"I have no one left," Kaguya said sadly. "My relatives were exiled years ago for offending the minister, and I heard they were killed by bandits on their way."
"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Leone apologized.
"It's nothing," Kaguya shook her head gently. "It was a long time ago."
"So now you..." Leone hesitated.
"I don't know," Kaguya said softly. "I have no skills or strength to avenge my family. It's just a dream. I have no plans for the future."
Kaguya's hint was clear—she was practically asking to join them.
Unexpectedly, Leone nodded, saying, "That's fine. Living for revenge isn't worth it. Your family wouldn't want that for you."
Wait, I was just saying that. Didn't you hear the hint of her wanting revenge but lacking strength? It was obvious!
Kaguya felt conflicted.
"Here's the plan," Leone said with a smile. "We'll take you to a small town where I have some connections. The Imperial Army rarely goes there, so it's quite safe."
"Is that okay?" Kaguya was at a loss for a reason to refuse. If she suddenly asked to join them, it might raise suspicions. Even though she knew they were Night Raid, Leone hadn't mentioned her membership. Saying it out loud would be too revealing.
But she couldn't think of a better excuse.
"It's no problem," Leone said, throwing an arm around Kaguya's shoulders, laughing heartily. "Don't worry, I have plenty of money from that red-light district."
Is it really okay to spend money from exploiting girls? Shouldn't it be turned over to the state?
Oh, right, it should be used to help the poor.
Sensing Kaguya's thoughts, Leone patted her shoulder, smiling. "Don't worry, that's just a small part. Most of the money has been distributed to the poor."
"You're so kind, sister," Kaguya smiled. She wasn't just being polite; giving money to the poor was admirable.
"Not at all," Leone laughed, scratching her head, modest but clearly pleased—a true tsundere.
However, Kaguya's plan to infiltrate Night Raid ultimately failed. She underestimated their caution. No matter how much she probed, they kept silent about Night Raid. Perhaps she hadn't earned their trust yet.
Kaguya didn't realize it was entirely different.
Leone liked Kaguya and didn't want her involved in this dangerous mess. Night Raid undertook perilous missions, with a high mortality rate. Few returned unscathed.
To them, Kaguya was a helpless girl. Joining Night Raid would only harm her, and the Imperial Army might capture her. With her beauty, she'd suffer terribly.
That's why they mentioned nothing of Night Raid, thinking a peaceful life in the town was best for her.
As the sun set, the sky darkened. They finally reached the small town by dusk.
The town wasn't large, with just a few hundred to a thousand residents. The wooden houses looked old, with weathered marks everywhere.
The streets were bustling, people coming and going, with shops selling fruits, vegetables, taverns, and restaurants. But as night fell, most hurried home.
Wisps of smoke curled over the town, adding tranquility to its peaceful atmosphere.
Their carriage stopped at the town's edge. Kaguya, Leone, and Lubbock stepped out.
"Sorry, we can only take you this far. I wish I could stay longer, but we have things to do," Leone said apologetically, holding Kaguya's hand.
"It's fine," Kaguya smiled gently, "I'm grateful for your care these past days."
"Don't mention it. Once I'm done," Leone grinned, "I'll come back here to have a drink with you."
Kaguya knew what she meant—killing the minister, overthrowing the Empire, bringing happiness to everyone. But that path was fraught with danger, full of obstacles and pitfalls.
In the original story, the minister used Imperial Arm to seal Leone's "Lionelle," and she was shot multiple times. Though she killed the minister, she couldn't recover due to the seal and her injuries.
In the end, Leone casually said goodbye to everyone and died peacefully in a dark alley.
"Yes, we'll meet again," Kaguya nodded, smiling as she returned from her thoughts.
"Are we leaving already?" Lubbock asked. "Why the rush? We could stay the night and leave in the morning."
"No," Leone refused instantly, snorting, "I know what you're thinking. Behave yourself."
"What?" Lubbock blushed, glancing at Kaguya. "We've been traveling for days. Shouldn't we—"
Before he finished, Leone flicked Lubbock's forehead and dragged him out of town by his collar. She turned back to Kaguya, waving with a bright smile. "Goodbye, beautiful."
"Goodbye," Kaguya waved her delicate hand, watching them leave. Her lips curled into a smile, hard to decipher.
Night Raid—are we destined to be friends or foes?