Blayn noticed Kurome's embarrassed expression as her pace of eating slowed significantly, as if she had lost her appetite.
Her face was slightly flushed as she lowered her head, nibbling at her dessert in small bites.
Sensing that Kurome was feeling troubled, Blayn quickly stepped in to clear up the misunderstanding.
He explained to the shop owner and his wife, "No, she and I are just colleagues. It's not what you think."
"Oh, we were being too presumptuous."
Realizing their mistake, the shop owner and his wife felt they had overstepped—how could they be so nosy about Captain Blayn's personal affairs?
However, upon hearing Blayn's words, Kurome's face immediately darkened. The shyness she had just shown vanished completely.
Blayn was puzzled. Why did it feel like Kurome was suddenly upset?
Still, seeing her appetite return, he figured everything was fine.
In truth, Kurome was just amusing herself...
...
Kurome devoured all the snacks.
"You should be full now, right?" Blayn asked, astonished by her appetite.
"I'm full," Kurome replied flatly.
Yet, she didn't show any discomfort from overeating.
Blayn couldn't help but wonder—could she still eat more...?
After that, the two continued strolling through the streets, casually taking in the sights and observing the people around them.
"It seems like a lot of people really admire you, Commander," Kurome remarked.
On their way, many people had greeted Blayn—not out of flattery, but with genuine respect.
"Well, I used to work for the Imperial Capital Security Force. Don't you remember?" Blayn responded casually.
"But I think it's more because of the kind of person you are," Kurome said.
After spending these past few days with him, she had come to understand Blayn's character. It didn't surprise her at all that he had earned the people's respect during his time in the Security Force.
"Maybe so, but I only did what was expected of me—whether back then in the Security Force or now in the Assassination Unit," Blayn said, not wanting to take any credit.
In his view, he was simply doing his job and following his own sense of judgment. He never saw himself as noble or righteous.
"But to us, there's probably no Commander more considerate than you," Kurome said with a faint smile.
"Is it really that exaggerated...?"
But as he thought about it, Blayn realized there was some truth to it.
Prime Minister Honest practically ruled the Empire with an iron grip. When even the highest-ranking officials were corrupt and ruthless, it was no surprise that the rest of the government was rotten to the core.
Blayn, however, was an exception. Perhaps due to Esdeath's influence, the Prime Minister still placed some trust in him.
Otherwise, back when he was Captain of the Security Force, he would have been an easy target for the corrupt officials.
Having Esdeath backing him certainly made a difference...
If someone else had been put in charge of the Empire's Assassination Unit, the previous brutal system would likely have remained—or even worsened.
"So, Commander, please don't leave your post so easily. And... I hope you'll continue to look after us," Kurome said sincerely.
She didn't want to experience the pain of losing another comrade, whether through "disciplinary actions" or on a mission.
Blayn was the only leader who had changed the system and actually cared about their safety. That, to her, was something truly rare.
Blayn nodded. "I don't plan on leaving so easily. Unless something unexpected happens... You never know with these things."
…
After dinner, Blayn and Kurome returned to their base.
The Assassination Unit's base, of course, was also located within the Imperial Capital.
"Kurome and Commander Blayn are back so soon? I thought it would take a few days."
"The Seiga Cave is pretty far from the capital. They must have switched to a Danger Beast mount, right?"
"I'm not sure if Kurome managed to do what she wanted, but at least she doesn't seem injured. That's good."
...
Hearing everyone's concern, Kurome smiled and said, "Actually, the Commander and I returned at noon. We just spent some time walking around the city."
"Oh, so you went out with the Commander? We were worried you wouldn't get to enjoy any time off, but I guess we didn't need to worry after all."
While Kurome chatted with the others, Blayn quietly left on his own.
Noticing this, Seryu quickly followed.
"Master, is something wrong? You seem troubled," she asked.
"It's nothing. I just want to investigate something—specifically, the drugs Kurome and the others take regularly," Blayn replied.
"Oh, that's a relief. I thought something bad had happened on your mission," Seryu said, letting out a breath. At least it wasn't anything concerning his health.
Blayn headed straight for the laboratory. With so much data stored there, he figured he would find the information he needed.
Seryu followed closely behind.
Inside the lab, several researchers were still at work.
Blayn wasted no time. "I want to see the records on the drugs," he stated.
The researchers didn't refuse. The information was classified only to outsiders and the young operatives, but Blayn and Seryu had full clearance.
Once he obtained the files, Blayn flipped through them. His pupils shrank, and his brow furrowed slightly.
The drugs were far from ordinary.
According to the documents, the drugs administered to the Empire's Assassination Unit had severe negative effects on the brain. The enhanced abilities they provided came at the cost of drastically shortening the user's lifespan.
Beyond that, the drugs created an extreme dependency. If the operatives went too long without taking them, not only would their physical abilities deteriorate, but they would also suffer agonizing withdrawal symptoms.
One of the previous administrator's punishments involved locking underperforming squads in solitary confinement and depriving them of the drugs for several days.
The records even detailed a case where a teenage operative had used the drugs excessively, causing his body to deteriorate to that of an elderly man in his seventies or eighties. Once his weakened state began interfering with missions, he was promptly "disciplined."
Additionally, the entire Enhanced Team underwent regular forced brainwashing. This was why, no matter what happened, Kurome and the others never even considered betraying the Empire.
And that wasn't even the worst of it. There were countless other cruel policies, most of which were direct orders from the higher-ups. The previous administrator had merely been following those commands.
Blayn suddenly became aware of the danger he was in. Everything he had done since taking over had gone against the superiors' rules.
"This is unbelievable! These drugs are incredibly dangerous!" Seryu exclaimed, staring at the documents in disbelief.
"They were always just tools. If they lose their usefulness, they're discarded. What's there to be so shocked about?"
A nearby researcher spoke in a completely indifferent tone.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake