Although Makoto had invited Yoshino to the palace tonight to discuss what happened during her kidnapping, under Yoshino subtle coaxing, the topic of the evening veered completely off course.
After receiving the [Omnivision Observer], Makoto expressed his sincere gratitude to Yoshino.
Not only that, after hearing that Najenda was preparing to reform the Revolutionary Army, although hesitant, he admitted that if the Revolutionary Army was truly willing to lay down their arms and surrender, then he might be willing to show mercy and spare them.
Of course, this all hinged on whether Honest really was the heinous traitor described in the rumors.
Having been entrusted with such a heavy responsibility by Yoshino, Makoto lost interest in chatting further and began preparing to summon Honest.
Everything proceeded smoothly according to plan.
After obtaining Makoto promise that he would indeed use the Teigu in Honest presence, Yoshino didn't linger in the palace, but returned instead to the General's mansion.
Because she still had one important matter left unresolved.
"General Esdeath, Yoshino has returned."
At the General's mansion, inside Esdeath study.
Upon hearing the maid's urgent report, Esdeath, who had been pacing back and forth, froze in her tracks.
Not long ago, when she received word from Budo's men that Yoshino would be spending the night in the palace with Makoto , she had almost stormed in herself, prepared to forcibly bring Yoshino back.
But considering that the emperor likely wasn't of the age to do anything inappropriate—and that barging into the palace would be equivalent to falling out with the emperor—she ultimately let it go.
Even so, Esdeath had been filled with displeasure.
Yoshino had just returned, and as her "older sister," Esdeath hadn't even had a proper chance to speak with her. Then Makoto had taken her away.
What hurt the most was that Yoshino had willingly gone with him.
But now, seeing that Yoshino had chosen to come back to the General's mansion instead of staying at the palace, Esdeath mood brightened once again.
As expected, her place in Yoshino heart was still very important, wasn't it?
Otherwise, why would Yoshino reject the emperor's invitation and insist on coming back here?
"Where is Yoshino now?"
"At the front gate."
"Alright, you're dismissed."
Although slightly puzzled as to why Yoshino didn't come greet her immediately, Esdeath didn't hesitate and walked straight toward the mansion's entrance.
She hadn't gone far when she saw Yoshino walking toward her from the opposite direction.
"Miss Esdeath, you're still up?"
Seeing Esdeath appear, Yoshinon greeted her cheerfully, "It's getting late. Sleeping early is good for your health, you know."
"It's fine. During military campaigns, going days without sleep is normal. Besides, it's not that late yet."
Esdeath glanced at the expressionless Yoshino and asked curiously, "I heard you were supposed to spend the night at the palace. Why did you come back?"
"Ahaha, due to some special reasons," Yoshinon replied. "It's a bit complicated to explain, and I'm kind of tired right now. I'll explain everything clearly to Miss Esdeath tomorrow after I've rested."
"Alright then."
Hearing that Yoshino was tired, Esdeath didn't push for answers.
After all, a lot had happened recently.
Being kidnapped by Night Raid, who knows what she experienced, and then being rescued by Tatsumi only to be immediately summoned by the emperor—it was a lot to go through.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't tired.
Although Esdeath had many questions in her heart, hearing Yoshino say that, she decided not to pry and accompanied Yoshino back to her room.
"Well then, Miss Esdeath, see you tomorrow."
"Mm, see you tomorrow."
After exchanging goodbyes, Yoshino closed her door.
Standing at the entrance, Esdeath didn't leave immediately.
She furrowed her brows, feeling like something was off.
After a moment's thought, the source of that uneasy feeling suddenly hit her.
"Yoshino... hasn't said a word to me, has she?"
From the first time they reunited earlier in the city gate guardhouse, it had always been Yoshinon speaking.
Even just now, when saying goodnight, it was still Yoshinon doing the talking.
That was very strange.
Yoshino behavior felt like she had reverted to the distant, unfamiliar way she acted when they first met over two months ago.
Back then, Esdeath had painstakingly worked to gain her trust, to get her to open up and communicate.
Why did it feel like they were back to square one?
"Could it be... she's mad at me?"
Esdeath felt uneasy.
Was it because she had sworn to protect Yoshino, but failed once again—letting her be kidnapped by Night Raid? Is that why she was angry?
But this time's kidnapping—it really wasn't Esdeath fault!
She had kept Yoshino safe in the General's mansion. While not the most secure place, it was still one of the safest areas in the imperial capital. Even if all of Night Raid mobilized, it would be near impossible for them to kidnap her.
This time, Yoshino had been deceived and voluntarily left the mansion, hadn't she?
Still, reasoning aside... the fact remained: she had failed to protect her.
After hesitating for a while, Esdeath ultimately couldn't wait until tomorrow. She gently knocked on Yoshino door.
"Is that Miss Esdeath?"
From within the room, the voice that replied was still Yoshinon.
This only further confirmed Esdeath suspicion: Yoshino didn't want to talk to her.
She replied, "Yes, it's me. May I come in?"
"Just a moment, please."
The sound of clothing rustling could be heard inside.
Soon, Yoshino appeared in her pajamas.
Though just simple silk sleepwear, on Yoshino it didn't detract one bit from her adorableness.
But now wasn't the time to admire her cuteness. Esdeath hesitated briefly, then asked:
"Yoshino… are you angry with me?"
Hearing Esdeath question, Yoshino fell silent for a moment.
Given how well Esdeath understood Yoshino—if Yoshino truly wasn't angry, she should be teasing her with a playful remark by now.
But she said nothing.
Esdeath sighed internally.
So she really was angry.
"Actually, I wouldn't say I'm angry,"
After a moment of silence, Yoshino spoke. "How should I put it... it's more like I'm disappointed."
