"I'm actually very happy that my seafood was chosen as the main course."
Wave, wearing an apron and holding a tray of fresh vegetables, stood before a simmering stew pot. He glanced sideways, watching Bols expertly fillet a fish with practiced precision.
It's strange that someone who looks as terrifying as him knows how to cook so well, Wave thought. He sighed, admitting to himself that he'd been a bit judgmental. As he moved to toss a bundle of greens into the boiling pot, Bols's voice stopped him.
"Wave, you should add the spinach last. Otherwise, it will turn into mush."
"Ah, my apologies." Wave decided to make amends. "By the way, I'm really relieved to find out you're actually a good person, Bols."
Bols suddenly went silent, his shoulders tensing slightly. "I'm... not that kind of person..."
Wave could only stand there in awkward silence, unsure of how to respond.
Outside the Jaeger meeting room.
Kurome was teasing Coro with a dry reed, while Dr. Stylist and Run chatted nearby.
"Captain, what do you usually do when you're just... here?" Seryu asked curiously. Beside her, Esdeath sipped a glass of red wine.
"Mostly torture, hunting, or research," Esdeath replied nonchalantly. "But lately, I've been more interested in... love."
"Love?!" Both Seryu and Kurome perked up instantly. It was, after all, the eternal topic of conversation. Esdeath set her glass down, resting her chin on her interlaced fingers.
"I'm going out into the capital tomorrow. I have a premonition... love is coming!"
…
"Hello."
"Yo."
After a brief greeting, Tatsumi removed his hood as Lubbock led him into a bookstore. Lubbock walked to a specific shelf and pressed three books. The shelf receded, revealing a hidden passage.
"This feels exactly like a secret base," Tatsumi remarked.
"It's my pride and joy," Lubbock grinned.
As they descended, Leone was already lounging on a sofa, waiting for them. "Yo ho! Welcome to the capital's secret hideout!"
"You're way too comfortable!" Lubbock sighed, pinning a wanted poster of Mine to the wall, alongside those of Akame, Bulat, and Sheele. As of now, only he, Tatsumi, and Leone could move freely through the city.
"Hey, the city is buzzing about the new special force. They call themselves the Jaegers," Leone noted, her tone becoming serious.
"With Esdeath as the captain, it's no surprise they're the talk of the town," Lubbock added. It goes without saying that the Jaegers consisted entirely of Teigu users, formed specifically to counter the Night Raid.
"Knowing how dangerous she is... Tatsumi, I'm honestly surprised Brother Asahi managed to escape after losing to her."
"What do you mean? Just how strong is Esdeath, really?" Tatsumi asked.
Leone's expression darkened. She remembered the time she had scouted Esdeath. The woman had intentionally left openings, baiting Leone to assassinate her, but Leone's instincts had screamed that doing so would lead only to death.
"Let me give you an idea," Leone began. "A few years ago, a tribe in the southwest revolted against the Empire. The capital sent 120,000 soldiers to deal with 10,000 tribesmen. You'd think the result was obvious. However, the terrain and natural obstacles were a nightmare for soldiers used to a temperate climate. They became lost and demoralized. Not to mention, the tribe launched constant night raids."
"Then, the capital sent two young, rising generals: Esdeath and Najenda. Najenda watched as Esdeath froze a massive river solid, creating a direct path to the tribe's headquarters and cutting off their water. Then, she led her troops to slaughter them without mercy."
"Torture, devastation, and the sowing of pure terror. Najenda witnessed it all. The capital ordered the tribe's destruction as an example, but Esdeath's actions were like pouring oil on a fire. It sparked even more rebellions—which was exactly what she wanted. She wants the fires of war to keep burning so she can kill and torture to her heart's content."
"Unbelievable..." Tatsumi whispered, chilled to the bone.
…
"So, Prime Minister, what do you think about General Esdeath saying she wants to find love?"
At a lavish dining table, the young Emperor questioned the Prime Minister, who was busy tearing into a piece of meat.
"When people reach a certain age, they have desires," the Prime Minister grunted. "General Esdeath was born to fight. Until now, she valued war above all else. But it seems a different desire has awakened." He swallowed a mouthful of meat. "I doubt she'll accept anyone who isn't as perfect as she is."
"But... does that kind of man even exist?" The Emperor held up a piece of paper—Esdeath's specific requirements for a lover.
"He must have great future potential. I will personally train him into a high-ranking general."
"He must be truly courageous, capable of slaying dangerous monsters."
"He must be like me—raised outside of the capital."
"He must be younger than me, so that I can control him."
"Most importantly, he must have a pure, innocent smile."
…
"Welcome to—"
Asahi watched the long blue hair and the arrogant face enter his shop, and his words died in his throat. His jaw twitched. How the hell did someone like Esdeath end up here? This place is for commoners!
"Bring me your finest drink," she commanded, her voice like a royal decree. Asahi felt like he'd just swallowed a fly. He desperately wanted to kick her out, but the consequences were too unpredictable.
He prayed that the "God of Calamity" would leave quickly and never return—unless it was when he ambushed her alongside Night Raid.
"This drink... is not bad," Esdeath noted. The shop, already quiet, had been completely cleared of other customers the moment she walked in. It was just Asahi behind the counter and Esdeath sipping coffee.
Then, a commotion erupted outside.
A young man and a massive man with a literal bull-head mask were shouting. They seemed to be in a dispute.
Tatsumi? Asahi panicked. Why would the kid show up at the most "inopportune" moment possible and get into a fight? Didn't he know Esdeath was right there?
Tatsumi, of course, had no idea. He was busy fighting the bull-headed thug. Although the man was physically superior, Tatsumi had become vastly stronger thanks to Bulat's training. The thug's attacks were too slow, too clumsy. With a swift kick to the ribs, Tatsumi sent the man sprawling.
Esdeath watched from the window, surprised to see a youth with such power. The surrounding crowd gasped in amazement.
"Brother Asahi!" Tatsumi turned toward the shop and waved, a bright, genuine smile lighting up his face.
That smile wasn't meant for her, but Esdeath suddenly felt her heart thud violently against her ribs. Something deep inside her awoke. I found him! I found... love!
Before Asahi could move, Esdeath was already outside, standing in front of Tatsumi. Before the boy could even process what was happening, she spoke.
"That victory just now was magnificent."
"Uh, thanks..."
Clink!
Esdeath pulled a metal collar with a chain from her coat and snapped it around Tatsumi's neck.
"From now on, you belong to me."
"Ha... huh?"
Asahi stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes wide with disbelief. By the time he regained his senses, Esdeath was already dragging a bewildered Tatsumi away.
"What the hell???"