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Buzz.
Edgar's finger traced along Leone's skin, leaving a blood-red mark behind.
"So hot…"
Leone's body shivered. She finally understood how Najenda must have felt back then.
Her breathing grew heavier, thighs instinctively pressing together, and her body twisted without her even realizing it.
Akame blinked and asked, confused, "Was our reincarnation ritual… like this?"
Najenda said in a low voice, "I don't know about you, but for me? Definitely not."
Leone… this woman… was she doing this on purpose?She's seriously this bold?Najenda had to admit—it was eye-opening.
…Which also meant… maybe she should be ready for this too?
That thought alone made Najenda's cheeks flush. She quickly shook her head to clear away the messy ideas.God.What the hell was she even thinking?
"Mmm…"
Leone finally couldn't hold back anymore, a sound slipping out like it was squeezed between her teeth.
Edgar: "…"
Even he looked a little stunned.This didn't seem like she was faking it.But…
Out of all the subordinates he had, he'd never seen anyone react like this before.
At that moment, he had to admit—species diversity was a real thing.
After watching for a bit, Edgar finally turned his attention to Leone's status panel.
[Leone]
Race: Demon
Master: Edgar Lucifergus
Level: 30
Skill: King of Beasts
King of Beasts: Can take and combine the strengths of all kinds of beasts and magical creatures.
Looking at the info, Edgar's eyes narrowed slightly.A passive skill, huh?
In some ways, the growth potential here was huge.
"Haa…"
Leone wiped the sweat from her forehead, still feeling her face burning.
She swore—she wasn't faking.Just thinking about that feeling made her want to bury her face in her hands.
"Here."
Edgar handed her the copied status sheet.
"Heh, so what's my skill?"
Leone's eyes lit up as she read, mumbling to herself, "King of Beasts… fits really well with my Teigu."
The more she read the description, the more excited she got.Nice—she loved abilities that made her stronger.Taking the strengths of other creatures…
…Could it work on Super Dangerous Species too?
"Master, I'll go let Kurome and the others in," Akame suggested, seeing things here were wrapped up.
Edgar gave a small nod, then brought up his own status panel.
[Edgar Lucifergus]
Race: Progenitor Demon
Level: 57
Authority: Progenitor Demon Transformation
Subordinates: Grayfia, Shiho Miyano, Akemi Miyano, Esdeath
Skills: Demon Contract, Demon Summon, Infinite Mana, Heart of Magic, Magic Gunner, Demon Spear, Demon Mask, Absolute Zero, Corpse Control, Sword Slash, Beast Familiar, High-Speed Regeneration, King of Beasts.
Looking at it, Edgar was very satisfied.
Not bad at all.After picking up three new subordinates, his level broke past another milestone.
At this rate…The Super Demon Lord rank wasn't far off.
Step step step!
Soon, the sound of footsteps came, and Leone and Najenda saw Esdeath enter with two others.
"Didn't think we'd meet again… under these circumstances."
Najenda's expression turned a little complicated as she looked at Esdeath.
"This is fate, isn't it?" Esdeath smiled faintly—then suddenly threw herself onto Edgar's arm.
"But even if we're old acquaintances, when it comes to Master's affection… I'm not giving an inch."
Najenda: "…"
She blinked. Wait. Was she seeing this right?
Seriously?Was this the same Esdeath she knew?She seemed… different from the one in her memories.
"Heh, who knows."
Leone stepped forward, grabbing Edgar's other arm and looking up at Esdeath.
"Oh? Interesting."
Esdeath's eyes narrowed slightly.This woman… she's bold.
Her gaze lowered, turning sharp.
A threat.This woman's strength… was almost the same as hers—both above D-rank.
Feeling Esdeath's stare, Leone straightened her back. "Name's Leone. Master's newest subordinate."
Inside, Leone was secretly thrilled.Who would've thought—one day she could act this cocky in front of the Empire's strongest?
"Leone, huh…" Esdeath's gaze turned dangerous. "Are you trying to provoke me?"
"W-wait, don't frame me like that!"
Leone faltered for a second—then tightened her hold on her "safe backing" and puffed up again.Hmph. With Master here, she had nothing to fear.
Kurome: stare.
She watched Esdeath and Leone go back and forth, then glanced down at her own chest, going quiet.
Yeah… Master definitely liked this type.But she couldn't compare.
Her gaze shifted to Akame.
Crap.Her sister was in the same boat—not much "competition value."
"???"
Akame tilted her head, full of question marks.She had the feeling her little sister was thinking something rude.
"No way. I have to think of a plan for Sis."
Kurome muttered seriously to herself.Master's affection was key to getting stronger.
This airheaded sister… someone had to take care of her.
Meanwhile, Esdeath and Leone were locked in a silent stare, sparks practically flying.
Edgar decided he should probably keep things from getting out of hand.
"Alright, you're all comrades now—no need to be at each other's throats."
At his words, Esdeath and Leone instantly settled down.
"We'll talk later. Let's head back first."
He began channeling magic.A magic circle flared to life on the floor—then with a flash, Edgare and his subordinates vanished.
...
In the palace quarters.
Najenda, Akame, and Leone were a little dazed.
What just happened?Was that Master's power?
"Get to know each other, but no fighting," Edgar warned before heading toward the kitchen.
That King of Beasts skill intrigued him—he wanted to test it.
Once he was gone, Esdeath was still glaring at Leone.
Leone instantly wilted.Without her "backing," she wasn't about to keep barking.
"Ahem… We're all subordinates here now, so let's get along," Najenda quickly tried to smooth things over.
Meanwhile… Akame had been pulled into a corner by Kurome.
"Kurome? What's going on?"
"Sis, there's something you have to do."
Akame: "???"
She had never seen Kurome this serious—it had to be important.Without hesitation, Akame nodded.
Aside from their disagreements about the Empire, she had never refused any of Kurome's requests.
Seeing her agree, Kurome began whispering.
"What are they doing?"
Leone's ears twitched as she eavesdropped.
"Sis, listen… later, you're going to wear—"
"Wha—why would I—?"
"Don't ask, just trust me…"
"You'll definitely get Master's reward—uh, I mean, you'll get stronger."
Leone listened, more and more confused.
Clothes?Affection?Getting stronger?
…How did those even go together?
"Hehe, you'll see when the time comes."
Now Leone was just burning with curiosity.
...
In the kitchen.
"So it's true… just as I thought."
Edgar snapped the neck of a Dangerous Species and felt a surge of strength flood his body.
"Stronger… but it's unrelated to level."
He rubbed his chin, muttering.
This ability could make someone's physical strength far exceed what their level suggested—unlimited potential.
Satisfied with the test, Edgar headed back to the bedroom.
Creaaak—
The door opened… and Edgar froze.
Right in front of him were Akame and Kurome.
"Welcome back, Master." ×2
Both bowed in perfect sync.
They were wearing matching white frilly aprons—nothing else.The effect… was devastating.
The sheer amount of exposed skin was overwhelming.
"Kurome, this outfit feels weird… why do I have to wear it?" Akame's cheeks were bright red, fingers nervously clutching the apron hem.
Even she could tell… something was off here.
Edgar took a deep breath, forcing himself to keep control, and asked, "Kurome… this was your idea?"
"Mm. Master, what do you think?"
"It's… absolutely perfect." Edgar gave a big thumbs-up.
"I knew Master would like it." Kurome nodded seriously—then gave Akame a push.
Akame stumbled forward straight into a warm embrace.
And right then—She felt the full extent of Edgar's "high praise."
"..."
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