his study, the room even has a bed and all the necessary things here since Akashi spends here a lot of time.

”I will be going back to the guest room...” Taeko looked at Akashi before saying, making him frown down.

”Wait, is this about that look Esdeath threw at you?” Akashi was quite perceptive but, unfortunately, he didn't understand the meaning behind that look.

”It's about the thing I suggested. When I saw that look in her eyes, I immediately knew she was daring me to leave for one night, that is if my challenge still stands.” Taeko nodded her head.

”...” Akashi didn't say anything and only got closed to Taeko, pulling her close to him.

”Are you really fine with this?” Akashi asked with a serious expression yet with a gentle look in his eyes.

”...Stop keep asking me unless I really say otherwise...Of course, it feels uncomfortable but I also know that I can't take care of your needs all alone, not to mention your family, your lineage needs to also continue and I can't guarantee you a child. However! Please don't feel bad or anything like that, I am tolerating this only because I know that you truly love me and also because you keep asking me whether I don't want you to stop or not.” Taeko's eyes grew moist but her overall expression was extremely happy while looking at Akashi, when she was finally done saying this, she wrapped her arms around his neck, deeply kissing him.

”...I understand” When their lips finally parted after numerous seconds passed by, Akashi nodded with a serious expression.

”You better show her your true self...maybe she will even leave you after this night. *giggle*” Taeko said with a confident smile before she covered her mouth while she was giggling. She was usually a calm and stoic person but around Akashi, she always showed a lot of different emotions and even she herself liked it but she was unable but do the same thing around anyone else.

”*inhale* *exhale* You really want to make her regret her ideas, don't you?” Akashi took a deep breath before answering with a playful smile.

”She thinks that my Akashi is your regular man...she deserves it.” Taeko replied with the same playful smile, maybe slightly sadistic.

”Heh, I won't let you down.” Akashi chuckled and said with a smirk.

”There is one more thing I want to ask you before you leave.” Akashi said and brought his mouth closer to her ear, whispering something.

During his whispering, Taeko's expression changed numerous times, mainly to a shocked one.

”It is alright if you want to refuse, it is just a suggestion but it might help the entire situation.” Akashi said with a smile.

”No...it sounds kind of exciting although maybe a bit crazy” Taeko said with a slightly sly smile.