Najenda hesitated for a moment, then still asked, "Mr. Linde, may I ask why you chose us to be your Retainers?"
No matter what, before making any decision, many things needed to be understood.
Leone echoed, "That's right, say something I'd like to hear, like extraordinary talent or something."
"Your talent is definitely one aspect."
Linde said earnestly, "Most importantly, it's because you are all beautiful girls."
These words were absolutely true.
If it were an ugly person, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Najenda: "..."
Leone: "..."
Akame, on the other hand, fell into thought.
Uh...
She thought of Esdeath, Kurome, and Seryu.
It seemed to be exactly like that.
Akame murmured, "So, he wanted me as a Retainer/Subordinate because I'm good-looking."
"Mr. Linde is truly honest about his desires."
Najenda sighed, "Should I say, as expected of a demon?"
Although she said that, a look of contemplation flashed in her eyes.
Her intuition told her.
Linde had not lied.
If that were the case.
It seemed her ideal was no longer out of reach.
Najenda's eyes brightened, presumably having thought of something.
This person before her was now the controller of the Empire.
If she joined him, would things become different?
Najenda took a deep breath and looked at Linde seriously.
"Mr. Linde, if I agree to become your Retainer/Subordinate, can I work with the Revolutionary Army to change this country?"
If Mr. Linde helped, it could definitely be achieved, right?
"Changing this country is, of course, no problem."
Linde smiled slightly, "After all, I also hope the country in my hands prospers."
"However, cooperating with the Revolutionary Army, let's skip that."
"Why?"
Najenda exclaimed, "With the Revolutionary Army's involvement, various policies can be implemented more quickly."
"There are many excellent talents in the current Revolutionary Army."
"Because my nation doesn't need others to dictate."
Linde said indifferently, "And do you really think the Revolutionary Army is so good?"
"In my opinion, they are also parasites on the Empire, waving grand banners, but merely for the sake of seizing power and profit."
"No, that..."
Najenda instinctively wanted to explain, but she was interrupted by Linde.
"Or I can be more explicit."
Linde's gaze was profound, meeting Najenda's eyes.
"Ultimately, those who truly control the Revolutionary Army are nothing more than former nobles."
"Does your ideal Empire truly need them?"
"..."
Najenda stood frozen in place.
Akame and Leone also fell silent.
It had to be said.
Everything Linde said was true.
And as Night Raid, although they weren't closely connected to the Revolutionary Army headquarters.
How could they be completely unaware of some of the internal squabbles?
Even though they were currently focused on overthrowing the Empire.
Yet, some people were already beginning to oppress commoners and commit evil deeds.
They, it seemed, were convinced.
Najenda said solemnly, "Then, Mr. Linde, how do you plan to change the Empire?"
"I have no interest in governing the country, so I will hand it over entirely to you to manage."
A smile played on Linde's lips, "At that time, whatever ideas you have, you can implement them directly."
"Can I really do it?"
Najenda murmured in a low voice.
Looks like she's hooked.
Linde's smile grew even gentler.
"You can certainly do it."
"Don't feel alone; you have me as your backing."
"Moreover, I can bestow upon you enough power to grow and change this world. At that time, even by yourself, you can overthrow the Empire and start anew."
Linde wanted to conquer this world.
However, none of his Retainer/Subordinates were interested in governing a country.
And this person before him was an indispensable talent.
Hearing Linde's words, Najenda was completely moved.
To be honest, Linde's words opened up a whole new line of thought for her.
She joined the Revolutionary Army.
Not because she believed the Revolutionary Army could change this country.
But because, in this world of choosing the lesser evil, the Revolutionary Army was at least stronger than the Empire.
And now.
If she could change this country according to her own will... On the other side.
Leone had listened from beginning to end.
From initial confusion to current disbelief.
This demon.
He actually gave a serious answer.
And it had absolute feasibility.
Is this still a demon?
He was practically a god.
Najenda took a deep breath, then said firmly, "Then, Mr. Linde, please help me change this country."
"As long as I can achieve all this, even if I offer my soul to you, it's fine."
She wanted to achieve her ideal.
For this, she would stop at nothing.
Linde looked at her deeply, a smile playing on his lips.
"Since that's the case, from now on, you belong to me."
"So, what do I need to do to Reincarnate as a demon?"
"It's very simple."
Linde said, "You need to take off your outer clothing first."
"Huh?"
Leone was a bit bewildered and instinctively interjected, "Is this ritual legitimate?"
"Because the outer clothing is in the way and not suitable for engraving the mark."
Linde shrugged, "There's nothing else."
"I, I understand."
Najenda's face was flushed as she took off her outer clothing, leaving only a black undergarment.
She held her outer clothing in front of her, covering some of her fair skin.
"Aren't you still covering the spot like that?"
Linde was a bit helpless.
The position for the engraving was completely covered.
"O-okay."
Najenda felt her face burning.
She was now somewhat doubting whether her decision to become a demon was correct.
This Reincarnation Ritual was far too embarrassing.
Countless random thoughts quickly came to an abrupt halt.
Because Linde's blood had already touched her skin.
"Mm..."
With a flash of light, she felt a change in herself.
It was as if warmth was surging from the depths of her soul.