In the forest outside the Imperial Capital.
It was early summer, and the lush green grass swayed beneath the trees, which were full of vibrant leaves. Flowers bloomed in vivid colors, and a gentle breeze brought warmth, rustling the leaves softly.
Leaning against a large tree was a pink-haired girl with twin pigtails, holding a small pink flower in her hand. Her gaze was fixed on the distant, bustling capital, lost in thought.
This girl was Mine.
"Hey, shorty with no chest, what are you doing here?" a teasing voice suddenly came from behind her—it was Chelsea.
Ever since their time spent together in the dungeon, their relationship had mellowed, becoming much more amicable than before. They no longer fought like fire and water and had even grown close. Although they still bickered often, it was more like the banter between close friends.
"Hmph." Mine huffed and turned her back to Chelsea, refusing to acknowledge her.
"Huh?" Chelsea's eyes widened in surprise. "What's wrong with you today? You're not getting angry. Could it be that you've changed?"
"What, is it only normal if I argue with you?" Mine shot her a glare. "Are you into that or something?"
"Into what?" Chelsea asked, genuinely confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"You don't even know what that means? Is your brain just for show?" Mine scoffed.
"Then what does it mean?" Chelsea asked curiously.
"It means—"
Mine stopped mid-sentence, pursing her lips as a hint of sadness crossed her face.
"What's wrong?" Chelsea, with her hands behind her back, leaned in closer, curious. "Got something on your mind?"
"Of course not!" Mine quickly pushed Chelsea away, flustered. "I don't, and stop getting so close to me!"
"Is that so?" Chelsea grinned mischievously. "I bet it's something that person told you, huh?"
"No, it's not!" Mine said nonchalantly, though her thoughts drifted back to the time she'd been teased with that term after getting spanked, which made her blush just thinking about it.
"I knew it!" Chelsea's expression was one of disbelief. "Could it be..."
"Could it be what?" Mine snapped. "Don't start imagining things!"
"Five points," Chelsea said, holding up five fingers.
"What?" Mine asked, puzzled.
"Nothing," Chelsea laughed. "But don't you really hate that person?"
"Of course I do," Mine replied, her mind flashing to that person's smiling face. She pursed her lips and crushed the flower in her hand. "I hate her a lot."
"Eight points," Chelsea said, raising her hand to show eight fingers with a playful smirk.
"Huh?" Mine asked, confused.
"Oh, nothing. I'm just calculating the odds," Chelsea giggled. "If it was five points just now, then now it's eight."
"What are you even talking about?" Mine asked, irritated.
"I'm saying that you've definitely fallen for that person," Chelsea teased.
Mine froze, her pale cheeks instantly turning bright red. "Don't joke around! How could I possibly like that person? If you keep saying that, I'll really get mad!"
"Ten points," Chelsea said, wrapping an arm around Mine's shoulder with a grin. "Alright, fine, you don't like her. But from the start until now, I haven't mentioned any names. How do you know who I'm talking about?"
Mine's face turned even redder, like a ripe apple.
Inside the golden palace.
The reception hall of the palace was as opulent as the capital itself—extravagant and splendid. The walls were gilded, the floors paved with gold-plated tiles, the furniture crafted from fine sandalwood, and the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were all symbols of imperial luxury.
Since Kaguya had ascended the throne, this reception hall had rarely been used. Not even during the banquet to celebrate her coronation had it been opened.
But today, the grand reception hall was filled with many guests, including Night Raid members Najenda, Leone, Sheele, and Akame. Former members of the Imperial Army were also present, such as the young emperor Christine, Esdeath, Kurome, and Seryu. Even Ieyasu, Sayo, Kije, and Logue had gathered here.
They all glanced at each other, unsure of the reason for Kaguya's invitation, whispering amongst themselves.
At that moment, a silver-haired girl in an elegant red-and-black Gothic dress entered the room. Her black stockings wrapped perfectly around her legs, hugging every curve with a smooth, flawless fit. The soft click of her black high heels echoed gently with each step. Her movements were light, her posture graceful, and the way she carried herself in this attire radiated effortless charm, making her all the more captivating.
Smiling warmly at the assembled guests, she said, "Welcome, everyone. It's an honor to have you here."
As soon as Kaguya appeared, her stunning appearance and flawless outfit captured everyone's attention.
Kurome couldn't wait and immediately ran over to grab her hand, her face beaming with a sweet smile. Ever since the previous incident, Akame had been keeping a much closer watch on her, hardly allowing Kurome to leave her side. Now that she finally had the chance to see Kaguya, she was overjoyed.
Kaguya gently patted Kurome's soft hand and smiled.
"So, what's the reason for gathering us here today?" Esdeath walked over with a faint smile. "Could it be that you've called all your lovers together for a banquet?"
Many of the women present had intimate relationships with Kaguya. After hearing this remark, their expressions varied—some blushed, like Akame and Najenda, while others remained unfazed, like Leone and Kurome. Leone had openly accepted the situation since that night, while Kurome didn't care about anyone's opinion but Kaguya's.
There were also those who had no such relationship or hadn't yet realized what was happening, such as the oblivious Sheele.
Sheele blinked in confusion, wondering what was going on.
On the platform, Kaguya ignored Esdeath's comment and smiled softly. "Fate has brought us together, and I'm glad to have met all of you. It's been my greatest honor to know such wonderful friends. I never imagined I'd make so many good friends in my life. These past times have been some of the happiest, most joyful days of my life, and I hope these days can continue forever."
Kurome clung tightly to Kaguya's arm, gazing at her with adoration.
"But I'm afraid," Kaguya continued, "due to certain circumstances, I must leave."
At these words, Kurome, who had been blissfully happy just moments ago, suddenly froze. It seemed like she didn't fully understand at first, but when the realization hit her, her face turned pale.