"I'm sorry. It's my fault for failing you again,"
Esdeath heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm.
"I'll triple the security around the mansion. And if you still don't feel safe, no matter where I go in the future, I'll take you with me."
"No, that's not the reason," Yoshino replied. "This time, it really wasn't Miss Esdeath fault. If anyone's to blame, it's Yoshino for leaving the mansion on her own."
"Then what is the reason?"
Esdeath was taken aback for a moment, then her thoughts quickly began to turn again.
Indeed, while Yoshino was timid, she wasn't the type to easily push responsibility onto others. Naturally, it wouldn't make sense for her to be angry over something like this.
But Yoshinon had admitted it—Yoshino was indeed disappointed in her.
What exactly had she done to make someone as gentle and delicate as Yoshino feel disappointed in her?
The uncertainty made Esdeath heart grow restless once more.
If the Three Beasts, Najenda, or even Honest were here to see the expression now on Esdeath face, they would surely be stunned—the general, cold and merciless like ice, was actually flustered by someone else's words.
A respected superior, a capable colleague, a mutually beneficial ally...
In different people's eyes, Esdeath had a different image.
But there was one thing that never changed.
She was a bloodthirsty, battle-hungry maniac.
Even if she held no personal grudges, as long as someone stood against her, she would show no mercy in crushing them.
And if there were no enemies, she would simply create new ones.
Yet if Esdeath deceased parents and clanspeople were to appear here, they would not be surprised at all.
Because in their eyes, Esdeath was someone who deeply loved her family.
In the original work, from the way she interacted with Tatsumi, it was clear—anyone she regarded as family would receive affection and care unimaginable to outsiders.
And in this world, Yoshino place in her heart far exceeded that of Tatsumi in the original.
After all, in the original story, although Esdeath liked Tatsumi, she was never willing to change herself for him.
But in this world, Yoshino had managed to dull her fangs.
At the same time, Yoshino was the only person who could, with just a trace of displeasure, throw the cold general into a panic.
Because in Esdeath eyes, Yoshino was her only remaining family.
After a miraculous reunion following years of separation, the joy of regaining what was lost made her even more concerned about how Yoshino saw her.
Unable to figure out why Yoshino would feel disappointed in her, Esdeath asked somewhat helplessly,
"Can you tell me... what exactly is the reason?"
"In Night Raid's base, Yoshinon and Yoshino learned some things," Yoshinon replied, her tone carrying a hint of complexity.
"About the Empire, about Minister Honest... and about you, Miss Esdeath."
Upon hearing that, Esdeath eyelid twitched uneasily.
Night Raid told Yoshino things... about her?
She seriously doubted Najenda, that traitor, would speak kindly of her in front of her sister.
Immediately, the killing intent in Esdeath heart toward Najenda surged even stronger.
How dare you report me behind my back to my sister?
Better pray I don't run into you in the capital! Or I'll rip your head off on the spot!
But the fire of rage had barely risen before it was abruptly extinguished by Yoshinon's next words.
"So... Miss Esdeath, did you really kill 400,000 troops in the North and slaughter every city you conquered?"
Yoshinon question was like a block of ice, instantly dousing the flames of anger and casting her into a frozen pit. Esdeath stiffened, not knowing how to respond.
The things she did during the campaign were things she never wanted Yoshino to know.
That was exactly why, in front of Yoshino, she never showed the same demeanor she did with her subordinates.
Because she knew—even without her memories—Yoshino was still Yoshino.
Someone who didn't want to hurt anyone, and who didn't want to be hurt.
Even when hurt, she would never retaliate—just quietly endure.
Everything she had done over the years was what Yoshino would be deeply opposed to.
If Yoshino found out... even the slimmest hope of rebuilding their sisterly bond might vanish.
"I'm a general of the Empire. Waging war naturally involves killing enemies," Esdeath tried to justify her actions.
"Maybe Yoshino doesn't remember, but I still do—our tribe was slaughtered by the northern savages. I only carried out those massacres to avenge our father and clan, to give peace to their souls in the afterlife."
"Then what about the southern mountain tribes?" Yoshinoo pressed further. "What grudge did they have with you, Miss Esdeath?"
"They had none. But when facing enemies, eliminating them completely is what a competent general must do," Esdeath said.
"I know you two may not understand, but believe me—it was the right thing to do."
"The northern savages and the Empire were enemies too," Yoshinon continued sharply.
"So by that logic, their slaughter of the Partas tribe was also the right thing to do, wasn't it?"
"..."
At this point, Esdeath didn't know how to keep Yoshino calm anymore.
Even though it was Yoshinon speaking, the two were one in body and soul. In a way, Yoshinon's words represented Yoshino will as well.
There was no point in hiding it any longer.
"This... is a world where the strong prey on the weak."
Esdeath spoke in a steady voice, revealing her true thoughts:
"The Partas tribe of the past was too weak, so their slaughter was inevitable. The current northern savages and southern mountain tribes are too weak, so their slaughter is also inevitable. Whether it's right or wrong doesn't matter—you can't deny that survival of the fittest is part of nature's law. It is the most fundamental truth of this world."
"Maybe... that's true."
Hearing Yoshinon say that, Esdeath gloomy expression shifted slightly.
Could it be... that she had convinced them?
But before Esdeath could feel too relieved, Yoshino voice suddenly rang out.
"But it's exactly because so many people in this world believe in what Miss Esdeath said... that this world is so cruel," Yoshinon said softly.
"If everyone in the world were like Yoshino, then no one would get hurt anymore."
"That's impossible," Esdeath murmured, pressing her lips together. "A world where no one gets hurt is nothing but a child's fantasy."
"Mm, that's why..."
Yoshino gently closed the door, leaving behind only one final sentence.
"Grown-ups like Miss Esdeath... are the worst."